Pepperpot 17 10 2015

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Tahirih Boodhoo plays Seeta, who is kidnapped by evil Raavan, played by Munesh Ramsaywack

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

The Undead I

By Maureen Rampertab

N the church where she had sung in the choir as a little girl and where as a young woman she had exchanged marriage vows, she now laid in eternal sleep, still young, as the pastor prayed for her soul to find everlasting peace.

A life that was filled with the promises of love and happiness drowned by a raging sea of obsession and cruelty.

The church was filled with family and friends, their expressions of sadness and shock evident as endearing words described her life.

How did this happen? How could a kind and compassionate person, so full of life, die this way?

Somewhere, somehow, answers had to be found.

She was supposed to have been in the Bahamas on a month’s vacation. The pictures and short messages sent from her phone to her family testified to that fact. How then could that have happened whilst her body was lying in a shallow grave?

Someone clever and cunning had planned the crime, leaving not a clue nor a trail, thinking that if the body was ever found, it would be too late to identify the corpse. The plan was perfect until her image appeared on social media as ‘Missing.’

That had created a tidal wave of questions that almost overwhelmed the police and the million dollar question was – who had posted the image and message?

The complex nature of the case had the police, pres-

sured by the family for answers, detaining several suspects; but the one person they focused on was the ex-husband. Dianne’s family were vehement he was responsible for her death because of their troubled marriage and recent breakup. But he had an airtight alibi for the night she was presumed to have been killed and after intense questioning, the police found nothing to hold him on.

His grief seemed genuine and he offered the family his support in finding Dianne’s killer; but they rejected him, angrily, knowing in their hearts he was the guilty one.

Arnold sat at the back in the church, moved by the eulogy of her life, thanking God in his mind that she was getting a decent funeral. He saw her standing by her coffin, her face pensive as she looked at her family in their deep grief.

“I hope she can now move on,” was his thought; and always she seemed to hear him as she looked directly at him and shook her head, slowly.

“What are you waiting for?” he asked, silently.

“Justice.” A voice from the wind answered.

He said nothing, nor thought anything, just keeping his mind blank to ponder later how she would attain the justice she sought when he saw a sudden change in her expression.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s him,” was her answer, dark anger on her face.

Her ex-husband was walking up the aisle to her coffin, a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hand.

Arnold had already witnessed what she could do when in a rage and he stood up, shaking his head, a pleading look in his eyes. It would not be a god thing, he knew, for her to create havoc in the church at her funeral service.

She heeded his plea and moved away as her ex-husband laid his hand on her closed coffin, his head bent as though he was saying a prayer for her when the organ that had been playing softly, made a sudden, loud sound that startled everyone.

The organ player immediately apologized, a perplexed look on her face and for the first time since that night at the morgue, Arnold saw a little smile on Dianne’s face. He knew without having to ask that she was going to enjoy

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

A quest for justice and a killer’s confession

-The Conclusion

tormenting the man.

“You could not have shown me love and care,” Arnold heard her saying, “and yet you were unwilling to let go.”

The Pastor’s Bible that had been sitting on the pulpit fell to the ground, prompting gasps from the mourners in the front pew, and she said, a harsh edge in her voice, “God owns me, you do not and you never will.”

Dianne’s mother got up and said, as calmly as she could, deep dislike glinting in her eyes, “Travis, move away from her coffin. She doesn’t want you close to her.”

He stepped back, somewhat uncomfortable and cast a swift glance around, as though expecting to see her.

“Her soul is restless,” her mother whispered to him, “Because her killer is here.”

He hesitated for a moment, then walked out the church, disturbed, not waiting for the funeral procession to the cemetery.

Arnold waited until the last dirt was shoveled onto her grave, for this is where her soul would linger until her ascent to heaven. That night,Sthe scenes of the ► From page II

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

The Undead

funeral, replayed in his mind and he wondered how she could achieve justice for her death, what her plans were. The police had nothing on her ex-husband except for knowing he had motive and opportunity, but no concrete evidence to build a case.

“Unless he confesses,” was the thought that crossed Arnold’s mind, “But how would she get

on the sectional sofa, a little way from him.

“Why did you leave your bed?” she asked.

“I didn’t want to disturb you?” he answered.

“Funny.” She smiled, not looking at him.

The communication between them was thoughts, not actual words, and for a moment, neither said anything, then Arnold asked, “What are you plans, given you want justice?”

tion that he was doing this to help her soul find peace.

Not far from his stop, his thoughts were interrupted by the conductor hitting on a school girl. It always irked Arnold to see young girls being harassed and he admonished the young man.

“Hey, leave her alone.”

“Shut up man.” was the rude answer.

He said no more, just turned around and looked at Dianne, transmitting a message; and when he disembarked as the uncouth

him to do that?”

No answer which must mean she was not around and his eyes closed in restful sleep, for the first time since he had seen her ghost at the morgue. Arnold was not sure how long he slept but late in the night, he awoke, a faint floral scent touching his senses and turning, he sat up with a sudden start.

She was lying beside him in a long, white dress, in peaceful sleep, as alive looking as ever.

“Geez!” he exclaimed and stood looking at her for a long moment.

“She’s so beautiful, how could he have been so merciless to destroy such a life?”

He shook his head, not understanding life’s complexities and went to his cabinet for a drink of Scotch. He sat there, watching television and about an hour later she came and sat

She did not answer, got up, walked around the room, whilst he took another drink, then came and sat down, a look of mischief on her face.

“I’ll find ways to bring him down until he confesses.”

“What ways?”

“To start with, I can return the bouquet of flowers he brought to the funeral.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“Not me, you will.”

“What?” he looked at her, unbelievingly, “Are you trying to get me in trouble?”

“No, I’ll be your unseen guide.” She said simply.

So that evening, he took a bus following her direction and along the way he noticed her expression had changed once more to a sad look. The question that had been floating in his mind to why he was doing this, changed course to a realiza-

conductor was pulling the door shut, an unseen hand grabbed him and pulled him to the ground. He landed hard and laid there stunned for a moment; then as he sat up, someone slapped him and he scrambled to his feet, looking around wildly.

Arnold gave him a sober look and stern warning, “Stop interfering with young girls,” and he turned and walked down the street, focusing on his mission at hand. No one paid attention to him and the brown terrier at the ex-husband’s house did not bark as Arnold melted in the shadows, leaving the bouquet on the man’s doorstep.

He was safely on his way home when the dog snapped out of her trance and started barking furiously. The expression on her ex-husband’s face was epic when he saw the bouquet and angrily, he tore the flowers to pieces. He

► Continued on page III

did not know that was the beginning of a plan to crack his evil mind by someone he had hurt, someone whose life he had destroyed.

One day at a time, she tormented him, the terrier that was her puppy, disappearing without a trace, her picture on the wall that caught fire one night and her ghostly form appearing at the bar, where he once socialized, freaking out his friends. He moved to his mother’s house on the West Coast, but the haunting followed him, yet he didn’t break down.

“I’m thinking he may never confess.” She told Arnold, as they were talking one night, the missing puppy curled up on the sofa.

“Maybe it’s because he doesn’t want to let go of you.”

She sighed, not saying anything for a long moment, once again that sad

III look and she said, “Today would’ve been my birthday.”

Arnold smiled and shook his head in mock frustration, “Man, we’re wasting the night talking about a killer and his confession, let’s go celebrate!”

She looked him, surprised, “Are you crazy? I can’t do that anymore.”

“I can say I’m crazy helping a ghost and partying with her under dim lights.”

It was definitely a night Arnold would remember for the rest of his life. He took her to three different clubs and sat at the bar, drinking, watching her dance. She was a great dancer and in the last few hours, he danced with her, a beautiful woman, who was robbed of life, but who for him was undead.

He awoke late, the next morning and after a long, cool shower, he collected the newspaper from the doorstep and almost dropped the glass of cold water in his hand, at the screaming headline.

“Ex-husband confesses to killing of school teacher,

turns in murder weapon.”

“Yes!” he laughed in relief, “She did it.”

The puppy barked and ran around the room, joining in the happy moment as though she understood what had happened. He called for Diane in his mind but she did not answer and he waited until late that night, knowing that she was free now, to leave, but wanting to see her one last time to say, ‘Goodbye.’ His eyes closed in sleep and sometime later, he heard a soft voice, calling his name, a voice he had never heard before.

“Arnold.”

He opened his eyes and beheld a most beautiful sight. She was standing in a long, flowing, white dress, her form illuminated by a golden light, a smile of divine peace on her face as she bid him ‘farewell’.

He stood at the window looking at the heavens and the twinkling stars, missing her, but happy she had gone home.

“One day, maybe,” he said quietly, “I’ll see you again.”

IV

Taxes by Peter Fraser

T

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Peter Fraser

(a book review)

he book, ‘Taxes’, by Peter Fraser is an eye-opener to the uninitiated, a prompt to those conversant with the subject and a tax relief to those that find the subject perplexing.

As an eye-opener, the book states the premise that ‘[w] hen tax rates increase, so does the incentive to evade the taxes, when the rates are high, the cost of honesty also becomes high and many taxpayers who, under lower tax burdens would have been honest with their tax matters, may be inclined to evade taxes…’ That’s just one example; there are many more.

As a prompt, the book declares that ‘the state in never a neutral agent in economic life’ for the ‘huge volume of expenditure enables the State to exercise a great influence

on the economy of the country, since recently, taxes are no longer paid merely to cover the unavoidable cost of services provided by the State, but it has become an important instrument of economic policy’. There are many other examples.

As a tax relief, the book shows the importance and benefits of paying taxes. For instance, Fraser tabulated five theories of taxation, namely the ‘Benefit Theory’, the ‘Sumptuary Theory’, the ‘Social Theory’, the Faculty Theory’ and the ‘Compensatory Theory’, all bring elucidation to the issue of paying taxes.

This volume is designed to be user friendly. It is divided into three parts that are further subdivided into chapters which, step by step, bring elucidation on particular subjects.

Those headings are self-explanatory, acting both as introduction and summary of particular subjects and as such a verbatim reproduction is in order.

Part one, titled ‘Brief Review to the Introduction of Taxes in Guyana 1929-1998’, deals with the introduction of taxation in Guyana via organizational structure of the unit, its decentralization, its relocation, change of title, and appointments of Guyanese Commissioners.

This first part also gives a history of taxation, income tax in the context of Guyana, theories and canons of taxation relevant to Guyana where it is stated that taxation started as a money-raising mechanism, a regulator of the country’s economy and as an instrument for redistribution of the national income. Obviously during the focal period of examination, there were many changes, revisions, amendments. Fittingly closing out part one is an examination of the efficiency of the Inland Revenue Department.

Part two, titled ‘tax reform and structural changes, a new perspective to the informal economy in Guyana, 20022012’, deals with the definition of the informal economy in Guyana and other countries, the difficulties in measuring something that is making a huge impact on the country’s economy mainly because all transactions are done in cash.

But there is hope, since more focus is been placed on this ‘phenomenon’ by economists. Part two also deals with the role of lending agencies and their influences on the local economy. Both lending agencies and the informal economy have significant impact on the country’s economy.

Part three, titled ‘Inter-Agencies fight against drug use and abuse in the Caribbean region’, defines drug use and drug abuse, states the differences between addiction and dependence. This section offers some solutions in ‘preventative education and public information programmes’ and ‘early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes’.

This book came out of a burning desire of the author wanting to share information on the subject in order to shape a better Guyana. This book is also the outcome of

over twenty years experience in the field by the author who served in various capacities including Inspector of Taxes in the field audit section, secretary to the Board of Review, Public Relations Officer and Assistant Commissioner-Regional Debt Management of the Inland Revenue Department.

The word ‘tax’ is still being treated as a perplexing subject, sometimes bordering on the taboo and falling into the category of four letter words. This could be all round taxing - on the authorities who are informed and in the act of carrying out their mandate, on the beneficiaries/taxpayers who are less informed and can’t reconcile a situation of paying tax and on the tax evaders who are insensitive that they are biting the hands that feed them. But this book, ‘Taxes’, by Peter Fraser, comes like a welcome tax-relief, filling a lacuna.

However, all this good work is slightly marred by poorly laid out inter-textual references and citations where authorship of some concepts is seemingly blurred.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: The 2016 Commonwealth Short Story Prize is now open for entry; please go to the website for more information.

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

V

At least he finished his drink (A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Viewers are seeing things-TV is here: (Guiana Graphic August 18th 1963).

S

ix Guianese families have sneaked their way into the dizzy band of Television Viewers and are very elated about it.

Although we have got no television station here, they are “getting the goods” – and that’s all that matters.

Events in several Caribbean countries are now being mirrored on the screens in these six B.G homes.

The owner of one of the six sets is popular archer Mr. Chic Young, who recently got a first-hand look at the damage wrought by hurricanes and floods in Puerto Rico.

“Reception on my set is generally good,” he says.

An electronic engineer, commenting on the current advent of T V in B.G. said that perfect reception is only guaranteed within a 50-mile range, but beyond that, well, it just isn’t reliable.

He referred to what the six Guianese families are now getting as “freak reception.”

The conditions for TV in B.G are quite favorable, he feels, but such a project would depend on whether Government would be willing to take the step ► Continued on page VI

A

(Guiana Graphic August 20th 1963).

farmer who asked the Police to allow him to finish off the bottle of bush rum he was caught with, was ordered by Magistrate Horace Mitchell at Providence Court yesterday to pay the minimum fine of $250 when he pleaded guilty to a charge .

Four others caught in his company were freed.

Dalia, 40, of Herstelling had begged when caught…”You know rum is hard to get now.

Let me drink and be done with the matter before you take me in.”

Inspector Edward Godding , the Prosecutor said that Constable Primus, Constable Van Brooke, Constable Evans and Special Constable Browne were on mobile patrol around 8 p.m. on June 29 at Herstelling when they saw Dalia and four others.

As the Police drew closer they saw one of the men pass a large white bottle to Dalia who put the bottle to his mouth and had a long drink.

The four other men, Ramkissoon, 23, Lynden King, 24, Harry Badrie, 39, and Gopaul Singh were freed by the Magistrate who said that there was no evidence against them.

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He fell twice into grave-now he’s dead (Guiana Graphic July 16th 1963).

A 23 year old Public Works Department employee was killed in a road accident at Supply on the East Bank of Demerara yesterday-three days after it is said that he had fallen twice into a grave he was digging for a British soldier.

On Saturday last at Atkinson Field, Ganesh and some other men were digging the grave of Randolph Land, a Grenadier Guardsman, when he fell inside.

After being helped out of the grave by his colleagues, Ganesh slipped and fell into it again.

And shortly after 11 o’clock yesterday morning, while Ganesh – a mason- was on the roadside with other PWD employees, who were working on the renovation of a revetment at

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Supply, he was struck by a PWD lorry, and died instantly.

The lorry loaded with loam was on its way from Atkinson Field it was stated.

It swerved to allow another lorry, travelling south along the Public Road to pass, when the accident occurred.

GHOST IN THE WARD? (Guiana Graphic January 20,1963).

A nurse at the Georgetown Hospital has refused to work unless she is removed to another ward – because she claims she saw a ghost prowling in her ward.

The incident occurred about 3.30 a. last Monday. The nurse who was solely responsible for the supervision and care of 47 child patients reported to the night sister that for a fleeting moment she had seen a familiar figure of a person long dead leading a dog through the ward.

She said she was sitting near the door and did not see anyone enter but made the observation because of a noise she heard.

She began to get goose pimples and became scared when a child in the ward, disturbed by the noise, pointed to her and said: “Nurse, nurse…there’s a man sitting next to you.”

She was given a porter to stay with her the rest of the night.

She requested a transfer from the ward but the request was turned down and she has stayed away from work since Tuesday.

The incident has caused nurses in the hospital to ask for at least two persons to be on duty in the children’s ward annexe.

They point out that it is the last medical block in the hospital and it adjoins the medical observation ward.

It is also housed over the mortuary.

On one occasion, two nurses were forced to jump through windows when they were attacked by a mental patient who had escaped.

Meanwhile the Medical Empoyees Union is investigating the matter. ► Continued on page X

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

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VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Booker Prize 2015: A brief history of Marlon James' winning novel

BOB MARLEY

Marlon James teaches creative writing in Minnesota

(BBC News) An assassination attempt on Bob Marley and gang violence are at the heart of this year's Booker Prize winner A Brief History of Seven Killings

by Marlon James.

About the book: The winning novel was inspired by the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976, when the reggae legend was shot and injured a few days before a peace concert amid fierce political

violence in Jamaica.

Marley was well enough to go ahead with the concert - but the attack, which also wounded his wife and some friends, led Marley to leave Jamaica and declare the country was a "rotten egg that had broken, and couldn't be put back together again". â–ş Continued on page IX

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Booker Prize 2015 .... â–ş From

page VIII

He later said the assassination attempt may have been "the best thing that ever happened to me", explaining: "It forced me to leave Jamaica and for the first time in my life I feel free."

James uses the assassination attempt is the starting point for his book, and events then unfold over three decades, telling the stories of drug barons, MPs, gunmen, beauty queens, journalists and even the CIA. James said he wanted to make a "reasonably educated guess" about what had become of the seven young men who tried to kill Marley, his family and his band.

"One of the reasons why I wrote this novel is there will never be a history of most of those men," he said after his win.

"Some of those men will never have a history.

They've vanished. And I don't think we'll ever know who they are. And that called for invention."

The book has attracted

attention for the violence and swearing that reflect the tumultuous period. "There is a little bit more than seven killings," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

In the novel's acknowledgements, James thanks his family but, referring to the language, adds: "This time around maybe my mother should stay away from part four of the book."

The story is told from the perspectives of 76 different characters and runs to 680 pages. The "Brief History" part of the title, he jokes, was "based on those Concise Oxford Dictionaries - which are always four inches thick".

About the author: Born in 1970 in Kingston, Jamaica, James is the son of a police detective. Now 44, he teaches creative writing in Minnesota in the United States.

His first novel was rejected by 78 publishers and agents. He initially gave up on writing and deleted and destroyed all copies of the manuscript - before eventually searching for it

and finding it in an email outbox.

His debut published novel was John Crow's Devil. His second, The Book of Night Women, won the 2010 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and was a finalist for the 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award.

He is now researching and writing a novel set in the 11th Century. "I'm a big student of the Dark Ages," he says. "Not just in Europe, but in all the other countries where it definitely was not dark. So I'm going to spend some quality time in that period for a little bit."

The judges said: "I think there is a kind of excitement right from the beginning," says author and academic Michael Wood, chair of the five Booker judges.

"I think [James] has thought, 'I am not trying to rub people's noses in difficult terms, I am trying to get them to think about things that are actually out there. I am going to give them ways in and I am going to give them voices they can listen to'.

"A lot of it is very, very

funny and a lot of it is very human."

The reviews said: "Seven Killings resembles James Ellroy's LA Quartet in its blistering violence, multiple voices and its determination to redo history 'from the gutter to the star', to borrow a phrase used by Ellroy." The Telegraph "A Brief History is sometimes more impressive than it is easily enjoyable - a difficult book with a stop-start structure that

IX doesn't quite sweep you up in the way the single narrative voices of the previous novels did." The Guardian "This is a book the energy, intelligence and intellectual range of which demands and rewards attention... It showcases the extraordinary capabilities of a writer whose importance can scarcely be questioned, even if his mode of address will exclude some." The Independent "Epic, immersive,

acutely observed and deeply moving, it's worth every long hour it demands of the reader." Huffington Post "Though brilliant as a literary accomplishment, James's work is frequently hard going in reading terms, given the outsized stew of players and motives and the hyped-up prose that conveys it all...

But, in giving us the fullest sense of this world, it proves to be a risk worth running." New Statesman

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BG’S BED BUGS : A REAL MENACE (Guiana Graphic August 8th 1963).

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

B.G’s native bed bugs have much to answer for, according to reports being compiled by Dr. George J. Burton, a medical expert now working for the US Public Health Service on a filariasis study in Guyana..

Dr. Burton studied the natural and experimental infections of bed bugs in B.G and will shortly publish his findings.

He revealed that bed bugs can transmit dozens of diseases ranging from elephantiasis, river blindness, leprosy, pneumonia, rocky mountain fever, tuberculosis, meningitis, malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, beri beri and many others.

He described how when rickettsia rickettsi- a disease organism of Rocky Mountain feverwas injected into the rectum of the bed bug it remained virulent in the bed bug’s gut for up to 27 days.

Dr. Burton also related how he noticed that bed bugs could transmit malaria..

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 694 0913)

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Meet Edith Bynoe

XI Mrs Edith Bynoe poses with her Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) at the National Cultural Centre

… fit as a fiddle at 85 and not ready to hang up her gloves

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By Frederick Halley HE name Edith Bynoe has over the years become synonymous with politics in Guyana, blazing a trail several of her women folk dare to follow, and despite her advancing age, she has no intention of “hanging up her gloves” in the near future.

In a wide-ranging interview, Mrs Bynoe, a recent recipient of the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH), spoke extensively on her life as a community and social worker, teacher, women’s rights advocate and politician, among other things.

Fit as a fiddle at 85, and still playing an active role in politics, the retired Parliamentarian, and Junior Minister said she was pleasantly surprised when she was informed that she was chosen by the David Granger-led administration for a national award but confessed that it was warranted. “I have worked tirelessly over the years, not only as a party and community activist, but also as a government official and I am happy to be recognized for my sterling efforts over the years,” Mrs. Bynoe confided.

Mrs. Bynoe recalled being recognized by Guyana’s Women In Development (GUYWID), a New Amsterdam-based organization for her role in her community and Berbice as a whole, but feels the CCH is the pinnacle of her many achievements.

Mrs Bynoe’s childhood days saw her attending St John’s Primary School in New Forest, Canje, where she was born.

She later lived in Cumberland and attended secondary school in New Amsterdam where she was successful in her Junior Cambridge examinations.

Bynoe’s first job saw her joining ranks with her mother who was the deputy head mistress at St John’s, while also attending the Adult Education Association (AEA), pursuing the Senior Cambridge.

The diehard Berbician’s illustrious political career took off at the age of 21 as a Poll Clerk at the very first election for Universal Adult Suffrage in 1953. She recalled after the suspension of the British Guiana Parliament she became a member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which was being led by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, also deceased, being in the forefront.

Prior to that, she earned tremendous respect for Burnham as a lawyer whose presentations at a murder case in New Amsterdam drew large crowds. When the split occurred between Jagan and Burnham, it was an easy decision for her to join the Burnham faction which saw the birth of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Mrs Bynoe however pointed out that her foundation for success in politics and other spheres of her life started undoubtedly from the Guyana Federation of Women’s Institutes,

of which she eventually rose to the position of president.

Sponsored by the British government in the early1950s, the body catered for women in the rural areas and among the stalwart contributors were Enid Forde, Enid Abrams, Ivy Paul, Inez Samuels, all headmistresses, and Norman Semple. She described the aforementioned as her mentors who played a massive role in her future life, both academically, politically and as a home-maker and housewife.

Already active in politics, while still doing community work in her area, Mrs Bynoe became a member of the Guyana Prison Service and immediately made her mark by being instrumental in the formation of the Prison Officers’ Credit Union and also had the unique privilege of heading the body which is still in existence.

Mrs Bynoe remembers playing a huge part in the construction of the Zorg Primary School, developed mainly by self-help in her village in 1966. During her stint in Parliament, she was also able to get the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to allow villagers in the area to develop a large part of under-utilized land for agricultural purposes. She was quick to point out that she did not discriminate in this regard, and it didn’t matter to her which party the villagers were affiliated to. She also made arrangements for the acquisition of tractors and combines to ensure proper drainage and irrigation were in place to assist the farmers with their cultivation.

Another of her accomplishments was to acquire transportation for workers of the Berbice Mining Enterprise (Bermine) who had to endure difficulties getting to work. Mrs Bynoe paved the way for the then mayor of New Amsterdam, Mr. Anthony Johnson, to acquire a mayoral vehicle by making representation to the late Forbes Burnham, highlighting the disparity between the various towns’ access to such vehicles.

After serving with the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development respectively, Mrs. Bynoe entered Parliament in 1975. She served one year as a Parliamentarian before being appointed Minister within the Ministry of Trade with the responsibility for consumer protection.

She later occupied a similar position in the Prime Minister’s Office under the late Dr. Ptolemy Reid before retiring, thereby ending a 55-year public service career tenure.

During that time, she also attended extra mural courses at the University of Guyana (Ogle Training Centre).

Despite retiring, Mrs. Bynoe still plays an active role in party politics in and out of Guyana and has never severed her ties with the People’s National Congress (PNC). She has also been very active with the APNU/AFC coalition in Guyana and Canada. “It gives me pleasure anywhere I go, in and out of Guyana, to preach the gospel of the party and to give advice, encouragement and share my experiences…”

A firm believer in matching her skills with men and not one to be kept in the background, Mrs. Bynoe was the first woman in many fields. She was the first woman from Berbice to hold the post of Minister, the first woman to sit on the Bermine Bauxite Board, the only woman from Berbice to sit on the National Lands Selection Committee, the first woman from Berbice Branch to hold the office of president of the Prison Officers Association (Berbice Branch) and the first woman in the Caribbean to head the Prison Officers Association in their country.

Stressing that her motto in life has always being one of service to mankind, Mrs. Bynoe declared that, “throughout my life, I always love to give service to people and try my utmost to help all regardless of race, colour or creed; that to me is my hallmark in life, of which I am richly proud.”

Mrs. Bynoe reserved special praise for her husband, Prince, who died last November, after 62 years of marriage, pointing out that he was a tower of strength during her years as a public servant and parliamentarian, particularly at a time when women’s leadership often faced criticism and discrimination. Outside of the societal norm of the time, he took care of their children when she was required to work long hours or was required to attend party conferences away from Berbice.

The five children in their long-standing relationship are Alford, Penelope, Paulette, Laurin and Brian. They have 11 grandchildren and eight great-grands. The children and a grand were present at the National Cultural Centre when Mrs. Edith Bynoe was conferred with her CCH by President David Granger on October 6, 2015.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

XIII

Food vendors do good business on city streets … hundreds would be put out if they fold their stalls and slip away into the night

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By Shivanie Sugrim TREET food is very popular in Guyana, and can add a boost to tourism, since tourists are always keen to taste the native cuisine of countries they visit.

Street food in Guyana offers a wide variety of choices due to the rich and diverse culture which is influenced by our six ethnic groups, and is sold at a very affordable cost.

The cheap eats are enjoyed by the locals and foreigners of all ages. Some of the dishes prepared by street food vendors include pepperpot, roti and curry, chowmein, fried rice, cook-up, metemgee and vegetables such as pumpkin, bora, calaloo, and fresh local juices such as mauby, sorrel, cherry and passion fruit.

These dishes are prepared by Guyanese who all have a flavourful story to tell: Keith Hutchins, popularly known as “Ras”, has been in the street food business for nearly 40 years and can be found outside Rubis Service Station on Vlissingen road, Georgetown. The 58-year-old Ital specialist started serving the public in 1982, just after one of Guyana’s famous restaurants, Brown Betty, where he was employed, was destroyed by fire in the late 70’s. From working with Brown Betty, Keith mastered the art of cooking and decided to start selling food on the streets.

“I started with a corn curl stand and then my customers told me this wasn’t working out so they encouraged me to start selling food,” said the smiling Rastafarian. Keith is famous for his ital dishes that coincide well with the Guyanese cuisine.

Keith begins preparing for the streets at 5:00 hrs every day and leaves at 21:00hrs. His daily menu includes delicacies such as pizza, potato balls, puri and a host of other vegetarian delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Attracting hundreds of Guyanese at the Stabroek Market with her flavourful black and white puddings is Claville Thomas, who started the street food business at 26, with just $1,000.

“One morning I got up and I just started making black pudding with $1,000 and I put up a stand in front my home in Friendship, and persons liked, it so I continued with it ever since,” said Thomas. Her day begins at 4:00hrs when she prepares her puddings to venture out in town to sell.

The 42 year-old has been selling at the Stabroek Market for nearly 10 years and she attracts scores of passersby with the enticing aroma of her pudding, Customers describe her as the “best pudding lady” in the vicinity of the market. This full-time occupation comes as a hobby for Thomas who believes in serving the public.

Black and white puddings are both popu► Continued on page XXII

Street food vendor Claville Thomas dishing out white pudding

Claville poses with her freshly scented puddings at the Stabroek Market

Keith Hutchins, popularly known as “Ras”, poses with some of the Ital delicacies he sells on the street in his bus every day outside the Rubis Service Station

Keith’s street food attracts hundreds of Guyanese on a daily basis

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

PEPSI SMARTPHONE Soda at a new level

PEPSI is officially working on its very own smartphone.

That's right. The company confirmed that it plans to launch a line of phones and accessories in China and other countries over the next few months.

Presumably Pepsi won't actually manufacture the phone itself, but the company didn't confirm any details on the make or name. However, it is whispered that the phone will be called the "P1" and rock some relatively average specs.

The company has no intention of getting into the mobile phone manufacturing game. That means that it has licensed its name and logo to a Chinese manufacturer, rather than designing and building the phone itself.

The soft drink giant's Chinese arm is expected to announce the “P1”as early as October 20th, which will be running Android 5.1 and the following below.

• 5.5-inch, 1080p display screen • 16GB of internal storage • 3000mAh battery • 2GB of RAM • 13-megapixel rear camera • 5-megapixel front-facing camera • Pepsi-logo looking case So, would there be a coco-cola or El-Dorado smartphone soon, or maybe something in the apparel line?

Dell and EMC $67 Billion Deal

The biggest in Tech History Sharing is good, but not in mergers and acquisitions, studies have shown.

Michael Dell, founder of what once was the leading PC maker, stepped out of the limelight when he took Dell Inc. private two years ago. Now he is back with what promises to be the biggest tech deal in history-acquisition of EMC Corp.

Dell Inc. formally announced that it has agreed to acquire network storage giant EMC Corp. for approximately $67 billion. WOW! That’s big bucks we are talking here…bigger than the Compaq/HP deal, so far the biggest in tech history.

Founded in 1979 by Richard Egan and Roger Marino (the E and M in EMC), EMC Corporation (stylized as EMC²) is an American multinational corporation headquartered in United States. EMC offers data storage, information security, virtualization, analytics, cloud computing and other products and services that enable businesses to store, manage, protect, and analyze data. EMC has over 70,000 employees and is the world’s largest provider of data storage.

Mr. Dell, 50 years old, won a bitter, year-long fight against some prominent investors to take Dell private, expressing satisfaction at giving up quarterly conference calls and other trappings of managing a public company.

Funding for the EMC deal would come from EMC’s cash on hand and new common equity from Mr. Dell, Silver Lake and others. A new tracking stock linked to VMware shares will also be created. Now we are in for big time storage, watch out Amazon, Apple and Alphabet (Google), there’s a new Dell on the “rack”!

LG’s Gram laptop is agonizingly light -But looks and feels can be devious

LG is one of the most innovative companies in the world, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at its products. The Gram laptop is LG’s latest attempt at correcting its ways, and at first glance, it looks quite handsome and promising. Like a performance-tuned car, this 14-inch PC sheds all comforts and extras, such as a touchscreen or a backlit keyboard, in the pursuit of the lightest and most efficient form. At 980 grams (2.16 pounds), the Gram weighs less than Apple’s 11-inch MacBook Air, while thin bezels around its display help it fit within the same physical footprint as the 13-inch Air. It’s easy on the eyes, it runs fast right out of the box, and it’s lighter and smaller than any other 14-inch laptop on the planet. The LG Gram looks like it might be a really good laptop, but looks can be deceiving.

There’s no way for me to recommend this as a laptop, especially not at the US$1,399 price of the Core i7 model with 256GB of storage.

I really wanted the Gram to be a sign of change from LG. This is the company’s first major foray into the competitive laptop market, which is as good a time as any for it to step its game up and deliver a comprehensively awesome product. Instead, the LG Gram is classic LG, featuring a great display and clever engineering, but also a derivative design and uninspiring construction. Like some scientist, LG has created a thing just to prove that it can. Bottom line…I will stick with biting my “apple” Air… after all an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Sunday

XV

Nostalgia

The Sunday Chronicle is pleased to introduce Reminiscence, a page sharing photos of Guyana’s rich history from our stockpile of images. For today and the rest of October, the photos selected are in observance of Agriculture Month.

PRESIDENT Forbes Burnham unveils a plaque to open the rice research facility of the National Agriculture Institute at Burma, Mahaicony, October 6, 1984. The Institute is now named the Guyana Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Women demonstrate the use of a rice thresher built by the Guyana National Engineering Corporation, July 31, 1984.

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As Hard

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

As Stone

W

hile working at a grocery store, I met a handsome guy. I fell in love the first time I saw him, happy in a way I never felt.

He said he felt the same.

We saw each other every day. He was in my mind night and day. I thought this much happiness was too good to be true.

I gave so much I forgot to keep a little of me to myself.

Because of the past, I didn't want to mess this one up. I was so in love I didn't

see the many red flags. I was blind and dumb.

One day we met at a park before I went to work. We talked and laughed about everything. He told me he had been separated from his ex-girlfriend for eight months. It was one of the best days of my life.

We moved in together, but right after the move I discovered he had been lying about so many things. It wasn't â–ş Continued

on page XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

As Hard As Stone ► From page XVI months ago he left his girlfriend.

He was living with her after we started our relationship.

When I confronted him, he got mad and didn't answer my questions. I don't know why he lied to me. I don't know what I did to him. He would leave the house for days and then return, and I would take him back.

Why? I don't know. I am so mad at myself for not having the courage, the self- respect, to leave him. Even when I felt my world tumbling down and realized he wasn't the guy I met, I didn't let go.

It is hard for me to understand how a person can say they love you, that you are the love of their life, yet lie and hurt you and leave without caring. I never got answers to my questions and I was devastated.

Can I be the person I was before? Did I do something wrong to deserve this?

Abbey Abbey, we don't deserve the rain. We don't deserve the accidents that happen. We can't look at what others do as our fault. As you are free to be a good person, so they are free to decide what kind of person they will be.

There is no reason you shouldn't be the person you were before him, because this is not your fault. But you have learned something. The first time someone treats you like this—lies, disrespects, leaves—don't take them back. Skip the "repeatedly took him back" step and just move on.

Just as it is not your fault what he did, you must accept that you cannot change who he is. Only he can do that, and he doesn't find fault in his behavior. So he will not change.

That's the trap many women need to let go of. It's me, and he'll change.

What does "it's me" mean? It means how did I cause him to be like this?

You didn't. It's not you. You didn't recognize who he is.

People can't change who they are in their base nature.

They form as they grow up. Who they are is more permanent than a tattoo. Thinking they can change themselves for you weds you to an impossible goal.

Trying to be someone you are not, trying to get someone to be who they are not, is a lifetime of pushing a boulder up a hill. Today you have to do it, tomorrow you have to do it, next year you have to do it.

In the beginning people trick themselves into thinking they can push the rock because they have just started pushing. But after months and years all they can think is, "Why am I pushing this rock?"

That's the trap. To have what I want today, I start something I cannot sustain. The pusher thinks they are the good one, and they are, though they participated in it.

Wayne & Tamara

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Ramleela

T

XIX

- Building a tradition

he Ramayana is perhaps most common in local Hindu iconography – images of Ram and Hanuman are subjects of devotion for thousands across

the country.

This weekend, an open air stage depiction of the Ramayana – the story of the lord Ram’s battle to reclaim his kidnapped wife Seeta from the demon ruler Raavan – is being held at the Indian Monument Gardens in Georgetown.

Called Ramleela, or Ram’s play, it is being staged by the Indian Commemoration Trust, one of the main organisations engaged in efforts to preserve Indian cultural tradi-

tions, which is often tied to the practices and activities of the main religious groups.

For the second time around, Roshini Boodhoo performs director duties. Last year, she also played the part of Sita.

A former beauty queen and an avid dancer, Boodhoo has set her eyes on carving her own place in Indian cultural celebrations and looks to direct the production annually.

“The stories of the Ramayana teaches us values and morals instilled by Shree Ram as a child , then as a son , a brother , a husband and even as a friend,” she says.

“There are multiple persons in the Ra► Continued on page XXIII

Tahirih Boodhoo plays Seeta, while Navinash Persaud plays Ram.

Among the main characters in the staging of Ramleela are Tonya Singh (Surpnakha, Raavan’s sister), Munesh Ramsaywack and Beepaul Bandhoo plays Raavan’s son.

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Leguan outing

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

T

his week, photographer Samuel Maughn visited Leguan, one of t islands in the Essequibo. He brought back these photos. Ap from the image of children heading to school, the photos give y a flavour of the island’s inter-school sports – participants, supporte and onlookers.

the part you ers,

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

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Food vendors do good ...

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

► From

page XIII

lar delicacies in Guyana. The black pudding is made with the blood of the cow, while the white has no blood and so is preferred by some Christians for whom the blood of animals is taboo.

Though relatively new in the business, Ernest Baird, 50, like Thomas, has been serving hundreds of Guyanese at the Stabroek Market for three years. Baird started the street food business just after Carnegie school and thereafter branched off into the interior and several spots in Georgetown until he decided to maintain a spot in the market, where the crowd is always heavy.

“I have been helping Guyanese out a lot, because late at nights, when restaurants close, people have nowhere to go and they come

to me. I am here and I like being here for them so I see myself doing this for the next five years,” pointed out the determined food vendor.

Baird is popular in the market for his wide range of delicacies that caters for all ethnicities; his cook-up rice is a big favourite.

Keeping the family tradition alive are Nigel and Rawlton who come out every evening to serve the Regent Street passerbys. Like Baird, both siblings are famous for their unique taste in food.

The brothers, who inherited the business from their mother, starts preparing for work at 9:00hrs every day.

“My daughter and my two sons run the business now. I am happy because I can rest assured that the business will pass onto my

grandchildren and the coming generations. I have been serving the people for over 20 something years and it is my pleasure, even during the days when GAWU was still standing,” said the mother, who is popularly known as “Aunty Donna”.

A surprising number of Guyanese welcome these street vendors and the service they offer.

Hundreds would be very put out if they were to fold up their stalls and disappear into the night. ,

Brothers Nigel and Rawlton, and mother, popularly known as “Aunty Donna” at Regent Street serving cook-up rice

Ernest Baird serving a customer in Stabroek Market

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Ramleela

XXIII ► From

page XIX

mayana that you might want to emulate, but by the end of the story you'll want to be a Seeta or a Ram.” As the story goes, Lord Vishnu came to earth as Ram to destroy the evil Ravana, ruler of Lanka who had upset nature.

Ravana was instigated by his Sister Surpnakha to make Seeta his bride.

Ravana disguised himself as a sage and kidnapped Seeta.

The plot climaxes when Rama, determined to find his

Seeta, destroys Ravana.

Hindus revere Ram as Maryada Purushottama, or the Perfect Man or Lord of Self-Control or Lord of Virtue, whereas Seeta is seen as the embodiment of a chaste woman. For Hindus, Ram is to Vishnu what Seeta is to the goddess Laxmi.

“The stories of the Ramayana teaches us values and morals instilled by Shree Ram as a child , then as a son , a brother , a husband and even as a friend,” says Boodhoo, who

watched the film series of the Ramayana on television with her grandfather.

“There are multiple persons in the Ramayana that you might want to emulate, but by the end of the story you'll want to be a Seeta or a Ram.” Ramleela is on this Saturday, October 24, at the Indian Monument Grdens, Church and Camp Streets, from 18:30 hrs. Admission is free.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

You need not lose your teeth

E

By Dr. Bertrand R. Stuart DDS

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS.

VERY normal person has teeth. So, if you do not have teeth, does it mean that you are abnormal? Of course not. The major function of a

dentist is to make sure you do not lose your teeth. It is as simple as that. Now there are four reasons why people get in trouble with their teeth.

The first reason is dental decay, the old culprit that we have long known to be a problem.

Thank goodness, dental decay in general is on the decline. Even today we are making new discoveries about decay. There at lease thirty-two acid creating, decay causing bacteria and there are five more probable ones who lead a happy life in your mouth. That is a little scary, is it not?

The second reason is gum disease, also known as periodontitis, periodontal disease or chronic gingivitis. With what we know about gum disease today and its effect on the rest of

the body, gum disease is something we can no longer ignore. It has the potential to lead to your demise, a mild sounding word meaning death.

Thirdly, there is stress. The stress caused by the way your teeth come together (occlusion) or body problems has an effect on your teeth. Your dental bite is also known as your dental occlusion. That is, how your teeth meet and function. Your occlusion is influenced by teeth positions, jaw joints ( known as temporomandibular joints), muscles of the face, head and neck, muscle activity, oral habits, your chewing mechanism and how much force you put â–ş Continued on page XXVII

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015 â–ş From page XXVI on your teeth either from bite forces or clenching and grinding.

A mismatched bite can be deadly to the longevity of your natural teeth and any dental work. Few people know if they are clenching or grinding since it often happens while sleeping. Usually you dentist can help you discover this. The bite problem may give you no pain at all, yet accelerate wear on your teeth by ten to twenty times! The majority of people I have seen in my clinic who clench or grind their teeth have no idea they do it! When your bite is “off� it requires you to accommodate the mismatched position. I have seen long term headaches disappear when the bite forces are equalised and normalised for a person.

The fourth reason why we have dental problems has

to do with our bodily system. Gastro-esophogeal Reflux Disease can breakdown the teeth rapidly, increase decay and cause a tooth loss epidemic. All manners of systemic conditions and medications can dry the mouth, alter the

XXV immune capacities and worsen gum disease and the ability to heal. Diabetes is among the worse culprits, increasing gum disease problems and enhancing tooth decay.

Comprehensive care is about dentistry that is predictable and long-lasting. It takes into account everything in your mouth and your life as factors in designing the right kind of dental care for you. It considers your medical and dental history as well as your present health, needs, wants and concerns. We know, for example, if we are going to treat you comprehensively, that we need to understand what your past dental experiences have been, be they good, bad or indifferent.

There is something for you to realise, if you have had a bad dental experience in the past. It does not have to be that way any more.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

XXVII

International Day for Disaster Reduction Traditional and indigenous knowledge is the indispensable information base for many societies seeking to live in harmony with nature and adapt to disruptive weather events, a warming globe and rising seas…On this International Day, let us recognize the efforts of communities, large and small, who put their wisdom to use in reducing disaster risk and sharing their precious “knowledge for life”. – Ban Ki-moon

I

n 1989, the UN General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. This day was to be observed annually during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (1990-1999). Later, in 2009, the observance was renamed ‘International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR)’ and would be celebrated annually on October 13.

IDDR has been celebrated under various themes in the past, such as ‘Resilience is for Life’ in 2014. This year’s theme, ‘Knowledge for Life’, focuses on the traditional, indigenous and local knowledge which complement modern science, and adds to an individual’s and societies’ resilience. Every year, the observance seeks to raise awareness of how people are taking action to reduce their risk to disasters.

Much of the world at some point in history, has been affected by either slow or fast onset disasters such as droughts, heat waves, storms and floods. Guyana itself is no stranger to floods and drought. These disasters are known to affect the livelihoods of many local populations and communities. This year recognizes the vast communal experience and wisdom gained over many centuries which can be passed on from generation to generation to aid preparedness and response across societies.

During March 14-18, 2015, the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. At this conference, The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 was adopted and then endorsed by the UN General Assembly. This Framework repre-

sented unique opportunities for countries with a people-focused and action-oriented approach to disaster risk reduction related to small and large scale disasters caused by man-made or natural hazards and their related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.

This year’s observance hopes to foster greater global awareness and appreciation of the stores of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge and practices which can be garnered to aid disaster risk reduction. In addition, this highlight will promote changes in attitude and behavior towards the inclusion of indigenous people and community consultation for DRR development.

Additional information can be found at: http://www.un.org/en/events/disasterreductionday/index.shtml http://www.unisdr.org/2015/iddr/documents/IDDR15ConceptNoteFINAL.pdf Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

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Eddy Grant

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

to perform at 50th anniversary event

G

UYANA is promised a “wow” celebration for the country’s 50th independence celebrations, and the organisers have already scored big with a commitment from Guyanese international superstar Eddy Grant.

The native son, who has performed at mega events around the world, had shunned Guyana because of the absence of copyright legislation, but it seems he is ready to end that drought.

Laurie London, Chief Executive Officer of the National Commemoration Committee for the Fiftieth anniversary celebration, during an interview with this publication Friday said Eddy Grant has indicated his willingness to perform and the committee will respond in affirmative, giving him a royal superstar welcome.

Grant’s iconic songs include Electric Avenue and Gimme Hope Jo’ana, which was seen as the reggae anthem of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa in the 1980s. The song was banned in South Africa but was played in the country nevertheless.

Details of Grant’s appearance are expected to be announced in the near future.

Other big names expected in the country for the 50th anniversary international Olympic athletes Allian Pompey, June Griffith and Dennis Collison.

London, a US-based Guyanese who was appointed by government to manage the year of jubilee said it will be grand from its very beginning.

Though the celebration is year-long, he said May the actual month of independence will begin with a country-wide prayer campaign in which every church will be invited to participate in joint services at their respective community locations.

“A day of prayer” he calls it, and said religious leaders will also be invited to release the blessings of God in almost every major event.

Mass games, massive international music festivals, athletics, football and other sporting events with an international flair are being planned.

London said a number of the organizing committee said more than twenty-thousand have already indicated their interest in coming home to participate in the festivities and will be given a taste of Guyana’s tourism gifts.

Organisers have already contacted three airlines – Dynamic Airlines, Fly Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines among others – to make accommodation for the tourists mainly from North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

Committee members said while one tourist is not expected to spend less than US$1000, they anticipate some US$20,000 000 to be generated from the event.

A four-nation football competition aims at attracting even neighboring Brazil, and a grand Guyexpo showcase is slated for May 27 to 29, the committee revealed.

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

XXIX

Album of National Songs being produced

A

By Shauna Jemmott

IMED at the restoration of values and interlocking hearts and visions of Guyanese, the government of Guyana has collaborated with a few responsible musicians to produce a masterpiece musical album featuring songs of our nation.

The album remains untitled up to press time, but National Commemoration Committee CEO, Laurie London, who spearheading the project said it was President David Granger who recognized the need for the restoration of the songs and the reintroduction of national value systems in schools.

In a casual talk with Pepperpot Friday, London said “It was the president’s idea for us to unify this nation… to heal this nation” and through widespread distribution and access to the patriotic songs Guyanese will be able to understand the values of nationhood and cherish what we have.

“For many, many years we have not been very careful about trying to promote what is Guyanese. Many young Guyanese do not know what we have. It shouldn’t have been that way. We have to correct it,” said London.

He said President Granger has also decided that the music will be distributed free of cost to each of the several hundred schools countrywide, from nursery to senior secondary London said, while some will be available for sale to persons in Guyana and abroad.

Fifty national songs are being selected by the music director of the Guyana Defence Force, Major Robert Burns, and music director of the Guyana Police Force Mr. Cecil Bovell , and will be recorded with the army and police bands as well as the award-winning ‘Circle of love’ contemporary Guyanese band. Burchmore Simon at Kross Kolor Studios will undertake the recording aspect of the project.

London assures that music will be carefully chosen, and will include some folk songs, to ensure an album suitable for children’s hearing. The songs have already been selected and are being edited to ensure the most appropriate are on the audio album.

Some Guyanese do not know we have as over 50 national songs and that is the problem which the government is now trying to fix.

The project represents our heritage and existence and aims also at building consciousness of Guyanese and helping a people to protect what they have.

Clayton Hinds, one of the “Circle of Love” musicians said the group has daily rehearsals to perfect the compositions and they are hoping to complete recordings by the end of November.

“We are in the process of doing arrangements and have it ready for studio. We are hoping to complete our arranging and studio work by the end of November so that it can be launched. We’re working right now assiduously to finish. We have slated ourselves for next month

end,” he said and added that arrangement takes time.

Hinds said his group boasts incredible performances.

The group was selected to perform for former Brazilian President Lula DaSilva when he visited Guyana in November, 2010.

The album of national songs is supported by private

financiers and the Ministry of Education, particularly Minister with responsibility for Culture, Nicholette Henry.

Booklets containing over one hundred national songs will also be produced and distributed to schools.

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Loreno Bent: It’s not easy money

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

The island where men are disappearing

A

By Hernando Alvarez t first glance it's paradise, a small Caribbean island with palm trees swaying in the breeze, white sands and emerald waters, untouched by mass tourism. But Old Providence has a guilty secret - the huge number of people who have turned to drug-running and then disappeared.

On Old Providence nobody rushes. Nobody looks stressed. They never stop smiling.

It's a tiny island, colonised by British Puritans in 1629, and used as a base by British privateers, including Capt Henry Morgan, as they attacked Spanish shipping and trading centres in the New World.

Although Old Providence has long been part of Colombia, and lies close to the coast of Nicaragua, the mother tongue remains a form of broken English.

The islanders, who number between 5,000 and 6,000, feel more Caribbean than they do Colombian. Many are Rastafarians, and for a long time the place remained untouched by Colombia's violent narcotraffickers. You don't see guns or hitmen, there are no bodyguards, or the bling typical of drug lords.

The problem is below the surface, but no less serious for that.

"We are losing our men," one islander told me, asking to remain anonymous.

"According to my research, there are at least 800 men that are imprisoned in different jails abroad or have simply disappeared."

That means more than one in four of the island's menfolk have gone, if this research is correct, and the island's population divides equally into men and women. There are no official figures.

The fact is that Old Providence couldn't remain immune to Colombia's problems forever, and a few years ago, drug smugglers discovered the islanders were excellent mariners, with invaluable knowledge of the surrounding waters inherited from their privateering forebears.

"They are the last rung of the drug trafficking trade," says veteran journalist Amparo Ponton, who has lived on the island for 25 years. â–ş Continued on page XXXI

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

The island where .... â–ş From page XXX "Islanders read the ocean better than anyone, so they are hired as pilots in the narco-speedboats."

If they successfully deliver a boatload of drugs to the intended destination - which may be anywhere from Honduras to Florida - they make thousands of dollars.

If they get caught they end up in jail.

Things get awkward when a boat is chased by the coastguard. In that case the crew throws the drugs overboard - and then has to explain this to the drug lords. The next job they are asked to do is one they cannot refuse.

"My boy ended up in a jail in Mississippi, USA," one mother told me.

"He had already served a six-year sentence in the United States. But he tried again and failed again.

"I think he tried again because he didn't find any work...

"Most families on the island have been affected by this one way or the other. We are losing our boys."

One way of creating more jobs would be to develop tourism, but this is a path Old Providence has deliberately shunned - in contrast with its neighbour, San Andres, which is now dotted with resorts.

But the researcher who calculates that 800 islanders have disappeared says the lack of opportunities is only one part of the problem.

"There is also a lot of juvenile adrenaline at play," she says. She has often overheard youngsters say: "I've got three options - hit, miss or get." In other words, you score, you get arrested, or you get killed.

"We have already lost 10% of the generation before mine," says 26-year-old fisherman Loreno Bent.

"There are children who wake up daily not knowing their father because he was lost in the high seas when the child was a four-month-old baby.

"Mothers are crying because their boys left and never returned. Nobody knows where they are. They could be in a jail anywhere in the world. We simply don't know."

But he doesn't criticise those who run drugs.

"The sea is our economy, it doesn't matter if it's legal or illegal," he says. "What matters here is that acquiring your money hasn't involved a crime against another human. In Colombia it's considered illegal, but to many of us it's our sole subsistence. So we don't see it as something illegal."

He adds: "People say this is easy money, but no - it's the hardest type to obtain. If you wake up in the morning knowing you're putting your life in danger, then it can't be easy money."

When a son disappears, parents often do not know where he has gone, or if he will return - many seem to feel too ashamed about the crime to make a concerted effort to find out. The number of such inquiries from Old Providence is extremely low, according to Colombia's consul in the US. But that doesn't mean the absence is not deeply felt.

"There are families," says journalist Amparo Ponton, "where the great-grandfather, grandfather, father and son are imprisoned."

Colombia's narco-business has given rise to many tragedies. This is just one more.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Vishani Ragobeer

Understanding …from a Teen’s Point of View

By Vishani Ragobeer

* Leadership:

H

ey there. How was your past week? Mine was busy with all the activities going on for sports. Well, some of you may have read my articles before; some of you may not have done so. Whether you have or have not, I am asking you to feel free to join me right here in the Pepperpot section of this newspaper every Sunday because I write little articles about various social topics and issues in our Guyanese society with the hope that I would be able to spread a little awareness, a few ideas or even a little entertainment. This week, my friends, I will be writing about Leadership.

Leadership is the ability to lead or inspire others towards a specific goal. A leader is a person who has the ability to share a vision among people and give them the drive needed to work towards accomplishing that vision.

Leadership is a quality that is developed over time through various experiences, and it is not a quality that is bound to certain people- it is a skill that each and every person has and can be developed. Sometimes, in order to complete tasks, the leader has to take up the mantle of the fore runner, and do the most work to get the job done, whereas other times the leader is just required to assign various tasks to other people to get the job done. The leadership skills the leader possesses will determine what type of a leader he is and how good a leader he is.

Every single one of us has the potential of being a leader. We can be the leaders of some club, some group assignment or something that allows us to display and develop our leadership skills. We can even show initiative by doing something by ourselves and inspire others to follow by example (for example: cleaning up your surroundings). We all have the gift of leadership embedded in us, we just have to find this talent of ours and develop it and make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. Let’s lead by example, inspire others and make a change in society.

* Quote for the week: (By Mahatma Ghandi): “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Well, that’s all for this week, see you again right here at your favourite and best newspaper!

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 18, 2015

By naming wrong respondent

By George Barclay

I

N 2005, the Guyana Court of Appeal ruled that a trial judge was correct when he found that Social Security Officer Dwarka Nauth had wrongly sued the Public Service Commission for wrongful dismissal instead of the Regional Executive Officer.

Nauth later appealed to the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, but later learnt that that agency, though it allowed his appeal, did not have jurisdiction to pronounce on the termination of the Appellant’s services and its decision was a nullity.

The Court of Appeal, constituted by Justice Claudette Singh, Justice Nandram Kissoon and Justice Ian Chang upheld the decision of the trial judge.

That Court said the Appellate tribunal in this case was of the view that there was a decision of the Service Commission terminating the Appellant’s services, while the decision was that of the R.E.O. In the circumstances it had no jurisdiction to make any pronouncement and as such its decision was a nullity.

The Appellant adopted the wrong procedure in not suing the R.E.O. for wrongful dismissal. The decision of the learned trial judge was accordingly upheld.

The facts of the case disclosed that the Appellant a Social Security Officer in the Regional Council, was appointed by the Public Service Commission to act as Assistant Hospital Administrator from March 1, 1994 until the end of 1995 when he reverted to his position as a Social Security Officer in the Regional Council.

The Appellant’s services were terminated by the Regional Executive Officer with effect from September 1, 2000.

He appealed to the Public Service Appellate Tribunal which allowed his appeal in 2003. He then claimed the sum of $5, 096, 353.00 from the Respondents, with interest, which would have been salary earned between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 2003.

The trial Judge denied his claim on the ground that the Appellate Tribunal had no jurisdiction to determine

his appeal. He appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The Appellate Court held that the position of Social Security Officer was not employed by the Public Service Commission, but by the Regional Council. In the circumstances, the Public Service Commission did not have jurisdiction to pronounce on the termination of the Appellant’s services and its decision was therefore a nullity.

DECISION OF TRIAL JUDGE UPHELD. Mr. Benjamin Gibson appeared for the Appellant and Mr. Doodnauth Singh, S. C., Attorney General, for the Respondents.

At the trial the Appellant had testified that he was a Social Security Officer in Region 2 and was appointed by the Public Service Commission to act as an Assistant Hospital Administrator with effect from March 1, 1994. He worked until 1995when he was interdicted from duty on a charge of forgery. During this period he received three-quarters of his salary. He also received a letter which made it clear that his acting appointment had been terminated. He also received a letter which read: “Since you are not performing the duties of Assistant Hospital Administrator at present, you cannot be paid any portion of the acting allowance.”

The judgment added “It is obvious that after he was interdicted his acting appointment came to an abrupt end and he reverted to his former position as a Social Security Officer.

On April 10th, 2000 the charge against him was dismissed. On June 26th 2000 his counsel by letter so informed the Public Service Commission and the Regional Executive Officer.

On August 31, 2000 he received a letter of which paragraph 3 read: “it is with regret therefore that I have to inform you that your service is hereby terminated with effect from September 1st 2000.”

He then appealed this decision to the Appellate Tribunal. At page 46 of the record is an affidavit in support of his notice of appeal to that Tribunal.

At paragraph 20 he appellant deposed: The Regional Council have com-

pounded their ultra vires act by removing me from an office the jurisdiction of which is vested solely in the Public Service Commission.

At paragraph 22 he further deposed: “That in the circumstances and the foregoing I appeal to the Appellate Tribunal to protect my rights.”

Sacked REO Social Security Officer lost $5M claim in 2003

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George Barclay

Rape film banned in India gets Meryl Streep’s backing for Oscar NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A film banned by Indian authorities about the deadly rape of a young woman on a bus in New Delhi has opened in the United States to acclaim, with Hollywood star Meryl Streep saying it deserves to win an Academy Award.

Depicting the rape and murder of a medical student in 2012 that sparked violent protests, the documentary "India's Daughter" has been mired in controversy since the Indian government implemented its ban.

But Oscar-winning actress Streep, who introduced the documentary at its U.S. theatrical release in New York City on Wednesday night, said it was worthy of the movie industry's highest honour.

"I'm on the campaign now to get her nominated for best documentary," said Streep, speaking of the film's director, Leslee Udwin.

The hour-long film chronicles the gang rape of Jyoti Singh, 23, on a moving bus in India's capital and the subsequent protests started by Indian students.

Singh, who was returning home from the cinema with a male friend, died after her assailants pushed a metal rod inside her and pulled out her intestines.

"When I first saw [the film] I couldn’t speak afterwards," Streep said.

The film draws on extensive footage of an interview in jail with one of the attackers, Mukesh Singh, who blamed the victim for being out in the evening with a male friend.

"A decent girl won't roam around at nine o'clock at night," he says. "A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy."

Sentenced to death, he has appealed his verdict along with three other convicted assailants also on death row.

The documentary, scheduled for broadcasting in 2012 in India, was banned while Udwin was in the country promoting it, the director said during a talk following its screening.

In a statement, the government warned that certain excerpts "appear to encourage and incite violence against women."

The movie will open in U.S. theaters on October 23 nationwide, promoter Christine Merser said. Screenings are also scheduled in a handful of countries from Iceland to China.

Udwin said she had found hope in the outpouring of support following Singh's rape but was dismayed at the timid outcry after a 4-year-old girl was raped and beaten with stones in New Delhi earlier this month.

"Why are people not out on the streets now?" she said.

There were 33,764 victims of rape in India in 2013 according to the country's National Crime Records Bureau.

Actor Stamos charged with driving under the influence in California (Reuters) Actor John Stamos, star of the Fox sitcom "Grandfathered," has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Beverly Hills, California, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said on Thursday.

Stamos, 52, of Los Angeles, faces one misdemeanor charge stemming from his June 12

arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, the prosecutor's office said. It did not specify what substance was involved.

He was arrested after witnesses reported the actor "behaving strangely and driving erratically," the office said in a statement.

Stamos faces a possible maximum sentence of six

months in county jail if convicted, the district attorney's office said. He is set to be arraigned on Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, it said.

Stamos currently stars with Paget Brewster and Josh Peck on "Grandfathered," which debuted this fall. He is best known for his role in the 1987–1995 sitcom "Full House."

Bruce Springsteen to release box set highlighting ‘The River’ era REUTERS - Bruce Springsteen will release a new box set in December highlighting his 1980 album "The River," with several never-before heard tracks, unseen video footage as well as a new documentary, his publicist said.

The set, called "The Ties That Bind: The River Collection," contains 52 tracks on four CDs, including the "The River" double album, Springteen's fifth album and the first to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard chart.

The box set will include four hours of previously unreleased video on three DVDs, including footage from a 1980 show in Tempe, Arizona, tour rehearsals and a new documentary called "The Ties That Bind."

It also comes with a coffee table book of 200 rare or previously unseen photos and memorabilia, On his official Twitter account, Springsteen, one of New Jersey's most celebrated natives, enticed his legions of fans with the promise of 11 previously-unreleased "rarities," including an early release of the song “Meet Me In The City."

During his five-decade career, Springsteen has sold some 120 million albums worldwide as a solo artist and with the E Street Band.

The prolific songwriter, musician and performer has won 13 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Streets of Philadelphia" from the movie "Philadelphia."