Pepperpot 2015 1 25

Page XXI

Clonbrook - A Haven of Serenity

Meet

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Lanceane Captain Who eventually discovered her real passion

Bipasha wants Salman to remain bachelor ‘forever’ Page XII

And Yup! Mercy Aigbe Is Living Her Life Like It’s Golden Too Produced and Edited by C. Naipaul | Graphic and Layout Design by D. Prince

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II

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Will She Love Again?

T

By Maureen Rampertab

he mirror on the wall knew the answer.

Shamita drew the curtains open a little and light, she had exiled, streamed into the little house. She would today cook something special for the children, who would stop by in the afternoon-their visits something she now look forward to.

A scratching on the door and a soft bark announced Crystal’s arrival and opening the door she saw the children’s father standing at the gate.

He raised his hand, greeting her as she let the terrier in but she just nodded her head a little, a nod so slight anyone could have missed it but he didn’t. It was something that gave him hopes for that little response rekindled in his heart, feelings burnt to ashes by grief, an ember that glowed still, just waiting for the right one.

Rajiv stood looking at the closed door for a little while thinking, “I wonder when I would get to cross the gate.”

She watched him from behind the curtains as he left trying to stop her mind and trying not to think of him. A heart betrayed and deeply hurt, but a soft touch generated warmth from the coldness.

“How do I love again?”

A question laden with tears and pain; a question she had no answer for-not now.

Aashi brought for her a picture she had drawn in class and as the child enjoyed the special chicken dish, Shamita noticed her paleness.

“Are you feeling okay, Aashi?”

The child shook her head, “Not too good.”

Shamita checked her temperature and realised it was above normal.

“I think you’re developing a fever, you need rest and medication.”

The child stretched her arms out to Shamita, resting her head on her stomach.

“Can I stay with you please?”

“Yes, you can but I think your dad would need you home to take care of you.”

She watched the children walk home, sorry she could not go with them, hoping Aashi’s mild fever did not get any worse and the next day she waited anxiously on word of the child.

Aiden stopped by before he went to school to inform her on Aashi’s condition. “Her fever got a little higher so dad is taking her to the doctor.She should be fine soon.”

But two days passed and the child still had not recovered from the fever in spite of the doctor’s medication. Shamita made a healthy vegetable soup for her and gave it to Aiden.

“This was made from my grandmother’s recipe. It’s very good for her.”

The boy took the soup but hesitated for a moment then asked, “Why don’t you come to see her?”

Shamita pulled the hair over one side of her face and said, “I can’t go out looking like this.”

“My dad can take you in his car,” he offered.

A glimmer of fear flashed in her eyes and the boy asked, “Why are you so scared of him?”

She did not answer for a long moment-not sure how to explain to the child, searching her mind for the right answer that she hoped he would accept.

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

The Kiss of Dawn (Conclusion)

“The accident that happened to me,” she told him “Was caused by a man so it has left me scared of all men.”

The boy looked at her, at the deep scars on her face, a look of understanding in his eyes and he hugged her, “I’m sorry that a bad thing happened to you.”

At the door he turned and said, “My dad is a nice guy. He never hurt my mom.”

Shamita watched him go, a feeling of regret in her hear that she couldn’t go to see the sick child. She laid in bed that night, sleepless.The boy’s words replaying in her mind, “My dadis a nice guy…”

She got up and sat down, writing in her diary for sleep was somewhere far and close to midnight there was a rapping at the door. The sound startled her, the pen falling from her fingers and for a moment she froze, wondering who could be at the door at that hour, when she heard the children’s father’s voice.

“Can I speak to you, please?”

She opened the window close to the verandah and answered, “Yes?” “I’m sorry to come to your house and disturb you so late but Aashi’s temperature has risen and she is becoming delirious. She’s calling for you. I don’t know what to do.”

The quiver in his voice and a pang of fear for the child that struck her heart broke down the barriers around her and she said without hesitation, “Just give me a moment.”

She hurriedly changed her clothes, wrapped a shawl over her head, so it partially covered her face and opened the door to go with him to his home.

It was the first time since the attack she had stood close to a strange man, but her deep concern for the child made her forget that fear.

The child was running a high fever and Shamita checked the medication the doctor prescribed asking the father without looking at him, “Did you give her the medication as instructed?”

“Yes,” he answered, with a deep worry in his voice, “I don’t understand why she’s not feeling better.”

Shamita puta damp towel on the child’s forehead and caressing her face gently and spoke to her softly, “Aashi, I’m here with you.”

The child mumbled her name weakly and Shamita continued talking to her, “I miss you, your chatting and laughter and remember we were supposed to bake chocolate chip cookies.”

A little smile played at the corners of the child’s mouth and Shamita turned to look at the father who was standing by the door. There were tears in his eyes and he walked to the child’s bedside, looking at Shamita who had turned and lowered her head and he said, “Now I understand, she doesn’t need medication, she needs you. Can you stay with her for tonight at least?”

Shamita did not answer for a short moment then she nodded her head. She could not say no, not to a man who had lost his wife at a young age and who was so worried for his little daughter. She did not sleep at all that night, closely attending to the child and by 2 o’clock in the morning, her high temperature had dropped. Only then did Shamita’s mind relax and sitting in a chair by the child’s bedside she fell asleep.

She did not know when the child’s father came into the room to check on her and stood looking at her for a long moment. She had taken off the shawl and just one side of her face was covered by her hair.

Continued on page IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

III

Her Story and His Story 2

I

n 2000, Janet Naidu was on the shortlist of the Guyana Prize for Literature in the category of poetry. Her first collection, ‘Winged Heart’ (1999), earned her that distinction. Since then she has produced two other collections of poems namely ‘Rainwater’ and ‘Sacred Silence’. But her engagement in the literary arts goes further back than 1999. Her interest in writing was influenced by Rajkumari Singh whose home in Lamaha Street, Georgetown, was a cultural centre where people engaged in various art forms met for discussion on their work and for encouragement.

Some of those artists included Henry Moottoo, Gora Singh, Mahadai Das, and Rooplall Monar. Naidu’s engagement with the arts started in the early 1970s and stayed with her blossoming as she migrated to Canada in the late 1970s.

Naidu has produced other genres of writing including the short story, essay and biography.

Her biographical writing focused in elderly Guyanese. One of those elderly persons was her mother. Recently, she informed me of the passing of her mother causing me to revisit that biography which is a wide-ranging document focusing on her mother and also covering the movement of people of Indian origin from their ancestral home in India to multiple diasporas via Guyana and North America. The title of that biography is ‘Rivers and Green Fields Forever: The Golden Palm of Chelema Naidu’.

Chelema Naidu was born on September 12,, 1922, at Herstelling Plantation, East Bank Demerara, British Guiana. She was the second child of ten children, born to an indentured labourer who crossed the kala pani in 1915 from India to British Guiana (now Guyana).

Chelema’s father, Murugan, was born in Mattura in Tamil Nadu; he came on the steamship S.S. Ganges as an indentured labourer. Chelema’s mother, Gangaram, was born at Herstelling. Murugan and Gangaram were married in 1940, the union producing four boys and five girls.

Chelema was the eldest of her siblings. She did not get a chance to go to school as schooling for young girls in that period was frowned upon, so her formative days were taken up with cutting grass and rearing of cattle while her parents went off to work in the backdam. Later, at age fourteen, Chelema worked on the sugar estate for three years; first, on the Young Weeding Gang as a ‘manure thrower’ - fertilising young cane plants - and then as ‘young weeder’ - cutting grass. It was a daunting task for a young girl to be fetching buckets of manure weighting thirty-five pounds, jumping drains, in heat or rain, going at it all day, from sun up to sun down. But she kept at it for the experience was seen as an apprenticeship to marriage. Arranged marriages and child marriages were a norm.

On March 1940, Chelema and Chinsammy Naidu were married in a Madras ceremony running through the day, ending before midnight. The union produced eight children. This generation of parenthood ensured that their offsprings were privileged with an education.

In 1986, Chelema migrated to Canada to be closer to her children. Here, she mourned her inability to read and write but she made up for that shortcoming in sharing her love with her children and grandchildren.

Chelema died in 2014.

This is how the biography ended: ‘Floral lifelines are etched in her palm, telling stories of her caring nature, like the river flowing out to the wide ocean.

Every now and then, trails of treasures are found in her footsteps…Etching of sacrifice and survival are often revealed in reflections of her compassion, humanity and generosity…’

This biography, ‘Rivers and Green Fields Forever: The Golden Palm of Chelema Naidu’ and the story of Chelema Baidu now form part of our living history.

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com) What’s happening: * Now available two new books by Basdeo Mangru, ‘Colonial Emigration from the Bengal Presidency’ and ‘Kanpur to Kolkata: Labour recruitment for the sugar colonies’.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Kera Murphy ends stint at Cheshire Home leaving an indelible imprint - Home now offers a wider range of services

I

By Vanessa Narine TS rehabilitation in 2011 delivered a first for Guyana and another advance in support of the interests of Persons with Disabilities (PWD); the Cheshire Home now provides Guyana’s first semi-independent living facility.

Located in Mahaica, Region 4 (Demerara/ Mahaica), Cheshire Home has been the birthplace of many success stories for PWD. And in the spirit of ‘firsts’ the Home has hosted, for the last year, its first Peace Corps Response Volunteer, Kera

space existed at the Home, residents experienced occupational deprivation and reported feelings of boredom, depression, and lack of self-efficacy.

“The room was also created to support the use of sensory strategies to help soothe residents, particularly those with intellectual and communication disabilities that sometimes engaged in self-harm or destructive behaviours, in place of restraint techniques,” the volunteer said.

The Cheshire Home has 25 residents, the youngest only 11-years-old, while the eldest is 52-years-old. Their disabilities range from cerebral palsy and Down syndrome to an intellectual or speech disability.

With this range of physical disabilities, as well its consequent realities, things like having a space have added value to the type of services provided by the Home. “Sometimes when some of our residents get upset, the thing to do would have been try to restrain them, but what an occupational therapy room does is provide an opportunity to offer help in a different way. We could help them to swing in the hammocks, distract them with a preferred object or toy, or provide them deep pressure touch, all of which can be soothing,” Murphy said.

Anil Pertab, one of the Home’s residents, making a Mother’s Day card for a friend at his church Murphy, who ended her stint with the home last week.

Although volunteer therapists and professionals have intermittently visited the Cheshire Home for capacity-building sessions, there has not been a resident volunteer dedicated in this area since 2012, since Murphy.

A NECESSARY SPACE An occupational therapist, she pegs her greatest success in the last year as being able to create a space where several persons, with varying levels of physical disabilities, could exist and do something as simple, yet necessary, as given them room to breathe when they are upset– a privilege, like many others, that able persons take for granted.

“Occupational therapy existed in a limited way before this year. What we had was a storage room. With the aid of a Peace Corps Partnership grant, we cleaned that out and created a space. Now what you have is a space full of light, where the people here are able to play games of try a musical instrument or just calm down when they get upset,” she said, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Murphy detailed the fact that previously, when no such

The services offered by Cheshire Home include outpatient rehabilitation services three times a week and residential care for all residents twenty-four hours a day.

The Peace Corps volunteer contends that the Home offers an important service to persons with disabilities, all in the interest of providing opportunities and support for a healthy and well-lived life, regardless of physical or intellectual challenges.

The new occupational therapy room is the latest addition to the Home’s range of services and 17 staff members were trained, resulting in all 25 residents being able to visit the room at least weekly, as well as the “complete absence” of restraint usage.

POSITIONING RESIDENTS With its expanded range of services, Murphy explained that another objective of the Home is to position some of the current residents for semi-independent living.

“Most of the barriers we have had have been access to resources, or sometimes as simple as a matter of communication, but what we aim to do is to position the residents in the semi-independent facility. What we do is develop programmes for each individual according to his or her disability,” she said.

According to her, in the last year her focus of work included building the capacity of residents and staff to improve residents’ health and well-being.

“We did observations and interviews to determine the needs of service providers such that they could provide improved care for residents. Development of a resident care plan was also necessary to monitor care and determine if appropriate and adequate services were provided,” she said.

The Peace Corps volunteer added that residents also received training to increase their skills in areas such as self-care, communication and social interactions to support more independent living, allowing some to then transition to the semi-independent living facility.

“Staff was also provided assistance in creating the criteria for admission to the semi-independent living facility as well as training to evaluate candidates and support individuals who transitioned to that environment,” she said.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Abraham Hing, another resident, working on writing his name in the occupational therapy room

Murphy added: “After conducting a needs assessment, trainings in positioning, transfers and biomechanics, and practices to support health and self-care routines were determined to be necessary.”

She explained that these workshops were provided weekly over the course of four months to provide education and hands-on demonstration as well as problem-solve and discuss any barriers staff felt they might have to implementation.

“Seventeen service providers were reached with three resources created, and through pre-and post-test evalu-

Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

V

Resident, Dennis Thomas was all smiles, having moved into the semi-independent living facility

Breanne Grant, enjoying a game in the new occupational therapy room

From page IV ation methods, more than 85 per cent service providers were found to have learned at least one skill, with at least 60 per cent found to implement and sustain skills learned over time,” the volunteer said.

According to her, additional work was also done with the staff nurse at the Home to create a resident care sheet for use by nurses to monitor care given to residents and improve nurse communication.

Murphy said: “Two of the current residents were evaluated and determined to be ready to transition to the semi-independent living facility. Life skills trainings were provided to assist them in maintaining routines and managing their new home; for example, understanding and adapting cleaning methods, reading calendars, etc.

“Two staff members were trained in the evaluation, which can be used for future residents. These staff members were also included in the creation of admission criteria to be used by the Home’s management committee.”

OTHER PROJECTS

Resident, Mark Swain, celebrating Halloween by wearing the mask he made to go trick-or-treating involved in coordinating a volunteer event, which brought together University of Guyana (UG) students, rehabilitation assistants, and Cheshire Home staff to celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day. The event included a clothing and toiletry drive for Cheshire Home residents and the painting of the occupational therapy room.

“We did it to increase awareness of the event and those that would be impacted by the services of volunteers,” she said.

The Peace Corp volunteer added that she partnered further with UG to provide clinical education to first and third-year students in the Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation programme.

“I was a clinical educator for five students during an eight-week clinical attachment, providing hands-on demonstration and trainings in evaluation and interventions for persons with disabilities and environmental modifications,” Murphy said.

Two other students, she said, participated in a shorter, three-week attachment to observe the practice of occupational therapy and learned skills in wheelchair assessment and evaluative techniques.

“I also taught an 8-week course on biomechanics and

Relative to her other engagements, while in Guyana, the volunteer stated that she also worked with the Department of Rehabilitation Services to increase awareness of occupational therapy through trainings, newspaper articles, and presentations.

“I did work as a mentor for the 15-person occupational therapy special interest group and in doing so, provided members workshops on the tenets of occupational therapy and also mental health. I also presented on pediatric conditions to 75 rehabilitation professionals during the annual ‘Rehab Week’ and provided a newspaper article regarding the prevention of and interventions for cerebrovascular Nurse Aide, Patricia Stewart and Peace Corps Response Volunteer, Kera Murphy, celebrating Ms. Stewart receiving a certificate after demonstrating resident accidents,” she said.

Murphy has also been care skills in positioning and self-care following training

Dennis Thomas, enjoying using the computer in the occupational therapy room musculoskeletal conditions to twelve third-year students at the university,” she said.

A COUNTRY OF MANY LOVES Helping the residents is one of the many things Murphy had declared her love for, in the past year.

“My experience here has been fantastic. I love the light hearted way Guyanese interact with people. It is a beautiful country with so much potential, potential in its people and in what it has to offer,” she said.

The legendary Kaieteur Falls and the Lethem Rodeo were among some of the local attractions that she has managed to tear herself away from the Home for. “All of it was beautiful,” she said.

Delving into a few personal details, Murphy disclosed that she started work with the Peace Corps in 2006 and served in Guatemala before coming to Guyana.

“I started working in Guatemala and then I went to North Carolina to complete my Master Degree in Occupational Therapy and worked in the same field for a little bit. Before I came here, a Peace Corps recruiter asked me to consider the possibility, given my area of work. I looked at it as a wonderful opportunity and was lucky to join about 45 other two-year volunteers and eight response volunteers in their work here,” she said.

Asked about her future plans and relations with the Cheshire Home, Murphy said “Guyana and Cheshire Home will always have a place in my heart. I’m sure that we will continue to keep in contact.”

She also expressed the hope that the Home will continue working hard to provide a high standard of care for its residents.

The Cheshire Home was first established in 1972, as a home for individuals with severe disabilities.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

AGAINST THE TIDE

J

amoon Cove was a dirty replica of its four neighbouring villages. They all had old collapsing buildings made of small trees with woven troolie roofs. Bush and dense vegetation had made brazen advances into the small village making it seem even smaller than it really was.

The tiny rural village consisted of a small church house, a school house and about twenty structures that served as homes. It was a quiet and peaceful place. The only excitement available was when the men had their weekend drinks. When this happened things often got hilarious.

Old man Rodrigues was a Portuguese with a belly that would easily rival Santa’s. He drank rapidly and belched loudly then after a while he fell asleep and snored like a turbine engine. Lakeram was tall, gangly and very ugly. He drank steadily then seemed to go unconscious. He would open his eyes a little later and seemed unaware that he had been out of it for a while. He would resume his consumption with gusto.

Ken and Robin were professional sponges. They were always drinking until they were drunk but had never once bought a round of liquor.

Harold was retired and well off. He was the reliable source of most of the drinks bought. He had a pension much bigger than most of his friends salaries. He had recently retired from the Sugar Estate. Some said that he had been forced to retire because of his drinking. Rumour had it that one day he was expected to conduct a meeting with staff from his department.

Unfortunately his brother-in-law was visiting from the UK and they had partied into the wee hours of the morning. When he got to work he had a monstrous hangover. There was only one cure for that. He opened a safe in the back of his office and took out a large vodka. By the time he stumbled into the meeting he was as drunk as Captain Haddock in the Adventures of Tintin. At the head table glaring at him was his boss the CEO. Shortly after that incident Harold proceeded on pre-retirement leave. Now he was able to drink with abandon.

Alvin was middle aged with a bald head that shone like a mirrors reflection in the noonday sunlight. No sensible human being would spend too much time looking at his head; that is if they valued their eyesight. His drinking buddies gave him a good sturdy hat as a temporary solution.

There was one special feature about this small dirty community. Most of the folks who resided there were highly superstitious. If you happened to visit any home, there you would see an assortment of odd articles. A glass of water was placed over each door and window. Strangely coloured candles along with incense burned every day.

They seemed to be prepared for any strange occurrence.

The village was situated close to the ocean and the water flowing into and out of the community was regulated by a koker. This device had to be activated according to the movement of the tide.

That Saturday afternoon the crew sat drinking at Doris Rum Shop. This was a very popular spot because the patron was an excellent cook and provided mouth-watering dishes for a nominal fee. The small business thrived. As the drinks were consumed the usual chit chat was on.

“Yo hear Hazel pregnant again?”

“Wat! Dis is she eight pickney.”

“Ninth. Rememba de twins.”

“Right. An de woman aint even wukking.”

“She don’t have to.”

“Wat yo mean?”

“All dem children is fo different fathers so she must be collecting nuff money.”

“Oh yeah! Well why she always sending fo beg me wife fo lil sugar, some rice and things like dat?”

“She want nuturing. Dat would solve everything” “Yo gon still find strays turning up mating season.”

They all roared with laughter. The mood was suddenly changed due to an unscheduled interruption.

“Uncle Harold come see dis ting down by de koker.”

The young messenger sprinted off to spread the news.

Now besides drinking and being superstitious, most villagers were insanely inquisitive (fast). They loved delving into each other’s business and took pleasure in spreading village gossip. In the blink of an eye the table was deserted and drunk, wobbly legs hastened to the koker to witness the strange thing down there.

By the time they arrived a small crowd had gathered and people were pointing in awe at the water. The men pushed their way to the front and gazed upon a most unusual sight.

The koker was open because the tide was falling. Water from the village was gushing out and on its merry way to the ocean.

In the midst of all this a large log could be seen steadily making its way against the surging tide and towards the open koker that led into the village. One time it lay flat in the water another time it stood tall.

“Is a Jumbie!”

“Me mother tell me it does bring bad luck.”

“De ting coming straight fo de Koker like it want fo come in we village.”

This last remark caused a stir of fear.

“Close de koker!”

Many hands joined in this task but to no avail. The device which usually operated smoothly, refused to budge. It was then that fear really hit the crowd.

“De spirit block de koker so it could come in.”

Some who were weak of heart headed hastily for home.

Others stood around talking and lamenting. It was while all this was happening that Alvin sprang into action. Stripping off his clothes he grabbed a piece of rope from Travis’ Donkey Cart and plunged overboard. He was soon joined by Lakeram and they both swam towards the menacing log. The spectators were sure they were both drunk due to their unpredictable action. When they reached it they tied the rope securely to the log and swimming to the bank made fast the next end to a mangrove tree.

They then exited the drink and put on their clothes. Feeling smug with satisfaction they returned triumphantly to the empty table. The crowd dwindled then eventually dried up.

As the drinks started pouring down eager gullets another rude interruption occurred.

“Uncle Harold! Oh Gawd! Come see dis ting down by de koker!”

The table suffered its second abandonment. This time the scene was even more eerie. The log was still tugging valiantly against the restraining bonds but something terrible was now happening. From one end of the log flowed a dark liquid that changed the colour of the surrounding water red: Blood.

The strange log was bleeding. The crowd reappeared as if by magic. There was open panic now and some voices revealed their fear.

“God help we!”

“Dis is very bad.”

“We got fo do something.”

“Lea we cut de rope an lef it.”

There was a chorus of assent and two men moved towards the tree where the rope was tied. They did not get too far.

“NO WAY!” It was Alvin and he was in a near combat mode. The men stopped. They all knew and feared him. He was a notorious brawler and his bald head had rendered many a pugilist unconscious. They retreated with their tails between their legs.

“But Alvin that might be de best ting!”

“A SAY NO! Any man want fo clash wid me touch dat rope.!”

There were no takers. Suddenly a nerve jarring wail was heard. Everyone looked around wildly trying to pinpoint the location of the latest drama. They did not have to look far.

Horror and shock engulfed the crowd and clung to them.

The bizarre wailing was coming from the log. Some people began to cry in fear. Others tried persuading Alvin to change his mind.

“We have to feed de wata to calm de spirit.”

“Yes dat is true.”

“We have to put some White Rum, fruits an sacrifice a black fowl. We got fo cut it neck an let de blood fall in de water.”

“Right. But fus we have to cut de rope an set de spirit free.”

“Allyo could put rum, whiskey or anything yo like but touch dat rope an is me Jumbie in allyo backside!”

Everyone went home in a rage. Alvin went back to his bottle.

That night was the worse in the history of the village. Every household had terrifying nightmares. In the visions they were warned and threatened to let the log go. When they woke up the next morning all the chickens in the village had been beheaded. Terror was now living among them.

Alvin was in his usual half drunken sleep when the irate villagers descended on his collapsing, ramshackle house.

When he stumbled outside rubbing his eyes, he was greeted by the villagers en masse. But they were on a mission of their own. Armed with cutlasses, sticks, bricks and other weapons, they attacked the hapless man and gave him a good trashing.

Sobriety brought wisdom and Alvin quickly withdrew to the safety of his dwelling nursing multiple bumps and bruises that ached like crazy. His famous bald head had undergone a makeover. No longer was it a smooth shine. It now featured mountains, hills and ravines.

The villagers released the log and fed the water. Things returned to the usual calm of the quiet seaside village. Alvin returned to his drinking. Now he refuses to wear a hat.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Judge’s misdirection causes confusion in jury’s mind

VII

- guilty murder accused freed, faces new trial IN 1960 the Federal Supreme Court in its Criminal Appellate jurisdiction allowed the appeal of murder accused Baldeo Dihal on the ground that the trial judge’s misdirection on the law, as it related to the facts, was likely to cause confusion in the jury’s mind.

The accused was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to death, but he appealed.

The Federal Appellate Court constituted by Justices Rennie, Archer and Wylie allowed the appeal, set aside the conviction and death sentence, but ordered a new trial in the interest of justice.

The Appellate Court held that on the trial of a person

charged with murder the judge should relate the law to the facts in the case.

It was pointed out that when dealing with the question of provocation, mention should not be made of cooling time if the evidence clearly shows that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation and more so, where any such mention of cooling time may cause confusion in the mind of the jury.

It is the duty of the judge, in his summing up, to deal adequately with the evidence relating to self-defence, the Appellate Court ruled, as it allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial.

Attorney-at-law, Mr. Stanley Hardyal appeared for the appellant while Mr. W. Persaud represented the Crown.

Delivering the judgment of the court, Justice of Appeal Rennie declared that at the close of the argument, they allowed the appeal, quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence.

According to him: “The grounds of appeal are numerous and somewhat wide in scope, but with the exception of the ground of misdirection, we saw no merit in any of them, and for that reason, refrain from making reference to any ground other than misdirection.”

“Exception was taken to the form of the directions when dealing with the questions of self-defence and provocation. It was submitted to us that the law was laid down in one compartment, so to speak, and the facts were referred to in another, and no attempt was made to relate the one to the other. The

directions do seem to deserve this criticism.”

“The law of self-defence was meticulously explained as a lecturer might well explain it to a class of students,” Justice Rennie said.

But he emphasised that nowhere in the directions were the jury told what facts they should take into account when considering this aspect of the case. The nearest they got to having the facts related to self-defence is the statement that when considering self-defence, it would be relevant for them to compare the wounds on the body of the deceased with the injuries on the appellant. This statement, however, deals with only one factor of self-defence – whether there was the necessity to use such force.

“About this factor of self-defence and the direction concerning it, we shall have more to say at a later stage of these reasons, but now return to the matter under consideration.”

The jury was told: “If in all the circumstances as a reasonable man, he feels that he is in danger–serious danger-he is entitled to take steps to defend himself, if necessary to the extent of killing, but though he can do that, it is his duty to retreat if he can reasonably do so in all the circumstances.

“You may think that it is not a very manly thing to do to run away if a person is attacking you or threatening to attack you. But it is the law.”

“Nowhere in the directions were they told what facts they should take into account in determining whether or not to retreat was reasonable. The evidence I accepted would seem to suggest that retreat was not possible and it must be confusing to a jury in such circumstances to be told that, although it may be considered not manly to retreat, the law nonetheless requires it, if the person attacked can reasonably do so.”

As in the case of self-defence, so in the case of provocation; no assistance was given to the jury by relating the evidence to the law. We can see a possibility of some confusion being caused in the minds of the jury by this failure to relate the one to the other. Such confusion could have been caused by reason of their being told: “If there was time for cooling between the time that the provocation was given and the time that the killing was done, then, of course, you cannot get the benefit of provocation to reduce the offence from murder to manslaughter.”

“But, as I told you, the question for time for cooling is important to considering provocation. If there was time after the provocation was given within which a reasonable person would regain control of himself, then you cannot say that the accused was acting under the impulse of provocation.”

These directions, Justice of Appeal Rennie said were given in spite of the fact that the evidence, if believed, showed that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation. In another case, such an excess of direction in law might not have confused the jury, but in the present

By George Barclay

case, where evidence was given of the relationship that existed between the deceased and the appellant’s mother as a motive for the alleged offence, the jury might very well have found themselves in the position where they would ask themselves the question- what did the judge mean when he referred to cooling time? Had he in mind the relationship between the deceased and the appellant’s mother? There was nothing else in the case apart from the encounter, that might have affected the appellant’s mind, and if there could have been no question of cooling tine with regard to the encounter, the jury must necessarily have wondered why they were told about cooling time, and more so, when they remembered that they were told that it is important, and still more so, having regard to the fact that the directions on provocation ruled out the relationship between the deceased and the applicant’s mother.

Apart from these criticisms of the directions, there is also a serious misdirection on the question of self-defence. It concerns the evidence of the attack which the appellant said he repelled. That evidence shortly put, is to the effect, that the appellant was held by the neck, choked and when he fell in the swamp was being stifled.

Justice of Appeal Rennie noted that the choking and stifling seem to the court to be of far greater consequence and amounts to a serious misdirection.

The appeal was allowed and the conviction and death sentence set aside but a new trial was ordered.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)

SNAKES FILM ON LOCAL SCREENS SOON

“EARTH STATION “ STAMPS FOR RELEASE NEXT WEEK

The half hour documentary film on poisonous snakes “Crystal Venom” which was shot on location in Guyana is to be shown around Guyana soon.

The film had its premiere here in October last year and it will be shown at the Starlite Drive In cinema on Sunday.

After that it will be screened throughout the country.

“Crystal Venom” highlights the world’s most poisonous snakes and paints a different picture from the age old characterisation of snakes as one of man’s most

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will release a special issue of stamps on Wednesday February 7th to commemorate the installation of the recently completed earth station.

The special issue of stamps will be available in denominations of 10 cents, 30 cents, 50 cents and $3.00. A set of the stamps will be available for $3.90 and first day covers will be available at the GPO in Georgetown at $4.30 from the date of release.

As is customary a first-day-of-issue service will be provided at the Philatelic Bureau at GPO as well as at post offices and postal agencies in New Amsterdam, Kitty, Linden,Suddie, Bourda and Bartica on February 7th.

Stamp bulletins will also be sold for the benefit of collectors or those wishing to mail to collectors overseas.

These will be available at 15 cents each.

The multi coloured stamps were printed in lithography

by Questa Colour Security Printers and measure 30.56 millimetres by 38 millimetres.

The stamps should have been released earlier in the year but the date of the release was delayed due to unavoidable circumstances..

(Guyana Chronicle January 19, 1979)

dangerous enemies.

The documentary attempts to illustrate the contribution the reptiles through their venom, make to medical science and other fields.

“Crystal Venom” features Lawrence Van Sertima perhaps Guyana’s foremost expert on snakes and American snake expert Jack Kilmon.

It has also been sent to a current film festival in India as Guyana’s contribution to the show.

COUNTRY WIDE WAR ON RATS TO BE LAUNCHED (Guyana Chronicle February 10, 1979)

Plans are now being made by the City Public Health Department to launch a countrywide rat extermination campaign later this year.

The Lacytown area has been tentatively identified for a survey aimed at determining what quantities would be necessary for the campaign.

This is so because it has a large number of business places and eating houses as well as dwelling houses.

Rats are prolific breeders and it is claimed that one pair of them can produce over 10,000 young ones each year.

In addition, they contaminate more food than they consume and cause considerable damage.

They also carry and spread several harmful diseases through their faeces, their urine, the bite, their fleas and their dirty bodies.

(Guyana Chronicle February 3, 1979)

PROTEST AGAINST OPENING OF RUMSHOP NEAR SCHOOL (Guyana Chronicle January 19, 1979)

Hundreds of persons, including students, teachers and parents demonstrated yesterday to protest against the proposed opening of a rum shop near to a secondary school on the Courentyne.

Reports from the area say a liquor restaurant is being built just 40 feet from the Tagore Memorial Secondary School at No 63 Village and parents teachers and students fear the opening of such a business would affect the smooth functioning of the school.

School Principal S.S. Chandra said his 1,300 students along with parents and teachers mounted picket lines and demonstrated to back their cause.

He said the parents and teachers were also calling on the Customs and Excise Department, the Education Ministry and the Government to intervene to block the proposed opening of the rum-shop there.

TRUMPETER COLLAPSES ON STAGE AND DIES (Guyana Chronicle January 23, 1979)

“Something is wrong with me” was the song lead trumpeter Hubert “Iron” McLeod was blowing when he collapsed in a Wismar night spot early Sunday morning.

The packed Dawn Palace crowd continued dancing to the music of a stereo set while McLeod was conveyed to the Mackenzie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

What was wrong with McLeod will be known when a post mortem examination is performed on his body.

Meanwhile leader of the band in which McLeod played “Sid and the Slickers,” said that the lead trumpeter was in exuberant spirits and was jigging through his ab lib solo when he fell.’

McLeod was a founder member of the band which started eleven years ago as a four-piece combo.

He lived at Lancaster East Demerara.

PILOT CRASH LANDS IN THE MAHAICA RIVER BUT ESCAPES INJURY (Guyana Chronicle February 15, 1979)

A young Trinidad air pilot was rescued in the marshy back-lands of the upper Mahaica River early yesterday afternoon less than 24 hours after he crash landed his light aircraft during a flight from Piarco to Suriname Tuesday last.

George Pantin who left Trinidad on Tuesday destined for Suriname radioed the Air Traffic Control Tower at Timehri for directions to land after his plane had developed engine troubles.

According to a report the pilot said that he could not reach Trinidad and was diverting to Guyana.

Communication between himself and the Control Tower at Timehri broke when he was within the 40 mile radius.

Since then Director of Civil Aviation Robert Roberts led an intensive air search in a 40 -mile radius from Timehri for the aircraft and its pilot.

Pantin who suffered slight injuries in the crash landing was rescued during a joint air search by the Civil Aviation Department, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and private aircrafts which started minutes after the badly damaged single-engine Piper Aircraft was spotted in the marshy land by a private pilot in a light aircraft Wednesday.

Reports said that the slightly injured airman was limping away from his crashed aircraft in search of residents in the area when a helicopter joining in the search picked him up and air dashed him to the City where he was given medical treatment.

Roberts is expected to make an inspection of the aircraft today with a view of removing or salvaging it.

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

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Meet Who eventually discovered her real passion

L

By Telesha Ramnarine ANCEANE Lezeta Captain was born and raised at Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) but came to Georgetown after finishing secondary school to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. To begin with, though, she sent out a few applications and the first agency to respond was the Ministry of Health.

Lanceane, 25, decided to take up the job in the meantime, but little did she know that she would come to love

Lanceane Captain

this new field even more than her original desire to become a teacher.

“Growing up, I wanted to become a teacher. Most girls I know dreamt about becoming a teacher. When I was about to leave school, I wanted to become a paediatrician but after I started working here I realized I loved this field more than ever.”

Lanceane has been posted at the Ministry’s Public Health Skin Clinic located in the Palms Compound, Brickdam and more recently, has been working as Secretary to Mrs. Heather Morris-Wilson, Director of the clinic.

“I love dermatology and

Lanceane with two of her siblings

I could have left to go and study or study while I was working here, but my plan is to study dermatology later this year or early next year. I am working here for the past seven years and this is my first job after school. I did a package at Global Technology and sent out a few applications. The Ministry called and I have been here from day one,” she related.

“This was the job available. It came at a great time.

At first when I came, I didn’t know much about Georgetown and the people, but I think I have a great personality when it comes to dealing with people. I love dealing with people,” she said.

She recalled how Dr Holly Alexander (previous doctor at the clinic) and the rest of the staff accepted her. “They groomed me and taught me things that I didn’t know.

Now, I think I am way better than when I first came. I know a lot more about leprosy from being with them on field trips, etc. and when a patient comes, I am able to give treatment and talk to them about the disease.” “Sometimes the doctor is away or a nurse is not available and I am able to get stuff done, of course under their supervision.”

Now, Lanceane dearly loves her job and cannot think about doing anything else. “I fell in love with this field even though I didn’t

Lanceane (second from left) with Dr. Morris-Wilson (first from left) and nurses of the Skin Clinic on one of their outreaches

have it in mind. We get to visit many places and see so many people. We go to 14 different places in Guyana.”

“You see things you never knew existed. You see the things people experience in life.

From a simple skin problem they can go through so much.

That you are able to help them deal with it….to know you can help that person through that stage in life is great.”

Also contributing to her fondness for the job, Lanceane explained that working along with the older nurses have had a good effect on her. “Dealing with the older nurses made me love the field more. I learn so much more from them. I think if I had worked with young people I would not have developed so much appreciation for the field. They have always motivated me to get studying,” she said.

To this end, Lanceane has been making arrangements to begin her study so that once she starts there will be nothing to distract her. “I have made arrangements and put things in place so that I can concentrate on my studying so that when I begin I don’t have to be unduly distracted.

When I am ready to study, I know I can put everything that I have towards studying so there isn’t going to be any hindrance, anything holding me back. And it’s something that I want to do and that I have been dreaming about for the last seven years. So I am going to put my best foot forward and get it done,” a determined Lanceane related.

She has been described

by Dr. Morris-Wilson as very reliable and efficient. “She is very efficient. She breaks her back and does not eat lunch at times when I ask for something to be done. I can be confident that if I ask for something to be done while I am out doing clinic, she’ll get it done,” Dr. Morris-Wilson told the Chronicle.

Lanceane said she loves her family dearly and referred to them as her number one priority.

Her favourite quote is: “Never judge a book by its cover.” “I may look simple but I am more than I look,” she said.

XI

Lanceane Lezeta Captain

Lanceane and her dear mom Onecia Edwards

XII

Mallika Sherawat feels Dirty Politics will change her image Actress Mallika Sherawat believes that after watching her work in upcoming film Dirty Politics, filmmakers will start offering her performance-oriented roles.

“This happens only few times in a career of an actor…when they are offered roles which are glamorous as well as performance-oriented. Dirty Politics is a mixture of both,” Mallika said at the film’s music launch last Tuesday.

She has high hopes from the movie, which is directed by K.C. Bokadia. “I’m really hoping that after this movie, my fans like it, critics like it, serious directors take a note of it and then offer me performance-oriented parts and not only glamour-oriented parts,” the Maiyya maiyya girl added.

Dirty Politics also features Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Ashutosh Rana and Rajpal Yadav. The film will hit the screens Feb 13

Is there trouble between Arbaaz, Malaika?

RECENTLY, co-producers and Bollywood couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan launched the music of their movie 'Dolly Ki Doli'.

The event was a huge success but the paparazzi present didn't miss the chemistry or rather the absence of it between the husband and wife.

‘Celebden.com’ reports that throughout the event Arbaaz and Malaika exchange cold vibes.

Both husband and wife kept safe distance and didn't indulge in any kind of verbal communication.

While leaving the venue the couple stood for a customary photo. Even here Arbaaz made no attempt to strike a 'loving husband pose.'

He kept his arm secured inside his jeans pocket. Later Arbaaz drove off alone in his car but not before having a disinterested word with Malaika who then had to leave in a different car. (AFP)

Arbaaz Khan & Malaika Arora Khan

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Deepika asks BollywoodLife, “Why are you so interested in Ranveer Singh?

Deepika Padukone walked the red carpet of Star Guild Awards looking her stunning self recently. BollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY asked her an upfront question about the status of her relationship with Ranveer Singh and the leggy actress retorted, “Why are you so interested?

Yo u s h o u l d ask him,” suffixed with an obvious blush and a telling smile! We just asked the actress to give Deepika Padukone us a firm yes or a no about whether or not she is seeing Ranveer Singh. Fortunately, Dippy didn’t give us the boring old “just good friends” nonsense and instead said a little more with her actions than her actual reply!

Deepika and Ranveer have dropped several hints about their relationship status in the recent past. From celebrating Christmas together to spending the New Year’s day to ringing in Deepika’s birthday together with her family in Bangalore, the lovebirds have made it more than obvious that they are pretty serious about each other.

Kangana confesses she is dating; is it Hrithik?

Bipasha wants Salman to remain bachelor ‘forever’ THE first person Bollywood fans want to see hitched is superstar actor Salman Khan, but one celebrity thinks otherwise.

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu does not want her 'No Entry' co-star to tie the knot irrespective of the fact that he is the most eligible bachelor.

When an Indian daily newspaper asked her whom she considers the hottest bachelor, Bipasha asked for a list of stars and Salman being at the top, his name cropped up first.

However, Bipasha’s prompt response, "No. Salman is going to stay bachelor for the rest of his life. He is better off as a bachelor."

IT may not be surprising to know that Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is dating, but this time it comes right from the horse’s mouth.

Kangana recently informed the Indian media about her relationship status, "I am in a relationship and enjoying this state." The Bollywood star, however, choses to remain silent about who is the lucky man in her life.

She said, "I don’t want to talk about it right now. It's very special to me and I am glad to have found a companion.

I hope I get into the position when I can talk about it. Right now, speaking about it would be unfair on the other person.

As it is, relationships are difficult, aren’t they?"

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Frimpong Manso’s Grey Dawn Movie Up For Show Shirley Frimpong Manso’s New Movie-GREY DAWN Starts Showing From February 13 in Accra | Featuring Bimbo Manuel, Sika Osei, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi & Others.

Multiple award-winning Director-Shirley Frimpong-Manso and her Sparrow Productions’ team are back

with another movie—just in time for this year’s Valentine.

The movie ‘Grey Dawn’ which features Bimbo Manuel, Sika Osei, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Marlon Mave and others will be showing in Accra from 13th February, 2015 at the SilverBird Cinemas at the Accra Mall & Weija.

For those in Accra, the

Valentine Day has already been freely planned for you—just take that special person to watch a new Shirley Frimpong Manso’s movie as a pre-Vals Day treat or on even on Vals Day and you would definitely score that hard to earn point.

And for those outside Ghana, ‘Grey Dawn’ will be showing on SparrowStation.Com from 20th February, 2015—and you shouldn’t let the date escape you…

In ‘Grey Dawn’ a Government Minister must choose between using his position to help his father-in-law stay out of jail for tax evasion or allow the law to take its course with him. His decision sets in motion a chain of events that lures him into committing the one sin that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

‘Grey Dawn’ is directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso—and produced by Ken Attoh & Shirley Frimpong-Manso. Tickets can be purchased from Koala, Airport Shell and SilverBird Cinemas.

XIII

And Yup! Mercy Aigbe Is Living Her Life Like It’s Golden Too It’s not only Ini Edo who is living her life like its golden cus she just moved into a new house. Mercy Aigbe too is also living the life! She opened a new boutique last month at Omole Estate, very close to Ogba, had a fab party at the beginning of the year to celebrate her birthday and her husband bought her a new SUV! She’s living the life too. See how she looked for work this Monday morning!

Liz Benson big come back to Nollywood Liz Benson (Ameye), Nollywood veteran and renowned actress is back to the screen after several years of absence featuring in a movie: “Living Funeral.”

Living Funeral, a movie dedicated to creating awareness about Breast Cancer and to sensitise the public to embrace early detection as the only veritable solution to overcoming the disease, is directed by Udoka Oyeka and produced by Mrs Orode Ryan-Okpu, Founder, Pink Pearl Foundation.

The film tells the inspirational story of Yvette, a young woman coming to terms with the reality of her battle with breast cancer. It portrays the unbelievable journey of hope, valour and despair told through the eyes of the lead character’s sister (played by same actress – Stephanie Wilson) and her hard-hearted mother (Ameye) who struggled to come to terms with her daughter’s illness. To help her family deal with their anguish, Yvette holds a mock funeral while still alive.

Since Living Funeral premiered in Lagos and later Asaba in 2013, it has since received tremendous reviews from entertainment and public service critics. Its success has also garnered the movie impressive recognition and accolade, one of which is its nomination in the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards – AMVCAs 2014.

With 27 categories in total, Living Funeral has been nominated in eight categories including; Best Movie 2013 (Orode Ryan-Okpu and Udoka Oyeka); Best Movie-Drama (Orode

Ryan-Okpu and Udoka Oyeka); Best Movie Director (Udoka Oyeka); Best Actress in a Drama (Stephanie Wilson); Best Supporting Actress in a Drama (Liz Ameye). Others include: Best Writer-Drama (Akpor Kagho); Best Cinematographer (Idhebor Kagho); and Best Lighting Designer (Godwin Daniel).

According to the organisers, viewers have the power to select the winner by voting via SMS or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.amvcaawards.dstv.com" www.amvcaawards.dstv. com . The winners in the other technically focused categories will be selected by an expert panel of judges.

The general public can vote for Liz Benson (Ameye) as the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama, by texting the code in bracket (4C) to: +2783142100415; Stephanie Wilson as the Best Actress Living Funeral, by texting the code in bracket (3A) to: +2783142100415 or visit the link – HYPERLINK "http:// www.amvcaawards.com/nomineeslist" www.amvcaawards. com/nomineeslist to vote in other categories.

The grand award ceremony will be held on Saturday March 8, 2015 to celebrate all who have contributed to Africa’s film-making industry over the last 12 months. This is the second edition of Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards organised in conjunction with MultiChoice with the aim of recognizing and rewarding excellence in African film and Television.

(Source: Nollywood star news.com)

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

WINDOWS 10 UNVEILED

Microsoft has lifted the curtain much higher on Windows 10, showing off a whole slew of new features that will be coming to PCs and phones later this year.

At its Redmond, Washington, headquarters on Wednesday, Microsoft detailed how its new operating system will work across desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones-oh, and it's going to use holograms.

Microsoft understands that Windows 8 wasn't well-received by customers, and most of its updates to Wi n d o w s 1 0 reflect that. It offers a much more familiar experience to Windows 7 users who never made the jump t o Wi n d o w s 8. But it also brings some innovations to the PC that tablet and smartphone users have become accustomed to. And by adding holographic representations to Windows 10, Microsoft is hoping to take Windows to a world beyond screens.

Like a smartphone or tablet upgrade, Microsoft's new operating system will be available as a free update for anyone using Windows 8.1. That's a big deal for Microsoft, which makes a tremendous amount of money on Windows sales.

Windows 10 is Microsoft's first major operating system upgrade since Windows 8 was introduced in 2012. Windows runs on more than 91% of the world's computers.

Holograms By far the coolest part of Microsoft's presentation was "Windows Holographic," Microsoft's attempt to immerse its customers into a computerised world. Windows 10 has been built to integrate holographic representations of its software.

With the companion HoloLens glasses, Windows 10 users can interact with holograms all around them.

HoloLens comes with a holographic processing chip that understands your gestures, voice and where you're looking.

It can map the world around you and display holograms that appear to be in thin air or on objects that surround you.

With Windows 10's HoloStudio app, Microsoft lets users

create 3-D objects with their voices and gestures (like pinches and flicks) and then prints them on a 3-D printer.

Cortana Microsoft's version of Siri will be part of Windows 10. By using voice commands, Cortana can show your notifications, stock information, sports news, and other functions typical of smartphone voice assistants.

But you can also say "Hey, Cortana, show me PowerPoint slides about the charity auction" or "show me photos from December," and it will quickly run the search query.

board and mouse. But hybrid devices, such as the Microsoft Surface, will be able to transition seamlessly between the two modes. Pull off the keyboard, and you'll enter tablet mode.

Snap the keyboard back on, and you're back in desktop mode.

One Windows for all your devices There are currently three different versions of Windows: Windows 8.1, Windows RT for tablets and Windows Phone.

Last year, CEO SatyaNadella said Microsoft planned to scale back.

Windows RT and Windows Phone are just becoming Windows 10. Windows 10 phones will be able to live-sync with Windows 10 PCs, and the apps will function similarly across different devices. They'll still be incompatible with most traditional Windows software, but they'll be able to run all of the apps from the Microsoft store.

Xbox Microsoft said the new Xbox app for Windows 10 will let gamers stream and play Xbox games on their PCs. They can also play games from the Steam video game network and save and share game-play clips.

No more Internet Explorer Microsoft introduced a new, stripped-down browser that has been codenamed "Project Spartan." The new browser will ship with Windows 10, and it will function similarly to Chrome and Firefox.

The Spartan browser supports pen interactions, so people can mark-up websites with their fingers or styluses and share them. Wit also features a reading mode and Cortana integration.

Spartan will be built on a different software platform from IE and the two are not compatible. That means Microsoft will continue to also ship IE with Windows to ensure that corporate apps continue to function properly.

Return of the Start menu After being removed from Windows 8, Microsoft announced that the Start Menu will make a full comeback in Windows 10. The new Windows 10 Start menu includes a new personalise space for favourite apps, programs and websites. It can be viewed as a full-screen Windows 8-like display of tiles or a more familiar Windows 7-like drawer of apps.

Continuum The biggest Windows 8 headache that Windows 10 is expected to cure is the way the operating system manages its separate "desktop" and "tablet" modes. At its event, Microsoft introduced a new Windows 10 design interface called "Continuum."

Windows 10 sticks to desktop mode when it recognizes a mouse and keyboard and tablet mode when there is no key-

A new look for Windows Microsoft said that Windows Store apps and regular desktop programs will both run in traditional windows in Windows 10. The programs can be resized and minimized from the bar at the top.

Windows 10 will feature something Mac users have enjoyed for years: the ability to create new desktops and quickly switch between them.

The new "Snap" feature will allow Windows 10 users to work on up to four apps at once on the same screen. Snap has been around since Windows Vista, but Microsoft redesigned it for Windows 10 to include a new quadrant layout.

And a new button on the task bar will take you straight to a single screen that displays all your open apps and files.

The past year has been a rough one for Microsoft's mobile aspirations. The Nokia acquisition is closed, but Windows Phone is still stuck in the low single digits in terms of market share. One of the key drivers behind unifying the Windows code base on PCs and phones is to make it possible for developers to build universal apps that can run on both types of devices. Whether that will be enough to win over mobile developers is a key question.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XV

The Kiss of Dawn (Conclusion) Continued from page II

“Still pretty,” he said quietly, her name on his lips, soft flames of a love that had lain beneath the ashes, ignited, burning slowly in his heart.

He wanted so much to push her hair back from her face to look at her but she still had a long road of recovering trust to be free to love again and he left the room quietly.

Shamita felt a soft touch on her face and opened her eyes. Aashi was standing in front of her, hair tussled from sleep and her face bright and smiling.

“Hey,” Shamita smiled, with deep relief, “How are you?”

“You came to see me,” the child said happiness echoing in her voice.

“Yes, I was worried about you and your dad was even more worried.”

“I wanted you to be with me,” the child said, hugging her.

“I’m here now.” Shamita said, smoothing the tussled hair and kissing her on the forehead, deeply touched by the child’s affection, “No need to worry, anymore.”

Her father and brother came into the room a few minutes later and the boy exclaimed joyfully, “Aashi, you’re okay!”

He hugged his little sister and the father lifted her in her arms, tears of relief in his eyes, “Do you know what a scare you gave me?”

“Sorry Daddy,” Aashi said sweetly, hugging her father.

The scene of love and happiness between a young father and his little children, cherished moments as they shared each other’s lives, in the absence of a mother brought more tears to Shamita’s eyes.

Rajiv wiped his eyes and tried to compose himself before speaking to her, “Thank you so much.It’s magical-your care and compassion.”

Shamita smiled just a little, not sure what to say. “It’s okay. I’m happy for the child.”

Aashi wanted her to stay but Rajiv came to herassistance, explaining to the child: “Your ‘angel’ did not sleep well last night,” he told the little girl, “I think she needs some rest and she’ll come back later.”

He took Shamita home and before she closed the door, he asked, “Will you come back later?”

“I guess I have to until she’s fully recovered.”

He hesitated a little, pushing back the hair that fell over his forehead, an action somewhat irresistible and he said, “Thanks,” before leaving.

She closed the door slowly, leaning her head against it for a moment, to keep her thoughts in control, not wanting to feel attracted to him but in her heart,a warmth trickled like spring water.

He came for her late in the afternoon and she spent time with the child, combing her hair, playing with her and reading to her, until it was bedtime. As she kissed the child ‘good night’ she held on to her hand and said, “I don’t want you to leave, please stay with us.”

Shamita did not answer for a moment, not wanting to upset the child with a wrong answer, then with a warm smile she said, “I will spend time with you Aashi but I can’t stay for now.”

“Are you scared of my dad?”

“No.”

“He’s handsome with great hair,” the child said, hoping to interest her.

Shamita couldn’t help laughing a little, quietly, “I can see that.”

“Do you like him?”

Rajiv coming into the room at that moment, heard the question and Shamita glanced at him but did not answer, kissing the child ‘good night’.

“I would love to hear that answer,” he said in his mind, as he took her home, “One day, hopefully soon I will.”

Aashi recovered fully but still wanted Shamita to spend time at their home, something Shamita’s mother was very pleased with. The daughter she had lost emotionally was on her way back, expressing interest now to do this plastic surgery.

The scattered pieces of her life she was gathering as the days went by and she felt now in her mind not the scorching heat of the desert but a cool, gentle rain.

One night after he had taken her home, as she was saying ‘good night’ he gently pulled the shawl from her head and said, “You don’t need to wear this anymore because the scars I cannot see, I can only see your beauty from within.” His words and the look in his eyes held her mesmerised for one moment and he kissed her lightly on the cheek.

The pattern designed by fate to bring them together was nearing its completion, banishing the shadows and loneliness.

The night before she had to leave for the surgery, she had stood on the verandah of his home after talking to the children, waiting now to speak to him. She was wearing a simple white dress, the cool wind ruffling her hair as she looked pass the farmlands, wondering about her life with a new face.

“Shamita,” she turned as he called her name and the look in his eyes dispelled the worry in her mind.

He pushed back the hair from her face and looking in her eyes he said in a low tone, “I had never thought I could love again but you have ignited that fire within me.”

“Rajiv,” she said his name for the first time softly, the spring water now a rushing stream in her heart.

“The answer to Aashi’s question is…yes but how do I love again?”

“I will show you,” he said, his lips touching hers. “One day at a time, until a flame burns in you to love me.”

Softly, he kissed her.A kiss that parted the clouds to let the sunshine in her life: The Kiss of Dawn.

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XVII

Abdul Qadeer Khan

-Widely regarded as the founder of gas-centrifuge enrichment technology for Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent programme Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is a famous Pakistani nuclear scientist and a metallurgical engineer. He is widely regarded as the founder of gas-centrifuge enrichment technology for Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent programme. Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme is a source of extreme national pride. As its “father”, A.Q. Khan, who headed Pakistan’s nuclear programme for some 25 years, is considered a national hero.

Early Life and Career Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was born in 1936 in Bhopal, India. He immigrated with his family to Pakistan in 1947. After studying at St. Anthony’s High School, Khan joined the D. J. Science College of Karachi, where he took physics and mathematics. His teacher at the college was famous solar physicist Dr. Bashir Syed Khan, earned a B.Sc. degree in physical metallurgy at the University of Karachi in 1960.

Khan accepted a job as an inspector of weight and measures in Karachi after graduation. He lat-

er resigned and went to work in Netherlands in the 1970s. Khan gained fame as a talented scientist at the nuclear plant he worked in.

He had special access to the most restricted areas of the URENCO facility. He could also read the secret documentation on the gas centrifuge technology.

In December, 1974, he came back to Pakistan and tried to convince Bhutto to adopt his Uranium route rather than Plutonium route in building nuclear weapons. According to media reports, A.Q. Khan had a close and cordial relationship with President General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq and the Military of Pakistan. He also maintained a close relationship with the Pakistan Air Force.

After his role in Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Khan re-organised the Pakistani’s national space agency, SUPARCO. In the late 1990s, Khan played an important role in Pakistan’s space programme, particularly the Pakistan’s first Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project and

the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV). Khan’s unrestricted publicity of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities brought humiliation to the Pakistan’s government.

The United States began to think that Pakistan was giving nuclear weapons technology to North Korea to get ballistic missile technology in exchange. Khan also came under renewed scrutiny following the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S. He allegedly sold nuclear technology to Iran.

However, he was pardoned in 2004, but placed under house arrest.

On August 22, 2006, the Pakistani government declared that Khan had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was undergoing treatment. He was released from house arrest in Februray 2009.

Other Contributions Khan was also a key figure in the establishment of several engineering universities in Pakistan. He set up a metallurgy and material science institute

in Ghulam-Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. The place, where Khan served as both executive member and director, has been named as Dr. A. Q. Khan Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences. Another school, Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at Karachi University, has also been named in his honour. Khan thus played a vital role in bringing metallurgical engineering courses in various universities of Pakistan.

Despite his international image, Khan remains widely popular among Pakistanis and he is considered domestically to be one of the most-influential and respected scientists in Pakistan.

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Informed consent is a very important aspect of dental care The main reason that I have been writing this weekly column for decades is because I believe that the most important service the reader can do for himself or herself as a dental consumer is to be informed. Be aware of what your dentist is proposing for your treatment. Let us assume that he has told you that you need one ‘simple’ cavity filled. Which tooth is it? How can you prevent any similar cavities from forming? What type of filling is needed? How much will it cost? Ask plenty of questions if you are uncertain of what is going on, or what is about to happen to you. It is your tooth and your mouth and you have every right to know what is going to happen!

Informed consent is a very important aspect of dental care today. Patient education about necessary treatment alternatives, or the ramifications of no treatment, should be accomplished at the diagnostic appointment (such as when you go for your routine teeth cleaning and checkup). Economics do sometimes dictate which option you must elect.

For example, you might decide on amalgam (silver filling) rather than gold only. The amalgam may not be the best choice, but it will save the tooth until you can save enough money to select the better choice. Ask what your options and risks are in selecting a particular course of treatment.

Having a thorough understanding of your needs allows you to understand treatment plans before treatment is started.

For every procedure you need your dentist to inform you about treatment alternatives (advantages and disadvantages), cost, risk and ramifications of non-treatment.

If you have any doubts about the necessity of restorations, the experience or expertise of the dentist, or if there is anything else that bothers you do not hesitate to speak up.

The dentist cannot read your mind. If the problem is one of confidence in the dentist, do not hesitate to change dentists or at least seek another opinion.

Now, let us assume that you have chosen a dentist and you need a restoration on your lower first bicuspid. Do you know which tooth this is? This could be very important information to know later. Why? What if you get a toothache on a vacation? If it is on the left side, you can tell any dentist that you recently had a filling on the lower left first bicuspid and thus the toothache might be coming from that tooth. You need to be able to communicate with a new dentist who is not familiar with you dental history. It is also helpful to be able to communicate effectively with your regular dentist. In the beginning a toothache is localised. Later the pain becomes diffuse and it may become difficult to determine the source.

If you are informed, you could be a great help in diagnosis.

It’s also important to know how deep the filling was and whether pulp capping (sedative medication placed on exposed pulp) was necessary. You could be helping yourself out of an uncomfortable situation later.

In addition to the technical side, you should take into account the human aspect. A big question is: Can you communicate with your dentist? Find another dentist if the answer is a big ‘No!’ Finally, after you get home, you can examine the treatment done by your dentist. It is quite easy, provided the dentist placed a silver or gold filling. Does it feel as though the filling is hitting first when you bite down? If the answer is ‘yes’ go back and tell your dentist. He can ‘adjust the occlusion’ (fix the bite) by grinding down some of the dental restoration; what for tooth sensitivity or sharp pain, which also may indicate high restoration.

Next, you can purchase a mouth mirror from the dental aids section of your local pharmacy. It will look just like the one the dentist used except that it will probably be made of plastic rather than metal. There should be no ‘catch points’ restoration between the teeth when you floss. It should be smooth; thus, you can use your finger nail to test this and to make sure that you have no obvious open margins (spaces) between the tooth structure and filling material. An open margin can eventually lead to decay under restoration.

If there is a question of the quality of the service provided, first bring it to the attention of the dentist who provided that service. If you get no satisfaction, seek the advice of another dentist or your local dental society.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XIX

ONLY ONE THING MATTERED NOW LIST MADE IT DIFFICULT

THEY REFUSED TO HELP

On the starboard side the ship’s list made things difficult. People had to climb over one boat into another and some who had gotten into one of the “near” boats, No. 11a, refused to budge.

The result was that this boat became firmly embedded on its chocks, weighed down by nearly 90 people.

Chief Officer Copland came running across. Sweating and straining, the black dust from the explosion streaking their faces, he and the men struggled painfully to raise 11a. They got up at last, the boat swung clear, and slowly it began to inch towards the water.

Suddenly the tremendous weight proved too much for the tired men straining at the pulleys. Abruptly one let go, and the others could not hold it. They lost control and the stern of No. 11a went plummeting towards the water.

Almost 90 people were hurled violently towards the stern. One woman was flung into the sea. It all happened in seconds. Oil and water swept into the boat as it hit the sea.

When it finally got clear, its occupants were thigh deep in the water.

Boat No. 4, with Assistant Purser Taylor, got away with almost 60 people in it, but sadly undermanned.

In addition to Taylor there were storekeeper Mac Cuaig, Quartermaster Mc-Lean (who was in charge), and a young steward who had never handled an oar before in his life.

There was an engine room greaser- but he had four ribs broken by the explosion.

As No. 4 rocked away from the Athenia, its gunwale close to the water, neither

distance away so that if she suddenly did go down they would not be sucked down after her.

Every oar that that could be used should be in us. McLean asked two men – both honeymooners, with their brides in the boat – to give a hand.

Both refused, they appeared to have lost their nerve, and lay in the bottom of the boat with their arms round their wives.

Taylor tried to sting them into action by shouting insults and once or twice it looked as if his policy might succeed. One of them made

McLean nor Taylor had any idea how long the ship was going to last, but they were anxious to get a reasonable

a half-hearted attempt to rise but his wife held him back shouting: - “don’t leave medon’t leave me!”

THEY STARTED TO SING By two minutes past nine only two boats were left. One was No. 7a, held firmly to its chocks by the list when had now grown to 12 degrees.

The waiting people were singing “abide with me” All around was the dark sea. Above, the blinding arc lights swung at the mast heads, casting a cold light upon the decks and heightening the shadows which chased back and forth with the movement of the wind.

Captain Cook, the Athenia’s master roamed the deck

in civvies. (He had changed so as not to disclose his identity in the event of capture).

He was urging the men at the launchings to greater efforts, helping and advis-

ing them. In the radio room Chief Radio officer Don was still tapping away constantly giving the Knute Nelson a bearing, trying to contact other ships. (Conclusion)

XX

She's In College, But Can't Get Over Her Grade School Crush

Growing Pains

I

'm an 18-year-old girl who just finished her first semester at her new college. Things have been going okay, I guess, but there is something that keeps bugging me: I can't seem to get over my crush from 8th grade.

Eighth grade was my transitioning stage from wearing glasses and kid's clothing to dressing more girly and wearing contacts. I was always called ugly and a loser back then.

However, since my change, people in and outside of school have made comments about how pretty and beautiful I am.

Anyway, in 8th grade I had four or five classes with this boy. He was tall (still is) and had blue eyes and blond hair (still does) and was really attractive (still is). He was one of the most popular guys in my grade, while I was a shy girl with dark brown hair and hazel eyes who never went out often.

For some reason, he started talking to me. But even more than that, he sat next to or behind me, used to joke with me, poke me, and in general, be very nice to me. It just made me so happy! This was the first time a boy, and a good-looking one at that, was genuinely nice to me!

So began my crush on him. I had two classes with him in 9th grade, in 10th we had nothing, then 11th grade comes and I sit next to him as his physics partner! We talked and laughed together multiple times. He even patted me on the head when I put my head down to rest my eyes. It was wonderful.

Then senior year rolls around: no classes. I barely saw him except in the hallway.

At prom he looked at me a few times as I passed by in my dress but that was it. Then at graduation he looked at me a few times but I thought it was nothing.

That brings me to college. I go to an all-women's school, but many men from a coed school who take classes at my school roam around. The guys I see now don't seem to compare to him.

I thought I would have the opportunity to meet new guys at my new school, but every time I see photos of my crush at his college with friends that are girls, I get jealous. Why couldn't that have been me? It's so unfair!

I know this sounds weird, but I've had a few dreams where he was in it. The last dream was yesterday. Unfortunately my mom woke me up in the middle of it. The fact that I wanted the dream to last made me so mad I almost wanted to cry! I was so sad when my mom interrupted, you have no idea.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

I know it sounds stupid but I can't get over this guy!

Bridget Bridget, when you felt plain and unwanted, he was nice to you. But if he wanted to date you or go out with you, he would have spoken up. In the past he had every opportunity.

Because you didn't have that kind of relationship with him, everything else was made up in your mind. He was a crush. What are crushes for? They are one-sided, practice relationships. You get over them and then you start having real relationships.

You can't measure every other male by a daydream. Focusing on him will prevent you from being open to a relationship with someone who cares about you.

You don't get to pick a boyfriend like you get to pick next semester's classes. It will happen when it happens with whom it happens. It will happen when you aren't focusing on the wrong place. It will happen when you are acting from the place where you now are, as a beautiful, educated young woman.

Wayne & Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XXI

Clonbrook - A Haven of Serenity

O

By Alex Wayne UR experiences continue to vary as we explore the many villages around Guyana and become absorbed in their mystical tales and alluring infrastructure, experience the fascinating interaction of their inhabitants and listen to the rabble of these various people.

We have been greeted with jovial hospitality, amazing village camaraderie, amusing village gossip and interesting tales of the many challenges that were either faced and conquered, or avoided and lamented by the residents.

This week we were totally enthralled by the high degree of serenity and dignity enjoyed by the people of Clonbrook and the positive manner in which they embraced the dawn of modernity and development.

WHERE IS CLONBROOK? Clonbrook is situated in the densely populated Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) community of Guyana. Located along the East Coast Highway about 20 miles from Georgetown and about eight miles from Mahaica, the village is bordered to the west by Bee Hive and to the east by Ann’s Grove. With a population of approximately 3,000 residents who, historically, were almost 100% Indo-Guyanese, internal migration has today changed Clonbrook’s population with a substantial influx of Afro-Guyanese residents.

Consequently, many new houses have been constructed near the public road, the East Coast Highway, in a sort of ethnic mix wherein some sections have a majority African population whilst other sections have a predominantly East Indian population. Nevertheless, this village is famous for its friendly people, and cases of racial disturbance are practically non-existent.

Residents of the front part of Clonbrook (this was not asked of the back part of Clonbrook) say they enjoy the serenity of the village; and having seen much development over the years, they would not migrate from the area.

evoked the anger of many other drivers and it brought a string of stomach churning obscenities from their lips, which certainly made no impression on our driver, who responded to their verbal attacks with very ‘raw and suggestive’ finger language that made my skin crawl.

When I disembarked that ‘vehicle from hell’ I breathed a sigh of relief, vowing that I would never enter that bus again.

And imagine the driver had the gall to enquire if I had enjoyed the ride!!! I just refused to answer him, for fear of saying something very repulsive.

I wasted no time in starting my exploration and interviews, and everyone was just cheery and ready to talk. I just marvelled at the changes in the village, and noted that almost all of the open pastures were now filled with posh buildings, all arranged in a very neat and dignified manner.

In years gone by, there was an old housing scheme there, but that was now replaced by an attractive array of buildings, most of which were in tip-top shape.

Clonbrook is now a beautiful settlement of impressive buildings, twisting and turning access roads and pathways and a showcase of glitzy ambience.

Oh dear! I will never forget the experience of exploring Clonbrook for years to come. I was just all wrapped up and engulfed in its serenity and it was definitely difficult for me to leave when my task had been completed.

Lush, green coconut palms swayed luxuriously in the fresh wind rolling in from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, creating an atmosphere that lured you to inhale great gulps of this fresh wind, so unlike that in Georgetown.

As we moved around the village there was just this very hushed simplicity about it and the starry eyed smiles of residents just made you feel welcome and definitely at home. All

THE ARRIVAL In the early 1980s, I had an ample opportunity to savour the mysteries of this village, since I was employed as a police officer at the Clonbrook Outpost for over nine months and actually resided in the neighbouring village of Ann’s Grove.

During that time the village was quite an appealing alcove that featured scattered houses, wide-open lush pastures, and a health centre. On our recent trip to Clonbrook, I was just mystified at the positive changes that have since occurred in the village.

Boarding a minibus from the city, I sat back and began to browse through the newspapers with every intention of enjoying that freshness and peculiar atmosphere of the rustic breeze, as usual.

My goodness! The driver of the minibus should definitely be given a full-time job at one of the international race tracks in the USA and should certainly be taken off the Guyanese roads in the interest of public safety.

Readers, it felt as though my heart had plummetted to the very depths of my being as this driver swerved dangerously in and out of vehicles, mouthing that he had a ‘monetary target’ to make before 17:00 hours that day. In many cases, he ground hard on the brakes and came within inches of hitting other vehicles, causing them to pull out of his roving path with a screech of tyres. This, of course,

The impressive Anglican Church just outside the village where some residents worship

around there were thriving kitchen gardens and in many yards we could see patches of sugar cane just bursting with sweet juice, waiting to be harvested.

Juice laden sour sops swung lazily in the wind from tall trees and green tall grass moving like snakes as the wind rustled them, was a sight that played havoc with the ‘nature side of our senses.’

Cows and goats enjoyed the juicy grass and stopped from their morning feasts to gaze at us with rolling eyes as if they were demanding what we were doing on their premises. Curvy mothers and daughters sat around at the many fruit and vegetable stalls chatting and many times peals of girlish laughter rang out as they enjoyed the juicy village gossips.

A few males were riding around on bicycles getting groceries for the kitchen and police officers relaxed at the Police Outpost, maybe waiting for reports which did not seem forthcoming in a village that enjoyed such peace and tranquility.

And folks, I must agree that all seemed to be well with villagers, judging from the manner in which they were strutting amicably on well paved access streets and pathways.

A FEW MINOR CHALLENGES We stopped to speak with a vegetable and ground provision vendor of five years, Marcelle Collins and she was very excited that she was amongst the target of our visit and discussions.

And Mrs. Collins who seemed at peace with herself noted that their village was one of the best and was a very peaceful and serene location.

Continued on page XXII

XXII There is a kitchen garden in almost every home

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

The lush, green pastures of Clonbrook

Clonbrook

Continued from page XXI “I have been living here for ‘donkey years’ and I don’t really have anything to complain about. This village is very peaceful and beautiful and I would not trade it for another.

Nothing is really perfect in life and like any other location there are still a few things that are needed to be done. But that aside, Clonbrook is the village I would spend the remainder of my life in.”

According to Collins most of the access roads in Clonbrook are in good condition and villagers enjoy really good potable water at all times. However, she explained that the people residing south of the village experience intermittent low water pressure. As a result they have to ensure that their water containers are filled before the pressure goes or dwindle.

Collins and a few other mothers are also very concerned about the state of the Clonbrook Nursery School compound which they claim is in need of a little sprucing up. According to the ladies, work needs to be done to the area to ensure it is made higher to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.

The women are not too satisfied with the manner in which the NDC body responsible for sanitation is operating in the village. Just a few months ago according to residents, the entity installed a few garbage containers at strategic points around the village and this was welcomed by all concerned.

However, villagers said that the containers are left to overflow with refuse for over two weeks sometimes before NDC employees turn up to empty them. As a result the dogs and other animals would seek food from the containers, dragging the garbage in and around the village.

Villagers indicated that in some areas they have to engage in self-help initiatives and clean the drains around their homes to ensure that their yards are not flooded in the event of heavy rainfall.

Villagers are also calling on the relevant authorities to fix their playfield since it is now in a ‘run down state.’

The Clonbrook Playfield is rapidly deteriorating and has now become an ideal location for cattle, sheep and goats to have their fill of grass on a daily basis. As a result of the continuous trampling by the animals, the ground cannot be used as a leisure time facility for villagers.

EDUCATION Clonbrook has two schools, a nursery and primary schools (junior high) but there is a secondary school in the neighbouring village of Ann’s Grove. However, it is said that during the 1960s and 1970s many residents did not take their education seriously, resulting in a literacy rate of only 84%, below the national average of 98%.

But interviews with teachers at the Ann’s Grove Secondary School revealed that after the 1970s era the school has improved greatly in the field of academics and has been recording better passes and grades in almost all of their subject areas.

LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES One would want to wonder quite naturally what inhabi-

tants of such a serene and quiet village would do during their leisure time.

And Mrs. Collins did not hesitate to plunge into her gleeful tale of entertainment around that village. There is actually only one nightclub in Clonbrook and the action really kicks up on weekends. However, villagers over the years have come up with attractive modes of entertaining themselves at practically anytime they wish to.

With a dreamy smile and an exciting sparkle in her eyes, Collins spoke with great gusto of their skills at creating entertainment ventures for villagers.

“Boy, in this village there is only one nightclub and things will only kick up there on weekends. But that does not stop the Clonbrook people from having entertainment just whenever we please. It has become a custom over the years for us to host lavish birthday, weddings and engagement ceremonies at our homes.”

“Man look… You should come to one of these events sir.

The food and drinks are bountiful and you should hear how the people would blast their music and dance their lives away. Of course some derogatory characters would get in to fights when they drink up the free rum. But the police station is just nearby and we would promptly hand them over to the authorities.”

Added to that villagers will come out in huge numbers for Emancipation (August) celebrations and at this time they will be several days of sporting and reveling in almost every home in the village.

Of course some villagers would step out of the village to party in nearby Ann’s Grove where there are a larger number of nightspots that allows for all week reveling and relaxation. Some would even venture into the city of Georgetown if they desire the more sophisticated side of things.

The most prominent activities are cricket, football, basketball, fishing, swimming, cycling, and “bush cooking” which is still a hit amongst residents after many years.

could be seen tending to customers in the many vegetable, groceries and fruit stalls that have sprung up around the village.

Of course there are at least four well established confectionary and fast food locations so residents have the choice of enjoying home cooked food or eating in ‘breezy splendour’ at the fast food shop of their choice.

Many have chosen farming and they would do this on both small and large scales along the railway embankment and in the back lands surrounding Clonbrook and neighbouring Ann’s Grove. Some persons prefer to tend to their small kitchen gardens in their yards; ensuring fresh vegetables, spices and peppers are just within their hand reach for the morning, midday, or evening delicacies.

A few males in the village are engaged in ‘pork-knocking’ in the hinterland regions and of course these are the residents who prefer a ‘bigger dollar’ or just like to have their earnings in a lump sum.

A CRIME FREE VILLAGE Villagers did not hesitate to declare that their village is almost crime free, noting that this was one of the factors that allowed them to exist and bask in the glory of such peace and quiet.

Housewife, Shirley Thom related that many years ago they suffered a few losses from vagrants and other sordid characters

LIVELIHOOD It appears as if most of the residents are self-employed in one way or the other and it was a very moving spectacle to watch them engaged in their occupational choice.

As we walked through the village we saw some men fussing with their chickens that were cackling loudly at their intrusion. These were of course those that decided to earn a living as poultry farmers.

Then there were the housewives that

Ready the pots for a country styled birthday party

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XXIII

The majority of youths attend the secondary school at neighbouring Ann’s Grove

One of the very posh buildings in the village

This mother and son are serious about consuming fresh vegetables

Villagers travel to neighbouring locations to enjoy a good ‘country gaff’ would have targeted the village stealing chickens and other small animals.

She noted that the police at Clonbrook staged several campaigns and has rid the village of this menace. Today they enjoy great peace and quiet that they have become the very envy of surrounding villages.

But before all this there were a few incidents which seemed to have left their imprints on the minds and memories of villagers and Ms. Thom did not mind shedding light on at least two incidents.

As related by Ms. Thom, one event she would never forget was the one involving a female in the village who was said to be a ‘mad woman’ as she was commonly called. This incident occurred in September 2011 and surrounded the slitting of a man’s throat by the accused female.

According to Thom, it is believed that the woman attacked Sheriff Balmacoon while he was making his way home under the heavy influence of alcohol.

There is speculation that Balmacoon, called ‘Boutam’ who was known to the woman, might have triggered it by engaging the woman, who villagers said was a frequent sight in the village. There is also a rumour that at least one eyewitness said that she had peered out from her window just in time to see the woman chop Balmacoon on his neck.

The attacker was assessed by psychiatrist to determine if she is of unsound mind and according to villagers no relative of the woman came forward, despite several checks at addresses she has reportedly given to investigators.

There are reports that a male neighbour close by, minutes after the attack, tried to apprehend the woman but backed off when she displayed a violent temper.

Then there was the case in June 2012 where an elevenyear-old female reportedly fled from her Bee Hive home.

The student was said to be a pupil at the Clonbrook Primary School.

Also Thom for some reason became too emotional on the subject. However, relatives of the young girl detailed receiving a telephone call stating that Devika Seelall was spotted at Number 52 village, Corentyne, Berbice, at one point, but she quickly entered a passing minibus and left

the village.

Although Thom seemed not to be able to ascertain whether the young girl had returned home, she however emphasised that when youths leave their home proper investigations should be done to ascertain whether issues revolving in the home would have prompted such action.

TRANSPORTATION One can travel to Clonbrook using the #44, #50 buses or by private taxis. Almost 90% of the roads in the area are vehicle and foot accessible. However folks there still use the traditional bicycle and even horse drawn carts as modes of transport.

RELIGION The major religions in the village are Hinduism, Christianity and Islam and while some persons worship at temples, mosques and other churches outside the village, a large number attend the very large and attractive Anglican Church built not so long ago in the nearby village of Ann’s Grove.

CONCLUSION Some may think that it takes towering skyscrapers, majestic cathedrals, posh and state-of-the-art mansions to impress and leave a lasting impression. This may be true, but only for a certain percentage of the world’s population.

If you prefer the softer side of things, quiet and peaceful existence, a fusion of the old world aura and modern beauty, or just content to watch the mesmerising forces of Mother Nature unfold before you.

Then I urge you to spend a weekend at Clonbrook.

Soak up the fresh smoothness of its naturally flowing ponds, trenches and canals. Pick and savour the scent of wild flowers from its open, beckoning green pastures. Chase after pond flies in the open fields, or just lie under one of the shady tress and enjoy a good book while sipping lime juice or fresh lemonade.

Whatever you do, make sure you visit Clonbrook where the tranquility and serenity will astound you.

Some make a fast dollar by selling water coconuts

XXIV Enjoying the breezy countryside

A vibrant fan of our Village Focus features

The fishermen are certainly kept busy attending to the needs of villagers

This little one is so lucky to be ridden around in fine splendour Enjoying the peace and solitude of the countryside

It’s always a pleasure to interact with merry residents on our village focus treks

What an innovative way to shelter from the scorching rays of the sun Some make a living by selling black pudding and other snacks

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015 Reaping a bountiful harvest

Shopkeeper ‘John’ gave us the grand tour of the village

Off to the city for shopping purposes Enjoying an evening stroll around the village

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

XXV

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

How to take care of your feet when you have diabetes

D

By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj

iabetic patients usually suffer from nervous damage and blood vessels damage in their lower extremities. These damages can make their feet vulnerable to many problems such as infected ulcers (sores), Joint deformities, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, excess build-up of callus etc. A diabetic foot complication and poor care can be a recipe for an amputation (loss of

limb). My humble appeal to all diabetics is to take proper care of their feet. Please find below some tips to take care Dr. Kumar Sukhraj of your feet. tween the toes. Use a mirror if needed to detect any problems 1. Keep your blood sugar in your target range as much such as cuts, blisters, red spots, or swelling. as possible, to prevent infection, speed healing and prevent 4. Cut toenails straight across and not too short. You further damage to blood vessels and nerves. should be able to see a small rim of white nail beyond the pink 2. Wash your feet with mild soap and warm water ev- nail bed. Have a trained professional trim your nails if you ery day. Dry the areas between toes and around nail beds to cannot do it yourself. to avoid ingrown toenails and to avoid prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. cutting your toes.

3. Inspect your feet carefully every day and check be5. Be more active and do activities like walking. Wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles for a few minutes several times a day to help blood flow to your feet.

6. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of feet daily.

Do not apply lotion between the toes (you may apply powder between the toes if desired) to prevent skin from cracking.

Try lotions like Uremol, Neutrogena, Lubriderm, or Keri.

Moisture between the toes can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

7. Wear socks with loose fitting elastic. Avoid knee-high stockings. Change socks often if your feet sweat a lot. Tight elastics cut off circulation. To prevent fungal infections by keeping the area dry.

8. Check the insides of shoes daily before putting them on. Use your hand to check for cracks, sharp edges, and loose objects. Any objects or rough edge in your shoe can cause blisters or breaks in the skin.

9. Shop for shoes late in the day, when your feet are most swollen, and make sure they fit well. To avoid injuries like corns and blisters. Take off both of your shoes at every doctor’s visit your doctor or nurse should check both of your feet.

10. Contact your health care provider immediately when you find a problem like broken skin. Most foot problems are much easier to treat when they are treated right away.

Tips for Buying Shoes with Diabetes • Have feet measured periodically, because feet change over time.

• Shop later in the day, because feet swell throughout the day, especially if you have heart disease and kidney problems.

• Have shoes fitted with the socks you’ll be wearing with those specific shoes. That way you’ll know they will fit properly.

• The distance between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe should be ½ of your thumb’s width, so you have the right amount of space to fit your feet.

When you buy a new pair of shoes, break them in before wearing them for a long period of time. Wear them for one to two hours, then check your feet for any cuts or blisters. Wear them three to four hours the next day, and so on, until they feel comfortable

Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 6228032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic.

Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness. Please look forward for a continuation of the discussion on health issues in the next publication.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

The French Cow Hand There was once a sheep farmer who had a French farm hand working with him to help castrate his sheep. As the farmer castrated the sheep, the French farm hand took the parts and was about to throw them into the trash. "No!" yelled the farmer, "Don't throw those away! My wife fries them up and we eat them, they're delicious! They're called Sheep Fries!" The farm hand saved the parts and took them to the farmer's wife who cooked them up for supper.

This went on for three days....and each evening they had Sheep Fries for supper. On the fourth night the farmer came in to the house for supper. He asked his wife where the farm hand was and she replied, "It's the strangest thing!

When he came in and asked what was for supper, I told him French Fries and he ran like hell!" **********

Three Aussies on a Train

Three Kiwis and three Aussies are travelling by train to a conference. At the station, the three Aussies each buy tickets and watch as the three Kiwis buy only a single ticket.

"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asks an Aussie.

"Watch and you'll see," answers a Kiwi.

They all board the train. The Aussies take their respective seats but all three Kiwis cram into a bathroom and close the door behind them.

Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the bathroom door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand.

The conductor takes it and moves on.

The Aussies see this and agree it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the Aussies decide to copy the Kiwis on the return trip and save some money (being clever with money and all that). When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Kiwis don't buy a ticket at all.

"How are you going to travel without a ticket?" says one perplexed Aussie. Watch and you'll see," answers a Kiwi.

When they board the train the three Aussies cram into a bathroom and the three Kiwis cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Kiwis leaves his bathroom and walks over to the bathroom where the Aussies are hiding.

He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please."

Italian Spelling A bus stops and two Italian men get on. They seat themselves, and engage in animated conversations. The lady sitting behind them ignores their conversation at first, but her attention is galvanised when she hears one of the men say the following: "Emma come first. Den I come. Two asses, they come together. I come again. Two asses, they come together again. I come again and pee twice. Then I come once-a more."

"You foul-mouthed swine," retorted the lady indignantly. "In this country we don't talk about our sex lives in public!"

"Hey, coola down lady," said the man. "Imma just tellun my friend to spella Mississippi."

Phone Network Discovery German scientists dug 50 metres underground and discovered small pieces of copper. After studying these pieces for a long time, Germany announced that the ancient Germans 25,000 years ago had a nationwide telephone network.

Naturally, the British government was not that easily impressed. They ordered their own scientists to dig even deeper. 100 metres down, they found small pieces of glass, and they soon announced that the ancient Brits 35,000 years ago already had a nationwide fibre net.

Israeli scientists were outraged. They dug 50, 100 and 200 metres underground, but found absolutely nothing......They concluded that the ancient Hebrews 55,000 years ago had cellular telephones.

Russians A Brit, a Frenchman and a Russian are viewing a painting of Adam and Eve frolicking in the Garden of Eden.

"Look at their reserve, their calm," muses the Brit.

"They must be British."

"Nonsense," the Frenchman disagrees. "They're naked, and so beautiful. Clearly, they are French."

"No clothes, no shelter," the Russian points out, "they have only an apple to eat, and they're being told this is paradise. Clearly, they are Russians."

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iswakavi (World Poet) Rabindranath was born on May 9, 1861 in Bengal. His father Maharihi Devendranath Tagore was a rich man and an aristocrat and his mother was Sarada Devi. He was the eighth son and fourteenth child of his parents. Rabindranath Tagore was not sent to any school. He was educated at home by a tutor. Rabindranath was not happy, getting educated within the four walls. He was a curious and creative child.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Even as a boy he felt that nature is a mystery and he should unravel the secrets of nature, through education.

Though he was educated at home, he studied many subjects and there was a method in his studies. He would get up early. After physical education he would study Mathematics, History, Geography, Bengali and Sanskrit. In the afternoon, he learnt drawing, English and play games. On Sundays he would learn music and conduct experiments in science. Reading plays was of special interest to him. He was happy to read

from Rabindranath Tagore plays of Kalidas and Shakespeare. He had a special interest in Bengali, which was his mother-tongue.

For further studies, he was sent to a public school at London, where he became a student of Prof. Henry Morley whose lectures influenced Rabindranath to take interest in English Literature.

Rabindranath started writing poetry in Bengali. His poem “Sandya Geet” (Song of Dusk) was appreciated by many, including Sri Bankimchandra Chatterji, who wrote the National song “Vandemataram.” He later wrote in Bengali a number of devotional songs “Nivgarer”, “Prabhat Sangeet”, etc.

“Gitanjali” is a well-known collection of his poems.

Gitanjali contains his various noble thoughts common to the vast humanity, viz. pessimism, love, satisfaction, dignity of labour etc. for this book “Gitanjali” Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1931 and was the first Indian to get a Nobel Prize. The British Government conferred on him knighthood and gave the title of “Sir.” What makes Rabindranath Tagore special for Indians is “Jana gana mana” and it is our National Anthem. Rabindranath Tagore wrote it when he visited Madanapalli in Andhra Pradesh on the eve of the Rishi Valley School Anniversary at the invitation of Dr. Arundale, the Principal. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had the greatest respect for Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky.” ********** “Beauty is truth's smile when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror.” ********** “Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” ********** “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

Continued on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015 From page XXVIII ********** “Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.” ********** “Love does not claim possession, but gives freedom.” ********** “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” ********** “By plucking her petals, you do not gather the beauty of the flower.” ********** “Do not say, 'It is morning,' and dismiss it with a name of yesterday.”

“See it for the first time as a newborn child that has no name.” ********** “Everything comes to us that belongs to us, if we create the capacity to receive it.” ********** “Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.” ********** “Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.” ********** “The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.” ********** “The water in a vessel is sparkling; the water in the sea is dark. The small truth has words which are clear; the great truth has great silence.” ********** “Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.” ********** “We live in the world when we love it. ” ********** “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” ********** “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.” ********** “You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” ********** “Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.” ********** “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” ********** “I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door - or I'll make a door.”

“Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.” ********** “The flower which is single need not envy the thorns that are numerous.” ********** “Facts are many, but the truth is one.” ********** “Age considers; youth ventures.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Fernando Sancho

-Often typecast as a Mexican bandit

F

ernando Sancho (January 7, 1916 – July 31, 1990) was a Spanish actor.

Sancho was born in Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain, and died in Madrid after surgery.

He was often typecast as a Mexican bandit in paella and spaghetti westerns, including The Big Gundown (directed by Sergio Sollima), A Pistol for Ringo and Return of Ringo (directed by Duccio Tessari), Arizona Colt (directed by Michele Lupo), Minnesota Clay (directed by Sergio Corbucci), and Sartana (directed by Gianfranco Parolini). Though (almost) always given the same role — a Mexican bandit chief — Sancho was a strong actor, and became one of the icons of these films.

He also appeared in a number of Spanish horror movies in the '60s and '70s. One of the better known horror parts was the role of a corrupt small town mayor in El Ataque de los Muertos sin Ojos (AKA Return of the Blind Dead), directed

by Amando de Ossorio. Another notable horror film was Orloff and the Invisible Man (1971), directed by Pierre Chevalier and starring Howard Vernon, an unofficial continuation of the Dr. Orloff saga begun by Jess Franco in The Awful Dr. Orloff (1962). Sancho also turned up briefly in the epic Lawrence of Arabia playing the Turkish sergeant who arrests T. E. Lawrence in Deraa.

It is possible that Fernando Sancho's mother was Greek; he could certainly speak Greek trippingly, and acted in several Greek movies, all depicting moments of Greek martial history.

Sancho had a very prolific career and remained active in film up to his death. He made larger than life characters his specialty, and was a similarly 'big' character off screen as well — popular both with audiences, and with his fellow actors.(Wikipedia)

Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015 The oldest known camel is Protylopus, appeared 40-50 million years ago (Eocene) in North America. It had the size of a rabbit and lived in forests.

Later, camels spread to the savannah and increased their size.

In Oligocene, 35 million years ago, Poebrotherium had the size of a roe deer, but already resembled a camel. ********** There are 17 million camels worldwide. 90 % are dromedaries or Arabian camels (with one hump) and 75 % of the dromedaries are found in North/ East Africa. 50 % of the world's dromaderies are found in Sudan and Somalia, in semi-desert areas. 15-20,000 bewildered dromaderies roam western and central Australia. ********** Camels are gregarious and well adapted to their environment, the desert. They can carry heavy cargoes, stand sand storms and large temperature differences. Camels are called the "desert ships", and they can swim when they encounter water. The north Egyptian Lake Borollos has a depth varying between 20 cm and 2 m (0.6 to 6 ft). It cannot be crossed by boat or vehicles, and only camels can be used in this case. ********** A camel can resist 17 days without drinking under a scorching heat. It was wrongly believed its resistance resided in the water kept in the hump or in a stomach pouch. If it doesn't drinking anything for 17 days,

a camel can lose a third of its weight, without being affected.

But when it catches the opportunity, in can drink 104 litres of water at once (the Bactrian Camel, which is larger, can drink up to 120 litres), in 7-8 minutes!

But three days later, there is no sign of water in its stomach or hump. ********** To resist the lack of water, the camels have several means of adjusting to the situation.

Their body temperature varies depending on the environment: in the cooler morning is of 34o C, whereas during the hot afternoon it goes up to 40-41o C. The kidneys' function is regulated depending on the water availability: they produce 7 litres of urine when water is abundant, and 500 g when it does not drink for days. When thirsty, transpiration is reduced towards zero. ********** A camel's thick coat maintains an insulating layer, and it also reflects sunlight. A shorn camel has to sweat 50% more to avoid overheating. It also insulates them from the intense heat that radiates from hot desert sand. Their long legs help by keeping them further from the hot ground. ********** This ability to fluctuate body temperature and the efficiency of their sweating allows them to preserve about five litres of water a day. ********** The rest of the camel's body is adapted to the conditions in

the desert: the hoof is perfect for the soft, instable sand, and the digits are wrapped in an elastic tissue that isolates the foot from the hot ground (while impeding deepening in the sand); the thick eyebrows and eyelashes protect the eyes against sand and sun; the nostrils are moved by muscles that can close them hermetically at will and the ears are filled of hairs that impede the sand to get in. This helps them retain expiration water and protects the animal during the sand storms. Horny layers on the chest, elbows and knees protect the camels against the scorching heat and insect. ********** Another issue: camels never run, they just speed up, in their typical gait of moving simultaneously the feet of the same part of the body. Running would raise transpiration. They can make daily 160 km (100 miles) with a speed of 16 km (10 mi)/hour.

In caravans, they make 30-40 km (18-25 ml) per day, with an average age of 3.5 km (2.2 mi) per hour. The maximum speed achieved by a camel is 25 km (16 mi) per hour, but they get tired quickly. ********** The camels' humps are reservoirs of fatty tissue. A full hump has 10-15 kg (22-33 pounds). When this fat is metabolised, it is not only a source of energy, but yields through reaction with oxygen from the air 1,111 g of water per 1,000 g of fat converted. ********** After drinking, water is spread uniformly in the body

and it is lost gradually, about 100 liters in 17 days. The average water content of the camel's body is low: while the cow's tissues contain 80 % water, the donkey's (another desert animal) 65 %, and the camel's just 50 %. A camel crossing a desert loses in 24 hours only 2 % of its bodyweight, while the donkey at least 8 %. Curiously, wild Bactrian Camels from the Gobi desert (China-Mongolia) can drink saltwater. ********** Camels can withstand at least 20-25% weight loss due to sweating (most mammals can only withstand about 3-4% dehydration before cardiac failure due to the thickened blood). ********** But how can camels drink over 100 litres of water at once without serious consequences?

This is the same as a human drinking 20 litres of water in 10 minutes. This would induce water intoxication in us. The red blood cells of the camels (and lamas, too) have an ovoid shape and the property of swelling round, till achieving a double volume and after that gradually release the stored liquid. The red blood cells are extremely small and numerous (132.5 million per cubic millimetre). ********** In their native lands, camels feel by far the presence of a

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fountain or river. They never forget the place where they have found water. ********** Camels walk 3 km (1.8 mi) per day looking for food, on average 3 hours, and disperse when food is scarce. They require 10-20 kg (22-44 pounds) of fresh food daily (or 5-10 kg (12-24 pounds) of dry food), depending on the animal's size.

If working, the food requirement is of 30-50 kg (70-110 pounds) per day. They spend 8-12 hours per day eating.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

Salvage and Create – DIYs, Beauty and Fashion Tips

with Raveena Mangal

I

ts official: the Pantone Colour of the year is….Marsala. You may not have heard of Pantone, but the colour authorities have been used as an industry resource for decades by big brands such as Sephora.

After announcing the colour of the millennium in 1999 there was so much public interest that Pantone decided to name a colour every year based on their extensive research.

Marsala is described as an earthy red with a very warm brown underneath, which gives the feeling of groundedness, strength, and confidence. It has a richness that lends sophistication.

How to wear it?

You will see the colour popping in thoughout the year in interior design to makeup - it will most notably pop up all over the beauty and fashion world.

If you choose to showcase marsala through your clothes, it can be paired with powder blues or a simple white to brighten it up, and the always staple black. If you're really ready to rock marsala, try solid marsala-coloured jeans or leggings.

A cute marsala skirt or jacket is always a great choice for dressier occasions. Not only will it go well it is everyone’s beloved gold jewellery but the dark colour is also slimming.

For makeup, the beautiful, rich colour is perfect for creating a ‘smokey eye’ look. A shimmer version is ideal for adding some sparkle to your eyes.

Is there anything more sultry than this colour for your lips? If you've always shied away from a bold red lip, a richer marsala shade is the perfect colour to help you transition into the classic look and it's particularly pretty on darker skin tones.

You can also add a hint of Marsala on your cheeks for a deep pink look that would pair stunningly with brown tones and smoky eyes.

From highlights to a full colour, it's easy to incorporate it into your hair. It is stunning as highlights in darker hair as it blends in well. Try a temporary color to begin with to make sure you like it before committing to a semi or permanent colour.

There's really no wrong way to wear the colour of the year. It's an easy trend to master and you'll be stylish all year. Whether you change your clothes, hair or makeup, you have numerous options to choose from. How will you wear marsala this year?

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Simply see for yourselves Of many things, we can speak, But let us silent our voices in these seconds And listen a little to our faithful conscience Just a little A conscience which speak the truth A conscience which refuses to lie

A conscience which says Do not deter me with your prejudice Awake to my guidance Travel beyond And simply see wonders for yourselves. Â Krishna Nand Prasad

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ARIES - If you feel like taking a “duvet day” on Monday, this could be due to influences that leave you feeling tired and unenthusiastic. There’s an upside, too, as you might feel inspired to paint, play music, or get back in touch with the dancer within. Yet friends beckon and people seem eager to have you around. Expect invitations with many opportunities to network or find a special date. By Thursday you’ll be ready to focus and get some work done.

TAURUS - Get ready to be bewitched, as a very romantic alignment could coincide with a special date or meeting that makes you radiate happiness.

You may feel as though you’ve met “the one,” and of course there’s a good chance you have. However, it pays to get to know the person better before you head off into the sunset. It’s also an opportunity to add sparkle to your current relationship. The New Moon can aid your career progress, but watch out for mixed signals later!

GEMINI - Get the advice of a practical friend if you’re faced with a decision and don’t know what to do next. A strong influence could knock you off course, encouraging you to take action when you aren’t ready to do so.

Later in the week Mercury turns retrograde in your travel sector, so you might experience delays on journeys. However, this influence can help you think outside the box. If you’ve had an ongoing problem, you may see a way to resolve it.

CANCER - Don’t get pulled into schemes that may not be in your best interests, especially on Monday. A heady blend of energies hints that all that glitters isn’t gold. If in doubt, try to get someone’s advice or do a little detective work yourself. The New Moon on Tuesday could coincide with a decision to get your finances in order. This is a good time to abolish debt and find ways to save money where possible. Later, some well-paid work might put a smile on your face.

LEO - Try not to get hooked into any get-rich-quick schemes, as they may promise a lot more than they can deliver. If you’re eager to earn extra cash this week, it might be better to focus on more dependable kinds of work.

The New Moon on Tuesday can help kick-start a business or romantic partnership. Yet expect delays when Mercury turns retrograde midweek, as things may not go exactly as planned. However, if it’s meant to be, you certainly won’t lose out.

VIRGO - A misunderstanding could affect a relationship, meaning that you may lose faith in someone you once trusted. It’s best to keep an open mind, as things may not be what they seem. Where lifestyle issues are concerned, Tuesday’s New Moon could help you kick-start a new exercise or diet routine. If you get moving on this now, you may find it easier to stick with it. Mercury turns retrograde on Wednesday, so remember to back up important documents.

LIBRA - You could meet obstacles to your progress as an edgy link develops this week, bringing frustration in its wake. Perhaps you’ll be tied up with red tape or work, or find that a promise has been broken. Whatever the situation, patience will help you navigate your way through the days ahead and help you find a way to resolve problems, too. Romance looks very possible, with a New Moon bringing a chance to take a friendship or liaison to the next level.

SCORPIO - A special date early in the week could take your breath away.

A lovely blend of energies encourages you to connect with a significant other and have a wonderful time. Think roses, candlelight, and a kiss under the stars. The New Moon in your home zone makes this a good time to get into some DIY projects. But Mercury rewinds midweek, so avoid taking on major projects, as you could experience delays along with other, more complex problems. Avoid signing major contracts, too!

SAGITTARIUS - You may finally get a chance to resolve a problem that’s been causing angst for some time. Insights or a subtle understanding may be all it takes for you to see the truth of the situation and know what to do next. There’s plenty of action in your communication sector, too, as the New Moon encourages you to start on an idea you’ve been pondering. This could be an opportunity to take a class or begin earning money using the Internet.

CAPRICORN - With your practical mindset, you may have trouble getting your head around an idea that isn’t based on fact. Bearing this in mind, you may not trust your intuition, especially if you’re getting a message to do something that doesn’t make sense. But by trusting what comes to you and acting on it, you may get better results more quickly. There’s also a romantic edge to the week, which might inspire you to write a love letter or poem to a significant other.

AQUARIUS - You’ll be in your element as the Sun moves into your sign on Tuesday, followed by a New Moon the same day. This is your chance to make changes to any area of life you choose - and the sooner the better!

Mercury rewinds in your sign on Wednesday, so you also need to factor delays into the equation. If a project takes a while to get going, keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get results further down the line.

PISCES - Your motivation improves this week, encouraging you to get going regarding an idea or creative project. Romance is also in the air, making this a good time to connect with a love interest for a special date, or tempt your sweetheart with a candlelit meal. Meanwhile, Tuesday’s New Moon falls in your spiritual sector. If you’ve been meaning to take up meditation or yoga, this is the time to start. You’ll be likelier to stick with it.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 25, 2015

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DRIP IRRIGATION

BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Special belated birthday greetings to handsome and popular KARLO JAMALUDEEN of 89 Line 10th Corriverton Berbice who celebrated his 51st birthday on December 30, 2014.

Best wishes comes from his mom SAMSOON, dad JIMMY, brothers SON-SON, RAYMOND, DIZAL, HAZIN and only sister SAUDIA all come together in wishing KARLO Allah’s richest blessing and may he live to see many more. Happy Birthdays!

A

By Clifford Stanley

properly watered garden is one step closer to being a healthy garden But due to high water costs and increasing water demands, gardeners need to be concerned about use of water, particularly potable water, in pursuit of their productive activities.

As the Guyana Water Inc. frequently reminds us : “Water is a precious resource: conserve it.”

One effective way to conserve water is by utilising drip irrigation .

Drip irrigation is a method which reduces the use of water by allowing it to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of in most cases PVC pipes.

It can be said that drip lines have a higher initial cost for equipment and take time to set up, but once they are laid out, they represent the most efficient use of water for gardening .

A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone of a plant, where it seeps slowly into the soil one drop at a time.

Almost no water is lost through surface runoff or evaporation, and soil particles have plenty of opportunity to absorb and hold water for plants.

It also means very few nutrients leach down beyond the reach of plant roots.

Furthermore, since drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plants you want to grow, less is wasted on weeds.

Weed growth is reduced because areas between plants are not irrigated.

For busy gardeners, the main benefit of drip irrigation is the savings of both time and effort.

Drip systems eliminate the need to drag around hoses and walk around with spray cans.

Plants watered with drip systems grow more quickly and are more productive, because they have all the water they need and their growth isn’t slowed by water stress.

Its low flow rate allows irrigation of larger areas and more plants can be watered at once.

Also, plants watered by drip irrigation don’t end up with wet foliage from a sprinkler spray, and that can help prevent some foliage diseases such as powdery mildew.

Of course it goes without saying that installing and using the drip irrigation system can greatly add to the enjoyment and satisfaction of raising gardens for horticulture or vegetables and the satisfaction of higher production.

These and other benefits are only possible to the user when a drip irrigation system is properly designed, managed and maintained. (To be continued)

Directing

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’

Sam Taylor-Johnson

has been stressful

SAM TAYLOR-JOHNSON knew directing Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie, would be quite an undertaking.

She understood, too, that the film, based on the first book of E.L. James' erotic trilogy, had a very enthusiastic, built-in fan base, so rest assured: She made every effort to stay true to the book on the big screen!

“I've practically eaten it,” Taylor-Johnson, 47, tells

- says Sam Taylor-Johnson

Red Magazine, adding that she has “read it over and over."

She admits she had to set some hard limits when it came to keeping creative control. "I want to protect my vision and that's the hardest thing," she says. "There are so many voices. You have to try and keep all those people at bay.

You think, you hired me because I'm a creative artist with a vision. Don't try and knock it out of me."

And from start to finish, directing Fifty Shades of Grey has been stressful. "I'm literally going out of my mind," she tells Red, speaking to the Magazine during the film's editing process. "I have seen this film over a thousand times and I'm now in a blancmange. But the nuances within-the tiniest shift, look, blink of an eye - can make all the difference and flip it into the wrong territory. It's like walking a knife edge."

Fortunately, Taylor-Johnson found Jamie Dornan, the actor playing Christian Grey, to be "a sweet and lovely man."

"Jamie's funny because he doesn't seem to feel any of the pressure," she says. "Or show he feels it. Everything washes over him and he's constantly happy."

This laid-back, good-natured attitude undoubtedly served 32-year-old This week’s episode of ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2? was definitely one of the most heartDornan well throughout filming, even as he and Taylor-Johnson "had to sit breaking things we’ve ever seen in MTV’s history — but it also showed that Diem Brown was and meet various dominants and dominatrix, just to make sure we underone loved woman. stood that world; so that we in no way portrayed it incorrectly," she says.

Last week’s Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 ended with Diem Brown feeling sick after a peanut Learning about BDSM with your boss would have to be awkward! butter challenge, but making CT still Fifty Shades of Grey hits theaters on February 13, 2015 - just in go out and have a good time. This week time for Valentine's Day! picked up right where it left off, and CT returned home to bad news.

‘The Challenge’: Diem Brown Hospitalised On ‘Battle Of The Exes 2?

NO QUESTIONS ASKED The producers let CT know right away that Diem went to the hospital while they were out at the club.

Unfortunately, since he had been drinking, he couldn’t go to the hospital, but did talk to her on the phone.

You could see the pain in his eyes that he couldn’t be with her. He just wanted her home — and one hour later, she was.

Unfortunately, after getting some rest she still wasn’t feeling well and CT carried her into the car to the hospital. TJ Lavin entered the house shortly after, and delivered the news — she needed to go home, and CT would be going with her.

Selena Gomez Desperate To See Zedd: Her Romantic Invitation Does distance really make the heart grow fonder? Selena Gomez and Zedd are about to find out, and HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVE details about how they plan to try long distance romance.

Selena Gomez, 22, wouldn’t let her ex, Justin Bieber, 20, interfere with her new romance, so why would she let a few thousand miles?

While she gets back to work filming a new movie, Selena and Zedd, 25, have plans to make it work — and HollywoodLife.com knows how!

Selena Gomez & Zedd’s Romance Goes Long Distance Even though it’s still early for their flirty friendship, Zeddlena is not going to let a little distance put out their flame.

In fact, their late night Skype dates are only one part of how they plan to keep things going — and soon enough Zedd could be hopping on a plane to Atlanta, Ga. to see Sel! (Source: Hollywoodlife.com)

‘The Voice’ Season 8 Mentors Revealed: Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor & More The celebrity mentors for season 8 of ‘The Voice’ have been revealed, according to a news report, and we’re so stoked!

Season 8 of The Voice hasn’t even started airing yet, but it’s already off to a solid start!

The list of mentors was just revealed and we’re super excited about the names that were dropped, which include the super sexy Nick Jonas and very talented Meghan Trainor!