Pepperpot 2015 1 4

Best Dressed Celebrities Of 2014: Taylor Swift, Kristen Stewart & More Page XXXII

Land of Canaan

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The Little Settlement That Reeks Of Solitude And Great Contentment

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sports a stylish short hairdo for her new Page X ad- view pics!

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Produced and Edited by C. Naipaul | Graphic and Layout Design by D. Prince

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That Which Was Taken Away Has Been Replaced – Uche Jombo

II

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

A Story About…A young girl, her passion for dancing and an unfortunate accident that shattered her dreams, the dreams she held onto and brought back to life for her deep beliefs won for her magic

The Dancing Shoes S

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

ee that girl, Watch that scene, Digging the dancing Queen” A song of the eighties, so befitting the young girl, as her lithe body moved smoothly, gracefully across the stage, her feet telling a story of its own, in true perfection of dance. Her performance won her a standing ovation and she smiled exulted, as she bowed and waved to the audience.

It was truly a unique gift, that in dance one can tell a story that arouses emotion, bringing tears to the eyes for the heavenly bliss of a body`s sublime movement

coupled with music, sweet and beautiful touches the mind in wonderment. Tyra left the dance theatre late that night, after two more performances. She was tired, but happy, happy for her success, happy to know she was doing what she loved so much. Dancing she felt was an inheritance from God and because she believed so much in heaven and the beauty of life, she had followed her heart, wanting always to be a part of this divine art. Her grandmother had told her when at five Tyra had won a junior dance competition, “Dance because you love it, dance because of the passion in your heart and dance because you believe in it, it’s you.”

Continued on page IV

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

III

A book of beginnings and transitions On Friday November 22, 2013, the book, ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’, written by Petamber Persaud, was launched. The response to this publication was so overwhelming that

by July 2014, the book had gone into a third printing.

And plans are afoot for a revised edition.

The book is an up-to-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium. This 150-page book including over 100 photographs is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese Literature are also featured.

Al Creighton, literary critic and secretary to the Guyana Prize for Literature, at the book launch said, ‘I will not do a close critical review of the book but I will speak to it, I will speak to it as a very important stimulus to the study of Guyanese Literature and the discourse on Guyanese Literature, I will speak to it as a book that takes us into the world of Guyanese Literature through various windows that Persaud opened through the book and I would use this as a platform to reflect a little bit on Guyanese Literature – what it is, where it came from, and where it is at the moment because those are themes which Persaud’s work aims to do.

Now this ‘Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is a documentary, it is a description of what has been published in Guyanese Literature and it tries to list all of those. It is not a critical analysis ...but it is certainly an extremely scrupulous account of Guyanese Literature since its beginnings up to the present time. It deal much more with the histori-

cal importance of the works than is does with current Guyanese Literature as it is.

It covers a wide range of areas as I said before reflecting considerable reading...

The record is of course not totally comprehensive but it comes near, it comes quite near to being that. We find that Persaud compartmentalises the whole wide world of Guyanese Literature into several small areas’ Those areas are namely Oral Literature, Travelogues and Histories, First Examples of Writings by Guyanese - The Early Versifiers, ‘Modern Guyanese Poetry’, ‘Literary Groups, Magazines, Journals, the Short Fiction, Children’s Literature, The Theatre Movement and Modern Guyanese Drama, The Rise of the Novel, Book Publishing, The Cheddi Jagan Gold Medal for Literature, The Guyana Prize for Literature, The Guyana Annual, Guyanese Short Story, Landmarks of Literature - Guyanese Anthologies of Prose and Poetry....

Endorsing the reprint are the following: ‘I am not an expert on Guyanese literature. However, I can say something about literary scholarship and the importance of grass-roots knowledge.

Scholarship grounded in the knowledge of one’s community, as well as scholarship which grows out of first-hand experience - living with literary and cultural traditions - is extremely valuable. Petamber Persaud’s An Introduction to Guyanese Literature is one such work. Persaud has grown with many of the traditions about which he writes. He has remained immersed in Guyana’s cultural and artistic scenes. An Introduction to Guyanese Literature is a foundational text. It offers the reader

an overview of Guyana’s literary traditions and is infused with the important awareness that Guyana’s literary heritage is first rate and demands further critical attention.’ Stephanie McKenzie - Associate Professor, Memorial University (Grenfell Campus), Newfoundland, Canada.

‘The appearance of this book is most welcome since it chronicles from the perspective of the self-taught social literary historian -many choice tidbits not recorded in other places.

Petamber Persaud's offering in this book is born of passion and love for literature. It is one of many such labours of love that he has produced over the years.

His book should be essential reading for all students of Guyanese or Caribbean Literature. A titillating read.’ Dr Paloma Mohamed Martin is the Head of Communications Studies at the University of Guyana.

‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is a book that also brings together ideas from a number of specialists from different historical periods that dedicated themselves to the study and construction of themes from Guyanese literature. The book presents cultural and literary issues allowing readers an updated knowledge and without the intention to exhaust the subject. A reprint of the Mr. Petamber Persaud's book has significant importance for readers who seek to interpret the complex cultural and literary heritage in Guyana.’

Dr. Reginaldo Gomes de Oliveira - Associate Professor and Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University of Roraima, Brazil.

Guyana’s literary heritage is extremely rich - for its size of population and stricken history - one of the richest in the world. It would

take scholarly volumes to explore this vast heritage.

Petamber Persaud has bravely undertaken a most useful reconnaissance. It is good indeed he has done so. ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ is a valuable survey done with pride and joy, cutting a trail into the great forest which stands waiting. Dr Ian McDonald is a prizewinning poet, novelist, playwright, columnist and editor.

‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature by Petamber Persaud captures a historical documentation of Guyanese literary works that is particularly significant in its wide coverage of major prize winning and landmark publications from poetry, prose, short stories, novels, plays, journals, magazines,

and even travelogues. Persaud has provided a useful research base for students and researchers delving into Guyana’s literary world of the past and into the first decade of the 21st century.’ Dr. S. Shah Roath, Ed.D. Executive Director - Guyana Learning Channel Trust, scriptwriter, cultural historian, and dramaturge ‘Upon my appointment as ambassador of Mexico in Georgetown, I began to search information about the history and culture of Guyana. However, not much material was available in Mexico and, to my surprise, even here I found it difficult to discover a way into the culture of this marvellous country. I wish I would have found a book such as Mr. Petamber Persaud’s recently

published ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’, which would have allowed me to trace a better approach and a more orderly reading of Guyanese writers. I certainly support a reprint of Mr. Persaud’s book.’ Francisco Olguin Uribe, Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana & Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM ‘An Introduction to Guyanese Literature’ will go a long way in preserving our literary heritage. The book is available from the National Library, Austin Book service and the author.

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo. com)

IV

The Dancing Shoes From page II

“Dance because you love it, dance because of the passion in your heart and dance because you believe in it, it’s you.”

Those words over the years had been her mentor and when her grandmother was called away to God’s home, she had left for her a pair of dancing shoes that she had said can do magic, but only when you truly need it to. Tyra had kept it as her most treasured gift, not knowing if one day in her life she would need magic.

One day, just for the fun of it, she joined a few of her friends to walk home from High School, rather than wait on the bus, a little bit of adventure they said, because it was a somewhat long walk. They waved to strangers passing in their vehicles, said pleasant ‘hellos’ to those passing by, laughing and chatting on their way home and was unaware of the red car coming at a deadly speed behind them.The screeching of tyres

on the paved road alerted them to the impeding danger and dropping their books, the girls ran to safety, but Tyra petrified did not move fast enough and screamed as the red car bore down on her and the last thing she remembered was excruciating pain in her legs.

From somewhere in the distance, she heard soft crying, but it was hazy and she could not seem to find her way to that sound, then a thin ray of light appeared and grew brighter. Tyra opened her eyes and saw her mother sitting by her side crying.

“Mom,” she whispered softly “Oh!” Her mother cried out in absolute relief. “You’re back, my darling.”

It took a while for Tyra to recollect what had happened-the speeding car, being hit and thrown and the terrible pain in her legs. She was now lying in a hospital, badly hurt, almost helpless all because of a little adventure to walk home. Her friends were in shock and her family deeply distressed, but it was a blessing, the doctor said, that she was alive at all. The car had hit and thrown her a good distance, but fortunately, she had landed in a heap of newly cut shrubs that saved her body from broken bones, but some pieces of jagged shrub had torn the flesh on her legs badly. The pain she felt in her heart was worse than she felt in her body and she asked her mother, tearfully, “Will I ever dance again?”

“Yes, sweetheart,” her mother reassured her, though in her heart she knew she may be lying. “You will dance again. The doctor said corrective surgery will repair the damage, but the healing will take some time.”

Dancing was what she loved, what she believed in, but, now, as she lay in that dim room, dreams seemed lost. A blessed gift was snatched from her at such a young age. Will she be able to win it back?

The weeks and months seemed to roll into one and Tyra left the hospital in a wheel chair, sad and worried. But she held on to her dreams and months later, she was walking and practicing her dance steps. It took her longer than expected to follow the dance routine and she just couldn’t get it right. Her dancing had lost its perfection, but the passion in her heart was

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

still alive and she continued to practice, to believe, to love. She returned to the stage, but the flaw, not fully corrected, was still there. What could she now do?

That summer came the break of a lifetime. A dance company from overseas was holding auditions to recruit young, aspiring dancers for Broadway shows. It would be for her a dream come true and Tyra wasn’t going to lose the opportunity. She was advised not to, but she knew it was a chance she had to take. At the backstage as she waited her turn, she took out the dancing shoes her grandmother had given her and put them on.

“I tried with my heart and soul, all I could, but I just can’t regain what I lost, now, I need your magic to win back my unique gift.”

Her name was called and she walked on stage, knowing for her and for all those close to her it was now or never. Her body graceful and poised flowed with the music as her feet told the story of a young girl and her dreams in dance, divine and magical. A standing ovation and tears in the eyes of the judges at the end of the number, won back for her, her blessed gift to follow her dreams.

The dancing shoes had worked their magic, when she most needed it.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

VII

Appeal Court denies convicted postmaster’s out of time application appeal POSTMASTER Jabez Carlton Mc Rae, who was convicted and sentenced for falsification of accounts in 1971, was denied an extension of time to appeal out of time.

The Court of Appeal headed by Chancellor E. V. Luckhoo, rejected the application on the ground that there was no merit in the appeal.

The case for the State was that the applicant, a postmaster, had falsified certain accounts being a record of stamps which he, as postmaster had received periodically from the General Post Office. The evidence was clear that the stamps had been received by the applicant and taken into stock by him. But he did not sign the two orders for the stamps and did not return them to the General Post Office as he was required to do.

When his books were checked it was found that the entries relating to the two quantities of stamps had not been made by him as he was requested to do. On conviction and sentence for falsification of accounts he made an application to the court for an extension of time within which to appeal.

The Appellate Court held that there was no merit in the appeal as the evidence had clearly proved the applicant guilty of the offence and the summing up was fair.The application for extension of time was refused.

Application for extension of time within which to appeal refused F.R Wills S.C appeared for the applicant while G.A. G. Pompey, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution represented the State.

Chancellor Luckhoo said: “I, too would like to support what has been said by my brothers Persaud and Crane.”

“It has become all too evident from the cases of reported fraud, especially within relatively recent times that its prevalence calls for serious attention.”

“Too many people seem to be on the look out to dip their hands in the public coffers and line their pockets with ill-gotten gains. This disposition to get rich quickly is a plague on our young nation, which should be provided with a better example on the part of those who,

like the appellant , occupy positions of trust.”

“As my brother Crane has pointed out , the sum involved is not an insignificant one.” “In two transactions alone, it was sought to create a loss to this country of over $10, 000.” This is shocking and disgraceful in my view.

On the facts, the plan was not only daring, but revealed a certain measure of disquieting neglect in the operation of the system employed.”

“What my brother Crane has said on the question of punishment should be noted by judges who have to deal with situations of this kind.

we are sure others will agree with us - is of opinion that the State is entitled to expect honest and conscientious service from its employees, and we feel that any employee of the State who is guilty of fraud commits not only a breach of trust against his office or department, as the case may be, but against the entire country; for he is employed in a position of trust, and he is expected to so conduct himself that the State would have implicit faith in him.”

“The way things seem to be moving would indicate that there are less and less

Clemency could be sometimes misplaced by the imposition of inadequate sentences in cases of serious fraud. If the appellant had appealed his sentence against and his appeal is properly before the court ,I might on the facts before me (and subject to what was said}, have found it difficult to restrain myself from increasing the sentence, for not only is the offence of a heinous nature, but the prevalence of such like offences involving public officers and servants in a position of trust is not a matter to be lightly glossed over. And moreover, the device used indicated a great deal of premeditation.”

“I would agree with the Order proposed by my brother Persaud and in the result leave to appeal will be refused and the conviction and sentence affirmed.”

Justice of Appeal Guya Persaud in his judgment said: “This court has for some time now, viewed with a great deal of alarm the number of convictions and accusations made against public officers of fraud committed in the course of their employment. This court – and

people in the public service on whom the State can rely.”

We hope this state of affairs can be remedied and public officers, in whatever station they are employed - whether as postmasters, or civil servants, or policemen will come to appreciate that it is of no avail to them to perpetrate fraud on the country, because they must know that in proper cases courts will see to it that they receive punishment appropriate to their crime.”

“In this case the appellant was a postmaster employed in a certain post office in the country, and very simply the case for the State was that he had falsified certain accounts.

The accounts being a record of stamps which he, as postmaster, received from time to time from the General Post Office. These two counts relate to two instances; one where he is said to have received stamps to the value of $2, 220 and the other where he is said to have received stamps to the value of $8, 040 - quite substantial sums of money, in our opinion.”

“In this particular case, there was quite clear evi-

dence that the stamps, subject-matter of these counts on the indictment, had been requisitioned, checked and posted to the appellant. There was some suggestion, rather vague, however, that perhaps these stamps had never arrived at their destination, but the evidence disclosed that there was no doubt that the stamps had arrived. Suffice it to say there was enough evidence on which it was clear that the stamps had been received by the appellant and taken into stock by him.”

“What was not done was that the appellant did not sign the two orders and did not return them to the General Post Office as he was required to do . When his books were checked it was found that the entries relating to these two quantities of stamps had not been made by him as he was required to

By George Barclay

do, and it was found that as a result of these omissions , he had stamps exceeding $5, 000 in value. But it is clear, as we have indicated in the course of discussion this afternoon, that if he had not accounted for the stamps and this excess remained in his possession, then of course, there was nothing to prevent him putting the proceeds of these stamps in his pocket.

That is what the case for the State was.

“He led his defence; the

jury read it; the judge in our view gave an admirable summing up to the jury and the jury found him guilty.”

“We do not ourselves see any merit in the appeal, and we do not see anything in the evidence or in the summing-up from which he could hope to cull a ground of appeal. In these circumstances the application for an extension of time is refused, the appeal dismissed and the conviction and sentence affirmed.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

ISLAND RELECTIONS FOR THE HOLIDAY

“Last Christmas Eve was a rush!”

This was expressed by nine-year -old Adelicia Andries who resides on the “Island” on Sussex Street.

She sat across from me and shared her Christmas thoughts. I had waited more than an hour to speak to her

on a windy Sunday morning.

“Every Christmas I work hard to fix up my home.

There is washing, scrubbing, sweeping and cobwebbing.

Then there is the last minute shopping rush for decorations and some food items.” She then assists with cooking.

She recalls waiting up

until midnight just to be able to open her presents. After playing with her toys for a while she falls asleep wherever it catches her.

“I get up early Christmas morning and eat, bread and cheese or pepperpot and Milo. I enjoy being with my family. I also play with many

of my friends. We share each other toys and have a grand time.”

“My best Christmas was when my sister visited from overseas. We spent a lot of time together, played games, went shopping and visited the zoo/gardens or a picnic.”

Adelicia though young has a wonderful outlook on life.

“When I have plenty of toys I give some to my friends. My friends are a big part of my Christmas. They share one half and my family the other.”

She enjoys days of hectic activities. Playing with family friends and cousins, watching TV, visiting Santa, going to Courts light up and playing for long periods with her doll house and kitchen set.

“I get the Christmas spirit from hearing carols, seeing homes and stores decorated, playing with toys and attending Christmas parties especially my school party.”

“To me, Christmas is not about toys and gifts alone.

It’s about Jesus who was born on that day. I wish every

Guyanese a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Adelicia’s mom Grace Grant-Andries, thinks that Christmas has lost some of its excitement. “I only get excited when I prepare the home for the children. I think it’s mainly for children.”

Her happy memories of Christmas consist of receiving many gifts, helping and watching parents prepare for

the season, decorating, cooking and eating.

“I used to play and run all day. I enjoyed it back then because it was the only time of year when I could play unrestricted. I really enjoyed all of my Christmas days back then. Once I drank some Jamoon wine and by the time food arrived I was out of it; fast asleep. There is no such fun today for the season. Old days can’t come back!”

It’s hard work for the single mother of three. Clean up, shopping, decorating, cooking, baking and hosting holiday visitors.

She feels some disappointment that the season has been so heavily commercialised. This, to her, shifts the focus from Christ.

“I wish that people will really reflect on Christ, get to understand Him and serve Him as their master. After all, He is the reason for the season!”

“I wish everyone a g re a t , s u c c e s s f u l a n d mighty New Year.”

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

IX

Smoking is linked to cancer of the mouth

When I was a teenager, Guyanese society in general held the view that women who smoke in public were “loose.” In other words, they were somewhat below the norms of the “moral standing” of “decent “ women. Today, that is not the case. To smoke in public is considered mature.

During the years I spent studying dentistry in Cuba, I was considered a “chain smoker”.

But when I departed Cuba on July 10, 1980 that was the last time a cigarette ever touched my lips. Quitting for me was easy and I am no different from anyone. Now it is estimated that there are currently about 268,000 citizens in Guyana who smoke. Global statistics show about one quarter of all dental patients use tobacco. It is scientifically recognised that smoking is among the nation’s leading preventable health problem and is responsible for one in every six deaths. It is common knowledge there is a link between smoking, lung cancer and heart disease. Smoking also contributes to cancer of the kidney, cervix, pancreas, bladder and stomach.

From the standpoint of oral health, smoking (cigarette, pipe and cigar) is linked to cancer of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus and larynx. Chronic use of smokeless tobacco has been directly linked to cancer of the larynx, mouth, throat and (gullet) eosophagus. Chronic smokeless tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonusers, and the risks are greatest in intraoral locations where the tobacco is usually stored. Oral cancer is usually treated with a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. If it is not diagnosed early, oral cancer may require extensive, disfiguring surgery; or worse, it may be fatal.

The overall five-year survival rate for oral cancer patients is about 50 percent, with only 23 percent of those with regional lymph node involvement surviving.

Leukoplakia is a soft-tissue lesion that is characterized by a white patch or plaque. It is usually a localised condition that is related to irritation from a badly fitting denture, broken teeth, or tobacco. High- risk sites include the floor of the mouth and the underside of the tongue.

Although leukoplakia is not extensively seen in tobacco users, it is definitely associated with both smoking and smokeless tobacco use. The tobacco/leukoplakia association is related to the frequency, amount, and duration of the tobacco use. It has been reported that 2 to 6 percent of leuoplakia will become malignant. Further, the lesions often heal when tobacco use is stopped.

Overwhelming scientific evidence shows periodontal (gum) disease is more likely to occur in smokers than non-smokers, and is usually more severe (often resulting in tooth loss). It is interesting to note that smokers usually have higher levels of dental plaque, but the tendency for their gums to bleed is lower. The diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease for this group may be delayed because they don’t usually have bleeding gums.

The oral effects of smoking are stains on teeth, tooth restorations, and the tongue; calculus buildup on the teeth and bad breath. Smoking dulls a person’s ability to taste and smell; irritates tissues in the mouth; and delays healing after a tooth has been extracted (including a dry socket) or after oral surgery. Several studies have shown that smoking is the greatest barrier to tissue healing after periodontal therapy, especially when soft tissue is grafted and/ or surgery is performed. Periodontal therapy is more likely to fail if the patient continues to smoke. There is a positive association between smokeless tobacco use and gingival (gum) tissue recession at the site where the tobacco is usually stored in the mouth. Smoking cessation is usually associated with a reduction in the formation of calculus.

The American Dental Association has launched an all-out effort to involve dentists in an organised intervention program to provide tobacco-cessation services to patients. If we in Guyana should adopt such a programme it would be especially important for Dentexes and Community Dental Therapists to be active in this program because periodontal disease, oral cancer, and wound healing are so closely linked to cigarette smoking. Trained oral health professionals are able to offer tobacco cessation counseling with minimal interruptions in patients’ daily routines. They are the most logical health professionals to provide this information to patients because they already see patients on a regular basis.

Whatever the reason people give for continuing to smoke, the reality is that nicotine, a drug found in tobacco, is addictive. It is a stimulant that increases the heart rate and blood pressure, and it acts on the pleasure centres deep within the brain. It causes both physical and emotional addiction. As smokers develop a tolerance to nicotine they need more to get the same physiological/psychological effect. This makes their addiction very difficult to overcome.

The FDA has approved prescriptive agents (such as nicotine-containing gum and transdermal patches) to be used in conjunction with tobacco-cessation programs. The American Dental Association (of which this author is a member) has also recently created a new code for oral health professionals to use to bill insurance companies for their counselling services.

If you don’t smoke, don’t start! If you want to stop, here are some techniques listed in a recent brochure from the ADA: * Make a list of reasons you want to quit * Set a date you will quit, and then do it * Join a formal smoking-cessation support group (there is one at PHG) * Exercise * Keep your mouth occupied with sugarless gum etc. * Keep your hands occupied with needlepoint, woodworking etc. * Choose a low-stress time such as your vacation to stop smoking * Stop all at once and give yourself a reward if you succeed * Don’t let setbacks discourage you – keep trying * Use all available resources (audio and video tapes, books, and self help materials).

What Are The Chances For A Happy Family?

The Grinch

My mother-in-law made my husband and my wedding process very difficult. But in the end the best thing that came out of it is we are more united and open with each other than ever.

I am a lucky girl to have my husband! We got married two summers ago and have been slowly trying to rebuild a relationship with his mom, although she often makes this difficult.

For example, our first Christmas together we chose a day to go to his parents' house before Christmas and spend time with them. This resulted in nasty emails and phone calls, including one telling my husband he had a bad heart. She was mad we would not see them Christmas Day. When we did come, she ignored us and stayed in a nearby room. Then she said she would not open our present until December 25th.

This year we decided to invite them to our home since they have not been here in awhile, though we often see them at their home and business. We said if the time we chose on Christmas did not work, they could pick another time and any day they wanted. We asked in person and my mother-in-law said nothing.

Days later she was again angry and yelled and cried to my husband on the phone. She was upset we were not eating dinner with them, yet she did not ask us to dinner nor did she choose a different time.

I am always polite and kind to her, but I am getting exasperated. Worst of all, my husband has been hurt deeply!

Joan Joan, think about what you wrote.

The best thing that came out of conflict with your mother-in-law is that you and your husband are even more united.

Now is not the time to bring this woman deeper into your life. Now is the time to consolidate your victory.

Why are you trying to rebuild, or rather build, a relationship with her? How many times does she have to prove to you who she is?

The only chance she has to change is to have consequences for her actions, and that may mean her son and daughter-in-law are less in her life. She has a right to be who she is, and you have a right to protect your family from her.

To do that, you have to give up the myth of the happy family and the Hallmark Moment. Too often people, to their detriment, seek the world of Leave It To Beaver, Ozzie And Harriet and The Cosby Show.

There is a fallacy that everything can be fixed and every relationship is worth preserving. By happenstance of his birth your husband is tied to this woman. If she were a stranger, how much would she be in your lives? That's the question to ask.

You have a family without his mother in it. Accept that. Don't think you always need to mend this fence. Her behavior is on her, not on you or your husband.

Your situation may seem unique to you, but to us it is commonplace. We often receive letters from women who tried to mollify an implacable family member, only to see their husband switch loyalties, or to see nonstop turmoil in the marriage.

Ask yourself, how often do I need to have my hand slapped, how many times do I need to be rebuked, how many times do I need to be emotionally threatened?

People claim blood is thicker than water, but actions are the true measure of a relationship. Actions are the true ties that bind.

Your mother-in-law's mean spirited actions united you and your husband and brought you closer together. Why would you want to undo that? Trying to have it all can cause people to lose it all.

Wayne & Tamara

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Deepika Padukone and Freida Pinto make it to the list of top 100 most beautiful faces!

The two beauties have been featured in the list which rounds up the 100 most beautiful faces in the world.

Deepika Padukone and Freida Pinto have often been in the limelight not only for their roles and performances, but for their beauty as well. Where Deepika’s stunning brown eyes and long legs have floored many across the globe, Freida’s sex appeal and charm demands attention and how. The hotties have been included in the list of top 100 most beautiful faces in the world, and we aren’t surprised!The list has been decided by TC Candler who is the creator of the Annual Independent Critics. Along with Dippy and Freida, Aditi Rao Hydari too features in the list and will be competing with the likes of Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde and Nina Dobrey.

Deepika’s popularity is much more than Freida’s. What we are interested to see is who will beat whom in this beauty race. Where Dippy dominates the fraternity with her stellar performances, Freida rules overseas with with her unique style and stunning red carpet appearances. The actress was recently in the news for having split up with her long time boyfriend Dev Patel. Rumours suggest that the reason behind the same was her gorwing closeness with Siddharth Mallya( the two were spotted partying together) Where Freida has been under the scanner for the wrong reasons, we believe her achievement on being included in a prestigious list as such would make the Gorilla fame happy!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

sports a stylish short hairdo for her new ad

The Jazbaa actress will be seen in a new avatar for her upcoming ad.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all set to make her much talked about comeback in Jazbaa. We hear the beauty will be seen sporting a rugged form in the film. The same is however much different from the one she will be seen pulling off in her new ad, for the L’oreal Paris ad campaign.

Where in the last ad, the B-town queen was seen showing off her long wavy locks, this time she will be seen carrying off a chic short bob hairdo! As seen in the pictures above, the most beautiful woman in the world looks just that, as she sports the bob with a bright red band which matches her uppers. We love how fresh and vibrant Aishwarya looks with her stunning blue

eyes breaking the monotony of red.

She is seen carrying a pair of scissors in one hand, and is wearing minimal makeup. This look of hers is contrasting to the one where she was seen donning bright red llips, followed by smoky eyes and nude lips in the latest L’oreal Paris ad.

Well we were a bit bored with Aishwarya’s mid length wavy locks and are glad that the actress has chosen to experiment with her style.

What raises our curiosity is whether the beauty has chopped off her hair or has pinned it up in a manner which appears as a cropped bob? Is her short hairdo a look she will be sporting in Jazbaa as well? Time will tell us! (Source: Bollywood.com)

OMG: Sidharth Malhotra wants to kiss Deepika Padukone, should Alia Bhatt be worried?

Is the Ek Villain actor secretly harbouring a crush on the Bajirao Mastani actress?

Sidharth Malhotra is currently in a serious relationship with his Student of the Year co-star Alia Bhatt. The two are on a romantic holiday ringing in the New Year. But there is someone Sid is secretly crushing on!

In a recent interview with Filmfare on being asked who he

would want to kiss on screen, Sidharth said:”Deepika Padukone. Hopefully, people will enjoy that. And me too.” Well, Sid was pretty candid about the fact that he would enjoy kissing DP for a film!

Interestingly Sid was also about his kiss with Alia in SOTY and here is what he had to say, “The kissing scene between Alia and me in SOTY was odd to

rehearse. We didn’t realise that it was so technical. There were many things to consider like the angles of our lips, head and nose. After a while it became boring.”

So, a kissing scene with Alia is “boring” while the same with Deepika would be a source of “enjoyment”. What does that say about Mr Malhotra? We’d leave it for you guys to decide!

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Devil in the Detail Hits Nigeria

After receiving rave reviews from critics and movie enthusiasts, the much talked about Shirley Frimpong Manso’s movie-Devil in the Detail which was released two months ago is finally making it to selected Nigerian Cinemas from May 16, 2014. So if you are in Nigeria and you love great African movies, this is an opportunity to experience one….

From outstanding acting to its high quality productions and the many twists and turns, ‘Devil in the Detail’ is a must watch movie.

At least after watching it,

if you are ever challenged to name one great African movie that gets it all right, you can shout-Devil in the Detail.

Also, to understand why some of us say NseIkpeEtim is the most underrated ‘African’ actress caged in a ‘gross talent suppression’ and lack of befitting merit, you must watch ‘Devil in the Detail’ to see her ‘adorable and so real’ performance…

Directed by multiple-award winning film-maker, Shirley FrimpongManso and produced

by Ken Attoh, the movie features Nollywood star-

NseIkpe-Etim, AdjeteyAnang, Ekow Smith Asante and other talented new faces.

In ‘Devil in the Detail’, a suspicious affair ruins an almost perfect marriage as husband and wife take a wild goose chase into the world of sex, lies and betrayal, risking everything in one of the craziest love triangles ever.

Shirley FrimpongManso’s‘Devil in the Detail’ Starts Showing in Nigeria from May 16, and it features NseIkpeEtim, AdjeteyAnang, AmaAmpofo & Others

That Which Was Taken Away Has Been Replaced

– Uche Jombo Although the actual time of the miscarriage stirred controversy on social media.

While the Abriba-Abia state born screen diva c*m movie producer maintained that she lost the pregnancy six months ago, those who have been following her social media pages argued that she lied to her unsuspecting fans with the baby-bump pictures she was posting prior to the time her painful loss went viral.

However, Uche seem to have waved all that aside and looks forward to a brighter future as she sends a very emotional message to herself on Instagram celebrating her

birthday.

She shared a cute picture with the caption that could easily melt the heart. “ H a p py birthday to me…. It’s been an emotional year for me and also an amazing one too…

They say that you never know the exact minute your life has changed; that circumstances and situations happen and one day you wake up and you just feel differently.

I’m so thankful to God for that which was taken

away has been replaced, my ‘good’ plan replaced with God’s ’best’ plan for me! And in all things I know there’s indeed the almighty one who is always

there f o r me despite how hard things may get and loves me unconditionally so I say to him “thank you Lord”? much gratitude! ? …

(Source: Nollywood stars news.com)

Nkiru Sylvanus Set To Wed Oge Okoye’s Husband!

Yes, you read well and it is not one of the Nollywood drama or playlet. It is for real. Stella Dimokokorkus made it known that the actress (Nkiru Sylvanus) is already engaged to the Stanley Duru who is the father of the two children that beautiful actress, Oge Okoye gave birth to.

Preparations are in top gear for Nkiru Sylvanus to marry Stanley Duru, the man who is the husband of actress Oge Okoye.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

12 TECH MONTHS OF 2014

TECHNOLOGY has taken some giant leaps forward last year - and also a few steps back. It's been the year when wearable technology, driverless cars and drones all took the imagination. But we've also seen a wave of security scares, hack attacks and all sorts of cyber-nastiness which have made us question just how positive a force the internet has been in our lives.

Brain Project will attempt to create a computational simulation of the human brain, while the U.S. BRAIN Initiative will try to create a wide-ranging picture of brain activity. These ambitious projects will greatly benefit from a new resource: detailed and comprehensive maps of the brain’s structure and its different regions.

May: Google Glass - a fascinating failure It was supposed to be the year wearable technology took off - but we end 2014 with the leading innovation in this field already looking a bit of a dud. Google Glass is very clever, but as I found when wearing it for a couple of months, it makes its users look daft. Technology firms are learning the hard way

March: Facebook buys the Future In March, Facebook bought the virtual reality headset pioneers Oculus Rift - to howls of anguish from some who felt that the social network was now a big bad corporation rather than an edgy upstart. Both Facebook and Microsoft have decided that if they are going to keep innovating, paying outlandish prices for smart young companies may be the way ahead.

April: Brain Mapping A new map, a decade in the works, shows structures of the brain in far greater detail than ever before, providing neuroscientists with a guide to its immense complexity.

Neuroscientists have made remarkable progress in recent years toward understanding how the brain works. And in coming years, Europe’s Human

September: Smart Things A company calledSmart Things has also come up with a system that can automate almost all the electrical appliances of your home. The Smart Things system offers features like motion detection, time scheduling, and automatic locking. All the information is fed to your smartphone and notifications will appear on your phone to let you know if appliances are accidentally left on or if someone returns home.

October: Twitter and the poisoning of online debate The web promised a new era of free expression, and social networks seemed at first to give everyone a voice in public debate. But those dreams are fading fast as the likes of Twitter and Facebook become noisy, sometimes hateful arenas for anyone with a cause to promote or an enemy to pursue. Some people described the networks as the "command and control systems" for terrorists, and those targeted by trolls demanded swifter action to deal with them. Meanwhile, finding any online forum where people could debate without resorting to insults and abuse got harder.

January: A year of coding This was the year when the idea that we need to change the way children engage with technology really took off. It seemed every month brought a new coding initiative - there were Code Clubs and Coder Dojos, years and hours of code… and more code.

February: How fast will TV change?

This year the long promised revolution in TV viewing gathered pace. We saw more evidence of a switch to online services like Netflix, and it seems that the digital generation is now far more inclined to watch YouTube than tune in to traditional TV. But figures show the average Guyana household still watches nearly three hours of good old fashioned broadcast TV a day. The big question - will Generation X grow up and learn to slump in front of the telly like Mum and Dad?

forums to social networks, from Buzz-feed to vice. The trick for old media organisations - and ageing journalists - is to find new ways of engaging these young people and to make them pay for news.

that new gadgets need to be fashionable as well as functional.

June: Silicon Valley - still disrupting the world San Francisco-I found ample evidence at the crowd-funding site Indiegogo and the car service Uber that Silicon Valley is still producing ideas that disrupt the status quo. Uber - now valued at $40bn - has been the year's most controversial and successful tech firm, attracting more hate than love as it barges its way through regulatory barriers.

July: Pocket Scan-one which changes the language.

The Pocket Scan balances on the fine line between ludicrous budget invention on a cable infomercial and utter practical brilliance. The simple, palm of the hand-sized, invention allows you to scan anything it comes into contact with. Pocket Scan’s added functionality that stands it apart. If, say, you were to scan a document, the Pocket Scan’s accompanying software will recognize the text – in any language – and turn the scanned file into a document that can be edited. The same goes for pictures and anything else you scan. All scanned images appear in real time on the computer or tablet as you can them, too.

August: Teenagers and the news game Just as the digital generation has gone off boring old broadcast TV, teenagers don't read newspapers or watch news bulletins. But never fear - they are getting news about events that interest them from all sorts of new sources, from games

November: Nokia - still a mobile force?

It has been a year of turmoil in the world of mobile connectivity. Samsung has stumbled, caught out by the rise of Chinese newcomers like Xiaomi and the power of Apple's brand. Blackberry brought out two new phones, the Passport and the Classic - but still looked likely to survive only as a niche player for the nostalgic keyboard lover. Microsoft completed its takeover of Nokia's mobile business but still struggled to make much impact with Windows Phone. A surprise then when Nokia - the Finnish remnant that is - unveiled a new tablet. Can the company which had 40% of the mobile market stage an unlikely comeback? Or is the Nokia brand now just too confusing for consumers to bother with?

December: Hawking and the end of the human race Never mind mobile phones and wearable gadgets, let's end the year with the big picture - the future of the human race. Artificial Intelligence is going through a boom at the moment, with machines learning to do everything from drive cars to translate languages instantly. The cosmologist Stephen Hawking looked into the future, and speculated that computers which could evolve faster than humans would render us obsolete. Still, on the bright side, this is unlikely to happen in 2015. Happy New Year to all of you.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

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

THE FUNERAL OF AMARA JOE (Guyana Chronicle October 2, 1977)

ROOTS: Sunday October 2nd from 6 PM National Sports Hall; Featuring the Funeral of Amara Joe: performers include Yoruba Singers Brass Mechanics; After Dark Movement and Sound Dimension. See and hear for the first time on stage from LINKS, the GT # I singing group; LENNIE D; Haffar Afro Beat Dancers, Aubrey Cummings; Sammy Baksh and others.

MUSEUM TEAM FOR RIO REWA EXPEDITION (Guyana Chronicle October 18, 1977)

A three man Guyana Museum expeditionary team left Georgetown yesterday for the Rewa river area in the Rupununi District in search of a new collection of swamp and forest birds as well as other mammals and species of fish.

The Rewa expeditionary team as it is called is led by well known naturalist N.O.Poonai and includes Chief Taxidermist Balram Singh and Reynold Benfield of the Taxidermist Department of the Guyana Museum.

The expeditionary team will be based at Apoteri village near the Rewa River, a tributary of the Rupununi River.

Some work will also be done up and down the Essequibo River.

Expedition leader Poonai said that it is the function of all museums to renew and update their collections and to have the latest information on the ecology of different parts of the country.

STUDY-GROUP EMPHASISES VALUE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (Guyana Chronicle October 20, 1977)

Top local and overseas experts in various related scientific fields Tuesday agreed that there is need for documentation and preservation of archaeological findings especially from the Upper Mazatuni area.

The consensus was as follows: “We must attempt to know more of our past if we are to make rational plans for our future.”

They agreed too that the air of ignorance about the value of archaeology has to be cleared away so that support could be gained from the politicians, government officials and the public at large on something that has national significance.

The experts have been meeting at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston to discuss topics related to:”Human Ecology and Environmental Management.”

The discussion stemmed from a paper on “Archaeological Salvage on the Mazaruni River” which was presented by Director of Art in the Department of Culture, Dennis Williams .

TEENAGED GIRL DIES A DAY BEFORE HER WEDDING (Guyana Chronicle October 4, 1977)

A teenage bride-to-be collapsed and died just one day before her wedding.

She is Bibi Halima Ali, 18, of Reliance Settlement East Canje.

Reports stated that Bibi’s parents and other relatives had prepared for the ceremony.

The tent was erected, invitations were sent out and everyone in the family and the neighbourhood looked forward to the wedding.

Last Saturday night just twelve hours prior to the wedding Bibi’s parents held a religious function in her honour.

The young woman was said to be in high spirits welcomed the guests and chatted freely with them.

But around 10 p.m. after the service and while she was sharing sweetmeats to her guests she collapsed.

She was rushed to the New Amsterdam public hospital where she died about one hour later without regaining consciousness.

The Chronicle understands that the would-be husband whose name was given as Boyo Ramdat is also 18 years old and is employed at Rose Hall Estate Canje.

He too had planned a big reception for the occasion.

COURT FINES FIFTEEN JAYWALKERS (Guyana Chronicle October 7, 1977)

The campaign against careless use of the roads by pedestrians which is being waged by the Police Traffic Department gained momentum when 15 jaywalkers were fined $50 each at a city court on charges of walking carelessly on the roads.

Senior Magistrate Norma Jackman imposed the fines after the defendants had pleaded guilty to a charge of walking in a manner likely to cause obstruction to vehicles using the roadway.

The Magistrate issued arrest warrants for nine other jaywalkers who failed to appear in court to answer the charge.

On the previous day Magistrate Lashley Babb fined seven other jaywalkers $15 each.

FIVE FREAK PUMPKINS (Guyana Chronicle October 24, 1977)

Five pumpkins weighing 47 lbs each from a single vine

were harvested by the farming family of Leslie Babb at Danielstown Essequibo.

Visitors flocked the Babb garden to witness the “freak “ production.

While they had all seen one pumpkin from a vine weighing 47 lbs or more they had never before seen so many big pumpkins all from one vine. Nor does the Agri expert there recall this kind of; production before.

Farmer Babb celebrated his “luck” by giving away his rich haul to residents.

He pointed out that in any case there is no commercial outlet for such a heavy haul in his district.

On the same vine there are half a dozen pumpkinettes.

Villagers are waiting to see if the earlier results will be duplicated.

Farmer Babb does not hazard a guess for his “luck”.

He used no fertiliser beyond manure from his pig run.

One of the biggest pig farmers in the district, he has seventy head which he hopes to market in three batches in the next three months.

Farmer Babb is assisted by his wife and seven children.

“GUIDING” AN AVENUE FOR GIRLS TO DEVELOP MUCH NEEDED ABILITIES - JARVIS (Guyana Chronicle November 14, 1977)

The Chief Commissioner of Guides Ms Carmen Jarvis has said that Guiding can develop girls into disciplined citizens possessing skills resourcefulness and attitudes needed got the progress of Guyana.

Ms. Jarvis was at the time addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Girl’s Guide Movement at the Brickdam Headquarters of the organization Monday last.

Attending the meeting were Commissioners, Guiders, Rangers, Brownies friends of the Guides and parents.

She said that Guiding’s relevance to the country’s development and its competence in meeting the challenge of change made it indispensable to the needs of young people.

She added though that the organisation’s greatest challenge is still the recruitment of leaders and added that the membership is approximately 1,800 Commissioner Guides, Rangers, Guides and Brownies and remains fairly stable.

These numbers she said could be substantially increased if the organisation could find the leaders in the areas where they are needed especially in the rural areas.

The Commissioner then appealed to members and friends to join movement in its search for leaders who will come forward and help in this “ very worthwhile programme of training” for girls.

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 657 2043)

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

At last the woman was hauled in. once she was in, orders were given to pull the boat away.

There was an element of panic in the decision, for the lifeboat was only three-quarters full and women were still left clinging to the ladders and the lifelines. When the boat had gone about 300 yards the men stopped rowing and streamed the sea anchor.

Some of the other early boats were going away with no more than 50 people in them, though some were built to hold 86.

Orders were given for them to cult to slide down a lifeline with it. If it were simply a question of skirt or safety, this was not the time for false modesty. “Would you rip it for me?” she asked the seaman.

He stared at her for a moment in astonishment. Then with a grin he caught hold of the skirt and pulled the cloth clip.

With her skirt split like a Chinese cheongsan, Barbara Bailey let herself down the lifeline.

All went well until her feet touched the ledge at the Plimsoll Line. She paused for a moment, before deciding to let go and jump into the boat, but a wave suddenly swept the boat away from her.

As she hung there waiting for it to ride in again, the old despair gripped her. Here she was dangling from the end of the rope, the Atlantic waves licking only a few feet from her. It could easily be the end.

She let her feet slip from the ledge, her hands still clinging to the rope. Where was the boat now? “I might as well jump and finish it anyway,” she thought.

Then a pair of hands gripped that if she suddenly did go down they would not be sucked down after her.

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 sing them into action by shouting insults, and once or twice it looked as if his policy might succeed. One of them made a half-hearted attempt to rise. But his wife held him back, shouting: - ‘Don’t leave me- don’t leave me!”.

THEY STARTED TO SING By two minutes past nine only two boats were left. One was no. 7a, held firmly on its chocks by the list which had now grown to 12 degrees. The waiting “Abide with me” all around was the dark sea.

WAITING THEIR TURN, THE LAST FEW SING ‘ABIDE WITH ME’ With the waves, the men would grab a woman on the ladder by the legs. At the same time people in the lifeboat would yell at her to let go.

It worked until suddenly a big 14-stone woman fell into the sea with a tremendous splash. ‘she came up shouting. The she turned over on her back and floated, still calling for help. In the boat her 12-year-old daughter added to the row with her screams.

Two men reached out and caught the struggling woman and tried to pull her in, but her enormous weight and intense upon lying rigidly on her back defeated them. … To be continued- (In the next Sunday edition of the Guyana Chronicle.)

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Understanding … from a teen’s point of view!

Positivity and a renewed mentality for the New Year

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014 Hello there to you my readers! Well, I am very pleased to be writing this article- my first piece this New Year and I would like to thank everyone who have supported me this past year and I hope that I will have your continued support this year.

This week, I would like to speak about positivity and renewed mentality for the New Year, because in order for us to become better individuals holistically we have to embody these traits. Well, like they say ‘old habits die hard’ but it is my belief that nothing is impossible as long as you are positive and your mentality is stimulated to be faithful and work hard. I won’t lie, this year I am pretty sure that I won’t get rid of all my unbecoming traits; but that doesn’t mean that I won’t try. The same applies for you all and believe it or not this right here is a perfect example of being positive and renewing your mentality.

Very common in our Guyanese society is the abuse

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014 of alcohol. This is a very big problem in our society and it reflects badly upon your character. Most of the times those people who do these acts justify it by saying alcohol is a means of ‘escaping’ their problems. It all comes right down back to your mentality. If you have the mentality that alcohol is the relief to your problems - instead of learning and moving on, you indulge in unbecoming acts of alcohol abuse. To you my fellow youths, just because someone you know does this, doesn’t make it right; be a leader and tell them the right things to do and the effects of continuing with this. Let’s help change this mentality.

Another very common issue in our Guyanese society is racial prejudice. Why is this so? Why does the fact that we have different backgrounds divide us? How does being differently ‘coloured’ make us different from each other?

We are all the very same. We have to move away from this horrible mentality and really see that we are One People,

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One Nation, One Destiny. Again, it all comes back to your mentality and again I am imploring you youths to be leaders and help to cut off this chain of discrimination.

So let’s start this year with a positive outlook on everything in life and let’s all have a good mentality towards everything also, especially the above mentioned issues. I wish you all the best for this week especially those of you heading out to school and remember to set goals for yourself and we all have to do better this term

Quote of the week: (by Walt Whitman) “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.”

Good bye! See you all again next week right here at your favourite and best newspaper.

Vishani Ragobeer

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Land of Canaan The Little Settlement That Reeks Of Solitude And Great Contentment

By Alex Wayne

of Canaan all his life and explained that as a kid the village was mostly a dense overgrowth of bush and foliage, and a few scattered houses. He said there was no electricity in most areas and many sections of the village were pitch-black after dusk.

He said during that time the area was plagued by a serious drainage problem, and farmers who cultivated cash crops in the backlands suffered immensely as a result of continuous flooding.

He said by the early 1970’s the village began to show signs of development and it started with persons who bean to erect

Our experiences would have varied each time we visit and explore the intriguing villages around Guyana and in almost every case our visit left us a lasting impression.

In many cases we are awed by the mystique beauty of some of the locations or either thrilled by the warm hospitality of the people, or amused by the sometimes juicy gossips that surround them.

Our experience however when we visited Land of Canaan Village on the East Bank of Demerara was another welWelcome to the alluring Land of Canaan come refresher and we could not help but bask in the glorious waves of apparent solitude that seemed to surround the village, Land of Canaan in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) is located some 14 miles (or 23 km) south of Georgetown.

This time around, the journey had a few hiccups in that I forgot to walk with weather gear and therefore received a good drenching from the never ending rain, since I was bent on completing my explorations, be it rain or sunshine.

And then as I walked alongside the public road I had the scare of my life as speeding sand trucks almost ran me over as they attempted to overtake each other on the wet road, desperately trying to be the first to sell a load of white sand in the city. Keeping a safe distance on the curb of the road after I continued my wet and dripping trek around the village. a few small shops and stalls. Access roads were made to gain As I entered the village there hardly seem to be anyone access to the village from various angles and things began to in the streets save for just a few who were huddled under look a little bright around the gills. umbrellas as they waited vehicular transportation, or the few As the years rolled by many other businesses sprung up that were grabbing a light snack at one of the many fast food and in 1991 the Barama Company Ltd. came into play offering stalls in the village. extensive employment opportunities for residents of Land of Gates were locked and everyone seemed to be indoors as Canaan and many surrounding villages. The erection of the they avoided the rain, and I thought it would be such a strange Gafoor’s Manufacturing Complex in the village also greatly task to be banging on doors for interviews as many were en- boosted its employment scope and took it another notch higher joying the warmth and comfort of their homes. in the world of economic and social development.

Thank goodness the sun came out for a bit and in some Today villagers can almost satisfy all their necessities in parts of the village, residents tumbled into the streets, intent on the village since there is good water and electricity supply getting chores done before the rain came down again. everywhere. As a matter of fact, Land of Canaan now boots an artesian well which is manned by the Guyana Water IncorLand of Canaan In Times Gone By porated (GWI) entity.

Today the village also houses a very vibrant and active I was very much impressed by the seemingly modern look Karate School, Igloo Fruit Flavours Ice-Cream Parlour, the A. that this village sported and equally surprised at the large Azaamally & Sons Ltd. Lumber Yard and the Good Will Enamount of well established business that were there. terprises Inc. And of course there is the Boat House Sports Bar But I wondered about the likes of the village before its that offers fun and frolic and much leisure time pleasantries. modern turn around and there was the elderly Andrew Colette, There is also a Neal and Massey branch and an internet an old pork-knocker to tell the tale. Andrew has lived in Land cafe. Added to that, the Sears General Store has sprung up, a

chain saw outlet, several halaall chicken outlets, and the A. Gonzalez & Sons Scrap Metal entity which seems to be doing good business.

And for a little fun time folks can trek down to Lazzo Disco on weekends to have a ‘lil drink’ and talk off their stress and worries over some good bottles of Eldorado Five Year Old rum.

Employment Giants In Land of Canaan It appears that the well established businesses or ‘economic giants’, that are offering employment for villagers are the Barama Company Ltd, Two Brothers Gas Station, Guygas entity and Gafoor’s Manufacturing Complex.

And from conversations with villagers, everyone is more than pleased that these businesses have come into play.

Industrial Facility The Guygas’ Plant sits on a 23-acre site on the right bank of the Demerara River in the village of Land of Canaan. It is approximately 20 km south of Georgetown on the East Bank Demerara Highway, the main access to Timehri, Linden and other key locations in the Forestry and Mining landscape.

The country’s main Airport, Cheddi Jagan International Airport is 5 km away.

The plant itself is modern and safe complying with current NFPA 58 regulations for LPG operations featuring a computerised filling system capable of producing 700 9kg cylinders of gas per hour. The supply and installation was done by engineering companies from the USA, South Africa and Trinidad. There is a conveyor system that allows for an efficient movement of cylinders during the various stages of production.

The size and location of the plant allows great flexibility and options for the future expansion of Guygas. Guygas has river access on the largest under utilised parcel of land closest to Port Georgetown.

Safety A sprinkler system and Fire Monitor designed by our South African engineering consultant covers the entire filling and storage areas. It is supplied by a Fire Pump rated at 1,250 Litres of water per minute. All of the plants internal electrical apparatus, including the security lights in the immediate area are explosion proof. The entire plant

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Land of Canaan

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is equipped with Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers of various sizes as recommended by the Guyana Fire Service.

Barama Company Limited

This company is said to be the leading forest resource and wood products company in Guyana. They are one of Guyana's biggest employers with approximately 1,000 employees.

Their core business includes the sale of hardwood logs and sawn timber and the manufacturing of plywood, decking and flooring products.

Dubbed the largest ever event held in the 20-year history of Barama Company Limited, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary with much fanfare at company's Buckhall Site on November 3, 2011 Barama Company Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samling Global Limited established in Guyana since 1991.

It was granted a lowland, mixed tropical forest concession for approximately 1.6 million hectares in the northwest region of Guyana.

As a major contributor to Guyana's forestry sector, Barama is mindful to adopt responsible forest management practices on the forest resources entrusted to the company.

The Guyana Forestry Commission Code of Practice for Timber Harvesting regulates the timber operations in the country. As good corporate citizens, it is expected to carefully conduct ourselves according to the laws of the land and like all other operators, is kept in check through continuous monitoring by the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Their business started with the extraction of logs, for the manufacturing of plywood and evolved to include veneer and sawn timber operation.

Barama is Guyana's largest wood products company, contributing over 30 percent of the country's timber exports, and have invested heavily in developing high-value products, creating downstream production lines and building valuable infrastructure.

Since their operations began this company has exported logs and other products to markets like China, India and Vietnam, as a means to introduce Guyanese species to these emerging markets as they monitor and learn the usage of Guyanese wood species.

firm has been squatting for over twenty-five years on the Five Sluice Dam, and while it is comfortable there, he however dreams of having a proper home of his own and is therefore seeking financial assistance to build one. Presently he is residing with other family members.

“I am comfortable where I am and I am being treated well by relatives. But each day I fall on my knees and pray to have my own home. I want a house of my own so bad that I cry sometimes when I think about it. I really want someone, somebody to help me with the finance needed to build my own home.”

Mr. Alfred and a few others are also calling on authorities to pave the many access streets leading into the village which become muddy and waterlogged during heavy rainfall.

Livelihood

Well it appears as if almost everyone is employed in Land of Canaan and the majority seem to be attached to the Barama Company Limited and the Gafoor’s Manufacturing Complex.

But that aside, many housewives are making a fast dollar from their fast food stalls rigged in front of their homes. And they seem to be always busy frying or baking something or

Satisfied People The most endearing pleasantry about this village is that despite it is still transcending into ultimate modernisation and does have minor challenges alike any other village, everyone is so pleasant and full of smiles that it left me awed and amazed.

The ‘differently able’ Martin Alfred who is a squatter on the Five Door Sluice Dam said life is beautiful and vows that he would not give up Land of Canaan for anywhere else.

“Land of Canaan is really a very quiet and nice village, and it’s my only home I have known for forty eight years now. I have been happy here all these years and have been living in quiet and peace and will not trade it for anywhere else.”

However, despite his jovial banter and good spirits, Mr. Alfred has one little problem which he is praying and hoping daily will be solved.

The jolly and ever smiling man who works as s security guard with a private

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Pork-knocker Andrew Corlette gave us the grad tour of the village

the other, filling the air with succulent aroma.

And of course there are some farmers who remain contented with their farming in the backland regions, and at least three of them related that even though the drainage has improved with the appearance of their Five Door Sluice they still seem have some amount of flooding when it pours torrentially. It was very apparent that these people were happy and certainly contented with their humble existence some even boasted of the exquisite ambience of the Canaan Village Inn which over the years has been quite popular for its comfy ambience.

There are no garbage problems there and many are contented with burning or having the garbage trucks pick it up.

It has no magnificent skyscrapers or now towering majestic building, but what appeals to all that may visit Land of Canaan, is the soft, smiling contentment of its people, the alluring solitude that seems to encase the village like a warm cocoon, and its remarkable journey from simple to very impressive.

The bicycle is still widely used in the village

Enjoying some roti and spicy curry at one of the many roadside food stalls

Some residents catch a quick dollar by selling ice and icicles

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

The much commercialised Land of Canaan

The Two Brothers Gas Station provides ready employment for some villagers

The lush, enticing greenery at Land of Canaan

It was a pleasure to watch the waters of the main irrigational canal as it roared and tumbled its way to the nearby Demerara River

One of the places of worship in the village One of the many natural waterways that can be found at Land of Canaan

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Industrial workers often prefer to have their lunch in the open (Filename: The after work travelling rush hour is definitely on Liming by the roadside

Land of Canaan is rapidly becoming industrialised

Two old chums enjoy a good ‘countryside gaff’

Operations inside the Barama Company Limited at Land of Canaan

Sand trucks honked and blared horns as the speed by with loads of sand to be sold in the city

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

from Nikita Kruschev “If you live among wolves you have to act like a wolf” ********************************* “I Economics is a subject that does not greatly respect one's wishes”. ********************************* “I Even now we feel that Stalin was devoted to Communism, he was a Marxist, this cannot and should not be denied. ” ********************************* “I The purpose of the United Nations should be to protect the essential sovereignty of nations, large and small. ” ********************************* “I The more bombers, the less room for doves of peace. ” ********************************* “I When you are skinning your customers, you should leave some skin on to heal, so that you can skin them again. ” ********************************* “I I want to talk to these people because they stay in power and you change all the time. ” ********************************* “I When it comes to combating imperialism we are all Stalinists. ” ********************************* “I What innocence, may I ask, is being played here when it is known that this virtuous damsel has already got a dozen illegitimate children? ” ********************************* “I Support by United States rulers is rather in the nature of the support that the rope gives to a hanged man. ” ********************************* “I Do you think when two representatives holding diametrically opposing views get together and shake hands, the contradictions between our systems will simply melt away? What kind of a daydream is that? ”

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********************************* “I Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you! ” ********************************* “I If you live among dogs, keep a stick. After all, this is what a hound has teeth for-to bite when he feels like it! ” ********************************* “ But life is a great school. It thrashes and bangs and teaches you. ” ********************************* “I If you cannot catch a bird of paradise, better take a wet hen. ” ********************************* “ He who cannot eat horsemeat need not do so. Let him eat pork. But he who cannot eat pork, let him eat horsemeat. It's simply a question of taste. ” ********************************* “Revolutions are not made for export.” ********************************* “In a fight you don't stop to choose your cudgels.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Ada Yonath-The first Israeli woman to win a Nobel Prize

Ada Yonath

A

d a Yo n a t h i s one of the most revered global scientific personalities, who dedicated her life towards the study of the structure of ribosome. Born in an impoverished family, young Yonath showed traits of making it big since an early age. She was a curious child, inquisitive in her approach towards knowing the unknown. Despite being born in an underprivileged family, she did not compromise on her education and attained a PhD degree in the field of Chemistry.

Subsequently, she committed herself to the study of the structure and function of the ribosome. She made a massive contribution in the field of chemistry by introducing the innovative techniques in cryo bio-crystallography for enabling ribosomal crystallography.

For the same, she was bestowed with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which she shared with Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Thomas A. Steitz. With this, she became the first Israeli woman to win the Nobel Prize, the first woman from the Middle East to win a Nobel Prize in the sciences, and the first woman in 45 years to win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Childhood & Early Life * Ada Yonath was born to Hillel and Esther Lifshitz, Zionist Jews, in Geula quarter of Jerusalem, on June 22, 1939. Six years before her birth, her family shifted to Palestine from Poland. * Coming from a rabbinical family, her father was a Rabbi but ran a grocery store in Jerusalem to meet the needs of his family. Due to financial constraints, the family lived in restrained circumstances. Young Yonath relied on books as the only source of knowledge and entertainment. * Despite deprived living conditions, the Yonath couple did not want to compromise on education and sent their young daughter

Continued on page XXVI

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XXV

Kind Barber A priest walked into a barber shop in Washington, D.C. After he got his haircut, he asked how much it would be. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the Lord." The next morning, the barber came to work and there were 12 prayer books and a thank you note from the priest in front of the door.

Later that day, a police officer came in and got his hair cut. He then asked how much it was. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the community." The next morning, he came to work and there were a dozen donuts and a thank you note from the police officer.

Then, a Senator came in and got a haircut. When he was done he asked how much it was. The barber said, "No charge. I consider it a service to the country." The next morning, the barber came to work and there were 12 Senators in front of the door. *****************************************

Cannibal Restaurant A cannibal was walking through the jungle and came upon a restaurant opened by a fellow cannibal.

Feeling somewhat hungry he sat down and looked over the menu...

Broiled Missionary: $10.00 Fried Explorer: $15.00 Baked Politician: $100.00.

The cannibal called the waiter over and asked, "Why such a price difference for the politician?"

The cook replied "Have you ever tried to clean one of them?" **************************************

Assassins Two assassins are hired to kill a dictator in South America. They follow his every move for months, and find out that every day at noon he goes outside and does his stretching exercises.

So the assassins set up shop right across the street, get all of their sights set, load the guns and have everything ready to go.

Noon comes, no dictator... 10 minutes longer... no dictator.

One assassin turns to the other and says, "Gee, I hope nothing happened to him." *****************************************

Saudi Ambassador

The Saudi Ambassador to the UN has just finished giving a speech, and walks out into the lobby where he meets President Bush. They shake hands and as they walk the Saudi says, "You know, I have just one question about what I have seen in America."

President Bush says "Well your Excellency, anything I can do to help, I will do."

The Saudi whispers "My son watches this show 'Star Trek' and in it there are Russians, Blacks and Asians, but never any Arabs. He is very upset. He doesn't understand why there are never any Arabs in Star Trek."

President Bush laughs and leans toward the Saudi and whispers back, "It's because it takes place in the future...."

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Ada Yonath From page XXIV to an upscale and swanky school at the Beit HaKerem neighbourhood. * After the death of her father, she along with her mother shifted to Tel Aviv, where she enrolled at the Tichon Hadash High School. Since the tuition fee was quite high, she started teaching mathematics to younger students in order to pay the fees. * Completing her preliminary education, she returned to Jerusalem where she attained admission at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She gained her Bachelor Degree in Chemistry in 1962 and followed this up with a Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1964. In 1968, she earned PhD in X-Ray crystallography from the Weizmann Institute of Science Career * Concluding her studies, she took up post-doctoral position at the Carnegie Mellon University in the year 1969 and followed this up with a position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1970. * It was while at MIT that she worked in the laboratory of Nobel laureate winner William N. Lipscomb, Jr. of Harvard University where she got inspired to pursue very large structures. She studied the structure of a globur protein staphylococcus nuclease. * In 1970, she moved back to her alma mater at Weizmann Institute where she established the first and only protein crystallography laboratory in Israel. Therein, she studied the process of protein biosynthesis, a major question concerning living cells. * Her main mission was to determine the three-dimensional structure of the ribosome, the cells' factory for translating the instructions written in the genetic code into proteins and revealing the mechanics guiding the process. * From 1979 to 1984, she worked in association with HG Wittmann of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, who lent both financial and academic support to her. * Meanwhile, she served as the visiting professor at the University of Chicago from 1977-78. Other than carrying out her research duties at the Weizmann, she headed a Max-Planck Institute Research Unit at DESY in Hamburg, Germany from 1986 to 2004. * Her research basically intended to understand the fundamental components of life and the actions of widely prescribed antibiotics. Through her findings, she not only helped develop more efficient antibacterial drugs but also established new defences in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. * She dedicated twenty years of her life working on the mechanism of ribosomal crystallography that underlined protein biosynthesis. Though the same was sceptically looked upon by the scientific circle around the globe, she continued with her research. * It was in the mid-1980s that she developed a number of new techniques which are used till date in the structural biology laboratories throughout the world. She initiated cryo-bio-crystallography method, according to which crystals are exposed to extremely low temperatures at –185°C, to minimize the crystalline structure's disintegration under the X-ray bombardment. * She determined the high-resolution structures of both ribosomal subunits and discovered the universal symmetrical region that provides the framework and navigates the process of polypeptide polymerization in an otherwise asymmetric ribosome. EDIT * She currently serves as the director of the Martin S. and Helen Kimmel Center for Biomolecular Structure and Assembly of the Weizmann Institute of Science. * She aims at taking the research work further in order to know in depth about the ribosome actions and how antibiotic drugs can block the actions in bacterial ribosomes. It is through this research that she aims at improving existing antibiotic drugs and coming up with novel ones by solving the structure and function of ribosome.

Awards & Achievements * She currently holds membership of various scientific institutions and academics including United States National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences; the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities; the European Academy of Sciences and Art and the European Molecular Biology Organisation. * Along with George Feher, she received the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 2006 for structural discoveries of the ribosomal machinery of peptide-bond formation and the light-driven primary processes in photosynthesis. * For her pioneering work in recognising how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, she was awarded with the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science in 2008.

With this, she became the first Israeli woman recipient of the award. Same year, she was bestowed with Albert Einstein World Award of Science for her contribution in the field of ribosomal crystallography. * In 2009, along with Thomas Steitz and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, she was conferred with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. She became the first Israeli woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

Personal Life & Legacy * Not much is known about her personal life and marriage, except for the fact that she has been blessed with a daughter Hagit Yonath, who is a doctor at the Sheba Medical Centre.

She has a granddaughter Noa. * She is also the first woman from the Middle East to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

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English

Chronicle Pepperpot January 4, 2014

Companion Planting Part 2 - The three sisters

By Clifford Stanley As was said last week, Companion planting in gardening and agriculture is the planting of different crops in proximity for pest control for pollination and providing habitat for beneficial creatures for maximising use of space and increasing crop productivity.

Apart from being an important part of integrated pest management, in many cases, it is said that companions help enhance the growth rate and flavour of other varieties.

The death of one organism can create food for another, creating symbiotic relationships all around.

There is said to be an increased level of interaction when crops are grown on different levels in the same space.

Companions help each other grow—tall plants, for example, provide shade for sun-sensitive shorter plants or can act as a windbreak.

Companions use garden space efficiently—Vining plants cover the ground, upright plants grow up so you have two plants in one patch.

Some plants grow well together just because they don’t compete for light Additionally, all plants withdraw some nutrients from the soil as they grow, but some actually return more nutrients than they consume.

Legumes—plants like peas, beans, and clover—have a mutually beneficial relationship with nitrogen-fixing R h i z o b i u m b a c t e r i a.

These bacteria colonise legume roots, absorbing up to 20 percent of the sugars the plants produce.

The bacteria use this energy to capture atmospheric nitrogen (nitrogen gas) and convert it into nitrogen compounds that plants can use.

Some of this nitrogen goes directly back to the host plant.

But another part of the nitrogen trapped by the Rhizobium bacteria is released into the soil as the nodule-bearing roots die off and decompose.

This nitrogen is available during the crops to boost the growth of any companion plants growing nearby.

The big bonus comes when you can turn the foliage and roots of the legumes into the soil.

When they decay, they can release enough nitrogen to feed the next crop you grow.

The three sisters: Historically according to organic gardening website, Companion planting has been around for centuries.

One of the most widely known and practiced companion plantings of all time, the planting of corn, beans and squash together (known as “The Three Sisters”) – dates back to the Iroquois Indians of America.

They knew the trio worked in perfect harmony – and practiced the method exclusively as a way to increase their yields.

The Three Sisters method, like many companion plantings, actually has truth in simple science as well as old-timer legend.

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The beans fix the nitrogen in the soil, which corn needs and uses to thrive.

The corn provides a natural trellis system for the beans to grow up on – and the bean vines provides extra strength to the corn stalks to prevent them from blowing over in the wind.

The squash vines play a vital role as well – acting as a living mulch on the soil – helping to hold in moisture, repel weeds, and even of more importance – make it hard for animals to track through to get at the corn.

Not a bad use of space and a perfect example of companion planting!

(NEXT WEEK: SOME GREAT COMPANION PLANTS FOR POPULAR LOCAL CROPS)

Best Dressed Celebrities Of 2014: Taylor Swift, Kristen Stewart & More The biggest and best names in music and film really wowed us on the red carpet this year with their stellar sense of style. From gorgeous gowns to sizzling minis and even jumpsuits, see the looks of 2014 we can’t get enough of and VOTE for who YOU think deserves to take home the prize.

2014 proved to be a very stylish year on the red carpet!

We watched as some of our favorite stars evolved into major red carpet pros, as some consistent staples continued to flourish in the spotlight — and there certainly wasn’t a lack of new trends! See the looks that took our breath away and let us know who you think deserves to be the reigning red carpet queen of 2014.

Rihanna Upset Chris Brown Loves Karrueche Tran More Than Her? The Truth

Chris Brown threw some major shade at his ex, Rihanna, by admitting she’s ‘nothing compared to’ his current girlfriend, Karrueche Tran. Since then, we’ve EXCLUSIVELY learned how RiRi feels about the diss!

After Chris Brown, 25, and Karrueche Tran, 26, reunited, the “Loyal” singer took an opportunity to totally disrespect his ex! In an effort to show Karrueche how much she means to him, Chris dissed Rihanna, 26, pretty harshly. Now, a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY how RiRi reacted to the news!

Rihanna Upset With Chris Brown? He Said He Loves Karrueche Tran More Than Her Chris told Karrueche that Rihanna is “nothing” compared to her. So rude! Well, fortunately, Rihanna doesn’t seem to care.

“Rihanna isn’t paying any attention to Chris. Look, if that’s what it takes for him to make his girlfriend, Karrueche, feel some type of way, by all means, he should go for it.

Rihanna doesn’t care if Chris uses her if it helps make him happy,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. We’re surprised to hear Rihanna doesn’t care that Chris dissed her, but it’s because she no longer has feelings for him!