Pepperpot 2015 3 22

58 Miles Life away from busy Georgetown…

- a thriving & breathtakingly rustic village

► Page XV

► Page XXI

DUNDEE REVISITED ROY

- Architect of Guyana’s steel pan evolution

GEDDES

► Page XI

WOWETTA

Aaron WOMEN’S GROUP Blackman constructing processing factory to cater for expanding production

The poetic messenger

The Weirdest Show on Wheels ► - Bizarre Photos of Crazy Motorcyclists

Page

XLIV

► Page XXXI

Aaron Blackman

► Page XXVIII

Produced and Edited by Mark Ramotar | Graphic and Layout Design by Duane Prince

A Story of two friends A boy torn between male and female identities and the girl who befriended him

- (Conclusion)

M

By Maureen Rampertab artin twirled the wedding ring on his finger, absent-mindedly as he waited patiently for his wife at their favourite restaurant.

“She’s late again,” he grumbled, something that had become a routine for her on all occasions.

He had learned over the years to be patient and not complain, that staved off any tension that could have risen.

Today they were meeting for a special lunch because it was his birthday with no party or dinner plans for he had to work late that night.

“Another milestone,” he mused, “Further and further away from where I had wanted to be.”

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

The Colour of Amethyst II

Promises of life like the autumn leaves, scattered by the winds, born again as the seasons change.

He sighed deeply and looked at the ring on his other hand, the gem, birthstone of Piscean, the colour of Amethyst. It was a birthday gift from his best friend, a very special person in his life but that was almost twenty-two years ago.

“Such a long time,” he thought, “I wonder where she must be now and what she has become.”

Highschool days, so close then and now so far, memories like vintage wine.

He had left when she had said ‘no’ to his marriage proposal, trying his utmost then not to feel hurt because she had over the years become his world. It had been difficult

for him but he consoled himself with the thought that it was meant to be that way, a loss that gave him a stronger resolve to conquer life as a man, dreams drifting away, new plans to draw.

He had moved far away when she got married and it was there he found someone to share his life. A beautiful, intelligent, young woman from the same company he worked for and on the day of his wedding, he had said a silent ‘thank you’ to his friend who had helped him to find his way.

What she had done for him was beyond special, a selfless sacrifice that lived deep in his heart all those years, walking in the sunset.

“I wonder if I’ll ever see her again.”

He saw his wife as she entered the restaurant with their two pretty daughters and he rose to greet the three pretty women in his life, his family. An exulted feeling always filled his heart when they were together anywhere, for he knew he had something beautiful.

The birthday lunch was wonderful with the three people closest to him who had made him a husband and a father. If he had to look back to his life as a young man, the struggles

and taunts he had to endure to today what he had gained in life it seemed like a miracle.

The one person he had to thank for that was not there with him but living her life someplace else, maybe with her own family.

The separate paths fate had designated for them.

Maria wrote that day, in her diary, a beautiful little poem for her friend’s birthday and standing at the window, she read it hoping the words would fly with the wind to find him, where-ever he was, just to say ‘Happy Birthday’.

She had over the years written little poems for all the beautiful moments in life, the rich blessings of motherhood, the sublimity of love and cherished memories of those gone to the beyond. Words became her secret companion, words gave her warmth and hopes, standing on the highest mountain, touching the passing clouds, looking at the world below, words - such infinite power. ► Continued on page VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

III

FORMS OF STORYTELLING (The following is an Extract of an interview that I had done with Oonya Kempadoo in Georgetown, Guyana in February , 2015. Kempadoo’s first novel, BUXTON SPICE, was an instant success. It was on the London bestseller list throughout 1999, nominated for the 2000 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. The novel was translated in French, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew. Her second novel, TIDE RUNNING, won the Casa de las Americas Literary Prize of Cuba.

Kempadoo’s third novel was recently released.)

PP: [Writers who had some influence on Kempadoo’s work included Steinbeck, Naipaul, and Selvon.] Some other influences?

OK: Well, Earl Lovelace – you mentioned earlier. In Trinidad, when I started writing and after I put the manuscript together for ‘Buxton Spice’, I sent it to him. Earl is fluent in his writing but to get him to speak about writing is not easy.

So all he said when asked, was ‘you’ve got something’. But at the time it meant a lot to me.

Then there was Jeremy Taylor who is an English writer and editor of ‘Caribbean Beat’, reviewer of books...

PP: In ‘ The Caribbean Review of Books’ OK: Yes, and he is a great lover of Caribbean literature.

He also has a collection of stories, ‘Going to ground’. I like his short story style. He was and still is very helpful to me in my writing; he is one of my trusted reviewer and critic.

PP: Still on influences, influences from your formative days that coloured, added colour to your writing.

OK: I’d like to focus on Caribbean literature but I grew up reading world literature – some Irish writers, some Scottish writers. Steinbeck again for an eye on details and the humanity that inhabits his writing.

Raymond Carver is another writer whose work I really, really admire. His style is not about use of fancy words and the beauty of the language on the page but the essence of what he captures – the subtleties and tension among the characters and the human drama in a simple setting.

Pauline Melville’s work is a real joy to read, multilayered as it is....

PP: Mixed with healthy dose of magic realism....

OK: Which brings me to Marques and Isabel Allende whose magic realism gives you the ability to moves in different realms. I think the Anglo/Anglicised writing tend to be too structured, too still, and stuck on reality. Pauline Melville does this [magic realism] well, a real joy to read.

And the Caribbean poets as well. Take Martin Carter, for instance, while I was growing up here [Guyana] and preparing of ‘A’ Levels, his work was influential to the process of cre-

ating. So I would be drawn to paint or write fragments then.

Stanley Greaves was my teacher for ‘A’ Levels.

PP: Which brings us to another dimension of the arts – transforming one art form into another – books to films/films to books; I know this is being done with one of your books, ‘Tide Running’. What do you think about this – transforming one art form into another?

OK: I think the mediums are connected and one influences the other and it is very difficult to disconnect them. Like Walcott’s work that goes from theatre to poetry to performance – it is an honour for any writer to have their work transformed and adapted to other mediums.

In writing ‘Tide Running’, you know the movie, ‘The Harder they Come’...

PP: Yes. OK: The true form for ‘Tide Running’ is film although it is a very internal story. The script is still in development; it is a difficult transition but very interesting process. So it is very important now to respect the medium that works best for the portrayal and consumption of your story idea.

My current medium is what the story itself dictates. For instance now I am working on a nonfiction narrative....

PP: Creative nonfiction...

OK: Yes, creative nonfiction. I tried working the idea into a novel but it wouldn’t work so I’ve gone back to creative nonfiction.

My other work in progress is a story that can be manifested as a graphic novel, a video, or an animated short clip, or a children book, or a series – serialised story. The story itself, the characters, the things you’re trying to manifest, is dictated by what medium that can best give it a good life. So it is important not to be obsessed with getting the idea out in one medium PP: So the creator of an idea should experiment with various art forms before committing to any one form.

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

Oonya Kempadoo

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

THE HEADLESS

HORSEMAN

C

By Neil Primus

lip! Clop! Clip! Clop!

The quiet of the night was shattered by the sound of a horse cantering down the village road. Now Anthony didn’t own a horse. He did not even own a dog or a cat. As a matter of fact he did not own anything. Not even the clothes on his back. He was a lazy good-for-nothing man who lived off of his woman, Crystal. She paid all the bills and bought everything in the house. All Anthony did was eat, sleep and watch TV. If the cooking was not to his satisfaction she got a good beating.

Anthony was alone at home. Crystal was working the night shift at the hospital in the nearby town of Green Bay. He sat smoking and watching a movie.

Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop!

The horse was at it again. As I mentioned, Anthony did not own an animal but yet he ran to the door to see what was going on. By the time he got the door open, the horse had gone pass his home. He cursed angrily. He looked around for a stout piece of stick. The next time it came by he was going to teach it a good lesson. He went back inside, put his stick behind the door and retired for the night.

The next day he was having a drink with some friends at Boodhoo’s Rum Shop. Anthony told them about the annoying horse and what he planned to do with it. As he said this, all the laughter stopped at the table. He found himself looking into five very sober faces.

“If yo like yo self stay inside when yo hear it passing.”

Anthony threw back his head and roared with laughter.

“It’s not a joke. Percy died because he do de same thing you planning to do.”

He frowned and looked steadily at his friends.

“Are you guys serious?” He demanded.

“As serious as Hurricane Sandy.”

“Well I’m not afraid. I gon show it who is man.”

“Listen Anthony, every full moon night, that horse does run through the village and back at around twelve. Anyone who tries to intercept it either gets killed or badly wounded.

Old Alli went crazy because he tried to catch it one night.

He thought it was his horse that get away. Now de man mad as hell.”

Anthony listened and smiled to himself. None of this chat was going to change his mind.

The wait for the next full moon was long and frustrating. He was eager to prove his friends wrong.

Anthony had visualised how he would rush out onto the road, stick in hand, and let fly with some

wicked lashes on the noisy horse. It would then gallop away in fright back to its owner. He did not for one moment think that the horse was supernatural.

The evening of the full moon he was ready. Stick clutched tightly in hand, he sat in his usual chair reclining and smoking. Sometime after midnight he awoke to the sound he was

waiting for.

Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop!

Down the village road came the sound of a galloping horse. Anthony gripped his stick and rushed out of the house.

He was just in time to see the shape of a horse heading to the back of the village.

“Damn!”

He had missed it again. But this time he knew that it would be back soon. He stepped into the shadows and waited, his chest thumping with excitement.

Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop! Clip!

Clop! Clip! Clop!

The sound drew nearer and Anthony got ready for action. He peered down the village street but could see nothing. Even though it was full moon, the trees that lined the road threw their heavy shadows onto the roadway making visibility difficult.

Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop! Clip!

Clop! Clip! Clop!

The sound was very close now. He saw the faint figure of the animal emerging out of the darkness and using that as a cue, he jumped out from his place of hiding and stood in the middle of the road. Now, Anthony was a loafer and a lazy-body, but no one could accuse him of being a coward.

That ended the moment he confronted the horse. From the dark shadows came a horse like none he had ever seen. It stood

three or four hands higher than the horses that pulled carts in his village. It was silver-white and it glowed brightly in the fierce moonbeams.

What started his rapid descent into cowardice were certain features of the horse. Its eyes were large and flashing an orange red as it rolled in its socket. Its nostrils were wide and gusts of frosty air shooting out into the night. Its tail looked like a bull whip that snapped every time it swished. The monstrous looking animal stopped and glared evilly at him.

Anthony felt weak. All his brave resolve was melting away leaving him with raw fear. This was not what he expected or had pictured. He wished he had heeded his buddies. His eyes lifted slowly and he saw the rider. The person was white and was clad in grey. But the most terrifying thing about him was that he had no head.

The stick felt slippery in his grip and perspiration had now soaked his entire body. His knees were so weak that they caused him to stumble forward. Immediately the huge animal reared up on its hind legs and towered over the hapless man.

He fell backwards and landed hard on his butt. The wet stick went clattering out of his hand.

Then Anthony got the worse scare yet. Safely clutched in the right hand of the rider was the missing head. On the head ► Continued on page VI

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

THE DECLINE OF THE ARTS (Part 1) TODAY

T

By Terence Roberts

HAT the state of the arts in general has reached an all-time decline in human quality today, may seem a vague or biased statement, but looked at closely it can be proven by a comparison between art produced in various periods of time, rather than simply accepting what is today popular, or popularised, in various news media, celebrity outlets, or even what receives support from Arts organisations, prizes, etc. This does not mean that news medias, celebrity outlets, Arts organisations, prizes, etc, are not important or needed. What it means is that the human element which activates these vehicles of the Arts today may already be affected by a naïve, simplistic, and perhaps subconscious acceptance of this very decline, and merely adds to it by a lack of comparative knowledge, experience, or interest in any artistic manifestation not already popular, recognised, or familiar.

private support for the Arts, via grants, publishing contracts, and various prizes are delivered, depends on the experiential knowledge, and the open-minded trust of individual judges and editors who are in the drivers' seats of Arts vehicles headed towards a progressive quality, or its decline. Of course to use the word 'decline' implies that a previous, more progressive manifestation in the Arts existed, or we would not be able to discern a 'decline' today; and this is what our topic here will be about.

EXTRA CATEGORIES OF JUDGEMENT Before focusing on how the presence, or lack of experiential knowledge and open-minded trust affects the quality of individual judicial pronouncements (whether group voted, or not), which in turn affect the quality of the arts publicly released into society, we should acknowledge the existence

Terence Roberts

of new categories in organisational judicial processes which demand an ethnic definition from the artist submitting works before such processes. These categories may ask for a declaration of whether the artist is 'colored' (black, or mixed with black), Native Indian or Indigenous, Oriental, etc, or even 'Gay'; since such 'literatures' from such viewpoints have come into more mainstream existence after the rethinking of Imperial or Colonial value systems in the Arts, particularly in countries defining themselves as 'multi-cultural'. Which simply means that because of a deluge of recent immigration (mostly beginning only decades ago) in the 20th century, some people are naturally still formed by their inherited ethnicity (or race, or colour), and culture, and this comes out in their art.

THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST, PERIOD However, suppose the artist does HAVE such 'colour', or ethnic history, BUT that is all! Since it has no bearing, no special viewpoint or identity emphasis in his or her work created? How is such art to be judged in a category whose interests have little or no effect upon it? And especially if judges INCLUDE those of his or her (the artist's) own colour, race, or even original nationality, who demand, overtly or covertly, that the issue of their shared 'colour', or 'ethnicity', or 'national background', be addressed inclusively in their works of art? Secondly, in such an ethnic and community-sensitive form of organisational judgment, the creative freedom of the artist to frankly explore attitudes and responses in characters, may be seriously compromised by the same sensitive social criteria which seeks to offer various 'ethnic' artists equal opportunities in its special category intended for them.

PUBLICISING THE ARTS In recent years there have been reports of a decline in reading, the sale of books, and the end of books made of paper. Also, the threat to big publishers revenues and their dominance of the print market, by the new 'on demand' publishing industry, and the ability of Amazon.com to help new writers succeed financially, while bringing books to the public cheaper than the big publishing corporations. These reports are only partially, not generally true, and can be more relevant to countries where writing, reading, and publishing, have never really been seen as essential as other 'pragmatic' interests, or as innovative as could be allowed and promoted. Consequently, in such countries the Government, or State, has to step in to assist through financial grants to national publishers, and individual writers, or those whose works reflect national cultural directions and policies, so that such a local literature can exist at all! If the nation is a big industrial, or developed one, there will also co-exist branches of the big publishing houses based in New York and London, so that a number of local writers, especially those with international interests, can simply rely on professional and financial support from such branch publishers with big budgets at their disposal, without depending on national State or organisational grant giving processes for the continuation of their work.

VALUES ABOVE QUALITY?

THE ROLE OF QUALITY JUDGMENTS If these publicising processes sound quite rational and successfully functional, so what's my point? Think again; because the crucial bottom line that decides how both State or

V

‘FLASH BACK’: An interesting headline on one of the covers of Time Magazine

It is here then that an additional value not related to the artistic quality and integrity of works of art, becomes part of the criteria for judging and supporting them. On the other hand, if the work of art is to be judged less by interest in its content, subject matter, or 'ideological' influence, but by more interest in its formal style, structure, and exploration (rather than mere 'expression') of its content, then the judicial process can become less simple, more problematic, and demanding of the experiential knowledge and open-minded trust of any individual judge, whose eventual decisions can gradually affect a public progression, or decline in the Arts today.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

WOLF! WOLF!

T

By Neil Primus

HE night was dark and cold. Rain had fallen for more than two hours. Even the frogs sounded as though they were feeling the effects. Petal sat staring out of the window.

Her grandmother was busy in the kitchen preparing their supper.

“Granny, look some white people passing.”

Mrs Watson walked to the window and looked out. As usual there was no one there.

“Child you must stop this stupidness.”

“But granny look, they stop right in front here.”

“Get from this window. Sit down and pick up a book.”

The old lady returned to her cooking. She had been getting this recurring problem with her granddaughter. Over and over the child would cause a false alarm. She had threatened, punished and beaten Petal. Despite this the girl would still make these unusual remarks.

After supper she took her eight-year-old granddaughter on her knees and told her the following story.

“There was a shepherd boy named William.

He had to guard the family sheep against wild animals. After a time he got bored. So he decided to play a trick on everyone.

“Wolf! Wolf!”

Everyone came out to protect the sheep but there was no wild beast there. The naughty boy laughed at them. This was great fun for him.

He did this over and over again. Each time less and less people came out. Soon only his parents ran out. After a time they too stopped. He grew bored again.

Next night the wolves really came.

“Wolf! Wolf!”

Nobody responded. The wolves began killing the sheep.

“Wolf! Wolf!”

His cries were in vain.

By the next morning many of the sheep lay dead among them his favourite lamb. When the villagers discovered this they were shocked and angry with the boy. They blamed him for the slaughter of the animals.

“Petal, it’s not good to tell lies.”

“I not lying granny.”

The old lady sighed. She would try again

another time. She sent her little one to bed.

Petal had lived with her from age three. Her mother had died and her father was M.I.A. Although it was a struggle the old lady did what was necessary to ensure ► Continued on page XVI

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN ► From page IV was a kaki Bughouse hat. Anthony began to cry. Now he was in big trouble.

“You dare challenge me!”

The head was looking straight at the petrified man. Anthony tried to reply in the negative but his tongue refused to co-operate. Instead he found himself shaking his head vigorously in reply.

“That same shake head made me lose my head.”

This was too much for the poor man. He forced himself onto his shaky feet. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion which made it more agonising. Anthony tried to run, and the demon horse came charging at him. Something hit him in the head and he blacked out. Or maybe he just fainted from sheer fright.

Next morning Anthony awoke at home with two of his neighbours nursing his many wounds. He had been badly beaten. He stuttered; spoke a confusing amount of nonsense. It all sounded like gibberidge to them. The man had lost his mind. They told him to rest and he shut his eyes in obedience. Then someone caused him even more terror.

“Boy Anthony, where you get that nice hat from?”

His eyes flew open and he sat up like a satellite dish. His gaze followed to the bedside table where she was pointing. There on the table was the Bughouse hat from the night before.

Anthony lost control of his bladder. Leaping out of bed he charged down the road in high gear screaming at the top of his voice. He disappeared from site heading for places unknown.

When Crystal came home the neighbours told her they had found Anthony at the side of the road, beaten and unconscious. She smiled inwardly. It was good for him to get as good as he gave. He had left everything but she did not worry.

Crystal saw the hat on the bedside table and picked it up. It had a strange quality about it. She felt that she wanted to put it on. It was old but very nice. She would keep it. She put it into her drawer and started cleaning the house.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

VII

It happened in 1960…

Judge’s misdirection causes confusion in jury’s mind - guilty murder accused freed, to face new trial

I

By George Barclay

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.

N 1960, the Federal Supreme Court in its Criminal Appellate jurisdiction allowed the appeal of murder accused Baldeo Dihal on the ground that the George Barclay trial judge’s misdirection on the law as it related to the facts was likely to cause confusion in the tion. No assistance was given to the jury by relating the evijury’s mind. dence to the law. We can see a possibility of some confusion The accused, who was found guilty by the jury, was senbeing caused in the minds of the jury by this failure to relate tenced to death, but he appealed the sentence. the one to the other. Such a confusion could have been caused The Federal Appellate Court, constituted by Justices by reason of their being told: “If there was time for cooling Rennie, Archer and Wylie, allowed the appeal, set aside the between the time that the provocation was given and the time conviction and death sentence, but ordered a new trial in the that the killing was done, then of course you cannot get the interest of justice. benefit of provocation to reduce the offence from murder to The Appellate Court held that on the trial of a person manslaughter.” charged with murder, the judge should relate the law to the “And, in another occasion: “But, as I told you, the question facts in the case. for time for cooling is important to considering provocation. If It was pointed out that when dealing with the question of there was time after the provocation was given within which a provocation, mention should not be made of cooling time if reasonable person would regain control of himself, then you the evidence clearly shows that no time elapsed between the cannot say that the accused was acting under the impulse of provocation and the retaliation, and moreso where any such provocation.” mention of cooling time may cause confusion in the mind of These directions, said Justice of Appeal Rennie, were the jury. given in spite of the fact that the evidence, if believed, It is the duty of the judge, in his summing up, to deal showed that no time elapsed between the provocation and adequately with the evidence relating to self-defence, the the retaliation. In another case, such an excess of direction The jury was told: “If, in all the circumstances as a rea- in law might not have confused the jury, but in the present Appellate Court ruled, as it allowed the appeal and ordered sonable man, he feels that he is in danger -– serious danger case, where evidence was given of the relationship that a new trial.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Stanley Hardyal had appeared -- he is entitled to take steps to defend himself, if necessary to existed between the deceased and the appellant’s mother for the appellant, while Mr. W. Persaud represented the the extent of killing; but though he can do that, it is his duty as a motive for the alleged offence, the jury might very to retreat if he can reasonably do so in all the circumstances. well have found themselves in the position where they Crown.

Delivering the judgment of the court, would ask themselves the question: ‘What Justice of Appeal Rennie declared that, at did the judge mean when he referred to coolthe close of the argument, they allowed ing time? Had he in mind the relationship The jury was told: “If, in all the circumstances as the appeal, quashed the conviction and set between the deceased and the appellant’s a reasonable man, he feels that he is in danger aside the sentence. mother?’

-- serious danger -- he is entitled to take steps to According to him, “The grounds of There was nothing else in the case, apart appeal are numerous and somewhat wide in defend himself, if necessary to the extent of killing; but from the encounter, that might have affected scope, but with the exception of the ground the appellant’s mind; and if there could have though he can do that, it is his duty to retreat if he can of misdirection, we saw no merit in any been no question of cooling time with regard reasonably do so in all the circumstances. You may of them; and for that reason, refrain from to the encounter, the jury must necessarily think that it is not a very manly thing to do to run away making reference to any ground other than have wondered why they were told about if a person is attacking you or threatening to attack misdirection. cooling time; and moreso when they rememyou; but it is the law.”

“Exception was taken to the form of the bered that they were told that it is important; directions when dealing with the questions and still moreso having regard to the fact that of self-defence and provocation. It was subthe directions on provocation ruled out the remitted to us that the law was laid down in one compartment, You may think that it is not a very manly thing to do to run lationship between the deceased and the applicant’s mother. so to speak, and the facts were referred to in another, and no away if a person is attacking you or threatening to attack you; “Apart from these criticisms of the directions, there is but it is the law.” attempt was made to relate the one to the other. also a serious misdirection on the question of self-defence. It “Nowhere in the directions were they told what facts concerns the evidence of the attack, which the appellant said The directions do seem to deserve this criticism.

“The law of self-defence was meticulously explained they should take into account in determining whether or not he repelled. That evidence, shortly put, is to the effect that the as a lecturer might well explain it to a class of students”, to retreat was reasonable. The evidence I accepted would appellant was held by the neck, choked, and when he fell in Justice Rennie said. But, he emphasised, nowhere in the seem to suggest that retreat was not possible, and it must the swamp, was being stifled”. directions are the jury told what facts they should take be confusing to a jury in such circumstances to be told that, Justice of Appeal Rennie noted that the choking and stiinto account when considering this aspect of the case. The although it may be considered not manly to retreat, the law fling seem to the court to be of far greater consequence, and nearest they got to having the facts related to self-defence nonetheless requires it if the person attacked can reasonably amounts to a serious misdirection. was the statement that, when considering self-defence, do so.

The appeal was allowed, conviction and death sentence “As in the case of self-defence, so in the case of provoca- set aside, but a new trial was ordered. it would be relevant for them to compare the wounds on

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

The Colour of Amethyst ► Continued on page II

Three more years went by, time an endless flow as the two friends thousands of miles apart lived their lives with their families, sharing, loving, and celebrating the successes of their children. They had not the time to ponder on the one missing part of their lives that may stay lost but life sometimes play a winning hand and the ace that won was an invitation from the old student’s association for a class reunion.

Maria read the invitation a few times before she could digest the fact that she would be seeing her classmates, old friends, after twenty five years.

“This is so great,” she exclaimed, excited.

Martin too could barely conceal his excitement and showing his wife the invitation, he said, “Isn’t this great?” I’ll be seeing my old classmates.”

She had never seen him this happy and she wondered if there was an old girlfriend he was anxious to see. Maria’s husband was not thrilled about the reunion, given his possessive trait, knowing what a popular girl she had been at school but this one time he could not hinder her because this social event was for her, her old school, her classmates.

That Saturday night was an unforgettable experience, the tears, laughter, and happiness, memories rekindled, stories told of their lives after high school.

Maria arrived late, delayed by an unexpected visit by one of her husband’s relatives and his uncaring insistence that she spend some time with them.

Martin was there from the beginning and two hours later,

his hopes began to sink, that she would not be coming. He had looked at the door probably a hundred times and sighing deeply, he turned to the bar for a drink, the same time Maria walked in.

“Vodka on the rocks,” he ordered and was about to have his drink when a soft voice called his name, “Martin.”

That voice was a beautiful sound he had not heard in a long time and turning, he saw her standing there in a little blue dress, fair, petite, and pretty as he had known her. He looked at her stunned but she was smiling, a happy glow in her eyes and she said, “It’s so nice seeing you.”

Before he could say anything, she hugged him impulsively, the first time ever she was that close to him and holding her for a moment he said, “That’s a great welcome and I miss you too.”

They both had tears in their eyes, just looking at each other, not knowing what more to say and in the next moment, he lost her as her friends took her with them. It was a long time before she was free to talk to him again, sitting alone with him at a table, in a corner.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again,” Martin said happy beyond words, “Are you still married? Do you have children?

What about your career, your dreams?”

The questions were tumbling over each other and Maria sipping a virgin Pina Colada looked at him and smiling she said calmly, “Take a deep breath and relax. We have time to talk.”

All night they chatted with friends, danced and talked until they were the only two people left, a night neither wanted to

end, because tomorrow they would be walking again, separate paths.

“What happened to your ambition to be a lawyer?” he asked her.

“There was a crisis in my family and I gave up my dreams to support them.”

“Always making sacrifices for others,” he said with a wry smile, “And what about your life? What have you gained?”

“Not much,” she replied casually, as though it didn’t matter, “My children became the richness of my life so I now dream for them, not me.”

He looked at her for a long moment, then taking her hand, he kissed it, deep admiration in his eyes, “You are indeed special, in my eyes there is no other like you.”

His words were like a soft glowing ember that ignited a warmth through her body and she felt a touch of happiness that had been missing from her life, just sitting there talking with him.

“I’m so sorry we have to say good-bye again,” she said, a sad look in her eyes.

“No,” he shook his head, “Not after twenty five years, we can’t. We both have families we love but we will stay in touch because as friends we share something that is unique.”

“I like that,” she said, smiling again, having found again, that wonderful person she had gave up with whom she shared so many common interests.

They said ‘good night’ until another time soon, he wearing a ring and she a pendant, emblems of a bond they share as Pisceans, the colour of Amethyst.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

IX

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XI

ROY GEDDES - Architect of Guyana’s steel pan evolution

T

By Alex Wayne HOUGH he remains behind the scenes, as his secluded demeanour dictates, he certainly has catapulted Guyana into the arena of great steel band and steel pan music, and has become a household name both locally and internationally.

His exploits over the years have first awakened, and then kept, the joys of steel pan music alive in Guyana and among the rolling hills and many waters of the Caribbean, even as it invades the terrain and borders of foreign lands.

A beautiful array of tropical trees and flower plants line the lush walkway to the home of Roy Geddes at 190 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. This is accentuated with steel pan souvenirs and other assortments that send the distinct message of ‘a vivid steel pan haven’ secluded in a quiet and serene location at home.

The steel pan museum houses a vivid and colourful pictorial display of Roy’s successes, even as it show-

The talented Roy Geddes creates his usual magic on the steelpan

cases the making of steel pans from ‘raw material’ to the finished product. There is also an abundance of reading materials, while an array of trophies, medals and souvenirs speak volumes of his successes and contributions to the music discipline in Guyana and abroad.

Commenting on the need for upward mobility and the

further development of steel pan music locally, Roy indicated that only those directly involved in this production can ‘bring about an actual change.’ He noted that while the steel pan has advanced technologically, the love is not there for the art form, thus hampering its ultimate success.

Comparing steel pan mu-

sic of yesteryear with what obtains in present day, he pointed out that, in the past, those involved exhibited intense dedication and loyalty, and would spend lengthy hours in rehearsing.

According to Roy, those involved with steel pan today are very reluctant to ‘go the extra mile’ and would scarcely attend practice sessions.

He is the recipient of two National Awards for his sterling contributions in the field of steel pan music. In 2004 the official magazine of the British Association of Steel Pans, the Pan Podium, recognised his achievements in development of the music genre.

Roy Geddes is indeed a Guyanese icon in the steel

His very colourful and picturesque steelpan museum

pan music industry. His contributions and dedication to the development of the art form is unrivalled and unequalled. For more than 56 years, he has dedicated his full-time energies into making steel pan in Guyana a force to be reckoned with.

And even at age 70, this truly outstanding stalwart is still actively involved in the continued growth of steelpan music. He presently teaches pan music at the Greycoat Training Centre at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, where his services are voluntary.

He is also employed with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in a venture to educate youths in the

field of steelpan music at his home in Roxanne Burnham Gardens.

Tourists visiting Guyana over the years have developed a keen interest in his popular steel pan museum, and have visited the site for firsthand information and demonstrations on vital aspects of the art form.

The reservoir of information also attracts the attention of many schools, youth clubs and other institutions.

Geddes, who has paved the way for the ultimate evolvement and maximum development of the steel pan industry, noted that its continued success depends on the dedication, commitment and cooperation of entities and individuals associated with its existence.

A close associate of Dr Cheddi Jagan, Roy has remarkable praise for the exploits of the revered late President, who he indicated was a close and pleasant friend and a proud admirer of the steel pan tradition.

In 1960, through the efforts of Dr. Jagan, Roy began offering entertainment with the steel pan to folks at Freedom House in Robb Street, Georgetown.

He noted that the admirable Dr. Jagan at no time tried to include him into the politics of the country, but instead took a neutral stand in his love and respect for the steel pan music.

He said that Dr. Jagan was an inspiration in his drive for steel pan music, and actually contributed to his strength to continue in this aspect despite constraints surrounding the art form at that time.

“Dr. Jagan was really a nice man who was all about patriotism. He promoted the steel pan music well, and it was he who orchestrated the formation of the first National Steel Band in Guyana in 1963.

This band performed at various functions for the workers of Guyana, and (its services were) paid (for) by the state. ► Continued on page XII

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

ROY GEDDES ► From page XI

“However, when the People’s National Congress came into power in 1964, they knocked out such steel pan performances because of their colonial mentality.”

Performances at Freedom House during Christmas season and on Old Year’s Night were quite a treat for Roy; but though this is no more, he was delighted that through efforts by the Wilderness Explorers entity, some 140 tourists visited his home on December 25, 2013.

They were, of course, educated on the history of the steelpan, and given demonstrations on aspects of the steelpan, for which they were thankful and very elated.

‘better his life’.

Although Roy was “going places’, he had his sights set on playing a more instrumental and personal role in the improvement of pan music, which he also saw as a vehicle to transform the lives of many people. So, in the early 1970s, he established the Roy Geddes Pan School, situated in his community to

HIS JOURNEY It all began in 1934 while he was still in his early teens, growing up in a single parent home at Leopold and Lombard Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

Around that time, he was bombarded with steel pan music since the Chicago and the Casablanca Steel Bands were in proximity to his home. He played in both bands for about four years, and also was a vibrant force in the Tripolo and Invaders Steel Orchestras during his teenage years.

His popularity grew as his natural inborn skills and talents were noticed by the music elites as well as by persons in the cultural and entertainment fields.

He soon branched off with the National Steel Band of Guyana, and was selected along with several others to form the National Steel Orchestra in 1962.

That year brought pleasant tidings, and the orchestra was Flashback!!! Roy Geddes right after he was selected to play for the Independence celebrations in Trinidad. attacked by robbers in 2008 The following year, their musical versatility took them to Cuba, where they toured the many provinces, bringing ‘tropimpart musical expertise and a trade to single-parent youths ical steel pan pleasure’ to hundreds of thousands.

Those were the years of fame, and Roy reminisced on and others in the society.

Roy was recipient of the Medal of Service award in 1971 “feeling like the celebrity Michael Jackson” when he was and the Golden Arrow of Achievement in 1996 for his sterling asked to sign autographs and pose for photos.

In 1964, he teamed up with Guyanese Freddie Massay (leader of the then Mediators Steel Band) and formed the Silvertones Steel Orchestra. There was high competition in Guyana back then, but it was the Silvertones Steel Orchestra that was selected to play for Queen Elizabeth II, who was visiting Guyana at that time. They were the champions in this field for about a decade, and also won two Guyana Music Festivals during their reign.

They did not stop there, but moved on to record an LP to raise funds for the University of Guyana in the 1970s, also playing for many charitable events and raising funds for churches and schools.

Their many concerts in the rural areas can be rememMr. Geddes poses with one of his many admirable supporters. bered as events that offered much entertainment for those residing in the ‘countryside’.

Roy’s talent and well-earned popularity paid off in 1984, when he was selected to travel to Tanzania and was consigned to make steel pans for the Tanzanian National Service.

According to Roy, his affiliation with the Silvertones Steel Orchestra taught him discipline and patriotism, and to have a sense of responsibility, while it gave him an opportunity to

contributions to pan music and excellence as tuner, leader, player and social worker among the youths with whom he was associated.

In 2004, the Pan Podium paid him homage and featured him, while in 2005 he was featured in the magazine ‘Celebrating African Achievements’. GEM Magazine also featured his

successes in 2005.

The musical stalwart was pellucid that his successes could not have been possible without the valuable assistance of his wife and Band Secretary, Pamela Geddes, to whom he has been married for over 45 years.

In an effort to preserve and further educate on the values of the art form, the Roy Geddes Steel Pan Museum was established 12 years ago; and, to date, is the only such institution locally.

Roy, quite naturally, was very excited when the Culture Ministry called on him to help them establish a National Steel Band to perform during the Carifesta X celebrations.

However, he indicated that he had selected five tuners to accompany him to make this a reality, but he was not entirely satisfied with the outcome. According to Roy, tuning of steel pans ‘has gone to another level’, and therefore needs careful and concentrated work of the highest quality.

He said there was no coordination in the music supplied at the various Carifesta X events, since many put to do the job “were not serious about producing the best sounds from the pans, and therefore did not bother with fine tuning.”

He said his greatest desire is to see respectability and commercialisation of pan music.

While there is dissatisfaction with many aspects of what currently exists, Roy views himself as successful in bringing about enlightenment, improving the knowledge base, and putting Guyana on the map in terms of highlighting expertise in this regard.

Describing success as “a journey rather than a destination,” Roy remains optimistic that steel pan music will be returned to its former glory.

In a recent interview with the celebrity at his Roxanne Burnham Gardens home, Geddes seemed a bit more remorseful than when we visited him in 2008. Part of his lack of jubilation was generated by horrid memories of his being beaten and robbed at his home in February of this year, when he was attacked by a lone gunman who beat him on his head with a handgun and robbed him of two gold chains worth about $160,000, then made off in a car which was waiting a short distance away.

Roy was tending his flower garden and trimming the parapet outside of his yard when the gunman struck. He recalled that at the time he was in a bending position as he trimmed the parapet, and suddenly he felt a blow to his head. Spinning around, he saw a man with a ‘big gun’ and a vicious look on his face.

The intruder grabbed the chains Roy was wearing, but Roy resisted him, and for a brief moment there was a scuffle. But the bandit, being armed and younger and stronger, dealt Geddes about four blows to his head with the gun butt, causing him to fall to the ground.

The elderly Geddes, however, managed to rip the bandit’s shirt off, and later turned it over to the police.

Roy has gotten over that ordeal now, and seems more interested in talking about the importance of steel pan music in Guyana, and his accomplishments in that field over the years.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Nollywood star loses only child in auto crash

By Osaremen Ehi James

N

igeriafilms.com has learnt that an actorcum-top director in Nollywood has lost his only child and his sister-in-law in a fatal road mishap in which he was involved some days ago.

The unfortunate incident involved Ugochukwu Orikoha, better known as ‘Silas Momen’ of ‘Paul and Silas’ and ‘Osofia Na Wa’ fame.

Secretary of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Rivers State, Bartholomew Gerald Aguugo, who confirmed the incident to us, said the accident occurred penultimate Sunday while Orikoha was on his way to Omoku in Rivers State.

Aguugo narrated that a Toyota Hiace bus hit Orikoha’s Honda Pilot Jeep from behind, which caused the

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Ugochukwu Orikoha, better known as ‘Silas Momen’

‘four-wheel-drive’ to somersault several times before crashing into a nearby bush.

Orikoha’s two-year-old daughter, Favour Adaku, and his sister-in-law who was carrying the baby in the back seat, died instantly, while Orihoka and his sister survived the crash.

The actor suffered severe injuries and was initially unconscious, but was later taken to First Rivers Hospital in Rumomasi, where he is presently responding to treatment.

However, we learnt the actor’s sister is having problems with her sight following the effect of the auto crash.

Last Tuesday, the Guild in Rivers State organised a prayer session at Seanel Bar, D-line, Port Harcourt, to pray for the actor’s quick recovery. (NigeriaFilms. com)

Filmmakers set to relocate industry to Asaba

By Benedicta Bassey

with Punch newspaper, Ugbomah says, “We want to consolidate on our relationship with the government first; it will serve as a necessary foundation for the fulfilment of our mutually shared dreams for the movie and music industries in Nigeria.

THE hope for a film village by Nollywood practitioners has required a collaborative effort focused on the State capital, Delta State. This, according to Nollywood practitioners, was due to the influence of some politicians and powerful businessmen from the State capital.

Diversified groups of Nollywood practitioners and performing musicians, comprising seasoned filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugbomah, Emeka Ossai, Ralph Nwadike, Francis Onwochei, Obi Osotule and reggae music star, Ras Kimono have concluded plans to “relocate” the Nigerian movie and music industries from Lagos to Asaba.

Prior to the multi-million naira approval by the Delta State Government, movie-makers seem determined to maintain the goodwill that it enjoys from the government to boost the entertainment Nollywood veterans Olu Jacobs and Patience Ozokwor industry.

Speaking on behalf of the group in an interview

Omotola says...

‘50 SHADES OF GREY’

shouldn’t have been banned

By Tadeniawo Collins POPULAR Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde believes the cinema ban imposed on the much-talked-about American movie, ‘50 Shades of Grey’ by Nigeria’s National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB) is “a little bit harsh.”

Speaking recently on the HipTV programme, ‘Trending’, Omotola contended that the movie was made for a target audience that was obviously matured enough to consume the content, and that the Board should have ensured that cinemas did not let minors watch it instead of just banning it outright.

“I don’t agree that the level of nudity and erotic scenes in the movie ought to be,” she said, “but then, you know, romance and love is a part of life. But it’s the explicit nature of the movie is what I don’t get. Must it be that raw? I agree if that’s why the Censors Board banned it, because we don’t want that in our society. But, I still believe there should be movies for specific types of audiences, and ‘50 Shades of Grey’ is one such movie.

“The movie is all about sex and erotic stuff, so when you’re going in, you know exactly what you came to watch.” (360nobs.com)

Without pretence, we are planning to move Nollywood, for example, to Asaba. We are doing this because Asaba is basically the new home of the movie industry.”

“Since many producers and directors in Nollywood now shoot their movies in Asaba, it has become necessary for other practitioners to shift their attention to the Delta State capital,” Ugbomah said.

He disclosed that some politicians and powerful businessmen are willing and ready to invest heavily in the movie industry, and as such had demanded a positive response to achieve the much-awaited dream of a film village.

In his words, “Apart from the fact that most of the best film producers in Nigeria are from this area, we are under pressure from some politicians and powerful businessmen from Delta State, who are willing to invest in Nollywood to bring home their sons and daughters that are doing well in the film industry.

“It is one of the pre-conditions for the building of the much-anticipated and self-sufficient film village in the State.” (NigeriaFilms.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

VIRTUAL ANNOYANCE

What is it?

Internet abusing, net stalking, Cyber bullying are names used when people bully others through email, mobile calls, instant messaging, chat room exchanges, Web site posts, or digital messages or images send to a cellular phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).

Cyber bullying, like traditional bullying, involves an imbalance of power, aggression, and a negative action that is

be taken away. Often, adults' responses to cyber bullying are to remove the technology from a victim - which in their eyes can be seen as punishment.

Common Forms of Internet Harassment Cyber bullying can take many forms. However, there are six forms that are the most common.

Harassment: Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, and insulting messages Denigration: Distributing information about another that is derogatory (insulting) and untrue through posting it on a Web page, sending it to others through email or instant messaging, or posting or sending digitally altered photos of someone

often repeated.It has some rather unique characteristics that are different from traditional bullying Anonymity:As bad as the "bully" on the playground may be, he or she can be readily identified and potentially avoided.

On the other hand, the child who cyber bullies is often anonymous (unknown). The victim is left wondering who the cyber "bully" is, which can cause a great deal of stress.

Accessibility: Most children who use traditional ways of bullying terrorise their victim at school, on the bus, or walking to or from school. Although bullying can happen elsewhere in the community, there is usually a standard period of time during which these children have access to their victims.

Children who cyber bully can wreak havoc any time of the day or night.

Punitive Fears: Victims of cyber bullying often do not report it because of: (1) fear of retribution from their tormentors, and (2) fear that their computer or phone privileges will

Flaming: Online "fighting" using electronic messages with angry, vulgar language Impersonation: Breaking into an email or social networking account and using that person's online identity to send or post vicious or embarrassing material to/about others Outing and Trickery: Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information, or tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information and forwarding it to others Cyber Stalking: Repeatedly sending messages that include threats of harm or are highly intimidating, or engaging in other online activities that make a person afraid for his or her safety (depending on the content of the message, it may be illegal)

Warning Signs of Internet Harassment The warning signs of cyber bullying are similar to those for traditional bullying in terms of emotional effects. However, there are some differences. For example, a bruise or torn clothing is not expected as a sign that a child is being cyber bullied, but it is also important to keep in mind that some children who are cyber bullied may also be experiencing traditional bullying at school.

A child may be experiencing cyber bullying if he or she: • appears sad, moody, or anxious • avoids school • withdraws from or shows a lack of interest in social activities • experiences a drop in grades or decline in academic performance • appears upset after using the computer or being online • appears upset after viewing a text message on a cell phone If a child shows any of these warning signs, it is important to talk with the child and investigate his or her online presence to determine whether cyber bullying is occurring and to offer help when needed.

Tips to Prevent Internet Harassment Never give out your passwords to anyone except your parents. That includes friends.

If someone sends a threatening message, don't respond.

For a bully, a reaction constitutes victory. Instead, save the message or print it out and show it to an adult.

Never open e-mails from someone you don't know.

Don't put anything online that you wouldn't want your classmates to see, even in e-mail.

Don't send messages when you're angry. Before clicking "Send," ask yourself how you would feel if you received the message.

Presently, Guyanese are not affected with cyber bullying that much. However, it is integral that we be on the look-out, as technology is moving at a rapid past and our people are more familiarised with it each day. Who knows, you and I can become a target today!

Do keep in mind;Cyber bullying is just as harmful as bullying in the real world. If you see it happening, report it.

Don't ignore it!

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XV

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

DELINQUENT GIRLS HOME (The Daily Chronicle April 13th, 1939) The Committee inquiring into the advisability of establishing a home for delinquent girls travelled to Mahaica yesterday afternoon and inspected the Lady Denham Home which has been suggested as a model.

All the members of the Committee - Mr. P.W. King (Chairman), Hon. J .I. deAguiar, Major J. Austen, Mr. A.R.W. Robertson, Mesdammes A.G. King and S.H. Bayley and Miss Gertie Wood- and the Secretary, Mr. J.S. Talbot made the trip.

PHG FIRE ALARMS - Two laundry maids jump through windows (The Daily Chronicle April 6th 1939)

Nurses and Porters at the Public Hospital Georgetown (PHG) brought into play the special training given in fire-fighting when, on Thursday afternoon, they successfully combated fire which broke out in the laundry in the northern section of the compound.

The stove in the bottom flat was being used for drying articles that were being washed and it is stated that, on becoming overheated, several “pieces” burnt

rapidly.

Soon the interior of the flat was a cloud of smoke.

There was rush among the laundry women.

Some made their escape through the door while two jumped through the window and were hurt.

RUINS YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS (The Daily Chronicle April 8th, 1939) In the race for success you may have seen your comrades - ordinary fellows all, you believe- pass you on the upward climb to fame and fortune, and perhaps you have wondered - if that thin blood of yours ever gave you the power to wonder WHY? The answer is simple. In all instances, the upward-climbing individuals were men in whom the blood flowed thickly, pure and strong.

You have been left behind and will continue to be left behind if you do not purify and thicken your blood. To accomplish robust deeds you must be robust. You can’t be robust with thin blood. Rector’s Blood Purifier is the ideal blood invigorator. Take it regularly and say goodbye to thin blood. Rector’s Blood Purifier. “If its Rector’s it’s reliable.”

THE ‘PROPHET’ WAGGED HIS TONGUE (By PugageePungcuss): (The Daily Chronicle April 5th, 1939)

“When ah memba ‘Ol’ Time “Tory, water come in me eye” One of the most excruciatingly laughable Georgetown Police Court scenes I have ever witnessed occurred when a fair-sized snake was unexpectedly introduced in Court.

Suddenly the Court loafers were seen to have split themselves into two distinct camps, each section in wideeyed terror trying to get as far as possible from a Portuguese vendor of “curiosities” who was nodding drowsily on a front bench, with a snake coiled around his forearm.

That the reptile was very much alive was obvious for it was wiggling its split tongue so energetically that a youth in the dock charged with some common place offence, the penalty of which was not death from snakebite, after a backward look of horror, solemnly commenced to climb over the rail of the enclosure.

“Bring that man here but not too near,” said Papie Hill, the Magistrate, indicating the “snake charmer.”

The bailiff transmitted the order but stubbornly remained immobile.

“Why have you brought that dangerous reptile to Court?” This from “His Worship” in the act of rising slowly as man and snake drew near.

“I suppose you are working obeah!”

“Not such a thing,” answered the vendor of strange products of nature. “Dis snake is as loving as a woman.”

“Wha’ she name?” the Magistrate asked regaining his courage and dignity, resuming his seat and relapsing into creolese as was his wont when disposed to be friendly.

“Not she, he,” the man said. “He name Jeremiah sah!”

Straight away, the ‘prophet’ wagged his tongue most formidably.

“You kin pat he head, an’ see fo’ youself he don’t bite humans,” the curious dealer continued encouragingly.

“Whereupon the very worthy Magistrate was understood to say something in an undertone, which might easily have been incorrectly understood to mean: “I’d be damned if I will; get out the Court with your so and so snake!”

Jeremiah wagged his tongue.

As man and reptile went forth, people rushed to left and right to give the precious pair plenty of room.

At the foot of the stairway Mr. Luiz Martins, the Portuguese interpreter was dozing on a chair tilted back against a balustrade.

He opened his eyes with an interrogative expression and saw the snake an inch or two distant.

With a mighty bound, the startled Interpreter got to his feet and made an uncommonly fine sprint across High Street.

Jeremiah wagged his tongue!

LA GRANGE: PLANTATION ORANGEFIELD CHANGES HANDS (The Daily Chronicle April 10, 1939)

Orangefield, the property of Mr. Thomas Earle, has

change hands; the new owner being Mr. Hardy of Bookers Hardware Georgetown.

Mr. Earle who is well advanced in age lives at La Grange and was for many years a member of the now defunct Board of Agriculture.

Orangefield, situate on the north bank of No. 1 Canal, is about seven miles from Vreed-en-Hoop and was at one time a flourishing estate.

The principal crops grown are coffee, cocoa and citrus fruits and it is widely known that oranges from Orangefield were noted for their distinctive flavour.

When Sir John Harrison was Director of Agriculture and there were Agricultural Shows in the country, many were the prizes won by Mr. Earle for the products grown on his estate.

It is understood that the new proprietor intends to expand the cultivation of citrus crops.

Recently Mr. E.B. Martyn, Government Botanist, visited Orangefield. They went through the home and saw the lay-out and organization.

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF TWINE AND(TheCYCLE REPAIR OUTFIT Daily Chronicle April 7th, 1939) John Bowen (18) of 243 South Road and Bourda Street was placed on a bond of $50 or 12 months (costs $1) or three days by Mr. C.R. Browne, Acting Magistrate at the City Police Court on Thursday.

Bowen was charged with the unlawful possession of two head of twine and three tins of “Dunlop Cycle Repair Outfit”.

Bowen was challenged by P.C. Benjamin and failing to account satisfactorily for possession, he was charged. The Police prosecuted.

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

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

WOLF! WOLF!

► From page VI

her granddaughter was adequately taken care of.

One week later they were going to the wake of a family friend. The deceased had died two days ago. The wake house was three streets down so they walked there.

There was no moon that night so the road was dark. Mrs Watson had traversed this stretch of road for years so she was not perturbed about walking it in the dark.

“Granny, look a white lady coming.”

“Petal stop it!”

“But granny she deh right hay.”

“Look child, shut up and come along!”

She grabbed the child’s hand angrily and increased her pace.

“Petal why you trembling?”

“Me aint trembling granny.”

They continued on their way.

“Petal why you pulling me back child?”

“I not pulling you back granny.”

Down the road they marched.

“Child why yo hand so cold?”

“Me hand not cold granny.”

Mrs Watson stopped. She needed to check to see what was wrong with her granddaughter. When she turned to the child she almost fainted in fright. The girl stood there with her little hands folded across her chest. That was not what terrified the old lady. What made her grey hair stand on edge was that she was still holding a cold trembling hand. If it was not her granddaughter then who?

“Granny you and de white lady must be good friends, you all holding hands.”

This was not the type of news Mrs Watson was hoping for.

With a howl that must have been heard clear down the back of the village, the old lady let go of the white clammy hand, grabbed her granddaughter and ran for the wake house which was nearer than her own house.

If the friends and family members of the dead woman had any feeling of weariness or a few were somewhat sleepy, that soon vanished.

“Oh gawd!”

Everyone froze.

Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop!

Someone or something was approaching fast.

“Jumbie!”

Everyone was on their feet now.

Crash!

Mrs Watson tumbled into the wake and knocked over the table of refreshment. Everyone gathered round and tried to calm her down.

After she had told them her story not many were prepared to venture out into the road. The wake house would have full capacity until dawn.

By now Mrs Watson had calmed down “A hope dat spirit gone it way!”

She looked terrified still.

“Granny look……….!!”

Petal was pointing straight at the front door. Grabbing her hand Mrs. Watson bit her finger!

“Ow granny!”

Shut de door quick.

Slamb!

Silence.

Next day Petal’s face was held over a boiling pot of rice.

NO MORE JUMBIE SIGHTINGS!

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Lost & Found Dear Wayne & Tamara

We've been married nine years. For the most part it's a good marriage. Although I wish my husband was more affectionate, I decided to love him for who he is and be happy.

There was one incident, right before we got married, where I caught him flirting with a receptionist at work via texts. I had no proof of physical interaction. He begged me to give him another chance and I did. I warned him if I ever found out something like this was going on, my children from a previous marriage and I would be out of his life. No explanations or excuses.

Recently he started taking my teenage son skeet shooting. A girl, 20, works at the range. Looking at our phone bill, I noticed he often texted one number – hers - and there were calls back and forth. That took me right back to the incident I had forgotten.

So I confronted my husband. He told me she wanted his advice about a boy. She also confided about troubles at home. He said he felt sorry for her because she was down on herself and he wanted to help.

He wasn't defensive and even said all I had to do was say the word and he would tell her to stop texting and calling.

What's strange is before this my husband turned over a new leaf. He became affectionate and seemed happier. He told me he should have done this long ago, and he promised our future will be different. He also apologised for depriving me in our marriage.

This brings me to a crossroad. I've read men who cheat sometimes feel so much guilt they show more attention to make up for it. But I should add he is trying to fix up this girl with one of his work friends, so maybe I'm overreacting.

MARNE

XVII

********************************* DEAR MARNE, On the surface, your letter is indeterminate. But if you think about it a little deeper, it's the straw, the confluence of

if there is more to it. Instead of being unaffectionate, he's changed. That should make you happy but it doesn't, does it?

One day he decided to be a different person. That's like finding a diamond in your backyard. It's rare. It's no surprise it doesn't make you happy because, besides suspicion, where does your head go? He could have been like this nine years ago.

Again you have to decide what it means. Sit down and talk with him. "What's happening doesn't make sense to me. We didn't go to marriage counseling, you didn't have a near death experience, I didn't threaten you with 'change or else,' but you changed. Why?" Because he cannot show affection to the young girl, could he be turning those feelings on you? Possibly. Did being around her waken in him the desire to end his unaffectionate ways? It could be that, too.

Your husband isn't defensive about her. That can be a good sign. But you are in the same spot as nine years ago.

Your task is to get to the bottom of why he's changed this time.

WAYNE & TAMARA ********************************* DEAR WAYNE & TAMARA,

circumstances, what was there prior to the marriage. He was unaffectionate and flirting with a receptionist, and you chose to accept it.

People say, "I decided to accept him as he is," but you decided to accept a question mark. It was a bit of a bird in the hand. "I don't know if I will ever have another man, and I have children to consider."

Flash forward nine years. Here's the same confluence of circumstances. He's texting, and as before you can't determine

Thank you! You brought to light exactly the questions I need to ask. So I did! I truly believe he wants his life to be different.

I will enjoy this and see what happens. I've learned if intentions are not true, eventually the real intentions will show themselves.

MARNE

XVIII

- can spread between siblings or from spouse to spouse

S

urprising as it may seem, many people are unaware that dental disease is just like any other infection caused by bacteria. It is a disease that can be spread easily, is transferred from person to person, and worst of all, can grow on things like toothbrushes.

Now, once you realise that dental disease ► Continued on page XIX

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

What’s In a Kiss? About 80 Million Bacteria! The particular types of bacteria in everybody’s body and mouth differs greatly depending on a number of factors including diet, age, and genetic predispositions. But, one big factor affecting the types of bacteria found in subjects’ mouths were the people with whom they were interacting and, most particularly, kissing. (biscaynedentalcenter.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

► Continued on page XVIII is this kind of infection, you understand how very simple steps can be used to control it.

In the nineteenth century, progressive medical surgeons begged peers to wash their hands so as to prevent the spread of infection.

Today I beg patients to clean their mouths and their toothbrushes to control the spread of tooth and gum disease between family members.

Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance that exists between the bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection and illness. Overuse of antibiotics showed us that if protective bacteria were removed, overgrowth by harmful ones often followed, and the same reactions can be seen when we look at mouth bacteria.

Bacteria that live on teeth can grow only when attached to a hard, non-shedding surface. Some kinds of tooth bacteria are harmful, whereas others are good for our health.

In fact, it appears that teeth need a barrier of healthy protective bacteria to stop harmful ones from damaging the tooth surface.

The balance between good and bad bacteria is important for dental health, and it is also important to know that this balance can change.

People are often surprised to learn that they can lose healthy bacteria following an abrasive dental cleaning, after taking a course of antibiotics, or when the mouth becomes dry or acidic for long periods of time.

During times of change, it is possible for a new type of bacteria to infect your mouth and suddenly cause damage to your teeth and dental health.

Tooth bacteria rarely exist in a baby’s mouth before the presence of a tooth. Therefore, the origin of these bacteria is necessarily someone else’s tooth. DNA studies have illustrated that a parent, usually the mother, is most often the person who passes tooth bacteria from her mouth to the baby’s mouth when his or her first tooth erupts. Most people imagine a genetic link or something in the mother’s milk that passes on dental disease. The truth is that the dental disease is transferred directly to a child’s new tooth, often during a loving cuddle or kiss.

Most often, parents and caregivers share their mouth germs with their children (vertical transmission), but it is also possible for mouth germs to spread between siblings or from spouse to spouse (horizontal transmission). Research shows, and parents should also be aware that children born by caesarean section appear to be infected by mouth germs earlier – possibly because they lack some kind of protection – than do vaginally delivered infants.

Bacteria travel to the new baby tooth most often in a droplet of saliva. The bacteria can transfer during a kiss, from a drop of saliva on spoons or pacifiers, or from food shared with a baby. Sometimes parents suck the nipple of their baby’s feeding bottle to test the temperature and taste of the feed. I would never suggest that parents stop kissing their baby or worry about sharing food. Think about this: If the bacteria do not come from your mouth, they will be transferred from the mouth of someone else who comes into contact with your child. Since this bacteria transfer cannot be stopped, it makes more sense to control the kind of bacteria passed to children.

XIX

Obviously, you want a baby to be infected with healthy, dentally, protective bacteria rather than aggressive, cavity-forming ones.

The fact is that once a particular kind of bacteria reaches a baby’s first tooth, this bacteria will then colonizes or spread to the other baby teeth as they erupt.

It has also been shown that whenever there are many harmful bacteria in a parent’s mouth, the chances that they will transfer to the child are greater.

It has also been shown that the first kind of bacteria to infect the biting surfaces of molar teeth usually become the dominant strain in the mouth, because the grooves of these teeth become reservoirs of bacteria for the mouth.

Changing the kind of bacteria in a child’s mouth after molar teeth have erupted becomes more difficult. This fact can also be used to a parent’s advantage. To give children the best advantage, make sure that health bacteria are established in their mouths before the molar teeth erupt. This simple charge can provide your child with many years of dental protection.

Preventing the passage of harmful germs to the next generation may be the most promising method of preventing cavities in children’s teeth. If this is the first time you heard about this kind of bacterial transfer, it will be natural for you to wonder why there has been no media attention and no national education on the topic.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XXI

DUNDEE REVISITED Attractive and economically potent

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By Alex Wayne

ITH great excitement I boarded the minibus at the Berbice Bus Park in the city, intent on thoroughly enjoying the visit to the next village that was marked off on my schedule. Tingling with excitement, I was greatly anticipating pulsating tassa drums, pretty girls doing the belly dance, alcohol in abundance, and carefree festivity in wild abandonment as villagers converged for their many, inevitably massive wedding celebrations.

It was Dundee here I come! And anyone in the know would welcome any opportunity to visit this village, which always pulsates with an inimitable vibrancy that seems to add life to all the other villages of Mahaicony, although it is situated just about four miles from the outskirts of the Central Mahaicony District.

Dundee nestles at the mouth of the Mahaicony River, about 27 miles east of Stabroek Market in Georgetown. It is cozily situated between the slightly larger villages of Airy Hall and Novar, and is predominantly populated by East Indians, whose collective outgoing personality promotes a vibrant camaraderie with other villages in a very appealing Guyanese nationalism.

So there I was, figuratively champing at the bit as the bus rolled along the East Coast Demerara Highway, hardly noticing impressive scenery of verdant rustic attractiveness

that ever so often flashed by in a lush, green blur. I planned to enjoy this visit to Dundee and my intended explorations, since I had once resided in Calcutta Village, just on the outskirts of my intended destination.

My adrenaline began to pump like crazy as the bus drew closer to our destination. It had been ages since I had last visited this village, and I was gleefully recalling my visits there with friends as a teenager, gyrating in wild abandon at the many weddings and birthday celebrations to which I had been invited.

SHOCKING Readers, I received the shock of my life as I passed the sign indicating that I had entered Dundee Village. I had been looking forward to seeing a smattering of houses and maybe the two grocery stores that had been among the very attractive features in this village during my teenage years. I had expected to see men bustling with activity, racing to fill trucks with rice and paddy at the Dundee Rice Mill. I had expected to see many males idle in the streets even during the scorching midday sun, doing nothing in an atmosphere of nothing doing, so to speak. My expectations had been dashed, but I must admit that I was happy they had been so treated.

Over the years, things have changed in Dundee Village.

The community has shed its ‘Old World features’ and has been transformed like, a beautiful swan, into a quite sophisticated settlement showcasing posh buildings and businesses, well

Some villagers were in high praise for the Government for making possible the Mahaicony Bridge which connects Dundee to the rest of the district.

paved streets and an infrastructure dictating that this once little ‘yesteryear village’ is now a well-established location, with vibrant signs of ongoing economic development.

Folks, I have to admit that I was a little mystified and very much blown away with the transformation of this already vibrant village. Like they say, everything surely changes with the transcending of time.

EXPLORING DUNDEE I was once employed at the Dundee Rice Mill; so, with living memories flooding my mind, I decided to begin my trek from that point. Lo and behold, there was yet another shock awaiting me!

When we came to the gates of the rice mill, I was appalled at its apparent ‘run down state’, and was moved to anger upon seeing that almost the entire complex was in terminal decay.

Nonetheless, we entered the compound of the facility, amidst curious stares from nearby residents, with every intention of was taking photographs that would later come in useful.

Noting a blur of movement from the rear of the mill, we approached cautiously, for fear of being ambushed by vagrants seeking shelter and solace in the old mill. It turned out that we met a resident, Satrohan Singh, who was administering repairs to two trucks parked in the compound.

On our enquiring, he informed that the mill had gradually ceased operating in the late 1990s, since a much larger one had been in process of erection at Champagne Village, also in Mahaicony. Owned by popular businessman ‘Mr. Mankad’, that mill would have provided, on a larger scale, the services once offered by the mill at Dundee, which was much smaller.

He indicated that completion of the intended spanking new rice complex never materialized, because of ‘building problems’ and ‘other issues’; but, he said, the structure was left to stand as a ‘ghost structure’, and although security guards were placed at the mill when construction was halted, “vagrants and outsiders” came in the still of the night and stole much very valuable equipment, machinery, and other items. The now deteriorating mill at Dundee is now being used by some residents as a storage area for trucks and other vehicles.

HISTORY Dundee Village has its own little historical ori1gins. I am told it was ‘”Raaju”, the eldest of four brothers who had arrived from India as indentured servants, who had settled at Dundee and had caused settlement there.

Relating this historical tale was Mangru Persaud. His story is as follows: The labour contracts under which our forefathers worked varied, but, as a rule, they were ‘bound’ to work on a designated estate for five years in return for a wage, housing, clothing, food, and medical care. After five years, they could choose between ► Continued on page XXIV

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XXIII

DUNDEE REVISITED XXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015 ► From page XXI

owning ten acres of land or ten pounds sterling; or they Prominent business individuals, kind-hearted residents, could, after a further five or ten years of ‘industrial resi- and the NDC body would normally join forces to make the annual project possible. dence’, get a free passage back to India.

Ten recipients were awarded this year, and the gesture After completing his indentureship in Guyana, Raaju opted for the ownership of land in compensation for the five years was made possible by the NDC; business officials Derrick Ramroop, Joe Bacchus, Mankad Persaud, the Ramesh Family, he worked at Vryheid’s Lust sugar estate.

It was known that Raaju took up farming, and later he Seedat Singh, Mr. Ezzie Inniss of Calcutta Village, and Mr. saved up enough money to purchase more land at Mahaicony. Pardat (only name supplied). While resident Parsuram Ramnarace provide meals for the awardees, the NDC provide the He had also owned cattle and horses.

“Raaju reputedly settled at Lot 2, Dundee, Mahaicony. He cash presentations.

The chairman said that Dundee was a very under-develand his wife (name unknown) had five children. Since we have little or no knowledge of their children except for Juman, we oped settlement in the early 1980s, and it was not until after will assume, for the time being, that Juman was the eldest son, the 1992 election which brought the People’s Progressive until we resolve the details of Raaju’s other children (research Party (PPP) to office that things began to change positively in the village. is needed in this respect), Mangru Persaud detailed.

Before that era, according to the NDC Chairman, the “At the moment, we are not sure whether or not Raaju was married before he arrived in Guyana. We know that Juman village was lacking established businesses, and access roads was born in 1883 during Raju’s indentureship (which occurred and small streets were unpaved. The village at that time had between 1880 and 1890). It could very well be that Juman may featured muddy dams, which created a problem for farmers have been born in Grenada, or Raaju’s family (wife + children) in the rainy season as they tried to access their rice and cash could have arrived in Guyana earlier than 1886, as originally thought.

“Raaju, being the eldest son, is of tremendous importance from a genealogical perspective; in that, based on a few key assumptions: (a) He was the eldest of the siblings (he was the eldest brother, but were there any older sisters?)

“Most males in our family in the 1800s were married at age 18, and got their firstborn There is nothing quite as gratifying as experiencing the when aged 19 or 20. With this freshness of the tropics in a custom-made hammock in mind, we can deduce some important dates in the history of this family (for instance that): Raaju was born around 1864, and died around 1929. His crop cultivations in the backlands.

“Before the 1992 elections, Dundee was not the village father, whose name is currently not known, was born around 1845, and died around 1910, assuming he lived an average age it is today. Everything was small; from houses to the few businesses we had, everything was just small. There was no of 65 years in those days,” Mangru Persaud detailed. street light, or much scope for entertainment or employment in the village,” he said.

TRANSFORMATION “Today, with new Government intervention, residents are We were quite curious to learn the tale of Dundee’s transformation, and on hand to tell us the details was the enjoying street lights, paved roads, good drainage; and there is Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Mr a certain economic boom that will one day grow to its entirety Deonarine Singh, aka Papso, who has lived in the village in this village.

“Long ago there was no television in the homes of resialmost all his life.

The chairman said a positive initiative was started in the dents; neither could everyone be able to purchase chicken and village twelve years ago, when the NDC initiated the drive such luxuries, because of the high cost of living. Today, even to award those from the village who had excelled at the Sec- the poorest of families in Dundee can afford to have these ondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE) and at various necessities and live comfortably.

“In times gone by, there were just about two grocery outacademic institutions within the NDC district.

Schools that would customarily benefit from this drive are lets in this village, and most residents would make their larger the Novar and Calcutta Primary schools, the Ausburg Primary, household purchases at Central Mahaicony. Today, there is a Esau & Jacob Primary, and the Caramauth Primary School. distinct economic growth in this village, and it’s evident in the The gesture included a monetary donation, a trophy, and a many impressive homes and businesses that have sprung up.

“With the (implementation) of well paved streets and street meal for the recipients.

Some villagers still depend on their rice crop for survival

lights, Dundee Village (has taken) on an aura of sophistication by night, and an exciting bustle of modern activity by day, as residents rush about tending to their various concerns, which in most cases has to do with making a quick dollar.

“Today, Dundee is abuzz with daily activity, made possible by the presence of businesses like the Igloo Ice-Cream outlet, Amelia’s Grocery and Lumber Yard, Vishal Pawn Shop, a DOCOL Tex Gas franchise, Curie’s General Store and Internet Café, BM Soat Auto Sales, and of course the Sisson’s Paint supplier.

“To accentuate the success of the village, there is also a Western Union/Bill Express branch, a Health Centre, and of course the Mahaicony/Abary NDC Office.

“So, you see, folks, this village will certainly enthrall you and keep you wanting to know about it.

Yes, the village is small indeed, but it’s the uniformity of the businesses and the strategic layout that tells the story of Dundee, slowly catapulting into becoming a small town. I

This fisherman brings fresh shrimp and fish to the doorsteps of villagers mean, with all the business there, residents are able to satisfy their every need,” Mr Deonarine Singh boasted.

CHALLENGES Some villagers with whom we spoke complained that they attend a church which is situated close to a wash bay from which they are disturbed by continuous noise during worshipping hours. Some said that persons also park trucks and other vehicles there, preventing them from using the sidewalks that make traversing the area comfortable.

Some housewives indicated that, from time to time, some residents doing extensions to homes and businesses would dump large heaps of sand and stone on some access roads, making it almost impossible for vehicular traffic to access some areas.

Some residents seemed very peeved at the presence of shacks (called shops) which have been erected on both sides of some access streets. Those, they claim, have reduced the spaces on the roads, yet again causing discomfort to drivers and people trying to traverse the area freely. This also seems to be affecting persons going to and from the nearby Novar School.

Villagers have pointed out that these small shacks have been erected on Government reserves. They are calling on the relevant authorities to look into this matter.

ROOM FOR DEVELOPMENT NDC Chairman Deonarine Singh agrees that there is still room for development in the village. And to continue in that direction, he said, the NDC body is presently redoubling its ► Continued on page XXV

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015 ► From page XXIV efforts as it continues to undertake works to use up the $3M Subvention Initiative made possible by the Ministry of Local Government.

Monies from this project are used to conduct repairs to streets and infrastructure, grade and shape ‘agricultural dams’, and repair kokers, making them with new HDPE tubes.

The Region Five Administration also assists; and, at present, streets have been completed at Calcutta Community Centre and Primary School, even as works are being undertaken to repair the Burma Road.

Similar projects are ongoing at Champagne, Hyde Park, Esau & Jacob, and at Abary Fishing Road.

Other areas include the Novar Secondary and Primary schools, at which rehabilitation has been done. The Dundee Health Centre and the Calcutta Primary School are also earmarked for similar works.

The Ministry of Local Government has also done rehabilitation works to the top flat of the NDC Office at Dundee.

The Chairman noted that he is very appreciative of the

put them to the test several years ago, and business just boomed after.

“I always have my meats marinated, ready and waiting; so as soon as the orders come in, I am able to prepare them in a matter of minutes. The trick to my special flavour, which keeps customers coming back for more, I will not divulge; but I will, however, say that to get the best out of your meats, one must use the right spices and seasonings, make sure the meat is always tender, and try never to overcook the orders”.

Tuss prepares all the orders himself, and has two male waiting staff working with him. The work is hard, and sometimes he is seen nodding at a table, but he springs to attention when an order for rum or cutters is shouted out by the bellowing customers.

Tuss’s little joint has become an ‘energy cauldron’ for travellers, especially those going to the city and the airport in the wee hours of the night or mornings. Vehicles pull up one after the other, quite assured that they would receive hot meals at any time of the night or day.

“A few years ago, I had just a small shop selling liquor to the few that came. The crowds built rapidly, since there is really no other business like mine in Dundee, and I was forced to expand the business.

“And here I am today, serving the best in meals and cutters!” he boasted.

Even though it was about 11:00 hrs, the crowd was

XXV

Readying the soil for the cash crops

vial smiles as if nothing in the world bothers them, and this is enough reason to want their company.

From its well paved streets to its appealing scenery; from its rapidly transcending modern sophistication to its economic possibilities, Dundee Village is certainly headed for ultimate economic evolution.

People of different ethnicities live as one happy family in this village Local Government Ministry and donor entities, which aid in effective functioning of the NDC. However, he is pleading with defaulters who owe the NDC large sums to pay up their dues, so that the body can function effectively and use such funds in their drive to develop and upgrade the district.

OPPORTUNITIES This village is chockful with all the necessities of life, save for a proper nightclub for villagers to unleash their ‘party desires’. But do you think this bothers them? Certainly not!!

Villagers are content with the leisure time festivities offered by Tuss’s Restaurant & Bar, which operates on a 24hour basis. Situated just opposite the NDC Office, this joint is always bustling with activity as patrons converge there almost all day to devour the delectable cutters and soak up the various beverages offered by the establishment.

Deemed the ’cutters specialist’, Tuss, as the owner prefers to be called, boasts of his ability to serve up the most delicious dishes of steaming cutters in minutes.

“It took hard work to arrive at where I am today, and since I had always possessed excellent culinary skills, I decided to

Even the youths are gainfully employed in this thriving village already building, inclusive of car drivers, those coming from their farms, and others whom Tuss said would bang on his doors since early in the mornings. Their bellowing laughter and ‘rum riddled’ jokes would certainly raise your eyebrows as they good-naturedly slap each other on the shoulders to drive home a point in their countless ‘rum shop arguments’.

EMPLOYMENT Almost everyone seems to be employed in this village, either functioning as carpenters, rice and cash crop farmers, fishermen, or as shop owners. Of course there are also poultry farmers, and residents in Dundee are proud to declare that a fleet of fifty fishing boats that operate from the Abary Sluice is owned by villagers.

Residents always wear jo-

The bicycle is an indispensable form of transport ‘in de country’

Enjoying a good ‘country gaff’ by the roadside

These housewives travel from as far as Calcutta Village to get their grocery supplies at Dundee

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XXVII

XXVIII

Aaron Blackman

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

The poetic messenger

Aaron Blackman

H

By Alex Wayne

E began selling his rich and innovative poems in the streets several years ago, and has since been transformed into a very worthwhile citizen who is contributing greatly to his community and other outlying areas.

From 1985 to 1987, he sold his poems not so much for the cash, but as a means of establishing his work.

This soon propelled him to the status of being rated amongst Guyana’s most talented poets.

In 1987, through assistance from the then Prime Minister, he obtained funding and published two thousand five hundred copies of ‘Revelation Pan Creation’, his first book of poems.

This book consists of some twenty-one stirring poetic compositions.

After that, there was no turning back for Aaron Blackman, who hails from Aaron Blackman Paradise Village, East Coast Demerara.

Aaron began his poetic exploits in 1984, when he seriously began penning creative pieces, since he felt he had a message to share with the world. He felt that poetry was the best means of getting that message to those who needed it, since it mirrored his thoughts and also the ‘actions of the people.’

The first poem he sold was dubbed ‘Guyana’, which spoke of the serene, natural beauty of the country; its potential for ultimate development, and issues affecting its economic and social elevation.

With the positive response to this piece, he began ►Continued on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015 ► From page XXVIII selling many others, but sales were poor, since, in his view, the average person with hardly any creative instinct could not relate to his rich, stimulating pieces.

In 1990, he formed and led the Triple Troupe Group, which performed music and poetry, with its students drawn from several secondary schools in the city. During that time, he was a teacher at the Paradise Government School.

Harrison College and Lester Vaughn Secondary School in Barbados.

Working also with the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Programme in Barbados, Blackman promoted skills development among youths in depressed communities.

Aaron is a graduate of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, and possesses a Diploma in Youth Development.

He also held the post of Public Relations Officer of the St. Joseph Parish Independence Committee.

RETURN TO GUYANA In 2005, still penning his poems, he returned to Guyana and worked with the Guyana Football Federation as President of the East Demerara Football Association.

He was later appointed President of the East Coast Community Development Council, a position he still holds today. He is responsible for taking care of sorts-related issues for the East Coast villages of Paradise, Bachelor’s Adventure, Bare Root and Melanie Damishana.

Aaron Blackman

At just around that period, he enrolled in the University of Guyana, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work even as he was working as an HIV/ AIDS counsellor with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.

At that time, he held the position of National Sports Organiser, working under Mr. Dereck Whitehead, the then head of the National Sports Development Council.

Even though he was very busy, he still made his poetry priority.

In 2000, this talented Guyanese was also attached to the African Caribbean Youth Center summer camp in Michigan, Fort Myers, Florida, USA as an instructor in sports and culture.

RELOCATION In 2004, he relocated to Barbados, where he intended to promote his work. He sold his pieces to the ‘Bajan’ community and to the many tourists who visited the island, thus ensuring his compositions filtered to various sections of the world.

The versatile artiste also performed his poems at several schools and other academic institutions.

He later released a ‘CD’ which contained 25 of his more selected dramatic and inspirational pieces. The CD received rave reviews and made quite a breakthrough in the local world of poetry.

His popularity began growing on the island of Barbados and, in 2005, when it was discovered that he was also a talented calypsonian, he was slated to perform at the annual Crop Over event.

At that time also, he was a football coach at the

XXIX

In 2008, at the five-star Wyndham Hotel in Tampa, Florida, he performed his poem ‘Africa’.

Aaron was also employed as a Programme Officer of the Israel Lovell Foundation, promoting the arts of dance, drama, poetry, stilt-walking and other related activities.

To date, Aaron has been featured in the Barbados Nation and Advocate newspapers as one of the Caribbean’s promising poets, and of course he speaks highly of his hit pieces, which include ‘I dream of a World’, ‘Guyana’, ‘Sugar Cane’ and ‘The Presidency’, all of which inculcate social issues even as they highlight Guyana’s riches and investment potentials.

During an exclusive interview with this publication, the poet related that he has a large volume of unpublished work, and feels ‘this is the time to get the information to the people’. As such, he continues to pursue sponsorship to make this dream a reality.

He still puts his creative thoughts on paper, and noted: “A poetic talent is a gift more precious than diamonds, since it can bring about phenomenal changes if utilized expertly.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

XXXI

TRANSFORMING VILLAGE ECONOMIES THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

WOWETTA WOMEN’S GROUP constructing processing factory to cater for expanding production

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By Tajeram Mohabir ONSUMERS often notice the cassava chips, cassareep, cassava bread and farine in the shops and supermarkets, but those who consume these products hardly pay attention to where they come from, and who are the manufacturers.

Of course, there is no single manufacturer of these products, as there are many micro-enterprises scattered across the country. However, chief among these enterprises is the Wowetta Women’s Agro-Processors Group.

THE GROUP Formed in 2008, the Wowetta Agro-Processors Group (WAPG) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is a true representation of Amerindian women in particular being at the forefront in the fight against poverty through entrepreneurship.

The Group comprises some 50 members, including general membership, which is open to anyone and includes voluntary service; active members, who are directly engaged in production and are paid; and financial members, who ensure the economic viability of the business.

Their work has contributed to an increase in household income, active community participation in food production, and a measurable improvement in the lives of Wowetta residents.

Grace Albert, a leading member of the group, told the Guyana Chronicle that since commencement of operations in 2008, the Group has grown from a small business with few members to an expanding enterprise worth some $1 million today, and the membership is still growing.

WOWETTA Wowetta is encircled by the Pakaraima and Makarapan Mountains to the east. The Makarapan is a range of the Kunuku Mountains that divides the Rupununi Savannahs into two halves; namely, the North Rupununi Savannahs that is predominantly occupied by the Makushis, and the South Rupununi Savannahs that is occupied by the Wapishanas and the Wai Wai tribes.

Surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest, the village is one of several that border the Iwokrama International Rainforest Protected area.

The 2006 census puts population of Wowetta at 312 residents with 58 households. Residents engage in subsistence farming, fishing, and hunting for their livelihood.

The tranquil community of Wowetta, in Region Nine, is surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest some challenges.

She pointed out that the processing of food products is done in a small building, which she said was workable when the business started; but after six years in operation, output has increased, and today the group needs a factory to carry on its operation.

Very soon, the food manufacturer said, the group will be building a processing factory with funds from savings and contributions from donor agencies.

Aside from current products, James said, when the factory comes on stream, it will be adding corn meal to the list of packaged foods it sells.

The representative of the Wowetta Women’s Agro-Processors Group said the addition follows market research which has indicated a demand for corn meal on the coastland.

The success of the group, she said, is due in part to support provided by volunteers from Cuso International, a development organisation that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors.

The group also receives support from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which supports agricultural development as a tool to enable sustainable livelihoods of rural populations.

MORE YOUTH INVOLVEMENT But, Ms James said, for success of this operation to be maintained, more young people would have to become actively involved in the business. This, she said, will not only ensure its success, but will secure a brighter future for Wowetta.

She pointed out that the village, whose name means “soft”, also relies on eco-tourism for its existence.

The group recently received a computer through the Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development (READ) Project, to network and share vital information on market access and product development, in order to maximise its growth and development.

Women of Wowetta with packaged farine. Farine is made from processed cassava (photo taken from ellieinguyana.wordpress.com) SOLD ON THE COASTLAND Albert told this publication that the cassava chips, cassareep, cassava bread, farine and tapioca (a product from cassava starch) are made from sweet and bitter cassava, and are packaged and sold in Region Nine and on the coastland.

The market, she said, has been steady, and the business has been growing from strength to strength, contributing to a vibrant village economy.

Cassava has been cultivated by the Macushis and the Wapishanas for centuries. It is processed into the staples of cassava bread, farine, cassareep and tapioca, which are eaten with fish or meat.

CHALLENGES Ms James said the success of the business, which relies on cassava production, has created

The baking of cassava bread in Guyana ► Continued on page XXXIV

58 Miles

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Life away from busy Georgetown…

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

- a thriving & breathtakingly rustic village

5

By Tajeram Mohabir

A gas station at 58 Miles, Mabura, Region 10

8 MILES, a small village along the Mabura Road in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was virtually unknown about 10 years ago, but from then to now, it has been developing into a thriving

community.

The rustic village surrounded by forest is commonly accessed by the dusty Mabura Road, which leads to Lethem (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), a booming community and the gateway to Guyana from Brazil.

58 Miles has been gradually transforming over the years and today boasts of a gas station, a primary school, a playground with pavilion where villagers converge in the afternoon, a church, an eating house, serving sumptuous dishes of wild meat, and a health centre.

On Wednesday, this reporter on a visit to the village which has about 250 residents was greeted with a welcoming smile and warm “hello”.

At the same time a truck carrying lumber roared pass, drowning our voices and leaving an eruption of dust in the background.

When the dust settled, Emily Williams, a mother of five grown children, who was relaxing outside a benab on the road corner, told the Chronicle that the village has changed significantly in the past decade, but there is still some way to go in terms of development.

She said accessing water in the dry season is a challenge as there is only one well in the village, which is utilised by all the residents. The water level in the well is currently low because of dry weather and many residents have now turned to a nearby creek for water.

Williams said going to a creek for water is not really a problem, but in the villagers’ case, it is, noting that the nearest creek is about a mile away from their village.

Some villagers who do not have or cannot afford access to transportation to the creek have been making the journey on foot, fetching water back to the village in buckets.

GENEROUS The happy mother, who told us that she made the journey to the creek a few times, said the Government officials in the region have been generous to the community.

She said that from time to time, they would meet with the residents and listen to their concerns, and respond to most of them.

They have been apprised of the water problem, she said, and they promised to look into the ► Continued on page XXXIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

The thriving 58 Miles village is a place for relaxation for those coming from the booming Region 9 community, Lethem

Trucks transporting lumber on the Mabura Road ► From page XXXII situation.

WATER TANKS Williams asked us to mention in our report that the “next time they come, it would be good if they walk with some water tanks” for distribution to villagers.

The water tanks, Williams said, will alleviate their stress in having to fetch water all the way from the creek during the dry season.

At this point, another villager, Jennifer Williams, interjected to say that the primary school in the community has only one teacher, and this is not good enough.

The Guyana Chronicle learnt that the school is a primary top, a school that teaches secondary school content, but does not offer the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The Mabura Mission Primary School Annex/ Secondary has about 50 students, and according to the residents, from talks with regional officials, moves are being made to get the school to offer the CSEC. TEACHER SHORTAGE Residents said the promise by regional officials is heartening, but they have to move swiftly to address the teacher shortage, noting that the school requires at least two more teachers to function effectively.

When that time reaches, Williams said, it will be a noted occasion in 58 Miles village. She said about 10 years ago, the village was in a terrible state.

“We didn’t have a grocery store, we didn’t have nothing,” Williams said, pointing out that when the ration of villagers finished, they had to stay without, and in some cases, for a few days.

There was hardly any transportation, she said, disclosing that residents had to travel all the way to Great Falls, which was about 11 miles away.

The journey required them travelling by boat and foot, taking some three days to go and return.

Williams said sometimes the villagers were lucky as the time was shorter if they “got a lift” from one of the drivers of the logging trucks passing by.

LIFE IS MUCH BETTER Life today, Jennifer told the Chronicle, is ► Continued on page XLIII

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

WOWETTA WOMEN’S GROUP ...

READ is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, with loan and grant financing from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).

The project aims to improve the social and economic conditions of small-scale producers and vulnerable groups, such as women and indigenous peoples.

The Government initiative focuses on rural households that are headed by women, households that include unemployed or underemployed young people, and Amerindian communities. ► From page XXXI

WIDER DEVELOPMENT It is part of a wider programme by Government to improve the wellbeing of Amerindians.

Other components of the plan include provision of a Hinterland Scholarship Programme, which has helped to produce doctors, nurses, midwives, Medexes, engineers, teachers, IT specialists and agriculture scientists, many of whom have returned to serve their respective communities.

There is also the building of health facilities in Amerindian communities, and, more notably, the construction of multi-million-dollar hospitals at Kumaka and Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Thats aside, there is the Unserved Areas Electrification Project (UAEP), which seeks to improve the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities through the provision of clean and renewable energy; the building of water trestles, bore holes, PV systems, elevated water storage facilities in Regions One to 10, as well as the provision of hand pumps and rain water catchment to those areas; the investment of billions of dollars to upgrade roads in the hinterland region; and the development of Community Development Plans.

The Community Development Plans form an important component in the development process. They seek to create self-sufficiency within hinterland communities. They involve community participation and consensus on socio-economic projects.

These plans are funded through the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), but the fund was voted down by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the third year of the turbulent 10th Parliament.

The slashing of the fund has not affected the Wowetta Women’s Agro-Processors Group much, as the Group has always focused on sustaining its operations through prudent management.

And on that score, James called on the men in the village to play a more active role in supporting the group in terms of tending to the farms. In so doing, James said, a meaningful role would be played in helping to empower the women of Wowetta village, and this will redound to greater and more impactful development.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

English

Chronicle Pepperpot March 22, 2015

58 Miles ► From page XXXIII

much easier as residents have access to transportation, and some have their own transportation.

58 Miles residents rely primarily on logging and mining for a living but they also engage in farming, fishing and hunting.

According to the residents, the village is very peaceful, but there are a few cases of drug and alcohol abuse and the culprits are the older folks.

“The older ones are the people who does drink dem lil rum and fight up and thing, but nothing big,” said Williams, who is in her late 50s.

Crime in the village, she said, is almost non-existent, largely because most of the residents are Christians.

“They don’t drink, they follow God,” Williams said.

CLEAR SIGNAL A few years ago Digicel planted a tower at Mabura and residents are now enjoying clear signal. Some residents who are “hooked up” to the Internet were seen checking their mail and browsing Facebook as they relaxed after a hearty meal at the restaurant in proximity to the GUYOIL gas station.

But the residents say that they are not too pleased with the services at the health centre. They told the Guyana Chronicle that there are no drugs for malaria, thyroid and dengue fever even though a request was made by the community health worker attached to the village about a month ago.

MEDICAL DRUGS This newspaper was told that requests for medical drugs are made by the health centres, to the region, but the region has been slow in honouring the requests in a timely manner.

The shortcoming is vexing, the residents say, noting that it is one of the problems regional officials have to correct with urgency.

But they thanked the region, which through the Ministry of Health, supplied them will nets to safeguard against the army of mosquitoes in 58 Miles.

Thus far, no political party contesting the May 11 Elections has visited the village, which receives electricity through solar panels distributed by the Government.

Jenifer Williams (second left) and Emily Williams (right), along with other 58 Miles residents pose for the Guyana Chronicle

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The Weirdest Show - Bizarre Photos of on Wheels Crazy Motorcyclists

By Jeffrey Rindskopf

T

HERE’S an oft-unspoken rivalry between motorcyclists and us average motorists. Car-drivers are always eager to jealously complain about bikers unfairly passing them by in traffic or curse their deafening engines roaring by.

It’s in that spirit of resentment that we present this slideshow featuring a few of the weirdest sights you’ll ever see on the road, all of them on motorcycles. The photos of crazy motorcyclists just give you the feeling that there’s some sort of strange story behind them. We don’t know what those stories are — and, frankly, we don’t really care.

What’s most important to use about these pictures is that they’re funny. And isn’t that what life’s all about in the end? (firsttoknow.com) That sheep isn’t even wearing a helmet!

There’s a bike under there somewhere

I wonder why the cop is pulling them over If he hits a bump, he’s screwed

Yes, there’s a child in there somewhere

That can’t be safe Classy

Comfy

A one-door motorcycle That’s a barbecue

Who needs a sidecar?

Why has the military not mass-produced this?