Pepperpot 2015 5 10

The face behind ‘ShaSha Designs’…

KEISHA EDWARDS

► Page XX

- taking Guyana’s Fashion Industry to stellar heights!

The unique work of Keisha Designs, ShaSha Designs

Agriculture Minister says…

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AQUACULTURE - foundation being laid for export by 2020

‘WHAT A CATCH!’: This fish, which reportedly weighs over 500 lbs, was caught by fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Guyana, recently

How to treat your mom on

Mother’s Day

► Page XI

10

of the most influential ► women of XXVIII 21st century

Page

THE MORTAL GODS - who risk their lives, to give life ► Page XVIII

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

THE ROSE GARDEN ‘A mother’s love is like a blooming rose, fresh and fragrant’

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By Maureen Rampertab new day, as dawn graced the earth on every corner, in every home, from the mud huts to the palaces, a day not like any other, for it was Mother’s day, divine and blessed.

Priya opened her eyes, roused from sleep by the soft sounds of music and she laid still for a moment as her mind embraced the new day. A soft smile touched her face as she got out of bed, for she knew today would be a beautiful day as the world celebrated motherhood.

She took a leisure bath and the luxury of extra time, this morning, to dress because her daughter had told her last night not to leave her room until she was called. She would prepare a special breakfast, Priya knew, like she had been doing since she was three years old, graduating from dollhouse tea and cookies and pictures she drew with crayons to Hallmark cards, fresh flower bou-

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

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quets and astounding breakfasts. But what had always touched Priya’s heart was the deep interest her daughter put in creating something special to show her appreciation and love for her mother.

“It’s like what I did when I was young,” she remembered as she stood at her bedroom window looking at the blooming rose garden below, “But today, all I have are memories of my mother who has gone to god’s home.”

A light rap on the door signaled she could now exit and her daughter waited in the dining room, her cheeks pink with excitement, a smile on her face, that said even before words did, ‘Happy mother’s day, mom’.

“Oh my gosh!” Priya exclaimed, amazed at the exquisite decor on the table in pink and white satin, woven with pearl beads and white flower petals. A fresh flower bouquet was the centerpiece, encircled by beautifully wrapped gifts and the elaborate breakfast laid, completed the presentation, a mother’s day special.

Priya hugged her and kissing her lightly on both cheeks, she said, “Thank you so much, this is so wonderful.”

Her son who had come home late from classes last night, joined them for breakfast, having contributed with his savings earlier in the week, to make this day special and he played for his mother, a sweet tune on his guitar.

She had created a deep impression in her children’s mind from babyhood and her love and dedication were the keys that opened doors in their hearts and minds and today she was not only their mother but their best friend.

Often she had looked at her mother’s framed picture on the wall, the smile on her lips, the light in her soft brown eyes and memories always flowed in Priya’s mind. Today, now a mother, as she shared life with her son and daughter, she reflected on the life of her mother.

Sharda was her name, the first born girl in a family of six girls and one boy. The early years of her life had been spent on the Corentyne, living in a family mansion, ruled by her grandmother, a woman with strict, harsh ideals and principles.

It was a beginning fate must have prepared her for, for when her family ► Continued on page III

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

THE ROSE GARDEN

► From page II

was forced to move to the sugar estate, life in a hut was a far cry from the luxury of a mansion. She had grown up as a young girl with a strong mind and determination, living with dreams in her heart, dreams always a little too far for her hands to touch.

She had married at a young age and her life became a roller coaster ride through the good times and the bad. It had been a struggle to build and working in the estate backdams, the toil and the sweat left her every day in tears but her heart, her mind were strong and like mother earth, she stood the test of time. Her resolve, selfless sacrifices and dedication, no earthquake could have shattered, no storm could have drowned.

Not all her days were beautiful for sometimes the blood flowed with tears but she never gave up, she never stayed down, a woman of immeasurable strength and character, her womanhood personified, defined.

The dreams she had nurtured in her heart as a young woman, her hands never really touched and in her last days when the light had started to fade from her eyes, she told Priya, “All the beautiful things I could not have had in this life, my child, I wish you to be blessed with.”

Priya had written in her journal, a summary, chronicles of her mother’s life and as she looked out into the world, day after day, her thoughts embraced the lives of women, mothers, their values, their worth, in love, happiness, sadness, and struggles. As an educator and social worker, she had written many papers on women’s issues, trying to find answers to help make this world a better place for them all.

In her rose garden, she would sit, the place where her mind found blessed peace and it was there where ideas for many of her excellent papers were born.

She sometimes felt as though, the spirits of the women of her past generation were there with her, women who were the epitome of life.

“Mom,” her daughter’s voice brought her back to the present, “Please open your gifts now.”

“Okay,” she complied, smiling, pleased as always with their gifts, a Victoria Secret fragrance, a Gucci wristlet purse, and a pair of shoes that she loved.

She was a bit of a fanatic for shoes and bags and her children knew that.

“This has probably left the two of you broke,” she said with a laugh.

“You think?” the two of them said in unison, “But you’re special.”

“Thank you so much,” she said, hugging them both.

The beautiful dreams of her mother and the immense wealth of her virtuous nature had become hers. In her footsteps, she as the daughter would walk for her mother had left a legacy that will be imparted to generation after generation so they can understand the right values of their womanhood.

In the rose garden, she had planted a white rose for her mother, an emblem of love and purity, and one day, her daughter will plant for her, a pink rose and so it will continue for the mothers, a deity, a blessing.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

Agriculture Minister says…

NO NOSE-DIVE INTO

AQUACULTURE - foundation being laid for export by 2020 ‘WHAT A CATCH!’: This fish, which reportedly weighs over 500 lbs, was caught by fishermen in the Atlantic ocean, off the coast of Guyana, recently

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By Tajeram Mohabir

UYANA has reportedly flirted before with aquaculture, and has learnt valuable lessons on the importance of measuring up the global aquaculture market before nose-diving into the industry and surfacing with a loss.

Years ago, aquaculture was reportedly touted as a strong emerging sector, but enthusiasm waned reportedly because policy makers at the time plunged into the business without working out its kinks.

The past few years, efforts have been geared at rebuilding the aquaculture industry, this time on a firm footing to sustain itself, with the hope of exporting by 2012.

Guyana at one time used to export small quantities of tilapia to sister Caricom state Trinidad and Tobago. As part of the rebuilding process, the Government would most likely move to enact legislation to regulate the industry, which Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said has a bright future.

Guyana, he said, has enough aquaculture ► Continued on page V

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

NO NOSE-DIVE INTO ► From page IV

fields to satisfy local demand for tilapia and to satisfy the lucrative market in Trinidad and Tobago. But cost of production is a major issue, and this is what caused Guyana to hold back on its deep forward thrust into the industry.

Simply put, Dr Ramsammy said Guyana cannot compete with China and the United States to enter the Trinidad and Tobago market, or other markets further afield.

“So while the market is available, some people did not think it through, and (they) believe that you can just go and do it. And so the great enthusiasm that we started out with has died down.

“There are lucrative markets in North America, Europe et cetera, but what is lucrative market?

You have to be able to compete with other producers; and so, when you look at our cost of production, we cannot compete with the US because their cost of production is much lower than (ours); and China does integrated farming using cheap feed,” Dr Ramsammy said.

MUCH WORK TO BE DONE There is much more work that needs to be done to make Guyana’s aquaculture competitive, and Guyana is working on developing a fish feed so that local aquaculture production can be commercially viable.

While there is a ready market in Trinidad and Tobago, it does not make economic sense for Guyana to sell tilapia to that Caricom state. The price that China sells to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Ramsammy pointed out, is less than two-thirds the price that Guyana is asking for, or sees as reasonable.

The focus now, he said, is to lay a solid foundation for the industry to develop and thrive, bringing decent returns to both farmers and fisher folk.

Aquaculture ponds at the Satayadeo Sawh Aquaculture Station at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara

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A few weeks ago, seasoned private and public sector manager Dr Leslie Chin suggested that, alMUCH WORK REQUIRED though the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is in the business of sugar, it should consider lookDr Ramsammy said that while the idea is a great ing beyond sugar in its diversification plan. one, it would require some work, and it is not a Dr Chin told the Guyana Chronicle that a possi- current priority of GuySuCo, which is focused on ble area of GuySuCo investment could be in aquaculture, pointing out that the Corporation can test the viability of this option during the periods when fields are flooded.

GOOD TIME FOR EXPLOITATION Every five years, GuySuCo flood-fallows its fields to improve soil fertility, to enable high quality sugar cane; and according to Dr Chin, perhaps it might be feasible for the Corporation to exploit this time for aquaculture production.

He explained that it would not be “taking away” from sugar, but would help GuySuCo to gain maximum benefits from its fields while supporting value-added.

According to Dr Chin, aquaculture would not be a competing product, but a complementary one; and its success would contribute to the success of the Corporation.

He suggested that, for a start, the Corporation could, at a small fee, rent the flooded fields to aquaculture farmers for a period of six months, or allow them to use the fields for free, just to see how things would develop. The objective is to see how the business works, as it would be a win-win situation for all involved.

Dr Leslie Chin The farmers would gain from cultivating on rented lands at cheap rates; while, for GuySuCo, it will be a first-hand experience of how the upgrading its factories and embarking on other areas business works, and an opportunity to know of diversification to ensure its financial viability. what to do to improve it.

He explained that utilising the fields during Once successful, Dr Chin said, GuySuCo could the flood-fallow period will be a challenge, since retake the fields and get into production using the expertise at its disposal. ► Continued on page VI

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

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Tambaqui, also known in Guyana as ‘Fresh Water Pacu’, is accepted in European markets ► From page

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the life cycle of tilapia or tambaqui does not fit within that time.

The period for flood-fallow is between three to six months, and the life cycle of these fish is more than that time if they were to be grown to achieve the weight required for them to be sold on the export market.

If GuySuCo were to implement the idea suggested by Dr Chin, the Agriculture Minister related, it would require the Corporation to use a system where the fish are transferred to another field when the flood-fallow time of a particular field ends.

The second option, he said, would be to extend the flood-fallow period, but he explained that if this

The price that China sells tilapia to Trinidad and Tobago is less than two-thirds the price that Guyana is asking for or sees as reasonable

is done, it would take away from cultivation.

NOT READY “We are not ready for that kind of thing, unless we complete our research. To do it with sugar would not happen in the near future, because the logistics and timeline do not fit. We tried it with the rice fields, and many farmers find it inconvenient to do that,” Dr Ramsammy noted.

There are, currently, about 12 significant players in the aquaculture industry, who, combined, operate an area of about 3,000 hectares.

Dr Chin said that, with better management and support, the industry can regain momentum and become a force to be reckoned with. He pointed out that energies are being channelled in this direction.

Focus would be placed on rearing tambaqui, also

known in Guyana as Fresh Water Pacu, Dr Chin said, informing this publication that the fish is accepted in European markets.

Guyana is blessed with an abundance of land, water, and an ideal climate for aquaculture; and according to Dr Chin, if rearing of these two species is successful, attention would be expanded to include shrimp and crayfish.

Today, aquaculture is the fastest growing sub-sector in agriculture, and aside from tourism, it is the second fastest growing sector globally. More than 50 per cent of all fish consumed worldwide come from artificial ponds on land and marine cages, compared to some 7 per cent 45 years ago.

According to Dr Chin, some Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) experts have unofficially estimated that, in the next 50 years, some 99 per cent of all fish consumed would come from aquaculture.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

VII

Convicted rapist freed by judge’s misdirection

Statement of unsworn child allowed to corroborate sworn evidence

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By George Barclay

O N VICTED burglar & rapist Boodram Lall, who in 1967 was found guilty on the unsworn evidence of a child that corroborated sworn testimony of the mother, appealed the conviction and was f re e d b y t h e Guyana Court of Appeal.

That court, constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal P. A. Cummings and Victor Crane, found that the trial judge had erroneously told the jury at the trial that the child’s unsworn testimony was capable of corroborating the mother’s evidence. As a result, the appeal was allowed and the convictions and sentences were quashed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant was indicted on two counts; firstly, for ‘burglary with intent to commit rape’ on K., the mother of K.R., a nineyear-old girl.

The trial judge questioned the child and recorded the opinion that she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence, but he

did not permit her to be sworn as he did not think she understood the nature of an oath; and, as a result, she gave unsworn evidence.

Her testimony, If admissible and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The jury were directed that the rule of practice was to look for corrob-

whether the jury had relied for their verdict of “guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence of the mother alone, coupled with the warning that they were entitled to do; or on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s testimony.

That court which allowed the appeal – quashing the convictions and

oration of the mother’s evidence. Quite properly, the judge told them that they could convict on the uncorroborated evidenced of the mother, but he also told them, over and over again, that K. R.’s unsworn evidence corroborated the mother’s testimony.

That, the court held, (i) the unsworn evidence of a child could not be used to corroborate the sworn testimony of another person; (ii) the directions were of such a nature that it was impossible to say

sentences – had made reference to nine cases.

Queen’s Counsel Mr. J. O. F. Haynes had represented the appellant, while Mr. N.A. Graham, Senior Crown Counsel, had appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the Court, Chancellor Stoby said that the Jury trial took place in April, 1967 at the Demerara Assizes.

After a trial which lasted two days, the accused was convicted on both counts and sentenced to concurrent

terms of imprisonment of seven years.

According to him, at the trial, a nine-year-oldgirl, K.R., was called by the Crown as a witness.

The judge questioned the child and, at the conclusion of the questioning, recorded that in his opinion she was of sufficient competent understanding to give evidence.

The judge did not permit the child to be sworn, as he did not think she understood the nature of the oath, and, in the result, she gave unsworn evidence.

Her evidence, if admissible and if believed, afforded strong corroboration of her mother’s evidence.

The main ground of appeal, said the Chancellor, was whether the trial judge was correct in directing the jury that the unsworn evidence of a child could corroborate sworn evidence.

The Chancellor explained, “The manner in which the law developed to permit the unsworn testimony of witnesses is not without interest. In early times, all evidence had to be given on oath and on the Gospel. No one but a Christian could testify.

Competency to testify depended upon acceptance of the witness’s belief in the Gospel.

Non-Christians and children of tender years were

George Barclay

deemed to be ignorant of the nature and obligations of an oath, and were not allowed to be sworn and so could not testify.

Such was the state of the law until the celebrated case of Omychand v. Barker, (1744) 1 Atk 22, in which the depositions of Indian witnesses of the Gentoo religion, taken by Order of Court according to the local ceremonies on commissions in the East Indies, were admitted and read in evidence after being objected to.

In the report of this case, at page 29, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE LEE remarked that it was determined at the Old Bailey, upon mature consideration, that a child should not be admitted to give evidence without oath; and LORD CHIEF BARON PARKER, in the same case, said that it was so ruled at Kingston Assizes before LORD R AY M O N D , w h e r e , upon an indictment for rape, he refused the evidence of a child without oath.

The old cases of R. v.

Powell (1775) 1 Leach 110 and R. v. Braster, (1779) 1 Leach 199, both emphasize the fact that, though there was no precise or fixed rule as to the time within which infants are excluded from giving evidence, the testimony of an infant was not receivable under any circumstance,

except under oath.

After reviewing a number of cases and perusing the directions of the trial judge, the Chancellor declared, “It is impossible for us to say which of these two alternative situations the jury accepted -- whether they relied for their verdict of “guilty” on the uncorroborated evidence alone coupled with the warning as they were entitled to do, or on the evidence of the child as corroborative of the mother’s.

“Indeed, the jury having been told that it would be dangerous for them to act on the uncorroborative evidence of K. alone, may very well, it is contemplated, have heeded the judge’s warning and convicted with the help of the evidence of the child, which was repeatedly suggested to them as being capable of corroborating the mother’s.

“It seems to us that the likelihood of a verdict of “guilty” returned in such circumstances, without the proviso (14) being explained to them, is unsafe; and founded as it is on a non-direction which amounted to a misdirection in law, ought to be set aside in the interest of justice.

“The appeal is allowed and convictions and sentences quashed”.

Justices of Appeal Cummings and Crane concurred.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

The commercialisation

of motherhood

By Parvati Persaud-Edwards

ABSCONDING fathers – whether they are domiciled in the home or not, have precipitated severe dislocations in family structures, societies, and ultimately in nations; but there are also many instances of neglectful, abusive mothers when fathers have to assume the dual parental roles.

There are also extended relatives who play pivotal roles in bringing up children – elder siblings and grandmothers, for instance.

Parenting a child is not just donating a sperm, or carrying it in one’s womb and then giving birth – even animals do that. Parenting a child means being there every step of the way – guiding them, teaching them practical survival skills, having their backs in times of travails. But most importantly, parenting a child means inculcating into them a moral compass whereby they could become good human beings and exemplary citizens above all.

Mothers see their adult children always with the heart, no matter how old they grow; and those caring hearts never cease to bleed when they see their children in pain, or being taken advantage of.

A good parent’s reward is experiencing the joy of a child maturing into adulthood whereby they become responsible members of the general society, with all that this implies.

Bringing up a child and nurturing them to adulthood is at all times a difficult undertaking for parents; but moreso for single parents and extended family members who, because of circumstances, are constrained to bring up a child not their own.

For those parents supportive of each other, with extended family also being part of the nurturing synergies for a child, in most instances that child grows up to fend adequately for him/herself – emotionally, psychologically, financially, in all the ways that matter.

In single parent households, however; or even in households where the father absconds from his responsibilities and, to boot, is abusive and a bully who demands what he has not earned, thereby robbing his children of the basic necessities of life, the children may grow up with a lot of emotional and psychological baggage.

Many times mothers are forced to work long hours to provide the basic necessities for her family, only to be bullied out of her earnings by profligate, degenerate fathers, leaving the children in dire want and deprivation.

The anomaly is that if a mother, for whatever reason, remains in the abusive situation the children grow up to resent the mother; mainly for being absent at crucial times in their lives, or for allowing herself and them to be subjected to the abusive and impoverished situation imposed by a non-constructive, non-productive husband and father.

The children in turn oftentimes adopt the father’s aggressive, disrespectful attitude toward their mother, which distorts their moral compass. This disrespect and/or neglect of mothers who gave their all, albeit it may not have been sufficient to stave off hunger and loneliness at all times, often lends to situations where there is no mutual support system when the

children become adults. And it may even translate into consequential disrespect from grandchildren.

Today is Mother’s Day, a day designated to honour mothers; but mother’s day is every day. This highly commercialised affair whereby children engage in a one-stop-shopping spree, whereby they shop for gifts for friends, aunts, the mothers, sisters and child-mothers of spouses; and probably fit their own mothers somewhere in the motley collection, in no way

signify any special relation, especially a child’s love, loyalty and respect for their mother.

A mother should shun such material and empty gifts as being unworthy of that special bond that should exist purely between a mother and child. Neglect, disloyalty, disrespect and general degradation of a mother and her principles all through the year, for whatever reason, then a one-stop-shop to make a group of women feel special on a designated day holds no significance for that special and unique relationship of love, trust and respect that should be integral to a mother and child relationship.

Mother

(IfI have extras of anything I usually take it to the patients in the hospital who do not have visiting relatives, and sometimes read to the babies. One day I met an old woman whose eyes haunted me. She had been abandoned by her children, all of whom joined their father and are doing well overseas, and all of whom have forgotten the woman who taught and nurtured them to adulthood, and I was impelled to write the following)

You lie there Alone Lonely No one to care A hospital bed Your place of sanctuary Your sickness of the soul Catalyses a disease of the heart Broken On the rack of betrayal Used Abandoned You enfolded Within your femininity One whom you loved You have cradled Within your womb The seeds from that love Your nurturing Fructified in a crop Now lost In the diaspora Of the search Of the pot of gold At the end of the rainbow In the land of opportunity And you are the casualty Whose security Is the sleep induced By a needle bringing oblivion And temporary cessation Of the gnawing of the sorrows Feasting on your soul And you lie there Once fecund Fallow A quintessential woman Today barren Bereft Relic of a past generation Waiting Ever waiting To be called “mother” once more ParvatiPersaud-Edwards

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

IX

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

Inside the Courts…

CYRIL’S FISHY STORY (Guyana Graphic - August 7, 1959)

It was a fishy story and from what Magistrate Dan Debidin was told yesterday, Cyril it seemed was the smartest fish of all.

He did not look it though: this chap Cyril, tall and slim with an air of innocence about him. But sometimes innocence and slyness can be mistaken for the same thing.

In fact, in the case of Cyril, that was the opinion Mr Debidin came to.

Not only was Cyril sly but shy as well...shy of work that is.

Cyril, thought Mr Debidin, is one of those chaps who prefer to enjoy the toils of their women-folk.

For from Cyril’s own admission, he is not steadily employed and on that particular day was trying to get some cash off of Iris the woman with whom he lives.

However, it was not Iris who took Cyril to court but her friend and fish vendor neighbour in the market, May. It was May who had the fellow before Magistrate Debidin for abusing her.

And he did so, she complained, because he must have suspected that it was she who was preventing Iris from handing over her hard-earned cash.

Cyril however, was not admitting that he had abused May. So Mr Debidin set about trying to resolve the problem without actually going to trial.

HE ‘BUSE’ IRIS May explained that she is a fish vendor in the market in a stall next to Iris. And she was present when Cyril tried to get some money from his reputed wife.

“He started to ‘buse’ Iris,” May explained.

“And when he finish busing she, I was talking to her and he start to chuck me and cuss me.”

“What is he to Iris?” Mr Debidin wanted to know.

“Sir I really don’t know,” May replied but that sounded doubtful.

“What is she to you?” Mr Debidin then asked May. “Just me selling neighbour.”

“Oh she sells fish too.”

“Yes Sir” “A fishy story,” was the Magisterial comment.

“But where did he come from?” Mr Debidin asked still not clear about the whole mixed up story.

“Sir, I really don’t know. I never say anything to him and he come straight up to me and say: Ah get you so and so long in me mind. Ah going kick up you so and so,” May related.

“He even go away and then he come back and ‘buse’ me again,” May related.

“Yes! What is the other woman to you,” Mr Debidin then turned to Cyril, for some enlightenment.

“She concern me,” Cyril answered.

“What do you mean by that phrase…she con(Guiana Graphic - August 3, 1959) cerns you?” “ We l l S i r, w e a r e They’re here! They’re here! Dance tonight to the torrid tempos of Gaucho and his BRAZILIANOS. They’re hot on friends.”

“Friends or friendsevery rhythm: Cha-Cha-Chas! Mambos! Bai Aos! Boleros!

Batucadao! Guachas! Rock ‘n Roll; Fox-Trots etc! from 9 ing?” Mr Debidin wanted tonight! Admission: Gents $1.50; Ladies: $1.00! Payable to be specific. at the door.

“Well we living together,” Cyril admitted.

DANCE TONIGHT AT WOODBINE

DENIAL “And why did you ‘buse’ this woman here?”

“Sir I didn’t ‘buse’ this woman.”

Cyril declared: “I was speaking to this woman that concerns me and I was trying to go around into her stall when this woman here come and block my way.”

“But why did you want to go into her stall?”

“For some money she had for me.”

“You mean you wanted the woman’s fish money?” demanded Mr Debidin.

“Sir, is my money I give her to keep,” Cyril claimed.

“But how did you know that the money she had there was the money you gave her?” was the next question Cyril had to answer and that one proved difficult.

“You can’t answer eh?” asked Mr Debidin.

“Well I just don’t believe your story,” he told Cyril.

“I believe you went there to take the woman’s money; that you are one of those men who want the women to mind you,” Mr Debidin accused Cyril and May bowed her head in gleeful agreement.

“You see, she is bowing in agreement,” observed Mr Debidin.

“I believe that that is what happened. You want to take this woman money and this woman here tried to stop you and you abused her….”

“Sir that is not so……”

PENALTY “Are you guilty or not?” Mr Debidin repeated his original question and Cyril this time admitted that he was.

“Yes, as I said, in the case of some of you men, the reputed wife has to mind you. You’re fined $15 for abusing this woman,” Mr. Debidin announced.

And as Cyril departed, the big question was whether he would expect his reputed wife to pay the fine as well.

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

Neighbours in Montana A successful businessman became disenchanted with the stress of the fast life in the big city and decides to chuck it all. He takes his savings and purchases a large ranch in the middle of nowhere in Montana.

After a couple of months of enjoying the solitude he hears the drumming of hoofbeats outside his cabin. Grabbing his rifle he challenges the man riding up on the horse.

“Hold it neighbour” the man says, ” I’m your neighbour, I have a ranch only six miles from here, and I want to invite you to a Welcome Party I’m throwing for you next Saturday. There’s going to be music, dancing, hugging, kissing, drinking, fighting….We’ll

have a great time”.

Not wanting to be un-neighbourly, the new rancher lowers the rifle and ask: “How should I dress?” ” Aw, don’t matter” replied the neighbour, “It’s only gonna be the two of us”.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

• Toothbrush Sales The kids filed back into class Monday morning.

They were very excited. Their weekend assignment was to sell something, then share with the class how they were successful.

Little Mary led off, “I sold girl scout cookies and I made $30,” she said proudly, “my sales approach was to appeal to the customer’s civil spirit and I credit that approach for my success.”

“Very good,” said the teacher.

Little Sally was next, “I sold magazines,” she said, “I made $45 and I explained to everyone that magazines would keep them abreast of current events.”

“Very good, Sally,” said the teacher.

Eventually, it was Little Johnny’s turn. The teacher held her breath. Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom and dumped a box full of cash on the teacher’s desk. “$2,467?he said. “$2,467!” cried the teacher, “What in the world were you selling?”

“Toothbrushes,” said Little Johnny.

“Toothbrushes?” echoed the teacher, “How could you possibly sell enough toothbrushes to make that much money?”

“I found the busiest corner in town,” said Little Johnny, “I set up a chocolate chip cookie stand and gave everybody who walked by a free sample.

They all said, “This tastes like MUD!” Then I replied, “It is. Wanna buy a toothbrush?”

• The Redneck and the Chainsaw

A red neck walks into a hardware store and asks for a chain saw that will cut 6 trees in one hour. The salesman recommends the top of the line model. The red neck is suitably impressed, and buys it.

The next day he brings it back and says, “This chainsaw is defective. It would only cut down one tree and it took all the gosh-darned day!”

The salesman takes the chain saw, starts it up to see what’s wrong, and the red neck asks, “What’s that noise?

• Jigsaw Puzzle

A group of blondes walk into a bar. One of the women tells the bartender to line up a row of drinks for all of them.

The gals lift their glasses and toast, “Here’s to 51 days!” and they proceed to down their drinks. Once again, they tell the bartender to “line ‘em up”, and once again they toast 51 days and down their drinks.

The bartender says, “I don’t get it. Why in the world are you toasting 51 days?”

One of the blondes explains, “We just finished a jigsaw puzzle. It had written on the box ‘2-4 years’, but we finished it in 51 days!”

• The Power of Woman

There were 11 people – ten men and one woman – hanging onto a rope that came down from a helicopter.

They all decided that one person should get off, because if they didn’t, the rope would break and everyone would die.

No one could decide who should go, so finally, the woman gave a really touching speech saying how she would give up her life to save the others, because women were used to giving up things for their husbands and children, giving in to men, and not receiving anything in return.

When she finished speaking, all the men started clapping.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

How to treat your mom on

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Mother’s Day

F

OR about as long as we’ve had mothers, we’ve had some version of Mother's Day. Whoever you are and whatever you've accomplished in your life, your mom has already taken care of the hard part. The point of this specially designated Day is to show your appreciation for how she's raised you and everything she's done for you (you also owe her the fact that you exist at all).

MAKE MOTHER'S DAY COUNT There are plenty of ways to take care of your mom on Mother's Day, but a lot of the common suggestions, like buying flowers, don't necessarily apply to all moms. It’s up to you to know how to make the day special. For instance, if your mom is an outdoorsy person who would love an all-day hike in beautiful weather, feel free to skip all the traditional advice and spend the whole day that way. Use your imagination. Take her to a pottery class, visit the aviary, go to a musical you'd otherwise never be able to tolerate - any big gesture that shows you’re a considerate, attentive son who actually knows her interests.

That said, here are some general rules that apply to pretty much all mothers for you to follow.

not her job today. * PLAN SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE

* MAKE SOMETHING PERSONALISED If you know there's some material gift your mom really wants, then by all means, go for it - a present that shows you've paid some attention, and that's actually going to get some use, will always be appreciated. On the other hand, rolling up with a huge television or unneeded new dishwasher, no matter how impressive and costly, won't mean as much as a small, personalised gift with emotional value. Every rule about being too cheesy or overly sentimental goes out the window when moms are involved, so man up and make a scrapbook, photo album or handmade card (almost anything that involves photographs is usually a safe bet). Don't shy away from poetry or relevant literary quotes, either. If anyone's going to find that sort of thing touching instead of sappy, it's your mom. * COOK HER A MEAL One of the goals of Mother's Day is to let your mom relax and not worry about all the responsibilities she's been dealing with since forever. Making a big, impressive meal is a perfect way to do something for her that she's always done for everyone else (without, of course, letting her do any of the work).

Even if cooking isn't your strong suit, doing your best is an unmistakable gesture, so prepare in advance for something you can actually make, buy fresh ingredients and spare no expense on a Mother's Day brunch, lunch or dinner. Whether you invite her to your home or cook in her kitchen, again, do not let her do any of the cleanup (though she'll almost certainly try). That's

One of the very best gifts you can give on Mother's Day is the indication that you're not making your grudging appearance once a year purely because you're supposed to. Before the day is over, work on planning something for the near future. Don't just suggest that you'll swing by at some point — indefinite plans are easy to forget. Instead, settle on a day and an idea, like taking her to a day spa, going to a movie or just having lunch. If it was tough for you to think of anything unique to do for this Mother's Day, now is the time to figure out what she'd like to do, and to avoid that uncertainty down the line. It's an ideal way to show that your relationship with your mom isn't just an obligation, and that all of this Mother's Day sentimentality is actually genuine. * TREAT MOM TO SOMETHING ORIGINAL The most important thing is that you do something, anything. If you're not too close to your mom, you really have no idea what to do or you're a thousand miles away, don't stress too much about the particulars and just visit or call so that she feels remembered and appreciated. Regardless of what obstacle prevents you from putting together a Hallmark Mother's Day, the fact that you actually care, and took the occasion to show that, is what matters.

(Source: http://www.askmen.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

GADGETS…

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Are they too much to handle

omorrow is a day when Guyanese will show their power by marking their ‘X’ on the spot. Could that have been done electronically? Next time-perhaps.

Fellow Guyanese, Let’s all keep calm

and Vote!

Electronics and gadgets are two words that fit very well together. Have you watched the film ‘Fast and the Furious 7’?

So far, initial reviews and feelers on the movie have proved to be massive, and while the movie continues to defy the laws of physics and gravity, it has managed to retain one characteristic – it is a franchise that has its timeline all screwed up, and yet is capable of drawing in the viewers, never mind that they want to hear Vin Diesel do his mumbling act.

Gadget is usually a technological (but not always), small to medium-size device or object, with a strong novelty flavour. Gadgets could be a Tablet computer or a Smartphone, and on the other hand it also could be web-based software with a specific functionality.

Gadgets could be found in various places, such as in Autos, in homes and kitchens, etc.

Children today are more comfortable using Tablets than textbooks. They're definitely a step ahead of their technologically-challenged parents. And often they're the ones telling their parents which email server to use, what phone to buy, and even giving a lesson or two on how to use it.

One parent recalls the time the internet was a completely unknown territory to her.

She would ask her children to teach her Google, but after a few lessons with her son on his laptop, she now has her own email ID, uses Skype frequently and searches for recipes online.

There is enough literature that suggests technology can impede a child's development. Many schools have also embraced technology in teaching, understanding that it isn't just a necessary life skill now, but also changes how students learn.

Technology enables learning to be individualised, allowing students to work at their own pace using different resources.

Technology is central at some schools - students can submit assignments via email; online learning management systems allow teachers to upload assignments and monitor students' progress; and students blog, make movies and podcasts, and deliver digital presentations; Google Maps is used in geography lessons; students create programmes such as an online voting system to use during school elections.

To ensure maximum benefit to students from available technology during school hours, there are firewalls and monitoring systems that block access to social networking sites and campaigns to promote awareness on internet dangers.

Technology can be a powerful tool for learning, and it can be the same for cheating. It can be used to inform, and to distort. It can boldly open new doors, while flinging open some that were perhaps best left closed; not every topic is appropriate for all age groups.

While some elements in the world of education still want to stress cursive penmanship and hand-editing, it is hard not to admit that technology, specifically and mostly the internet and gadgets, have transformed the modern world.

Ask anyone over the age of 50 with a PhD(Doctor of Philosophy) what it was like to get the information that they needed and they will generally begin to swear and discuss how young people these days have it so soft.

Nothing is free. Everything has a cost.

While technology can have very positive effects it can also have some very negative

impacts. Things such as cheating are now simpler than ever, and I don’t mean writing on your hand. Your class is allowed to use a graphing calculator for the test?

Write a programme on it that contains all the formulas that you need and you pass the test. Chance of being

caught? Zero!

Or just take a picture of your homework and send it via SMS(Short Message Service) to your friend, who copies it on the bus on the way to class using his gadget.

The uses of “white-out” for changing or correcting a word is old. It is easier and faster to delete a word from your touch screen tablet, than to erase it from you book. Why go to school with tons of books on your back when you can walk with an e-reader gadget that has WIFI capability?

Using gadgets and internet, people from the northwest district can be trained by someone who is stationed on West Coast of Demerara; you could be living in Guyana and take classes from India.

Technology is changing our world, and we have to understand the implications of its use for our children’s education. Education is affected by technology in a very real way. However, the timeless goals of education should be respected all the way.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

LAURYN HILL misses Lagos show

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Lauryn Hill

- apologises to Naijans NIGERIAN fans and music enthusiasts were disappointed last Friday night as U.S. music star, Lauryn Hill, failed to show up for the much-advertised May Day Live concert in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the artiste was billed to perform alongside other Nigerian musicians like Flavour, Yemi Alade, Chidinma, Patoranking and DJ Jimmy Jatt at the Eko Hotel and Suites.

The show, which was organised by “May Day Live’’, however took place without the American artiste as the advertised Nigerian artistes took to the stage in turns to entertain the audience.

Hill, however, posted an apology on her website, saying: “Hello Lagos, Nigeria! We are disappointed to report that we will not be performing at tonight’s concert.

“From our end, we did everything we were supposed to do, including waiting at the airport for many hours, ready to fly out and share the evening with you.

“Unfortunately, after much effort, the promoter was

not able to get all of our travel arrangements taken care of.

“This prevented us from being able to fly into Nigeria in time to make the concert. We were all very excited to come, and very disappointed that we couldn’t make this one.

“However, we are working to reschedule our appearance ASAP. From what we’ve been told, the promoter intends to honour all tickets sold.

“Our best to and for Lagos. Love and Blessings! Ms. Lauryn Hill and the MLH band and Production Team.’’

She also posted a video on her Facebook page, explaining that she and her crew were at the airport for seven hours and that they will definitely make it up to Nigerians by coming on another date.

In the video titled “A Message to Nigeria from Ms. Lauryn Hill’’, she said: “Hello Lagos, we are very sorry for not being with you there tonight, we were at the airport for seven hours just to try to get to you.

“We are gonna make it there; we are gonna get there. We wish everybody a wonderful evening,’’ she said with a few members of her band and child behind her before they sang.

The organisers also released a statement promising to have the artiste in Nigeria on a new date.

“Due to Ms Lauryn Hill’s flight issues, the organisers of May Day Live and Ms Lauryn Hill management have concluded to postpone the show. A new date will be communicated soon.

“All tickets bought will be used for the new concert date.

Meanwhile a party will still hold today at Eko Hotel starting from 7 p.m., feel free to come and party as no tickets are required.

“The organisers of May Day Live apologise for any inconveniences.’’

However, a member of the organising committee who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that Lauryn Hill and her 22-man band missed two different flights and that he was disappointed in the actions of the artiste. (dailypost.ng)

Okada riders protest colleagues’ arrest SOME motorcyclists, also known as “Okada men”, took to the streets Thursday in the Lekki area of Lagos State to protest the arrest of some of their members by police officers of the Maroko division.

It was gathered that the police officers were acting on the directive of the residents’ association in the area who wanted the operation of motorcycles stopped.

The irate motorcyclists were said to have damaged more than 15 vehicles parked along the road-side in the Lekki Estate Phase 1, while injuring some residents in the process.

Some of the riders, who

were seen wielding cutlasses, barricaded the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge for over an hour, and

chased policemen in the estate away.

Kenneth Nwosu, the Po-

lice Public Relations Officer, described the incident as unfortunate.

“What the residents say they want is in line with keeping their neighbourhood

safe. If you identify the cause of crime in your area and you want to stop it, I don’t understand why anyone should be crying more than the bereaved. There are places in Lagos where okada riders are not allowed to operate at all, and nobody is complaining.

“This morning, the motorcyclists attempted to breach the public peace, and we advised them against it. Those who refused and went ahead to foment trouble were arrested by our men. We have restored sanity to the area, and everyone has started going about their lawful duties,” he said. (dailypost.ng)

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

‘Mystic’ The Indo-superstar who crossed over in fine style

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By Alex Wayne HERE was a time when many thought that hard core reggae ballads, stirring love songs, pulsating pop selections, and riveting dancehall hits were reserved only for the raunchy singers of Afro-descent; but many have lived to see that it is not really so.

Just a few years ago, a very dashing East Indian youth silenced tongues and had heads wagging in shame and dismay as many were forced to eat their words and learn from the best. And the best, of course, is the multi-talented ‘Mystic’, who caused mouths to drop open in shock when he filled the auditorium at the Sea Breeze Hotel (Georgetown) with his rich, melodious and stirring voice; melting hearts and leaving knees shaking with desire.

He was then just the plain and simple Romeo Nirmal, who was attempting to make

a name for himself at the first ever 2006 TV Reality Show that was hosted in Guyana to discover and unleash the rich, young vocal talent across the Land of Many Waters.

At that time, young Nirmal had just the voice, but many could sense the pent up energy inside that was dying to be released. Like every young and nervous singer, he was a bit timid, and certainly needed the healing hands of time and well acclaimed experience to blossom nicely, like he has done today.

When he left the stage after several Star Guyana performances, there were many hushed whispers of “this East Indian boy is definitely talented.” Others dubbed him “The Indian boy who broke down the barriers and invaded the English music world”.

Mystic was knocked out of the Star Guyana Search before the finals, as initially he did not realise that contestants had to have three talents — singing, dancing and acting. This show was eventually won by the sexy

and captivating Lisa Punch, who is doing wonders on the local shores.

There were many other talented youths at the reality show, who, after failing to place, would have disappeared off the scene; but the language of music was calling to ‘Mystic’, and he followed, heeding its beckoning.

He is one of the most unlikely reggae singers around, but when his groovy vocals are combined with some deep romantic or gut-wrenching lyrics, listeners are commanded to stop and pay attention, and wish they were wrapped up in the arms of their loved ones, or they hold their heads and shed tears for the sufferings of others. His songs certainly set one in the mood.

JOURNEY TO STARDOM Fuelled by his love for music and a desire to be famous, Romeo Nirmal took his diamond voice to the studios of the Brutal Traxx

Raw, unbridled Guyanese musical talent is what Mystic brings to the platte

‘Mystic’ Nirmal is a voice to be reckoned with on the international musical front Recordings, and, of course, they readily welcomed his presence and talent. There it budded even more as an artiste, and quite soon he became known far and wide as “Mystic, the new sound in town”.

This singer is always proud to declare that the stage name ‘Mystic’ was selected because of the mysterious allure that surrounds his person and rich voice.

And he had more to tell on why he is just comfortable with the name.

This reporter bumped into the singer just recently, and he was ready to chat, since it was this reporter who actually gave him his first media spread.

Mystic said that before choosing his moniker, he looked it up on the Internet and fell in love with what it signified. Today, ‘Mystic’ has become like honey on the tongue of every music lover. Today, with all the spice and entertainment finesse he brings to the platter, one would want to believe that he has had extensive international exposure, but that is not the case.

As a youngster, he sang lustily with his family in church in Black Bush Polder on the Corentyne; and, years after, when he moved to the city, he ensured he meddled with “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” since he felt that would make him a balanced artiste and enable him to

garner fans in every nook and cranny of Guyana.

As a growing youth, friends and supporters at Central High School used to marvel at his talent. “I used to like singing at lunch time, and persons would give me money and I would buy lunch. They just marvelled at my voice, and would sit and listen as if in a trance,” he recalled.

‘Mystic’ was, of course, inspired by singers like Beres Hammond and Glen Washington. Although he is not such a staunch ‘church goer’ now, Mystic still remains deeply rooted in his belief that ‘love is within any language’, and he certainly dictates that with his upbeat lyrics and soothing tempos. He of course believes in ensuring that every song delivers a positive message to listeners and fans.

Like any other Guyanese artiste, ‘Mystic’ was plagued by his fair share of hard-core negatives, which have engulfed almost every Guyanese musician trying to make it big time, and he was very deterred and frustrated by them. When it was not unfriendly and malicious rivalry, it was the plight of not being paid handsomely for musical exploits.

He was so sorely affected that at one point he gave up on the music industry altogether and returned to the Corentyne to venture into

barbering. But the fire never died in his soul, so he never gave up on the dream of attaining ‘musical supremacy.’

This dude also composes, writes and performs his own original pieces. He said that while he has not had any formal voice training, he has worked on his vocals over the years, and is definitely at the point of perfection.

Amongst his very hot releases are songs like “No Love”, “Don’t Give Up”, “GT Party”, “My Life”, and “Cry”. The last mentioned song, he said, is one of his favourite pieces because it was inspired by the heart-wrenching story of a young Sudanese boy in a refugee camp. That story was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show.

His performance at the last Temperature Show, which featured Tarrus Riley and Gyptian, coupled with being the opening act of Akon’s Carifesta show and having a performance with Natural Black in Berbice are some of the most memorable public appearances for Mystic.

To date, he has worked on several new releases, which he said can be expected in the near future.

This publication applauds the dynamic and versatile Mystic on all his accomplishments, and predicts that he has a far way to go in the field of musical success.

Toronto’s first Black Chief of Police attends GEPAC gala Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

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By Frederick Halley in Toronto ORONTO’S recently-appointed Chief of Police, Mark Sanders was the special Guest of Honour at last Saturday’s 18th annual dinner and dance, hosted by the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada (GEPAC) staged at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

Sanders, who migrated to Canada from Jamaica at the age of 10, became the first Black person to head the organization, following the retirement of William “Bill” Blair last month.

In a short address to an audience from a wide cross-section of people, including members of the Guyana Ex-police Association of America (GEPOA) and other sister organizations in Canada, Sanders pointed out that the road to the top was filled with many hardships but he persevered.

According to Sanders, he was grateful to the many people who had paved the path for him to reach the zenith in the Toronto Police Force.

Sanders said also, “We in Toronto have the best citizens in the world and I am proud to be working with you for the past 33 years.”

The affable Sanders hinted that policing was about service and he was quite happy over the

XV

outpouring of support he had received since his Games. The Toronto Pan Am/Parapan American Games are recognized as the third largest in elevation to the top position.

“I promise you I will do my very best for the furtherance of policing in Toronto,” Sanders declared to rousing cheers.

Outgoing Chief Blair also attended a previous function.

Master of ceremonies, GEPAC secretary Gordon Collins pointed out that the Guyanese body applauded Sanders’ rise to the top and looked forward to working with him in the future.

And according to the Toronto Police Chief website, Saunders is in his 32nd year with the Toronto Police Service. Throughout his career, Chief Saunders has had an extensive investigative background within the portfolios of Professional Standards, Urban Street Gang Unit, Intelligence Division, Drug Squad, Community Safety Command, Specialized Operations Command, Emergency Task Force and served as the Unit Commander of the largest Homicide Squad in Canada.

“Chief Saunders is the Toronto Police Service’s Executive Sponsor of the Toronto Pan Am/Parapan American GEPAC’s president John Johnson (left) hands over a cheque to TCCF head, Jaynarine Brijpaul.

TORONTO’s Chief of Police Mark Sanders (centre) is flanked, from left, by GEPAC’s Sergeant-At-Arms Philip Blyden, president John Johnson, secretary Gordon Collins and assistant treasurer Roy Soobrian.

the world after the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. His responsibilities entail both safety and security of the athletes, spectators, venues and the citizens of Toronto, during the hosting of the 2015 Games.

“Chief Saunders holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Studies from Guelph Humber University.

Chief Saunders was selected as a Canadian representative from Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to participate and completed the Leadership in Counter-Terrorism Course (LinCT) which included studies in Scotland and Ireland, specializing in counter-terrorism with the supporting themes of leadership and intelligence.

“Chief Saunders lives in Toronto, where he is proudly raising his family. Chief Saunders is an accomplished photographer and often donates his work to charitable organizations.”

Meanwhile, GEPAC also took the opportunity to present part of the proceedings of a raffle to the president of The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) to aid in the upkeep of the body. GEPAC’s president John Johnson handed over the cheque to TCCF head, Jaynarine Brijpaul.

EUGINEA isno9t7 WILLIAMS out!

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

- Church/village prepare lavish celebration for beloved musician & disciplinarian

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By Alex Wayne

UGINEA Williams (Aunty Jean) is known both far and wide as one of Guyana’s veteran disciplinarians. She has instilled high moral and ethical values not only in her charges, which included relatives, but also in many disturbed homes in and outside her community. She was also an avid singer and musician and, over

the years, has naturally passed the legacy of rich music to offsprings and others in her family line.

She has been the public figure to inflict great justice and peace with her firm, sound and positive advice, and has been even more famous for rightfully admonishing even the sometimes elite snobs of today’s society.

When she turned 96 years on Wednesday last, it was quite natural for the folks at the

Calcutta Full Truth Tab- hugs and kisses of love in the home. ernacle -- well-wish- that every old woman A grandmother of ers, relatives and even outsiders included -- to throw a lavish surprise birthday celebration in her honour.

Just the week before, I was lucky to be drawn into conversation with the still peppy and considerably alert Euginea, who was lamenting how some of her grandchildren had abandoned her, and how it tore at her heart-strings to witness their failure to visit and give her those special

schooled him for several years all on her

The great-grands were all excited about Aunty Jean’s birthday party

‘Aunty Jean’ is assisted in sticking her birthday cake by granddaughter Kay Mc Kenzie and daughter-in-law Loretta Williams.

at Euginea’s age yearns for.

For several years, she had taken in her grandchildren when their parents had forsaken them; and she had maintained them as though they were the issues from her own womb, utilising the very little she mustered from odd jobs here and there, or from the small dividends she got from selling her juicy fruits -jamoon, mango, dunks, and genip. She has been known to take her very small old age pension also to make ends meet

such magnitude certainly deserves the love and security of the ones she cared for during her somewhat youthful days.

She was particularly aghast and crestfallen at the crude actions of one grandson, whom she had sheltered for many years after the cruelty of a wicked step-father had forced his mother to get rid of him or lose the relationship altogether.

She had fed that grandson and had

own; but, sadly, when he became a man and attained high office, he deserted her altogether.

He was not even at her birthday celebration, and that really hurt her sensibilities.

S u r p r i s e ! ! S u rprise!!! As her 96th birthday drew near, surely she must had been hoping that she would be surrounded by all her relatives, especially those grandchildren for whom she had diligently played the role of ‘mother and

► Continued on page XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

EUGINEA WILLIAMS

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‘Aunty Jean’ is surrounded by some of her relatives

► From page XVI

father’ over the years. But her brethren at the Calcutta Full Truth Church, Granddaughter Kay Mc Kenzie (left) and daughter-in-law Loretta Williams (right), assisted ‘Aunty Jean’ in sticking her own birthday cake.

Granddaughter Kay Mc Kenzie (left) and daughter-in-law Loretta Williams (right) assist ‘Aunty Jean’ in sticking her own birthday cake Tabernacle Church, and sections of her family clan were secretly planning the spectacular birthday service and festivities which were executed on Wednesday.

When Aunty Jean got wind of their intentions, she was very touched; and I know she was hoping deep inside that this would be the opportunity for her to be surrounded by all her loved ones. So there she was with her feisty self, giving instructions that all her relatives be contacted and make an effort to be present at the function.

At about 13:00 hours that day, they dressed her in a brand new custom-made dress that was simple but still stylish -- Euginea loves that sort of apparel -- and she wore an adorable pair of matching moccasins. Her gray hair was done nicely in her favourite ‘country style bun’ by her great-granddaughter Anasa Latiff. And there she was, clutching her purse in which she keeps her

savings and all her ‘fine change’ as she would call it.

And let me tell you, folks, no one dared attempt to get into that purse without her express permission. If they did, they would receive a ‘whack’ from the walking stick that Euginea carried with her most times.

The birthday service began at about 15:00 hours, but not before tons of food and non-alcoholic beverages were transported to the location. The area was nicely decorated by the sisters of the church, who had joined with relatives to do all the cooking; and there was a pretty pink and white cake at the head table.

Her grandson Rudolph Williams (Jnr.) opened the service with praises and stirring songs, before her son Sherlock English offered prayers to the Creator.

Then the floor was opened for speeches and well wishes, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed this session, as relatives gleefully reminisced on the usually ‘fiery eruption’ of ‘Granny’ -- as everyone called her -- as she administered discipline and order far and wide.

Pastor Desmond Ross, in his presentation, spoke about her strong inclination for discipline, order, and sound advice; while her youngest son, Alex

English, reflected on the legacy of music she left behind.

Euginea, during her younger days, had ensured all her children were taught in the way of the Lord, and she had also ensured that they were taught music, hence their being gifted singers and musicians.

To attest to her musical exploits, her son Rudolph Williams (Snr.) was there creating magic on the keyboard, while Sherlock and Rudolph Williams (Jnr.) led the gathering in joyous and melodious singing.

ALWAYS CREATES A STIR Euginea has been known to make grand entrances, and to always create a stir wherever she goes; and that was exactly what she did on her birthday. Well, there she was as usual, fussing about wanting to blow out her cake candles herself.

So, giggling with mirth, her granddaughter Kay McKenzie and her daughter-in-law Lorretta Williams helped her to the table, while a church sister lighted the candles. Maybe they were moving too slowly for ‘Aunty Jean’, so, without warning or waiting for instructions, she bent forward to blowout her candles. I guess she swooped too low, and her lips connected with the flames and candles and extinguished the whole lot. But of course she got hot wax on her left cheek and upper lip, and the ‘supporting ladies’ had to move quickly to remove the wax.

Then it was time for sticking the cake, but ‘Aunty Jean’ modestly nibbled a small bite and settled down nicely, smiling demurely with satisfaction. Thereafter, there was jubilant singing as relatives and supporters joined this good sister of the soil in celebrating a birthday that just sets her four years apart from her goal of living to a century.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

THE MORTAL GODS - who risk their lives, to give life

By Tajeram Mohabir PEOPLE know God as the Creator, the giver and sustainer of life as well as the protector of it on Earth and the supreme ruler of Earth and the Heavens. But who is God and where can he be found?

The sacred Hindu, Islamic and Christian texts shed light on

these matters, and while they share some views in common, the all say explicitly that he who is not born, is without fault and is infinite is God. And for Him, there are different names, and each has a different version of the story of the Creator.

But still, there are some who even question His existence, while others live their entire lives seeking to know Him and

obtain His realisation.

Sometimes the search is driven out of a natural calling or out of a reason to know.

Both are ambitious in pursuit, but sometimes, it makes sense to appreciate what is closer to you first before seeking to get acquainted with the unknown, notwithstanding the welcoming bliss that sometimes awaits.

And here is where ‘mother’ is important as she can be seen as an earthly intervener between her children in the early part of their lives and the Creator.

No child knows about God unless his parents, and in most cases, his mother tells him so.

But who is a mother? We all know that she is the giver of life on this Earth; she is a sustainer of life; and a protector of

‘Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children’

- William Makepeace Thackeray

her young. At least most mothers if not all of them. It would be therefore reasonable to say that mothers who possess the virtues of unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, firmness of reason and are agents of change, are the ‘Mortal Gods on Earth’.

It is best summed up in the Irish proverb that says, “God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.”

UNCHANGING IN LOVE Like a blooming petal, where the Earth is her checkered garden, out of an abundance of love, she gives birth, nurturing her infant to adulthood, and remaining unchanging in her love, in spite of the vicissitudes hurled at her and her children in this uncertain journey calls life.

Bhishma, a feared and unparalleled warrior as told in

the Mahabharata, an epic and popular Hindu text, said thusly of mother: “Mother is the panacea for all kinds of calamities.

The existence of the mother invests one with protection; the reverse deprives one of all protection. The man who, though divested of prosperity enters his house, uttering the words ‘O mother!’— has not to indulge in grief. Nor does decrepitude ever assail him. A person whose mother exist, even if he happens to possess of sons and grandsons and even if he himself is a hundred years old, but in the eyes of his mother, he looks like a child who is two years of age. Whether the mother is able or disable, lean or robust, the son is always protected by the mother. No one else, according to the ordinance, is the son’s protector. Then does ► Continued on page XIX

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

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THE MORTAL GODS ► From page XVIII

the son become old, then does he become stricken with grief, then does the world look empty in his eyes, when he becomes deprived of his mother. There is no shelter like a mother. There is no refuge like a mother. There is no one so dear as the mother. For having borne him in her womb, the mother is the son’s dhatri (Earth).

For having been the chief cause of his birth, she is his janani (embodiment of love). For having nursed his young limbs, she called amva (invaluable sacrifice).

For nursing and looking after the son she is called sura (shining light).

The mother is one’s own body.”

Abdullah Ibn Umar And because they are part of our own bodies, they should be loved, honoured as respected as reminded in the Book of Proverbs 6:20-22.

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you;

‘God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers’ - Rudyard Kipling

when you lie down; they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”

CANNOT BE REPAID Another powerful example of the value of mother can be found in a story related about one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions, Abdullah Ibn Umar, who was also a great scholar of Islam.

It was related that Umar saw a Yemeni man performing Tawaf (circumambulating the Kabah) while carrying his

The great warrior Bhishma mother on his back. The man said to Umar, “I am like a tame camel for her! I have carried her more than she carried me. Do you think I have paid her back, O Ibn Umar?” Umar replied: “No, not even one contraction.”

As noble as the Yemeni’s effort was, it was not viewed as enough to repay his mother for a single contraction that she went through for him, and shows in general how massively indebted we are to our mother since no monetary value can be placed on her sacrifices.

There is hardly any truth to the term “bad mother”, but there is certainty that a few negligent mothers do exist, and it is important that they adjust themselves to become positive

role models to their children.

This entails them leading by example, setting good standards for their children, instilling proper values in them and working with them to become peaceful, upright and meaningful contributors to society.

To do this, one does not have to be rich or poor, but determined to get the best out of their children.

A good mother is always alert and un-contaminating, and as Israeli-American novelist and essayist Ayelet Waldman said: “A good mother remembers to serve fruit at breakfast, is always cheerful and never yells and manages not to project her own neuroses and inadequacies onto her children.”

In short, a good mother is not only a reservoir of love,

but is also a temple of divinity, and her children should see godliness in her.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

The face behind ‘ShaSha Designs’…

KEISHA EDWAR - taking Guyana’s Fashion Industry to stellar heights!

A

By Shivanie Sugrim

S a child growing up, she would sketch outfits in random notebooks then beg her mother to sew them so she can see her sketches come to reality. She continued putting pen to paper until she was able to put needle to fabric at the tender age of 16. Thereafter, like any determined person, she was able to create and sew clothing for herself, family members, as well as close friends.

Presently, 28-year-old Keisha Edwards is owner and founder of the popular fashion line ‘ShaSha Designs’, and has remarkably succeeded in Guyana’s fashion industry. Her line of fashion has been in existence for over six years and has taken our fashion industry to ‘the next level’.

It was debuted at the 2008 Guyana Fashion Weekend with its initial collection titled “Infusion”, where it received great reviews that led to another participation in the same event in the following year.

In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Edwards hosted her own fashion show, titled ‘Fierce Xpressions’.

With enthusiasm she lauded: “There was no turning back after that!”

The unique work of Keisha Designs, ShaSha Designs

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

RDS She holds firmly to the motto of her clothing line/company: ‘Personality risen to the surface.

Where traditional rock meets modern wear. Unique is an understatement.’

It is relatively rare for any young Guyanese entrepreneur in the fashion arena to reach international heights. Though Edwards is an established designer at the age of 28, she has taken her fashion line to the Caribbean, the United States of America (USA), and even the United Kingdom (UK).

Not only is she established, but she is also enormously privileged to have displayed one of her best pieces at the White House in Washington DC in 2013!

Edwards, along with four other Caribbean designers, had the opportunity to set foot in the White House to commemorate National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Two pieces from her ‘Shade’ collection were then displayed at the Barbadian Embassy in Washington in the latter part of the very same day! She was invited to the Caribbean Style and Culture Fashion Show thereafter.

Aside from these participations, this clothing line has also been involved in the St. Maarten Fashion Week, where it proverbially lifted the audience off

their seats with its unique pieces.

Not only is Edwards the owner of ShaSha Designs, but she is also a fashion contributor for ‘Lady’ Magazine, and once earned the title of Costume Director for the international feature film ‘A Bitter Lime’.

When she first started, her designs were modern and trendy with a 1950s ‘rocker’ twist to them. She then catered for the young audience by designing club wear. After studying an array of different design styles, she became more knowledgeable as she was constantly inspired with different design concepts, thus increasing her design palette.

“I make and design everything - from lingerie to wedding gowns - for any occasion,” she opined.

Inspired by the Vintage Victorian era, Edwards has a niche for wedding dresses in that particular period. It led her to create her first bridal collection, titled ‘Garden of the Brides’. She has, however, sponsored the winning couple of this year’s Wedding Expo’s “Race to the Altar” contest; and the bride, Natasha Goodridge, proudly wore her wedding gown!

Thus far, Edwards owns seven collections. With a smile, she disclosed that currently she is designing a lot of formal yet classy pieces, along with her new bridal collection.

Academically, Edwards secured a Diploma in Social Work from the University of Guyana, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

Funny isn’t it, that a thriving designer should be chasing social work. As our dear Mahatma Gandhi once stated: “See the good in people and help them”, and the legendary civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. besought us that “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness,” Edwards, like so many other selfless persons in the world, has left no stone unturned in achieving the dream of helping others.

“Growing up, there was always a desire to help people. But as much as I loved those professions, my love for designing was greater.

My purpose in life was always to help others, and even though it isn't in a courtroom or a hospital, I still get to help people in a different way. I help them to feel comfortable and look beautiful. I get to live my dream,” a confident Edwards says.

Apart from her social work qualifications, Edwards has also settled scores with

her academics in the fashion arena. She owns a certificate in dress making from the Carnegie School of Home Economics, coupled with a Fashion Design: Fabric selection and design style certificate, and has advanced knowledge in draping and fashion tailoring obtained from the Burrowes School of Art in Georgetown, Guyana.

In regard to her thoughts on Guyana’s Fashion Industry, Edwards expounded on its continuous development whilst noting that fashion designers in the industry need to support each other. She believes that more research and practice must be invested by persons in the industry so they can develop a creative and uniquely personal style, not only in their clothing, but also in the branding and packaging of it.

“The Fashion Industry in Guyana is not where it should be when compared to fashion cities in the world; but we are a developing nation, and I remember there was a time when there were rarely any fashion shows in Guyana,” Edwards recalled.

With support from the Government and the private sector, Edwards strongly believes that Guyana will be comparable to other fashion cities.

Edwards aims to make a much more positive contribution to Guyana’s fashion arena locally and abroad, but especially since fashion in Guyana is not fully recognised as an art form. Her hope is to help people with this understanding through the presentation of her work, which would have much focus on creating unique, comfortable and affordable clothing for everyone.

In the next five years, she envisions herself as a successful Fashion Designer, learning new skills that would benefit her company and also take it to newer heights.

“Also I aim to play a more active role in the fashion Industry in my country, as well as in Activism. As I grow, I’m becoming more passionate about the rights of the vulnerable groups in society. I’d like to use my talent as a way to sensitize the public about these

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The beautiful Keisha Edwards groups in our society. I also torian, minimalism, mod, hope to continue pursuing classical and bohemian my personal legends, being styles. There may be nothmy best self, living every day ing new under the sun as as exciting and energetic as it relates to clothing, but I can,” a proud and thriving it helps to have a keen eye for details, new concepts, Edwards acclaimed.

ShaSha Designs is the dimensions and dynamics, fusion of traditional and as well as colour blending; modern styles to create all of which are qualities unique looks, drawing in- Edwards thinks makes spiration from Rock, Vic- ShaSha Designs unique.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

SALVAGE AND CREATE – DIYs,

H

Beauty and fashion tips from Raveena Mangal

ELLO everyone! This week features some amazing beauty and skin hacks for ‘things that we crave’.

These tips are all personally tried and true, so keep your mind open as you approach them, and don’t hesitate to incorporate these hacks into your routine.

Craving No. 1: Long Lashes: While some of us may opt for the falsies and others may double and triple-coat with our mascara, try using baby powder to lengthen your lashes. Yes, you read right.

To get crazy long lashes without any glue, apply one coat

of your favourite mascara, then use a Q-tip to dust baby powder all over your lashes, and apply a second coat of mascara.

The baby powder will stick to your lashes to create natural extensions!

Craving No. 2: Shiny, Strong Hair: Before you dismiss this as utter madness, actress Blake Lively attests to this one.

This cunning DIY trick makes hair very shiny. Since mayo is made with an oil base, mixed with an egg (adds strengthening proteins) or olive oil, it can work wonders!

To avoid a mess, try this method: Apply a cup of mayonnaise to dry, unwashed hair. Cover your head with a warm towel to help the mayonnaise penetrate, and leave it on for

20 minutes. Before you step into the shower, apply a heaping handful of shampoo to your hair. Don't add any water yet; just massage it in thoroughly for several minutes. That will help break down the excess oil. Rinse with cool water in the shower and your hair will come out shiny and silky.

Craving No.3: Whiter Teeth: Now, who doesn’t want this?

Invest in an inexpensive box of baking soda and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and you have got yourself your very own home whitening kit.

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with about 4 drops of

hydrogen peroxide, then use it as toothpaste (use every other day) for a healthy set of pearly whites.

Craving No. 4: Smooth Skin: Persistence and prevention are the key! Instead of lathering on just cream at night, try mixing some petroleum jelly or coconut oil with it. For soft feet without the scrubbing, slather petroleum jelly all over your feet, slip on a pair of fluffy socks and then sleep. It also works as an excellent overnight moisturizer for your eyelashes and lips.

If you tend to get bumpy or irritated legs after shaving, do it at the end of your shower, when the water would have opened up your pores and the hair would be softer; and afterwards, moisturize with baby oil on your still wet skin, wiping off the excess.

Craving No.5: A Pretty Pout: sensuous fuller lips are all the rage now, but for those of us not blessed with those bad boys, we can still get the most of them.

When you’ve applied your lipstick, use a slightly darker tone to pat some (using your finger) unto the middle of your lips. The ombre effect gives the illusion of fuller lips.

This last one is very unusual, but it works! And it costs zero. Zilch. Nada.

Creating suction over your lips causes a massive rush of blood flow, creating sultry thoroughly-kissed pouty lips. How, you ask?

First, exfoliate your lips with either your toothbrush or a baby wipe, and apply some moisturizer. Then get a shot glass or a similar looking object, put the mouth of the shot glass firmly over your mouth, then slowly suck the air from the glass until you feel gentle suction.

Close and relax your lips (keeping the glass tight over your mouth to retain the suction) for about five seconds, and then release.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

THE DECLINE OF THE ARTS TODAY

By Terence Roberts

B

y now it should be sensed that a decline in the arts occurs when artists have an insufficient idea (or interest in) about what was created by other artists before them. So, consequently, they can neither see where they are far less skillful and creative by comparison, and aspire to higher standards; or be influenced to build upon past art, within the context of their current civilization's accumulated knowledge.

ARTISTS’ RESPONSIBILITY Neither the reading public, editors, curators, critics or judges, are as much responsible for a decline in the arts as are artists themselves, since these 'professional' people merely respond to the art they are presented with (maybe 'literary agents' and 'art dealers' can provoke a decline in quality?), and they are not obliged to be interested in the actual betterment of art-making, only in what pleases them and matches their knowledge and opinions, which, precisely because it is usually self-centered, may be limited also.

It is to such 'go-between' assistants to the arts, that the public usually owes its awareness of the arts in general. Because of such an annoying compromise, some of the best artists have also been profound theoretical and critical writers about art.

For example, creative writers like: Baudelaire; Proust; Virginia Woolf; T. S. Eliot; Andre Breton; Albert Camus; Andre Malraux; Ezra Pound; Alain Robbe-Grillet; Phillippe Sollers; Hemingway; Truman Capote, Gore Vidal; Alejo Carpentier, Octavio Paz; Wilson Harris; Ralph Ellison, Leroi Jones. Or visual artists like: Kandinsky; Paul Klee; Mondrian; the Automatists of Quebec, Canada; Lucio Fontana; Antonio Tapies; Hans Hoffman; Barnett Newman; Mark Rothko; Sam Francis; Willem De Kooning, and Peter Max, among others.

WRITING AND INFLUENCES In some creative writing by recent writers we

can list the influence and progression of a fragmented writing style; the integration of works of literary, visual or cinematic art on fiction and poetry; the use of memory, dream, mythology, magical transformations, and travel. Which all stems back to Homer, Virgil, Petronius, Apuleius, Baudelaire, Nerval, Gautier, Huysmans, Proust, Woolf, Joyce, Breton, Scott Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Hemingway, Dos Passos, Robbe-Grillet, Claude Simon, Wilson Harris, Michel Butor, Borges, Cortazar, and William Burroughs. In identifying their contemporary influence and progression we may be in a minority group, but not one of artistic decline.

FRAGMENTARY STYLE Some of the most profound modern novels are examples of creative writing at its best due to their use of a fragmentary literary approach, where the topic or descriptive action jumps, as was first demonstrated in ‘The Satryicon’ by Petronius. With Scott Fitzgerald, a highly underrated American writer whose genius has been over-shadowed by the renown of his contemporaries, Faulkner and Hemingway, we see him at the peak of his writing powers near the end of his life in the 1940s, when he wrote ‘The Last Tycoon’, ‘The Pat Hobby Stories’, and a collection of prose fragments titled ‘The Crack-up’. Fitzgerald died before finishing ‘The Last Tycoon’, yet its unfinished state remains not a defect, but an asset of the novel’s overall brilliance in sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. With ‘The Crack-up’ on the other hand, Fitzgerald’s sharp, endlessly surprising fragments present his best literary qualities in précised form.

THE PROGRESSIVE STYLE Following Fitzgerald’s example, the fragmentary novel and story achieved the status of fiction at its stylistic best, both in form and content, with unforgettable books like: Leroi Jones’ ‘The System of Dante’s Hell’ (1965); Julio Cortazar’s ‘Hopscotch’ (1966); Jerzy Kosinski’s ‘Steps’ (1968); Joan Didion’s ‘Play It As It Lays’ (1976); Jamaica Kincaid’s

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(Part VIII) Terence Roberts

‘At The Bottom Of the River’ (1978); Phillippe Sollers’ ‘Women’ (1983); Marguerite Duras’s ‘The Lover’ (1985); Bret Easton Ellis’s ‘Less Than Zero’ (1985), and its sequel ‘Imperial Bedrooms’ (2010); Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’ (2006); ‘The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis’ (2009). These works, among others, comprise a profound minority of recent literary quality built on a command of sentence structure which packs a wallop of emotional precision and physical detail. The fact that these works have done well commercially, and continue to do so, proves that once read, most readers recognise them as literature of an aesthetic level that is also quite pleasurable in many aspects.

A SAMPLE Ellis’s ‘Less Than Zero’, with its italicised memory inserts, and its sequel ‘Imperial Bedrooms’, with its breathless pace; or McCarthy's 'The Road', with its vivid heart-breaking devastation and destitution, make language our sensitive second skin. Here is the beginning of a fragmentary chapter from Ellis’s ‘Imperial Bedrooms’: “Entering the party at the Sunset Tower we’re behind a famous actor and the cameras start flashing like a strobe and I pull Rain with me toward the bar and when I catch my reflection in a mirror my face is a skull from the hour spent at the observatory, and on the terrace overlooking the pool, snaking through the hum of the crowd with Rain, I say hello to a few people I recognize while nodding to others I don't but who seem to recognize me and I make small talk...” And so it goes for twenty-nine lines down the page without one full stop. And because of this, it is effective creative writing which does not contribute to a decline in the arts.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

XXV

Roshan Khan

THE MYSTICAL CONNECTOR

By Roshan Khan Oh Mother dear, you are the only mystical medium The mystical connector between man and God For you Mother, Maa Perpetuate his power of creation Only you can magnify his creative genius His creative forces, his creative juices All embedded in your holy soul….your holy womb…the chamber of love ……….

From your bowels come forth life Oh great Mother, Great Majesty Oh Great Possessor of Divinity Oh Great and Magnificent Mother, Oh Great Woman Your body creates by fiat in love As it give profound pleasure Fulfilled by automation, a decree of God For the soul of man, the soul of the Earth For the spirits of the Universe…their existence…their essence …………

The spirit, the soul of God enters your womb The female chamber of life’s creation…by divine wonder… and its quakes The child energises, it is empowered, it is created…

It breeds, it bleeds… the heart beats… life perpetuates Creation progresses, the child is born Mankind survives, the world proceeds The universe succeeds ….…

Time continues, the clicking clock continues to tick, tick, tick By the majesty of your hand… the greatness of your womb It God’s writing on the wall of life And the mystical bond between mother and child perpetuates She, the mystical medium, the mystical connection When she speaks, God listens.. this is the power of creation The mystical connection, Mother dear ………….

Religions teach: go to her then come to me For paradise lies at the feet of thy mother While the world celebrates Mother’s Day once yearly Every day is Mother’s Day “Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, especially to my Mother, Mrs. Latifan Khan

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

• Little Jimmy

One day at school, little Jimmy needed to go to the restroom so he raised his hand. The strict substitute teacher asked him to say the full alphabet before she would let him go. "But Miss, I am bursting to go," said Jimmy. "You may go, but after you say the full alphabet."

"A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z," he said. Catching his mistake, the substitute asked, "Jimmy, where is the 'P?'" He answered, "Halfway down my legs, Miss."

• Ignore the ‘H’

An English teacher told his students that when pronouncing a word beginning with the letter "H" they should ignore the "H" as in hour, honor, and honest. That day when leaving for class, he left a note for his assistant, "Please heat my rice for me." When the teacher returned to his office, he met an empty bowl. He asked the assistant, "Where is my food?" The assistant replied, "You said I should heat the rice for you, but you also instructed us to ignored the 'H.'"

• Wisdom of Age

An older, white haired man walked into a jewelry store one Friday evening with a beautiful young girl at his side. He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend.

The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a US$5,000 ring and showed it to him. The old man said, “I don’t think you understand. I want something very special.”

At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over.

“Here’s a stunning ring at only US$40,000,” the jeweler said. The young lady’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man seeing this said, “We’ll take it.”

The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, by cheque. ” I know you need to make sure my cheque is good, so I’ll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds and I’ll pick the ring up Monday afternoon,” he said.

Monday morning, a very teed-off jeweler phoned the old man. “There’s no money in that account.”

“I know”, said the old man, “but can you imagine the weekend I had?”

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

XXVII

CJIA RUNWAY

EXTENSION TAKING SHAPE!

Despite a hostile opposition and pliant media, the critical expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s runway continues apace. The Guyana Chronicle today brings you a bird’s eye view of progress in Guyana, hampered in part by defiance. In this overhead shot of the expansion of the airport’s runway, the impact of the failure to remove by a number of squatters and encouraged by the political Opposition, is evident for the world to see at centre.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

of the most influential women of 21st century

(Source: http://www.elistmania.com/juice/10_influential_women_of_21st_century)

1.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

The present U.S Secretary of State, although having lost the Democratic Presidential nomination of 2008 to Barack Obama, continues to be the most significantly influential female of our century. She led a variety of political initiatives and campaigns, including the s u c c e s s f u l leadership of the reform program for Arkansaseducation system. She served as the First Lady of the United States of America during her husband Bill Clinton’s 10-year presidential tenure, and later became the first female Senator to represent New York in 2000, being re-elected to the same office in 2006. In the race for presidential elections of 2008, she won more delegates and primaries than any other American woman in history; and despite losing to Barack Obama, secured yet another distinction by becoming the only First Lady to have ever served in the president’s cabinet. She enjoys a prominent position as a cabinet member today with her strong advocacy of strengthening diplomatic ties, and notable oratory.

3. Sonia Gandhi She is the Italian-born President of the Indian National Congress, the most popular Indian political party presided over for the last fifty-five years by the members of the Nehru family. She came into politics after the demise of her late husband Rajiv Gandhi, Ex-Prime Minister of India. She has enjoyed considerable prominence in terms of position and influence in Indian politics, where it is a sheer achievement to represent a party that represents a religiously and culturally diverse population. She has been twice nominated by world magazines like Forbes and Times as one of the most influential women of the year.

2.

Benazir Bhutto

Daughter of the executed and much celebrated Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto first appeared on the scene of global politics as she took over the reins of her late father’s national party (Pakistan People’s Party). In a struggle that continued for the rest of her life, she organized and mobilized support for the cause of her party and her people, finally becoming the first female to attain premiership of an Islamic Republic and that, too, twice. Exiled in late 1990s, she returned to the politically-chaotic landscape of Pakistan to remobilize the masses; however, she lost her life in a terrorist attack in 2007 while addressing a large array of her supporters in Rawalpindi. This sent shock waves throughout the realm of global politics, where she was considered to be a legendary politician and a leader who prioritized the construction of diplomatic relations and made laudable contributions to the causes of democracy and women’s empowerment.

4.

Condoleezza Rice

The former U.S Secretary of State is a professor, diplomat, author, and also serves as a national security expert, a role that has rooted her firmly in the circles of the influential few in the policy-making sphere. She was the first African-American female Secretary of State, and served as George W. Bush’s National Security Advisor. Her emphasis on supporting democratically elected governments all around the world, and her efforts for peace in the Middle East, in the form of what she termed Transformational Policy, were hindered by the American Government’s support for various authoritarian Governments, like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. During her tenure as a National Security Advisor to President Bush, she attracted her share of criticism for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has now returned to Stanford University as a professor of Political Science, where she continues to influence the minds and policies of not just the students but of the varied policy makers who consult her on various national security issues. ► Continued on page XXIX

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5.

► From page XXVIII

An anchorperson, a media mogul, and a magazine publisher who gained fame through her self-named multiaward winning television show -- in which she discusses everything, from personal issues to social issues, and has grounded herself as an individuals who can mould and question public and political opinions in a responsible manner. Ranked as one of the richest AfricanAmericans and repeatedly as a most influential African-American by some sources, she has revolutionized a more intimate and confessional form of communication through the medium of media. It is a decade or so after she first aired her show, and she still continues to enjoy immense popularity and considerable influence, even in political circles, through activities of charity and her campaigning for President Barack Obama.

Shirin Ebadi

The Iranian Lawyer who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Award for furthering the cause of justice and human rights in her country is noted as one of those who have continuously struggled against the Islamist Regime to maintain what have been fragments of a fair justice system in the Iran of the post-1979revolution.

In her book, she narrates accounts of her struggle against the authorities to protect battered children and women, and to fight cases against the government itself.Her sacrifice of personal security for the cause of nationalism has placed her in the very centre of what can be the future of Iran, as termed by many who appreciated her winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

9.

Indira Nooyi

As the CEO of Pepsico, Indira Nooyi has won repeated nominations in lists of World’s Most Powerful Women. Having lent her mad business skillsto the establishment of brands like Taco Bell and KFC, among others, Indira Nooyi has brought about significant increase in the profit margins of her company, serving as the first native-Indian CEO to have ever presided over the company.

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of the most influential women of 21st century

Oprah Winfrey

7.

6.

Queen Rania of Jordan

She has been bestowed the awards of being one of the most beautiful women in the world and that of being one of the most influential women of the Arab world.

As the wife to the King of Jordan, Queen Rania is an activist for popularizing education for all, and has been involved in initiatives for increased female empowerment and literacy improvements. Her efforts to engage with the youth and to make common the cause of Islam and that of her country, through progressive medium like a You Tube channel of her own, has made her incredibly popular in not just the youth in Islamic countries, but even worldwide. She also enjoys the role of being a fashion icon in her own right.

8.

Christiane Amanpour

It is her willingness to report from the most dangerous of spots and on the most controversial of issues that has won Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Chief International Consultant, widespread critical acclaim for her riveting take on the politics in the Middle East and her analysis of the review of the peace-process fraught with institutional hurdles. Having begun her career with CNN, she is recognized for having reported from various war zones, including Bosnia. Also, she has had her fair share of controversy related to her interviews of personalities like YasirIrafat and key political figures from Iran, her native country from which she and her family fled when she was still a child.

10. Cristina Fernandez De Kirchner As Argentina’s first female president, Kichner presided over her country remarkably well, pulling it through times of political and economic upheaval, and leading it to a period of economic boom.

During her time, Argentina registered as a fastest growing economy. Despite this, her government attracted rigid criticism for not rooting out corruption and not dealing well with problems of unemployment and poverty. She still continues to be a political figure in her own league, having made laudable contributions to Argentina’s public policy.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

LAWYER TIME

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- trading in the wife for a younger model

My husband of 10 years is divorcing me. We have three young children. He says the past two years have been hard on him because I didn't care about him, which is a lie. I love him. I have always loved him.

The past two years he’s worked 80 hours a week while I was a stay-at-home mom. He resented working so much to sustain our lifestyle and I resented him for never being here.

He believes divorce is what he needs to be a better father because he takes out his anger on the kids.

We never had a conversation about any of this until he decided to leave. I don't know what to do because I know divorce is never good for children.

He thinks I am using him for his money, but I have been with him through medical school, residency and now private practice. I worked the first years of our marriage while he was in school, so that statement is not true.

We separated 15 months ago. A year ago he filed for

divorce but we are still married. He never gave me a true reason why he left. Two months ago, I found out he proposed to someone early last year. The girl is much younger than he is.

He denies it all. However, there's photographic evidence of the proposal and ring on their wedding website. I don't know what to believe.

I want our family and I want us. I never wanted separation or divorce, and I have been fighting to get him back. Since I found out about the affair and engagement, we have been talking through texts and trying to figure out what happened to us.

Am I doing the right thing in fighting for him, or should I let go? Do cheaters always cheat? â–ş Continued on page XXXIV

REGINA

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

HALTING DENTAL DISEASES - Many dentists are unaware of other methods that effectively stop dental problems

SINCE ancient times, dentists have been imbued with trust and dignity. In Egyptian tombs, hieroglyphs have been uncovered showing an eye over a tusk.

They date back to the fifth dynasty, indicating that even then, dentists were honored for their treatment of teeth. Today the profession continues to be made

up of caring people who diligently follow the systems and teachings they learned at dental school. As their careers unfold, dentists expand their knowledge by attending

seminars or courses and by reading books or professional journals.

The problem is that once a dentist graduates, he or she is usually too busy dealing with the daily workload of private practice to hunt for ideas that have not been presented at dental school, in journals, or during continuing education programmes. In the United States, the majority of dentists have been trained to believe that prevention is flossing, diet control, regular dental cleanings, fluoride in

water, and oral examinations.

Many dentists are unaware of other methods that effectively stop dental problems. Most believe it is impossible to halt dental disease.

In dental school, for example, we never discussed such variables as acidic saliva or mentioned tooth damage that occurs directly from acidic foods or drinks in the mouth. Not one of us ever thought to inquire whether foods or beverages like

lemon juice or soda created acidic problems for teeth.

We were never shown how to test the acidity of saliva or told about how it varies from person to person, from day to day, and even from situation to situation. Only one “fact� was hammered into our brains: Sugar causes cavities!

Dental training taught us to fear sugar and any food containing sugar or carbohydrates. Good den-

â–ş Contunied on page XXXIII

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XXXIII

HALTING DENTAL DISEASES ► From page XXXII

tists made patients worry about most of the foods in their home pantry: fruits (too many sugars); potatoes (too much starch); cereals, breads, potato chips, and crackers (too much of both); and of course candy, cookies, cakes, chocolates, and other desserts. Dr. R. M. Stephen’s graphs from the 1940s alerted us to the danger of snacking a colourful zigzag line that never reached a level of safety because there was no time for recovery between the “sugar attacks”. Few dental students have discussed food interactions, the benefits of tooth-protective ingredients in a meal, or how to reduce acidity with tooth-friendly foods.

The majority of dentists think that patients should control their sugar and starch intake and floss better if they wish to improve their oral health. Unfortunately, you can diligently follow these procedures and still experience dental disease.

Consequently, dentists have become discouraged about prevention, and most are resigned to a career of fixing their patient’s ongoing dental problems.

The knowledge of how to prevent cavities and gum disease dates back to the 1960s, yet even today many people think it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to have healthy teeth. Children and adults with bad teeth often do not know reasons for

their problems. Too many people subscribe to an antiquated notion that worn teeth, chipped enamel, sensitivity, or bleeding gums are inevitable, or at the very least is a part of the aging process. Some people blame their troubles on insufficient flossing or too few cleaning appointments.

Imagine that water is damaging a floor in your home. Before you can fix your floor, you must find out where the water is coming from. If you cannot find the cause, no matter how many floor repairs you make, more water damage will occur. The only way to fix you problem is to find the source of the water, stop it, and then repair the damage. It is the same with your teeth. Where is

the damage coming from?

Until you find the source of your tooth problems, repairs will need to be done over and over, and possibly getting more expensive and complicated each time. To put an end to soft, weak,

years that damaged enamel can be hardened back to total health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth.

Under certain conditions, minerals from saliva can flow into teeth to strengthen

brittle, or sensitive teeth, you must find out what is causing the damage.

Dentists have known for

them and in this way can even repair a cavity and prevent need for a filling. In

addition, other techniques which embody selective application of concentrated fluoride, sealants and xylitol make comprehensive repair to teeth unnecessary.

In fact, in 1999 a small group of dentists founded the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry to focus on prevention of dental disease and to promote techniques that preserve teeth and limit treatments that cut or damage them.

These dentists believe in preventing of tooth tissue possible. In 2000 an international review paper described how dentists can use a natural repair system to limit the need for dental fillings and as a result practice minimally invasive or “minimally intervention” dentistry.

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LAWYER TIME

Chronicle Pepperpot May 10, 2015

â–ş From page XXXI Dear Regina, What he is doing is a clichĂŠ: trading in the wife for a younger model. Let's look at your last question first. Do cheaters always cheat?

The problem with staying with a cheater is that cheating destroys trust. We have a built-in cheater alarm which goes off whenever we are with someone who has broken faith with us. This sense has developed over the long course of human history on the planet. Why? Because dealing with cheaters is a high risk activity.

Even if you stayed with your husband, you would have a hard time being around him.

He says he resents you for the long hours of work he has put in. The reality is in his profession he would have put in nearly the same amount of work with or without you. The amount of work strikes us as a justification not a reason.

He thinks he is entitled to a younger woman. He's "earned" it.

You wrote that you've been "trying to figure out what happened to us," but you are talking with a man who is engaged to another woman. Most likely he wants to calm you to ease his escape.

Should you fight for your marriage? That looks like a lost cause. But you do need to fight for your children and for yourself. What do we suggest? Privately and without warning your husband consult with a very good, very experienced divorce attorney.

This is our suggestion of what you will want after a divorce.

1. A home for you and your children.

2. Support sufficient to get your children up to and through college.

3. Education or retraining for yourself so that when you re-enter the job market, you will be in a promising, relatively lucrative field.

Our feeling is he is getting ready to lower the boom on you, and he is hoping to do it on terms which are favourable to him and his new bride, regardless of your needs.

A good divorce lawyer can give you guidance and do the heavy lifting you may be unwilling to do.

WAYNE & TAMARA

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ARIES - It’s a mixed week that seems to flow along nicely. Monday brings a chance to earn extra cash with a bright idea or new enterprise. If you need to make a decision, meet a deadline, or research your options, midweek may be your best bet. Homey ideas and family matters come to the fore when Venus glides into Cancer on Thursday. Relax and enjoy your personal space as well as try out new recipes, decorate, or apply yourself to an irksome but rewarding task.

TAURUS - You’ll be in your element and eager to forge ahead with your brightest and best ideas. You’re more action oriented, too, and willing to do whatever is necessary to further your plans. Where finances are concerned, it’s a good time to hunt for bargains, especially on any typically expensive items. Some research could save you a lot of money. Meanwhile, Venus in Cancer can inspire you to delve into the past, with a chance you’ll want to connect with old friends.

GEMINI - Don’t ignore your dreams or intuitive hunches, as you could benefit from valuable guidance if you pay attention. If you feel like retreating from the hustle and bustle of life, it’s entirely natural. The Taurus Sun actively encourages you to take time out to relax and recharge. A focus on your money zone emphasises your canny ability to spot a deal that’s too good to miss.

Selling unused items could be very profitable if you want to get rid of clutter.

CANCER - As Venus dances into your sign this week you’ll become everyone’s favourite. People will be attracted to what you have to offer. Your warm, cuddly persona could draw folks your way, for business or for romance, if you’re looking for love. Things have eased since the frenetic pace you experienced earlier in the year, making this a good time to consolidate your gains. Finally, don’t make snap decisions over the weekend unless you’re sure you’re on the right track.

LEO - A serious mood works to your advantage if you can make important decisions and stick to them. With a focus on job and career matters, you’ll certainly benefit from a more action-oriented approach to getting results.

However, your social life continues to flourish, making this a good time to expand your network and move in new circles. The presence of Venus in Cancer suggests that the past could have a powerful impact on the present, whether by design or accident.

VIRGO - Work, communication, and home and family concerns keep you busy, but don’t feel like you have to do it all. The wheels of commerce are turning in your favour, meaning you have every opportunity to get ahead if you’re willing to network and get yourself known in all the right places.

Your love life also gets a boost as Venus dances into Cancer on Thursday. It’s a time for get-togethers, friendly celebrations, and more. Plus, food can be instrumental to romantic success.

LIBRA - If someone opposes your idea, use a bit of charm and you’ll be likelier to get your way. This is especially so when it comes to your job or an interview. The presence of Venus in Cancer hints that a capable yet courteous approach can win you Brownie points. When it comes to romance, there’s still plenty of time to indulge your sensuous side. If you enjoy massages or spa days, this is the time to surrender to such pleasures for your benefit.

SCORPIO - Dealing with ongoing chores and other responsibilities early can clear the way for more fun later. Midweek could see you putting effort into resolving an issue that has caused frustration for some time. Yet your actions or approach to life may need to change in order for things to be different.

Later, ask yourself if something you desire is worth the price, and second, if you’re willing to pay it. The weekend could bring a tempting romantic offer your way.

SAGITTARIUS - To keep from getting swamped by too much work or everyday responsibilities, devise a plan and stick to it. You might even want to delegate some of your tasks where appropriate. Lifestyle issues might also be at the forefront of your mind, especially if you want to lose weight or get fitter in general. Romantic and business relationships continue to show a positive side. Even so, it helps to be open-minded regarding someone’s excellent suggestions, as they may benefit you.

CAPRICORN - Say yes to any unexpected invitation. This week it seems that you won’t have to venture too far out of your local area to have fun.

Once Venus edges into Cancer it lights up your relationship sector, bringing warmth and understanding to your interactions. Meanwhile, you’re eager to research your options regarding health and wellness issues, particularly as this is one of the best times to tweak routines and habits so they help create a fitter, happier you.

AQUARIUS - You and your friends are on the same wavelength and may join forces for a cause. Aligning yourself with like-minded people can give you a feeling of purpose and power. Good news could come in the form of a moneymaking idea, raise, or possibility for advancement. Information you learn could have the potential to enhance earnings, adding to your comfort and security as a result. One thing to watch out for is overindulging, especially if you want to lose weight.

PISCES - While intuition and inspiration can be helpful, keep your feet on the ground and don’t get carried away by a wild idea. If you need to make an important decision this week, it might be helpful to meet with a good friend who can to offer up ideas and suggestions that you haven’t considered. When Venus edges into Cancer you’ll enter a pleasure peak in which romance and some sizzling dates will be very much on the agenda.

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Alicia Bess

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crowned Miss Global International Guyana 2015

which many were spellbound by the articulated responses of the contenders. The favourite contender in this segment was definitely the lady of the evening, Ms. Alicia Bess, who spoke about our economy being a work in progress and outlined the different parts of the economy, making a special reference to the Tourism sector.

She was answering the question: “Do you think our econ-

The jubilant Alicia Bess moments after winning the 2015 Miss Global Guyana title

I

By Alex Wayne N a night of sheer elegance, poise, intelligence, talent and solid competition at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, the Miss Global International Guyana 2015 Pageant was held last Saturday evening.

The evening got started with a patriotic dance to Courtney Noel’s ‘Arrowhead’, performed by the six (6) stunning contenders holding high their Guyana Flag before executing a sassy routine to a remix version of Pitbull’s Fire Ball, and closing it off with the Introduction segment, which saw all the ladies inviting the patriots to an entertaining evening.

Host and Hostess, Wr. Reaz and Radio’s Diva Surida Nagreadi, were the life of the evening, and their unmatched collaboration was well received by the audience.

Founder and Chairman of the Miss Global International Pageant, Mr. Lachu Ramchandani, addressed the audience, advising of his decision to make Guyana the home for the 2016 Miss Global International Pageant.

This, of course, brings to Guyana a decision and pride that will boost the tourism sector. He announced that almost 60 countries would be represented at the prestigious pageant, which aims to promote tourism through the beauty contest; and all of this would be done right here in our beautiful land.

The swimsuit segment commenced with the contenders sporting an off-white swimsuit with gold prints, created by upcoming designer Quinton Pearson of House of Pearson Designs. Next up was the talent round, in which the contenders displayed their form of talent. The front runner in this segment was contender #3, Faydeha King, who executed a dramatic piece on drug abuse.

The contenders next paraded in their elegant evening gowns, each star-stunning piece having been creativity put together to produce an effect of sheer class and elegance.

Following this was the Question & Answer segment, in

omy is doing better or worse?”

In the end, securing the second runner-up spot was Ms. Faydeha King, while Ms. Kiswana Jefford was first runner-up and Ms Alicia Bess was crowned Miss Global International Guyana 2015. She will represent Guyana at the 11th Miss Global International pageant, scheduled to be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago later this year.