Pepperpot 2015 7 26

► Page XVI

A view of the majestic River which leads to the village of Moraikobai (Samuel Maughn photo)

TENNICIA DE FREITAS

► Page XXXVI

- poised to take Guyana’s music arena by storm

747 TOUCHDOWN ► IX BAR & LOUNGE

Local artistes must be taken seriously!

Page

- says Henry St. Cyprian ‘Franklin’ ‘Sugar George’ Rodney

makes Lethem come alive

… Canadian-based Guyanese fulfilling dreams

VISHAL MOHAN

CARL METHURAM

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

► Page XXVII

African GIRL

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

II

A story of slavery, freedom and love

T

By Maureen Rampertab

HE sound of African drums, pulsating beats that told stories of a tribal people’s life and culture in a vast, rich land that was home.

The young girl, her smooth ebony skin, glistening from the glow of the small, crackling bonfire in the village square, her big, black eyes, sparkling as she danced in celebration of a bountiful harvest.

Then suddenly, the drums stopped, a dreadful silence filled the air and cold fear took the life from her feet, as rough hands grabbed her.

She turned and…..

Ashanti sat up with a start, awoken once again by the haunting dream. She sighed deeply, slumping back down on the pillows, exasperation in her voice.

“Why am I having all these dreams?”

It was a question she could not find an answer for, not from anyone. Her friends and family showed no real interests, her teachers referred her to history texts, so she was all alone, reliving the past experiences of the mother land.

“Why me and no one else?” she had wondered, “Why after such a long time, I can feel the mother earth under my bare feet?”

She had felt this deep connection since she was a little girl and developed a passion for history as she tried to understand how slavery began and why. But there was something deeper than what were written on the pages, something she had been a close part of.

In her dreams, every time the rough hands grabbed her, she never saw who it was, always awakening at that moment.

She got up and walked, quietly, to the kitchen for a glass of water and as she sat there, looking out the window in the dark night, she thought: “Slavery brought us to these shores, such a long time since those ships sailed with human cargo.

Now we have a new life, a new culture and religion, Africa just our history. Why am I being taken back to those days?”

She did not realise how much of a true African girl she was, her natural beauty, her liking for the African dress styles and a name she was proud of. She was a simple girl in nature, with a quiet demeanor but a deep passion for things she loved.

“Ashanti,” a voice from the doorway interrupted her thoughts.

She turned and smiled a little at her mother, just to tell her she was fine.

But her mother knew what was wrong.

“Another dream?” she asked in her comforting, motherly voice. ► Continued on page III

African GIRL

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

► From page II Ashanti nodded, a perplexed glint in her eyes.

“The difficult part about it,” she said, “is I can’t even talk about it with my friends. They are so taken up with their modern, social lives, they would laugh and tease me.”

Her mother held her hand and smiled with understanding, “There is something different and special about you that I noticed while you were growing up. These dreams are recurring because in your heart there lies a deep passion for something that’s missing, that one day you will find.”

A relieved look crossed Ashanti’s face and she hugged her mother, “You always find the right words to comfort me.”

Life went on for Ashanti with her medical studies and dance school, trying to take in stride the history of the life and times of her ancestors in bondage, their freedom and her connection, through her dreams, to the motherland.

“One day, somehow, somewhere, I will find all the answers,” she reassured herself.

A force that had seemed to be pulling her, got stronger as Emancipation Day got closer and this time the dream took her further. The rough hands that had grabbed her, she was shocked to see were her own people from another tribe. The merchandise she was sold for, to strange white men, the horrendous journey and the market place in a strange land, far from home.

It was the most horrible moment in her young life as she stood on the auction block, a young beautiful African girl with smooth ebony skin and big black eyes, helpless and lost, then the bidding began….

She awoke breathing heavy, knowing now where she had been taken. She jumped out of bed and ran to her mother and father’s room, an urgency in her voice as she woke them.

“What is it?” her parents woke up, somewhat disorientated.

“I saw it all, the capture, the journey and the market place,” she said, waiting for a moment for them to digest what she was saying, tears in her eyes, “I was sold as a slave at Plantation Versailles.”

Her mother and father looked at each other, then at her, shocked.

After centuries, was it possible for someone from that period to be reborn, in the 21st century?

The different child she had been growing up, passive and quiet, the obsession with African culture and the dreams that took her over and over to the motherland.

“Oh my God,” her mother exclaimed, quietly, hugging her. “This is so unbelievable.”

“Somehow, I still feel there is something missing,” Ashanti told them.

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure, I think I have to visit that place where I had spent my life and only then I would I know.”

“I don’t think that place still exists, I mean, not the way it was then,” her father said.

Ashanti sighed and sat in thought for a long moment, then she said, “I have a strong feeling that something is there, that I used to know, like it’s calling me.”

Her parents were unsure what to think but after a short discussion, they consented, pleased beyond words that they had brought into this new world, one of Africa’s lost children, from an unforgettable period of slavery.

The next morning, Ashanti journeyed from the East Coast to the West Coast to Plantation Versailles, alone. She had convinced her parents, it was something she needed to do on her own, her heart racing as she drove, getting closer to a place she had never visited in her new life.

From her research she knew the sugar estate had closed operations in 1977 and the plantation sold to a private investor. It had changed hands several times from then to now but the new owner she had no confirmation on.

“It had been such a long time,” she said to herself, “Modernity would have changed everything, I may not recognise anything.”

She stood uncertainly on the roadway, looking at the plantation estate that had changed over time. Nothing seemed the same, not the houses, not the landscape, but she saw a narrow path, partially hidden by overgrown shrubs that seemed familiar. She looked around and noticing no one around, she followed the path, knowing for sure it would lead her to something and as she walked, flashes of that period came back to her, horses galloping and neighing, men shouting in deep accented English, the cracking of whips and children crying.

She reached the end of the path, scratched by sharp vegetation, her blouse torn a little, a few places and she gasped.

Time, it seemed had saved something from the past.

The old mansion stood there in ruins.

It had been the master’s house where he had brought her, the day from the market place. She felt knots in her stomach, the scenes of over centuries ago playing before her eyes as though it was now happening. The house slaves busy with their endless tasks, then she saw him ride up on his horse and dismounted, the young master, tall with sandy coloured hair. He walked casually to a huge oak tree and there she was sitting. She rose on seeing him coming and he spoke to her for a short moment, not angrily nor harshly. He

III

turned and walked to the house and she followed him, the look on her face, not fear nor hate, just tolerance.

Ashanti walked to the oak tree, feeling the connection, knowing this was where she sat in her distressed thoughts, feeling the craving in her heart to return home. At the base of the tree trunk was a word written in Afrikaans, a name, Nyamekeye.

She remembered writing her name there, so as not to lose it, for the master had named her Katherine.

She turned and looked at the mansion, remembering vividly, having to share her life with a strange man, not of her kind. She had become his slave mistress but he never treated her unkindly, unlike the terrible stories she had heard from slave mistresses on other plantations.

“I lost everything then,” she said, “My innocence, my dignity, my true self. Why am I back?”

“Katherine.”

She froze at the sound of a voice, calling her name. Only one person ever called her by that name.

She turned around slowly and gasped in shock, “Oh my God.” He was standing there, tall with sandy coloured hair, a smile on his lips that touched his blue eyes.

He walked towards her, not as a ghost but someone of today’s world but she stepped back a few steps, not sure what was happening.

“Katherine,” he spoke to her, warmth in his voice, “There’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s a different time.”

“What is happening?” she asked, a slight tremor in her voice.

“I’ve been seeing my past life in my dreams, seeing you, so I came back looking for this plantation I once owned. I bought it and have been waiting for you, knowing you would find your way here, like I did.”

“I still don’t understand.”

He looked at her for a long moment then he said, “You’re just as beautiful as you were then.

I could not have told you that and maybe there was something else, I could not have spoken about, so our souls have been reborn to find that something.”

“A master and his slave mistress?” she asked, in disbelief.

He nodded slowly and said to her, “Come, I want to show you something.”

Behind the mansion, in a corner where she had planted a little garden was a small headstone, worn away by time and weather.

“I laid you here when you died from an incurable disease, and from that day on, things changed for me. I relaxed the harsh conditions, the slaves were working under but it was met with hostile opposition.”

“From whom?”

“My own people. They accused me of being sympathetic to the slaves and during the rebellion, I was shot, left to die and it was blamed on the slaves.”

They stood there in silence for a moment as she looked at the headstone, believing now that there was something. It was what she had been missing, what she had to come back to the plantation to find.

He held out his hand to her.

“I want to correct all the wrongs of the past that I was guilty of and to share my life with you as an equal partner, to give you back your dignity and your worth. Will you?”

She took his hand, a bit hesitantly, smiling with him for the first time and together they walked to the mansion.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

opyright and you (Part 2)

(The following is extract of an interview with Ms Abiola Inniss in Georgetown, Guyana, 2014. Inniss is a leading analyst and author on Intellectual Property and a special consultant to WIPO UN on Caribbean Copyright issues)

• Petamber Persaud (PP) - Atthis time, let’s look at the direct impact of copyright on three areas. Tell us, show us, how important copyright is to one - the lay person, two – the creator/ artist and three – to the country, the development of the country.

• Abiola Inniss (AI) - First of all, you need to have a cumulative policy which allows you to understand what copyright is all about and why it is important to you. If your writers, do not write, then you don’t enjoy books; if your songwriters do not produce, then you don’t have entertainment; if your actors and playwrights don’t come up with ideas, then we lose parts of our culture – you have to remember always our culture is documented by our writers, some of our consciousness is created by people who think about things like that and develop cultural awareness. What do we do for them? Take their works, give them nothing and then let them go. It takes a lot to be a writer.

• (PP) - So what I’m getting here is that if there is nothing in it for me as a writer, singer, actor, then I would not produce.

• (AI) - You probably will produce.

But it is better if we respect those persons, and allow them to make a livelihood so that our culture and our national consciousness can flourish.

• (PP) - It is one thing to say that but what is happening on the ground?

• (AI) - Now as to what’s happening on the ground and what I’ve been doing and what I like to do is to walk among the people, go to the market and mingle and see how people feel about things. Then you get an idea what the public interest is before you can think about what public policy can become, and then move towards other stages like what laws would help create good public measures.

So it moves one stage to the other then the other and it comes all the way back down. If people don’t buy in that this idea is important, then they wouldn’t do

on us the creators of words…

Ms Abiola Inniss anything about it; they wouldn’t be interested and the whole project would fail.

•

(PP)

- Show us an example.

• (AI) - This is what happened in Kenya, in order to comply with the World Organisation TRIPS arrangement, they just put in a set of regulations and rules only to find they had to continuously go back and take out and patch and fix because it doesn’t work.

• first?

(PP)

• (AI) work first.

•

(PP)

- So you have to do the groundwork

- Yes, you have to do the ground-

- And ensure there is a balance?

• (AI) - And ensure there is a balance. So the artists and creators where you don’t have your policy makers interested in this subject, you have to put it to them – this is not good for our national livelihood…

•

(PP)

- I’m getting the feeling the onus is

• (AI) - Well, unfortunately, it has to be on someone. And if the someone doesn’t take up the responsibility, then there will have to be some kind of compromise or compensation. So it has to start somewhere. And we need to focus on it quickly. So if you in a family situation where someone is not pulling his weight, then someone else will have to compensate for that. In these circumstances, it is not going to go along the prefect route so you have to take up the slack and make something of it where the government or governments are not cognisant of what is needed.

• (PP) - Are you suggesting that we are not aware of something as important as copyright and intellectual property rights?

• (AI) - In the Caribbean Region, it is not that they are not cognisant of what is needed; they are unaware of how to go about it. This is where I come in and where other consultants come in so we help them to plan policies, to examine it from a scientific perspective – this is not guesswork, there is no guesswork in any of this. There are methods that are used to evaluate what exact value copyright and other aspects of intellectual property rights have so they would know how to incorporate into their national economic plan. ► Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

V

opyright and you

► Continued on page V • (PP) - So, it’s not just somebody jumping up and screaming for copyright.

•

(AI)

-

No, it’s not just somebody

jumping up and saying we want copyright and somebody saying no, if we do this, then some people would not be able to buy school books for their children. That’s an uninformed level of the issue. So there is no point in government avoiding the issue.

got plans. As an international grouping, you need to have that in place or else you’re wasting time.

I don’t see how the Caribbean Single Market and Economy is going to succeed at all if we fail to deal with intellectual property. It is huge.

• (PP) - What happens if you avoid, if you continue to avoid the issue?

• (PP) - How come the Community has not made a move in this direction?

• (AI) - Then the diplomatic communities will put pressure on you (and you) would be going in circles all the time. You have to get with it; it is as simple as that.

• (AI) - It is a question that I have asked and I have examined in scholarly journals because it is fascinating to me that they would just sit there and not consider this huge cutting edge technologically advanced thing…

•

• (PP) - Guyana is part of the Caribbean region, so we ought to be cognisant of what’s happening in other parts of the Caribbean. You are a part of a regional movement which ought to make us aware of what’s happening…

• (AI) - The thing is that I work for the World Intellectual Property Organisation and they only operate on the basis of invitation. So countries will have to invite them to give some advice and so it works. If you want the advice, you are going to get it. If you don’t want it, well, it will not be forced on you.

• (PP) - Exasperating.

Intriguing.

• (AI) - Well! What I have said continuously is that CARICOM ought to take responsibility for intellectual property Caribbean-wide; it is too great an issue for them to avoid. The European Union has got it together – they’ve got directors, they’ve got policies, they’ve

(PP) -

Fascinating or exasperating?

• (AI) - Fascinating because the world is moving forward in law and technology and they are sitting there probably not understanding that we cannot be marketed forever as sun, sea and sand, but you have to do things to help the region have a better, stronger voice even in negotiations at certain forums. When you sit at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and listen…size matters.

• (PP) - You are working for the Caribbean Region so we could point our fingers to you as being responsible for the slow movement, the inaction on this issue?

• (AI) - Not at all, you have to blame your policy makers….(to be continued)

WHAT’S HAPPENING: • The Guyana Annual Magazine 2014-2015 issue in now available at Guyenterprise Ltd., Lance Gibbs and Irving Streets, Tel # 226-9874 (Responses to this author are asked to telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)

VI

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE finale

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Terence Roberts

(Part II)

T

by Terence Roberts

HE first hint of this film's creative brilliance begins with the design of its poster with a black cat descending an ornate staircase, which is just a minimal vertical drawing below a horizontal balcony, upon which the film's five lead characters stand.

Before looking at the actual quality of this film I should mention an additional and new aspect of its embedded social value, relevant far beyond any simplistic definition of 'Walk on the Wild Side' as a North American, 'Hollywood' film, strictly about North American society.

A GUYANESE CONTEXT I first saw the gigantic colour poster for this film in Georgetown in late 1962, or 63, when Guyana was still called British Guiana, prior to its Independence from Britain in 1966. The film opened at the intellectually inclined Plaza cinema on Camp Street, one of the most beautiful two-laned streets for four blocks, which gave this beloved classic cinema unique visibility if you were going north or south

Jane Fonda

on Camp Street's broad one-way tree-lined streets with a pedestrian avenue in the middle.

Two huge poster boards stood at a slant above the north and south ends of Plaza's marquee, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to witness the gigantic posters of major films currently playing for weeks, at least.

One can imagine the presence of a poster like that described above, with dimensions at least 8 ft by 10 ft.

Additionally interesting, was the fact that Georgetown had just suffered devastating arson that would drastically reduce the traditional attractiveness of this city's downtown, and begin an exodus of citizens who could not adjust to its comparative decline.

Yet, throughout this distressing era of racial and political conflict, a huge cosmopolitan young and elderly section of citizens remained in a hectic social mood (evidenced in various local newspaper archives), by the atmosphere of daily social pleasure generated by seriously engaging weekly film programmes which fluctuated on the big screens of at least six closely situated downtown cinemas, whose publicly seen posters, like ‘Walk on

the Wild Side’, did not advertise glossy close-ups of fried chicken, soft drinks, cosmetics, etc, but a bonanza of social, intellectual, and extra-curricular cultural & educational stimulations.

FILM GRAPHICS The film opens with the gripping close-up of a black cat walking towards us as the theme song, 'Walk on the Wild Side', is sung by Brook Benton against Elmer Bernstein's dramatic score. It is probably one of Benton's best rendered songs in his impressive list of progressive Blues numbers. The black cat meets a white cat, the song stops, and the two cats fight briefly but viciously, until they separate, and the black cat walks on, stealthily, as Benton's song begins again. This entire central presence of the black ► Continued on page VII

Barbara Stanwyck

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

VII

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE â–ş From page VI cat as a figure in this film is a powerful semiotic reference to the animal instincts within all carnal creatures. There is no other reason for the cat to be so prominent on the film's poster, or opening scenes; since there is no REAL cat in the rest of the film.

DMYTRYK'S STYLE Dmytryk's style substitutes realism for dramatic structural effect, which we immediately see when the hitchhiking drifter, Laurence Harvey, meets the young 'wildcat' country girl played by Jane Fonda,

in one of her first and greatest performances ever on screen.

They meet as homeless transients who use huge cylindrical drainage pipes (sexually symbolic?) for shelter on the road to New Orleans, the low-lying tropical Southern city where most of the film takes place. Dmytryk's style emphasizes the structural contrasts of architectural interiors against the figurative outlines of his cast, so that the small road-side diner run by a Latino woman, played touchingly by the experienced Anne Baxter, where Harvey and Fonda stop, will be meaningfully contrasted with the wealthy ornate setting of the New Orleans brothel, where we will meet Capucine as the sophisticated high-class prostitute, and Barbara

Stanwyck as Jo, her shrewd, tough, but elegant Madame.

STORIES WITHIN THE STORY The film's story, about the apparent fatalistic end to a love affair based on the pardoning of a prostitute by her original boyfriend, cannot be taken literally at face value. Dmytryk's style instead subtly exposes various social problems: Fonda's American racism towards Baxter's ethnic Latino identity and successful material independence built by honest labour, in contrast to Fonda's air-head quest for easy living in a New Orleans bordello.

Harvey's long lost girlfriend, played by Capucine (a beautiful 1960s actress of unique films), provides the example of the talented individual who comes to the big city to pursue a career in Art, fails, and ends up in a corrupt capitulation. Harvey's idealism and forgiveness of Capucine is commendable, but perhaps too doggedly heroic, since it provokes the authoritarian violence of Stanwyck's and her henchmen, who need Capucine's continued cultured, refined, high-priced sexual favours for rich clients.

DMYTRYK AGAINST STEREOTYPES Dmytryk's film repeatedly destroys stereotypes; as when a reunited Harvey and Capucine are identified as 'sinners', and abused on the streets of New Orleans by a roadside Preacher, and Harvey's brilliant outburst defines the Preacher as far from Christian, forgiving, kind, or morally exemplary. It is not Capucine's sale of corporeal sensual pleasure that is really criminal, but Stanwyck's organized crime brothel holding her prisoner. Within such a mileau, Capucine in a profound scene, extracts a large sum of money from a wealthy client who dotes on her beauty and sophistication; then, never admitting her reason for the sum, she goes down to the brothel's salon where her black jazz musician friend is performing, and with a kind word she puts the stack of money in the mouth of his trumpet. Her sympathy for the racial difficulties of the underdog is clear.

WALK & CRITICS This film, which upset a number of 'critics', was once derided as 'inept and laughable'.

Harvey, of Anglo South African birth, playing a white Southerner, and Baxter, a white Hollywood actress, playing a Latino woman, who is actually the best, the most loving and socially humane character in the film, were both called 'miscast'. Nothing of the sort. Dmytryk was after their dramatic skill, not racial realism.

Brook Benton's mellow voice soars ironically at the film's end, singing ambiguously: "You walk on the wild side, you better walk humble, or you're gonna stumble; one day of praying and six nights of fun, the odds against going to heaven, six to one."

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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

‘INCORRIGIBLE ROGUE’ WILL GET THE CAT (Guiana Graphic November 12, 1959) Magistrate Frank Vieira yesterday morning ordered “the cat”….six strokes…for a man who was found in a Waterloo Street home at 5 o’clock one morning last week.

The threat of the “cat” was hanging over the back of Winston Morris since Saturday when he appeared before the Magistrate on a charge of ‘incorrigible roguery’.

Penalty under the law for this particular offence is imprisonment for six months and a flogging.

“This is the only offence left where a Magistrate has the power to order a flogging,” said Mr Vieira yesterday after his week-end check on the law.

“And you will be flogged….six strokes,” he announced.

In addition, Morris will serve three months in prison.

He was found in the home of Mr Simeon Chung at Waterloo and New Market Street.

Morris, a lorry porter, said that he had gone to the house to see if Mr Chung wanted sand to buy.

“At five o’clock in the morning?” asked Mr Vieira.

Mathis coming to British Guiana (Guiana Graphic November 23, 1959)

World renowned singing star, Johnny Mathis, of ‘A certain smile’ fame, will make a whistle stop on Sunday December 6.

The internationally acclaimed Negro singer arrived in Jamaica last night.

Mathis was paid US$250,000 to sing one song in the film: ‘Best of everything’.

And it is reported that Celebrity Concerts of B.G. is making every effort to have the singer make a personal appearance while in the country.

Johnny is travelling with a concert orchestra which includes an internationally famous conductor.

A big performance is scheduled to be given at Concert Hall in Trinidad on Friday.

DEAD BATTERIES AND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN THE BUSH (Guiana Graphic September 20, 1959)

NO JOB HOME SO HE ‘STOWED’ TO B.G.

It was late on Wednesday afternoon and veteran pilot Harry Wendt fastened his seat-belt and made to start the engines of his British Guiana Airways Grumman at Sebai in the heart of the North West District.

But nothing happened - except some muttering from Harry.

Even an attempt to start the engine by hand failed.

Already delayed by maintenance needs before leaving Georgetown after half an hour of snapping switches and pushing buttons and a spell of gymnastics out on the wing, he looked at his watch and turned to his six passengers.

“Sorry gentlemen,” he said, “I’m afraid we are here for the night.”

Light was fading for the river take-off and would certainly rule out the scheduled landing on the Demerara River – even if the engines were working.

But the batteries were dead.

The passengers all returning from the opening of the railway built for the African Manganese Co. by Pomeroy International, clambered out and were ferried back to the launch that had brought them the hour’s journey down the Kaituma River to be taken back to Port Kaituma.

Harry Wendt, with no power to radio Georgetown to say what had happened to him, unhooked the batteries and followed in a small outboard craft to have them recharged at the Pomeroy Camp.

Back there one of the Construction Company officials shook his head: “Over 270 flights have been made by the B.G. Airways and this is the first one to get fouled up,” he said.

The passengers who spent an unexpected extra night in the bush were Mr. G.M. Bane, Mr. J. B. Humphrey , Mr. Mann, Mr. Roy Savill, Mr. J. C. Stibbs and Mr. J. Thompson.

Cecil Ames, a young Barbadian faced with unemployment in his own country, decided to come to British Guiana job-hunting.

But he had not even the money to pay his passage.

So he decided to stow.

He boarded an island schooner, secreted himself and set out to sea.

But just one day out he was discovered and handed over to the Captain.

When the schooner docked in Port Georgetown two days ago, Ames was handed over to the immigration authorities.

Yesterday morning he appeared before Magistrate Arthur Chung on an application by Inspector Binns for a deportation order.

“Why did you come here?” asked the Magistrate.

“Because I can’t get work back home,” answered Ames.

“Well you can’t stay here,” the magistrate told the young man.

“You will have to go back home,” he announced signing the order.

TIRELESS MAN They eventually landed at Georgetown at 8 a.m. yesterday having risen at 4 a.m. and travelling down river with the re-charged batteries.

And on top of that lot the tireless Harry Wendt took his Grumman on two more flights to Sebai airlifting Pomeroy visitors back to Georgetown.

Nor ordinary man this Harry as those who have flown with him know well.

- Barbadian’s Story (Guiana Graphic November 12, 1959)

TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN THREE WEEKS (Guiana Graphic November 28, 1959) Within three weeks Georgetown will have its first automatic traffic lights.

Senior Superintendent Freddie Peterkin disclosed yesterday that installation will start today in cooperation with the telecommunications department.

He explained that the signal comprises three lights: green meaning go, amber meaning stop if it isn’t dangerous, and red - stop.

He stressed that there is no fixed time for the lights to change; that will depend on the flow of the traffic.

He, however, urged: “Don’t rush for the lights ever.”

CANJE TAKES A LIFE (Guiana Graphic November 25, 1959)

FORLORN ROOKMIN

While policemen were still combing the Abary creek yesterday for the body of 17-year-old Terry Walker, a report of another drowning incident in the Berbice area was transmitted to Georgetown.

This time it is Buller Amsterdam of Bara Cara, Canje.

Buller was drowned off Paulin Pumping Station upper Canje Creek around 6p.m. on Sunday .

His body has been recovered and will be buried at 8 o’clock this morning.

Rookmin, the woman who has been given seven days to move her “shack” from under a tree at La Penitence met further disaster yesterday.

Her cardboard home was wrecked and the ground flooded during yesterday’s heavy rainfall.

Where and how did she sleep last night?

Was she suffering - wet with rain while others had a warm bed?

Last night is gone, but what about tonight and tomorrow night?

(Guiana Graphic - 1959)

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

747 TOUCHDOWN BAR & LOUNGE

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

IX

takes Lethem by storm … Canadian-based Guyanese fulfilling dreams

By Frederick Halley in Toronto, Canada THE name is synonymous with its location, as it is situated on Airport Road, Lethem, which is also the gateway to neighbouring Brazil.

The 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge, owned by Canadian-based Guyanese Vishal Mohan and business partner Carl Methuram, threw open its doors in April this year, and has been creating quite a stir in the area ever since.

Mohan, who was born at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, migrated to Canada since 1982, but has never forgotten his roots. In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, Mohan disclosed that the entertainment industry has always been his passion.

“I was a professional chef and manager for many years in Canada for numerous fine dining restaurants and bars. My ultimate goal is to bring my experience in this industry to

Guyana.”

According to Mohan, he has been an established businessman for the past ten years. “I have established a successful business in the security industry, which is still growing,” he said.

The upscale entity as seen from the inside VISHAL MOHAN

CARL METHURAM

Being an industrious individual, Mohan wasn’t content to just remain in the security business in Canada, but was bent on making another dream a success, hence the establishment of the 747 Bar & Lounge.

“I saw a possible way forward. I always wanted to provide Guyana with an upscale bar (of the type) that you would find in Canada. Georgetown has a few, but Lethem doesn’t have any, so (I thought) why not bring that awesome party experience to the residents of Lethem?”

The 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge currently employs a staff of seven, each playing an important role in the success of the establishment. And according to Mohan, the feedback

from Lethem residents has been phenomenal.

“It’s a new and fresh experience to them, and they have embraced us with open arms. And for us, their satisfaction is our top priority. We have come a long way in a short time, but the journey has now begun.”

The business is also spreading its wings in Toronto, and is one of the main sponsors of top team Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC), whose president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan is the long-standing president and uncle of Vishal.

HACC has been ruling the roost in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premiere League tournament, winning the title for an unprecedented five consecutive years.

The club is also unbeaten in the 2015 season, and seems headed for a sixth title in a row.

The elder Mohan was high in praise for his nephew’s business acumen and success, and his willingness to come on board with HACC. Vishal Mohan is expressing sincere thanks to everyone who has been supporting the upscale entity and also ensuring his life-long dream becomes a reality. He also had special words of comfort for his wife, Bhojeshwarie Singh Mohan, “who is always beside me through all my success and difficult times,” he said.

Mohan is urging party-goers to ensure they check out 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge once in Lethem, as customer satisfaction is guaranteed. The flourishing business also has an established Facebook page.

The day-to-day affairs of the business are being taken care of by Mohan’s business partner Methuram.

Lethem lies on the Takutu River, which forms the border with Brazil. It is opposite the Brazilian town of Bonfim, and is the main commercial centre of the Rupununi savannah.

Lethem is the largest town, and is the administrative centre of the Rupununi Region, or Region 9. It includes a hospital, a police station, an army camp, a telecommunication station, schools, guesthouses, restaurants and stores.

The Rupununi Savannah is divided into north and south by the Kanuku Mountains. Visitors can stay at cattle ranches here, and locals provide guided walks across the savannah and up into the hills.

A frontal view of the 747 Touchdown Bar & Lounge

Revellers flock the popular entertainment spot

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

The Importance of Poets and Poetry (Part 1)

“Poets utter great and wise things which they themselves do not understand” - Plato

P

By Rev. Gideon Cecil OETRY has always been a part of human life.

It is an art that lies in the soul and spirit of man since the beginning of time. A poet writes always of his personal life and experience. He writes because he has an indispensable desire in his heart to express his ideas to objectify his poetic philosophy about life.

The English poet Shelly said that: ‘‘A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth……’’. The profound truth in this line written by Shelly can be seen in the poetry of all the classical poets of old from Homer to Shakespeare.

The writing of great poetry has been the primary vehicle of expressing one’s thoughts, observations, historical events, and various philosophies from a different perspective about life.

A great poem unlike a novel or a short story can be digested and absorbed in our souls and can become a part of us forever. The poetry of Homer, Virgil, Dante, Tagore, Shakespeare has become a part of the literary world until today. The divinity of their poetry has become sermons and prayers over the ages.

Poets speak a language all their own. Poets think in images-words naming a sensory thing or action. Great poetry requires a reader to experience a series of sensory experiences.

Having experienced the image - we need to interpret it -its vital message the poet is conveying to his readers. Poetry gives pleasure first, then truth hidden in complex imagery and philosophy. Its language is charged, intensified and sophisticated.

Imagery in poetry writing is what every poet should strive for to achieve in his literary craft. Imagery is not just the sensory object the poem will convey to the readers. It is not only the beautiful and musical patterning of words; it is truth and meaning within the words of the poet that gives us great poetry.

The illustrious American poet and critic T.S. Eliot wrote:

‘‘The dead poets are revealing themselves in the poets that are alive…..’’

His poetic knowledge in the line I have quoted here is what I have experienced as a poet. I am inspired and motivated to write when I read the work of a great poet. Inspiration will only come when I can value the poetry of every great poet whose work I have read. Poetry I believe is a very deep spiritual revelation compounded with creative imagination from the unseen world into the known material world.

Martin Carter Some philosophers and theologians believe that poetry writing is very deep ‘intuitive writing’ that cannot be taught from mere book learning. I fully agree with them because Rev. Gideon Cecil one can be taught the literary genres and techniques about writing from an English text book; but one cannot be taught how to write. Great poetry has to be revealed to the poet by spiritual revelation for him to become an inspired poet. It is my firm conviction that poetry as well as music and art are a God given gift given to the artist unknown to him on many occasions that cannot be taught at Universities. Some of our greatest Guyanese authors and poets such as: Martin Carter, Wilson Harris, Edgar Mittelholzer, Philip Moore and Petamber Persaud never acquired university degrees but their writings excelled those with PhDs degrees.

Why? Because they study and read widely; one cannot write well unless they are widely read. Great reading and a love for words brings inspiration to the writer. Samuel Johnson was too poor to acquire a University degree yet he wrote the greatest dictionary and tons of books and papers. What many academics failed to understand is very simple: degrees don’t write; writers do the writing not degrees.

Intuition which we sometimes call ‘inspiration’ will

► Continued on page XI

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015 ► From page X push us to write lines we ourselves are unable to write by our natural intellectual apprehension.

Until today many literary scholars believe that Shakespeare never wrote what he had written because he was not educated at a University. Shakespeare was naturally gifted and inspired

by God to write what he had written. The American poet and critic T.S. Eliot believed that Shakespeare never did any real thinking to write but wrote upon inspired thoughts given to him by the imperial muse of poetry.

Poetry is an art, the greatest of the fine arts, and the hardest in which to reach true perfection. The true poet must be a genuine poet who has faith and confidence that his work will do something to the world and the society he lives in. Poetry deals with the emotional intensity in man. It’s a more sophisticated art in writing that comes from the poet’s heart by a higher sort of creative imagination.

Prose on the other hand deals with the external intellect, it’s a more lucid and scientific form of expression. It is a more analytical and comprehensive style in formal writing.

It enables man to see things more clearly; whereas poetry lies in obscure images beneath the surface of things that can only be comprehended by eyes within our mind’s eye. Poetry is philosophy locked in symbolism and magnificent imagery.

Some Poems by some Literary Greats: ‘Say not in grief that she is no more but say in thankfulness that she was A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.’

By: Rabindranauth Tagore (India) ‘And so if you see me

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looking at your hands listening when you speak marching in your ranks you must know I do not sleep to dream, but dream to change the world.’

By: Martin Carter (Guyana’s National Poet) Sonnet 71:

By William Shakespeare No longer mourn for me when I am dead Then you shall hear the surly sullen bell Give warning to the world that I am fled From this vile world with vilest worms to dwell; Nay, if you read this line, remember not The hand that writ it; for I love you so, That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot, If thinking on me then should make you woe.

O, if (I say) you look upon this verse, When I (perhaps) compounded am with clay, Do not so much as my poor name rehearse, But let your love even with my life decay, Lest the wise world should look into your moan, And mock you with me after I am gone.

Here I quote the poems of three world renowned poets including our own late national poet Martin Carter none of whom were university graduates yet they wrote the greatest poetry in the world.

In the first poem Tagore wrote in very simple language but depicts in vivid concise imagery that death is not the end of life, he sees death as the beginning of a new divine journey into the spiritual world.

Martin Carter explores the relationship between himself the poet trapped in a political world scenario yet has a dream of exquisite beauty and perfection to change the world.

William Shakespeare is telling us to stop mourn for him immediately after his funeral and ring the death bell to everyone that I am dead, and don’t try to remember me and repeat my name if it causes you pain.

Poets are important in every society because their prophetic words of wisdom will live on after they are gone.

(Persons wishing to respond to Rev. Gideon Cecil can call Tel#220-7008, Cell# 6904755 or email: gcecil2010@hotmail.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Useful ‘unknown’ WhatsApp features

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hatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Here are some useful tips that are unknown by many.

Mute individual contacts At present, you can only mute group conversations, but with the next update you will be able to mute individual contacts as well. If you want to mute any person on your contact list, check the Mute bar in the about menu. Slide the Mute bar to the right and you will see duration for which you can mute the chat: 8 hours, a week, or a year.

Lower data consumption in WhatsApp calls If you make a lot of WhatsApp calls and want to reduce your data consumption, WhatsApp has added a new option in the app for that purpose. Under Chats and Calls menu in Settings, you will notice a new option called Low Data Usage at the bottom of the scroll. Just click the box and you will be able to save some data while making voice calls using WhatsApp.

Mark as Unread With the upcoming update, Android users will soon be able to mark messages as unread even after reading them. To be clear, this feature does not make it appear as if you have not read the message yet, and your messages will appear as read to senders even after you mark them as unread. Instead, it can be used to highlight messages so you can get back to them later. Also, marking a message as unread will not change the order of conversations on the app.

Custom notifications WhatsApp is bringing its whole set of custom options, which are available only for the whole app at present, for individual contacts. For example, if you want to set a specific ringtone for a contact, you can select any song from your playlist, so you know the messages and calls are from that particular person even without looking at your Smartphone. Similarly, you can set notification light colours, separate call and message ringtones, enable or disable vibrations and pop-up notifications for each contact.

Google Drive integration This feature is not live yet, but has been rumored for a long time. Now, this upcoming update brings another proof that WhatsApp chats will soon be backed to your Google accounts. If you want to check it out yourself, go to the Account option in Settings and you will see that the Network Usage menu mentions two new details about your data consumption: Google Drive backup bytes sent and Google Drive backup bytes received.

This is clearly a precursor of the long-awaited Google Drive integration to WhatsApp, which will make backing up your chats, images, videos, voice messages, etc, much easier.

Ten tips for every ANDROID user Android is a mobile operating system (OS) based on

the Linux kernel and currently developed by Google. With a user interface based on direct manipulation, Android is designed primarily for touch-screen mobile devices such as Smart phones and tablet computers, with specialised user interfaces for televisions (Android TV), cars (Android Auto), and wrist watches (Android Wear). Here are some useful tips that might assist you in realising the power of your android.

Set up Google Now Think of Google Now as your personal assistant.

Open the Google app, tap Get Google Now, and then fill in your preferences. You can tell Google Now your favourite stocks, sports teams, and more to get personalised notifications. You can also tell Google Now your preferred mode of transportation for Google Maps.

Use launchers and lock screen replacements Sick of staring at that same weather widget every day?

You can download apps in the Google Play store that actually let you change the interface of your Android phone. Check

out some of our favourite Android launchers and lock screen replacements here.

Enable Power Savings mode Navigate to the Settings menu and turn on the Power Savings mode to preserve battery life. Some phones come with a higher-level battery-saving mode, too. Galaxy S6’s Ultra Power Savings Mode, for example, allows you to send calls, texts, browse the internet and use a few stock apps, but that’s about it. Not all Android phones have a battery-saving mode, but many do.

Get an extra battery or a power bank All phones die eventually, and you may not always be near an outlet to charge it. Since many Android phones come with removable backs, you can replace the battery with a fresh one when you’re on the go or grab a power bank, it’s very useful.

Sign into Google Chrome If you sign in to your Google account in the Chrome browser on your phone, your bookmarks and preferences will automatically carry over.

Organise apps into folders You can create folders to divide your apps into different categories. This reduces clutter and also makes it easier to find what you need fast. To create a folder, press and hold down on an app and drag it up to the ‘Create Folder’ option on the upper-left-hand side.

On some phones you can also drag and drop an app on top of another to create a folder, just like you can in iOS. Use a third-party keyboard Sometimes it’s easier to swipe than it is to type. You aren’t restricted to Google’s keyboard in Android — there are plenty of keyboard apps to choose from in the Google Play store. ‘Swype', for instance, lets you type by swiping to each letter rather than typing.

Adjust bandwidth management in Chrome You can turn on the ‘Reduce Data Usage’ option in Chrome, which removes unnecessary whitespace and translates images into a smaller format in order to cut down on how much data it uses while you browse.

Use Google Authenticator to keep data safe Google Authenticator provides two-step verification security for your Google account. So, when you log in, you’ll need a code generated by the app in addition to your password. This ensures that strangers can’t log in to your account.

I do hope these tips will come into use soon…give it a shot, it’s worth it!

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

CONSUMER CONCERNS:

Can buying local ever give you better value for your money

By Pat Dial

Guyanese and other West Indians have had a deep historical preference for foreign consumer goods, and it is only in recent years that this prejudice, for prejudice it is, has begun to wane, gradually allowing consumers to exercise more choices.

Since Independence, from time to time, there have been ‘Buy Local’ campaigns sponsored by Governments.

The raison d'etre of such campaigns has always been ‘to conserve foreign exchange and stimulate local industry and agriculture.’

The needs and requirements of the consumers have never been part of the equation with the result that the campaigns have never made much impact.

The Guyana Consumers Association has always vigorously supported the use of local products, once such products com-

pare favourably with the imported equivalents in price and quality. Our watchword and guiding principle has always been ‘Value for your money’.

In the supermarkets and many greengrocers’ stalls in the markets, many kinds of imported vegetables and fruit are on sale attracting a good clientele. Such vegetables are not only carrots but broccoli, spinach (bhaji), small squashes, beans and even tomatoes. An even wider range of these vegetables are canned. These imported vegetables, either fresh or canned, are far more expensive than the local equivalents, are grown with chemi-

cal fertilizers, and are far less fresh, healthier and nutritious than the local ones. This can be seen when, as soon as the refrigeration is removed, they begin to droop, wither and even rot. There can be no question that buying local vegetables is better value for money.

The range of foreign fresh fruit widely imported is much narrower and is mainly apples, grapes and pears. Pears are outclassed by the local avocado pears and other local fruit in taste, food value and price. Apples and grapes are far more competitive and are especially so when the fruits are out-ofseason.

For example, medium oranges and mangoes are now five and four for $200, that is, one medium orange or mango goes for $40 and $50. In such cases, apples and grapes offer better value.

Fruit juices of various kinds are imported mostly from Trinidad and Barbados, b u t

these so-called juices are no more than concentrates, watered up, sugared, flavoured and canned.

The local fruit juices produced by TOPCO use fresh fruit and are far more wholesome and healthier than the imported "juices" and offer much better value for money.

The situation is identical with the colas and other sweet drinks produced by Demerara Distillers and Banks DIH. These identical drinks are imported in cans costing twice as much as the local equivalents. We recommend that buying local fruit juices and aerated sweet drinks present better value for money.

Most consumers, with a knee-jerk reaction go for foreign "manufactured" foods rather than the local, though many local equivalents are world-class and cheaper. We give a few examples: The biscuits, salt and sweet, produced by Banks

Pat Dial DIH are of the highest international standards and are far less expensive than any of the equivalents imported. Or the jams and jellies produced by Demerara Distillers, Tandys and other local producers are far cheaper and more wholesome than the foreign jams and jellies.

The sweets, pastas and other food products produced by the Beharry companies have all earned ISO standards, are world-class and are exported to international markets.

Their sweets have all been formulated by the best expertise from Europe, their production machines are amongst the most modern and their range is superior to and sells at better prices than any equivalent imports.

NAMILCO produces wheaten flours of the highest grade as well as other wheaten products. Their products are fresher, healthier and less expensive than foreign imports.

A good example is the cereal wheat germ which sells at half the price of the foreign import.

The consumer is therefore enjoined not to precipitately buy the imported product but to ascertain whether the local product is as good as and sells cheaper than the imported one so that he can be sure of getting the best value for his money.

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ALIBI OR NO ALIBI

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

– State to prove case against accused, in 1967

By George Barclay IN 1967, the Guyana Court of Appeal rejected an alibi appeal against a break & enter conviction, and held that the trial judge was right when he told the jury: “Alibi or no alibi…whether you disbelieve the alibi or not, the onus is on the Crown to prove the case against the appellant”.

The accused, Harold Narine, was found guilty by the jury on a charge of breaking and entering the dwelling house of Sumair Ramnarine with intent to steal, and for robbery under arms committed in the said house. He appealed.

The accused had led an alibi defence, alleging that he was far away from the scene when the crime was being committed.

But the Appellate Court, constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal Luckhoo and Cummings, affirmed the conviction and sentence, and dismissed the appeal of Harold Narine.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant lived about six rods away, and was, for some years, known to Sumair Ramnarine and his family. The defence was an “alibi” to the effect that he was far away from the scene on the night in question, and Narine called a witness to support that evidence.

Narine was convicted, and his sole ground of appeal was that the trial judge did not properly put his defence to the jury, in that he did not explain to the jury, as he should have done, the proper way in which an alibi is to be considered.

The Appellate Court held that “although the trial Judge did not tell the jury that not only is the onus of disproving an alibi always on the prosecution, but also that even if they rejected or did not believe the

George Barclay

alibi, it was their duty to go back to the case for the prosecution to see whether all the ingredients of the charge had been established before they could convict.”

Nevertheless, when all the relevant passages in the summing-up were looked at as a whole, it was clear that the trial ► Continued on page XV

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

ALIBI OR NO ALIBI ► From page XIV

judge was telling the jury in no uncertain terms that, alibi or no alibi, whether they disbelieve the alibi or not, the onus was on the Crown to prove the case against the appellant.

The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction and sentence affirmed.

Attorney-at-Law Mr. R. Hanoman appeared for the appellant. Mr. E. A. Romao, Director of Public Prosecutions, represented the respondent.

Chancellor Stoby, who delivered the judgment of the Appellate Court, disclosed that, at the appellant’s trial on the 1st day of March, 1965, in connection with an offence which took place at Sumair Ramnarine’s dwelling house, the prosecution led evidence to show that the appellant had broken and entered the dwelling house, and had stolen a quantity of articles from that house, and had severely assaulted several people in the house.

The appellant’s defence was that he was not the person concerned with the incident. Most of the witnesses for the Crown were members of the dwelling house – father, mother, daughter.

Although independent evidence was led, that independent evidence was offered in order to establish that the incident of breaking and entering the dwelling house did take place, and a doctor was called to show that, on the night in question, violence was committed on the members of that dwelling house.

The appellant’s defence was an alibi. He gave evidence

from the dock, in which he said that he was far away from the scene on the night in question, and he called a witness to support that evidence.

He was convicted, and his sole ground of appeal was that the trial judge did not properly put his defence to the jury, in that he did not explain to the jury, as he should have done, the way in which an alibi is to be considered.

After referring to cases cited by Mr. Hanoman on the question of alibi, which he claimed that the trial judge did not follow, Chancellor Stoby said: “We, of course, accept that as a correct statement of the law.

It is the manner in which judges usually sum up, and we would commend it for judges to follow this method of summing up when dealing with an alibi. But the fact remains that there is no set pattern, no stereotyped language which must be used by a judge in summing up. What can be extracted from the passages which I have just read is that a judge must make it clear to the jury that the onus is on the prosecution and never shifts, and to do so in an alibi lets the jury get the impression that if the alibi is disbelieved, they must automatically convict without considering whether the onus was on the prosecution to prove the case or not.

“Let us look at the pattern of the summing up in this case.

What the judge did in this case was (that) he dealt with the case for the prosecution. (He) explained the elements, pointed out that although nothing is admitted in a criminal case, the

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plea of “not guilty” puts everything in issue.

“Nevertheless, the case was conducted, the breaking and entering and the robbing were not being seriously challenged.

In other words, there was really no issue at the trial on those points. The real issue in this case was whether the appellant was the person who committed the acts of breaking and entering and robbing….”

Chancellor Stoby added that the trial judge dealt with that issue in admirable language, and pointed out, over and over again, that the onus was on the prosecution to prove the case against the appellant.

He declared, “As I said before, the summing up must be read having regard to the facts which were in issue and the facts which were proved.

“Then the trial Judge also said to the jury: “If you are satisfied that this man came into the house, did all that the family said he did, created havoc, that pandemonium reigned – remember, a man’s home is his castle -– then your duty, if you are so satisfied, will be to convict.”

According to the Chancellor, when that passage is read in relation to all the other passages in summing up, it seems that although the judge did not use the language which is recommended that judges should use in a case of this kind, he was nevertheless telling the jury in no uncertain terms that, alibi or no alibi, whether you disbelieve the alibi or not, the onus is on the Crown to prove the case against the appellant.

“We think that, for these reasons, the appeal ought to be dismissed. The appeal is dismissed, and the conviction and sentence affirmed”.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Moraikobai A small, idyllic riverine village seeking to heal its rifts

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By Navendra Seoraj FTER an interesting speedboat drive down the placid, accommodating Mahaicony River, one encounters an alluring expanse of white sand; an abundance of trees both offering shade and fruit; and friendly, smiling villagers who are ready to welcome all and sundry to their quiet, idyllic village.

The place is called Moraikobai, and it is situated some 96 miles away from the confluence of the Mahaicony river, where the Police Station overlooks the Stelling from which the speedboats ply their trade, and the Mahaicony River Access Bridge is one of three major features of the coastal infrastructure of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice); the other two being the Mahaica Bridge that spans a river with the same name, and the Berbice River A view of the Village’s Primary School Bridge that connects Region Five with Region Six. The drive takes approximately two hours, during which one is transported away from the sounds and sights of the proverbial concrete jungle to a place where villagers enjoy peace and serenity, and all the basic necessities that contribute to a very good life. Besides, there is a hospital, shops, schools, and much more at Moraikobai.

Importantly, at Moraikobai, one does not have to worry about the sometimes alarming and annoying sounds of road vehicles roaring past under management of their raging drivers. Populated by just over 500 villagers, calm and serenity prevails here.

Persons are relaxed, and always seem to have bright and welcoming smiles on their faces.

Children run around unhindered, or splash happily at the creek, as adults go about their day-to-day chores and attend to other activities in a spirit of respectful indulgence of each other.

The abundance of natural resources which surround Moraikobai affords most villagers gainful employment and ample income through logging; and villagers explained that the vast land, mostly unoccupied, is perfect for agricultural enterprises such as farming, because of its great fertility.

In the past, Moraikobai was known for its mass agricultural activities, but those gradually subsided as time went by and things became tough in that villagers found it difficult to maintain their crops, hence they moved away from agriculture.

Some villagers told the Guyana Chronicle that a lot has changed, not only in terms of their employment, but also with their culture. As compared to the past, the youths in the village have these days turned to using drugs, which leads to increasing criminal activities.

And although there are two churches in the village which provide counselling to the youths, there is need for establishment of a police outpost â–ş Continued on page XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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Henry St. Cyprian Rodney ‘Nothing to Laugh About 8’ has already kicked off in Linden

Local artistes must be taken seriously!

- says Henry St. Cyprian ‘Franklin’ ‘Sugar George’ Rodney

By Telesha Vidya Ramnarine ‘NOTHING to laugh about 8,’ ‘After Elections Link,’ and ‘For Better for Worse,’ are all comedy shows fans of Henry St. Cyprian ‘Franklin’ Rodney should be looking out for presently!

In fact, ‘Nothing to laugh about 8’ has already gotten underway in Linden and are slated for several other venues around the country.

‘After Elections Link’ will be put on from August 7 to 10 and a date for ‘For Better for Worse’ still has to be confirmed, Rodney told the Chronicle in an interview Thursday.

“My intention is to keep bringing entertainment to the nation; smiles and laughter to homes,” he related, as he stressed the need for the arts in Guyana to be taken more seriously. Furthermore, he is of the view that the artistes in the country ought to be recognised on a grander scale.

Rodney modestly conceded that he is not at the point in his career where he would

With his wife of 32 ye

ars Joan

have liked to be. He still has certain goals to achieve. However, he is quite confident that he will get there and even take it further to be able to branch off into larger territories.

This will be nothing hard for him as he has already taken his talent to the USA, Canada, London and the Ca-

ribbean.

Now 56 years old, Rodney said apart from his “raucous” behaviour on stage, he is a saint, and that his middle name represents that “saintly thing in me.”

Long before he played ‘Franklin’ in the popular play, ‘Agree to Disagree’, he was George in ‘Jezebel’; and to this day, people who saw the show still call him that, or ‘Sugar George’, and ‘Sugar Baby’. “Like Hector Stout; he calls me nothing else but ‘Sugar Baby’.”

“Your stage names live on,” he offered, adding, “Some people would approach me and ask, ‘Man, what really is your name?’ Many times, walking down the road, I have a lot of explaining to do. In some instances, people have even written cheques in his stage names. “People write on the cheques the name ‘Franklin’, and then ask, ‘Franklin what?’ A number of times, I had to go back for them to redo the cheques.”

And to add to a good performance on stage, Franklin believes in doing lots of exercise. “I do exercise a lot, so that I can keep my body like this,” he said, obviously referring to his well-toned physique. “It is the most rugged thing to be flabby on stage,” he said.

Henry’s acting skills were developed during his school days, and back when he attended Sunday School.

Having seen his ability, his teachers would often ask him to perform before the class and at school. They would also admonish his mother not to ever discourage him in whatever his pursuits were.

Henry said he has a greater love for acting because it is more challenging. A good comedic performance, according to him, has much to do with good timing; using hardcore facts to produce comedy also usually works well.

He likes to “play up” women, in the sense that when he sees them dominating his audience, he speaks in their favour. “I play with them; I say women are the strongest creatures God has ever placed on the face of the earth, and they say, ‘Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah!!’ So I can’t go wrong. It is easier to lambaste the men than the women.”

Commenting on who helped shape his career, Henry spoke about people like Anthony Stuart, Kwesi Ojinga, Allan Cooper, Margaret Lawrence, Pat Cameron, Diane Cameron, and Dawn Shultz.

Many people do not know that Rodney has been a teacher for nearly 20 years. He has taught at St. Joseph High School, St. Rose’s High, North Georgetown Secondary, Apex Academy, and the Cyril Potter College of Education, among other institutions.

Miranda Austin, Shelly Bancroft, and ‘rubber bullets man’ James Bond are among some of his students. The subject areas he taught included literature, drama in education, and physical education.

Rodney has a nice family life, too. He has been married to his wife, Joan, for the past 32 years, and they have three lovely daughters and two grandchildren.

His advice to people wishing to get into the business of acting is: “Be yourself! You cannot be a Jumbie Jones or a Henry Rodney; you have to be yourself. There is no place for haughty people. Humility and respect are the keys. People will, in turn, respect you for who you are and not just what you do. You should always have your audience wondering what you will bring to the table. And remember the three Ds: discipline, dedication and determination. These breed success.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Republic Bank’s ‘RightStart’

steel pan programme graduates 130 youths - Education Minister commits to correcting downfalls in education sector

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By Sherah Alleyne

Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine delivering his remarks at the Republic Bank’s ‘RightStart’ Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme graduation ceremony on Thursday last (Delano Williams photos)

North Ruimveldt Multilateral School awardees

NE hundred and thirty youths from several regions across Guyana graduated from a threeweek Republic Bank ‘RightStart’ Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme, on Thursday last.

The graduation ceremony was held in the Grand Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel in the presence of officials from the Republic Bank and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Thrilling presentations were made by participants of the programme.

Given his steady call for the delivery of music in schools, Dr. Roopnaraine, in his feature address, emphasised the necessity of music being taught in schools, since, he said, a curriculum which does not have music is not fitting for a child’s upbringing.

Since assuming office, the Education Minister

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015 has been advocating for the implementation of music and sports, among other creative curriculum, in schools. The reason behind this is to fill the vacancies in creative industries in Guyana, he advised.

Republic Bank has been funding this programme for six consecutive years. In this regard, Dr. Roopnaraine stressed that more organisations and businesses should also invest in this venture to create world class steel pan musicians.

Speaking to the graduating students, Dr. Roopnaraine noted that this is an early milestone in a long and distinguished path in musical education. Aside from art education, the Minister took the opportunity to highlight some of the downfalls within the education sector. The world class professor boldly stated that he is committed to correcting those downfalls by rehabilitating the Theatre Guild.

The Minister praised Republic Bank for its “truly admirable effort” in its commitment to a renaissance of steel pan music in Guyana.

Managing Director of the Republic Bank, Mr. Richard Sammy, reflected on the bank’s commitment to this endeavour over the years. He further emphasised that because of this commitment, steel pan is alive and prominent in Guyana.

Administrator of the National School of Music, Mr. Andrew Tyndall, outlined the objectives of the programme as being to expand the art form and the quality of music provided by steel pan, exposing participants to high-quality training and practical elements of pan playing, and to introduce them to the basic elements of the theory.

The workshop was held from July 7 to 23rd in Regions Three, Four, and Six, and was attended

by students of the National School of Music; The Bishops’ High School; West Demerara Secondary; Buxton, North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary and Berbice High School.

Steel pan was born in the Republic of Trini-

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dad and Tobago, and has evolved as the dominant genre of music in the Caribbean today. Steel pan reached its apex in Guyana in the 1970s, and is today a critical component of the country’s regional and national development.

National School of Music participants performing a piece

West Demerara Secondary School awardees with the Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine (fourth right, standing) and Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Mr Richard Sammy (standing third right) and Ms Michelle Johnson, Manager of Marketing & Communication at Republic Bank (standing at right)

Merundoi 200th

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airs its

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

episode of

Season 4

MERUNDOI Incorporated is pleased to announce the airing of the 200th episode of Season 4 of the Radio Serial Drama “Merundoi” during week of July 27, 2015 Season 4 hit the airwaves on September 2, 2013 with the focus on Safe Waste Management in anticipation of Government support which did not materialsze.

However, in February 2014, Merundoi Incorporated secured funding under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, Country Based Support Scheme for Guyana for the proposal “Modeling and Reinforcement to Combat Domestic Violence” with an emphasis on advocacy campaigns and public awareness and communication activities.

The Merundoi banner

Merundoi in one of its frequent school outreaches

The two major storylines of Shanta Singh and Philip Fernandes model how families, friends and communities can be positive influences in behaviour change in violence against women and men.

Also in Season 4 is a short 3-month storyline funded by Global Fund which aims at lowering the incidence of HIV/ AIDS among Female Commercial Sex Workers through condom use, access to care and treatment and the reduction of stigma and discrimination.

Season 4 is also supported by private sector sponsorship from Republic Bank Guyana Ltd, Guyana Lottery Co, Spads Inc, Edward B. Beharry & Co. Ltd, Guyana Bible Society, Sterling Products Ltd, UNFPA, North Rupununi Development Board, 93.1 Real FM, 104.3 Power FM and 88.5 Rock FM Season 1 was launched on Oct. 16, 2006, as a PEPFAR HIV/AIDS project while Season 2 carried messages aimed at behaviour change in Birth Registration, Income Tax compliance and Voter registration, Tolerance and Harmony. Season 3 which ended on July31, 2013, dealt with Gender Based Violence.

Merundoi is the longest running Radio Serial Drama in Guyana and the Caribbean and has to its credit close to 1000 x 15 min episodes. It is quite popular locally and internationally, registering an average 15,000 hits monthly from 25 countries.

It is aired on NCN, 93.1 Real FM, 104.3 Power FM, 88.5 Rock FM, Radio Paiwomak and www.merundoi.org.gy Merundoi Incorporated is a Behaviour Change Communication NGO and has won several awards including PEPFAR HERO Award, GBCHA Award for Business Excellence on HIV/AIDS through National Action and Honorable Mention for the GBCHA Award for Business Excellence on HIV/AIDS in the Community /Media.

The public and private sectors are invited to support the Creative Arts and good local programming by sponsoring “Merundoi”.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART DDS.

Fluoride & Dental Health

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luoride is a naturally occurring element that prevents tooth decay when ingested systemically or applied topically. Researchers believe that there are several mechanisms by which fluoride achieves its anticarious effect. It reduces the solubility of enamel in acid by converting hydroxyapatite into less soluble fluoroapatie; it may exert an influence directly on dental plaque, reducing the ability of plaque organisms to produce acid; and it promotes the remineralisation of tooth enamel in areas that have been decalcified by acids.

Most likely, fluoride works by a combination of these effects. But the remineralisation effect of fluoride is of prime importance, because it results in a reversal of the early caries process and it gives rise to enamel more resistant to decay.

In 1914, fluoride was added to toothpaste but became more widespread when it was recommended by the American Dental Association in the 1950s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Fluoride, in various forms, is still the most popular active ingredient in toothpaste although Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) typically label sodium fluoride as “toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin contact” and that PPE (personal protective equipment) for handling should include safety glasses and gloves. The United States FDA (Food and Drug administration) has required that all fluoride toothpastes sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning on the label. The warning caution toothpaste users to: “Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.”

A journal article in the Journal of Dental Research suggests that a potentially fatal dose of fluoride is 5mg per kilogram of bodyweight. This is the “minimum dose that could cause toxic signs and symptoms, including death, and that should trigger immediate therapeutic intervention and hospitalisation…This does not mean that doses lower than 5 mg F/kg should be regarded as innocuous.”

As common sense might indicate, death is not the only

concern with fluoride toothpaste. Other potential problems include gastric problems and fluorosis (characterised by white streaks on teeth). The question you may now ask yourself, “Does fluoridated toothpaste do more harm than good?” The answer to that question is “No, once the toothpaste you choose to use has the ADA seal of acceptance.”

Dentists and consumers have long recognised the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance as an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness. As a consumer, you must understand that in order for fluoride toothpaste to get an ADA seal of acceptance, it must meet ADA’s requirements for safety and effectiveness in reducing tooth decay.

Unlike many products from some countries such as China, North Korea, Cuba and India, the manufacturer must provide clinical studies in humans, laboratory studies to determine the amount of available fluoride, the amount of fluoride released in one minute, and the amount of flu-

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oride absorption in normal and weakened tooth enamel.

Such tests are conducted in ADA’s laboratory. With that being said, the seal is your assurance that the fluoridated toothpaste has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. With toothpastes manufactured elsewhere, one has to be more careful.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Home-made bread

By Allan A. Fenty

FORTY-TWO years ago (in 1973), a local cook-book taught us lots about bread - that so-called ‘staff-of-life’.

We were told that the term ‘Bread’ may be used to describe the light, sweet-smelling crusty loaves, leavened by means of yeast, or a flat, unleavened cake, or “quick-bread”, leavened by baking-powder or soda.

Old Guyanese, as apparently in all cultures, found a certain

(Part 1)

satisfaction, ever pride, in baking a good loaf of bread in the home in old-time home-made box-ovens, tin ovens and later, the built-in ovens in modern stoves.

Some town-people or villagers lucky enough, after expertly mixing their dough and adding just enough yeast to make it rise and ready, would actually take it to the nearby commercial baker-shop to have it baked alongside bread for sale.

There is still nothing so satisfying as lovely brown homemade palm loaves or plaited loaves. Just hot from the oven, with butter, or stew, or gravy, or whatever.

We’ll return to the “culture” of bread from time to time – proverbs of bread; types of bread and so on. But as cricket is on, you must know that when the old experienced fans call a batsman “home-made bread”, they mean that he is good, very good – but only on this home-town wicket – not when he bats outside of his country. More to come.

A maaga pickney?

By Allan A. Fenty

“MAAGA” and “pickney” must qualify as vintage authentic Creole terms whatever their hybrids, derivatives or origins.

A “maaga pickney” in Creole language would mean “a very thin, skinny child”, as maaga comes from “meager” which, in English, can mean, sparse, lean or scanty. Pickney could be used to mean singular or plural.

It is believed that pickney’s origin is “PICCANINNY” and is African. But Richard Alsopp tells us that the word is from the Portuguese and the Spanish. The Portuguese called the little slave-children “PEQUENINO” – the little ones. He says further that the Dutch called thin slaves, maaga – a word meaning skinny.

Old Guyanese say “Maaga nah Hungry” – to be slim or skinny doesn’t necessarily mean weakness, lack of strength. And surly you know of the ingratitude referred to when people say – or sing – “SORRY FUH MAGGA DOG, MAGGA DOG TON ROUN, BITE YUH”?

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

VIOLENCE – our insanity and disgrace

The flower of youth plucked too soon A mother’s world broken, dreams doomed, A beloved son slain at high noon A most despicable act of violence, Drained all joy from the cup of life Cruel and bitter the pain to endure, Most tragic this turn of fate for sure.

Heavier than the vast and mighty Himalayas The pain and suffering wrought by violence Seen in silent grief and flow of tears In the faces of orphans and refugees, The tormented and abused The crippled and maimed, In the tortured minds of soldiers Recalling many a battlefield horrors In childhood innocence blighted Witness to bloodshed unabated None can chronicle the true toll of violence Flooring so many to eternal silence Yet this macabre dance daily stirred to frenzy Goaded by men with no human conscience Applauding with sadistic delight the evil in violence.

All violence most loathsome and evil The epitome of our disgrace and insanity Whether in wars, conflicts, riots, or communal strife In targeted killings, racial profiling or petty fights In conquests and cruel subjugation Brutal torture that staggers the imagination In quest for domination and power On the streets or on the world’s arena In insatiable greed for wealth and prestige Exploiting and oppressing the poor and meek In asserting our special purity In caste and racial superiority Violence indeed the cardinal sin Even mere thought of harming another However righteous and sacred our agenda Is enough to darken our karma Vain indeed our prayers and rituals Sacrifices and sacred observances When even an iota of violent thought Resides in the recesses of the heart.

CECIL RAMKIRATH

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Vishani Ragobeer

Understanding… from a teen’s point of view!

By Vishani Ragobeer

TIME

HELLO there! How was your past week? Mine was fine, to say the least. Well, some of you may have read my articles before; some of you may not have done so. Whether you have or have not, I am asking you to feel free to join me right here in the Pepperpot section of this newspaper every Sunday, because I write little articles about various social topics and issues in our Guyanese society with the hope that I would be able to spread a little awareness, a few ideas, or even a little entertainment.

This week, my friends, I will be writing about ‘Time’.

To some, summer time is the time to lay back and relax, while to others it is a period to try to do something -be it summer classes, or some skills development classes to give yourself an edge over your peers. To most of my older folk, the summer is just another time with the same daily routines.

Which of the two you decide upon doing is entirely up to you and your circumstances, but keep in mind that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and all work and no play makes Jack a mere toy.

The proverbial saying is that ‘Time and Tide waits for no man’, and I believe this saying. Over the past few weeks, I have been observing many things. I observed that relationships of any kind take time to build; some build quickly and some take longer. I observed that it takes a little amount of time to hamper, or even destroy, relationships; and lastly, I observed that distance (both figuratively and literally) increases with time.

I don’t want to get too ‘deep’ or emotional with what I am saying here, but I would just like you all to realise the importance of the people around you and the relationships you have built. It is only a matter of time before you lose contact with someone you were once in constant contact with, and distance will only break down those relationships even more.

Time will wait for no man. Make the most of who you have now, while you have them. Your colleagues or family will not always be in the same place as you. Cherish them and make your memories last a lifetime. Also, never give up on someone you hold dear just because your timings are not favourable and the distance separates you (and we all know that social media makes all of this easier to connect).

Guys, we have a long time away from school - long enough to balance school work and making memories with your dear ones. This is the beginning of the Endless Summer.

*** Quote for the Week (by Mahatma Gandhi): “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever” That’s all for this week.

See you again, right here at your favourite and best newspaper!

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Controlling Noise Pollution

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oud music blaring from cars and push carts; construction equipment operating, amplifiers blasting from places of worship; dogs barking in the middle of the night; loud generators and equipment operating at various types of workshops are examples of noise pollution around us. Some get accustomed to the noise while others find it an unbearable nuisance.

Elevated noise levels have scientifically been found to affect the psychological and physical health of humans by causing anxiety and stress and impairment of hearing. Noise pollution also affects wildlife, for example, whales and birds depend on hearing to find food and communicate and their signals are distorted by loud noise. Noise also affects breeding in animals e.g. frogs cannot hear each other’s mating calls.

To control noise pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the Environmental Protection – Noise Regulations (2000). The Regulations sets noise levels that are allowed in the day and night for operations in residential and industrial locations. These noise limits seek to protect citizens from excessive noise emanating from vehicles, sound systems, construction activities etc.

Before we examine the Noise Regulations, let us establish what is noise pollution. The traditional definition of noise is“unwanted or disturbing sound”. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with

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normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life.

The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations (2000)

The Regulations sets out that:

• A person or business must apply for approval from the EPA before operating any sound-making device in a public place, e.g., anyone holding a barbecue or open air party, the owner of a hotel who uses generators to supply electricity etc.

• Construction activities, except public works, may be stopped during certain hours of the day on the complaint of a neighbour.

• Operators of entertainment business are required to soundproof buildings if operating beyond midnight.

• No person is allowed to operate any sound-making device or equipment in a public place between the hours of 23:00 h and 07:00 h, except with the prior written permission of the EPA. • Anyone affected by noise has the right to file a complaint with the EPA. • Any building, vehicle or private premises should not exceed the following decibel levels: (SEE TABLE BELOW)

Anyone involved in an activity causing sound levels above those specified in table above will be committing an offence and liable to a fine varying from $80,000 to $750,000, or imprisonment of not more than a year, depending on the offence.

To make a report on noise nuisance you can call 225-6044/225-5471/2255467 or email to epa@epaguyana.org or eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html; http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit. epaguyana@gmail.com

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Pastor Diego

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Alphonso - an inspiration to men in word and deed

By Michel Outridge PASTOR Diego Alphonso is probably one of the most respected, intriguing and inspiring persons you will ever encounter. And with his genuine nature to reach out to people, he is easy to approach and talk to, a gift he realises he has possessed since his young days.

Alphonso is one of those persons who do so much to assist people -- especially men and boys -- and often does that kind of work behind the scenes. He is not often highlighted.

He is very passionate about helping people, and spends a lot of his time doing volunteer work in counselling men and young boys in an effort to enhance their mental and spiritual capabilities,

Pastor Diego Alphonso and also address other issues such as domestic violence and related concerns.

He is the head of the Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB) at the Ministry of Social Protection, located at Lot 1 Water and Cornhill Streets in Georgetown.

The department focuses on public outreaches; sessions with men and boys countrywide; and also seeks to engage men and boys to relate and talk about suicide, domestic violence, fatherhood, parenting, and other issues of interest, such as their roles in accepting responsibilities in the home etc.

He is well versed in one-on-one counselling, and works in collaboration with the Women’s Affairs Bureau that is attached to the same ministry.

The MAB was conceptualised in 2010 following the visit by Dr. Myles Munroe to Guyana to speak at the Men’s Empowerment Network which was hosted by a group of local pastors. A huge rally was held at the National Park involving more than 10,000 men.

Dr. Munroe was invited to Guyana since he was a motivational speaker, author and pastor whose presence was very vital in addressing the large gathering at that forum; and it was recognised that men did not have a place to go to air their concerns and have those addressed by professionals.

The MAB was established by the ministry, Alphonso said. He added that the MAB was formed in 2011 after Dr. Munroe asked where men go for help, since there was only the Women’s Affairs Bureau. Since its establishment, many men and boys who counter issues of domestic violence, among other things, have been greatly assisted. ► Continued on page XXVII

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Pastor Diego

Alphonso ► From page XXVI Alphonso is also part of the National Youth and Christian New Testament Church of God body in Guyana, and is a pastor at the Harvestime New testament Church of God at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, where he rations his time wisely between church and his job at the MAB. In his spare time, Alphonso visits troubled men and boys and offers free conselling services, praying and taking them to church as well.

He said, “I am very pleased with what I do and how I spend my time helping, because it is my passion, something that I look forward to, since I do not like to see people hurting and in pain. I feel the need to reach out to them and assist until they are better.”

Alphonso said his work with men and boys started since his young days in church, when he realised he had a gift to be able to talk to people and get them to open up and discuss issues affecting them.

He said he would both advise persons to express that state of depression and encourage them to realise their true purpose in life, which often prevents a lot of suicides.

Alphonso, 39, is married and is the father of three children. This Poude-

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royen, West Bank Demerara resident likes reading, and listening to gospel music, which he says inspires him.

Growing up in a single parent home in the city, after his father passed away when he was still in his teenage years, has caused him to equip himself to empower men and boys.

Although there has been some talk of merging the MAB with the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Alphonso feels that it should remain a separate department, since men are more comfortable with the MAB as is.

He explained that after the launching of the MAB, men became aware that there was actually a department that catered for men exclusively as it relates to their mental and spiritual needs and their specific issues. With that, he said, the men became enthusiastic and readily reached out for assistance. The MAB, he said, would visit schools and attend religious and community events.

He is very pleased with the support he receives from Ministers Volda Lawrence and Simona Broomes. This was recognized during the first meeting with the ministers upon their appointment to office.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Moraikobai in the village, as this would be a beneficial boost to the level of security in the village.

Following the Christian faith, villagers in the past usually lived a simple life, and were never burdened by crime, because they used to live in unity and prosperity. Of recent, however, the village has become divided.

Nevertheless, in an effort to mend this rift, the newly-elected toshao said he would concentrate all his efforts on bringing the village back to its former glory, so that persons can again live together as one, and the culture which once prevailed could be restored.

A view of the wide space which the Village surrounds

Some of the children enjoying themselves at the riverside

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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ARIES - There’s a shift in the air this week as home-based projects and plans give way to adventurous options and fun outings. Try to get any overdue responsibilities out of the way so you’ll have more time to explore delightful opportunities. You’ll be experiencing a pleasure peak, too, when romance, creativity, and entrepreneurial ideas vie for your attention. Venus rewinds from Saturday, encouraging a review of routines and habits. And avoid acting on impulse over the weekend.

TAURUS - A social theme sets the pace at the start of the week, although you might be involved in one or two formal events. Things should go well if it’s a business meeting or function. However, family and home affairs come into focus as the Sun and Mercury ease into Leo, and you might be doing more jobs around the home, removing clutter and entertaining family and friends.

Make a point of not rushing into relationship decisions as Venus rewinds from Saturday. Bide your time!

GEMINI - The practicalities of sorting out finances might occupy your attention early on. With some clever talking you might nab a new contract or deal that’s rock solid and worth pursuing. Communication and interaction gain in importance from midweek, making this a good time to advertise goods and services and tweak your online business. Take a page out of Leo’s book and show off a little. Avoid impulsive spending on Saturday even if your friends already have the thing you covet.

CANCER - The start of the week seems productive, bringing opportunities for creative projects to gel and even a budding romance to deepen. It might involve some hard work, but it will be worth it. The midweek mark reveals a shift of focus to financial matters, when you may be tempted to indulge. However, you can also use this phase to take stock of your creative talents and make use of any you’ve neglected recently. You could earn a lot more cash by doing so.

LEO - If certain matters have seemed out of your control lately, you’ll easily regain your stride this week. You’ll feel renewed once the Sun and Mercury edge into your sign. By Thursday the wheels of your mind will be turning as you plan ahead for your next project or challenge. Even so, Venus rewinds in your financial sector from Saturday, so don’t commit to big money schemes or plans until after it turns direct again. You’ll save yourself a few problems if you wait.

VIRGO - Social factors keep you busy early on, plus there’s a chance of collaborating with someone on an exciting project. By midweek the focus shifts to your spiritual sector, which means you’re entering a phase in which it helps to kick back and make more time to relax. It’s vital to take this opportunity to connect with your heartfelt desires and inner feelings. It’s also a chance to get your bearings. Venus in Virgo rewinds from Saturday, so avoid making any major commitments for now.

LIBRA - If you’ve been busy lately with career goals or personal ambitions, this phase could begin to ease as more pleasurable options show up. A sociable focus can help you make progress with business affairs, too, but you’ll also enjoy the party atmosphere, along with the option for dating and romance.

You’ll be in your element if you feel like getting involved in organising an event. Venus turns retrograde Saturday, making this a good time for reflection and a few spa days.

SCORPIO - Firm up decisions and take action regarding vacation plans or a golden opportunity to expand your horizons. As the focus shifts, it’s time to put yourself even more firmly in the spotlight so that others can appreciate your talents. Make a point of connecting with people who share your ambitions and you’ll find it easier to make progress. As Venus turns retrograde on Saturday, old friends or even an ex could reappear. You could reconnect with one that got away and get another chance!

SAGITTARIUS - Curb any desire to spend on impulse and instead consider investing spare cash in more profitable areas, such as property or study. Will you heed the call of adventure when the Sun and Mercury encourage you to learn from new experiences? Travel, working abroad, and the chance to expand your reach could all appeal. When it comes to career progress, hold back and go with the flow for the coming weeks, as a job or opportunity could lose its appeal.

CAPRICORN - Make constructive plans with others, whether for a social event or a chance to collaborate on a project. It seems you’re going to be busy no matter what you’re up to. Finances come into focus midweek, encouraging you to explore ways to make your money work harder for you. Use this opportunity to make changes that can help you pay off debt and give you more cash to play with. Retrograde Venus could be a call to upgrade an old skill.

AQUARIUS - Monday to Wednesday are productive, with a chance to plan ahead and feel satisfied with all you’ve accomplished. From midweek relationships and key interactions could take up more of your time. Romance, business, and social activities bring out the best in you, with new opportunities showing up the more you network and connect. It’s best not to commit to business proposals or bank loans until Venus turns direct again. Later, an unexpected event could net you a new friend.

PISCES - Fun outings and cultural expeditions bring pleasure and encourage you to explore talents that may have lain dormant. You may find you’re a natural at a skill that others can benefit from. Lifestyle issues become more important later this week, with fresh opportunities showing up at work. You may be eager to exercise more in order to get yourself in peak condition.

However, once Venus turns retrograde, avoid making relationship decisions with consequences. Go with the flow instead.

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

English

ROSHAN KHAN

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

XXXV Roshan Khan

- businessman extraordinaire, father, husband and philanthropist

By Neil Primus IT is difficult to believe that a child from the countryside of Guyana who has a poor background would one day become a highly successful entrepreneur; but the dynamic Roshan Khan defied all odds and now sits at the helm of one of the most successful security companies in Guyana.

EARLY YEARS Roshan Khan was born at Nigg Settlement on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six on April 1st, 1955. He grew up in Skeldon, further up the Corentyne Coast, and attended the Skeldon Anglican School. When asked if he is an Islamic scholar, Roshan Khan replied, “I am more of an articulator on Islam and religion. As a matter of fact, religion is my hobby.”

Roshan grew up in the era when there were no cell phones, televisions, or other modern gadgets. The fun in his days was derived from pure creative abilities. He would make toys from cotton reels, rubber bands, candles and pointer. Cricket was a favourite pastime, and the absence of a ball did not halt proceedings; empty milk tins, awara seeds, and even small coconuts were handy replacements. He participated in many bush-cooks, with contents being secretly acquired from home.

Fruits and sugar cane were rarely gifts, but were picked from the trees of unaware owners. Moco-Moco trees made great boats, and provided plenty of entertainment for him and his friends.

But there was always a quieter side to this young man. “I would often go to the sea walls and sit quietly. Sometimes I spoke to the sea and wind, and sometimes I felt they spoke to me,” he confided.

“I have profound memories of some of my early mentors --African teachers who were very instrumental in my training and education. There was Mr Boston, Mr Peters, Mr Lancelot Leitch, Ms Ross, Ms Tyndall and Ms Yvonne Heywood Benn.

I not only grew intellectually, but learned eloquence of posture and speech. Free lessons were given on Saturdays for those who needed it.”

BUSINESS Roshan always had an attraction for the Police Force. His father was a policeman, and had retired as Commissioner of Police (ag). “My father’s name was Chandra Lall, but I changed my name to Roshan Khan at the age of 18,” he explained.

He travelled to Canada and studied Police Science at the John Abbott College. He later did a number of courses with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with special focus on ‘Citizen Urban Policing’.

Wherever he went, he found himself always chatting with guards, cops or soldiers.

After completing his studies, he returned to Guyana and entered the Guyana National Service (GNS). He was sent to Kimbia as a Trainee Instructor, but was soon earmarked to be the Career Guidance Instructor. It was at Kimbia that he came to understand a great deal about discipline in the military, and obtained fond memories of cleaning fish without a knife.

Roshan did not complete his stint in the National Service.

He withdrew, and took a job as a Supervisor at GEB. “I had a great talent for security, and became focused on it. Mentors like Mr Kirkpatrick encouraged and trained me in Ethics and Private Security Administration.

Wherever I worked, I always gave two hours extra work.

This made management recognise me, and they began to push me.”

Very soon, he began to encounter problems from supervisors and other senior staff, who had been working much longer than him. Pretty soon he was tagged to be marketing manag-

er, but jealousy raised i t s ugly head.

While h i s ment o r a n d protector w a s out of the country, he was unceremoniously fired. “You have two minutes to exit the compound!” he was told. This was a devastating blow for him.

“They accused me of saying that the Sky Lab should fall on G.E.B. This was a total fabrication, of course. I lost my job because I was too dynamic and hardworking, and was seen as a threat to some,” Roshan confided.

He had poured all of his energies into this job because he wanted to make it his career; now he had lost it. At first he was demoralised and depressed.

“I had just been married, and my first child had arrived.

Now the only thing I was good at I had lost. I had lost it not for something bad, but for being too good,” he declared.

Roshan jumped onto his motorcycle and rode onto the newly-built Demerara Harbour Bridge. He was fed up. He felt like riding off the side and ending it all.

“Suddenly I got lost,” he said. “A voice spoke to me. The voice was that of one of my African masters and mentors. I immediately recognised it.”

VOICE: “Why must you fear? For when you were nothing, I made you; when you had nothing, I took care of you. Fear not, and grieve not; you will start a business on your own.”

ROSHAN: “I have no money.”

VOICE: “You don’t need money!”

ROSHAN: “But I have nothing.”

VOICE: “You have everything. You have you!”

VOICE: “Go now! Now! Now! Start your business. Do what you normally do”.

It was at that moment that Roshan saw his company’s logo for the first time. That image remained with him. When he caught himself, he was at the same spot he last remembered being, but his motorcycle was pointing dangerously towards the side.

The whole experience left him feeling calm and optimistic.

He turned his motorcycle around and headed back to G/t. The last words still rang in his ears. “Do what you normally do.”

He was Supervisor/Inspector, and would go to the different sites to check on the company’s guards. How would this help him to start a business? Checking his pocket, he found $7.50.

With that he bought 1½ gallons of gasoline for his cycle. Now he was totally broke. On impulse, Roshan stopped at Hong Kong restaurant in La Penitence and spoke to the owner. “How are things, Chinee? How yo guard man working?”

The Chinese owner was animated. “Guard man is plenty problem! Always drunk, sleeping plenty and absent plenty!”

Roshan jumped at the opening. “I will check your guard man six times every night for only $10 a week.”

Chinee agreed instantly with only one reservation. “Wa happen if guard man na come to wuk?”

Roshan was quick to calm his ears. “I gon check my other sites and come back an stay hay fo de same money”.

Chinee smiled contentedly. They had a deal. This was his first client, and it happened so suddenly and simply that he was galvanized into action.

His next stop was at the Circle C Bar. He made a similar proposal, and it was immediately accepted. The owner asked him to check two locations. He was up and running. Adrenalin was flowing freely. C.J’s Thrift Shop was next. He met the owner and got 3 more spots. That faithful day he was able to secure 10 sites.

Roshan reminisces aloud: “If I had said I’d do this tomorrow or I’d do this next week, RK would not have existed today. ‘Go now! Now! Now!’ has stuck with me,” he confessed.

“One of my early disappointments was with a large local pharmacy. I went to see the owner, and she looked me in the face and told me bluntly: ‘Go get big, and when you get big, come back to me.’ I never returned,” he said.

“I continued working round the clock. The Sindee People – Indian nationals -- gave their sites. Many others, like Beepat & Saywack, did the same,” he said.

Unable to afford uniforms, Roshan was forced to develop a unique and ingenious alternative. He bought some cloth with $20 he borrowed, and made attractive arm bands. With the aid of 50¢ pins, his guards turned up for work. The clients were satisfied.

“Although I did not have much capital, I had personality and drive. I found myself being very successful at negotiations, and had excellent communication with customers. I have always remained loyal to my customers, workers, and those to whom I offer my services. I have one very firm principle from which I have never departed: Give money to those who give you money,” he explained.

“I remember many in the security industry predicting that RK would stop quickly. Some gave it 6 weeks, some 6 months.

My first office was my typewriter on my lap, sitting on my motor cycle. After a while, I got help from friends. I would pay my workers in Charlie Khan’s store and use King Creole to meet with and discipline guards. I did everything myself.”

VOICE: “You have you!”

Roshan Khan now has the following responsibilities: He sits on the Prison Sentence Management Board; He is Director Ambassador of Peace – Universal Peace Federation; He is a Conflict Transformation Specialist; He sits on the National Commission of Law and Order; He is an author and poet, besides doing many other things. He is the Chairman/Founder and CEO of: (1) RK’s Guyana Security Services; (2) RK’s Institute of Motoring; (3) RK’s Ecostar Motes and (4) RK’s Dragnet Satellite Tracking.

Roshan Khan respects all religions and races. This can be seen in one of his favourite quotes: “Surely, those who believe, and those who are Jews, and those who are Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in God Almighty and the last day and does good, they will have their reward with their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.” The Holy Quran (2:62)

TENNICIA DE FREITAS

- poised to take Guyana’s music arena by storm

W

By Alex Wayne

With her sights set on stardom, Tennicia is gearing to exceed the sky as her limit

he would help her to be successful. Her mother trusted his words and agreed ITHOUT doubt, Tennicia DeFreitas is to his decisions, so he took Tennione of the sultriest and most explosive cia in like his own daughter, and young singers around. And under tu- Tennicia became the youngest telage of the Kross Kolor Studio, she is member of the Kross Kolor certainly chalking up big points as the family. next local song diva to make a positive difference on the Simon lived up to his international scene. promise, because the folBorn on December 10, 1991 in Kuru-Kururu, a village on lowing year Tennicia was the Linden Highway in the East Bank region of Demerara, featured on the “Wine Tennicia Nekeita De Freitas grew up in her grandmother’s Till Yuh Drop” album. house, the place she still calls home. Her childhood days were This was the second not so easy, since she did not know her father at that time, album of its kind, and her mother worked very hard then to take care of her and and it featured her her younger brother. She spent all of her nursery and primary first released sinschool years in Kuru-Kururu, where she started dancing and gle, “You Like singing. However, she loved dancing a lot more.

T h e Wa y ” , In 2003, she graduated from the primary level to attend for which she Christ Church Secondary, and it was during that year that a is still recstar was discovered. Having decided that she would perform o g n i s e d . A at the Father’s Day service in Christ Church, she decided to promise was try her luck at singing a song she had heard and loved. Her made, and to performance was loved by all, and she then realised that she date it has nevhad a gift and had to learn to accept it. Later that year, she was er been broken. advised by one of the leaders of the church -- who rememIn 2006, Tennicia was crowned the winner of the Chilbered her performance -- to enter a teen talent competition dren’s Calypso Competition, which she won for three years being held among the churches in the district. She came out (2006-2008). Being an all-rounder, in 2007 she placed first successful, winning the competition and deciding to take her runner-up in the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant, also singing to another level. winning the prize for the best talent. Later in that year, she In 2004, she was again encouraged to enter another represented Guyana in St. Kitts and Nevis at the Digicel competition, which was hosted by an artist of Kross Kolor Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen pageant, where Records, the label to which she is now signed, and she decided she did not place but managed to win the prize for the best to take another chance at exposing her talent. ambassadorial appearance.

Unfortunately, she did not place in that competition, but Her manager saw the potential in her and decided he wantgreat things were in store for her anyway. The songs were ed her to move on in the calypso competition, so he entered recorded at Kross Kolor Records, and the manager, Mr her into the junior category in 2009. She placed third, but Burchmore Simon, was impressed with her voice. He later managed to win the support of the audience. decided that he wanted to work with her as one of his artistes, Without giving up, she later became the winner of the and spoke to her mother about his intentions, promising that 2010 National HIV & AIDS Song Competition in Guyana and the Junior Calypso Monarch. With the piece entitled ‘Don’t Want to Be Born’, which became a big number in her country and around the region, Tennicia became the recipient of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) Youth Award (New York).

She went on to place 2nd in the junior competition the following year, and won the first Healthy Lifestyle Song Competition of that same year. She is once again the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch, and copped 2nd place in the Health Song competition. Those titles saw her participating in other events, with her latest achievement being her becoming a lead vocalist of the Heat Wave Band International, one of the more popular bands in Guyana.

Being a part of the band has thus far brought her opportunities to perform on many stages across the country, including in the Carib Soca Monarch competition of 2013. On March 30th, 2013, she appeared as a guest performer at the Retro Reggae Concert with Jamaican artiste Lady G, to perform the song ‘Thank Him’, which was originally done by Lady G and Cheville Franklin. Lady G, along with other popular artistes, such as Admiral Bailey and Flourgan, were featured at the concert. The Heat Wave Band provided musical accompaniment for the artistes.

With an aim of becoming a well-rounded performer, she is a student at the Guyana National School of Music, and currently holds certificates in music theory grades 2 and 3 from the Associated Board of the Royal School Tennicia De Freitas, the sultry music ambassador of Music (ABRSM), with respective distinctions. She is also a member of the Parkside Steel Ensemble. All of Tennicia believes that success comes with consistent hard her successes came under the strong guidance and leadership work and dedication, with a good attitude and respect for of her manager, and the entire Kross Kolor family, for which others. She is currently working on releasing other songs Her stage presence always leaves her fans wanting she is deeply grateful. which will showcase her versatility, and she believes that more Whether it’s working in the studio, recording, learning losing is not failing, but should be used as a stepping stone about the music business, or playing the double-tenor pan, to greater achievements.

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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B

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015

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Chronicle Pepperpot July 26, 2015