MEET VISH, a most reliable tailor
► Page XIX
Tailoring was not his first choice, but he made do with it!
Timeka Marshall
‘WON’T STOP’ New video ► Page XXXVI
Caribbean School of Cosmetology hosts Kenyan t Trichologis ► T in T& XXV Page
► Page XXV
Apsara Dance Troupe
Bringing mind-boggling ► Page choreography to the XXXVI entertainment platter
Simeon Brown the dude with irresistible vocal talents ► Page XXVIII
The Ultimate Cockfight ► X Page
Guyana-Cuba scholarship programme…
18 doctors ► complete XVIII internship at Suddie Hospital
Produced and Edited by Mark Ramotar | Graphic and Layout Design by Duane Prince
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G
abriella opened her eyes, the warm comfort of sleep dissipating; and she laid still for a moment as her mind embraced the new day. “It’s here,” she whispered, a spark of happiness in her eyes. She threw back the pink comforter, smiling as she announced cheerfully to her stuffed toys and Barbie dolls, “It’s my birthday!” She danced around the room, the birds on the Wisteria tree outside her window, whom she often spoke to, looking at her curiously, and in a hushed tone, she
said to her favourite Ballerina doll, “My daddy has a surprise for me.” She took a deep breath and opening her door, she walked quietly to the top of the stairs. The rails of the stairway were decorated with pink and white balloons, glitters lined the steps and at the bottom of the stairway, a banner read, “Happy Birthday Princess!” A feeling of pure joy entered her being, standing there at the top of the stairs, in her princess sleepwear, her curly locks, falling waywardly down her shoulders, giving her such a cute look. She ran down the stairs into the arms of her mother
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
A Story of a Child’s Love, Tragedy and Destiny
maureen.rampertab@gmail.com
White as Snow
II
and father, who had been waiting for her. A young couple they were, and this pretty little girl, their only child, loved more than words can say, as they kissed her and wished her, “Happy Birthday.” Today she was seven years old, each new birthday just as special as the first, only the gifts were different as she grew older. A garden party was planned for her later in the day and as she wondered about the special surprise her dad had promised her, he called, “Come on, princess, let’s go for a drive.” From the outskirts of the city where they lived, he drove into the countryside, a drive Gabriella always enjoyed for the refreshing breeze, the lush, green fields and the beautiful flowers, along the inner parapets and yards of the country homes. After a long drive, her father pulled up by an animal farm and having not slept a wink during the drive, Gabriella jumped out and looked around. ► Continued on page III
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
III
White as Snow ► From page II
It was a pony farm and she stared enthralled at the beautiful, sleek animals with luxurious manes as they galloped and played in the sprawling pasture. The farm manager, a tall, sun tanned man with a deep but friendly voice said, “So this is the little birthday girl?” Gabriella smiled and said sweetly, “Yes, I am seven today.” The man smiled and said, “Follow me.” Gabriella took her father ’s hand as they walked across a field and a small hill where beyond was a meadow with the most beautiful ponies ever seen. It was like a fairy tale come to life. Gabriella gasped, both hands flew to her mouth and excitement danced in her brown eyes. She turned to her father and asked, unable to control her excitement, “They’re so pretty, is one of them, mine?” “Yes my princess,” he said, “It’s your special birthday gift.” She hugged him, thrilled at the surprise, “Thank you, Daddy.” She stood there for a moment and looked at all the ponies, not sure which one to choose, when she saw, standing a little way from the others, a snow white pony with tiny flecks of gold on her thick mane. An astounding beauty the pony was, and Gabriella welcomed her gift with outstretched arms, “Hi little pony, I’m Gabriella.” The pony looked at her curiously, then nuzzled the child’s face playfully. She laughed with delight as she hugged this pony and said, “You’ll be my best friend and I’ll name you, Snow White.”
Months went by as the little girl’s life continued with her loving family, school, ballet lessons, playing with her friends and taking care of her pony. Her father, a young detective, dedicated to his job, always found precious time to spend with her and her mother, but Gabriella know how his job w o r r i e d her mother. She had overheard her asking him one night, “Isn’t there something else you can do?” “I love what I do”, he had told her, “protecting citizens and putting away the criminals.” “It’s also dangerous.” “Yes, but I’m very good at my job and with you and Gabby in my life, what can go wrong?” A question only fate had an answer for, an answer that gave his family no comfort, for destiny was like an immovable rock with changing colours. At the end of summer, Gabriella sat in class one morning, troubled by a strange feeling. Her dad had dropped her off to school, kissing her ‘Goodbye.’, the usual cheerful smile on his face. So she could not understand why she was having this nagging feeling of dread, until the headmaster entered her classroom and spoke to her teacher, a tense look on his face. Her teacher turned and walked towards her, trying to look calm, but Gabriella knew something was wrong. “Gabriella,” she said quietly, “Your mother has sent someone to take you home.” “Why?” “I’m not sure.” Gabriella closed her eyes and prayed all the way home, “Please God, let everything be okay
with my mom, dad and my pony.” There were several police cars parked outside the house and a feeling of gloom hung in the air as she ran inside. Her mother was sitting on the sofa, crying, comforted by friends and family. “Mommy,” she called quietly. Her mother looked up at her, crying even more, unable to speak. “Where’s daddy?” She shook her head and screamed, but Gabriella did not cry because the innocent mind of a child refused to believe something was wrong. She hugged her mom and said, comfortingly. “Don’t cry, daddy will be home, soon.” She turned to the two detectives at the door, “Can you please tell him to hurry and come home?” There was no one in the room who did not cry at the child’s bravery. Such was her love that she did not associate her father with dying, just someone brave who put away the bad guys. She waited for him day after day, night after night, although it was all over the news that he had been shot and killed by a criminal gang who had kidnapped a young child. “You promised always to come home,” she said at his funeral, her little voice quivering, “You told mommy that once you have us nothing bad can happen to you. You still have us daddy, mommy and I are waiting for you to come home.” That little speech went viral on social media, the world cried for the little girl and it was her brave stance that helped her mother to stay sane in the face of such a tragedy. Yet the child waited. T h e p o n y, S n o w White, that was so spe-
cial to her, she now became closer to, because it was a gift from her father. Often as she brushed her glossy coat, she would speak to her about her school work, that she was not excelling in anymore, the dance lessons she was not attending and her mother’s loneliness and sadness. “It’s three months now, Snow White. Why is daddy taking so long to come back?” The pony, of course couldn’t answer her, but nudged her face to show her she understood what she was saying. “Nothing is the same anymore,” the child lamented, “Even the sunshine seems dull and the birds don’t sing as sweetly anymore.” She sat down and sighed, helplessly, tears in her eyes. “Why did this happen? Why did he leave us?” Only then did the little girl cry, opening the flood gates of grief from deep within her little heart, where she had
held on to hopes that her daddy will return. As she sat there in deep grief, a voice said, “Don’t cry, my princess, I’m still here with you.” The little girl stopped crying and looked up, perplexed. No one was there. Where did that voice come from? She stood up, her heart racing, “Daddy, is that you?” A short silence filled the stable, then the voice spoke again, “Yes, darling.” “But how? I can’t see you.” “As white as snow,” his voice said. Gabriella looked at the pony and gasped astonished, a beautiful light shone in the stable as he spoke to her, through the pony. “Your grief is so deep, I pleaded with the Angels of Mercy to send me back so I can help you to overcome it. I’m sorry for my promise broken by fate to the two people I love the most.”
The little girl did not speak for a while, stupefied that something of this nature, she couldn’t quite understand, was happening. “Would you be coming back to us?” she asked. There was a long pause then her father answered, “Not the way it used to be,” he explained slowly “But from now on I will be close to you like an Angel as you grow up, so life will once again be good and beautiful for you and your mother.” She smiled for the first time since the tragedy and hugged the pony, happiness kindling a glow in her being. “ We m i s s y o u s o much.” As time went on, he spoke with her through the pony, guiding her with advice and moral support, something that gave her mother strength to pick up the pieces of her life so once more the sun could shine for them. And only then would he return to Heaven, such is destiny.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
opyright and you (Part 4)
(Extract of an interview with Burchmore Simon, Georgetown, Guyana, August 2015. Simon is a musician, founder of Kross Kolor Records and Guyana Music Network.)
PP I have a notion that copyright is like emancipation. Emancipation was the release of human resources, the release of creative energies. So the notion is copyright and the enforcement would be the emancipation, the release of human resources, creative energies…Your thoughts on copyright. BS The creative energy is there already and copyright is here already because once the creator has created something, the work is covered and it affords others the right to get a license to copy. Sadly in Guyana, everybody seems to have the right to copy everything because there is no moral legislation and no enforcement at all. And that tends to stifle the economic benefit to be derived from being a creative person – be it music, art, writing. So that is the dilemma we face in Guyana. There is a lot of creative energy as we can see all around us; but there is not that facility to earn from being creative because of lack of legislation that controls the copying of works. PP You raised a number of issues. Let’s highlight
some and expand on them. The creative energy is there but the system is not in place to reward, to remunerate the creator, why is this so? There are legislations, outdated perhaps, why are they not being enforced? Before we answer those questions it would be useful to remind ourselves of some of the legislations we are party to. We are signatory to a number of copyright laws like the 1952 Universal Copyright Convention, the 1956 UK Copyright Act (which was revised, but Guyana is still under the original regulations), the Berne Conven-
tion and
Burchmore Simon
WIPO. Now let’s look at enforcement. Is there a fear or a lack of trained persons… BS I don’t think there is a fear of enforcement because enforcement makes no sense. And I’ll tell you why – if some infringes on your copyright according to the 1956 Act, the maximum fine is $220 Guyana Dollars. So is it worth going to court, getting a lawyer and all of that to be compensated with $220 Guyana Dollars? No, I don’t think so. What I think should be done: people should be made aware what they are doing is illegal and to desist from continuing to do wrong. PP How do we go about this? BS That has not been done because the importance of originality in Guyana has fallen by the wayside. And I felt gratified when the first act by the President [His Excellency David Granger] was to resuscitate, to give a new life to the Independence Arch [Brickdam] which shows good intention that there is a nationalist rebirth which would eventually lead to the recognition of all the rights including copyright … PP Which is one of the things copyright can do – restore pride in country, restore nationalism, patriotism… BS So with that nationalistic outlook from the outset, it makes me feel that there is hope that modern
legislation and a recognition of the creative industry as an industry and not as a vocational interest where people do art and music and literature as a side thing; a creative industry outside of the traditional industries are the most rewarding industries in the world – millions and millions of dollars in a well organized industry… PP …right here in the Caribbean….. BS …right in the Caribbean – you could see the emphasis that is been placed on creativity in Barbados; right now there are special organisations, special laws enacted to build on the creative forces of the people. PP Some of those laws you are familiar with; share them with us… BS They [Barbados] are now enacting legislation to drive the creative industries – they have modern copyright laws which have given rise to people earning in Barbados more than ever. Certain months of the year the only music that is played is Bajan music because they have found that they were sending back too much foreign currency to North America and Europe so they have decided as the first step that more Bajan music will be played. I think those are some of the steps we can emulate in Guyana, to further our cause of copyright and improving our creative industries and really rewarding the artists and the creators for their work, because that has being lacking over the years. So there is not that impetus, that encouragement, to reinvest in the creative industries even by business people. It has been a struggle which I think should be mended and we could earn from what we do. PP Great point you raised there, because in North America, say in Canada, I was told that you cannot get a license to operate a radio or television station if you do not air I think it’s about forty percent local, indigenous music/ content. Right off we can see what this means – you will have to look for local artistes and pay them good money to use their works … BS Not only that – it stimulates growth of an industry because there is now an outlet for content within the local framework which encourages creativity and radio stations and television stations will pay for that content. The creators get their monies, their royalties and that stimulates growth. And I keep telling people unlike other industries, though education is important to become a lawyer and a doctor, in the creative industries, it is your creativity that drives you…it is good to have a PhD in ► Continued on page V
opyright and you
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
V
Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
► Continued on page V
music or in art or in dram, but you don’t need to start from that position. You have seen it – you can come from an extremely poor area with lots of talent and make it. So a creative industry is not built on costing the Government lots of money to start, it has already started – it is a natural growth, it is a natural flow from the people.
From the heart and soul and bowels of the nation comes that creativity; so if we encourage that creativity - think about the youths having that outlet immediately to get into various strata of creativity. PP We must expand on that….
What’s happening: * The Guyana Annual Magazine 2014-2015 issue in now available at Guyenterprise Ltd., Lance Gibbs and Irving Streets, Tel # 226-9874 and from yours truly.
ADRIAN DUTCHIN
OSSIE 'O' NEDD
VANiLLA
JUMO
B52 TENNICIA DEFREITAS
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
The Importance of Poets and Poetry
Elizabeth Browning
Percy Shelley
Mohamed Fazloor Yasin
Part 2
By Rev. Gideon Cecil
A good poem helps to change the shape and significance of the universe, helps to extend everyone's knowledge of himself and the world around him —Dylan Thomas
W
E are living in an unpoetic age. For many people in Guyana and globally, poetry is of very little significance. Very few people read poetry, and very few are equipped with the wisdom and spiritual foresight to comprehend poetry. The audience for poetry is
very small. Our literati here in Guyana can barely reach two hundred poems when we have poetry readings on World Poetry Day, or when someone launches a poetry book. The last poetry reading I attended was one by The Caribbean Press. I was exempted from reading my work, although I had edited some children’s books for the Caribbean Press. The
poems that were read were very crass, insipid, vulgar, and completely stupid. They lacked the ‘taste’ of what I can evaluate as real poetry. Some poets even employed lots of wicked phrases to catch the minds of the audience; while many of our half-educated ministers in Government laughed all the time. It tells me clearly that the uneducated have risen to power. No wonder illiteracy has invaded this nation like a cancer, and we are just a few years away from becoming a completely illiterate nation, with less than a million people. Why is this so? It’s because our system of education has deteriorated drastically since the Forbes Burnham ‘dictatorship’ era. To remove the teaching of great poetry, Latin, History and literary classics from our education system and replace it with some stupid books like ‘Backfire’ and ‘Miguel Street’ was a political move to duncify our nation and the Caribbean people. To control a nation is to keep the citizens illiterate by depriving them of a classical education. WHY IS POETRY IMPORTANT TO SOCIETY? Poetry has been in existence for ages. Poems from the ancient historical eras give us a glimpse of the previous generations, right from depicting historical events
Rev. Gideon Cecil
to the primeval lifestyles of ancient civilizations. Poetry is another form of expressing beauty and revealing one’s feelings. A divine art in itself, poetry incites a person to see and feel beyond the human intellect beneath the surface of things. Until this contemporary era, all the ancient sacred books that have been translated and modernized are works of divine poetry that have been written down by the ancient seers and prophets. Poetry gives to a reader greater life and better meaning to society than a big novel of over a thousand pages can give. Many great novels are wonderfully written and elegantly crafted when they have mesmerizing poetry
integrated into them. Here is a poetic passage written by the late award-winning Guyanese writer Mohamed Yasin: “He looked in surprise at the small, crystal-clear lake, which was unusual since most of the rivers and lakes in the country were filled with water the colour of molasses. The primeval beauty of the lake meant nothing to him. He didn’t appreciate the brazen rays of the brilliant sun bouncing off the glassy surface of the calm lake in a dazzling display of pristine beauty.” ► Continued on page VII
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015 ► From page VI (From the story Edward’s Lake copyright 2008 Carlong Publishers from the book: TEK MI! NOH TEK MI!) The elegant poetic beauty of Mr. Yasin’s language captivates the reader because he employs poetry into his vivid description of this magnificent story. Poetry gives new meaning to life. It depicts the philosophy of life in all its glory and human dimensions. Every year, in the month of February, lovers, wives, husbands, and people of all walks of life flock the shops to buy Valentine Day cards for their lovers and the ones they love. They won’t buy a novel or historical text book, but a Valentine card with the best poetry crafted into it. A very famous poetess whose poetry was used for Valentine’s Day is Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Here, I quote one of her famous love sonnets: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right; I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. Elizabeth Barret Browning, in "How do I Love Thee", expresses the eternal nature of love and its power to overcome everything, including death. The repetition of "I love thee" serves as a constant reminder, but it is the depth of love, not the quantity of love, that gives the poem its power. She loves, for example, "to the depth and breadth and height / My soul can reach," and "To the level of every day's / Most quiet need." The ultimate expression of her enduring love occurs in the last line, which states her love will be stronger "after death." In this magnificent love sonnet, the poetess defines her own love from her heart’s devotion between herself and lover and between her God. Even after her death, her love will grow stronger. It’s a poem that depicts her natural love for her lover, and it also expresses a very strong and deep religious faith. Known for his lyrical and long-form verse, Percy Bysshe Shelley is one of the most highly regarded English romantic poets of the 19th century. His works include The Masque of Anarchy and Queen Mab. Though Shelly was an atheist and died at age twenty-nine, his poetry came very close to the poetry of Shakespeare. He was also the greatest prose writer, and one of the most educated poets of his time. Here, I quote one of his greatest love poems. “Love’s Philosophy” by Shelly The fountains mingle with the river, And the rivers with the ocean; The winds of heaven mix forever With a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; All things by a law divine In another’s being mingle– Why not I with thine? See, the mountains kiss high heaven,
VII
And the waves clasp one another; No sister flower could be forgiven If it disdained its brother; And the sunlight clasps the earth, And the moonbeams kiss the sea;– What are all these kissings worth, If thou kiss not me? The themes of the poem are rejection, love, union and disappointment as they can be beautifully represented through Nature. Shelley feels he is the victim in this situation, and the love he feels for another is unwanted and unrequited. Though he was an atheist, he speaks of “All things by a law divine”. He obviously realized that his atheism didn’t serve his purpose as a poet who was widely read and as a classical Oxford scholar. He sees the divine intermingling into his poetry as he gets older, but dies young, before he discovers there is a God. His excellent imagery and immaculate craftsmanship as a poet ranks him as one of the best in the English Language. In Shelley’s immortal essay, ‘A Defence of Poetry’, he writes: “A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth. There is this difference between a story and a poem, that a story is a catalogue of detached facts which have no other connection than time, place, circumstance, cause and effect; the other is the creation of actions according to the unchangeable forms of human nature, as existing in the mind of the Creator, which is itself the image of all other minds. A story of particular facts is as a mirror which obscures and distorts that which should be beautiful; poetry is a mirror which makes beautiful that which is distorted.” After studying his fantastic essay on ‘A Defence of Poetry’, I believe he was not an atheist, but was probably accepting a belief in the Creator. His own words were ‘as existing in the mind of the Creator, which is itself the image of all other minds”. Where did he get this from? The Bible: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. Genesis 1:27 Poetry transforms the human soul from deep within, and guides us to the eternal home of our Creator. Of the fine arts, it’s the greatest of all human expression. (Persons wishing to respond to Rev. Gideon Cecil can call Tel#220-7008, Cell# 690-4755 or email: gcecil2010@hotmail.com) Sources of reference: (From the story Edward’s Lake copyright 2008 Carlong Publishers from the book: TEK MI! NOH TEK MI!) Resources: Bright hub education; Poem hunter; Collected Works of PB Shelly in the Public Domain 1901.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with CLIFFORD STANLEY)
OXFORD MEN DID WELL IN BG’S JUNGLE
HE TRAVELLED AGAINST HIS WILL AND DIED
(Guiana Chronicle August 8th 1959)
(Guiana Chronicle November 24, 1959)
The Oxford University Expedition has collected some most interesting and scientific details about the birds, insects, animals, rivers and forest of the country. For over three months, the expedition has been exploring this country’s dense jungle, collecting, filming, recording and investigating the biological aspects of animals in the area between Potaro and Moraballi Creek. Setting up camp at Amatuk on the Potaro, the expedition, led by Dr. A.J Cain, delved into the habits of nature in the vast area and have been able to collect valuable information to write scientific papers. Six members of the team have already left for the U.K . The six other bearded members are packing up to return by November 20. ENJOYABLE TRIP Yesterday one of these tall and bearded graduates, Mr I. R. Cole, said: “We all enjoyed the trip, especially from the point of view of studying in various groups.” Mr. Cole, who studied the ways in which conspicuous and concealed insects are protected from being eaten by other insects, said from what they have learnt now it would enable them to do more intensive studies at a later time. They are taking back among their collections armadillos, monkeys some birds and a “pickled” bushmaster. Comparison Before they leave Mr Cain said, they will visit the Rupununi to compare it with the rainforests on which the last Oxford expedition in 1929 had published a number of papers. The members of the expedition remaining are guests of the GRILL Hotel on Middle Street.
PAY AS YOU CALL FROM TODAY: (The Guiana Graphic April 1, 1960) After a five –and- a- half- day “testing period” for the new dial telephone system, users as from today will have to pay five cents for every call made on the modern automatic service . It is no secret that the new five cent charge has caused much resentment and criticisms from all sections of the community. Some subscribers have been reported to be going through the motions of returning their newly acquired phones, while others, who because of circumstances are compelled to retain theirs, are putting up a fight to have Government cut down the charge. Many business places have in the interim testing period instructed their employees by talks or notices in red letters as to how and under what conditions they should use the Company’s phones. Nearly all these notices and instructions have put an end to free and, in some cases, unreasonable use of the telephones by employees. This tightening up is an effort by employers to cut down on their phone expenses which they envisage will, as a result of the 5 cent phone rate, assume astronomical proportions.
A 17-year old Guianese College student travelled to Berbice against his will ….and died in the treacherous Abary Creek. William Hawker, called Terry, wanted to remain in Georgetown to study for his CP Examination which begins on Monday. But a persuasive cousin, it is said, succeeded in getting the youngster to change his mind. They left on Sunday morning to visit a relative at Tingalee Village. Terry should have returned yesterday morning in time for school. But on Sunday night, his parents, at their Alberttown home, received a message that Terry had drowned. The high school pupil and his cousin had arrived at their destination safely. But at three o’clock the same day, they decided to cross the Abary Creek opposite No 39 Village in a small canoe in order to visit a relative on the other bank. (Guiana Chronicle November 21, 1959) Disaster however struck when Richard Dunbar, British Guiana’s famed conductor, has left London for a they were 20 yards from shore. musical tour of Poland. The boat capsized. The tour is under the auspices of and at the invitation of the Cultural Terry, a non-swimmer, fought Organization of Poland. Dunbar’s selection is a great tribute to the Guianese musician who has already desperately to stay afloat. conducted many famous orchestras in most of the capitals of Europe and in the He was helped by his cousin, USA. who however had to give up the He will visit Holland and Berlin before arriving in Warsaw. fight and swim to the bank after he During the month’s tour in the principal cities of Poland, Mr Dunbar will too found himself in difficulties. give two concerts each in Warsaw, Cracow, Lublin, Wroclaw and Szezegin. He will have under his command no fewer than five leading Polish Up to late yesterday the body Philharmonic orchestras. had not been recovered.
DUNBAR TO TOUR POLAND
STRAY DOGS WIN THE FIRST ROUND
(Guiana Graphic November 26, 1959) After a two week investigation, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. P G Barrow, has still not found the solution to the stray dog problem. And at Monday’s meeting of the Town Council , City Fathers, though putting their heads together, could not help the Doctor. This situation has brought the problem to a down to earth reality- the stray dogs have won the first round. One Councillor had suggested that the price per stray dog captured should be increased. But this was regarded as an incentive for stealing of licensed dogs. MASTER PLAN Another wanted cats to be used as decoys . However it would appear that this councillor had not perfected his master plan. But it is clear that no matter how many strays are caught in the streets the problem will always remain acute until it receives public support. Every time a half a dozen strays are taken off the street, a dozen others take their place. It is a gigantic job. It is time that the public realize the seriousness of the situation and join hand in hand to eliminate this menace.
(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@gmail.com or cell phone # 694-0913)
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
IX
Innovation in entrepreneurship lacking - Eric Phillips says Guyana needs more scientists, engineers
By Tajeram Mohabir LACK of scientists, engineers and mathematicians has been identified as a major issue stymieing innovation in entrepreneurship in Guyana. According to lecturer in the Department of Business and Management, University of Guyana (UG), Mr Eric Phillips, to compete globally, innovation is key and it is underpinned by science, technology and mathematics. “Ultimately, cheap energy is what will make us better and more competitive entrepreneurs in non-traditional areas because our internal markets are too small and we need to export. With exports, you have to be very, very competitive with other companies in our country,” he said, noting that science and technology can provide the solutions to these challenges. Stressing the importance of science and technology, Phillips also pointed out that the innovation of scientists and engineers when converted into commercial goods and services redound to huge economic benefits to companies and nations. And nations that invest more in science, technology and engineering are less likely to be uncompetitive, less innovative, none-pioneering and hugely import-dependent. He said science and technology must not be separated from business, and stressed the importance of the Ministry of Education focusing more attention on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the school system. Phillips, who is also Director of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), told this publication that entrepreneurship is critical to the development of Guyana. This country, he said, needs to robustly diversify its economy. “Sugar is in trouble, rice is having difficulty, gold - the prices have dropped; we have to look into non-traditional agriculture areas,” he said, but noted that while entrepreneurship is a source of wealth creation and a key driver of the economy, access to cap-
ital remain a challenge in the setting up of business. And for poor women, the challenge is even greater. GRAMEEN BANK To address this problem, Phillips believes Guyana should go in the direction of setting up of a Grameen Bank.
try dedicated to business. Equally encouraging, the university lecturer said is the news that Go-Invest will be restructured, and the Small Business Bureau will become more active. “What needs to happen is more promotion of what exists so that the small business people would know where
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin
Lecturer, Department of Business, UG Eric Phillips
Through such a bank, micro-credit loans are based on the concept that the poor have skills that are under-utilised and, with incentive, they can earn more money. A group-based credit approach is applied to use peer-pressure within a group to ensure the borrowers follow through and conduct their financial affairs with discipline, ensuring repayment and allowing the borrowers to develop good credit standing. The bank, the brainchild of Bangladeshi Professor Muhammad Yunus, helps poor rural villagers. The model in Bangladesh also accepts deposits, provides other services, and runs several development-oriented businesses including fabric, telephone and energy companies. And importantly to note, a large number of the women who took loans from the bank have repaid them. Such a facility here, Phillips said, would require the agreement of the local banking system, and it would also call for beneficiaries to embrace a culture of repayment. On a broader note, he said, the pushing of entrepreneurship in Guyana has been given a shot in the arm with the establishment of a minis-
they can go for help,” Phillips said. Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in Guyana are estimated to account for 40 per cent of total employment and contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product
(GDP). A lot of small businesses take long to grow, especially those selling drinks, icecream and fruits, which really is not healthy business. MARKET OVERCROWDING “It’s an issue because a lot of people doing the same thing and then you have the
This, he said, would also be used as a tool for youth empowerment. “I don’t think we can say that any one initiative is going to solve this problem. I think small business is critical, I think big business is also critical; the key is more business, which would mean more jobs. But definitely, we
Chinese stores selling clothing that young Guyanese use to do, so they are market crowding in some products and services,” Phillips said. Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin had told the Chronicle that strong attention will be placed on small business development.
have a very keen interest in small businesses, more from the point of view that we want to see our small business community becoming more competitive,” Gaskin said. Phillips also stressed that businesses must grow and expand, rather than it being
persons involved in buying and selling for survival. But to promote entrepreneurship, persons have to be trained and funding is required. On that note, he urged the Government to pay attention to these matters, and lauded the introduction of the Entrepreneurship at the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level into the school system. This, Phillips said is a “very critical step” in an “institutional way” to promote entrepreneurship in Guyana. At ACDA, he said, entrepreneurship is being encouraged. Street vendors every week deposit a $1000 and withdraw their savings during the Christmas season. Many of them have benefitted from this programme which started 10 years ago. In fact, towards the encouragement of African to get involved in business, ACDA will host a conference on Black Economics sometime in September. The organisation will be meeting with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and micro-enterprise organisations on their participation.
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The Ultimate Cockfight
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
By Godfrey Naughton
ometimes we have to confront the shadows that lurk deep in our minds. The name of this new play as advertised by the producers, the Ultimate Cockfight, may evoke certain clichéd thoughts and reactions. However, this bold and hilarious satire explores stereotyping of both ‘Straight and Gay’ relationships, and the inevitable clash of types as they crossover, or attempt to crossover. The very thought alone should get you tickled. The hilarious plot is as follows: A young man cocksure of his sexuality, leaves his male partner and bumps into a lonely, very pretty but slightly older divorcee. She gets caught up in renewed hope of finding a lasting love and marriage, even with a gay man. Scared and confused by his feelings for the woman he returns to his partner, who is unwilling to forgive him. The cheating young man who now thinks he is a victim, spins a web of lies which provokes the ULTIMATE COCKFIGHT. The riotous journey in search of a resolution, is filled with such side splitting laughter, that it is downright outrageous. Tasked with keeping straight faces through all this are Guyana's best. They are Chris Gopaul, Michael Ignatius, Sonia Yarde and Godfrey Naughton who is also the director. Chris is the protagonist in his most challenging role to date. It is far more difficult than The Prince in CINDERELLA and the ubiquitous GEORGE in OLD STORYTIME. He brilliantly plays the part of a victim whilst being oblivious to the mayhem he is causing. His first encounter with a woman is a scene (with Sonia Yarde) that with all certainty, will go down in Guyanese Theatre folklore. Sonia Yarde multi Best Actress awardee, plays a slightly off centered divorcee, desperate for a good man, any man, even a gay one, though she will not admit it. Michael Ignatius is the wealthy young stockbroker, gay and "bitchy", but is played delightfully, and will be a huge hit with the crowd. The ULTIMATE COCFIGHT has uncensored language and adult content. The producers advise that you leave the false dentures and the children at home. This never before seen type of play is on at the National Cultural Centre, August 15th and 16th from 20:00 hours or 8 p.m. Tickets are sold at Nigels Supermarket and the Box Office, at very affordable costs of $2000, $1500, and $1000.
Michael Ignatius Godfrey Naughton Chris Gopaul
Sonia Yarde
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
ONE FOR THE ROAD
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Dear Wayne & Tamara,
y alcoholic brother will not apologise for his horrendous behaviour at our our son's wedding last October. In the past I would try nicely and ask him to cut back on his drinking when he visited. Our furniture wasn't so lucky. He would break our chairs when he plopped down. At our son’s wedding he showed up in dirty torn clothes though I offered to buy him a suit. He drank before he arrived, even after I asked him to please not drink that day. The moment my back was turned at the reception, he went to the microphone after I asked him not to. I thought for one split second he might say something heartwarming. All he said was, "Get a divorce, sell the house, go to Vegas." Then he sat down laughing, tossing the gift my son and daughterin-law made for all the guests up into the air like a ball. I was so mortified. My husband was in shock. We did not want to make a scene
and cause further embarrassment, but a family friend asked him to please be respectful of his nephew and the bride. Shortly after, he left, thank goodness. For several weeks he called and left messages on our phone saying how great it was to be part of the wedding and reception. He also asked for an invitation to our home at Christmas. I was
so angry I did not return his calls until December 27th. With as much compassion as possible I told him why he was not invited to spend Christmas with my family. I said my sons do not want to be around him anymore. I said what he did at the wedding was so humiliating he will not be invited to my youngest son's wedding.
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I have always been there for him when the rest of the family turned their backs due to the way he treats them. When his apartment burnt down, I bought him all new clothes, toiletries, coats and shoes when my other siblings would not even give him US$20. I love my brother, and it fills my heart with such sadness not to include him in my life, but I have had enough. He will never â–ş Continued on page
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
TOO MUCH TIME ONLINE
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world experiences.
ith children ages 8 to 18 spending on average 30 hours per week in front of screens, parent are increasingly concerned that screen time is robbing them of real
Beyond gaming, kids are filling their free time with other internet activities: social networking, instant messaging (IM), blogging, downloading, etc. The following are potential warning signs for children with pathological internet use: • Loses track of time while online • Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online • Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted • Checks email several times a day • Becomes irritable if not allowed access to the internet • Spends time online in place of homework or chores • Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family • Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage • Lies about amount of time spent online or “sneaks” online when no one is around • Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online • Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer • Loses interest in activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access • Becomes irritable, moody or depressed when not online THE EMOTIONAL COSTS Internet addiction among children is a growing concern. Online access is a vital part of the modern world and an important tool in the education of our children. In addition, it is a highly entertaining and informative medium. However, these very qualities also make it an enticing escape for many children. They can be anyone in an online chat room, or play thrilling and challenging games against other players from all corners of the globe. With the click of a mouse, they can enter a different world
where the problems of their real life are no longer present, and all the things one wishes he or she could be or experience are possible. Like addiction to drugs and alcohol, the internet offers children and adolescents a way to escape painful feelings or troubling situations. They sacrifice needed hours of sleep to spend time online and withdraw from family and friends to escape into a comfortable online world that they have created and shaped. Children who lack rewarding or nurturing relationships or who suffer from poor social and coping skills are at greater risk to developing inappropriate or excessive online habits. Because they feel alone, alienated, and have problems making new friends, they turn to invisible strangers in online chat rooms looking for the attention and companionship missing in their real lives. They may come from families with significant problems, and they cope with their problems by spending time online. Socially, they learn to instant message friends rather than develop face-to-face relationships, which can impact their way of relating to peers. As one principal explained: The internet is hurting their ability to work in groups. Teachers struggle to get them to participate in any kind of team assignments; instead they would all rather stare at the computer. When I observe them talking to one another in the hallway, I see young girls who are socially aggressive or inappropriate, and I can’t help but think that the internet is socialising them in ways that emotionally stunts them and makes it difficult for them to deal with others in the real world. WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? In a two-parent household, it is critical that both parents present a united front. As parents, each must take the issue seriously and agree on common goals. Discuss the
situation together and if necessary, compromise on desired goals so that when you approach your child, you will be coming from the same page. If you do not, your child will appeal to the more skeptical parent and create division between you. In a single-parent household, the parent needs to take some time to think about what needs to be said and to prepare for the likely emotional response from the child. A child who is addicted to the internet or becoming addicted to it will feel threatened at the very idea of curbing computer time. A single parent needs to be prepared for an emotional
outburst laden with accusatory phrases designed to make the parent feel guilty or inadequate. It is important not to respond to the emotion - or worse yet, get side tracked with a lecture on disrespect. Acknowledge your child’s feelings but stay focused on the topic of his or her internet use. Show you care: It will help to begin your discussion by reminding your child that you love him or her and that you care about his or her happiness and well-being. Children often interpret questions about their behaviour as blame and criticism. You need to reassure your child that you are not condemning him or her. Rather, tell your child you are concerned about some of the changes you have seen in his or her behaviour and refer to those changes in specific terms: fatigue, declining grades, giving up hobbies, social withdrawal, etc. Assign an internet time log – Tell your child that you would like to see an accounting of just how much time he or she spends online each day and which internet activities they engage in. Remind them that with television you can monitor their viewing habits more easily, but with the internet you need their help and cooperation to become appropriately involved. Put them on the honour system to keep the log themselves for a week or two to build trust between you. If they balk at this idea or clearly lie in their log, you are likely dealing with their denial of addiction. Become more computer-savvy: Checking history folders and internet logs, learning about monitoring software, and installing filters all require a degree of computer savvy. It is important for every parent to learn the terms (both technical and popular) and be comfortable with the computer, at least enough to know what your child is doing online. Take an active interest in the internet and learn about where your child goes online. Set reasonable rules: Many parents get angry when they see the signs of internet addiction in their child and take the computer away as a form of punishment. Others become frightened and force their child to quit cold turkey, believing that is the only way to get rid of the problem. Both approaches invite trouble - your child will internalise the message that they are bad. They will look at you as the enemy instead of an ally; and they will suffer real withdrawal symptoms of nervousness, anger, and irritability. Instead, work with your child to establish clear boundaries for limited internet usage. Allow perhaps an hour per night after homework, with a few extra weekend hours. Stick to your rules and remember that you’re not simply trying to control him or her – you are working to free them of a psychological dependence.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
Husband obtained ‘decree nisi’ by trick on wife
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Wife loses action to set aside ‘decree nisi’
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N 1968, husband Alexander Daniels, by means of a trick on his wife, obtained a decree nisi in an undefended divorce suit. By this trick, the wife, Babra Daniels, did not defend or attend the divorce proceedings and continued cohabitation until October 18, when she learnt that the Court had granted her husband a decree nisi for the dissolution of their marriage. Accordingly, she instituted a summons to set aside the decree nisi. But High Court judge Justice Victor Crane, who heard the application, dismissed the action on the ground that the applicant had taken the wrong course and ought to have taken her information to the Attorney General for action. More particularly, the wife stated that a few days before June 12, 1967, the date when the citation and petition were served, he had persuaded her to resume cohabitation, and after the petition had been served, he had instructed her to inform her lawyer that they had resolved their differences. She did so, and about July 9, 1967, the conjugal state was resumed and sexual relations recommenced. It was not until October 18 that she learnt that decree nisi had been pronounced, and she accordingly took out a summons to set it aside.
According to the judge, “This is the wife’s application by way of summons for the following orders: that the decree nisi be set aside; that she be at liberty to file an entry of appearance and an answer to the petition; that she be granted her costs and such further or other relief as may be just. “The main ground on which her application rests as revealed in her affidavit in support is that there was condonation following on which there was a resumption of cohabitation. This was brought about, she says, by a ruse on her husband’s part in the following manner: she had been persuaded by him a few days before June 21, 1967, the date the citation and petition were served on her, to resume cohabitation with him at 147 Garnett Street, Kitty, and instructed by him to inform her lawyer not to proceed any further and to discontinue proceedings as differences between them had been resolved.
George Barclay
she returned. He brands the allegations contained in the affidavit in support false and malicious and designed to embarrass and cause him unnecessary expense. In paras 8 and 9 of the affidavit in reply, he avers that this summons is misconceived both as to jurisdiction and for reasons of non-compliance with procedural requirements of Chapter 166 and the related rules, Justice Crane declared. He added, having given this matter some thought, I must perforce agree that the objections raised by the husband are weighty and must prevail, and that I have no jurisdiction to entertain this application.` Justice Crane, agreeing with the objection of counsel for the petitioner that the correct procedure had not been observed, added, “What clearly
Justice Crane held: (i) there is no distinction between the application to set aside a decree nisi and one calling upon a petitioner to show cause why the decree should not be made absolute. (ii) under section 12 (1) of the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, Chapter 166, the respondent was not a person entitled to apply to show cause, and, therefore, she could not apply to have the decree set aside; (iii) her proper course was to give the information at her disposal to the Attorney General, as the Queen’s Proctor, for him to take such action as he considered appropriate. The summons to set aside the decree nisi was dismissed. Senior Counsel Mr. Rex H. Mc Kay, appeared for the appellant, while Mr. Bernard De Santos, S.C., represented the respondent. Delivering his judgment, Justice Crane said that on October 2, 1967, the husband obtained a decree nisi of dissolution against the wife in an undefended suit. The wife, though duly served with the citation and petition, did not appear to defend.
Accordingly, on or about July 9, 1967 the conjugal state was resumed and sexual relations recommenced. This state of affairs continued until October 18, 1967, when she left him, having ‘heard that a decree nisi had been pronounced against her on October 2, 1967, in proceedings which he had led he to believe were abandoned. She is now desirous of entering an appearance and filing an answer and, in the circumstances, prays that the decree nisi be set aside. “The husband strongly denies there was a resumption of cohabitation as alleged, or that he ever instructed his wife not to proceed further in defence of the petition, although he admits his wife did return to the matrimonial home; he however insists that she performed no matrimonial chores nor slept in the same room with him when
ought to have been done by the applicant in this matter was for her to have given the information of what she has sworn to in her affidavit to the Attorney General; he is the Queen’s Proctor in matrimonial cases, and it should have been left to him to take such proceedings under section 12 (4) of the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, Chapter 166 as he thought fit , bearing in mind, as the extract from Halsbury’s Laws of England shows , that the real object of the interim period of six weeks is for the Attorney General to make enquiries into the petitioner’s case. Justice Crane declared that for the above reasons, ” I must rule that it is now too late for the wife to enter an appearance and file an answer. These proceedings are misconceived and the orders sought are consequently refused.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
WHEN TITANS CLASH
By Neil Primus
OLD people say that sometimes spirits do clash; and when that happens, all hell breaks loose! Here is a story told about war between Old Higue and Moon Gazer. I am telling you what I heard, so don’t blame me if it sounds a little bizarre. One dark night, Old Higue set out to find a fresh young one to suck dry. On this trip, she flew too high. She shone so brightly in the pitch-dark night that her flames looked like bright moonlight. Moon Gazer came out to stare and admire the celestial body. When he realized it was only Old Higue, he got vex-vex and angrily swatted her out of the night sky. Splat!!! For a whole week, Old Higue was sick. Her bones ached, and she was so sore she didn’t have the strength to change form and go out to get some
sweet blood. Although she was a bit weak, she was very, very angry, and silently plotted her revenge. The old creature knew, however, that she had to be careful. The next night she went hunting, and fed on a plump baby. The fresh blood cured her quickly and she felt as good as new; now it was time for her revenge. Next full moon night, Moon Gazer stood trans-
fixed by the powerful moonlight, oblivious to all else; but not for long. Fire Rass flew low-low, then launched her vicious attack on Moon Gazer. With fire in his back, fire on his feet, fire on his belly, and fire in places he wouldn’t want you to know about, you should see poor Moon Gazer slapping and boxing himself all over. It was a very painful and embarrassing encounter, and try as he might, he could not catch Old Higue. Moon Gazer retired to lick his aching wounds. This was the first time in his existence that he had ever been forced to miss such a magnificent full moon, and he was seething with rage because of this. Meanwhile, Old Higue went her merry ways. She had gotten her revenge, and had taught the big bully a good lesson. She felt pride at the skill she had employed. Moon Gazer would be very
crumbled and broken in the darkness. Her light had just been extinguished. The next night, a series of shooting stars were
sore in many places. Old Higue claimed victory. Next night, she took off, flying high as if making a victory flight; but from out of the darkness, terror rose to meet her. Clap!!!! It was Moon Gazer, and he was back with a vengeance; only, this time he used both hands. The sound of the blow sent shock waves through the dark night. A lonely figure fell from the sky and lay
sighted by people in the nearby communities. Everyone felt that it was a series of meteorites hitting the earth’s atmosphere, but they were all wrong. The lights were not stars, meteorites, planets or comets; they were the lights of all the Fire Rasses living in the immediate area fleeing to safer grounds. None of them dared fly when Moon Gazer was out and about.
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
FLASH ACTION D By Neil Primus
ESMOND stood outside the house and inspected it critically. It was a large wooden structure built in the Old English style. He had inherited it from his aunt who had passed away a month ago, and he was now making his first visit to the house. He had brought along his eightyear-old son for company. Aunt Silvie had lived a good life. She had outlived her husband by twenty years. She died the day before her eighty-fifth birthday. She had been well-off and short of nothing. The one thing that she had wanted, and never got, was children. Her nieces and nephews therefore became her children.
boy in pursuit. Only the firm hand of his father preventing him from chasing after the surreal spectre. The shocked father took stock of things. He sent his son home the next morning minus his camera. He put the camera close to his bed and waited in eager anticipation for the jumbie to re-appear; and it did! Next night, the man went through his usual routine, then went up to bed. He settled down
Jumbie Jumbie Jumbie Jumbie Jumbie
hides eyes in pain in retreat in pain in flight
The excited and bold man pursued the spirit, and tormented it relentlessly. Wherever the spirit went he followed, giving it a healthy dose of flashes. The terrified jumbie seemed unable to disappear because of the flashes. It seemed like the flashes were temporarily sapping it of power.
He laughed then Flash! Flash! He made faces then Flash! Flash! He skipped then Flash! Flash! He danced then Flash! Flash! He mocked then Flash! Flash! He advanced on the cornered jumbie, leering wickedly at the terrified ghost.
On the second evening of his visit, he began to understand why none of his other relatives had wanted to visit his old aunt. He would come awake at night to hear the sound of voices, laughter and singing. Sometimes there would be crying or screaming, and the sound of footsteps could clearly be heard. Doors opened and closed mysteriously, and the ancient floorboards creaked noisily. Then there were sudden gusts of cold air. He knew now that the house was haunted.
Flash! Click! Click! Click! Click! Click! Click! Click! He stood there looking down in disbelief at the camera. It had run out of battery. He looked up at the now angry spirit. He turned swiftly and tiptoed out of the room. When he got to the door, slam! It swung shut with such violence that the old house shook to its foundation. Bradam! Bam! Pow! Crack! Ply! Pladai!
The night after his first scary experiences, the spectre appeared to him. He had just retired for the night when he felt a gust of cold breeze and sensed another presence in the room. Looking around, he came face to face with an ugly jumbie.
With a shriek of shock, the jumbie shielded its face and retreated from the room, with the
Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!
Flash! Flash! Jumbie is begging Desmond to stop. This only gave the man more cause to be aggressive. He now began to taunt the tormented being.
The house had three bedrooms, a toilet, bath, large living room, and a beautiful patio. There were a few areas in need of minor repairs, but other than that, the house was in very good condition.
The spirit stared menacingly at him and then advanced, arms reaching for him, fingers aimed at his throat. He screamed in terror and the door opened, and in ran his son. The boy took one look at the advancing spirit and his cowering father and moved into action. Snatching up the camera on the bedside table, he switched it on, pointed it at the jumbie and began clicking. Three flashes exploded like fireworks, and it had the most amazing effect on the spirit.
Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!
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“Ow! Aah! Oh gaad! Ayiiee!!”
and pretended to be asleep, but he was ready for the intruder. Again, the appearance of the spirit coincided with a strong gust of chilly breeze. Then he felt it once more. He looked up to see it standing in the exact position it had stood the night before. The hands shot out and fingers, like talons, sought his throat. When the being came within four feet of his bed, he sprang into action. He swept up the waiting camera and proceeded to torment the ghost: Flash! Flash! Jumbie eyes go wild!
Blows like when a tassa drummer was at work caught the hapless man. He ran, he hid, he begged, he cried, he screamed; but all was in vain. The jumbie laughed. Pow! Ply! The jumbie made faces. Crack! Blam! The jumbie skipped. Bam! Badow! The jumbie danced. Boom! Kow! Jumbie in he tail! Desmond did the only thing possible under those circumstances. He fainted. That probably saved his life. When he woke up shortly after, he shot out of the house like a tracer bullet. Gone! The house was sold the next day. When his puzzled wife asked him about it, all he said was, “Girl, dat place too much for me!”
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
POLICE POWERS OF ARREST
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- Without warrant(s)
HERE are occasions when a policeman, in or out of uniform, may arrest any citizen he reasonably suspects to be breaking the law. For example, a policeman may arrest: a) Any person who, in the lawman’s opinion, commits an offence punishable either upon indictment (a written formal and legal accusation), or upon actual summary conviction; b) Any person whom another person formally charges with having committed a felony or a misdemeanor; c) Any person whom any other person suspects of having committed a felony or misdemeanor, or charges with having committed an offence punishable on summary conviction. These accusers, however, must be willing to accompany to the station the officer affecting
the arrest, and to enter into a recognizance to prosecute the charge; d) Any person whom a member of the Force finds disturbing the peace, inclusive of threatening behaviour, using obscene language, creating a noise nuisance
many rights, including the right to use a telephone, to consult a lawyer, or to be accompanied by a well-behaved companion. There are other procedures that will be discussed at a later stage.
e) Any person for whom there is good cause to suspect of having committed, or being about to commit, any felony, misdemeanor or breach of the peace. f) Any person who is found by the policeman between the hours of 8:00 o’clock in the night and 5:00 o’clock in the morning lying or loitering on a highway, yard or other place, and that person is not able to give a satisfactory account of himself or herself. Note that an arrest may not necessarily result in a charge or detention. An arrested person has
CRIME AT AND AFTER TIMEHRI
CRIMEWATCH feels it is appropriate to discuss observations and advice related to instances of crime committed on passengers arriving at and leaving the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Timehri). 1. BAGGAGE OF ARRIVING PASSENGERS Whenever you, your relatives or friends arrive at the airport from abroad, suitcases, bags, or similar luggage are brought. Naturally, all items of luggage should have possession of corresponding baggage tags. However, many arriving passengers have noted certain persons listing the names and addresses on suitcases. So, years ago, Crimewatch approached the Airport’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD) authorities and airline officials to find out who authorized the listing of names and addresses of
luggage, and why.
It was explained that (i)Sometimes some passengers do not complete their immigration procedures in good time, or there might be some delay by the Immigration Officers themselves; (ii) The offloaded luggage therefore keeps moving around on the conveyor belt whilst the passengers are not there; So, to prevent a build-up, the airlines’ officers and loaders put those pieces aside; (iii) Again, some unattended baggage might belong to passengers who might have arrived on earlier flights (or to people due on later flights) (iv) Authorized airline personnel then make a note of the particulars on the left-luggage manifest, to facilitate later delivery; (v) It was reemphasized by one airline official that leftback or unclaimed luggage is not made note of by his airline – until all arriving passengers have left the airport. 2. AFTER LEAVING TIMEHRI Just what can you do against heavily-armed
mobile bandits armed with deadly weapons, who seem to be perfecting the new crime of robbing vehicles leaving the airport with new arrivals? Only constant, ever present and equally mobile police patrols and stake-outs with weapons and communication sets can combat this menace disgracing our society. On the other hand, family members and friends, aware of the possibilities and opportunities, must take precautions. Opinions have been advanced that some “organized” criminals are made aware of pending arrivals either through airline, immigration or Customs officials, or talkative relatives. You know the rest. Some fearful arriving passengers are even now in the habit of affixing false and misleading addresses on their luggage. In turn, this sometimes leads to difficulties if the airline wishes to make contact. (Much more on this specific issue will be featured in forthcoming editions)
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
Water Pollution and EPA’s Regulation ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION
The EPA has a role in the regulation of discharges into our water bodies to protect them from pollution. This applies to both our coastal and inland waters and lands. Essentially, the EPA’s role is to ensure that
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his week as we continue looking at the Environmental Protection Regulations (2000) we turn our focus to the Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations (2000), which were developed to address the problem of water pollution. Seventy (70) percent of Earth’s surface is covered by water but only three (3) percent is fresh water. What is sobering is that only one third of the existing fresh water is available to us humans to meet all our needs. Despite such a limited amount of water available, humans globally through their activities, abuse this resource thereby degrading its quality. Abuse causes contamination of water bodies such as lakes, ponds, oceans, and rivers or water pollution. While Guyana is known as the land of many waters, many activities threaten the quality of water that is in our rivers, lakes and streams on which so many of us rely. Water pollution is indeed a growing problem in our country and as citizens we need to play our part to rectifying this problem. COMMON CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION The main contributors to water pollution in Guyana are domestic waste, agriculture and industries. Some examples are: * Industrial waste * Sewage * Mining activities * Marine dumping * Accidental oil leakage * Chemical fertilizers and pesticides * Leakage from sewer line * Urban development * Leakage from landfills * Animal waste
► Continued on page XXXV
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
Guyana-Cuba scholarship programme…
18 doctors complete internship at Suddie Hospital
By Rajendra Prabhulall
EIGHTEEN more students have graduated as medical doctors after completing seven years of studies under the Guyana-Cuba scholarship programme. The medical doctors who started their training as students seven years ago, spent the first six years in Cuba and did one year of internship training at the Suddie Hospital on their return to Guyana. The 18 students who graduated as medical doctors are Delana Alissa Hicks, Joeanna Romena Harris, Kennel Allison Fingal, Kirtis Steve Noble, Kojo Omotayo, Natasha Andrea Barton, Renita Albert, Susannah Natasha Issacs, Gerald Anthony Thompson, Chandrawattie Bissoon, Haimant Haimraj, Ivor Carlton Semple, Junita Holmes, Marlee Wilson, Razia Fazana Kasim, Sarrojanie Doodnauth, Rose Mc Garrel and Thameshwar Kharan. Meanwhile, Region 2 Chairman Devanand Ramdatt who delivered the feature address at the graduation ceremony in the boardroom of the Suddie Hospital last Thursday, thanked the Cuban Government as well as the former PPP/C government for giving the students the opportunity to be trained in Cuba as medical doctors. The Chairman said the occasion marks an achievement for the country and communities. And quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Chairman said "Be
the change you want to be in the world". He called on the newly-graduated doctors to serve well and to listen to patients very carefully. The Chairman also called on the doctors to take a proactive approach to address public health and to reach out at the community level in a structured programme. He said the sacrifices made by the young doctors must be recognised and he encouraged them to work with dedication because the people's health is the country's wealth. Ramdatt, on behalf of the Region 2 Regional Democratic Council and the Government of Guyana, thanked the Cuban Government for training the doctors. He also called for the friendship between Guyana and Cuba to be sustained and strengthened.
NEW BEGINNING Giving the charge to the doctors, Dr Regla Segundo said it was a new beginning and called on them to study more. She said the students did well in their studies and achieved some 89% in passes. Dr Dhanraj Ramnanand who chaired the programme said the relationship between Guyana and Cuba is very good. He said healthcare in Guyana is moving at a fast pace and advised that if Guyanese can learn from Cuba they will make Guyana a better country. At the graduation ceremony last week, several parents
and relatives attended and witnessed the handing over of certificates to the new doctors. One parent Kharan, known as ‘Jack Horner’ of Queenstown Village said he was extremely happy and proud to see his son graduate as a medical doctor. He said he was very thankful to the Cuban Government and the former Government. His wife Pulmattie said she was very proud of her eldest son’s achievement and also thanked former President Bharrat Jagdeo for making the opportunity available for her son to go to Cuba and study on a scholarship. She said it was a lot of sacrifice but it paid off in the end. Another parent who was present with her relatives to witness her son’s graduation as a medical doctor said she was very happy and thankful to the former PPP/C Government for giving her son the opportunity to study in Cuba. She expressed her thanks to the Cuban President and doctors who trained her son to become a medical doctor. The mother, Nandranie Chandrawattie, of Fairfield, Essequibo Coast said it was a lot of hard work to support her son while he studied in Cuba but now she is happy that he has graduated as a medical doctor. Also at the graduation ceremony was Cuban Director Dr Midatis Otero Fernandez. The national anthems of Guyana and Cuba were sung at the start of the graduation ceremony. Proud mother: Nandranie Chandrawattie of Fair Field Village, Essequibo Coast stands proudly with her son, Haimant Haimraj, who graduated as a medical doctor
Congrats: Region 2 Chairman Devanand Ramdatt hands over a certificate to a medical doctor in the Suddie Hospital boardroom Dr Thameshwar Kharan stands with his proud family members
Graduates with Cuban Director Dr. Midlis Otero Fernandez and other Cuban doctors in the Suddie Hospital boardroom for the graduation ceremony last Thursday
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
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MEET VISH, a most reliable tailor t o n s a w g n i r o Tail his first choice, but he made do with it!
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By Telesha Vidya Ramnarine
OURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Vishwanauth “Vishnu” Babulall felt terrible when he realised he had to drop out of school because of constraints his family faced in the 1970s. The politics in Guyana then had made life very difficult for this poor family of seven. Vishwanauth, called ‘Vish,’ and his four siblings all fell short of achieving a basic education because transportation to and from school was difficult to obtain. The family just couldn’t afford the price, so the children remained at home and helped with planting rice, rearing fowls, gardening, and so forth. And so Vish left school at the approximate age of 14, with no life skills, so to speak; he had to content himself with helping out the family around the house. When he turned 16, though, he wisely acknowledged that he couldn’t secure academic education, and told himself that he had to learn a trade to get by. “I am a school drop-out. Tailoring wasn’t my first choice; I wanted to be a police and work with the CID (Criminal Investigation Department); but they (The Police Force) said I was too young when I wrote the application. So I took up tailoring, and I (am) left with it. By chance I fell into tailoring, but this is what I learned; this is my trade,” Vish told the Chronicle in an interview at his tailor shop. A cousin of his was friendly with a tailor named ► Continued on page
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Vishwanauth “Vishnu” Babulall
Vish with his wife, Geeta
MEET VISH ... XX
► From page XIX
Ayube Ali, who lived at Reliance on the Essequibo Coast. Ali could only sew pants, though, but he passed on his knowledge to the young Vish. Now 44 years old, Vish can do more than sew only a pair of pants. He used his knowledge of tailoring to develop himself and improve his skills. “I started with pants; hemming, pressing and so forth. My cousin’s friend taught me to do pants only. In fact, that is all he did for work. But I eventually branched off and started to do dresses, jackets, suits and so. I branched off and developed on my own. In four months, I learned
to sew pants.” He went to Georgetown in 1997 and worked with a tailor; and then, in 2008, he opened his own business at Third Street, Alexander Village. Today, he is a reputable tailor who does ladies and gents’ clothing at his very own tailor shop, now located at Lot 6 Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown. HARD DAYS Vish was born at Phoenix Village on Leguan Island in the Essequibo River, but grew up in two villages, Annandale and Reliance, both
on the Essequibo Coast. His parents are Chandra and Jim (the latter now deceased). He attended Abram Zuil Nursery, Queens t o w n P r i m a r y, a n d Cotton Field Secondary (formerly known as Anna Regina Community High). Circumstances forced him to drop out of school when he was about 14 years old. “I know I didn’t get a proper education, so I told myself I had to learn a trade. I dropped out in 13-14 years and had two years’ span of doing nothing. “It was hard days, politically wise. Those were the days when transportation was hard to get. My father got retrenched, was five of
us children in the home, mom didn’t work. “ Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n was a real problem. At times you are (caught) late in the night at the
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
is definitely better than what had obtained in his younger days. “(There’s) nothing like when you put your mind to something. I
others to get.” Vish describes himself as a cool guy who tries his best to listen to people. “I deal with customers on the phone
knew my family background was not all of that, financially. Instead of going to smoke (and) drink, I told myself I needed to do a trade. Life is not the best in the world, but at least you have a (satisfying) meal and comfortable sleep,” he said. Although Vish could not complete his education, he used the resources he acquired over the years to help others attain theirs. “At least I could have helped a lot of family members -nieces and nephews -- to go to school; something I didn’t get I assisted
a lot. First thing they say is (that) I sound like a nice person on the phone. I try my best to be reliable, but no matter how hard you try, sometimes you fall back because of the challenges involved, like hardto-get materials and power outages. “Almost all of the tailors today don’t use peddle machines anymore, but (being) prompt makes a good tailor; being able to deliver on time.” Vish has progressed to the point where he does work for the prime minister and other prominent individuals in society. “I don’t get complaints, I get corrections. I don’t have people threatening not to come back or so,” he said. Vish recently got married to Geeta, a teacher by profession. His tailor shop can be reached on telephone number 226-6211.
Vish at work
park, waiting for a bus to go home from school. So it didn’t make sense to go (to school). My other siblings had to drop out, too. I did well in primary school though, so I felt terrible when I had to come off school. I was forced to quit school to help the family, but me and my siblings all turned out ok,” Vish related. ASSISTING OTHERS Life may not be the best or easiest for Vish at present, but it
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
ONE FOR THE ROAD â–ş From page XI
acknowledge the hurt he causes me or apologize. Should he and other estranged relatives be invited to events because of right or entitlement, or should invitations to a bridal shower, wedding or christening be a privilege? LENA ************ DEAR LENA, Let's talk about your brother first and assume the disease model of alcoholism is
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correct. Your brother has a disease. But what kind of disease? Self-contained, or infectious? Obviously it is infectious. His disease ruins once-in-a-lifetime events like a wedding and recurring events like Christmas. Infectious diseases must be quarantined. He also suffers from alcoholic vanity. He thinks he is the cleverest dog in the pack while making a spectacle of himself. His comments at your son's wedding reveal how distorted his thinking is. Getting involved with him in lifetime events like a wedding and recurring events like Christmas. Getting involved with him in tit-for-tat discussions will do nothing but frustrate you. You can't reason with a drunk. What you can do is, once and for all, let him know your door will be open to him if he changes. Then end contact. Of course it fills your heart with sadness, because family ties are wired into our memories and into our DNA. But sometimes behaviour trumps biology, and this is one of those times. But what about other estranged relatives? You seem such a kind and open person we can't imagine you are at the root of any of this. So we suggest following two rules. First, closeness. Invite only those you are close to. Second, feedback. Invite only those who give you positive feedback. Don't let ideas of "should" and "ought" rule your behaviour. Let the reality of others' behaviour be your guide, not ideas of right, entitlement or privilege. WAYNE & TAMARA
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
THE HISTORY OF JAZZ MUSIC
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By Milton Bruce UTHOR Ted Gioia, in his seminal work on the history of jazz, labelled it "The Africanization of American Music�. Gioa recounted
the first steps of this great music, all the way back to circa 1817 New Orleans, where slaves, using makeshift instruments fashioned from calabash, beat out a rhythm that was accompanied by a dance of seeming contradictions which, according to the author, was "informal,spontaneous, and precise." This ritual, called The Ring Shout was performed on the slaves Free Day, and was done in an open area known as Congo Square, since renamed Louis Armstrong Park. It has been revealed that Benjamin Latrobe, a famous architect, witnessed this performance on February 21, 1819. And on giving life to the event, he made several sketches depicting what transpired. His sketches showed the mu-
sicians were playing percussion and stringed instruments virtually identical to those characteristic of indigenous African music. It could be argued that the interruption of the Ring Shout ritual by the Civil War gave rise to the emergence of the first jazz bands in New Orleans. However, this transplanted African culture continued to live within the collective memories of the Black community, and even among those too young to participate. Sidney Bechet, "saxophonist, clarinetist , and composer " in his autobiography "Treat it Gentle" said that, "the slave was a musician, no one had to explain notes or feelings or rhythm to him. It was all there inside of him, something he was always sure of." What Gioia takes pains in
pointing out is that Bechet, and Buddy Bolden (king of cornet) were the early pioneers playing jazz. The Americanisation of African music had begun, and with it came the Africanisation of American music. This blending process, called "syncretism", the blending together of cultural elements, is very essential to the history of the music and remains powerful even to the present day. African-American styles of performance blends seamlessly with other music of other cultures, European, Asian, Latin, and coming full circle, African. The history goes even further back to the 1700s, when the earlier crude instruments were confiscated â–ş Continued on page
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
THE HISTORY OF JAZZ MUSIC ► From page XXII by the slave owners for fear that the beating of anything could have been a signal for a forceful breakout by the salves. This fear was enforced by forcing the slaves to become interested in hymns and spiritual songs, especially written by Dr Isaac Watts. These were published in various colonial editions during the 1700s. The initial idea was for Dr Watts’ music to be introduced to the salves in edifying examples of Western Music. However it happened the other way around. Alan Lomax, the pioneering scholar and preserver of African American music, acknowledged that "Blacks had Africanised the psalms to such extent that many observers described Black hymns as mysterious African music." What is certain is that jazz, in its journey to being labelled America's classical music, took it lumps along the way. It must be understood that this was a new sound that was forcing an old, tried and accepted music to give way. In defence of the older music, certain characters used the medium of jazz to either illustrate what a great music was in the offing, or to ridicule it. The Minstrel shows found white performers in black face mimicking black people and ridiculing the music with little or no knowledge of the people or the music. But the musicians hung in, and progressed to revealing a beautiful sound. Until next week, when we continue. (By Milton Bruce Is a journalist /writer. He has published two books one Poetry entitled “Thoughts “ and a novel “The Hustle.”)
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ORAL CANCER
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
O
r a l cancer is any c a n cerous growth occurring in the oral cavity, lips or oropharynx. In the early stages of oral cancer’s development, it often is painless, and the physical signs may not be obvious. This makes it a very dangerous disease. Regular screenings by a qualified dental professional, combined with a person's knowledge of the warning signs and symptoms will allow its discovery in the earliest possible stages, when cure and survival are most likely. Early indicators include red and/or white discolourations of the soft tissues of the mouth, any sore which does not heal within 14 days or hoarseness which lasts for a prolonged period of time. Whereas, advanced indicators include a sensation that something is stuck in your throat, numbness in the oral region, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, difficulty in swallowing, ear pain which occurs on one side only, a sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, still does not
Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART DDS. heal or a lump or thickening which develops in the mouth or neck. Most oral cancers start in squamous cells (thin, flat cells) that line the lips, oral cavity, and oropharynx. Cancer that forms in squamous cells is called squam o u s c e l l c a rc i n o ma. Lesions on the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth and throat), including leukoplakia (an abnormal white patch of cells) and erythroplakia (an abnormal red patch of cells), may develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Oral cancer preven-
tion is any action taken to lower the chances of developing oral cancer. When preventing oral cancer, one needs to focus on risk factors and protective factors for oral cancer. R i s k f a c t o r s a re anything that increases your chances of getting oral cancer, whereas protective factors are anything that decreases your chances of getting oral cancer. We should therefore reduce our risk factors and increase our protective factors for oral cancer prevention.
► Continued on page
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Caribbean School of Cosmetology hosts Kenyan Trichologist in T&T
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nternationally-renowned trichologist, Muli Musyoka, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago just recently for a whirlwind trip of activity with the Caribbean School of Cosmetology. Musyoka is an IAT (International Association of Trichologists) holistic hair specialist, who focuses on hair and scalp health. This was Mr. Musyoka's first visit to the Caribbean region, and his presence has generated a definitive buzz of excitement in the cosmetology community. As the first
Kenyan to be certified as a trichologist in East and Central Africa, Muli has made great strides in the international hair community. This hair connoisseur has conducted world-class forums and symposiums in Dubai, Australia, South Africa, USA and several parts of the African continent. Currently, he runs a hair restoration clinic in Nairobi, and is the first hair specialist to introduce hair transplant in Kenya. Musyoka was invited to visit Trinidad and Tobago by a new regional academic institution of higher learn-
Sonia Noel and Shazz Browne celebrity hair stylist ing, the Caribbean School of Cosmetology. Speaking on Musyoka's visit to the republic at the Welcome Reception, Founder of CSOC, Essenese Sambury, had high praises for this Kenyan-born hair guru. "Muli is well respected in his field of endeavour, and is adored and revered in Africa and throughout the world. His years of experience in the trichology field and his
personable nature have given him a professional edge, and his level of expertise enriches the world of Cosmetology." Sambury hopes that the partnership with Musyoka will create a platform for enlightenment and education for the professionals and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago as it relates to hair loss and scalp health. She praised the
Muli Musyoka poses with veteran Guyanese FASHION DESIGNER, Sonia Noel, and another supporter
Programme Coordinator of CSOC, Sharon Browne, for assisting with making the initial connection with Musyoka. "Ms. Browne has had an illustrious career, working on such Hollywood Blockbuster Productions as "Bad Boys" and sitting on advisory boards for some of the most well-known cosmetology institutions in the world. As our Programme Coordinator, she is a great fit and remains an excellent asset to our academic institution." Over the weekend, Muli Musyoka hosted "A Hair Raising Event Series" at the Radisson Trinidad, which culminated with "Ponytails and Cocktails" on Sunday 26 July - free to the general public. The event was wellattended by stylists and beauty enthusiasts from across Trinidad & Tobago. His one-day Hair Loss Certification Course, took place on Monday 27 July, and was designed specifically for salon professionals who wished to expand their knowledge on how to treat with hair loss among their clients. The event included celebrity attendance from internationally-renowned hairstylist, Clem LueYat and Guyanese fashion designer, Sonia Noel. Those in attendance got a taste of the trichology courses that the Caribbean School of Cosmetology will have to offer,
when they open their doors in East Trinidad in October, 2015. During his cocktail event, a jovial Musyoka enthusiastically stated that this " would definitely not be his last trip to Trinidad & Tobago." Reaffirming his longterm commitment to the CSOC Team, Musyoka announced his intent to visit in the coming months with a team of experts to continue spreading the word on the importance of hair and scalp health. Together with the Caribbean School of Cosmetology, Muli also plans to open his first Hair Hub Clinic in Trinidad - the first of its kind outside the African continent - which will include collaborations with senior and internationally-certified trichologists, such as Germaine Williams. CSOC will also be partnering with the Government of Guadeloupe on an exchange programme, which will commence in January 2016. For local students, the school has also leveraged a partnership with Republic Bank in Trinity, who are willing to assist students with financial plans during their enrolment at this institution for higher learning. For more information, persons can call 782-9066 or email csocttorg@gmail.com
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RAS
MY PEN IS FOR HIRE
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By Ras Michael t was a time of change. Art had begun to impact once again on the minds of society, but this time there was a marked difference. Art was no longer controlled nor manipulated by the colonial masters. There was growing participation by the so termed working poor. It still is so now twenty years after. Changes in the entire society have created the need for change by practitioners of art. Money is now essential and plays a
much more important role than previously. However, one day, speaking with my very talented artistic friend Neil Nunes, he had this to say…..”The Artist must be independent. He must make it clear that he is not seeking sympathy, not support. He is seeking financial returns for an artistic product offered for commerce.” He continued after a slight pause for rumination, “Independence is the only way to avoid manipulation. From the time they look at you; you don’t look like them; the rich and aspirant of richness don’t
like the poor.” I couldn’t have put it better. I have lived my life knowing and standing up to this challenge all my life. I can see the hypocrisy from a distance; but why complain, life is about being triumphant. That is all that matters. I became aware of the trials of so many outstanding Guyanese artists. I have known most of them and have been mentored by quite a few. I came into this artistic world with my eyes open for treachery. But was this an invention of the society? Was this situation created by the Guyanese in the street. Was
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
MICHAEL is
Back
it some deep compulsion to destroy his own culture and cultural icons. No it was not. He was and still is the pawn of the chains that were removed from his wrists and ankles and then wrapped around his mind. Bob Marley warns ‘EMANCIPATE YOURSELF FROM MENTAL SLAVERY,’ but people will tap their feet or dance to the melody. They will never assimilate the meaning of the words. CREATIVE RELEVANCE Art without recognition of indigenous cultural patterns does not advance development, but presents a façade that camouflages the
reality. If art cannot motivate and uplift, then it has lost its creative relevance. In Guyana, there are many artists but only a few have impacted on the society, ‘thrown up by the society so to speak,’ and so can claim relevance and artistic prominence. Before the advent of these few men and women, the dominant culture was euro-centric. Those who claimed ‘art’ as their own were concerned with governance, the ‘colonial government’ so to speak. It was not until the latter half of the twentieth century that art was wrestled from those hands by the Dolphins, the Pilgrims and others of the new aspiring middle class; but later on
the dominant culture began to shift from its euro-centric base and reflect the ‘creole’ or ‘people’s culture’, with emphasis on African oriented expressions of art. It all began after so called emancipation, when the shackles were removed from the feet and the wrists and wrapped around the mind. SHACKLED MINDS Emancipation and its consequences for Africans brought to the fore the divergent and contradictory self-interests of the two main opposing ethnic groups in the ► Continued on page
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
MY PEN IS FOR HIRE â–ş From page
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then British Guiana, namely the white colonial administration and plantocracy and the Africans. At this time in history, there were three recognized races, the white colonials, the Africans and the Amerindians. In this struggle for supremacy the physically freed Africans had numerical strength, while the colonials had the military power of state and colonial system on their side. Colonial power was used to restrict the Africans access to land and credit, to impose burdensome taxes and licenses to limit African economic activity. For example, the price of land in 1839 was $4.80c an acre for a minimum parcel of 100 acres, and by 1861, the price had been raised to $10.00 per acre. However legislation had been passed in 1852 to prevent group purchases of land, restricting the number of persons eligible to jointly purchase land to twenty 20. In 1856, this number was further reduced to 10 persons. Land acquisition therefore dried up during the second half of the 19th century. The lands previously purchased by freed captives became increasingly uneconomical due to sub-division, poor drainage and diminishing fertility. It took less than a generation after the so-called emancipation for the dream of African economic independence to become a nightmare.
CULTURAL DOMINATION It was this tool of Cultural Domination that provided the groundwork for ethnic cleansing. Along with Race, Politics and Religion forced many Africans to leave the villages and migrate to the city and live in the Urban ghettoes. By 1860 petty crime and the introduction of prostitution became evi-
dent and prevalent. Articles used by Africans, such as corn, flour, salt beef, pickled pork, oatmeal, rice and candles were heavily taxed by import duties levied on them. Hence many Africans migrated to the gold fields; but although they may have escaped the political system, they could not escape the taxes. Today the same situation occurs. Migration
has once again limited the cultural expression and the influx of foreign concepts used to suppress the creative expressions of the African mind. However, there are
quite a few conscious practitioners of the creative arts who have held fast to indigenous culture and explore and express their cultural mores without fear or favour. I am
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one of those artists; we feel strongly adverse to sinister usage. My pen is therefore for hire to write about the culture of our times and its consequences.
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Simeon Brown
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
the dude with irresistible vocal talents
With proper grooming, this guy certainly has a far way to go
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By Alex Wayne ome guys can certainly make a difference with their singing, but Simeon Brown’s vocals are so superb, one cannot resist being drawn into the intoxicating aura he creates the moment he hits the stage. After trial and error, he knew that his potential wasn't fully recognised, so in 2011 he decided to make a bold change and approach Kross Kolor Records. This change introduced him to popularity as an arranger and a budding producer; he worked with some of the top Guyanese artistes, including Adrian Dutchin, Jumo, Vanilla and Big Red, to name a few. Simeon Brown is also a songwriter. He cowrote the song ' Thank You", which was made specially for the President of Guyana at the time. According to him, music is all he wants to do and he is working vigorously to become one of Guyana’s leading producers to take Guyanese music to the world. Simeon Joseph Browne, aka Lil J, is a unique young man who can be referred to as a true ‘go getter’. He is the eldest of his mother’s four children, and growing up with his grandmother, he learned the value of hard work. Even though for him his childhood days in his hometown, Haslington, were fun and adventurous, it was a struggle for his mother. From a tender age, he always had a passion for music, from a regular singer at church to the traditional folk songs his grandmother taught him. He got so connected to the art that he one day transformed his backyard into a mini- band room comprising of instruments made from old ► Continued on page XXIX
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
Simeon Brown is poised to make it to the very top of the musical ladder
Simeon Brown ► From page XXVIII pots and tins and a keyboard that was given to him by his uncle. From constantly experimenting with his home-made band, he taught himself to play and write songs. During his secondary school years at St. Mary’s High, Lil J got involved with everything musical in the school, including singing in the choir and participating in school concerts which later resulted in him receiving the St’ Mary’s Musical Award for the contributions he made. After graduating, he was employed by a communication firm where he took the same spirit of getting involved with music which led him to participate inthe company’s competition from which he emerged winner. Because of his faith and the inspiration he got from listening to songs from his icons, he subsequently got introduced to platinum records where he was exposed to new sounds and equipment. After recording and releasing his version of the popular folk song ‘Janey Gal’, it was then that others begin to recognize him
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ORAL CANCER
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015 â–ş From page
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Some risk factors for oral cancer include:
TOBACCO USE: In all its forms, tobacco is the largest contributor to the development of oral cancers. Not using tobacco is the single most important thing you can do to avoid oral cancers. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: More than 15 alcoholic beverages per week may put you at greater risk. If you must drink, do so in moderation. THE COMBINED USE OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO: This significantly increases the risk of oral cancer more than either by itself. EXCESSIVE UNPROTECTED EXPOSURE TO THE SUN: Unprotected exposure to sun will increase the likelihood of lip cancers. Use at least SPF 30 sunblock on your lips. LOW INTAKE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: A diet that does not contain the protective nutrients of these foods increases the risk of developing a variety of illnesses including oral cancers. USE OF BETEL NUT: When chewed or smoked, these are causative agents of mouth cancers. Avoid their use. AGE: Older individuals tend to develop more disease in general, including oral cancer, as their immune system becomes less efficient. HPV VIRAL INFECTION: Increasing numbers of young, non-smoking individuals are being diagnosed with oral cancer. The most likely causative factor is HPV viral infection, the same virus responsible for more than 95% of all cervical cancer. RACE, ETHNICITY AND ECONOMICS: There are socio-economic factors that influence the development of cancers in different groups of people. For instance, blacks are diagnosed with oral cancer 2 to 1 over other races. In addition, people who live in areas with poor access to healthcare, or for economic reasons do not routinely visit a dentist or doctor, are also at increased risk. RECURRENCE: Previous head and neck cancer patients have a higher risk of a cancer recurrence which may occur in the mouth or other areas of the aero-digestive tract. GENDER: Statistically, males get oral cancer more often than females. Protective factors for oral cancer include: * DIETARY FACTORS: Eating a diet high in fruits and fiber-rich vegetables may lower the risk of developing oral cancer. * CHEMOPREVENTION: Use of drugs, vitamins, or other agents to prevent or delay the growth of cancer.
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ARIES - You’ll be in the mood to enjoy yourself. With a delightful blend of energies, it would be worth your while to make the most of any available opportunities. As Venus continues retrograde, a romantic notion could feel right but may not be smooth sailing for a while. Despite the fun, Mercury’s move into Virgo suggests it’s time to knuckle down and proceed with plans that have been on the back burner. Tweaking diet and health routines can also be rewarding. TAURUS - This week’s blend of energies encourages you to get your house in order, literally and figuratively. Get busy with important DIY projects and handle any family disputes wisely. Entertaining could be a lot of fun, despite one or two obstacles to contend with. The focus then shifts to fun opportunities. There’s no need to look far for excitement - you can find it in your neighbourhood. Consider a new restaurant or other venue for a fun evening or day out. GEMINI - Warm, tender feelings are enlivened this week, encouraging you to reach out to friends or family you haven’t seen or heard from in a while. It’s also an opportunity to meet with neighbours or support charity or other events in your locale. Although you could encounter a few delays, an optimistic outlook can make all the difference. On another note, Mercury’s move into Virgo could see you planning ahead regarding a few changes you would like to make at home. CANCER - Finances get a boost this week, but not before you’ve had to scramble to tackle a few problems. Delays to money coming in or going out might cause frustration, but it’s nothing you can’t resolve. As Mars hikes into this sector of your chart from Saturday, you’ll be motivated to explore new ways to earn extra cash and boost your income. Thoughts of taking up a course of study could leave you quite excited at the possibilities that lie ahead. LEO - The week starts pleasantly, as friends and associates are likely to be in touch. Enjoy the company of a special partner or love interest - the opportunities for romance are yours for the taking. Venus continues retrograde, so try not to have too many expectations about the future. It’s best to go with the flow for now if possible. Although responsibilities at home could stand in the way of personal fulfillment, you’ll be firing on all cylinders by the weekend. VIRGO - The focus on your spiritual sector could encourage you to go on a short retreat to relax and recharge. If you can spare an hour or two for a massage or beauty treatment, you could find it very soothing and healing. It’s time for you to be pampered and nurtured with a little tender, loving care. Mercury heads into your sign on Friday, enhancing your communication skills and encouraging you to get involved in projects that are personally fulfilling. LIBRA - Friends are in touch and want to have fun. Romantic opportunities abound, but it’s best to go with the flow rather than make any firm commitments. The more willing you can be to network and interact, the more options you’ll have to take life to new, exciting levels. Mars zips into Leo on August 8, so you could be in the mood to organise events. You may even be slightly competitive when it comes to a love interest or impressing others. SCORPIO - Even if you’re uncertain about being in the spotlight, you can make great strides by taking advantage of this opportunity. Don’t refrain from advertising your goods and services - you’ll benefit greatly by doing so. Meanwhile, avoid being too pushy, as this could work against you. Your social life picks up later in the week, encouraging you to get in touch with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Joining a health or sports club could be very rewarding. SAGITTARIUS - Travel and educational pursuits could hold a lot of appeal, particularly if you’re itching to expand your horizons. It’s a good time to let your curiosity lead you to new and exciting adventures. You may have a few doubts to contend with, too, causing you to hold back when in your heart you know it’s time to move out of your comfort zone. The words of a wise friend might be helpful here, inspiring you to try despite your fears. CAPRICORN - Work and finances may be on your mind, as well as progress. However, if you listen to friends or supposed experts, you may wonder if you’re doing the right thing. It’s best to go with your gut and follow through. Things could work out even better than expected. Go easy if you’re playing with really large amounts of money, as retrograde Venus can cause unanticipated delays and reversals. Keep paperwork and receipts in case you need them further down the line. AQUARIUS - Partnerships and relationships could keep you busy. There are plenty of options for an upbeat social life, although it helps to tread with care when it comes to romance. As Venus continues retrograde, this isn’t the best time to make big decisions or commit. Try to go with the flow for now. As Mercury heads into Virgo, it’s time to plan for your financial future. If you’ve experienced a few delays recently, a sound strategy could be just what you need. PISCES - Work and lifestyle issues continue to keep you busy this week, particularly if you’ve recently taken up a new sport or decided to get fit and lose a few pounds. It helps to persevere, even though you might find this difficult in the weeks ahead. If you get off to a good start, you’ll be likelier to reach your goals. Mercury’s presence in Virgo can encourage a connection with someone who has some good advice for you.
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Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
English
Chronicle Pepperpot August 9, 2015
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Water Pollution and EPA’s Regulation Remember, to make a complaint against any person or facility causing or contributing to water pollution; you can call 225-6044/225-5471/2255467 or email to epa@epaguyana.org or eit. epaguyana@gmail.com. Water is life, save it. Source: http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php
pollutants released from human activities are within allowable levels will not adversely affect the health of humans, or other life forms. The EPA also encourages the use of methods for the final disposal of effluent to minimise the potential for contamination of water sources. The Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Regulations (2000) requires that any person who discharges or permits the discharge of waste be registered with the EPA. As such, persons involved in construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility which discharges waste MUST register with the EPA to discharge waste into waterways. No one is allowed to discharge any effluent without being the holder of an Environmental Authorisation. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the penalty of a fine of up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) and imprisonment for 6 months. WASTE DISCHARGES THAT ARE PROHIBITED According to the Regulations, discharges of the following wastes are prohibited: * Any waste in toxic amounts * Radiological or chemical wastes * Any discharge that prevents navigation and anchoring * Sewage discharge from water vessels * Any other discharge that the EPA identifies as having a negative impact on human health and the environment LIMITS • The EPA sets parameter limits of waste which can be discharged into any coastal or inland waters. These are the limits the water body can maintain without reaching unacceptable pollution levels. • No facility is allowed to discharge any substance in concentrations greater than those set by EPA. • Penalty for non-compliance is a fine of up to$500,000 and 6 month imprisonment. The EPA decides the point or source of discharge of effluent from any facility. VARIANCE OF AUTHORISATION If changes are to be made to the normal operating conditions of an operation, the owner or operator must notify the EPA in writing about the particulars of such a change. It must be noted that after obtaining a variance to the Environmental Authorization, the operator is not allowed to carry out work that will result in a new source of effluent discharges. The penalty for such is up to $300,000 and 3 months imprisonment.
EPA, Environmental Protection Regulation 2000
You can 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
Apsara Dance Troupe
Bringing mind-boggling choreography to the entertainment platter
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a k e Tim all h s r Ma t stop” “won’ o e d i v New
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IMEKA Marshall has released a sizzling video for her new single, “I won’t stop”, with several breathtaking bikini moments in the lush morning and afternoon sun of Portland, Jamaica. Although the video was shot in Jamaica, where she does her studio recordings, the songbird did not fail to give her land of birth full recognition, as she displayed her Guyanese-nurtured body in a swimwear illustrating the Guyana flag. The video is full of great ‘spirit’ and enthusiasm. The first scene captures Marshall with two fun-loving, soca-addicted girls in a convertible car, driving around and watching the sunrise. The director of the video, William Richards, explained that the girls were off to the first soca party of the day. Other scenes displayed Marshall in carnival costume, before a wet and colourful scene is shot with the girls playing ‘mass’ on a beach. “The song talks about being true to yourself, and having a good time living life to the fullest,” Timeka said in behind-the-scenes video posted two weeks before the official video was posted on YouTube on Thursday, July 9. The song was produced by Jamaican DJ Kurt Riley on the Jambe–an Riddim, while the video was also produced by Jamaican Krystia Royes and directed by Richard Williams. Marshall has spent several years developing her career in Jamaica, where she worked with top producers and was able to team up with several Jamaican artistes, including Busy Signal and Peetah Morgan. Timeka, also the CEO of Premium Pink Entertainment, regards Jamaica as her second home.
INCE appearing on the scene in 2008, the Apsara Dance Troupe has been leaving its audiences spellbound with choreography that has never before been witnessed on the local shores. They have, at each performance, unleashed a package that reeked of intense creativity, classic and enthralling serenity, and dazzling versatility that propelled them to the very top of the ladder as ‘ultimate stars’. ‘APSARA ‘was conceived in 2008 by Chandini Ramnarain. It basically consists of a TEAM and not one person. Whilst the show is being directed and produced by Chandini Ramnarain, the main choreographers are Padmini and Lucria Rambalak, Kiran Mattai, Marcia Akeung, Devon Rambalak and, in 2012, Fernando Yow. Marcia Akeung, a specialist in Latin Dancing; Kiran Mattai, a very accomplished classical dancer and specialist; Fernando Yow, a break dancer and hip-hop specialist, as is Devon Rambalak; Padmini Rambalak, also an accomplished dancer and main choreographer, are the main pillars of the group. The core group consists of between ten and fifteen persons, but with local dancers and those from the Apsara dancing school and actors, cast members would amount to between sixty and seventy persons for Apsara productions. Having travelled extensively with friends and family members, this group wanted to bring a different type of show to Guyana. They felt that Guyana was ready for a change of styles and the way shows were done. At the time of their formation, the few dance groups held on to a few similar dance styles. The core group believed it was time to break the mould of dance in Guyana, and this was achieved with a ground-breaking show in March 2008 at the National Cultural Centre. Their tag line in the first show was “Dances that will leave you mesmerized”, and the audience was truly mesmerized by the premier performance. What is remarkable about the group is that its members achieved all this by themselves. The show is entirely choreographed by the girls themselves, and all the costumes are designed by Chandini Ramnarain, Karishma Narwani and Padmini Rambalak with inputs from the core group. Set designs are created by Chandini Ramnarain and produced by Cecil Rambalak and Andrew Arts. This group is thus very self-sufficient in all aspects of a theatrical production. The group is known for its innovation and originality. Apsara specializes in Contemporary classical dance forms, where the basics of Indian Classical dances are used as a springboard to evolve a modern, unique vocabulary. Moving from traditional Indian dance styles and fusing it with other dance styles around the world, the choreography has moved from Latin Dancing to Belly/Arabic dancing, to Flamenco, to hip-hop and much more. And this has been done with such ease that this alone sets the group apart from its contemporaries. APSARA is one of the youngest dance troupes in Guyana. It has always delivered on its commitments, and promises to leave the audience wanting more. APSARA dance group has achieved tremendously since its formation. To mention a few would include all sold-out shows at the National Cultural Centre; Apsara shows staged in Berbice; performances at Carifesta X; launching of Rice Fest; “An Evening of Dance” at the Pegasus; Hits and Jams’ Bollywood Concert; Fire Fest Bollywood Concert; GuyExpo and more; coupled with international performances in Trinidad, Grenada and USA. This is an independent and private group. Accordingly, it faces many challenges, among which are financing and sponsorships. The journey from inception to where the group is now has been a roller-coaster ride. Many of the initial members can hardly imagine how far the group has come in such a short time, from sitting at a table discussing “What if?” to the reality of making it all happen. APSARA has also published a multi-cultural magazine, a fashion line, participates in the Miss India Worldwide (Guyana) pageant, and owns a very successful dance school, to date. The APSARA dance school has members as young as five years old, and holds basic, intermediate and advanced classes, in kathak/Bollywood, hip-hop and belly-dancing. The group looks forward to making a continuing contribution to dance in Guyana, and promoting the talent locally and internationally. Berbicians can look forward to an APSARA production coming their way sometime in the future.