Pepperpot 2015 9 13 by Guyana Chronicle

► Page XII

► Page XIV

► Page XI

The Lost Plane

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

BY MAUREEN RAMPERTAB

he magnificent eagle spread its wings and sailed smoothly over the tree tops, going far away beyond the mountains. The young native girl, standing by the gushing stream, watched in awe as the splendid bird disappeared in the horizon. She loved so much the beautiful and spectacular birds and animals, the exotic flowers and the

pure streams of rushing cool water. But the exciting part of her life was the adventures. She loved to explore and discover places that the hunters and trackers knew nothing of, the hidden places where rare flowers, birds and butterflies made their homes, nature’s secret little hideouts. Time and time again her father had warned her not to wander far, least she got hurt or lost. She was never afraid, like a guiding spirit was always there with her and her pet monkey, Scarlet, always by her side. “Ann Marie.” Her father was calling and she ran up to him. He was standing with a group of people who had flown in from the city early this morning. Her father was one of the best trackers in the village and he was enlisted to help find the missing plane that was believed to have crashed with a British family of four aboard. The plane had been reported missing almost two weeks ago. “I don’t want you wandering off, stay close to home,” her father warned her. “I’ll be gone for a couple of days.” She watched the rescue party leave, wondering, “Where could that plane be?” Two days later the rescue party returned with no success and it was a sad moment to watch the grieving relatives as they left. “There’s no sign at all,” her father said dejectedly. “It’s just like the jungle just swallowed them up.” That night she snuggled in her hammock, as the sounds of the jungle, like an orchestra, came to life, thinking and wondering about the missing plane. She knew the jungle so well, but she knew not deeper where it was dark and forbidding. “Maybe that’s where it crashed, that’s why it can’t be found.” By dawn, she had sketched a plan in her mind and she slipped away into the jungle, following carefully the same trail the trackers had taken, but at the end it branched off into three trails. She stood

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

The adventurous spirit and bravery of a young, native girl

for a while, deep in thought, sharp instincts guiding her along a different trail. It was a rough and rugged terrain and the cluster of tall trees allowed little light. The further she walked, the denser and darker the jungle got and the sinister sounds of strange creatures came from far within. She was beginning to feel afraid and even Scarlet was making some nervous sounds. She came around a bend and drew to a sudden halt. In her path the thicket of huge trees stood like a wall, giant creepers hung like tentacles, an ominous warning for those who dared to pass through. Ann Marie didn’t know what to do, sensing the dangers that lurked within, when she heard a low growl behind her. She was rooted to the spot, knowing any false move would cause an attack. She turned around very slowly and almost ► Continued on page III

The Lost Plane

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

► From page II

gasped- a huge, black wild boar was staring at her with its beastly eyes. “Oh no, this is not good,” she said to herself. She inclined her head slightly, a sign for Scarlet to distract the beast, and she ran, slipping through the creepers, knowing the boar couldn’t get her there. She stood there, for a while, the eerie silence clawing at her mind, when she heard the crying. It was coming from a distance, the soft pitiful crying of a child. She followed the sound cautiously, guided by Scarlet, as he moved ahead of her, until she came upon a little clearing and saw the boy sitting, alone. The missing plane, broken in two, was lying on its side, not far off. “Hi, there,” she called. The boy stopped crying and turned around, startled, his clothes were

III

torn and bloody. “Yo – you ha – have come to save us,” his voice trembling, overcome with relief. “wh – why did they take so long to find us?” “No one else knows where you are, they have been searching all the time,” she said calmly. “But how did you?” “The jungle is my home, I know places no one else knows.” He showed her his mother, father and uncle, lying in the wreckage, barely clinging on to life. “I’ve been taking care of them, the best I can, but their injuries are too bad. How can help get to us?” “I have to go back for help.” The boy grabbed her arm, fear in his blue eyes. “Suppose, you don’t find your way back?” “I will,” she smiled at him reassuringly. As she turned to leave, he said with tears in his voice, “Please, come back for us, or we’ll all die.” Scarlet had marked their way by breaking small limbs on the trees and in her haste it didn’t take Ann Marie too long to reach the village. Her father was angry, anger that changed to astonishment when she told him she had found the missing plane. It was already dusk and no one could go in until morning. It was the longest night of Ann Marie’s life and she wondered what the boy must be thinking. At the first light of dawn, she led the rescue party to the plane and the survivors were brought out, still alive. The boy hugged her tightly, not ashamed to cry and he told her just before he left to return home, “I will never forget you, you have saved our lives and you’ll always be a special person in my heart. I will come back one day to see you.” He gave her his silver chain as a thank you token. She became a national heroine for her brave deed and life went on, but she never forgot the white boy, lost in the jungle. He had said, he would come back one day……

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

The Role of the National Library, then and now

(Part 1)

n September 9, the National Library celebrated another milestone in service to the nation through literacy. This noble institution opened its door to the public on September 9, 1909. The 106th anniversary of the library coincides with Education Month and International Literacy Day. Education Month was celebrated by the Ministry of Education and its partners with activities like a Reading Tent on the Main Street Avenue, country wide book fairs, ‘Give a Book Day’, and ‘Drop everything and Read’ at 11 hours, among others. The bottom line is to encourage more reading by placing books within easy reach, breaking down barriers to comprehension skills, and acquiring the tools for expression skills. The National Library has impacted positively on thousands of lives; here are some samples of ‘What the library has meant to me’ taken from The National Library Centenary Magazine. 1 can recall the beginning of the Public Free Library in 1909. The announcement that the Government had accepted the offer of funds by the Andrew Carnegie Corporation to provide a Library for readers, who would not be asked to pay a subscription of any kind, seemed to be the sort of fairy tale which we had never had before. The first Librarian, Miss Emily Murray, was a strict disciplinarian, and insisted on decorous behaviour in and around the library, and a strict adherence to the rules of the Library. (Sara Veecock) I was remarkably lucky to be accepted as a borrower in March 1917, six months under the age limit. This was due to the kindness of Miss Moore, one of the Library assistants who knew me well and the strong advocacy of one of my guarantors, the Late Rev. John Dingwall. So it was that my career began, through the medium of books learning to live, think and analyse. Ironically enough, one of my first subjects for analysis and criticism was the very same Library through which I was destined to benefit so greatly. Why? I pondered, why erect an iron grill which not only encaged the beauty of the written word but also ruthlessly shut those of us who were filled with urgent desire to enter these wondrous gardens of the Hesperides. (E. R. Burrowes, M.B.E.) The Reference Department was open at night until 8 o’clock. Miss Moore and I worked in shifts during the day, and every other night in the Reference Library. ► Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

The Role of the National Library ...

► From page IV

We were not supposed to speak, but naturally if we could help a borrower we did. I don’t know what Miss Murray would have said had she caught us. Though everything was so very strict, and our Librarian such a martinet, I loved my work among the books and the eleven years I spent there were very happy ones. (Mrs. Annie Jackson) One day I went to the Library and borrowed “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman. … I went to the mound at the top of Camp Street on the sea wall and sat in the crotch of a tree and I read Walt Whitman. I read him in great sweeps, devouring the poems, turning the pages continuously, almost relentless, following the long lines of the poems, fascinated by the powerful, plain imagery, being acted upon the vigour of the poet’s mind and the daring scope of his imagination, subjecting myself to what I realize now was the democratic nature of his verse. This was a man talking and I felt that the book was one poem of himself and his vision of America and the world. I finished the book that same day after reading for two or three hours, with the sun shifting across the tall, enormous Guiana sky, and the wind blowing eternally from the North East over the Atlantic. When I finished and closed the book, I was dazed with the surfeit of images I had assimilated. But I knew that this was an experience,

part of my education into the wonder of another man’s mind and his vision of the universe. (A. J. Seymour.) Libraries are palaces for the poor, rich markets for the hungry, oases for the thirsty, parliaments for the unfree, playing fields for the mind, temples for the persecuted. Libraries are symbols for much that is best in mankind as it slowly reaches upwards to civilisation and wisdom. They stand for quiet study, knowledge, honest entertainment, scholarly research, private improvement, freedom of thought, independent opinion. No educational system — however well equipped with school buildings and laboratories; however well staffed — can be complete without its network of libraries open to the general body of citizens throughout the land. Especially for the children of the poor — living perhaps in cramped, ill-lit, noise-torn quarters — the public library is an essential haven of peace and learning to supplement the schools which these children attend. The well-libraried land is a literate and learned land. A nation, particularly a new nation, does well to build, promote and nurture its free and public libraries. (Ian McDonald) Whenever I happen to pass by the Central Library on Main Street, on a Saturday morning, as the younger children are leaving after having made use of the Juvenile Section, I feel very happy. The look on their

faces — a mixture of wonder and pleasurable anticipation — indicates their satisfaction at having enjoyed the Story Hour perhaps, or at having procured an interesting book. This is a most encouraging feature in the library service — the children are looking for books from which they can learn something which may be of use to them in their schoolwork, or in showing them how to help themselves in their ordinary lives. They are not just looking for a book that is amusing or diverting, although they can find these if they want. And this picture is repeated at almost every service point of the library, from New Amsterdam to the Rupununi. (Lucille Campbell) (To be continued) Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: * The Guyana Annual Magazine 2014-2015 issue in now available at Guyenterprise Ltd., Lance Gibbs and Irving Streets, Tel # 226-9874, the National Library, Austin’s Book Service and from yours truly.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

VII

Understanding …from a Teen’s Point of View By Vishani Ragobeer

* Suicide

Hey there. How was your past week? Mine was busy with all the activities going on for sports. Well, some of you may have read my articles before; some of you may not have done so. Whether you have or have not, I am asking you to feel free to join me right here in the Pepperpot section of this newspaper every Sunday because I write little articles about various social

topics and issues in our Guyanese society with the hope that I would be able to spread a little awareness, a few ideas, or even a little entertainment. This week, my friends, I will be writing about Suicide. Suicide is defined as the act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally. In Guyana, our high suicide rates are no secret. This past

week, we as a Guyanese society, saw the Suicide Prevention Week campaign unfold. This campaign endeavoured to make more people aware of this problem in our society and to show those out there having these thoughts that they are people out there who care and will be there for you to help you overcome your struggles. The Red Ribbon – Guyana started a social media campaign primar-

ily among us youths which encouraged us to post either a video or simply something online detailing what you love about life and encouraging those in need to talk to you. I read the posts made by many youths and it ► Continued on page IX

Vishani Ragobeer

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Suicide ► From page VII was heart-warming to my peers sharing their thoughts and stories and their genuinely reaching out to those in need. I was really inspired by this campaign. I would also like to do my part for this Red Ribbon campaign. I love the life given to me and I love all the people in my life. For me, suicide is wrong-- I don’t believe in giving up and accepting defeat, I believe I am strong and that the strongest soldiers are given the toughest battles. To feel the need to commit suicide must mean that you are in a dark place-- but as the saying goes, ‘At the end of the tunnel, there is light’ and

I believe that people in these ‘tunnels’ just need someone to be by their side and help them to find their light. We all need someone to lean on. If you ever need someone to talk, I am here- I may be busy at times but I am here. Instead of committing this act, reach out to someone, there are people out there who love you although it may not feel like that. So that’s all for this week. Hope you enjoyed it and feel free to visit the Red Ribbon’s page on Facebook, @The Red Ribbon- Guyana. * Quote for the week (by: Nicki Manaj) “Suicide is you giving up and I don’t promote giving up. I promote fighting and winning”. Well, that’s all for this week, see you again right here at your favourite and best newspapers!

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Richter and Hilda

The next door twins who have not seen each other in years Richter Edwards and sister, Hilda, were born 95 years ago at Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice. They still live there today; in fact, they live next door to each other. But as Leroy Smith found out, they have not seen each other in years.

Richter raises his index finger as he makes a point about how his mother worked hard to take care of the family. On February 25, 1921, the hardworking woman Rosaline McAlmont gave birth to twins Richter and Hilda on the planation now known as Hopetown. The freed African slaves had bought the plantation some eight decades earlier, and it was developing into a well-organized community. Before the twins, Rosaline had two other children, and she later bore two others. What seemed like one of the happy families looking to build Hopetown was shattered when the father, Emanuel, just walked away one day and never returned. Whether it was fate that blew her a cruel blow or not, Ro-

Reporter Leroy Smith shares a light moment with Hilda Edwards. Her 62-year-old daughter, Pauline McPherson, is in the background. saline had no time to consider; she had to own up to the reality that she had six mouths to feed. Richter, who was born a few moments before his sister, recalls that as children, they grew up on the northern section of the village next to what he described as the old Chapel Church and their family name was derived from “the old mission church.” On a visit to Hopetown this week, we found him in his yard, sitting outside on a bench which also can be converted into a lazy-boy chair. His old transistor radio

Richter Edwards lives in the house at left, and his sister lives next door

was on, but he didn’t mind us interrupting him listening to the news. His feet were a bit swollen and he wore glasses to aid his vision. Next to him was also his walking stick. The rigours of old age have taken a toll on him, but not so much that he would forget how his mother toiled to bring the family up, and to send the children to school. He spoke of her doing whatever job she could find to feed the family, be it in the rice fields, the sugar plantation and at times, even more hard work. “She bruck brick; all around my mother wuk fu keep we going” he said, talking to us in Guyanese Creole. He was referring to the job of crushing bricks which would later be used on road projects and the like. The schooling Richter received allowed him to develop his love for Mathematics, and even today, with poor eyesight, he could quickly come up with figures and do calculations without the use of a paper and pen. Both Richter and Hilda spent most of their lives in the same village, except for when they sought employment outside of the village in order to make ends meet in the family. Richter contributed much towards helping the family, until he left to have a family of his own. And he did. He got married and went on to have four children with his wife. Richter worked as carpenter and with that skill he helped construct several of the existing structures within Hopetown and nearby villages. At times, however, he worked outside of the village, such as Linden and Kwakwani. He reflects with fondness on his younger years, and would speak of no “bad memories.” As a youngster, Richter considers that he was ambitious. He lives in his own house, which he built on land purchased in 1942 for $15. He started off with what he calls an 18x12 shack until he earned enough to build his present home. Today, despite health challenges, Richter can still do many things on his own, including cooking his favorite ► Continued on page XIX

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Unconventional beauties confront serious issues

S part of the Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, young Amerindian women from across the country’s ten regions are participating in a heritage pageant, to showcase the Amerindian way of life in their respective regions. But as Shivanie Sugrim found out, they are also taking on serious issues.

rom Region One (Barima Waini), is 18-year-old, Marcelina Welcome. She is one of the 800 residents of Mabaruma, one of the areas identified to be developed into a town. She wants to see greater Indigenous people’s participation in national decision making to fight suicide. Specifically, Marcelina would like to see awareness seminars in each Amerindian village across Guyana. “The Indigenous people are not known to be suicidal,” she says, and believes that they can teach others about how to cope with life’s challenges. Marcelina would like to become a broadcast journalist.

hryssanti Brown, who is an acting teacher at the Santa Primary School in the tiny village of Santa Mission, is representing Region Three. This 20-yearold is advocating for the rights of children in her community. “Children in Santa Mission are too quiet and are not allowed to speak mainly because their parents and guardians do not allow them to speak out.” She believes that if children are allowed to voice their concerns, effective programmes could be put in place to address their needs.

reeka Ramnarine, 17, is representing R e g i o n Tw o . She lives in the Mainstay/Wayaka village and hopes one day to become a teacher there. She strongly believes in the education of young Amerindians. “The majority of the youths dwelling in indigenous villages do not finish school mainly because of financial issues.” Areeka hopes her advocacy will lead to government intervention that will reduce the number of school dropouts in Amerindian communities.

rom St. Cuthbert Mission comes Athina Andrews, 20, the contestant for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). She is worried about the effects of school dropouts in Ameridnian communities. “The dropout rate in the Indigenous communities is terrible because of the financial situation when it comes to parents sending their children to schools, especially on the coast,” she says. She would like to see seminars on the importance of education so as to enlighten parents of the need to keep their children in school and at the same time, solutions need to be found to address financial difficulties. Athina enjoys volleyball competitions. She hopes to one day become a nurse.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

eventeen- year-old Marisa Clinton is this year ’s delegate from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). She hails from the village of Moraikobai and hopes one day to become the leader of her village. No surprise, she is using the pageant to speak about the need for good governance in Indigenous communities. “I would like for one day, to become the Toshao of my village and I will ensure…that every decision made is transparent and accountable,” said the 17-year-old delegate.

wenty-two-year-old Candacy Williams is the delegate representing Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). From Batavia in the lower Cuyuni River, three miles from Bartica, she is ware of the impact of mining on indigenous communities and so she would like to see changes. “Region 7 is known for its precious gold mining and in today’s society we have pollution of water. So if I win, I will host workshops with miners and teach them how important gold mining is for our country (but that they need to carry out their activities in a way that does not hinder our way of life), the aspiring teacher says.

wenty-one- year-old Sherica Ambrose is Region’s Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Esequibo) delegate this year and holds a Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Guyana. Her platform is on cultural preservation of Indigenous craft in the Rupununi. “There are talented persons who are involved in making cotton, leather and balata products in the Rupununi,” she says, but she belives they can improve.

XIII

rom the Orealla village in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is another 17-year-old , Sarah Daw. Her platform surrounds the protection of agriculture in the Hinterland communities. “Agriculture in these Hinterland communities is not that bad, but what I would like to see is large-scale agriculture. So if I win, I would pen a proposal to the relevant agencies, seeking help for those farmers that are in dire need of machinery, seedlings and pesticides, among other necessities that are required to develop large scale farming.” But Sarah is not thinking of getting into agriculture herself; she hopes to become a doctor.

rom the Paramakatoi village in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) is the youngest contestant for this year ’s Indigenous pageant, 16-year-old Surujani Williams. Her advocacy during the pageant is on preserving the customs and traditions of the Patamona people. “In most villages in my region, persons cannot speak their native language and are not aware of their culture. So with this platform, if the victory is mine, I will endeavour to revive the customs and traditions of the Region.” Surujani aspires to become a doctor.

niversity of Guyana student Gracelin Campbell is the delegate from Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice. She is pursing studies in English Literature and Communications. She resides in the Hururu Village that has a population of 500 people and where teenage pregnancy is relatively high. Hence, her speaking platform is the prevention of teenage pregnancy among Indigenous groups. “Teenage pregnancy is an ongoing epidemic and I chose it because teenage pregnancy is relatively high not only in Region 10, but in almost every region. Like everyone, I will be hosting workshops for teenagers, beginning with my region, on the ills of teenage pregnancy.”

XIV

RUPUNUNI MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

opens Friday

… Music, Dance, Art and Craft will fashion an experience of a lifetime

he village of Anna in the Rupununi is gearing up to host, for the second time, the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, and with the programme being finalised, it is truly shaping up to be an “experience of a lifetime.” “Without a doubt, 2015 will be an excellent event,” says director Dr Bob Ramdhanie. “Developing an innovative programme like this in the grasslands in Annai will always present challenges and we still face some of those, “However, we have made positive strides since last year and there are many new and exciting additions to the weekend”. The Festival opens this Friday and ends on Sunday. Regio Jazz

One of the festival’s patrons, George Simon, the internationally renowned visual artist and archaeologist, will be participating in this year’s event. The Festival will feature a wide range of musical and dance performances; a variety of arts and craft, participatory workshops in visual arts, plus a series of ‘information sharing sessions’ with the European Union (EU) in Guyana, Conservation International (CI), Republic Bank and the President Youth Award Republic of Guyana. Some of the local performers are Gavin Mendoca (rock music with a twist), Ras Camo (on steelpan), Chuckie (traditional drums), Trevor Rogers (from ► Continued on page XV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015 Wilkinson Oliviera

Isaias Miliano

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

RUPUNUNI MUSIC ... ► From

page XIV the Georgetown Jazz quintet), Tracy Douglas (dance) and the Surama Cultural Group. Representing the US will be JJ Kent of the Native American Oglala Lakota nation. Brazil is sending the Regio Jazz (quintet) and Capoeira Angola Palmares (a Capoeira, mixed group), along with Isaias Miliano (creative artist) and samba dance instructor Wilkinson Oliveira. Though the festival

runs from Friday-Sunday, the camping area will be open from Thursday until Monday. There will be over 30 hours of music and activities around the gardens at Rock View Lodge. On Friday, Festival begins after sunset with traditional Amerindian music and dance to welcome everyone to the peaceful grasslands of the Rupununi. The evening will continue with a musical journey flowing from traditional Amerindian into a mixture of Brazilian and other Caribbean

flavours. On Saturday, there will be opportunities to leave the festival village with tour guides who will help you explore the beauty of some of the surrounding areas and there might be possibilities to enjoy the area’s beauty from the air. In the afternoon, there will be a range of interactive workshops on art & craft, basket weaving, cotton spinning, dance (African, Samba, and Capoeira) among others. On Sunday, the lazy,

laid back feeling continues but if you wish to be inspired by an early morning musical treat on Inspiration Rock also there will be more musical performances from the afternoon into the night. THE VENUE - ROCK VIEW LODGE

Nestled between the Amerindian villages of

Annai and Rupertee, where the Pakaraima foothills meet the tropical rainforest, Rock View Lodge offers comfortable lodging, outdoor and cultural activities, authentic Amerindian hospitality, and access to everything else that central Guyana has to offer. Rock View Lodge has been welcoming visitors to the savannahs and rainforests of Guy-

ana’s Rupununi since 1992. The Lodge works with the local Amerindian community to build economic opportunities, provide professional development, preserve traditions, and improve a sustainable tourism infrastructure in Guyana’s pristine interior. The Amerindians of the Rupununi are mostly of the Macushi people.

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Christ Is The Answer

For radio listeners in Guyana this is a magical programme, one that is aired every day of the week, and this has been on the log , non-stop, for the past 54 years. The name has become synonymous with new hope and host Reverend Dr John Smith has become a household word, particularly among housewives who are mostly at home when the programme is aired.

Two Sundays ago there was a service to mark this milestone at the Central Assembly of God Church on Church and East Streets, the church that used to be described by Christ Is The Answer speaker Pastor Errol Bhola as “ the Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart”. The service teemed with reminiscences covering the more than five decades of programmes, telling of letters

from listeners whose lives had been transformed , and there was a pastor’s wife who recalled her mother listening to the programmes on what was the popular box radio in those day, and this led to her whole family being converted, then a sister gave a plot of land for a church and so the Wash Clothes Assembly in Mahaicony on the East Coast of Demerara came into being. The broadcast has had four speakers since it began

in 1961. They were two missionaries, Rev. Paul Palser (1961 to 1965), Rev. David Gunther (1965-1969), followed by Rev. Dr Errol Bhola, the first national voice and the current speaker, Rev. John Smith. Pastor Smith says that whenever he travels around Guyana and he opens his mouth, people would

say,”Somebody talk to me”, a tag line he uses as he preaches on the programme. It was back in 1961 that missionaries Paul Palser and David Gunther came to then British Guiana for a crusade at the then British Guiana Cricket Club ground. The crusade was conducted in conjunction with a fifteen minute broadcast on the then

Guiana Broadcasting Service. The broadcast continued after the crusade ended. The original intention was for the broadcast to continue as a ministry of the Assemblies of God in Guyana, but this did not materialize, and the mantle was assumed by the ► Continued

on page XVII

A younger Pastor Smith recording a programme in the Christ Is the Answer studio

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XVII

Christ Is The Answer

► From page

XVI

Past speaker Rev. Dr Errol Bhola (left) and current speaker Rev. Dr John Smith

Central Assembly of God. And then another feature was added. The broadcast had a special 2.00 p.m. service on Sundays, first at the Astor Cinema on Wellington Street and then at the Plaza Cinema on Camp Street. These services attracted a wide cross section of listeners because, among other things, the venue was neutral. The services ended when the Central auditorium was built at Church and East Streets. However, the deliverance ministry, or the Christ Is the Answer Miracle Service, continues each Friday at ten o’clock in the morning. The Christ Is the Answer Messenger, a special booklet produced to mark the programme’s anniversary, testifies that, “The Christ Is the Answer radio broadcast has evolved over the years as a ‘beacon’ of inspiration to all classes of people in the nation. The theme can be heard in vehicles, offices and homes. Testimonies continue to flow about the effect of the programme which is heard all over Guyana and even in neighbouring territories. One trawler captain working out of French Guiana testifies that he would hear the programme even at sea.To God be all the glory”.

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XIX

Richter and Hilda â&#x2013;ş From page page XI dish, mixed cook-up rice. Because of his poor vision and poor mobility, Richter does not venture out of the yard, which explains why he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen his twin sister in years. The two have never really separated since their birth except when he was away from the community working. The last time the two saw each other was in February 2010 when their children and grandchildren held a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate their 90th birthday. At that Thanksgiving Service the two hugged, kissed and chatted for a very lengthy period. Their birthdays are still marked by Thanksgiving services, but are held separately, though simultaneously. Guests would visit each of twins individually. Like Richter, Hilda is limited

in her mobility, and so getting across to each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house has proven to be a challenge. Hilda spends most of her day in her bedroom, where she willingly accommodated us. Her voice is not as strong as that of her brother nor is she as alert. We were told by relatives that she also favors cook-up rice as her favorite dish, like her twin brother, and she would ask for him very regularly. We were told that there is not a day that passes without Hilda asking about her brother and how he was doing. Her daughter, Pauline McPherson, said Hilda insists on taking care of herself, at least for some things, but they prefer not to leave her up to it. Hilda suffers from cataract and glaucoma and so even if she is positioned in such a way to see the house next door, they

will not be able to see each other. Hilda has six children like her mother and she also worked in the cane and rice field to look after her children. In addition she has cared for several children from the community who are all now grown up and would sometimes keep in touch with the family. In addition, her daughter told us that when Hilda was young, she helped take care of several elderly persons in the village. In her school days, Hilda was said to be a top athlete, ranking first or second in races she took part in. Just like Richter, Hilda is cared for by her grandchildren and children. Richter and Hilda are thought to be the oldest twins alive in Guyana, and they are among the oldest persons in Hopetown.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Meet Raleeta Tomika Persaud…

Raleeta Tomika Persaud

Her ideas of what it takes to be a great mom

By Telesha Ramnarine HE tasks can only be completed once she rises at 5 am; everything gets thrown off course should she leave the bed later. Despite this may be the start to her typical day, she can never truly get accustomed to leaving her bed that early in the mornings. But Raleeta Tomika Persaud, a young mother of two little children, realizes that this type of hard work is necessary for her to properly care for the needs of the family. And so she refuses to complain! Describing her usual day, Raleeta said, “Waking up at 5, making breakfast, preparing the kids’ snacks for school, bathing and dressing them, taking them to school, going to work, then home to make dinner and do the chores, getting them ready for bed. And then it starts all over again the next day.” To compound matters, the kids, Raveesh, 4, and Khishana, 3, are at that stage where they are in need of constant attention. “My kids are very hyperactive, always bursting with energy, and thus you always have to be behind them. My daughter never stays one place for too long; she could be next to you and it only takes a second to take your eyes off of her and she's on the counter in the cereal box or in the sugar container. It’s definitely a struggle at times,” Raleeta said. Thus, her advice to anyone thinking of becoming a parent is, “You need to be emotionally and mentally stable and set aside personal comforts and likes, realising that they are your priority.” To help the situation, though, she believes in asking for help and accepting offers to help. “Being a mother is not easy; it takes a lot out of you, but it is worth every pain and tear. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your friends and family will often offer to help. Take them up on it, but don’t abuse it.” Furthermore, explaining what more works for her, she said: “Try to keep a social life. Love him or her always for who they are and not who you want them to be. Be there for them, but also allow them to spread their wings at times too! Kids need their space sometimes, and so do parents! And if you are having a really bad day, try tickling your child, it will make them laugh and that will make you laugh too and feel better. “Working, keeping my house in order, and raising two kids require a lot of organization, some planning and a few deep breaths.” Raleeta and her husband, Rajiv, along with a selected few, are currently taking turns to look at the kids once they are home from school. This is because they are very wary of all the issues surrounding child care. “I only trust immediate family members and close friends; no one else. My kids are my greatest accomplishment in life. I wouldn't trade them for anything. There are days when they drive me insane, many days, as a matter of fact. But they're mine and I love them. They're everything to me.” ARE WE REALLY RELATED? Raleeta, 27, was born to Rupraj and Christine Bridjmohan at Albouystown, in Georgetown, and is the eldest of five siblings. She attended Selman Fraser Nursery, Ketley Primary and Charlestown Secondary Schools Her first boyfriend after finishing school, was Rajiv, ► Continued on page XXI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

With siblings and cousins

Meet Raleeta Tomika Persaud… ► From page XX and the two were greatly fond of each other. But wait! The two families were very close and there was even talk that they would be related by blood in some way. “We liked each other from small, but always thought we were related in some way so we never acted on it or told each other. It wasn’t until I finished high school that we started talking and did a lot of investigations to see if we were in any way related.” The two must have thanked God when they realized they were unrelated. “We started dating in 2005, got engaged in 2009 and later married in 2011.” After leaving school, Raleeta worked for five years at her uncle’s place, Starr Computers on Brickdam. But when she got engaged, she decided to resign and take up work with her husband at Scott’s Jewellery on Charlotte Street and Orange Walk. Today, she is still employed at Scott’s Jewellery, helping her husband to run the business. Despite being so busy, Raleeta insists on spending some alone time and also setting aside time to spend with her husband. “Make time together a priority and budget for a consistent date night.” Raleeta said the most important things to her in a marriage are love, commitment, faithfulness, patience, forgiveness, time, honesty, trust and communication. “Married life has been great! I won't call it perfect; I don’t believe in perfection. Like any marriage, we've hit a lot of rough spots, ups and downs. No two people agree on everything, and that's okay, but it's important to be okay with each other's differences. In any marriage, you choose to love each other even in those moments when you struggle to like each other. Love is a commitment, not a feeling. In every argument, remember that there won’t be a winner and a loser. You are partners in everything so you’ll either win together or lose together; work together to find a solution. Remember that a strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It’s usually a husband and wife taking turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak.” Raleeta loves the quote, “Let go of what has been, accept what is now, and look forward to what is coming.”

Raleeta works hard each day to care for Raveesh and Khishana

With family members and close friends

XXI

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXIII

XXIV

Rekha Wong

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015 Rekha Wong

An animal lover that does something about her passion

By Michel Outridge

VER since she was a young girl, she always knew one thing for sure: That is, she loved animals. And today, she still does. R e k h a Wo n g , b e t t e r known as ‘Neeta’, spends her time caring for animals, especially stray dogs and cats in and around her neighbourhood and its environs in the West Coast Demerara corridor. Wong told this publication that she enjoys spending time with animals and has eight dogs and three cats of her own, two of which she

recently rescued and took to her home. She had only one cat for six years; then she added two, one of which is crosseyed, and was found on the street. Wong said, “Taking care of the animals, feeding them and nursing them back to good health and even talking with them really makes me feel good as a person; I hate to see animals suffer and I would like to see more animal shelters across the country.” She noted that it is heart-breaking to observe the way some people treat animals and if she is out and encounters a stray

Rekha Wong and three of her eight dogs (Photos by Michel Outridge)

dog, she would try her best to get something for it to eat. At home, Wong would prepare extra food and and put it outside her gate for the strays in her village. She is very passionate about what she does and in her refrigerator there is more meat for dogs than food for herself ,and even though some people think she is a bit out of the ordinary, she says nothing is wrong with being different. The mother of one, a teenage daughter, Wong told this publication that she cannot sleep at nights knowing animals out there are suffering and being ill-treated and if she meets a dog that is injured and dying, she would call the Vet to have that dog put down. Wong stated that she was married at 19, and having endured her own share of troubles, she found solace in animals and she has been trying to do her bit, something she has been doing for more than 20 years. She admitted that Sayeeda Manbodh, an animal activist, has inspired her and is a role model who would go all out for animals. For Wong, her life is all about the love of animals, and she spends her time and money on them no matter what. Every day she prays that more people will care for animals, and do something about it.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS.

XXV

To use or not to use silver fillings

By Dr. Bertrand R. Stuart , DDS.

here are many good reasons to avoid fillings and to prevent gum disease at all cost. Over the past twenty years, a number of dentists have been so concerned about silver filling materials that they have removed them for the sake of their patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Silver fillings are a mixture (an amalgamation) of metals that include almost 50 percent mercury. Mercury is a liquid metal used to bind the other dry

metals together, just like an egg or oil is used in a cake mix. Like steam, however, mercury can vaporize and is toxic to humans when it is inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Today dentists no longer handle mercury or mix silver fillings directly. The ingredients are in capsules that are mixed automatically without contact with the skin. In many countries, organizations are trying to â&#x2013;ş Continued on page XXVI

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

To use or not to use ... ► Continued on page XXV limit the use of mercury in health care and other industries. The argument in favor of silver fillings is that they have a long history in dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) claims that “the best and latest available scientific

evidence indicates it [amalgam] is safe.” Records indicate that about 70,000 kilograms of mercury are used in more than 100 million dental fillings each year. Most dentists say they prefer amalgam over white fillings materials for molar teeth. I have been person-

ally utilizing amalgam for more than a quarter of a century and cannot convince myself of any significant disadvantage in its use. Despite this endorsement, many people distrust silver fillings. In Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Austria it is illegal to use silver fillings; a dentists can go to jail for using them. It

is now illegal in California to put silver fillings in the mouth of a pregnant woman because mercury can transport across the placenta and also enter mother’s milk. In every dental office, old fillings or extra filling material must be placed in a special container and disposed of as toxic hazardous waste. If fillings break down in the mouth, it is easy for patients to eat or swallow pieces of them by mistake. Crumbling and failed fillings appear in acidic mouths, and some people have silver fillings replaced frequently throughout their lifetime, exposing themselves to mercury poisoning at each

repair. If you have a healthy mouth, silver fillings can remain stable. Personally, I consider it safer to leave them in place rather than rushing to change them to another material. I would encourage everyone to protect and strengthen their enamel, because at this time there do not seem to be any perfect alternatives. Even white filling materials have safety questions, and few studies have been concluded to evaluate them. In addition, plaque bacteria appear to stick more readily to white fillings than to silver or gold ones. Gold or porcelain may be the best choice for molar teeth, but

be aware that if gold and silver fillings are both present in an acidic mouth, they can mimic the chemistry of a battery and even create an electrical current. In any event, if such materials are being used as filling materials here in Guyana that would certainly be a rare and unusual procedure. Dental materials are changing all the time, so if you need a filling and have any reservation, discuss the topic with a trusted dentist and learn the advantages and disadvantages of the dental materials he or she suggests. Cost and availability are the two most crucial factors in such a decision.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXVII

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Life after the stormâ&#x20AC;Ś

Dominica seeks return to normality (BBC News) HOVERING uncertainly between a mangled mass of uprooted trees and a ferocious precipice, the little blue house is a minor rainstorm away from

plunging down the mountainside into obliteration. From the cornflakes box on the porch and the forlorn dog slumped at the front door, it's clear the owners left

in a hurry. One of dozens of homes abandoned in the village of Petite Savanne - the reluctant centrepiece of Dominica's worst disaster in almost four

decades - it's a startling testimony to the way nature can unleash its fury at a moment's notice. Tropical Storm Erika was notable less for its speed than its stealth, arriving without warning in the early hours of 27 August as islanders slept. Dumping 13 inches (33cm) of rain in 12 hours, it turned mountainsides to mush causing catastrophic landslides, and rivers into rushing overflowing torrents, claiming 34 lives and devouring 271 homes across the island.

GHOSTLY QUIET Today, as the Caribbean island battles to pick up the pieces, two government workers have flown into Petite Savanne by helicopter in an attempt to convince the handful of remaining residents of the danger they face should more rain fall. Here, the colourful sprawling homes, flanked by manicured hedges and expensive cars, are a far cry from the flimsy structures one might expect given the magnitude of the damage. It's immediately apparent that this was a prosperous

place, buttressed by its location at the heart of Dominica's bay oil industry. The absence of most of its 700 residents has left it ghostly quiet - the current population of 18 doubled by the police sleeping in the village church to deter looters. The homes still standing may look sturdy enough but the steep terrain has left them vulnerable to further landslides. Omegar Francis' girlâ&#x2013;ş Continued

on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Dominica seeks ... ► From page

XXVIII

friend fled with the couple's two children as soon as it was safe to do so. So far he's ignored official warnings to follow. "The last few days have been rough," he admits, "but my house is far from the river so I'm not afraid." PUMMELLED BY LOSSES Phillip Darroux, 52, is also determined to stay, despite the fact all main roads in and out of the village have been destroyed, leaving Petite Savanne dependent on daily food drops by emergency helicopters. Asked what he plans to do when the supplies stop, he says: "People don't need a lot of money here. In the old days, we lived on what we grew and drank spring water." Another resident, John-

son Destouche, simply says he has nowhere else to go. Officials still don't know if Petite Savanne will ever be rebuilt. For now, Dominica's focus is on re-housing the 400 islanders sleeping in shelters and paying the $220m (£130m) needed to fix the country's wrecked roads and bridges. Just 12 bodies have been recovered to date - a further 22 people are missing, presumed dead. Four communities are still completely cut off, and Dominica's two biggest industries - agriculture and tourism - have been pummelled by $9m and $10m losses respectively. Another $14m is needed to fix the international airport. Resilient people Nonetheless, Dominicans have shown themselves to be a stoic bunch, with everyone from power plant staff to relief effort co-ordinators toiling round the clock to get the

country functioning again. Debra Charles-Mark, owner of self-catering Ohlala Villas in Delices, estimates it will take three years and $400,000 to return the enterprise she describes as her "pride and joy" to its former glory. "The business was just taking off; we didn't yet have the money for insurance," she says sadly, surveying the ruins of the smashed cottages and swimming pool. "But we are determined to rebuild." Astonishment at the storm's sheer, unexpected savagery is a recurrent theme. Edward Laurent, from Mahaut, described it as the worst he's seen in his 75 years. And Gittens Anglaise, 43, of Colihaut, related tales of leaping from a window and shinnying across the water along electrical ► Continued

on page XXX

It may take years to rebuild the island

XXIX

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Dominica seeks ... â&#x2013;ş From page XXIX wires "like Rambo". His neighbour Molly John had been out celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary when the storm struck. She returned to find her home and adjoining restaurant submerged in water "up to the doorframe" destroying thousands of dollars worth of appliances. "I used to cook seven days a week; now I have no income," she says. "We lost everything, even my children's school uniforms." One of the tourism industry's biggest casualties is the Jungle Bay resort - most of its 35 luxury lodges were pulverised. Spa manager Dafrica Summers credits "divine guidance" with keeping all of the 43 holidaymakers there at the time safe. Tourism Minister Robert Tonge told the BBC it was "heartbreaking" to witness the destruction to one of Dominica's economic lynchpins, but vowed: "It may look like all is lost but we are resilient people; we will build back up." He said he hoped the international airport would reopen in the next two weeks. For many, the emotional trauma may take a little longer. "Will we ever be completely back to normal?" Molly John adds, regarding the muddy waters with a shudder. "I don't think so; people will always be scared of the river now."

Despite the utter devastation, many residents are determined to rebuild their lives

Spotlighting copyright

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Mahadeo Shivraj

By Tajeram Mohabir he absence of modern copyright legislation presents a challenge for anyone seeking to engage in the creative arts in Guyana. However, many artistes have chosen to invest their faith in Guyana, and from all indications, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. During the recent budget debates, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine informed the House that the administration will enact modern intellectual property rights legislation, shaped by the input of all stakeholders, within a year. If this promise is materialised, it would breathe new life into the creative arts industry, effectively bringing to an end the more than a decade-long promise by the former administration to dismantle institutionalised intellectual property piracy. The rhetoric devoid of any serious action has contributed to the slow death of the cinema industry, hurting many who are into commercial creative production. Among them is veteran producer and actor Mahadeo Shivraj, who spoke of his plight during an interview with the

With veteran local actor Margaret Lawrence in Forgotten Promise

XXXI

- Veteran producer Shivraj bemoans absence of modern legislation Guyana Chronicle. “There were over 50 cinemas across the country. If those cinemas were still in place by the time I take my movie all around the country I would have recuperated my cost in making the film and made a profit and make another movie without going to ask people for sponsorship and stuff like that,” he said. With the traditional cinemas no longer in operation, Shivraj in a bid to capture a wide audience without incurring much cost has been resorting to screening his films at school auditoriums in the three counties. But, he said, this kind of screening is associated with the negative perception that the production is of poor quality. As such, it does not attract the attention of certain classes of people, thereby diminishing the pride the film should have been accorded. NIMBLE PIRATES The veteran producer said when he releases his movies on DVD in New York, in a flash, by the next day, it reaches

Guyana. And for this reason, the audience at his organised screening events is significantly reduced. “Why pay $1000 to come see the movie individually when I can pay a $100 and my whole family can see it, plus I can copy it and give my friends and they can do the same and share with their friends?” He said many times persons have approached him saying they are supporting him by buying his movies, but not all of them really actually do, especially those who buy from the cart vendors. “They think they are supporting me, but they are not supporting me.” “I have not released “A Jasmine for a Gardener” yet, but it is all over the streets,” he said. What the pirates have done is use the movie poster as a front for another movie Shivraj acted in called “Truth.” Shivraj told the Guyana Chronicle that this problem happened in 2013, and in December of the very year, a ► Continued on page XXXII

A movie still from Forgotten Promise

Spotlighting copyright

XXXII In a scene from Brown Sugar Too Bitter For Me

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

► From page XXX

similar act was committed in another movie he acted in called “Karma.” The movies being sold, he said were not “Karma,” but rather “Brown Sugar too Bitter for Me.” WRONGFULLY ACCUSED But, he said, this is only part of the problem. “I am getting blame for something I am innocent about,” he said, pointing out that he was the once being accused of duping persons with the false posters. All of Shivraj’s movies looked at real life situations. Till I Find a Place examines infidelity; A Jasmine for a Gardener, a Bollywood-type movie, looked at greed and power; Brown Sugar Too Bitter For Me put the spotlight on moral values, harmony, family and sacrifices; 83 million Gs showed the levels of greed and corruption; and Forgotten Love is a story about love. The veteran producer operates a shoe-string budget with the average cost being US$30,000 per movie. He told this publication that he had written to then acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali requesting a tax exemption for bringing into Guyana original DVDs of his movies, but it was not granted. The cost of an original DVD including shipping and mark up price would be in the vicinity of $1200 to $1500. Notwithstanding the challenges he faces as a producer in earning fairly for his labour, Shivraj has not lost faith in Guyana. NEW MOVIE He is currently filming a new movie here (a murder/ mystery) called Protection Game, and is hoping that the government sooner rather than later enacts modern copyright legislation to protect the creative industry. Three-time Soca Road March Champion Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Mosa Telford, who has won several literary awards, most recently the 2013 Guyana Prize for Literature in the Drama Category, and John “Slingshot” Drepaul are among the many creative voices who have called for an end to the lip-service to institutionalise intellectual property piracy. World renowned Guyana-born British musician and creator of the Ringbang genre, Eddy Grant, has chosen to set up his recording company, Ice Records and the Coach House studio in Barbados, rather than his homeland. The current legislation, the 1956 Copyright Act, which Guyana inherited from Great Britain following its Independence in 1966, has never been revised since. Though the current Act does provide protection of literary, musical, dramatic and artistic works, the fines are extremely low, ranging mostly from £5 to £50 (G$1750-G$17,500). Given the time and cost to pursue an infringement in court, some artistes view the exercise as a loss rather than a gain. Today, there is need for the current legislation to be updated, covering a gamut of issues, which inter alia, should include modern patents, Internet laws, private international law, consumer laws and international business law.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXXIII

XXXIV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

WhatsApp bug could affect millions of users

A bug in the popular messaging service WhatsApp put up to 200 million of its users at risk. The flaw allows hackers to distribute malware, including ransomware, which demands victims pay a fee to regain access to their files. WhatsApp was alerted to the problem at the end of last month and immediately issued a patch. Check Point urged users to update their WhatsApp software immediately to take advantage of the fix. The WhatsApp

web app is a mirror version of its mobile app, enabling all messages, images and other content received on a smartphone to be accessed from a web browser. There are currently over 200 million active users of the web app, according to statistics released by the firm this year. This compares to 900 million users of the smartphone app. Last year, Facebook bought WhatsApp for US 19bn in a presumed move to get into China’s market

All a hacker needed to do to send a virtual business card that looked legitimate to their target’s mobile number. Once opened the vCard could distribute malicious code. Once opened it could attempt to download and infect your system with ransomware. Be on the alert you WhatsApp lovers… don’t get caught by the “bug”!

Apple unveils iPhone 6S, 6S Plus The “blast” feature for this year’s iPhone 6S was expected

to be the Force Touch technology used in the Apple Watch, a pressure-sensitive display that responds to various types of touches. Because the new phone doesn’t include major changes from last year’s model, it’s unlikely to reach the same level of record-breaking, runaway success as 2014’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, whose bigger screens helped attract tens of millions of new buyers, helping make the devices Apple’s best-selling iPhones to date. Yet, even if the new 6S devices don’t garner the same consumer attention, they should still help Apple maintain its stranglehold on high-end smartphones, allowing the company to gobble up nearly all the operating profits available in the smartphone industry. Apple’s iPhone has become more vital than ever to the company’s financial results following the introduction of Apple’s bigger screen smartphones a year ago. It has made up more than two-thirds of sales in the past several quarters since Apple released the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus last September. Typically, the iPhone accounts for closer to 50 percent of Apple’s revenue. Will the “S” prove to be “SUPER” or just another smartphone?

John McAfee is running for US President Mr. McAfee, who founded an anti-virus company of the

same name, filed a candidacy statement last Tuesday. The US entrepreneur, 69, attracted international attention when he went on the run in 2012 following the murder of his neighbour in Belize. He has launched a campaign website and will share more details about his candidacy later. “I live in a country that has passed so many laws that, at an average reading speed, would take me 600 years to read, reading 24 hours a day”. Mr McAfee found fame when he launched his anti-malware company in 1987, but he resigned from the company in 1994. Intel, the CPU power house, later bought the company, in which Mr McAfee no longer held shares, for more than $7.6bn. Mr McAfee, who was never declared a suspect in his neighbour’s murder, said he feared he would be “silenced” if he was caught and thrown in jail. He eventually crossed the border into Guatemala, where he ► Continued on page was arrested and then deported to the US. XLIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXXV

XXXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXXVII

XXXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XXXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

XLI

XLII

CXC

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

English

Chronicle Pepperpot September 13, 2015

Apple larger iPad Pro…a desktop in a tablet! The iPad Pro has a 12.9in (32.8cm) display, making its shortest edge the length of its earlier models’ height. The firm suggested the larger screen suited work tasks, video games and both editing and watching movies. Sales of the company’s smaller iPads had been on the decline. Apple sold 19% fewer units over its last three quarters than over the same nine months a year earlier. Tech expert suggested that the iPad Pro could reinvigorate interest. As much as the iPad is experiencing some challenging times it’s vastly more successful than any other tablet on the market and it’s still a multi-billion dollar business. Moreover, what’s happened is there’s been cannibalization from larger screened iPhones. So, a larger-screened iPad should definitely breathe some life into the category.

XLIII

Google Docs Voice Typing lets you XXXIV speak instead of type ► From page

Last week, Google announced it has added free speech-to-text capabilities to Google Docs (Google calls it Voice Typing). This would have been huge news 20 years ago, yet when Google unveiled it, it was only described in a single paragraph in a middle of a larger blog entry. In a world with Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Google Now, a free speech-to-text service that works on multiple computing platforms may not seem like big news anymore. Voice Typing is different, though; it’s kind of a built-in version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking (for those of you who remember and/or still use that program). Voice Typing works in Chrome on the desktop, as well as the Docs apps for Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android. Here’s how it works: To start voice typing on an iOS device, tap the microphone icon to the left of the spacebar near the bottom of the screen. Tap the microphone icon on the right side of the screen above the on-screen keyboard to start Voice Typing on an Android phone or tablet. If you want to voice type on a Mac or Windows PC, you need to use Google Docs in a Chrome web browser. Then, select Tools > Voice Typing. You will see a microphone icon appear with the tool tip “Click to speak” appear in the browser screen near your Docs document. Google Docs Voice Typing currently supports 48 languages, including regional variants of Chinese, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. You do not need to perform any kind of training before using Voice Typing, and it doesn’t appear to need a special microphone. So, what are you waiting for? Get onto the mic!

Venice Film Festival Actress Amber Heard and her husband Johnny Depp attend the red carpet event for the movie "The Danish Girl" at the 72nd Venice Film Festival, northern Italy September 5, 2015. (REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini)

Brian Williams back to TV later this month, as MSNBC anchor (Reuters) Disgraced journalist Brian Williams will return to U.S. television on Sept. 22 as an anchor for breaking news on cable channel MSNBC, the network said on Thursday. Williams, 56, was dropped from his job as news anchor of NBC’s flagship “Nightly News” program in June after an internal investigation established he had exaggerated various events involving his reporting from the field. NBC and MSNBC are units of Comcast Corp. A representative for NBCUniversal said Williams will take up his new job on Sept. 22, the day Pope Francis begins his first visit to the United States, ending a sixmonth suspension. He is not expected to have a dedicated hour on the MSNBC schedule but will work on various afternoon news programs, the Hollywood Reporter cited network exec- NBC News anchor Brian Williams smiles as utives as saying. he receives an honorary doctorate in humane Williams had been the face letters during commencement ceremonies from of NBC until he was suspend- George Washington University on the National ed in February for fabricating Mall in Washington, May 20, 2012. (REUTERS/ a story about being on board a JONATHAN ERNST) helicopter that was shot down in the Iraq war. The internal investigation found other instances of what it called “inaccuracies” but did not give details. In a June interview, Williams blamed his ego for the exaggerations and described his suspension as “torture.”

How Madhuri Dixit got her Bollywood debut? (Indian Express) Actress Madhuri Dixit, who has carved her own niche in the entertainment industry by showcasing her versatility in dance and acting, says she landed her debut Bollywood role with 1984 film “Abodh” by chance. Madhuri spoke about it in an interview with veteran actor Anupam Kher on his chat show “The Anupam Kher Show – Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai”.

Recalling how she got “Abodh”, Madhuri said: “There was a person Govind ji, who used to work for Rajshri Productions and his daughter was in the same class as my elder sister. In school, he knew that I used to dance, act in plays and give speeches. “Then Rajshri had announced that a new film production will begin and they were looking for a young innocent face. That’s when he approached me.” However, Madhuri added that her parents said ‘no’ for the project as they wanted her to pursue her education. “Govind asked my parents to meet Rajshri heads to perhaps change their mind, so we went to their office. We felt we were in a home and not the ‘filmy’ kind… but they were simple and nice people. I still remember that they asked me to read a few lines from a book in Hindi to see if I had a Maharashtrian accent when speaking, but I didn’t. “Then later I had a proper screen test and they asked me to dance as well, which I did. Looking back, I feel like I didn’t have any qualms about performing and was very carefree about the whole process,” she added. After “Abodh”, Madhuri went on to star in films like “Ram Lakhan”, “Dil”, “Beta”, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!”, “Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Devdas” and “Gulaab Gang”.