Pepperpot 24 08 14

Page XI

Page XXI

Page XII

Page XLIV

II

I am your Shanti

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

A story of innocence, love and a broken promise

T

he sun rose from the east, serene and dew glistened like pearls on the green grass as a cool wind blew across the landscape, awakening from its slumber, the sounds of life, a new day born.

“Om namah Shiva, omnamah Shiva,” a soft voice hummed words of devotion as she poured water over the Shiva Lingam.

A prayer, a song always welcomed a new day for within her was the hope and faith that somewhere, somehow a beautiful moment from life would touch her just once and say, “Hey Shanti, I’m here for you.”

“How long more, dear Lord,” she whispered, “Do I have to wait for that day?”

“Momma,” a sweet little voice broke into her thoughts.

It was her son, Arun, standing behind her in his Teletubbies pajamas, his hair tussled from sleep. He hugged her and she lifted him up in her arms so he could offer a little prayer to Lord Shiva.

He was the one precious thing in her life that gave her

She had been four months pregnant when life at her home and the taunting of an evil step father had, became so unbearable that she had to leave and seek refuge at a Help & Shelter home. From there she worked several jobs so she could earn enough to find a place of her own, for her baby’s comfort and convenience. One year after her baby was born, a kindly old woman, from her mandir reached out a helping hand that gave Shanti’s life a form of stability. The comfort of a furnished bottom flat and the old lady’s snackette she bought a year later for a small price was like a blessing in disguise for Shanti.

“One day hopefully, I can own my own little house, something I can leave for my son, for his father’s mansion will not be his.”

Many nights when she laid in bed, her body tired after a hard day’s work, her thoughts would go back to him, his words imprinted on her mind.

“I am yours, Shanti.”

His promise, now just a hollow sound, the love and passion they shared wisped away by the passing wind.

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

hopes to live when the rough, thorny paths she had to walk, the poor girl she was, had left a blood trail and scattered pieces of her broken heart.

“I want to go with you today, momma.” He said, holding her face lovingly.

She smiled and kissed his soft hands, having always said ‘No’ to his request but it touched her heart that as a three year old boy, he could see her efforts and hard work and wanted to help her in his own little way.

“Okay,” she consented, “But only for today.”

“Yay!” he laughed gleefully.

She was a food vendor at a market on the East Coast that earned for her, her daily livelihood, having come a long way from housekeeping, home care and a cook, to owning her own little business. It was something she had worked long, tiring hours to build for herself, knowing no help would ever come from her baby’s father.

“Why did you leave me alone like this to suffer? Did I sin in loving you?”

How many times had she asked herself that question but he was nowhere close to give her answers. Three years of yearning and pain, his name still on her lips, just one part of him with her, his son.

The first day she had seen him was the day when a new journey in life began for her and she was only seventeen.

Her opportunist mother had found for her a maid’s job in a business magnate’s mansion because of the benefits of working for the rich and elite. As a child, since her father’s untimely death, the mother had pushed Shanti into odd housekeeping jobs to supplement their needs, denying her an education.

Now working as a maid was all she knew to do yet she was still nervous when she went for the job interview, the quiet, shy girl she was. The lady of the house, a woman with a strict, unsmiling demeanor, drove a fear in young Shanti’s heart.

“You’re too young,” she had said, “But I can find no one with the perfect qualities right now to be my son’s personal maid. He’s arriving in the country soon so I’m hiring you but I’ll be watching you closely.”

“Yes ma’am.” Shanti answered quietly.

She began working, her innovative thinking in the décor of a room, her skilled hands in maintaining clothes and cre-

ative fresh flower arrangements impressing the mistress of the mansion.

Her son, Raj, arrived two days later but he was on such a busy schedule that it was another three days later when Shanti saw him. She was carrying a basket of freshly cut flowers from the garden when he stopped his car on the driveway and beckoned to her.

“Oh my God, he’s so handsome,” was the first thought that crossed her mind.

“What flower in that basket would make this day blessed?” he asked her.

She handed him a tomato peach hibiscus rose and he smiled a little before driving away.

“He seems like a nice person,” she said in her mind, “I may like working for him.”

She saw him for brief periods in the days and not always he needed her assistance but she had to always be there, his mother informed her, for whenever he needed her.

Sometimes he would call to tell her what clothes she must have ready for certain occasions, be it a business dinner, a cocktail party or a funeral and so far she had done everything right. One afternoon she was in his room putting the final touches to an Armani suit when he walked in unexpectedly.

He looked at the suit in her hand and nodded appreciatively.

“I wouldn’t have thought of wearing that one and this room..” he continued, looking around, “Has changed remarkably. Is this your handiwork?”

She nodded a little nervously and he smiled, “Good job.”

“Thank you, sir.” She said modestly.

The next morning, he stopped for a flower to bless his day and as she handed him a red hibiscus, he asked her, “What’s your name?”

“Shanti.”

“Shanti, a pure Indian girl, I like it.”

And so it began, little things that brought them close and as his personal maid, he took her with him shopping so she could help him select the perfect gifts for birthdays and weddings.

He insisted one day that they took a break for lunch and at the little cozy restaurant, one of his friends passing by their table asked casually, “Your girlfriend?”

He didn’t answer but looked at her and smiled at her uneasiness.

“Does that bother you?”

She wasn’t sure what to say, trying in her mind to find an easy answer and she said, “I’m just your maid.”

He looked at her for a moment and what he said triggered a strange feeling in her heart.

“Somehow I don’t always see you as that.”

As she continued working for him, she tried her best to forget those words and one day his mother said to her, “My son seems to have taken a liking to you but I do hope you remember your place, that you’re a maid and nothing more.”

Shanti knew her place, she knew she was a poor girl

Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

III

By Petamber Persaud

Sankofa PP: There are various approaches to a book.

For this book, ‘Know Thyself A to Z’ by Eric Phillips, I would like to start at the end, and you Eric, would understand why I am doing this. Let’s go all the way to Timbuktu, a place that was misrepresented in various ways for a long, long time.

What attracted me to Timbuktu was what is written in this book about that place. And I’d like to quote from page 50: ‘In its Golden Age, the town’s numerous Islamic scholars and extensive trading network made possible an important book trade’ and further down the page, the historian, Leo Africanus said ‘there is a great demand for books, and more profit is made from the trade in books than in any other line of business’.

What a statement! What a Golden Age for learning and books!

Now let’s talk about your book, ‘Know Thyself A –Z’ - this one is the first in a series of four books. In the foreword, you introduced the book by saying this book is dedicated to ‘self-knowledge and self-healing, seeking truth, seeking understanding…seeking justice’ - quite a lot you are attempting. But let’s go back to Timbuktu and remove the dark scales from our eyes in order that we see the issue from A to Z.

universities existed there, scholars were attracted from all over the world to come to Timbuktu, that centre of learning, and learning then was currency.

And as you just quoted trading in books was more profitable than trading in other valuable commodities like salt and gold.

PP: So now we have dispelled some of the dark clouds hanging over Timbuktu by use of this book which is why such publications are important, bringing elucidation and questioning the text. Years ago, we grew up accepting what was written, what was peddled to us, but new findings are causing us to rethink our position on many things. Just the other day Prof Clem Seecharan declared that he is in a position now to add disclaimers to many things he had written.

He is in the position to rewrite his opinions on many issues because of new findings.

EP: Yes, lots of new things are being unearthed; they were there, existing, but buried. Now due to new Timbuktu

of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots’. Why we need to be grounded?

EP: If we don’t know who we are, if we don’t have knowledge of our past, our culture, we can’t really love ourselves because we are misinformed and if you can’t love yourself you can’t love others and you can’t appreciate other cultures.

PP: I hear you….

EP: So if you understand yourself, if you are so grounded, you will have better self-esteem therefore you could look at other peoples’ culture, other peoples’ achievements and say this is humanity – we are the same.

PP: But something happened and changed all of that – it is called slavery…

EP: When we were growing up, if someone said you were from Timbuktu, it was an insult; it meant that you were from some never-never land

EP: Yes, there was a purposeful attempt to make Africans seem inhuman, that they had no real culture, that they needed to be saved. So during slavery, there was a period of misinformation that was funded by the private sector and the government so as to justify chattel slavery.

Eric Philips

PP: Behind God’s back…

EP: Yes, and a land which was mythical and horrible but in reality Timbuktu which really exists in Mala, West Africa, was a centre of learning for a long period of time and indeed there are over 700,000 manuscripts written in Arabic in all types of subjects – science, math, law, etc. - but we were taught that Timbuktu was a bad thing and a bad place when in reality it was the centre of learning. It was the centre of Islamic learning and when you go through the history of Timbuktu, you would be fascinated. For example, one of the Kings, Mansa Musa, when he went to Egypt, he had 60,000 labourers, each carrying three kilogrammes of gold – the largest shipment of gold.

But the real story was about the culture of learning,

(Extract of an interview with Eric M. Phillips on his book: ‘Know Thyself A – Z,’ March 2014, Georgetown, Guyana. Phillips is a civil rights and cultural activist who has visited over forty African countries. He is preparing to release two collections of poetry.)

technologies and scholars’ quest for knowledge, new things are coming to light and people are rethinking previous beliefs.

PP: And because of this misinformation, Africa was called the Dark Continent. Referring to your foreword again, you wrote, ‘[S]lavery stole Africa’s light and replaced it with darkness.’ And this book will throw some light on that subject. So please open Africa to us…. (to be continued)

PP: Back to your book again where you quoted Marcus Garvey: ‘a people without the knowledge

(Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oral)

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

HUGH DESMOND HOYTE, S.C.NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEECHES VOLUME 1 March 1969 - November 1972 Foreword by Hon. Raphael G.C. Trotman M.P Speaker of the National Assembly

I

t is an honour to present this foreword to the parliamentary speeches of His Excellency, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C. This is especially important to me because in many respects, President Hoyte was my political godfather as it was he who called me into the world of politics in the post 1992 era. These speeches will allow everyone with an interest in politics to understand better who Desmond Hoyte was and the basis upon which his decisions were made.

Hugh Desmond Hoyte began his political and parliamentary career on January 3, 1969, as a Minister of Home Affairs in the 2nd Parliament of the newly independent state of Guyana. His Excellency, President Hoyte had a long and illustrious career in the National Assembly as Ministers of Government and later as Minority Leader and Leader of the Opposition. In a manner of speaking he was more than a technocrat than a politician even into his days as President. That this is so is evident from his speeches, presentations and interventions made in the National Assembly in the twenty-six years that he was a Member of Parliament. These twenty-six years were interrupted only once when he left the hallowed Chamber of the National Assembly to serve the nation in the highest office as its second executive President from 1985 to 1992.

Mr. Hoyte once described to me how he became a Minister and it was due to his association as legal colleague to His Excellency, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C. Burnham had distinguished himself at the bar as a Queen’s Counsel and practised law out of the law firm of Clarke & Martin. Desmond Hoyte later joined the firm as a Barrister, and it is there that his association with, and admiration for, Forbes Burnham was kindled and developed later into a lifelong relationship.

Mr. Hoyte explained that on January 1969 Prime Minister Burnham was leaving the country on an official visit and requested that he join him at the airport for a talk on something important; however not disclosing what that important subject was. Not knowing the nature of the matter to be discussed, he informed me that he believed that it concerned some legal matter that he would be asked to assist with. Without prior notice or consultation, Mr. Burnham ap-

parently there and then informed Mr. Hoyte that he had been appointed the Minister of Home Affairs with immediate effect! The rest as they

DESMOND HOYTE

Speaker Raphael Trotman

say is history. In many regards, this is not unlike the manner in which I was made a Member of Parliament at his insistence in 1997.

Hugh Desmond Hoyte went on to serve in numerous other ministerial and parliamentary capacities including: - Minister of Finance - Minister of Works and Communication - Minister of Economic Development - Vice President- Economic Planning and Finance - Vice President-Administration - Vice President-Production - Prime Minister Mr. Hoyte returned to the National Assembly as Minority Leader in 1992 following the defeat of the People’s National Congress at the October 5, 1992 polls, and later became Leader of the Opposition in 2001 ñ a position he held until his death in December 2002. In his later speeches as Minority/Opposition Leader one can actually glean a stark difference between his presentations as Opposition Leader, as against those made when he was a Minister. In the former instance he seemed more settled and confident and in the latter, more cautious and precise. Some political pundits have argued that he should never have gone back to the National Assembly as Leader of the Opposition having been President of the Republic and that this role diminished the good contributions he had made as President.

However, he was resolute in his opinion that democracy needed to be advanced in Guyana and that regular changes of government were as necessary as they were refreshing. Therefore, his was the view that being in opposition was not necessarily a retrograde step for him to take, but rather, a positive one that contributed immensely to the development of our fledgling democracy.

Readers of these speeches will discover new aspects of Mr. Hoyte’s personality and his convictions, and confirm long held beliefs about his personality. Being a former school master at the prestigious Grenada Boys School, one will be able to easily see the steady, instructing and sometimes regimented way in which presentations were made by him in the Parliament Chamber. This has led many to remark that he was stoic and staid in his personality and presentations. He was a no nonsense man.

One example of this can be found in a 1971 response made as Minister of Finance to concerns about a Financial Paper where in a firm manner he states: Before proceeding, let me say this: Government makes absolutely no apology for coming to the assistance of trade unionists and workers in their endeavours to house themselves. Government is not and has never been a fair weather friend of the trade unions. From the very outset, Government demonstrated its faith and its confidence in trade unionists by becoming involved in the scheme to build these houses and by giving the necessary guarantees without which the financing would not have been available to trade unionists. I hope that nobody is under any illusion that the Government retreated one inch from the position it has always taken up in connection with this project. It is obvious that Hon. Members have failed to understand the nature of the scheme, although it has been debated on at least two occasions in this honourable House.

The publication of the Presidents speeches is a tremendously important contribution not only to the body of literature that exists on our politics, but just as importantly, to the development of our democracy. In many respects, the past is a light on the path for the future and these publications will take us a long way forward as we seek peaceful, cohesive and sound development as a nation.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

WINSTON CHURCHILL

V

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”

“The English never draw a line without blurring it.”

“When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home.”

“Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount.

And the tigers are getting hungry.”

“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last.”

I am your Shanti

from the dust of poverty and a rich boy from an influential, elite family would pay no real interest in her.

But only fate knew how wrong she was.

Her simplicity and innocence were life priceless gems that drew him to her and every time he looked at her and smiled, she felt something strange happening to her heart. It was something she didn’t understand and as the days went by, the feelings grew stronger.

He brought little tokens for her as appreciation for the excellent job she was doing and somehow he seemed to know what she liked though she had never told him – the little Hindu murthis, the bangles and perfumes, pleased her heart and one time when she smiled, saying “Thank you,” he said to her, “That smile is so more worthy than the gift I’ve given you.”

Her heart was speaking to her, telling her something new, poetic words of the most beautiful love stories and even though his mother spoke often of the girl she wanted Raj to marry, it did not wither the budding feeling in Shanti’s heart.

She was in her own world, untouched by the ugliness of dislike and poverty, a wonderful, beautiful world where she alone waiting for him. He went on a business trip for a short while and came back in time for a yagna that was held in celebration of his parents wedding anniversary, an extravagant affair officiated by a priest from India. The household staff worked long endless hours in the week long preparations and it was during the late nights when drivers had to take them home, Shanti noticed one driver paying a little too close interest in her. It made her uneasy, given she was the last one he always chauffeured home.

On the night of the yagna she was dressed in a simple, sky blue sari, she being one of the few selected to serve the special guests. The divine rendition of prayers and songs touched her inner feelings so deeply, it put a glow on her face. Raj had been looking at her and when his eyes met hers the songs seemed to be telling a new story, a love story, born that night.

It was almost one o’clock the next morning when the household staff was excused to go home and the same driver was dispatched to chauffeur Shanti and several others home.

He gave her a look that awakened that feeling of unease within her and as she turned to go, afraid to say anything, Raj called her.

“Wait a little while, I’ll take you home myself.”

On the way, he asked her what was wrong having noticed the uneasy look on her face earlier. She told him about the driver and a displeased look crossed his face.

“When anything or anyone bothers you, you need to talk about it because you’re under our care.”

She nodded and after a while he said, “You look beautiful tonight.”

She smiled, “I have you to thank for that.”

He had gifted her the sari and the bangles she wore, knowing what would look good on her.

“There was something about you tonight,” he said, “some-

thing I had not seen before, something different.”

She did not answer, not sure what he meant and at the turn in the street he stopped the car and turned to look at her.

“What was it that brought a light in your eyes?”

She hesitated to answer, not looking at him and he touched her face gently.

“Look at me, Shanti. What is in your heart that you’re not telling me?”

Her eyes met his but words failed her from telling him about that strong feeling in her heart that had budded into a fragrant rose. She turned and opened the car door, “It’s late, I have to go.”

He stopped her as she was walking away, “You can’t walk home, the street is dark, let me take you there.”

“No, the street is bad, the car can’t come any further.”

“Then I’ll walk you home,” he said and he walked with her along the dirt road until they reached a junction where a deep puddle stretched across the street. She stopped uncertainly and without a word, he lifted her and stepped effortlessly over the puddle. Shanti gasped in surprise but he did not put her down, continuing to walk.

From page II

“You can put me down now.” She said.

“No, the street is still bad.”

He was smiling mischievously at her discomfort and put her down when they had reached her home.

“You’re home safe now.”

That what he did was so unexpected that the feeling in her heart came close to be revealed and she turned to go but he held her hand, stopping her.

“Don’t go yet, just stay here with me for a minute,” he said, standing close to her, “Just one minute.”

For that one minute, as they stood close to each other, their hearts seeming to beat as one, he saw in her eyes, the love she had been trying so hard to hide.

“Shanti,” he whispered her name and as his lips touched hers, her mother’s voice calling her name, broke the magical moment. She turned and ran inside and he stood there for a moment looking at the closed door before leaving.

A figure stepped out from the shadows of the house, an evil glint in his eyes and he laughed quietly.

“Very interesting..seems as though we will hit the jackpot.”

It was Shanti’s stepfather! (TO BE CONTINUED)

VI

First consideration in pain control is eliminating cause of discomfort

T

he only common dental procedure that someone can guarantee having at my clinic without an appointment is an extraction.

This is simply because it is classified as a sudden crisis requiring immediate action. One understands an emergency as an unforeseen situation that requires immediate action. In dentistry as in medicine, pain and infection are often emergencies in every sense of the word.

Since these emergencies may develop from seemingly ordinary circumstances, the control of pain and infection will be discussed from the routine as well as from the emergency standpoint.

Pain of the emergency nature is more likely to occur in the dental practice as a result of infections, trauma, and temporomandibular (jaw) joint or occlusal (biting) disorders. Obviously, the first consideration in pain control is to eliminate the cause of discomfort and institute indicated local and systemic therapeutic measures. Analgesics (pain killers) are then employed to alleviate pain until the direct treatment has eliminated the cause.

Whenever the dentist considers prescribing an analgesic or anti-inflammatory, he recalls certain clinically significant factors about pain itself. One of the most important considerations here is the psychological aspects of pain.

Generally, patients take pain killers that they are accustomed to or are familiar with. In any event this class of drugs do not require a prescription. But a basic regard in selecting a pain killer for any particular case is to match the potency of the analgesic against the severity of the pain. In this respect, one must never lose sight of the fact that the psychological makeup of the patient is an extremely imporatnt factor in the selection of the proper analgesic.

Pain has two components: perception and reaction. Healthy individuals appear to have essentially the same capacity to perceive pain, but their reaction to what they may perceive may vary widely. Discomfort that may require no drug in one patient may require aspirin in another, and even codeine, meperidine, or morphine in others. Therefore for a dentist, having relative knowledge of his patient is of considerable value.

Predisposition towards a greater reaction to pain has been said to be associated with patients with one or more of the following characteristics: (1) emotional instability, (2) fatigue (3) youth (4) female sex and (5) fear and apprehension.

It is well known that many individuals will obtain greater benefit from an analgesic if they expect it to be effective or if they have found it to be effective in the past. The clinician should assert his confidence that a particular agent will give prompt relief. The confidence the patient has in his dentist will then be conveyed to the drug.

Mild to moderate pain of dental origin can usually be controlled by aspirin (200 mg every four hours). A similar dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen should be equally effective. These drugs provide an additional antipyretic (eliminating fever) effect. Acetaminophen is particularly useful in cases of allergy to aspirin and where gastrointestinal bleeding problems contraindicate the use of aspirin.

Strong pain killers include Talwin, Pentacine HCL, Demerol and morphine sulfate. These drugs, however, all have adverse potentialities and side effects. One must therefore always consider whether or not taking a strong pain killer is worth it bearing in mind the side effects. So while no one obviously likes pain, special effort should be taken to avoid it by preventing tooth decay, etc. Sometimes taking a pain killer within 3 hours before visiting your dentist may mask the precise tooth causing the pain and thus complicating quick diagnosis.

For answers to questions about topics in this column you may e-mail me at: bertrand_stuart@yahoo.com

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Runaway Bride Irreconcilable Differences

I

don't know where to start. I'm meant to be getting married in six days. My fiancĂŠ and I have been together three years, and in that time we've only had sex twice. Yes, twice. Despite this, he cheated on me a year ago. He says it was a moment of madness and he gets a mental block when it comes to having sex with me.

He's also the most unaffectionate person I've met in my life. Other than that we get on well. We like most of the same things. We have a beautiful house, good jobs and lots of friends and family.

Yet I am utterly miserable. The wedding is six days away, everything is paid for, everyone is buzzing about. I couldn't care less. I tried to call it off a couple of times, but rather than being understanding, my partner just said, "Make up your mind."

I understand where he is coming from, but all I wanted was his blessing to postpone it, which I obviously don't have. I had my hen party, plastering on a fake smile, pretending everything is fine, but in reality I feel panic and dread.

In a moment of madness I ran away for two days, telling everyone I was at my mother's and it was a planned trip. In reality I was with a male friend. We ended up making love the entire two days. That was the end of it. What happened there stays there.

Now I feel I'm the worst person in the world.

I am disappointed in myself for cheating. At the same time I'm happy someone wanted my body as well as my personality.

The lack of affection has killed me inside. This wedding is the last thing on earth I want, but I'm scared of the reaction from his family, my family and our friends. They think we are blissfully happy.

Audrey Audrey, the third parties involved—the party-goers, the families, the friends—don't matter.

They are not a reason to go through with the wedding.

Yet in a way, they do matter. No one who cares about you would advise anything but, Call off the wedding. There is an ocean of privacy in a relationship, but the issue here isn't privacy. It is concealment. You concealed that there is no healthy amount of affection between the two of you.

If you marry against the advice of everyone who cares about you, you will go against your own direct knowledge and your whole emotional structure. This wedding is so alien to what you crave, you thought only the humiliation of cancelling at the eleventh hour could make you stomach a ceremony. But even your stomach rebels.

You are the only one with a clear head, and the knowledge, to stop this. So now you have to decide how to do it.

Collect the few nearest and dearest to you. The people you trust the most. Tell them the truth. Label it. Own it. End it.

Ask them, what do I need to do to stop the wedding? Decide on an explanation such as, I got cold feet or I changed my mind.

The people closest to you will be upset only if they think you have a normal relationship. Knowing the truth, they will be on your side.

Marriage requires a high element of romantic love. When the affection is overwhelming, people marry. Marriage isn't for two people who have everything but love. You can't say you love a man who shows you no affection. You can't say you love him unless you mean as a brother, as a friend or as you love all mankind.

You need to end this relationship to get healthy. People can't live a lie. They think they can, but they can't. When you do eventually find love and get married, it will be the best day of your life.

Wayne & Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Convicted of murder -freed by on evidence of palm Court of print impression Appeal

I

N 1988 Jennifer Swamy was convicted of murder on the evidence of impression of her palm print at the scene of a crime of murder.

But on appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal dismissed the conviction and sentence after concluding that the jury’s verdict had resulted from a misdirection by the trial judge.

The facts of the case disclosed that the Appellant was convicted of murder in 1988.

The evidence relied upon by the prosecution was the impression of a ‘palm print’ at the scene of the crime.

The expert testimony of a police detective was the only evidence linking the defendant to the crime.

The trial judge told the jury that they should not disregard the expert witness without good reasons. The appellant contended that this was a ‘misdirection.’

The Appellate Court was constituted by Chancellor Kenneth George and Justices of Appeal Mr. Cecil Kennard and Madame Desiree Bernard.

Mr. Kennard who delivered the judgment of the court held that : (i)The jury was free to believe the witnesses’ evidence, including expert witnesses. However, the judge’s direction to the jury that they should not disregard the expert witness without good reasons, was a misdirection that misled them to find the Appellant guilty; (ii) A retrial would be impossible due to time elapsed.

Bearing in mind the time that a retrial would take, it would be oppressive to the appellant.

“Appeal allowed, conviction set aside”, the Court of Appeal had ruled.

The Appellate Court referred to 11 cases in arriving at its judgment.

Mr. Peter Britton, S.C with Mrs. D. Backer appeared for the Appellant.

Mr. Ian Chang, S.C Deputy Director of Prosecution represented for the State Delivering the judgment of the Court, Justice of Appeal Kennard said: “On the 13th May, 1988 at the Demerara Assizes, the Appellant Jennifer Swamy was convicted for the offence of murder.

“The allegation against her was that on the 25th October 1985 she had murdered one Jane Maxius.

“The evidence which was led in the High Court trial reveals that the deceased lived at the home of Joseph Gassonette and his reputed wife June Moore at Lot 18 Charles Street ,Charlestown, Georgetown.

“It would appear that Gassonette was a miner and that he and his reputed wife made frequent visits to the interior district of Potaro. When they were out of Georgetown the deceased would be left in charge of the home.

“Sometime in the month of August 1985, Gassonette and his reputed wife left Charlestown for the interior, leaving the deceased in charge of the home and their

three children. Evidence was also given at the trial that the Appellant was a visitor of that home and that two days prior to the departure of Gasonette for the interior she (the Appellant) had left his home, having spent several days there.

“In the yard in which the deceased lived was one Andrew Persaud, who occupied a nearby building .

On the relevant day, that is to say, on the 25th October 1985, about 10 a.m. Andrew Persaud saw the Appellant on the stairway which led to the upper flat of the building where Gassonette lived. She appeared to be going down the stairs. She made some enquiries of Andrew Persaud concerning the deceased, the reply of Andrew

Persaud was that he did not know whether the deceased was at home.

“However, earlier that morning about 8 a.m. the deceased was seen by Andrew Persaud at a pipe in the yard filling a bucket with water, this being the last time when the deceased was seen alive.

“After the Appellant had spoken to Andrew Persaud, she (Appellant) left the yard. Shortly after a child spoke to Andrew Persaud. AS a result of this he went to the building, the upper flat, that is, where Gassonette lived. When he looked into the kitchen he saw what appeared to be blood stains on the floor.

As a result of this, Andrew Persaud entered one of the bed rooms and found the deceased was lying apparently dead on the floor.

“The interior of the premises appeared to be ransacked and was in disorder.

“As I said ,the deceased appeared to be dead and that turned out to be the case because on the 30th October 1985 Dr. Leslie Mootoo performed a post mortem examination on the body of the deceased and found that there were several external injuries on that body, namely; (1) A compound fracture on the left aspect of the skull over the frontal bone.

(2) A lacerated wound on the left ear; 1.5 cm long.

(3) Multiple abrasions on the left side of the neck.

(4) An abrasion behind right ear, and

VII

By George Barclay

(5) A contusion over the chest.

“As far as the head and neck were concerned there were: Scalp: laceration on the frontal area 4 ½ cn sub-scalpular haemorrhage over left fronto parietal area.

Skull: Fracture of the fronto parietal bones.

Brain: was lacerated and was haemorrhaging.

There was evidence of finger marks and contusions under the skin on the left side of the neck, as well as haemorrhages in the muscles of the left side of the neck.

Dr. Mootoo was of the opinion that cause of death was due to fracture of the skull, laceration of the brain and haemorrhage of it (brain), “The evidence on which the prosecution relied to secure a conviction was that of Ramdeyal, whom the trial judge deemed an expert on finger print examination.

“On the 25th October 1985 he had examined the premises where the deceased lived, including the bedroom in which she was found , and in that bed room, on the surface of a dressing case , he found the impression of the part of a palm of a human being .

“In the course of their investigation, the police arrested the appellant; and a palm impression was taken from her by them. That impression was later compared by Sgt. Ramdeyal with that found by him at the scene of the crime and they were found to be identical.

“That was the only evidence which the prosecution led at the trial to show that the appellant was the person who had committed the offence. We feel that evidence was enough to establish a prima facie case against the Appellant.

“The only point considered at the hearing of the appeal was whether there was a misdirection by the learned trial judge as regards the manner in which the jury should treat the evidence of Sgt. Ramdeyal.

“In this case the only real evidence against the appellant, as I stated, is that of the palm print found at the scene of the crime. So it would seem to us that the direction which the learned trial judge gave to the jury viz, that they should not lightly disregard the opinion of the expert unless they had good reasons for so doing was a clear misdirection.

“As I said the only real evidence linking the appellant with the murder was the palm print. But against this was her vehement denial of having entered the building on the day of the murder. In these circumstances we do not think that it would be an appropriate case to apply the proviso as we cannot say that if the jury had been properly directed they would inevitably have arrived at the same verdict.”

“The end result of all this must be that this appeal is allowed and the conviction and sentence are set aside.”

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Film review:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

P

By Shivanie Sugrim rior to its return to television there has been a major worldwide sensation for the release of the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Directed by Jonathan Liebesman and produced

by Micheal Bay, alongside Andrew Form, Ian Bryce, Galen Walker, Scott Mednick and Bradley Fuller, this film which happened to hold a budget of $125M has topped all expectations and has earned approximately $185M worldwide in just 10 days in theatres! With excellent actors like Megan Fox and behind the turtle masks: Noel Fisher (Michelangelo), Alan Ritchson (Raphael), Johnny Knoxville (Leonardo) and Jeremy Howard (Donatello) Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies have earned it! So grab your popcorns because we’re going to see why this movie was so awesome!

The plot was nothing new. It was clichéd and fairly basic- the anthologist ‘Shredder’ and his accomplices were on a mission to release an obviously dangerous toxin into the atmosphere whereby driving the public bankrupt by purchasing antidotes and of course, the turtles had to save the day. Although the movie was straight forward and embraced simplicity, it was suited for all ages which is a huge thumbs up for the producers given that their target audience was nothing but a wide scope.

Like every other adventure/animated movie, this one was no exception for it encompassed a wide array of genres- it was terribly action packed with a mixture of comedy as well as suspense and a whole new dimension of adventures that had me in awe! It was far surreal than any of its other debuts since it had an edgier live-action on the legendary talking reptiles who posed as saviours for the city.

What was fascinating was the fact that all four turtles (protagonists) had unique personalities which I insanely applaud the writer for. The computer-generated action was bordering perfection especially with the 3D effect that held up to its standards. Most importantly what I adored was the fact that the violence was children-friendly and the actors embraced the absurdity of their roles. Additionally, the dialogue was quite consistent with its target audience since it was comical at certain instances.

Moreover, overall I’d give this a 4/5 rating since it was a splendid compilation although the plot was cliché. I’d personally recommend this film to everyone and to catch it at the Princess Movie Theatres before it ends!

L

et’s now take a stroll and hear from other reviewers who had a tremendous time at the theatres last Sunday after watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! (A special thank you to my sister Sonia Nauth for making these reviews possible!)

-Regina Satnarine: “I thought that this movie was amazing because I am a huge fan of these kind of films. I was taken up by every moment in the movie to the extent where I was holding onto my seat! It was thrilling and I love the turtles! I would recommend this movie to all my friends because I wasn’t bored at any point during the movie. “

-Robbie Singh: “I’m a huge fan of Ninja Turtles and it’s been around since I was a teenager. This particular film had a lot of action and comedy which appeals to both the young kids and old fans and I personally think one of the parts we’d like to see more is with “Master Splinter”. Overall it was a great movie and I would recommend it to everyone.

Omadai Mahadeo: “It was definitely a perfect movie for the family and kids. I felt I was apart of the movie since the 3D technology was amazing.

I was totally caught up with every aspect in the movie-starting from the comics to the adventure and even so the violence which I thought was nothing too extreme. So guys, happy watching!

Rema Bipta: “I fell in love with the characters since they were extremely comical and had me laughing even at the action scenarios! I usually watch these films but this particular one was a masterpiece! There wasn’t any point in the movie where I was bored so I’d like to recommend this movie to everyone. “

Omkar Sugrim: “I’m always hooked on the Ninja Turtles shows so I’ve watched all the shows but this one I can say is the best! I was amazed at the way the turtles fight as they flew up the air so perfectly, like seriously my head was going round and round the screen! Aside from the characters I admired the brotherhood theme that flew throughout the movie and how they spared no rooms for separation. So I’d like to recommend this to all my friends at school and even my family! “

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

IX

The Funeral Ceremony G

By Neil Primus

odfrey was an easy going man. He worked at the wharf and was very popular. He was divorced and a father of six; all girls. The last two daughters were not for his former wife.

He was a heavy drinker and smoker. One of the two habits caused his demise.

Word of his death spread quickly. The wakes were well attended. His big children paid for his funeral expenses.

He would be buried in three days.

The day of his funeral arrived. It was a rainy Saturday.

Rain fell all day. It stopped that afternoon an hour before his burial.

Now Godfrey was a member of the Lodge Society.

It was one of those “hush hush” organisations that kept certain secrets. Godfrey never spoke of the activities that took place in the Lodge meetings.

His Lodge brothers turned out in their numbers to attend his funeral. The brother at the head of the funeral procession was dressed in his magnificent uniform and had his glittering silver sword swinging as he marched.

The procession moved off from his residence in Caravan and headed for the cemetery. When they arrived there they found the area to be wet, muddy and difficult to negotiate.

All was made ready for the final march to his place of intern. The procession moved off. The leader marched with vigour, brandishing his sword. The bearers struggled to keep up because of the slippery ground.

Left! Right! Left!

Right! The leader forged ahead. Slip, Slush, Squish, Slush. The bearers tried to keep up. It was laborious work for them. In order to reach the designated burial plot they had to cross a make shift bridge.

This bridge consisted of two shaky boards placed parallel to each other and spamming the narrow trench. Because of the rain the trench had spread its bank and stepping onto the board caused them to sink below water level. Everyone got their shoes wet when crossing.

Meanwhile, the leader was in full flow. The sword swished, twirled and twisted. As he passed each tomb he

gave it a loud broadside with the sword Crack! Bang! Pow! Things came to a head when he struck the wrong tomb.

As he led the procession, he smashed the sword against a green tomb and passed on. Unknown to him the tomb had a hole at the opposite end and had become the territory of a large hive of African bees.

The annoying sound triggered an immediate retaliation.

Bees swarmed and charged the leader and all in the procession. In a matter of seconds a well-organised procession disintegrated into total chaos.

The sword was used to try to swat the bees. When that did not work it was abandoned and the owner raced away as fast the soggy ground would allow.

When the attack started the Pall Bearers were halfway across the bridge. They were trying to take tentative steps to prevent too much water from soaking their shoes. The dark cloud of avengers soon put paid to that notion.

As vicious stings hit every exposed area, they were forced to resort to self-preservation. Godfrey was unceremoniously dropped and the party fled swatting themselves as they went.

Those coming at the back of the procession got off lightly. When they realized that bees were on

the rampage they took off early. Only a few stings came their way.

Godfrey had an old aunt named Dorothy. She was over sixty and quite overweight. When the bees hit she stooped quickly and snatched up her shoes. You see, she had borrowed them from her cousin and had promised to return

them intact. With agility that was unusual for one so old, she huffed and puffed past many younger folks and made it to the safety of her friend’s car.

The exodus was something to see. There was running, slipping, falling, bawling and slushing.

Slip! Slush! Splat! Squish!

Some fell flat. Others slipped and in slow motion hit the mud on their backsides. One man started to go seemed to catch his balance then began to teeter once more. When it seemed that he was okay he fell flat on his face.

Bash!

Mud and water separated to accommodate him.

Two kids; a boy and a girl were having fun during all this chaos. They ran a few yards stopped then took

off again. They hopped, jumped and ran. When they reached to safety on the outskirts of the burial ground they looked disappointed that the fun had ended. They still enjoyed some more laughter at the comical, messy confusion unfolding before their eyes. All they had to show for their experience were two or three stings. They were the lucky few.

By the time the cloud had settled the funeral goers were scattered to every point of the compass. It was after dark when some of them were able to quietly complete the purpose of the day.

As for Godfrey, while all hell was breaking lose, he was floating serenely along the trench. They located the casket when it was dark and floated it back to the bridge.

From there they picked it up and took it to the tomb. It was one of the quietest burials I had ever seen. The leader had vanished completely.

For weeks after Godfrey’s family and friends talked about his funeral. Most of their comments were not about the deceased. They remembered with clarity the charges of the bees and the flight of the bereaved. They certainly would never forget the stings, swellings and pain inflicted by the angry proprietors whom they had unwittingly disturbed.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

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

A MOTHER’S LOT? (The Citizen Your Evening Newspaper July 4, 1977)

It was a busy Tuesday afternoon for the Magistrate at Court I, Georgetown.

The cases were of the routine type – simple larceny, common assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, indecent language and the like.

One would have treated them all as routine but for the pleading of a middle aged woman:”I is he mother sah-I is he mother.”

Earlier the youth Maxwell had pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of bora from Sookla a vendor at Bourda Market.

Explaining before Chief Magistrate Alexander, Maxwell said that he was coming from the Wendy Alleyene show at the National Park when he saw the basket of bora and took out four bundles. Ah tek them ah din steal them,” he pleaded.

“But you said that you are an ice cone vendor,” the Magistrate interrupted, ”How would you like it if someone took cones from your cart?”

“Ah wouldn’t like it, ”Maxwell replied.

“I fine you $50 or one month’s imprisonment,” the Magistrate told Maxwell.

“Ah can pay the fine now?” Maxwell asked.

“I am afraid not,” replied the Magistrate. “Unlike in the UK where one can pay a fine up to one minute before closing time, in this country the clerks do not accept fines after 3 o’clock. I am afraid you will have to pay the fine tomorrow.”

Then from the small gathering in the Court room came a pitiful plea: “Ah begging for a month to pay; I ent got all the money now. I is he mother.”

The Magistrate was taken by surprise.

Turning to Maxwell, he commented: “I thought you said you had the money to pay now?”

“Ah thought me mother had the money to pay now.”

“Madam, you are going to pay the fine although he is working. Do you know this is encouraging him in stealing?” the Magistrate asked.

The trembling old lady stared at the Magistrate momentarily then said: “I is he mother Sah. I ent encouraging he but I is he mother.”

The Magistrate nodded. Perhaps he was thinking: ”That’s a mother’s lot. But is it really?

(Crown Prince).

ON DRINKS AND GLASSES (The Citizen Your Evening Newspaper July 5, 1977)

Some liquor restaurant owners, in an effort to up their profit margin have been recycling sanitary cups without let or hindrance.

This is that they have been collecting cups already used by customers and issuing them for re-use to others.

This practice introduced on a small scale at first has now reached alarming proportions and

can affect the nation’s health to such an extent as to cause an epidemic.

Restaurateurs have said that when they supply glasses to customers the majority of them either steal or break them and hence they could not constantly keep replenishing them because of their high cost.

The businessmen therefore argued that sanitary cups were the logical alternative since they are much cheaper.

While all the frequent visitors to these spots agreed that it was wrong to consume from cups already used some conceded that with the problems posed by customers, owners were forced to seek the best way out-solely from an economic standpoint.

Meanwhile, other persons concerned about the health of others and themselves feel that the Public Health Department should immediately take action to safeguard the health of the nation.

Demerara.

According to reports Ramcoobeer was fishing in the Atlantic Ocean when he was wounded by a Sting Ray, a fish known to be very dangerous.

Immediately he was hit by the fish he headed for shore.

WHAT “TWO BEERS” DID TO CLAUDE (The Citizen Your Evening Newspaper July 14, 1977)

It is not uncommon for someone who has had some drinks to indulge in some form of escapade or another.

Such adventures do have happy endings sometimes. But not so for Claude who got himself into trouble with the Police one Sunday afternoon and as a result ended before a Magistrate in a City court.

Claude after a hard week of manual labour, thought to himself that he had earned the right to (The Citizen Your Evening Newspaper July 6, indulge in some drinks.

1977) So although he had no friend with him, he bought two bottles of beer and drank them off.

A teenaged hunter was air dashed to the city In no time, the spirits took toll and Claude was last night with an arrow in the left arm. no longer master of his actions. In an effort to Keith Moses 17 of Orinduik was later admit- dance, he was making a professional contortionist look second rate and as a result a large crowd ted to the Georgetown Hospital.

According to reports Moses was in company gathered around, egging him on.

The crowd attracted some policemen who were with three kids aback of the village hunting for wild meats when in an attempt to hit one of the passing and as they were about to enquire, Claude animals with his arrow it slipped and lodged in stepped out of the crowd and boldly threw himself into the path of the vehicle. his arm.

While the horn blared, Claude took no heed.

A hospital source said that the arrow was reInstead he shouted: “Allyuh want to jam me… moved last night during an emergency operation. jam me…jam me.”

A Policeman declared his intention to arrest Claude but the protagonist hit out and injured the Policeman’s mouth and the lawman had to be treated at the Georgetown Hospital.

In court, Claude said he was lying on the road because they “they” wanted to mash him.”

The age old question: “What’s in a name?” was In answer to the Magistrate:”Do you want to once again raised yesterday when two names went die?” Claude said: “No.” on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

He denied cursing or cuffing an policeman at This came about after Roy Gordon a remanded prisoner answered and pleaded guilty to a charge any time.

Claude told the Magistrate that he had been made out in the name of one Leroy Gordon who drinking beers. had absconded from Court.

“How many?” the Magistrate asked.

After the prosecutor finished reading the facts “Two your worship.” to the Court Roy claimed that he was charged with stealing pants’ lengths and not a gold bangle After the Prosecutor interjected with: ”He was as the evidence disclosed. probably chasing with a quarter. ” A round of reAfter the accused was ascertained to be the strained laughter went up. person he claimed to be, the Magistrate cancelled “You got a girlfriend? “the Magistrate enthe facts and issued and issued a warrant for Le- quired. roy.

“Yes,” Claude replied.

“If you make a car run over you, you will die

and your girlfriend will surely miss you,” said the Magistrate.

Claude did not answer but with the advice still ringing in his ears he walked out the courtroom a lucky man since the magistrate had only repri(The Citizen Your Evening manded and discharged him.

Newspaper July 8, 1977)

WOUNDED BY ARROW

ROY OR LEROY?

INJURED BY STING RAY

Doctors and Nurses at the Georgetown Hospital last night was trying to save the life of a young fisherman Maurice Ramcoobeer, 25, of Bee Hive

(Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at cliffantony@ gmail.com or cell phone # 657 2043)

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

XI

MEET JENNY DALEY -Who Is Very Passionate about African Culture

J

By Telesha Ramnarine ENNY Daley is very passionate about her African culture and has devoted most of her life to studying it and imparting this knowledge to others.

In fact, having practiced the Anglican Faith for some years, Daley is now a Faithist (known as the

Ms Jenny Daley

White Robe Army) because this is the religion she said was practiced by her African ancestors.

And so her culture shapes everything that that she does, including the personality that she has become. Daley has been the Administrator of the Museum of African Heritage ever since 1985. The building is located in Bel Air, Georgetown.

Daley hails from the Pomeroon in Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) but came to Georgetown with her parents as a young girl. She attended primary school at St. James-theLess Anglican School and then proceeded to learn typing and other skills.

She couldn’t complete her secondary education because she was the eldest of her siblings and wanted to help her parents out. But this did not hinder her from progressing in the field of work.

In 1977, Daley had her first job at the Ministry of Information and Culture after which she worked for over five years as a box office and typist clerk at the National Cultural Centre.

She then went to the Museum of Social History where UNESCO’s office is presently housed in Robb Street. Pressing on, she worked with the Burrowes School of Art and was later transferred to her current location which at the time housed the collection of African art.

Lone Worker In 1985, when Daley arrived at what is now the Museum of African Heritage, there was no other staff member. So she literally started the museum on her own. Interestingly, she was not very equipped with all of the knowledge needed to take on such a task.

“It was a very dusty place; the room, the artifacts. I had to clean them up. And to understand the art, I did a lot of reading.

I wanted to understand the meaning of the African art, what it pertains to, how it originated and what I had to do to preserve it. I did that off my own.”

But in time, help arrived. Through UNESCO, someone from an African Museum in Brooklyn came to Guyana and together, him and Daley sat and sorted out the entire collection that was available. “We put all our findings in a book form. We then opened a museum of African art and ethnology.”

When she arrived, the building already had some artifacts.

“We obtained some from a very prominent Guyanese, Hubert Nicholson. This was his home and during his travels, he acquired African artifacts which were all in a room,” she recalled. With help from the man UNESCO brought in, Daley was able to sort out the artifacts and begin building the museum.

“I always tell my staff that we just have to apply our-

ciation for her culture. “I love my culture. It was something in me since I was small. I used to wear a lot of African clothes as a youth without understanding what it meant,” she said.

“When I came to the museum and started to read books, then I realised who I am. And when you realise who you are, it makes you a different person and you see people differently.

We are all one. Our culture is actually the same. For me, I always say we are brothers and sisters and when you get to know your culture, you realise we all are one. It has nothing to do with colour, creed, ethnicity. We all are one,” she expressed.

Daley thanked Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, for his input in developing the museum.

“Whatever we put forward concerning the benefit of the museum, he supports it. I have no problem. I always thank him for his support and for looking out for the museum.”

Daley retired two years ago and her desire is to train someone to take her place at the museum so that the work can go on effectively.

“I love my culture. It was something in me since I was small. I used to wear a lot of African clothes as a youth without understanding what it meant.” selves. If you are eager to know, fit yourselves into places where you can get to know things. When I came here, no one taught me anything. I taught myself. And I read and what I didn’t understand. I researched and came up with ideas.”

In time, the name of the building was changed. “We changed the name from African Art and Ethnology to Museum of African Heritage, meaning that we would bring in not only artifacts from West Africa where the enslaved Africans came from. We tried to go in the Guyanese African heritage.

We wanted the museum to have a wider perspective,” Daley explained.

So this involved a lot of research. “We had to go out into the fields and do research. We tried to get the history of most of the African villages. We haven’t yet completed this. A lot of work is involved. We then started to work with the African traditional groups.”

Daley has come to recognise that the African tradition is very rich but is dying slowly. “We are trying to revitalise the African tradition and culture. That means we have to work a lot with the older folks in the African communities. We want to do that and then document it,” she said.

I Love my Culture From a very early age, Daley said she had a deep appre-

Ms Daley with one of her favourite pieces in the museum

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Singham Returns box office collection: Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor’s film inches towards Rs 100 crore Ranbir Kapoor: Katrina won’t join me on the Tamasha shoot!

For days there has been speculation that Katrina Kaif will be joining Ranbir Kapoor for his next schedule of Tamasha with ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone. However, putting an end to this rumor the actor gave a statement at an event saying, “I am starting the next schedule of Jagga Jasoos, after that the next schedule of Tamasha will happen only in January 2015. Hence there is no truth to the story that Katrina is joining me on the shoot of that film.”

RK also went on to add that he had already met Kat’s mother in the past. “I didn’t go to London to meet her mom and family. I have already met her before on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahaani.”

Are Varun Dhawan and Nargis Fakhri the new couple in B-town?

From a recent report in a tabloid is anything to by then Varun Dhawan and Nargis Fakhri, who shared the screen space in Main Tero Hero are more than “good friends”, it seems. Why do we say so, you ask? Well, the two were seen getting real close at a party held on Saturday night. The duo was looking extremely comfortable with each other and didn’t seem to underplay their camaraderie, which is quite obvious from the pictures.

So are they both an item? Well, it’s quite possible coz their relationship status appears confused as they have neither confirmed not denied being romantically involved.

In the past the Rockstar babe has been linked with Ranbir Kapoor, Uday Chopra and more recently Rana Dagubatti.

However, she has always maintained in her interviews that Varun is the only person from tinsel town she can relate to and call a “friend”. Varun on the other hand is apparently dating his childhood friend Natasha. However, he has been linked to Alia Bhatt very often.

Rohit Shetty’s directorial venture Singham Returns starring Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor Khan has impressed the audience big time. We say so coz the action film has got cash registers jingling and how! The sequel of Singham has so far raked in Rs 92.47 crore nett at the Indian box office and we are pretty sure the figures will only go up in the coming days. Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted on Twitter, “#SinghamReturns has a super-strong Monday [partial holiday]. Racing towards the lifetime biz of #Singham [ 100.30 cr nett]. India biz.” He further tweeted, “#SinghamReturns Fri 32.09 cr, Sat 21.05 cr, Sun 24.55 cr, Mon 14.78 cr. Total – 92.47 cr nett. India biz.”

Well, we won’t be surprised if Rohit and his team throws a success bash pretty soon. After all, the box office collections are mighty impressive and the Ajay-Kareena starrer has fared well overseas too. That’s reason enough to party, right peeps!

Gurmeet Choudhary ups his sex quotient He started his career with television as Ram, then played the Greek God and the perfect husband – but after bagging a three film deal with Vishesh films the actor says that he has no time to do a daily soap Almost every actor uses television as a stepping stone to films, Gurmeet Choudhary hoped that television would someday open paths leading to movies. He did Ramayan, Geet Huyi Sabse Parayi and then Punar Vivah – but nothing catapulted to the 70mm screen. He won Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 and hoped that Karan Johar – a judge on the dance reality show, would notice him, but that didn’t happen either.

It was at an award ceremony in South Africa that Gurmeet approached Mohit Suri requesting for a film.

The Bhatts discussed it and the next thing we hear is Gurmeet has signed a three film deal with Vishesh Films.

In his first movie Khamoshiyan-When Silences Speak, the actor is paired opposite Sapna Pabbi. The movie is a love story of a writer. The actor has been prepping for his debut project, working out, building his look, modulating his voice, acting workshops and more for this role. After working round the clock on TV, movies present a very different experience. It seems Gurmeet just can’t sit idle and hence, is seen constantly around the production team helping.

The actor recently did a photoshoot and we caught a glimpse of his photographs. It seems the dishy dude has been aggressively working out to maintain his Greek God look. In spite of a shady and dirty background – Gurmeet ends up looking like sizzling hot chocolate. Showing off his chiseled body, stubble look and great arms, it’s a wonder how girls keep their hands off him. Totally delectable!

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

XIII

Nollywood Celebrity

lies that became truths Source: http://nollywood.codewit.com For one reason or other, our celebrities seem to think they can take us for a ride whenever, however and wherever they want. And that includes telling us all sorts of lies, either to promote their image or just to stick it on our faces that we are plain stupid.

But what they seem to forget is that their innocent public, as stupid as it may appear, doesn’t forget easily. All their deeds, utterances and even silence,most often do not go unrecorded. For reading pleasure, here are some celebrities’ ‘lies’ that became ‘truths’, whether inadvertently or deliberately.

Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz So many times, Tiwa Savage and her manager, Tee Billz were found kissing and caressing each other. Even the social media was rife with pictures suggesting some romantic dalliances between the duo. Yet the ‘Kele Kele’ crooner vehemently denied any relationship between the two of them insisting they had nothing beyond work relationship.

Having grudgingly swallowed this lie and denial, Nigerians were dumbfounded when videos of their engagement began trending online. Today, most people are upset because they were lied to as the love birds recently got married.

Funke Akindele So many white lies have escaped the lips of our dear Funke Akindele a.k.a Jenifa, especially about her wedding to her ex-husband, Kehinde Adeola Oloyede popularly known as Kehinde Almaroof. She lied in print about the venue of the much talked about wedding.

While the ceremony was scheduled to hold at The Haven Events Centre, Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja, she circulated an invitation card which read, All Seasons Plaza, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos as the venue.

Apart from the media, she also misled other invitees, especially those from distant places clad in Aso Ebi, who expressed their regrets and disappointment on finding out the truth. When confronted, Akindele, who spoke through her media aide, blatantly denied knowledge of the card with the fake address.

DBanj In 2012, when the Koko master premiered his first reality show, Koko Mansion, he made series of promises which till today has remained unfulfilled.

His promise to feature the adjudged winner, which turned out to be Bolanle Okhiria, in the official video of “Fall in Love” is one of those unfulfilled promises. The Koko master was either lying to all or deliberately reneging on his promise as he ended up featuring Nollywood beauty, Genevieve Nnaji, in the video.

Yvonne Nelson Her recent outburst following her failed romance with Kukere crooner, Iyanya came as a rude shock to many people.

When the going was good, the star actress not only savoured good moments of the romance with the “Your Waist” master; she also denied having an affair with him.

But when the relationship crashed and became an open secret, all she could do was to bow in shame. Suddenly, the

lie about not dating the artiste turned out to be the truth.

Tuface Idibia It may have been that Tuface Idibia had one woman in mind when he wrote and sang ‘African Queen’, but for long, he has been entangled in a love triangle involving not less than three African beauties who have given him children.

He did find this situation funny, hence in an earlier interview, the international star stated thus: “the truth is that marriage is not in my plans. I will never marry. Let me put it bluntly. I don’t want to marry. I am angry.”

Today, Tuface is not only married but had a large society wedding outside the country precisely in Dubai. So, the truth is, either Tu Baba lied about his decision never to marry or he simply had a rethink.

Doris Simon In March 2012, reports of marital turbulence centred on the family of crossover actress, Doris Simeon when her celebrated filmmaker husband, Daniel Ademinokan allegedly trod the path of infidelity with another top actress, thereby putting the couple’s three-year marriage under tension.

The story made the cover of various newspapers and magazines and equally trended heavily online.

In reaction to the story, the award winning English and Yoruba actress debunked the rumoured crack in her marriage, insisting it was a figment of the peddlers’ imagination, a distraction and a product of idle minds.

Today, Simeon has buried her head in shame, not only because the marriage irretrievably nosedived, but for initially lying and deceiving both the media and her numerous fans about the true state of her marriage.

Nigerian Guys Are Not Worth Falling In Love With – Nollywood Actress, Happiness Effiong

Source: http://nollywood.codewit.com/g

Nollywood actress Happiness Effiong popularly known as Shakira opened up to the Sun on why she can’t date Nigerian men. ” I found my first love at the age of 22 and we broke up. So, I’m not in love with any guy now, because Nigerian guys are not worth falling in love with. They are game players. I have been heartbroken thrice and I wouldn't want to suffer another one.I don’t think it was my fault.

It was the guys. That’s why some girls choose to be lesbians.”

On being a lesbian…

“God forbid. I never thought about being a

lesbian when men disappointed me. There was a day a rich woman saw me at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos and she attempted to lure me into

sleeping with her, but I refused and she slapped me and I retaliated. She promised to buy me a car, get me a good apartment, and also get me lead roles in movies. But I rejected her offer. The next time she saw me, she tried once again to convince me to sleep with her, but I warned her to stay away, so she slapped me and I did not waste time to retaliate. That was how she gave me some space. Unfortunately, the next time I saw her, she was with an upcoming actress.”

Source: http://nollywood.codewit.com/ gossips/nigerian-guys-are-not-worth-fallingin-love-with-ndash-nollywood-actress-happiness-effiong-07041557

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

“SMART” CITY FOR 2022 WORLD CUP

If you're trying to create the perfect 21st-century city, it helps to start with a blank slate. Even if that slate is a sweltering strip of sand.

That's essentially what the government of Qatar and its developers are trying with Lusail, an ambitious planned city on 28 square miles of waterfront desert along the Persian Gulf. Now under construction, the compact city will contain a commercial district, a lagoon, four islands, two marinas, an

upscale shopping mall, a hospital, a zoo, two golf courses and housing for some 250,000 people.

It also will feature an 86,000-seat soccer stadium, surrounded by a moat, that's expected to host the final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Residents and visitors will get around via a light-rail network, a water-taxi system and a network of underground

built from the ground up. For example, the city's gas, electric and water lines are being laid out in an underground network of tunnels, allowing for maintenance work that won't disrupt buildings, roads or people above.

The city will be fitted with a network of surveillance cameras, monitored around the clock, to keep streets safe.

Anchoring the city's skyline will be four commercial towers, up to 75 stories each. These will be surrounded by five-star hotels, an entertainment district and the Marina Mall, a retail palace measuring more than 600,000 square feet.

Scheduled to open in 2017, the mall is a cluster of five interconnected pods, shaped like giant boulders, with cantilevered white roofs to repel the heat. Its architects want the space to evoke desert canyons.

A canal runs through it, and waterfalls splash throughout.

The scope and design of the mall echoes the grand, futuristic vision for Lusail itself. It is a very ambitious and optimistic plan; it’s a plan that has helped land Qatar the World Cup!

Which Browser is Best?

Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Internet Explorer Today's Windows Web browser choices are fast, secure and compliant with new Web standards. The products most

pedestrian tunnels. And all the energy, communications and transportation systems will be run with the help of computers from a single command center, making Lusail a "smart" city that can automatically adapt to changing traffic and weather conditions.

Funded by the oil-rich Qatari government, Lusail can offer innovative solutions to urban problems because it's being

people are likely to have heard of—Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox also sport trim, clear

interfaces.

But each browser has its own appeal and unique features. Microsoft Internet Explorer excels at graphics hardware acceleration, as you'll see in the benchmark results in the reviews linked below. It's also the only 64-bit program of the lot, and the only one that includes powerful Tracking Protection against site code that tracks your browsing activity.

Google's Chrome exceeds other browsers in cutting-edge technologies like voice response and instant page loading for search. Firefox is known for its extensions that let you customize the browser beyond what's possible in the others. Other innovations include its clever Panorama bookmark. A couple of lesser-known players—Opera and Maxthon—also have a lot to offer. Opera has been around since the early days of the Web, and it is now distinguished for two things.

First is its Speed Dial start page of tile links.

This page not only gives easy access to frequently used sites, but it can also even display live-updated content from said sites.

The second is its Off-Road mode, which reduces webpage data by sending it compressed from Opera's cache servers. This can save you money on metered data connections.

Finally, and perhaps most extra-jammed of all, is the least-known of our browser candidates—Maxthon. A slew of tools like media download, screen capture, and integrated cloud services are just of few of this China-made browser's goodies. And it includes both Internet Explorer's and Webkit's page-rendering engines for extra compatibility.

Despite how excellent these browsers have gotten, website consumption is such a complex matter these days that every one of them will encounter particular sites that won't display correctly reasons, it's always a good idea to have more than one browser installed.

So while no one browser will be perfect for all your Web needs, you still have several excellent choices. It's just a matter of deciding what's most important to you.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

There are three species of zebras: Mountain, Plains, and Grevy’s zebras.

For the most part, the different species cannot interbreed.

Each zebra has unique stripes unlike any other zebra—like human fingerprints.

Zebras are 4-5 feet tall at the shoulder.

Zebras are considered to be black with white stripes, not white with black stripes.

Zebras cannot be tamed and trained like horses due to their wild unpredictable nature.

Herds and Families Zebra herds can include thousands of zebras. However, within the herd, there are families that remain together.

A zebra family is made up of one stallion, a few mares, and their offspring.

Members of a zebra family are caring! If one is attacked by a predator, others do not run away. They stick together as the stallion tries to drive away the predator. ****************************************************************** Jaguars weigh 200-250 pounds with a body length of 5-7 feet.

Jaguars are the largest cats living in the wild in North and South America—and 3rd largest cat, after lions and tigers.

Jaguars can live up to 25 years in captivity. In the wild the jaguar’s average lifespan is 12-15 years.

The name jaguar means, “A wild beast that can kill its prey with a single bound.”

Jaguars kill with either a bite to the neck or a crushing paw strike.

Jaguars are nocturnal predators.

Jaguars are solitary animals.

The Aztecs and Mayans worshiped jaguars.

Jaguars and leopards are very similar.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Guyanese Women in History:

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Guyanese, Jacqueline Graham, appointed as Caribbean Court of Justice Registrar

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CCJ Registrar Jacqueline Graham

he Port of Spain-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has a new registrar and marshal. Guyanese national Jacqueline Graham, who took up the post from July 1, 2014, is an attorney with an MBA in Finance (University of Manchester, UK), an undergraduate degree in Management Studies (University of Guyana) and is a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School at St Augustine.

Before her appointment at the CCJ, Graham was the legal assistant to the Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and the registrar of that country’s Court of Appeal. As registrar of the CCJ, Graham is the chief administrator of the operations of the Court and also has responsibility for managing the financial portfolio of the CCJ. The court has a US$100 million revenue base provided

by the member states of Caricom, which is managed by a trust fund. In judicial matters, the registrar is responsible for the receipt, issuance and management of court documents and processes, the taxation of costs and for assisting the president and judges in their official functions.

In addition to her legal training and work experience, Graham has worked in the banking and finance sector, as a prosecutor in the High and Magistrates’ Courts of Guyana, and was employed by the private law firm, Interlaw Consultants.

She was also an assistant lecturer at the University of Guyana in the Faculty of Social Sciences. “With her distinguished academic career and practical work experience, Ms Graham brings significant administrative capacity and a sound legal education to her job responsibilities at the CCJ,” said president of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Nicolaus Copernicus Mathematician, Astronomer, Scientist (1473–1543) -identified the concept of a heliocentric solar system

Nicolaus Copernicus

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stronomer Nicolaus Copernicus identified the concept of a heliocentric solar system, in which the sun, rather than the earth, is the center of the solar system.

Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Torun, Poland. Circa 1508, Copernicus developed his own celestial model of a heliocentric planetary system. Around 1514, he shared his findings in the Commentariolus. His second book on the topic, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, was banned by the Roman Catholic Church not long after his May 24, 1543 death in Frauenburg, Poland.

Early Education Famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikolaj Kopernik, in German) came into the world on February 19, 1473.

The fourth and youngest child born to Nicolaus Copernicus Sr. and Barbara Watzenrode, an affluent copper merchant family in Torun, Poland, Copernicus was technically born of German heritage—by the time he was born, Torun had ceded to Poland, rendering him a citizen under the Polish crown.

German was Copernicus's first language, but some scholars believe that he spoke some Polish as well.

When Copernicus was 10 years old, his father passed away.

His maternal uncle, Bishop of Varmia Lucas Watzenrode, generously assumed the paternal role, taking it upon himself to ensure that Copernicus received the best possible education.

In 1491, Copernicus entered the University of Cracow, where he studied painting and mathematics. Though he did not take astronomy classes at that time, he developed a growing interest in the cosmos, and started collecting books on the topic.

Upon graduating from Cracow in 1494, Copernicus returned to Torun, where he took a canon's position—arranged by his uncle—at Frombork's cathedral. Though the opportunity was only typically available to priests, Copernicus was able to hold onto the job for the rest of his life. It was a fortunate stroke for Copernicus: The canon's position afforded him the opportunity to fund

Continued on page XIX

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014 From page XVIII the continuation of his studies for as long as he liked. Still, the job demanded much of his schedule; he was only able to pursue his academic interests intermittently, during his free time.

In 1496, Copernicus took leave and traveled to Italy, where he enrolled in a religious law program as the University of Bologna. There, he met astronomer Domenico Maria Novara—a fateful encounter, as the two began exchanging astronomical ideas and observations. Historian Edward Rosen described the relationship as follows: "In establishing close contact with Novara, Copernicus met, perhaps for the first time in his life, a mind that dared to challenge the authority of [Ptolemy] the most eminent ancient writer in his chosen fields of study." The friends were so enthralled in their intellectual exchange, they decided to become roommates.

In 1500, after completing his law studies in Bologna, Copernicus went on to study practical medicine at the University of Padua. He did not, however, stay long enough to earn a degree, since the two-year leave of absence from his canon position was nearing expiration. In 1503, Copernicus attended the University of Ferrara, where he prepared to take the canon law exam. After passing the test on his first attempt, he hurried back home to Poland, where he resumed his position as canon and rejoined his uncle at a nearby Episcopal residence. Copernicus remained at the Lidzbark-Warminski residence for the next seven years, working and tending to his elderly, ailing uncle, and exploring astronomy whenever he could find the time.

In 1510, Copernicus moved to a residence in the From-

bork Cathedral Chapter in hopes of clearing additional time to study astronomy. He would live there as a canon for the duration of his life.

Heliocentric Solar System Throughout the seven years he spent in Lidzbark-Warminski, Copernicus read several books on the subject of astronomy. Among the sources that Copernicus consulted was Regiomontus's Epitome of the Almagest, which presented an alternative to astrologist Claudius Ptolemy's model of the universe, and significantly influenced his research.

By 1508, Copernicus had begun developing his own celestial model, a heliocentric planetary system. Ptolemy had previously invented a geometric planetary model, which was inconsistent with Aristotle's idea that celestial bodies moved in a circular motion at different speeds around a fixed point, the earth. In an attempt to reconcile such inconsistencies, Copernicus's heliocentric solar system named the sun, rather than the earth, as the center of the solar system. Subsequently, Copernicus believed that the size of each planet's orbit depended on its distance from the sun.

Though his theory was viewed as revolutionary and met with some controversy, Copernicus was not the first astronomer to propose such a theory; centuries prior, in 270 B.C., ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos had identified the sun as the solar system's central unit. Aristarchus's ideas were quickly dismissed,

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however, because Ptolemy's theories were far more eagerly accepted by the influential Roman Catholic Church, which adamantly supported the earth-based solar system theory.

Still, Copernicus's heliocentric solar system proved to be more detailed and accurate than Aristarchus's, including a more efficient formula for calculating planetary positions throughout the year.

After moving to the Frombork Cathedral Chapter in the early 1500s, Copernicus further developed his heliocentric model, and went on to design and apply a complex mathematical system for proving his theory. In 1513, his dedication prompted him to build his own modest observatory so that he could view the planets in action at any given time.

Copernicus's observations did, at times, lead him to form inaccurate conclusions, including his assumption that planets' orbit occurred in perfect circles. As German astronomer Johannes Kepler would later prove in the 17th century, planetary orbits are actually elliptical in shape.

'Commentariolus' and Controversy Around 1514, Copernicus completed a written work, Commentariolus (Latin for "Small Commentary"), a 40-page

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Nicolaus Copernicus

From page XIX

manuscript that he referred to as the "Sketch of Hypothesis Made by Nicolaus Copernicus on the Heavenly Motions." Commentariolus summarized Copernicus's heliocentric planetary system and strove to provide systematic proof—in the form

of both astronomical observations and mathematical formulas—of the model.

The sketch set forth seven axioms, each describing an aspect of the heliocentric solar system: 1) Planets don't revolve around one fixed point; 2) the earth is at the

center of the moon's orbit; 3) The sun is at the center of the universe, and all celestial bodies rotate around it; 4) The distance between the earth and sun is only a tiny fraction of stars' distance from the earth and sun; 5) Stars do not move, and if they appear to, it is only because

the earth itself is moving; 6) Earth moves in a sphere around the sun, causing the sun's yearly movement; and 7) Earth's orbit around the sun causes the planets to orbit in the opposite direction.

Commentariolus also went on to describe in detail Copernicus's assertion that a mere 34 circles could sufficiently illustrate planetary motion. Copernicus sent his manuscript to several friends and contemporaries, and while the manuscript received little to no response among his colleagues, a buzz began to build around Copernicus and his unconventional theories within two years of Commentariolus's release.

Adding an air of mystery to Copernicus's growing reputation—and notoriety, for some—was his rejection to an invitation by the Lateran Council, which invited astronomers to provide advice in reforming the calendar.

Copernicus's written works, Commentariolus and, later, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (Latin for "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres"), raised a fair share of controversy.

Copernicus's critics claimed that he failed to solve the

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014 mystery of the parallax—the seeming displacement in the position of a celestial body, when viewed along varying lines of sight—and that his work lacked a sufficient explanation for why the earth orbits the sun.

In addition to drawing criticism from scholars, Copernicus's theories incensed the Roman Catholic Church; his model was considered heretical because it was contrary to the Church’s teachings. When De revolutionibus orbium coelestium was published in 1543, just before Copernicus's death, religious leader Martin Luther voiced his opposition to the heliocentric solar system model. His underling, Lutheran minister Andreas Osiander, quickly followed suit, saying of Copernicus, "This fool wants to turn the whole art of astronomy upside down."

Osiander even went so far as to write a disclaimer stating that the heliocentric system was a theory, not a fact, and add it to the book's preface, leading readers to assume that Copernicus himself had written it. By this time, Copernicus was ailing and unfit for the task of defending his work.

Ironically, Copernicus had dedicated De revolutionibus orbium coelestium to

Pope Paul III. If his tribute to the pope was an attempt to cull the Catholic Church's softer reception, it was to no avail. The Church ultimately banned De revolutionibus posthumously, and the book remained on the list of forbidden reading material for nearly three centuries thereafter.

Death and Legacy In May of 1543, mathematician and scholar Georg Joachim Rheticus presented Copernicus with a copy of a newly published De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.

Suffering the aftermath of a recent stroke, Copernicus is said to have been clutching the book when he died in his bed on May 24, 1543 in Frauenburg, Poland.

In the 17th century, when the ban on De revolutionibus orbium coelestium was lifted, Kepler revealed to the public that the preface had indeed been written by Osiander, not Copernicus. As Kepler worked on expanding upon and correcting the errors of Copernicus's heliocentric theory, Copernicus became a symbol of the brave scientist standing alone, defending his theories against the common beliefs of his time.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

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LOOKOUT - A Dreamy Little Alcove But Not Known To Many

By Alex Wayne From my many treks around Guyana I would have learnt over time that the prettiest locations I have discovered are actually the villages that are sometimes secluded in the middle of ‘nowhere,’ or are indeed the very dreamy and exotic villages that are not known to many.

It’s always a pleasure to explore these pristine sites and I look forward to such rare opportunities with great excitement and anticipation. What I have noticed also is that some of these villages are not often listed on our priority list of places to visit and I cannot refrain from saying that this is a ‘downright shame.’

Well just recently I overheard a close friend of mine ranting and raving about his visit to ‘Lookout Village’ and there I was perplexed as ever, just wondering where in heaven’s name could this place be located. What also struck me as odd and at the same time intriguing was the somewhat strange name of the village.

Helplessly giving heed to my curious personality and pulsing with great expectation I did some investigations and realised that this village was actually located just about a three-mile drive from the bustling Parika Public Road.

“So here I was again my heart thumping like crazy as I was yet again give one of the wildest and most scary bus rides ever by a driver seemed intent on having his vehicle take wings and

fly off into the afternoon sky.”

“People meh got tuh admit that meh getting really tired ah dem crazy bus drivas and de dangerous manner in which dem ah dirve dem bus fasta dan dem express train. I was suh scared fuh meh life that menah even get time fuh enjy de lush country scenery like me does always duh when ah doing meh village focus trips.”

Touching down with relief In no time I arrived at the Parika Bus Park and disembarked hurriedly sending the driver some venomous stares as I did so. He of course paid me no mind and just busied himself with collecting the fares from passengers for fear of losing them in the busy crowd at the Parika Market Square.

In no time at all a well- mannered car driver upon overhearing my enquiries took me to my location and promised to return for me in just about an hour.

Since there was no signboard to signal the beginning of the village, he took me to a spot where he indicated the village began and there I was breathing deeply the fresh, crisp ‘country breeze’ as my eyes took in with wonder the cluster of little homely cottages as well as some stately houses.

Now this village is flanked by the somewhat busier Hyde Park on the east and Naamryck on the west.

Lookout has about just over 20 households with a popula-

tion that has not reached one thousand according to residents.

While the village is predominantly inhabited by East Indians, a sizeable percent of Negroes and mixed races can be found there too.

Enthralling beauty This village does not feature majestic buildings, posh shops, fancy stores or elegant boutiques like many others, but what may cause it to top the list but has a quiet existence, fuelled by the humility and charm of its residents, and its dazzling beauty and simplicity.

The minute I stepped into the village I was swept up in a whirlpool of lush green foliage, surrounded by startling tropical ‘flower plant species,’ thriving naturally alongside bubbling drains and small trenches where hassar, patwah and huri flipped about and somersaulted, their shiny scales glistening in the sunshine.

Pond flies and butterflies seemed to ‘dance meringue’ about my head making pleasant whirring sounds.

Healthy looking coconut palms waved lazily in the wind flowing from the nearby Essequibo River, and in each yard there was a bright fusion of fruit trees. Some trees seemed to be groaning under their weight of ripened mangoes, while the branches of breadfruit trees were almost sweeping the earth with the weight of the large healthy looking fruits upon them.

Banana trees were in full bloom and genip and dunks were there too in abundance.

I almost swooned in delight and amazement as I passed a few yards where various flower plants bloomed in wild array filling the yard spaces with the striking hues and shades associated with the Caribbean.

Sheep and cattle grazed lazily in open fields, savouring their afternoon meals with relish. From open spaces between the trees I caught glimpses of the Essequibo River as waves crashed noisily, gurgling and groaning their way to the Atlantic Ocean.

In some yards young children dashed about playing marbles and hop-scotch, while on street corner elderly men stood chatting, opening their mouths and throwing back their heads as they bellowed their mirth over jovial jokes and tales of their childhood days.

A little ‘chit-chat’ with residents

Welcome to ‘Flowers Wonderland’

I was welcomed there with wide hugs and smiles and residents were ready to engage me in pleasant conversations.

My first stop was at the home of 80-year-old Eldad Adams, a cattle farmer who was actually spearheading the rearing of cattle owned by a ‘joint family arrangement.’ This contented soul explained that while villagers do not enjoy the ‘finer things of life’ they were contented to live in humble happiness enjoying the best life has to offer.

“We ain’t get no fancy business places or big time shops and such likes. But we exist quite fine and in peace with each other. In this village, everyone looks out for the other and there are no racial differences here. In Lookout Village, everyone live as one….”

Mr. Adams chatted with me at his gate and from there I

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LOOKOUT

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From page XXI

could see a pot bubbling on the fireside in his yard emitting an aroma that caused my stomach to growl in anticipation. He explained that he was cooking his favourite meal of bora and salted fish, stewed down nicely with fresh coconut milk which has been known to add that extra ‘zing’ to stews in the countryside.

Being an ‘old soul’ who makes hygiene a priority he was also burning his garbage since the garbage truck only visits the village once per month according to some residents.

Adams however noted that he was somewhat concerned about the state of some drains in the village which have become overgrown with vegetation and can lead to flooding should the rains continue.

Seventy-two-year-old Seegobin Doodnauth was all smiles when I stop to chat with him as he was enjoying the afternoon breeze on the verandah belonging to his daughter-in-law with whom he was living.

He explained that life in the village was good and pleasant despite the fact that the village does not possess the facilities to facilitate entertainment development and sports.

“Bai dis village really nice and comfahtable, and real quiet.

Me really ah enjy livin hea and me nah want guh nowhea else.

Awe dese nah get dem fancy places like dem atha village but ah we ah live good hea stil. Awe ah get clean wata fuh drink, electricity, and if awe want sport we just gat fuh catch a car and guh Parika wha dem rum shap and disco deh plenty….

Me really like dis place fuh live in bai….

‘Aladdin’ as he prefers to be called is a farmer for over 15 years now and depends on the produce from his farm in the backlands to fend for his family of five and also to pay the young boys he employs from the village to help him in time of reaping.

He cultivates banana, cash crops and ground provisions and would sell it on a wholesale basis to buyers from Parika and Georgetown who would in turn retail the items to persons from various villages.

“Bass me ah duh dis wuk hea fuh ovah 15 years and sometime it ah pay me and sometime me ah loose big. De price fuh cash craps and provishan does guh up or down according tuh de demand. When prices low we does really suffah as farmaz.

Look yuh see dem man dis wha ah buy dis banana frum me hea in this bus only ah pay thirty dollah per pound and dem does mek ah fartune because dem ah sell back fuh sometimes

The boats arrive from the farmlands with items for sale to wholesale buyers

two and three hundred dallah fuh wan pound. Suh yuh see wha me ah talk about…”

‘Aladdin’ explained that for six days per week he would leave his home around 05:30 hours and using a speedboat to get into his far, some two and a half miles into the ‘backdam.’

He would toil there all day with his young helpers before returning to the village around 17:00 hours to rest for the next day of work. He has to use from his small earnings made from the farm to purchase gasoline for the speedboats and to put food on the table for the family.

Some residents are calling on the relevant authorities to build a playfield in the village for youths since the village is the home to some very talented upcoming cricketers. While this may be so, a few mothers lamented that the boys are not able to maximise or develop their sporting skills since there are not proper facilities there to make this possible.

Some villagers would like to have the few access roads in the village covered with asphalt so as to avoid ‘muddy conditions’ when it rain.

Lookout of the Past Today Lookout is a striking fusion of colourful little cottages, just a few businesses and a peaceful ambience.

Just in case you are wondering what the village was like ‘donkey years ago,’ 74 -year-old Joephus Grimes who has lived there all his life was more than ready to tell with an almost boyish gleam in his eyes and he took himself back to the days when he was a little starry eyed boy chasing after lizards and mongoose in the wide open pastures.

“I barn and grow up in this village and ah neva left it fuh guh live nowhere else. In me time as a lil bai if the village had ten house he had nuff… The whole place was full ah bush and plenty fruit trees like wha yuh still ah see he today. All we could ah see was nuff bush, tall trees and big wide open fields.

We nah bin get no shap and dem thing dah. We had to travel far fuh get grocery and good drinking watah. Most people used tuh bile de watah fram de riva and use it fuh drink and to cook food. We nah had no street lights and de place use d to be ‘pitch black’ at night time…”

Mr. Grimes explained that as time went by persons descended on the location which was popular for its rich farming soil and soon began to purchase plots of land for building.

Hence today the village is one of the more pleasant locations

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

in East Bank Essequibo.

Although Lookout is still caught in the grips of gradual development it still holds its almost majestic aura of simplicity that is further accentuated the serene demeanour of residents who exist in great humility.

Today residents there are employed as farmers, a few as carpenters and masons, while large numbers are employed at the Lookout Timber Products Inc., N. Lall Enterprise Sawmill, and the A. Alli & Son Sawmill and Lumber Dealers. Just a few are employed as fishermen in the village.

Entertainment This village has no real avenues for any vibrant form of entertainment but that does not seem to bother residents since they can hop into a ‘short-drop car’ and travel to neighbouring villages and have a blast on weekends.

The elderly folks in most cases are contented to purchase their alcohol and drink it in the confines of their homes as they watch television programmes or listen to ‘oldies’ via small stereo sets.

The youths however prefer to enjoy the many concept parties hosted around Parika from time to time or would enjoy ‘chilling out’ by one of the many hangout bars that can be found alongside the Parika Public Road. They eagerly anticipate the massive live shows and parties that are customarily hosted by various promoters at the Parika Community Centre Ground.

Conclusion If you truly desire a little solitude and quietness as you bask in the glorious beauty made possible by Mother Nature, then your ideal location is Lookout.

While you are there make sure you have your fill of every succulent fruit that thrives there in abundance. Take trip to the backlands via speedboats or take a plunge into the cool, refreshing water of their many trenches.

If you are a bit more adventurous then dare the strong currents and take a dip into the ever churning Essequibo River that flows just outside the village.

When you are done with all this call me and let me that that like myself, you have savored the ‘Lookout Experience.’ Do not miss out on this opportunity folks…

The alluring beauty of the countryside

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Wide appealing expanses of natural waterways is made evident with the Essequibo River just a few rods away from the village

Cattle Farmer Eldad Adams gets ready to reign in his animals from the wide, open pastures

Cozy little cottages

The elderly Seegobin Doodnauth vows he will never trade Lookout for any other location

Some farmers pile their produce unto trucks and take them to the city to garner better sales

The elderly Josephus Grimes shed light on the likes of the village in ‘donkey years’ gone by

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

A place of worship in the village

Like many other villages in Guyana, Lookout still boasts a few features that remind one of the colonial days

The A. Alli & Son Sawmill and Lumber Yard create employment opportunities for villagers

Old Pals meet up for a good ‘afternoon gaff’ Enjoying the rush and the gurgle of the waves upon the Essequibo River

The lush, green pastures of Lookout

Sheep munching happily on the many plant species in the village

Wholesale buyers leave the village happily after securing excellent bargains on plantains from farmers there

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Short story

MY CHILD IS MY WIFE

BY Parvati Persaud-Edwards

N

alini smiled in tires satisfaction as her husband leaned over to kiss her cheeks, enthusing: “She’s the most beautiful baby in the world.”

“That observation smacks of prejudice”, she teased, “I think I gave birth to a ghoul.

She does not merely suckle, but it seems she wants to eat me...and to add insult to injury, she spits on me when she is finished nursing.”

But several months later Nalini was seriously worried.

If it did not seem ridiculous she would have been convinced that the baby hated her. It seemed to display such an unnatural antipathy – and these accidents, well...

The first one occurred

while she was nursing the baby, named Shanti after Prem’s mother. A flailing little hand grabbed a pen off the bedside table and stabbed Nalini in the eye in a blur of motion, resulting in a severe inflammation of her left eye. Then another time, while playing on the floor, Shanti’s tiny hand pushed a toy-car right under Nalini’s descending foot, just as she approached

the stairwell, sending her skidding across the floor and tumbling down the stairs to the bottom, where she lay in a crumpled heap until Prem returned home. The result this time was concussion, a badly-sprained ankle, and numerous cuts and bruises.

Prem was also having serious misgivings: Each time he approached his wife, even as the thought formulated, Shanti would begin screaming herself into convulsions.

And if he killed the baby she would, incredibly, make

frantic attempts to poke her tongue into his mouth. I had gotten so baffling that, bewildered and frightened, he was becoming progressively more reluctant to return home at the end of the day.

Even when he eventually did he had to force himself to face Nalini’s hysterics. She was losing her composure from fear and unhappiness over the baby’s unnatural behaviour.

She also received no support from Prem, who was himself unable to under-

stand what was happening in their lives.

His reluctance to be close to her convinced her that he was having an affair with another woman. Prem could not explain to his wife, because it seemed illogical even to himself, that Shanti’s hysterical reactions when they made love was having serious physical repercussions for him, resulting in his increasing Continued on page XXXV

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

MICHAEL DOUGLAS - One of the few actors who actually appears to be a walking paradox

M

ichael Douglas, born September 25, 1944, is one of the few actors who actually appears to be a walking paradox. A household name, an estimated worth of over $200 million, a father (Kirk Douglas) who was one of the world's biggest film stars when he was growing up, and a wife whose father is younger than he is, Douglas has indeed gained fame and acclaim. His parents (Kirk and wife Diana Douglas) divorced when he was six, and he went to live with his mother and her new husband.

Only seeing Kirk on holidays, Michael attended Eaglebrook school in Deerfield, Massachusetts, where he was about a year younger than all of his classmates. Deciding he wanted to be an actor in his teenage years, Michael often asked his father about getting a "foot in the door". Kirk was strongly opposed to Michael pursuing an acting career, saying that it was an industry with many downs and few ups, and that he wanted all four of his sons to stay out of

it. Michael, however, was persistent. When he started his career in the mid 1960s people were all too ready to tag him as "the next Kirk Douglas". He defied all those critics by accepting sensitive, quiet roles, a far cry from the macho, leading-man, hero parts that his father was most famous for. It didn't earn Michael much credibility, but it earned him his own identity.

Although he made his film debut in Cast a Giant Shadow (1966), his breakthrough role was on the TV series The Streets of San Francisco (1972) opposite screen veteran Karl Malden. Michael gained quite a following on this show, and left it to produce One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). His own life was never brilliant either. He had dreams of acting alongside brother Joel Douglas, the one brother out of his three to which he was closest (he would only see Peter Douglas and the late Eric Douglas when he visited his father), but Joel wanted no part of the acting his family was famous for. In 1977, Michael married Diandra Luker, 14 years his junior; they had one son together, Cam-

Michael Douglas eron. The marriage eventually failed.

In the 1980s Michael tried his hand at comedies, the most successful being Romancing the Stone (1984), its sequel The Jewel of the Nile (1985), and The War of the Roses (1989), in which he co-starred with Danny DeVito and Kathleen Turner. It was in the 1990s, though, in which he gained the most notorious aspects of his reputation. He starred in Basic Instinct (1992), a thriller, heavy on sex and violence, that was a worldwide hit. Having played a similar role in Fatal Attraction (1987), it did indeed appear that he was being typecast in "man against woman" type roles, and pictures like Disclosure (1994) did nothing to dissuade that opinion. He finally tried to break away from this image with The American President (1995) and The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), yet when he started dating Catherine Zeta-Jones, 25 years his junior, this image continued, even after their marriage.

After two children with Jones, Michael is trying to settle down to become a more "family-oriented" actor. The comedy Wonder Boys (2000) and the Douglas-clan movie It Runs in the Family (2003) were box office flops, and it appears Michael is again looking for a career change.

Trying his hand now at light-hearted comedies, like the re-make of The In-Laws (2003), he hopes to break away from his past reputation.

In the late 1960s, Michael shared a New York apartment with fellow actor Danny DeVito at 338 West 89th Street in Manhattan where the rent was $75 each per month.

His acting mentor and best friend, Karl Malden, died on July 1, 2009, at age 97.

Became a father for the 3rd time at age 58 when his 2nd wife Catherine Zeta-Jones gave birth to their daughter Carys Zeta Douglas on April 20, 2003.

Became a father for the 2nd time at age 55 when his 2nd wife Catherine Zeta-Jones gave birth to their son Dylan Michael Douglas on August 8, 2000.

Became a father for the 1st time at age 34 when his 1st [now ex] wife Diandra Douglas gave birth to their son Cameron Morrell Douglas, aka Cameron Douglas, on December 13, 1978.

As of 2014, has appeared in two films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Fatal Attraction (1987) and Traffic (2000). And produced Best Picture winner One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975).

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Understanding

-From a teen’s point of view

By Vishani Ragobeer.

H Introduction:

Vishani Raghober

ello there! My name is Vishani Ragobeer. I’m a fourteen-year old (soon to be fifteen) student of the prestigious Queen’s College.

I am interested in science, arts (law) and social science; hence I will be writing a column every Sunday here in the leading Chronicle newspaper about raising social awareness on various issues and topics in our Guyanese society. Also, I consider myself a youth ambassador as I am very passionate about helping others, especially youths like myself in mental, physical and emotional developments.

I intend to try to bring about a change however small in our society by educating and informing you, my readers, of things that have been broken down to facilitate every reader. These topics I will be writing about are as seen from my point of view and my writing will be targeting mostly youths like myself but every single age group is invited to read whatever I have to say. I will try to make my columns interesting whilst being informative and I also plan on involving and supporting a lot of well known people from our society with regards to relevant issues.

The name of my column is: “Understanding… from a teen’s point of view.”

One important point to note is that in expressing my views, I wish to remain neutral in any issue regarding religion, ethnicity and nationality. I am still very young and I do not wish to get involved in any of these issues. If I do happen to mention something that is not appreciated, especially regarding the before mentioned issues, I assure you that it is not my intention to do so.

Sincerest gratitude to the following people, without whom this initiative of mine would not be possible: I would like to thank the Supreme Almighty - for without GOD nothing is possible, my parents especially my mother, my mentor whose expectation is my greatest inspiration, my father for his support, my sister who admires me, Mr. Naipaul and the rest of the staff of the Chronicle Newspapers, my teachers, my friends, all my other relative - especially those who are overseas and will be reading my column online (Grandma Seeta, Natasha & Uncle Moti) for their kind words and encouragements and, of course, you my readers who take time out of your schedule to read my little column. I thank you all.

Next week, right here at your best newspaper I will have my first official piece of writing, but until then I bid you farewell and hope that in whatever you do you will be absolutely exceptional!

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Naya Zamana 19 – A Royal Twist on August 30th

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s nineteenth installment of Naya Zamana, one of Guyana’s most awaited dance and theatrical productions, will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday August 30th at 8pm. This year’s production, described as a theatrical extravaganza, is called “A Royal Twist”. The story covers two eras and, as the name suggests, will be replete with fabulous dance, resplendent costumes, magnificent sets and intense drama.

Director and Choreographer of the production, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has been working long hours with the 70 member cast to achieve the perfect visuals for her story, an original one which she has penned. According to Dr. Persaud, this year’s production has allowed her to let her imagination run riot in crafting a script which conjures up the splendor and romance of a bygone era as well as the drama of present day. With numerous dance styles being featured, a talented cast, majestic sets and costumes and the inclusion of the E-Networks band, which features musicians from India and Guyana, the production is bound to sparkle in every way.

Costumes and sets are designed by Trishala Persaud.

Playing the lead roles are Dr. Indhira Harry as actress turned director Riya Patel, US based choreographer and dancer Noman Ahmad as the debonair Sid Sharma, Zahrah Alli as the famous Mughal dancer Anarkali, Ravi as Prince Saleem and Nazim Hussain as Emperor Akbar. Recent winner of the E-Networks Emerging Voices Competition, Vishale Sukram makes her debut at the National Cultural Centre in this production. The show is one you definitely would not want to miss.

Tickets for the show cost $3500, $3000 and $2000 and are on sale at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Kendra, Red Mango, E-Networks (Camp Street and West Coast Demerara), Bhagwans, the Murti Shop and the National Cultural Centre or patrons can call 227-6181 or 219-1900 for more information. Naya Zamana fans are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid being disappointed as the show is sold out in advance of show night every year. To win exciting door prizes for this production, do ensure that you retain your ticket stub. The Sabha wishes to thanks Digicel, E-Networks and NTN for their support of the production which showcases Guyanese talent.

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

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Key role of Family Farming

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

By Clifford Stanley Family farming or backyard farming, has a key role to play in food security in the Caribbean and Latin America.

This is according to a recent report: “The Outlook for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Americas 2014: A Perspective on Latin America and the Caribbean,” In keeping with the renewed appreciation for the importance of backyard farming four young Guyanese were recently recipients of training in Mexico for technology transfer to local farmers..

They are Bissasar Chintamanie and Devwattie Dass of the Guyana School of Agriculture , Abiola Bruce of the Guyana Livestock Development Association (GLDA) and Aaron Ramroop of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The recent document on family farming was jointly produced by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

The publication included a special chapter on the situation and expectations of family farming in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as analysis of the macroeconomic context; crop, livestock, forestry and fishery sectors; rural well-being; and agricultural institutions.

According to Alicia Bárcena, executive secretary of ECLAC, despite the region's agricultural slowdown in 2013, 2014 is expected to see economic conditions conducive to economic growth and regional agricultural growth.

“These trends should be underpinned by policies aimed not only at increasing yields in commercial farming but also boosting the successful inclusion of family farming in value chains,” she said.

Dr.Juan Alberto Sánchez Paredes Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Puebla in Mexico said that in order to overcome poverty and strengthen food security, family productive activities must have an initial role, where the backyard is a fundamental element of family production unit.

The backyard can be considered as a production system, comprising at least the subsystems of crops, livestock and forest.

These combine physical, economic and social functions, whose management is shared by all members of the family.

He said: to the crops of the backyard, the family provides the greatest care, irrigating them using water for domestic consumption and sometimes transporting through buckets.

The product of the activities of the backyard is priority intended to self-supply and as a reserve fund to keep social reproduction of the family and surpluses that are market-oriented in order to obtain income to solve a health emergency (illness mainly ) and to complete household spending.

Therefore, despite its apparent technological backwardness, as a system, it is extremely complex in its integration and management, so it is required to establish procedures properly tested to propose modifications that be successful over time.

Víctor M. Villalobos, IICA director general, noted that family farming is the economic activity with the “greatest potential for increasing food supply in the region, reducing unemployment and saving the most vulnerable rural population from poverty and malnutrition.”

MY CHILD...

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

From page XXVIII

inability to respond to her overtures. This, too, was generating its own fears and insecurities about losing his functional capacities in vital areas crucial to his masculinity.

His marriage was in serious trouble. His life was plunging into a fathomless abyss and he did not know where to look for help.

What could he tell anyone? That his baby was caus-

ing trouble between himself and his wife? Although he was faced with the constant reality, the idea seemed so unthinkable, so impossible, that he had overwhelming difficulty believing in its actuality.

Shanti had begun to say a few words; not “ma” or “dada”. She said “Pem” distinctly but totally ignored Nalini, who was horrified at herself one day for looking at her long-awaited, much-wanted and antici-

pated baby with dislike and anger. It seemed all her present unhappiness was tied up with the baby’s presence and behaviour.

A bizarre development was even more frightening in its implications. Shanti refused to answer to her name; instead, she insistently repeated “Lyn, Lyn” whenever she was called Shanti by anyone. The first time she did this Nalini jumped, shocked and frightened. Lyn had been

the name of Prem’s first wife who had drowned when the launch she was travelling in sank in the Essequibo River. It was a name not normally mentioned in the house but, upon reflection, Nalini thought that the baby had probably heard the name mentioned sometime or the other and found it easy to repeat.

But the horror intensified one evening while they were

all lying on the bed, listening to a Ravi Shankar orchestration. The baby climbed upon Prem’s chest, pointed to him and said “Pem”, then, pointing to herself she said “Lyn” before electrifying him by bending her little head and kissing him in a manner that his first wife had always used to initiate lovemaking while listening to that particular Ravi Shankar LP. Prem pushed her away and scrambled from the bed, looking at the baby as though

XXXV an apparition had taken her place. He hurriedly dragged on his clothes and fled from the house, leaving a stricken Nalini behind.

One day the family was visited by a friend who had returned home from the USA where he had just completed his studies. Larry Holder, his wife Janice, Prem and Lyn had been inseparable friends since their Continued on page XXXVI

MY CHILD...

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

is possible for subconscious mental projections of the past to influence the behavioural patterns of the present life it is rare, however, for a person to remember their previous existence in totality, although documented evidence indicates that this phenomenon is quite possible, as such cases have intermittently surfaced throughout mankind’s existence.

“Because of your first wife’s untimely death during the height of her marital happiness, and her consequential spiritual reluctance to release her soul from her previous existence, it is possible that her will has enabled her to manifest into your home once From page XXXV courting days. Lyn had died subsequent to his departure on more – this time through rebirth as your child; albeit with the still incandescent adult a scholarship to the States and Nalini had never seen him. love for you as your wife.”

But the baby, who by that time was walking and talking, As the days went by Prem kept staring in fascination at Shanti – but in his mind’s eye ran to him and grabbed his hand in delight as soon as he entered the door behind Prem and he was remembering Lyn. exclaimed, “Larry, hi!” mystifying all three adults.

Prem watched in disbelief. Not even Nalini knew this particular friend, who had departed Lyn of the laughing eyes, Lyn of the shining hair. the country years prior to his re-marriage. Later, at their boyhood hangout, Prem expressed his

growing bewilderment and fear to his childhood friend and confidante who advised, solemnly Lovely Lyn. sympathetic, “There is a pandit who lives near to Janice’s parents in Whim. People say he can

read the patra and is very knowledgeable. He may be able to advise you. We can go tomorrow Seductive Lyn. and we can stay by Janice’s parents because we would not get a ferry crossing by the time we

are finished.” Prem eagerly assented to this suggestion and the two friends left early the next “My child is my wife,” were the incredulous thoughts torturing his mind. morning for Berbice, arriving at their destination until near dusk because it had taken them

hours to get a crossing on the ferry.

Although the baby no longer shared her parents’ bedroom and had been relegated to the “Hindus believe in the transmigration of souls,” the revered pandit explained: spare room, Prem had lost every shred of desire for Nalini in his recollections of his first wife.

“Souls do not perish but are reborn to another host body.” He continued. “While it Memories of the dead Lyn dominated his waking thoughts and resonated in his dreams. The consequence of these dreams were bouts of exquisite lovemaking with Nalini, who was made supremely happy by what she thought was her husband’s renewed and re-invigorated interest in her charms.

One evening the little family was returning home from a shopping expedition to the nearby supermarket when Prem, ambling along a few feet behind the two females in his life, was riveted by the sight of a speeding car, out of control and heading directly toward Shanti and Nalini.

Prem, heart pounding like pistons, bounded toward the two figures, grabbed one and rolled to safety as the car smashed sickeningly into the other. Slowly raising his head, he placed his hand over the beloved heart which was beating strongly beneath him. Thank God – she was alive and uninjured.

He looked over to where the other body was lying – crushed beyond recognition beneath the upturned car, then returned his gaze to stare into knowing eyes.

He closed his eyes in thankfulness and relief. He had saved his love.

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XLI

Aries - You’re about to begin mingling with all kinds of interesting and unusual people, and you’ll love every minute of it. There’s at least one new acquaintance en route who’ll be around for a while, too, thanks to an astrological setup that will keep that parade of people you’d otherwise never have met going strong. Whether they turn out to be friends or partners is up for grabs, but who cares? Think of this as a social buffet.

Treat yourself to just a little taste of everything.

Taurus - That new -- and quite authoritative -- person you’ve met is probably quite well outfitted at this point, from head to toe. They’ll enjoy spending money, but if you want to keep up, better check the balance on your credit cards -- and balance your cheque book. If you can’t quite keep up, don’t try. There are better ways to impress them, but even if you end up doing some serious damage to your plastic, think of it as a lesson.

Gemini - Whether it feels comfortable to you or not -- and initially, at least, it probably won’t -- you’re going to be at centre stage for a couple of days, and maybe longer. Better accept it, and try to get your sweetheart used to the idea, too, because if they’re in the vicinity, they may also find the spotlight trained on them. Of course, there are definitely worse things than being worshipped by a crowd of admirers. Looks like you’ll both just have to buck up and smile pretty.

Cancer - Your way with words is famous. It’s so famous, in fact, that you can keep company with just about anyone you want to, whenever you want to. That fact will go double right now, so do yourself a favour. Don’t waste this energy. Gabbing with just about everyone is what you’re famous for, but save the best for that certain someone who actually responds to your wit with some pretty keen comments of their own.

Leo - If anyone is usually quite sure of what, how and when they want to do what they want to do, it’s you. At the moment, however, you’re torn between being good (preparing yourself for tomorrow and going to bed early) and being bad -- which would basically entail staying up as late as you like and forgetting about anything but tonight. The final decision, of course, rests with your conscience, but with the right two-legged companion, the right movie and a big bowl of popcorn, there won’t be a contest.

Virgo - It’s indisputable that you have a way with words -- a gift for presenting logical, practical arguments that are awfully hard to disagree with. That talent will come through for you beautifully now, as always, especially at work, and especially if you add just a touch of charm to the mix when you’re chatting with coworkers. After all, you know what they say about bees and honey. Buzz...

Libra - If you’re still thinking about travel, today’s astrological line up will make it just about impossible for you to resist any longer. Make the decision. You don’t even have to decide exactly where you’re going -- not just yet. All you really have to do, at this point, is to inform the powers that be that you’ll need some time off. Once that’s done, it will make the situation real and put you in the mood to choose your destination. Oh, go ahead.

Scorpio - You’ve been thinking about letting a certain person know just how much you care -- in fact, you’ve been thinking about doing that for some time now. You’re right on the verge of having a ‘state of the relationship’ meeting to tell them how you feel. Well, what’s the holdup?

You know they feel the same and you know they’ll be delighted to hear it. You’ve even got the perfect heavenly envoy on duty, right now: The lovely lady Venus is on your side. What could be better?

Sagittarius - It’s over -- temporarily, at least. That work binge you were on has finally come to an end. That’s not to say that you won’t be putting in your time and continuing to do what’s necessary to keep your head above water and your reputation on the job intact -- but you may also suddenly find that you need to make time for your siblings and neighbours. Reintroduce yourself to them, and rest assured that you’ll receive an extremely warm reception.

Capricorn - You’re busy, as usual -- that, of course, is nothing new; it’s something you’ve become used to. Just for the moment, though, why not devote some time to pure, unadulterated fun? That’s after you’re done with your work for the day, and this includes not just your usual chores, but also something your darling has managed to either forget to do or put off until later.

Aquarius - You’ve always been the objective type, far more prone toward facts and figures than anything that even remotely resembles nostalgia. At the moment, however, you’re feeling like a regular tissue commercial -- and not at all shy about spouting phrases you would have made fun of not too long ago. It all comes down to just one thing: That love is, indeed, grand, and that you’re not afraid to express it.

Pisces - The universe has officially granted you ‘off duty’ status. Your compassion knows no bounds, but you’ve done absolutely everything you can for the ones you love. It’s time now for them to take care of themselves -- and for you to stop feeling guilty about not being able to do more. Besides, there’s someone out there who could do with a bit more of your time and attention -- not to mention your company, in private.

How about it?

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English

Chronicle Pepperpot August 24, 2014

Adrian Dutchin to receive Folk Festival Award

A

drian Dutchin was recently listed as the recipient of the 2014 Guyana Cultural Association Folk Festival Award in Brooklyn, New York.

Adrian Dutchin was duly recognised for his accomplishments in the performing arts that are representative of the inspiration derived from Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.

His span of appearances in the Guyanese and Caribbean Diaspora with a cross-section of top artistes has been impressive over the years, and this has led to him being a recipient of the award.

The Guyana Cultural Association Folk Festival Aw a r d c e r e m o n y i s a n annual event in Brooklyn, N Y. O n A u g u s t 2 7 t h e committee will present awards to individuals for their work that represents meaningful contributions to the improvement of inter-ethnic dialogue and Adrian Dutchin feelings of trust in Guyanese society at home and in the Diaspora.

In a recent interview, Dutchin thanked the committee for considering him for the award. He said that the award serves as a motivation to aim for bigger things. He is currently on that track since he is expected to release two singles shortly.

He dedicated the award to his fans for their support over the years and more so, his family. The proud father of two is also the recipient of the West Indian Music Award (WIMA) for Best Performer of the Year which he won for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013).

Dutchin also received the award for the Best Soca Song in 2013 with “Jook.�

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Khloe Kardashian’s Message About ‘Negative Things’: Dissing Lamar?

It looks like Khloe Kardashian, 30, is still not over the hurt that Lamar Odom, 34, caused her when he cheated and allegedly abused drugs during their marriage. Is she dissing Lamar in her Instagram message about ‘negative things’?

Khloe Kardashian may be happier than ever with new boyfriend French Montana, 29, but judging by her confession on the August 17 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians that she won’t be removing her Lamar Odom tattoo, it seems like she’s having difficulty letting go. However, in a new Instagram message about “negative things,” she appears to be dissing her estranged husband!

Khloe Kardashian Disses Lamar Odom?

— Her Message About ‘Negative Things’ “The more you talk about negative things in your life, the more you call them in,” she posted on August 15. “Speak victory not defeat.”

The quote, from televangelist Joel Osteen, seems to call out Lamar. While she’s not keen on removing her tattoo — nor on adding a “v” and an “e” to turn it from “LO” to “LOVE” — she certainly has no interest in hearing from him.

KUWTK: Kim Kardashian Calls Out Khloe For Secret...

‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ preview: Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian fight over her secret double life and boyfriend. Starring...

On the same August 17 episode of KUWTK, she’s upset that Lamar has shown up at the same club she was partying at with French Montana, especially when she changed her number to avoid her estranged husband.

Khloe Kardashian: ‘Speak Victory, Not Defeat’ By changing her number, she’s certainly trying to avoid negative things in her life — however, we know by watching her on KUWTK this season that she’s been having a hard time doing so, and we definitely can’t blame her.

Khloe, take your own advice! Speak victory, not defeat. The end of your marriage doesn’t have to be the end of your life.

Kevin Hart & Eniko Parrish Engaged Congrats are in order! Kevin Hart and his girlfriend of five years, Eniko Parrish, are officially engaged. He shared the news on Instagram with a pic of her amazing ring — and now there’s video of the minute he popped the question.

Kevin Hart, 35, is a taken man!

On August 18, the Ride Alone actor popped the question to model Eniko Parrish — and announced that “she said YEEEEESSSSS.” Kevin got down on one knee at a restaurant with his friends and family, who were all out to celebrate Eniko’s 30th birthday! See her amazing diamond ring, plus watch his full proposal here!

Kevin Hart & Eniko Parrish Engaged — Watch We all knew Kevin Hart was a comedian, but he’s actually quite the romantic! On his girlfriend’s 30th birthday, he took her out for dinner with a bunch of friends and got down on one knee. One of his friends posted a video of the beginning of the proposal, then Eniko posted one shortly after.

Her caption read, “I said YES!!!!! To the most amazing man in the world.. ????Thirty as been GREAT to me thus far, I wouldn’t trade it for anything..Thanks to my dearest friends, fam, and the LOVE of my life..for making this day a memorable one! You all

hold a special place in my heart! xO???? #nikosdirty30.”

Following the proposal, Kevin shared an adorable picture, revealing her diamond ring. He wrote, “She said YEEEEESSSSS…… #Happy #MyRib #iF–kingLoveHer.” Kevin, who has two children with ex, Torrei Hart, does plan on having more children with his new fiancée! When rumors surfaced that she was pregnant in early August 2014, she responded on Twitter with, “Working on it’ means when the timing is right.. We will begin to plan!”

Well, either way — we’re so excited for these two. Congrats to the happy couple! Watch the adorable proposal videos here:

Nicki Minaj Gives Drake A Lap Dance In Shocking ‘Anaconda’ Teaser So steamy. Drake just got — what we would assume is — the best lap dance of his life! Nicki, whom Drake has confessed he loves in his 2010 hit ‘Miss Me,’ released a series of teaser pics from her ‘Anaconda’ music video, which show her gyrating her ample butt against Drake’s lap.

Nicki Minaj, 31, knows how to make mouths water. Not only is she seen giving Drake, 27, a very SEXY lap dance in a series of new teaser pics from her “Anaconda” music video, but she also recently released a scandalous behind-the-scenes clip. We’re going to go out on a limb and predict that “Anaconda” will be Nicki’s sexiest video yet!

Nicki Minaj Gives Drake Lap Dance — ‘Anaconda’ Video Teaser Photos Nicki released four scandalous images on Instagram on Aug. 18. The photos were mostly captioned with, “#AnacondaVidWednesdayOnVevo,” but one photo references her sneakers and another points out the sexy shadow she and Drake created on set (which

you can see above).

“That silhouette tho…” she wrote.

She even appears to be fondling his crotch in one of the photos. So scandalous!

Nicki Minaj & Drake: Their Relationship History Nicki and Drake go way back, both personally and professionally, and they’ve always been huge fans of each other’s work.

Furthermore, rumors have linked Nicki and Drake since they first went on tour together, but they deny ever dating.

However, on his song “Miss Me” from Thank Me Later, Drake’s lyrics suggest he wants more than a friendship: “I love Nicki Minaj/ I told her I’d admit it/ I hope one day we get married just to say we f—ing did it/ And girl, I’m f—ing serious/ I’m with it if you with it/ ‘Cause your verses turn me on and your pants are mighty fitted.”

We think it’s safe to say that Nicki’s pants look “mighty fitted” during the lap dance in these new pics. Drake must have been very happy.