Pepperpot 24 10 2015

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odfrey Wray started working at what is now the Guyana Chronicle in the early 1960s. His career in journalism took him around the world, but nothing could prepare him for the return to Albouystown, the Georgetown ghetto he once called home.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

The Magic Sword

“A white church-like tomb, a masterly architectural piece of the Colonial era” Legend had it that over a century ago, the master’s little son had fallen ill and even though doctors who sailed the seas tried to save him, he died and was buried in the garden, for the master and his wife could not bear to part with their only son. The following night, when the moon hid behind the clouds and darkness enveloped the garden, a doctor from the far east who had heard of the sick boy and the master’s desperation to save his child arrived on a dark horse, but he was too late, for the sword he had brought had magical powers to save the sick and dying. The master and his wife thought that maybe it wasn’t too late, that maybe the magical powers of the sword could bring back their little boy. So they had opened the crypt, but the powers of the sword could not bring him back to life, it could only preserve his body.

The doctor was sent away with a bag of gold pieces and the sword was left in the tomb. Once each year, on the night of his son’s death, when darkness blanketed the garden, the master would open the tomb to look at his son’s cherubic little face as he lay in peaceful sleep, the magic sword at his side. Years later, at the death of the master and his wife, the tomb was sealed forever. The story goes on that anyone who, over the decades, tried to open the crypt, met with a tragic end, So it stayed untouched and intriguing to this day.

Aryan did not believe too much in legend and fairy tales. He was more of a boy with a scientific mind and his first thought would have been to excavate the tomb to look for buried treasures, But the story intrigued him. The old gardener lady did not too like his deep interest in the crypt and she said to Aryan’s mother, “Missus, don’t leh de boy trouble de tomb or the master will get angry, he comes every dark night on his horse.”

No one heeded her warnings, they thought she was too superstitious.

But when Aryan started having dreams of a little white boy playing in the garden, with a sword that glinted like diamonds, he thought,“Could this really be true?"

One night he walked down the long winding steps to the garden and looking around to make sure no one was around, he said in a whispered tone, “Are you there, for real. Can I see you or is this just a fairy tale?”

Later that night, he laid in bed listening to the hooting of the owl outside his window and his eyes closed in sleep, thinking of the little white boy and the magic sword. Aryan wasn't sure if it was a dream or it was real, but he heard voices, strange voices and following the sound, he went downstairs into the garden and stared in speechless awe at the boy playing with his sword that created waves of dancing stars, illuminating the night. The master sat on a white horse watching his son play, a smile on his face. The boy ran up to Aryan and put the sword to his neck, demanding, “Who are you?”

“I’m Aryan.”

“What are you doing in our house?”

“I live here, now.”

“Are you here to steal my sword?”

“No, I just want to know if the legend is true, if you are real.”

“A legend, I’m a legend?”

“It’s been a long time.” Aryan said The boy turned to look at his father, who nodded his head. He withdrew the sword from Aryan`s neck and said, “You wouldn't want to be my friend, would you?”

“Sure.”

Aryan wasn't scared at all, nor did he think it strange to become friends with a boy who died over a century ago and as the night slept, two little boys of the present and the past played with each other and there began a great friendship. One night, the white boy handed the sword to Aryan and said, “I want you to feel its power, for you can have its use.”

“How can I use it?”

“Once you believe in its power and want to use it for good deeds, it will come to you when you wish.”

Aryan took the sword and a strong shudder passed through his body. He felt a mixture of awe and fear.

“Do not be afraid,” the boy said. “It has unique powers for it’s something precious of the past and it will help you when you wish, for you are my friend.”

The boy threw the sword in the air and fireworks lit the sky, then it vanished. Aryan closed his eyes and wished and in a wink, the sword appeared in his hand.

“Awesome,” he laughed.

The little white boy and Aryan smiled at each other, for the strange and wonderful friendship they shared and a magic sword.

(Books by this writer available at Austin Book Services)

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com

S

PRING was in the air and the garden was such a wonderful sight to behold, with flowers in riotous bloom and the birds flirting around in a beauty of their own. Aryan watched his little sister from the top verandah of the huge colonial house, as she skipped around the garden with her little basket filling it with fallen flowers from the English thistle and frangipani trees.

His eyes wandered to the huge flamboyant tree, its branches spreading like giant arms as though protecting what stood at its roots, a white church-like tomb, a masterly architectural piece of the colonial era. From the very first day Aryan moved into the house with his family, he had felt a strange fascination towards the tomb, as it stood there in the garden, an interesting emblem of the past, cloaked in mystery.

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

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‘Building Bridges’

by Philip Mohabir, Hodder and Stoughton, 1988

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manuscript came to me through the post; its author seeking editorial guidance. On the enveloped were two stamps. One of the stamps, on which this article focuses, is a $160 Guyana stamp released in 2014 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches in Guyana. That stamp bears

was directed by God to continue his missionary work in strategic areas of Guyana including “Skeldon in the upper Corentyne, Rosehall in the Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam, Buxton, Georgetown, Leonora/Anna Catherina, Vergenoegen/ Parika, Bartica, Mabaruma, Moruka and some unidentified villages on the East Bank of Demerara.”

All of this happened when Mohabir returned to Guyana

a photograph of the founder of the organization, Philip Mohabir.

The Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches in Guyana, responsible for establishing over 150 churches throughout country, started with the vision of that one man who

from Britain in 1964.

Mohabir’s first missionary calling took him to Britain, arriving in London in April 1956. England was at that time going through the throes of adjustment between Whites and non-Whites. Minority Non-Whites then had little

or no voice. But a vexation to Mohabir’s spirit was the division in the church, White Christians and Black Christians not seeing eye to eye on the essential of a religion of which they were followers.

There were many reasons for this hostility but not enough to daunt his spirit. In fact, those very reasons drove him to break down racial barriers; barriers that were sometimes branded a sort of apartheid.

He used these conditions to create the climate for the founding of unifying forces like West Indian Evangelical Alliance and Connections, which is an inter-denominational, multi-racial Apostolic network of Churches in Britain, other parts of Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

He spent eight fruitful years in England, a base from which he was able to expand and serve people in distant lands, planting churches. He gained an important foothold in Sweden; one in which he found constant support for his ministry.

In 1964, Mohabir returned to Guyana after it appeared that he had set the stage for unbounded development of the church in the UK. Mohabir returned with part of his team; according to Mohabir it was always teamwork. He and his wife Muriel, good friends, Bryn and his wife, Edna, departed the UK for Guyana as missionaries. Guyana 1964 was a place of racial discord, appearing to be a place with no time to entertain God. Philip Mohabir was a mighty man of God who broke down many barriers including the racial divide between Christians in the church of Guyana and Whites and non-Whites Christian in the church of Britain.

God was his mainstay but as he admitted in his autobiography he owed a debt of gratitude to numerous in-

dividuals and families. One of those persons worthy of mention was his wife, a Jamaican, who acted as a sort of passport to predominantly African Villages. They were confronted with armed mobs but they forged on, winning out in the end, winning over to God the very people who wanted to harm them.

In Guyana, he set up base in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, later moving to Walterloo and Murray (now Quamina) streets, in the city of Georgetown, needing more space and a central area from which to groom spiritual leaders for the expanding ministry. Then 242 South Road was acquired. But his work in Guyana was not finish.

He conquered the jungle in order to create a cooperative village, Hauraruni, along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway,

a safe haven for Christians to worship, to find meaningful employment and to produce spiritual leaders. This wonderful sanctuary is the result of faith in God and hard pioneering work.

Philip Mohabir was born into a Hindu home in 1937.

His grandfather came from Gorakhpur, India, bringing his religious books and culture.

So it wasn’t easy for Mohabir to declare his conversion to Christianity which happened while he was attending Wray’s High School in Croal Street where he was doing the subject Religious Education just to obtain his matriculation. His text was The Life of Christ and the Bible verses that changed his life were Mark 1: 14 – 19, summed up in Jesus’ call, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

From that moment, there was no turning back.

His friend David Tomlinson in the Preface wrote, “I’d be very surprised if this book doesn’t change peoples’ lives. It’s a powerful story with a challenge to everyone who recognizes that God does impossible things through ordinary people who dare to trust him and be courageous.”

He built bridges as reflected in his autobiography Building Bridges. This book tells part of the story – the start of his missionary work in Britain, his return to Guyana, and closes with his trip back to Britain. Building Bridges is a story of tolerance, determination, sacrifice and total reliance on God. (Responses to this author telephone 592-226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com)

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Sunday

Nostalgia

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This week in Sunday’s Nostalgia, we continue to take a look back at events in the agriculture sector as the country’s observes Agriculture Month.

President Desmond Hoyte chats with some of the residents who turned up for a rice festival at Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara.

(December 19, 1991)

Rice farmers protest poor prices at the offices of Kayman Sankar Rice Mills, Lamaha Street, Georgetown. (Sepetmber 06, 1996)

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Simone Dowding Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

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By Alex Wayne

ANY actresses miss the mark altogether and fail to meet expectations, but some shine like a diamond with such remarkable talent that they soon become legends of their own.

Simone Dowding is quickly establishing herself as one of those in the areas of drama and theatre, being propelled to great heights of fame and stardom.

Among those rare gems is versatile award-winning Guyanese actress, Simone Dowding who, over the years, continues to chalk up notable points as she adds more and more accolades to her already bulging belt of achievements.

Simone tells that her journey to fame required immense patience, dedication, and commitment to the arts she has loved so much over the years.

Born under the Zodiac sign of Leo, the mother of three attended the Salem Primary and Secondary schools, where her love for the stage was noticed by teachers and peers alike.

In no time at all she had become quite a force to be reckoned with, as she participated in numerous school plays and drama presentations with gusto, finesse and bravery.

Being an artistic person, she attended and graduated from the Burrowes School of Art with flying colours in 2007.

As the years went by, Ms Dowding had become quite a face on the local scene, and has always been popular for her steamy showcases on the stages of the National Cultural Centre, Theatre Guild, and numerous other locations.

It came as no surprise when she won the Best Actress Award in 2012 at the Theatre Guild Awards Ceremony. With a flair for cooking, she also holds three separate certificates in all three stages of cake decorating, fabric designing, ceramics, dress making and crochet.

This diva, also an excellent singer, is a past Executive Member of the Theatre Guild’s board of directors, and currently is the Assistant Producer of the ‘First Look Show’ on Channel 9, where she also officiates as a marketing representative.

With a passion for kids, she soon formed her ‘Purple Arts Production’ entity, which is quite a vibrant factor in grooming young children in the areas of drama, theatre, acting, directing, playwriting, costume and stage management, and choreography techniques, among other related concepts.

Each year, Dowding conducts her annual Children’s Drama Workshop for participants aged 6 to 19. This initiative is used as a forum to search, discover and develop the natural drama skills of students, to prepare them for bigger and even international stages. It also serves as a positive space created for children to be taught the basic disciplines of drama. At this venture, students are made to create their own storyline, which is later scripted into a play for workshop production.

Her exploits have seen the making of ‘Emerged 3’, an award-winning children’s group that won Best Theatre Production this year at the Theatre Guild Awards Ceremony.

At the workshop, students are also involved in poetry, dance and short plays. Last year the workshop created five short plays, with the centrepiece being ‘Sliding Floors’, directed by Dequan Allen (guided by Dowding). The assistant director of this piece is Hannah Walters.

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…a force to be reckoned with in the world of theatre

The annual workshop has been supported by Guyana’s former First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar, Habitat for Humanity, Car Care Plus, Lambert’s Electrical, Capital News, NALICO/ NAFICO, and Guyenterprise. Dowding, however, welcomes the support of other corporate entities or individuals as she sets about to further enhance the initiative.

Being a woman who likes to multi-task, Dowding also is the presenter of the Sunday afternoon re-broadcast programme ‘Young Professionals’, an initiative of hers in which young, successful individuals are interviewed, and their stories used as a catalyst to motivate others to always reach for dreams, despite setbacks and hurdles.

Dowding also has her sights set on having her own talk show soon.

“I was catapulted into the media, and I have gained lots

Award winning Guyanese actress Simone Dowding is quite a force to be reckoned with in the world of theatre. always ready to impress, one has to be on top of one’s game, with choosing clothing and styles that make an impact and leave tongues wagging for a long time after”.

Like anyone else, this diva has her fair share of challenges, particularly in parenting her kids as a single mom. However, she certainly cherishes the support she receives from friends like Verna Welshman, Simone Harris-Cox, June Gilbert, and many others.

This multi-talented woman has a lot to share with upcoming actors/actresses of experience…. As such, my goal right now is to soon have my own talk show and to be a news anchor… I am multi-talented, so this should be almost like a ‘walkover’ for me…” she disclosed.

Ms Dowding is quite popular for making grand entrances with her elite fashion ideas, and fans particularly look out for her impressive designs at awards ceremonies or other functions to which she is invited or officiates.

With her glossy ‘show stopper lipsticks’ well-kept brows and lashes, she instantly becomes a picture of sophistication and glamour the moment she enters a room.

“I believe in looking my best always, since first impression always counts. Besides, I have always had flair for fashion; and in the world of showbiz, where the dons and divas are

“These are just a few of the persons who will remain etched on my memory forever. I was down in the gutter and they refused to allow me to die… In 2006, my sister and pal, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, came along and helped me to understand that there is more to my life than what I thought there was. So I started to discover me, and I actually surprised myself. She taught me to use my talents as a springboard to move my life into its present direction,” Dowding acknowledged.

She notes that her children are indeed a blessing, and they take good care of her. And, of course, she has strengths and weaknesses like any normal person.

“My weakness is that I love hard. I always give of my best to everyone, and I get too emotional when disappointed, and would weep for long periods. My strengths are hidden deep within my being. I can weather storms by being alone even though being alone at times can be very agonizing,” she disclosed.

Ms Dowding has won notable awards each year, and has become quite a household name in the field of theatre and the arts. At the moment, she has her sights set on the international horizons of theatre; and, with her talents, she can surely get there.

She advises potential actors/actresses to stay focused and strive to attain the highest of heights, since the sky is always their limit.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

It’s all about time

- As proven by a property dispute UNDER Real Property Law – Oral contract for sale of land, specific performance cannot be ordered if time was not made of the essence of the contract, it was related by the Appellate Court in 2005.

In the case of Robin Pearletta Batson Et al vElfreda Clarke, the Guyana Court of Appeal in 2005 dismissed an appeal after holding that the vendor did not make time the essence of the contract and it was evident

that Carter was unable to conclude the contract within a reasonable time.

The appeal was dismissed.

The facts disclosed that in 1982 an oral agreement for purchase of a property was

made between the Respondent as vendor and one Carter, now deceased. A deposit of $1, 000 which was 1/8 of the purchase price was paid.

The balance was to have been paid within 6 months.

Four years later, the Respondent sold the property to a third party after repeatedly asking Carter to complete the transaction.

The first Appellant, one of the administrators of Carter’s estate, claimed specific performance of the agreement.

The trial judge held that the conduct of the purchaser Carter entitled the vendor to rescind the agreement on the grounds of delay.

The first appellant appealed.

Dismissing the appeal the Appellate Court held: The vendor did not make time the essence of the contract, but this was not fatal to the case since it was evident that

George Barclay

Carter was unable to conclude the contract within a reasonable time.

Mr. C.M.L. John appeared for the appellants and Mr. B. Gibson represented the Respondent.

The Appellate Court was constituted by Justices of Appeal Madam Claudette Singh, Mr. Nandram Kissoon and Mr. Ian Chang.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Kissoon said: John Robinson was the owner of Sub-Lot numbered 42-44 being part Southern back-quarter of Lot 42 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.

He died, leaving all his property to Elfreda Clarke who resided in Essequibo.

In the year 1982 Clarence Carter purchased from

Elfreda Clarke for $8.000.00 the said property. One thousand dollars was paid at the execution of the agreement of sale and purchase and possession was delivered at the said time. The balance of the purchase price was to be paid within 6 months.

It appears that there was a written agreement which was delivered to the chambers of Mr. Maurice Haniff Attorney-at-law (deceased) and which was misplaced. The trial judge treated the agreement as an oral one. On the hearing of the appeal no issue was taken on this finding.

Elfreda Clarke instituted ► Continued on page XI

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015 ► From

page VIII

Action 135/85 against Clarence Carter for specific performance of the Agreement of Sale and in the alternative rescission of the contract.

This action was dismissed on 11th October, 1980 and was never restored. Elfreda Clarke subsequently sold the property to George Benjamin in consideration of $10, 000.00. The conveyance was opposed by Gail Batson and others in Action 3333/89 and an injunction restraining the passing of Transport was granted to the opposers in Action No. 1062 (Berbice).

Despite the fact that Action No. 135/85 was dismissed, it was heard together with Actions 3333/89 and Action 1062/89.

Clarence Carter died on 17th September, 1986 and Gladys Batson was appointed administratrix of his estate by virtue of letters of Administration No.137/87.

An order for substitution was made by Bishop CJ substituting Gladys Batson, the mother of the minor children of Clarence Carter. On the children attaining majority, subsequent substitutions were made.

There were several correspondences between Counsel for the vendor and the purchaser.

Mr. Gibson wrote on 17th March, 1984 on behalf of Elfreda Clarke.

“My client has instructed me that she has sold to you house and land in consideration of $8, 000.00 on account of which you have paid $1,000.00, and took possession of the property.’

“My client has informed me that this transaction is now 17 months overdue and unless a balance of $7, 000.00 is paid forthwith proceedings will be taken against you for possession of the property and damages for breach of contract.”

This letter indicated that the Respondent was treating the contract as discharged.

As a result her consequent claim for specific performance and communications to the Respondent was misconceived, having elected to treat the contract as discharged and it is no surprise to the court it was not pursued, the judgment had said.

Mr. Maurice Haniff replied to that letter on behalf of Carter and stated: “I have had an opportunity to read the Agreement of Sale and it specifically states that the balance of the purchase price will be paid on or before the passing of Transport. I have been instructed that my client met with a serious mishap which has made him incapacitated and consequently will be able, willing and prepared to accept transport.”

The learned trial judge found from the evidence the terms of the contract (i) consideration $8, 000.00 on which a deposit of $1, 000.00

was paid. (ii) The balance of $7, 000.00 to be paid within 6 months. (iii) Transport to be passed within 6 months. (iv) Possession delivered on the date of the Agreement of Sale.

Despite the filing of proceedings, communications continued between the parties. On 16th September 1985 Mr. Gibson wrote Clarence Carter on behalf of Elfreda Clarke.

“On the last occasion you met my client in Georgetown you informed her that you have given the balance of the purchase price to Mr. CML John but on checking with Mr. John, it was discovered that this was not so.

“My client is ready to convey the property to you on payment of the balance of purchase price but it seems that you do not have the balance of the purchase price.”

There was no reply.

From the communication between the parties it was clear that Carter did not have the financial ability to meet his obligations under the Agreement of Sale.

As a result of Carter’s inability to meet his financial obligation, Clarke sold the property to Benjamin for $10, 000.00 Carter died on 17th September 1986 leaving his relatives in occupation of the property.

The learned trial judge dealt with the issues that arose in this way.

“So the critical point in this case was this: when Clarke sold the property to Benjamin in 1986, was she in law entitled to do so by reason of Carter’s breach of the Agreement? I found that Carter did not pay off the balance within the agreed time of six months and the exceeded period of 2 months when he was again seen.”

Time was not made the essence of the contract.

The Respondent was concerned with the receipt of the payment of the balance of the purchase price. She resided in Essequibo and it was exceedingly expensive to travel to and from New Amsterdam to request the balance. In Action No. 1062/89 the Respondent counter-claimed for (a) rescission of the Agreement of Sale (b) Damages for breach of contract.

Dismissing the appeal and ordering each party to bear his own cost the Court of Appeal in its judgment, among other things, said “It is clear from the evidence that Carter suffered financial inability to conclude the contract within a reasonable time.

“That inordinate delay in this particular case together with the conduct and attitude of the purchaser were sufficient to dismiss the entire Appellant’s cla im.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

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IT company offers human resources

management software

Innovative Systems Incorporated, one of Guyana’s information technology companies, is about to launch it new SaaS model: Software - as - a – Service for our HRMIS (Human Resource Management Information System) via Oracle cloud hosting of which they are Oracle Gold Partners.

For small and medium size organizations in particular, web based applications delivered via SaaS can provide exactly what you need – a great cost effective alternative to delivering effective IT solutions to your business.

Hence, the company’s objective is to facilitate prospective clients, who recognize the indispensable need for a Human Resource Management Information System, while at the same time keeping overhead low.

SaaS is especially appealing to most companies because of its low cost, low-risk approach. As a vendor for this solution, they are making the application available to its customers and hosting it in the “Cloud.”, which means you will be able to access the software anytime, anywhere and will be up and running24-7-365.

It simply means you will eliminate infrastructure investment, and that’s a big incentive on your otherwise upfront cost to facilitate an on-premises implementation.

To help organizations understand why they should choose SaaS Solutions over the traditional software, the company has listed some quantifiable benefits. * Affordable Unlike traditional software, SaaS is usually sold on a subscription basis that includes upgrades, maintenance and a degree of customer support

* Quick to Deploy With SaaS Solutions, all you need is a web browser and internet access and you are ready to go; whereas, traditional model takes weeks or even months to deploy. GTT has increased its bandwidth to 5mb, this very suitable for our application * Zero Infrastructure When delivering business applications via SaaS, the complexity of the IT infrastructure is all handled by your SaaS vendor. Users do not need to worry about maintenance. * Backups and Data Recovery all done for you If you are familiar with traditional software, you will know

that unless a costly automated solution has been implemented, the process of backing up your data on a weekly basis can be laborious at the best of times. SaaS solutions eradicate this painstaking task, instigating automatic backups without user intervention and thus ensuring the integrity of your data. * High Adoption Rates As SaaS solutions are delivered over the internet, there is virtually no learning curve involved with adopting a new solution as employees tend to already be used to working on internet.

Commencing Nov 1st 2015, the company will be offering customers a free 60 days trial, to their Responsive Web Application (runs on phones, tablets & PCs).

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

devotee of the Chinese Samkong Shrine walks with knives pierced through his cheeks during a procession celebrating the annual vegetarian festival in Phuket, Thailand, October 16, 2015. The festival, featuring face-piercing, spirit mediums and strict vegetarianism celebrates the local Chinese community's belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar will help them obtain good health and peace of mind. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

World's first malaria vaccine delayed as WHO experts urge caution (Reuters) The world's first malaria vaccine is promising but should be used on a pilot basis before any wide-scale use, given its limited efficacy, World Health Organization (WHO) experts said on Friday.

The decision is likely to delay a possible broad roll-out of the shot for between three and five years.

GlaxoSmithKline's Mosquirix could, in theory, help stop millions of cases of malaria in young children in Africa at risk of the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

However, it is less effective than vaccines against many other diseases and there is uncertainty as to whether countries can effectively administer the four doses needed.

Jon Abramson, chairman of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts, or SAGE, said experts recommended there should be three to five demonstration projects in children aged five to 17 months before considering wider use.

These projects could involve up to 1 million children and would likely take three to five years to run, he added.

SAGE did not recommend the use of Mosquirix, also known as RTS,S, in young babies.

Committee experts said it was vital to give all four doses of the vaccine to ensure optimal efficacy, even though getting children back for multiple repeat shots could be challenging.

“If we can’t get four doses of this vaccine into the children, we’re not going to be using it,” Abramson told reporters.

“What we are recommending is that before we have widespread use of this vaccine - and we wouldn’t necessarily use it in a very low incidence area, but in all medium and high areas - that we know that we can get that fourth dose in.”

Hopes that GSK's vaccine could wipe out malaria were dampened when trial data in 2011 and 2012 showed it reduced malaria episodes in babies aged six to 12 weeks by only 27 percent, and by about 46 percent in children aged five to 17 months. Part of that could be down to genetics.

Abramson said the vaccine was likely to cost around $5 a dose, or $20 for a four-dose course, which is four times the cost of an insecticide-treated bed net. It could be funded by the GAVI international vaccine alliance, though no decision on this has yet been made.

"If this vaccine is not effective and we use it widely we will have spent a ton of money which could have been better placed," Abramson said.

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said SAGE was right to be wary about using a costly intervention with a patchy record.

This year alone, there have been an estimated 214 million new cases of malaria, with around 438,000 deaths.

XIII Jon S. Abramson, Chair of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

NT COMPUTEAC & DELL Where the big “Servers” Play

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ast week, I had the privilege of spending a few hours with some of Guyana’s most respected I.T professionals, made possible with the kind courtesy of NT Computeac--one, if not our country’s top Dell direct partner. Dell was here!

Yes! You’re reading right, the world’s top PC’s and Servers maker was here! Explained and demonstrated at the famous Marriott hotel, the “big techs” of Guyana gathered for what was one of the most intriguing, fascinating and certainly jaw-dropping few hours ever spent in their tech lives…The guys from DELL and NT kept us on the edge…the edge of technology, that is, while the fellas from Marriott kept us on our feet, visiting the tables with their delicacies, tickling our taste buds with every bite! Here was a mixture of “Bits and Bytes” all under one roof. Did it get better? Oh Yeah! One of the participants walked away with one Dell latitude notebook, compliments of NT Computeac. So, here’s “bit” of what took place on that phenomenal day.

DELL runs on DELL Dell representative, Mr. Jose Torres, made it clear-“Dell has leadership that benefits every customer; they are #1 in cloud storage-with over 1 billion in health images among the lot”. The only thing Dell rivals can do is speculate; why? Well Dell is a private entity, so your information stays with them.

THE FUTURE IS HERE… NT Computeac partners with Dell to bring the best of both

worlds; the blade and the rack code name-“FX architecture”. Now this is totally redefining data swiftness with software merging. This was emphasised by another Dell personnel, Mr. Sebastien Cabrera.

The ability to quickly deploy and redirect your resources helps create a dynamic, workload-optimized converged infrastructure that redefines data centre agility and enables you to stay ahead of your competition. Bridge from a traditional data centre to one that is software defined, and gain new efficiencies that share cooling, power, networking and PCI expansion slots with the various FX server and storage components that plug into the chassis.

Easily fit your infrastructure to your workloads with “bite-sized” modular blocks of computing and storage resources. With FX in place, you can scale workloads on demand and add resources incrementally, without the expense and inefficiency of overprovisioning, and be ready for modern workloads. With its software to track which drive is about to fail, over 98% of Dell support comes remotely with the help of the lights indicator.

Dell PowerEdge FX2- “server lets data centres have a block party” Dell’s PowerEdge FX2 claims to have re-invented the rack server. This modular server offers enterprises a flexible means of matching infrastructure with workload and allows them to scale up easily with demand.

Dell may have taken longer to jump on the bandwagon but a major difference is it has done it better. The FX2 offers a bigger choice of compute nodes and I/O options than the competition while chassis and node management is also far superior.

Emergence… at least it’s done it in style. Having reviewed many competing products from HP and Supermicro, we can safely say the FX2 is the best example of this technology we’ve seen so far, thanks to NT Computeac. We in Guyana find it a treat to be a part of such revolutionising technology, right in our back yards.

Vision-Drive-Stamina: That's where Dell started.

For nearly three decades, Dell has been on an incredible journey, experiencing positive growth on a global scale. Through it all, it's Dell customers, business partners and team members who kept the entity moving through the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Key moments in Dell history.

• 1984-At the age of 19, Michael Dell found PC's Limited with $1,000 and a game-changing vision for the technology industry.

• 1988-Completed its initial public offering, raising $30 million and increasing market capitalization from $1,000 to $85 million.

• 1992-Dell debuts on the Fortune 500, making Michael Dell the youngest CEO on the list.

• 1996-Dell.com launches, generating $1 million in sales per day just six months after site is live.

• 2001-Dell becomes the No. 1 computer systems provider worldwide.

• 2005-Dell tops the list of "America's Most Admired Companies" in Fortune magazine.

• 2010-Dell is ranked the No. 1 healthcare information technology services provider in the world according to Gartner, Inc. • 2013-Michael Dell and private equity firm Silver Lake Partners buy back Dell from public shareholders to accelerate our solutions strategy and to focus on the innovations and long-term investments with the most customer value.

• 2015-Dell seals the biggest tech deal in history -- acquisition of EMC for $67 billion. Dell is not the universe’s larges DATA storage company, promoting cloud computing.

NT Computeac…Dell Direct Partner Founded in 1998 by professionals who already had years of experience in the computer industry and with that wealth of experience in hand, they saw the opportunity to establish a company that would develop and supply a better and more reliable product to the marketplace. The company had a very modest beginning, consisting of just a sales office and a small, modern well equipped workshop.

NT Computeac offers advanced new technologies, reliable sales and extensive technical and training services to its growing list of satisfied customers...after all, being a DELL direct partner is no game; then again, being “your technology partner” isn’t either!

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

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Brickdam Cathedral’s An evening delightful Sacred Concert ofmusic and

I

t was a delightful evening indeed.

And I just managed to stumble on it. A chance phone call to a radio personality and she told me of the Sacred Concert to mark the 100th anniversary of the Brickdam Cathderal at the National Cultural Centre the following night.

So there I was, ensconced between Mrs Osman and a pretty young lady, as the Police Military Band managed a rousing fanfare, the brass resounding and pompous. The programme that followed was quite worthy of this impressive curtain raiser and the next three hours proved to be a worthwhile interlude that ran the gamut from song and dance to charming choral performances.

One of the highlights was presented by the accom-

plished Loncke brother and sister team. Jocelyn on piano and John on violin played Cesar Franck’s Sonata in A, and while the violin offered a splendid interpretation, Dr Loncke came up with a bravura accompaniment.This added en element of glamour and shine to the item.

As for the choirs, they were disciplined, with commendable stage presence.

The Woodside ensemble, as might be expected, was in fine form and the men’s voices, the baritones and tenors, are as splendid as ever.

The other choirs were the Brickdam Cathedral Choir, the Marigold Choir and the Sunshine Choir.

But the evening’s piéce de resistance was the Circle of Love Quartet, in an a càpella performance of Swing Down Sweet Chariot.

From the Adventist Church, the quartet is blessed with

dance

The Woodside Choir on stage two incredible baritones and two clear tenors, and their harmonizing was a joy to listen to, in the best ‘barber shop’ quarter tradition.

There were two offerings from the National Dance Company, quite profession-

al, and there were also two dance items from the Indian Cultural Centre, to do with an episode in the life of Lord Krishna; the intricate Indian rhythm cycles were in sharp contrast to the other dances, and the organisers attempt to

be somewhat inclusive did not quite jell with the rest of the concert.

The evening was made more entertaining with the beautiful emceeing by one of radio’s better commentators, Michaela Ali.

The curtain came down on a rousing rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.

The Sacred Concert worked beautifully. Its organisers must be commended for a job well done.

Indian dancers from the Indian Cultural Centre

Dr Jocelyn Loncke at the piano, with John Loncke on Violin

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

G

odfrey Wray started working at what is now the Guyana Chronicle in the early 1960s. His career in journalism took him around the world, but nothing could prepare him for the return to Albouystown, the Georgetown ghetto he once called home.

Down Albouystown Way W Godfrey Wray

hen one of my old-time buddies in New York heard that I was bitten by the remigration bug and would soon be domiciled in Georgetown, he asked me to deliver an envelope with a “small piece” to his grandmother (Mama Muriel).

A “long yard” in Hunter Street was where my buddy and I grew up (25 years) and where his grandmother still lived. But I had not paid a social visit to anyone in the South Georgetown ward of Albouystown in almost three decades, so I accepted the assignment as a sort of penance.

One day after arriving in GT, I set out to deliver Mama Muriel’s envelope but I instructed the taxi driver to drive from Callender Street slowly westwards along James Street.

The 12- block stretch which was once so sterile is now an amalgam of bread trays, closet-sized boutiques, nail polishing salons and mobile beer gardens. Young men gambled (played dice) at every street corner; music blared incessantly; and school-aged kids frolicked, parents applauding their bare-footed efforts.

I clearly remembered Albouystown (now being referred to as Al-Man-Town) for its curious mix of ethnicities, each distinct in skin tone, hair texture and cuisine; the epicenter of social deprivation that has its parallel in every capital of the world - a tough neighborhood where one had to have an overpowering reason to pay an unscheduled visit.

But the transformation I saw that day constituted the depths of hopelessness and depravity. And it is not difficult to face the blunt truth that the once proud neighborhood has been broadsided by official neglect, and the resultant carnage is now being seen in the lost generation that continues to prance and parade in flagrant ignorance.

I exited the taxi at the address I knew so well and the driver shot off, preferring not to wait for his tip. A young man wearing an enormous pair of dark glasses looked me over, and in answer to my query, said there were no dogs. As I took a closer look at his face (what was visible) I saw a road map of disaster. An old wound that must have required a dozen stitches dominated his forehead. Another, obviously inflicted not long ago, adorned his left cheek. And a bulbous nose also displayed scattered marks of violence.

He whipped off the eye-wear to peer at the name on

the envelope. I saw eyes swimming in indifference but he surprised me by pointing backwards and saying, “de back house.” He moved off with an exaggerated swagger, a singlet over his shoulder and his trousers sagging and bunching at the ankles. Multi-colored underpants were prominently on display throughout the hitching exercise.

Just then a precocious half-naked girl came sprinting from the rear of the yard, delightfully sucking away on her comforting right thumb. She took my hand with the envelope and with a pleading statement/question uttered, “You must be Mr. Godfrey. We hear you come and we looking out for you since yesterday.”

It took all my resolve not to burst into laughter. However, Mama saved me the indignity. Her infectious chuckle was as tantalizing as yesteryear and she bounded down the steps

with an agility that belied her age. The warm motherly hug, the coconut oil body fragrance and the bonhomie that welded poor people together…they were all there. Then she got my full attention when she said, “You look the same like when you left.”

Fibber! Fibber! But it was nice hearing those words.

The news had spread. Blinds were clandestinely being drawn and more than a dozen persons had suddenly arrived at the standpipe, in no hurry to fill buckets. Even a minacious canine had joined the burgeoning group eager to let me know of its lineage.

I stayed with Mama half-an-hour, sitting on the cleanest tread I have ever stepped on. By the time I said my

goodbyes and reached the gate, I was like the Pied Piper without music.

I didn’t want to be judgmental but it was far beyond time to leave the breeding ground of despair. Poverty was indeed ingrained, having become part of the natural fabric. Proud and happy men and women I had looked up to now seemed old and sad, no longer strangers to hunger, drifting aimlessly about the fog of existence like restless ghosts. During the quarter century I lived in that very yard I had felt a close kinship to poor, yet proud people. Now seeing so many young ones squandering their lives in the ghetto fuelled a fear of what would most likely happen in the not-too-distant future.

Albouystown is now a simmering cauldron ready to blow.

The narrow streets accustomed to dray carts and no-fender bicycles now accommodate the most expensive scooters, cars and SUVs – a parking lot of depreciating metal. On the other hand, the neighborhood stinks of garbage and dilapidation – everything horrible about the rot and decay of generations of accepted poverty.

The ward had always presented a contrasting two-dimensional picture of a community of enormous will and fading hopes. One could always see the older generation clinging obstinately to dignity while the younger people seemed caught up in a cyclone of hopelessness.

In the past, the area produced countless scholars and leaders, but now the paucity of children in school uniforms is testimony that education, as a symbol of hope, is no longer an imperative. Many ambitious persons have risen from humble roots to heights of power and wealth. Many have found success through a relentless work ethic. And many, first in their families to go to college, have led the way out of the quagmire that tenuously clings to those without ambition.

I flagged down a taxi with tires that had seen better days.

“Let’s move driver,” I said authoritatively.

He needed no further urging, the despair in my instruction enough motivation.

As I left the area behind, once again I noted the changes and differences. I could still feel a close kinship to the ward and its curious history, but I knew I could never live in that environment again.

(Excerpts from BEYOND REVENGE)

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Acacia Goriah from Eccles Primary; Discuss competition, Under 12

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his week, photographer Samuel Maughn checked out the Inter-School sports competition for division on the East Bank of Demerara, at Mocha.

Deishon Cumberbaton; Javellin, Under 8

Shamesh Douglas from Mocha Arcadia Primary; Long Jump, Under 8

A mother brought out her kids to witness the competition; she is the only one who seems interested

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Do you grind your teeth?

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By Dr Bertrand Stuart DDS

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS.

O you suffer from chronic headache, migraines, neck ache or backache? Do you wake up with tightness in your jaw or face muscles? Does your jaw lock in the open or closed position? Do you have teeth that are worn or chipped for no apparent reason? Do you have sensitive teeth?

Do you have gum recession, root notching (grooves at the gum line)?

If your answer to one of these questions is “YES”, then you may be suffering from night

time tooth grinding or bruxism.

Bruxism is the technical term for harmful clenching and grinding of the teeth. People who suffer from bruxism unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times or rub their teeth together. In most cases, it is done while they are sleeping. The fact is that the only time teeth should come together is during swallowing.

Any other time this occurs, damage to the teeth, muscles of chewing or the Tempero-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is inevitable. Teeth are designed to chew on food not on each other.

Tooth grinding and clenching is a much more common problem than most people realise. We all grind our teeth to some extent, though most of us are not aware of it because the grinding and clenching is done in our sleep. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but moderate to severe,bruxism is cumulative and can cause a variety of

► Continued on page XXV

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015 ► From

page XXIV problems. People with sleep bruxism are often unaware of it until complications develop. Therefore it is important to know the signs of and symptoms of teeth grinding and seek help if you suspect that you might have bruxism.

The most common treatment is to wear an acrylic or plastic mouthguard. Stock ones can be bought at a good pharmacy, while customised ones can be made by your dentist.

They all serve the same basic function. They prevent teeth from coming together and wear prematurely. It is tooth protective only. Unfortunately, mouth-guards do not address clenching and may even increase it.

Clenching and grinding

causes muscle hyperactivity and results in muscle soreness, muscle spasms and muscle pain.Continued clenching and grinding takes a toll on your jaw joints (TMJ) resulting in arthritis, disk deformation and derangement which cause pain, clicking, popping, jaw locking in the open or closed position as well as other TMJ problems.

While it may be recommended as the first and fastest method to arrest the damage of bruxism, obviously, there are problems with wearing mouth-guards. Many people find that wearing them at night is uncomfortable and embarrassing. Often the mouth guards are spit out during sleep. Remember, most mouth-guards (except

those worn by boxers and people who practise contact

sports), only protect teeth from teethwear. In addition, mouth guards are sometimes hard to keep as clean as they should be. They build up calculus (tartar) and can harbour bacteria and yeast. Over time

mouth guards can get mucky and worn out, and may need replacement, depending on your grinding intensity.

Fortunately, a new FDA approved device is now available to treat teeth grinding with biofeedback. This is the real cure. The device is called Grindcare.

Now biofeedback is a well-documented physiological principle using gentle electric impulses to induce local relaxation of specific muscles.

Biofeedback is the reason for Grindcare’s effi-

XXV cient and lasting treatment of teeth grinding and clenching, without the need for wearing night-guards. Biofeedback makes your jaws relax.

Grindcare simply teaches you to stop grinding your teeth. Every time you grind your teeth, the biofeedback device stimulates your jaw muscles with a brief tension impulse, the so-called biofeedback. Biofeedback makes your jaw muscles relax and prevents you from grinding your teeth.

Now, I know readers will ask, “Doc, please explain what is it and where can I get one?” Now, Grindcare 3.0 is an innovative wireless device, similar in

size to an i-pod. All you do is place (stick) the small sensor about one inch below the ear lobe, (on your chewing muscle called the masseter), and then you activate the device following the easy instructions on the screen of the unit. Within 40 seconds, the treatment will start. In the morning you can see how many times during the night that Grindcare has prevented you from grinding and clenching your teeth and creating tension in your jaw muscles. If you log on to Dotmed, you can purchase the device online for about US$50 or just over G$10,000.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW: Oct. 26- Nov. 1, 2015 Bush get ears and dutty get tongue. Mohan, has anyone see what you did?

Coretta and Cynthia have a heart to heart about a terrible thing that happened many years ago.

Should Sherry and Bibi tell Sonny about Shanta’s disappearance?

Cynthia discloses to Philip what plans their Dad has for his grand-daughter Abigail.

Will Philip agree? Can Ben help him decide?

Listen to Merundoi on line: Why does Mohan call Sgt. Murray? www.merundoi.org.gy Don’t miss this week’s episode.

Actors practice at Merundoi’s Audition last Tuesday for the “Prevention of Suicide” Storyline

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Noise pollution dangerous to health

By Pat Dial

NOISE pollution is one of the dangers to the environment little noticed in the media or officialdom as compared with garbage accumulations everywhere on the Coast of Guyana, and in particular in the City of Georgetown. The problem of garbage accumulations and disposal is being addressed but very little has been done to address the noise problem.

Noise pollution is one of the concomitants of modern civilization and accordingly affects the developed world,

Pat Dial especially its cities, more than the developing countries. But though the developing countries do not have the constant noise of aircraft, motor traffic and trains and large industrial machines, they do have their share of noise pollution. In Guyana, so far, the main source of noise pollution comes from loud and raucous music played on the streets, on public transport and "after hours" during the night.

The dangers of noise pollution are many: 80 decibels and below was what the human ear had been designed to comfortably hear; the human ear could hear up to 140 decibels. Noises above 100 decibels could definitely be considered noise pollution and is harmful to health.

Chronic exposure to noise may result in hearing loss or deafness. Thus those who regularly play loud music or performers in the loud jazz bands very often suffer hearing loss or deafness.

There are other dangers to health from noise: it could induce high stress levels, aggressiveness to others. annoyance, forgetfulness, sleep disturbances and severe depression.

High noise levels could lead to increased blood pressure, sometimes leading to high blood pressure and can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Among young children, it could hamper cognition and language development resulting in their being low achievers at school.

In Guyana, and particularly Georgetown, loud music is the main noise pollutant. Several stores, for example one on the northern side of Stabroek Square, have boom boxes on the pavement outside the store, blaring loud and raucous music all day.

But the greatest offenders are the minibuses. All the minibuses are equipped with disc players and the music they play is vulgar, mostly Jamaican low-life songs, These discs are played at the loudest levels and many of the "songs", in addition to being noise pollutants and harmful to health, are explicitly sexual, racist, especially anti-Indian, anti-African and anti-White, and are generally contemptuous of and derogatory of women.

When one speaks with the drivers and conductors of these minibuses, they invariably claim that the passengers desire such music. Actually, the majority of commuters find the loud music disturbing but the conductors and drivers would aggressively threaten any passenger who complains. The response to this is that those who wish to listen to music while travelling should have their own ear phones and music.

There is legislation passed in Parliament with the enthusiastic support of all political parties allowing the police to seize or ban all disc players from minibuses. Radios are allowed but not disc players.

Also, the police were enjoined to begin prosecuting minibus drivers and conductors who infringed the law.

Would the Police now act and free minibus travellers from the scourge of noise pollution?

… the police need to act

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CONSUMER CONCERNS:

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Ms. Liz has 40 years of teaching under her belt …and would go back to the classroom if need be

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By Telesha Vidya Ramnarine

Ms. Elizabeth Abraham

ISS Elizabeth Abraham, well-known in Kato, Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) as ‘Ms. Liz’, gave 40 years of quality service to the teaching profession in Guyana, and despite retiring as head

teacher two years ago, she continues to operate as though she is still on the job.

“Children still approach me for help with their school work. I also assist the wider community in whatever way I can, like writing correspondences, and doing voluntary community work. If the Toshao needs advice or suggestions, I try my best to contribute in this way also,” she told this publication recently.

Ms. Liz, 57, was born and raised in Kato after her father, Mr. Francis Gomes, of Region 1 (Barima/Waini) went to Kato as a teacher and preacher, and met her mother,

She loves spending time with her grandchildren Priscilla.

In her days, there was no secondary school in Kato and so Ms. Liz only managed to secure a primary education.

Growing up, she wanted to become a nurse but she did not meet the criteria due to the limited circumstances available back then.

After writing the ‘School Leaving Exams,’ she opted for the next best thing teaching. In 1974, she worked as a voluntary teacher for three months until she was appointed.

Ms. Liz taught for two years at Chiung Mouth Primary School, located about 15 miles from Kato, and spent the rest of her time at the primary school in Kato. Approximately 12 years after starting to teach, she was afforded the opportunity to be trained at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in Georgetown.

She was officially appointed head teacher in 2004 but had been carrying out those functions ever since the 1980s.

Even after retiring, Ms. Liz spent the next three months working with the children on a voluntary basis.

“I have no regrets, spending more than 40 years in the teaching profession,I have had an impact on many young lives. For example, the final batch of Grade Six students that I taught completed secondary school this year, each securing grades at no less than five subjects.”

The only regret Ms. Liz has is that there are still no job opportunities and training being extended to these young ones. “Many persons in the interior live in poverty and we all know that the only way out of poverty ► Continued on page XXIX

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Ms. Liz, center foreground, taught almost everyone in this photo ► From page XXVIII in this system is a good education.”

THE PATAMONA DIALECT Starting her teaching career at just the age of 16 was not the easiest thing for Ms. Liz. She recalled waking up at 3:30 am each day to plan her lessons for the school day.

A number of things made her work especially challenging.

For one thing, she was the only teacher at the school who knew the Patamona Dialect. (Each Amerindian tribe has its own dialect) “We used to get teachers from the coastland who couldn’t speak the dialect, so that is where I had to do a lot of hard work. Many of the children wouldn’t know English so I had to serve as translator on many occasions for those teachers.

“When I started, there were only two coastland teachers and they didn’t know Patamona, so they couldn’t effectively communicate with the children. I even had to provide all the explanations to parents at the PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) meetings.”

Ms. Liz said her father was a big help as far as her learning English was concerned. “He never wanted me to speak Patamona, even at home, because he said when the exams came, nothing would be in Patamona. But I couldn’t escape learning the dialect. So I knew both,” she explained.

Though the language barrier posed many challenges, Ms. Liz said the best thing about it was seeing the children, who knew nothing in English, being able to learn and speak the language. This gave her great satisfaction and made her hard work worthwhile.

“I am happy to see children who knew no English at all being able to express themselves in English at the end of the first term of their first year in nursery. What was funny was that when I spoke to them in the Patamona dialect, they looked at me full in the face and answered in English as if asking what was wrong with me.”

Another challenge she had to endure was the attitude of some parents who reacted negatively when discipline had to be administered to their children, and who took no interest in their children, once they were home from school.

“In those days, I felt like quitting sometimes. But my dad was of great encouragement and he told me not to leave. I believe parents in Kato ought to do more for their children; they would do much better that way,” she posited.

NOT ABOUT THE PAY Today, it is as if Ms. Liz is on a continuous vacation.

“Life is so good. I’m at ease. I’m just relaxing and enjoying every day, especially with my (eight) grandchildren.”

She is mother to Alita, Keith, Karen, Delon, Lysbeth and Larissa.

Asked if she would consider teaching again upon completion of the Kato Secondary School, Ms Liz said she would definitely not mind if she was requested to.

“I believe that a good teacher is one who feels a sense of accomplishment when they see their students succeed; it’s not just about the pay. They put the interest of the children ahead of their own.”

Ms. Liz working her kitchen garden in Kato.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

No Goodbye Needed

I

HAVE been in a relationship with a man for six years. At first his adult daughters, 20 and 25, refused to meet me. Their mother told them we had an affair, which was not true.

At the beginning, our blossoming love created enormous tension and heated arguments between my partner and his daughters. When I finally met them, I was patient and gave my heart and soul to them.

I cooked for them and offered help wherever they needed it. When they lost their licenses, I drove them around. When they called crying from a nightclub at 1 a.m., I got up to collect them. I put myself in their shoes. It must've been difficult for them watching their dad with me.

Within a year the daughters moved in with their dad, which I supported.

During this time tension arose over cleaning the apartment, and my partner felt his privacy was compromised.

So it came as a shock when I discovered he and his daughters discussed my financial situation together. They said I was seeking money from this relationship, but I have money and own a house in an exclusive suburb.

I was na誰ve and thought by expressing my hurt and devastation these conversations would stop. They didn't. His daughters would roll their eyes when I spoke and make mean comments about the all-girl school my daughter attends.

A different side to my partner emerged. He started to belittle me with the most horrible, hurtful attacks. He compared me to his daughters saying they worked harder and were more successful.

It was a stressful time. I was in court with my ex-husband and my partner made me feel even worse.

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No Goodbye Needed

In one episode of rage he swore and shouted so loudly neighbors came to the house. On another occasion, in public, security guards heard his violent screams and asked me if they should call police. That night he left me without money or a way home.

Whenever I stood up for myself, he twisted and turned my words. Over the years I also caught him with texts and photos of prostitutes and young women half his age. He denied and lied when I challenged him and was angry when I showed the evidence.

I repeatedly forgave him because I loved him and thought he'd change. I now feel I've been wasting my time. I'm scared about being lonely but need the strength to say goodbye.

F

FELICIA

elicia, six years? This shouldn't have lasted six months. You can't act servile with nasty people because that tells them, "Yes, treat me badly."

If you can't leave for yourself, leave for your daughter because she should have absolutely no contact with a violent man or his abusive children.

What do experts advise a woman who is walking alone to do? Stand upright, move briskly, be assertive, act confident.

You acted like you expected to be hurt and you were. You gave over your own pride, your own self and your own rights to the children of the man you were dating.

When you bent over backward to be nice to his spiteful daughters, it invited nastiness from them. He agreed with the venomous vixens because he knew you would not stand up for yourself. Until you stop being desperate, you will attract the kind of man only a desperate woman would be involved with.

If you weren't involved with him, where might your life be now? At first you would be lonely, but you would have been available for a better relationship.

As you leave, be cautious. Be safe. Protect yourself.

People acting from base motives often accuse others of what they are doing. We suspect he and his daughters may be interested in your money and property. He and his daughters may be upset when their doormat leaves and they have nothing to rub their feet on.

WAYNE & TAMARA Send letters to: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

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English

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Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Chronicle Pepperpot October 25, 2015

Never mind high flying academic qualifications…

Michael George F hasn’t changed one bit

OR Michael George, fourth son of the Georges of Wales, West Bank Demerara, life has not changed much, despite the many academic succeses.

Michael has always been a trailblazer on anything he set out to achieve. In fact, speaking to him, you will realize he likes saying, “I always go after what I want and I tend to get it!”.

He didn’t attend any fancy schools, but always worked diligently to achieve what others shy from. Michael graduated as the best student from West Demerara Secondary in 2005, excelling in the Sciences. He credits many of his tutors, especially the late Ms. Shondelle and the bold Ms. Grace for his success. Michael developed a love for the Natural Sciences and this led to him pursuing Advanced Studies at St. Stanislaus College in 2006. At first, this was daunting, a new environment and very tough tutors. But Michael applied himself and left after a year, with high grades in Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, and Communication Studies.

September 2006, Michael enrolled to read for a degree in Chemistry at the University of Guyana. He graduated with a perfect 4.0 and was adjudicated the valedictorian, for which he won the President’s Medal. He proceeded to share his knowledge after accepting a one-year contract with the University within the same Department, to tutor and mentor students. After one year of teaching, Michael tried to get information on scholarships to further his studies, but he drew a blank everywhere. Back then, the system was very opaque, meeting/knowing the right person tended to reward you rather than having the qualifications.

Nevertheless, he persevered and applied for graduate school in Canada and the UK. He successfully got into two schools, one in Alberta, Canada, the other in Oxford, UK. But funding dilemmas would make that a singular choice; he was heading to Canada to pursue a PhD. Fast-forward four years, Michael successfully defended his PhD thesis and will be graduating in November 2015. Not only has he excelled academically, proven by the many scholarships and awards he received, but he has left a lasting impression on many of his fellow colleagues. Come 18 November 2015, Michael is one of four graduating PhD scholars nominated for the prestigious Governor’s General Gold Medal for academic and research excellence at the University of Alberta. None of this affects his humility; he’s the guy who can converse with anyone, even if his or her political or scientific views are different. All of this makes Dr. George, at 27, a role model for many kids growing up in Guyana, thinking of what path to take out of poverty.

These days, Michael landed a job as a Researcher in one of the premier science laboratories in Canada. He is part of a team focused on developing technologies to fight climate change, improve water purification, and develop niche health solutions. Speaking to him on a daily basis, you will realize this is just short term, because he intends to come back to Guyana, to make a change in whatever way he can. At a time when many are leaving the shores of Guyana because of meagre wages and nepotism, here is a guy willing to contribute to the greater good of humanity in his country. In the end, Michael doesn’t pass as a good ‘ole’ scholar; he prefers the outdoors, a few drinks, and meeting new people, instead of gluing his eyes in a book. His story is testimony to success coming to those who are patient, forward, diligent, and fierce.

(Contributed)

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Salman Khan's

special 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' screening for

Madhuri Dixit and Bhagyashree!

S

alman Khan has decided to host a special screening of 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' for Bhagyashree - his Maine Pyaar Kiya actress and Madhuri Dixit-Nene - his Hum Aapke Hai Koun co-star.

The actor who is all set to release his next- 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', which is directed by Sooraj Barjatiya, has worked with Sooraj and both the actresses in the past on films like 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' respectively, both the films had went on to become blockbusters.

“The idea came up during a discussion (involving his latest film’s marketing team), which Salman was also part of. Since his character is called Prem,once again in his next (he was also called Prem in HAHK and MPK, among others), Salman wants to show the film to both the actresses with whom he has shared screen space in the past as Prem,” says the spokesperson of the film.

As of now no date has been fixed yet for the screening, as Salman is busy with the shoot of another film.

But whenever he does get the time, Salman will personally invite Madhuri and Bhagyashree for the screening.

The Spokesperson further adds “Since they worked with Salman at the beginning of his career, he shares fond memories with them,” Prem Ratan Dhan Payo symbolises the reunion of the most awaited actor director duo, Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya, after a long wait. Whenever this duo is seen on screen, they create magic and break box office records. Salman Khan returns to the silver screen after his blockbuster, Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

The movie is supported by a huge ensemble cast and is slated to release on 12th November 2015.

A quintessential family film for all age-groups, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is Salman Khan's next release and Rajshri Productions and Fox Star Studios Diwali blockbuster release.

Randeep Hooda

not nervous about working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 'Sarabjit'

Spectre (BBC) Critics have given the new James Bond film an enthusiastic welcome, with one saluting it as "pure action mayhem".

Spectre, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw continued in his five-star review, is "terrifically exciting, spectacular [and] uproariously entertaining".

The Times said Sam Mendes' film was "achingly cool", while The Independent said it was "every bit the equal of its predecessor", 2012 release Skyfall.

Critics were shown Spectre on Wednesday ahead of its release next week.

The film sees Daniel Craig return as British spy James Bond, aka 007, in a globe-trotting blockbuster named after a sinister criminal syndicate.

Two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, French actress Lea Seydoux and Italy's Monica Bellucci also appear in the 24th official entry in

(Times of India) Actor Randeep Hooda is not nervous about sharing screen space with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a biopic on Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who died in a jail in Pakistan.

After roping in Aishwarya for the role of Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur, the makers have chosen Randeep to play the protagonist of the film.

"I work with directors, never work with a co-stars apart from being in the scene. My interest is usually in the director because he is the person I am working with...He is the person (with whom) I am holding myself and my character," Randeep told PTI. "I have little or no interest in who are cast in the film, that is director's job. Once they (co-actors) are on the job, then it is my job. Before that I am not worried or nervous about doing this...It wouldn't matter to me," he said, when asked if he is excited or nervous working with Aishwarya. When further asked to comment on Aishwarya being part of the film, Randeep simply said, "Great."

The movie will narrate the struggle of Dalbir, whose aim in life was to get her brother out of jail who had been imprisoned in Pakistan and convicted of terrorism and spying.

Sarabjit had claimed he was a farmer who strayed into Pakistan from his village located on the border.

The biographical film will be directed by Omung Kumar of Mary Kom fame. It is scheduled to release in May 2016. Besides this project, Randeep will be seen in Do Do Lafzon Ki Kahani and in another film where he would for the first time play a Jat. The actor is presently looking forward to the release of Main Aur Charles.

Five-star reviews greet new Bond movie

the long-running series.

According to the Daily Mirror, Spectre is "an adventure right up there with the superspy's best" featuring "moments of jaw-dropping stuntwork".

The Sun's reviewer concurred, saying the film contains "all the classic elements fans expect", including a "jaw-dropping opening sequence".

Variety also singled out this "expensively ludicrous opening sequence, set in Mexico City on the Day of the Dead," saying it "ranks among the great 007 intros".

Other industry papers were less effusive, though, with the Hollywood Reporter saying it "ultimately feels like a lesser film than Skyfall, falling back on cliche and convention."

Screen International, meanwhile, said the film "falls back on the formula to deliver a slightly flat, old-fashioned 007 by the numbers".