Pepperpot 27 11 2016

Erasing forestry’s

bad reputation ‒ Can the battle be won?

Mr Rahamat Ali points to an FSC certified stack of lumber for export.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

► Page 17

II

Three Guyanese for

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

World Cup Blind Cricket T20

in India

By Telesha Ramnarine

THREE Guyanese – Leroy Phillips, Ganesh Singh and Kevin Douglas - have been selected to play on the West Indies team in the World Cup Blind Cricket T20 that is scheduled for India in January.

While the players are excited and ready to perform, the only problem is that the total cost for them to get to India amounts to more than $3M, and they are not quite sure where this money will come from.

But Manager for the Guyana Blind Cricket Team, Ms. Theresa Pemberton, is adamant that the three cricketers must go to represent Guyana and the West Indies, and she said she has a good feeling that things will work out just fine.

Ten teams - India, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, England, New Zealand, Nepal and Australia - are participating this time around, and each team comprises 16-17 players.

In an interview with this newspaper a few days ago, Pemberton, also the Treasurer for the Guyana Blind Cricket Association and Treasurer for the West Indies Blind Cricket Organisation, explained that while Phillips and Singh are totally blind, Douglas

is partially sighted.

The three are being prepared for a training camp in Jamaica where they will remain until it’s time to travel to India. Fly Jamaica Airways, which has often provided support for such an activity, is currently being consulted for some sponsorship.

THE 99TH HOUR The last time the West Indies sent a team to India, four years ago, Guyana could not participate because no finances were available.

“We are hoping (that the funds will be provided), because it makes us feel embarrassed when we go to

The three Guyanese players are ready to perform

Manager for the Guyana Blind Cricket Team, Ms. Theresa Pemberton

regional tournaments and our players are being selected,” Pemberton said.

“In 2012, we didn’t get sponsorship for our player to go. Guyana wasn’t represented and that was really bad because it was just one person. No one stepped forward, no matter how much we begged.”

Like every other country that jumps at the opportunity to send their players, Ms. Pemberton said it is hoped that the

Sports Department here and the Ministry of Sports would do all in its power to assist the players in getting to India.

“Take Trinidad for example. From the moment they are going to a regional tournament, or they have selectees going to a West Indies tournament, the Sports Department pays for their tickets right off. So the organization doesn’t have that on their shoulders to worry about, unlike Guyana where down to the 99th hour, we have to be begging and calling and pleading and letting them know it is important for our players to go.”

The Ministry of Education, the Director of Sport and the Cricket Board have already been written to.

“We haven’t gotten any response from them with regard to the financial aspect of going. We know we can depend on the Director of Sports (Christopher Jones) to give us what is in his capacity, but the bulk of it has to come from the Ministry of 9Education),” observed Ms. Pemberton.

Meanwhile, to acquire visas for India, the Indian High Commission in Trinidad advised all the participating countries to have the Ministers of Sport apply to the Indian High Commission in their country to waive the visas.

“Minister [Nicolette] Henry (Minister within the Ministry of Education) has sent that letter off to the Indian High Commission and we are now awaiting (for it to be approved) so that we can take in our documents and have the visas put in the passports. And that is where we are at now.”

In addition to various fund-raising activities that will be organized, some agencies have been written to offset the costs for meals and accommodation while the three are in Jamaica.

A VEHICLE FOR EMPOWERMENT Ms. Pemberton said blind cricket will continue to be lobbied for as it is a catalyst for empowerment of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

Turn to page XIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

III

I am not a ‘normal disabled person,

I walked the corridors of power ‒ Leon Walcott

By Telesha Ramnarine LEON ‘Wally’ Walcott, 67, can never forget the day he called up a family friend to go drink a beer. “But when you have to go to the urinal, who will take you?” responded the friend.

This simple incident deeply affected Mr. Walcott, as apart from never expecting this from his friend, it reminded him of his health condition that he had no control over. He thereafter kept to himself and left the house only when it was absolutely necessary.

Doctors kept telling him that he had polio, but it was only after many years that he came to understand his true condition, thanks to Dr. Walter Ramsahoye who was the first doctor to diagnose him with Peroneal Muscular Atrophy (Charcot Marie Tooth’s Disease).

“That’s why I don’t trust doctors; not because they are not competent, but they don’t do enough research. They keep telling me I have polio; polio damages your muscles and it stops, but what I have is progressive,” Mr. Walcott expressed in an interview with the Chronicle a few days ago at his home on Norton Street, Georgetown.

The condition he has, which really started to kick in some 17 years ago, has to do with the withering away of the muscles of the lower limbs. At the moment, Mr. Walcott cannot walk nor can he use his hands fully. The left hand is completely lifeless, although he can use it to balance his body. The right hand, though, still has some life in it,” he said.

Explaining how the disease comes about, he said: “Your mother and father would have a gene that produces a rogue protein. This protein burns off the sheet that covers the nerves, so when it’s exposed, it simply gets rotten. When your nerves go, your muscles go also. That is what is happening.”

Leon Walcott (first, standing) with classmates during their fifth form days

Mr. Walcott said the condition doesn’t affect the lifespan, but it makes it difficult to live.

“Before it kicked in, I had a pretty normal life; very active. I used to walk, I used to run, I used to play table tennis, I used to play cricket. But what used to happen was that after rigorous exercises, if I stopped for about a month, I couldn’t resume.”

Growing up at Little Diamond Housing Scheme, on the East

Bank Demerara, he had a normal childhood although he had the disability. The father of three attended East Ruimveldt Secondary School, known as “Back School,” where he would later begin a teaching career.

“It’s only around when I turned 50 that my condition really kicked in,” Mr. Walcott, now Head of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, and Director of Support Groups for Deaf Persons recalled.

Leon ‘Wally’ Walcott

Receiving a Certificate of Commendation two years ago

the corridors of power.”

Mr. Walcott was an athletics coach in 1968

After leaving teaching in 1981, he worked as a journalist with the Guyana News Agency on Hadfield Street, then as the press officer at the Office of the President.

He worked under Presidents Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte during his sixyear stint there.

“God has been good to me.

And that is why I would tell people I am not a normal disabled person because as I like to boast, I walked

NO MENTAL DISABILITY One of the difficulties of having a disability, Mr. Walcott observed, is often having to prove yourself.

“When people look at you, they see your disability; that’s all there is to see. But many of them assume that because you are physically challenged, it goes without saying that you have also have a mental disability. And so I have had to prove myself many times. Not because a person has a physical

disability means he has a mental disability,” he stressed.

Mr. Walcott has obtained for himself a Degree from the University of Guyana, majoring in Geography, which he says is a subject that many people shy away from.

When he was gifted with his power chair from the Ministry of the Presidency, and a mobility scooter from a group of friends, this renewed his self-confidence and made his life happier.

He can now go for a beer on his own whenever he likes!

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Eating with dentures Millions of people enjoy the privilege of eating what they want and having a nutritious diet during the festive season.

There are also millions of people who can no longer eat well or enjoy a nutritional diet because of periodontal disease, poorly fitting dentures, dental implants, oral cancer, oral surgery, chemotherapy, AIDS, and other problems related to painful chewing even when replacement teeth are adequate.

My experience tells me that more women than men wear their denture because women are more reluctant than men are to be seen without teeth. It is also true that more women than men seek both medical and dental treatment and therefore, women are more likely to have dentures and wear them. So accept your situation, wear your denture with pride, and begin to enjoy food again.

Myth: You won’t be able to eat with a denture.

Truth: Yes, you will. With practice, you’ll be able to eat many foods you always ate.

However, numerous foods can be difficult, but it is not impossible to manage with an upper

and/or lower denture. Bread, salads, and corn on the cob are some of them. You will have to avoid whole nuts, bones, and sharp seafood shells that can break the teeth out of your denture and maybe cut your mouth.

The following instruction in the art of eating after receiving a full upper denture can benefit most people who are unable to properly chew their food for any reason. Being unable to properly chew and eat a healthy diet is a serious situation than can lead to digestive problems, malnutrition, and a lowered quality of life. If you experience pain while eating after getting your immediate denture, it shouldn’t last long and your gums will eventually toughen up. Soon you’ll be bored with soft foods and want to try solid foods. Use your positive attitude and go for it.

Avoid acidic and spicy food for the first few days because they may irritate your gums.

Some fruit juices may cause a burning sensation unless you can sip them through a straw, which would be a problem if you’ve lost your sucking capabilities.

Stay away from extremely hot liquids so

you don’t accidentally burn your mouth. It can take some three to four weeks to manage solid food. When you begin to eat solids again cut them into small pieces. You really can eat almost anything this way.

Be careful when experimenting with hard foods, including fruits and vegetables. Cook vegetables enough to soften them.

Steam them to retain the vitamins and minerals they provide.

When you begin chewing, try to keep the food on both sides of your mouth for balance.

Your denture might tip to one side or the other if you don’t do this, at least until you get used to eating again.

The first thing you may notice is that you are no longer able to bite into something headon and pull it the way you used to. You didn’t know you did that, did you? Well you did, and now you can’t.

Tearing and pulling food after biting into it will cause your denture to come loose: Big surprise, uncomfortable, unpleasant, and painful.

We’re used to biting into a piece of food and pushing our heads forward at the same time.

Bite into a sandwich from the side of your mouth and cut it with those teeth. Start to pull

Freakin’ Pea.” You’ll have to remove your denture, rinse it and your mouth, and put the denture back in check whether or not the pea is still there. It might be. Take your time. Those peas are so small they can be hard to locate and remove. You might think you’ve succeeded only to find that when you walk away from the sink feeling like a superior being, the pea is still there, but now it’s in somewhat a different location. Keep rinsing until it leaves but this could take a while.

Another interesting and fun fact is that you won’t feel hot and cold on the roof of your mouth when you have a full upper denture, so don’t let temperature fool you. You don’t want to burn your mouth or get a brain freeze. Be careful to avoid hard items like bones, whole nuts, and sharp –edged seafood shells that can

your head back, just a little, as you take a bite to get leverage. Do not eat whole nuts. Most people love to snack on peanuts and raisins.

Many stopped for quite a while after receiving their denture, but I understand they’re back in their diet. They tell me they eat only halved or chopped nuts because whole nuts can break the teeth in a denture.

When you start eating regular food again, you might get sore spots from your denture if it moves while you eat. Go back to soft food and ease back into the harder food. Acceptance, patience, and practice work best while relearning to chew. If the situation does not improve, use an adhesive and see your dental professional.

While you eat, tiny particles of food debris can lodge themselves under your denture and they will not go away by themselves. First, they will drive you to distraction. They are the oral equivalent of a fairy tale, which I believe should have been titled “The princess and the

break your denture and cut your mouth. The good news is that having a denture won’t diminish the taste of your food because your taste buds are on the back of your tongue. If the bite on your denture is correct, with acceptance, patience, and time, you will find eating a pleasurable and satisfying experience.

When you begin to enjoy food, choose wisely. How and what you eat affects your general health, which affects your oral health, which affects your general health. Everything is connected.

Poor nutrition means a poor diet. You should always eat food high in nutrients to fight off infections, especially now. Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system and can mean a return to periodontal disease and tooth decay in remaining natural teeth, as well as make you susceptible to other illnesses. People with lowered immune systems are at a higher risk for periodontal disease but this is another topic.

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Guyana in

Let’s Change Climate Change By the WWF Guyana Office

Last December, culminating 20 years of negotiations, 197 countries gathered in Paris (France) and finally delivered a joint and universal climate agreement.

The objective of what is now known worldwide as “The Paris Agreement”,

mentary), and international conferences, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) that took place in Morocco earlier this November. These initiatives are critical to disseminate knowledge and to generate action to effectively address the issue. As

Savannah in Parabara (Zach Montes for WWF)

is for all signatory countries to work together to limit global temperature rise and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Just a few weeks ago, on November 4th, that agreement entered into force and became the “law of the planet,” as Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, leader of WWF International’s Climate & Energy Practice said.

But there is more to it. This agreement also provides a historic opportunity, especially for developing states like Guyana willing to embrace and pursue a “green agenda”. Our country again showed leadership in this arena, being among the first 20 countries to ratify the Paris Agreement in May; highlighting how our proposed national green development path perfectly aligns with the agreement’s objective - to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Addressing climate change is today’s most cogent environmental issue and our generation is the last one with the power to make things right if climate change is not to result in dire consequences. Mainstream and institutional awareness on the matter has recently been raised with media productions, such as “Before the Flood” (actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest docu-

WWF’s motto states: Together Possible.

Moreover, this is a pressing issue for all of us: the effects of climate change are here and they are real. 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, at nearly 1.2°C above preindustrial levels, surpassing the previous record - set in 2015.

Consequences of global warming are being experienced globally and throughout South America and the Caribbean.

Extended drought, excessive floods, severe hurricanes and water shortages have affected countries across the region and also in Guyana.

In the past few years, the Rupununi has experienced longer and harsher dry seasons. Other areas of our country have been suffering the consequences of torrential rains. Crops have been damaged, water supplies have been cut.

With our small population and vast forests – Guyana is one of the few nations on earth that releases less CO2 into the atmosphere than our forests take up. It is pivotal that our country’s green development path impacts on all economic sectors and take into account the interests of all stakeholders, including those of marginalized communities. Guyana’s offers under

the Paris Agreement -to sustainably manage our forests, increase our reliance on renewable sources of energy, and expand our National Protected Area System can and will change climate change. The international community needs to follow the lead of Norway and provide the financing that will permit Guyana to pivot to this green development path.

In the end, this is exactly the intent of the Paris Agreement. The international contract fosters a simple, yet incredibly

V powerful idea: to create a framework for partnerships among governments, civil society, businesses and communities to collaborate and rally behind a crucial common cause for the planet.

Each country must do its part to contribute to the effort to pursue a more efficient and less destructive development path that protects our environment and benefits our citizens -- and all life on Earth. Our Guyana is definitely up for the task.

VI

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Film

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

By Subraj Singh

Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival (Paramount Pictures, 2016)

More often than not, whenever the idea of humans interacting with extraterrestrial beings is portrayed in fiction, especially film, the aliens are almost always evil monsters that are out to destroy the human race. Independence Day, Alien and even Under the Skin are good examples of movies where otherworldly beings are portrayed in an extremely negative light.

Arrival is a film that taps into people’s fears of the otherworldly but does so in a much more subtle, more ambiguous fashion than many other films that deal with human/ alien contact. The director, Denis Villeneuve, is known for his precise and delicate treatment of the characters in his other excellent films (Prisoners, Sicario, etc.) and while he does imbue the human characters in Arrival with the same traits, it is astounding to be presented with a situation where the aliens, terrifying as they appear, are afforded the same treatment – the same definition, delicate crafting and meaning put into every aspect of what they do – that is given to the human characters in the film. But now, perhaps I am saying too much. Let us take a step back.

Arrival is not the kind of movie to be enjoyed by everyone. If you like explosions and horror porn and screaming damsels in distress, then it is not the film for you. This movie is for thinkers and those who are open to the idea of thinking. It is a slow burning, sometimes taxing deliberation on a variety of themes that implode within the story of the film when the premise is unveiled in the first few minutes: alien aircrafts have landed all over the world and the human race is in a great panic, using every means available to find out whether the aliens are harmful or not. “Why are they here?” is the question that comes up again and again – emphasizing our fear of the unknown and revealing how we on earth are all very much the same, sharing the same thoughts and fears and concerns, despite being separated by skin colour and language. This is an idea that is reinforced in the way various nations in the film are united in the way they all try to solve the same problem (“Why are they here?”) while harbouring an intense distrust of each other;

an idea that might be even further expressed in the presence of the aliens who are viewed as untrustworthy and terrifying – much like how the humans view each other – which, in a sense, seems to be a lesson that comes full circle by then end of the movie to say that only through togetherness, unity, cooperation and communication can any issues plaguing us here on earth be solved.

Communication and language are important themes in the film. Our protagonist, played to perfection by the always excellent Amy Adams, is a linguist who is tasked with translating the alien language in order to establish the meaning of their presence on earth. Language, like love and hope, is one of the cornerstones of the film and even as you watch and you meditate on what the film is offering to you, it is still surreal to experience that jolt as you remember that you are watching a sci-fi film. But such is the beauty of the writing and the direction and, of course, the stellar performance of the lead actress. As language itself can tell us much about a culture or society so too can films, as Arrival does, telling us much about culture and society – our very humanity, in fact. Watch it, if only to learn more about yourself.

VII

VIII

The University of Guyana has always been a major concern of consumers and the public in general. Most parents would wish their children to attend the University and most children try for as good grades as they could at the CXC Examinations so as to satisfy the University entrance requirements.

But despite this desire to attend the University, the institution has been negatively criticized from every angle over the last several years and many felt its decline could never be reversed and that it would never reach world standards.

At this point, like a sudden flash of lightening in a very dark sky, Professor Griffith was appointed Vice Chancellor. Prof Griffith is a Guyanese who was among the earlier graduates of the University of Guyana and from UG he went on the United States where he entered American Academia.

In American Academia, he won its highest awards and served in very important academic positions both as an administrator and teacher.

Professor Griffith was what is usually termed “a very successful American” and could have

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Supporting UG’s renaissance

spent the rest of his life in that great country like so many other successful Guyanese.

But Prof Griffith never forgot his homeland and at much personal sacrifice returned to Guyana to give back something to his Alma Mater and the land of his birth. For this, Guyanese people are grateful.

From the very first month of his service as Vice Chancellor, he injected a spirit of enthusiasm and hope into the University community which many had thought to be inert.

The university began to “buzz”, which for a long time it had not done.

Prof Griffith was full of ideas and plans all aimed to make the University a world-class institution; to raise the academic standards of both students and staff; to develop closer relations with the best academic institutions abroad; to have the University positively contributing to the economic and social life of Guyana and to encourage individual students to engage themselves in programes for the betterment of community life.

In an article of limited size, it would be impossible to deal with the many plans and

ideas which he has adumbrated since he became Chief Executive Officer of the University. The launching of the public lecture series after being VC for just a few months, characterizes the imagination and drive of the man. The first lecture in the series was on Brexit in which members of the Diplomatic Corps participated and brought back to Georgetown an enjoyable and creative intellectual life which had completely disappeared for many decades.

The most recent lecture in the series took place on 15th November last and was on the implications of the American elections on Guyana and the rest of the Western Hemisphere. The panel of lecturers included Mr Dormeous of the OAS and Mr Pierre Giroux, High Commissioner of Canada, two accomplished diplomats, the Vice Chancellor himself and the Deputy Vice Chancellor. The discussions were of the highest levels.

In addressing the many problems of the University, one of Prof Griffith’s earliest statements was to reject any political interference in the University. This position was very popular among the University community and in the country as a whole.

Another innovation is his re-affiliation of the alumni of the University. Such a programe would benefit not only the University but the country as a whole and many UG graduates in various foreign countries have

again begun to think of their Alma Mater and their homeland in positive terms.

He has also began working to raise the quality of the teaching staff by a variety of methods which include further exposure and training of the present staff and trying to get distinguished academics from various foreign universities to teach at the University.

He has been stressing research since so little research has been done and so very few papers published at the University.

This deficiency has no reflection on the quality of our graduates since many UG graduates at foreign universities have produced notable and important work in various disciplines.

He has aspirations and realistic plans of making a richer student life as well as improving the University’s infrastructure.

All of these aspirations and plans have been encapsulated in the term “UG Renaissance” which will unfold themselves in due course.

Prof Griffith is working for the uplifting of the social, economic and political life of the nation and making Guyana a more unified country subsuming all its various brands of divisiveness and allowing optimism be again restored to the Guyanese psyche. In our own individual and collective interests, we need to give Prof Griffith our fullest support, understanding and cooperation.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

IX

Road accidents

Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well. I mentioned last week that I will be speaking about the LGBT community today but my interviewee has requested some more time.

Therefore, that will be discussed next week.

My apologies.

However, this gives me an opportunity to speak about an event that I just attended. November is Road Safety Month and to spread awareness, the Alicea Foundation held a walk and event in the National Park this last Sunday.

It was coordinated by Denise Dias, founder of Alicea Foundation, Mother’s in Black and Help and Shelter. She’s a phenomenal woman who through her own loss and pain created something amazing that has made a difference in so many areas throughout Guyana – this article is for you!

I figure it best to speak about road traffic accidents, particularly those caused by drunk driving as well as the multitude of effects it has on our overall well-being.

Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among people aged 15-20 years worldwide.

There are many reasons for this such as speeding, distracted driving and, of course, drunk driving. It is important to note that 90% of the world’s road accident fatalities occur in low and middle income countries. Looking at our own, this is a believable find.

In Guyana, driving in general is a risk we all take every day. We continuously have to be alert and attentive as every minute we are avoiding minibuses, motorbikes, pedestrians, cows and donkeys that do not adhere to road safety.

More specifically, I am going to focus on drunk driving today as we all know it is a serious and common issue in Guyana.

We all know (or at least I hope we do) that your risk of being in an accident is significantly higher if your blood alcohol concentration/ level is higher than 0.04g/dl, the legal limit. This equals to about two drinks.

There is no question- drinking and driving is a poor decision as you are risking your own life as well as every other life you come across while driving. So many of us have been guilty of this in the past, myself included, but once you take the time to actually think of the dangers, hopefully it will not happen again.

You may think it’s not harmful because

you do it all the time and always make it home safely. I have even heard people tell me that they drive better when drunk because they drive slower and more cautious. Just because you made it safely to sleep doesn’t mean it was a good decision. The truth is everyone who does have been extremely lucky.

Individuals who drink and drive do have a problem with alcohol- it is known as hazardous drinking due to the fact that you are well aware of its serious consequences but do it anyway. Alcohol impairs judgement, which is what makes you think it’s a good idea to drive in the first place but it also impairs general concentration, motor skills and control, reaction time, balance and coordination. Not to mention, it severely impairs vision, hearing and causes drowsiness.

You also risk legal issues such as being issued a driving under the influence or DUI. I know what everyone is thinking while reading this but the truth is the police are now strongly enforcing these laws than ever before.

We all know the general consequences of drinking and driving to the individual. There are chances of being caught by police, being in an accident, financial losses, getting seriously physically or mentally injured and even death.

What about the losses that people don’t think of? What happens to the family? The community? To one’s mental health?

Losing a loved one, especially if it’s suddenly and unexpected, has an enormous impact on the entire family. There is of course the emotional trauma and grief which includes disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns, withdrawal, extreme sadness and loss of motivation. Losing a loved one due to another person’s negligence brings about strong emotions such as anger and hatred that can cause violent thoughts and actions that are out of character for some individuals. As you should know by now- all of these symptoms can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.

It is also important to mention the economic burden on the family.

If the accident causes long term physical or mental injury, it can result in job loss and divorce. It is also important for you all to know that public assistance/ disability in Guyana is on average 6000 GYD per month.

I hate to say it but who is surviving off of that?

If there is a death and the love one lost is

the sole provider, (which happens more than we think) this will result in emotional trauma and financial loss due to possible medical bills, funeral costs and added loss of taking time off of work to grieve. This also results in the possible loss of productivity and service to an entire community.

I once worked with a man who lost a child and had to close down this grocery store to grieve.

He owned one of the only stores shared among 3-4 villages. Of course it’s not the same pain but an entire community did suffer there.

There is also post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to consider. There are many people who unfortunately can get into a serious accident, where people were hurt, and can go about driving the next day as if nothing happened. However, there are those that are actually scarred by this and cannot drive again. It’s called travel anxiety and it’s a thing! A study I reviewed where 158 people were interviewed after a car accident showed that 40% had PTSD and 90% developed driving difficulties up to 6 years after their accident. These symptoms include heavy anger, nightmares, flashbacks and being overly cautious. Not to mention, living with the guilt of hurting or killing someone can cause daily stress, anxiety, short and long term depression as well as suicidal thoughts.

I believe it important to note that texting while driving can also cause everything listed above there.

What can we do to decrease road traffic accidents?

The first thing anyone can do is make the right choice- to not drink and drive. Even if you don’t think of your own safety (which sadly many don’t) think of your passengers who are usually your family, friends or partners. Not to mention, all the other innocent lives on our roads.

It is also important to note that we cannot depend on others when it comes to our safety.

Even if you are sober while driving doesn’t mean others on the roads are. It is within our power to take extra precaution to ensure our own safety.

Stop the distracted driving, especially if intoxicated! This means the use of cell phones, eating, painting your nails while driving, etc.

We are all guilty of this. We have all sent that text while driving and look up and realise we are in the wrong lane, knew that we got lucky and swear not to do it again. But we do in a few

hours. Statistics show that those who use cell phones while driving are up to 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Always wear your seat belts. People who do not do this actually really annoy me. It is such a small step that makes a big difference. Statistics show that simply wearing a seat belt reduces risk of death by 40-50%. Proper child seats/restraints have been found to reduce infant mortality by approximately 70%. It is also important to note that Denise Dias is also mainly responsible for the seat belt laws in Guyana.

To those who ride motor bikes- use helmets.

If I see one more biker speeding without a helmet, I feel like I will stand on the roads and charge them myself. Statistics show that wearing a helmet reduces risk of death by up to 40% and risk of injury by up to 70%.

If you are a pedestrian, pay attention to the cross walk signs- so many do not do this. Guyanese pedestrians feel they always have the right of way – we don’t!

Finally, and I believe this part of my article will cause anger to many but it has to be said.

There needs to be more police check points in the heart of Georgetown on weekends. There are too many drunk drivers on the roads from 2-3am. There also needs to be multiple police officers from different divisions so that bribes and persuasion is less likely.

Will you make a change and decide not to – or let your family and friends- drink and drive? I hope so especially since the holidays are coming up. We all know what that means for alcohol sales.

NB. All statistics are retrieved from World Health Organization and many scientific studies.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:15 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

X

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

A guide to dealing with

REJECTION We’ve all been there before and if you haven’t, brace yourself because it’s about to get real.

You spend days or even weeks working on a proposal, feeling confident in the blood and sweat you put into making it something the reader can believe in too. Then you wait for what seems like years on the response that would determine a significant course in your career. And for a brief time, you even forget that you submitted a proposal. Finally, the day comes and you’re reminded that you had, in your opinion, this brilliant idea that only needed the support of the host organization in question. Your mobile device vibrates letting you know that you’ve got a new email notification. You hesitate and think, “Maybe I should go make that sandwich I’ve been meaning to make before I check this.” But you rethink that option. Maybe eating before isn’t such a good idea. Indigestion is no one’s friend. You unlock your phone and click on the email notification. Sure enough, it’s the email you’ve been waiting on. You try to imagine if there was ever another moment that you’ve been so indecisive about what to do.

Again, you stop. What kind of silly question is that?

Nothing could ever prepare you for what comes next. The adrenaline pounds its way through your body, worsening the massive knot in your stomach. You’re grateful you didn’t eat that sandwich. I doubt that anyone, in their initial reading of an “outcome” letter, ever reads it in its entirety.

I’d be willing to bet that most times our eyes frantically skim over everything searching for the “yes” or the dreaded “no.” And sometimes the letter is worded in such a way that it forces you to immediately start over. There are so many creative ways to say no without actually saying no and that’s something you’ll learn early on in your proposal and

grant writing endeavours. So after re-reading the letter you realize that your submission has, in fact, been rejected or “unsuccessful” to put it less harsh. At this point a few things happen. You’re disappointed, slightly dumbfounded and you begin to question your reading abilities. You review the letter again hoping that maybe your eyes deceived you. But you read right. The words are almost pulsating on the screen, doing a weird kind of “no” dance just for you. Finally, you accept that your hopes of realizing your vision through whatever host organiza-

to read the letter then perhaps we can go to bed and wake up with that being just a faint memory from the day before. But for those of us who tend to overthink and pour over every minute detail that could’ve possibly swung the decision in our favour, then that spells insomnia. Waiting would also be difficult for the habitual email checkers, those of us whose mobile device could best be described as a permanent appendage on our body. I don’t know that there is a right time to read bad news but perhaps there are measures we can take to dull

maybe yours just wasn’t the right fit for the host organization you were applying to. Regardless, it’s almost never personal and so you shouldn’t allow it to embitter you.

Instead, thank them for taking the time to consider your application, as it is no easy task to review such large numbers of images and text.

2. No can mean “not right now.”

Sometimes it’s as simple as that.

Whenever we observe our contemporaries getting ahead and making progress in their careers while we can’t seem to get past “park,” it simply means that it’s

in a world that is constantly telling us, “There’s no budget for art.”

Wish them well and go back to work. Your time will come.

3. Use it as a learning curve.

Failure and rejection come part and parcel with being a creative practitioner. There’s no avoiding them. I once read that “failure is an opportunity to begin again more intelligently,” and this is something every artist should hold onto during their process.

Failure can bring into focus all the areas of your practice that need strengthening. Continue to work and grow from critique. Try not to encourage too many “yes” people in your corner, as they will do very little to foster healthy discussions about what works and doesn’t work in the art that you make. Find persons who can dive beneath the superficial layer of, “It looks so nice!” to offer you a more substantial reading of your work. Rejection will help you to think and speak more critically about your practice and eventually you will find your right audience.

4. Don’t stop applying. The

tion have been quashed.

So what happens now that your ideas have been shot down?

A few days ago I was talking to a Trinidadian artist and friend I met through Caribbean Linked IV in July, about the best time of day to open “outcome” letters. It goes without saying that results, which aren’t in our favour, can colour the rest of our day or even week in the most depressing shade of grey imaginable. If we choose to wait until the very end of the day

the effects it can have on our mind and body.

1. Don’t take it personally. Some-

times we allow ourselves to get so emotionally invested in a proposal that a rejection letter can feel like a personal slight when it really isn’t. The truth is yours was probably one of thousands of applications coming from every corner of the world. Clearly there were stronger submissions from other creative practitioners or

not our time. There is no need to be jealous or resentful towards to anyone whenever our proposals are rejected. Very often we can’t begin to fathom the amount of work and sacrifice that got them those opportunities, so don’t try to diminish their efforts by saying, “They didn’t deserve it.” Instead, be grateful for them. Every time an artist makes progress we should all celebrate because it would’ve meant that they defeated tremendous odds and found opportunity

growing collection of rejection letters in your email inbox shouldn’t deter you from applying to more calls for proposals.

Be ye not dismayed! Consider the fact that while your application might not have been successful, you still managed to get your work reviewed by new and influential eyes! More persons are now familiar with your name and work despite your inability to make it to the finish line. This would not have been possible had you chosen to ignore the call. And if you have an active social media platform then they may very well be observing your progress from across the pond. Remember, someone is always watching! So maintain a positive and humble outlook while you work. Set your goals and continue to challenge yourself daily.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Going Back to Basics…

The Identity Culture Modern women are embracing their heritage now more than ever. Everyone is informed, enlightened and seemingly culturally aware.

It's a cool to be mixed. Before recent times, if someone was Germanic and Caucasian inbred, that would simply be considered white.

Nope not today! We're all well aware of who we are, and our voices are being heard.

"For 57 years, the world’s most famous doll has been stick-thin, setting an ¬unrealistic—and, studies show, ¬damaging—beauty standard for generations of young women. That all changed in January when Mattel, faced with slumping sales, decided to make Barbie look more like the girls who play with her." - Time (Magazine) In a generation that has seen the likelihood of Miss Universe crowns being held by a variety of women from many cultures, the question still baffling to many people is "How could Barbie still be only tall and slim?" It's a cavalier disregard for all things dignified, respectful and the progress the world has made with inclusion and cultural diffusion.

The same approach is being held by cosmetic companies worldwide. The shade is real!

Cosmetic brands were forced to expand their variety of shades, based on the mere fact that the world is a more integrated place.

As a Mary Kay consultant I've learnt that the company didn't always sell products suitable for people of colour, anyone non-white in particular.

Redefining beauty is a clichéd term being thrown around in the fashion industry. And the fashion industry has been blamed for being responsible for something they have actually no control of: the miseducation and misperceptions of the public.

Models come in all types of shapes and sizes people still have a misconstrued perception of style, art and fashion.

It's time for the general public to return to the organic, authentic and genuine truth. And embrace their inner beauty, instead of trying to mimic or compete with someone else.

As a makeup artist, I'm often asked by some if I can make them look like someone else. The

response is of course I can. However, why would you want to look like someone else?

Be true to yourself, and let your radiance shine through.

The fundamentals of makeup embrace trends, to give women a voice, and express her inner passion. Makeup is intended not only to enhance, it's a style statement, a gesture displaying your alter ego.

You don't have to be an expert to wake up and makeup. Take better care of yourself and allow time to properly hunt the right product.

XI

When shopping for makeup, be conscious of the fact that you don't have to scrutinize, judge or meticulously question the credibility of the experts. They're job is to help you, not vice versa. It's your responsibility to be honest with yourself, know who you are, and demand what you want.

Confidence comes from within, -allow your radiance to shine through.

You are the reason beauty professionals get up to work, well at least allow me to speak for myself: You are the reason I get up to work! It's inspiring, humbling, and truly a gift to be able to make your life better.

Allow the makeup companies to alter your ego, let them know what it is you truly want, and what matters to you. You are the prize, you are the crown, your life matters, and your voice should be heard. Women are as vibrant as the flowers of the earth, and as solemn as a monarch.

There are many ways you can express yourself, but none beats your true identity. Choose you, choose beauty. Be radiant inside and out. #MakeupByKerry Remember to follow the Facebook page www.facebook.com/eye.like.by.kerry and watch LIVE videos on how to apply your makeup.

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Think reusable this holiday season

Already we are hearing the tunes, seeing the lights and shopping centres are filled – yes, the Christmas holidays are here. Besides getting together with friends and family, sharing and having fun, Christmas can be very materialistic. From gift wrapping to decorations, there are a lot of items that we wouldn’t need when the holidays are over.

Many of these items are made of plastics, e.g., Christmas trees, tree decorations, streamers and lights. Plastics can take more than 500 years to decompose and may never decompose in a landfill!

In the run up to the holidays we

be adding a new coat of paint to the living room or kitchen. Start saving your colour samples the next time you go paint shopping. These colourful chips will be perfect to tag your holiday gifts.

Simply cut them in the form of a tree or any other fun shape and add the recipient’s name.

can start thinking of some fun and cheap ways to make environmentally conscious decisions such as minimising waste. These ideas will take some thinking outside of the box but are sure to save you some money: 1. Use colour samples as gift tags - many of you will

2. Light Bulb Decorations

– this year as you convert to more efficient energy use with energy saving bulbs, use your old incandescent bulbs to make tree decorations. Add a light coat of metallic silver paint and these shapes would be perfect on your tree. Now you can buy fewer plastic decorations.

3. CD or DVD Coasters – here is a perfect opportunity to get the kids’ help this Christmas.

If you have some old CDs or DVDs lying around and some fabric, clear out the clutter with this fun idea.

Glue some fabric to one or both sides. It will be easy to add your own twists to this one.

Remember that

you can also save many of your items this year for next Christmas. Join us in the coming weeks to get more environmentally friendly tips for this holiday season.

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

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016 ◄◄◄ From page III

“For example, Ganesh Singh became a recluse when he got totally blind at age 17. He became like a house furniture never going any place and was protected by his family. In 2005 when Guyana embarked on blind cricket, he heard it on the radio and called to find out how he could get involved. He came down the afternoon very timid and when he realized he was with blind young persons like himself; after his

Leroy Phillips (first from left) hanging out with Australian cricketers

second training session with us, he never looked back.

“It shows where sports on the whole is a vehicle to empowering people and blind cricket will continue to be a vehicle that we will use for our blind and visually impaired persons. We are hoping that in raising awareness, the public will see the need to support the three blind cricketers and assist them in going.

“The blind in Guyana is doing a lot.

The blind and the deaf are the vehicle for

persons with disability. The blind looks out for all disabilities. We are hoping that the government and corporate Guyana can see the purpose of what we’re doing and support us,” expressed Pemberton.

Meanwhile, blind cricket is played with a hard plastic ball, a special ball that makes a very strong sound. The stumps are laid out like conventional cricket but

XIII without bails on them. The umpire usually guides the blind persons back to the stump, which they use as a gauge to bowl.

The players are bowled underhand style and when they are about to be bowled, they are asked: “Batsman, are you ready?” When the batsman replies in the affirmative, the bowler then says, “Play!”

‘Nothing is impossible’ XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

- says Walter Grant Stuart, who ‘single-handedly’ wins cycling championships

By Vishani Ragobeer It’s not quite often that one can lose something vital to them and yet manage to make the best of what’s left. However, Walter Grant- Stuart- a Guyanese and Caribbean cyclist who lost his right arm a few years ago refuses to let his disability stop him from enjoying his life and what he does.

About seven years ago, Walter was a fireman whose job was “fire rescue” at the Fire Prevention Department of the Guyana Fire

Service. While on the job, he bravely rushed to save persons entrapped in fires, but when off duty he realized that he had a passion for cycling.

He began cycling and found out that he was pretty good at it and began participating in the sport more intensely.

Walter balanced his rescuing and cycling for some time before tragedy struck, causing him to stop both activities.

“I was involved in a motor-cycle accident.”

Walter Grant Stuart completing another lap of his most recent cycling race where he pushed himself but unfortunately failed to complete the race due to a double puncture

Due to this, he lost most of his right arm, which was amputated.

An accident of this sort would have proven detrimental to persons engaging in the activities that Walter engaged in. However he noted that instead of letting the accident “break” him, he used it to motivate himself.

“The accident motivated me to do better,” he attested. “It motivated me to train harder so that I can finish with the rest of the guys.”

The one-handed cyclist said that in the

past six years since he lost his arm, he has participated in a number of competitions and championships both in Guyana and in the Caribbean.

The 30-year-old participates in about 46 races in a year and due to his prowess, he has been able to travel to places like Anguilla for the John T. Memorial 102- mile road race (where he copped the first place), French Turn to page XVI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XV

Setting up a coconut nursery NAREI Staff building a coconut seedling nursery

Success of coconut plantation establishment starts with the production of good quality planting materials. Planting coconut seednuts directly in the field is not recommended. Care must be taken in choosing the seedlings to start a plantation since high quality planting materials provide a good head start to sustain the coconut palms productive and economic lifespan of 60 or more years.

Therefore, nurturing coconut seedlings in a well-maintained nursery will allow efficient selection of normal uniform seedlings.

The nursery can be located in the interspaces of the coconut plantation, where coconut trees provide shade. But, if an open space is selected, the area should be provided with shade using 50 - 75% shade cloth.

The nursery site should have the following characteristics: ● Be open, level, well-drained and not prone to flooding; ● Have a light or loose-textured soil to facilitate nursery operations; therefore, a sandy or sandy loam soil is recommended; ● Have adequate amount of sunlight and a source of water for irrigation within proximity; ● The site should have agricultural access roads for transportation; ● It should be away from potential sources of pests and diseases; ● The site should have a shed or containers to store materials and supplies, farm implements and small equipment; ● And, have sufficiently trained manpower available to carry out nursery operations.

SEEDBED PREPARATION IN THE PRE-NURSERY A pre-nursery is used to obtain uniform planting material prior to planting in a nursery proper. It facilitates the sorting of seedlings by age, size or colour, and is especially useful to identify and eliminate off-types. A pre-nursery is also useful to discard seednuts that do not sprout after a specific time (3 - 4 months, depending on variety) along with any chlorotic, contorted, damaged or otherwise unsuitable seedlings.

The site should be cleared, ploughed and rotovated to a fine tilt. The beds should be

10 - 20 cm in height to provide adequate root-room and drainage. They should be 2m in width to enable ease of planting, inspection, and management and maintenance operations. A space of 60cm between two beds will facilitate ease of inspection, selection, and seedling transfer activities. A welldrained plot with friable, sandy loam/loam soils is best suited due to the relative ease in removing the seedlings from the nursery.

Heavy clayey soils and waterlogged soils should be avoided. The ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5 - 7.0; however, seedlings are tolTurn to page XVI ►►►

XVI ◄◄◄ From page XIV

Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago. Nationally, he said, “I take part in all the races.”

His most recent race was Saturday November, 19. While Walter did not get to complete this race due to a double puncture to his bicycle, he remains optimistic that he will gain a podium finish at his next race.

Speaking about his training schedule, Walter noted that he trains six times a week.

Of these six times, he said that he trains by riding from Georgetown to Linden and back about four times. This feat, he explained, takes him about six hours.

“Most person don’t train hard like me,” he said, and disclosed that this is perhaps why he is so good at what he does.

The cyclist also mentioned that he is seeking to take his cycling career to the next level.

He disclosed that he is seeking to take part in the “Paralympics World Championships” next year.

To prepare for these championships, Wal-

ter elaborated that he is currently considering moving to Guadeloupe so that he would be able to train more intensively.

His wife, who he married in 2012, has remained steadfast behind his cycling endeavors and serves as a great motivator.Grant Stuart acknowledged that she would accompany him when he goes to train.

While his disability motivated him to train harder and perform better at cycling, Walter disclosed however, he can no longer engage in fire rescue and is mostly stuck doing office work at the Fire Service.

Grant- Stuart encourages anyone out there who feels like they are facing any hardship, that all hope is not lost. “Prayer is a must…

I gather most of my strength from the Lord,” he noted and added, “Everyone has their own luck and everyone has their own potential.”

“Nothing is impossible,” said Walter Grant Stuart, who ‘single-handedly’ continues to pedal his way through cycling competitions.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

◄◄◄ From page XV

erant to a pH range of 4.5 - 8.5.

PLANTING IN THE PRE-NURSERY SEEDBED The distance between two seednuts along the row should be about 15 cm and the distance between two adjacent rows should be 15 - 20 cm. Seednuts should be laid in trenches in which the depth is 10 – 15 cm. The seednuts are planted by firmly setting them either horizontally or vertically or slightly tilted with the embryo end at the top and the widest of the three segments uppermost.

Vertically-planted seednuts suffer more from drought and are less robust than those from flat or horizontal planting although notching hastens their germination. With horizontal planting, rate of germination and subsequent growth of seedlings are faster compared to vertical planning; this is especially the case with Dwarf cultivars.

The seednuts are then covered with topsoil so that 1/3 of their upper surface is visible. Seed nuts should not be completely covered with soil. Five rows of nuts may be planted in each bed accommodating 50 nuts per row. Each bed should carry the same variety and all seednuts should be of the same age. It is better to time the sowing of seednuts with the onset of the rains. Normally dry coconut fronds and/or coir can be utilized as mulch for the seedbeds.

Seednuts of Tall varieties begin germination within 2 - 4 months after sowing and seednuts of Dwarf varieties usually germinate 1 - 3 months after sowing.

Generally, germination is recorded till the fifth month of sowing and a good seed lot will have 80 - 90% germination. Seednuts

that do not germinate within five months can be removed from the pre-nursery and composted. A 12% discard of seedlings is acceptable at the pre-nursery seedbed stage.

SELECTION OF SEEDLINGS FROM PRE-NURSERY FOR PLANTING IN MAIN NURSERY BED After four months, early-germinated nuts which have about 5–6cm long shoots are selected for transplanting into the main nursery beds or into polyethylene bags. This operation allows the seedlings more space to grow vigorously and permits screening out of unsuitable seedlings. Earliness of germination is correlated with early yield and early splitting of leaves into leaflets is directly related with speed of germination.

Seedlings with sprouts that are single, sturdy, straight and well-set into the husk should be selected. Off-colour seedlings and those with thin or spindly sprouts, two or more stems and short leaf blade should be discarded. All selected seedlings must be free from diseases and pests.

Selected germinated nuts are removed from the seedbed by lifting with a spade and the roots are trimmed before transferring to the nursery bed which has soil of fine tilt. The trimming of the roots assists the seedlings to establish quickly and will induce them to produce new roots. Seedlings should never be lifted from the soil by pulling the leaves or stem. Seedlings should be planted as early as possible after removal from the pre-nursery; they are planted 1/3 deep in the soil. All vacated plots in the pre-nursery seedbed should be refilled with topsoil so as not to destabilize the remaining ingeminated seed nuts. (Contributed by NAREI)

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XVII

Erasing forestry’s

bad reputation

‒ Can the battle be won?

A worker of Mc Vantage Guyana loads wood into a kiln boiler at the company’s Coverden operations.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

By Neil Marks The story of Guyana’s forestry sector is replete with tales of wanton destruction by companies, large and small, which engage in unstainable management practices. In the eyes of the common man, that translates to companies bulldozing the forest, doing whatever they want with the trees they cut, and getting rich in the process.

Indeed, forestry expert Dr Janette Bulkan has argued that Guyana is a “pariah” state, painting a picture of rogue operators trampling the law; and she contends there is no evidence to prove otherwise. “…there have been no changes in policy and no evidence of the non-selective implementation of policy to demonstrate that Guyana is other than a pariah,” Bulkan said in a letter to the press in early October this year.

But Farfan and Mendes ltd, which ironically introduced the chainsaw to Guyana, and its forest sector investment partner, Mc Vanatage of Guyana Inc, is out to prove Bulkan and other fierce critics like her wrong.

Well, not just Farfan and Mendes and Mc Vantage.

Forestry producers, those who either engage in the timber trade or produce wood products, are frustrated over the fact that they are already buckling to meet stringent regulations while bearing the weight of an unfair label and the alarm the recent UK ban on greenheart imports has raised.

CUT ABOVE THE REST “In terms of what we do in the forest and how we extract, it is all sustainable management,” says Andrew Mendes, Managing Director of Farfan and Mendes.

He is unapologetic that his business is about making money but none of what he does ducks the sometimes tedious regulations set up by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

And it is no idle boast.

Farfan and Mendes is the company that has teamed up with the Iwokrama centre for rainforest conservation to show how the forest can be used in a sustainable manner.

In mid-October, the operations received certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), making the Iwokrama forest

the only area in Guyana that has been certified for meeting international best practices for forest management. At the same time, Mc Vantage of Guyana Inc also received its FSC Chain of Custody Certificate.

“FSC certification is the highest international accolade that forest Managers can receive and it is testament to the Centre’s application of international social, ecological and environmental best practices in its management of the Iwokrama Forest,” the Iwokrama Centre stated when the certification was announced.

The FSC certification essentially means that the UK greenheart ban does not affect Farfan and Mendes and Mc Vantage.

The harvesting and processing of greenheart trees, which makes up 50% of the volume of trees cut from the Iwokrama forest, is done by Farfan and Mendes’ sister company Mc Vantage of Guyana Inc, which is a partnership with the Mc Vantage Group of Companies of the United States.

The Mc Vantage advantage is a smooth operation that is a cut above the rest.

The typical sawmill in Guyana is a picture of chaos: Pieces of wood (meant for the market)are strewn all over; “strippings” and “slabs” piled up for a cheap sale; sawdust being dumped into the waterways, as is the case with those along the rivers; and you would see men wrestling with wood to get it onto the ripping machine.

The Mc Vantage mills though, located at both Iwokrama and Coverden, East Bank Demerara, are a completely different operation. There is no chaos - no scenes of men crawling over the sawmill struggling to get the cuts they want and no pictures of lumber – cut or waste – scattered about.

And that’s because of the expertise that comes with Mc Vantage.

The company reasons that in cutting an order out of log production gets halved; that’s the typical way local sawmills operate, resulting in a lot of waste. In addition, this method carries the grade recovery down by half.

What Mc Vantage does is to cut for whatever high grade lumber they can get out of a log, no matter the length or width.

“You can’t saw for size and grade at the same time. If as I saw into a log and I see a

d e fect, I turn to the side to cut around that defect to maximize the volume of high grade lumber I get out of each piece,” Mendes explains. As a comparison, local sawmills average an export grade recovery of lumber sawn of 30 -50%. By comparison, Mc Vantage averages 80 – 90 percent in export grade from the sawn lumber volume, without any losses in overall recovery from the round log.

From what they get, the wood is then stacked neatly and left to dry.

What should be a common sense rule of stacking the wood neatly and ensuring that it is dried properly is often ignored by most sawmills, which dump the lumber haphazardly in bundles which eventually leads to uneven drying and badly distorted lumber – as a consequence further reducing the value of the lumber they spent so much to produce.

“Wood becomes stable once you dry it.

Once you dry it, then you start ripping after drying into specific sizes, and then you don’t get as much bowed or twisted lumber.

“Sustainability…means using as much of the tree and extracting as much value from the tree you cut down than how many trees you cut down,” says Joe McKinney, president of the Mc Vantage Group of Companies.

“Sustainability has to do with how much useable and valuable product you get out of every tree you cut down; and the more useable product I get the more trees I can leave,”

he added.

“The easiest way to make more dollars is to do less work, which means don’t cut as many trees down, don’t drag as many trees out of the forest, don’t , don’t don’t…and if you make more money doing that, then that’s sustainability.

“Doing it this way allows us to get a much higher yield of high grade wood which we get top dollar for while minimizing the cost of production, which equals profit – so profit and the environment are not conflicting goals,” Mendes asserts.

Mendes, who has conducted hundreds of training workshops with mills across the country, admits that there is a lot of wastage.

“We do have a lot of wastage; that needs to be improved. But it is not going to happen overnight and you need to provide some sort of leadership –you can’t “regulate” change, but need to incentivise it,” said Mendes.

Mc Vantage Guyana is providing that.

Its operation is open to anyone who would want to have a look and share their knowledge freely.

“Anybody is welcomed to come and see anything we do. Not going to build a zinc fence and hide what we do,” says Mendes.

Mc Vantage built the Coverden facility so that it can handle more lumber than its sawmill will run for the simple reason that it want to purchase from other millers in the Turn to page XVIII ►►►

XVIII ◄◄◄ From page XVII

country. That means that the mills will have to up their game.

They will not go to a miller and say they want a particular size; they will instead buy random lengths and random widths but at a different price based on the grade of the lumber.

One of the mills that has seen the wisdom of transforming their operations is Cummings Wood Products, which recently

set up another company called Floor It Guyana.

Andre Cummings, the owner, said that before, the way his machines were set up and the way wood was piled restricted movement and that resulted in a lot of down time and inefficiency.

Before, he was sharpening and reusing some tools, but not anymore, realising that getting new insert, throwaway tooling allows the company to maintain consistency and quality in the finished product.

He said that Mc Vantage “sat and spoke with us and gave us practical advice on how to do things differently.” They were also flown to the US to observe operation there in order to to improve quality and efficiency.

Mendes hopes that that transformation can occur throughout the industry as this will help to erase forestry’s bad image and improve quality and therefore sustainability throughout the industry.

GREENHEART BAN Guyana is made up of a total land area of 21 million hectares, of which 18.3 million hectares are forested. Of the forested area, 12.8 million hectares is state forest administered by the GFC. Mendes insists that the industry is heavily regulated and the regulations are being followed – and there is proof.

Take the harvesting of greenheart, for example.

Greenheart, also known as Cogwood, Demerara Greenheart, Greenheart and Bibiru, is available in commercial quantities only in Guyana and is prized for its strength and durability, making it a preferred wood for marine construction especially.

In May 2015, the United Kingdom Environmental Agency advised its contractors that it would no longer take greenheart from Guyana for UK government contracts because Guyana was not considered a “legal and sustainable” source for greenheart.

The agency stated: “A decision has been made that we will apply the timber procurement policy rigorously and that we will only buy timber from legal and sustainable sources.

“This currently prohibits the purchase of new greenheart (from Guyana) as it does not have sufficient evidence (based on UK Government requirements) that the forests of origin are sustainably managed.”

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) argued that this statement in effect brands all timber species and products as unacceptable and explained this to the Minister of Business by way of a letter on April 15, 2016.

In the letter, the GMSA referred to the findings of an on-the-ground study of the management of five forest concessions and a wider pre and post-harvest evaluation in 16 concessions.

The study was done by the GMSA’s Wood Sector Group, together with the Forest Products Association and the Guyana Forestry Commission.

The analysis showed that greenheart is not being overharvested, and sufficient stocks remain that allows for sustainable harvesting over future generations.

Of the concessions surveyed, it was found that only 822 greenheart trees were actually harvested out of the 2, 630 trees that were recorded for potential harvest within the sustainable yield of the forests. Of the trees not harvested, it was found that over 2, 000 other trees would reach a “merchantable” size within the 60-year felling cycle. (GFC rules are that a concession can only be harvested once every 60 years.)

Of the 16 larger concessions that were monitored, it was found that only about half of the trees that could be cut were actually cut, giving confidence that in the next cutting cycle in another sixty years there would be more than the allowable volume to cut.

“This kind of evaluation and ‘ground truthing’ was never done before. It proves conclusively that although there are no certified forests in Guyana (excluding the Iworkrama forest, which has now being certified) harvesting is carried out sustainably and that felling rates for greenheart are lower than the projected regeneration rates,” the report stated.

This, forestry stakeholders said, is adequate evidence for the UK Environmental Agency, to reverse its ban on greenheart into the UK. The stakeholders, like Mc Vantage Guyana, said Guyana is committed to sustainable forest management and this is evidence by the compilation and execution of the National Forest Plan and the National Forest Policy Statement, together with the Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting and the Code of Practice for Wood Processing.

“This industry is well regulated and operates in consonance with the Environmental Protection Agency, with national and international requirements for Occupational Health

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016 and Safety, Labour and Social Protection,” the GMSA stated in its letter to the Minister of Business.

It has also been pointed out that recent studies have confirmed that logging is done on a low intensity basis. For example, independent internationally recognized auditors such as the Norwegian Company Det Norkse Veritas (DNV), and GFA Consulting of Germany, have confirmed that Guyana’s deforestation rate using national scale 5 m satellite imagery resolution (Rapid Eye) was a mere 0.078 % in 2012, and even less in 2013 (0.069 %); there was a further decrease in 2014 (0.065 %).

The code of practice for harvesting (specific to the various categories of concessions) sets minimum operational standards including the requirement to plan for the selection of tree, tree- felling direction, skid trail layouts and the sub-division of concession into blocks which are managed on a 25 to 60- year cutting cycles with the allowable cut reduced to compensate.

The GFC monitor harvesting practices regularly, through a structured programme of field visits, complemented by random and impromptu visits.

Currently there are 39 strategically located forest stations countrywide, and 14 mobile stations.

In addition, there is a comprehensive documentation and checking system inclusive of a national log tagging and track-

A typical sawmill operation in Guyana compared to Mc Vantage Guyana

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016 ing system.

This real time system uses barcodes, scanners, and concession specific tags which enable chain of custody assurance since each log can be traced back to the stump in the forest concession.

The log tags also serve as one control mechanism to guard against overharvesting; tags are used by the GFC in accordance with a harvesting quota that has been determined individually for each concession area.

“The greenheart study shows there is nothing unsustainable; the facts speak for themselves,” Mendes asserts.

XIX any additional burdens on local stakeholders but that much of the systems that are currently being assessed for licensing have been in existence for many years.

He said that under the EU-FLEGT initiative, there will be efforts made to not only assess where local stakeholders have challenges (if any) in meeting the requirements, but also to provide the relevant support in addressing these challenges, if any.

“There are support measures which the EUFLEGT initiative will determine from consultations with stakeholders prior to this system being agreed upon.

“Additionally, the EU-FLEGT process will allow for an impact study to be carried out determining what will be the likely impacts on all stakeholders,” he stated.

Mc Vantage Guyana argued that process such as EUFLEGT give credence to the fact that Guyana is not intent on escaping regulations or complying with international best practices, and that the bad-mouthing of the forestry operations here should end.

Mendes said the issue goes beyond having to prove that Guyana’s forestry operations are sustainable and “legal.”

As the entire sector argues, the false labelling of Guyana as a “pariah” state has a bearing on the livelihoods of the 26, 000 persons who are employed by the sector.

Mc Vantage Guyana Thursday evening received the President’s Award from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association for having received FSC certification for the wood processing facility to facilitate market penetration and leverage. In photo, Shyam Nokta, left, presents the award to Dwayne Klass, Site Forest Manager for Mc Vantage Guyana. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

He argues that if Guyana’s forestry operations were not sustainable, then Guyana would not have been able to benefit from the US$250 million forest-saving deal with Norway.

EU-FLEGT Of recent, a new acronym has been hovering over the forestry sector, namely EU-FLEGT. FLEGT stands for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade and was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.

Guyana is currently pursuing a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), a legally binding trade agreement with the European Union under FLEGT. “The EU-FLEGT initiative will have a direct impact on the forest industry by giving Guyanese suppliers unrestricted access to the EU Market for agreed products,” said Kenny David, Assistant Commissioner of Forests at the GFC. “Access to this market signals to the rest of the world that Guyana is serious about placing only legal timber on the markets,” adds David, who heads the FLEGT Secretariat at the GFC. He posited that “one needs to remember as well that development of systems like these allows for the country to develop its own systems for tracking and tracing timber for both local and export markets; a benefit that any stakeholder should want.”

Mr David insisted that FLEGT is not seeking to bring

A typical sawmill operation in Guyana compared to Mc Vantage Guyana

Inside the Mc Vantage Guyana operations

XX

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

The world’s most generous countries It seems that lending a helping hand toward foreigners. to a stranger can be more than just a good deed.

THE UNITED STATES In fact, according to research conCompared to Burma, Hninzi Thet, sulting company Gallup, a culture’s who now lives in Baltimore, has nowillingness to help others is a strong ticed there’s less of a religious basis to indicator of positive economic factors, giving in the US, ranked second on the including GDP and long-term unemGallup list. ployment, as well as multiple other “There is less of a ROI [Return On benefits like encouraging greater overall Investment] attitude about it,” she said. wellbeing.

“What I now admire about US giving is To find out more, Gallup conducted the pay-it-forward model, which is more surveys over more than 145,000 people in line with a civic sense.” across more than 140 countries, asking Giving in US culture varies in residents if they had recently donated type, depending on if the area is rural, The Sri Lankan city of Matara holds several events to encourage money to a charity, volunteered for an suburban or urban. Naomi Hattaway, charitability and benevolence (Credit: Peter Schickert/Alamy) organisation or helped a stranger in originally from Nebraska and founder of need. The encouraging results, collected the I Am Triangle international cultural the school of Buddhism most prominent in Southeast Asia, in the 2016 Global Civic Engagement group for people who have lived abroad, Report, were then projected to include the whole world – cur- plays a role. has experienced each of them. “There are so many NGOs and “Any good deed [Buddhists] do will be shored up for their non-profits in the [Washington] DC Metro, but as you spread rently at 7.4 billion people – and found that in a given month, 1.4 billion people donate money to charity, almost 1 billion next incarnation and they will have a better life,” she said. “For to farther suburbs of the area, I would often hear people say instance, on a child's birthday they offer a meal to monks, who that they had no idea how to volunteer, how to get involved or volunteer and 2.2 billion help strangers.

Each country’s individual score varied widely, however, depend on the public to feed them. [This action] will earn merit where to engage,” she said. But in the tiny town of Lucketts in with residents of certain countries significantly more likely for them.”

Virginia, she found that “the spirit of giving, philanthropy and Hninzi Thet did say that donations of food and money have charitable acts was something that almost seemed mandatory to engage in helping across all measures. We spoke to people living in the five highest-ranking countries to find out what mostly only gone to monks and monasteries. “Only recently has for most residents. When someone would share a need, the resimotivates them to donate their time and money, and how it there been an effort to start donating to orphanages and such dents would jump to help. During fundraising efforts, everyone in an organised effort,” she said, especially as the Burmese pitched in without a thought.” affects society there. diaspora has brought more exposure to Western ideas of giving.

This is a trait that some feel has been passed down for As political stability and general elections have come to the generations. “On both sides, my grandparents gave and gave BURMA A majority of residents in this small southeast Asian country in recent years, the number of forand gave. They never bragged about it but country answered “yes” to each of the questions about giving, eigners moving to Burma has increased. In they did tell me the stories, like hosting A further breakdown of how addition to their number one giving ranking, resulting in by far the highest country score in the survey. food and soup lines for many years through countries give, per the study A strong Buddhist tradition informs much of the generosity Burma also was recently named the world’s the Great Depression and both WWI and here. Dr Hninzi Thet, originally from Yangon, grew up with a friendliest country in the InterNations Expat WWII,” said Zoe Helene, who lives in Most likely to Donate money Catholic Goanese father and a Buddhist Burmese mother, and Insider 2015 survey, with more than 96% of Massachusetts. “I think they wanted me Burma explained how the concept of karma in Theravada Buddhism, respondents positively rating their affability to know that compassion for others was Indonesia essential to character and that people need Australia to take care of each other, otherwise civiliMalta zation falls apart.”

New Zealand While those originally from this relatively wealthy country often feel they can Most Likely to Volunteer and should be doing more, expat residents Turkmenistan are more effusive in their praise. “As an Burma Aussie living in America, I find the generIndonesia osity of the US extraordinary,” said comeSri Lanka dian Jim Dailakis, originally from Perth.

United States “Living in New York City during 9/11, Most Likely to Help a Stranger I witnessed overwhelming kindness and generosity. Personally, it didn’t surprise Libya me. I find New Yorkers to be some of the Somalia In Burma, donating food to monks friendliest people in the world.”

Malawi is a common practice under the Buddhist tradition (Credit: Stefano Botswana AUSTRALIA Politi Markovina) Making sure everyone has an equal United States chance to succeed – what locals call giving everyone “a fair go” – is a core part of Australian culture.

“In other words, the chance to succeed on the same terms, without disadvantage, as others,” said Erik Stuebe, general manager of the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and originally from a small town in New South Wales.

“As a young country, an island continent and with a small population, we are very proud of our ability to punch above our weight in most areas of national endeavour. There is great respect for someone who succeeds while remaining humble and genuine, connected to their roots and supportive of others in their efforts.” Melbourne in particular has a strong community spirit, and often holds events that contribute millions to local and worldwide causes. Some even go global, like the Movember Foundation, which started in the city in 2003 and now encourages men from all over the world to grow moustaches in November to encourage donations to men’s health.

Crisis also brings out extreme generosity in Australians.

“When the tsunami hit in Indonesia in 2004, Australians donated $42 million,” Dailakis said. “Bear in mind the population of the country at the time was probably no more than 20 million.”

Again in 2009, when bushfires caused the loss of many lives and homes, locals stepped up. “Melbournians overwhelmed the system with donations of time, money, clothes, offers of shelter and messages of support,” Stuebe said. “I think Australians give whatever is needed, generously and to Turn to page XXIV ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XXI

- Now with a degree, Camille Gonsalves looks to a career in counselling others

By Telesha Ramnarine LIFE has not been smooth-sailing for 45-year-old Camille Gonsalves who, along with losing her thriving business overnight, had to endure years of physical abuse from both of her spouses. But in the end, her resilient attitude benefited both her and her children.

Just two weeks ago, she graduated from the University of Guyana with a Degree in Social Work.

What is more, she had the joy of starting her studies at the university at the same time as her son, Xavier, who couldn’t manage to graduate with her but will do so next year.

“I didn’t let those incidents keep me down - losing everything and going through abuse while caring for my children and still continuing to study. I supported my children, but they also supported me and helped me reach where I am today,” Camille told the Chronicle in an interview recently.

Before deciding to go back to her studies, Camille had her own business, a furniture factory, which she managed. She not only managed it, but worked very hard manually.

“I can build furniture, do plumbing; I can do anything a man can do in terms of work.

I actually did the physical work – building furniture, making it from scratch; planing wood, sanding, cutting it to specification,” she recalled.

Camille developed a love for this type of work because her father was a boat builder and joiner and as a kid, she would shy away Turn to page XXII ►►►

XXII ◄◄◄ From page XXI

from the house work in order to be around her dad’s work station. “When he went into the farm, although he didn’t like anyone using his tools, I would take them and make little things and hide them,” she fondly remembered during the family’s time in Kariabo Creek, Region One. Camille thus invested heavily in her furniture business but she was not the one who managed the financial aspect of it. By the time she realised that all of its resources were being squandered, it was simply too late.

“That thing really shake me up. After I lost my business, I decided I will not work hard physically anymore. That’s when I decided to go back to studying. In fact, ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to attend university and graduate. And that’s what I did.”

When she started back studying, she had no money, but she was nevertheless determined to continue. After losing the business,

she went to Institute of Distance & Continuing Education (IDCE) and did three certificate courses in social work and psychology for which she finished with distinctions. She then applied to the University, took a loan, and started working on her Degree.

Camille’s efforts and sacrifices paid off because her son and daughter, Avita, both got excellent CXC results. She always encouraged the children to write the number of subjects that they could have reasonably handled and do well with. Her daughter is currently in Canada attending college, while her son will finish at the university soon.

She recalled that life was rough having to care for the children and send them to school.

“I pawned all my jewelry just to make ends meet,” she said with tears welled up. Her daughter was writing the common entrance exams at the time. “Life was hard. What I was earning at my Guyana Stores job couldn’t take care of all of our needs.”

Now with a degree, Camille is hoping that if she does not find work within the public service, she would pursue offer counselling as a private business.

Camille is advising persons who are going through rough patches in life not to ever give up their efforts to press on to something better. “Take the pain and the disappointment and use it to make you stronger. I always tell my children that nothing is hard once you put your mind to it.

But giving up is not an option. We can do just as much as anything we set our minds to do.”

Camille still does her own plumbing and builds her own shelves at home.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016 The first meeting of the MRC is held and the response by the residents is encouraging as they discuss plans and lay down guidelines for a well organised entity.

June tries to encourage Lucille to attend but will she?

THIS WEEK’S PREVIEW: Nov. 28- Dec. 4, 2016

Tongue nah gat teeth but he ah bite fuh true. June loses her cool with Sister Patsy!

It started off as a very uneventful day with June and her father discussing the

possibilities of Monica’s proposal of a Merundoi Restoration Committee (MRC), but it ends in total chaos. Who or what is the reason?

XXIII Fineman makes an announcement at the end of the meeting and is instantly hushed!

What did he say?

Don’t miss this week’s episode.

You can also listen on www.merundoi. org

XXIV ◄◄◄ From page XX

the limit of their ability.”

Australians are particularly proud of the social trust and safety net that is protected by law, with strict gun laws, generous unemployment benefits and good healthcare leaving residents feeling secure. That doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a good ribbing of their fellow citizens – Australians lean into self-deprecating and irreverent humour, and often have to assure outsiders that teasing is a sign of affection.

NEW ZEALAND As residents of a small island nation and one that has historically been mostly rural, Kiwis have a long tradition of taking care of their neighbours.

“There is a feeling sometimes that everyone knows each other or has ‘two degrees of separation’, so there is a duty to look out for each other,” said Katherine Shanahan, orig-

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

The Movember Foundation, founded in 2003 in Australia, promotes men’s health all over the globe (Credit: Eva Rinaldi)

inally from Wellington who works at travel site GoEuro.co.uk. “Perhaps the strong sense of community is also a reason why the country appears to have this charitable trait." Wellington hosts initiatives like The Free Store, where restaurants and bakeries donate food that wasn’t sold for the day, and people can take food that they might not otherwise be able to afford. In December, 18 locations across New Zealand will play host to the Great Kids

Can Santa Run, a 2 or 3km run where every participant dresses up in a Santa suit to benefit local children affected by poverty.

The Christchurch earthquake in 2011, which killed hundreds and injured thousands, also revitalised the nation’s giving spirit.

“When I visited Christchurch five years after the earthquake, it was evident that the city was still finding it hard to get back on its feet. I was surprised to come across these ‘All Right?’ billboards,” said Shanahan. “I thought it was an interesting advertisement that was simple and sincere. Not trying to sell you anything but to just remind people to give each other a helping hand every now and then.”

Those who live in New Zealand can also take plenty of time to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. As an island nation with a relatively small population, it’s easy to find and get to empty beaches, as no part of the country is more than 130km from the ocean.

SRI LANKA Similar to Burma, giving in Sri Lanka

is strongly informed by religion. “Most Sri Lankans are Buddhist and Hindus, and both religions endorse charity and sharing,” said Mahinthan So, who lives in the capital Colombo. A willingness to help is particularly evident in the southernmost city of Matara.

“There is a saying in Sri Lanka, that says ‘No matter where you go in the island, in case of a need, you will always find a fellow from Matara and they'll definitely be happy to help,’” said Supun Budhajeewa, from Matara himself. “We have that feeling of belonging deep inside us. I think that sums us up.”

From blood donation to school charity socials, there are always events in Matara and beyond that encourage benevolence.

Many city-wide organizations and neighbourhoods often conduct dansel (large-scale free food stalls) during occasions like special Poya days, monthly state holidays during the full moon. Holidays are also a popular time for shramadhanas, or donating labour, such as public-road cleanups, hospital volunteering and building houses for the homeless.

Along with helpful and smiling residents, Sri Lanka is also known for its diverse food. Influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Indian and Persian traders, dishes are often aromatic and full of spices, usually centred around rice and curry. Hoppers, pancakes made of egg, honey and milk, are another popular food, and the island also is known worldwide for its Ceylon tea, famous for its full body and citrus aroma.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XXV

XXVI

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Christmas BISCOTTI

INGREDIENTS (Yield: 48 cookies) ● 1⁄2cup unsalted butter, room temperature ● 3⁄4cup sugar ● 2eggs ● 1teaspoon vanilla extract

● 2teaspoons orange zest ● 2 1⁄4cups flour, all-purpose ● 1 1⁄2teaspoons baking powder ● 1⁄2teaspoon ground cloves ● 1⁄4teaspoon salt ● 1cup dried cranberries ● 2⁄3cup raw pistachio nut

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter and flour a baking sheet.

In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until blended.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cloves and salt.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until blended.

Stir in cranberries and pistachios.

Divide the dough in half.

One at a time, place the 2 dough portions on the prepared baking sheet and form each into a log about 1/2 inch high, 1 1/2 inches wide and 14 inches long.

Space logs at least 2 inches apart.

Bake the logs for 25-30 minutes or until set and light brown.

Transfer to a cutting board and let cool 6-8 minutes.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

Using a very sharp knife, cut the logs in the diagonal into slices 3/8 inch thick.

Stand the slices upright on the baking sheet and return the sheet to the oven for 15 minutes to dry the cookies thoroughly.

Transfer to racks to cool.

Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Seven-year-old Syrian girl takes to Twitter to depict life in Aleppo

Fatemah said Alabed had since received "Harry Potter" ebooks and would start reading them. Alabed tweeted her thanks with a picture to which the author replied: "Love you too, Bana! Thinking of you, keep safe #Aleppo".

(Reuters) Her hair tied into pigtails by matching pink ribbons, seven-yearold Bana Alabed inspects the rubble in her home town of Aleppo, before walking to face the camera.

"I am sad. It's so bad," she tells her audience in English in a clip posted on Twitter. She is later seen holding a banner reading: "Stand with Aleppo. Please stop the bombing and end the siege."

The video, posted on Tuesday and accompanied by the text "checking in the morning after a night of bombing" is the latest the young girl has shared with her nearly 94,000 Twitter followers depicting life in the war-torn Syrian city.

Her account gives a poignant human face to a nearly six-year conflict pitting President Bashar al-Assad against rebels seeking to oust him, in which hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions forced from their homes.

Renewed air strikes, after a pause that lasted several weeks, have worsened conditions in Aleppo's rebel-held east, where

residents are short of food, medicine and fuel.

On her Twitter account, which is managed by her mother, Alabed shares pictures of the city's bombed buildings and of herself at home.

"Good afternoon from #Aleppo I'm reading to forget the war," she said in one post showing Alabed with a book and a doll. A picture posted on Thursday of smoke in the sky had the caption "Good morning from #Aleppo. We are still alive. - Bana."

Asked about what they hoped to achieve, Alabed's mother Fatemah, told Reuters via Twitter in English: "Effort to show people our (lives) so they can act. We only tweet what we think of. The video is near our home, our neighborhood (is) in ruin".

The seven-year-old's tweets have gained attention from at least one prominent user of the micro-blogging site.

When Fatemah tweeted "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling about her daughter wanting to read one of her stories, the writer and her agent quickly responded.

XXVII

XXVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

With rap and poetry, Cape Town tries to bridge racial divides (Reuters) A city surrounded by ocean and divided in two by the naked rock of Table Mountain, Cape Town's incredible natural beauty belies a past of hundreds of years of slavery and racial oppression.

Now a generation of artists, musicians, poets, and filmmakers is trying to overcome this legacy, and in South Africa, a country with 11 official languages, it is not just Rapper and poet Jitsvinger walks significant what they say, but across a pedestrian overpass in how they say it. the Woodstock area of Cape Town, Quintin Goliath, who goes South Africa, September 28, 2016. by the stage name Jitsvinger, REUTERS/Joe Penney meaning 'The Dope One', is a rapper of mixed ethnic origin from Cape Town. He performs in Afrikaans, broader collective consciousness and that's a language spoken by 7 million South Afri- where the future lies for Afrikaans: inclucans that is derived from Dutch and draws on sivity and the acceptance of one another's Malay, Portuguese, English, Xhosa, Chinese expression."

While some see the future of Afrikaans and Khoi influences. as promising, its past is contested. Afrikaans Goliath, who raps about topics including developed in the Cape Town region among politics, identity and love, said Afrikaans was slaves from West Africa, the indigenous Khoi becoming more popular, especially among and San tribes and Indonesia who adapted the the young.

Dutch spoken by slave owners and colonial "Afrikaans has become more edgy and settlers into a common language. loose lately in the last decade and a half," Today only around 40 percent of those he said. In the neighborhood Kimberley, up who speak Afrikaans at home are white South to six different languages are spoken in one Africans, according to the South Africa Race sentence, he added.

"As a result, my vernacular can reach the Relations Institute.

"Many today will still refer to the ‘white’ Afrikaans as beautiful, pure and proper but their version has a negative or lower form reflecting an internalized self-hatred left behind through slavery, colonialism and apartheid," Goliath said.

"There’s a lot of repair work needed within the broader Afrikaans community," he said.

Cape Town poet Jethro Louw also performs in Afrikaans. He is a descendant of indigenous Khoisan and Mozambican slaves and includes indigenous stories and myths of Cape Town in his poetry. He plays the musical bow, traditionally used for poetry, music,

and communication.

"I try to popularize the First Nation Culture and its symbols such as the bow in the public domain," he said.

After Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, English is the fourthmost spoken language in South Africa, but its role in public life is far more influential.

Bheki Pilot Biller is a 24-year-old film student from Limpopo who speaks Zulu and English, and chooses the latter in his work which focuses on social issues.

Pilot said Cape Town remains racially divided and that he had experienced job discrimination because he does not speak Afrikaans.

"I can't take this situation whereby for you to get a job you need to have a specific skin color. There are some opportunities where they note that you must know how to read and write Afrikaans fluently. What kind of job is that?"

It seems there are voices clamoring for a more inclusive South Africa in every community in Cape Town: At a recent concert, well-known rock musician Jeremy De Tolly, a white, native English speaker from Cape Town, said the country's white population should share their wealth with their fellow South Africans.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XXIX

XXX

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XXXI

XXXII

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

Aries An unexpected professional development will leave you scrambling to find a solution. As a result, you might inadvertently take out the stress you feel on your mate. Try to avoid any impulsive reactions this week -- both in career and in matters of the heart. You'll only cause yourself even more unnecessary stress. By Thursday you might recover enough to enjoy a social activity with your partner. Go out with friends -- you'll both need the break.

Taurus Financial opportunity might open up for you and your partner, much to your delight. This may be in the form of a joint investment, but it can also be news that one of you is receiving a nice bonus or that your partner is getting a well-deserved raise. While the material side of your relationship appears to be flowing seamlessly, the spiritual side might need some work. One of you might be struggling with very different beliefs. An erratic moment on Tuesday relating to this is possible.

Gemini A fresh start in your relationship is possible this week. On Tuesday a New Moon will fall in your 7th House of Partnership. As a result, you and your mate could begin a new project together, make a vital decision, or make a solid commitment to each other (if you haven't already done that). On Thursday you and your sweetheart might enjoy a sexy adventure together. Doing something to expand your mental horizons will be a major turn-on. Think outside the box.

Cancer Communication between you and your partner will improve dramatically by Friday. That's when Mercury enters your relationship sector. Until December 19, this will enhance your ability to both listen to and hear one another effectively. Be aware, however, that if any decisions need to be made together, you should act soon. Mercury will turn retrograde in this same area of your chart on December 19, so be proactive now -- while you can Leo There's amazing love potential in the stars for you this week -- which should be music to your ears! A New Moon on Tuesday might spark new beginnings for you and someone special. Go on a first date with anyone you meet who sparks that vibe in your heart. One caveat: stay away from anyone you work with. There's a conflicting theme at play this week with Uranus square Venus.

Although you might be tempted, don't mix business with pleasure.

Virgo This week you'll want to be extra careful with your money -- and your lover.

You might be tempted to take a financial risk with your sweetheart. It'll be the type of gamble that seems too good to be true. Guess what? It is! Another possibility is that you and your lover will feel the need to become more experimental in the bedroom. What seems like a good idea at the time might turn into a tricky, uncomfortable mess. Make sure this is something both of you really want before you proceed.

Libra Your family life might throw a monkey wrench into your relationship. This can be anything from a meddling relative to a sticky situation that erupts out of nowhere, crashing into your domestic security. Your partner might even be the culprit. He or she might announce a sudden need to get away from the routine of the household for a bit. Understand that if anything like this happens, you'll need to honor the need for space. Perhaps everyone could use the breathing room.

Scorpio This week you'll want to be extra careful with your money -- and your lover.

You might be tempted to take a financial risk with your sweetheart. It'll be the type of gamble that seems too good to be true. Guess what? It is! Another possibility is that you and your lover will feel the need to become more experimental in the bedroom. What seems like a good idea at the time might turn into a tricky, uncomfortable mess. Make sure this is something both of you really want before you proceed.

Sagittarius With a New Moon in your sign this Tuesday, you'll be ready for a personal fresh start -- one that can certainly implicate your love life. In fact, on the same day Venus will square off with Uranus, now in your romance sector. You might feel a flush of excitement over a sexy someone who is making you feel like the most amazing person on the planet. Although this affair might not have staying power and might not even move past innocent flirtation, you'll still want to entertain it. It just feels good.

Capricorn This week you and your partner might want to begin spending more time alone together in order to nourish your emotional connection. This can be anything from instituting a weekly date night away from the kids to taking a weekend getaway to a secluded location. The privacy will do wonders for your relationship -- and your spirit. On Friday Mercury enters your sign, giving you an edge in communicating with your mate and anyone else.

Aquarius Expect a fresh start in your social life that can surely help improve your love life. Making new friends or networking can lead to meeting people you never thought were your type. Keep an open mind. If you're already attached, it's possible that you and your lover will get into an unexpected argument early in the week. If you're in couple's counseling this could be a good thing, since it'll likely lead to a breakthrough Pisces Keep your friends as far away as possible this week from your lover. And whatever you do, refrain from asking any of your pals to weigh in on a current problem you might be having in your relationship. There's a good indication that a friend will only stir the pot and make things worse. Another possibility is that you'll receive an unexpected flirtation from someone you thought was just a friend. This can lead to an awkward situation if you don't share the attraction.

If you do, this might turn into a passionate, but fleeting, affair.

XXXIII

XXXIV

English 2016-11-27

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, There is always need for revising some area of your study.

The business is not only to push forward on syllabus content, but also to push forward in revising and strengthening language foundation, digging deeper and becoming expert in its usage, and loving it. We embark on grammar revision today and will continue in needful phases. Be wise.

Love you.

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY I pray you, do not fall in love with me, For I am falser than vows made in wine.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1886-1924) ‘As You Like It’: Act 3, Scene 5.

(3) He and she saw the collapse coming. (Who saw? He and she, the compound subject) Reminder: A noun or pronoun is in the nominative case when it is used as a predicate nominative.

Examples: (1) The new botanist is Mr George

GRAMMAR Revision Some time back we looked at the correct use of nouns and pronouns in the nominative case.

Reminder: Case is all about the form of a noun, or a pronoun, which shows its relation to the rest of the sentence.

You learned about the cases: nominative, possessive, objective.

Reminder: To find the subject of the verb, you need to first find the verb, and then ask the question who or what of the verb.

Examples: 1. (a) Henrietta caught a cage bird.

(Who caught? John, the subject) (b) They caught baby alligators also.

(Who caught? they, the subject) 2. (a) Has the mother seen her new born baby yet? (Who has seen? mother, the subject) (b) Has he found his mother’s earrings?

(Who has found? he, the subject) 3. (a) Twenty-five trees were uprooted during the storm. (What were uprooted? trees, the subject) (b) They were arrested immediately. (Who were arrested? they, the subject) 4. (a) There was absolutely no need for a policeman. (What was? need, the subject) (b) There were no guards on duty. (Who were? guards, the subject) (c) There was nobody in the ice-cream parlour. (Who was? nobody, the subject) Reminder: The verb may have a compound subject, i.e. two or more subjects. The individual subjects in a compound subject are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, neither, nor).

When the subjects are joined by “and,” the verb agrees with the pronoun “they.”

Dainty and Sherry-Ann love each other.

Examples: (1) Jessie and Joseph were two dangerous outlaws. (Who were? Jessie and Joseph, the compound subject) (2) Tomlinson and I picked juicy oranges. (Who picked?

Tomlinson and I, the compound subject)

Bronson. (predicate noun) (2) That was he. (predicate pronoun) [Revision will be continued next week.]

COMPOSITION Over time, we have been looking at various ways of developing a paragraph, but make note that most paragraphs available are not developed by any single paragraph method.

Paragraphs which are a mixture of several types appear in books and magazines most of all; they show versatility of writing, and add dimensions of interest to reading.

The use of regular organisational skills has its own advantages especially for exposition writing. Here is a paragraph with a regular pattern. It showcases paragraph development by the method of contrast.

PARAGRAPH DEVELOPED BY CONTRAST Talent repeats; Genius creates.

Talent is a cistern; Genius, a fountain.

Talent deals with the actual, with discovered and realised truths, analysing, arranging, combining, applying positive knowledge, and in action looking tp precedents. Genius deals with the possible, creates new combinations, discovers new laws and acts from an insight into principles. Talent jogs to conclusions to which Genius takes giant leaps.

Talent accumulates knowledge, and has it packed up in the memory; Genius assimilates knowledge with its own substance, grows with every new accession, and converts knowledge into power. Talent, in different situations, strives to unite knots, which Genius instantly cuts, with one swift decision. Talent is full of thoughts; Genius, of thought: one has definite acquisitions; the other, indefinite power.

REPORT WRITING Taking Notes and Related Aspects Take notes only after a careful read of the text, and before you fill out the subtopic heads in your outline and put your report together. Notes must be gone over by way of reading and discussing, if possible. In this way, you become more familiar with the facts or information and should be more able to express yourself satisfactorily using your own way of expression when it is time to write up the report.

Pay attention to the following jottings: ● Take notes either in sentence or non-sentence form – the style of note-taking facilitates facts and information at your fingertips. ● If you must ‘steal the words’ from a source (written or oral), you must acknowledge the quoted words by putting them in lifted commas and referring to corresponding author(s). ● Vary your sources of information and vary the number of sources. ● Try using note cards; they dictate both form and amount of notes. They really force writers to summarise choice facts and pieces of information.

[This topic will be continued.]

Chronicle Pepperpot November 27, 2016

XXXV

Bollywood Movie Review

Dear Zindagi

(Reuters) During their first therapy session in his expansive, sun-dappled consulting room, Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) tells Kaira (Alia Bhatt) the story of a man, his Chinese companions, a snow leopard and Mount Everest. There’s humour in the story, but also a message for young Kaira that resonates within her. The next morning, she attempts to recount the story to her friends but stumbles and stammers out a tale that has none of the original quality or charm.

The script of “Dear Zindagi” is like the story. On paper, writer-director Gauri Shinde's tale about a troubled young girl and her dapper therapist must have looked like it had the right dose humour and message. But the end product, much like a game of Chinese Whispers, is mostly garbled and incoherent.

Kaira is a young cinematographer who always seems to be on edge. She flits from one relationship to the other, is rude to everyone around her, and can barely look beyond herself. When her landlord asks her to vacate her apartment, she moans to her friend, “I am going to be homeless in this city” - completely trivialising what being homeless really means.

She moves to her parent’s house in Goa and all her pent-up angst comes to the surface again. A chance meeting with Jehangir “Jug” Khan, a psychologist who, by his own admission, doesn’t always play by rules, prompts Kaira to seek therapy. Khan is effortlessly charming in his role, channeling his “Chak De” persona – a father figure who is silently rooting for his young charge as she negotiates rough waters.

Shinde gives us many poignant moments between the two, but she also feels the need to punctuate the narrative with punch lines, which ends up making the whole narrative ring false. In a telling scene, Kaira and her friends tell each other “Hamein apni baatein record karni chahiye” (we should record our conversations) because they are so taken with how

brilliant their conversations are. The need to explain every moment and articulate every emotion pulls down “Dear Zindagi”; even the brilliant chemistry between the two leads cannot salvage the film from this fatal flaw.

For all its talk of openness and acceptance, the morality of “Dear Zindagi” is so precarious that the makers would rather beep out the word “slut” and balk at the very thought of a romance between a middle-aged man and a woman in

her 20s.

The highlight of the film is Alia Bhatt, who pulls off her second brilliant performance of the year after “Udta Punjab”. The focus is entirely on her and she doesn’t shy away, facing even tough scenes with a natural confidence and maturity that belies her age. “Dear Zindagi” might not be a love letter to life it was intended to be, but Bhatt and Khan make this one worth watching.

Entertainment

Putin presents Russian passport to Hollywood actor Seagal

(Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin presented a Russian passport to U.S. actor Steven Seagal on Friday and said he hoped

it would serve as a symbol of how the fractious ties between Moscow and Washington are starting to improve.

At a Kremlin ceremony where Seagal signed his new passport in front of Putin, the Russian leader said: "I want to congratulate you and express the hope that this is another, albeit small, gesture and it might be a sign of the gradual normalization of relations between our countries."

When Putin then asked how he was doing, the actor replied that "everything is good. We will talk later. For now just honored to be here."

Putin, a fan of the kind of martial arts that Seagal often practices in his Hollywood action movies, signed an order at the start of this month to grant Russian citizenship to Seagal.

At the time, a Kremlin spokesman cited Seagal's "warm feelings towards Russia" and his celebrity as the reasons for granting the gesture.

For more than a decade Seagal, who ac-

cording to his own website is 64, has been a regular visitor to Russia. His movies, including such titles as "Under Siege" and "Sniper: Special Ops," are popular with Russian audiences.

Seagal is the latest Western celebrity to have been given a Russian passport in the past few years. In 2013, Gerard Depardieu, a French actor, was given citizenship by Putin.

In the past two years, relations between Russia and Washington have deteriorated to their worst level since the Cold War as a result of the armed conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, where Moscow and Washington backed opposing sides.

Putin has expressed hope that, with the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president, relations will improve. Putin has praised Trump's personal qualities, and the U.S. president-elect has said he wants friendly ties.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) holds a Russian passport before presenting it to U.S. actor Steven Seagal during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, November 25, 2016. (Sputnik/Kremlin/Alexei Druzhinin via REUTERS)

Marriage or not, Mariah Carey goes ahead with reality TV show (Reuters) Mariah Carey's new reality show sees the larger-than-life singer trying on wedding dresses and wrestling with a decision to postpone her marriage to Australian businessman James Packer.

Nine months on, as "Mariah's World" prepares to air in December, Carey is dodging questions about the sudden breakdown in October of her engagement to the billionaire.

Asked if the eight-part series would show what really went on to cause the split, Carey told Reuters. "Do we ever know what's really real?... I hope we learn a lesson of being good people."

Packer, 49, and twice-married Carey, 46, started a highly-publicized relationship in June 2015, and in January, the Australian proposed with a massive 35-carat diamond engagement ring. Last month, the engagement was suddenly off, sparking conflicting rumors about who backed out, and why.

Packer appears briefly in the first episode

of "Mariah's World," when the couple enjoyed happier times in the spring vacationing on yachts. Carey is seen lounging in lingerie, trying on a wedding dress, and debating whether to wear a tiara.

Filming started while the "We Belong Together" singer was preparing for her European tour that began in March and the first episode shows her reluctantly deciding to postpone her wedding to Packer because of her work commitments.

Carey, the world's best-selling female singer, says she wants the show to capture "behind the scenes and the moments... when you are getting ready to go on stage and putting on a tour."

"I don't think people really know who I am, or the different sides of my personality, so I am excited about it," Carey told Reuters.

Although the show was first promoted as showing Carey planning her wedding, it remains to be seen how much Packer will now appear.