Pepperpot 31 08 14

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

I’m yours, Shanti S

(The Continuation)

hanti closed her eyes, not always in the comforting embrace of sleep, bitter-sweet memories like a stalker in her mind. It could have been a lesser burden, if she could have forgotten and moved on but how could she forget that love that had blossomed in her young heart the first time she saw him. A love as pure as the morning dew; the sweet fragrance of fresh roses not withered by time.

She had loved him even more in those nine unforgettable months, through her suffering and pain for within her was growing a new life, a blessing of their love. She kissed softly, the sleeping, cherub face of her son and she whispered: “If only your father knew of you.”

That night when he had lifted her in his arms and walked down the street and stood so close to her and kissed her softly was the first time in her life something beautiful had happened.

From a little girl, life had dragged her through the mud, hunger, worn clothes and tears. Her heart had cried silently for happiness, so the sounds of laughter she heard were hers but nothing changed until that night when a new chapter began in her life.

The flower she gave him in the mornings now, for blessing the day was not for him alone he told her but for her too.

“And a smile that will stay with me all day,” he said touching her hand.

He began coming home from work at regular periods, more often than before, calling on her for attention.

She had to style his hair, knot his tie and prepare more clothes than he needed to wear, just so he could be close to her. On days that she had to work late, he would offer to drive her home, taking her instead for ice cream or fast food and one night she told him: “You do know if you continue to do this, someone

will notice.”

“That does not matter to me,” he said casually, “All that matters is you’re with me and I can talk with you and be close to you.”

His mother’s warning words she could still remember but when she looked at Raj, hearing his voice, seeing his smile, those words became obscured by a rolling mist.

He was a dream.She had never thought could have walked into her life, a love that mesmerised her young mind and she hoped it would last forever. But she was always awoken to the harsh realities of her life at home.

Her weak, uncaring mother and arrogant, wicked step-father who had often looked at Shanti with evil intent as she matured into a beautiful young girl, but she had managed to keep a safe distance. Now with Raj in her life, money seemed to be his new focus.

“You’re very good,” he had told her one morning as she was preparing breakfast for her young brothers.

“Never thought you were so smart to strike gold.”

“What are you talking about?” she had asked him puzzled, not too pleased with his tone of voice.

“He’s a rich boy so for the time you spend with him make sure he pays you good.”

Shanti had looked at the man she was supposed to call father, shocked and disgusted.

“How can you think like that? You’re so evil.”

“Wake up girl!” he had said in a mean tone. “Look around you, then look at yourself. You’re a poor girl, how long do you think he’ll stay with you?”

“My life is not your concern,” Shanti told him firmly.

“It never was.”

maureen.rampertab@gmail.com For the next few days he continued to bother her about Raj’s wealth and it was a relief for Shanti when Raj left for a week-long trip overseas. But her peace of mind didn’t last long when Raj’s mother accosted her: “I’ve noticed a change in my son and his closeness to you,” she said disapprovingly. “I need you to know, the only thing you can gain from a relationship with him is money because girls come and go in his life.”

Such a statement could have devastated Shanti’s mind but the truth and the faith she had in Raj in the love they shared stayed unbroken.

“What is it with everyone and money?” she wondered. “Where is the simple love for something, a true feeling from your heart?”

She didn’t have the answers to everything but since as a little girl she had been listening to her heart for therein lies truth and purity.

“I miss you so much, Raj,” she whispered, anxiously awaiting his return.

The day before Raj’s return Shanti fell ill with the flu virus and was unable to go to work. The high temperature and pain rendered her literally helpless for two days, the medication she was using was not quite effective. On the second night as she drifted off to sleep her temperature still high.She heard someone calling her name and a hand touching her face. She tried to open her eyes, to answer but she was too weak. She felt strong arms lifting her, taking her somewhere.

And though she wasn’t quite conscious she felt safe in those arms, knowing they had held her before.

It was much later in the night when she opened her eyes and it didn’t take her long to realise she was lying in a doctor’s clinic with an intravenous drip

Continued on page V

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

III

By Petamber Persaud

‘Reaching for the Stars’ autobiography of Yesu Persaud, published by The Caribbean Press (extract of an interview with David Dabydeen on Yesu Persaud’s autobiography. Dabydeen is an academic, author and diplomat. Persaud is the founder and member of numerous social and financial organizations) PP: It is only now the writing of memoirs and autobiographies by Guyanese is growing in popularity. Why do you think people are turning more to this genre of writing?

DD: You are completely right, Petamber, this genre of writing is the most under-represented genre in Caribbean Literature. I think we still have a far way to go. I can think of only a handful of such books including Cheddi Jagan’s ‘The West on Trial’, and Maj. Gen. rtd Joe Singh’s ‘Growing up in British Guiana’. And this book

by Yesu Persaud, ‘Reaching for the Stars’ which is the first volume about his early life.

But there are still many people who need to tell their own story and it is best they tell their own story. So this is a welcomed addition to our literature.

PP: Before we move on, I would just like to mention a few other such books that DAVID DABYDEEN have come to my attention.

Jan Carew’s ‘Potaro Dreams’, Arnold Apple’s ‘Son of Guyana’, Maggie Harris’s ‘Kiskadee Girl’, Shridath Ramphal’s ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’ and Reds Perreria’s ‘Living my Dreams’, Rohan Kanhai’s ‘Blasting for Runs’….

DD: And Mittelholzer’s ‘A Swarthy Boy’ …

PP: A. J. Seymour had written five volumes of autobiography. And we must be mindful of the stories of men and women written in other formats.

DD: Writers, novelists tend to use their own lives as source material for their first novels….

PP: Especially first novels.

DD: But of course a novel is different from an autobiography. With an autobiographical novel, you will have to plot it and prune it while with the autobiography, you have the freedom to wander here and there, without thinking or without being constrained by literary form and structure. An autobiography can be written from the heart and can have a kind of naturalness and cannot be criticize on aesthetic grounds.

Unless we have autobiographies, more and more, the living history of Guyana will not be fully accounted for as it could be.

One of the wonderful things about Yesu Persaud’s autobiography is it tells the story of a very poor person who had a very poor childhood…but he was able to rise above all this, in fact, he was able to go to England to study. In England, he had terrible landlords who exploited him, it was bitterly cold, he had to work in some very difficult situations. He had to work

all day and find time to study in the evening. In the meantime, his wife gets very ill and he had to look after the children and work and study. He does all of that and he qualifies magnificently, proving his employers wrong – they didn’t think he could ever become a qualified accountant. Having said all of that, he was offered a good job but he returned to Guyana to work in the tax field. Eventually, he was part of a very historic thing that happened in Guyana – the Nationalisation of Bookers; he was the key person in the negotiation…and the rest is history.

It is a very beautiful story of the capacity of Guyanese, and most of us, come from very humble background to achieve in spectacular ways …

PP: Including you, David; your story is also inspir-

YESU PERSAUD ing….

DD: Forget me for the while but if you look at the achievements of all our scholars, you would see this trajectory – barefooted, bookless and yet you find them in the halls of excellence all over the globe.

And this book, ‘Reaching for the Stars’, is a wonderful narrative of that journey. Although the book is about Yesu Persaud’s life, I recognize many of our high achievers have gone through that same procedure overcoming poverty and deprivation on their way to the top.

PP: So far we looked at the man’s life without reference to the book. Let’s now look at the book. In the foreword, written

by Dr. Ian McDonald a friend and colleague of Yesu Persaud.

McDonald wrote that ‘it is a remarkable, uplifting story, ..a life of achievements’.

One of the driving forces

of this man is his integrity. He spoke out when wronged, he stood up for what he believed. All his life from the cane field, schooling, marriage, living in England, returning to Guyana.

So his integrity was the driving force that stood him in good stead right up to this day.

DD: This book was published by the recently established Caribbean Press and I think it is one of the finest books to be published by the Press. It is the, I think, seventieth book by the Press. And we think it was an honour and an opportunity to publish this magnificent story. (to be continued) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: The Caribbean Press has commissioned me to produce as Editor a Volume 2 of contemporary poetry, and a Volume 1 of contemporary prose by local Guyanese writers. Please contact me for further information.

IV

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

LINDEN FORBES SAMPSON BURNHAM, O.E., S.C. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEECHES VOLUME 1 September 1957 - November 1958 Preface by Hon. Raphael G.C. Trotman, M.P. Speaker of the National Assembly of the 10th Parliament of Guyana The Hon. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E. S.C, M.P, L.L.B, had a long and illustrious legislative career which began in 1957 when he served as Leader of the Opposition and as leader of the People’s National Congress, and ended in 1980 when he metamorphosed from Prime Minister into Guyana’s first Executive President. His speeches, interventions and statements in the Legislative Assembly, and later the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, are as many as they are legendary. In reading these speeches the reader will immediately identify the following: that Forbes Burnham was an extraordinary orator and debater; that he revelled in his role as a legislator; and that he treated his parliamentary colleagues, and especially his political opponents, with respect and dignity deserving of their offices. I highlight these qualities because they are important traits and characteristics that every elected Member of Parliament, and those aspiring to be, should possess.

Reading the spoken words of the fathers and mothers of our nation inevitably causes one to imagine the life of those times and to want to rekindle their dreams. So it was for me as I read and thoroughly enjoyed, speeches and presentations made by Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E, S.C in the Legislative Assembly of British Guiana. In the Legislative Assembly, Forbes Burnham deployed every literary and emotive device to masterfully drive home his points like a skilled swordsman; dissecting, cutting and parrying, lunging, attacking and counterattacking; all of which is done without the ridicule, rancour, or the rigmarole that sometimes characterises the debates in the National Assembly; more frequently than is desired.

In reading these manuscripts many thoughts entered my mind as was revealed by the words themselves. Firstly, there was a high degree of respect and camaraderie between political opponents Forbes Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Secondly, the passion and zeal to put the country and its people first, was very evident. Thirdly, the sittings and deliberations with the Legislative Assembly were not only of an extraordinary high standard, they were relevant to the happenings of the day. This can be seen in the debates on the provision and distribution of Government lands and housing for the poor and needy; the regulation of private schools; the care and welfare of housekeepers leaving for Canada; or the protection of hire purchasers. Fourthly, and lastly, the Members of the

Legislative Assembly so obviously recognised and relished the privilege bestowed on them as elected custodians of the people’s trust, that they approached their work with remarkable dignity; respected the instruction of the Legislative Assembly; and understood the importance of the vocation of parliamentarians. I implore the readers of these fine speeches therefore not to read them for entertainment only, but for learning and edification.

The great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr), famously, and rightly proclaimed many years ago that: “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”

L.F.S BURNHAM

SPEAKER RAPHAEL TROTMAN

This history being unveiled of the political lives and works of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham must be used to shape our lives and destinies so that we may pass on a rich legacy to our inheritors. The interwoven, and interdependent lives of these two men must be revisited; not individually and in isolation of each other, but rather together.

Theirs was a symbiotic relationship on which the nation’s hopes and aspirations of a united and free Guyana rested.

But alas, became imperilled on the rocks of misfortune, mistrust and mistakes. Is it too simplistic to ask whether the dream can be sewn together and restarted? I think not.

In Burnham’s eloquent speeches much is revealed, and contextualised, about the man and his politics. His presentations cover a wide gamut of subjects and issues; many of which are still extant today. Forbes Burnham was fiercely independent of mind and patriotic of spirit, as could be clearly seen in his words expressed during the debate on the Federal Supreme Court (Appeals) Bill on the 15th April, 1958, or in his celebrated Motion on Federation with the West Indies in August, when a marathon and epic debate ensued over

many days on the benefits and potential pitfalls of political independence and federation. Burnham implored his colleagues of the day quite emphatically thus: “Do we want the doubtful reputation of being independent and unknown?”

“Therefore if it is the ambition of British Guiana to enjoy independence similar to that of those places and to be unknown or perhaps to beindependent and be the recipients of charity from Britain or elsewhere, let us say that and let us be prepared in this 20th century to be a parasitical nation.”

Of course the West Indies Federation failed, but what remains a subject for argument and debate is whether Guyana became, and remains, a parasitic state given its heavy dependence on donor and institutional support and aid.

Another sterling characteristic of Mr. Burnham’s was his willingness and sincerity to embrace worthwhile suggestions and proposals of the then Minister of Trade and Industry, the indefatigable Dr. Cheddi Jagan, his political opponent. Many examples of this can be seen as when he stated during the debate on the West Indian Court of Appeal: “I am not in the habit of opposing for opposition sake.

This one measure of the Government which commends itself to me, and for which I commend the Government or when during the debate on a Motion on the Delegation travelling to the United Kingdom to discuss constitutional reform, nationalism trumped partisan politics in these words: “There are some subjects which are above the pettiness of party differences, and there are some Motions which are so momentous, so far as our country is concerned, that to bandy words across the table is so sacrilegious. Such a debate, such a Motion is the present one. Again, on the occasion of a debate of a Motion on racial disturbances in the United Kingdom (September, 1958), Mr. Burnham began his contribution by saying: “I beg to second the Motion moved by the Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry, and I desire to congratulate him on having moved it.”

Magnanimous gestures such as this have become all too rare in our present political construct, and my sanguine wish is that they do not disappear altogether.

It is a great honour for me to be able to express my thoughts on the publication of the outstanding speeches of one of Guyana’s national heroes, and it is my earnest desire that every reader, every student of history, and every practitioner of statecraft, will find knowledge and experience, immense feelings of joy, admiration, and patriotism as I have, as one word flows into another.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

I’m yours, Shanti From page II

(The Continuation)

hooked to her arm.

“How did I get here?” she wondered and almost on cue, the door opened and Raj walked in with the doctor and Shanti’s elder brother. The doctor determined after another check-up that she was doing fine but needed good rest and proper health supplements for complete recovery.

“Thank you, doctor.” Raj said with relief on his face. “I’ll ensure your orders are followed.”

The doctor left and Raj sat by her bedside, holding her hand in his, “You gave me a scare, you know that?”

She smiled weakly, the illness having ravaged her body but the happiness on seeing him that flowed through her was like a healing tonic. He kissed her hand, kissed her lightly on the cheek and gently lifted her off the bed to take her home.

Shanti awoke early the next morning and took a cold shower, feeling refreshed and relief from the fever. She was surprised that her mother had prepared a strong vegetable broth for her that put some energy in her weakened body.

“Your boss’s instructions,” she told Shanti, “He cares about you.”

Shanti did not say anything but a little smile touched her lips, a beautiful song she had sung, since a child, playing in her heart.

Raj came later in the morning to see her, bringing fresh fruits and a special Chinese soup that he told her would put the colour back in her cheeks.

“Feeling better?” he asked, brushing back a wet strand of hair from her face.

“Yes,” she answered, tears gathering in her eyes, touched by his deep concern, something that no one had ever shown her.

“Why are you so kind to me?” I’m just a poor---“ He put a finger to her lips, “You will stop saying that Shanti.You are not a poor girl. Your richness is your simplicity, your pure heart and a smile make the sun shine.”

He put his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him and said: “That’s the richness I want in my life.”

Unforgettable words written on a page of their love story.

Those words stayed in her mind as the days went by and she had returned to work. She did not see him every day but in thoughts he was always close to her, smiling when remembering his boyish naughtiness, kissing her on the cheek, or pulling the pin from her hair to loosen it whilst she was working. One holiday weekend, his eldest sister and her children came to visit, the little girl taking a liking to Shanti. One day, whilst they were at the poolside, Raj called her for a towel and without warning pulled her in the water with her uniform on. She had surfaced, gasping and grabbing on to him to save herself from sinking. It was what he had wanted her to do but his father who had just come to the poolside, asked crossly, “What is going on here?”

Raj had laughed as he helped her out of the water, “She slipped and fell into the pool dad, relax.”

Raj’s sister who had seen what happened said to him quietly: “You like her, don’t you?”

His smile was his answer and she inclined her head slightly to their father.

“You do know you’re playing with trouble.”

“I’ll take my chances with that.” Raj told her.

Shanti had changed into her spare uniform and was drying her hair when the butler informed her that the young boss wanted to see her. He was standing on the balcony outside his room when she entered, the mischievous smile still on his face.

“You’re crazy, you know that?” she said to him, quite calmly.

He stood close to her, his hand wrapped around her long, wet hair and he said softly, “Your wet hair always gives you a sensuous look.”

That closeness always sent her heartbeats crazy and she stepped back a little but he didn’t let her go.

“I’ll be away for two days from tomorrow,” he told her, “Just let me hold you close, so your touch can stay with me until I return.”

That night she laid in bed, unable to sleep, thinking of him, of how much closer they had become. In another few days she would be eighteen, a time when a girl of her poor status would seriously think of marriage, so her life could be secure.

“What future do I have?” she wondered, “Will he be mine?”

Questions flirting in her mind, answers she needed, somewhere in the shifting clouds.

Raj returned but he found no time alone to speak to her because of the overseas visitors, special lunches and dinners until the final evening when he summoned her.

He had a displeased expression on his face when she entered and he held up the classy dinner suit she had laid out for him.

“Why am I wearing this for tonight’s dinner?”

“I was instructed to ensure you look impressive because someone special will be there tonight to see you.”

“Is that what you want?” he asked, throwing down the suit.

“No, I’m just doing my job,” she said, not quite understanding why he was so upset.

“I just need something simple,” he said, “Because I do not need to impress anyone. What I need is some private time to spend with someone who interests me.”

She looked at him across the room.Her only happiness, yet it seemed he couldn’t be hers because his mother was determined that he marry someone from an elite family. She felt like crying and before that could happen, she turned away and asked, “Can I go now?”

“No,” he said, walking across the room to her and turning her face to him, he saw the tears in her eyes.

“Since I came back, I’ve been so anxious to be with you but so many things keep

V

coming in my way.”

He wiped the tears from her eyes, “Why are you crying?”

She shook her head, not sure what to say and he said to her: “Tomorrow is your birthday and I don’t want you to come to work. I want to make that day special, just wait until I come for you.”

She began her day with prayers and as she poured water over the Shiva Lingam, humming songs of devotion, she felt in her heart that it would be a most special day. A bouquet of flowers came first and the card read: ‘Today begins a very special day in your life, Happy Birthday! – Raj.’She couldn’t find wordsto express how she felt, just happy tears. Chocolates and ice cream came later and in the afternoon, a package with a pretty little dress, shoes and accessories. A simple request from him was written in a card: “Wear this for me, tonight.”

He came for her late in the evening and his smile alone, as she looked at her, was enough to say how beautiful she looked. He kept looking at her as he drove along the highway until he turned into a lone road bordered by wide, empty landscape – a private estate. She looked at him, curiously but did not say anything until he made a wide turn on the road and she gasped in surprise.

A small castle-like house stood there, illuminated beautifully by decorative lights, looking almost enchanted.

“This is so beautiful,” she said, completely surprised.

He took her hand, walking up the marble pathway, the door seeming to open like magic and he lifted her through the doorway. She looked around in wonder at the intricately designed interior with its soft colours and cozy comfort.

He put his arms around her waist, “Do you like it?”

She looked at him, still with that look of wonder and she asked with a little tremor in her voice, “Am I dreaming?”

“No,” he said, happy because she was. “I want this to be your dream, a special place for us where there can be peaceful days and beautiful nights, where we can be alone, leaving the world behind.”

The deep look in his eyes, the passion left her almost breathless, and softly, she spoke, “Raj…” He put a finger to her lips, gently and he said just as

VI

Effective control of plaque is the “secret” to oral health

I

believe it also happens to many of my dental colleagues. Whenever I am in any public place and someone who I know, other than being a former patient, meets me, they often say: “I have to come and see you for a cleaning”. Never, is it for an extraction or filling. My main consolation is that the person may be aware of the fact that the primary objective of treating periodontal (gum) disease is to remove plaque from teeth and to keep it free from returning once removed. This is known in dentistry as prophylaxis but called simply “cleaning” by patients.

However, because plaque re-forms within 24 hours, only personal hygiene can keep it from re-establishing itself bearing in mind the effective control of plaque is the “secret” to oral health. Because some people are more susceptible than others, not everyone may be required to practice prevention with the same diligence.

Anyone with recognised periodontal disease, even in the early stages, is well advised not only to brush but also to floss the teeth thoroughly at least once day, preferably twice a day. By the same token, excessive brushing and flossing can be harmful. A woman with an immaculately clean mouth complained to me that her teeth were sensitive to cold water and brushing, even to breathing through her mouth. When she reported that she brushed five or six times a day, she was advised to brush no more than twice a day and to avoid scrubbing the necks of the teeth in a straight back and forth stroke. Within a few weeks the sensitivity to cold and brushing disappeared. Her problem resulted from her needlessly wearing down her enamel and dentine with the abrasives in toothpaste.

Similarly, there was a young man who never had a cavity. His gums were healthy, but tissue between the teeth was “punched out.” He had been advised to use dental floss.

Figuring if a little floss was good, a lot was better, he tied knots in the string and pulled them through the teeth, destroying the interdental papilla, the triangular shaped gum tissue that normally fills the space between the teeth. On cessation of this destructive flossing, the gum tissue gradually grew back to its normal shape.

Professional treatment for diagnosed periodontal disease is generally divided into nonsurgical and surgical phases. Antibiotics and antimicrobial chemicals are used for acute infections and for supportive therapy. Mechanical protective devices such as plastic occlusal guards relieve problems caused by compulsive grinding. Orthodontic realignment of teeth corrects severe and traumatic occlusion. Prosthetic appliances-fixed and removable bridges and splints-may be necessary to restore and stabilise teeth. And, of course, there is no substitute for personal effort.

There are two major motivations for a person to practice good oral hygiene. They are to have sparkling clean teeth and wholesome breath, just like the chewing gum twins of the TV ads. Preventing periodontal disease, which requires an understanding and perhaps fear of its cause, is seldom foremost in the avid tooth brusher’s mind.

Primary prevention of periodontal disease requires good personal home care with particular emphasis on diligent daily tooth brushing and flossing. Once the disease has occurred, the same methods, supplemented by professional treatment and special devices and rinses, prevent further extension of the disease. While gingivitis is reversible gum disease which Over the years various brushing and flossing methods have advocated: this shape, that shape, soft bristles, hard bristles, waxed floss, unwaxed floss, and so on. Whenever we find such inconsistency among authorities, we can reasonably conclude that there is no one best way, but rather a number of modalities that work well.

As long as one brushes without abrading, puncturing, or otherwise irritating the gums, one technique is probably as good as another, provided plaque is effectively removed.

Being a dentist for over twenty years has taught me that the best way to prevent and maintain oral health is to obey the Rule of Thoroughness. This Rule states that the total time spent cleaning the mouth during every 24 hours must be equal to the amount of natural teeth in minutes. For example, if a person has 20 teeth he/she should spend at least 20 minutes every day brushing, flossing, etc.

One should not scrub the teeth with a straight back-and forth stroke because of the danger of wearing grooves along the necks of the teeth, the area at the gum line where the crown joins the root. Brushing from the gums to the tips of the teeth or with a circular motion removes most plaque without damaging the surfaces of teeth. However, plaque also forms beneath the gingival cuff. If the bristles are placed at a 45- degree angle at the neck of the tooth so that the tips slip under the cuff and the brush is then jiggled back and forth, newly formed plaque can be removed from this covered area.

The average person takes less than a minute to brush his or her teeth and fails to remove two-thirds of plaque. While emphasising the importance of tooth and gum care in oral health, one should not ignore the tongue. A healthy tongue is smooth and pink Excessive smoking and coffee consumption can cause strains and irritate top surface. Mouth breathing, particularly during sleep, dries out the mouth, preventing adequate lubrication by saliva. A dry mouth may leave the tongue with an unpleasant white coating of dead surface tissue cells that are normally washed away by saliva. As some people age, their tongues become fissured and the taste buds and other papillae on the top of the tongue grow longer, giving the appearance of the hairy surface. To eliminate stains and mouth odours emanating from the tongue, it should be cleaned daily with a soft nylon toothbrush.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

Kicking Herself Residual Burn

Guys, if you can kindly offer a word or two, I'm grateful. You see, I can't get my ex out of my head. I think about him every waking moment, but they're not pleasant thoughts. They're memories that leave me with an explosion of anger and anxiety... every time.

And I so badly want to stop thinking and feeling this way. Just don't know how. It's been two years since I walked away from our one-and-a-half year marriage, a year since the divorce and six months since the emails to and fro stopped cold turkey.

Getting through to him was always like raking at a concrete wall barehanded. When we were married, I kept quiet because I feared his reaction. He wasn't physically abusive but the smallest disagreement brought on days of sulking and nights of him turning his back.

Listening wasn't his thing. Talking.

Yes. The day I talked back was the day I said, "Blank you! I want a divorce!"

I could've given him my life without hesitation at one point. Now I really don't care if he gets run over by a train because that's how much love he showed me. I hope to stay away from him for the rest of our lives.

I know I can't erase the past, but this anger, I pray it will go away. Advice for me? Thank you kindly.

Debra Debra, the standard advice is time will solve a lot of your anger and anxiety, and getting good things in your life will take care of the rest. True enough, but in your case it doesn't seem to be working.

One thing you didn't mention is that you are mad at yourself. "He had no love for me, and I didn't see that and wound up married to him." But that can't be undone.

Whether he was your first and that's what caused you to turn a blind eye, whether he was a consummate liar and you weren't skilled enough to deal with that, whether you loved the idea of his potential and didn't know it was a potential he had no interest in, or whether it was something else, doesn't matter.

This is a lost investment of your time and your life. Keep the only good thing: the experience you gained which will prevent this from happening again. So history doesn't repeat itself, you must keep the knowledge without reliving the history.

Not seeing him, not coming in contact with him, thoughts of him will become fewer and fewer. And the pain will get better. Filling your life with positives, there will be less and less time for him.

But we hear you protesting, "That hasn't been enough."

Okay, there is another way to get where you want to be.

Let us suggest one book: Coherence by Alan Watkins. Alan Watkins is a British cardiologist, and this book is for senior executives. That probably doesn't describe you, so you will want to focus only on one aspect of the book.

In Coherence Alan Watkins describes a simple way of focusing on the breath and putting it in tune with the heart. Because the heart is by far the most energetic organ in the body, it is capable of putting all other organs, including the brain, in synch with it.

Mistreatment of any sort creates lasting mental problems. We can't get it out of our thoughts. Taking attention from the mind and centering it on the heart has a powerful effect.

It's like taking a car that's stuck in third gear and shifting it into neutral.

Watkins also explains how to replace negative emotions, like anger and anxiety, with positive ones like confidence, serenity and optimism. This step frees the mind to do what it was intended to do.

If this approach sounds intriguing, skip the pages which don't concern you. Focus on the method Watkins outlines in Figure 1.11 of the book.

Wayne & Tamara

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

Business woman Chin-Ting-kee convicted for selling impure butter

I

N 1946 Ms. Chin-Ting-Lee was convicted of selling impure butter to a policeman, Lance Corporal Felix Austin (No.4356), which ended with the Full Court, dismissing the appeal after amending the ingredient of the charge.

The policeman/respondent had asked the appellant to sell him a half pound of butter, but the appellant sold and delivered to him a substance resembling butter, which she (the appellant) described as butter.

The respondent wanted butter, and he asked that he be sold butter from the tin indicated by him.

A sample of the substance was subsequently analysed by the Assistant Government Analyst who issued the following certificate of analysis: “I am of opinion that the said sample is adulterated and contains ingredients as under.”

“The sample is a mixture of butter and margarine.

The sample contains 50% margarine, which is prepared from vegetable fats, an imitation of butter fat.”

It was held (1) That the Analyst’s certificate showed that the sample contained less than 75 per centum of butter fat, and fell below the standard of purity for butter specified in the proviso to Section 6 (1) of, and in paragraph 3 of the first schedule to, Chapter 102; (2) That the article sold as butter came within the definition of “margarine” in section 2 of the Sale of Food and drugs (Consolidation) Ordinance, Chapter 102, and was not of the nature substance and quality demanded by the purchaser.

(3) That the sale was certainly to the prejudice of the respondent as the article sold to him was not butter, as defined by the Sale of Food and Drugs (Consolidation) Ordinance, Chapter 102, to which he was entitled on his purchase.

A conviction made under Section 6 (1) of the Sale of Food and Drugs (Consolidation) Ordinance Chapter 102, should contain the averment that the sale was to the prej-

udice of the purchaser. Where such a conviction did not contain the averment as aforesaid, but the magistrate had found that the sale was to the prejudice of the purchaser, the conviction was amended accordingly.

The Full Court was constituted by Chief Justice J. A. Lukhoo and Justices Boland and Duke.

Mr. Ronald H. Lukhoo, appeared for the appellant, while Mr.A. V. Crane, acting Solicitor-General represented the respondent.

Delivering the judgment of the Full Court, Justice Duke said: “This is an appeal by the defendant ChinTing-Kee from the decision of a Magistrate of the Georgetown Judicial District convicting her of selling a certain article of food to wit, butter, not being of the

nature substance and quality demanded by the purchaser namely, the complainant Lance Corporal 4356 Felix Austin, contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Sale of Food and the appellant sold and delivered to the respondent a substance resembling butter, which she described as butter. A sample of this substance was subsequently analysed by the Assistant Government Analyst who issued a certificate.

“Mr. Ronald H. Luckhoo, counsel for the appellant, submitted that the Analyst certificate did not

VII

By George Barclay

sufficiently disclose the component parts of the butter, and of the margarine contained in the sample ; that the analyst set out his conclusion without stating the reason upon which his conclusion was founded; that the certificate did not show that the sample contained less than 75 per centum of fat within the meaning of paragraph 3 of the first schedule to Chapter 102, or that the substance of which the sample formed part was not entitled to the benefits of the proviso to Section 6 (1) of Chapter 102; and that therefore the Analyst’s certificate was neither in form nor in terms sufficient evidence of a contravention of Section 6 (1) of Chapter 102 on the part of the appellant.

“We agree with the learned Solicitor-General’s submission as to the interpretation of the proviso to Section 6 (1). He contended that in accordance with Section 9 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Procedure) Ordinance, Chapter 14, the burden of establishing that a case comes with the proviso is upon the defendant.

It was open to the appellant to establish, either by independent evidence or by cross-examination of the analyst (and a defendant may, by Section 23 (1) of Chapter 102, require that the Analyst be called as a witness), that the sample did contain not less than 75 per centum of fat.

“Moreover, we would point out that paragraph 3 of the first schedule to Chapter 102 applies only when water, or salt , or water and salt is or are added to butter ; and that it does not apply when any other substance is added.

“The Analyst’s certificate shows that the article sold as butter is a mixture of butter and of margarine, and that the mixture consists of butter in the proportion of 50 per centum and of margarine in the proportion of 50 per centum: In other words the article sold as butter had a foreign ingredient, to wit, margarine, to the extent of 50 per centum.

“The appeal is dismissed with costs, and the conviction as amended, is affirmed.

Christ Church VIII

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

has an intriguing history

hrist Church it is said has an intriguing history. The Magazine for December 1899 records that F.A. Winter in his writings “Reminiscences of Christ Church” reports that the ground on which Christ Church stands, was the cockpit” of the Colony where a good bit of betting on cock-fights went on. Another interesting fact is that Christ Church was established as a proprietary Chapel in the 1830s, while another account claims that it was opened on July 1, 1836. Another account claims that the site was purchased by subscriptions in 1838. No one is certain which is the authentic record. What is generally agreed however is that some of the (European) worshippers from St George’s were offended by the rituals at St George’s and “backed their opinions with their money.” They almost succeed in obtaining permission to erect their building on the Parade Ground which is now named Independence Park. The records indicate that they were able to obtain two lots of land in Waterloo Street and the Church was erected. It appears likely that this proprietary chapel must have been erected in 1836 for it was hoped to consecrate it when Bishop Coleridge visited the Colony in 1838. The original trustees who were sixteen in number set about the selection of a Priest but before the licence was granted, the

Rev William Rogers, a Jesuit, held the first service.

Although the church was completed and licenced by the Bishop of Barbados, neither the Bishop nor the Rev James Lugar, Rector of St George’s looked with favour on the new church. It was isolated even though the early incumbents were very able men who counted among that number, individuals who started schools of all kinds and organisations.

It was because of the fact that Christ Church was a Private Chapel which was owned by members of the congregation and was still in debt, that hopes for its consecration in 1839 by Bishop Coleridge, Bishop of Barbados were frustrated. In 1840, a petition was presented to the Government and Court of Policy for funding to pay off the outstanding debt. This was not supported by the then Archdeacon W.P. Austin, who felt unable to recommend the request on the grounds that Christ Church was not a Chapel of Ease within the Parish of St George and not subject to the pastoral authority of the Rector. In addition, as a Proprietary Chapel, it was simply licenced as a place in which certain members of the Church of England met for public worship according to the rites and ceremonials of that branch of the Catholic Church and the Minister thereof was duly licenced by the Bishop.

After Bishop Austin’s consecration, the building and site

were transported to the Bishop of the Diocese. It was not until November 21, 1845 that the Church was dedicated by Bishop Austin. In spite of this dedication, the Rector of St George’s still considered himself to be Rector of the whole Parish and would not tell the incumbent of Christ Church to perform marriage services in Christ Church. It was in 1857 that Christ Church was licenced to perform marriages. In 1849, funds were utilised from the Endowment Fund to purchase a “Parsonage House” which was transported to the Trustees of the Diocese in 1850.

As the interior was considered to be “most hideous”, efforts were made by the Rev. Thomas Jordan Moulder to beautify the interior of the building. His contribution included the erection of a suitably vested altar, a properly surpliced choir, the re-seating of the congregation, the restoration of the altar lights and the use of Eucharistic Vestments. Credit must also be given to him for the beautiful chancel and the east window. The Guiana Diocesan Church Magazine for May 1, 1885, describes the Easter Day Services which marked the re-opening after its closure for repairs.

Over the years the stately wooden building was slowly deteriorating as the walls exposed to the prevailing North and North Easterly rains were beginning to rot and threaten the ornate and priceless stained glass windows. A lack of proper guttering and drains around the Church created a small lake beneath the Church and damp threatened the beams and floor boards.

In 2012, the Church’s Building Committee commenced work on the repairs and rehabilitation. The first area tackled was the drainage. PVC guttering was installed around the roof and concrete drains were constructed. The leaking roof of the tower and the Western balcony floor were repaired.

A new wash room was added to the South Western corner of the Church and the Vestry was extended eastwards to construct a larger modern washroom and changing area. After an examination of the entire roof, minor works were carried out to the major section over the congregation, but the entire roof and supporting beams over the sanctuary had to be reconstructed.

Major repairs then commenced to save the stained glass windows. It was decided to change the outer walls from wood to concrete board, plastered and rendered to achieve a lap edged wooden appearance.

The major problem was the small North Eastern stained glass window which had shifted. The window was carefully removed without disturbing the lead connected pieces of stained glass. The surrounding frame was repaired, the outer walls were changed and the window re-installed.

Luckily there was no requirement to remove the large windows on the East wall, the frames were repaired and the outer wall replaced with concrete board. The ordinary windows in the Chancery were also replaced.

While the major repairs were being carried out, the building was treated for termites and the entire Church was rewired, replacing the hazardous old wiring.

New lamps were also installed. Work was also done on the rotting floor beams and boards.

Recently repairs were carried out to the tower, pinnacles and the entire front of the church using concrete board. A wheel chair ramp was constructed and a program to replace the pews has started. Parishioners have been contributing to the cost of the pews and everyone is invited to sponsor a pew.

This can be done in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for any blessing you wish to recognize. A plaque on the pew depicts your contribution.

The rehabilitation work was all possible through our own resources, fund raising and donations. Much is left to be done.

With God’s help the Church hopes to complete the works on this Waterloo Street landmark in 2015. As such we continue our fundraising efforts with a Curry Que to be held at the Republic Bank Sports Club, Waterloo Street today 2014 from 12:00 noon. You are invited to come and share in Sunday lunch with us and then to our annual fair on October 11, 2014.

Hence for many years Christ Church has made an invaluable contribution to Guyanese Society. It still has the same invaluable contribution to make. In an age which is becoming increasingly secularized and in which, to its detriment, a Humanistic Faith threatens to obscure and submerge the relevance of the Christian Gospel, the disastrous and deleterious challenge must be met confidently and defiantly.

Person interested in contributing to the restoration of our great Church can contact us through our website christchurchgy.com, on facebook or at any Sunday service.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

COFFEE ANYONE?

T

By Neil Primus

he bright moonlight seemed to reach every corner of the small country of Silver Stream. The stream mining through the centre of the village seem to glitter in the brilliance it reflected. Dogs barked and howled and night creatures were busy.

Near the back of the village was the home of the Gouveia family. They were the only Portuguese people living in the village which was inhabited by East Indians, Negroes and “Douglas.” Everyone knew everyone so there were no conflicts.

Paul and Beatrui had been living in Silver Stream for four years. They had one daughter, Mary and were expecting their second child. Paul was a minibus driver and Beatriu an accountant. They lived simply but happily.

One good thing about the Gouveias was that they loved to plant. Their yard had an assortment of trees and vegetables. At the back were the coconut, cane and several coffee trees, which were the pride and joy of Paul.

You see Paul’s grandfather had planted the coffee and spent plenty of time caring for it. Months before he died he had hung a hammock in the shade of the coffee trees and would spend most of the day there reading or snoozing. After his death the trees had been generally neglected.

The door of the small cottage swung open and Mary emerged into the moonlight, making straight for the latrine. You could detect some urgency in her movement and she made the last five metres in a dash. When she exited twenty minutes later she looked much calmer.

As she strolled leisurely to the back door her eyes traversed the yard taking in every detail. It was beautiful in the silvery (moon stream) Her eyes rested on the cluster of coffee trees and then her steps faltered and stopped. Someone or something was moving there. She stared trying to make out who or what it was. Suddenly a loud rustling came, frightening her and a tree shook as if being emptied of ripe fruits. She screamed at the top of her ten-year lungs and made it to the back door in Olympic time. There she ran swiftly to her mother, who was charging out to meet any challenge.

CRASH! They both ended up in an untidy heap, Mary untangled herself and ran inside. Her mother followed, angry eyes flashing.

“Why you screaming like a mad woman girl!”

“A… a…a… jumbie under de coffee trees!”

“Nonsense!”

“Fo true, I see it and it moving bout.”

“Show me!”

Now, Ms. Gouveia expected her daughter to go with her to the source of her fear. Mary was having none of it. She opened her eyes until they were large and round, set her jaws firmly and refused to leave the sanctuary of the kitchen.

Beatrui sighed and headed out the back door to investigate. She thought that Mary had only succeeded in frightening herself to death. It must be a leaf or branch moving in the strong breeze. She stopped in the middle of the backyard and looked casually around and saw

nothing. Now Beatriu was 45 but kept that a closely held secret. She was bigger than she wanted to be, weighing 201 pounds. She was accustomed to sitting at a desk all day and so her movement had become somewhat lazier.

SWOOSH! Beatrui spun around and there was nothing.

SWISH! Beatrui pivoted the other way round and still there was nothing.

Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!

Now all the coffee trees were shaking madly. Beatrui still remembers the jump of this day. As big and heavy an out of exercise as she was, she jumped more than ten yards and trembling into the open doorway. Mary shut it tightly behind her.

“See! I told you!”

“Something bad outside mummy!”

Beatrui got up from the cold wooden floor and shook her confused head in amazement. There actually was someone or something out there. She peeped through a crack in the window blind and surveyed the coffee trees but saw nothing.

CRACK! CRUNCH! CRACK! CRACK! Someone or something was walking on the dry coffee beans and making the noise she was hearing. Beatrui grabbed Mary and retreated to her room. They would wait it out there.

Paul came home after midnight, tired and frustrated.

He had a bad day on the road. Beatrui told him everything and he listened and spoil smiled. He would take care of this swiftly. Strolling purposefully outside, he set his course directly for the coffee trees. He entered this shade and stopped. There was silence.

Looking around, he realised how unkempt the area had become. Dead leaves, dry coffee beans and branches were scattered all around. He turned to return to the house.

CRUNCH!

IX

Paul froze.

Maybe it was the sand he made walking on the debris. He moved again.

CRACK! CRUNCH! This was not what he had expected. The noise was much louder that his lone footsteps.

CRACK! CRUNCH! Paul was now officially scared. You see, after the last stop Paul had pretended to walk but had frozen with his feet inches from the ground.

CRACK! CRUNCH! That was enough confirmation for Paul. He took off like a CAL flight to J .F. K. Imagine his embarrassment when he rushed in and slammed the door shut behind him, panic written all over his face. This was quickly transmitted to the two people he cared about the most.

He had to go back.

Grabbing a torchlight and a Bible, he charged back to the coffee spot. He halted in the midst of the trees and glared around him daring anything or anyone to challenge him. But there was silence.

Paul smiled. He must have imagined it all. He turned around in an attempt to retrace his steps.

WACK! Something hit him across his back. It felt like a whip. He had a few poured on him by his grandfather, so the sensation was familiar.

PLY! This one was across his legs. He turned angrily swinging wildly at nothing.

“I not afraid of you! Get out of me yard!”

It was as if a safety value was released. Lashes rained down from every direction including above. Paul howled in terror and made a run for the door. Coffee pods, beans and branches assaulted him and hastened his journey. Now he was not ashamed to tumble into the backdoor and have his wife shut quickly behind him.

In his haste to escape the beating he had dropped the torchlight and Bible. He would retrieve them tomorrow.

He and his family retired for the night. There would be little sleep in that house.

Sometime during the early morning hours Paul fell into a troubled sleep. He was asleep in the old sofa when the lashes rained down on him. He put his hand up and looked around for a place to escape. There was none. His grandfather was giving him one of the many trashing he had received. ”Dat is how you go gat de yard looking!”

Paul brain reeled in confusion. “Clean up my place or else!”

As suddenly that it had begun the beating ended. Paul came awake with a start. He now understood what had to be done.

The next morning instead of doing the Saturday market shopping, the family cleaned the yard. Paul paid special attention to the backyard and focused on the coffee plants. By midmorning all was done. The yard looked cleaner than it had for months.

That night there was peace in the house. Next day Mary announced to everyone at the breakfast table that she had spoken to grandpa Joe. He told her he was happy about the coffee and could sleep better there. Paul understood and made a silent promise to keep the coffee spot clean.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

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

BOGUS DOCTOR WEEPS AS HE IS FINED $126

116 YEAR OLD GUYANA STAMPS

AUCTIONED IN UK

(Guyana Graphic October 14, 1969)

(Guyana Graphic May 3, 1969)

Magistrate Roopan Singh, after being urged to show leniency in meting out punishment for the last time before leaving the magistracy, yesterday imposed a fine of $126 on Harry Persaud who was found guilty of false pretence.

Persaud who wept in court when convicted was also ordered to pay $79.58 costs with an alternative of three months imprisonment.

He was found guilty of obtaining $3.50 from aged Sylvanie Nugent after pretending that he was a medical doctor who could cure her.

The Magistrate overruled no case submissions by defence counsel and said he believed the victim’s story that Persaud gave her something to rub on her hands and face and posed as a doctor.

After Persaud admitted 20 previous convictions, the Magistrate said he was doubtful whether his lenience would be appreciated in this case.

But Counsel said that Persaud may have chalked up the convictions because he had not been treated with leniency before.

Four one-cent stamps issued in Guyana in 1853 when this country was known as British Guiana were expected to be sold on Thursday last by Stanley Gibbons Limited the London stamp company for a price in the region of £500 ($2400) .

The stamps which were once in the world famous Gaspary collection are in superb condition considering that they are imperforate.

Before the advent of perforations, stamps had to be cut from their sheets with scissors and therefore margins as wide as those on this block are extremely scarce.

The sale which included other stamps of great rarity from all over the world was due to take place at Gibbons auction rooms in London over two days May 1 and 2.

DRIVE TO MAKE MENTAL HOSPITAL A BETTER PLACE

(Guyana Graphic April 4, 1969) Mr. Vincent Ishmael President of the Berbice Branch of the Guyana Mental Health Association (GMHA) formerly known as the League of Friends of the Mental Hospital and a senior attendant at the Fort Canje Hospital yesterday told of the Association’s plans to improve conditions at the hospital.

For a long time, he said, the conditions at the hospital had not been up to standard and the Association felt that a pleasant atmosphere would be far more conducive to a patient’s recovery.

With this in mind it was planned to provide a canteen where patients could purchase refreshments, toilet requisites etc! provide a hair dressing saloon for female patients, furnish about half the cost of a movie projector, improve the library and help furnish a home making unit where patients could occupy their time cooking sewing and baking.

Two Singer sewing machines, a stove, a radiogram and other items of furniture have already been placed in this unit, Mr. Ishmael said adding that though the project may seem impossible to many, the Association was determined to pursue its plans and was looking forward to public support.

BULL FROGS MAY BE PRODUCED HERE FOR EXPORT (Guyana Graphic May 9, 1969)

An American fishery specialist is here to look into the possibility of producing bull frogs for export to countries where they are an item of food.

The investigations are being carried out by Dr. Wayne Shell, fishery expert attached to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) now in Guyana on a three day visit.

Bull frogs it is understood are not found locally but Dr. Shell who started his probe in Berbice yesterday is interested in the possibility of importing the stock for reproduction in Guyana.

Among the places to be visited by Dr. Shell are the Onverwagt fish research station, the Corentyne, Kamarang and Matthews Ridge, the Lamaha water conservancy, the Canals Polder and Boeraserie conservancy, the lakes in Essequibo and the Tapakuma conservancy.

MEASLES DEATH REPORTED (Guyana Graphic May 10, 1969)

One child has died and several others have been affected by a reported outbreak of measles at St. Francis Mission in the Mahaicony River.

Moses Headley an Amerindian died yesterday and many other children at the mission are said to be in a serious condition.

The Ministry of Health has been informed of the situation and an emergency team headed by a doctor is being sent to the area, Government sources said.

SPECIAL STAMPS IN HONOUR OF PHAGWAH (Guyana Graphic January 26, 1969)

Guyana will issue a set of colourful stamps in honour of Phagwah 1969.

The new stamps are due for release on February 19 in good time for Phagwah day on March 4 which is a national holiday.

First day covers are under preparations for release on the same day as the special commemorative stamps.

Coloured proofs of the new stamps have been shown to representatives of the Hindu organisations.

These organisations have since congratulated the Post Office on its decision to issue the stamps and have expressed the view that they would be a success on the stamp market.

TWO MOTHERS WARNED NOT TO “BUY OVER” CHILDREN’S ROWS (Guyana Graphic September 16, 1969)

Magistrate Rudolph Harper yesterday warned two housewives who appeared before him charged with disorderly behaviour not to appear children’s squabbles to cause them to appear in Court.

He told Daphne Rodrigues, mother of six, and Betty Persaud mother of eight that he hoped it would not happen again.

“Children are not like adults. Children will quarrel today and then talk and play the next day. Try to avoid quarrels arising from children’s pranks.”

The mothers lived in the same yard in Regent Street and on the day in question a misunderstanding arose between their children and this led to a quarrel between the two parents one of whom armed themselves with a stick and the other with a rolling pin and behaved in a disorderly manner until a Policeman intervened.

But a Probation Officer’s report on the two men showed that they were not viragoes.

Both, the report said, conformed to the general norms of society and to the normal behaviour of young women.

The Magistrate, after hearing that the women had come to realise the foolishness of their attitude reprimanded and discharged both of them.

Clifford Stanley can be reached to discuss any of the foregoing articles at (cliffantony@ gmail.com or cell phone # 694-0913)

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

XI

MEET BHASKAR ANAND SHARMA

- One of Guyana’s foremost Indian musicians -Time in the Pomeroon as a boy did well for him

By Telesha Ramnarine A few years spent in the Pomeroon as a boy did well for Bhaskar Anand Sharma. It taught him certain values that have shaped his life and remained with him to this day. He lives in Canada now but can vividly recall his roots here in Guyana.

“That’s where I started to appreciate nature-the smell of the morning coffee, the sound of birds that wake you up in the morning and to listen to the baboons when they will send a message that the rain is coming; that very sweet environment. Pandit Persad taught me to read Hindi; I learned all the Hindi prayers. I became like a pandit myself.”

On a visit here recently, Sharma, 65, told the Sunday Chronicle that he will never forget the years he spent in the Pomeroon and that he was very grateful that his mother decided to send him there.

He grew up at Triumph Village, on the East Coast Demerara and was attending the BV Government School where he had a lot of friends. “The boyhood days were so nice and we used to do everything that boys do…ride donkeys, horses, get away from school.”

His mother found that he was becoming naughty and had friends who were not all that good association and so she thought of sending him to live for a time with his uncle Ramphal Persad in the Pomeroon. “He was a pandit, a very peaceful man. I have not met in all my travels around the world a more peaceful soul and a blessed man than Pandit Persad,” said Sharma.

The environment in the Pomeroon stood in stark contrast to what Sharma was accustomed to, but he eventually came to appreciate it. “That’s where I started to appreciate nature, the smell of the morning coffee, the sound of birds that wake

you up in the morning and to listen to the baboons when they will send a message that the rain is coming; that very sweet environment. Pandit Persad taught me to read Hindi, I learned all the Hindi prayers. I became like a pandit myself,” Sharma related.

After a few years, he returned to the city and went back

after some years, to Canada where he ended up teaching music. “My career in singing was shaped by what happened in the Pomeroon,” he said. Sharma believes his music is more popular in Trinidad and Suriname than in Guyana itself. He has done about seven CDs so far.

In 1980, he also started publishing the Equality Newspaper in Canada. “We recently celebrated our 33rd year in publishing one of Canada’s grandfathers of Guyanese and ethnic multi-cultural publications. I am very grateful to the Canadian Government for their support in government advertising that sustained the paper.”

Sharma said he is also fortunate to be a member of the ‘Discovery Award Television’, a group that does tourism documentaries around the world. “I brought them to Guyana and we did seven projects namely, My Guyana Eldorado, With his wife Marie

Bhaskar Anand Sharma

to school where he caught up with some of his old friends.

“I never studied (in Georgetown) but I passed all the exams at the time with distinction with the training I received in the Pomeroon,” he said.

Later, while attending the Mon Repos Government School, Sharma said his interest was in school cricket and he began to excel at it. In fact, he said: “I topped the East Coast in scoring in cricket and I was invited to play with an elite group for Guyana at the time.”

Music Interest In the 1970s, though, Sharma abandoned his interests in cricket after a professor of music was sent to the Indian Cultural Centre by Indira Gandhi. “I left cricket and went to the Culture Centre which was a great blessing. I got their first scholarship to India and I won the first vocal music scholarship in 1973.”

Sharma went to India and

Guyana New Horizon, Beautiful Guyana, Nostalgic Guyana, My Guyana God’s own country, and a few more.”

Sharma is married to Shivkumarie known as Marie and they have four children Varashani, Pankaj, Vishal, and Nishad (who is now co publisher of Equality News).

He regularly visits Guyana and intends to make a musical contribution to the country through the Ministry of Education.

With President Donald Ramotar

With the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

Ranbir Kapoor: I don’t have any marriage plans When Mary Kom left Priyanka Chopra shocked…

What did the five time world champion tell PC that she was left shell-shocked Priyanka Chopra is all pumped up for the release of her upcoming biopic on Olympic medalist MC Mary Kom. The Dil Dhadakne Do actor, however, said that when she first met Mary, a statement left her shell shocked. So what could this earth shattering statement be? We ask…

The petite heroine said, Mary Kom told me, Priyanka, people in India knew about Mary Kom when I won at the Olympics, but people in India really came to know who Mary Kom was, when Priyanka Chopra said yes to portray her onscreen’. Now wasn’t that shocking to the core that we Indians are unaware of such a great athlete?” Well said desi girl!

We think Sanjay Leela Bhansali did the right thing by making the biopic on Mary Kom, because had he not made it, maybe 90 percent of India would have been unaware of such a great supporting talent. What do you say peeps?

Asin plans comeback to South Indian films?

Rumour has it that Ghajini actress is all set to return

to South Indian cinema soon Last two years have been relatively quiet for Kerala hottie Asin Thottumkal. The actor who is one of the very few South Indian heroines who had successfully completed the transition from Kollywood to Bollywood, seems to be out of work in B-town. The only film which the bubbly beauty has in her kitty is Abhishek Bachchan’s All Is Well.

A little birdie tells us that Asin is planning to move back her focus to films down South. The diva’s recent tweet suggests that the actress might be returning to Tamil and Malayalam films soon. On a social networking site, Asin wrote ,”Exclusive:There is a good news for all Asin south fans..!!! We would announce it when the right time comes.”

If you jog your memory a little, Asin’s last film down south was Vijay‘s Kavalan in 2011.

Rumours are rife that the actress might have faced a ban from Kollywood after her trip to Sri Lanka, when all the Tamil actors were requested to boycott the island nation after the civil war. The talented actress has not got many offers from South in past years, but that seems to be changing as Asin is suddenly showing a keen interest in Kollywood. As fans rejoice the comeback of Asin after exile, we would have to wait and watch when the diva discloses the details of her next project.

Looks like the Bombay Velvet actor is not ready to get hitched with his ladylove anytime soon Ranbir Kapoor is honest, interesting and very charming when he wants to be.

Reports of moving home and getting married disturb him, but he says be can’t clear up every rumour. Here he clears the air.

Read on for excerpts…

You recently got into a partnership with a digital music company…

It was a great business opportunity. I don’t consider it as a brand endorsement where shooting for the brand takes five days for the product and uses me as an ambassador. I have been using Saavn for years. I have the app on my phone. I can listen to the music I like and make my own playlist. It’s exciting to be working with the team now. I first met the founders, Paramdeep Singh (Param), Rishi Malhotra and Vin Bhat, in NYC in 2012.

Early discussions for a partnership quickly ensued, and the framework for an intricate collaboration was designed over several meetings in New York and Mumbai. I was very excited when they came with to me with this amazing partnership deal. All this is fascinating and it’s something that I am very proud of. I’m excited to be part of the Saavn family. It’s not just that I am there because I am being paid. I am excited that they are trying to broaden their horizons, building a brand and trying to get as many users as possible across India and abroad.

Apart from being the face, I will also be a small business partner in the Saavn family.

I think that’s what really excited me.

You will be involved in all the creative aspects?

Yes, including the marketing, business development, content programming. I do involve myself in the marketing and creative meetings as much as I can. I’ll be helping to guide the brand, influence programming, connect with the next generation of music listeners and ultimately help build the best music product in India, and potentially the world. And this is only the beginning. I look forward to being involved in a more business-centric capacity in the near future. Param is also a dear friend and in the last couple of years I have been to New York, I have spent with his family and he has been really warm towards me and my family.

and if I had to name a song from my own film I would probably say Ilahi from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

You are turning into quite the businessman — first with Jagga Jasoos and now a partnership with Saavn.

Businessman I don’t know (smiles). I leave all that to Param, Rishi and Vi n b u t I think as much as my experience can entail and how much I say about the dos and don’ts, the rights and wrongs, how much I can guide having being in the film industry, I try and tell them that.

Are you an internet addict?

I think the entire generation is online today. I think, to engage users, especially the new generation, is very important because that’s where the future lies. More than television or films, people are accessing information through their phones, computers and iPads. I don’t think we have been able to tap that market completely but then for the promotion of our movies, digital marketing is such an important factor today so hopefully Saavn for me is that one-step towards the digital domain.

Hopefully, I will get to understand it better and use it to channelise the marketing of my movies.

How big a part of your life is music?

Music is a big part of my life. I am a big fan of all kinds of music, especially Hindi film music including new and old.

I love Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar songs — I listen to all of that. In Western music I like the blues, Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Jack Johnson, John Meyer. I have more than 3,000 songs on my playlist. We live in a city where we are stuck in the car for most of our lives, and so music plays a very important part. Music is very rooted in our culture especially for us actors where it inspires us to do certain scenes, be it approaching an emotional, dramatic or romantic scene. Music is something that really evokes a certain feeling inside. So now with Saavn I can do all that — make my own playlist according to my moods.

Why aren’t you on social networking websites like Twitter or Facebook as yet?

There are many reasons. Firstly, I am a little shy. I don’t have anything intelligent to say. I also believe that an actor should maintain some mystery about himself and being on Twitter and FB really takes some of that aura away and disbalances you. I am also not on Instagram. Whoever is there in my name is not me. So please clarify that. And I think unfortunately if I can say this, a lot of people think that actors have a voice on these social networking websites but I don’t think we have an original voice. Whatever we say on these social networking websites is so misconstrued and exaggerated and so many meanings the media takes out which the public believes in. So there is the little fear of being misunderstood. How much do you clarify or contradict? It’s a double-edged sword — sometimes it works for you and sometimes it doesn’t. I have nothing against them. I have, as a ghost, been on these social networking websites like Twitter to see what it’s like. I have googled myself to see what people are saying about me and there’s so much love and at the same time there is so much of negativity, that sometimes it can bog you down while the love can inspire you. But it’s better to just stay away from all this and focus on your work and let your work talk, not you.

Name three of your favourite Bollywood songs…

Kisike muskurahaton pe ho nisaar, Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai

So you will never join these social networking websites?

Never say never… But as of now? No. Is the Jagga Jasoos shooting schedule

is delayed.

It’s not delayed. What happened is that being in a film industry and coordinating with the dates of various artistes is tough sometimes. If one thing goes wrong everything snowballs into a little bit of a confusion. Bombay Velvet was pushed. We did 50 per cent of the film and then we had a five-month break because the entire set was put up in Sri Lanka and because of the rains they had to take a break. I could not finish most of Jagga and then of course Katrina got busy with her other commitments; it happens everywhere for many films.

There’s always so much conjecture for the reasons why it got delayed… was pretty stupid. It’s because of Bombay Velvet that all this happened but now I am getting back to Jagga and I start shooting for it from September 15. I have around 85-90 days of shoot left, we have hardly done any of the film yet. So looking forward to it. Hopefully once we all get our groove back it will all move fast and the film should release by mid next year.

You are shifting from your bungalow to another apartment in Bandra?

I live in a house called Krishna Raj. I was born here and it’s my father’s house.

Because we have a certain amount of space, we are going to redevelop it and make it bigger. Hence we have to move out of the house because it’s going to be redeveloped into a bungalow for all of us to live together. I have no intentions of leaving my parents. I have a lot of freedom in my home. There’s no sense of suffocation or lack of my space. It’s all again stupid conjecture! Yes, I am moving out of my home temporarily but till the time it is redeveloped and we are ready to move back in.

Who I am moving in with, have I bought a home? No I haven’t bought any house.

My mother has invested in a property in Bandra a long time back where we all will be shifting till the time the construction work is complete.

What is Ayan Mukerji’s film about?

We don’t know what it is yet. Ayan knows and he is working super hard for it because it’s beyond his years and the genre and kind of films he’s trying to make. I have complete faith in him. I know the feeling and genre he’s attempting but we are a long way away from that as we begin shooting from August next year. Let’s cross our fingers and hope he can achieve what he’s attempting because it’s beyond a man of his age to have that understanding of literature, mythology, super hero, fantasy — he’s trying to put all of that into his movie.

Last but not the least, when are you getting married?

As of now I don’t have any marriage plans. Yes, I do believe in marriage. I do believe that meri umar badh rahi hai and thoda buddha ho raha hoon (grins) but as of now I am focussing on my movies. I am very happy in the place I am in right now. I am very content and blissed but hope

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

Nigeria: Nollywood Actor, Martins Amaihe Set to Star in Bollywood Film

By Ayo Onikoyi Seasoned Nollywood actor, Martins Amaihe has broken the barrier many Nollywood stars have been trying to break for years by setting to be cast in a Bollywood, Indian film.

The actor, who has featured in top draw Nollywood movies like Silent night, Face-off, Rampage on Campus, among others said the casting for the Bollywood film is almost done and hinted he might have to travel to India soon to see the project to completion.

"I am so happy that I have a new project now in Bollywood. I will be attending the final movie cast which is taking place in October of this year in India. I am so happy about this because it will go a long way in uniting the two biggest movie industries in the world, Nollywood and Bollywood," he said.

Martins has done up to sixty-five movies in his entire illustrious career. Born on October 26th as the sixth of seven children into the family of Mr. and Mrs Paul Uchechukwu Amaihe of Ihebinowere-Okwudor, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, Martins has always had the passion for the arts, and believed it is the only profession that could bring out his true personality.

Immediately after graduating with a degree in accounting from Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Martins began his journey in the world of make-believe taking part in various

activities in the Nigerian movie / theater industry Nollywood such as acting in movies, stage dramas in theaters and soaps on television.

Since 2002, as a member of the AGN (Actors Guild of Nigeria), he has produced, performed and acted in series of movies such as Silent Night, Face-off, Rampage on Campus, Cry of an Orphan (stage drama), The concubine ( a theater stage drama at the National Theater ), Black Friday (Only shows on theater) and many more.

He has been featured in over 65 movies and was previously nominated for Best Teenage Actor in Thema Award in the year 2000 for the movie Silent Night and Best Upcoming Actor on stage drama in Encomium Entertainment Award in 2009.

"I am doing more movies for my fans to see more of me.

At this point in my career I will not give up. I will make sure I get to the top, give my best to viewers and stay focused in order to achieve my dream" he reflected on his career.

But Martins hasn't been as successful in the matters of the hearts as he has in the world of make-believe as he confessed to Potpourri that he his yet to find a woman he could call his own. " After all I have achieved as an actor and in the world of movies and theatres I haven't found a woman I can settle down with. No woman has been able to capture my heart. So, I can say I am still searching for a wife material. I seek three major things in a woman. First, a woman that has the fear of God in her, a hard-working woman and a woman that's is full of respect. All the women I have seen want me because I am an actor but I am yet to see the one who possesses the qualities I want," he revealed.

XIII

Ezenwanyi Ndigbo Na Nollywood: A New Crown For Ngozi Ezeonu

THE founder of Igbo Film Forum (IFF) and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Nollywood (ONN), Ezeomenani Harris Chuma, was the harbinger of the good news.

“We have been searching for a long time now, but we have eventually found our choice for the prestigious chieftaincy title of Ezenwanyi Ndigbo Na Nollywood, which means queen mother of practitioners of Igbo stock in Nollywood.

“Our choice is the notable Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, Chuma said excitedly.

He explained that Ngozi’s choice was informed by her immense contributions to the propagation, promotion and projection of Igbo culture.

Chuma stated that this would be the second time the actress of vast credit would be so honoured, as she was in 2011 officially conferred as an ‘Igbo Cultural Ambassador’ by the Igbo Bu Igbo Cultural Movement Worldwide.

He confirmed that the light-skinned actress, who has undergone a strict weight loss programme, a reason she is looking less chubby than she used to look, would be presented with her staff of office at the Nollywood Igbo Film Festival scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 in Asaba, Delta State.

The Ezenwanyi title, as Chuma further explained, empowers the bearer to lead Igbo women in Nollywood and to also help in promoting and protecting their interest, welfare and cultural affairs.

Ngozi, who though is bereaved, as she lost her mother last Sunday, thanked the IFF and OON for the privilege and honour of appointing her to serve as the queen mother of Ndigbo’s in Nollywood.

She said: “I feel privileged and honoured. It is another call to serve my people in a different capacity.

“I have always been an ambassador and I have been a strong advocate for the propagation of our culture and language.

This is a fresh mandate and God helping me, we will work together to further the aims and objective of the IFF and ONN.” Born to Mr. and Mrs. D.O Ikpelue from Ogbunike in Anambra State, Ngozi hit a nerve when she sparred up other recognisable home movie actors and actresses to give life to that Ken Nnebue celebrated two-part movie, ‘Glamour Girls.’

That appearance provided the breakthrough. It announced her entry and indeed opened the floodgate for her, in terms of movie appearances.

Today, the vivacious and personable Ngozi, who has almost lost count of her movie appearances and whose story has again proven that passion and perseverance are ingredients of success in life, has not only emerged an outsized version of her own story, but she has also with her highwire acts and infectious enthusiasm become one of Nollywood’s notable and celebrated personalities.

Interestingly, acting didn’t feature on her career wish-plate whilst growing up. She loved to read and write and also wanted to be a journalist.

So, it was understandable then that when it was time to choose a career after her fifth form education at Technical Secondary School in Imo State, she settled for a “profession that will still require” that she maintain that affinity with books.

For Ngozi, who is married into the Nnobi culture, only journalism, as she recalled, could guarantee that for her. So, it was “journalism or nothing,” Ngozi told

her classmates during one of the fifth form career talk sessions.

So, when she returned home one afternoon, Ngozi recalled sounding out her parents on her career choice. Her father had no objection, but her mother had decided on “teaching” and nothing else.

But with time, Ngozi was able to convince her mother that there was indeed a future in the pen profession. She got an ally in her father, who listed names of worthy individuals that had made it to the top in the profession, including the late Nnamdi

Azikiwe, Babatunde Jose and Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

And that softened her mother a bit, who then later consented.

Done with secondary education, Ngozi decided that she was going to head to Lagos to train as a journalist at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). But funds stood on the way to her intentions to head to Lagos almost immediately.

That explained why in between, she elected to “buy time” by training, first, as a caterer at the Duff Institute of Hotel and Catering Management, Benin City, Edo State, and as a cosmetologist when she journeyed to Lagos years later to pursue that long-held career in journalism.

On successful completion of her training at the NIJ, Ngozi was assigned to undergo a compulsory industrial attachment scheme with Radio Lagos, Ikeja. She was at the verge of completing her attachment when the successful transition from journalism to acting came.

It came through Zeb Ejiro, a renowned home movie producer and director, who is popular as Sheik. She showed some acting stuff at the audition of the groundbreaking movie, titled Nneka, the Pretty Serpent, and that enthralled Zeb, who was later to give Ngozi her first role in a movie. This was in 1994.

Ngozi recalled that it was that encounter that marked the turning point for her as an actress. She admitted that it truly turned the dice in her favour.

Today, she ranks as one of the most featured actresses in the Nigerian home video industry. In her pouch are critically acclaimed movies, like Forbidden, Glamour Girls, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Destroyer, The Billionaire, Last Oath, Final Clash, and Messiah.

But Ngozi’s most pronounced feature would be her role in Ken Nnebue’s Glamour Girls. After she starred in that commercially-successful movie, tongues wagged over some of the scenes with heavy romance that she featured in.

The stories that were credited to some of her fans was that her portrayal in the flick

was too real to be considered as ‘just acting.’

But she was quick to clarify that it was “all make-believe.”

Described by close friends as very fashionable, acting has made Ngozi popular, as fans cheer at her on the streets…everywhere.

It has equally made Ngozi very comfortable, but not “rich” as she admitted.

“You know being in the movie industry has its negative and positive implications, but I have only experienced the positive. I don’t want to even experience the negative.

It has been really good, I must say,” she said.

Like every mortal, Ngozi has her sad and sweet moments in life. The day she would forever relish in life, as she said, was the day she became a mother.

As for sad moments, Ngozi listed the day her father and mother died in 2001 and this month respectively.

“My dad’s death and that of my mum last Sunday have remained two of my saddest moments. I will miss them,” she said.

Ngozi’s philosophy about life is simply to treat others the way they desire to be treated.

She also believes in first analysing situations before arriving at a decision.

She has no regrets threading this path and would do it again, given another opportunity, just as she admitted that it has been rewarding.

“I cannot quantify it, but I am comfortable. It has been good. I am very fulfilled…I know God will help me to get to where I want to get to in this profession,” she concluded.

Cannes is Waiting for Nollywood. Will Nollywood Answer?

“I was gripped by a need to ‘discover’ Africa. Not just Senegal, but just about the entire continent… I became aware that I had to learn to make films if I really wanted to reach my people. A film can be seen and understood even by illiterate people – a book cannot speak to entire populations!” ~ Ousmane Sembène (1 January 1923 – 9 June 2007), at the 2005 Cannes International Film Festival.

Competing at the Cannes Film Festival is as important as making the nominations for the Oscars.

"Cannes is a showcase for excellence.

And when the spotlight is placed on me or Philippe Lacote here, it extends far beyond us…. It is important as far as Africa having a presence and having visibility and A place in the festival. Africa is very rarely visible on the world scene.” ~ Mauritanian-born, Mali-raised filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako, at the 2014 Cannes, http://www. hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-african-filmmakers-enjoy-spotlight-706760 "African cinema will be very present at Cannes," said festival director Thierry Fremaux during a press conference for the 67th Cannes Film Festival last May. And indeed Africa was well represented by Abderrahmane Sissako's "Timbuktu" that competed for the Palme d'Or, and Philippe Lacote’s first feature film "Run" in the Un Certain Regard category.

Nollywood filmmakers have been attending Cannes Film Festivals, but more as mere spectators and not as competitors, except for the few Nollywood movies screened at the Nigerian pavilion, Marché du film and "Cinemas du Sud" (Cinemas of the South) pavilions. No Nollywood movie has made the selection for the competition or out of competition at the annual Cannes Film Festival. But a Nigerian filmmaker, Newton Aduaka’s acclaimed multiple award winning war film “Ezra,” in 2007, was at Cannes.

XIV

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

APPLE iPHONE 6 Newest kid on the block!

T

he iPhone 6 is one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2014 and with Apple's iPhone 5s now nearing its first birthday, iPhone 6 rumours are flooding in.

If you’re an iPhone 5 owner who has yet to snap up the new iPhone 5sor 5c, chances are you’re holding out for the next iteration of the iPhone, like a sensible “gadgeteer”.

and Apple will get a lot of flak if the iPhone 6 turns out to be a 5s with faster innards.

Thankfully, that doesn't look likely. The iPhone 6 body has leaked countless times over the past year in various forms, and now actual (and apparently genuine) production cases have made their way into the hands of online tech aficionados.

The iPhone 6 will likely arrive with a bigger screen. The case is larger than the iPhone 5s, and its thinner, with a much rounder design.

One big change is the relocation of the power button from the top to the right hand side, where it will be easily accessible with your thumb, Samsung Galaxy-style.

Looking at the rear, the pill-shaped flash cut-out has been replaced by a circular one, suggesting that Apple has either

• • • • • • • • •

Up to 128GB internal storage or expandable storage Better camera New iOS 8 operating system Heart rate Ear-Pods NFC chip A8 processor Wireless charging Will work with Apple's rumoured iWatch Sapphire glass and LiquidMetal design

Phone 6 rumours: Automatic unlocking Despite not being a confirmed feature of iOS 8, the iPhone 6 is rumoured to come with an automatic unlocking feature similar to the one just announced for Google's Android L. No more need for Touch ID or a passcode – unless you're in a less secure environment.

That the iPhone 6 is expected launch on September 19th in 32GB and 64GB, citing a report.However, this date could be delayed due to a supply chain problem. The sire reports that suppliers are struggling to get enough iPhone 6 screens ready…in the meantime…get ready for the next big thing in Smartphone…

The iPhone 6 remains (somewhat) shrouded in mystery but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from enthusiastically grinding away, and some whispers do have a ring of truth about them.

So then, what are the web's commentators saying about the iPhone 6? Well…It's almost guaranteed that the iPhone 6's appearance will be different enough from the iPhone 5s to earn it its all-new number.

Traditionally, ‘s’ devices have kept the same design as their predecessors, with major differences appearing on the insides,

ditched its dual two-tone LED flash, or it's managed to cram both LEDs into a circular space.

The volume buttons however, have appeared to do the reverse. They are now a thinner pill shape, falling in line with the iPod Touch, as opposed to the circular buttons currently found on the iPhone 5s.

Looking at the internals of the case, we can see a slight recess over the Apple logo cut-out. This, combined with the fact that previous Apple logos weren't left as cut-outs, suggests that the logo will light up, like the ones found on its MacBook brothers. Apart from attracting moths, the logo could be used as a blinking notification light - a handy function if the device is face down.

The iPhone 6 will almost certainly have a larger screen than the 4” display of the iPhone 5s, and it could very well arrive in two models - one with 4.7in screen, and another 5.5in version.

• iPhone 6 Release date: September 2014 • iPhone 6 Screen sizes: 4.7- to 5.5-inches (or both)

Tick-tock! Clear up some space on your wrist.

Apple may unveil a wearable device next month at the same event where it is expected to debut the iPhone 6. It seems likely that such wearable device would be a watch since Apple was granted a patent for a smartwatch back in July.

Apple's first wearable gadget could beam messages, simplified apps and Siri to our wrists, eliminating the alltoo-common need to take out our devices to constantly check notifications.

It's going to become especially convenient to pocket the all-but-confirmed 4.7-inch iPhone 6 in your jeans and always stow the next 9.7-inch iPad Air 2in a bag later this year. Don’t hesitate…grab a bite on the Apple!

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

XV

LOVE BEYOND LIFE

BY PARVATI PERSAUD-EDWARDS

The soft twilight cast a crimson glow on the gentle waves of the sapodilla-brown Atlantic waters lapping at the Georgetown shoreline beyond the Dutch-crafted seawalls, as the sun slowly sank below the western horizon, partially hidden by the majestic silhouette of the Pegasus hotel.

Seated on sea-washed boulders, cradled in the protective arms of Ken Lye, Sian felt swaddled in the warm aura of his love as she breathed deeply of the cool evening breeze and immersed herself in the solace of the peaceful ambience of the Georgetown seawall. There was no need for words. The silence was eloquent and profound, with two souls in perfect accord.

Eventually, however, Sian stirred, “I have to go, Ken, the children’s music classes will be over soon.”

“I know”, he responded, but his arms tightened in agony. “My God, this is killing me. Every time I have to let you go to that monster you are married to I have this awful, sinking feeling that this is the last time I would see you.” He drew her tighter into his embrace and nuzzled her neck, breathing deeply. “My God, how I love you…how I want you. Please, let us take the kids to their grandmother and go home to my place.”

She jumped to her feet, panic-stricken, “I can’t…as it is it is bad enough…I am a wife…I am a mother…”

“Mother yes…certainly mother….the best; but wife - to a man who brutalizes you, who abuses you, who cheats on you and humiliates you in public?” He gripped her arms and pleaded “Come to me, darling. I will hire the best divorce lawyers and we will get married, then I will take you and the kids far away from all the bad memories and we will make a happy family.”

“Ronald is sick Ken. I cannot abandon him.

Alcoholism is a disease. If I leave him I would be hurting my parents because they do not believe in divorce. I no longer love him but I pity him, and the children love their father.”

Ken was incredulous “You are destroying your life because you do not want to ruin your parents’ perfect social image? Are you serious? Do you know how badly those kids are being traumatized when he returns home drunk and begins rampaging? Please, darling,” he pleaded, “I do not sleep for needing you in my home, in my life, in my arms, in my bed. I need you…”

“So do my children need their father,” she said sadly. Disengaging herself from his arms, face averted from his passionate gaze, she quietly averred “…and in his own way he needs me also.

I married him in church for better or worse. Their wellbeing is my first duty.”

“Your first duty is to yourself,” he shouted angrily. “Look at you – dark circles under your eyes, hollow cheeks, a mouth that has forgotten how to smile.” His voice gentled, “You and the kids come with me,” he cajoled, “we will learn to laugh together.”

She looked at him in agony. “I cannot take his children away from him, and any mother knows that laughter not shared with her children is hol-

low joy. I cannot give you anything. I will hurt too many people. I know enough of myself to know that I can never find happiness or contentment by shirking my responsibilities.”

“Then share some of yourself with me. Don’t you have a right to happiness for yourself? Don’t you have any responsibility to yourself? We love each other, for Heaven’s sake. You don’t have a real marriage. Everyone knows that he has a long-term affair with his secretary and he has no time for you. He never takes you anywhere. Do you intend to live the rest of your life in celibacy while he enjoys the best of both worlds? Do you expect me to do the same when we can share our lives together?”

She looked up at him for a long while as the tears pooled in her eyes then ran like rivulets down her cheeks. Reaching up to gently touch his cheek, she said, “No Ken, I don’t expect, nor want you to waste your life in vain hopes. What I want…”She looked away, swallowed, then stiffened her shoulders and turned back “What I want is for you to find someone else to love with whom you can live a happy life, someone who can give you a whole heart and a fulfilling future because….” She faltered, then continued “…because I cannot see you like this anymore. It gets harder to leave every time.”

“Are you joking?’ He was incredulous. “Do you think love is a feeling that one can turn on and off like a tap? If I for one moment I thought that you and Ronald have a happy future together I would walk away, but why are you subjecting us to lonely lives while he enjoys his?

“I live and breathe and survive each day just for these few stolen moments we spend together, even though you would not even let me kiss you properly. Now you want to deprive me of even that? What is the reason for this crazy decision?”

“The strongest reason in the world,” she replied softly. “I am finding it increasingly difficult to walk away from the temptation you represent.”

Kissing her hand he urged pleadingly “Be tempted, darling, please be tempted.”

“No!” She tore herself away “I can’t. Why don’t you understand? Too many people will be hurt, even us. Neither of us have the moral turpitude to cheat – at least at that level. It is

impossible for us not to feel tainted by a sordid, backroom liaison.”

“What we feel for each other can never be sordid.” He was livid. “It is your subjective existence that subsumes your life that transcends the bounds of decency. Your marriage is a farce. What we share is our true reality.”

“And that is why I refuse to tarnish it. Apart from my children it…you are the most precious person in my life. These beautiful moments that we have shared are the only sustaining factors that keep me sane and help me to endure, but…”She looked at him with tear-washed eyes “…but you need to let me go, please…” she pleaded, “I need to do this, and I need your strength to do this. If you stop me I will become weak. Goodbye and please…” falteringly “…please try to be happy.”

He clenched his hands impotently at his side as she turned and walked toward her car without looking back.

“Christ man, you’re drinking yourself to death.” The voice penetrated Ken’s hazy consciousness. He turned bleary eyes in the direction of the voice. “Sh..Shamir, how are you, ol’ buddy?” His voice was slurred. He invitingly held up a near-empty bottle of El Dorado 25-year-old.

“Come have one with me.”

“No thanks,” Shamir detached the bottle from Ken’s fingers and placed it on the counter, then curved a supporting arm around his drunken friend’s waist. “You’re coming with me. I am taking you home.

You’re in no fit condition to drive. Jeez, what the heck do you think you are doing to yourself? You never used to drink?”

“Ish…ish what Sian prefers. Ronald drinks and she still wants him.” Pathetically, “She may feel sorry for me too and talk to me again.”

Shamir exploded, “Are you crazy? She is going through hell with that drunken, abusive sot and this is what you want to do to her? Come let us go home and get you sober and then you can unload on me instead of in the rum bottle. It is not true that you can drown your sorrows in a rum bottle. You only add to your problems. Propping up a bar seems to have become your hobby recently.” Shamir urged Ken to his feet, “Come let us get you home.”

“Hey,” Ken protested, “I haven’t finished my drink.”

“Drinks enough at home – black coffee. Come on, we’ll take my car. I’ll return with Joe in the morning for yours.”

Back at Ken’s near-palatial, luxuriously-appointed home, an hour after a shower, tons of strong black coffee swallowed between an ocean of maudlin tears, and explanations to his boyhood friend and Sian’s co-worker and neighbour, who listened patiently as Ken poured his heart out, the Continued on page XVI

XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

LOVE BEYOND LIFE

Ken drifted off into a doze on the divan but was awakened by featherlight kisses trailing all latter concluded “…so you see, I just try to fill over his face as Sian’s perfume wafted into his the empty hours and kill the pain.” He slammed consciousness. his right fist into the back of the luxurious couch.

“Sian,” he breathed in wonder and opened “Four weeks…four bloody weeks without a his eyes. The clock was striking eleven and the glimpse of her…I am dying here, man. She won’t tolling bell was like an intruder into the magic. “I even take my calls.” He sighed tiredly. “It seems have to be dreaming.” like a century of torture.”

She smiled enigmatically and opened his shirt, “Something has to be done about her situa- then laid her face against his bare chest. Ken tion,” said Shamir quietly. “I don’t want to alarm was not in the mood for rejecting miracles. He you, or add to your pain, but she was covered in bruises when she came to work this morning.

She tried to cover them up with long sleeves and make-up, but they were visible all the same, and she was clearly in pain all day. Don’t despair. I will ask my mom to go and talk to her parents tomorrow. They are old-fashioned Catholics, but even they would not want her to live like that.”

Pathetic hope shone in Ken’s eyes. “Will you do that? I am going crazy worrying about her safety, and I hear he even beats the children.”

“Don’t worry anymore. We will get her out – one way or another, even if we have to get the Human Services Ministry and Child Welfare Department involved. Ms. Brown will ensure there is no publicity,” promised Shamir.

He went into Ken’s bedroom for a pillow and a sheet and settled his friend comfortably on reached out his arms to draw her closer. the spacious couch. Laying a sympathetic hand It was beautiful and magical – a silent coming on his buddy’s shoulder he said “I have to go. together of exquisite lovemaking that was all he I will let myself out, but I am at the other end had ever dreamt of, and more. of a phone. Anytime during the night you feel Afterward he cradled her in his arms with blue just give me a buzz and bend my ear. In infinite tenderness. “Oh darling, what made you the morning I will take Joe to collect your car decide….?” She laid her finger to his lips and and we can talk then.” nuzzled closer.

“Thanks chum, I’ll do the same for you some“All right,” He wrapped his arms tighter day,” Ken tiredly promised. around her, his soul finally at peace. “We’ll talk “Heaven forbid,” Shamir pretended to be hor- in the morning.” He was quite content to savour rified. “Don’t wish that on me. I’m a philosopher her presence until she felt ready to talk. who believes in numbers. When one goes, there Relaxed, at peace for the first time since falling are dozens to follow – Janes, and Sheilas, and deeply in love with a married woman who was Kavitas, and Nazimas, etc, etc. The world is full caught up in a seemingly inextricable destructive of tasty dishes, and I am a gourmet.” relationship, he drew her closer and drifted into Ken smiled lopsidedly, “You don’t know what a deep sleep. you’re missing.”

The shrill insistence of the ringing telephone “Let me miss, Buddy, let me miss. That way jarred him rudely awake and he fumbled for the I’m saved the torture of fidelity,” Shamir retorted, receiver. “Hello,” he queried as he glanced at his letting himself out and locking the door behind watch. It was after midnight. Sian’s absence imwith an audible click. pacted instantly on his consciousness. “Probably

From page XV

in the bathroom,” he thought.

“Ken,” Shamir’s voice was urgent, “Ken, I’m…I’m afraid I have bad news for you.”

Frowning, he queried, “What do you mean bad news?” He was still sleep-groggy, but kept his eyes on the door in longing anticipation for Sian’s return from the bathroom. He swore to himself that he was never going to let her go again.

“Sian…”Shamir’s voice faltered, “Sian is dead.”

“What kind of a bloody joke is this?” Ken roared and leapt to his feet. “Sian is here with me.”

“No Ken, I don’t know what you are talking about. Sian died tonight. I heard the noise and saw the crowd outside her home when I was driving past. When I went in she was unconscious and covered in blood. I rushed her to the hospital.”

There was a roaring in Ken’s ear and he had stopped listening. Sian was taking too long to return from the bathroom, he thought, and said into the phone. “You’re making a colossal mistake.

I’ll get her and let her speak to you herself.” He laid the phone down with a clatter.

Shamir’s urgent “Wait…” was lost as Ken went striding toward the bathroom. He called and received no answer. He opened the door and gazed, stunned, there was no Sian. He ran like a madman through the house, flinging doors open as he checked every room, but she was nowhere to be found. He checked the front door. It was locked. He distinctly remembered hearing the loud click when Shamir had pulled it shut behind him. Sian had never visited his home and had no key.

In horror he returned and fumbled for the phone, his heart seemed to go cold in bottomless fear. His voice was choking with the tears he was trying to suppress because he refused to believe.

“Shamir, oh God, tell me this is a joke. I will forgive you. Just only say this is not true.” He felt as if he was choking on his own words.

“I am so sorry, Ken, so very, very sorry, but I saw the commotion and the crowd when I was passing her house on my way home. She was unconscious and covered in blood, but she didn’t die right away.

“She died in the hospital at…..”

Ken’s ears were roaring. He was hearing the clock striking “…11 o’clock to be precise.”

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Guyanese Women in History:

Serving the Rotary Club of Demerara for Over 20 Years!

“I joined Rotary because I wanted to give back in a more structured manner and the idea that I could do so together with other professionals appealed to me.”

“From the 25 of us who first joined Demerara, 21 years ago, I only knew one of the other members well. Since then there has probably been at least another 60/70 persons who have been members of our club and I can honestly say that in many cases I can still count them as friends.”

“I have gained so much from Rotary in terms of skills, experiences, travel both in Guyana and abroad, but in all of this it has been the people I have met along the journey who I value more than anything else. I may have assisted helping others in the process, but those persons and rotary helped me become the person I am and I am extremely grateful.”

Name: Beverly Harper Dated Joined: 12th September 1993 Classification: Management (Source: Rotary Club of Demerara)

A girlfriend urgently needed blood so her boyfriend donated to her. A couple weeks later they broke up and the boyfriend asked back for his blood. The girlfriend threw a pad at him and said “I’ll pay you back in monthly installments!” ************************* ************* Dad: Look son, a flock of cows!

Son: Herd of cows dad... Dad: Of course I've heard of cows!

There's a flock of them right over there. ***************** ***************** ************* Waiter: Sir, are you ready to order? Man: yes please, I'll have what that baby's having over there Waiter: Sir... That baby is being breastfed Dear Google, please stop behaving like a GIRL. Will you please allow me to complete the whole sentence before you start guessing & suggesting? *************************************** Teacher: Who can explain gender discrimination with an example? Student: Women can sleep with whoever they want; men have to sleep with whoever lets them!

Tip to reduce weight, first turn your head to the left and then turn it to the right. Repeat this exercise every time you are offered something to eat.

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XXI

Goed Fortuin - A quiet little village nestled snugly on ‘The Westside’

By Alex Wayne IN every village we have visited before now, there was certainly the issue of personality clashes amongst residents, but this did not find footing in the very spectacular village of Goed Fortuin On the West Bank Demerara which was our focus of exploration this week.

With its sandy streets and churning canals, the village exuded a certain breathtaking ‘Old World’ allure that seemed to blend quite nicely with the budding signs of economic development that are highly noticeable in the village.

What struck us the most and left a lasting impression, however, was the camaraderie amongst residents and the deep harmony they shared despite race, colour, class or creed.

It is expected that we would firstly acquaint ourselves with the location and other issues surrounding this village, so here we go folks…

Goed Fortuin of old The words Goed Fortuin are Dutch words that mean ‘good’ and ‘fortune’ or ‘luck.’ Other similar Dutch names in Guyana are Goed Hope, Goed Raad, Goedland, and Goedverwagting.

Sipora, one of the Mentawai islands in Indonesia, was named ‘Goed Fortuin’ by the Dutch.

Goed Fortuin village lies on the left bank of the Demerara River, and is 3 km or 2 miles from Vreed-en-Hoop. Its geographical coordinates are 58 12 W (Longitude) and 06 47 N (Latitude). The village was an old Dutch sugar plantation that started in the early 1800s when 380 sugar estates operated on the coast of the three colonies that would eventually unite to The cluster of very colourful houses in some sections of the village lends an appealing ‘countryside allure’

known as Pln. Versailles & Schoonord Estate Ltd. form British Guiana in 1831.

Its major shareholder was Joseph (Joe) Vieira, one of the With the end of slavery in 1834, an apprenticeship programme was introduced to fill the labour scarcity. However, sons of the patriarch of Pln. Houston, Manoel Vieira (Buller), many apprentices abandoned the sugar estate life after their a pioneer of the sugar industry in Guyana, who was born in apprenticeship stint was over. This labour shortage, coupled 1874 on the West Coast of Demerara. Joe spent almost seven with factors that impacted the price for sugar, caused many decades in the industry, and used his experience and skills sugar estates to be sold at ridiculously low prices, as the own- to bring much improvement not only to Plantation Houston and Versailles & Schoonord (which his family owned), but to ers simply wanted to get out of the business.

Between 1838 and 1846, nineteen sugar estates were sold other estates as well throughout the country. His son, Anthony at such low prices. In 1846 in particular, Plantations Haarlem Vieira, eventually took over as the Administrative Manager at (on the West Coast) and Goed Fortuin were sold for £3,500 Versailles until its closure in 1977. and £1,700 respectively. The values of these two sugar estates The people during slavery were £50,000 and £35,000. Thus, Plantation Goed Fortuin was sold at less than 5% of its value when slavThere was a strong influx of about 10,000 Portuguese in ery was in full swing.

In 1829, there were 230 sugar plantations operating in the year 1846-47 in the then British Guiana. Most settled in the colony, owned by almost as many owners. In 1900, there Continued on page XXII were about 48 estates, and in 1958, just 18. Those estates (and there were many) that lacked efficiency and effecVillagers enjoy the luxury tiveness of operations were of a well maintained main forced into consolidation to irrigation canal meet strong competition and insecure markets. The nearby Plantation Versailles stood out and grew by absorbing some of the smaller sugar estates, eventually amalgamating with Plantation Schoon Ord (south of Goed Fortuin) in the early 1950s, after which it came to be

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Goed Fortuin From page XXI

what is now Georgetown.

The others settled on the sugar estates along the coast and banks of the Demerara River.

On the West Bank, they settled at Vreed-en-Hoop, Plantation Versailles, Pouderoyen, Goed Fortuin and a few other places along the river.

The emancipated slaves, shop owners, and others of Plantation Goed Fortuin settled along the main roadways, while the indentured immigrants from India settled behind the village in a nuclear housing scheme built by the owners of Plantation Versailles and Schoonord Estate in the early 1930s. Later, in the 1940s, this was expanded to include the area up to the ‘A’ line, the canal that separates Pln. Versailles from Goed Fortuin.

Thus, Goed Fortuin Housing Scheme provided the major labour supply for Versailles estate until 1977, when Versailles was permanently closed.

Goed Fortuin, in its heyday, had a vibrant Community Centre and a Primary School (the latter is still there). However, long gone are two logies that were situated at the very back

Some youths try to earn a fast dollar by selling Igloo products by the roadside and close to the sugar cane fields.

Dr Jung Bahadur Singh, father of cultural icon, Rajkumarie Singh and Dr Hardatt Singh, was born in Goed Fortuin.

The elder Dr. Singh was elected in 1930 to the Legislature at national elections held that same year.

The visit As I disembarked the bus at Goed Fortuin, I realised that exploring this village was not going to be an easy feat, judging from the bushy side streets and all the dust churned up in the streets from passing vehicles.

Barebacked little boys were chasing up and down the streets on bicycles in the broiling midday sun, and I was certainly appalled at the number of youths who were smoking cigarettes and what smelt like marijuana quite openly in public places.

The village is an exciting cluster of houses, and, judging from the striking variations in the buildings, it was evident that this village sported the lower, middle, and upper classes.

There were housewives darting in and out of shops, collecting their groceries, while a few were dashing barefooted through the alleyways, screaming to others that they had left their pots on the fire.

In some areas, men were just liming around, chatting about

everyday issues, while in some areas, the youths scattered at the sight of our cameraman.

Investigations revealed that in many cases, they were either smoking or attempting to ingest illegal substances, and certainly did not welcome our intrusion.

at the Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek Markets.

Of course several villagers are employed at stores, shops and schools in and outside the village. Others have taken up positions in schools and offices in the city also.

To some extent too the bread winners of many homes

The housewives speak Those who were ready to talk were the housewives, since most of the males were either camera-shy or in some cases too drunk to say anything that made sense.

The ladies were certainly vocal, and voiced their opinions on issues they said were really bothering them.

According to Lolita Parsram, there is great need for “improvement and smoothing out” within the functions of the policing group that is intended to protect citizens.

“Sir, we got ah policing group heah, and it is ah total waste of time. Dem claim dem is ah policing group, and yet dem young bhais deh all ovah de place smoking weed and cigarettes in broad daylight. Dis group ain’t doing nothing, and at the pace dem young bhais going, it look like we gon surely get criminals in de village soon.”

According to the women, there seems to be a recent upsurge in smoking amongst males, some of whom are only sixteen years old; and, according to the ladies, many of them are consuming marijuana.

Stopping to chat with residents at the first house, a few males rose questioning eyebrows, but the two females there swinging in hammocks, were all welcoming smiles. One who appeared to be a grandmother mouthed with a toothless grin.

“Good aftanoon uncle… wha wrang? How awe can help yuh?

Instantly my soul was at ease and with responding warmth I went into detailed explanation of the reason for my visit.

Hearing this, the males seemed to get excited and two of them readily smoothed and fixed their apparel, offering to give us the grand tour of the small village.

At some homes we were greeted by smiling ‘camera shy women’ in their hammocks, some enjoying hot spicy lunches, which they seemed to be enjoying using their bare fingers.

One very peppy grandmother, Meena Persaud explained that she certainly enjoyed mashing her food around her plate and putting into her mouth with her fingers. She claimed it was a traditional practice that was enjoyed by person in every home in the village.

“Bai, me does really enjoy me food with me fingas. Is suh we does eat since we ah lil gals, and trust me, you does really enjoy de food more. De food does taste moh sweet, when yuh down, yuh can lie down and relax bettah” This village is primarily an East Indian populated one where pleasant and jovial residents reside in perfect harmony.

Villagers depend almost entirely on their rice farming and vegetable cultivation for existence.

Even as we drove around the village our tummies rumbled in anticipation at the appetising aromas of either deep fried or stewed fresh vegetables that bubbled on stoves and ‘cackling firesides.’

Some persons reared poultry which provided eggs and meat for consumption whilst a few strived on the rearing and sale of their very healthy cattle. Although there are quite a few grocery stores in the village, residents mentioned that they would normally journey to the nearby Vreed-en-Hoop Village or travel five miles to the Stabroek Market to obtain their groceries and household supplies.

Mothers busy flipping roti on their ‘tawahs’ or readying sweet smelling stews for lunch, indicated the village is engulfed most of the day in dust from vehicles traversing their unpaved streets, and the large trucks using the sand roads which pass just a few rods in front of the village.

Husbands chomping on ‘float bakes’ or ‘sada roti’ and fried salted fish, lamented that their children who attend school suffer the most since minibuses or cars hardly traverse the sand roads because of this condition.

Residents adopt the ‘get up and get attitude’ All around Goed Fortuin it was a constant hustle and commercial bustle as villagers busied themselves with avenues of making a quick dollar, or meeting their needs otherwise. There were certainly no limers in this village and almost everyone seemed to be gainfully employed in some way or the other.

Around this time too many have obtained temporary employment as the way is being for the dawn of a new housing scheme, (just next door) made possible through government initiatives. A large number of villagers are employed at the Wales Sugar Estate, while some persons trade their produce

Some villagers are indeed excellent makers of concrete blocks provide for their family through the cultivation, harvesting, and sale of rice and vegetables from their farms.

Culture of the Village The culture in Goed Fortuin slightly resembles that of the Indian immigrants who came here 150 years ago. Even though well over 55% of the population remain Indo-Guyanese there is a small group of Chinese and Amerindian families. The culture is very similar to that of the rest of the British Caribbean, but with, according to the locals, an East Indian flair.

The second biggest percentage of residents are the Negroes who reside the in peace and harmony with their neighbours As history dictates, in the beginning, the culture of this village resembled very much that of the mother country, India, but as African and Chinese came to the village a slight variety was added. The residents of Goed Fortuin brought their foods, traditions, religion and customs with them. This is very prevalent today in the food and language of the people.

It is said that over the years, the population of Indians has lost their mother tongue completely, and although Indian music remains very popular, the English language, with a Creole touch, has taken complete control. Almost no one speaks Hindi anymore and in Goed Fortuin it is considered a dead language according to some residents. The colloquial English use is heavily influenced by the British. Being a colony for many years, Guyana is touched with a flair of British in almost everything Even though the composition of the population has remained the same for over 45 years, the religious beliefs have changed dramatically. Regardless of religious conviction every holiday social or religious are celebrated and respected. Many of the customs that are objective and foster public life are commonly organized by community leaders at home and abroad.

Many of the original religious customs and traditions that have not been lost were modified by the ages and vestiges of an East Indian heritage appear in a number of the festivities.

For example, few weddings are ever complete without the ceremonial rubbing of the dye; an old Indian wedding custom that is accepted among every religion. Holidays like Christmas and Diwali are examples of occasions where the entire community celebrates together in a congenial integration of faith.

Discoloured water Another problem that seemed to be bothering these ‘goodly ladies’ was the issue of discoloured water flowing from the

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Trucks come around almost every day selling vegetables and ground provision to villagers

taps. While some said they try to manage, others said they refuse to drink the ‘red water’ and would normally purchase distilled water from the trucks or from the water plant some three villages away.

Some said they would use the water only for washing of coloured clothing and to water plants in some cases, since they are afraid to consume the liquid.

What struck us was the glaring fact that residents were faced with a serious garbage disposal problem, judging from the piles of refuse which seemed to be almost everywhere.

In some areas the piles consisted of rotting food, and the stench was intolerable, not to mention the large influx of flies and other vermin it lured to the village.

A resident complains of the dust raised by sand trucks speeding through their sandy streets Cackling loudly as their anger boiled, housewives related that some residents in the village as well as outsiders would creep around in the still of the night, dumping garbage wherever they fancied.

Enquiries as to the functions of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were met with the rolling of eyeballs, mocking laughter, and snide remarks we had better not mention.

According to reports of villagers, the NDC would not come for months at a time to remove any garbage, and drains and trenches are left to become infested with weeds and other parasitic vegetation.

Such allegations were affirmed by the bushy, overgrown drains and large Villagers obtain their ample supply of fresh fruits from the amount of ‘bushy groves’ and alleys in the village. many trees grown in their own backyards Save for the main drainage canal just outside the village, “And I love the satisfied smiles of my customers as they which was in good shape, all other drains and small bicker in pleasure about the unusual size of my chickens.” trenches in the village were ‘stuffed to capacity’ with weeds and foliage.

Harmony Villagers said that from time to time, they would have to engage in self-help efforts to prevent or alleviate flooding This village may have its problems here and there, but during the rainy seasons. what stood out distinctly was the camaraderie and strong bond And many complained of the large clouds of dust that of harmony that seemed to ooze out of villagers. whirl through the village when vehicles attempt to venture In the shops, the jolly banter of both races could be heard in. This was caused because there is a housing scheme being as housewives stock up on their household items. Same as in built just next to the village, and the road that is being used by the way young girls were screaming at each other from open trucks taking sand and stone to that location is not asphalted. windows, begging the other to come over for a tasty lunch of Many females complained that the dust is causing ailments curried hassa, or spicily stewed vegetables. to their children, and would leave their homes covered in Yet again, the two races were having ‘a whale of a time’ grime on a daily basis. enjoying drinks at the few rum shops, or just puffing cigarettes and chatting pleasantly under mango trees.

Livelihood Everyone waved at and greeted each other, and most times stopped to enjoy the latest gossip or to make a point of imporA large number of residents are self-employed in the vil- tance on some issue in the village. lage, and they seem to be comfortable with professions such It was that deep sense of binding and harmonising that as poultry farming. That aside, a large number of the males surely made me wish I was residing in this village. are employed at the Wales Sugar Estate, which offers varying And this quaint little location is well represented overseas, employment opportunities. with the presence of the Goed Fortuin Cultural Society, which Yes, indeed, there are a few teachers, and some occupying has been doing wonders for the village over the years. professions in the administrative offices outside of the village.

Whatever their offices were, they all seemed to be contented, The Goed Fortuin Cultural Society and surely appeared dedicated.

And we were lucky to talk to Raymond Moffat, self-emThe Goed Fortuin Cultural Society New York Chapter ployed poultry farmer and operator of a horse-drawn cart for was born in the year 2004. It was conceived and seriously over twenty-five years now. He was all smiles, and readily contemplated by a group of dedicated and committed indishared a little on the ups and downs of his job. viduals, who saw its absolute need as a medium to bring all “I have been operating this horse cart for over 25 years past and present residents of their very beautiful Goed Fortuin, now, and whilst it has profited me greatly, my gains do not together to reminisce, to socialise, to reacquaint, and to take come without gruelling work. I have to brave the scorching a much needed break away from the lifestyle of this country sun and sometimes heavy rain many times to do my errands they now call home. to make a fast dollar. Sometimes I would go for hours in wet Special focus must be placed on these individuals: Mr. clothing.”

Khemraj Sukhu (Ram), Mr. Kawal Singh, Mr. Deonarine “And since I am also rearing my chickens now, it’s an Bharrat (Dax), Mr. Shammi Ahmad, Mr. Jeremiah Somwaru uphill feat to manage smoothly with the two jobs.”

(Uncle Jerry) and Mr. Patrick Ramcharran.

Raymond uses his horse cart to transport groceries and This Society was always a much-talked-about subject items of every imaginable nature for villagers, and charges for many years, but never materialized because of a lack of them quite affordably for the service. commitment. Congratulations to all its members for their hard He takes great pride is talking about his ‘lovely chickens’, work and unwavering support, which brought much success boasting that they matter in both size and quality. to their subsequent events.

“I take great pride in giving the best to my customers, Goed Fortun is one of the dynamic locations in Guyana so I feed my baby chicks well, with the best of food sup- with, of course, an amazing story to tell. Be sure to drop by plements, and watch them grow in fine style. My chickens and mingle with the folks there if you should be in the area. can sometimes grow up to over seven pounds because I Their hospitality would certainly blow you away feed them well.

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Cookouts in the open backlands are quite a ‘must have’ feature amongst some villagers

The village is improving its infrastructure as posh houses are popping up

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014

Even the mothers are on par and ready when the ‘snow cone man’ comes around

Come race along the sandy streets of alluring Goed Fortuin

Sand trucks are still a menace with the amount of dust they churn up as they race through the streets of the village

Villagers engage in self-help work to administer repairs to their homes

Bare backed youths enjoyed riding in the afternoon sun as they get household supplies for their mothers from shops around the village

The masons in Goed Fortuin are quite plentiful

Some areas of the village are lucky to have paved streets

Some depend on their horses to rake in a much needed dollar as they transport items for villagers

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Can you die from a broken heart?

By Stephen Evans BBC News

known more formally as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. According to the British Heart Foundation, it is a "temporary condition where your heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened or stunned.

The left ventricle, one of the heart's chambers, changes shape."

It can be brought on by a shock. "About three quarters of people diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy have experienced significant emotional or physical stress prior to becoming unwell," the charity says. This stress might be bereavement but it could be a shock of another kind. There are documented cases of people suffering the condition after being frightened by colleagues pulling a prank, or suffering

I went to a funeral recently for a couple who died within a week of each other. Then I read a story in the news last week about a man in California who died hours after his wife. It made me wonder how often this happens - and what could be the reason.

When Margaret Williams died in Wales last month, her husband Edmund selected the poems for her funeral.

They had been married for 60 years and their love had endured. In their late 80s, they would still go into their garden holding hands.

Then, a week after Margaret's death, Edmund himself died. In his grief, he stopped living. Her funeral became their funeral - two coffins beside each other, the couple united in death as they had been in life. The poem he had written for her, and chosen for the service, was read for them both.

The same month, also in Wales, 101-year-old Clifford Hartland died while he was waiting for his wife, Marjorie, to return home from hospital after being discharged with a broken leg. Their daughter Christine said that her mother phoned her that evening in distress, and Christine told Edmund and Margaret Williams died a week apart, after 60 years of marriage her to think about their happy years of marriage while she drifted off to sleep.

Marjorie died at 01:00 that night on the couple's 76th the stress of speaking to a large group of people. It's wedding anniversary. speculated that the sudden release of hormones - in And about the same time Don and Maxine Simpson particular, adrenaline - causes the stunning of the died in Bakersfield in California. He was 90 and she was heart muscle.

87, and they were as inseparable as they had always been This is different from a heart attack, which is a stopafter meeting at a bowling alley in 1952 and marrying ping of the heart because the blood supply is constricted, that same year. Maxine died first and four hours later, by perhaps by clogged arteries. "Most heart attacks occur her side, Don followed. due to blockages and blood clots forming in the coronary A similar sad scene was also played out in April with arteries, the arteries that supply the heart with blood," Kenneth and Helen Felumlee in Nashport, Ohio, in the says an FAQ on broken heart syndrome published by US. They were both in their 90s and had been married Johns Hopkins University. for 70 years. Helen died and Kenneth followed 15 hours later. As their daughter told the local paper: "We knew What becomes of the when one went, the other was going to go. We wanted broken-hearted them to go together and they did." The family said the * "Broken heart" is recouple had shared a bed for 70 years - when they were ferred to in the 1611 King once allocated bunks on a ferry, they had snuggled up James Version of the Bible: on the single bed below.

"The Lord is nigh unto them It looks like a pattern, and perhaps it is. that are of a broken heart; Research published earlier this year in the journal and saveth such as be of JAMA Internal Medicine found that, while it hap- a contrite spirit." (Psalms pened rarely, the number of people who had a heart 34:18) attack or a stroke in the month after a loved-one * Shakespeare features died was double that of a matched control group who several characters who exwere not grieving (50 out of 30,447 in the bereaved pire for love - King Lear group, or 0.16%, compared with 67 out of 83,588 in perishes shortly after disthe non-bereaved group, or 0.08%). One of the au- covering the murder of his thors, Dr Sunil Shah of St George's at the University daughter Cordelia, and in of London, told the BBC: "We often use the term a Romeo and Juliet, Lady 'broken heart' to signify the pain of losing a loved- Montague is reported by her one and our study shows that bereavement can have husband to have died of a a direct effect on the health of the heart." broken heart: "Grief of my Some people talk about "broken heart syndrome", son's exile hath stopp'd her

breath" * Alfred Lord Tennyson's 1842 poem, The Lady of Shalott, relates how the tragic damsel of Arthurian legend lay down in a boat to die and be discovered by Lancelot, the knight she loved: "For ere she reach'd upon the tide/ The first house by the water-side,/ Singing in her song she died,/ The Lady of Shalott."

By contrast, most patients who suffer from cardiomyopathy "have fairly normal coronary arteries and do not have severe blockages or clots", the website says. Many people simply recover - the stress goes away and the heart returns to its normal shape. But in some, like the old or those with a heart condition, the change in the shape of the heart can prompt a fatal heart attack.

The scientific name, takotsubo cardiomyopathy comes from the Japanese word for a type of round-bottomed, narrow-necked vessel used for catching octopuses. The sudden stress causes the left ventricle of the heart - the one that does the pumping - to balloon out into the shape of the pot.

There is also evidence of an increased risk of death after the hospitalisation of a partner, according to a study published in 2006 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Other research published in 2011, meanwhile, suggests that the odds of the surviving partner dying are increased for six months after their partner's death.

The researchers pointed out that a mutually supportive marriage acts as a buffer against stress. Partners also monitor each other and encourage healthy behaviour - reminding each other to take their daily tablets, for example, and checking they don't drink too much.

Whatever the science behind "broken heart syndrome", the results are bitter-sweet. There is, of course, the grief of a bereaved family who have lost two people they love. But there is also often a relief that a couple deeply in love should have exited life together.

Edmund Williams' poem for his wife Margaret talked about "two lovers entwined" and a journey "to the end of time's end".

If there is a benevolent heart condition, surely takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the one - but "dying of a broken heart" puts it better.

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GEORG SIMON OHM -Best known for his “Ohm’s Law”

G

eorg Simon Ohm, more commonly known as Georg Ohm, was a German physicist, best known for his “Ohm’s Law”, which implies that the current flow through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference (voltage) and inversely proportional to the resistance. The physical unit of electrical resistance, the Ohm, also was named after him.

Early Life and Education: Born in 1789 in the university town of Erlangen, Bavaria, his younger Martin Ohm also became a famous mathematician. Georg Ohm studied mathematics and physics at Erlangen University. For economical reasons, he had to do some teaching jobs while studying, which he found quite bothering.

Contributions and Achievements: When higher degrees of political instability were observed in the early 1800s were seen in Bavaria as the struggle against Napoleon rose, Ohm chose to leave native Bavaria in 1817 for Cologne, where he attained a Readership at the university. Ohm started passionately working on the conductivity of metals and the behavior of electrical circuits. So much that he quit teaching in Cologne and got settled in his brother’s house in Berlin.

After extensive research, he wrote “Die galvanische Kette, mathematisch bearbeitet”, which formulated the relationship between voltage (potential), current and resistance in an electrical circuit: I = EIR After initial criticism, most particularly by Hegel, the noted creator of German Idealism, who rejected the authenticity of the experimental approach of Ohm, the “glory” finally came in 1841 when the Royal Society of London honored him with the Copley Medal for his extraordinary efforts. Several German scholars, including an adviser to the State on the development of telegraphy, also recognized Ohm’s work a few months later.

The pertinence of Ohm’s Law to electrolytes and thermoelectric junctions and metallic conductors, was demonstrated recognized soon enough. The law still remains the most widely used and appreciated of all the rules related to the behavior of electrical circuits.

Later Life and Death: Georg Ohm was made a foreign member of the Royal Society in 1842, and a full member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities in 1845.

Ohm died on July 6, 1854. He was 65 years old.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 31, 2014 There are 5 chefs working full time at the White House George Washington never lived in the White House.

He died a year before it was completed.

Bill Clinton had an outdoor hot tub installed in 1997

There is a beer brewed in the White House called "White House Honey Ale" which uses the honey form bees in the Presidential Garden.

There is an underground passageway from the West Wing that goes to the White House pool.

George Washington

Teddy Roosevelt was the President to have the West Wing built.

Presidents get billed monthly for all of the food they eat, toiletries, and services such as laundry.

There have been 2 weddings at the White House. Richard Nixon's daughter and Hillary Clinton's brother.

Teddy Roosevelt

Richard Nixon

Tom Hanks bought an espresso machine for the White House when he saw they didn't have one.

Jimmy Carter built a treehouse for his daughter on the White House grounds.

Andrew Jackson had an orangery and greenhouse built on the White House property.

Andrew Jackson

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Castellani House-A Historical and Architectural Synopsis

By Shivanie Sugrim Amidst the gentle curve of Vlissengen Road and the corner of Homestretch Avenue in our city of Georgetown, Castellani House stands proudly as it embodies thousands of pieces of Guyanese artistic skills.

The building holds a lot of historical significance and it is has always been State-owned. The first occupant was George Samuel Jenman who was transferred from Jamaica to British Guiana to supervise the conversion of the area into a botanical garden as well as the beau-

tifying of Georgetown via landscaping.

Sadly, upon Jenman’s death, the Director of Science and Agriculture, Sir John Birchmore Harrison, became the second occupant of the building hereafter, the building became the official home of the said Director, leaving Gavin Kennard as the last Director in that arena to have lived there.

Forbes Burnham, former Prime Minister and later President of Guyana took residency from December 1964 until his demise in August 1985.

During his residency however, the building was pop-

ularly known as ‘The Residence’ also marking him as the last President to have lived there.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration brought the building back to life by converting to an art gallery-housing National Art Collection. Additionally, on May 24, 1993 there was an inaugural exhibition when the building gained its current name ‘Castellani House’ which was named in honour of its designer, Cesar Castellani.

The construction of the original building began in 1879 and in 1882 other alterations were provided.

Local greenheart and imported pine, mainly of timber, the original building has two floors only-ground and first-with high gable roofs pierced by gable dormer windows. The main

north and east sides at first floor level and an open porch below the northern gallery.

Over the years the building has changed in proportions-a high pitched

Castellani House body of the house had a centrally-placed entrance tower on the west side, with galleries along the

roof which now accommodates masterpieces done by artists and a new second floor which also

lodges artistic skills. However, major changes began in 1965 during President Burnham’s occupancy when Guyanese architect, Hugh McGregor Reid, was engaged to carry out the extension and remodelling works. Notwithstanding the lack of ornamentation, the original building was most handsome and represented a structure built for local conditions with proper eclectic use of historic architectural features.

In its present form, Castellani House is important more for its historical significance than for architectural reasons.

Nethertheless, it is important to our cultural patrimony, and with its present use, has found a niche in our cultural development.

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Understanding…from a teen’s point of view!

By Vishani Ragobeer Back to School Hello there! How are you? Was your past week positively exceptional?

This week, also officially my first week of writing this column, I will be talking about going back to school as most of the schools will be reopening tomorrow- 1st September.

to let your children do so. Anyway, school is a blessing and education is the key to everything in our life. Education allows us to have a great job, and having a great job enables us to enjoy all the luxuries we desire. We should all relish the idea of learning new things and making our parents proud, because we all know there is nothing better than taking home a really good report to our

this; I’m here to share some ideas with you that would certainly help you to perform better this coming term. These ideas are as follows: Set Goals Now don’t we all want to have more than 85% this term? Or do well enough so mommy will buy that new phone? Well those are goals right there!

I encourage you all to set goals, because it gives you something to work towards and try to achieve.

Don’t Get Too Distracted

I’m hoping at least some of you had picked up your old school books, if not I urge you to trot right off and do so (after you’ve finished reading this article of course!) and your parents that are reading this, I encourage you

parents and being rewarded. Right parents?

Now I’ve said all of this, let’s get to the main part. I’m not here to lecture you on the importance of education because, we all know it’s very important and that you remember

I know we all have our friends and our little friends’ groups we fit into, but I plead with you not to get so distracted by your reputation with your friends that you neglect your school work.

I’ve known persons who have learnt this the hard way from past experiences which have cost them greatly, so please take my advice. Parents, I’m sure you too tell your children this, so I’m basically re-enforcing what you’ve already told your children.

Don’t Procrastinate Procrastination: The act of leaving everything to be done at another time.

We all have done or still do this, when we get as-

signments, do we start right away or do we go on facebook a little bit then do it? Or what about when you need to study, do you study right away or say you’ll do it later? C’mon guys, let’s try not to do it this term. Let’s all do things as we get them and

finish them off quickly so as to do something else.

So there you go, those are my ideas for you, which will help you throughout this term!

“Be the change you want to see in the world”Mahatma Gandhi I would like to implore

you all to really try to do your best and be the change you would like to see, because that’s most certainly what I’ll be doing!

See you again next week, right here in the best newspaper in Guyana!

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Man is still the most My fellow Americans, extraordinary computer a s k n o t w h a t y o u r of all. country can do for you, ask what you can do Change is the law of for your country. life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

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

Treat yourself to just a little taste of everything.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How about it?

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“SPONGE CAKE”

By Clifford Stanley

The key to a productive and healthy garden is the preparation of the growing beds.

But you have to dig deep.

The goal of a deep dug garden bed is to produce a “living sponge-cake” in the soil, to a depth of 24 inches, with 50% pore space for air and water – optimally half of the pore space for each.

The other 50% of the soil, being mineral matter, including rock fragments and a small amount of organic matter.

A well-prepared bed with loose soil to a depth of 24 inches allows the roots of the plants to grow evenly and to provide a steady supply of nutrients to the rest of the plant.

Water is able to move through the soil freely, and weeds are easy to pull out.

The plant roots have so much loose soil to grow into that

more plants grow in an even area, and this means more food from a smaller garden.

Water penetration is improved because of the greater amount of pore space and looseness of the bed.

As you irrigate or as it rains, water soaks easily and quickly into the soil. The deeply aerated soil acts as a sponge, absorbing water quickly.

This is important for a variety of reasons.

It allows a better use of rainfall. On more compacted soils, there is less water absorption capacity of the soil, so in heavy rains especially, water begins to run off and is wasted for agricultural purposes.

The deep dug bed will make a better use of rainfall, establishing a greater reserve of water for drier periods.

Finally, soil erosion becomes less of a problem as there is less water run-off and not as much valuable topsoil carried within it.

In a new garden, the sponge-cake may turn out to be only 15 or 18 inches, deep, but the microorganisms, the worms, the plant roots and water will usually cause it to become a little deeper each year.

So we see that a deep dug bed is a method of growing vegetables more intensively meaning more crop yield from a smaller space.

Growing in this way we can get 4 -6 times the yield we get from growing vegetables through more conventional methods.

This method is labor intensive rather than relying on mechanised animal labour.

It primarily relies on human labour.

A single well dug bed requires a high input of labour.

Digging one bed can take up to 8 hours.

In doing so, however, you are creating a permanently improved soil.

With proper care the labour requirements of the deep dug

bed becomes less and less through time.

The initial digging is really the hardest part, from there on it is easier to maintain. This is due to the improved structure and texture of the soil that deep digging brings about.

Healthier and more abundant crops result from this improvement of the soil.

Deep dug beds are most appropriate for the cultivation of vegetable crops. Such as onions, tomatoes, cabbage, greens etc. (Courtesy Gardening Tips- To be continued)

Taylor Swift: Why She Stopped ‘Punishing’ Selena Gomez For Justin Bieber Relationship Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are back together, and now a source tells HollywoodLife.com that Taylor Swift has finally ‘stopped giving Selena grief’ over their relationship.

It’s no secret that Taylor Swift, 24, is not a big fan of Justin Bieber, 20. Taylor and Selena Gomez, 22, have almost had their friendship ripped apart because of Jelena drama, but a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that things are different this time around.

Why Taylor Swift Stopped “Punishing’ Selena Gomez For Dating Justin Bieber Taylor thinks Selena is “crazy” for taking Justin back — again — but she’s not letting it

affect their friendship anymore.

“Selena’s friends have given up trying to get her to break-up with Justin, even Taylor’s stopped giving her grief over it,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “They think she’s crazy for taking him back, but they’re not going to punish her for it.” But don’t rush to conclusions — this doesn’t mean Taylor’s a Belieber!

Taylor still can’t stand Justin, but she doesn’t want to lose Selena over it so she’s backing off,” our source confesses. “She wants Selena to be happy and Justin is making her really happy, so it’s hard to be mad at that!”

We’re thrilled to hear that Taylor and Selena

Ariana Grande & Big Sean ‘Falling In Love’

Even though they were busted holding hands backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 24, Ariana Grande and Big Sean have stayed super silent on their relationship status. But they can’t keep their love secret forever!

Ariana Grande, 21, and Big Sean, 26, have been friends for years, but a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that the “Best Mistake” collaborators have way more than great musical chemistry together! The two “can’t hide” their love anymore, our source spills. When will they come clean about their romance?

Big Sean & Ariana Grande In Love: Will Come Out As Couple

Soon Why hide it? Ariana’s career is on fire these days — and her love life is just as hot! A source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that the “Problem” singer and rapper Big Sean are on the verge of taking their romance public!

“They’re trying to decide how to handle this because they weren’t planning on telling people, but it’s getting to the point where they can’t hide it anymore, they’re falling in love and they don’t like having to lie about it.” The duo kept things on the down low to keep the focus on their song “They wanted to keep it a secret because they were worried it would take away from the music. Her team

won’t let a boy get between their friendship again.

How The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Saved Selena & Taylor’s Friendship As we previously reported, Taylor challenged Selena to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

When Selena accepted, it broke the ice and the girls started talking again!

“After Selena did the challenge Taylor was happy and reached out to Selena and they talked for a long time mostly through text,” a source told HollywoodLife.com. “They were very friendly with each other and built up their friendliness with each other again. They are now in a really good place.”

— Coming Out As Couple Soon

would rather she stay single, but Ariana does what she wants, she’s not the type to let anyone tell her what to do or who to love. They’re going to come out as a couple very soon, because she wants to tell the world how amazing Sean is, she hates having to hide it,” our source reveals.

We agree, there’s no reason to hide such happy news!

Ariana Grande Breaks Silence On Dating Big Sean Even though Ariana and Sean haven’t made any announcements yet, she did address all the rumors about their love life when she talked to Ryan Seacrest on Aug. 27. Well, sort of!

“I mean, I guess, curiosity man,

it’ll kill you,” she said. “I don’t know what to say, Ryan.

Why are you doing this me?” Then she added: “I’ll tell you

when we’re not on the air. I trust you. I’ve known you a long time. I don’t know about these millions of people listening in

right now.”

OK, time to stop playing coy and just admit it already Ariana! You guys make a really cute couple.

MTV Video Music Awards Best Moments: Beyonce, Nicki Minaj & More

One of the biggest nights in music — the MTV Video Music Awards on August 24 — brought plenty of awesome moments and performances. Browse through our gallery and see our favorites! Then, tell us: what was YOUR favorite part of the show?

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the The Forum in Inglewood, California on Aug. 24, and there were so many memorable moments! From Nicki Minaj‘s raunchy performance of “Anaconda” to Beyonce’s mega performance and acceptance of the Video Vanguard Award, we loved seeing all of our favorite stars.

MTV Video Music Awards — Best Show Moments

Here are some of our favourite moments from the show (in no particular order): 1. Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” performance was her sexiest and wildest live performance ever! It intro’d her new song, “Bang Bang” with such an intense twerking performance — it put Miley Cyrus to shame! (Did we mention that Nicki also suffered a wardrobe malfunction?)

2. Taylor Swift, who rocked her signature red lip, performed her brand-new song “Shake It Off” — and it was perfect. She looked gorgeous during her stunning performance!

3. Beyonce performed a 15-song medley and then happily accepted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Plus, the singer ’s husband, Jay Z, and daughter, Blue Ivy, supported her during the one-in-a-lifetime moment — it was so touching!

4. Common requested a moment of silence for Mike Brown, a black teen who was shot a killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

5. Katy Perry imitated an extremely iconic moment in red carpet history: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake‘s matching denim outfits from the 2001 American Music Awards!

6. Ariana Grande showed her first PDA with boyfriend Big Sean, when they were spotted holding hands backstage, proving they’re officially a couple!

There were certainly way too many great moments to pick just one as our favorite, so we’ll leave that up to YOU! What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Which VMA moment was your favorite? Click through our gallery, vote in our poll and tell us how you feel in the comments section.