Pepperpot epaper 08 28 2016

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Contestants Abigail Mohabir and Britianny Singh pose for Chronicle photographer Samuel Maughn

‘Retribution’

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

- The sixth annual final exam of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama

T

By Subraj Singh here is no doubt that the students who pursue studies at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD) have one of the most bizarre and most intense final assessments to be found in the country. Sure, many students complain about sitting in a classroom and writing the series of essays which constitute their final exams and they definitely have the right to complain because of everything that comes with sitting an exam

– the difficulty, the pressure, the amount of energy required – and although students at the NSTAD do sit such written exams also, the final part of showcasing the skills and training they have acquired at the school comes in the form of a public performance, where they are graded by their lecturers as they complete the last phase of their tenure at the NSTAD before being able to graduate.

This public performance is now a tradition at the Drama School and, as evidenced in the title “Performance 6”, there have been five others of the same performed

(Students perform in Everyman’s End Photo Credit: Mr. Godfrey Phil, Department of Culture) by the previous batches of students over the years at the NSTAD. The students of the 2015/2016 academic year chose “Retribution” as their subtitle (subtitles are also another tradition the school, e.g. “Performance 5: Rituals”, “Performance 4: Resurrection”, “Performance 2: Pandora’s Box”, etc.) because retribution was one of the major themes that kept recurring in many of the plays that the students were putting on show.

The National Cultural Centre’s auditorium, described by NSTAD’s Director of Studies, Mr. Al Creighton, in his speech as

an “examination room” held a solid portion of audience members who turned out to witness the Performance on the 20th August, when it was held. Once the audience members were settled, the show began and the students began to perform the plays, revealing costumes, sets, dialogue, and all the rehearsals that had been worked on for several weeks. The students were clearly focused on not only obtaining the grades they needed, but also on entertaining and educating the audience, as all good theatre is meant to do.

The opening performance was the recitation of an excerpt from Eve Ensler’s

iconic feminist masterpiece, The Vagina Monologues, which was performed by four actresses from the NSTAD, and set to the music of Nina Simone. This particular piece came out of the school’s Music class and employed dance, acting, vocal skills and, of course, music.

It was a strong performance, due in part to the actresses’ skill, and also because of the relevance of its themes of empowerment, abuse, trafficking and hope, all of which clearly resonated with the Guyanese audience.

The students then ► Continued on page III

(A Scene from In Deep Photo Credit: Mr. Godfrey Phil, Department of Culture)

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

(A scene from Monae Matters Photo Credit: Mr. Godfrey Phil, Department of Culture) ► From page II moved away from what the Guyanese audience was used to with their presentation of Everyman’s End, a play that was adapted from a piece of Medieval theatre.

The play focused on the themes of religion, morality, good and evil and offered the students the opportunity to use several postmodernist techniques in their presentation of the play.

The second half of the program contained three plays that the students created based on several emotions that they had chosen to work with. Sorrow, lust, anger, pathos, envy and joy were some of the emotions that

led to the creations of plays.

All three of the plays were in realm of theatre known as Realism, basically meaning that these plays can almost serve as snapshots of scenes that can exist in everyday life – with realistic sets, costumes, dialogue, etc. Realistic theatre is very prevalent in Guyana and, perhaps due to the ease of accessibility to the ideas in that form of theatre, the realistic plays, mostly comedic in nature, were thoroughly lapped up by the audience on the night of the Performance.

Monae Matters, written

by Yashwantie Rampertab, Ackeeni Bentick and Lakeisha Adams, dealt with prostitution, presenting the very

dramatic situation of a mother who enters the world of the streetwalkers in order to provide for her daughter only to find out, through a series of ironic twists, that what she has been trying to salvage has already been long lost.

The homey feel of the mother’s initial interactions with her daughter formed a nice contrast with the sultry interactions between the prostitutes on the road and, along with the lewd conversations, dancing and neon-coloured wigs did help to convey the shifting circumstances of the single mother and to express the emotions on which the play was built.

In Deep, written by Uso Telford, was the title of the

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(Students perform in Everyman’s End Photo Credit: Mr. Godfrey Phil, Department of Culture) second play built on emotions that the students of NSTAD presented. Like Monae Matters, this play also focused on recurring tropes that exists in Guyanese realistic theatre – in this case, that of the cheating husband and extramarital affairs. However, the playwright and the team behind this play creatively managed to turn the concept on its head by executing a piece that diverged from the common and attempted to offer instead a new take on a familiar subject.

Life Eh was written by Colleen Humphrey, and although the play was not a perfect one, it was bolstered by some of actors in the cast and one was definitely able

to see the potential of the play, which was filled with ideas that could ultimately contribute to a solid play.

The obeah-woman who has her own tricks turned back on her, the boy who uncovers a secret that changes his life, and the young girl toying with the affections of a man in order to get money from him were all ripe with the potential for good theatre.

Overall, it seemed as though the current batch of NSTAD students were very focused on comedic and realist theatre, which kind of stands in contrast to the performances of the previous batches of NSTAD students where the more tragic, along with post-

modernist, absurdist and Caribbean theatre, came to the forefront. This is in no way problematic since both comedy and realism are both important pillars of theatre, especially in Guyana where they are more popular than any other forms. In this way then, the current batch of NSTAD students have presented the theatre most recognized by the Guyanese people and the type of theatre that is most enjoyed by the Guyanese people. Their performances are just as important as those of their predecessors who sought to present the type of theatre found on the contemporary global stage.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

By Subraj Singh

Derek Walcott’s The Schooner Flight (Part III)

As mentioned previously, “The Schooner Flight” is one of my favourite poems from Walcott’s Collected Poems 1948 – 1984. Even now, as we have arrived at the final article on this particular poem, it is important to note that there are still many facets of the poem that is yet to be discussed and analyzed, many aspects of poem with much relevance to those of us in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Although Walcott begins the poem in what can be considered the contemporary Caribbean, as the poem moves along we see him beginning to often shift back into the past in order to emphasize the direct connection between the history of the West Indies and how our history has shaped what we are today. Take for example when he writes of the Middle Passage and describes the European sailors as “…men with rusty eyeholes like canons, / and whenever their half-naked crews cross the sun, / right through their tissue you traced their bones like leaves against the sunlight…” (lines 210-213).

Literary critic, Mary Fuller, in her article “Myths of Identity in Derek Walcott’s ‘The Schooner Flight’” is quick to note that “While the sailors on the frigates were not only visible, but transparent, the denizens of the slave ships remain buried, unseen, unnamed” (Fuller 19).

The lack of details about the enslaved Africans in this part of the poem, when weighed against all of the imagery and metaphors that are presented to us about the white men, is an important step Walcott takes to drive home the point that the Africans on board the ship are stripped of their identity and humanity; we know nothing about them – they are voiceless. The connection between Shabine, the poem’s persona, representative of the contemporary West Indian, and the slaves, becomes clearer when the slaves themselves are referred to as “Shabines.” Such a connection might indicate that some West Indians of today are still “bound” and enslaved – to ideals, certain ideologies,

the system – in a cycle of challenges and ordeals that began with their ancestors.

Later on in the poem, Walcott shifts his focus to the predecessors of the Africans in this part of the world – the indigenous peoples of the West Indies – writing that “Progress is something to ask Caribs about / They kill them by the millions, some in war, / some by forced labour dying in the mines, / looking for silver, after niggers; more / progress…” (lines 306-310). Walcott is clearly talking about the Carib genocides and the enslavement of the Caribs by the Europeans, all of which was done in the name of “progress.”

Walcott clearly believes that the human rights factor is important in any form of progress and he makes sure to let us know through his poem that progress was once a reason used to enslave and murder entire peoples. It almost seems to be a warning from Walcott to the contemporary Caribbean to be wary of the methods we choose on our way to progress.

The point being made seems to be that we should be able to remember and learn from our history.

Walcott bravely tries to assess and solve the Caribbean’s identity issues in “The Schooner Flight” and by linking our history to our present, Walcott is able to show how those two aspects of time come together to shape our collective West Indian identity, and all the problems that come with it.

(Faber and Faber, 1992)

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

V

Binge Eating Disorder Hello everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

Today I’ll be talking about the third, final and most common type of eating disorder – Binge Eating Disorder. I previously wrote about Anorexia and Bulimia – both equally serious conditions.

An individual suffering from Binge Eating Disorder will uncontrollably eat large amounts of food without the purging (purposely throwing up) that a Bulimic will do. Therefore, this group are more likely to be overweight or obese. It usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and like other eating disorders, is more common among females than males. The bingeing feels comforting at the time as it is usually a way of coping with stress, anger or sadness. However, the binge always results in feelings of regret and self-loathing. Those feelings are then dealt with eating again- it’s a vicious cycle.

We all overeat from time to time – on holidays or birthdays or some of us eat to deal with certain emotions/situations. For example, if I am very stressed, I wouldn’t touch food but if I’m very bored, food becomes my companion. Whatever the reason we overeat, we know that feeling don’t we? That of laziness, regret and discomfort. Well imagine feeling like that every single day.

The media actually tends to make fun of this serious condition. A notable instance is the “Fat Bastard” character from the Austin Power series. He is known for saying “I eat because I’m unhappy and I’m unhappy because I eat.” Almost everyone who saw this probably laughed (myself included) but it is conveying a serious message.

Binge eating disorders cause serious physical, psychological and social issues such as heart problems, high blood pressure, drug abuse, complete isolation, suicidal thoughts and so much more.

A sufferer will constantly think about food, and when there is a chance to eat, it is done uncontrollably, usually in secret and until they feel sick. They feel ashamed after every time they eat. There are constant feelings of guilt, stress, embarrassment, disgust, self-hatred and again, these feelings are dealt with by consuming more food.

Like every other mental illness, there are several contributing factors. Firstly, I believe it’s due to the social pressure to be thin these days- it’s exhausting and completely unrealistic how society expects women (and yes, sometimes men) to look.

Secondly, binge eating is common when there is a pre-existing mental illness such as depression, self-harm and high anxiety. The binging is used as coping with these disorders.

Persons with a family history of binge eating disorder are also more likely to develop it- for example, if your mother or father suffered from it, you are more likely to. Emotional, physical and sexual abuse are also common causes.

How do we treat Binge Eating Disorder?

My first advice when it comes to any mental illness is always go to your nearest health centre to voice your concerns.

I’m not going to lie, overcoming binge eating is extremely difficult, but it is possible. It is one of the most difficult addictions as you cannot remain completely abstinent- we need food for survival. Therefore, a healthier relationship with food needs to be developed.

That means, one needs to pay attention and identify the triggers that may cause them to eat- stress, sadness, loneliness, fear etc. - and find other ways to deal with these emotions.

Keeping a food diary (writing down everything you eat and how you feel before and after) will help to see patterns emerge.

When these emotions and patterns are identified, it’s time to find healthy replacements to manage stress and increase effective coping mechanisms. For example, make time for exercise, get good sleep, pick up a new hobby or socialise more. Avoiding temptation helps a lot. This means not keeping excessive amount of food in the house. Find activities to go out and do - a common reason for over eating is boredom.

I found it very difficult to convey just how serious this disorder can be so I have included an anonymous story of a recovering Guyanese binge eater. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 4:15 Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:15 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Confessions of a Binge Eater

“

I cannot remember exactly when the problem started. I remember I was studying abroad and was away from my family. I’m not sure exactly if that had anything to do with it but I’m sure it didn’t help.

I’m not fat by any means, I’ve always been called “thick” in the best way possible but I never remembered a time where I truly felt comfortable with my body- despite the compliments.

I always had a problem eating in public – as I felt fat and that maybe people would judge me.

I was always embarrassed, even around my closest friends. For example, if we ordered a pizza, everyone would take one piece and chill and drink and I always wanted anotherbut was too ashamed to take it so I wouldn’t be thought of as the “fat one.”

It started out with small things like that. It then got worse very quickly- I realised I was eating to feel better about everything. I ate when I had a bad day at work, if someone got me upset, if my friends wouldn’t answer the phone. Ironically, I mostly ate when I looked in the mirror and hated my body. You would think that would make me want to eat less, yes? Wrong! That terrible self-image and low self-esteem just fuelled my eating more.

I remember going to class in the morning and be so anxious by the end of the day to go home and eat- pure junk at that. It was whatever fast food joint that was closest to my house.

I would also go to the supermarket before home to pick up my favourites – loads of chips, chocolate and ice cream. Of course, I always hated myself after bingeing so I always told myself that I won’t do this again tomorrow. That means, I never bought enough for the next day. Therefore every single day I went to the super market.

I would mostly see the same cashiers every day, so I started to go out of my way to different grocery stores so I wouldn’t feel judged. Sometimes I would go to two in one day as I couldn’t buy everything in one place- again because I was embarrassed. I remember one time my roommate came home early and saw all the stuff I bought – I had to lie and say it was for the week and not just for tonight. Of course, I ate it all that night and had to replace some of the exact items the next day so she wouldn’t notice I ate it all.

I remember when things got really bad. I started to feel really sick, lazy and had a belly ache all the time- of course because of the amount of food I was consuming. I came up with a plan that would allow me to eat more and not feel so physically ill. I started smoking marijuana, or weed. I had smoked it a few times before and I remember it gave you the “munchies.” I literally couldn’t stop eating so this helped me to easily consume more food.

This went on for a long time- a few months I would say. I smoked weed daily so I could eat more and more.

I remember when I realised this couldn’t continue. I had completely hated myself and everything and everyone around me. I knew I needed it to stop. I tried everything- dieting, eating healthier, stopped smoking the weed- everything. Sometimes I was successful – I would go like 2-3 days without bingeing. However when something stressful happened, I was right back where I started.

The self – hatred became so much that was willing to resort to anything to stop eating and lose weight. That’s where the cocaine came in. I had read somewhere that cocaine stops you from eating – so I tried it. It worked but I also wasn’t sleeping because of it and I felt very sad almost every morning. I cannot tell you how much I hated myself at this point.

I didn’t know what to do. I was in a downward spiral and a vicious cycle.

I decided to go to group meetings – particularly Overeaters Anonymous which did help. However, I finally decided to move back home and get the best support I need.

While there are no such meetings in Guyana, I saw regular counsellors and got the help I needed. I’ve been home for about four years now and I feel almost fully recovered. If I have a very bad day, I do tend to eat more than I should, which just tells me this is a long journey… but I’m getting better every day.”

Anonymous

VI

Do you need an implant?

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n recent times, there has been an unprecedented appearance of frequent advertisements in the local print media from dentists soliciting patients for dental implants. Clearly this cannot be of concern to me personally because I myself do dental implants.

However, I consider it my obvious responsibility to provide the public with a clear understanding about the fundamentals of implant dentistry especially bearing in mind the very high cost of the procedure.

Implants are posts (usually made of a metal called titanium) that are surgically placed beneath your gums to act as artificial tooth roots once they have become integrated with the surrounding bone. These implants offer stable support to artificial teeth, whether in the form of a single crown, a fixed bridge, or beneath a removable denture.

A conventional fixed bridge still remains an excellent treatment option. However, many individuals who have lost or who will be losing a single tooth may be hesitant to grind down their intact adjacent teeth, especially when the adjacent teeth are free of cavities or restorations. For these individuals, a single tooth dental implant may be the ideal option.

As with any medical or dental procedure, the placement of implants may have a compromised success rate in certain individuals. Some of the reasons to exclude dental implants as a treatment option include: insufficient bone quantity, poor bone quality, inadequate amount of space between your upper and lower teeth, vital anatomical structure in close proximity to the proposed implant site, unrealistic expectations about the aesthetic outcome, or a still growing mouth and face (patient too young).

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus troubles can have the potential to interfere with the integration of bone to these implants. Individuals who smoke regularly will usually have a poorer prognosis (expected post-treatment status) for the implants in the long run. However, with proper treatment planning, placement selection, and by utilising the appropriate style of implant, the level of success has been tremendous.

To find out if implants are the right choice for you, your dentist will need to evaluate your health history, take impressions of your mouth for planning models, and take the necessary dental x-rays. Your dentist will most likely refer you to have a CAT scan performed to help establish the quality and quantity of your bone, along with determining the best placement and the number of Dr. BERTRAND implants that will be required for long term R. STUART, DDS. success.

Implants are more successful in different areas of the mouth because of the various qualities of bone. For example, the front segment of the lower jaw has the densest bone, while the back portion of the upper jaw usually has bone that is softer and more porous. Implants will have a better chance of success in an area of denser bone.

If it is discovered that you do not have enough bone in certain areas, do not give up hope. Recent studies have proven that implants can be quite successful in bone that has been augmented by either natural or synthetic bone grafts. The degree to which new bone will form within the grafted site differs from one individual to another depending on the type of graft used and the overall health of the patient.

The long term success of implants is, in part, determined by meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Although you cannot develop cavities or gum disease with implants, it is possible to develop what is called peri-implantitis, which is inflammation of the tissues around the implants. The most famous case of this was the American superstar singer James Brown who had fifteen of his dental implants fall out completely during his imprisonment for the illegal possession of a firearm.

To prevent such inflammation keep brushing and flossing as you normally would your own teeth, and do not forget to schedule your regular check-ups.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY AND EMPOWERMENT OF GUYANESE YOUTH

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he Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has over the last 30 years been encouraging young people to get into the mainstream of national life. In the GCA, there has been consistent drive to get youth to be involved in the work of the Association and to serve in its various offices.

We therefore welcomed the advent of the annual commemoration of International Youth Day on 12th August last. Since International youth Day was first commemorated under the auspices of the United Nations in 2000, its observances and themes have increasingly caught the attention and imagination of governments world-wide.

In most developing countries such as Guyana, youth forms a majority of the population. It is now realized that Society could never be happy, prosperous and fully creative except youth are involved and empowered at all levels.

In Guyana, Government, Opposition, all political parties, NGO's and religious bodies are committed to youth development and stand on the same platform. This is one of the few issues which have such universal endorsement and support from otherwise contentious groups.

The theme of this year's Youth Day was "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production." This theme, though it stresses job-creation, equally involves learning to use the opportunities of financial services, participation in public life, adequate health care and education including perfection in income-earning skills.

The Government of Guyana has put forward a National Youth Development Policy. Many of the developing countries worldwide have likewise been adumbrating such policies and whatever are the imperfections of all such policies, the important thing is that the positive uplifting and empowering of youth has now become

accepted as a permanent policy and agenda of the overwhelming majority of countries.

Education has always been part of the agenda for Youth Development but greater skill, experience and expertise need to be tapped when framing educational policies and the content of such education. Children and young people need to read far more and be introduced to the world's classics. If they read the world's classics, they would not only drink of their distilled wisdom, but would be improving their understanding of the Human Condition and fellow-humans, raising their cultural levels and at the same time enter a new world of enjoyment.

Job-creation is one of the most pervasive and important of youth policies but this is mainly treated as businesses and other agencies creating the jobs where young people could find employment.

Self-employment is by far the better option, but self-employment needs a great deal of background conditioning

PAT DIAL and guidance.

Indeed, unlike half a century ago, today's youth seem to be far more enterprising, more innovative and more articulate and provide good material for being self-employed and creating their own businesses. Those who may be working on youth development therefore have

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CONSUMER

CONCERNS: an excellent infrastructure on which to build.

Parental conditioning of children and young people is extremely helpful in creating successful self-employed and entrepreneurs. Children and young people have to be taught to save and fully utilize the goods and services for which they have paid.

They have to be taught that money is not only for consumption but also must be used to generate wealth.

They have to learn to take risks. For example, if many who live in rented accommodation took the risk and made the sacrifice of buying a house-lot or a small house, the property will most likely appreciate in value, or if they lived in their own house, the rent they would have paid

would go towards paying off for the property.

Parents who belong to cultural groups where such entrepreneurial values are weak, should be introduced to such values which could be useful to them and may even transform their lives. Such parents would then be able to condition their children.

Parental conditioning could make youth empowerment far more possible and successful, allowing youth to have their rightful place in society and be able to achieve social and economic betterment thus helping to create a more stable, prosperous and happier society. ( To contact the GCA, write to Mr Pat Dial: patdial26@ gmail.com)

VIII

Senior Counsel Jagan verses the Ganpats

IN 1999, Senior Counsel Dereck Jagan had claimed from Karran Ganpat, et all, $24. 5 million for legal services rendered, but this was refused him by a High Court Judge and the Guyana Court of Appeal.

The respondents denied that there was an agreement to pay $25 million but submitted that the agreement was for them to pay $50, 000 for each letter written on their

behalf, which was done.

The trial judge rejected the appellant’s evidence and accepted that of the respondents. The appellant claimed that the trial judge misdirected himself on the evidence.

The Guyana Court of Appeal held that the case was purely dependent on the facts and there was no reason to say that the trial judge erred in not believing the appellant.

It also held that the Ap-

pellant’s evidence that the first respondent had agreed to pay him $25 million as fees even if the claim was unsuccessful was so improbably that it would tax the credibility of even the most trusting mind.

Rex McKay, S.C. and Edward Luckhoo, S.C., appeared for the appellant while Khemraj Ramjattan appeared for the respondents.

The Court of Appeal was

constituted by Cecil Kennard, Chancellorm and Justices of Appeal Maurice Churaman and Lennox Perry.

Delivering the judgment Chancellor Kennard noted that the appellant had instituted proceedings by way of a specially endorsed writ in the High Court claiming from the respondents the sum of $24.5 million, being the balance of the sum of $25, 000 which the respondents through the first-named respondent had agreed to pay for legal services rendered by the appellant for pursuing certain claims against two insurance companies, namely Caribbean Home Insurance Company , whose agents in Guyana are John Fernandes Insurance Limited and the Hand in Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited.

The respondents’ business premises, with its stocks, situated at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank, Demerara, which were destroyed by fire, were insured by the respondents with the above mentioned two companies against loss by fire.

It was the appellant’s case at the High Court trial, as revealed in his statement of claim, and support by his evidence at the trial ,that in the month of August, 1995 the 1st named respondent had consulted him with a view of commencing negotiations with two insurance companies with a view of having their claims satisfied by the said two companies.

The appellant alleged that there was an agreement between himself and 1st named respondent who is the alter ego for the 2nd named respondent, for him to be paid a fee of $20 million in respect of the claims against Caribbean Home Insurance Company and a further fee of $5 million in respect of the claim against the Hand in Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Limited.

It was the further contention of the Appellant that the agreement between himself and the 1st named respondent was that the fee of $25 million was payable whether or not the said claims were settled out of court or whether or not it became necessary to prosecute the respondents claims in the High Court for the recovery of the amounts claimed by the respondents against the two insurance companies.

After negotiations with the two companies ,so the appellant contended, they agreed to pay the respondents a total sum of $155.6 million. Of this amount, $130 million was paid by Caribbean Home Insurance Company and the balance of $25.6 million was paid by Hand –in-Hand.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

By George Barclay The appellant claimed that he was paid a total sum of $430, 000 as his fees made as follows: $100, 000 by cheque on 18-12-95 $50,000 by cheque on 24-09-96 US$2000 by cheque on 6-11-96 The equivalent Guyana dollars for this latter amount at the rate of $140(G) to $1(US) being $280, leaving a balance of $24.5 million, which he had claimed in the High Court and which had been dismissed by the trial judge.

In defence, the respondents had disputed that there was any such arrangement, as was contended for by the Appellant but the 1st named respondent had testified at the trial that the arrangement was for him to pay the appellant the sum of $50, 000 for each letter written on their behalf to the two Insurance Companies.

The respective cases of the parties were summarised by the trial judge, who had dismissed the Appellant's claim for the balance of $24, 570 in the High Court in the following terms: “The Plaintiff contended that there was an agreed fee of $20 (M) payable by the defendant on the conclusion of the claim against Caribbean Home Insurance Company and a further fee at the conclusion of the claim against Hand –in-Hand .

“On the other hand, the Defendant claimed the agreement between himself and the plaintiff was that he had retained the latter to speed up the process in relation to his claims and that the Plaintiff had charged him a fee of $50, 000 for each letter that he sent and this he had agreed to pay.”

At the High Court trial, only two persons had testified, namely, the Appellant and the 1st named respondent. After listening to the evidence of the parties and the submission of Counsel on both sides, who are the same here, the trial judge dismissed the Appellant’s case and in his written judgment he had stated inter alia: “The Defendant stated that the arrangement with

the plaintiff was that he was to pay him $50, 000 for each such letter that was sent by the plaintiff on his behalf.

This version of the arrangement I accepted as being true after seeing the parties in the witness box and hearing their evidence.

“Apart from seeing the parties and hearing their evidence on an examination of the exhibits, I am fortified in view that the defendant was speaking the truth.

“In the circumstances, taking the evidence of both the plaintiff and the Defendant as a whole , I accepted the Defendant’s evidence as being truthful and rejected the Plaintiff ’s evidence whenever it conflicted with that of the Defendant and as such I hold that the arrangement was that the Plaintiff was to be paid $50, 000 per letter which was done.”

The Chancellor added: “Bearing in mind that the greatest weight has to be attached to the findings of the trial judge who saw and heard the witnesses (per Viscount Dilhome in Onasis v.

Vergothis (supra) at p. 416 ) I must dismiss the appeal and affirm the order of the trial judge as I do not consider that there sufficient reasons for displacing the decision of the trial judge.”

Justice of Appeal Lennox Perry, who concurred, added: “I have had the pleasure of reading the judgment of the Learned Chancellor in this matter and I entirely agree with his findings on the facts and the law as set out by him.

“The facts have been so clearly defined and set out that I do not intend to repeat the.

“The issue in this matter is clearly one of fact and the clear indication is that the learned trial judge did not believe or accept the evidence of the Appellant Dereck Jagan.

“The learned trial judge had the benefit of seeing and hearing both the Appellant and the Respondent and made up his mind as to who he believed.

“Had I been sitting as a Judge of the High Court in this matter I could hardly have come to any conclusion different from the one to which the learned trial judge came.”

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Corentyne girl revives family’s chowmein manufacturing business

Naiomi Narine

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- Has eyes set on Caribbean market

A year ago, she was just sitting at home, a 22-year old without opportunities in her wake. This changed when a friend informed her about the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is being run in collaboration with the government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.

A

By Alva Solomon

she said confidently. She submitted proposals to the project coordinators and received funding from SKYE to start her business venture. t first glance, Naiomi Narine offers a smile to anyone who looks in her diShe said that the machines , which are housed at the family’s home , mixes the raw marection. She seems relaxed, confident and quiet, and very unassuming, but terials , presses the mixture several times , and then a cutter cuts the chowmein according to beneath all of that a determined manufacturer who is looking to have her various sizes and then it is manually separated and cut once again after which it is placed in brand of chowmein on the shelves of Caribbean supermarkets. trays and then packaged .

Narine, who hails from the village of Hampshire on the Corentyne, has She undertakes all of the work on her own, while her parents would offer assistance to her reinvented a family business which fell by the wayside several years ago. This may be the in the process. She said that the marketing includes the packaged product being sold to various reason behind the branding of her “Ron’s and Daughter” brand chowmein, quality noodles restaurants and supermarkets in the area. The bags are branded in the area by a local printing which have already hit the shelves in Berbice and is in demand by the Chinese restaurants on company while her father helps her with delivery. the Corentyne Coast.

“I work according to how I receive orders from people , sometimes 100 to 300 bags each A year ago, she was just sitting at home, week,” she said, noting that she also manua 22-year old without opportunities in her factures chowmein in whole wheat form and wake. This changed when a friend informed this type of noodle is usually procured by her about the Skills and Knowledge for Youth pharmacies .

Employment (SKYE) project of the United Expansion States Agency for International Development Now that she has an understanding of the (USAID), which is being run in collaboration manufacturing aspects of the project and the with the government’s Sustainable Livelihood market, Naomi is preparing to venture into the and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Caribbean market. She said that the packaging programme. may be slightly improved and once she is able She found out that a component of the to establish a market in the region, she has programme, called the Work Ready Plus iniplans to take her business to another level, tiative was being introduced to the Corentyne which may include other noodle products. area and she readily applied for a place in But beyond the chowmein machines, Naiothe programme. She said that after attending mi is working to expand her literary skills. She classes for five weeks from December 2015 said that she always wanted to be a journalist into February this year, she was determined to but time may tell what will become of that start her own business, having capitalized on dream . At the moment, she is working on a the training offered. series of books, a three-part publication of She was taught a range of skills including poems she’s written. ethics in the workplace, how to address custom“I like poems and I wish to have it puber related matters, budgeting and marketing. lished for others to read,” she said with her Naomi, who is an only child, then set her confident trademark smile. eyes on her project. But the resuscitation of the There are many who helped and encourfamily’s chowmein manufacturing machines, aged her along the way, but she credits her which were lying idle at the time, was no easy success thus to the support of her parents. task.

“My father is a rock; my parents are always Naiomi and her chowmein noodles at a recent exhibition where she graduated “It was passed down from generations and from the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development there for me and they are a great help. I cannot now it was my turn to make it into something,” (SLED) initiative. do anything without my parents,” she said.

X Joseph Augustus Musa

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

No more turtle and alligator tail for Joseph Musa, 102

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By Tajeram Mohabir here are just a few Guyanese who are currently over the magical 100, and Joseph Augustus Musa is among them.

Born on December 8, 1913, Musa who is now visually-impaired is 102, and

God’s willing, would be 103 in December.

The Ogle Front, East Coast Demerara resident is being cared for by his daughter Barbara Musa and granddaughter Sandra King, who grew up under his watch.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited Musa on Thursday, he had just woken up and was being attended to by his granddaughter King.

She related that her grandfather, from time to time, holds long conversations of life in his earlier days, but it happens when he is in the mood.

Nowadays, Musa only remembers the names of his close relatives, notably those who take care of him.

He was born at Long Creek, an Indigenous village deep in the Demerara River to a mother of Indigenous extraction and a father who was of African origin.

In his younger days, he worked as a stevedore and as a logger part-time.

According to King, many times her grandfather related to her his adventures transporting logs down river, all by himself.

“He used to tell me that it was a long journey and hard work. He used to transport the big logs in a boat driven by himself from the Berbice River to Georgetown.

“He used to tell us that in the pitch black night, all sorts of strange sounds could be heard on the river, you could hardly tell what from what, but anything which came

close to his boat without warning was in peril.”

Coming from a poor family, Musa had to drop out of school to support his siblings and he worked hard in his younger days to make ends meet.

Barbara could not remember at what age her father got married, but noted that from what was told to her, he was in his fifties when he tied the knot.

His marriage produced two children; his wife died many years ago at age 72.

But aside from the two born in wedlock, he had three other children, one of whom has since died.

“My grandfather was a ‘Sweetboy’ in his days; he was a peaceful, humble and honest man, but had plenty women and used to regale us with all sorts of stories of people who he encountered.

Musa retired as a stevedore at age 60, and upon retirement, he worked as a security guard until he was 70, when Barbara urged him to stop working.

At his advance age, Musa suffers from no known illness and King credited his longevity to being an honest and peaceful man and for his love for wild meat.

This publication was told that the elderly man in his younger days had a deep love for Pepperpot which used to include, labba, turtle and alligator tail.

Today, he stays off that heavy diet and settles for more manageable foods.

Joseph Musa (in his 70s) with his daughter Sandra in New York

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Teenage mother swept schools to continue her education, and she is soon to graduate from university

XI

Shawndelle Thom

- How Shawndelle Thom moved from a teenage mom to a teacher

“

In fact, I opted to take the (sweeping) job with the school because I knew that I wanted to go back to school. So it gave me an opportunity to pay for it on my own.”

T

By Shirley Thomas here’s a motivational quote from Russell Warren that says: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.”

It means that success comes from admitting that you have made a mistake, and that you are determined to get up and do better.

For Shawndelle Thom, 37, of Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, the saying holds true.

At age 14, she dropped out of school, and two years later she gave birth to her first son.

But instead of giving up, she was determined to turn her life around, pick the pieces up and move on.

Her firm resolve was to succeed, and that meant completing school; the mistake she made would not doom her to a life of failure.

She attended the West Demerara Secondary School, but did not get a chance to write the CXC Examinations there.

At the time she dropped out of school, she was just in fourth form.

Thankfully, the boy she became pregnant for was committed to her and the relationship and they remained together, lived together and eventually got married at age 23, by which time they had two other boys, now ages 18 and 15.

Initially, they shared a home with her mother-in-law, and fortunately for her, they had no problems living under the same roof.

“We had cordial and not strained relations, and in fact my mother-in-law accepted me as she would a daughter and gave me the very best treatment. She was always there for me, and even looked after my children throughout infancy and even as I began working and pursuing my academic studies,” she stated.

Her husband, she said, has proven to be a tower of strength for her and the children.

Shawndelle’s first job was as a Sweeper/Cleaner at the Versailles Nursery School.

“In fact, I opted to take the (sweeping) job with the school because I knew that I wanted to go back to school. So it gave me an opportunity to pay for it on my own.”

On this note, she expressed special gratitude to the head of the school, Miss Tulsidai Jairam, who would always say to her, “Baby, go back to school and write exams cause you have the ability.” Miss Jairam encouraged her by giving her small tasks to do, such as keeping records.

Today, she is grateful that somebody saw that potential in her and gave her encouragement.

She enrolled with the Adult Education Association and there wrote the exams offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council.

She was successful and was motivated to keep moving on. Thus her next move was to attend the Critchlow Labour College where she did the Certificate in Industrial and Social Studies and later studied business.

Again, she was successful and began feeling on top of the world.

“Yes, I began feeling good about myself,” she said.

During those years, she saw herself performing the triple roles of mother, Sweeper/Cleaner and student, getting home from Critchlow Labour College at nights.

“But thanks to my husband and mother-in-law and their supportive family, I did it and came through well.”

She also expressed gratitude to her own mother, Mrs.Hyacinth Chase, for the part she played in her life. She acknowledged that her mother worked to instill good values in her, “but I think maybe it was just that I was a little rebellious.”

She took up studies in business only because she wanted to get academic certificates.

“In fact, as I was growing up, I always wanted to become a journalist. I would listen to the Radio and was always impressed with persons like Margaret Lawrence and Ron Robinson.”

As time went by Shawndelle found herself firmly grounded in the education system.

Around 2008, she entered the Cyril Potter College of Education where she pursued studies in Early Childhood Education, majoring in English and graduated with a Credit.

“Well that did it for me! I was excited when I heard the announcement. I literally cried, I couldn’t hold back the tears,” she said. And having been grounded in the Pouderoyen Church of God, the admonition immediately came back to her: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It was then she knew for sure that she was not going to stop at the level of CPCE, but move on to University of Guyana.

Soon after graduating (by August 1, 2011), she clinched her first professional job, and was appointed Assistant Mistress of the Goed Fortuin Primary School, West Bank Demerara and was sent to teach English in the Community High Department where she worked for two terms. She also taught English at the Early Childhood level.

While still teaching at Goed Fortuin, she applied to the University of Guyana to do Literacy Studies (the teaching of reading) and commenced the programme in 2013. Continuing to apply herself diligently, she is expected to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in September 2017.

“Yes I was a school drop-out, but believe it or not, I will soon be a final year student of the University of Guyana in literacy studies.”

In the meantime, dedicated mother as she is, Shawndelle is working to ensure that her children are well educated.

Her eldest son, Shane, is a member of the Guyana Defence Force; Shem, 18, secured 6 subjects CXC at the Vreed-en-Hoop Community High School, while Shoy, 15, attends Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School.

Summing up, she asserts: “I can say that my life is a living testimony of a person who fell down, but still knew what she wanted and was able to pick myself up, applied myself and with all seriousness, moved on with my life.”

Today, she can offer her own life as an example to other teenage mothers.

“This is not the end of the road. You just have to get up, pick yourself up and say to yourself that you can do better. I fell down, but I did not stay down and so can you.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Notes from Caribbean Linked IV…

This is not goodbye

T

o say that the last few days of the Caribbean Linked IV residency flew by would be an incredible understatement. For many of the participants, physical manifestations of our thoughts and ideas did not materialize in any concrete way until a few days before our opening exhibition. And although our time management skills were stretched thin, everything worked out perfectly (just as I kept constantly reassuring myself they would).

For a while I had forgotten what the mad dash to the finish line felt like since I completed art school. I think it would be safe to say that we all experienced the complete gamut of human emotions in our final week. It was just as exhilarating

“Ambassador of the New World” a video projection

by Jamaican artist Oneika Russell as it was terrifying. In the midst of all the television, radio and social media promotions, everyone we encountered seemed anxious for the opening night. I remember persons I’d never met before popping into my studio when I was at my wit’s end and expressing their genuine excitement for what the work would look like in the end. I also remember smiling nervously since I was just as curious and clueless about the final outcome of my own work.

But just as everything was about to crack under the pressure of public expectation, things began to fall into place.

Problems that plagued our minds for days were resolved almost overnight. Suddenly, the challenges given to us by our mentor Humberto Diaz weren’t as daunting as we initially thought. Within our individual bodies of work, we found ways

“Tasting the universe” an installation by Cuban master artist Humberto Diaz.

Photo by Nowé Harris-Smith

A patron photographs work by Simon Tatum in his series titled “Transparent Drawing Exercise”. Photo by Nowé Harris-Smith

to embrace the unfamiliar paths he encouraged us to take without letting go too much of our own signature style. In the end it was a wonderful and equally rewarding experience for all parties involved.

The day of the opening came and there was still a lot to be done. Everyone was rushing to finish cleaning the gallery space, mounting works and I was still working on my pieces.

As I sat on the floor, hunched over, installing my “tiles” I heard a sound that seemed alien to Aruba. I spent a minute trying to figure out if my ears were deceiving me. Then I thought to myself maybe it was the sound of leaves rustling ► Contiuned on page XIII

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016 ► From page XII on the ground of Ateliers ’89. But curiosity eventually got the best of me and I used that as an opportunity to take a much needed a break to stretch the aching muscles in my body. I stood by the door in shock and watched this alien matter hit the ground. A familiar smell followed soon after. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and I was home. For the first time in the three weeks since we were there in the scorching Aruban heat, it rained.

At that point I didn’t need any other reassurance that everything would be fine. The universe already spoke. Everyone went back to mounting their works before rallying around anyone else who needed help to make it to the finish line. It was such a pleasant relief to not be burdened by drama and ego with such a large group of creative individuals. The work was completed in the nick of time and we managed to put together a beautiful and diverse collection of works from eleven artists spread across four rooms in the gallery, one wall outside the gallery and a section of the compound.

Later that evening, we scrubbed the dust and exhaustion from our bodies, donned our “good clothes” and braced ourselves for the marathon ahead. Director of Ateliers ’89 and the driving force behind the Caribbean Linked initiative, Elvis Lopez, delivered a heartfelt speech underscoring the necessity of these arts initiatives before a growing audience. Halfway through his speech the resident cat dubbed “Kittypuss” (due to our inability to guess the gender) strolled past everyone and took up position in the middle of the floor, as if to say “How dare you start without me?” Sure enough everyone exploded in a fit of laughter!

While there were no more performances by Kittypuss, there was an amazing monologue by the talented Alydia Wever. Local band The Cheapest Wine and DJ Jemaima also kept the patrons entertained as they moved through each room before eventually congregating by the bar. As the night drew on, we found ourselves outside in our famous circle, dancing away the pain of swollen joints and aching muscles. I’m still not quite sure how we managed but we danced for hours, pausing every now and again to absorb the sad reality that our whirlwind journey together was almost over.

The emotions that were snowballing that night eventually broke through our defenses in the two to three days that followed. The empty studios and packed suitcases were more than enough to send us wailing into each other’s arms.

I’m sure no one can identify the exact date, but somewhere along the line it became difficult to imagine our daily routine without each other. We were blessed with the rare opportunity to just live and make work with each other, without the pressures of bills or responsibilities to threaten our creative output. For this (and I know I can speak for everyone here), we are extremely grateful.

Elvis, you are a phenomenal soul and I pray daily that you always keep the fire alive. Holly, Annalee, Robin and Katherine, you are all warrior women and we’d be lost if not for the selfless and never ending work you all do. Humberto, I can count the persons who have (unknowingly) shifted the trajectory of my career, and life by extension. Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone and opening my eyes to a new world of possibilities. I promise to not think too much.

Persons interested in following what has been happening in this residency can follow Caribbean Linked on Facebook or visit their website www.caribbeanlinked.com. Videos of the presentations made by individual artists as well as this year’s writer in residence, master artist and two guest curators can be viewed on Caribbean.tv (Facebook).

Caribbean Linked is a regional art residency and exhibition organized by Ateliers ’89 Foundation in collaboration with ARC Inc. and The Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc with support from Mondriaan Fonds and Stichting DOEN. In the fourth installment since it’s launch in 2012, ten artists from the region were invited to participate including Frances Gallardo (Puerto Rico), Travis Geertruida (Curaçao), Charlie Godet Thomas (Bermuda), Nowé H. Harris-Smith (The Bahamas), Dominique Hunter (Guyana), Tessa Mars (Haiti), Oneika Russell (Jamaica), Shanice Smith (Trinidad), Simon Tatum (The Cayman Islands) and Laura de Vogel (Aruba).

Also invited were master artist Humberto Diaz (Cuba), writer and co-founder of Moko Magazine David Knight Jr. (US Virgin Islands), specially invited curators María Elena Ortiz (associate curator at the Perez Art Museum Miami, PAMM) and Pablo Léon de la Barra (curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum for the Latin American phase of the Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative.

Caribbean Linked IV runs from August 1 to August 24 and will be spearheaded by Robin de Vogel (Aruba) and Katherine Kennedy (Barbados).

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Making people laugh comes naturally for Rajan Tiwari Rajan Tiwari

T

By Telesha Ramnarine HE way he danced to “Sundar Popo” when the jukebox came on in his street often evoked

laughter in his neighbours, and whenever he performed in plays at his Mandir, everyone told him how great he did.

In short, “Katahar” has always been the jovial person that makes everyone laugh.

And it comes naturally to him because he loves doing it. Although he spent many years in a technical field at Guysuco, Rajan Persaud Tiwari has managed to find balance ► Contiuned

on page XV

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016 ► From

page XIV that with comedy.

He is also well-known as “Kalu” or “Zapper Man” due to the hilarious advertisements that he has written and performed in over the years including the Mosquito Zapper Ad, the Metro Ad, and the one he did with Henry Rodney for Quick Cash Jewellery and Pawn Shop in which he asked Rodney how he had his face looking like a constipated duck. Rodney wrote that one.

“When I was around 6 years old, I was loved by the street. When the hot tracks came on the jukebox, it caught everyone’s attention when I started to dance. I went to the ‘Dig Dutty’ night and danced

away. My grandmother used to take me to wedding house and I would dance to tassa drum. Now I can’t dance; I’ve put on too much weight!”

It was while he was working on the Enmore Estate that he was introduced to drama. He worked for 18 years with the Guyana Sugar Corporation until his resignation as a supervisor in the mechanical department. He also held a job for a few years at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

“Other than being that technical person, I started to do drama. I was brought on the scene by Zaheer Abbas and John Phillips, two prominent entertainment persons back then.”

Tiwari’s first play was

called Visa Fraud after which he went on to do Awe Society, Link Shows, and Welcome to our Life, Love and Laughter, Gana Bajana, among many others.

Tiwari, the current host of “Payless Power Hour” and “Rajan Relief Hour,” went on to tour North America and Canada. He won the best supporting actor for the play Mango Tree.

LAUGH TILL YOU FAFF Tiwari got into drama around the year 2000. “I started at Mandir. Every little thing I did there, people used to like it. People often came to me and said I have talent. They told me

they wanted to take me to do a show at Cultural Center,” Tiwari recalled.

To d a y, h e h a s h i s own comedy show called “Laugh till you faff” which he has taken to several parts of Guyana. The cast includes Jumbie Jones, Michal Ignatius, Sonia Yarde, Mark Kazim, and Chris Gopaul. “It’s all about destiny and where it takes you. Acting is probably the only thing I got an award for,” he said.

But he is still not con-

XV tented with what’s happening in the entertainment industry today, and feels that the government can do a lot more to assist the industry. “The acting fraternity in Guyana doesn’t have an acting guild that could represent actors.

There is not much being done for actors in terms of marketing skills. The Culture Ministry has to come on board and play a part. You cannot earn a lot from it but if they help, it will become so beautiful.”

But despite the negatives, Tiwari said he chooses to continue in the field because of his love for it. “I really love acting.

And I believe you have to love what you do. Don’t do a job that you hate. Stay focused and know that life is a gift. Set yourself goals early in life and work to achieve them.”

Tiwari is married to Davina and together, they have a daughter, Pratima, and a son, Chandrika.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

XVII

NAREI helping to create vibrant coconut industry Up to 2008, coconut was looked at as a bad product that contributed to health complications.

However, research has shown quite the opposite.

This remarkable crop has 127 uses and the western hemisphere and South East Asia are making the best of them. Several CARICOM members including Guyana have been making strides to revive the coconut industry.

In Guyana, farmers are investing in the coconut industry. Coconut has been the main non-traditional export. The exports have been dominated by products containing minimal value addition. In terms of export value, de-husked coconuts account for 70 percent, followed by copra at 15 percent, crude oil at 9 percent and coconut water at two percent.

Stakeholders in the coconut industry are yet to unleash its true potential.

Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) foresees coconut being a major player in the in the local economy. After all, it has numerous opportunities for value addition.

As such, NAREI has taken a proactive approach towards developing the industry. Efforts are ongoing to create a vibrant industry within the next two years.

NAREI is currently conducting research in the areas of Integrated Pest Management and plant varieties; mapping of coconut estates; providing technical support to farmers; and monitoring the importation of planting materials.

NAREI is partnering with the Caribbean Agri-

cultural Research Development Institute (that is implementing the Regional Coconut Project funded by the European Union) to provide technical support to farmers. Recently, the Regional Coconut Project conducted a workshop focusing on Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management for Coconut Plantations.

The workshop targeted 50 farmers from different coconut producing Regions.

It was held at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.

Addressing the works h o p , D r. H o m e n a u t h shared good news with farmers. He related that additional relief to combat the Red Palm Mite is available. Within a month chemicals will be distributed. “No farmer will be left out…if one farm is not treated the other farms will still be at risk,” he added.

The relief is made possible through a $49M assistance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, following a meeting held between Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and farmers.

Furthermore, to find a long-term solution, NAREI is conducting experiments to create natural enemies that would combat the red Palm Mite as part of its Integrated Pest Management approach. It is expected that the natural enemies will feed off of the Red Palm Mite. The Institute is looking to have the natural enemies in coconut plantations by year-end.

“We cannot eradicate the Red Palm Mite but we can minimize it,” Dr. Homenuath said.

Another major development that will be rolled out in October 2016 is the establishment of three

coconut nurseries. They will be located at Pomeroon (Region Two), Wakenaam, (Region Three) and Mon Repos (Region Four). The estimated cost for the project is $3.5M. Dr. Homenauth pointed out that NAREI, even with the nurseries, would not be able to supply the needs of all farmers. Therefore, farmers will need to select and propagate their own planting materials. Tips on how to select planting materials that will produce high yield were given at the workshop.

Dr. Homenauth said that it is heartening to see farmers getting involved in large scale production of coconuts. It is an optimistic sign that good things are ahead for the coconut industry.

Pomeroon fresh coconut water Within a month chemicals will be distributed to coconut farmers

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Search on f

Miss India A

fter a week-long open application call, three contestants for the Miss India Guyana Pageant have been selected.

The pageant, which has new franchise holders, originally started with seven contestants, but due to the limited time available for training, four persons withdrew their application.

The organisers say they were afforded the pageant in late July, given them a short window to prepare a girl for the international pageant in early October in New Jersey.

Through Facebook, the finalists compete in the People’s Choice segment.

This segment will contribute 40 percent to the overall score for the contestants.

The remaining 60 per cent will be tabulated at the auditions. It will compromise of a talent round, along with Indian wear, evening wear and interview segments. This will be judged by the panel of Miss India Guyana Organization team members.

The event will be opened to public audience, free of cost.

If any member from the team of judges identifies any young woman, from the list of contestants, who did not make the people’s choice voting, but is an exceptional candidate in talent, personality and embodies the qualities of Miss

Abigail Mohabir, 21, is an aspiring commercial lawyer.

She enjoys reading, nature walks, and music. She says the Miss India Guyana is more than just a beauty pageant as it provides an opportunity to showcase talent and humanitarianism. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Tahirih Boodhoo, 25, loves writing poetry, bicycle riding, swimming, modelling, detailed drawing, dancing, and karaoke singing. She believes the Miss India Guyana franchise is one that is highly respected worldwide. (Shameer Hescott photo)

India Guyana m maining segme The venue book page.

The winne wardrobe from week of the int

by Flawless, T John Greene P made, Austrian Anniversary. S her reign.

Miss India pursue a page participate. “The pagea of Indian dece beauty Ambas

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

XIX

for new

a Guyana

motto, the individual/s will also be invited to compete in the reents. and date of the final segments will soon be available on the Face-

er Miss India Guyana Pageant 2016 will be given a complete m the Miss India Guyana Organization and its designers for the ternational competition, a full make-up class package sponsored Tenisha Garnett, and a full photo-shoot session sponsored by Photography. The winner will also be flaunting a genuine handn Swarovski crystal, gold plated crown - marking Guyana’s 50th She will also receive a stipend every month for the duration of

a Guyana Organization, under the new directorship, says it will eant of fairness and equality for every woman who wishes to

ant will offer a vibrant opportunity for young Guyanese women ent, offering them a platform to better themselves not only as ssadors, but also as young leaders.”

Brittany Singh, 20, is an accountant in training, who enjoys fishing, baking, swimming, dancing, and modelling. She loves meeting new people, and says that “when you show appreciation for the little things in life, you'll receive more than you've asked for.” She says the Miss India Guyana pageant is something she always aspired to be a part of with the hope of someday representing Guyana on the world stage. (Samuel Maugh photo)

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

How Linden’s

‘Fashion Rasta’

overcame her disability to become a successful businesswoman

N

By Akola Thompson ine years ago, 28-year-old Setra O’selmo’s life took a drastic turn.

Through the misfortune of a vehicular accident, Setra sustained an injury to her spinal cord and as such, lost the ability to walk.

This incident would see her becoming so depressed that when she went home from the hospital, she locked herself away and vowed to never leave the house again.

The experience, she said, “was traumatizing and painful.”

“Life after my accident was an experience I never thought I could have overcome because I knew I had to start my life over from scratch. There was lots of therapy including feeding, changing my clothes, bathing, exercising, doing my chores and getting facing the public; all of that was very tough.”

Faced with the choice of continuing to wallow in self-pity or reclaim her life, Setra, after a spontaneous makeup session, decided on the latter.

She grew up in Linden and was raised in the religion of Rastafarianism.

She found herself experimenting with her looks and because of her penchant for “makeup and fancy things,” her father began to call her “fashion Rasta.” She knew from then that she would be her own boss.

It was this same dream of owning her own business that saw Setra transform herself back to the person she was before the crash. She pursued a path of entrepreneurship, aware, but not paying too much attention to the difficulties she knew she might face.

Armed with the desire and talent to do makeup and hair, Setra decided that

she would use her talent to become someone, who, despite being in a wheelchair was self-sufficient and independent, as she did not want to be pitied. It was not long before Setra was the proud owner of the business “Sisters to Sisters beauty,” a salon which caters to natural hair in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. It opened its doors in October of 2013.

The year 2013 in Setra’s book is a year to be proud of. Aside from finally opening her business, she was the only local makeup artist who was afforded the opportunity to work at the Guyana Fashion week, hosted every year. She also at the time had become involved in the Linden Hair Expo at the Egbert Benjamin Hall.

Luckier than most, Setra explained that she never really had much disappointments or setbacks when first pursuing her business, crediting the wonderful and accommodating people she has met along the way and her drive to accomplish everything she set out to do.

“I believe that the only thing that can really hinder you from getting your own business is yourself.”

Setra, who is now President of the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in Linden, believes that despite what disabilities or fears one may have, they should always try to overcome these challenges. Even if you don’t do it for yourself she said, try to do it for others.

“I feel we can always use our set backs to motivate, inspire, captivate and save someone’s life…while leaving room for growth in ourselves.

“Growth is empowerment and empowerment makes you unstoppable. Everyone has their demons to face but only you can be the creator of the reality you seek.”

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XXII

Protect Honey Bees

B

ees are one of nature’s hardest working creatures, and because of their industrious nature, we as humans owe many thanks to this amazing yet often underappreciated insect. As bees go about their business of collecting nectar, they also

perform the vital service of pollination.

Without bees, life as we know it, would be very different! We would not be able to get many of the vegetables and fruits we now take for granted. If you need convincing, just â–ş Contiuned on page XXIIII

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016 ► From page XXII consider the fact that bees are responsible for pollinating about one-sixth of the flowering plant species worldwide and approximately 400 different agricultural types of plant. In terms of economics, Newsweek reported in March, 2016, that bees are responsible for pollinating 40 M USD worth of crops in the US annually.

Declining numbers The sad thing, is that scientists are recognizing that there is a decline in the bee population in many parts of the world (colony collapse disorder). For example, the US witnessed a staggering 42% decline in 2014, while across Europe, (primarily in the UK) and Australia a decline in the bee population was observed over the past decade. With approximately 40% of the global agricultural produce, by volume, depending on insect pollination, primarily by honey bees, this issue has larger effects. Many fruits, vegetables, and nuts etc. are heavily dependent on insect pollination. Their availability has a ripple effect on major industries, including food & beverages and cosmetics.

Factors responsible for decline Researchers think a decline in bee population is being caused by a number of interwoven factors. Firstly, global warming is thought to be influencing a change in blooming season for flowers to bloom, either earlier or later than usual. As such, when bees come out of hibernation, the flowers that provide the food they need to start the season have already bloomed. Secondly, pesticide use on farms, though not meant for bees are sometimes toxic to them and they die off. Thirdly, habitat loss, caused by development, abandoned farms,

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growing crops without leaving habitat for wildlife, and growing gardens with flowers that are not friendly to pollinators.

To reverse the decline in bee population, several actions can be taken. One idea is for farmers to be encouraged to apply practices that allow bees to thrive, such as leaving habitat for bees, in nearby fields, alternating crops so that bees can have food year round, and not using harmful pesticides. Further, bee research needs to be strengthened to inform on the health of, and factors affecting the bee population. An important approach in agriculture is integrated pest management which promotes beneficial insects to prey on pests, disrupting pest’s habitat and using least-toxic products when necessary – more needs to be done to increase its application in agriculture.

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

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

This week’s Merundoi preview: August 29-September 4, 2016 Fish and cast-net nah friend. Can Nurse June really trust Sister Patsy?

The Thomases visit The Moores to discuss the preparations for the night before Devine & Ryan’s wedding. Will there be agreement among all parties?

Sister Patsy has some ideas on educating the villages on the Plan of Action for Regional Development and calls on James at his veterinary clinic.

The discussion ends on a negative note that causes her to visit Nurse June immediately. Why is Sister Patsy so angry and what does she tell Nurse June?

Don’t miss this week’s episode.

You can also listen on www.merundoi.org

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

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Compete with purpose

n conversation with a client, I was told the ultimate turn off was that one makeup artist who said "I don't recommend anyone else..."

There is an aura of chaos and confusion in the world today. I may not be spewing fact, but it is my truth. There is this false understanding of competition. Competing doesn't mean to tear down, bash, and damage the opponent. Bragging rights is good, and it may hurt some feelings but it will encourage everyone to be better, meet higher heights, challenge themselves to do more, and become great.

A good and friendly competition, like a sporting event, for example, has rules, has order, and structure. The word compete means “strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others,” according to the Oxford English dictionary.

I, like most of the world, am a big fan of football aka soccer. What I love most about the game is that at the end of the competition, after all that sweating, watching grown men (and women) shed tears of joy, celebrate victory, console the losers; the tradition of swapping T-Shirts at the end of the match to show camaraderie.

Obviously, also, no straight woman minds seeing a six-pack (or the brand of sports bra they'll adorn at the gym), but it's the sense of connection through adversity, despair, and victory. It's that Fen Shui philosophy of yin and yang. Where there is good, there's also bad, and as Lara Croft repeated in the movie Tomb Raider, "What's pleasure without pain?"

Who died and made you the only makeup artist?

There are many other makeup artists out there, and if you're the only one, you're probably doing something wrong, you're not inspiring anyone. If you don't have imitators then you're just not worth mimicking.

Gordon Gekko's infamous words in the 1987 film Wall Street were: "The point is ladies and gentlemen that greed, for a lack of a better word, is good."

It's good to do more, want more, and aspire to be greatness, but just remember the yin and yang of life. Remember to stay grounded in your faith.

I'm all for boasting and bragging about my work, career, or profession. However, it's only for motivational purposes, channelling my inner Kanye West, and love saying "I'm Guyana's Best Makeup Artist." But, I don't actually go to bed believing

that I'm the greatest. I am not God. Compete with love, aspire to be better, but remember you're still human, and need to inspire others to grow with you.

As the biblical quote says in Philippians 2:5–8: Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to

be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.

Whether you're your own Makeup Artist, a professional one, or both, you owe it to yourself and others to develop and share your God given talent.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Fun holiday activities for the kids Short Story…

Larkin Wyley's Paleontology Adventure

By Artie Knapp BEFORE the sun had even broken across the horizon, young Larkin Wyley was anxious to start his day. Larkin was confident he was going to make a paleontology discovery so big and so grand, that it would put his name in the Kid’s Hall of Fame.

As his parents drove him to the dig-

ging site, it was hard for Larkin to contain his excitement.

“Just think, in a couple of hours, I may be holding something millions of years old!” he said.

“Well, that would be something, Larkin.

But remember, paleontology is hard work.

The most important thing is to just have fun today,” said his dad.

“And if things don’t turn out like you had hoped, that’s okay.

Just keep at it,” said Larkin’s mom.

Larkin appreciated his parents’ advice, but quickly reminded them about the local farmer who had discovered a fossilised dinosaur egg many years before.

“Where there’s one, there’s sure to be more!” said Larkin with great excitement.

Then the Wyley family drove up a long country dirt-road, where Larkin’s grandparents owned land that stretched as far as the eye could see.

And it was there that Larkin knew he would find his T-Rex. So, after a nice hearty breakfast with his family, Larkin set out on his exciting quest for the discovery of a lifetime.

The backyard of his grandparents’ farmhouse was where Larkin decided to break ground first. So he started to dig. And then he dug. And then he dug. And then he dug some more. But nothing!

So, after a nice hearty lunch with his family, Larkin continued his exciting quest for the discovery of a lifetime.

The front yard of his grandparents’ farmhouse was where Larkin decided to break ground next. So he started to dig. And then he dug. And then he dug. And then he dug some more. And then, BINGO!!! Much to Larkin’s amazement, he unearthed what clearly was the next best thing to a fossilised dinosaur egg: Dinosaur bones!

The bones were caked in mud. Larkin gathered them up and ran towards the house as fast as he could.

After rushing inside and announcing his discovery to his family, it was brought to Larkin’s attention that he had actually unearthed steak bones buried by his grandparents’ dog, Millie.

Larkin wasn’t happy; and neither was

Millie, for that matter. Larkin felt embarrassed about mistaking steak bones for those of a dinosaur, but his family reminded him that paleontology was hard work, and to just keep at it.

So, after a nice hearty dinner with his family, Larkin continued his exciting quest for the discovery of a lifetime.

Close to his grandparents’ farmhouse lied a long and winding creek; and it was there that Larkin decided to break ground next. So he started to dig. And then he dug. And then he dug.

And then he dug some more. But nothing!

Larkin felt discouraged. He remembered his family telling him that paleontology was hard work, but that was little comfort to him.

The sun was starting to set, so Larkin knew he had to call it a day. As he began to refill the last hole, Larkin noticed an orange-coloured rock sticking out of the mud. He picked the rock up and wiped the dirt off of it. The rock was unlike any Larkin had seen before. But he gave the rock little thought, and placed it in his shirt pocket.

After going back inside, Larkin’s family could tell that he was disappointed by the look on his face.

“How did it go, honey?” asked Larkin’s mom.

“Not good,” said Larkin, staring downward. “All I found today was Millie’s steak bones, and this orange rock.”

As he held the rock in the air, Larkin’s family erupted in cheers. You see, it wasn’t a rock that Larkin had found after all; it was a well preserved Indian arrowhead. And although the Indian arrowhead wasn’t the dinosaur artifact he had dreamed of finding, Larkin still felt quite proud about his discovery.

An invitation from the Kid’s Hall of Fame would come another day, but Larkin did get his p i c t u r e i n t h e p aper for donating his Indian arrowhead to the local museum. When asked if he ever thought he would discover such a find, Larkin replied, “Well, digging for artifacts is hard work, and you just have to keep at it.

But yes, yes I did.”

THE END.

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Make yourself some ice-cream Materials

• • will do) • • • •

2 cups ice 1 cup half-and-half (a type of milk, but full-cream salt (coarse salts like rock and kosher work best) sugar some vanilla essence 1 gallon-size and 1 quart-size zip-top freezer bag

The Method: Place ice and salt in the large bag. In the small bag, mix the other ingredients. Squeeze out air; seal.

Place the small bag inside the big bag. Seal; shake and knead the bag for ten minutes, until the cream thickens. Remove the small bag, rinse, then open and eat the results.

The Lesson: Liquid becomes more solid when its temperature drops. Why? Its molecules slow down and stick together.

If they get cold enough and slow enough, they freeze. Here, the ice is colder than the cream and sugar, so it lowers the temperature of the mixture.

Adding salt to the ice lowers the temperature even more, so it freezes into ice cream. Why does salt make ice colder?

While you're holding the bags, the ice absorbs heat energy from the cream and your hands, so it melts.

"Then the water molecules use the energy to freeze again. The salt gets in the way, making them work harder, absorbing and using energy faster," the scientist says. This causes the ice and salt to grow colder than plain ice, which helps the cream freeze.

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DYEING FOR SOME COLOUR

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Oops! Britney Spears does it again in latest pop culture comeback (Reuters) Britney Spears is hitting up pop culture one more time, releasing a new album, singing retro karaoke hits and about to take the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) stage for the first time since 2007.

Spears, 34, who became a teen pop phenomenon with breathy, sexually-charged hits like "Toxic" and "Oops!.. I Did it Again," released new album "Glory" on Friday ahead of a much anticipated return to the VMA show on Sunday in New York.

She also became the latest superstar to ride, sing and chat with U.S. talk show host James Corden for his viral "Carpool Karaoke" segment, where both donned the schoolgirl uniforms that shot her to fame as a 16-year old in the 1998 music video for "... Baby One More Time."

Spears dominated pop music before undergoing a personal and career meltdown in 2006-2007 that included shaving her signature blonde locks, losing custody of her two children and being placed under a court-ordered conservatorship.

She made a comeback in late 2008 and for the past three years has been performing a nightly show in Las Vegas. But the new album and the anticipation surrounding her VMA performance have thrust her back in the national spotlight.

Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield said "Glory" was "another fantastic comeback" for Spears, in which she "goes back to the fizzy electro-stomp mode she does best."

"Glory" was top of the iTunes charts in more than 40 nations on Friday, including Saudi Arabia, Chile and Russia.

Billboard's Jennifer Keishin Armstrong said that with the single and music video for "Make Me", Spear had "reclaimed her standout talent, a distinctive dance style that combines cheerleader precision with slinky bits of burlesque."

Spears will perform "Make Me," with rapper G-Eazy, at the live VMA show, her first appearance there since her halting performance of "Gimme More" in 2007 when her career hit a low.

"She has had such a huge impact on this show throughout her career, so for us to have her back is a no-brainer," said Garrett English, executive producer of the VMA show.

"She embodies what the VMAs is to a large extent and she has had some of the biggest moments on this stage, and I think Sunday night will be the same," English added.

Spears is also to be the subject of a 2017 TV biopic for the Lifetime cable channel that will chart her rise to fame along with her stumbles, and her romances with Justin Timberlake and ex-husbands Jason Alexander and Kevin Federline.

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

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Chronicle Pepperpot August 28, 2016

Bollywood Movie Review: A Flying Jatt (Reuters) There are many limitations in Remo D’Souza's repertoire as a director but in “A Flying Jatt”, he combines humour, a social message and out-of-thisworld fight sequences to give us a film that looks like a box-office winner, even though it won't win any prizes for film-making.

“A Flying Jatt” is what you get when Bollywood feeds on superstition, simplifies environmental issues and adds Sikh pride to the mix. So our villain is the evil industrialist Malhotra (Kay Kay Menon), who will stop at nothing to further his interests even if effluent from his factories turns the city into a wasteland. He meets his nemesis in a woman we know as Bebe (Amrita Singh), a cantankerous woman fond of her drink and ferociously possessive of a tree on her property.

Malhotra wants to demolish the tree, but Bebe refuses to give in, saying the tree has special powers. Her son Kabir is our reluctant superhero - a bumbling young man terrified of heights who metamorphoses into a cross between Superman, Krrish and MSG after a near-death encounter with Raka (Nathan Jones), a thug hired by Malhotra to cut down the tree.

In a scene somewhat inspired by Harry Potter, Kabir finds his superpower when an evil man is about to kill him, while Raka emerges as a zombie supervillain, whose blood is black and whose strength comes from inhaling the toxic fumes Malhotra’s factories are belching out.

From here on, “A Flying Jatt” goes into ridiculously facile territory. Bebe makes sure her son watches every superhero movie to learn how to save the world. Kabir’s colleague and neighbour Kirti (Jacqueline Fernandez) channels her inner Lois Lane in the most nauseating way possible, and we have scenes where people are carrying “Eco-Friendly is the word” posters as Raka and the Flying Jatt battle it out. But this is nothing compared to the final confrontation between superhero and supervillain.

Just when you think it can’t get more ridiculous, it does.

It is to Tiger Shroff’s credit that he pulls it off. His action sequences are fluid, and his dance moves are even better. Gaurav Pandey, who plays his loyal friend also puts in an efficient performance, and Nathan Jones lumbers his way to a menacing act as Raka.

D’Souza borrows liberally from the X-Men and Superman franchises, and puts in enough tropes to give his superhero enough of an Indian soul, making sure the next film in this franchise becomes a reality.

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Dwayne Johnson dethrones Robert Downey Jr. as highest paid actor (Reuters) Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson topped a Forbes magazine list of the world's highest paid actors on Thursday with an estimated 2016 payday of $64.5 million.

Johnson, 44, knocked Robert Downey Jr. off the top spot and more than doubled his 2015 earnings, largely thanks to his action comedy "Central Intelligence." Johnson, known as "The Rock" during his wrestling career, also collected advance fees from the eighth installment of the popular "Fast and Furious" racing movie franchise.

The Forbes annual list again highlighted the pay gap between men and women in Hollywood. Earlier this week the magazine named "Hunger Games" star Jennifer Lawrence the world's highest paid actress for a second straight year, with an estimated 2016 take of $46 million.

Forbes said 18 actors banked more than $20 million in its June 2015-June 2016 scoring period, compared with four actresses.

Jackie Chan, who has not had a big U.S. box office hit for years but is a prolific actor and producer in the burgeoning Chinese entertainment market, was second on the list with $61 million. Matt Damon came in third with $55 million, largely due to the success of his 2015 space film "The Martian."

"Iron Man" Downey fell from top spot, despite reprising his comic book hero role in "Captain America: Civil War." He ranked eighth, tied with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, with $33 million.

Harrison Ford crept onto the list for the first time since 2009 thanks to his return as Han

Dwayne Johnson topped a Forbes magazine list of the world's highest paid actors on Thursday with an estimated 2016 payday of $64.5 million.

Solo in the blockbuster new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" movie and video game. Ford, who also is to reprise his role as adventurer Indiana Jones in 2019, ranked 20th with earnings of about $15 million.

Forbes estimates earnings, before taxes and management fees, from movies, TV and commercial endorsements.

The rest of the Top 10 were: 4. Tom Cruise $53 million 5. Johnny Depp $48 million 6. Ben Affleck $43 million 7. Vin Diesel $35 million 8. Shah Rukh Khan $33 million 8. Robert Downey Jr. $33 million 10. Kumar Akshay $31 million