Pepperpot epaper 09 04 2016

â–º Page XIX

Photo by Javin Singh

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Tracing the legends of the Ole Higue, Fire Rass and the Backoo

- The University of Guyana’s Oral Literature Conference 2016

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By Subraj Singh

v e r y year, in an effort to s t u d y, record and preserve the oral traditions (folklore, songs, proverbs, chants, cultural functions, etc.) of Guyana, students of the Oral Literature class,

which is part of the University of Guyana’s English programme, would conduct immense research which is then analyzed, subsequent to which the major findings are presented to the public at a conference. The Oral Literature course is helmed by Mr. Al Creighton and the conference is now a tradition, as well as a major

form of assessment, in the English programme at the University of Guyana (UG).

The students were required to travel all across Guyana to gather the information – in the forms of stories, memories, personal testimonies and sayings – from the people, the folk, who are the carriers of our Oral Traditions. Mr.

Creighton, in his introduction to the conference, outlined the process by which, through travel, interviews, data collection and analysis, many revealing facets of our Oral Literature have been found over the years by previous research conducted by students in the English programme at UG. The students who presented started off by highlighting how their travels to Leguan, Black Bush Polder, New Amsterdam, Queenstown and St. Cuthbert’s Mission enabled them to be given much information on the Ole Higue, the Dutchman, the Backoo and other figures from Guyanese folklore.

From their travels, they ► Continued on page III

(A student makes her presentation at the Oral Literature Conference)

(Students at the Oral Literature Conference)

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

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► From page II were able to come to the conclusive analysis that Guyanese folklore is still very much alive and its very existence is dependent on the people in various areas across the country who keep the flame of Oral Traditions burning.

The Ole Higue is one of the most prominent figures which was discussed at the Conference. The students discovered that this figure still remains an important part of Guyanese folklore and that there a rise in the variations of the name of the figure commonly called the Ole Higue. These variations were attributed to the geographical location in which the information was being gathered. One of these variations, according to the students, includes the “Fire Rass,” which is different from the Ole Higue because whereas Ole Higues have the curse passed down to them from another Ole Higue, the Fire Rass is really a woman who has been killed in childbirth.

Unlike the Ole Higue, the Fire Rass can feed only on the blood of the babies. Both are old, unattractive women who can transform into balls of fire.

Even when it came to the methods of vanquishing an Ole Higue or Fire Rass, the students found that the people they interviewed believed in a great variety of ways

that could be used to get rid of these beings.

The most popular method, forever immortalized in Wordsworth McAndrew’s poem, Ole Higue, and further represented in the National Drama Company’s popular short, experimental enactment of the poem, is the scattering of rice before the Ole Higue, as she must count every grain of rice before she can enter a house.

A less well-known method involves the rubbing of “cow gall” and “mutton fat” over the body which renders the blood bitter and distasteful to the Ole Higue.

If the Ole Higue drips blood on to the clothing of the victim, the victim can then boil the cloth in water and stab the bloodstain with a sharp pin, which will force the Ole Higue to seek repentance.

Clearly, with all these methods of ridding one’s self of the Ole Higue, it can be gleaned by the presentations of the students that there are people in Guyana who still maintain a strong belief in this figure from our folklore. Also of importance is the way in which there are also bits of new information to be unearthed from the study of Oral Literature – information that would have remained forever shut away from writers and academics if people, such as the students, did

(More students at the Oral Literature Conference) not actively go out into the communities to conduct research that would yield revealing information.

One good example of a piece of new information found in the village of La Bagatelle tells us of how there are instances where the Ole Higue can develop the ability to spit in the eyes of their assaulters in order to make them blind. The students also went on to present interesting information on two other well-known beings: the Fairmaid, who we learnt can actually take the form of whatever most attracts a potential victim, and the Dutchman spirits, who might represent the existence of the psychological impact of our colonial history in the way contemporary people are still haunted by these European figures. Figures who grant

wishes and promise wealth, such as the Fairmaid, the Backoo, and the Dutchman, according to the students, might also be a reflection of the poverty endured by many Guyanese people, where their belief systems offer them a way out of their financial situations, a way of ridding themselves of poverty, almost as a form of escapism.

The students also spoke about the Backoo who, along with the Ole Higue, is one of the most popular and enduring folk-figures in Guyanese Oral Tradition. The students performed a short skit as an introduction to their presentation where the audience were able to

see a young woman enlisting the help of a Backoo only to neglect him and, eventually, having to endure his wrath.

There was much speculation about the origins of the Backoo, who may have emerged from Africa or imported from nearby Suriname. The group was able, based on their research, to offer a thorough description of the Backoo as a short, devious, multilingual creature who is trapped in a sealed bottle or jar, only to be released by an unwitting victim who must then feed the Backoo milk and bananas in order to avoid angering the Backoo. When the Backoo is angry he can, like a poltergeist, create

much mayhem in a home and can cause actual harm. The presenters went on to list numerous tales of the Backoo collected from all across Guyana in order to establish the identifying characteristics of the “Guyanese Backoo.”

Overall, the presentations were informative and managed to once more showcase the wealth of folklore that can be found in Guyana, while also highlighting how folklore can be reflective of the mindset of the Guyanese people or how they can tell us a lot about the society or the environment from which they emerge.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Specialty CONSUMER hospitals are CONCERNS: inevitable

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w o w eek s ago, on 16th August, Government took the formal decision to cancel the Specialty Hospital Project while it seeks Indian funding to modernize the West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica hospitals.

This decision to cancel the Specialty Hospital Project has brought some certainty to this affair which oscillated between

doing the project and not doing it.

Such indecision is very unusual in aid projects and the donor must have felt a sense of relief with the advent of certainty.

The Consumer Community did welcome the ending of the suspended animation in which the project had been for nearly three years but deeply regretted that Guyana will have to again wait for some time before the inevitable establishment of

a Specialty Hospital.

Its inevitability rests on the fact that Guyana needs such a hospital, which would also put Guyana in the league of all progressive countries where there is at least one Specialty Hospital.

Many are of the opinion that the late President Burnham would not have died the way he did if he was in a Specialty Hospital. Older citizens and those in declining health were looking forward to

the establishment of the Hospital since most such people do not have the funds to travel abroad and pay for necessary foreign specialist treatment.

In contrast, many wealthy persons and governmental personnel who could access public funds for their foreign medical treatment have had long leases of life and even restoration of health.

The consumer community have long supported the establishment of at least one Specialty Hospital in Guyana under Government auspices and our reasons for so doing are: First, as indicated above, those who do not have the necessary funds or expatriate familial support would not be able to have specialist medical treatment abroad and may have their lives shortened or may see their health steadily deteriorating.

In addition, a Specialty Hospital would be able to deal with sudden emergency conditions. In Cuba, for example, because of their Specialty hospitals, numerous citizens would have been rendered life-saving emergency attention, and this is probably one of the reasons for the longevity of their politicians.

Secondly, a Specialty Hospital would be introducing to Guyana the cutting edge of Mmdicine and would introduce advanced procedures, equipment and treatment way beyond primary health care. It would also bring to the Guyanese medical profession a corpus of top-grade special-

PAT DIAL ists in various fields who would be able to pass on their skills to our younger doctors and could also be of help in raising the standard of the Medical School of the University of Guyana.

T h i r d l y, t h e re a re more Guyanese living abroad than resident in Guyana. Many thousands of these expatriates who have reached retiring age would desire to resettle in the land of their birth bringing with them their foreign pensions and other accumulations of wealth but they cannot come because the specialist health care they normally enjoy in the Developed Countries is absent in Guyana. The immense social importance of the ingathering of our people and the reunification of families and the injection of foreign exchange into the economy from their resettlement, could not be measured.

Fourthly, having worldclass medical care available in any country is an attraction to visitors. In the case of Guyana, availability of specialist medical care is of particular importance to its tourism industry which is very different from the sun and sand offerings of the Caribbean islands.

Guyana's tourism prod-

uct is the flora and fauna of our vast forests, the magnificent landscapes such as our waterfalls and our historical background including our unique architecture. The tourists who would be attracted by Guyana's tourism product would tend to be middle-aged or older people who would feel there is no risk in visiting once specialist health care is available. Specialist Hospitals are therefore linked with Guyana's tourist industry.

Fifthly, specialty hospitals in developing countries attract patients from developed countries because they offer the same treatment and procedures of the developed countries at lower costs. India, for example, earns millions of dollars from its medical tourism industry by attracting patients mostly from Europe and North America.

A specialty hospital in Guyana would immediately attract patients from the Guyanese diaspora in Europe and North America and would be an immediate earner of foreign exchange.

And since Guyana has certain advantages over other countries, such as its being English-speaking and its geographical location being easy to reach, Guyana could develop a very vibrant medical tourism industry.

A specialty hospital could be the forerunner of others as a medical tourism Industry develops. But the State should not abdicate being the main owners of such hospitals and should not leave their development wholly to private companies and individuals.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

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Gum disease: Painless

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and dangerous

ost people who are blind never felt any pain in their eyes while their sight was failing. That is the classic feature of glaucoma. Similarly, most people who have lost their teeth never experienced toothache in those teeth. That is the classic feature of chronic gum disease.

This happens to seven out of every ten Guyanese adults who have natural teeth. You are brushing your teeth and when you rinse and spit, you see blood. “No big deal,� you think to yourself; after all, nothing is hurting and it happens all the time anyway.

Well, it is time to think again. You are very likely to be suffering from the worse dental disease in the books. Bleeding gums is a major sign of periodontal disease, chronic gingivitis or periodontitis. All these high sounding words simply denote the condition we know common as gum disease.

It is well established that the disease is the leading cause of tooth loss world wide. It is this disease that is responsible for a significant portion of the toothless grins that we see so frequently. It is this same disease that contributes so greatly to the hundreds and thousands of denture existing mouths of our compatriots.

Gingivitis is inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gum tissue caused by bacterial that naturally coats everyone’s teeth. The bacteria form a sticky, whitish film on the teeth called plaque. If the plaque is not properly removed everyday, the bacteria produce poisons that irritate the gums and make them red, swollen and likely to bleed easily.

Eventually, the poisons destroy the gum tissue causing it to separate from the tooth and form pockets. The pockets hold more bacteria and detach even further. This stage of the disease cannot be reversed and it can destroy the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth. This is why they shake excessively and have to be extracted.

Most gingivitis results from poor oral hygiene. Incidentally, the cases of gingivitis which do not come as a consequence of poor oral hygiene may cause as a result of AIDS. Gingivitis usually develops due to not brushing and flossing correctly or sufficiently and not having teeth professionally cleaned regularly.

Other factors may increase the risk of developing gingivitis. These include stress, hormonal imbalances like pregnancy, menstruation and the changing hormones of adolescence.

Some diseases such as diabetes and drugs like Dilantin (used to treat fits) can cause gingivitis fare-ups. Even habitually breathing through the mouth, which tends to dry out the gums and cause overgrowth of the gum tissue, can enhance the chance of one acquiring gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it is completely curable. The damage caused by gum disease on the other hand, cannot be repaired. How can you avoid gingivitis?

Use the Dental One-in-One Rule, also known as the Rule of Thoroughness. Each tooth should be cleaned (brushed and flossed) for a period of one minute every 24 hours.

Find a routine and stick to it. Start at one spot in the mouth each time and work around the mouth the same way each time.

It will help to be consistent and prevent missing tooth surfaces.

Remember to brush the tongue, gums and palate. If possible use tartar control toothpaste.

It should be noted that toothpaste is not necessary to maintain good oral health. Finally, rinsing the mouth vigorously with plain water helps to keep down the bacteria population as a temporary measure in the absence of brushing.

Dr. BERTRAND R. STUART, DDS.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Dealing with stress Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

Today, I would like to talk about stress, something that we all experience on a daily basis. If you feel that you don’t, please see my email below and teach me how to live life.

I recently did an outreach in Linden with some adolescents who reported high stress but when I asked them what exactly stress was they couldn’t answer. It’s basically one of those words that we use so often but is difficult to actually define. Try it. Before reading any further down, define stress.

Could you do it?

Well, stress is mental, physical or emotional strain that results from any demanding, unwanted or threatening circumstances. It’s our body reacting to things we don’t like.

Think about what physically happens: your nervous system releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, which affects our breathing drastically and, of course, makes your heart race and your blood pressure rise.

There are many things that cause stress, which are known as “stressors.” These are things like high demanding jobs, school, relationship problems, major life changes and financial problems. However, are the things that cause stress always negative? No. Weddings, relocation and having a baby are all things that can cause stress. Therefore, it is important for us to find healthy ways of dealing with stress as it is unavoidable.

How do we begin? The key is finding out what exactly is stressful for you. For example, I find traffic very stressful, even if I am not in a rush to go anywhere. However, I have friends that find that time alone, to just sit and listen to music very relaxing.

Obviously, those friends hate being in the car with me during rush hour. My point is, not everyone is stressed by the same factors. So, what stresses you out? And why is it important to know this?

It’s important as stress can lead to a series of physical and mental issues. Daily stress can disturb every system in your body.

Of course there is the increased risk of heart attack or stroke, general pain such as stomach or headaches, digestive problems, loss of sex drive, sleep issues and memory issues.

When I feel stressed, I literally need to write everything down as I forget everything. My family and friends can easily attest and complain about that. Your immune system is also automatically lowered so a stressed individual is more susceptible to infection and flus.

Stress also results in serious behavioural symptoms such as loss of productivity (which makes it hard to keep a job and easy to drop out of school), procrastination, heavy substance use, and isolation. How many of you shut everyone out and just need to be alone after a stressful day? I know I do.

Emotionally, stress can cause high anxiety, irritability, impatience, over reaction (I am famous for this), depression and suicidal thoughts.

We’ve all heard of the flight or fight response and how necessary this is for survival. These responses are fuelled by stress. Flight occurs when we run away from stressors rather than tackling them. Fight happens when the stress causes aggression and confrontation to our problems.

There are a few types of stress that we must deal with. There is internal stress, where we worry about things that we have zero control over – it almost feels like we are worrying for no reason, such as if you have a function to go to and you worry about potentially fighting with your partner at this party. There is environmental stress which is caused by what’s going on around you. For example, I get stressed easily when in crowds and around a lot of noise.

Finally, there is fatigue and overwork stress which is long- term and builds up over time - for example, constantly working without taking any breaks or holidays.

Which kind of stress are you experiencing? Or is it all?

I hope by now you all know the first step to resolving anything. It is to identify the exact problem. Did you guess right? I hope so.

Figure out what causes your stress- is it avoidable? A stress journal helps with this.

Write down whenever you feel stressed, the cause, your response to it, etc. This and this alone will help you in finding solutions and alternatives.

If you are stressed because you have a lot to do, make an actual list of these things and tick them off one by one as you are doing them. Visual progression automatically lowers stress.

The beauty about learning how to relieve stress is that it works in every situation.

If you are having relationship issues, trouble at school or financial issues- whatever the case- it wouldn’t particularly matter as the outcome is always the same- stress! ► Continued on page VII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016 ► From page VI What are some bad ways to deal with stress? We go drinking, smoking, over eating, lash out at other people or maybe isolate ourselves on a whole. We are all very aware and have tried these options? Have they truly worked? My guess would be no. So what are some healthy ways to relieve stress?

Physical activity is always a great one- go to the gym -or better yet, pick up a team sport as being around a positive social group naturally decreases stress. Adopt a creative hobby, such as painting or dancing. I actually use adult colouring books (Yes, those exist!) when I’m stressed. They are very helpful.

Eat well- food has a major effect on our mood. For example, we all know the way we feel after we eat greasy fast food.

Work on your sense of control, self-esteem, attitude and overall outlook on life.

These are very important in lowering stress. When one is confident, positive and hopeful, challenges, setbacks and disappointments are easier to handle. Know your stuff! People get highly stressed before work presentations/ speeches and exams. I deal with a lot of cases like this- sometimes, myself included. Preparation goes a long way in how we feel.

Try relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. These are also very effective. Get plenty of sleep- replenish yourself well.

Finally, and the best advice I can give is accept the things you cannot change. This advice is cliché for a reason. There are so many things in life that are beyond our control. What is however, is how we react to these situations, how we view them (always

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stay positive and look for the upside) and learn to forgive when someone affects you.

Forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for peace within ourselves.

Below is a breathing technique called ‘Belly Breathing’ that I use myself and find very helpful when I’m stressed.

Find a comfortable place and sit or lie down.

• Place one hand over your belly button; place the other hand on top.

• Take a deep breath in (2-3 seconds) through your nose and feel the air travel down into your 'belly' making your abdomen and hands rise.

• Hold your breath for several seconds, keeping the air inside your 'belly'. (This is expanding your diaphragm and lungs.)

• Think to yourself that your body is calm and at peace.

• Slowly exhale through your mouth and feel your hands and abdomen go down.

• Repeat 4-5 times.

• As you become more comfortable, you can increase the length of time you breathe in and hold your breath. Repeating this exercise several times a day and during stressful situations can help you relax.

Are you not sure if you’re stressed? Take the universal stressed test! (See Below) How stressed are you? If your score was high, I’d hope you all take the necessary steps that I’ve outlined that will help lower your stress.

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!

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Parks, Gardens and Nature

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n and around our capital city of Georgetown, you can find Parks, Gardens and even a Zoo. Most of you enjoy visiting these spaces but have you ever pondered on the roles they play in the lives of people generally and urban dwellers in particular? Parks and Gardens are not just city perks, they are spaces for people to interact with nature. What’s more, is that these spaces have great impact on a child’s development and no doubt have in some way influenced who you are today.

Parks control flood and heat Parks and gardens are sometimes also called green spaces large – with their relatively large unpaved areas, covered by grass and bordered by trees. These and indeed most grass covered spaces are important as a flood control measure. This is because they allow a lot of rainwater to filter down into the soil and so reduce the quantity (of rainwater) that runs off into drains during heavy rainfall. All over the world cities realize that Parks and other green spaces are a cost-effective way of flood control.

Cities have a lot of paved and asphalted areas which create what is called the heat island effect – meaning that the temperature in cities is usually much higher than in rural less paved and built-up areas. It has been recognized that the trees and other vegetation in Parks and Gardens play a big role in helping to reduce the higher temperatures in cities.

Parks improve community and health Parks serve as community centres providing a space for people to meet and interact. This is very evident in our National Park, for example, where people meet, to picnic, fly kites, and play games e.g. football, cricket, and rugby.

Parks are areas where the air is clean – being relatively free of pollution from high traffic ► Continued on page IX

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

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KNOW YOUR PARKS AND GARDENS! Unscramble the words to find the name of some Parks and Gardens in Guyana.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

kmaIraow anNtoila kaPr eaiKutre notaNail rkPa Nonialat kPra anBaotlci dresGna ciaogZollo rPka

WORDSEARCH – THINGS YOU DO AT THE PARK

and industries. Another bonus, is Parks are fairly quiet spaces; as such, people visiting them can enjoy the sounds of nature e.g. birdsong and frogs croaking and insets humming - our Zoological Park is a great space for bird-watching!

Generally, people who frequent Parks have good mental health; no doubt this is linked to being close to nature, able to relax and thus experiencing reduced stress. In fact, studies have been done which have found that even ten minutes in a Park reduces stress – something to think about!

Parks are a place for people to exercise and stay fit. It is common to see jogging and walking enthusiasts making good use of the “track” in the National Park. The National Park is known to be a place for cyclists to train and race.

Parks create a stable child Being outside and playing in nature is crucial for the healthy development of children. Learning to play in nature improves co-ordination; the child’s ability to learn and reduces attention disorders by enabling the brain to focus better. Spending time in nature has been observed to be better for the emotional stability and mental health of children.

Further, Parks provide great opportunities for parents to bond with children, and for children to make new friends in the neighbourhood. A big Park is also a great place for a child’s birthday, giving them the opportunity to run around safely and learn to appreciate nature.

Words BIRD-WATCHING CYCLING DOG-WALKING FOOTBALL PICNICKING PLAY RELAXING WALKING ‘Cities without parks have no limbs to play, no lungs to breathe, no mind to wonder, no heart to live, and no spirit to soar.’- steve coleman

Parks need people Just as people need Parks, Parks also need people. People bring Parks alive! Without us, Parks would really not be complete. However, not all Parks are created equal. Some are created just for conservation of nature – plants, animals, and ecosystems; these are not open for much interference by humans. However, our National Park, Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Promenade Gardens, however are examples for people to enjoy. As we visit these spaces though, we need to be conscious of their value to our health and well-being and to treat them with respect. A good way to show respect, is to be responsible for our trash - disposing of it in the bins provided in the Parks and Gardens or taking it home where we can dispose of it properly. Let’s take care of our natural spaces, and they will continue to take care of us!

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

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

In 1966…

Convicted rapist freed

by Court of Appeal

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N 1966, Keith Mayers was convicted of rape because a trial judge failed to rule on an objection, but on appeal, the conviction was set aside because of the judge’s failure to carry out his function.

The Court of Appeal, constituted by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby and Justices of Appeal Luckhoo and Guya Persaud heard the appeal.

The Court held that in relation to made to such cases, the admissibility of evidence depends on the discretion of the trial judge and the principles to be applied, and in exercising that discretion, the trial judge cannot flinch from exercising his authority.

J. O.F. Haynes, Q.C. with C. A. Massiah appeared for the appellant and G.A.G. Pompey for the Crown.

Chancellor Stoby deliv-

ered the judgment of the Court as follows: The appellant in this case was convicted of rape. He appealed to this court on three grounds but we propose to deal with one ground only.

During the trial, the mother of the girl allegedly raped was called as a witness for the Crown. The purpose of her evidence was to show that the virtual complainant had made a complaint to her.

After she had given evidence and was cross-examined, counsel, who appeared for the appellant at the trial, submitted in the absence of the jury that having regard to the answers given by the mother in cross-examination, the complaint was inadmissible as it was elicited by questions of an inducing character.

Counsel for the Crown submitted that although the mother asked her daughter certain questions, yet having regard to the relationship of mother and daughter , the complaint was admissible.

While counsel for the Crown was replying to the defence submission, the judge intervened.

The record before us is as follows: “At this stage , the court indicates to counsel for

factors have to be borne in mind: (A) was the complaint made as speedily as could reasonably be expected ? (B) Was it voluntary and spontaneous and not elicited by leading, inducing or intimidating questions?

It can happen, and often does, that the virtual prosecutrix as well as the witness to whom the complaint was made gave their evidence in such a convincing way that no question can arise about the admissibility of a

defence that having regard to the defence as put to the complainant, it would seem the making of the complaint was consistent with the defence, although its weight may be attacked having regard to the manner in which it was made. “ As a result of this statement by the judge, counsel for the Crown did not proceed with his reply, the jury was recalled and the trial proceeded without demur from defence counsel.

On appeal, it has been argued that the complaint was inadmissible because it was obtained by leading questions and suggestions and that in any event it was the function of the judge to rule on the submission, and his failure to rule deprived the prisoner of the possibility of the complaint being held to whom the complaint was made.

Whenever evidence of a complaint is given, two

complaint .

If such be the case, no ruling from the judge is required.

On the other hand, it may occur and often does, that the person to whom the complaint is made makes admissions in cross-examination which might or might not cause the evidence to be inadmissible.

As soon as the possibility arises of the complaint being held by the judge to be inadmissible it is for him (the judge) to rule.

Looking at the matter without the aid of any persuasive authorities, we are in no doubt about the judge’s function in a criminal case where objection is taken to the admissibility of evidence.

The judge must make up his mind and rule one way or the other. Quite understandably, a situation may arise where counsel withdraws his objection and the evidence, if al-

By George Barclay ready accepted, remains and is dealt with in the summing-up as admissible evidence.

A Court of Appeal can, if opportunity offers, decide whether the evidence was correctly admitted.

But where the admissibility of evidence depends on the discretion of the trial judge and the principles to be applied in exercising that discretion, the trial judge cannot flinch from exercising his authority.

The reason is patent. Normally, admissibility depends on fixed principles relevancy and so on; the judge’s discretion is not required ; his view of the relationship between the parties, the surrounding circumstances and the impression created in his mind are unimportant .

In sexual cases, the unimportant assumes a different character which the written word can never convey.

When this court looks at the evidence objected to, it cannot with a feeling of certainty say that the judge , had he exercised his discretion , would have admitted the evidence.

He might have done so and had he applied the correct principles this court would not have interfered.

The judge warned the jury against convicting on uncorroborated testimony; he told them there was no corroboration; he told them that the complaint to the mother did not afford corroboration.

In this setting, it was vital for the jury to know whether she had told a consistent story; had the complaint been ruled inadmissible this element of the prosecution’s case would have been lacking and without it we cannot say the jury must have convicted.

We consider the failure of the judge to give a decision on an important bit of evidence was a fatal omission, and consequently the conviction must be quashed and the sentence set aside.

The appeal is allowed.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Sarafina

XI Sarafina Edghill

Edghill Cupcake queen, model, actor

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By Akola Thompson

hortly after writing her CSEC examinations at Tucville Secondary, Sarafina Edghill, like most persons awaiting their results, spent the majority of her time home.

It was not long before her godmother asked her to find something to do and encouraged her to go to Carnegie School of Home Economics, as by then Sarafina’s love for cooking was well known.

“It wasn’t something I thought much about but since I was younger I was always in the kitchen- but at that time I wanted to be a lawyer.

“By the time I was in high school and had Food and Nutrition classes, I had fallen in love with cooking. So when I was encouraged to go to Carnegie, I went to register, got through and never looked back,” said Sarafina.

She decided she wanted to be a chef and began attending Carnegie. However, at the time, she was only 16 and as such, could not do the catering and hospitality course she wanted to do; she’d have to wat until age 18. Despite the disappointment, she decided she would do out Sarafina’s work

her two years in commercial food preparation.

After that, she would go on to complete a series of evening courses, the last of which was an advanced course in elementary cake and pastry preparation, which she finished a short while back.

With those completed, Sarafina, now 22, has finally decided to do her diploma in catering and hospitality, which she will begin in September. As to whether she will be leaving Guyana to gain her full Bachelor’s Degree immediately afterwards, as Guyana does not offer it, Sarafina is unsure but stated that she will be doing it eventually.

Aside from school, Sarafina has for the past three years done catering for a number of individuals and businesses. She also hosts cupcake sales close to three times a month and revealed that she is jokingly called the cupcake queen, proudly displaying a chain bearing a cupcake pendant given to her by a client last year.

It all started two years ago when she sold her first set of cupcakes. “When I was doing my cake course,” she said, “I decided to do cupcakes. I wanted to try everything and told my Mom I’d need her help to do a sale to see how it goes, and it began from there. They sold out so quickly that I decided to do another sale the next day, I had to keep baking for an entire week.”

Despite her success, however, Sarafina stated that like all businesses, there have been high and low times. One of the things that has threatened to overwhelm her sometimes is the lack of support, which she explained now stands at 50\50.

“I believe a lot of young entrepreneurs suffer from a lack of support. People will say that they will support you but when you’re looking for that support, they aren’t there, so you just need to forget about them and do you.”

Sarafina’s talents however, are not just limited to catering as she often graces the fashion runways and does photoshoots for some of Guyana’s top designers such as Sonia Noel, Keisha Edwards, Olympia Small, Quinton Pearson, Sidney Francois, Melissa King and a few others.

She has also tested the waters of theatre and realized that it is something she enjoys. She played a waitress in Desiree Edghill’s play, “My top, Your bottom” last December in commemoration of World Aids Day. Sarafina said she initially found it a bit challenging as the young woman that was put against her was not only extremely talented, but also very experienced. However, she managed to overcome her fear and performed well.

A young multi-talented woman, Sarafina said that she would like to encourage all young budding entrepreneurs and creative persons to not only think about their dreams but to actively pursue them, no matter how long it takes.

She hopes that in the next four to five years she would have not only realized her dreams of being a chef but would have already expanded her business both locally and internationally.

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He looks so much like Obama - Guyanese boy bears striking resemblance to U.S. President, and hopes to meet him

by Francis Quamina Farrier Twelve-year-old Kani McLean is reaching for the stars, but also hoping to pass through the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States of America, in Washington, DC., while on his way to academic excellence.

There is a firm reason why this young Guyanese wants to visit the White House. His desire is to meet, even briefly, with President Barack Obama. The reason being, that during the past seven years or so of his very young life, Kani McLean has been referred to as, "Barack", "Little Obama" or simply "Obama". The pre-teen has such an extremely striking resemblance to the President of the United States of America that he is already a bit of a celebrity, being stopped may times by various individuals and admired.

But before we get any further into Kani McLean's

story, I need to tell you that although Kani is "Guyanese to de bone", he was not born in Guyana. Surprised, eh?

Here's Kani's story from the very beginning.

Just over twelve years ago, while on a flight from Guyana to Jamaica, still within the confines of his mother's womb, Kani decided to make an unannounced and very unexpected arrival into this world while the plane was still in Trinidad. That was a very big surprise for his mother, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, who was not expecting his arrival for some weeks.

It was also a big surprise for close relatives and friends, who were of the belief, that the little fellow still had another two months or so, within the comfort of his mother's womb. But there he was, born in Trinidad, but nonetheless, Guyanese from head to toe. He was a premature bundle of joy who was â–ş Contiuned on page XIII

Kani McLean

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016 corner, are very hopeful that the President of the United States will host the twelve year old Guyanese boy, who looks so much like him, and who is reaching for the stars by studying hard to become a very productive member of society.

Kani McLean has already met with high ranking American Officials while still here in his native Guyana. Two years ago, he was a special guest of the American Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, at the Official residence, for the United States Independence Anniversary Celebrations. At that reception, he was also greatly admired by many other guests, for his close looks to President Obama.

As a scout, Kani is living the motto of "Always be Prepared", and who knows, part of that preparation

Kani McLean in his Scout uniform â–ş From page XII not really keen to be a Trinidadian citizen!

Born over there in the Land of Calypso and oil, Kani, spent most of his very early years here in Guyana, the Land of his parents and grandparents.

Although accidentally Trinidadian by birth, he is Guyanese by parents and by choice.

His father is veterinarian Dr. Nicholas McLean, the son of Major General Norman McLean. His mother, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, is the daughter of the wellknown veteran Travel Agent, Gem Eytle. Kani McLean also has roots deep in the soil of the Pomeroon District, in Region Number Two of Guyana.

From a very early age, Kani became a member of the Scout Movement here in Guyana, and continues to be involved in scouting over in Atlanta, Georgia, in America, where he is at present, continuing his studies.

He is a past student of the New Guyana School in Georgetown. Wherever, he goes in the United States, he is referred to as "Barack", "Obama" or "Little Obama". Many times as he is travelling through an airport, he will be pulled aside by some official who would remark about his very close resemblance to the President.

So a few weeks ago, Kani decided to write to President Barack Obama, seeking a meeting with him at the White House, and while no firm response has been received as yet, Kani and all those who are in his

XIII could be to play the role of a young Barack Obama in a movie, should Hollywood come calling.

We as his fellow Guyanese must be in the corner of Kani Mclean, hoping that his dreams do come true, in the very same way in which the dreams of young Barack Obama came true, after he wrote in his book, "The Audacity of Hope."

Also as a scout from Guyana, Kani McLean can boast to his fellow scouts in the United States, that scouting came to Guyana in 1909, one year before scouting was established in the United States of America in 1910.

Guyana can benefit in some ways, should the dreams - The Audacity of Hope - in little Kani McLean, do become reality.

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Locating Guyana within the regional art discourse

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By Dominique Hunter wo weeks ago, the fourth installation of the Caribbean Linked artist residency concluded at Ateliers ’89 in Orangestad, Aruba. This initiative’s mandate has always been to provide a space for “building awareness across disparate creative communities by bringing together emerging artists from Anglophone, Francophone, Hispanic and Dutch Antillean Caribbean Islands.”

Geography is therefore a critical and foundational element of Caribbean Linked. It is also perhaps one of the most immediate factors each participant is confronted with upon arrival to the Dutch territory.

Location and landscape are almost always the focal (or if not starting) point of cultural exchange

programs like Caribbean Linked. It is in our nature, as creative practitioners, to enter these programs with open but inquisitive minds that identify the differences as we search for the connections between “home” and “abroad.”

It was no different for this year’s participants as we tried to locate points of entry to start our individual engagements with this new environment.

And so too did my own quest begin as I wrestled with Guyana’s unique physical placement within the region, its creative plateau some 40-odd years ago and its subsequent and noticeable absence from regional conversations since.

During the course of this residency, a number of wild theories regarding what I like to refer to as the “Guyana situation” burrowed into my brain and took up occupancy. These theories were not imposed by anyone else but were revealed to me while in con-

versation with the other participants. They are still being revealed to me even as I type these words. It became clear very quickly that I was the only one who wasn’t from an island and that I (my country) was the only one attached to a much larger mass of land. But what exactly does that mean? What does it mean to not be entirely surrounded by an endless stretch of blue water? I doubt I’ll ever have the answer to those questions.

Although we (Guyanese) are more directly and physically connected to our South American neighbours than our Caribbean neighbours, we don’t share their identity in any other way (at least not in my opinion). In fact, much of what shapes the Guyanese personality comes from the Caribbean territories further afield. Theirs is ► Continued on page XV

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016 ► From page XII the measuring stick we use to gauge our own sense of self (after the great U.S.A. of course). Why else would there be so many Jamaican accents on our radio stations or fetes trying to mimic those found in Trinidad?

Our unique positioning within the region should’ve afforded us a more advanced footing than we currently have. Instead we’ve been burdened by a crippling identity disorder, the result of years of failed or simply non-existent policies.

This, in my opinion, is one of the major conundrums of the Guyanese personality. There is a certain sense of disorientation that befalls us every time we swing from one side to the next. Are we Caribbean or South American? Where do we fit? Is it even important that we do fit? How do we successfully balance the scale if we choose to claim both sides? Coupled with our diverse cultures and our unique history of political tensions, it is indeed quite the challenge to explain our particular situation.

And so, very often in the midst of discussions where most participants presented a relatively linear explanation of their country’s “How we got in this mess” story, I simply sat quietly and listened. How do you explain the Guyana situation to someone outside of Guyana? Where do you even start?

We can always boast of the seemingly thriving art scene up until the 80s or of the brilliant art practitioners of that time or even of being the founding country of CARIFESTA. But what have we managed to accomplish in the years since?

Most of our veteran artists have left and those who chose to stay work in relative isolation (if they still work at all).

It boggles my mind that we are one of the few territories in the region with an art school and yet there is no system in place for students upon graduation.

There is no shortage of talent in the art school but the sad reality is that most of them don’t have a fighting chance once they leave.

They are either co-opted into careers that are unrelated to their field of study or they teach for the rest of their lives (which is perfectly fine). Teaching is a necessary and respectable job but the problem arises when we’re flooded with

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art teachers and there are no art practitioners, the result of which is the nasty cycle we find ourselves in today.

Art students with no opportunities for growth are forced into teaching jobs and they can’t continue their practice while employed because they’re too busy teaching ten different subjects. And so it continues on and on, year after year. All of the talent on display at every graduation ceremony gets hijacked because our policy makers couldn’t get it right. Yet no one can see the correlation between this and the staggering gap between our veteran and contemporary artists.

I often speak of Guyana’s absence from any (significant) creative discourse within the region, not to cast blame outward at any organizer but as a challenge to Guyanese to use that as an opportunity to address the elephant in the room.

Our model isn’t working. It hasn’t been working for years, which is why there is usually very little to no representation anywhere, in any discipline. Granted no country has the perfect model for creative sustainability, we’ve somehow managed to regress even further into archaic and stagnant methodologies. Either that or we’ve gotten awfully comfortable sitting back with folded arms waiting for the next person to do the work.

It would appear as though we’ve fallen off the “map.” While I understand and have a great appreciation for the groundwork done by our veteran artists here in Guyana, I often wonder about our contemporary practitioners. It was glaringly obvious during my time in Aruba that I had trouble identifying serious Guyanese art practitioners under 50 who didn’t spend their careers pandering to the whims of buyers. It was even more obvious to me that we are a scattered people, operating in our own disconnected pockets of the country. One can only hope that this once fertile land, rich with creative energy can recover from this dry spell.

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NY-based Guyanese urged to promote Guyana’s history, culture

By Alva Solomon in New York Guyanese have had a historical, impacting contribution to New York City and Ohio-based professor Dr Vibert Cambridge, a son of the soil, is encouraging various generations of Guyanese resident in the Big Apple to promulgate and feature that rich history.

Dr Cambridge made the call while addressing an audience at the 15th award ceremony of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA), held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall in Brooklyn, New York Wednesday evening last.

Speaking to the large gathering of countrymen and women, Dr Cambridge who is President of the body, noted that the GCA is working as part of its mandate to generate content, including research and documentation of the Guyanese presence in New York, stretching way before 1966 when Guyana attained independence from Great Britain. ”In 1902 we had Guyanese here; in 1919 we had Rudolph Dunbar as a student here,” he

Dr Vibert Cambridge addresses the gathering .Standing alongside him is Richard Chin, son of the late cultural icon Godfrey Chin said, as he called on the young generations of today to assist the GCA in telling “the story of the Guyanese presence in New York “.

The award ceremony was undertaken to honour persons who have contributed to the development of the arts in Guyana and it also recognized the contributions of several outstanding Guyanese based on the US. According to Dr Cambridge, the GCA celebrates individuals who embody core values which promote originality and contribute to innovation within the arts.

The past 15 years have been marvelous, he said, and have been inspired by works of many outstanding Guyanese including the late Wordsworth McAndrew, whose spirit, he noted, showcased and celebrates the multiple roots of Guyana’s cultural heritage.

He said that that as the late Godfrey Chin would say “our mission is to preserve to promote and to promulgate Guyana’s heritage and creativity.”

He said that the work of the GCA is guided by the belief that Guyanese folk heritage reveal common threads which connect.”

“It is very easy to find the thing which separates us,” he said, noting that the GCA believes that when one seeks those common threads, one establishes and deepen thrust.

“Without intersecting trust there can be no sustainable development in Guyana,” he added, noting that that it was his only political statement for the night, as the audience laughed.

Dr Cambridge noted that over the past 15 years, the GCA has worked on preserving original research on Guyanese cultural heritage. He pointed to the body’s work aimed at reviving the masquerade art in Guyana, noting that there are a number of tangible efforts to support the art form.

Dr Cambridge noted that masquerade transcends grace and efforts are being undertaken to revive the form in Guyana . He said at the moment Essequibo possesses more masquerade bands than any other part of the country, including Berbice where no band can be found.

He noted that Dr Paloma Mohammed is pressing the study of masquerade lyrics in Guyana and according to him, she noted that there is much more to the few lyrics which is usually heard annually “Christmas comes once a year and everyone should have their share ,” a sour ginger beer chorus, he said.

In terms of promotion, the GCA’s annual symposium is an area which he pointed out as is ► Continued on page XVII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

Members of the National Dance Company perform during a reception following the award ceremony ► From page XVI key to sharing Guyana’s rich heritage.

He spoke of the “we bridging” initiative, a collaborative approach involving persons in Guyana, New York and the wider diaspora, which points to a strategy for closing in on the cultural deficit. To this end , Dr Cambridge noted that in future, the GCA will give priority to partnerships , noting that body is looking forward to strengthening relations with the Brooklyn Arts Council and the University if Guyana, among other entities .

At Wednesday evening’s event, several persons were presented with awards including Guyanese Online advocate Cyril Bryan for his leading focus on expanding and enhancing the interests of Guyanese everywhere. Writer and Educator Cyril Dabydeen was also presented with an award for his contributions as short-story writer novelist as well as an advocate for race relations.

Egbert Carter , an expert in engineering field was also recognized for his work as a cultural enabler while Beverley Drake , one of Guyana’s first female pilots was also recognised at the event.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a lifetime award to Claire Ann Goring, an artist and cultural advocate who advanced Guyana’s festive and graphic arts for almost four decades.

Members of the National Dance Company also graced the event and its members who travelled to the US via assistance from the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport later entertained visitors to the event.

A section of the audience at the event

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Homeless women offered ‘a place of refuge’

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OOKING for the kind of intervention as would effectively respond to the numerous social ills besetting the community?

In addition to the services offered by public-funded facilities, there is PATOIS Professional Behaviourial Services (PPBS).

Located at Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, and founded and driven by Mental Health Consultant Ingrid Goodman and a staff of professional social workers, PATOIS focuses on a number of areas. These include depression, stress management, anger management, post-traumatic stress, domestic violence, youth self-esteem, and substance abuse.

PATOIS has been providing community mental health services since 2011, operating under the motto: “We heal together for Growth.”

Hundreds have already undergone and are benefitting from these therapeutic interventions that have served to put their lives back together again. The service may be accessed individually or through group therapy. Just recently some 47 women benefitted from Group Therapy training programmes in Self Esteem conducted in villages along the East Coast Demerara and graduated with certificates.

Emergency Shelter Programmes Another burgeoning programme initiated by PATOIS and is fast catching on is “Women’s Refuge Emergency Shelter,” a 90-day “crisis response” for single women who are homeless. It comes with a three-month precursor, referred to as the “Screening Period” during which the women are screened to determine their suitability for admission to the Shelter.

Areas and competencies Ingrid Goodman tested include their strength perspective – coping skills, mental health, skills that lead to employment, money management skills, and others. That process is to determine the magnitude of the applicant’s crisis and whether they are suited for the programme.

Once a person gets into the programme, they are on their way to being placed on what is called the 90-days after care programme and will each work along with a case manager. Additionally, the mother is allowed to have to three very young children with her, provided that she cannot find anyone who is willing to keep them. Qualification for the temporary shelter will afford them meals and transportation and the shelter will assist them wherever possible with finding permanent accommodation.

On completion of this programme, participants may be introduced to another level – Entrepreneurship - which effectively involves them managing their own small businesses.

The Shelter provides accommodation for a maximum of 12 occupants. Persons can be drawn from among the ranks of women who are affected by mental illnesses, domestic violence, alcohol and other drugs, those who have suicide ideation, and whose children are in state-run institutions due to abuse, abandonment or neglect and are without housing or other resources.

Cases are referred to PATOIS from the Ministry of Social Protection’s Childcare and Protection Agency and/or via the Family Court.

Additionally the Women’s Refuge Shelter is involved in training in: • • • • • • •

Ethical standards training in the Workplace Research and Development Capacity Building Programnme Development Monitoring and Evaluation Education and Training Personal and Professional Development

The most recent Intervention embarked upon with attendant counselling, Goodman said, involves Domestic Violence (of a 16-weeks’ duration); Suicide (12 weeks) and Sexual Abuse/ Rape Survivors’ intervention. The response, she claims, is heartening and the level of interest shown is high, noting that these clients attend sessions once per week, and not one has ever been absent so far.

Goodman says delivering these programmes cost money and the Women’s Refuge Programme at this time is cash-strapped. She is hopeful that the programme can have the blessings and financial support from the Ministry of Social Protection.

“If you empower an individual through behavior change, you empower a family. If you empower a family, you empower a community, if you empower a community, you empower a nation - our nation, Guyana.”

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Theatre Review…

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Naya Zamana N

By Subraj Singh aya Zamana is 21-years-old and it is not hard to understand why it continues to endure and retains its hold on the place of prominence it has in local theatre.

One of the reasons for this has to do with the dearth of theatrical performances that focus on East Indian culture and the fact that there are not many dramatic plays that choose to make the Indo-Guyanese populace their target audience.

Naya Zamana is one of a very few select shows that attempts to portray and reflect Indian culture and, therefore, it should not come as a surprise that it is readily lapped up by audiences when it is presented each year.

Photo by Javin Singh

This year’s production was subtitled “Lost in Time” and was written, directed and choreographed by Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

The main concept involved two young men who travel through time (via a time machine that they have created) where they have several meet-cutes with beautiful women from all eras and are constantly pursued by villains from all eras – all the while singing and dancing and miraculously being able to find exquisite, matching costumes even as they struggle to get back home.

The concept and script were both severely under-developed, being poorly written and made even worse by the fact that none of the actors were speaking their lines live but were, instead, attempting to lip-synch over pre-recorded lines. It did not

go well.

As a piece of drama, a piece of theatre, as a play “Lost in Time” was not working. It is clear that scriptwriting is not the forte of the Naya Zamana team. No resolutions are offered, no characters are developed and, in fact, the script – the art of that great thing to emerge from playwriting – is reduced to a mere prop to enable the transitions between the dance numbers, which is really what Naya Zamana is all about.

The dances were truly spectacular. In fact, there is not a single dance that was poorly choreographed or performed. They all were truly impeccably done. The different styles of dance were very much appreciated, as each dance was able to convey the different time periods of Bollywood cine-

ma – as each era possessed their own styles of dance, as evidenced when we contrast two dance items from the night of the performance: that of the demons, which comes from classical Bollywood, and the modern and popular club-number of “Let’s Nacho”, which was released this year.

The classical dance piece, the second item in the show, is one that stood out because of its particular grace and elegance, and Nirmala Persaud, dancing as Durga, really embodied her character and managed to express the goddess using only movements and expression – as any good dancer should be able to.

Dr. Indhira Harry and Farzaana Khan are very capable dancers and one goes away in complete awe at their ability to dance through so many varied numbers without

tiring.

One does wonder at the choice of the organizers of Naya Zamana to employ foreign actors to play some of the lead roles and the question of the necessity of this does need to be asked.

Are there not any suitable Guyanese actors, and perhaps actors within the local Naya Zamana fraternity itself, who can play these roles?

Lastly, Trishala Persaud, who designed the costumes and set for the production must be commended for creating what were truly spectacular pieces of costume and set pieces that can only be found on the National Cultural Centre stage when Naya Zamana is done every year.

Costumes and set were integral to the grandiosity and the success of the production

and for this, the designer must be congratulated.

One does wish that the approach Naya Zamana takes would not continue to be one that is entirely centered on aping Bollywood and that, perhaps, grassroots Indian culture could come to the forefront also.

What of maticore conducted by rice farmers and cane-cutters and of Holi in Guyanese villages or the streets of Georgetown? Do such scenes not lend themselves to the skills being showcased by the Naya Zamana team?

Can a focus that is, at least partially, built on local Indian influences not be an important move in the performing arts not only to Indo-Guyanese people, but to the country as a whole?

It is certainly something worth considering.

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XXII Ama women in traditional clothing dancing (Credit: Keren Su/China Span / Alamy)

Chronicle Pepperpot September 4, 2016

The last mermaids of Japan

- The Ama are Japan’s last population of female shell divers. But with their way of life and culture increasingly under threat, could this be the end of an age-old tradition?

(BBC) Kimiyo Hayashi sat warming herself by the fire that biting cold. Over the years, Hayashi said, she has lost pit inside a salt-licked, weatherboard hut on Japan’s Ago many good friends.

Bay. The air outside was sticky and thick, yet she huddled The key, she explained, is not how long the Ama can hold beside the flames, chattering quietly with her niece Tom- their breath for, but how fast they can hunt. Beneath the waves, omi Nakanishi. sometimes for a gut-wrenching two minutes at a time, the Ama “I have been in the sea my whole life, and no matter how need to be decisive and efficient. In her heyday, she said, she hot it gets, I still feel the chill in my bones,” Hayashi said, would return to shore with a haul of wooden buckets overflowlooking out across the pincer-shaped promontory. “I love the ing with abalone, sea urchin, snails, lobster and octopus. While tradition of warming up afterwards.” the original Ama sought lustrous pearl oysters, a good shellfish Among Japan’s last female free divers, Hayashi and Na- season could reap as much as 27 million yen. It was a given kanishi stubbornly cling to the old ways of life. Their floor that a daughter would one day follow her mother out to sea. was covered with ashen planks, a charred kettle was on the But nowadays, the harbour buzz has vanished. While boil and the roof was black with soot. Face masks and frayed the Ama who still embrace this age-old tradition continue to rubber wet suits, the womens’ only concession to modernity, find freedom and fraternity on the open waves, they do so in A plentiful harvest is rare these days for the Ama dripped metronomically from a rail. ever-dwindling numbers.

This timeless scene might seem far removed from contemHayashi and Nakanishi are coming to terms with the fact (Credit: Mike MacEacheran) porary Japan, but the region of Ise-Shima in Mie Prefecture is that they may well be the last of their generation. Their daughIt is an emotional seesaw to have their world taken away, awash with such maritime tradition. And none is more fantasti- ters are not interested, and the average age in their diving Hayashi said, a pang of regret in her voice. “We need more cal than the stories about the Ama, the enigmatic women of the community has peaked at 65. Incredibly, Ise-Shima’s oldest women to become Ama so our tradition does not die. But sea who were first recorded in the oldest Japanese anthology free diver is in her late 80s. where will they come from? It makes me so very sad.” of poetry, the Man’yoshu, in the 8th Century. It is a legend, The question is: how can these original hunter-gatherers The problem is few young Japanese women see the bensome say, that dates back 3,000 years. survive in a modernised society like Japan? Ama numbers efits. Under pressure from falling seafood stocks, An expressive 61-year-old with sharp the trade isn’t as lucrative as it once was, and jobs eyes, Hayashi began to tell her story. in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo are far more appealEvery morning, in the predawn light, ing. On a bad day, a day’s free diving can bring she would watch dozens of near-silent back as little as 2,000 yen — scant reward for such Ama process through the darkness of the life-threatening risk. dockyard with lit bamboo torches. Some The Ama have also become victims of commerwould be bare-breasted, wearing just a cial fishing, which continues to drastically reduce fundoshi (loincloth) and tenugi (bandana). the available bounty. Highly prized abalone fetches She would wave to her grandmother and as much as 10,000 yen per kg at market, but in an atmother, both veteran Ama, always wontempt to encourage stock regeneration and safeguard dering what drew them out beyond the sustainable shellfish levels, government regulations swell of the waves. When she was 16, she continue to tighten each year, often preventing the was finally asked to join them.

Ama from foraging for in-demand shellfish.

Forty-five years later, her ritual at Still, the Ama’s saviour may be their history. In sea is still the same. Once on the boat, the past year, four traditional ama-goya, the rustic dressed head-to-toe in a traditional white huts where divers relax and socialise, have opened cloth outfit, she plunges headfirst into the to tourists, with veterans like Hayashi cooking deep, sometimes as far as 1km away from hand-dived shellfish for guests. Once exceedingly shore. With all the grace and guile of a rare to see inside, these rudimentary beach shacks mermaid, her legs and toes pointed and offer a window into a clandestine, old-fashioned powerful, she vanishes, sometimes to 10m An Ama woman diving for the day's catch (Credit: Hackenberg-Photo-Cologne way of life. deep, disappearing to mine the seabed for / Alamy) For now, though, Hayashi says this new initiative shellfish and seaweed. has simply strengthened her resolve.

Considering the lack of technical equipment –­­­ no have reduced so drastically that there are now fewer than 2,000 “I love my job and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” snorkel, no aqualung – it’s hard to imagine the hard- practicing ­­­­­­­­­— 8,000 fewer than in their post-WWII heyday. she concluded, with an optimistic twinkle. “As long as I’m ships the Ama face in the freezing seas and dangerous And that figure keeps falling. In Ago Bay, the epicentre of the healthy and happy, I have at least another 20 years left currents. Regular accidents have become a way of life, fabled Ama legend, there are just 25 left, and other coastal in my lungs and legs. So I’ll keep diving. It’s what I was shark encounters aren’t unheard of and there’s always towns are faring just as badly. born to do.”

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Earlier diabetes diagnosis linked to worse midlife heart health (Reuters Health) - When people develop diabetes early in life they may also be more likely to experience heart problems in middle age, a study suggests.

Cardiovascular disease has long been linked to diabetes in older adults. The new study, however, offers fresh evidence that getting diabetes as a younger adult may exacerbate or accelerate the erosion of heart function as people age.

“Diabetes is toxic to the heart since it affects many important components of the machinery,” said Dr. Genevieve Derumeaux, a researcher at Henri Mondor Hospital in Creteil, France and author of an editorial accompanying the study.

In particular, diabetes can damage the left ventricle, the bottom left chamber of the heart responsible for pushing oxygen-rich blood out into the circulatory system, Derumeaux said by email. Over time, diabetes can make it harder for the chamber to fill with blood and pump blood out into the body.

Globally, about one in 10 adults have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. Most have type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and aging and occurs when the body can’t make or process enough of the hormone insulin.

Medications as well as lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise habits can help manage diabetes and keep symptoms in check. When diabetes isn’t well managed, however, dangerous spikes in blood sugar can eventually lead to blindness, amputations, kidney failure, heart disease and stroke.

For the current study, researchers examined data on nearly 3,200 adults over a 25-year period starting in 1985 when they were between 18 and 30 years old.

After initial medical exams, participants received a series of seven additional checkups during the study period. The exams included assessments of blood sugar and the ability to process the hormone insulin, as well as imaging tests known as echocardiograms to determine heart health.

By the end of the study, the participants who lived the most years with diabetes were much more likely to have heart damage than their peers without diabetes or participants who only developed the condition more recently, the study found.

When people developed what’s known as insulin resistance, a failure to process the hormone, they were also much more likely to experience heart damage by the end of the study.

One limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on diabetic complications, making it impossible for them to assess how specific problems that developed with this disease might influence the odds of heart damage, the authors note in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Even so, the findings point to the importance of preventing the onset of diabetes and controlling blood sugar properly if the condition does develop, the authors conclude.

“Cumulative exposure to diabetes and higher insulin resistance from early adulthood to middle age are risk factors for adverse cardiac dysfunction later in life,” lead study author Dr. Satoru Kishi, a diabetes researcher at Mitsui Memorial Hospital in Tokyo, said by email.

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A cartoon by Ali, an Iranian refugee held at Papua New Guinea's Manus Island detention centre whose pen name is Eaten Fish, is seen in this image supplied to Reuters on August 27, 2016. Eaten Fish/ Handout via REUTERS

Iranian refugee detained in Papua New Guinea wins cartooning award (Reuters) An Iranian refugee held at an Australian-funded detention center in Papua New Guinea has won a political cartooning award for his work depicting life inside the camp.

Ali, a 25-year-old whose pen name is Eaten Fish, has chronicled his three-year detention on Manus Island as he struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and debilitating panic attacks.

Under Australia's hardline immigration policy, anyone intercepted trying to reach the country by boat is sent for processing to camps on Manus or Nauru in the South Pacific.

They are not eligible to be resettled in Australia.

Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI) said Ali was recognized for his courage in documenting life under Australia's offshore detention program - which drew thousands of protesters onto streets across the country on Saturday calling for its closure.

"Eaten Fish has been able to keep up a stream of cartoons documenting the unspeakable abuses and excesses of the guards and administrators of the camp," Joel Pett, president of CRNI's board of directors, said in a statement on Friday.

"For this he has been the subject of beatings, deprivation of food, and even worse degrading treatment by the guards."

Ali’s Australian-based advocate, Janet Galbraith, said the award meant a lot to the young cartoonist - whose work has been published in The Guardian newspaper - but it was also an indictment of Australia’s detention program.

Previous winners have included cartoonists jailed or disappeared for their work.

Galbraith said Ali, who fled Iran due to fears of government persecution, was sick and needed specialist medical assistance.

Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection denied the claims made by CRNI and defended the care provided at the facility.

"The department currently has no evidence that any of these allegations are true," a spokesman said in an email to Reuters.

Australia and Papua New Guinea said earlier this month the Manus center would be shut but they gave no date for the closure, leaving the fate of about 800 refugees unclear.

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Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month

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he month of September has been designated Indigenous Heritage Month, and the celebrations are being held under the theme: “Our Culture, Earth’s Future: Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way.” Here, we feature scenes from the launch of the festivities last Thursday at the Indigenous Village, Sophia, Georgetown.

(Photos by Delano Williams)

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Makeup for the aging skin

Age isn't necessarily the perfect example of aged-skin.

A 40-year- old could have soft, supple, healthy skin with minimal signs of aging if they use moisturizer daily and take necessary precautions to prevent the signs of aging.

Likewise, a 16-year-old could have damaged, dry, wrinkled skin if they are not taking care of it.

In the beauty world, it matters not how old you are but only how old you look. If you're bleaching, scrubbing daily, and refuse to moisturize because you're afraid of looking oily, then your skin is suffering. And skincare reform is necessary. It's never too late to start taking care of your skin.

The lifestyle you live and the effort placed on your health are all important factors in determining whether your skin has a healthy, youthful appearance.

Again I cannot stress how important skincare is to makeup application. If you don't take care of you skin, it's more likely to age prematurely. â–ş Contiuned on page XXXI

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Whether you're sixteen, or sixty, as long as your skin is matured, whether it's beyond its natural process or is well preserved like an Egyptian mummy, it's imperative to follow specific techniques and guidelines in applying makeup. Because skin is a lot more delicate due to damage, gentle touches are necessary.

There should be no pulling, pinching, or any abrasiveness.

The rules you broke, used and abused in your youth, the pulling of eyeliner, the heavy smears and rubbing will only cause more damage as you age, because as you age, the elasticity (the bounce back) of your skin diminishes. So there's no speedy recovery anymore, and it's better to prevent the signs of against than to cure it.

Opt for a youthful glowing skin Serums are ideal for prepping mature skin. They offer a glow and keep skin taut, without a greasy shiny residue.

Do not use primers, because they deliver a matte dried appearance and that's a faux pas for mature skin.

Use liquid foundations and concealers.

Light liquid foundations and concealers help to tone skin, and deliver coverage without clogging pores. Stay away from creams and cake foundations and concealers that will only cause skin to appear older and form crevices along the wrinkles.

Rejuvenate by saturation When it comes to makeup, the misconception is always that it can be done in a hurry. To produce a perfect look, you have to allow the skin and makeup to mould together and achieve the perfect symbiosis.

Let the makeup saturate into the skin, otherwise cracks and visible lines will appear even more pronounced. Avoid rushing the process - do not mix dry products with wet ones.

Allow the liquid products to set and mould to the skin, then gently blend it in with light stippling pats of loose powder.

Speaking of saturation‌ .

Colours, eyeliners, and lipsticks, should all be patted on gently. One trick I like to use is to firmly press and hold my brush against the skin, lightly oscillating to add depth. Instead of packing on product, gently apply more pressure and the pigment transfers onto skin with a more opaque appearance.

Shimmy on the shimmer...

Despite popular belief, shimmer does an excellent job at disguising wrinkles, especially under eyes. Just ensure that it’s a colour that matches skin tone, otherwise it looks messy.

No straight lines When finishing with eyeliners and lip liners and brow defined pencils, never ever aim to, or use straight lines on mature skin.

It may easily have a drag queen appearance, which is only good for a stage performance. Otherwise, go strictly for well-blended, smokey looks. Not even lip colour should be too straight; it should flow naturally along the lines of the mature skin.

There should be no running or bleeding of lipstick, and to prevent that simply tap powder around the lips, creating a sand-bag effect, so no moisture escapes.

Quick tip: Avoid heavy pigmented bright colours on mature skin. Keep it natural and neutral, but if you must go lightly and apply in thin layers at a time.

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ARIES - Cut yourself some slack today if you fall short of your own expectations.

You may feel responsible for someone's well-being and go out of your way to assist them. Selfless service is wonderful, but not if you become a martyr in the process.

Although placing yourself in a victim role is not your typical style, you might not see other options clearly now. Nevertheless, when you are called upon to set aside your own plans to come to the aid of a friend, don't forget that saving something for yourself is important, too.

TAURUS - Pursuing pleasure can be a healthy indulgence today. However, you must be as flexible as possible if you want to enjoy the excitement of love. Something you previously overlooked might suddenly become the centre of conversation. Nevertheless, reaching satisfaction could take a while, so make positive changes without expecting immediate results. Race-car driver Mario Andretti said, "Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal."

GEMINI - You must feel emotionally safe before you engage in sweet talk today.

Although you may crave a light-hearted encounter, you might not have the time for such fun and games. Listen to the messages of several planets in virtuous Virgo as they cluster in your 4th House of Roots now, while increasing responsibilities on the home front bring your mind back to the fundamentals. News anchor David Brinkley quipped, "A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."

CANCER - You are busier than usual now yet may seek even more distractions to add to the noise of the day. Although you might try to conjure up a variety of interesting activities today, you won't likely want to leave the neighbourhood while the Sun brightens the soulful North Node in your 3rd House of Immediate Environment.

Make good use of this cosmic energy by redirecting your attention to catching up on correspondence and tackling numerous chores. A task finished is better than an unfinished one that could be perfect.

LEO - Unconventional ideas trigger uncharacteristic doubts about your self-worth today. However, income and self-esteem can rise from a low point with objective analysis and hard work. The fair-minded Libra Moon gives you a fulcrum point on which to balance your life. But Luna's high-powered opposition to unpredictable Uranus prompts you to make surprising choices. Nevertheless, enjoy the creative possibilities available when you're no longer bound by tradition or self-restraint. On the other side of fear lies freedom.

VIRGO - Your drive for quality is overwhelming at times, but now you have a chance to change your story. Instead of expecting perfection in the present moment, think of your life as a process where gradual improvement is the goal. Gratefully acknowledge each advancement as a step in the right direction, no matter how much further there is to go. Your time is precious, so weed out the hopes and concerns you can't do anything about today. Focus on where you can create positive change in the weeks ahead. From the tiniest acorn grows the mighty oak.

LIBRA - Although you intuitively know there are great opportunities on the horizon, you still may be frustrated by the current speed of progress. You might be unaware that your fear of failure is now a major impediment to your success. But your worries are probably unwarranted, based on past occurrences that have nothing to do with current events. You can reminisce about your personal history all you want, but you can't change it. If you continue to look back, you'll miss what's right in front of you.

SCORPIO - You may find yourself at the centre of attention in your social network today. Rather than avoiding the spotlight, you enjoy the adoration enough now to figure out how to sustain your few minutes of fame. However, you might be shocked when someone does something that's socially unacceptable or counterproductive to your cause. Nevertheless, motivating others is more effective when you encourage them to be the best version of themselves. The world already has plenty of critics; try being a cheerleader instead.

SAGITTARIUS - Taking slow and deliberate steps is your surest path to success now that the radiant Sun is aligned with the North Lunar Node in your 10th House of Career. Nevertheless, you are capable of raising your professional profile by increasing your responsibilities and assuming more authority. Master a new skill and you will gain the confidence and competence to upgrade your status at work.

Treat your ideas with respect because they can produce impressive results if you're willing to commit to them.

CAPRICORN - Finding the right balance between humility and grandiosity is tricky today. Ironically, three planets are now travelling through detail-oriented Virgo and your 9th House of Big Ideas, revealing the tension between the very small and the very large. You may tend toward over-exuberance now, even in your daydreams, but you could also suddenly manifest the trip of a lifetime. Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Because you are alive, everything is possible."

AQUARIUS - The current lessons could be tough ones that may challenge your faith. However, you will emerge with a stronger understanding of where you are headed -- not necessarily in your career, but on your spiritual journey. The Sun is shining in your 8th House of Shared Resources, enabling you to thrive as the storms of change blow into your life. It's more important to pay attention to the present moment than to worry about positioning yourself for the future. Trust the universe and believe you're exactly where you need to be now.

PISCES - You are willing to jump through hoops to live up to other people's expectations today. You may think you're on an equal footing with everyone else, but you still feel an inexplicable need to impress them with your actions. Three planets residing in meticulous Virgo help you focus on the details, but you could quickly become hypercritical of someone else's ideas. Once your intentions are clear, smaller issues can be ironed out. As Dr. Seuss wrote, "Step with care and great tact; and remember that life's a great balancing act."

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Ranbir Kapoor

says he has a ‘drinking problem’

(Indian Express) Ranbir Kapoor is being so honest, it hurts. The Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actor who prefers to keep his distance from the media and has rarely spoken about his personal life, recently opened about Katrina Kaif but just about.

However, in a recent interview to Vogue India, it appears nothing was off the table. The actor spoke about his “drinking problem” and his relationship with Katrina which he “doesn’t want to sell.”

In the candid interaction, the actor, who is all set for his upcoming performance in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, said: “It is a visual medium and I have to look after myself. I have seen it in my family, I have seen it go the wrong way, so I’m aware I have a drinking problem.

When I shoot, when I work, I don’t drink. But when I’m not shooting…” For the record, the beverage of choice is a cold draught beer, though he’d “drink anything.”

The actor was in the limelight for his statement that after his parents, ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif has been the most influential entity in his life and how their relationship was punctured by many things.

In the interview, he first mentions Katrina affectionately while describing the loony Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, “It had simple storytelling, it had heart, and I also fell in love during that film, with Katrina.” He went on to tell Vogue that the problem with having relationships written about is how often, and how conveniently, things are misconstrued. “Katrina, after my parents, has been the most inspiring and motivating factor in my life. Period. That is too dear to me and there is no explanation, there is nothing I can tell you about it. Nobody will understand it. And I don’t want to sell it.”

The actor opened up about his professional as well as personal life in this interview, which has appeared in Vogue India’s September 2016 issue.

In the same interview, when asked if he would play a homosexual on camera, Ranbir said, “Sure, but now it’s already been done.

Now he’s (Fawad has) opened the door and it’s easy for us to walk through it. But earlier… I must honestly say I might have turned it down.”

Jackie Chan awarded honorary Oscar (BBC) Action movie star Jackie Chan is to be given an honorary Academy Award for his "extraordinary achievements" in film.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also voted to give honorary Oscars to British editor Anne V Coates, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentary maker Frederick Wiseman.

Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs described the recipients as "true pioneers and legends in their crafts".

They will be honoured at the Academy's Governors Awards on 12 November.

Chan, 62, has starred in dozens of martial arts films in his native Hong Kong, including Police Story, Armour of God and their various sequels.

He went on to have huge international success with hits like Rumble in the Bronx, animated film Kung Fu Panda and the Rush Hour franchise In addition to starring and performing his own stunts, Chan has written, directed, produced and choreographed many of his films.

According to the Academy, he has spent four decades "charming audiences with his dazzling athleticism, inventive stunt work and boundless charisma".

The star posted a message on Facebook thanking his family, his fans and the Academy.

'Making an action movie isn't easy'

"I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Oscars for giving me this award of encouragement and recognising my achievements while I'm still 'young'," he wrote.

"I'm absolutely honoured to be the first Chinese in history to receive this award.

"To be honest, making an action movie isn't easy. It's normal for us to get hurt and bleed. Many of us have sustained a body full of injuries and I'm no exception to the case.

"That's why I'd like to share this honour with my brothers of the JC Stunt Team who have been with me through good times and bad times over the many years, and I'd like to share this award with every action movie star from all over the world!"

Chan, who has never been nominated for a competitive Academy Award, added that he had set himself a goal that the honorary statuette "won't be my last one".

"I don't think the Oscars have a rule where you can't win another golden statue after receiving an honorary award, right?" he continued.

'Exceptional contributions' Born in Reigate in Surrey in 1925, Anne V Coates has spent more than 60 years as a film editor and won an Oscar for her work on 1962's Lawrence of Arabia.

Now 90, she recently worked on Fifty Shades of Grey, the successful film version of EL James's racy international best-seller.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1927, Lynn Stalmaster has had a hand in casting more than 200 feature films, including The Graduate and Deliverance.

Frederick Wiseman, meanwhile, has made almost a film a year since 1967, among them his three-hour 2014 epic about the National Gallery in London.

The honorary awards are intended to celebrate "extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy".

Film-maker Spike Lee and actress Gena Rowlands were among the recipients of last year's special statuettes.

Fans defend Chris Brown after arrest for assault (BBC) Fans are rallying behind singer Chris Brown, who is facing an assault charge after allegedly threatening a woman at his house with a gun.

His lawyer claims the allegation is "demonstrably false" - and fans have flocked to social media to support the controversial singer.

This isn't Brown's first encounter with the law - and with a number of previous, high-profile convictions for violence, why do so many fans adore him?

Team Breezy Chris Brown's violent assault on his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 became one of the biggest stories of that year. Details of the attack in the police report, and the photos of Rihanna's injuries leaked to the press, led to widespread criticism in the media.

But his die-hard fans - who call themselves Team Breezy - say that was an isolated incident and has since been used to sabotage his career and reputation. His probation for the attack ended last year.

In the age of social media, Brown's fans connect with him directly, personally, through his online accounts. In 2009, that was through a YouTube video - since deleted - in which he told his fans he was "not a monster" and to tell his "real fans I love you all".

Now, the star has turned to Instagram as his favoured platform. Some celebrities might suspend their social activity when they find themselves suddenly in the public eye - but as police waited outside his home, reportedly because they were denied entry by Brown and had to wait for a judge to approve a search warrant, he used Instagram to issue messages to his 30 million followers.

He complained that "every three months y'all come up with something". "You're all the worst gang in the world, the police," he said, and mentioned the "Black Lives Matter" movement in another.

His fans have taken up that call, too, painting Brown as a victim of racial profiling, and suggesting the police response was disproportionate.

This type of deep, personal connection to a star is relatively new, according to Professor Chris Rojek from City University London. author of the book Celebrity.

"Social media has transformed celebrity culture," he said. "By having 24/7 access to a celebrity the fan believes that he or she 'knows' [the star]."

Inundated with abuse Yet while the singer can enjoy the dedicated support of his followers, those on Team Breezy's bad side can face a difficult time.

Baylee Curran, the actress at the centre of the story, originally posted a video message to her Instagram account with her version of events. It has since been deleted.

Her other posts, however, are inundated with abuse from Brown supporters. "Dumb little ***** ‌ nobody has time for your dumb stories , you just want attention and fame you ain't gonna have that because your level is zero and his level can't even be compared with your ******* ugly self !" one wrote in the comments of a photo.

Other posts encourage violence, insult her appearance, and accuse her of lying for attention.

This aggression, Professor Rojek says, can happen when fandom crosses the line into open celebrity worship.

"For some fans, celebs are more important than their families and friends," he said. "They have a relationship of 'presumed intimacy' with them, in which the public acclaim for the celebrity is shared by the fan.

"The assault on a celebrity is therefore an assault on the self. The celebrity can't be wrong, so he or she must be protected."

This, he said, is no different from religion. Celebrity Worship Syndrome is a psychological condition, where a fan comes to see their icon as "super human".

Loyal friends The behaviour of a small number of Brown's fans online doesn't tell the whole picture, however - Brown has also enjoyed the support of world-famous celebrities over the years.

After the alleged incident this week, singer Ray J posted a video to Instagram, saying he was "real upset about today."

"I'm not happy with how things are handled, and how people can take a false story and blow it up into something way more than what it should be," he told fans.

A trailer for an upcoming documentary, billed as "a chance to tell his own story" featured interviews with high-profile stars such as Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Mike Tyson, and Jamie Foxx.