Stabroek Weekend

A few days ago the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel challenged the way in which Europeans think about the world and what they have come to expect from their governments. 

Measuring debt burden As I proceed with the discussion of the debt crisis, the first issue that should be clarified is how to determine the burden of public or sovereign indebtedness among countries.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly called Christmas Kalanchoe is loved by everyone. It originates from Madagascar and is a tropical succulent  flowering plant with thick fleshy spoon-shaped dark green leaves. 

In the ‘Pet Corner’ columns just before Christmas, we concluded our discussions on maladies associated with the female genital tract and reproduction. 

-Everything in moderation Hi Everyone, No food is bad or unhealthy.

Over the years the name Bamia has been associated with one thing – its creek.

When I began my last series of Sunday columns (September 2, 2012) on the topic ‘Revisiting the political economy of the Guyana sugar industry’, which I concluded last weekend  (December 23),  I did not anticipate it would take as many as 17 weekly columns for a reappraisal of the industry with recommendations for its reform.

Good musical sense is the ability to know, without being directed, what to play and where to play it and, just as importantly, when not to play at all.

Introduction It is that dreaded time of the year when columnists are expected to look into and engage in attempts to predict the future.

Epipremnum aureum or Golden pothos commonly called Devil’s ivy is known worldwide.

Most media lists of the most important events of 2012 are led by headlines such as the re-election of President Barack Obama, the appointment of China’s new leader Xi Jinping, the revolt in Syria, the return to power of Mexico’s ruling PRI party and Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s battle with cancer.

I would urge you, dear readers, on this last Sunday before the advent of the New Year to consider adopting a dog or cat in 2013.

There is no human experience that has not been dealt with in literature. 

Hi Everyone, One of the many things I like about writing this column is that it offers me the opportunity create old time favourites and discover new tastes and flavours.

 Photos by Shabna Ullah You know it is Christmas at No 8 Village, West Coast Berbice when the aroma from the black cake baking in a huge mud oven fills the air.

I remember a very long time ago, in the era of Prime Minister, not even then President LFS Burnham, when I was a Director in the sugar industry, I had occasion to enquire from an official at the then State Planning Commission about a request made months before for  approval for the introduction of a new incentive scheme in the industry.

Tradition gathers around Christmas. Pageants and homecomings and longed-for preparations repeat themselves year after year and become treasured lifetime rituals.

Correction, addition and appreciation In last week’s column I stated as the year in which the Government of Guyana took over the assets, liabilities and operations of the Royal Bank of Canada as 1994.

Part 2 This week I shall conclude my discussion of the reform of Guyana’s sugar industry started on September 2, 2012.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had this interest about understanding how things work, about the intricacies at play, about the skills involved.