Community Community `` Diff erently The French abled Foreign P6students of P16 Legion Library Sciences guards a frontier from HOPE of the European Qatar visit Qatar Union deep in National Library. Brazil’s rainforest.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 Jumada I 6, 1439 AH

DOHA 14°C—22°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Water fall In Cape Town, ‘Day Zero’ is coming very soon — the day the water runs out. P4-5

COVER STORY 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 5.01am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.20am Zuhr (noon) 11.46am Asr (afternoon) 2.50pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.13pm Isha (night) 6.43pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Nirdosh offi cer in a murder case in which Manjari Fadnnis emerges as DIRECTION: Subroto Paul, Pradeep Rangwani the prime suspect and is arrested. However, as events unfold, CAST: Manjari Phadnis, Arbaaz Khan and Mukul Dev many possibilities and suspects come to the fore. Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: Arbaaz Khan plays the role of the investigating THEATRE: The Mall Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Aadu 2 SYNOPSIS: Shaji Pappan and 2 is enjoyable mainly because of the DIRECTION: Midhun Manuel his gang try to redeem their arts club dialogues which create laughter. Thomas through a game of tug-of-war. Chaos CAST: , Saiju Kurup, erupts as the half-witted gang gets THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, Dharmajan Bolgatty entangled in a bigger conspiracy. Aadu The Mall ote Unquo u te Q Smile in the The Mall Cinema (1): Nirdosh (Hindi) Aadu 2 () 2:15pm; Bunya mirror. Do that every 2:30pm; Diwanji Moola (Malayalam) And Babe (2D) 5pm; The Commuter 4:30pm; Downsizing (2D) 7pm; (2D) 7pm; The Post (2D) 9pm; The Post morning and you’ll start to 12 Strong (2D) 9:15pm; Aadu 2 (2D) 11pm. (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Bunya And Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): see a big diff erence in The Mall Cinema (2): Bunya And Babe (2D) 3pm; JUMANJI: Welcome Gulae Bhaghavali (Tamil) 2:30pm; your life. Babe (2D) 2:30pm; Bunya And Babe To The Jungle (2D) 5pm; The Post (2D) Diwanji Moola (Malayalam) 5pm; (2D) 4pm; JUMANJI: Welcome To The 7pm; The Post (2D) 9pm; 12 Strong (2D) The Pirates Of Somalia (2D) 7:15pm; — Yoko Ono Jungle (2D) 5:30pm; The Post (2D) 11pm. Downsizing (2D) 9:15pm; Aadu 2 7:30pm; The Post (2D) 9:30pm; 12 Landmark Cinema (3): Gulae (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Strong (2D) 11:30pm. Bhaghavali (Tamil) 2:30pm; Aadu Asian Town Cinema: Aadu 2 The Mall Cinema (3): Aadu 2 2 (Malayalam) 5pm; The Pirates Of (Malayalam) 6:45pm; Aadu 2 (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Downsizing (2D) Somalia (2D) 7:15pm; The Commuter (Malayalam) 9:30pm; Guleybhagavali 5pm; The Pirates Of Somalia (2D) (2D) 9:30pm; Gulae Bhaghavali (Tamil) (Tamil) 6pm; Aadu 2 (Malayalam) 7:30pm; Nirdosh (Hindi) 9:30pm; Gulae 11pm. 8:30pm; Sketch (Tamil) 11:15pm; Community Editor Bhaghavali (Tamil) 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Nirdosh (Hindi) 5:45pm; Aadu Kamran Rehmat Landmark Cinema (1): Diwanji Moola Bunya And Babe (2D) 2:30pm; 2 (Malayalam) 8:15pm; Aadu 2 e-mail: [email protected] (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Bunya And Babe JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle (2D) (Malayalam) 11pm; Diwanji Moola Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 5pm; Downsizing (2D) 6:30pm; 4pm; Downsizing (2D) 6pm; 12 Strong (Malayalam) 5:45pm; Diwanji Moola 12 Strong (2D) 9pm; Diwanji Moola (2D) 8:30pm; 12 Strong (2D) 11pm. (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Diwanji Moola Fax: 44350474 (Malayalam) 11:15pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (Malayalam) 11:15pm. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Mall of Qatar Fun Fair entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy Zumba Session WHERE: Mall Of Qatar a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car WHERE: Bin Omran WHEN: Until April 15 parking spaces, as well as provide a range WHEN: Sundays The Mall of Qatar has expanded to bring of shopping, services, and entertainment TIME: 7pm - 8pm you “Doha’s best outdoor theme park”. Come options. Participate in Zumba Sessions (Adults) with your family and friends to enjoy the new every Sunday. For more information call rides and attractions – Trampoline, Giant Torba Farmers Market 33003839 or [email protected] Slide, Wind Tunnel, Disco Tagada, Meltdown, WHERE: Education City Surfi ng and much more to enjoy with family WHEN: Ongoing Salsa Nights and friends. Come all and enjoy life. TIME: 9am WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered Grand Doha Souq Waqif Spring Festival with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based WHEN: Every Wednesday WHERE: Souq Waqif initiative that aims to deliver organic and TIME: 9pm WHEN: Ongoing locally-grown food and homemade products, Get ready for some Latin beats every TIME: Evening to host a weekly market in Education City. Wednesday night, where all the salseros Souq Waqif is hosting Spring Festival Open to the public, the market be held at and salseras in town meet and party all events until April 25. The festival is organised QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate night. Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter by the Organizing Committee of the Private 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every free. For details call 4485 3000 Engineering Offi ce. This year’s festival off ers Friday from 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm.The a range of family-friendly fun including name ‘Torba’ is derived from Arabic, and Off -Road biking tour parades, shows, plays, music featuring top means “the pure soil that feeds, nourishes, WHERE: Zekreet EVENTS stars and children’s entertainment. Spring and nurtures.” A wide range of fresh, locally- WHEN: Fridays Festival will also present fi ne arts events grown items will be on off er, including Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is offering Winter Festival at Katara in the various sections of Souq Waqif Arts organic fruits and vegetables, homemade the country’s first off-road biking tour. WHERE: Katara Center, including workshops directed to all preserves, syrups, and butters, as well as Ride in the desert on a fat bike to WHEN: from tomorrow till Jam 28 visitors. handicrafts and gardening supplies. explore the local flora and fauna TIME: 4pm spot desert wildlife, hike up jebels, chill in Cultural Village Foundation-Katara Foodex Qatar 2018 Breakdance Classes the magic of the Richard Serra statues and will launch its 2018 edition of the Winter WHEN: May 3-5 WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday this unique landscape. Participants will get Festival tomorrow and will continue until WHERE: Doha Exhibition and Convention Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop culture to cross the desert riding fat bikes January 28 at Katara esplanade. This year’s Centre that originated in New York and has since from Zekreet to the Richard Serra statues, edition draws a signifi cant participation of Qatar is the most urbanised nation among spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an on a route of approximately 13kms. The ministries, institutions and private sector the GCC states. Urban lifestyles have raised athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which route is easy to ride and suitable for people centres that are all set to present a wide range the standard of living of individuals and can often appear to defy the laws of physics. with average fitness. You must be able of diverse events that include performances, changed their eating pattern, resulting in a This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are also theatrical shows and educational workshops. shift in the diet towards protein rich foods as upper-body strength for tricks and poses and welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 for In this edition of the festival, the Childhood well as packaged and fast food. Consumption a great way to get into shape and have fun. ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety Cultural Center will organise several children of such premium products has contributed to Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 activities including competitions and games, the growth of the food industry. FOODEX will [email protected] hours. with gifts distribution. Qatar Heritage and strengthen the Qatari food industry to meet Identity centre is also featuring a unique the standards of rising expatriate population, Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change educational theatrical show highlighting the tourism, and developing tastes of Western winter season besides numerous entertaining foods. activities, organised with an aim of a acquainting the public and children with the Remote-controlled car racing track Qatari cultural and national identity, and WHERE: Aspire Park Qatar’s fl ora. These festivities are sought to WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat aff ord the children a glimpse on Qatari life TIME: 4pm-10pm style during winter. Aspire Zone Foundation has created a custom-made track specially designed Qatar Running Series for remote-control car racing, for car WHERE: MIA Park lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport WHEN: January 26 – April 13 enthusiasts can try the race track opposite TIME: 7am the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on Get ready for Qatar Running Series at MIA Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Park. The events will take place in MIA Park and comprise of distances ranging from 3k Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football to 10k. All events will be run on accurately pitches measured short courses with multiple laps WHERE: Aspire Zone and will be restricted to a maximum of 130 WHEN: Daily participants. TIME: 7pm-11pm Aspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor Salute Qatar pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available WHERE: Holiday Inn every day from 7pm until 11pm from Sundays WHEN: Feb 9 to Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays TIME: 6.30pm from 7am-11pm. Farook College Old Students Association Qatar are conducting an event named ‘Salute Mahaseel Festival Qatar’ on Feb 9, 2018. The event consists of WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat a live orchestra led by Muhammed Aslam, WHERE: Katara a Bollywood singer and member of A R TIME: 9am-10pm Rahman’s team. For further details, call FOSA Visitors to the festival can expect a variety General Secretary Askar Rahiman at 5550- of products from local vegetables, fl owers, 9834. honey and meat, poultry and diary items. For those of you looking for traditional Laugh Out Loud Qatari food, there will also be stalls selling WHEN: Feb 9 homemade foods such as Machbous. WHERE: Intercontinental Doha The City Farm-grown goods include aubergines, TIME: 9am- 1am peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, Eat, have fun and Laugh Out Loud with caulifl ower, herbs, and chilis. There are two of the fi nest Filipino comedians – Wacky also animal products such as chicken, milk, Kiray and Boobita. The event will start with cheese and eggs from Qatari companies like a brunch meet and greet with Wacky Kiray Baladna and Al Waha Poultry Company. and Boobita. In the afternoon onwards, the activities will be: Komikero/a (a stand- B.Square Mall Grand Event up comedy contest), videoke challenge, WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha band performances, a comedy show with WHEN: Ongoing guest artist and dance party. For further TIME: 6:30pm information call 7777-8542. The only mall in Qatar dedicated to 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY A sinking feeling In Cape Town, a city of 4 million, people will have to line up in the streets at just 200 water stations. The police and army will enforce a limit of 6.6 gallons per person and adopt measures to control crowds. Some experts believe evacuations will be necessary

DROUGHT: After three years of drought, towns across eastern and southern Africa have faced troubles, and some already have had to import water. None, though, are as large as Cape Town.

experts believe evacuations will be is no plan,” said resident Brigetti Lim The problem boils down to sharp at the Center for Environmental By Robyn Dixon necessary. Banda, who started a Facebook page population growth and a failure to Management at the University of If the city runs out of water, it will on the water crisis. “We are at the plan alternative water sources to Free State. “You have people saying, be the fi rst major city in a developed point where it’s impossible to avoid augment the reservoirs behind six ‘Enough,’ and ‘No further.’” ape Town, South Africa’s country to do so. Day Zero.” dams, some of which are rapidly “Everyone has got buckets, and second-largest city is But a number of details of the Last week, the Cape Town city dwindling to arid sandy stretches. we’re using buckets because we have facing its worst drought crisis plan remain unclear. How government moved Day Zero a week The dams have fallen to 15.2 percent to recycle all the water we can,” said in a century, with its would one person carry 26 gallons forward to April 22, blaming citizens capacity of usable water, compared Lim Banda. “We have buckets in water supply expected to of water for a family of four? How for using too much water. This week, with 77 percent in September 2015. the shower, buckets in the kitchen, runC dry April 21. would the elderly and disabled cope? it advanced ominously again, by one Here, residents are now rationed buckets in the laundry. They’re calling it “Day Zero.” In What about the fact that offi cials day. to 23 gallons a person each day. “I forgo my shower for three days this city of 4 million, people will expect there will be insuffi cient After three years of drought, But only 39 percent of citizens are until the fourth day, when I need to have to line up in the streets at just water to fl ush the city’s toilets? towns across eastern and southern meeting the target. After February, wash my hair, so that I can save my 200 water stations. The police “A lot of the logistics are not Africa have faced troubles, and some they will be cut to 13 gallons. water for laundry and so forth.” and army will enforce a limit of known, and that’s worrying and it’s already have had to import water. “The average ordinary citizen is Swimming pools are empty. 6.6 gallons per person and adopt causing a lot of alarm. We just never None, though, are as large as Cape reaching the breaking point,” said People with lush gardens are measures to control crowds. Some get any answers, which tells us there Town. Anthony Turton, a water expert suspect. Householders capture Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY recycled graywater to fl ush toilets. Analysts say there is indeed a serious risk the city will run dry. “I think it’s a very serious threat. Nobody saw how serious the crisis could be until recently,” said Magalie Bourblanc, public policy analyst at the Center for the Study of Governance Innovation at the University of Pretoria. “They need to prepare the population for that.” Cape Town, capital of South Africa’s Western Cape province, faces a long-term water problem because of climate change and drought, much as has been seen in recent years in Australia, and the western United States. But the water crisis here has been worsened by government planning failures and buck passing between the national and city governments. Families who surpass their water ration must agree to have a water restriction device installed on their pipes. The city dropped a drought levy and an initial plan to shame fl agrant water guzzlers by publishing an Internet map of every household with red dots identifying the worst abusers. But this week it released a milder version of the map — with green dots identifying those who are meeting targets. The city has banned fi lling pools, washing cars, hosing down sidewalks and watering gardens, golf courses or sports fi elds using municipal water. Play pools and ornamental fountains are outlawed. Water-saving tips abound on social media. One resident, Shafeek Davids, posted videos of himself in the shower, showing how to cut usage to just six pints, standing in a bucket, dousing himself briefl y, soaping up, then rinsing. OMINOUS: If Cape Town runs out of water, it will be the first major city in a developed country to do so. Bourblanc said Cape Town city authorities reacted too late to the arrival of Day Zero. infrastructure, and municipalities not until August that the national starve the province and the crisis, despite warnings dating to “That was the mistake of distribute water. But part of the government allocated the city $1.5 infrastructure they needed.” 2004. Cape Town, ignoring those early problem is political. The opposition million to deal with the crisis. For their part, Turton said, city Until recently, the city rejected warnings and relying only on water Democratic Alliance won control of But Turton, of the Center for authorities did not recognise the the idea of a desalination plant as conservation and water demand the city in 2006 and the province in Environmental Management, said impact of rapid population growth too costly, but it now has a slew management,” Bourblanc said. 2009. both sides were to blame. on water demand. The city’s of new water projects, including “It was based on normal rainfall Western Cape Premier Helen “Politicians have been trying to population has doubled since 1999. desalination plants, recycled water conditions, and in South Africa, you Zille and provincial authorities defl ect the blame from themselves. “The city didn’t understand the plants (which purify reclaimed can never rely on that. There was no have accused the national African None of that energy has been depth of the crisis,” he said. “They water) and new eff orts to tap other plan to quickly augment the National Congress government of focused on what are we going to do incorrectly assumed that this is a groundwater. But all but one of these water supply.” failing to build and maintain new about it,” he said. “The response of short-term drought and the problem eff orts are behind schedule, and The national government is infrastructure and send adequate the national government, the ANC, will go away when the drought is experts fear they will not avert the responsible for building water emergency drought relief. It was has been to almost deliberately over.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS “A lot of the “The average logistics are not ordinary citizen known, and that’s is reaching worrying and it’s the breaking causing a lot of point,” says alarm. We just Anthony Turton, never get any a water expert answers, which at the Center for tells us there is Environmental no plan,” says Management at the resident Brigetti University of Free Lim Banda, State. “You have who started a people saying, Facebook page on ‘Enough,’ and the water crisis ‘No further’” 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY HOPE Centre students visit QNL, NUQ inal year Library Science students of HOPE Centre Qatar, a nonprofit organisation working for the differently abled children, visited Qatar National Library (QNL) and NorthwesternF University in Qatar’s (NUQ) library at Qatar Foundation for education, science and community development recently. The visit was organised as part of the students’ week without walls programme at HOPE Qatar where the students are taken for experiential learning outside their class rooms. On visiting the recently opened QNL, the students were met by Nagat Gindil, Rency Thomas, and Muneera al-Buainain, representatives of QNL who showed them around the facilities and introduced them to the various collections, departments, and advanced technology in use at the library such as the automatic book sorters and conveyors. Hind al-Khulaifi, head of the section, who co- ordinated the visit expressed her best wishes to the students who would be taking up National Open Schooling examinations in Library Science shortly. VISITORS: Students with QNL off icials. The students also visited NUQ library where they met Mark T Paul, Library Director, who introduced the students to the functions and departments of the library. He also took questions from the students and explained to them the various types of content that were at the library. Students Ayman, Arun, Hamza, Aaditya, and Mustafa were accompanied by Dr Ciby Mathew, Director, HOPE Qatar. She said “HOPE Qatar has always considered the importance of a comprehensive learning experience when teaching our students various subjects including pre-vocational programmes.” “Bringing these students to QNL which is one of the best libraries in the region, has given them a first-hand practical exposure to concepts that would otherwise have been confined to the realm of text books” she added. “Their visit to the NUQ library has also given them more information about the collections related to the media studies and various digital content” she concluded. GROUP: HOPE students at NUQ with Mark Paul.

MES conducts quiz contest for junior students

A quiz contest for the students of junior section of MES Indian School was conducted at the There were four rounds with the second and third being audio and visual rounds, respectively. The conference hall recently. fourth one was a rapid fire round of mixed bag. The overwhelming response of the audience was There were five teams, namely; Orion, Scorpius, Lyra, Aquila and Gemini that participated in the the highlight of the quiz contest. Team Orion was adjudged as the winner of the contest. They competition. Each team comprised of participants representing from Class II to IV. were followed by the team Lyra as runners up. The winners were given certificates and trophies. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY BPS principal exhorts high achievers for greater heights

Birla Public School Principal A P Sharma recently held a meeting with the parents of high achievers talent and abilities, the wrong system wreaks havoc with the original talent and merit,” the principal in the school auditorium. Around 150 students and their parents attended the session. noted. The principal showed the gathering a video on the topic ‘Wrong Education System’ that teaches a He guided the students with some ideas related to ‘how to deal with stress. He also asked them fish to fly and a bird to swim. not to be anxious looking at what is not done. He asked them to keep a pace in learning. He “Here, each individual has his or her own unique merit but instead of building on the innate merit, advised them not be over confident because their strength could become a weakness.

Senior toastmaster from Qatar attends training in Portugal

Sundaresan Rajeswar, district programme quality director from Qatar, has attended a mid-year development, reflecting on a mission, communication for teamwork, goal analysis, strategies, off icers’ leadership training in Lisbon, Portugal. etc. Toastmasters held 2018 Intensive Leadership Training and Workshop for senior toastmaster The focus of the meeting was toastmasters’ new education programme for a personal and leadership from Europe, African, Australia and Middle East countries at Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & professional development called “Pathways.” Spa, in Lisbon. As the foundation of toastmasters’ experience, Pathways is designed to help build the “The objective of the training was to learn with peers, to network extensively, to share best competencies needed to communicate and lead better with the current technology using practices, to create plans, to brainstorm ideas, to evaluate goals, and to overcome barriers. The digital tools. This programme is scheduled to roll out by March 20, 2018, replacing the current training also provided an opportunity to interact with regional advisers, international directors, education programme that had remained in practice over a long time. A major transformation in world headquarters staff and trainers, and learn first-hand about how to deliver value by educational front is in the off ing for all. leaders”, said Rajeswar. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation that operates clubs Daniel Rex, Chief Executive Off icer of Toastmasters International, was a principal facilitator of worldwide to help members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership the training event. Robert Cockburn, Kate Renarson, David Fisher, Morag Mathieson and Aleta skills. Toastmasters International has served over four million people, and today the organisation Rochat were trainers. There were discussions around member personas, personal growth, and serves over 345,000 members in 142 countries, through its over 16,500 member clubs. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY MOTORING

INFINITI QX80 makes Middle East debut he INFINITI QX80 has Braking, Blind Spot Warning and arrived to the Middle Intervention and Backup Collision East region. Further Intervention. advancing INFINITI’s The new QX80 is available market-leading across the Middle East. Tpresence in the full-size luxury INFINITI Motor Company SUV segment, the QX80 takes Ltd. is headquartered in Hong INFINITI’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ Kong with representations in 50 design language in a bold new markets around the world. The direction, creating a powerful, INFINITI brand was launched contemporary and commanding in 1989. Its range of premium aesthetic. automobiles is currently built The new model has been in manufacturing facilities created to meet the needs of in Japan, the United States, today’s luxury car buyers, and and China. introduces a more modern INFINITI plans also to expand interpretation of upscale luxury to manufacturing into Mexico by the full-size SUV segment. It will 2017. appeal to a buyer that wants for INFINITI design studios nothing: affluent, high-achieving are located in Atsugi-Shi near entrepreneurs and business Yokohama, London, San Diego leaders, often with families, and Beijing. who demand space and utility, INFINITI is in the middle hand-crafted quality and modern of a major product offensive. design, and effortless on-road The brand has been widely performance. acclaimed for its daring design Markus Leithe, Managing and innovative driver-assistance Director INFINITI Middle East, technologies. said, “The new INFINITI QX80 From the 2016 season, has been designed and engineered INFINITI is a technical partner to allow customers to travel The QX80 has a refi ned and The QX80’s rear entertainment to inform the driver of their of the Renault Sport Formula One everywhere in luxury. The world spacious cabin that features high- system has also been upgraded. surroundings, help them avoid team, contributing its expertise in premiere of this vehicle in the quality materials, a hand-crafted Higher-resolution screens potential hazards and ease the hybrid performance. [region], underlines the strategic fi nish and advanced drive-assist provide the interface for monotony of driving in certain More information about importance of our flagship SUV technologies. With a taut yet connectivity and entertainment conditions. These technologies INFINITI and its industry leading for our region. With a host of comfort-oriented suspension, and devices. The system also now include: Lane Departure Warning technologies can be found at www. enhancements, we are confident ample performance from its 5.6-litre supports 31 languages, up from and Prevention, Intelligent Cruise INFINITI.com You can also follow that the new QX80 will continue V8 engine, the new QX80 gives three in the outgoing QX80. Control, Distance Control Assist, INFINITI on Facebook, Instagram, to be a cornerstone for our success drivers an assured feeling of control The QX80 is newly-available Predictive Forward Collision Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our in the region.” and confi dence at the wheel. with a range of technologies Warning, Forward Emergency latest videos on YouTube. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 HISTORY COMMUNITY Experience American history at Virginia sites

By Samantha Feuss

istory is fun in Virginia! American history might only go back a few hundred years, but amazingly it is still alive and well at the Jamestown Settlement and Hthe American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. These two locations give new life to the pages of your school textbooks. There, you can see what the days were like for the early colonists in Jamestown, then travel to the nearby American Revolution Museum and compare their experiences to those of families and soldiers a century later. Both are pivotal times in the development of the United States and you don’t want to miss out on either experience. Take a day and spend it at these two great locations. America’s fi rst permanent English colony, the Jamestown Settlement, is an opportunity to embrace the experience of the early colonists. Living history re-enactments of a Powhatan Indian village, climbing on board the re-created English ships, and a colonial fort immerse visitors in the sights, sounds and even smells of daily life in the early 17th century. The interaction continues, and you can watch demonstrations and ask questions of the “costumed historical interpreters” (the offi cial job title of the re-enactors). Exhibits and galleries display artefacts and tell the story of European colonisation. The impact of settlements such as Jamestown on the local Powhatan Indians is a fascinating topic to investigate. There is also information on the fi rst Africans known to come to Virginia. The cultures of three continents together are an amazing look into the origins of America. The documentary they show, 1607: A Nation Takes Root, starts your journey into the past. From SHAVING KIT: Items many soldiers carried with them, British Infantry, 1815. there families can enjoy time spent learning just how diff erent life would be if they were born 400 years ago. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown ramps up the action. The dramatic events of the Revolution can be seen throughout the museum galleries or on the 180-degree surround screen fi lm. Visitors can watch The Siege of Yorktown then go on to tour and compare it to the modern day city. Kids will love all of the activities at the Continental Army encampment and the re-created 18th century farm. Join the American regiment for drills or watch artillery fi re while chatting with soldiers. This and so much more is embodied with the American Revolution Museum’s living history exhibits. OLD FASHIONED: Cooking done without Both the Jamestown Settlement and the modern comforts, Jamestown Settlement. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will wow history lovers and get kids excited about crafts, “weapons” of their own, battle fl ags, learning. Set aside at least four hours to enjoy instruments, learn to lead (or take part in) everything they have to off er. There are specials battles, parades, cook on open fi res, explain available if you decide to visit both on your trip. how life was in his or her time period. Explore Coming up shortly is the yearly event (re-creations of) boats that once sailed the open Military through the Ages, Jamestown seas — and how cramped the quarters were for Settlement — military re-enactors and sailors and settlers. Make sure you visit the re- modern-day units show how uniforms, created Native American village to get to know weapons and military tactics evolved through a bit about the people of the Powhatan Tribe. the centuries. You can see this impressive There is so much to do during the Military display of armed forces from March 17-18. through the Ages event, there is no way to get There are live re-stagings, weapons and it all done. It is one of the most fun learning ammunitions use, re-enactments of battles, experiences you will have with your children — and more. Some of the costumed re-enactors just don’t tell them how much they will learn. tell stories, give lessons, and help kids make – TNS RE-ENACTMENT: Teenage “recruits” learn a basic drill from a WW1 re-enactor. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Breastfeeding for 6 months or more may halve diabetes risk

reastfeeding for six protective eff ects of breastfeeding, months or longer including the infl uence of can reduce the risk lactation-associated hormones on of developing Type the pancreatic cells that control 2 diabetes by nearly blood insulin levels and thereby Bhalf for women throughout their impact blood sugar, the researchers childbearing years, according to a said. study. For the study, published in the Women who breastfed for six journal JAMA Internal Medicine, the months or more across all births team included 1,238 black and white had a 47 per cent reduction in their women who did not have diabetes risk of developing Type 2 diabetes when they enrolled. compared to those who did not Over the next 30 years, each breastfeed at all. woman had at least one live birth Women who breastfed for six and was routinely screened for months or less had a 25 per cent diabetes. Participants also reported reduction in diabetes risk. lifestyle behaviours (such as diet “We found a very strong and physical activity) and the total association between breastfeeding amount of time they breastfed their duration and lower risk of children. developing diabetes, even after The fi ndings add to a growing accounting for all possible body of evidence that breastfeeding confounding risk factors,” said has protective eff ects for both lead author Erica P Gunderson, “The incidence of diabetes diabetes, lifestyle behaviours, underlying mechanism may be mothers and their off spring, senior research scientist with the decreased in a graded manner as body size, and other metabolic risk biological,” Gunderson added. including lowering a mother’s risk Kaiser Permanente — a US-based breastfeeding duration increased, factors measured before pregnancy, Several plausible biological of breast and ovarian cancer, the healthcare company. regardless of race, gestational implying the possibility that the mechanisms are possible for the researchers said. — IANS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark Friendship relationships take on a fairytale aura, Taurus, bringing up Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event on some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, the kind of sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere. involving spiritual matters. Your sense of intuition is very high, Gemini, Aries. Travel plans to one of the renowned spiritual centres, such as Therefore, this should be a wonderful day to schedule an evening with and your level of understanding is especially acute. You might form Glastonbury or Vrindavana, might be on your mind as a result. Your a partner. You could feel so much in tune with your friend that you strong bonds with others who are also present, and you might make level of intuition is very high today, so whatever you dream of doing, may come with the same words at the same time. Enjoy this wonderful plans to meet with them again in the future. Enjoy! give it some serious thought. It might be just what you need! feeling, but don’t lose sight of reality. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, Study of spiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather Cancer. Your level of inspiration is high, and you’re apt to be full of today, Leo. You’re likely to discuss your knowledge regarding such than verbal level, Virgo. When the phone rings, you might already know ideas that others would find beneficial. You’re also likely to sense the matters with a close friend, which could prove rather enlightening for who’s on the other end of the line before you pick it up. You could also thoughts and feelings of those around you before they themselves both of you. Whatever you learn will prove to be artistically inspiring, so pick up telepathically on the thoughts of others. Books and articles are consciously aware of them. This not only increases your career don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending some time writing down about people who have had similar experiences could increase your standing, it can help you in the love department. Enjoy your day! your thoughts or turning them into pictures. understanding of them. Don’t fight it! Go with the flow. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Inspiration drawn from recent spiritual occurrences could have you You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Scorpio. The Today, Sagittarius, you might find yourself picking up uncanny writing down accounts of your experiences, Libra, perhaps with the idea drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from of someday publishing them. Your concentration could well be intense, get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high, which could you. A telephone call might reveal that this person has just received as writing for you today may not be only creative but therapeutic as lead to an increased level of inspiration and intuition. After you finish, some good news, and that they were just thinking of calling you! This well. It will also help to attend classes or workshops or simply to discuss it might be a good idea to sit in a park, preferably near water, to allow probably won’t be the only ESP experience you have today. the subject with a friend. Knowledge is essential. yourself to come down. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Creative inspiration flows freely today, Capricorn, enabling you to Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific If you’ve been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, channel it in more than one way. An opportunity to earn a sizable attitude, Aquarius, but today you’re feeling especially intuitive and numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get fee doing something artistic could come your way. Spiritual or more aware of the other worlds, so it might be diff icult to hang on to started, Pisces. Scientific adherence to facts and rules combines with metaphysical studies may be involved. This might represent the your usual mindset. Some uncomfortable feelings you’ve had about enhanced telepathic abilities to bring about a burgeoning skill in such attainment of a long-term goal you’ve been striving to reach, and events in the news could prove to be accurate, which might be a bit fields. therefore you’re apt to be rather excited about it. disconcerting. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Shaping Up

CIRCLE OBLONG RHOMB DECAGON OCTAGON RING DIAMOND OVAL SQUARE ELLIPSE PARALLELOGRAM TRAPEZIUM HEPTAGON PENTAGON TRIANGLE HEXAGON POLYGON LUNE QUADRANT

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Specify plan with new order 1. Author is terribly amused, for tea (9) point out (5) 6. Philosopher possibly saved 2. Break links with a and brought home? (5) confederate separately (9) 9. Persuade one to appear in a 3. EEC unit of account is new to film (5) a poet (5,5) 10. Willingly permit to remain 4. Disorder turns out to be uncultivated (3,6) mental one (7) 11. Gets the series done, 5. Men are indeed wrongly anyhow, with increasing corrected (7) speed (10) 6. Magistrate coming to the 12. Before coming out of Indian point (4) territory (4) 7. He’s able to make money - 14. Say loudly it’s how to get the about a pound (5) workers to strike (4,3) 8. State of a freshly knitted 15. They won’t presumably be one? (3,6) used for the rest of the night 13. Compositor is kind to dog (3-4) (10) 17. Stating it’s beside the point 14. Awful scares - Leo’s cooked they’re proverbs (7) the stew! (9) Answers 19. To do so will inflate one’s 16. Providing new ponies on earnings but could make time is secret service work OAP very upset (7) (9) Wordsearch Codeword 20. They may be changed at a 18. He pretends old Bob has got break in the play (4) the tool (7) 22. Racket created by struggle 19. Got us in to arrange the trips with painter (10) (7) 25. A chap from Ulster or the 21. Sensational happening in a mountains in the sultanate Greek town (5) (9) 23. Chosen from among the 26. How to make fun of the said lecturers (5) consumer get-togethers (5) 24. Elderly tragedian’s 27. Not a member of the West contribution (4) Country fauna! (5) 28. Renewed appearance of curious green rust (9)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Hasten; 4 Circlets; 10 Down: 1 Hindmost; 2 Noodles; 11 Counter; 12 Myth; 13 Shortcoming; 3 Ella; 5 Incident; Food-stuffs; 16 Spoils; 17 Intense; 6 Count me out; 7 Eat; 8 Stress; 20 Pitapat; 21 Tuscan; 24 9 Ascot; 14 Fast colours; 15 Ungrateful; 25 Alec; 27 Horatio; Pleasantry; 18 Came down; 19 29 Confuse; 30 Repaying; 31 Knockers; 22 Pusher; 23 Punch; Leases. 26 Anne; 28 Rap. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Sigrid

Sigrid has been named winner of the BBC Sound of 2018 poll. The Norwegian singer, songwriter and musician beat Pale Waves, Khalid, IAMDDB and runner-up Rex Orange County in the survey of 173 music insiders plus a number of past Sound of... winners and nominees. Youth was very much to the fore among the final five. No artist was older than 22. Nominees could not have had a UK top ten single or album and should not already be well known. Although he did meet the criteria, Khalid could not have been nominated for a similar poll in his native America. His debut album, American Teen, reached number four on the Billboard 200 and earned Khalid a platinum disc. His work has also been recognised to such an extent that he has been nominated in five categories at the upcoming 2018 Grammy Awards. Sigrid has received no such recognition. Aged 21, she is the second-youngest Sound of... winner. Adele was 19 when she won in 2008. Sigrid’s debut single, Sun, was released in 2013. It made no impression on the Norwegian chart. Neither did subsequent GOOD YEAR: As much as the past year has provided Liam with career success, he will always remember it for the birth of his first singles, Two Fish and Known You Forever. child, Bear. It wasn’t until early last year with the release of Don’t Kill My Vibe that things began to change. The track drew positive reviews, reached number 28 in Norway and number 62 in Britain. For some reason, it proved most popular in Scotland where the song peaked at number 20. Invitations to play at music festivals came on the back of Sigrid’s success with Don’t Kill My Vibe. Her performances Solo success did not translate into significantly increased record sales but obviously brought her to the attention of those who voted in the Sound of 2018 poll. With just the occasional exception, Sound of... poll winners usually go on to enjoy a highly successful career. Sigrid’s debut album should be released later this year. The video for Don’t Kill My Vibe can be seen at www.. for Liam Payne com/watch?v=xzonQoON9eo auditioned for The X Factor. We only got providing the vocals. But Bedroom Floor / Paul Cattermole By Geoff rey Rowlands put together as a group when we were on had actually been planned as Liam’s the show. fi rst single and was regarded by many Do you remember S Club 7? “There were really good opportunities critics as a better song than Strip That The group was put together in 1998 by former Spice Girls f Zayn Malik was fi rst, who was last? off ered to all of us when we came out Down. Although both singles sold manager Simon Fuller. They starred in four series of situation This may seem like the kind of of the band. I eventually thought I had pretty well and achieved solid chart comedies for children’s television which followed the group’s brainteaser tackled by the team to do something. It would have been positions, they didn’t come close to adventures around America and then in Spain. members from Round Britain Quiz ridiculously stupid to turn down the matching the success of Liam’s debut Songs originally performed in the TV shows formed the basis on the BBC World Service. Most of option to have a record deal.” release. for their music success. They recorded four highly successful thoseI erudite ladies and gentlemen would Going solo gave Liam the chance to It may be signifi cant that Liam did not albums but this paled in comparison to their singles sales probably have rather more diffi culty explore his love of hip hop and R&B music. co-write either Get Low or Bedroom Floor. which saw the group enjoy four UK chart-toppers and answering the question than the average He likened his own situation to that of The same is true of his new single, For another five songs which hit number two. Their lowest- pop fan who would be well aware that Justin Timberlake and contemplated You, but this song has returned him to the charting single still peaked at number five. Zayn Malik was the fi rst One Direction what the former ‘N Sync star might have upper reaches of the chart. Paul Cattermole left S Club 7 in 2002. He was not replaced so star to release a solo recording while Liam released as his debut solo single had he left A duet with Rita Ora, For You is taken the remaining six members dropped the 7 from their name. Payne was the last. the group in 2017. from the soundtrack of the forthcoming They made a feature film, Seeing Double, which was released Liam’s highly successful debut single, “That was the basic concept for Strip fi lm, Fifty Shades Freed. Rita appears in the in April, 2003. Despite denying rumours of the group splitting Strip That Down, was issued last May. This That Down. I co-wrote the song with Ed movie as Mia Grey, the role she previously up, their impending demise was announced just ten days was one month after Harry Styles released Sheeran. We discussed a bunch of things played in the fi rst two fi lms of the trilogy. after the film premiere. Sign of the Times, fi ve months after Louis about life and the lyrics came together “It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn Since then, the S Club members have pursued careers in Tomlinson issued Just Hold On and eight from this. We dealt with the themes down. Rita is a wonderful singer. Zayn show business with varying degrees of success. There months after Niall Horan released This of wealth, celebrity appeal and having did a duet with Taylor Swift for the last have been partial and complete group reunions for various Town. Zayn beat them all to the punch by career independence. The verses set a few Fifty Shades fi lm so people have said I’ve projects. The latest of these is Jo O’Meara, Bradley McIntosh releasing Pillowtalk in January, 2016. things straight while the chorus is about continued the One Direction tradition by and getting together as SC3. They released a There was a very good reason for stripping down the music, it doesn’t recording For You with Rita.” single, Family last month and have plans for a world tour 24-year-old Wolverhampton-born Liam’s always have to be loud.” As much as the past year has provided during 2018. tardiness in recording his fi rst single. He Liam also invited Migos member Quavo Liam with career success, he will always There is no accompanying video for Family but two poor had not actually intended to become a solo to appear on the track as a guest artist. remember it for the birth of his fi rst child, audio quality fan-made videos of live performances can be artist. “I just thought it would be good to Bear, with partner Cheryl Cole. found on YouTube. “I’d co-written a good many songs for have a rapper on the song. I love Migos so “I’d always fancied Cheryl. She was one Paul Cattermole is in the news for a diff erent reason. S Club One Direction. I really enjoyed this and Quavo was the obvious choice. I thought of the judges when we were on X Factor. 7 received for Best British Newcomer and Best also creating dance remixes of our tracks. it might take a while for him to make his But I was a teenager and she was a married British Single, the latter for Don’t Stop Movin’. Having suff ered When we put the band on hold, I had no contribution but he got into it straight woman, ten years older than me and in the a back injury while touring in “The Rocky Horror Picture plans to record solo stuff . I just wanted to away and we loved what he did. He was process of divorcing Ashley Cole. Show,” Paul has had diff iculty finding work. concentrate on songwriting, producing great to have on the team.” “It’s funny how things sometimes work With bills to pay, he auctioned his Best British Newcomer and remixing. Considering the success of Strip That out. Cheryl was going through her second BRIT Award on eBay. After it sold for 66,100 GBP, he is now “But it occurred to me that I’d been Down, it was surprising that Liam’s next divorce when we got together in 2016. It auctioning his Best British Single BRIT. The bidding currently trying to be a solo artist since I was two singles did not fare so well. happened at the right time for both of stands at 65,900 GBP with the auction ending on January 25. 14. Remember, each member of One Get Low was really Russian-German us. She is an amazing person. Our son is Paul intends to use some of the proceeds to record an album Direction was a solo artist when we DJ / producer Zedd’s single with Liam awesome. We’re a very happy family.” of Motown covers. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan to release in China in March

ollywood superstar Salman Khan’s “Our Indo-China co-productions are blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan still in the making which we are extremely will release in China on March 2, excited about. Meanwhile, what better making it the actor’s fi rst fi lm to hit film than Bajrangi Bhaijaan, starring the screens in the country. one of India’s most loved superstars that BEros International, in association with weaves the universal story of cross-border Chinese fi lm company E Stars Films Ltd, will friendship, to release in a growing market release the movie in China during the Chinese like China. Lantern Festival, according to a statement “There are no international films releasing issued on Monday. during that period in China so we hope to Dubbed in Chinese, the fi lm is expected to have a fantastic run at the box office in the get a wide release across 8,000-plus screens, world’s biggest film market.” the statement said. Allen Liu, CEO, E Stars Films Ltd, said Directed by Kabir Khan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan there is “high expectation and curiosity for stars Salman as Bajrangi, an ardent devotee the film post the success of recent Indian of Hindu deity Hanuman, and his arduous releases in China and the positive word of journey to reunite a six-year-old Pakistani girl mouth Bajrangi Bhaijaan enjoys”. – who somehow gets lost in India – with her “We anticipate tremendous potential in parents, back to her hometown in Pakistan. this beautiful drama starring one of the most Given the success of Indian fi lm releases in popular actors in Indian cinema in a fi lm that China, the studio and the makers are confi dent speaks the language of emotions like courage of the movie’s box offi ce potential in China, and hope which are universal,” Liu said. one of more promising international markets Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the first of the film for Indian fi lms. associations Eros is exploring with China. Jyoti Deshpande, Group CEO, Eros Recognising the significant market International, said: “China has emerged as an opportunity in China, Eros and director important market and major box offi ce earner Kabir Khan are once again coming together for Indian fi lms in recent years, what with the for a travel drama, The Zookeeper (working recent success of Dangal. We are delighted to title) under its franchise studio Trinity. partner with E Stars to showcase our fi lm to It will be shot in Hindi and Mandarin SMASH HIT: Given the success of Indian film releases in China, the studio and the makers are China. languages. - IANS confident of the movie's box off ice potential in China.

No ghost writers, Shooting for Dutt biopic wrapped up producers for my songs: Badshah The shooting for fi lmmaker Rajkumar Hirani- directed biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt has been Rapper Badshah says there are no wrapped up. ghost writers or producers for his The makers shared a special video on Twitter songs. to announce the wrap-up. “You always see those dark Hirani, along with actors Ranbir Kapoor, circles around my eyes, you always Sonam Kapoor and other cast and crew members hear me cribbing about my lack of are a part of the video, in which they say in sleep, that’s because I’m always unison: “Dutt’s the way, aha aha, I like it, aha working hard. Producing, writing, aha.” composing all by my own, no ghost Ranbir, who plays Sanjay Dutt’s character, is writers or ghost producers. Taking also seen popping the bottle, whereas Sonam care of my business. Try doing it,” took to her social media page, sharing the happy Badshah tweeted on Sunday night. moments while marking the last day of the shoot. Badshah, whose real name is Ranbir will be seen playing the title role in the Aditya Prateek Singh, just released biopic. The fi lm also features Anushka Sharma, his latest single Kareja (Kare Ja) on Dia Mirza, Manisha Koirala, Paresh Rawal and January 8. The Mercy rapper has Vicky Kaushal. sung numbers for fi lms like Bajrangi Presented by Fox Star Studios, the yet untitled Bhaijaan, Bhoomi and Jazbaa. - Dutt biopic is co-produced by Vidhu Vinod IANS AUTHENTIC: Badshah says he does everything for his songs on his own. Chopra and Hirani and is slated to release on June 29. - IANS

Black Panther a multicultural time, the action is something we haven’t piece, says Whitaker seen before,” said Whitaker. “We’re going to see not only tribal things, but things Actor Forest Whitaker, who stars in that take us into outer space, things that Black Panther as Zuri, says the fi lm is take us into the James Bond space. It’s a resonating early with cinema lovers really unique amalgamation of diff erent because it is bringing something new to things that come together in an exciting theatres, being a multicultural piece – way,” he added. especially in the superhero drama genre. Whitaker said the fi rst time the cast “It’s a unique piece. It’s a multicultural screened the fi lm together, some people piece. I think people are waiting to fi nd cried from excitement. something new,” Whitaker told variety. “The fi rst time we saw it, just as a com cast, after it, everybody leapt up to “This superhero from Africa, who is in their feet – literally some were in tears, this society and trying to fi x the world, is they were so excited about what was something that hasn’t been seen before. actually occurring. I think people have FEEDBACK: Whitaker recalls the first time the cast I think Ryan Coogler is a great director, that same excitement around the movie. screened the film together, some people cried from so there’s always going to be some social I’m expecting something great, and DIRECTOR: Rajkumar Hirani is the director for excitement. conscious inside of it. And at the same something great for Ryan,” he said. - IANS Sanjay Dutt's biopic. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, January 23, 2018 COMMUNITY Monsieur Chanel and the ‘Euro-Indians’ of French Guiana The French Foreign Legion guards a frontier of the European Union deep in Brazil’s rainforest. Local indigenous people keep crossing the border into French Guiana to obtain European social benefits, but will contact with Europeans cost them their cultural identity?

supply on the border’s French side. “I was born here and will die here,” Camopi Mayor Joseph Chanel says from his hammock, his reading glasses dangling above his bare chest. Other than his red loincloth, the chief of Camopi’s “Euro-Indians” sports just a conspicuous gold watch. His real name is Joseph Chandet, but the French started calling him Chanel - perhaps after the Parisian fashion house - and the name stuck. About 800 of Camopi’s 1,800 residents are indigenous people, many of them Brazilian women who crossed over to give birth on French soil in order to get European child allowances. “They receive between 400 and 1,200 euros (about 480 to 1,400 dollars), depending on their age and number of children,” Chanel says. The women may also qualify for other French social benefi ts. The child allowances are often spent by the women, their relatives RIDE: Marianne Mayet, a teacher in French Guiana, takes a boat along the Oiapoque River that divides the French overseas department from Brazil. or others in the cheaper Vila Brasil on alcohol or fuel for illegal gold a national park in 2002. It takes loud music. The relative poverty and power miners, many of whom operate in By Georg Ismar eight hours by boat to reach the Shopkeepers in Vila Brasil accept cuts – with generators providing the area. settlement of 300 residents and its payment in euros, and European only a few hours of electricity At dusk, Wayapis sit at tables assortment of small shops, open- mobile phones work without daily – stand in contrast to the neat fi lled with empty beer cans while he tall, blonde air hair salons, bars, brothels and roaming costs. lawns and uninterrupted power children play on the ground. commander’s fi rm The Wayapis are also said to handshake leaves no have a high suicide rate. France doubt that the European has considered replacing the Union’s most unusual cash handouts with food or other Tfrontier, deep in the Brazilian benefi ts. “But so far, nothing has rainforest, is in good hands. happened,” Chanel shrugs. The commander - who speaks Taking a break from the French with a Russian accent but interview, he gets up from his says he is now French - heads a hammock and walks in his bathing contingent of 30 soldiers from sandals towards a house that has the French Foreign Legion who been built on poles to protect are charged with keeping French it from the high tide. His two Guiana secure. grandchildren run towards him. The French overseas department, Will they stay here, like he has? and therefore a border with the Even if they don’t move away to European Union, is divided from a larger city, it is far from certain Brazil by the River Oiapoque. that they can prevent their cultural The Oiapoque borders on Brazil’s identity from being crushed by Tumucumaque National Park, one Western infl uences. of the world’s largest rainforest Marianne Mayet, a French protection areas. The park is almost woman teaching 270 children at a the size of the Netherlands and Camopi primary school, wonders is home to a few hundred Wayapi even whether “school is good for indigenous people. Settlements are them.” normally prohibited on the Brazilian The school system was, after all, side of the border area, with the set up by colonialists who wanted to only exception being Vila Brasil, force the nomadic Wayapi to settle which faces the French village of down, says Mayet. Camopi on the other side. “They lose their culture, their Most of the 90 houses of language, forget how to make Vila Brasil were built before KEEPING A WATCH: French police off icer Bruno Piecieri stands at the gendarme post in the Amazon rainforest pottery, how to fi sh and hunt,” she Tumucumaque was turned into village of Camopi in French Guiana. fears. – DPA