Parsley, Sage (Rosemary's On Time)

Time To Be Punctual, Says Peru

Peru's government says it's high time Peruvians were on time. Chronic lateness in Peru, as in much of Latin America, is often overlooked as an endearing cultural trait, with weddings, funerals and business meetings rarely starting on time. It's even considered rude to be punctual for a party. But, according to abclocal.com, the government says the time has come to change that attitude. It's announced a campaign to combat lateness, launching March first. Details still have to be worked out, but suggestions include synchronizing watches, ringing church bells and sounding sirens to alert Peruvians of the time. Schools, businesses and government institutions will be urged to end their generations old custom of arriving on ``Peruvian time'' which usually means an hour late.