Guyana chronicle new york edition e paper 12 22 2017

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ISSUE No. 81

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 22, 2017

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President in Brazil

Check Out Our Christmas Supplement in center of the paper President David Granger arrived in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday evening for a state visit, during which he will be attending the 51st Summit of the Headsof-State of MERCOSUR and Associated States. Also as part of the state visit to the neighbouring country, President Granger, on the invitation of His Excellency Michel Temer, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, will have a bilateral meeting with President Temer and deliver a speech on ‘Continental Security Cooperation in South America’ at the Ministry of External Affairs. Accompanying the Head-of-State is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Guyana optimistic border controversy will be sent Page x to ICJ Page 15

Gov’t delivers on promise to ‘Parfaite Harmonie’ Page 3

--courtesy ‘5 Bs’ initiative

Page 25 Page 17

Prison gives new hope to 120 Page XX inmates

Page 23

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

$267.1B budget approved

-opposition fails in late bid to have US$18M signing bonus included in estimates …studies to re-establish development bank for next year

By Alva Solomon

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry as she answered questions relevant to the Education Ministry’s budgeted allocations for 2018 (Adrian Narine photos)

AS the sunlight dimmed on Friday afternoon, the 2018 National Budget of $267.1B was passed in the National Assembly despite the opposition last ditch effort to stall proceedings by introducing a motion to have the US$18M Signing Bonus between the Government and ExxonMobil reflected in the estimates.

Following two weeks of debates and scrutiny and instances of drama, Finance Minister Winston Jordon reported the conclusion of the consideration of the budget’s estimates. The Appropriations Bill 15/2017, which details the estimates for all ministries, was then tabled and passed in the House. Friday’s sitting of the National Assembly was delayed by several hours from its scheduled 10:00hrs start after the Opposition requested, by way of motion, for the US$18M to be included in the budget.

After the delay, the Opposition’s motion on the bonus was struck down by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on the grounds of urgency, noting that the Opposition approached the House for the motion’s consideration on the final day of the examination of the budget estimates. During the afternoon session, the estimates for the Ministry of Education and later, the Min-

istry of Finance were examined. Education Minister, Nicolette Henry was tasked with providing answers for several questions posed

by Opposition Members of Parliament, Priya Manickchand and Gail Teixeira and their colleagues who grilled the subject minister extensively on monies for projects budgeted for 2018.

In some instances the same answer was provided by the minister for questions relevant to the Department of Culture which now falls under the Ministry of the Presidency.

The questioning came after sums budgeted in 2017 were higher than those for 2018. Minister Henry was quick to point out on several occasions that the drop in allocated sums were related to the Department of Culture’s relocation. Minister Henry was also questioned extensively on sums allocated for the nursery schools as well as for primary education.

She maintained that the sums budgeted were sufficient to undertake the ministry’s mandate in 2018.

Minister Jordan in providing answers to the Opposition was critical of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS). He said the project has cost “us a fortune and it still doesn’t work.” The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is implementing another system which Minister Jordon noted will improve collection of customs charges. He said that the $1B TRIPS software “has really and truly never worked.”

The introduction of the TRIPS began in 2006, in time for the introduction of the Value-added Tax (VAT) and the Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) Registration which was aimed at improving the efficiency of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Minister Jordan also noted that several studies will be undertaken by the Finance Ministry in 2018, among them a market study for the re-establishing of a National Development Bank. That study will be done at a budgeted cost of US $ 75,000 over a three months period.

Budgeted allocations for several government agencies in 2018 are as follows: *Ministry of the Presidency –$9.4B *Office of the Prime Minister -$839M *Ministry of Finance -$23.6B *Ministry of Foreign Affairs -$5.5B *Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs-$2.2B

*Ministry of Agriculture -$16.8B *Ministry of Business -$2.1B *Ministry of Natural Resources -$1.1B *Ministry of Public Infrastructure -$32B *Ministry of Education -$19.9B *Ministry of Communities -$6.5B

*Ministry of Public Health -$23.4B *Ministry of Social Protection -$16.9B *Ministry of Public Security -$18.6B *Ministry of Legal Affairs -$1B *Ministry of Public Telecommunications -$4.6B

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan answers questions posed by the Opposition in the National Assembly

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

Burger King is here!

3

--Finance Minister sees it as ‘a trust in Guyana’s growing economy’

By Rawle Toney WITH immediate plans to develop six stores within the next few years, which translates into over 400 direct jobs for Guyanese, Corum Group on Monday evening opened the country’s first Burger King Franchise.

And where else but at the junction of one of Georgetown’s busiest shopping areas: Regent and Camp Streets.

According to Clairmont Cummings, one of the Directors of the Corum Group -- known for having one of the country’s most exquisite night spots and restaurants, and most recently adding the Pizza Hut brand to their repertoire -- the opening of Burger King here represents their continued desire to bring to Guyana a First World experience.

Cummings was candid in his address, highlighting the tireless work done over the last two years in order to be given the greenlight by the principals of Burger King, a company founded in 1953 as InstaBurger King, a restaurant chain based in Jacksonville, Florida.

He said that Corum is more than happy to add to the over 15,000 Burger King locations worldwide, and promised to bring the same experience and taste to these shores.

It was also announced that the company

will, very soon, be opening another Burger King outlet at the ever-popular Giftland Mall at Turkeyen, on the lower East Coast.

perhaps recognising that Guyana is on the cusp of an exciting new phase of development, seems to have embarked on a journey

The newly-opened Burger King outlet at the corner of Camp and Regent Streets (Photos by Delano Williams)

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who delivered the keynote address, said he’s pleased that such an initiative is coming from a group of young Guyanese who, in spite of the odds and the naysayers, put the proverbial money where their mouth is and invested in our country's development.

Said the Minister: “The Corum Group,

that includes capitalising on the myriad of gaps within the local food industry.

“It dawned upon me that it was only recently that you launched Pizza Hut; now it is Burger King.”

He went on to say that the opening of a Burger King franchise here is testimony to the belief Guyana’s progressive young

entrepreneurs have in themselves, and their preparedness to invest in the future of their country.

“It is also a relief that we do not have to see our salvation in strangers from lands afar, though we welcome and encourage foreign investment,” Minister Jordan said, adding: “It is right here in our citizens who make a conscious effort to not fall into the trap of perpetuating the negatives that seem never to be in short supply.”

Noting that “Guyana is open for business,” Minister Jordan told the gathering of media operatives, diplomats and other invitees that the Government of Guyana is willing to work with any investor that is committed to the growth and development of this country.

“We will hold the hands of any citizen who is willing to work to unlock the potential that has long been bandied about,” the outspoken finance minister declared.

“We will partner with you to weather the challenges that may arise in the quest to make Guyana a better country.”

Meanwhile, Terry Steers-Gonzalez, the US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, noted that the opening of Burger King in Guyana will add to the country’s landscape, while also telling Americans that the country is on the rise and ready for business.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

Let the Doors Continue to Close on this Human Menace

T

he sexual harassment explosion now being called a day of reckoning by some in media is nothing but an age-old culture of abuse nurtured in secrecy, practiced and protected by a misogynistic male dominant workforce. Embattled women in the workforce continue to deal with this aberration that sits just beneath the surface of many societies. This unwritten rule of law was approved in this underbelly operation and women were expected to acquiesce to these questionable rules, no matter how distasteful, if they want employment. I daresay, it had to take a big society such as the U.S.A. to lift the scab of this universal blight mortifying women for centuries.

But, we are here now and some of the perpetrators are being exposed, shamed by their secret sexual proclivities.

Much of this behavior has nothing to do with trying to win affections from women. It is a wanton power exercise; men using the essence of procreation to violate and humiliate women, who simply want to feed their families or have a career. The male establishment protected their own because they saw nothing wrong with violating women, whose complaints fell on deaf ears. Powerful men in corporations were considered more important than principles. Women who spoke out were troublemakers; who did not play by those unwritten rules. They were dismissed; deemed incompetent or any other disparaging thing that could be thrown at them while the perpetrators, who displayed an unhealthy regard for law and womankind were untouched, promoted or given a raise. The lessons learnt here were to shut up and tolerate the disgusting behavior or you will be on the outside looking in.

The reality women face with male dominance and abuse is international in flavor. In America it is tied into a distorted view of American power; a tightly fostered notion of a “superior” and dominant Caucasian male society. This belief is spun and owned by Caucasian men in America who set their own rules of engagement in every aspect of life. Women, regardless of what qualifications they have were seen in one light only, as sex objects period; expected to accommodate the vulgar pawing of middle-aged men or risk losing their livelihoods.

This behavior is not exclusive to any one industry.

Wherever women have to work, rest assured the potential

for facing these improper forces reside. Why did it take so long for anyone to listen is quite clear. Reporting obnoxious

Much of this behavior has nothing to do with trying to win affections from women. It is a wanton power exercise; men using the essence of procreation to violate and humiliate women, who simply want to feed their families or have a career. The male establishment protected their own because they saw nothing wrong with violating women, whose complaints fell on deaf ears. Powerful men in corporations were considered more important than principles.

practices by men to men is a conundrum women faced.

Capitol Hill men are a good example. They made ample provisions to pay off accusers; not discipline the perpetrator who is allowed to continue on to the next young intern.

by ANGELA MESSIAH

Perhaps, we might be looking at the first good thing to come out of the Donald Trump Presidency. His admitted violations and promiscuous behavior could be the reason women finally got men to listen. His confessions were so blatant, almost cheerful yet he sits in the nation’s House in Washington. What he thought he got away with was given prominence and center stage in the national discourse.

It took the celebrated industry of actresses in year 2017 to finally break the back of this deviant behavior.

Noting that this racket is nothing new, Maureen Dowd writing in the New York Times recalls from Shirley Temple’s autobiography “Child Star” some 80 years after the fact, that film producer Arthur Freed (1894-1973) exposed himself to the six-year old at her first audition. While Freed was showing Shirley what God gave him to procreate, his film director Louis B Mayer was lunging at her Mother Gertrude in another room.

Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, from “Notorious” and “Spellbound,” only hinted it in her autobiography “My Story”. She escaped the advances of rotund director Alfred Hitchcock because he fell asleep after cooking her dinner.

Hitchcock invited her to his home for dinner. The married Hitchcock was the only one there to greet her. Apparently worn out from dinner preparation, he fell asleep. It was at that point that Bergman delightfully took her exit. Not so with Tippi Hendren his star of “Birds” and “Marnie.” She was not subtle at all. She came right out and accused Hitchcock of sexual harassment and on the scale of Harvey Weinstein he silenced her with threats to ruin her career after she rebuffed his advances.

When you consider detestable repulsive middle-aged looking men like Bill O’Riley, Harvey Weinstein and Roy Moore one could fathom why women will rebuff them.

Matt Lauer should not have problems attracting women.

For him, it is simply power abuse; because he could have done it and gotten away with it; then. While Lauer’s conduct does not surprise me, the real shocker is Charlie Rose!

Even refined, respectable, educated affable Charlie at his big table in the evenings, conducting erudite conversations with scholars and educated folks believe that women who want good paying jobs must be trifled with.

My girlfriends and I conjured up romantic images of Charlie as a cocktail guest sipping drinks, soft music, dancing with wonderful conversations loaded with witticisms, puns and metaphors and often wondered what he did at nights. Forget about his evenings, Charlie had a pretty hectic daytime schedule of concealed debauchery as well. Charlie as a libertine was the farthest thing from our thoughts!

Unlike Roy Moore and his penchant for stalking teenage girls, from all reports, Hitchcock loved blond women! The only trouble is, this was an unrequited love; he could make them rich and famous but was no James Bond and women were generally repulsed by his physical appearance. So, he used his power and promise of fame and fortune to lure desirable women into his circle so that he can pounce.

Women are asking them again to STOP! Men must understand this. Women have every right to choose who they want to sleep with!

Women the world over have encountered this threat from their male counterparts constantly or at intervals. This particular writer had her own experiences as a media operative in the Caribbean. Men were taking these kinds of liberties even with female incumbents. One woman in broadcasting described a prominent radio presenter, who was senior

(continued on page 19)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

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T TH HE E H HI IS ST TO ORY RY PA PAG GE E

Happy Christmas, for what?

M

any people ask this question honestly. They are not cynical about the season, but have no reason to be happy. Some are in homeless shelters, others are terminally ill, others are diligently but unsuccessfully seeking employment, many have lost loved ones this year. What are they to be happy about.

DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTMAS The word Christmas is derived from Middle English “Christemasse” and Old English “Cristesmaesse.” It is a shortened form of “Christ’s Mass.”

It began as a religious celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ or Anointed One. However, for the first 300 years of Christianity, Jesus’s birth was not celebrated.

AGAINST CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS Origen, an Early Church Father, argued against celebrating Jesus’s birth, “It is only sinners like Pharaoh and Herod who make great rejoicings over the day on which they were born into this world.”

America’s first European settlers, the Pilgrims, did not celebrate Christmas, because their religious beliefs forbade it. They argued that since the Holy Bible mentions only one holy day the Sabbath, that is the only holy day to celebrate. They nicknamed Christmas “Foolstide.”

Another reason for their not celebrating Christmas was based on its pagan origins. December 25th was celebrated in Rome as the birthday of the sun god Mithra. In 350 ACE, Pope Julius 1 decreed that from that time forth the 25th of December would be acknowledged as the date of the Nativity — Christmas. At this time, pagan rituals were co-opted into Christianity.

Even after the American Constitution came into effect in 1797, the celebration of Christmas was not national. The Senate assembled on Christmas Day in 1797 and the House met on Christmas Day, 1802.

CHRISTMAS ACCEPTED In 1836, Alabama became the first US State to declare Christmas a public holiday. In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) declared it a federal holiday.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CARIBBEAN Like other Christian countries, there are two faces of Christmas in the Caribbean — the religious and the secular.

THE SECULAR FACE The central feature of a Caribbean Christmas is the food. Different islands cook different foods on Christmas Day. I will discuss only Guyanese food at Christmas. Guyana is a land of 6 races — Indigenous people, Africans, Indians, Portuguese,

Chinese, and Europeans. Consequently, food eaten on Christmas Day reflect the influences of each segment of the population.

The Indigenous people gave us

our national dish, Pepper-pot, which is eaten with rice, plantain or bread.

The Portuguese gave us Garlic pork, which many Guyanese eat with bread on Christmas morning. One knows one is in Georgetown when one smells the Garlic pork early Christmas morning. The Chinese gave us Chowmein, which we eat throughout the year. Have you ever had chowmein with pepperpot water? I eat it every New Year’s Day. Try it.

You might like it. The Indians gave us curried dishes and, “Yes” Virginia, many Guyanese, including me, eat

roti and curry during Christmas day.

Our European people have no distinct food and eat all the foods of Guyana.

Another Christmas staple is Black cake. Eating it is a staple to me.

I remember when I was as bachelor, my mother, God rest her soul, would make and bring my Black cake. When she died, my sisters continued the tradition.

There would not be a Caribbean Christmas without alcohol. Some people prefer rum, others wine, others beer and so on and so forth. Then there must be ginger beer and sorrel.

By the way, do not drink ginger beer with pepper-pot. The result will be many unwanted trips to the toilet (this is what we used to call the bathroom).

Opening gifts on Christmas morning is another feature of a Caribbean Christmas. Do you remember when you were a child, you would stay up all night to see Santa Claus place your gift under the Christmas tree, but could never see him? The gift was there when you got up. Magic, my friend, magic. Much later on, we knew there was never a Santa. Santa was our mother, father or whoever we lived with.

I cannot speak of gifts without remembering those kids who were less fortunate, who, believe it or not, did not receive any gifts. This point is brilliantly made in the song by Vera Lyn and Nat King Cole: ‘The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot’, These are the words: Christmas comes but once a

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Editorial guyanachronicle.com

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Editorial Education makes a nation THE truism that education makes a nation still holds sway, and has relevance today. Several hundred graduated recently from both the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.

At the same time, hundreds of teachers have gone into retirement. These figures come at a time when the state of our education system is undergoing review, given its importance to empowerment of citizens, nation building, and development. Congratulations to the graduates and their families, who have made the sacrifice in pursuit of more and/or higher learning. The society must also devise a way to retain these new skills, since the development of every nation is hinged on its human capital.

As the new graduates are welcomed to the noble vocation of teaching, the exit--through retirement--of those possessing institutional memory and invaluable skills, should not be lost on the society. In today’s world, 55 years is considered relatively young, and many are still in the prime of their lives. It is our belief that those who desire to continue in this profession should be accommodated. Some may be fortunate to continue in the public system on a contractual basis; some will go into the private system; and others will be absorbed by other countries.

That is not to say that new entrants to the profession are not welcomed. Of course they are! For, in addition to wanting to contribute to nation-building through this vocation, they also bring new approaches to doing things, and are imbued with zeal, which augurs well for our children’s growth and development. The nation cannot, in its development pursuit, ignore these juxtaposing realities. And there comes a time when, in a nation’s growth, such can no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet.

Education is community/communal driven, and according to the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” The success of education is hinged on the involvement of all. The government conceptualises, develops, and implements policies, programmes and laws by which the private and public school systems are

Guyana Chronicle New September 2017 Guyana Chronicle NewYork YorkEdition EditionWeek-ending week ending December 22,8,2017

State lawyers displayed astounding lack of knowledge of the issues relating to the Seafield land case Dear Editor OVER the past few months, H.E. President David Granger’s actions as they relate to lands at Plan Ayr No. 40 and Seafield Villages have been deemed unconstitutional and unlawful (SN 2017-08-10, 2017-12-12) by Chief Justice (ag) Honorable Madam Roxanne George. On the surface, the AG Chambers seem unequal to the challenge put up by the former Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall and his team. But does this have to be so? Did our current Attorney General have a team of lawyers to defend the actions of the first citizen. It doesn’t seem so.

Somewhere in the Bible it is said, “Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?” and again it is said “My people are destroyed because of the lack of knowledge.” Surely, whoever represented the Attorney General’s Chambers at the High Court on the above matter displayed an astounding lack of knowledge of all the issues relating to these lands and with 1.8 million dollars costs accrued. Consequences should follow for the sheer sloppiness in which the actions of the President were presented and defended. But why should anyone lack knowledge when the scope for knowing anything on any issue has never been so easy with technology, et al? What is more,the strenuous efforts to legitimise injustice is gaining traction with each failure of the premier legal chambers of the government.

Editor, the lands to which Justice George gave her oral judgement are

lands that have been occupied by two registered Co-operative Societies for over three decades. These Co-op Societies (Seafield Cooperative Land Society Limited Registered No. 1720 and No. 40 Farmers Cooperative Society Limited Registered No. 1513) remain registered and are now members of the recently re-constituted Regional Co-operative Society Union and serve on its executive.

These lands have been developed, maintained and paid for over these decades by these societies.

In 2014, the MMA/ADA advertised that unless outstanding arrears owed to the Authority by the Societies are paid, the lands they occupy would be repossessed (SN, March 5, 2014). The societies combined paid in excess of 10 million dollars to the MMA. Realising that their intended objective would not be attained through monetary penalty, the then chairman of MMA plainly said that whether we paid or not, the lands would be repossessed and redistributed to others in the villages since he is not dealing with Co-ops but with state lands.

All this was done with total disregard for the MMA Act, the Laws of Guyana, chapter 88: 01 and the Constitution of Guyana. The sheer arbitrariness of MMA’s actions should have been enough evidence to win the Attorney General’s case. But the old adage is applicable here: if you fail to prepare; then prepare to fail. These matters were not presented to the Judge.

In the case of Seafield Cooperative Land Society Limited, the Order or Rule

Nisi of Certiorari granted on the 15th day of October, 2014, by Honourable Justice Nareshwar Harnanan was made absolute on 20th July, 2016 by the Honourable Madam Justice Diana Insanally; quashing MMA’s decision to reclassify lands belonging to the Society and to allocate them to others,on the grounds of excess of lack of jurisdiction, arbitrariness, unreasonableness, ultra vires, null and void and in breach of its constitutional right to protect its property. One is now left to ponder the legal ramifications of two distinct rulings by two judges on the same land issue. This is in addition to the ensuing conflicts that will arise amongst villagers. As a layman, one also wonders how one judge tries a case and another judge, who was not a part of that trial, gives the ruling.

Editor, I cannot go into all the other details that justify H.E. President Granger revoking the leases that were unfairly granted to those who are not members of our Societies ( some of which were published on 21st November, 2017).

MMA could have easily given our fellow villagers lands without causing the conflicts that have arisen as a result of its actions. Yet, with mountains of evidence to justify the actions of the President, who would want to go before an erudite judge and tell her that the President did what he did because he is the President and he has immunity. This under representation of the President is surely shameful.

Regards Patrick Hamilton

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. bound. Teachers/educators play their role in the classroom ing for our children. For example, where other Caribbean setting. Parents/relatives partner with the school in ensuring countries still retain the “s” in spelling the word organithe needs of students are met, and students uphold their sation, in Guyana, the USA “z” is used instead in public obligations. Neighbours look out and over the children’s documents and media. As simple as it may seem to some, conduct. Civil society also plays a role through workshops, this undermines standardization, since it poses a challenge seminars, donations and other forms of action. for students to identify right spelling from wrong spelling; This nation came from a past in which the education acceptable usage from unacceptable usage. policy was driven by a colonial outlook of moulding and As the education system is revisited, the importance nurturing citizens to be in service to the values set by the of diverse training and education of citizens to play their Crown. With independence came the shift, preparing citi- role in personal development and nation building should zens for an indigenous approach consistent with our needs, be factored in. The education of the academics, professiongrowth and development. Guyana transitioned to a country als, technically-skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled are all in which reality was shaped and skills and abilities were important and are deserving of equal attention and respect developed on a local identity; events and requirements for their labour and contribution to development. Each has for nation-building, inclusive of awareness/knowledge of a role to play, and each ought to be given the opportunity external events, likewise informed our education system. to be the best in whatever field is pursued.

As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was estabDiscipline is also an important element in education lished, with Guyana being a member, and later with the and development. And while conversations continue institutionalisation of the Caribbean Examination Council, on the merits or demerits of corporal punishment in there was standardisation of an education model suited to schools, suffice it to say that whatever decision is taken, the developmental foci of the Region. As our students par- it cannot be lost sight that discipline plays an important ticipate in the Caribbean examinations, it is being seen that, role in human development. A disciplined person is a in the basic areas of competencies, we are lagging. Mastery productive person. Outside of corporal punishment, of the English language is one area that begs for improve- school sports play a role in instilling discipline, respect ment, although English is Guyana’s official language. for authority, team-spiritedness, determination, and foIt would not be remiss to say that, in a standardised cus to achieve the goals. These influences help students environment, where Caribbean English is built off the Brit- to be responsible and to lead productive lives. Fixing the ish system, inclusive of spelling, the jostling of American education system requires a holistic approach, andare each The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper English and British Caribbean English has been challeng- must be prepared to play his/ her part.

Disclaimer:

those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

7

Trump And America’s Toxic Culture Of Bullying

A

mericans and the world are still trying to come to grips with the Donald Trump phenomenon. What happened? How could enlightened Americans elect Donald Trump, a nonpolitician with no experience in government, as President of the United States, over the imminently qualified Hillary Clinton? How could a man so bombastically gross, overly crude, and braggadocios be attractive to mainstream conservative America?

So now sane people are grappling with the rise of Donald J. Trump and Trumpism — a rabid form of right-wing populism that seems out of place in American society. But is Trumpism a political aberration? I think not and explaining the rise of Donald Trump and a new American political discourse, disruptive and inyour-face, I submit, has always been here, toxic and under the mainstream surface.

Indeed, the core of Trump’s appeal is good old-fashioned bullying and Trump was and is an expert at this well-tested American pastime.

American bullying is about controlling people by keeping them in "their place(s).” Black people know about that; every time we stepped out of line we were called “uppity” and needed to be “kept in our place.” Generally, people think that bullying is a schoolyard thing that people grow out of when they leave the exuberance of their childhood days. But America and Americans don’t. Today we live in a society that’s based on militaristic capitalism driven by an equally poisonous hyper-masculinity. At it’s very basic, capitalism is bullying — it is a dog-eats-dog, knock down competitive system that results in a few winners and many, many losers. American society rewards the winners and belittles and heaps scorn on the losers.

And militarism is also about bullying. It’s about violence, aggression, and submission to authority. So America’s militaristic capitalism combines the two principles of bullying, which amplifies their ultra-toxic effect. This is the basis of the American 21st century Doctrine — we’re the world’s self-appointed police force, a flawed hegemon morally ordained to impose its will, interests, and values on the rest of the world, all justified in the name of freedom, “manifest destiny” and “American values.”

The American media is also directly complicit in this national bullying behavior of their own government, which dispatches armed police, soldiers, FBI and CIA agents to foreign nations to kill and wreak havoc—from Afghanistan to Somalia to Colombia. And the most vicious and unrelenting bully of all is the militaristic capitalist system that survives by the bullying carried out by people in power. As an example, let me be blunt: most people would not see Barack Obama, a former US President, possessed of a particularly bullying personality. He smiles a lot, and looks benign and non-

threatening. Yet as President, he attacked Afghanistan, Iraq (continued where George W. Bush left off), Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan, using the US Navy SEALs and the US Army Delta Force. In fact, during his last year in office, “nice President Obama,” dropped 26,171 bombs on foreign countries. But it is Donald Trump today, who embodies most people's image of a bully. With his brash insults, spiteful put-downs, and even violent threats, he looks like an oversized, over-aged schoolyard bully. So why was he so popular during the 2016 Presidential election, at least in some areas?

Truth is that although the brutal and cruel, bullies are often admired. Like all schoolyard bullies, Trump, both as a politician and long before he entered politics, called anyone who challenged him a loser. He thus perpetuates the notion that victims are weak and lazy and don't have the gumption to “win.” To Trump these “losers” deserve their fate and must submit to the triumphant winner.

Trump emerged at a time in American socio-economic life when anxiety permeated the society, when wages have been stagnant for decades, when White

males fear their privileged status being threatened by women and people of color, when the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan defied the United States, many Americans felt a need for a protector, a strong leader, who will "make America great again.” By "great" Trump meant that America must be free to exercise control over and forcefully visit its values upon any country in the world, with impunity. No one should be allowed to mess with America.

Though Americans would never admit or say it out loud, what they really wanted was a strutting strongman, a bully,

to protect them. He must make sure no one can challenge him and he must be able to destroy anyone. The more effectively the bully bullies, the more secure people feel. Like the Americans who voted for Trump, feel suddenly empowered and part of his “wining team.” Their lives may suck but that is irrelevant to the fact that they’re now respected members of the bullying team. Fact is, the inconvenient truth is that bullying is embedded, wedded, and resides deep in American culture. Its manifested in the attitudes

President Donald Trump

(continued on page 20)

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Forbes rates world’s ten best countries for business in 2018 CALIFORNIA, U.S. — Despite the long-drawn Brexit process and a tussle to cut a trade deal before its departure from the European Union, the U.K. was rated by Forbes as the best country to do business in 2018.

In its annual ranking of the best countries for business, Forbes rated U.K. right on top.

The report noted that even amidst the uncertainties of Brexit, the U.K. has been performing well on economic indicators.

Britain’s Gross Domestic Product grew 1.8 percent and unemployment has sunk to a 42-year low at 4.3 percent — making it the country with the best business environments.

New Zealand was ranked the second overall for the third straight year.

The economy of the island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean — which is home to only 4.5 million people — has been on a roll.

The country’s economy grew 3.6 percent compared to last year.

The Netherlands, which was rated in the ninth spot last year, made a commendable jump on the Forbes’ annual list, bagging the third spot.

The list featured Sweden, which also jumped spots this year, on the fourth spot.

Over the last two years, Sweden has held the fifth spot.

On the fifth spot, this year was Canada, which has the third highest GDP in the top 20, at $1.78 trillion. The country moved to the fifth spot from the sev-

enth spot.

Hong Kong, which has the highest inflation in the top 20 was in the sixth spot, jumping several places from the 11th spot it held before.

Denmark, with its modern market economy, which features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards, and high dependence on foreign trade was ranked seventh on the list.

Following Denmark was Ireland, which bagged the eight spot on the list.

The tiny country has logged strong GDP growth and the country has been among the top 10 countries for the business list over the several years.

Singapore, with its highly developed free-market economy, was ranked ninth.

Singapore's economy has been ranked as the most open in the world, with very little corruption and a pro-business market which offers low tax rates to businesses.

One of the world's most stable economies, Switzerland was ranked tenth on the list.

The country’s service sector has also come to play a significant economic role.

With the country’s GDP standing at 1.5 percent, the U.S. has been ranked 12th on the list.

However, the ratio of trade balance and GDP of the country has been pegged to be a negative 2.4 percent.

Forbes said that the rankings were

based on 15 different factors including property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom (personal,

trade and monetary), red tape and investor protection.

(Caribbeannews.net)

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To Advertise in this new and exciting paper The New York Edition of the GUYANA CHRONICLE — Guyana’s National Newspaper call: 917-379-6590 or (347) 385-4115

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

9

Homeless people in the U.K. get first vending machine

NOTTINGHAM, U.K. — In an initiative

aimed at making the lives of homeless people in the U.K. a little simple, the country hosted the world’s first vending machine for rough sleepers.

The vending machine, hosted at the Nottingham shopping centre carries free food and other essentials for those with a special keycard.

It contains essentials for rough sleepers and the inventor is hoping to put one in every city with a homelessness problem.

On Tuesday, the machine was unveiled at the Intu shopping centre in Broadmarsh and dispenses water, fresh fruit, energy bars, crisps, chocolate and sandwiches, as well as socks, sanitary towels, antibacterial lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste packs, and books.

According to the inventors at a new charity called Action Hunger, much of the fresh food comes from redistribution organisations seeking to reduce food waste.

Other items are bought with donations, the charity said.

Action Hunger’s partner organisations said that they would provide a special keycard using which items can be vended exclusively by those in need.

In Nottingham, the cards are given out by the Friary, a drop-in advice centre for homeless people.

The charity said that the keycards are programmed to permit up to three items being dispensed per day and the limit aims to stop “dependency” on the machines.

It explained, “We want our low-cost solution to complement other services that are available, as engagement with professionals and local support services is instrumental to breaking the cycle of homelessness.”

Reports noted that the machine was the brainchild of 29-year-old Nottingham local Huzaifah Khaled, who developed the project while undertaking a PhD in law.

He reportedly persuaded one of the world’s biggest vending companies, N&W Global Vending, to give him a 10,000 pounds machine for free, and got the Friary on board in Nottingham.

However, Khaled has been criticized for enabling a street lifestyle by making it easier for people to sleep rough, rather than seek sanctuary and help in a hostel, where they can receive healthcare and advice.

However, he insisted that the opposite is true, explaining, “We could have not put a limit on how many items people could receive, and not built in a system of checks. All of our users in Nottingham have to check-in with the Friary once a week for their cards to continue working.”

According to Khaled, the machines were re-

stocked daily by a team of volunteers and eventually, 100 cards would be issued in the city.

He added that he hopes to expand across the country as quickly as possible, if he can raise capital.

According to estimates, Action Hunger should have 25-30 machines in use by the end of 2018> The charity has said that the programme will be rolled out across the U.S. next year, with two being

machines installed in New York in February and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle to follow.

He added, “I’ve had emails from people in Greece, Spain, Australia and China, all wanting to know more.”

Khaled revealed that he was in discussions with Network Rail to install machines at train stations, which he said could be the “ideal solution” because most had long opening hours and were safe and well (Caribbeannews.net)

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

OILS ARE US "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever".

—Psalm 23:5,6 he inspiration for this week's column is embedded in the Oils help with overall female reprofollowing extract from a Joel & Victoria Osteen blog: "In ductive health and also strengthen the the Bible, oil is symbolic of the anointing of God. Do you male reproductive organs. We may know what oil does? It makes things flow. Whenever there is fric- therefore conclude that "Oils are Us".

If we map this human systems tion or something gets stuck, putting oil on it makes it become analogy of Structure, Protection, Life, more fluid."

Growth and Sustainability into the We would have all experienced and lungs they bring life to the body. business systems context, Corporate how "oil makes things flow" in the Oil provides both preventive and cur- Governance, Finance, Marketing, Opcontext of engines, machines and ative therapy in this regard. erations and People Development hinges. We need to extend this context Well selected and prepared food emerge and are used in the manageto human beings and businesses.To intake, good digestion and efficient ment of business systems. satisfy my curiosity, I did some re- elimination of waste facilitates growth Why not let God anoint our heads search on how "oil makes things flow" in the body. The use of good oil in our with oil across the board so that when in the context of the human being. daily food intake is an important part there is friction or something gets The skeleton and muscles of a of overall well-being. stuck, we are equipped to make it behuman body provide its structure.

Fertilization and procreation come more fluid.

There are more than 250 joints in the drives the sustainability of mankind.

Let us pray that God "anoints our body depending on whether we perceive the skull as a single unit or made up of a large number of small bony plates that knit together along their edges into a permanently fused structure. According to Professor David Wynik there are approximately 640 skeletal muscles (connected to bones by tendons) within the typical human body.

Oil is well known to increase joint mobility and to reduce pain in aching muscles.

The nails, hair and skin provide protection externally. Oil provides beauty and health benefits. The immune system gives protection to the body internally against disease. Oil strengthens the immune system.

The brain and the central nervous system control most functions in the human body. Together with the heart

T

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

heads with oil" so that we are blessed, guided and empowered with insight, understanding and wisdom to fulfill, in the face of adversity, the goal of sustainable success in our businesses and our private lives.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf57@gmail .com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www.facebook.com/basilgf)

Eastern Caribbean Flora at Risk BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Wednesday December 20, 2017 – Almost three quarters of the flowering plants unique to the Eastern Caribbean appear to be under threat of extinction, according to a study published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Botanical Review.

That was one of the major findings of a collaborative research project of Professor Sean Carrington of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados and Drs. Gary Krupnick and Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Their study looked at the 262 species of flowering plants and one Gymnosperm that are found only in the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands stretching from Grenada in the south to Anguilla in the north.

It used two distinct methods to assess the status of the plants and each method resulted in the same conclusion – that 70 per cent of the 263 Lesser Antillean endemic plants are at risk of extinction.

“This study has provided much-needed information on each species which will allow scientists and conservation managers throughout the region to focus their attention on the plants under greatest threat to safeguard their future existence and their potential unexplored value,” the researchers said.

The total flora of the Lesser Antilles is about 10 times the number of the plants studied, but those 263 were a priority for study as they are found nowhere else on Earth and need to be a focus for conservation, the researchers explained.

Prior to this study, only 14 of the endemic plants had been assessed for the IUCN Red List — a register of the world’s endangered species of plants and animals.

To evaluate the rest, the researchers gathered and analysed data from almost 7,000 preserved specimens collected over the last 240 years.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THIRSTY Ingredients: half fill with water.

1 egg 5. Bake in a very moderate oven 1 for 40 minutes until set. ⁄2 pint milk 1 tbsp. sugar grated nutmeg few drops of vanilla essence few drops vanilla essence Method: 1. Bring the milk to boil.

2. Beat the egg and sugar together and add the milk and vanilla essence.

3. Strain into a greased pie-dish, grate a little nutmeg on the top.

4. Place the pie-dish in a tin and BAKED CUSTARD

A

very thirsty man goes into a bar. As he waits to get the bartender’s attention, a regular sitting next to him calls out, “I’ll have another waterloo.”

The bartender gives the regular a tall ice cold drink and asks the newcomer what he would like.

The thirsty man points to the man next to him and says, “I guess I’ll have what he’s having, a waterloo.”

So the bartender brings the newcomer a tall ice cold drink. The man takes a long deep drink and calls out, “HEY! This isn’t any good. It tastes just like water!”

The regular bar patron sitting next to him says, “It is water. That’s all I drink,” He turns to the bartender and says, “Right Lou?”

LAWYER’S WIFE

T

here was a Lawyer who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money. He was a real miser when it came to his money.

Just before he died, he said to his wife, “When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the cas-

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

GRANVILLE T. WOODS — INVENTOR GREATEST ELECTRICIAN IN THE WORLD?

I

n the 1860s, Granville Woods was a Black child with little material resources, but with a determination to get an education. He succeeded to the extent that by the end of his life he was a well-regarded inventor who had been awarded more than 60 patents.

Granville Woods was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April 23, 1856. His father worked in a machine shop that made speed equipment for carriages and repaired railroad equipment and machinery. Granville attended school until he was 10, but had to leave to help his father in the shop.

It was in this environment of the railroad industry that he grew up and started his working life, and in spite of the fact that he never got a regular high school or college education, he flourished.

Granville’s apprenticeship in a machine shop taught him the skills of a machinist making and modifying parts, mainly metal parts, according to specification, and usually from engineering drawings.

He was also apprenticed to a blacksmith, learning to create objects from iron or steel by “forging” metal. He learned to use tools to hammer, bend, cut and other-

wise shape red-hot metal in its non-liquid form.

The end-product of a blacksmith’s work is seen in wrought iron gates, grills, railings, decorative and religious items, cooking utensils and other items.

Woods sought every opportunity to gain new knowledge. He would study other machine workers as they used different pieces of equipment.

Woods could not only shape metal but use it as a conductor of electricity. He was

GRANVILLE T. WOODS

inspired by the story of Lewis Latimer, the brilliant young Black inventor who excelled in the field of electricity and who, in1884, became an engineer at the Edison Electric Light Company where he had the distinction of being the only African American member of “Edison’s Pioneers” —Thomas Edison’s team of inventors.

Granville Woods spent his spare time studying electronics. Many of the books he needed for his various interests were available in the library. However, because he was Black, he could not, at that time, visit certain libraries himself. He therefore had to have White friends check out books for him.

Woods took a number of college courses. So hungry he was to learn, where necessary he would even pay other workers to sit down and explain electrical concepts to him. He realized that learning and education were essential to developing the skills he needed. He held many jobs: on the Danville and Southern railroad in Missouri, he worked as fireman, eventually becoming an engineer; in Springfield, Illinois, he worked in a rolling mill; aboard the Ironsides, a British steamer, he became its Chief Engineer within two years. He later settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he contributed to

ket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me.”

And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart. He died soon.

He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there, dressed in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the obedient wife said, “Wait just a moment!”

She had a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down and they rolled it away.

Then her friend said: “Girl, I know you were not foolish enough to put all that money in there with your husband.”

The loyal wife replied: “Listen, I’m a wife; I cannot go back on my word. I promised him.”

“You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!?!?!?”

“I sure did,” said the loyal wife. “I got all the money together, put it into my account, and wrote him a Check. I put the Check in the casket. Now it is up to him to encash the Check. If he can cash it, then he can spend it.” modernizing the railroad.

Among Woods’ numerous contributions was the development of a system for overhead electric conducting lines for railroads. Interested in thermal power and steam-driven engines, he filed his first patent for an improved steam-boiler furnace. He also invented an automatic air brake used to slow or stop trains. Wood’s electric car was powered by overhead wires.

Woods also invented “telegraphony,” a process that combined features of both the telephone and telegraph and allowed operators to send and receive messages more quickly than before. The Bell Company purchased this invention at a decent price and set Woods on the road to becoming a fulltime inventor.

Woods’ telegraph allowed moving trains to communicate with other trains and train stations. The engineer of a train was then able to know how close his train was to others. This information not only improved railway efficiency but also increased safety by reducing the likelihood of collisions between trains.

Granville Woods was a contemporary of Thomas Edison and some people called him the Black Edison, after the other more well-known inventor. At one stage, Thomas Edison offered Granville Woods was offered an important position in the engineering department of Edison Electric Light Company in New York.

Granville T. Woods preferred to remain independent and declined.

So well-respected was Woods that, well before his death in 1910, the Cincinnati Ohio’s Catholic Tribune of April 1, 1887 boldly called him the greatest electrician in the world.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club host their Annual Children’s Christmas Party T

he Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club, held its Annul Christmas Party and Christmas Toys Giveaway on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the elegant Grace Christian Church Hall.

There were thirty children in attendance and they all left satisfied

By STAFF REPORTER

and gleeful each one holding a Christmas gift. The food was enjoyable and music was provided by Lion Pastor Reynold Howell.

Lion Simon Thomas, President of the Brooklyn Leaders Club, said

his club is proud to be operating under the motto of the Lions International which; is: “We Serve”, he further said that his club is dedicated to the improvement of the living standardards of all the residents in his neighborhood and pledged that with the assistance of his hard-working officers and members to do all in their power to serve their community to the best of their abilities in the true spirit of Lionism with an emphasis on children, senior citizens and community enhancement and welfare.

The Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club wish you and yours a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2018.

Some of the children with their parents take time off from the party to pose for this New York Edition of the Chronicle picture with Santa.

With their gifts all wrapped and ready for distribution these Lions take time off for this New York Edition of the Chronicle photo op: (from left) Sandy Fraser-Thomas. Reynold Howell, Paula Ross-Brandt, Simon Thomas (President) Kelly Coston, Cheryl King, Pam Dalhouse, and Clinton Bacchus, child in center is Leo Aneyse Brooks.

(from left) Lions Kelly Coston, Simon Thomas (President), Shirley Skeete, Cheryl King, Nakesha Nelson, Paula Ross-Brandt, Pam Dalhouse, Sandy Fraser-Thomas and Clinton Bacchus. Leo Aneyse Brooks is sitting on Santa's lap played by Lion Anthony Worrell.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

13

QCAANY Chapter brings Christmas cheer to Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry T

he motto of the Queen’s College of Guyana High School is — LAWFUL AND HELPFUL EVERYWHERE — a dictum that has held true to the stellar work the ex-students continue to do, and demonstrated with humility, on December 9, 2017, when the New York Alumni Chapter dedicated its services to humanity, by volunteering at Calvary’s Mission Food Panty in Richmond Hill, Queens.

The organizing committee, led by Sherrilyn McPherson, included Patrick Stephens, Corrine Locke, (whose brilliant idea it was) — Selwyn Hestick, Karen Wharton, president, and others, who participated in the ‘Day of Service’ imitative, volunteering to bag and share nourishing foods at the pantry, that serves scores of underprivileged citizens every Saturday.

“We at QCAANY have a tradition of giving back, especially at Christmas time.

We recognize the great work that is being

By Tangerine Clarke

done in the community to help the underprivileged, and we consider ourselves privileged to be a part of venture by volunteering our services,” said McPherson.

Wearing Tee Shirts emblazoned with the school’s logo, and the word — Volunteer, the group set-up food stations, and later packed the bags and carts of New Yorkers, who McPherson said, the organization was honored to serve, and commended Tony Singh, founder of Calvary’s Food Pantry, for giving his time 365 days a year to help others.

The QCAANY — that continually plan programs such as the annual Math Institute to help students develop their adeptness towards STEM accomplishment, and the student conference that reaches approximately 200 students from Queen’s College and other schools in Guyana each year — continues to demonstrated its commitment towards education.

The 27-year old Alumni Associa-

Consul General Hon. Mrs. Barbara Atherly volunteering her time at Calvary's Mission Food Pantry.

tion, said President, Karen Wharton, is part of the community. “We really want to feel, and be an integral part of this community, and Guyana. We are immensely impressed with what Tony is doing, and we want to do whatever we can to the best of our abilities, to shine a spotlight on what he is doing, and to encourage other organizations to participate.

“We are building a community, and it is very important that we help each other. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, and we demonstrate that to the entire Guyanese community, said Wharton, adding, I am very proud of the organizing committee for implementing this effort, all we had to do, is show up — and we did.”

Wharton thanked Lorraine CroftFarnell, President of the St. Rose High School Alumni Association, New York, and others, who responded to the call to volunteer. “We are grateful to everyone who came out to volunteer, to whom much is given, much is expected. Queens College of Guyana students have been given lots of opportunities and we feel we owe our communities more than a mode of gratitude. We thank Tony for opening his doors to us. We are grateful to be working side by side with him to help this community. ” Patrick Stephens pointed out that there is not enough “we can do to help others who are less fortunate, whether they’re homeless or in need. I am very happy to be here.”

Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly, who participated in the “Day of service and appreciation Christmas party” — acknowledged those who volunteered, stating, “there are people still in the business of giving, often times we are caught-up with work, but it is important to remember the needy.”

Tony Singh who opened the pantry in January 2000, to feed a few needy citizens, have seen the numbers grow to scores of people in the community, who, through sun, snow or rain arrive at Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry to be served.

“I am happy to have the Queen’s College of Guyana

QCAANY at Calvary's Mission Food Pantry in Queens. Second from left front row, Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly; Tony Singh (organizer); Sherrilyn McPherson, ex-student of St. Rose's High (Guyana); Brenda Brentt-Peters and Patrick Stephens. (Stooping): Karen Wharton, President of QCAANY and Carlotta Waterman; (back row): other volunteers.

Alumni Association New York, here. It is better to give than to receive, said the humanitarian, and garment manufacturing professional, who is raising funds to acquire a multi-purpose space to share his skills, while promoting other programs to educate his community.

Calvary’s Mission is an International Christian Hunger and Humanitar-

ian Development Relief Organization.

The non-profit organization delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families in need.

Calvary’s Mission Food pantry, is located at 102-16 89th Avenue, Richmond Hill. Join the conversation on face book to volunteer.

President of the QCAANY Karen Wharton addressing the gathering.

No role for JSC

14 GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 21, 2017

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has no role in the appointment of a chancellor and chief justice, even as he asserted President David Granger’s right under the constitution in ensuring a “transparent” process to arrive at the best candidates for the two posts.

Williams made the comments in response to articles in the press earlier this week and comments by former AG Anil Nandlall, who was quoted in the Guyana Times as saying that the “lead role being taken on by President David Granger in the recruitment of the substantive positions of a Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice is unconstitutional.”

Nandlall, according to the Guyana Times, feels that the Head of State is too intimately involved in the process, considering that the constitution provides for the Judicial Service Commission to carry out this function. “This is the first political head of state that is in search of a person to fill the position of the head of a judiciary…It is the first time that a head of the executive himself is seeking to recruit a judge,” Nandlall was quoted as saying.

MISINFORMED However, in rebuttal Williams said that he is taken aback that a former AG would be making such statements when the process to appoint a chancellor and chief justice has to be triggered by the President, according to the constitution. According to the Constitution, Article 127 (1) “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

The constitution went on to state that “If the office of the Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant, or if the person holding the office of chancellor is performing the functions of the office of President, or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, or if the person holding the office of Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017 3

…in appointment of chancellor, chief justice …AG asserts President’s right to trigger transparent process ter-American Development Bank in the storeroom of the Ministry of Legal Affairs that were only discovered when I took office.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

functions of such office or until the person holding such office has resumed those functions as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such other of the judges as shall be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

Additionally, Article 128 (1) states that “The judges, other than the chancellor and the chief justice shall be appointed by the President who shall act in accordance with the advice of the JSC.” “So it is clear that under neither articles there is any role for the JSC in the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice. This is a purely political process involving only two persons-the President and the Leader of the Opposition,” Williams asserted.

He said previously under the PPP the President would write the Leader of the Opposition for them to meet and at that meeting, it would be revealed who they had in mind to be Chancellor. Williams said for many years the PPP had always nominated Justice Carl Singh who never met the approval of the People’s National Congress Reform and then the A Partnership for National Unity.

Williams said when President David Granger was Leader of the Opposition in 2011, he had communicated to the then President Donald Ramotar that he was committed to a transparent process to appoint the two top judicial officers, putting forward a case for the vacancies to be advertised

President David Granger

regionally to attract the best possible candidates. “President Granger would have surely taken into account then, the manner in which judges were handpicked under the former regime with overtures, so much so that a man was picked without due process and made an appellate judge and later it turned out that he was unfit and improper.” Williams was making reference to Rabi Sukul, who was disbarred for nine months in London after he was found guilty of intentionally misleading his client by drafting false grounds of appeal. Sukul was appointed by Ramotar in 2014 as an Appeal Court Judge. A tribunal in London had found that Sukul created false documents, knowing it was with the intention of misleading his client into believing he had grounds to appeal his conviction, when Sukul knew there were no grounds of appeal. The five-person tribunal, chaired

by His Honour Michael Baker QC, found unanimously that Sukul had intentionally misled his client and engaged in conduct likely to bring the legal profession into disrepute.

Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that on reflecting on this, Mr Granger when he became President followed through with his earlier proposal to invite applications in a transparent manner and constituted a panel of eminent jurists to conduct interviews for the two posts. “We are not surprised that the PPP is against such transparency, because to avoid transparency in our court rooms, Nandlall hid a number of verbatim voice recorders paid for by the In-

EMASCULATE Responding to claims that the government is trying to interfere with the work of the judiciary, Williams argued that it was under the tenure of Bharrat Jagdeo that the judiciary was emasculated. “Our judiciary you’d recall, the powers were removed from the Chief Justice’s Office and reposed in the Office of the Chancellor and then what they did, whenever there was a meeting of the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo always asserted Carl Singh to remain.”

Williams said it is important

PPP MP, Anil Nandlall

that there is a dichotomy between the Chief Justice’s Office and the Chancellor’s functions in terms of sharing the work of the judiciary ,“so that one person alone would not be in charge of the entire judiciary.”

The AG argued that the lack of separation between the two offices has affected the country significantly, while noting that a situation was created whereby the Chancellor appointed those who should be magistrates, judges and those who sit on the Court of Appeal, an unhealthy situation occurred. “How could that be healthy?” questioned the Attorney General. “At the end of the day, it means he would be sitting on appeals of decisions of the people he actually handpicked to sit on cases; that couldn’t be well for the administration of justice,” Williams, a Senior Counsel, added.

Williams noted that there were several misgivings under the former President’s watch and reminded that the constitution is premised on the separation of powers: the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature. “They all have independent roles and no one should tread on the work of the other. What he had under Jagdeo–we had a marauding of the judiciary, so the complaint is not that there is interference with the

judiciary, the judiciary under Jagdeo is interfering in the work of the executive and that is happening till now.”

Only last week, President Granger confirmed that a Caribbean jurist has accepted nomination to become Guyana’s Chancellor. The Head-of-State in response to questions posed about the delay in the appointment of a substantive chancellor and chief justice said, “This is a matter of deep concern to me. “The nominations were made and contact has been made with the person who has been nominated [for chancellor and that person has accepted. We are now looking at the modalities for termination of the work that he is doing now in the country of residence,” said President Granger.

The nominee was selected and recommended to the President by a panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh, Justice James Patterson, and Professor Harold Lutchman. It is unclear who the nominees for the posts were. The President said every effort is being made to have the matter resolved soonest, while noting the concerns of President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron.

Sir Byron at a recently held Bar Association dinner in November when he called for the swift appointment of a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice.

Inmate charged for threatening to kill President A LUSIGNAN Prison inmate on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly charged for allegedly threatening to kill President David Granger, as well as officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Alim Ally, who is currently serving a fiveyear prison sentence for assault, was charged with four counts of threatening language.

It is alleged that on November 19 at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara he called the 911 system at Brickdam Police Station and threatened to kill the President. It is further al-

Alim Ally

leged that on the same day, he called the system and threatened to shoot up the Brickdam Police Station. It is also alleged that on No-

vember 10, Ally called the 911 system and threatened to kill the President and made threats to the police station on the said date.

Ally, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to all of the four charges.

Magistrate Daly remanded Ally and transferred the matter to the court of the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for December 21.

On the dates mentioned for the charges, it is alleged that Ally told the 911 operator when he leaves the prison, he would kill the President.

He even provided his name to the other party during the calls.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

15

Guyana optimistic border controversy will be sent to ICJ

GUYANA remains hopeful that

by December 31, Secretary-General (SG) of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres will refer the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final ruling.

“As far as the process is concerned we are hopeful that the current Secretary General will do what the previous SG Ban-Ki-Moon had committed to do. That is, if there was no satisfactory progress between Venezuela and Guyana, by the end of this year, the matter would be referred to the International Court,” said President David Granger.

The President was at the time responding to questions on the way forward on the border controversy.

He reminded that the UN SG- appointed Dag Nylander, his personal representative on the border controversy between Guyana and Venezu-

ela, to work with both Guyana and Venezuela with a view to resolving the border controversy.

Both countries have steadfastly maintained their positions but the Guyanese leader said he is hopeful that the current UN SG will. in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, agree to refer the border controversy to the ICJ. According to the Agreement, if significant progress is not made in arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy at the level of the Good Offices process, then the ICJ shall consider and rule on the matter.

Venezuela is claiming that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana), is null and void. President Granger said his government continues to engage in the renewed Good Offices process, noting there is strong national call

President David Granger

for a juridical settlement of the controversy which has impaired the development of the country. Over the past two and a half years, government has been seeking to reach a peaceful resolution to the border

controversy.

“We hope that the current Secretary-General would fulfill that requirement which was laid down

by Mr. Bank Ki-Moon , but hope is not a good planning strategy and

we are working on it,” said President Granger who noted that as far as the negotiations are concerned, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge continues to engage with UN SG’s personal representative of the Secretary -General and the SG, himself. It was in September that President Granger met with the new UN SG and he said, “If necessary, I will go and meet him again.”

“This monkey has been our backs for 51 years and we hope to go in to the New Year with a very clear idea that the matter could be resolved under the law,” the Head-of-State said noting that Guyana has every legal right in the matter as Venezuela has failed to advance any evidence to show that the 1899 Arbitral Award is null and void. Guyana strongly believes that the juridical course of action is the lone means through which the matter can be put to rest.

Dutch company 65 journalists killed in 2017 -- 326 currently in prison secures financing for oil production

AS first oil nears, Dutch company, SBM Offshore, on Tuesday announced that it has completed the project financing of the floating ship, FPSO Liza, for a total of US$720 million.

The ship, which is designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, will be spread -moored at the Liza field located in the Stabroek block circa, 200 kilometers offshore Guyana, in water depth of 1,525 meters and will be able to store 1.6 million barrels of crude oil.

FPSO is the acronym for Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading.

The company said in a release that project financing was secured by a consortium of 12 international banks. The company expects to draw the loan in full, phased over the construction period of the FPSO. The financing will become non-recourse once the FPSO is completed and the pre-completion guarantees have been released. The post completion project loan has a tenor of 10 years, with a variable interest cost of LIBOR plus 1.65 per cent.

The FPSO Liza will have associated gas treatment capacity of circa 170 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of circa 200,000 barrels per day, the company said.

The converted Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) FPSO Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds a 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

SBM Offshore provides floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, over the full product life-cycle. The company is a leader in leased floating production systems with multiple units currently in operation and has unrivalled operational experience in this field.

ALTHOUGH 2017 was the least deadly year for professional journalists in over 14 years, 65 were killed, while 326 are in prisons across the world.

This is according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in its annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists throughout the world.

The report, which was released two days ago, also indicated that 54 journalists are currently being held hostage.

It was revealed that the 65 journalists who were killed during the course of the year were either fatally injured in the course of their work, such as in an artillery bombardment, or “were murdered because their reporting angered someone.”

The murdered reporters were the majority – 60 per cent of the total figure, while 50 of the 65 killed were professional journalists.

The report also highlighted that the number of journalists in detention has also fallen. The total of 326 journalists in prison on December 1, 2017, was six per cent fewer than on the same date in 2016.

It added that despite the overall downward trend, there is an unusually high number of detained journalists in countries such as Russia and Morocco, which did not previously number among notable jailers of journalists.

“Nonetheless, around half of the total number of imprisoned journalists are being held in just five countries. China and Turkey are still the world's two biggest prisons for journalists. They are followed by Syria, Iran, and Vietnam,” the report stated.

However, it was noted that this overall decrease did not

apply to the deaths of female journalists, since these have doubled this year. For the year, 10 female journalists were killed, as against five in 2016.

The report stated that: “Most of these victims were experienced and combative investigative reporters. Despite threats, they continued to investigate and expose cases of corruption.”

RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire explained that investigative journalists working on major stories which focus on corruption and environmental scandals, play a fundamental watchdog role and have become targets for those who are angered by their reporting.

As such, he advocated that: “This alarming situation underlines the need to provide journalists with more protection at a time when both the challenges of news reporting and the dangers are becoming increasingly internationalised."

Another noteworthy trend for 2017, according to the report, is that some countries that are not at war have become almost as dangerous for journalists as war zones. Statistically, 46 per cent of the deaths occurred in countries where no overt war exists, as against 30 per cent in 2016.

Additionally, there were almost as many deaths – 11 – in Mexico as in Syria, which was the deadliest country for journalists in 2017, with 12 killed.

The report highlighted that journalists are fleeing countries such as Syria, Yemen and Libya that have become too dangerous, even as the press body has observed a growing awareness of the need to protect journalists.

To support these efforts, the United Nations (UN) had passed several resolutions on the safety of journalists since 2006 and many news organisations have adopted safety procedures.

Accused of using First Lady’s name to con women A DISHONEST man who is currently serving an eight-year sentence at the Mazaruni Prison was on Wednesday arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with impersonating First Lady Sandra Granger and conning women.

Mohammed Ali is charged with three counts of obtaining money by false pretence. It is alleged that on April 23 at Triple K Gas Station at Mahaica, he obtained from Beverly Harris 12 pennyweights of raw gold valued at $139,000

by falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant her a scholarship knowing same to be false.

It is further alleged that on April 22 at Mahdia, Region Eight, he obtained $20,000 worth of GTT phone cards and $10,000 in Digicel Cards from Harris under the same pretence.

It is also alleged that Ali between April 1 and April 30 at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, obtained $30,000 worth in phone cards from Basmattie Singh by falsely pretending that he

could grant her a scholarship, knowing same to be false.

Ali pleaded guilty to the charge, but explained that he did not use the identity of the First Lady. However, he would be delighted if he could be granted an audience with her.

Magistrate Daly, based upon Ali’s explanation in court, entered a notguilty plea on all of the charges.

The matter was adjourned until December 21, when it will be recalled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

‘I don’t accept it was illegal’

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

President says, but if advised otherwise, willing to correct Exxon bonus issue

By Ariana Gordon WHILE President David Granger does not believe the government’s move not to place the US$18M signing bonus received from U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil into the Consolidated Fund is illegal, if so proven his administration will act accordingly.

Government has placed the money into an escrow account at the Bank of Guyana (BOG) until such time as it is ready to access the funds, which have been earmarked for the payment of legal fees if the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy is referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

US$15M has been assigned for legal fees in the event the matter is referred to the ICJ, while the remaining US$3M will be set aside for the funding of urgent training of Guyanese in areas relative to the oil-and-gas industry.

Asked at his first press conference for the year, whether he accepts that money being paid to Guyana and not placed into the Consolidated Fund is illegal, Mr Granger said, “I do not accept that it was illegal; I would not knowingly do something which is not lawful.”

“As I pointed out, the absence of disclosure does not necessarily mean the presence of deceit,” he said, stressing that his government had good reason for not disclosing the signing bonus which occurred in 2016. The President made it clear too that no crime has been committed or proven. “It was a course of action which was recommended and I feel where the money is located at present would be insulated from being misused or stolen. I don’t believe there is any illegality; I don’t think there is any corruption or any intention to misuse that money.”

Notwithstanding his position, the Headof-State said if advised by lawyers that government’s move “does not conform with the financial regulations, we will comply with the ruling of any court or with legal advice. But at present the money is safe, it belongs to the Guyanese people, it was intended to be used for a specific purpose and that purpose has

President David Granger addresses members of the media for the first time this year. (Delano Williams photo)

not been met as yet; we need it there, that’s why we put it there, but the money is safe,” President Granger assured.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan this week said that the US$18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil will be paid into the Consolidated Fund whenever government decides to use the funds for the identified purpose. “The $18M is in a special account at the Bank of Guyana.

It’s there because it’s designed for a special purpose. Whenever that special purpose is activated, the monies will first go to the Consolidated Fund,” he was quoted as telling the Department of Public Information (DPI).

After the money is deposited into the Consolidated Fund, Jordan said government would go to Parliament with a supplementary budget to pay those who need to be paid, so that it will be reflected in the government’s estimates.

Additionally, the Finance Minister explained that the foreign currency would be sold to the BOG before it is deposited in the Consolidated Fund, which would increase the Central Bank’s reserves.

But the move by the government is re-

portedly being investigated by the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma. In a December 13, 2017 article titled, “Auditor General probing gov’t failure to put Exxon signing bonus into Consolidated Fund,” the auditor general referenced Article 216 of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that “all revenues or other moneys raised or received by Guyana (not being revenues or other moneys that are payable, by or under an Act of Parliament, into some other fund established for any specific purpose or that may, by or under such an Act, be retained by the authority that received them for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund.”

He promised to seek confirmation from the oil company on the signing bonus and also find out whether any other monies have been paid by the company to the government. “…

So, very soon I am determined to write Exxon, because I want to be sure that it is not only this amount that was paid. I want to know if any other amount was paid for any other purpose,” Sharma was quoted as saying in the Stabroek

News.

There has been much discourse in the past few weeks about the signing bonus and it was last Friday that Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman disclosed that government did receive the money. He did not disclose the amount. Previously, the Finance Minister had said that the government did not receive a signing bonus. On Sunday, ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson disclosed that it did pay over the US$18M and noted that signing bonuses are not unusual in the sector.

Government has since committed to releasing its agreement with the oil company by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, when questioned on the government’s reputation with respect to accountability, transparency and good governance, given the discourse surrounding the signing bonus, President Granger said, “I think the government has been very cautious, we have been taking our time and we would be very careful to make sure that none of our officials are compromised.”

He noted that he wants what’s best for Guyana and so reputation aside, his administration is working towards having a good regulatory framework, so much so that should any company be found in breach of local laws, they will face the full brunt of the law.

“I am not afraid of reputation; let’s see what happens on the ground and if people break the laws they would be brought before the court; and if those persons who break the law are in the government of Guyana or within Guyanese jurisdiction, they will be brought before the courts,” the Head-of-State told reporters. Additionally, in his opening statement, the President said his government will continue to build its institutional capacity through the adoption of appropriate regulatory and legislative frameworks for the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources, which includes the emerging petroleum sector.

“We are seeking the best advice to enable us to adopt the best international practices,” President Granger assured.

Brooklyn man found guilty in fatal shooting of teen who spurned his advances

A Brooklyn man was convicted of manslaughter Friday for shooting a high school girl who authorities said he wanted to date.

Taariq Stephens, 26, quietly listened as he heard the late afternoon verdict on the 2016 death of 16-year-old Shemel Mercurius. Mercurius used her dying breaths to tell police that Stephens was the attacker. He shot her with a submachine rifle while she was babysitting her 3-yearold cousin.

Trial testimony painted a chilling crime scene. Police kicked down the East Flatbush apartment door to find a blood-spattered boy crying, next to the dying teen.

After three days of deliberations, Brooklyn Supreme Court jurors acquitted Stephens of the top charge of murder but found him guilty of manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 16. Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Stephens' "sinister act cut short the life of a promising young girl and undoubtedly traumatized her toddler cousin. His deadly actions destroyed lives, left her family heartbroken and deeply hurt our community." Stephens' lawyer, Jay Cohen, said "it was a sad case all the way around." (NYDaily News)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

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Gov’t delivers on promise to ‘Parfaite Harmonie’ --courtesy President’s ‘5 Bs’ initiative

Minister of Social Protection, Ms Amna Ally; Minister of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry; and Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr Marcel Hutson at the ‘5Bs’ commissioning ceremony at Queenstown, on the Essequibo Coast

SCHOOLS at Queenstown, on the Essequibo Coast and La Parfaite Harmonie, on the West Bank of Demerara, are the latest beneficiaries of President David Granger’s Buses, Boats, Bicycles, Books and Breakfast (Five Bs) initiative.

Two (one for each school) 30-seater buses were handed over to the respective regions

by Minister of Social Protection, Ms Amna Ally, Monday.

The bus given to La Parfaite Harmonie was donated by Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Dr. Suresh Narine and Komal Singh of GAICO Construction. The other vehicle was donated by a prominent businessman.

During the presentation ceremony at the primary school at La Parfaite Harmonie, Minister Ally reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all of the country’s children.

“Education is high on the agenda of government’s priorities, and we are fully committed to ensuring that all children throughout Guyana have equal access to education, through the President’s Five B’s programme,” Minister Ally said.

“The president initiated this programme because the administration believes in reducing poverty, reducing inequalities and providing a good life for all,” she added.

The Minister said she recognised the pivotal role education plays in the pursuit of development and social transformation, in that it promotes personal development, strengthens

‘Parfaite Harmonie’ children taking a ride on the bus after the commissioning (Photos courtesy DPI)

The bus handed over to the ‘Parfaite Harmonie’ Secondary School

respect for human rights and freedoms, enables individuals to participate effectively in society, and promotes understanding, friendship and acceptance.

“Therefore, the 5Bs programme has thus far been extremely successful,” the minister said. She noted that it is now bridging the gap between the hinterland and the coastal regions by providing increased access to transportation for schoolchildren to get to and from school. Students are now able to get to

school in a timely manner, and parents are no longer burdened with transportation expenses.

Minister Ally said Monday’s commissioning is as a result of a promise made to the people of La Parfaite Harmonie, who requested a bus to transport the children of that area.

Seeing that Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is already in receipt of a bus, the new one will service the older children attending the West Demerara and Patentia Secondary Schools.

“Today’s commissioning,” Minister Ally said, “is a testimony of good governance.

Access to education must not be seen as a privilege for some, but as a basic human right for all our children.

“We need every single child or teenage boys and girls to thrive and excel. If we really want our children to become the great investors and problem-solvers of tomorrow, we must ensure that we become an educated nation and invest in them.”

Meanwhile, Region Three’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr Denis Jaikaran explained that since the 5Bs programme was initiated, the region has seen tremendous improvement in school attendance, and it will further improve with the new addition. He promised that the regional administration will ensure proper management of the bus.

IAST’s Dr. Narine acknowledged the role that teachers play in moulding the nation’s children, whom he described as the country’s most important resource, while adding that it was imperative that the necessary investment is made in their lives.

President Granger’s Five Bs programme continues to garner support nationwide from members of the private sector and private citizens who are interested in giving back, through the initiative.

The government has thus far commissioned 27 buses across the country, along with nine boats and hundreds of bicycles and books. (DPI)

Baby with two heads delivered at NA Hospital

By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric A TWO-headed baby girl was born at the New Amsterdam Hospital on Saturday, creating history in the Ancient County.

The 36-week-old foetus, the first-born for the teenage mother, was delivered via caesarian section by a team of doctors at the Berbice health institution.

It was later confirmed that the child died shortly after delivery.

Asked for a comment, Dr Narine Datt Sooknanand, who is an

Obstetrician, as well as a Gynaecologist by profession, said that in his 47 years of practice, it was the very first instance that he has seen what in medical parlance is called a “dicephalus anencephalic feotus with spina bifida”.

Simply put, what the term means, the former Medical Superintendent of the New Amsterdam Hospital said, is that the baby was born with two heads, an undeveloped brain, skull and scalp, along with an incomplete closing of the backbone.

“There are instances of anencephaly [the absence of a major

portion of the brain, skull, and scalp [which] occurs during embryonic development]; there may be one or so a year, but never have I witnessed two connecting heads with this condition,” said Dr Sooknanand from his Coburg Street, New Amsterdam clinic.

He further opined that the cause for anencephaly is primarily due to a deficiency of folic acid, a supplement which should be used by women before and during pregnancy.

Folic acid or folate can also be found in dark leafy vegetables, as well as in asparagus, broccoli, citrus

fruits, and peas and beans.

“The lack of folic acid causes malformation of the brain and spinal cord,” he explained, adding that it is important for pregnant and lactating women to take at least 400 micrograms of the supplement per day.

“The lack of it will hinder the embryotic development within a month of conception,” he stressed.

Further, the babies do not live long after delivery, and are normally born blind, deaf and unaware of their surroundings due to the underdeveloped brain.

Dr Sooknanand noted that it

is usual during the early stages of pregnancy that an alpha fetoprotein (AFP) blood test is done to check its level in a pregnant woman's blood.

AFP is a substance made in the liver of an unborn baby. The amount of AFP in the blood of a pregnant woman could determine whether the baby may have such problems as spina bifida and anencephaly.

He, however, said that while it’s unfortunate that such a test is not done at public clinics here, an ultra sound would have done the trick, as its the cornerstone of an early diagnosis.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

18

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business The Edgar Henry Column

Holiday Shopping Blues

A

very Merry Christmas to all my readers. This holiday season could be considered rather unique. With President Trump at the helm, resignations galore, numerous investigations and scandals all household words, one wonders what will the New Year 2018 bring? Despite all this you still have to figure out what gifts to purchase and what bargains are available for the holidays. What do you do?

You've made your shopping list and checked it twice. But before you head to the mall, you should make one final review of your credit cards. Putting holiday purchases on plastic can yield better deals than other methods of payment, assuming it doesn't entice you to spend more than you would otherwise, or what you can afford to repay after the festive season is over. Not only are issuers dangling promotional interest rates and seasonal rewards, but regular benefits can lead to better deals, but there are shopper protection safeguards long after the gifts are unwrapped.

Given the Christmas cheer, desperate retailers are rolling out the holiday sales promotions promising all sorts of bargains. But if you just can't resist those holiday deals, then make sure you shop with a credit card that offers a return guarantee sometimes referred to as “return protection.” Card issuers that provide this guarantee will take back most items that the retailer will no longer accept, up until 90 days of the original purchase. Most American Express cards carry this benefit, as do many issuers' of Platinum Visa cards. Check your card benefits statement, or call your issuer for details. Just don't confuse "return protection" with similarly-named "purchase protection," which only reimburses you for stolen or damaged items.

SAMPLE SAVINGS OFFERS These are some catch phrases used to entice you:- American Express gift Cards Expires on 12/31/17; Get a

thoughtful gift for any occasion and save on American Express Gift Cards Shop before 12/31/17; Enjoy Free Shipping when you use the promo code; Please visit the website to obtain the code; A personalized American Express Gift Card, made especially with your name on it; Save using our offer code before 12/31/17 for no Purchase Fees; Use it to shop virtually anywhere American Express Cards are accepted in the U.S. One could take advantage of these slogans to buy gift items especially when you are unaware of one’s size,

and you may have to return it for exchange after the holidays. This is a normal post holiday shopping routine for many. Get the protection you need by utilizing the card as opposed to paying cash. In the event a problem exists with the return policy, your last resort would

be to put a stop payment on the Amex card, an option you wouldn’t have if you had originally paid cash.

Disregard rewards programs that give you one point per dollar spent.

During the holiday season, issuers would normally sweeten the pie to entice you to use their cards. It's all the more reason to concentrate your spending onto one reward card. Check your issuer's rewards program for details on holiday deals. I am sure you must have received numerous holiday mail offers.

Banks and stores have recently mailed cardholders bonus offers good through Dec. 31. Enticing slogans sound like this “Enroll your card, and you'll get a choice of rewards including triple points and free gift cards when you meet certain spending thresholds.” Be careful and please observe the fine print.

The Discover Card is a credit card,

issued primarily in the United States. It was introduced by Sears in 1985. When launched, the Discover Card charged no annual fee and offered a higherthan-normal credit limit, features that were disruptive to the existing credit card industry. A subsequent innovation was "cash back bonuses" on purchases.

Discover Card does an annual mall promotion, offering cardholders $20 back for every $200 they spend on the card. Just present your mall receipts at the Discover Card booth at one of participating malls by Jan. 4, 2018 and you would be reimbursed.

Of course if you are a Discover card holder utilize the offer and capitalize on the savings. Rewards and offers are great, but make sure you’re getting the best price, including shipping, handling and taxes.

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS One has to be very careful while

shopping this Christmas. As stores slash prices to keep consumers shopping, it's all too easy to buy an item today and discover three weeks later that the same item has been deeply discounted. Check out the price adjustment policy to determine if it affects you and your pocket or your entitlements.

Some credit cards will extend that period to 60 days, refunding the price difference up to a set amount if you spot a better deal at the store. "Price protection" isn't a common benefit these days it may only be offered on one or two of an issuer's gold or platinum-level cards and it doesn't always make it into the cardholder agreement.

Call your issuer to see if you're covered. While price adjustments are likely this season, don’t rely on them as a foolproof spending strategy.

Credit-card brands and issuers often forge relationships with retailers to provide exclusive online promotion codes and coupons when you pay with their card. Before you shop, check out seasonal offers at Visa, Master Card and American Express.

EXTENDED WARRANTIES Is it really worth it? Here you are shelling out cash for an extended warranty. Odds are slim that your gadget will malfunction after its manufacturer's coverage expires but before an extended warranty would, and that the repair cost will be more than you paid for the extended warranty in the first place. As they say “six of one and a half a dozen of the other.”

But that doesn't mean you need to leave your gadgets unprotected. Plenty of credit cards including mostly from American Express automatically double the warranty period for items you purchase with their card. They add up to another full year's protection, during which time the credit-card issuer takes responsibility for repairing or replacing defunct items. Although the chips are down, you can still shop with a smile on your face. ”It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

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Happy Christmas, for what? (from page 5) year for every girl and boy.

The laughter and the joy they find in each new toy I'll tell you of a little boy who lives across the way This little fella's Christmas is just another day He's the little boy that Santa Claus forgot And goodness knows, he didn't want a lot He sent a note to Santa For some soldiers and a drum It broke his little heart When he found Santa hadn't come In the street he envied all those lucky boys Then wandered home to last year's broken toys I'm so sorry for that laddie He hasn't got a daddy The little boy that Santa Claus forgot

THE RELIGIOUS FACE Christians believe that the Second Person of the Godhead, Jesus, came to earth in human form to redeem mankind: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) I have no apologies for celebrat-

ing Christmas with festivities and observing it as a Holy Day. Many Christians attend worship services to observe the birth of Jesus. Most accept that He was not born on December 25th; but observe this date as a symbol for when he was born. Some attend mass, others attend normal worship service with glorious Christmas hymns.

According to a PEW Research Center survey, religious observance of Christmas now 55%. “The survey also found that many Americans no longer believe in certain aspects of the Biblical depiction of the birth of Jesus, including his virgin birth, his birth in a manger, the presence of three wise men guided by a star and the announcement of his birth by an angel.”

Our belief in a traditional Christian interpretation of Jesus’s birth and resurrection is the foundation of my faith. On Christmas morning, I will join other believers in singing hymns and praise to our Father for sending us His Son to redeem us from our sins.

CONCLUSION Christmas is a time to recognize the glorious birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It is also a time of fun and traditional celebration. As for me and my house, we will go to church and return home to celebrate with our traditional foods and I must have my stoly with club soda. Happy Holidays.

Let the Doors Continue to Close on this Human Menace intervals. This particular writer had her own experiences as a media operative in the Caribbean. Men were taking these kinds of liberties even with female incumbents. One woman in broadcasting described a prominent radio presenter, who was senior to her entering the “on air” studio while she was presenting the news, putting his hands under her blouse to un-hook her brassiere while she was reading the news. She was frozen before an open microphone while the perpetrator was grinning all over his face in delight.

(from page 4)

This writer was asked once if this very individual ever took his “thing” out and put it in her hand? An act he obviously found hilarious while women just stood around and absorbed in silence. This very presenter was the “darling” of radio and no one would ever believe this was true about him. Yes I daresay, no names. We women are still prone to protecting these banal instincts of modern day Priapus predators who think the world revolves around their male genitalia and erotic dreams. It is not unheard of to have an aggressive male pull you into an enclave and stick a tongue down your throat either.

What Trump said on those Access Hollywood takes speaks volumes. Someone whom I thought was a trusted friend exposed me to that same kind of behavior.

When I protested, he became more aggressive, put my head in a lock and forced his tongue down my throat. That friendship is now over. A serious trust was violated.

One hopes that perpetrator recognizes his missteps and take corrective measures.

This discussion is not about women who use the same tools to gain entry to the top of corporations, with or without talent.

Some of those women have been harmful to other women as well as they “sleep their way to the top.” This concerns women who want to make their own choices about

whom they want to sleep with.

As more revelations are made, we know it is not only prevalent in the Hollywood workplace but in every industry in the world. Men with power, men without power, rich men poor men have all been found to menace every workplace or com-

munity activity known to woman. The door is closing on those protected in Hollywood, the media and in Washington. Let them fall, for it is only through exposure, public humiliation and a tumble from grace that women will be freed from this peril. Have a Happy Christmas. See you in the New Year.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

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Trump And America’s Toxic Culture Of Bullying (from page 7)

of the country’s governing elites and most powerful institutions: the military, the corporation, and the state. Donald Trump is a product of this establishment.

Consider this: When he campaigned for President, Trump behaved just like a schoolyard bully, and today as President his attitude is unchanged in the White House. He threatened that his opponents would face riots, as he encouraged his supporters to punch out protesters at his rallies. As President, he warned that in a confrontation, North Korea "will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.” Domestically, Trump showed no hesitation denying health insurance to over 13 million people, as he promised "political problems” for Republicans who did not follow his ultra-right agenda. His loud-mouthed utterings embarrass the ruling class and Republican Party because he’s ripping away the thin veneer that hides the truth that both the Republican

and Democratic parties do not care about working people.

Again, the fact is that the Republican Party's neoconservative cadre and establishment—and much of the Democratic Party's core leadership—embrace a jingoistic, arrogant, global militarism that threatens and bullies all nations, now open, now closed, opposing US interests.

Both parties, to varying degrees, also embrace an unfettered neoliberal capitalism with few restraints on corporations that bully workers and consumers alike. The Trump phenomenon and its rabid populism have exposed these anti-people policies packaged, cloaked, and obfuscated in moral ideals with nice-sounding warm and fuzzy buzz words like “preserving freedom and American exceptionalism.”

This well-worked hyperbolistic rhetoric hides the Republican Party’s morbid commitment to institutionalized bullying.

For example, although Trump preaches many of the same faux-moral values, with a pledge to "make America great again,”

he has been embarrassingly (for the GOP) explicit in his embrace of crass xenophobia, backward nativism, and even torture as an American foreign policy tool.

The establishment’s consternation with Trump is that he’s running counter to their well-tested and proven technique of disguising their bullying as a legitimate practice that serves and furthers America’s beneficent purposes. Abiding faith in their iron rule can only be maintained if the vast majority of the population sees national militarism and corporate power not as bullying but as "moral values and human-rights intervention.”

Finally, the common popular wisdom holds that Trump's bullying power is attractive only to his downwardly mobile and authoritarian White working-class male supporters. But when he makes bullying statements or threats toward women, Americans with disabilities, members of the LGBT community, Black and brown people, Muslims, and whole countries as China and Mexico, Trump is saying what many within the elite — and

many ordinary White citizens — are thinking but are reluctant to say publicly lest they be seen as racist, xenophobic, or homophobic.

This, more than his policies, explains Trump’s rise to the Presidency. His main attraction to voters, especially White voters, is a barely concealed recognition and admiration of how he is openly playing out a hidden code of bullying embedded deep in American culture and its dominant national institutions. Through his unvarnished bullying, Trump inadvertently reveals the "civil bullying" built into America's national institutions and everyday life. National bullying promotes and enhances the putrid ideology that the strong are strong, the weak are weak, and each deserves to be where they are. This White male, hyper-masculinity attitude and behavior is pervasive, is systemic and endemic to America's culture, government, military, corporations, media, schools, entertainment industry, athletics, and everyday life. That’s how we got Donald J. Trump.

Twitter enforces rules to combat hateful, abusive content CALIFORNIA, U.S. - After announcing plans to broaden its “hateful conduct policy” and crackdown on hateful and abusive content, Twitter finally began enforcing the new rules.

Implementation of the the rules to combat hateful and abusive content began on Monday after a number of well-known far-right organizations and users were suspended.

Last month, Twitter broadened its

policy to permanently suspend any account—covering usernames, profile bios and display names—that displays “violent threats, multiple slurs, epithets, racist or sexist tropes, incites fear or reduces someone to less than human.”

The microblogging giant is also believed to be developing unspecified “internal tools” to help identify accounts in violation in order to supplement reports from users.

Twitter said that hate imagery will now fall under the rubric of its “sensitive media policy,” and that will include any “logos, symbols, or images whose purpose is to promote hostility and malice against others based on their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin.”

It is believed that this would also include the well-documented accounts bearing Nazi flags, swastikas and similar symbols.

On Monday, reports noted that a number of prominent far-right accounts, including the white nationalist American Renaissance and its founder Jared Taylor, the neo-Nazi Traditionalist Workers Party and white nationalist group Vanguard America were suspended.

In August, James Fields Jr. was seen holding a shield from Vanguard America before allegedly killing Heather Heyer in Charlottesville.

Britain First’s main account, League of the South’s Hunter Wallace, and the group’s leaders Paul Golding

and Jayda Fransen—whose anti-Muslim videos were retweeted by President Donald Trump—were also suspended as part of the move.

Twitter said that its rules on violence and physical harm will also be broadened to cover “accounts that affiliate with organizations that use or promote violence against civilians to further their causes” and groups that fall under this category will be those that “identify as such or engage in activity—both on and off the platform.”

On Monday, several users documented the suspended accounts using #TwitterPurge, others pointed out that many accounts bearing Nazi signifiers remained on the site.

Recently, Twitter began de-verifying a range of white nationalist and far-right groups and is now banning many of these same accounts from the platform altogether.

Twitter’s move comes in response to growing outrage about the type of speech it permits and the accounts that receive its blue check of verification.

For long now, the platform has been criticized for harboring hateful rhetoric.

After the deadly incident in Charlottesville this year, Twitter users outed white nationalists by posting photos of the people who marched with tiki torches on the University of Virginia campus while chanting antiSemitic and neo-Nazi slogans .(Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 80 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) You will easily charm members of the opposite sex. Voice your opinions and contribute to the debate. Avoid any over-indulgences. Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don’t deserve it. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Travel and communication will be lucrative for you. You may have a hidden adversary who would love to prove you wrong. Monitor your budget carefully to avoid unnecessary stress. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You will have good ideas for home improvement projects. Keep your thoughts to yourself for the time being. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect. Don’t blame others for your own stubbornness. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed. Changes at home will be necessary. Now is a good time to ask for favors. Travel will promote new romantic encounters. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) It’s time to make professional changes. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. It might be best to keep your ideas to yourself this week. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You will be erratic and quite likely make personal mistakes. You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with. You will have to make some changes regarding your direction if you wish to keep on top of your career expectations. You need to clear up some important personal documents before the end of the year. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Be tolerant, but don’t let anyone take you for granted. Emotional upset may prevail on the domestic scene if you have neglected your duties or your mate.

Your financial situation may be draining and it’s time to make some serious changes. Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Discover opportunities based on the individuals you mingle with this week. So smile! You may be tired of working for someone else. You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You can win points if you present your ideas this week. Involvement in groups will be favorable and lead to valuable information. Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs. Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Encourage the youngsters in your family. There’s lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you’ll be in your boss’ good books. Colleagues may try to undermine you when talking to superiors. Be prepared to neutralize any threats. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You could lose a good friend because of it. Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. You have the stamina and determination to succeed. You will enjoy interaction with others this week. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Your goals will be in reach if you direct your energy wisely. You will be able to contribute a great deal to organizations that you join. Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else’s work. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

ACROSS 1. Snitches 5. “This ___ recording” (2 wds.)

8. Not closed 12. “Vogue” adjective 13. “___ & Stimpy” 14. Garden tool 15. Enjoying a cruise 16. Ransomed 18. Restraining 20. Lived 22. Biblical sin city 26. “Bali ___” 27. Crow’s-nest pole 30. “Finding ___” (2003 film) 31. House addition 32. Commence 34. Zilch 35. Inclined way 37. Gen. ___ Robert

W O R D F I N D

APPALL BHOPAL CARPAL ESPALIER IMPALA IMPALE LEPAL NAPALM NEPAL NOPAL OPALISCE PALACE PALADIN PALATABLE PALATE PALATIAL

(2 wds.)

38. Follower (suffix) 39. Personal journal 41. Curbs 43. Took as one’s own 46. Tall ship’s need 49. Rescue 53 “___ Victory” 54. Ess follower 55. Bad 56. Be fresh 57. Time units (abbr.)

58. Be without DOWN 1. Magnavox rival 2. Sounds heard by a masseuse 3. Dad’s accessory 4. Terrorize 5. Bother 6. Spotted 7. “The Breeze ___”

(2 wds.)

8. Washington’s neighbor 9. Tennis’s Shriver 10. Piece (out) 11. Edward’s nickname 17. O’Toole’s rank (abbr.)

19. Stately trees 20. ___ Lama 21. Fred Flintstone’s wife 23. Dungaree fabric 24. Leaves out 25. Burrowing mammal 26. Cattle group 28. Maglie or Mineo 29. Railroad bridges 33. Head (Fr.) 36. Practical jokes 40. Gridiron measures (abbr.)

42. Ford failure 44. Expletive 45. Wharf 46. Hosp. figs.

47. Letters on some tow trucks 48. Federal tax agcy.

50. A Gardner 51. London’s Old ___ 52. Yellowstone animal

B E A P A L

PALAU PALAVER PALED PALESTRA PALING PALLID PALMAR PALMIST PALPABLE PALSY PALTRY PAPAL PRINCIPAL PUPAL SEPAL

ISSUE 80 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

BP DAZ HOSTS TOY GIVEAWAY FOR VETERANS & ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERS Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President John DeSio Communications Director

O

n Saturday, December 16, 2017, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took part in the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo Toy Giveaway for the children of veterans and active military members. The annual event took place at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Family Great Hall, where approximately 75 veterans of all branches, and more than 200 children participated.

Guests were greeted by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their holiday helpers, who welcomed everyone with cookies, hot chocolate and toys. Participants at the event were also provided with free entrance to enjoy the Bronx Zoo for the remainder of the day.

This year, Roadway Moving Company, supplied the toys for the event, which is now in its eighth year.

"I am proud so many service members of every branch, both active and veterans, joined us today for this wonderful holiday celebration," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "We are thankful for the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country, and the holiday season is a perfect time to show that gratitude. My office is especially grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Society and

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. greets the families of veterans and active military members, as part of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo Toy Giveaway for the children of Veterans and Active Military Members event.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. assists Santa Claus, as part of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo Toy Giveaway for the children of Vet-

McDonald's fans in Europe to get an all new vegan burger STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Starting December 28, the fast-food chain, McDonald's will begin selling an allnew McVegan burger in Europe.

The company said that it will sell the McVegan burger in hundreds of restaurants across Sweden and Finland, in a move set to impress many in the region.

— WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle, Inc.) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an established account list.

The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean. It is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyana chronicle.com).

Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you.

EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: DENNIS NELSON @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

According to reports, the sandwich has already been tested at a handful of McDonald's locations in Finland.

The fast-food chain said that the burger consists of a soy patty, bun, tomato, lettuce, pickles, onion, ketchup, mustard, oil and an egg-less sandwich sauce.

McDonald's spokesperson Henrik Nerell said, "Like our other burgers, the McVegan is tasty and has a good texture.”

The meatless burger was reportedly developed in partnership with a speciality Norwegian food company called Orkla.

Through the launch of this burger, the American chain is aiming to capitalize on increased demand for vegetarian and vegan foods.

According to McDonald’s, the burger will be on its permanent menu in the two countries, a response to "more and more" people wanting to eat "plant-based food" that is better for the environment.

McDonald's said, "As the main ingredient is plant-based, the McVegan is considered to have a smaller climate impact.”

The UN recently stated that livestock farming is responsible for around 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

However, McDonald's isn't the only food company to jump on the vegan diet, sans all meat, milk, eggs and animal products.

According to research firm Mintel, nearly 10 percent of new food launches in Sweden this year were vegan items - up nearly eight-fold from 2012.

In September this year, Nestle announced it was buying the speciality food company Sweet Earth, which makes vegan and vegetarian burritos and burgers.

Research firm Euromonitor has pointed out that global sales of vegan-labeled foods increased by nearly 8 percent last year to $12.8 billion.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Vegan Burger

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

23

Prison gives new hope to 120 inmates --after months of training in various areas of trade

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Monday made tradesmen of 120 inmates, a staggering 26.5 per cent of the population at the Mazaruni Prison, when they each graduated in various areas of tradesmanship.

The event was held at the Mazaruni facility, located just off Bartica on the Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The prisoners were trained in such areas as charcoal burning; landscaping, fishing; tailoring; art and craft; culinary arts; treating chronic illnesses; literacy and numeracy; joinery and block-making; and veterinary science. At the end of the course, they were each awarded certificates, medals and trophies.

Delivering the feature address, Acting Director of Prisons, Mr. Gladwin Samuels said he is pleased that despite the many challenges the GPS has had to overcome during the course of the year, it was still able to meet its responsibility of making offenders better.

“What is remarkable is that out of the 452 inmates at this location, 120, or 26.5 per cent are graduating here with a skill. I believe this is a great precedent we have set,” he declared.

He went on to not only commend the graduates, but also underscored that the Service is committed to addressing the needs of offenders as it moves to aggressively pursue its mandate of correction and rehabilitation.

He said for that matter, the Service as well as the Ministry of Public Security are always ready and willing to work with anyone or any organization, to ensure the wellbeing of offenders and the general security of the nation. He said he was particularly impressed with the partnership between BK International and the Ministry of Social Protection.

BUILDING DREAMS Noting that education is all about building people’s dreams, Samuels said the future belongs to those who

believe in the beauty of their dreams.

“At this Mazaruni location, as at other locations, the GPS has worked at expanding your understanding, improving your skills and helping you to acquire knowledge,” he said.

“With these, you can build your dreams as you equip yourselves to take your place as productive citizens of society,” he told the gathering of inmates, adding: “For some of you, the challenges were many, as you doubted whether you would be successful. I am sure many of you were laughed at and called all sorts of names by other inmates when you started this journey. But with time, those doubts were soon replaced with confidence, as the staff at Mazaruni provided a very supportive environment.

“The truth is, everyone is somebody by default, and no one can really get lost in the crowd, unless he chooses to become lost.”

Noting that the Sentence Management Unit plays a vital role in identifying the training needs of the inmates, Samuels said that the courses being offered are carefully chosen so as to ensure they were conversant with the subject areas.

He said that in fact, most of the facilitators know the inmates on a personal level, and are not only concerned about their success in prison, but also their success outside in the wider society.

“Your success is the Guyana Prison Service’s success, and by extension, the nation’s success,” Samuels said, adding:“The monies spent on training are considered monies well spent when you leave here better prepared to serve your community and you do not re-offend.”

He explained that as human beings, there is a natural tendency to dwell on one’s shortcomings rather than the talents with which they are blessed.

“We need to utilise them to the best of our ability, and share them with those around us,” he added.

At Monday’s graduation ceremony at the Mazaruni Prison. Seated fourth right is, Acting Director of Prisons, Mr Gladwin Samuels; while at third and fifth right, respectively, are Regional Chairman, Mr Gordon Bradford, and Senior Superintendent, Mr Alexander Hopkinson (Delano Williams Photo)

RIGHT SKILLS, WRONG VALUES “From the range of offences many of you here are imprisoned for, it is clear that you entered prison equipped with the wrong skills, or you had the right skills but the wrong values.

These led to your imprisonment,” he told the inmates.

And there is where the GPS comes in, he said, as it is their responsibility to help inmates realise their mistakes and become better persons.

“We want to equip you with skills needed in society; we want to help you to develop the attitudes that will make you employable,” he said.

“We need you to see your incarceration not only as your downfall, but as your opportunity to get right back up; rehabilitate, go through those gates on completion of your sentence and realise your full potential,” he added.

On that note, Samuels urged the graduates to see the ceremony as a commencement, not a completion, as they will be faced with many challenges.

The fact is, he said, most things are difficult before they become easy, but he however, assured the prisoners that it is not what happens to them that is important, but it is the opportunities they take and make out of life.

“I know your determination, so I urge you to see your certification as your ticket to improve your life and impact positively on all those with whom you come into contact,” he said.

‘YOU CAN DO IT’ “You can do it if you want to. I want to challenge you today to see the best in yourself. See yourself as successful,

and do not let your past determine your future. Moreso, share with us ways in which we can further help you to be successful, and we will do all that is humanly and financially possible to assist you. It will not happen overnight, but we have to work together,”Samuels told the inmates.

He explained that the inmates will be able to put their skills to use as the GPS works to develop the prison enterprise.

The Prison Director told the gathering that the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison will not cater for cells and dormitories only, but that adequate consideration is being given to the rehabilitative needs of offenders.

Therefore, he said, the budget team will continue to seek the required funding for the construction of more trade shops, more classrooms, and increased facilities with the necessary equipment so thatinmates may be meaningfully engaged during their period of rehabilitation.

“You are somebody! You are unique! You are special!

You possess the heart of a champion. Your purpose is greater than your struggles,” Samuels concluded as he charged the inmates to further progress in their endeavours.

In attendance at the exercise were Regional Chairman, Mr Gordon Bradford; Chairman of the Mazaruni Prison’s Visiting Committee, Mr Samuel Dasraj; Officer in Charge of the Mazaruni Prison, Senior Superintendent Alexander Hopkinson; and Officer Commanding Jungle and Amphibious Training School, Captain Castello along with other senior prison officials.

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24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

THE RELEVANCE OF MAHATMA GANDHI TODAY

“E

ach of us must be the change we wish to see in this world . . . An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind . . . The future depends on what we do in the present . . . Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed . . .

Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept away before the tide of time . . . There is no such thing as slow freedom. Freedom is like a birth.

Till we are fully free we are slaves. All birth takes place in a moment.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“N

obody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it . . .

There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time . . . You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.”

—Malcolm X

India is a unique country, and the world’s largest democracy. For centuries, it is the only nation which has

been the center of great attraction for people from every part of the globe. Its collective knowledge, technology and

spiritualism defines it as a country on the march. Its cultural values have left indelible footprints.

India’s waxing prosperity and the way of life of its people have attracted many to it, but it is also a country trying to close the divide between rich and poor, caste and creed, which could not have been wider. Even in sports, like cricket, India has seen tremendous progress.

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was the foundation for this growth, and is the hero who must be credited for making most of this possible. Even though he himself was unjustly persecuted and tossed in jails regularly, he proved that non-violence was Dr. King, Nelson Mandela and many the elementary and indispensable other freedom fighters and unsung condition for the materialization of heroes were inspired by Mahatma his noble goals. These principles Gandhi. We must brook no apology and values represented a permanent for being one of them. source of inspiration in Gandhi’s Luther King Jr. guidance, in his imaginative undertakings As we celebrate his life, we must both in the struggle for freedom and in- remember his lasting relevance to the dependent development of India and the world, and to history. These are the promotion of her role in the international days of globalization. Today, no councommunity. try, not matter how mighty or rich it is, Indeed, Gandhi’s firm belief in the can think of its existence in a state of creativeness and openness of the people isolation. It cannot, and will not endure. of India and his own active engagement Think of Venezuela’s illegal claims and for a peaceful and friendly cooperation unjustified greed over Guyana’s soveramong nations equitably, without any eign territory. In time, the brotherhood interference or imposition, were mani- of independent nations will not allow festations of his personal wisdom and this evil to succeed. foresight, both as the father of modern More than ever before, Gandhi's India, as well as one of the major moral, teachings are valid today, when people spiritual and political international au- are trying to find solutions to the ramthorities of all times. pant greed, widespread violence, and Today, largely due to the inspira- runaway consumptive style of living. In tion and work of Mahatma Gandhi, the face of the retaliation, violence and India has surged after it broke the hatred being perpetrated today, shackles of imperialism and colonial- Gandhi’s gospel of non-violence and ism. Indeed, the Mahatma’s philosophy mutual respect make immense sense. is eternal, and It is based on basic It was the unique non-violent human nature which will not change movement under his leadership that and is an inspiration and road map to all earned India freedom from British colothose involved in seeking justice from nial rule. In spearheading the campaign the evil, bigotry and oppression, at all against such suppression, Gandhi levels, all over the world. He based it adopted the innovative techniques of on his universal concept that “Non-co- civil disobedience and social transforoperation with evil is a sacred duty”. mation, which had several exemplary On January 21, 2017, the Women's features. It was a catalyst for success.

March on Washington became the Since then, the Gandhian techlargest human rights protest in U.S. his- nique of mobilizing people for dignity, tory, with an estimated 3.3 million rights and equality has been successdemonstrators (and counting) in over fully employed by many oppressed so500 cities, without a single arrest or act cieties around the world under the of violence recorded. This march’s suc- leadership of people like Martin Luther cess, and many others, are rooted in the King Jr., in the United States; Nelson nonviolent civil disobedience philoso- Mandela in South Africa; and, more rephies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin

(continued on page 25)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

25

T&T Prime Minister threatens legal action against legislator PORT OF SPAIN – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says he intends to pursue legal action against Member of Parliament Dr. Roodal Moonilal, based on “false and malicious statements”.

The statements by Moonilal, who represents Oropouche East, suggested that payments were being made by AV Drilling to the Prime Minister and/or his wife.

“The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley states categorically that there is no truth to any suggestion that either he, or his wife, or anyone whatsoever on his behalf, received any

wire transfer or cheque payment or any payment whatsoever, from or on behalf of AV Drilling,” said a release from the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Honourable Prime Minister and his wife state without hesitation and without fear of contradiction that neither of them operates any foreign bank account outside of Trinidad and Tobago. Any and all statements, innuendoes or assertions however made by Dr. Roodal Moonilal or any other person contradictory to this are nothing but patent falsehoods concocted by such persons as a deliberate slanderous conspiracy for self-serving political gain.”

The statement said the Prime Min-

ister “intends to pursue legal action against those who have re-published this falsehood and has already so instructed his Attorneys”.

The Board of Petrotrin continues to deal with the allegations of overpayment for oil and the Government awaits the outcome of their actions.

“This Government’s track record against corruption speaks for itself and the Honourable Prime Minister assures that he will defend his family and his good name to the fullest extent that the law provides.”

The release also noted that Moonilal has declined to take ownership of statements reportedly made. (CMC) (Caribbeannews.net)

T & T PM DR. KEITH ROWLEY

Jamaican Entertainer and Son Get Life In Prison for Murder KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday December 19, 2017 — A smile on the face of Jamaican dancehall artiste Ninjaman belied the seriousness of the life sentences he, his son and another man were yesterday given for a murder they committed eight years ago.

A month after being found guilty of the March 17, 2009 for the murder of Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson, the 51-year-old deejay, whose given name is Desmond Ballentine; his son, Jahneil Ballentine; and another co-accused, Dennis Clayton, each received a sentence of life imprisonment for the crime.

However, while the dancehall artiste will have to spend 25 years behind bars before he becomes eligible for parole, the other two will have to

serve 15 years before becoming eligible for parole.

In addition to the life sentence for the killing, the veteran entertainer was also slapped with a 20-year prison term for shooting with intent. The sen-

NINJAMAN

tences will run concurrently.

The sentences handed down by Justice Martin Gayle in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston followed testimony from character witnesses from the entertainment fraternity who spoke about how Ninjaman had changed his life, becoming a positive role model and a peace activist since his conviction for cocaine possession in 1996 and firearm possession in 1999.

They, along with defence attorney Valerie Neita-Robertson Q.C, pleaded for leniency on the artiste’s behalf.

However, before sentencing Ninjaman, the judge said: “You were given a chance in 1999 and one would have thought that you learnt your lesson.

“You are a public figure and you are expected to set an example. Promi-

nence and economic success does not place anyone above the law.”

Ninjaman appeared unbothered by the reality of the lengthy prison stay ahead of him, reportedly telling the judge “thumbs up” after his sentence was handed down, and then smiling as he was led out of the court.

Neita-Robertson has already announced her plan to appeal the sentences.

According to evidence led during the trio’s five-week trial, a day after they involved in an altercation with Johnson, they returned with guns and other weapons and shot at him and another man.

While the other man – who testified at the trial and whom the prosecution referred to only as ‘Witness A’ – escaped unhurt, Johnson was fatally shot.

(Caribbeannews.net)

THE RELEVANCE OF MAHATMA GANDHI TODAY cently, Aung Saan Sun Kyi in Myanmar, which is testimony to the continuing relevance of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Gandhian philosophy was an important part of India's struggle for freedom. He emphasized non-violence in all situations, and advised us to protect the poor and vulnerable by non-violent means if possible (Ahimsa). But his philosophy should not be construed as limited to these concepts. When all such means fail, for the attainment and protection of freedom, equality and justice, if the least possible violent means are applied in the larger public interest, it is not a breach of the Gandhian approach, because freedom and justice were supreme for Mahatma Gandhi.

They were so important that he would

(from page 24)

have embraced Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary” methods if all else failed in his mantra that non-cooperation (read acquiescence), with evil is a sacred duty. Indeed, Gandhi felt that “Non-cooperation and civil disobedience are different but are branches of the same tree call Satyagraha (truthforce)”.

Mahatma Gandhi will always be India’s greatest asset. He was deservingly called the “Great Soul.” Traditional Indian values, particularly the supreme concept of Ahimsa, were the basis of his ideas. Practically, he desired solutions for all problems through the means of non-violence, and such ideas are entirely important in the new world.

They are completely relevant today and will remain so in the future as well.

Sacrifice and commitment to the cause of others, albeit sometimes unappreciated and unrequited, is something personal which one should aspire to, for the greater good of mankind and community. Gandhi hailed from an ordinary Indian family, but faced a lot of discrimination and inequality when he was denied permission to travel in a train in racist South Africa, and forcibly removed from a Whites-only carriage for not obeying laws that segregated each carriage according to race. This incident was life altering and compelled him to make a commitment to achieve something great and carve an identity for the masses and people of color as human beings.

It is interesting to compare the occurrence of similar incidents in the lives

of many great people who suffered similar humiliation and injustice — Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and so many other champions.

Gandhi left us a lasting, comforting prediction: “All through history the way of truth and love has always won.

There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always.”

Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300.

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 22, 2017

CGX to ramp up explorations, drilling …renegotiate oil exploration plan with gov’t

CGX Energy Inc has announced that it has successfully renegotiated its work commitments for the Demerara, Corentyne and Berbice Petroleum Prospecting Licences with the Government of Guyana and unveiled a plan to ramp up exploration and drilling activities in the next five years.

In a statement, the company said as part of the renegotiation, it has also agreed to relinquish 25% of the acreage of both the Corentyne and Demerara blocks to the Government of Guyana.

The new work commitments are: to drill an exploration well at Corentyne Block by November 27, 2019; acquire additional seismic or conduct seismic reprocessing by November 27, 2020; drill an exploration well by November 27, 2022 in the Demerara Block; complete any additional data processing and planning, and secure all regulatory approvals for the drilling of an exploration well by February 12, 2020; drill an exploration well by February 12, 2021 and another by

February 12, 2023 in the Berbice Block; complete a geochemical survey of a minimum area of 120 square kilometers and commence a seismic program defined by the aforementioned geochemical survey by February 12, 2020; complete the seismic programme and complete all processing and interpretation of data by August 12, 2021 and drill an exploration well by February 12, 2023.

Professor Suresh Narine, Chairman and Executive Director (Guyana) commented: "CGX Energy thanks the Government of Guyana for its continued partnership and support. We as a company are eager to pursue the new work commitments in this exciting Guyana basin, and in so doing continue our unbroken commitment to the basin, the Guyanese people and its Government for more than 18 years." CGX Energy is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company, focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin.

Professor Suresh Narine, Chairman and Executive Director of CGX

‘Goodlife mandate still alive’ --Min Allicock tells Chinoweng, Wax Creek residents

MINISTER of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has promised government’s continued support to Indigenous Guyanese, saying that though the work is demanding at times, the administration’s mandate remains the assurance of “a good life for all.”

He made these remarks during a special visit to the village of Chinoweng, upper Mazaruni where he, along with Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, interacted with residents from both there and the neighbouring Wax Creek Village.

With more than 80,000 persons from 215 communities and villages of nine indigenous groups across Guyana, and with a still growing population, the task can be a little heavy, Minister Allicock said. However, he said the government is not backing down and is working for its people. “We have recognised those things and we have been planning. The Ministry has employed more community Development Officers (CDO’s) and Community Health Workers (CHW’s). Get your demarcations done. Get your certificate and general everyday work and help the community with their development.”

According to Minister Allicock, the government is investing in the lives of its people. For Chinoweng, he said, even before the administration took office, there have been equipment and finance going into the communities. Over time, the minister said, there has been a high presence of equipment lying on the corners for want of either batteries, or needed parts. “That is not proper management. Things were given to you without a plan. We would like to correct that because the equipment is expensive and it is taxpayers’ money that we are getting, so it is not easy money”, he told the residents.

However, he emphasised that the government has that responsibility to work closely with residents. He said that is the very reason why the government has employed CDO’s to work Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock addresses residents of Chinoweng and Wax Creek on Saturday. Seated to his left is Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams

A section of the residents gathered to hear from Ministers, Allicock and Hastings-Williams

closely with the Toshao’s council and the people; to assist in monitoring the development of the community. He said since government took office back in 2015, it has made significant headway towards development in the community of Chinoweng. These include a $1.5 million grant in 2016 for the construction of a multipurpose centre. In 2017, an ATV was also delivered to the community. Government is also working on a village history, which will provide the much-needed information on the community’s heritage. In 2016, $2 million was allocated for the building of a “rest house” in the community. Fifteen youths from the community were also part of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS). For 2018, the government intends to provide a $1.5 million funding for the community, Minister Allicock reported.

Over in Wax Creek, government was able to facilitate the construction of a village office at a cost of $1.3 million in 2016. In 2017, $800,000 was allocated for a wooden boat. In the new year, residents will be able to benefit from an $800,000 fund.

Meanwhile, Minister Dawn Hastings told residents of the successful passage of the 2018 National Budget and that programs are in place for the community in the health and education sectors. “We have a policy that wherever we spend money, work must be done to the value of the money. We have had workers before and they were paid even before doing the work. If the government allocates money to this community to build whatever, you have to be our eyes and report to the relevant authority if work is not being done to your satisfaction”. She further called on residents to be the guardians of the projects when they are completed; also reminding them of their responsibility to take care of their environment. (DPI)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 22, 2017

ICC RANKINGS NEED MORE INPUTS E

SPN Cricinfo carried an interesting article, widely published that “Australia’s captain Steven Smith is closer than ever before to matching Don Bradman as the top-rated batsman of alltime, according to the ICC rankings for Test batsmen . . . Smith, who scored 239 to lead Australia to regaining the Ashes in Perth, increased his ratings points tally from 938 to 945 at No. 1, surpassing his previous best of 941 after the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

By ALBERT BALDEO

He is second on the all-time list along with former England batsman Len Hutton, and no one else apart from Bradman — who has 961 points — has ever achieved a higher tally . . . Smith earned seven points after his performance at the WACA led Australia to victory by an innings and 41 runs, overtaking the highest career tallies of Peter May, Ricky Ponting

and Jack Hobbs . . . His Test batting average of 62.32 is only behind Bradman’s 99.94 on the list of best averages for batsmen who have played at least 20 innings . . . And he’s number one currently ahead of India’s captain Virat Kohli by 52 ratings points. By the time the Boxing Day Ashes Test begins, Smith would have been at the No. 1 ranking for two years.”

To compare any batsman to Sir Don Bradman is the greatest tribute anyone can pay to a batsman. With the greatest of respect to Steven Smith, I have seen him bat many times, but he is not in the same league with Bradman. I think he deserves a lot of praise, and he has been the supreme professional, but to elevate him to that gold standard when his career is still incomplete, is an overreach. Neither is Smith as good as fellow Australians Ricky Ponting, Greg Chappell or Steve Waugh, or as accomplished as Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Sir Jack Hobbs, Sir Wally Hammond, Graeme Pollock, Rohan Kanhai, George Headley, Sir Gary

27

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Do you really think Australian captain Steven Smith can command major ranking in this Getty Images batting lineup of this 1957 West Indies team to England? I don’t think so. Back, from left: Andy Ganteaume, Rohan Kanhai, Nyron Asgarali, Gerry Alexander, Denis Atkinson, Tom Dewdney, Wes Hall, Garry Sobers, Bruce Pairaudeau, Roy Gilchrist, Collie Smith.

Front, from left: Sonny Ramadhin, Frank Worrell, John Goddard (c), Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Alf Valentine. © Getty Images

Sobers, Hanif Mohammed, Martin Crowe and at least a few dozen others we can all nominate — or have paid at the turnstiles to see them bat.

Moreover, bare statistics should not be the only defining criterion in measuring the quality of a batsman. Statistical greatness must be supplemented with the value of an innings, such as being the fulcrum of the batting, dependability, professionalism, tenacity, elegance, crowd appeal, adaptability, restraint and dominance.

After all, cricket is a spectator’s sport, and the audience’s views and emotions are more valuable than some computer generated algorithm. Indeed, the crowd perched in the trees on Regent Street overlooking the Bourda cricket ground in its heyday who took cover when Clive Lloyd or Carl Hooper went over the top, or the many vociferous fans in the bleachers around the world’s cricket grounds were more knowledgeable and entertaining than many an expert.

Gary Kirsten likely to join Royal Challengers Bangalore

F

ormer South Africa batsman and India coach Gary Kirsten is likely to return to the IPL in a coaching role at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Although the franchise has not yet made the news public, Kirsten will handle the coaching responsibilities although a defined role is yet to be established. Daniel Vettori, who has been head coach in the past, will remain part of the management group.

Kirsten's first coaching stint in the IPL lasted all of two years, ending after Delhi Daredevils removed him as their head coach in 2015. Kirsten had signed a three-year contract with Daredevils in 2014, but the franchise ended terms with him following two seasons in which they finished eighth and seventh on the points table. Numbers-wise, Kirsten's IPL coaching record was far from flattering:

Daredevils won only seven out of 28 matches, with 20 defeats across the two seasons.

Despite suffering that dent on his CV, Kirsten has managed to stay afloat.

This week he makes his debut in the Big Bash League as the coach of Hobart Hurricanes. Kirsten was shortlisted for the job by the former Tasmanian and Australian pair of Ricky Ponting and David Boon, as the Hurricanes needed a replacement for Damien Wright, who had parted ways with the team after a secondfrom-bottom finish in the 2016-17 BBL. Despite his struggles in the T20 format, Kirsten's reputation as a coach remains strong. He is one of the few coaches to have taken two teams to the top of the ICC Test ranking - India in 2009 and South Africa in 2012.

Vettori took over as Royal Chal-

lengers' head coach before the 2014 IPL, which the team finished in seventh place.

In 2015 they finished third in the league stage and lost the second Qualifier to Chennai Super Kings. The next year, led

GARY KIRSTEN

by Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers marched into the final with phenomenal performances in the league stage but they ended runners-up to Sunrisers Hyderabad. This was followed by a poor 2017 season, which they ended at the bottom of the table with only three wins from 14 matches, with Kohli sitting out the initial part of the season to recuperate from a shoulder injury.

Along with Kohli, Royal Challengers are expected to retain South Africa batsman AB de Villiers and could be tempted to use the right-to-match card for India legspinner Yuzuvendra Chahal and possibly the West Indies batsman Chris Gayle.

Nagraj Gollapudi is a senior assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo ESPN Sports Media Ltd. (Caribbeannews.net)

Seth Rance replaces injured Milne for Windies ODIs, T20Is W

ellington [New Zealand], Dec 21 (ANI): All-rounder Seth the upcoming Twenty20 series, so two domestic matches he played this Rance has been called in the New Zealand squad as a re- this just brings him into the squad season.

He also impressed with the ball placement for injured Adam Milne for the ongoing ODI slightly earlier than anticipated," ESPNcricinfo quoted Larsen, as saying. in the Plunket Shield this season, and the upcoming T20Is series against West Indies. having grabbed 12 wickets in the The 25-year-old felt discomfort three matches he played at an averin his left foot while trying to bowl age of 20.08. during a practice session prior to the Meanwhile, Larsen also refirst ODI, which New Zealand went flected on Milne's injury, saying that on to win by five wickets to take a 1the board is looking forward to work 0 lead in the three-match series with him to get him back to full fitagainst the Caribbean side at ness as soon as possible.

Whangareiand.

"Adam has a great work ethic Rance, who is Milne's teamand puts a lot into his fitness, so I cermate from Central Districts and has tainly feel for him with this injury. It's appeared in just two ODIs, will now a long summer and there's a lot of join the squad for the remaining cricket left for Adam to play, so we'll games in the limited-overs series work with him to get him back to full against West Indies. fitness," he added.

Confirming the news, New Besides Milne, the Black Caps Zealand selector Gavin Larsen rewill also be without the services of vealed that Rance has got a call-up in Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, the squad off the back of his consiswho both have been rested for the tent performances in the domestic second and third ODIs to be played SETH RANCE circuit. in Christchurch.

"Seth comes into the squad off mestic performances," Larsen said.

(ANI) Rance, who is yet to play T20 the back of consistently strong do- "We were already looking at Seth for (Caribbeannews.net) internationals, bagged two wickets in

Charlestown bakery icon passes on

THE Charlestown, Georgetown community was Sunday thrown into a pall of gloom following the news of the passing of one of its icons, Winston Humphrey, more familiarly known as George Humphrey of the popular Humphrey’s Bakery, located on Ketley and Sussex Streets, Georgetown.

In addition to carving his name in the baking industry, George Humphrey was known for brightening the faces of children in the Charlestown area during the festive season with his annual Christmas party and gift-distribution exercises.

He was also known through his bakery for making numerous donations to several homes for the elderly and shelters throughout Guyana.

Among the weekly recipients of his products are the Dharm-Shala and the Palms Geriatric Home. The sport fraterni-

ty is also known to have benefitted from monetary and other worthwhile contributions.

Humphrey who born on March 1, 1948 to Robert Humphrey and Miriam Allen. He had five siblings, grew up in Middle Road, La Penitence and was schooled at West Ruimveldt Primary School and St. Phillip’s Anglican School. The latter was then located on Ketley Street, Charlestown.

Humphrey was the husband of Pauline, his teenage sweetheart. She bore him eight children, namely Trevor, Troy, Shondell, Andrea, Roshell, Melanie, Marlon and Nimrod.

Troy, a champion cyclist, died in a motor vehicle accident a few years ago and in honour of his son, Mr. Humphrey founded the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) and served as president for a number of years before retiring.

George Humphrey, cycling enthusiast