Guyana chronicle new york edition 09 29 2017

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ISSUE No. 69

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Police still focused on capturing prison escapees -Believed still hiding in Guyana

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President meets and greets Diaspora

6 GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Page 2

US$3.5M in rice P 14 ,16 & 17

By Navendra Seoraj

A SHIPMENT of rice, some US$3.5M worth of it, is on its way to Cuba as part of an agreement between Guyana’s Nand Persaud and Company Limited and the Cuban company, ALIMPORT. As the 7,500 metric tonnes of rice was being loaded at Muneshwer’s water Street wharf to be shipped on Monday, General Manager (Ag) of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Allison Peters, said it was a `historic moment for both countries, given that Guyana has not shipped rice to Cuba since 1999.

That shipment, which was handled by Mars Rice Milling Company, weighed 400 tonnes, which at the

time was valued around US$138,000.

Peters said that since then, although Guyana exports rice to many Caribbean countries, they have not been able to tap into the Cuban market until now.

According to a recent press statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the rice deal was inked just less than two months ago between Nand Persaud and the Cuban company.

Guyana’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Halim Majeed, had described the visit as a means to further strengthen the country’s economic relations with Cuba.

According to Ambassador Majeed, under the terms of the contract, Nand Persaud Limited is expected to ship 15,000 tonnes of rice to Cuba between this month

and October. The local company is also expected to send another shipment in 2018.

A representative from ALIMPORT, Reynaldo Labora, told members of the local media that the agreement between the two companies has been in the making for a long time, so he is confident that it is the beginning of a long-lasting business relationship between the local rice company and Guyana.

Labora commended the GRDB for their work in ensuring that the quality of rice is up to standard.

“We always make tenders throughout the Caribbean, looking for the best quality and conditions; we found that Nand Persaud of Guyana had good quality rice,” he said, adding that he is optimistic about an increase in the amount of

US$3.5M in rice off to Cuba P4

Loading of the rice at Muneshwer’s on Monday to be shipped to Cuba

Wanted: Mark Royden Durant aka Smallie Royden Williams

Wanted: Paul Goriah

Ban on death penalty remains -- Attorney General says any change requires widespread consultations

By Alexis Rodney

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

THE thousands of online petitions for the restoration of the Death Penalty in Guyana may not bear any fruit at this time, as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said there still needs to be widespread consultation on the issue.

There is a moratorium in place since 1997 and President David Granger himself has made it clear that

he has no intention of taking anyone’s life. Human rights activists continue to be angered by judges here who hand down death sentences and have railed against successive governments for still having capital punishment on the law books.

Guyana is also party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 6 protects the right to life. It does not make the death penalty illegal, but it imposes a treaty obligation on states to proceed

to complete abolition of the death penalty. President Granger made it clear last year that he does not intend to sign the order of execution of any prisoner, even though no concrete decision has yet been made as to whether his government intends to abolish the death penalty.

“I don’t have any intention of executing anyone…some members feel that the death penalty is a deterrent, some members feel Turn to page 6

Stakeholders shari Nand Persaud’s Ge Assurance Manag A

rice that might be sh Cuba in years to com The Cuban expre belief that Caribbea tries should suppo other in any way po Peters also added road does not stop the GRDB or private ers, because they ar looking for contract rice industry.

The Georgetow ations Manager fo Persaud and Compa ited, Jai Keshwan members of the m help put Guyana’s the regional and inte al markets.

British firm wants inPageon 22 P 4 new DHB Duo charged with murder of Berbice boy

P8

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

COUNTRY FIRST O

CTOBER 3 will mark 118 years of the Tribunal Award on the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The Award is binding under an international Treaty “as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitrators.”

The Arbitration Tribunal maritime space. was appointed to determine the FATAL EFFECT boundary-line between the then President Granger undercolony of British Guiana and the lined the fatal effect of United States of Venezuela. It Venezuela’s false claim as it is comprised five eminent internaintended to deny Guyana not tional jurists. only access to the sea, but entiOne of the issues they had tlement to our fishing, and oil to examine was which country and gas potential. He told the occupied what portion of land, world: “We depend on our terriundisturbed and exclusively, over many years. The Treaty refers to this criterion as “adverse holding or title by prescription.”

The findings were binding on all parties.

BACK-PEDALLED Venezuela has back-pedalled on its treaty obligation to accept the Award, and did so for the first time, only in 1962. It has since been recognised that Cold War forces were behind Venezuela’s contention that the Award was void. The ensuing intrigues and interventions were aimed at pressuring Great Britain not to grant independence to Guyana under Cheddi Jagan as Head of Government, during that period of anti-communist hysteria.

With the Cold War over since 1989, a fresh political air of new thinking should influence Venezuela-Guyana relations. Assertive Venezuelan leaders still have time to dislodge themselves from the embrace of the divisive, colonial Cold War monster.

In his address at the United Nations on September 20 last, Guyana’s President David Granger reminded the world that Venezuela has claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory.

Later, Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice-president Carl Greenidge, explained at a UN Social Media platform that there is no other case in the world where one country claims two-thirds of another country. He stated that that claim includes ALL of Guyana’s

torial and maritime resources for development and for the release of our people from poverty.”

Irrespective of ideological leanings, the world respects adherence to international law, and would eventually agree that only a juridical settlement to Venezuela’s contention, before the International Court of Justice, is the clear path to peace and justice.

MANY FRIENDS Guyana has many friends, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a whole host of advocates and experts including former Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson and Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Guyana has enjoyed solid support from the Commonwealth with its Ministerial Group re-af-

firming just last week in New York its unequivocal and collective support of Commonwealth member governments for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders, in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award.

I am grateful to journalist/ diplomat Peter Halder for sending me ideas from time to time on how we should promote awareness about our border issues. He suggests that on October 3, all schools should raise the Guyana flag and that our children

should sing, in unison, Dave Martins’ now celebrated song, “Not a Blade of Grass.”

That we should have a unified voice that says “Country First” and a collective, patriotic heart that beats and lives for our beloved Guyana, must be accepted by all. We cannot split hairs over the sanctity of our borders.

The Guyanese people are still baffled by statements attributed to Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo that he was considering a “slight concession” of Guyana’s river territory to Venezuela.

(Inewsguyana — October 23, 2015). Reporter Jomo Paul quoted him as saying under his tenure he would have considered the option of surrendering parts of Guyana’s riverain territory to Venezuela. He said: “You could probably on the maritime area,

give Venezuela a channel out to the sea”.

SALAMI EFFECT In a reaction to what Jagdeo had said, Stabroek News (October 24, 2015) referred to what former President Forbes Burnham had described as the “salami effect,” that is, once you gave Venezuela one slice, it would come back for more.

At that time too, Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, a former PPP leader and a Guyanaappointed UN Good Office representative, did not share Jagdeo’s uneducated views. He stated that Venezuela doesn’t need a channel, since it already has innocent passage to the Atlantic. Under the Tribunal Award both Guyana and Venezuela enjoy rights of ships on shared rivers, such as the Amakuru and Barima.

WE CANNOT SELL OUT At that time, too, President Granger had retorted: “We cannot sell out. We cannot give away. We cannot offer the adversary any corridor or any passage.”

I am sure that the opposition leader has since regretted that he had made those unacceptable utterances. What I know, for sure, is that the PPP does not support any give-away posture, and defends Guyana’s territorial integrity. In this cause, we are solidly united!

The next three months would be crucial in the search for a definitive resolution of Venezuela’s contention and its rejection of treaty obligations. It is time that the friendly and peaceful Venezuelan people tell their government to let go of this false claim, and to allow our two countries to coexist peacefully apart.

In the meantime, all Guyanese – here and in the Diaspora – should resolve: Country First! (reprinted from the Guyana Chronicle of September 24)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

3

Guyana’s Diaspora Engagement Meeting A

Consultative Meeting of a Draft Diaspora Engagement Strategy was held Saturday, September 23, 2017 at York College in Jamaica, Queens. The event was sponsored by the Guyana Consulate, Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Hon. Barbara Atherly, Consul General, chaired the forum.

The meeting was attended by Guyana’s Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow; IOM Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean Chief of Mission in

sources, particularly in the petroleum sector.

The Minister was not able to say the number of Guyanese presently employed by Exxon.

However, he was confident that the numbers would greatly increase once production begins.

Mr. Robert B Nattalo, Regional Co-ordination Officer for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission in Guyana, International Organization Hon. CARL GREENIDGE for Migration (IOM) provided a brief overview of the Mission’s con- 2nd VP &Minister of Foreign Affairs tribution to Diaspora Strategy.

Guyana’s Engagement was based on Mr. Amon Mantver, IOM Con- the Israeli strategy. He admitted that sultant for the Diaspora Engagement there are differences between the

AMON MANTVER IOM Consultant for Diaspora Engagement Strategy

MICHAEL BROTHERSON Head of Diaspora Unit Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Guyana; Head of the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Michael Brotherson and members of the Diaspora in New York.

One of the highly anticipated presentations was by Mr. Carl Greenidge, 2nd Vice-President and Minister of External Affairs, Co-operative Republic of Guyana. The Minister told the audience, “The exercise we are undertaking today is intended, in fact, to deal with the challenges of trying to ensure that between the homeland and the Diaspora, there is the synergy; the level of communication; the level of interchanging of ideas that would allow us to get financial benefit from having a dynamic Diaspora.

He said that he is aware of the concerns some members of the Diaspora have with respect to the draft strategy. The consultation that will continue in Canada would permit the incorporation of other views into the draft report compiled by the IOM. He also spoke about opportunities for skilled Guyanese in the Di-

aspora. He told the audience that ExxonMobil has been issued with a license for production of petroleum, likely to commence in 2020. The country will need professionals in engineering and chemical geology.

“There are also opportunities in the area of seismic testing and the testing of rocks to determine the mineral composition of a particular area of interest.”

The Minister said that the country needs entrepreneurs and there is an opportunity for small firms with highly skilled Guyanese to take advantage of development on the petroleum front.” In its engagements with ExxonMobil, the Government places major emphasis on local content. Through the Ministry of Natural Resources, it is formulating a Local Content Policy’ which will focus on the utilization of local human and physical re-

Strategy (DES) made a presentation two societies. However, Guyana Stressing the importance of a sus- could benefit from the Israeli strattainable Diaspora relationship, egy. pointing to 26 suggestions divided A very informative discussion, into three operational areas: Dias- moderated by Mr. Michael E. Brothpora Communities, Home Country, erson, followed. Experts in Diasand IT Social Media. His model for pora Engagement participated.

ATTENDEES AT YORK COLLEGE — DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

ATTENDEES AT YORK COLLEGE — DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

as part of an agreement countries, they have not ora, told membersGuyana of the lo- Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017 4 4 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017 between Guyana’s Nand been able to tap into the Cu- cal media that the agreement Persaud and Company Limited and the Cuban company, ALIMPORT. As the 7,500 metric tonnes of rice was being loaded at Muneshwer’s water Street wharf to be shipped on Monday, GenBy Navendra eral ManagerSeoraj (Ag) of the Guyana Rice Development ABoard SHIPMENT of rice, (GRDB), Allison Pesome US$3.5M of ters, said it was aworth `historic it, is on its way to Cuba moment for both countries, as part of an agreement given that Guyana has not between Guyana’s Nand shipped rice Cuba since Persaud andto Company 1999.

Limited and the Cuban That shipment, which company, ALIMPORT. wasAshandled

by Mars Rice the 7,500 metric Milling weighed tonnes of Company, rice was being loaded Muneshwer’s water 400at tonnes, which at the

between the two companies has been in the making for a GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 26, 2017 3 long time, so he is confident that it is the beginning of a long-lasting business relationship between the local rice company and Guyana.

Labora commended the

By Navendra Seoraj October.

The local time around ofandthe long-lasting business members media tocomGRDB for their workrelain was valued US$138,000. pany is also expected to send tionship between the local help put Guyana’s rice on ensuring that the quality of A SHIPMENT of rice, Peters said that since another shipment in 2018. rice some company and Guyana. theGuyana regional worth of then, although representative from ex- andA international rice is upUS$3.5M to standard. it, is on itscommended way to Cuba ports rice to markets. many Caribbean ALIMPORT, Reynaldo LabLabora the “We always make tenas part of an agreement countries, they have not ora, told members of the loGRDB forGuyana’s theirthe work inable to tap into After a downward spiral, between Nand cal media that the agreement been the Cuders throughout CaribPersaudthat and the Company market until the two companies ensuring qualitybanof ricenow. seems tobetween be climbing its bean, looking forCuban the bestAccording to a recent has been in the making for a Limited and the rice company, is up toALIMPORT. standard. press statement wayfrom backtheuplong thetime, ladder.

The so he is confident quality and conditions; we ofMinistry “We always make Ministry tenof Agriculture hadof a As the 7,500 metric that it is the beginning Agriculture, found that Nand Persaud ofrice dealreported tonnes of rice was being the was inked just long-lasting business dersloaded throughout the Caribthat harvesting ofrelaat Muneshwer’s less than two months ago tionship between the local Guyana had good quality bean, looking fortothe best Nand thePersaud first and cropriceofcompany 2017 and ended water Street wharf be between Guyana. shipped on Monday, Gen- that thewe Cuban Stakeholders company.

Labora commended rice,” heand said, adding quality conditions; with a total ofsharing 89,290 ahectlight the moment on Monday at Muneshwer’s wharf. From left are: Manager (Ag) of the Guyana’s Ambassador to GRDB for their work in Nand Persaud’s Georgetown Operations Manager, Jai Keshwani; ALIMPORT’s Quality he iseral optimistic about an found that Nand Persaud of ares, 23 per cent over the Guyana Rice Development the Republic of Cuba, Halim ensuring that the quality of Assurance Maria Cristina Ramos Perdomo; GRDB General Manager (Ag), Board (GRDB), Allison Perice is up to standard.

Majeed, described Guyana hadthegood quality cropthein Manager, 2016. increase in amount of hadfirst Peters and ALIMPORT’s Reynaldo Labora ters, said it was a `historic visit as a means to further “We Allison always tenFor the first cropmake of moment for both countries, strengthen the country’s eco- ders throughout the Carib2017, exports amounted given that Guyana has not nomic relations bean, looking for the best with Cuba. rice mightquality be shipped to we After a downward spiral, 85,021 hectares. The board shipped rice to Cuba since and conditions; According Ambasto tothat 239,442 metric tonnes, 1999. sador Majeed, under the found that Nand Persaud of Cuba in 60,000 years to tonnes come. rice seems to be climbing its is also assisting farmers some less That shipment, which terms of the contract, Nand Guyana had good quality back up sharing the ladder.

The on Monday and has commenced issuwas handled by Mars Rice Persaud Limited t hThe aisnexpected tCuban h a t rice,” f oexpressed r het hsaid, e sadding ahis m ethatwayStakeholders a light moment at Muneshwer’s wharf. From left are: Nand Persaud’s Georgetown Operations Manager, Jai Keshwani; ALIMPORT’s Quality Milling Company, weighed to ship 15,000 tonnesthat of riceCaribbean he is optimistic about an belief counMinistry of Agriculture had ing fertiliser to farmers p e r i o d l a s t y e a r .

F r o m Assurance Manager, Maria Cristina Ramos Perdomo; GRDB General Manager (Ag), 400 tonnes, which at the to Cuba between this month increase in the amount of Allison Peters and Reynaldo the should exports,support foreign ex- reported that harvesting tries each of ALIMPORT’s on credit, theLabora provision of change earnings from rice rice might beof shipped totarget Afterof a downward hectares.

The board other in any way possible. theed first crop 2017 ended quality seed85,021 paddy also athatsecond-crop ing spiral, fertiliser to isfarmers Cuba in years to come. rice seems to be climbing its is also assisting farmers and paddy amounted 85,021 hectares.

Thehectboard being on credit, the provision of Peters also added that theto with aThetotal of 89,290 assured.

Cuban expressed his way back up the ladder. The and has commenced issuUS$92,026. isbelief also assisting farmers quality paddytoisfarmers also Caribbean Ministry had seed ing fertiliser road does not stop there for ares, 23thatper centcounover the of Agriculture tries should support each reported of on credit, the provision of The GRDB has exportproject- first and hasincommenced issu-that harvesting being assured. the GRDB or private crop 2016. other in any way possible. the first crop of 2017 ended quality seed paddy is also Petersthe also added that the a total of 89,290 hect- being assured. ers, because they are always For first cropwithof road does not stop there for ares, 23 per cent over the looking for contracts for the 2017, exports amounted to the GRDB or private export- first crop in 2016. ers, because they are always some For the first crop of rice industry.

239,442 metric tonnes, looking for contracts for the 2017, exports amounted to The Georgetown Oper- 60,000 tonnes less than that rice industry.

239,442 metric tonnes, some Georgetown Oper60,000 tonnes less than that ations Manager for Nand for theThesame period last year.

--promises over 1,000 jobs toNandcomply with labour laws ations Manager for for the same period last year.

Persaud and Company Lim- From the exports, foreign Persaud and Company Lim- From the exports, foreign ited, Jai Keshwani, asked exchange earnings from ited, Jai Keshwani, asked exchange earnings from EUROPEAN construcSingh, a representative of the as well as in Public-Private members of the media to rice and paddy amounted to tion giant, British Highamounted Commission Partnerships, the group’s webmembers ofthe theRoyal mediaBAM to rice and to help put paddy Guyana’s rice on US$92,026. the regionalalso and internationThe of GRDB site has projectGroup Wednesday met US$92,026.

(BHC), said issues says. help put on Guyana’s rice on al markets. ed a second-crop target of Loading of the rice at Muneshwer’s on Monday to be shipped to Cuba with Minister with the Minrates of pay, and working The feasibility study for the regional and internationThe GRDB has projectof Social Protection edhours will be examined. the new bridge across the Dealistry markets. a second-crop target of Loading of the rice at Muneshwer’s on Monday to be shipped to Cuba and other ministerial offiThat aside, the investor merara River was completed Street wharf to be shipped on strengthen the country’s eco- rice,” he said, adding that cials in a bid to familiarise group said it is open to en- by LIEVENSE CSO, and the Monday, General Manager nomic relations with Cuba. he is optimistic about an (Ag) of the Guyana Rice DeAccording to Ambas- increase in the amount of velopment Board (GRDB), sador Majeed, under the rice that might be shipped to Allison Peters, said it was terms of the contract, Nand Cuba in years to come. a `historic moment for both Persaud Limited is expected The Cuban expressed his countries, given that Guyana to ship 15,000 tonnes of rice belief that Caribbean counhas not shipped rice to Cuba to Cuba between this month tries should support each since 1999. and October. The local com- other in any way possible.

That shipment, which pany is also expected to send Peters also added that the was handled by Mars Rice another shipment in 2018. road does not stop there for Milling Company, weighed A representative from the GRDB or private export400 tonnes, which at the ALIMPORT, Reynaldo Lab- ers, because they are always time was valued around ora, told members of the lo- looking for contracts for the US$138,000. cal media that the agreement rice industry.

Peters said that since between the two companies The Georgetown Oper- Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott with officials of his ministhen, although Guyana ex- has been in the making for a ations Manager for Nand try and representatives of the Royal BAM Group (Ministry of Social Protection photo) ports rice to many Caribbean long time, so he is confident Persaud and Company Lim- itself with the country’s gaging Union representatives construction of the bridge has countries, they have not that it is the beginning of a ited, Jai Keshwani, asked labour laws. of their employees should been estimated at US$170M. According to a statement the need arise, while emphaMeanwhile, subject minfrom the Ministry of Social sisng that it is willing to make ister Keith Scott has not only Protection, the UK-based firm training available to all levels assured the investors that has disclosed that it intends of employees, so they can Guyana is at a critical juncture to employ about 300 persons acquire new and specialised of evolution, but also it’s an directly and another 800 indi- skills. investor-friendly environrectly, and gave its assurance The Royal BAM Group ment. He welcomed the news that it intends to comply with has a specific interest in con- of job creation for hundreds The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated all laws as well as customs struction of the new bridge of Guyana. sales representatives to join our team selling print and on-line and practices which impact over the Demerara River, and Notwithstanding the good advertising to an established account list. the construction industry here. with that in mind, the group’s news, Minister Scott made Wednesday’s meeting representatives discussed it clear that it is the mandate The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is a weekly newspaper, was convened at the behest of the availability of necessary of his ministry to intervene carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and Royal BAM, and according skilled personnel, including whenever employees are agthe Caribbean and is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and to its representatives, Busi- engineers, needed to be a part greived, even if their dissatness Development Manager, of the construction of the new isfaction does not result in the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyanachronicle.com).

Sander Janssen, and Area Op- bridge. industrial action. , Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, erations Manager, Tam Smith, The Royal BAM Group Scott reminded the conanticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If the Group intends to peruse is a construction firm with 10 struction group of the need the country’s laws which operating companies in five to be familiar with the laws you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you. impact labour/management European home markets. and of Guyana, while urging Email your resume and references relations, occupational health in niche markets worldwide. the entity to make full use to Dennis Nelson @ and safety, social security, BAM’s operating com- of the Central Recruitment and trade unionism. dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com panies are active in the busi- and Manpower Agency, an Janssen and Smith, who ness lines Construction and agency attached to the Minor call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview. were accompanied by Narvan Property, Civil engineering, istry of Social Protection. ban market until now.

According to a recent press statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, the rice deal was inked just less than two months ago between Nand Persaud and the Cuban company. beenGuyana’s able to tap into the CuAmbassador to ban market until now.Halim the Republic of Cuba, According to a recent Majeed, had described the press from the visit asstatement a means to further Ministry of country’s Agriculture, strengthen the ecothe rice deal was inked just nomic relations with Cuba. less than two months ago According to Ambasbetween Nand Persaud and sador Majeed, under the the Cuban company. terms of the contract, Nand Guyana’s Ambassador to Persaud Limited is expected the Republic of Cuba, Halim to ship 15,000 tonnes of rice Majeed, had described the visit as abetween means this to further to Cuba month

US$3.5M in rice inoff US$3.5M ricetooffCuba to Cuba

British firm wants in on new DHB

— WANTED —

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

5

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

History of the Guyana-Venezuela Boundary Dispute

he Boundary Dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is a Foreign Affairs in Ruspopular topic among Guyanese. From academics to people sia, LL.D. of the Union the street, the level of concern is evident. However, an un- versities of Cambridge and Edinburgh. derstanding of the dispute requires a knowledge of its history.

On the 15 March HISTORICAL CONTEXT diately appointed to determine the When the Anglo-Dutch Treaty boundary line between the United 1898 each party submitceded the three separate colonies of States of Venezuela and the Colony ted its case in writing to Esseqibo, Berbice and Demerara on of British Guiana.” It must be noted the Tribunal and rebutAugust 13, 1814 (They were united that on February 27, 1897, the then tals were made on July as British Guiana in 1831) to President of Venezuela, Joaquín Sin- 15, 1898. The hearing of Britain, it inherited disputed bound- foriano De Jesús Crespo, praised the oral arguments was conducted at the premises aries with Suriname and Venezuela. treaty in the Venezuela Congress.

The dispute with the latter con- PARIS ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, cerned its claim to a large tract (fiveThe Arbitral Tribunal was set eighths of present-day Guyana) up in 1897 with hearings to be held in Paris, during a threebetween the Essequibo River and in Paris, France. It comprised five month period from June 15 to September 15, the mouth of the Orinoco River.

Jurists: two from Britain, two from 1899. During this period ROBERT HERMANN the US (representing Venezuela's inthere were 54 sessions SCHOMBURGK terest) and one from Russia, the of four hours each.

In 1835, under the auspices of Chairman. They were the Right HoOn October 3, in a the Royal Geographical Society of nourable Baron Herschell on the 3-2 ruling, the Tribunal London, a German surveyor and part of Britain; two on the part of decided: “Starting from naturalist, Robert Hermann Schom- Venezuela, the Honourable Melville the coast at Point Playa, burgk conducted botanical and geo- Western Fuller, Chief Justice of the the line of boundary along the highest ridge of the spur of graphical exploration of British United States of America, and one shall run in a straight line to the the Imataka Mountains to the highGuiana. He made three trips, the first nominated by the Justices of the River Barima at its junction with the est point of the main range of such to the Rupununi, including the Supreme Court of the United States River Mururuma, and thence along Imataka Mountains opposite to the Kanukus in search of the plant used of America and the Honourable the mid-stream of the latter river to source of the Barima, and thence to make curare; the second, made in David Josiah Brewer, a Justice of the its source, and from that point to the along the summit of the main ridge 1837, was up the Corentyne and Supreme Court of the United States junction of the River Haiowa with in a south-easterly direction of the of America; and the fifth jurist, his Berbice River, where he discovered the Amakuru, and thence along the Imataka Mountains to the source of the Victoria Regia water lily. On his Excellency Frederic de Martens, mid-stream of the Amakuru to its the Acarabisi, and thence along the last trip, he travelled to the source of Privy Councillor, Permanent Memsource in the Imataka Ridge, and the Essequibo River, the upper ber of the Council of the Ministry of (continued on page 20) thence in a south-westerly direction Orinoco and Mount Roraima.

His explorations impressed the British Government, which, in April 1841, commissioned him to survey British Guiana’s boundaries. His mapping, which became known as the Schomburgk Line, gave British We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door Guiana control of the mouth of the Orinoco River.

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Editorial

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Tel: 917-379-6590

Editorial The price of silence THE story of the rape and murder of young Leonard Archibald is one of unspeakable horror that calls for all to raise their voices against perpetrators of sexual abuse, regardless of their relation to the abusers.

Mere days after the body of the young boy was discovered on the banks of the Berbice River at Kortherbraadt, East Bank Berbice, the nation heard that the main suspect in the rape and murder is a relative of the victim.

This has been a noted pattern based on several reports carried by the Guyana Chronicle thus far this year.

Notably, in the third week of July, there were three rape cases, two of which were allegedly carried out by close family members. The other involves a person well known to the victim.

The first was an uncle impregnating his 15-year-old niece, then a father allegedly raping his daughter age 13 and a man in his early 30s raping and attempting to strangle his friend’s mother, who according to reports, is a 75-year-old pensioner.

The vast majority of rapes are perpetrated by persons known to the victims and girls are not always the victims. The story of young Leonard is one of many examples. There are also cases that do not end in death, but are not reported due to the shame and stigma attached to rape. This silence could hardly be helpful to the victims, especially when the authorities have recorded some 424 cases of child sexual abuse for the first half of the year.

In fact, it is a problem which can grow into a monster as in the case of young Leonard, whose life was viciously snatched from him by persons with tendencies beastly in character and whose sick activities were known by villagers. Who knows, young Leonard would have been a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, a teacher or a wealthy farmer, but he was not given a chance to live, largely because some members in his community chose to remain silent rather than alert the nation about the perpetrators.

According to reports, the sexual molestation started with a few boys and some went unreported; and those incidents that were reported fell through the proverbial floor until one resulted in death before a community finally wakes up. It is for this very reason that communities cannot be silent on rapists because anyone, be it a sister, mother, grandmother, friend or a brother can become a victim.

Guyana Chronicle NewNew York Edition Week-ending September Guyana Chronicle York Edition week ending September29, 29,2017 2017

From front page

Ban on death penalty remains

that it is not a deterrent.

But David Granger doesn’t have any intention of approving the execution of anyone.” the President had said back in 2016.

However, following the gruesome death of 13 year old Leonard Archibald of Brothers village East Bank Berbice last week, Guyanese took to social media requesting signatures to a petition calling on government to restore the death penalty. They deemed the acts allegedly carried out by the two accused Nicholas Christopher and Hillary Edwards as inhumane and ruthless, stating that their actions must be met with death. The two men are accused of raping and killing the teen and dumping his body in the Berbice River between September 17-23.

They were charged with murder on Wednesday.

But according to Williams, there is still no formal decision taken in Guyana on the matter. “We have been saying there is still need for consultations. The position

is there is a defacto abolition in Guyana by virtue of the fact that that we have not executed a person in almost two decades,” he told journalists on Thursday.

The question of the abolition of the death penalty he said is still something that will be engaging the government and people of Guyana.

Guyana has committed to join the worldwide efforts to abolish capital punishment, which is deemed inhumane and completely ineffective in deterring crime. Guyana has not abolished the death penalty, but there is a suspension on its use, despite the fact that criminals are still being sentenced to death.

Guyana’s last execution was back in 1997.

More than 100 countries have already made significant strides in abolishing the death penalty, either by law or by practice. According to statistics from a report compiled by Amnesty International, 140 countries have abolished the death penalty in 2014, by law or practice. This

is significant given that when the organisation started its campaign against the death penalty in 1997, only 16 countries had abolished this punishment for all crimes.

Seven countries that carried out executions in 2013 did not do so in 2014 – Bangladesh, Botswana, Indonesia, India, Kuwait, Nigeria and South Sudan.

Despite the remarkable progress, there was a recorded 28 per cent increase in the number of executions in 2014 when compared with 2013. There were 2466 death sentences in 55 countries in 2014, with a total of 607 executions. This figure excludes China, which executed more persons than the rest of the world combined. The top five countries which still execute prisoners on death row are China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the USA. Additionally, seven other countries resumed executions – Belarus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Jordan, Pakistan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Three years

ago, Guyana made a commitment to the United Nations to abolish the death penalty.

Attorney General Basil Williams had recently recommitted Guyana to erasing capital punishment from its books.

Guyana’s laws state (without providing for alternatives) that an individual convicted of a capital offence “shall be liable to suffer death as a felon”.

In addition, legislation provides that murder and felony murder in the course of terrorism are “punishable by death.”

While this language is ambiguous, under Article 19 of the Criminal (Offences) Law, courts may not substitute punishments not specifically stated for death-eligible offences, so courts appear to have no discretion in sentencing.

Article 164 of the Criminal (Procedure) Law provides that when a person is convicted of an offence punishable by death, “the Court shall thereupon pronounce [the] sentence of death.”

Police still focused on capturing prison escapees

Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is focused on recapturing the two prison escapees who are still on the run, acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine said.

The two who are still at large are Paul Goriah who escaped from the Lusignan Prison and Mark Royden Williams who made good his escape during the destructive July 9 riot at Camp Street Prison.

“Over the last few weeks we have launched

a number of operations which include searches and combing of certain backlands,” said Ramnarine during an interview with members of the media on Thursday.

He said police had received two recent sightings of Goriah in Yarrowkabra but on both occasions units dispatched did not notice him.

Their main focus is reportedly on Linden, given that one of the escapees, Uree Varswyck was killed there and Williams man-

aged to escape.

“As we indicated, we have done some work to disrupt the possible support which has been provided to the escapees… this has proved to be effective,” he said, adding that persons who were found culpable of assisting the escapees have been dealt with accordingly.

The acting police commissioner said the police will continue to search until they capture the wanted men.

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.

Head of Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) a representative from the CC&PA, they would have reported Ann Greene, could not put it over better when she said thusly: the matter to the agency if they were afraid of reporting it “They [communities] are our eyes and ears. You know some- to the police. Hopefully, the Leonard Archibald tragedy is a thing, you need to speak out. If you know something, speak wake-up call for all to be vigilant and never to be silent on up. You cannot sleep night knowing that they walking in sexual predators lurking around in society looking are for their The views andat opinions expressed articles in this newspaper around the place.” next victims.

But it is important for the CC&PA be more It is tragic reflect that the death of young Leonardand came to those ofalsothe authors andtodo notactive necessarily the policies in the field so that they too can have their antennas up and light at a time when the Ministry of Social Protection is ears to the of ground on what is happening in communities away New observing ChildEdition Protection Week, but one hopes that the views the management of the York of the Guyana from the City. message of the rally slated for Wednesday (today) at Anna It would be reasonable to assume that if persons from Regina which seeks to break the silence on child sexual Chronicle.

Brothers Village, the village where the teen lived, had known abuse will catch on.

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

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

A

7

Caribbean Tourism In The Wake Of Mega-Hurricanes

s the people of pristine Caribbean island nations remain still shell-shocked in the aftermath of the most powerful and destructive hurricanes on record to visit these vulnerable islands, governments in the region appear helpless to deal with the enormity and complexity of the recovery and rebuilding efforts. It’s as if these island nations hit by hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria – a one, two and three set of brutal body punches - remain in a selfinduced daze, a zombielike trance that is the outward manifestation of a deep-seated collective trauma. Just pulling the region out of this utter sense of hopelessness and mass depression will take some doing.

But there’s also the issue of the run tourism practices and programs, region’s largest foreign currency gen- near-sighted governments, a lack of erator and how to sell these formerly exotic Caribbean nations as valuable tourism destinations. Indeed, like so many nations in the world the Caribbean relies very heavily on tourism as a key source of local income, employment and livelihood for literally millions of people. And it’s not only the destinations but also the perception, the optics to use a new buzzword that will cause headaches for Caribbean tourism.

When tourists from Europe and America perceive of the region as a place there they can get stuck during a nasty natural disaster they’ll tend to go elsewhere for vacations and visits.

So maybe its time to discuss the pros and cons of tourism in relation to natural disasters and the ensuing challenges that Caribbean governments will face going forward – even those that luckily escaped the wrath of the Deadly Hurricane Trio of Irma, Jose and Maria.

For people in the Caribbean tourism is seen as a great economic activity that will drive prosperity and dig these emerging, poor nations out of poverty. That’s the allis-peachy sales pitch. Governments often expound the positive sides of tourism behaving as if there are no down sides or negative effects. So the perception in the region is that tourism is a win-win, positive thing that can only bring benefits. To the vast majority of people tourism is about largely white visitors enjoying the sun, sea and sand while drinking rum punch, surfing and going on exotic nature trails. Its all good right?

No. Not true. Tourism also comes with many and negative unintended consequences. Many of these challenges come from poorly

research and impact studies, and from governments looking the other way as large hotels set up shop, cut corners, short-change workers, and defile the environment, in exchange for jobs and other short-term benefits. That’s certainly the case of Caribbean tourism. Let’s start with the sustained, constant inflow of foreign visitors that can, and in the case of the Caribbean, do undermine, distort and warp the beauty, island uniqueness, character, and social coherence of these destinations over

Hurricane Matthew

time. CARICOM governments that tout tourism development at the drop of a hat fail to understand the impact of 983 million international tourists (2011 figures) have on the world on a grand scale and the compounding negative effects of just a fraction of that number, say 10 million visitors, will have on fragile nations in the Caribbean.

For the Caribbean these large numbers of travelers present huge challenges and problems for many destinations, including transportation, places to stay, policing, and maintenance. So what are the advantages that tourism brings for the Caribbean region?

Tourism’s Advantages To the Caribbean • It brings in lost of money.

This is the main advantage of tourism to the Caribbean and the reason why it has been promoted so much in recent years. Whether in developing or developed countries, the income generated can make up a significant proportion of the national income and take a huge bite on unemployment.

• It provides jobs for local peo-

(see page 20)

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Duo charged with murder of Berbice boy

TWO men were on Wednesday arraigned in the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court for the alleged rape and murder of 13-year-old Leonard Archibald.

The men appeared before Senior Magistrate Alex Moore. Alleged mastermind Hillary Edwards, 29, and Obediah Nicholas Christopher, 19 years, both of Brothers Village, East Bank of Berbice, were not required to plead to the capital offence, which was laid separately against them.

Particulars of the charge stated that between Sunday, September 17, and 23, respectively, they unlawfully killed Leonard Archibald.

Attorney-at-law Arun Gossai ,who held the brief for Senior Attorney Mursaline Bacchus, reminded the court that his client Obediah Christopher was a stray offender and as such requested an early hearing. The other defendant Hillary Edwards was unrepresented by counsel.

Police Inspector Godfrey Playter asked the court for an adjournment, as additional time is needed to complete certain aspects of the investigations. December 8 was given as the adjourned date.

Meanwhile, outside of the courtroom, tempers flared, after Obediah Christopher screamed at his parents Peter Christopher and Sunita Motilall, who were standing amongst the scores of onlook-

ers. “I am innocent! I am innocent! I did not do this! Fight for me mummy. Fight for me in the court,” the young man yelled. His mother’s eyes were filled with tears as her elder son was transported to the New Amsterdam Prison.

The father of the deceased, Walter Archibald, in an invited comment said he was satisfied with the commencement

Suspected murderer Hillary Edwards

of the prosecution process and he expects that justice will be served. The parents or relatives of Hillary Edwards were not present at the court hearing.

Archibald was laid to rest on Tuesday. President David Granger in a message said he is deeply saddened to learn of the teenager who was allegedly raped and then dumped into the Berbice River where he was found dead a few days after. The Guyanese

head of state said: “Leonard went missing last week on his way home from a party.

His lifeless body was discovered two days ago. The teen, who has been described as a helpful and willing child by his mother, was a student of the Overwinning Primary School.” President Granger extends sincere condolences to his mother, Ms. Abigail

did we do as a community to help him [the main suspect] to reform his evil ways?”

In adding his voice to the incident, Region Six Chairman David Armogan described the incident as the most gruesome and cruel act of a man against a man.

“This act, which perhaps the systems of slavery did not know such cruelty, has sent shock waves around the country and our region must not be known for this kind of behaviour,” he warned, while noting that the act must be condemned by every right-thinking Guyanese.

“Our region should be peaceful, where people are free to walk around and move as they like. I do not believe it has to do with parents or the child. I believe they did what they could have done to protect. But in the circumstances

Thirteen-year-old, Leonard Archibald

there was a depraved mind. If we had taken precaution [sic] after the previous incident, then we could have avoided a re-occurrence, but we did

not do that. Maybe we are all at fault, the neighbourhood too…we need to take back our community,” Armogan stated.

Charged separately, Obediah Nicholas Christopher

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Archibald, his siblings, other relatives and friends.

At the church service, Senior Probation and Child Protection Officer, Mitford Ward, said that there needs to be a higher level of awareness with respect to protecting our children. He said “If the perpetrators’ behaviour was known by so many in this community, for so many years, what did we do to protect our children, and what

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

9

Natural Disasters in the Caribbean: Diaspora Response must include mental health needs

T

he “Day of Giving” (October 9, 2017) sponsored by the Caribbean Diaspora Disaster Relief Coalition is admirable and timely. However, the Diaspora response must include an often neglected dimension of recovery and mitigation. Owing to the unprecedented intensity of multiple hurricanes in the region, long term mental health/trauma recovery services, particularly for the vulnerable and traumatized is essential. Analysts refer to trauma as “a sense of profound helplessness in the face of overwhelming danger, anxiety, and arousal when confronted with an external situation in which there is a high risk of death or injury to oneself or another”.

Although monetary/material contribu- areas of the world that have been decimated tions are important, practitioners such as so- by natural disasters, including hurricanes, cial workers, nurses, psychiatrists and volcano eruptions, earthquakes, floods and counselors should offer their services, mudslides. The human cost of the resulting through Diaspora Hometown Associations, devastation, manifested in death, displacecollaborating with Helping Professionals in ment, and untold suffering, has caused multhe Caribbean including the University of the tifaceted risks to the affected populations.

West Indies, to address the mental health Concomitantly, governments and NGOs are needs of survivors. challenged to respond in a timely manner, Crisis intervention immediately follow- and are expected to develop programs that ing a disaster is essential, but an important would facilitate the re-establishment of indipart of recovery is the restoration of good vidual safety and community connectedness. mental health and long term counseling. In The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Manassessing behavioral health status, the rela- agement Agency (the FEMA of that region) tionship between trauma and loss must be focuses on strategies to mitigate problems in underscored. Trauma is viewed as a particu- the aftermath of escalating natural disasters.

However, a lack of comprehensive and lar category of experiencing loss which can deplete the survivor’s self-esteem and effective responses to these disasters premorale, and diminish their will to continue cluded meaningful recovery in the past. In particular, there have been insufficient and living.

The magnitude of the devastation caused by recent hurricanes and earthquakes in the Caribbean region, Mexico and southern United States has highlighted the vulnerability of both economically advanced and impoverished nations to natural disasters.

The loss of life, and material resources, and the capacity of survivors to cope are intricately connected to the immediate and longterm response of governments and relief organizations, including the Diaspora and resilience of the affected population. In the aftermath there has been praise for the gallant, humanitarian efforts of first responders and neighbors. However, after the cameras are gone, the actions and policies of public officials regarding appropriate pre- and post-disaster planning and response to the overall needs of survivors will soon be scrutinized as is common in the aftermath of disasters.

The poignancy of the lessons learned in the wake of these disasters is clearly noticeable and in some instances, unprecedented.

For example, the thought of a refugee crisis involving displaced American citizens and the contentious debate about preferential media coverage and treatment of certain communities and countries, based on their link to the U.S., all mark a new reality in assessing the cause and effects of natural disasters.

As nations grapple with explanations and possible solutions, factors such as geopolitics, socio-economic realities, race, the influence of the media on public consciousness, and skepticism about donating to myriad Disaster Funds, feature prominently in the decisions about resource allocation for recovery. What seems to be absent is the urgency in responding to the inevitable psychological impact.

The Caribbean region is among the

trauma are invariably imbedded in a plethora of physical and concrete needs, and thus given less attention. Limited resources, including emergency response personnel and lack of preparedness for the difficult environmental conditions that follow, compound this problem. One of the most ambitious disaster response efforts in the Caribbean was the establishment of the Caribbean Disaster Mitigation project. Its goal is to develop sustainable public/private disaster mitigation mechanisms that measurably lessen the loss of life, reduce potential damage, and shorten the disaster recovery period.

In many developing countries, the recovery process among the poor is likely to take longer. Further, in the Caribbean region, “repeated, overwhelmingly powerful assaults by nature, tend to reduce victims to a state of passive, fatalistic acceptance” (EDP, 2005).

Acknowledging the need for effective response to those directly affected by disasters, relief organizations such as the Red Cross include psychological support services in their recovery plans. The Grenada Red Cross Society has consulted with local psychosocial support specialists, and UNICEF

Dominica waterfront after hurricane Maria passed.

inadequate shelters for survivors, while collaboration between the public and disaster management agencies was virtually non-existent. Although economic losses are duly estimated and fatalities recorded, the response to traumatized groups and individuals has not been seriously addressed in recovery efforts. Arguing that there is a relationship between economic recovery and emotional well-being, analysts suggest that, in assessing the psychological needs of trauma survivors in developing countries, practitioners must acknowledge the significance of local economic and social recovery as a prerequisite to improve emotional well-being.

The Caribbean region’s exposure/vulnerability to various forms of natural disasters is increasingly evident. The 2005 Guyana flood, for instance, which disrupted more than 70 thousand households, was the nation’s worst natural disaster. Damage to the physical landscape, infrastructure and economy has been clearly visible in the aftermath of such disasters. However, the symptoms and effects of psychological

dispatched a psychologist/emergency specialist and a public health/education specialist to the Eastern Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The purpose of that intervention was to “provide psychosocial rehabilitation for children and families traumatized by the sudden collapse” of Eastern Caribbean societies (UNICEF). In Jamaica, small psychological support teams were deployed to provide assistance and counseling to people living in shelters. In Guyana, the establishment of Listening Centers, and training seminars conducted for social workers, though on a small scale, were creditable.

Although well intended and signaled an awareness of the need for psychological recovery, those efforts were compromised by the lack of resources and inadequate coordinating of services. In planning for disaster mitigation following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, UNICEF (2005) sought to initiate activities that would respond to the psychosocial needs of families, specifically children, and the elderly, groups that are often most vulnerable to natural disasters. Invariably, those response

efforts to the mental health needs were made within the context of broader planned intervention by governments and/or humanitarian organizations, which focus primarily on physical and infrastructural recovery.

The emotional stress related to natural disasters is often created by destruction of property, physical injury, loss of home and/or relatives, financial hardship, community displacement and uncertainty about the future.

Research on trauma and loss from natural disasters emphasize the relationship between flood exposure and psychosocial loss, the sense of being out of control, and the need to reconnect. However, there is a dearth of studies of the psychological effects of disasters in the Caribbean. Observers argue that natural disasters in developing countries negatively affect the mental health of a broad cross-section of the population, as compared to more developed countries. Although there has been some progress, research on natural disasters in developing nations have not reflected the frequent occurrence of such disasters. Little is known about how culture shapes the psychological impact of disasters and very little about recovery under harsh conditions.

Trauma recovery from natural disasters in developing countries, steeped in western psychological approaches, is often incompatible with the customs and beliefs of the affected local communities. Indeed local economic and social recovery involving the participation of survivors can influence psychological recovery.

In assessment recovery following the 2004 tsunami, it was suggested that “the most appropriate initial response to trauma resulting from natural disasters is a combination of material aid like housing, food, and employment alongside vaguely defined community building programs, rather than a focus on specific psychiatric support”. Culturally relevant evidence-based research and culturally competent interventions are needed. Attempts to understand the needs of victims and survivors, traditional response to loss, their natural healing systems and conceptualization of mental health, are essential in any assessment, intervention or comprehensive recovery process. As natural disasters in the Caribbean reoccur, expressions of psychological distress and the perceived role of helping professionals will determine the extent to which survivors will benefit from or seek out mental health counseling. Regardless, the fatalistic leaves it in God’s hands.

by Dr. Lear Matthews

Note: This humanitarian crisis will increase the number of displaced persons seeking to emigrate from the Caribbean to the U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke warned, “We must be prepared to welcome them”.

The U.S. should offer Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which is a government immigration program designed to assist victims of natural disasters, granting them special immigration waiver to receive social benefits.

This does not apply to those from the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico, many of whom are already migrating to the mainland.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

CONTRASTING JOURNEYS TO SUCCESS "I can do all things in Him that strengthens me"

M

any decades ago my mother gave me a folded card which said on the outside "Especially for you" and on the inside there was a quote from "The Hidden Power" by Thomas Troward (1921), the essence of which was the affirmation "I am — therefore I can — -therefore I will". This card has always travelled in my passport pouch.

I joined the daily news confer- USVI Territory, may take years rather ences by Governor Kenneth E. Mapp than months but improvements will be and his full team on the recovery ef- witnessed one month at a time. "We forts in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma. I had become very familiar with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix over the last six years and I am still grappling, from a distance, with the reality of the magnitude of the damage on St. Thomas and St. John and the gargantuan task of the recovery effort. St. Thomas and St. John are at ground zero and two other weather disturbances Maria and Lee were threatening.

The Governor regularly thanks his heads of department (including emergency management, tourism, health, police, army and education) and the outpouring of assistance which the Territory has received from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, in particular, and Caribbean governments and private sector organizations, in general.

The Governor's positive leadership at the news conferences, in the face of the devastation, was inspiring as he encouraged residents to be thankful that they still have life, even though they may have lost many physical possessions. He emphasized that the journey to success, which will be are, therefore We can, therefore We manifested in a brighter and better will."

There is, of course, the wider challenge of the rebuilding of the Caribbean travel industry on the heels of Irma. It is a rocky path where we must pursue long months of recovery after experiencing the forces of devastation.

In contrast to this journey to success, on Sep 15 to be exact, marked 40

— Philippians 4:13

years since my parents' friends thought I was insane to establish my own busi-

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

ness in Barbados, especially since I had put in nine years of hard labour and achieved a tenured position at the University of West Indies (UWI).

My view was different. The experience at UWI laid a solid foundation but I yearned for a private sector experience where there was greater personal control of my destiny albeit with attendant risks. The first company I established was SINCOS Consultants Limited where SINCOS was an acronym for Statistical, Information and Computing Systems which reflected to a large extent my post graduate training and UWI experience.

I remember, soon after the business was opened, being interviewed by former Barbados first lady, the late Carolyn Barrow who was working in radio for Barbados Rediffusion Service. As we were well into the interview, she stopped me and said: "Basil, do you know many times you have used the word "systems" in the last 20 minutes?" Without waiting for an answer, she said that will be your "brand".

First, we formed the Systems Group of Companies, around the nucleus of SINCOS Consultants Limited, which offered services in accounting, marketing research, human resource development, information and communications technology, organizational development and agricultural development.

Then in 1984 Systems Carib-bean Limited (SCL) was born with John Gibbs joining me as we invited Control Data Corporation (CDC), out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who were looking for an Eastern Caribbean partner, into the mix. CDC's sojourn lasted for two years and SCL soldiered on until the year 2000 when Stephen Broomes and Mark Chandler took over. They adopted a new name Systems Consulting Limited and the brand "systems" lives on until this day. This is an example of a smooth but undulating journey which, through a systematic and evolutionary experience, has withstood the test of time and is an example of business sustainability and hence success.

Let us affirm that, once we exist, we can do all things in Him that strengthens us. Let us always strive to conquer and achieve success whether we have a relatively smooth systematic and evolutionary path or whether we have to recover, over rocky ground.

(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.)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh A preacher became frustrated that a large part of his congregation was going water skiing on Sunday, rather than coming to church, so he told his wife, “This Sunday, I’m going to preach about the evils of water skiing on Sundays.”

“What!” she exclaimed. “That’s a silly thing to preach about!”

“I don’t think so,” he said, “it’s a problem we need to address.”

The next Sunday as they were driving to church, the wife asks the preacher what he was going to preach about, somewhat warily.

“As I told you,” he said, “I’m going to preach about the evils of water skiing on Sundays.”

“That’s idiotic!” the wife says. “First of all, it’s a dumb sermon topic, and second, the people who need to hear it won’t be in church! Why don’t you preach about sex or something people are interested in?”

“Nope. The Lord wants me to preach

EVILS OF WATER SKIING

GUYANESE BEEF PATTIES Ingredients 1 lb of ground beef 1 (8 oz) can of sweet green peas 2 beef bouillon 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 yellow onion minced finely 2 tbsp fresh chopped thyme 4-6 wiri wiri peppers or ½ minced habernero 3 tbsp finely minced celery leaves 2 blades of scallion minced 1 tsp allspice 1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil Egg wash (consisting of 1 egg beaten and 1 tbsp water) Pastry Dough 3 cups of flour 1 ½ sticks or 12 tbsp of cold butter 1/4 cup of shortening or vegetable oil 1 tspn salt 8 tbsps of iced water Instructions 1. Sift flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

2. Dice butter into tiny cubes and add.

3. Add shortening or vegetable oil.

4. Use fingertips to mix together 5, Add cold water one tbspn at a time or until all dry ingredients has been absorbed.

6. Mold into a ball, wrap in plastic.

7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before using.

Method 1. Season meat with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion, allspice, wiri wiri pepper, and coriander.

2. In a skillet, add oil and heat then add meat and bouillon.

3, Saute on high heat for 2 minutes.

4. Add thyme, sweet green peas, and continue to cook for 1 minute.

5. Remove immediately in order to have a half cooked meat mixture.

6. Bring to room temperature.

7. Add scallions and celery leaves and incorporate using a spatula.

8. Roll out pastry dough and cut rounds using a biscuit cutter.

9. Fill center with approximately 1½ tbsp meat filling.

10. Brush egg wash around the edges, top with another round of pastry dough.

11. Press to seal edges with fingers, then use a fork to create indentations on edge. This will create a nice finish.

12. Finally, prick the top with a fork, and base with egg wash.

13. Place on a greased flat sheet pan, and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes 14. Cool on a rack, but serve warm

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

DUTCH THIS, DUTCH THAT Entrenched Verbal Abuse

W

hat is a Dutch auction? It’s one that proceeds directly in re-verse of an ordinary auction. Instead of starting with a low bid and attracting progressively higher bids, the auctioneer in a Dutch auction starts with a high figure, reduces the price by regular stages and finally sells to the first person who accepts his price quotation.

“Dutch auction” is one of many expressions reflecting a once held English sentiment that the Dutch were contrary people. It was a kind of verbal abuse directed against their neighbors across the Channel. Other examples are: Dutch courage – the kind of courage that comes out of a bottle; Dutch treat or Dutch luncheon

– in which the host expects each guest to pay his own way; and Double Dutch - a kind of talk intended to deceive the listener.

In these few phrases – and there are dozens more – the English

11

have implied that the Dutch are cowardly, miserly and deceitful. Yet the rest of the world sees Holland differently. Reference to this country invokes images of tulips, windmills, and dykes instead. Why did the British take such a contrary view?

It was not always like this.

Until well after Shakespeare’s time, the Dutch were usually well regarded in all literary references by British authors. But during the 17th century the two nations became rivals in international commerce and therefore enemies. Both wanted control of sea routes that were important to them, especially those from the rich spice islands of the East Indies. The two countries fought three wars at sea between the years 1652 and 1674.

In May 1667, the Dutch went

about the evils of water-skiing on Sundays, and that’s what I’m preaching about,” he said firmly.

The wife says, “Well, I’m not going to sit through a stupid sermon like that.

I’m staying in the car. You can tell the congregation I’m sick or something.”

And she stayed in the car.

As the preacher was walking from the car to his study at the church, he got to thinking maybe his wife was right, and he changed his mind and gave a brilliant extemporaneous sermon on the proper role of sex in modern society.

When the service was over, one of the parishioners stopped by the preacher’s car and said to the pastor’s wife, “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well this morning. Your husband gave the finest sermon today that he’s ever given since coming to this parish.”

“I don’t know why he thinks he’s such an expert on the subject,” the wife snapped. “He’s only tried it twice, and he fell off both times.”

as far as to sail up the Medway River and sink British ships, and also to blockade the Thames. It was during this period that the disrespectful references began.

One of the earliest — a reference to Dutch courage — came from the poet Edmund Waller in 1665: The Dutch their wine and all their brandy lose, Disarmed of that from which their courage grows.

More recently, of course, Great Britain and the Netherlands have lived in peace and fellowship for many years. But the derogatory phrases, created in a time of war and rivalry, remain. One still hears occasionally of Dutch reckoning (guesswork); Dutch defense (retreat or surrender); Dutch metal (an alloy of copper and zinc used as a substitute for gold foil); Dutch comfort or Dutch consolation (in which somebody might say “thank God it is no worse!”); Dutch concert (in which each musician plays a different tune); and Dutch uncle (someone who criticizes or rebukes you as if he really was your relative).

And a pig-headed or stubborn man is one whose Dutch is up.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Dynamic to close Guyana operations PROBLEMATIC airline, Dynamic International Airways, has suspended all flights to Guyana and reports from some travel agents in Guyana and New York suggest that the troubled airline has pulled out of their ticketing systems for the remainder of 2017.

A check on the airline’s website indicates that all flights for the remainder of

the year are either “sold out” or “no flights are available “ and passengers who have already booked to fly with the airline later this year have already expressed worry at the latest development.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, CEO of Roraima Airways, the local handler for Dynamic, suggested in a social media post that the end is near for the international

carrier. “The final days for the final flights are being counted down, even as the planes continue to operate with 90% loads,” Gouveia wrote on social media on Tuesday morning.

A member of the public reported that her family had booked with the airline to travel to the U.S. later in the year.

She said that the family is at a loss as to their next move.

For years the airline has been faced with challenges including delays in Guyana, as well as New York, where persons have been stranded for days while the airline experienced operational issues.

In July, the carrier announced that it has filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court. It stated that it intends to continue its operations here as its principals restructure plans. The airline noted that its decision to file for bankruptcy protection follows upon litigation matters resulting from Hajj flights the airline operated in 2014 for Air India.

“It also follows the entry of a judgment in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Car-

olina affirming an arbitration award against Dynamic Int’l. issued by the Canadian Arbitration Association in April 2017, which determined that Dynamic int’l. was in breach of contract by failing to pay commissions to BKP Enterprises in connection with the Hajj flights. While the debtor has filed a notice of appeal and intends to challenge the judgment and award, Dynamic Int’l said It has no immediate recourse to stay the judgment and has determined the commencement of the Chapter 11 case is necessary,” the statement said.

Guyanese travellers have noted that the imminent closure of the airline’s operations is likely to result in a climb in airfare rates from other carriers which

Captain Gerry Gouveia

ply the Georgetown-New York route. Currently, Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica Airways operate flights along the lucrative route.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

13 13

UG radio station closer to operation THE University of Guyana (UG) marked a historic moment on Wednesday as Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes and Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Chairman Leslie Sobers joined Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Deputy VC, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin in announcing the re-issuing of the university’s radio station licence.

UG’s Communications Studies Division had been granted Radio Broadcasting Licences up until 1990, when their request for a renewal was officially denied.

It is one of only a few institutions in the Region that are dedicated to training broadcast and print journalists and producers of radio and television programmes.

Minister Hughes said that the issuing of “radio licence has been a hot-button issue as far back as 2011 and this thorny issue has been on our front burner ever since. It has been important and dear to many of us.”

According to the minister, the administration has always held the view that the university should have

Front row (from left): Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin; GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes; Director for the Centre of Communications Denise Bram and other members of the University of Guyana

a Communications Studies Department fully equipped with a radio station.

She added that the station will provide the opportunity to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical, “on-thejob training.”

The station will also save the university and students time and money. She explained that students in the past had to visit private stations for practice or to record their course assignments.

An emotional Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, noted that every chancellor since 1990 had fought to have the radio licence re-issued. She added that a number of studies have revealed that one of the key and fundamental problems with graduates coming out from the centre “is that they did not have enough practical experience.”

Dr. Mohammed-Martin explained that with the radio

GWI addresses concerns of Buxton residents - metering app. to be launched soon

BUXTON residents who had concerns with the GWI regarding meter installation, service improvements, bill queries and increased hours of water service, had them addressed last Sunday during a community meeting at Tipperary Hall with Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles and other senior staff.

According to a press release, Dr. Van West-Charles told the residents present, that “water quality is GWI’s top priority but with the help of the citizens, who will report leaks and breakages in the system which can cause bacteria and viruses, we can keep the system tightly closed and this will increase pressure. ‘‘Our aim is to provide for the many families in urgent need of potable water and to give an additional three hours to the existing eight hours they are receiving,’’ stated the GWI Managing Director.

Meanwhile, a flexible payment contract is being offered so that families can afford to pay for their service connections, the release

stated. Dr. Van West-Charles disclosed that Buxton has 33 accounts on no-charge but those customers are still receiving water. However, those customers are being given two weeks during which they can visit the GWI office and enter into a payment arrangement. And become regularized, Should they, however, neglect to do so, GWI has warned that the entire service will subsequently be removed from the premises.

Meanwhile, beginning next month (October), the water company will be installing 3,000 meters in Buxton and the neighbouring communities, and this will significantly help to reduce customers’ service charge.

In addition, a GWI metering app. will be launched very soon, the release added.

“Residents should be proactive in guarding the infrastructure…vandalism significantly affects our ability to provide the community with service,” said the Managing Director.

Moreover, he advised that pivotal to the success of all communities, particularly developing housing

schemes, is the strengthening of community groups.

GWI is also working with the Ministry of Education to clean black tanks at various schools around the country, since it is their job to ensure that water quality is in keeping with the World Health Organization standards, the release further stated.

Responding to concerns that were raised about the hours of water service and the quality received, Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako, told the gathering that a programme is being implemented in two phases, and that GWI will also be spending some $3M to upgrade the pump at the Friendship Water Treatment Plant.

Additionally, there will be the installation of a new filtration system, which was donated by `Water is Our World’ which is based in Holland.

Mr. Shako also disclosed that plans are in place to install a new generator since the plant is still plagued with power outages. However, when this is completed the distribution lines will be remedied since there are a number of leaks in the system.

licence, the Communication Centre will now be able to train persons in live broadcasting for radio and television. It will create a forum for students and faculty-led productions to be used in a wider community.

“This will allow persons to hear from the campus community, because we have

been able to broaden our radius to 15 miles. This includes Sophia up to Plaisance.”

She added that the university is hopeful that by January 2018, they will receive their transmitter to become operational in April 2018.

The total cost for establishing the radio station is US$75,000. However, the

Deputy VC stated that the Communications Centre already has equipment, thereby decreasing the cost.

Chairman of the GNBA, Leslie Sobers, noted that the GNBA took pride in reissuing UG’s radio licence. He added that in the future, once the university meets all the requirements, its television broadcast licence will be granted.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, thanked a number of persons who were instrumental in the re-issuing of the licence, including President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the Ministry and Minister of Public Telecommunications, and the National Data Management Authority, (NDMA), among others.

It is hopeful that the radio station will be housed in the proposed University of Guyana’s Yucatan Centre for Greening Research, Information, and Sustainability (CeGRIS), while the proposed name for the station is the “Golden Arrow Community Broadcasting System.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Meeting the Diaspora

ELEGANTLY dressed, and overflowing with excitement, members of the Guyanese Diaspora turned out in their numbers to meet President David Granger and the First Lady, Sandra Granger at Meet and Greet Reception held in New York on Friday evening.

The well attended reception was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow and the Honourable-Consul General of Guyana in New York, Barbara Atherly.

Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams were among the officials present.

Here are scenes from the Meet and Greet Reception held at the Princeton Club of New York.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

15

President woos Diaspora ‘We need your investments to develop industries’

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger implored the Diaspora to invest in Guyana’s development when he delivered the feature address during a Meet and Greet Reception in New York on Friday.

To the room filled with distinguished Guyanese men and women at the Princeton Club of New York, President Granger said the country needs to tap into the intellectual capital of the Diaspora.

“We welcome your investments. Guyana has the resources and the doors are opened to business, to investments,” the President told the Diaspora in New York, noting that such investments were needed to transition the country from producing raw materials into the realm of well-manufactured products.

“We can do it. Other countries have done it. Other countries use our gold, other countries use our timber, other countries use our bauxite, other countries use our fish. So we need your investment, to help to develop these industries, so that we can become an important manufacturing country and not simply an exporter of raw materials,” he added.

While acknowledging that the “six sisters” in Guy-

ana – rice, sugar, bauxite, timber, gold and diamonds – have and continue to play critical roles in the development of the country, President Granger said there was a clear and urgent need to diversify the economy, but said the Government and those residing in Guyana, cannot do it alone.

“We have to ensure that our children have a future other than being cane-cutters, our children have a future other than felling timber. We have to go into manufacturing, we have to go into the industries,” he emphasised.

But while Guyana is well on its way to becoming an oil-producing state, and is taking key steps to diversify its economy, the President made it clear that such developments will not be done at the risk of the environment.

“We are not going to destroy our biodiversity, we are going to ensure that new industries fit into our landscape and fit into our plan for economic development of our country.”

The petroleum profits, he told the diaspora, will be used to develop the country and its human resource.

That aside, the President in turning his attention to the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, reminded the

President David Granger addressing members of the Diaspora in New York on Friday

diaspora that the meeting scheduled for Monday (tomorrow) September 25 with Guyana and the United Nations (UN) Secretary- General António Guterres was a critical one.

“We will go to see him to plea on your behalf to use his authority to bring this controversy to a successful conclusion.”

Venezuela is claiming that the international Arbitral

Tribunal, which provided ‘a full, perfect and final settlement in 1899, is null and avoid. The tribunal’s award had given more than 90 percent of an area to then British Guiana which was claimed

by Venezuela. Venezuela denounced that arbitral award in 1962.

Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his successor, Mr. Guterres, in keeping with the tenets of

the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had agreed that if by the end of December 2017 significant progress has not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the International Court of Justice would be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise. President Granger is anticipating an update on the progress made, if any, at the level of the Good Offices Process when he meets with the UN Secretar-General.

On Friday, he said Guyana had suffered for too long at the hands of Venezuela.

“We have been denied investment. Businessmen have been chased out. Foreign warships have come into our waters and expelled -- it is no secret -- expelled peaceful exploration vessels.

We cannot go forward in the future if other countries deny our people the right to exploit their God-given resources,” he stated.

“As the country embarks on a new industry – the petroleum industry – the UN ought to be minded of its duty to protect small states like Guyana,”the President said.

“We want the United Nations to recognise that

in this community, in this hemisphere, it has a duty to protect small states like ours,” he emphasised.

Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger had accompanied the President to the well-attended reception which was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow and the Honourable Consul-General of Guyana in New York, Barbara Atherly.

Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams; Senator for the 19th District of New York, Roxanne Persaud; and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddel,l were among the officials present.

The consul- general, in brief remarks, applauded the Guyana delegation led by the President for putting Guyana first. “We want to say thanks to the delegation for so aptly representing our country, keeping at the forefront of the debate the Guyana/Venezuela controversy…”

President Granger and his high-level team are currently in New York for the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72).

Peter’s Hall overpass taking shape

WORKS on the overpass at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara is moving apace. The overhead steel beams for the structure were erected on Sunday night, a noticeable change to the landscape in the area.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, recently told the Department of Public information (DPI) that the works at the East Bank Demerara overpasses, including one at

Eccles and Houston, are expected to be completed by November.

Recently, it was reported in another section of the media that a vehicle overpass which was expected to be built at Diamond, farther up the East Bank of Demerara, has been cancelled. This was a result of the lands which were identified for the structure being sold to private individuals.

Workers laying the foundation for the overpass at Peter’s Hall.

The overhead beams for the overpass at Peter’s Hall were erected on Sunday night, a new feature to the landscape in the area.

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

We need your investments to P

resident David Granger implored the Diaspora to invest in Guyana’s development when he delivered the feature address during a ‘Meet and Greet’ Reception in New York on Friday.

To the room filled with distinguished Guyanese men and women at the Princeton Club of New York, President Granger said the country needs to tap into the intellectual capital of the Diaspora.

“We welcome your investments.

Guyana has the resources and the

doors are opened to business, to investments,” the President told the Diaspora in New York, noting that such investments were needed to transition the country from producing raw materials into the realm of well-manufactured products.

“We can do it. Other countries

A group of guests including Rhonda Binda, Ann Narine, Richard David, Cloyette of ‘Guyana Rocks’ and a guest ,pose for this picture with First Lady of Guyana Her Excellency Mrs. Sandra Granger (center).

Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly (speaking) introducing (from right) His Excellency President David Granger of Guyana and First Lady Sandra Granger; Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and 2nd Vice President, Carl Greenidge; xxxxxx and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow (extreme left) to guests who attended the “Meet and Greet’ hosted by the Ambassador and Consul General at the Princeton Club in New York, New York. have done it. Other countries use our President Granger said there was a gold, other countries use our timber, clear and urgent need to diversify the other countries use our bauxite, other economy, but said the Government countries use our fish. So we need and those residing in Guyana, cannot your investment, to help to develop do it alone.

“We have to ensure that our chilthese industries, so that we can become an important manufacturing dren have a future other than being country and not simply an exporter of cane-cutters, our children have a future other than felling timber. We have raw materials,” he added.

While acknowledging that the to go into manufacturing, we have to “six sisters” in Guyana – rice, sugar, go into the industries,” he emphasised.

But while Guyana is well on its bauxite, timber, gold and diamonds – have and continue to play critical roles way to becoming an oil-producing in the development of the country, state, and is taking key steps to diversify its economy, the President made it clear that such developments will not be done at the risk of the environment.

“We are not going to destroy our biodiversity, we are going to ensure that new industries fit into our landscape and fit into our plan for economic development of our country.”

The petroleum profits, he told the diaspora, will be used to develop the country and its human resource.

That aside, the President in turning his attention to the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, reminded the diaspora that the meeting scheduled for Monday (tomorrow) September 25 with Guyana and the United Nations (UN) Secretary- General António Guterres was a critical one.

“We will go to see him to plea on your behalf to use his authority to bring this controversy to a successful conclusion.”

Venezuela is claiming that the in(continued on page 17)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 20177

17

develop industries – President Granger

wise. President Granger is anticipating an update on the progress made, if ternational Arbitral Tribunal, which any, at the level of the Good Offices provided ‘a full, perfect and final set- Process when he meets with the UN tlement in 1899, is null and avoid. The Secretar-General. tribunal’s award had given more than On Friday, he said Guyana had 90 percent of an area to then British suffered for too long at the hands of Guiana which was claimed by Venezuela.

Venezuela. Venezuela denounced that “We have been denied investarbitral award in 1962. ment. Businessmen have been chased Former Secretary-General Ban out. Foreign warships have come into Ki-moon and his successor, Mr. our waters and expelled — it is no seGuterres, in keeping with the tenets of cret — expelled peaceful exploration the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had vessels. We cannot go forward in the agreed that if by the end of December future if other countries deny our peo2017 significant progress has not been ple the right to exploit their GodThe Guyana Unity Movement (G.U.M.) was well represented at the ‘Meet made towards arriving at a full agree- given resources,” he stated. ment for the settlement of the contro“As the country embarks on a and Greet’, also in picture are Hardat Singh and Ann Narine. At extreme versy, the International Court of new industry – the petroleum industry right is Lorna Welshman-Neblett of H.E.R.O.C. Justice would be the next means of – the UN ought to be minded of its The consul- general, in brief reTen-Pow and the Honourable Consulpeaceful settlement, unless Guyana duty to protect small states like General of Guyana in New York, Bar- marks, applauded the Guyana delegaand Venezuela jointly request other- Guyana,”the President said. tion led by the President for putting bara Atherly.

“We want the Vice-President and Minister of Guyana first. “We want to say thanks United Nations to Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Min- to the delegation for so aptly reprerecognise that in this ister Dawn Hastings-Williams; Sena- senting our country, keeping at the community, in this tor for the 19th District of New York, forefront of the debate the hemisphere, it has a Roxanne Persaud; and Director-Gen- Guyana/Venezuela controversy…” duty to protect small Pictures of ‘Meet & Greet’coureral of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, states like ours,” he tesy of Tangerine Clarke and Dennis Audrey Waddel,l were among the ofemphasised.

Nelson. ficials present.

Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger had accompanied the President to the well-attended reception which was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana to Senator Roxanne Persaud of the 19th Senatorial the United Nations District in Brooklyn (at right) with Dr. Frank (UN), Ambassador Denbow and another guest.

Michael Rudolph

(from on page 16)

President David Granger is all smiles as he takes this picture with ex-army officer, Aubrey Featherstone and his wife Hazelien. Also in picture is Christine Williams.

Errol Lewis of Guyana Action Committee, Brian Benn of Center for Guyana’s Progress and David Grimmond of the ex-GDF association were also present to ‘Meet and Greet’ the President.

Music for the ‘Meet & Greet’ was supplied by ‘Jah Pan’.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

18

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

I

n the Caribbean at the start of a track and field race there are three phrases or group of words that haunt an athlete. “On your marks . . . Get set . . . Go.” In North America, it is “Ready . . . Set . . . Go.” At the beginning of a real estate and most business transactions the parlance could be summed up as “Ready . . . Set . . . Pay.”

As the summer temperatures begin to ebb, it's time to start tackling your debt, since there will be added expenses as the year-end rapidly approaches. Your monthly debt obligations -- credit cards, auto loans, etc.-should equal no more than 40 percent of your monthly income. Even then, your "good" debt should outweigh the "bad."

“Ready . . . Set . . . Pay” mum payment, set up an automated bill payment that deducts $20 from your checking or savings account each week. You probably won't miss that $20 by the end of the week and you'll save considerably on compounded interest fees. This reminds me of the “Penny Bank” system most of us encountered as kids.

As tempting as some of those credit card offers are, try not to play the balance transfer game too often, as it will adversely affect your credit score. A better strategy would be to ask your existing creditors for a lower rate. Those persons with solid payment histories are likely to qualify for the best rates, but that shouldn't deter you from at least asking even if you've missed a payment here or there.

SAVING ON INTEREST CHARGES

Good debt would be to borrow money to remodel your bathroom or kitchen or add a deck to your home, something that would build substantial equity on an asset. Student loans tend to fall into the good category, so do mortgages.

Credit card debt, however, tops the list of items you're much better off without. The average American family carries $10,200 of credit card debt; consequently about one in four to five households are struggling to pay off their credit cards. This is a fact.

KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

Paying that $10,200, or whatever you owe, won't be easy but here are a few tricks that can help you pay it down faster. Track your expenses for at least 30 days. This will give you a clear idea how much you are spending on variable expenses, such as food or clothing, compared to your fixed expenses, which are constant. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as eating out, and use that extra money to pay down your debt. Be aware that cutting back shouldn't mean cutting out.

Budgets are doomed to fail because people cut

want to, but rather because of our busy schedules. We may be away on vacation when that mortgage payment becomes due. This is more reason why we should take a hard look and certainly consider this option. The only thing we have to ensure is that there are always enough funds in your account to offset the automatic payment when it hits the account, failing which would place us into bank expenses such as uncollected fees.

DO NOT WAIVER - STAY PUT

out all of the fun in their lives. People need to have leeway but with temperament and in moderation.

PAY MORE THAN THE MINIMUM

If you have a little extra cash, starting doubling or tripling the minimum payments on your highest rate card would automatically result in a substantial amount of savings. All this should be done within a specific time frame and with deadline dates.

AUTOMATE If you can't afford to double your mini-

Today huge banks replace that identical system and they call it “Christmas Club.”

WATCH THE DEADLINE DATES CAREFULLY

Avoid late fees by tracking your payment due dates. Setting up a separate automated payment for the minimum balance will help you stay on target. In general, most people do not like to allow automated payments, which would be deducted directly from their account. This may well be the answer as we oft times tend to miss deadlines. Not because we

You are not necessarily locked into the original terms of your mortgage, auto, or student loans. So, if you haven't done so already it's time to refinance those interest rates. Most individuals have this general accepted feeling that refinance only applies to mortgages and not to auto loans and student loans. If you can handle a bigger monthly mortgage payment, opt for 15-year fixed-term instead of the conventional 30-year loan. Consult with the writer of this article if you need further advice. For others, adding a few hundred dollars each month for the principal may be less painful than struggling over several hundred for a 15-year home loan. You can shave a lot of money off your overall interest payments by making bi-monthly payments. The way they're structured, you'll also squeeze in an extra payment by year's end.

KEEP YOUR CASH

It is worthy to note that many consumers apply their extra cash towards paying down debt. Smart users only use their credit card when an unexpected or unforeseen expense pops up. Experts and financial advisers always advise consumers to save 10 percent of their take home pay. If that’s simply too much, a lesser aim of 5 percent is advisable to meet individual needs. As long as you are saving money on a consistent basis you are building a cash cushion or nest egg that will allow you to handle any unforeseen events without relying on the strenuous credit card interest burdens. Once this is done, the onus is now on you to spend those hard earned savings wisely. The Good Book tells us Joseph was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted.

He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the famine came. ... Genesis 41:49

“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 September 29, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Life expectancy in the Americas climbs to 75

THE population of the Americas has gained 16 years in life expectancy on average in the last 45 years, and a person who is born in the hemisphere can now aspire to live until age 75, almost five years longer than the world average.

However, emerging and non-communicable diseases, which cause four out of five deaths per year, are the main challenges in one of the most unequal regions in the world. This information is part of the new Health in the Americas+ 2017 report, the latest edition of the flagship publication prepared by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) every five years since 1956, which analyses trends, challenges and health conditions in the Region.

“We live longer and are less likely to die from preventable causes, but that gain has not been equitable,” said PAHO/WHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne. “We should adopt urgent measures to combat inequities, so that all people in the Americas have access to the health services they need and to conditions that contribute to good health, such as access to drinking water, education, and decent housing,” she added.

Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of mortality in the Region.Four out of five deaths per year are due to one of these causes, and that figure is expected to increase in the coming decades due to population growth, aging, urbanisation, and exposure to different risk factors.

The publication presented during the 29th Pan American Sanitary Conference of PAHO in Washington, D.C., notes that the obesity rate in the Americas––one of the main risk factors for chronic diseases––is double the global average (26.8% compared to 12.9%).Furthermore, it emphasises that diabetes affects 15% of the population over 18 years of age (62 million people), a percentage that has tripled during the past decade.

Among other data, the report notes that although mortality from cardiovascular disease has decreased almost 20% on average in one decade, this continues to be the main cause of death in the Region.It also warns that 1.3 million people died of cancer in 2012, 45% of them prematurely, that is, before 70 years of age. Other challenges ahead include

Director of the PAHO, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne

road traffic injuries, which represented 12% of deaths in 2013, as well as high homicide rates that place 18 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean among the top 20 in the world.

Health in the Americas+ 2017 also explains how environmental and lifestyle changes, as well as population shifts, have contributed to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as Zika and chikungunya. These threats, combined with disas-

Guyana, Canada look to deepen ties GUYANA and Canada on Monday recommitted to deepen their relations during a meeting between newly accredited Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Harmon said Guyana places great value on the relationship it shares with Canada and expressed the hope that Ms. Chatterjee’s appointment can serve as a catalyst for stronger ties.

“The relationship between Guyana and Canada is one which we cherish dearly.

We share a good relationship with the country and so I trust that you would have good experiences with Guyana…

We are fully supportive and appreciative of Canada’s friendship,” the minister said.

High Commissioner Chatterjee echoed Minister Harmon’s sentiments, saying that she looks forward to her tenure in Guyana. Thus far, she said that the Guyanese hospitality is commendable.

The diplomat said that seeing the abundant resources which

Minister of State Joseph Harmon in discourse with Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee on Monday.

(Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Guyana possesses, it is her hope that the country can utilise these in a sustainable manner to create a prosperous nation.

“I have been overwhelmed by how warm, generous and hospitable the people are here in Guyana.

We have a long history of working together and I hope to build on our friendship. I am looking forward to seeing how Guyanese can benefit from its vast, rich natural resources beyond oil and

gas. Like Canada, we relied on our resources to build our country and I can only see a positive future for Guyana,” said the Canadian envoy.

President David Granger accepted the Letters of Credence from High Commissioner Chatterjee on September 13, 2017, following the departure of former Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux. Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

ters related to events such as earthquakes and hurricanes, pose other challenges in the Americas. Between 2010 and 2016, the Region dealt with 682 disasters, 20.6% of the world total, with a financial impact estimated at over 300 billion dollars.

“Emerging and chronic

19 19

diseases, which cause dis- 2015, as well as increased ability and require many coverage of prenatal care years of care, are an obstacle and institutional delivery, to development,” Etienne progress toward eliminatsaid. “We need strong, flex- ing onchocerciasis, and the ible, and integrated health elimination of endemic transsystems to respond effec- mission of rubella (2015) and tively to new threats and the measles (2016). needs of an older populaMany of these achievetion,” she added. ments are not equally disAn estimated 81% of tributed throughout all of people who are born in the the countries, reflecting Region today will live until inequalities in the Region. they are 60 years old, while In this regard, Health in the 42% will surpass 80 years of Americas+ 2017emphasises age. However, this increase the need for transforming in life expectancy has not health systems and increasmeant more disability-free ing investment in the sector years of life. In 2015, it was (only five countries invest estimated that the average 6% of their gross domestic healthy life expectancy in product in health as WHO the Americas was 65 years. recommends), as well as In addition to the gain in improving the management years of life, the report high- and distribution of health lights success in reducing workers to achieve univermaternal mortality. Infant sal health by 2030 and remortality also declined by duce the existing inequities.

24% between 2002 and 2013 Health in the Americas+ and the under-five mortality 2017includes chapters with rate dropped by 67% in 25 information on the health years. situation and trends in the The report also points out 52 countries and territoa 62% reduction in malar- ries of the Americas. Each ia cases between 2000 and country profile presents 2015, 10.1% less leprosy in a set of basic indicators, 2010 compared to 2014, and along with information on a 67% drop in deaths due specific achievements and (continued onchallenges. page 20) to AIDS between 2005 and future

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

20

History of the Guyana-Venezuela Boundary Dispute mid-stream of the Acarabisi to the Cuyuni, and thence along the northern bank of the River Cuyuni westward to its junction with the Wenamu, and thence following the mid-stream of the Wenamu to its westernmost source, and thence in a direct line to the summit of Mount Roraima, and from Mount Roraima to the source of the Cotinga, and along the mid-stream of that river to its junction with the Takutu, and thence along the mid-stream of the Takutu to its source, thence in a straight line to the westernmost point of the Akarai Mountains, and thence along the ridge of the Akarai Mountains to the source of the Corentin called the Cutari River. ruled in favor of Britain, with 2 deviations. One was that Venezuela received Barima Point at the mouth of the Orinoco. The second placed the border at the Wenamu River rather than the Cuyuni River.”

Venezuela disapproved of the Award’s decisions and pressed, howbeit unsuccessfully, to have it nullified. At the first assembly of the United Nations in 1945, the country denounced

(from page 5)

the Arbitration’s ruling.

The matter rested until 1962, when that country formally raised the issue before the United Nations General Assembly. It also unilaterally declared the Award null and void.

On February 17,1966, the Treaty of Geneva was signed among United Kingdom, Guyana and Venezuela. Its sole purpose was to resolve the ongoing boundary dispute between Venezuela and Guyana. The parties never agreed to implement a solution within this Commission, due to varying interpretations of the Treaty.

“Guyana argued that prior to starting the negotiations over the border issue, Venezuela should prove that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was null and void.”

In 1966, Venezuela reiterated its claims to Guyana territory.

ANKOKO AFFAIR In October 1966, the Venezuelan National Armed forces seized the 7km Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River. This was followed in July 1968

by Venezuela's extending its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles off its coast, including the disputed region. Venezuela has remained illegally on Ankoko ever since.

In 1970, Guyana’s then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera signed the Protocol of Port-ofSpain, which set a moratorium on Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory. In 1983, the Port-ofSpain Protocol expired and the then Venezuelan President Luis Herrera Campins decided not to extend it and resumed the claim.

Since September 2015, the United Nations has been mediating the dispute discussed. If by December 2017 the UN understands that there is no "significant progress" in resolving the dispute, it will be referred to the International Court of Justice, unless the two countries explicitly request it not be done.

Military action as a solution has been ruled out by both parties in the dispute. The matter should be referred to the International Court of Justice and decision should be final.

Caribbean Tourism In The Wake Of Mega-Hurricanes (from page 7) ple. Hotels, bars, transport, shops, and restaurants all need staffing.

Tourism can provide much-needed e m p l o y ment for these people.

• It raises the profile of the island AND the region. Tourism gives respective Caribbean islands a chance to individually and collectively show off themselves and raise both the region and individual islands profile in the world.

• It can provide incentives for investment in weak and sometimes non-existent infrastructure areas such as roads and rail networks, as well as funding local medical and education facilities.

• It can motivate governments to provide economic incentives to preserve many unique place, habitats, flora and fauna and provide upkeep to urban and wildlife areas.

• Visitors that enjoy a great Caribbean experience will promote international links that can result in more business and cultural connections in the medium to long term.

SOME TOURISM FACTS • The money generated by tourism accounts for 5 % of global GDP • For every 1 job created in the core tourism industry, around 1.5

extra, or indirect jobs are created in the wider tourism-related economy.

• Tourism provides jobs for 1 out of every 12 workers in advanced and emerging economies.

So what are tourism’s disadvantages?

• In countries, like those in the Caribbean region, where there are weak environmental laws tourism can often cause great environmental harm and damage. For example, poor sewage disposal and overwhelmed systems causes pollution and environmental degradation. Even if all tourists behave responsibly, the sheer number of them can cause unintended consequences for small, developing islands of the Caribbean.

National heritage sites, things like ancient buildings, monuments, and temples etc. often struggle to cope with the vast amounts of tourist traffic ultimately suffering from wear and tear or damage.

• The commercialization of culture has undermined the very soul of Caribbean islands vying to provide a tourism model that mimics parts of the United States, Europe and other tourist-rich nations. The incursion of the worst elements of American pop culture has replaced traditional Caribbean heritage offerings. So nowadays these local traditions fight to survive and are reduced to wearing

costumes and putting on demeaning acts, grinning and behaving like dressed up jesters, for tourists in return for money.

• In this scenario some tourists can and do lack respect for local traditions and culture, not following local dress standards, getting drunk in public, or behaving rudely or inappropriately towards local people.

• Although many jobs are created by tourism, most are relatively low level, semi-menial work, such as bar work, hotel service, restaurant serving, and so forth. They have little prospects for promotion or upward mobility.

• A large number of Caribbean tourism jobs are seasonal and thus insecure with no extra benefits, such as pensions, sick pay, or health care.

Some destinations can be inundated with visitors during busy times, and then virtually deserted for many months at a time. These tourism workers find work elsewhere in the economy to make do until the tourist season comes around.

• Money often ends up being directed to boost and improve tourist areas when it could be used more effectively elsewhere in a country. The locals who don’t live in specific tourist areas miss out and suffer relative decline.

• Today, in 2017, most of the

tourism industry (travel companies and hotels etc.) in the Caribbean region is actually owned by big foreign companies and entities. They make the major profits, leaving local businesses with relatively little benefits.

• THIS IS THE CASE IN THE CARIBBEAN TODAY. There is an imbalance, where tourism has become so successful that other forms of income generation and economic engines are being neglected. The outcome is that an economic dependence on tourism congeals and takes root. For Caribbean countries like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda where tourism is the main economic engine this is great in good, boom times. However, such a dependence that has spawned lop-sided, warped economies has made them vulnerable to economic ruin when hurricanes destroy hotels and when social issues like crime, for example, cause tourists to stay away.

This can lead to political upheavals and economic stress.

Let me end with a quote from Guy Louis Debord a French Marxist theorist and philosopher. Here’s how he defined tourism: “Tourism, human circulation considered as consumption is fundamentally nothing more than the leisure of going to see what has become banal.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 68 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) It might be best to keep your ideas to yourself this week. Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not to rely on others. You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Any attractions toward clients will be one sided and must be put right out of your head. You can ferret out secret information if you just listen to what others have to say. Don’t depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

GEMINI (May - June 21) Go out with friends. Visit friends or relatives you rarely see. You are best not to say too much to colleagues. New love connections can be made through group associations. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

CANCER (June 2 - July 22) You mustn’t give too much to your children. You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. Relationships will become stronger. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain.

Get busy on those home improvement projects that you’ve been procrastinating about. Your outgoing, aggressive nature will attract someone you’ve been eager to meet. Your emotional reaction will be dependent upon your partner’s responsiveness. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Do not blow situations out of proportion. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. You will want to complain about the in justice that is going on, A change is as good as a rest. Don’t go looking for change. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You must be sure not to be frivolous, because as the saying goes, easy come, easy go. Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Catch up on your reading and correspondence. You can make money through your creative efforts. You need to spend time with friends and family. Social get-together will bring you in contact with intelligent new friends. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Mingle with those who can help you get ahead. You can expect to have a passionate time if you go out with someone you are romantically interested in. You are best to back away from commitment. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be moody and react poorly to issues concerning your mate. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. You can make financial deals that will bring you extra cash. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19 Much knowledge can be obtained through the experiences you have. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Don’t blow situations out of proportion.

Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Make changes that will enhance your appearance. Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. Problems with females you live or work with will try your patience and cause temper flare ups. You’re in the mood for love. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

ACROSS 1. Boob tubes 4. Main cook 8. Demure 11. Pursues ardently 13. School lockers locale 14. Have creditors 15. Aware of 16. Facts, for short 17. Wind dir.

18. Daughter’s brother 20. Clumsy fellow 22. Evidence 25. Impassioned 28. Musket finish 29. Comet competitor 31. Brides’ and grooms’ utterances (2 wds.)

33. Quick ride 35. Dentists’ group (abbr.)

36 Clockmaker Thomas 37 Fast-food directive (2 wds.)

W O R D F I N D

ASSIST

L I B R A R I A N

BINDING BOOKS

CARD CATALOG DATABASE DUE DATE FICTION FILES FIND

INFORMATION LISTS

ORDER QUIET

4. Lower jaw 5. Harrison Ford role: ___ Solo 6. Sprite 7. Linoleum’s spot 8. Certain of oneself 9. Have title to 10. Evergreen tree 38. “Nautilus” captain 12. Average (hyph.)

40. Recent (prefix) 19. “Memoirs ___ Geisha” (2 wds.)

41. ___ Bell 43. ___ Dame University 21. Hertz rival 22. Annoying critter 45. Teacher’s Group 23.

Transplant a fern (abbr.)

24. Not duplicates 46. Psychic inits.

47. ___ moment’s notice 25. Volume control for recording 26. Student’s challenge (2 wds.)

27. Adoring one 49. Scarlett’s mansion 30. Plain ___ 52. Fifty-fifty 32. Sandal, e.g.

56. Bando or Maglie 34. Naught 57. Sheep mamas 39. Switch settings 58 .“Dumb ___” of the 42. Jackson and Hepburn comics 44. Newspaper essay (hyph.)

59. Sleepwear, infor46. Big ___Conference mally 47. Nile serpent 60. Mailbox opening 48. ___Mahal 61. Grimly humorous 50. Pointy tool 51. Antique auto DOWN 1. “ __and a Half Men” 53. Declaration 54.Figure wrongly 2. Otto ––– Bismarck 55.Dissenter’s vote 3. Drunkard

REFERENCE RENEW

RESEARCH RETURN REVIEW

SCIENCE

SEARCH TERMS STUDENTS TABLES TAPES

TITLES VIDEO

ISSUE 68 WORDFIND ANSWER

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

22

Trump, Religious Hypocrisy and The Bible Belt

O

ur world view is influenced and driven by a 24/7news cycle packaging entertainment as news and living only for the next "5-day wonder."

Hypocrisy and unmitigated stupidity are now front and center of the national narrative and discourse. America has become so "dumbed down" that the ability to master just 140 characters is the level and measurement of civic engagement. We're now much more interested in selfies a la smartphones. How Kim Kardashian's ample derriere looks and whose baby is called some utterly unimaginable and insipid name, is the stuff of serious conversation nowadays.

And we're all armchair generals and Monday morning quarterbacks ready and willing to peddle some spurious meme just to feel important. Reality TV, Twitter, Facebook and intellectual laziness define the modern modus operandi.

Our worldview is influenced and driven by a 24/7-news cycle packaging entertainment as news and living only for the next "5-day wonder." Ignorance is pervasive, endemic, and systemic where people, smarting from their irrelevance and nonentity, take to Facebook to berate, insult, and gin up more "likes," "shares" and conversation just to feel important. Its here that fakery rules supreme because of the anonymity that social media fosters, encourages, and allows.

You can be a stupid jerk and nobody will know who you are and you can push all manner of falsehoods that do major social and personal damage and not be held accountable. I call it Digital cowardice.

How else can one comprehend the fact that a United States President whose Reality TV background is now on international display and whose poor choice of people to staff his administration keeps blowing up in his face? The last monumental kerfuffle, at least for now, was the embarrassing spectacle of a blustering, babbling blowhard named Anthony Scaramucci, who was fired after just 11 days on the job as Director of Communications in President Donald Trump's sniping White House. He thought that he could "out Trump, Trump" calling up a reporter and giving an obscene, unprofessional, expletiveladen, and silly rant that embarrassed the President, even in a White House now peddling alternative facts, and creating its own reality.

And as the news media salivate over this latest of Trump's woes (the new NFL fandango), lost in the narrative are a series of developments that should give all Americans pause. First is the fact that the partisan divide between Republicans and Democrats is wider now than at any time in United States history. Americans have

now put "party and politics over people" in a stunning display of the herd mentality that is characterized by comparisons with dumb, driven cattle. Politics used to be about heated discussions and that Americans would eventually come together, put away their petty differences, and work for the common good.

Not so now. The schism is so wide that a marauding herd of wild beasts could rampage through it with no problems at all. It is going to take many years to bridge this gap — if ever. Then there is fake news that is the logical conclusion of fake hair, and human remakes, tinkering and gender constructs by a generation of raving narcissists enough to make your head spin. Its this pervasive fakery that is enjoined with today's rabid narcis-

sism that is shaping and re-shaping all parts of the American society. Indeed, old-time, traditional American moral values are now out the door, especially religious ones.

Let's look at one of the most jawdropping developments of the 2016 United States Presidential elections. A whopping eighty-one (81%) percent of white Southern evangelicals voted for Donald Trump . This religious base-vote literally rejected out of hand Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, even though she was way and above more experienced, qualified, and eminently fit to be President of the United States.

This group was a key factor in Trump's victory. So why did they go in such big numbers for a deeply flawed Republican candidate, one of the least fit individuals in American history to qualify for so high an office? Well, for starters the Bible Belt folks genuinely believe that a "man is the head of the house-

hold" and that women must "obey the man" he being superior to her because she was born of "Adam's rib." Such backward thinking still permeates Southern evangelical society. How can a North Eastern woman running for the President of the United States convince these Godfearing, pious Southern Christians that thunder and lightning are natural phenomenon and are not caused by the "Great Father God" living somewhere in the skies in a place called Heaven?

Nothing that Hillary Clinton could have said to people who think that women "wearing pants" is a devilish abomination created by Satan the Devil was going to convince those folks to vote for her. So when they voted for Donald Trump, those "good Christian hypocrites" deliberately set aside their values and principles in a crass display of party over people. It's the same thing in Congress today where Republicans, once vocal and critical of former President

Barack Obama, are now silent about the daily "pappy show" and self-creatingmade-for-TV drama that's orchestrated by a flaky President Trump and continues on down to others in the West Wing.

These Bible Belt hypocrites conveniently buried their core religious and moral principles, perhaps held their selfrighteous noses, since they knew full well about his treatment of women, his selfish business practices, his ridicule and disdain of the disabled, his scapegoating of vulnerable undocumented immigrants, his bogus "Trump University, " and much more. Thing is this racist meme and deliberate rejection of FACTS and Trump's record of arrogant self-aggrandizement and braggadocio should have turned off a group of people that every Sunday preach "blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth."

Their tepid and sheepish attack on Hillary Clinton and their embrace of contrived lies tell us a hell of a lot about their hypocrisy — these are the people that

would lynch Jesus Christ in a heartbeat from the nearest tree if he called out Donald Trump.

The fact is that these "God-fearing, Sunday School loving, Church going Christians," supported a man who boasted about groping women, by putting their economic concerns over Godly morality. So the galling truth is that they all knew his behavior was suspect and un-Christian but latched on to a stupid and obnoxious narrative about how his business experience was enough to make him a great President. This gullible group convinced themselves that Donald Trump and the Republican Party know how to create jobs and that he, somehow, would be the modern-day American St. George tipped to slay the un-Christian dragon threatening America's pure, white Christianity. How stupid can these people be? Here's a man who could scarcely remember or recite one Bible verse but is now the standard bearer of a delusional bunch of hypocrites clutching their Bibles and sanctimoniously proclaiming Trump's presidency as the coming of a fake Messiah.

I came very near to regurgitating when looking at the numbers and the fact that this group of Southern Christians voted enmase for Trump —a guy who is as far from church as I am, and who could care less about the Bible and its teachings — and castigated, spurned and rejected a genuine churchgoer and one with a record of having a great relationship with the Bible. I have no respect for evangelicals who abandoned their core Christian foundation principles and embraced fakery and a charlatan who told them what they wanted to hear and who continues to have an adversarial and combative relationship with the truth.

The term snake-oil salesman comes quickly to mind.

But it's not only the religious hypocrites that help to generate and promote this social fakery. It's the daily cable TV's escapism and the 24/7 entertainment as news cycle. Today, nobody bothers to research, to read and to think critically.

There is Google. There is Facebook with its cabal of "Nescafe Journalists" — those who hide behind their computer screens, secure in their homes, and anonymously peddle stupidity, made up facts in an alternative universe of preening, bragging, self-opinionated imbeciles now trolling the Internet as genuine journalists. In this scenario Donald Trump rules supreme. He leads the way in ignorance, a disdain for genuine facts, and basks in a created and manufactured reality where facts and truth are what he says they are and where nobody matters — but Trump.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

23

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS 'TAKE A KNEE' OUTSIDE CITY CALL NEW YORK, NY: Today at noon, a group of NYC City Council Members, including Speaker Mark-Viverito, joined Council Member Jumaane D Williams (D-Brooklyn) to take a knee in front of City Hall, in solidarity with the recent protests by professional athletes.

This act of solidarity comes as Donald Trump has launched repeated attacks against those who choose to protest against racial injustices, especially in policing, during the playing of the national anthem at sporting

events. In remarks made after kneeling the Council Members noted, however, that their kneel-in was not solely directed at the President's attack on the players, but on the underlying issues that initially spurred said players to protest. They also conveyed the sentiment that protesting is itself is a patriotic act, and has been proven so throughout American history.

Council Members Lancman, King, Reynoso, Rosenthal, Barron, Miller, Dromm, Rose, Menchaca, Lander, Perkins, Ferraras-Copeland, Van Bramer, and Richards joined Council Member Williams and Speaker Mark-

Fourteen City Council Members remained seated during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Photo Credit: William Alatriste)

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Speaker Mark-Viverito, and fourteen other City Council Members take a knee outside City Hall.

(Photo Credit: William Alatriste) sought to redirect attention to those Viverito in the kneel-in.

The Council Members then areas.

Following the kneel-in, there spoke about some of the issues being raised by the protesters. They made were also several City Council Memspecial note of the fact that the Presi- bers who remained seated during the dent is focusing much of his public Pledge of Allegiance in Council energy on the National Football Chambers. These included Council League rather than other essential is- Members Kosowitz, Reynoso, Levin, sues, including the humanitarian cri- Mendez, Rosenthal, Palma, King, sis in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Richards,Dromm, Barron, Miller, Islands in the wake of catastrophic Ferraras-Copeland, Lander, and hurricane damage. The members Williams.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ Re: President Trump’s Shameful Silence on Puerto Rico Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President John DeSio Communications Director

“Over the past week, President Trump has found the time to opine on the patriotism of the NFL and NASCAR, and to bring us to the brink of war with North Korea.

At the same time, 3.5 million American citizens are facing a humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico.

They do not have power, they lack basic necessities, and they are

pleading for our assistance.

“Yet despite their dire circumstances they have not heard a word from the president, not even a Tweet. Millions of Americans are facing a desperate moment, and President Trump cannot even pretend to care. This is a dereliction of duty,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 29, 2017

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN The Savior of Health Care

M

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

en make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better — Harry S. Truman

Although unfortunately battling an aggressive brain cancer, the 81-year-old U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona announced on Friday that he would oppose the latest proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act, (ACA/Obama Care), a signature piece of legislation championed by President Barack Obama. It is the same type of cancer that ended the career of another Lion of the Senate, Ted Kennedy, years ago.

A great majority of Americans do not realize that they have been enjoying many of Obamacare’s benefits, rights, and protections since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010, including: u Letting young adults stay on their parents’ plan until they are 26-years-old. u Preventing insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more based on health status. u Stopping insurance companies from dropping insureds when sick or if they make an honest mistake on their application, u Stopping gender discrimination.

u Stopping insurance companies from imposing unjustified rate hikes. u Doing away with life-time and annual dollar limits. u Giving insureds the right to a rapid appeal of insurance company decisions. u Expanding coverage to tens of millions by subsidizing health insurance costs through the Health Insurance Marketplaces (HealthCare.Gov and the state-run Marketplaces) u Expanding Medicaid to millions in states that chose to expand the program. u Providing tax breaks to small businesses for offering health insurance to their employees. u Requiring large businesses to insure employees. u Requiring all insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions. u Making CHIP easier for kids to get. u Improving Medicare for seniors. u Ensuring all plans cover minimum benefits like limits on cost sharing and 10 es-

sential benefits including free preventive care, OB-GYN services with no referrals, free birth control, and coverage for emergency room visits out-of-network.

Some have criticized the Act for causing premiums to rise because insurance companies now provide a wider range of benefits and cover people with pre-existing conditions, the mandate that everyone must have insurance passes the insured’s healthcare costs on to everyone, several new taxes were created to help pay for this law, (including taxes on medical devices and pharmaceuticals), for taking funding from savings in Medicare payments, and making enrollment more complicated.

Opponents of Obamacare complain that it has caused businesses with 50 or more fulltime employees to cut hours from employees’ schedules to avoid offering insurance or making payments to cover healthcare expenses for employees, thereby circumventing the 30-hour-per-week definition of a full-time employee.

However, although not perfect, the Act has fulfilled its primary goals of making affordable health insurance available to more people, providing consumers with subsidies (“premium tax credits”) that lower costs for households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, expanding the Medicaid program to cover all adults with income below 138% of the federal poverty level, and supporting innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care generally.

It can be improved on, but the solution is not to abruptly pull the rug under the feet of the many Americans with nothing in place, especially working families and the poor, who will suffer immensely. McCain, a former naval aviator who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war until 1973, inspired by typical courage and resilience that made him an American hero, rose to the occasion twice to bring sanity to the misguided attempt to repeal this law, leaving Republican leaders with little hope of succeeding in their last-ditch attempt to dismantle the health law and fulfill their

longstanding promise to conservative voters.

McCain’s bravery is underlined by the fact that, despite undergoing emergency craniotomy on July last to treat a deadly kind of brain cancer, he returned to Capitol Hill after Labor Day and kept his regular Senate work schedule, despite enduring painful chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The 2008 Republican Presidential nominee dramatically killed the last repeal effort hours after on the Senate battlefield, surely one of the bravest acts in global legislative history.

This time, he nipped the proposal in the bud, and announced his withdrawal of the essential vote needed from him, characterizing “his good conscience” and independent judgment.

In doing so, the Lion of the Senate left a legislative legacy to all Americans regarding the process they should follow in repealing and making laws, including holding hearings and formal bill-drafting procedures when he said, “We should not be content to pass health care legislation on a party-line basis, as Democrats did when they rammed Obamacare through Congress in 2009. If we do so, our success could be as short-lived as theirs when the political winds shift, as they regularly do. I believe we could do better working together, Republicans and Democrats, and have not yet really tried. Nor could I support it without knowing how much it will cost, how it will affect insurance premiums, and how many people will be helped or hurt by it. A bill of this magnitude requires a bipartisan approach.”

McCain has left a profound legacy and blueprint for good governance, bravery and legislative change which many representatives will do well to follow. Bravo, John McCain!

SENATOR JOHN McCain

Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Queens 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.

16 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Guyana Chronicle New Editi GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 28,York 2017

25

‘Medgar Evers’ buys into the hype – sells Guyana as ‘the next big oil producer in the Western Hemisphere’

By Svetlana Marshall in New York GUYANA-born Professor Dean Terrence Blackman was on Monday hailed as “a visionary” for inviting Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge, to the Medgar Evers College (MEC) to speak on the subject, ‘The Promise of Oil.’ “What he has done in inviting the vice-president to come here and speak to this community is of no small significance,” said MEC’s Director of the International Affairs Centre, Professor Eugene Pursoo.

“Today, whatever goes on here will be a part of the history of Medgar Evers Col-

Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (CUNY) in Brooklyn.

Though the forum was intended to address the promise of oil and its potential impact on Guyana’s developmental trajectory, it also created a platform for wide-ranging discussions on various topics, from the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to collaboration in the field of education and the Draft Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan.

Monday’s forum was inaugurated as a new offering from the School of Science Health and Technology, ‘Conversations with Dean Blackman.’

Dr Blackman explained

Dean Terrence Blackman addressing Monday’s ‘Promise of Oil’ forum at MEC. Seated left and right respectively are Professor Eugene Pursoo, the former Grenadian Ambassador to the United Nations, and Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Mr Carl Greenidge

Part of the audience at the ‘Promise of Oil’ forum in New York

lege,” he said, as he applauded Dr Blackman for taking such a bold and critical step.

Dr Blackman is the Dean of the School of Science, Health and Technology at

that his ‘conversations’ are intended to connect the college to issues of profound importance to the City of New York, the State of New York, the USA, and by ex-

tension the wider world.

“Our goal is to learn how our speakers are leveraging science, technology, global strategy and policy to connect young people to opportunities,” he explained.

He said it was on the basis of the significant developments unfolding here in Guyana that Minister Greenidge was asked to make a presentation.

“As many of you might be aware, Guyana is poised to become the next big oil producer in the Western Hemisphere, Dr Blackman said.

“The country is attracting the attention and investment dollars of some of the biggest oil companies in the world.

Experts now estimate that one of its offshore fields alone, known as Liza, could contain 1.4 billion barrels of oil, mixed with natural gas,

comparable to some of the larger fields drilled in South America,” he told his MEC colleagues.

He also used the opportunity to thank Minister Greenidge and the Government of Guyana for responding to his call.

Minister Greenidge, in addition to making an extensive presentation on the Guyana-Venezuela border issue, said petroleum, like all commodities which bring tremendous wealth, could also bring with it the potential for undermining public ethics.

“It is also true that for most of our citizens, they long for better standards of

Hague Conference opens Schoolboy killed bytoday falling

living, financial opportunities, economic opportunities and a social framework that allow them to fulfil their potential as individuals,” Minister Greenidge said.

“And therefore, the job of a policy-maker is to try and strike a balance; not strike a balance between corruption and these things, but strike a balance between development and the other challenges,” he told the room-full of students, professors and deans.

He said that although Guyana has sought to capitalise on timber, sugar, bauxite and gold among other resources, many of its people did not benefit significantly from the proceeds in the past. “One of the challenges that a government has, is to make sure that it manages its business, so that its people and their aspirations can be fulfilled, and that is really the challenge,” Minister Greenidge posited.

During the course of the evening, discussions were also held on an exchange education programme among schools and universities in Guyana and Medgar Evers.

Medgar Evers College is party to a Statement of Shared Interests with the University of Guyana. The two tertiary institutions have agreed, in writing, to explore ways in which they may be able to promote and develop academic cooperation within mutually acceptable fields.

goalpost

ventions related to children stakeholders involved will will be examined. These be the Private Sector Cominclude the Child Protec- mission and Chambers of tion Convention, Adoption Commerce, among others.

Convention and Abduction Last year, the conTHE Hague Conference Convention, among others. was held

By Private Shirley Thomas also receivedference a message from hisunder grandreportedly insisted, warning that of and Interna“ W e r e a l l y e n c o u r the theme, “International he would whip him if he did not mother who answered the phone, but was tional Law (HCCH) opens the to country to adopt Legalrushed Cotold thatFamily he had Law, died. They A six-year-old boy washokilled run, and so he wasage forced join not today at the Pegasus these very conventions forthe GPH. operation and Commerce; down to On arrival there, Stacy Wednesday morning when the others who were running. tel, Georgetown and will the protection children Promoting Human Rights is well into her pregnancy, became a goalpost collapsed on him But it was whilst Glensean of who see the United Nations rights in Guyana,” he said. and Cross-Border Trade tried while heFund was (UNICEF) training for was standing next to the goal- inconsolable, even as her husband Children HCCH keen on i nbut G u yina nvain a t h to r o ukeep g h t hher e school sports at the Plaisance post awaiting his turnThe to run that is desperately, seeking to convince local support tocalm.

Guyana Hague Conventions” One of his concerns was thatran her Community Centre Ground, tragedy struck. lending Eyewitnesses stakeholders to examine to assist in the process to crying from July 13-15. could afcontinued and agitation East Coast Demerara.that said that other children were several conventions see post the and conventions are sawand the possibly attendance of unborn It child induce The protect pupil, Glensean Skeete, playing around the a fect the would the interadopted labour. attorneys general and judgattended the St Paul’s Primary girl attempting toimplemented climb it hadandpremature ests of children. order to make es from CARICOM counSchool, alsodeputy locatedreprein Plaijust come down into whenlaw theinpost UNICEF The base of the death it available for Guyanese. tries; the wider Caribbean by UNICEF deputy representative, sance. At in theGuyana Georgetown gave away and fell on Glensesentative PaoloPub-Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, is flanked trap structure “Wenearby. will be tackling including Curaçao, Aruba, Paolo Marchi (left) and HHCH regional representative, Ignacio Goicoechea lic Hospital, the child an, who was standing Marchi said where the confab and the child’s mother, Tracy Children gave a graphic some ofaccount these conventions Turks and Caicos and the succumbed to to histhe injuries, is a follow up con- a Killed by goalpost: six-yearSkeete, had just moments bethat have wailing, held pregnant ference heremother, in JulyTracof what transpired after thebeen boy recommend- Cayman Islands and South the Attorney (AG) of counold General Glensean Skeeteence was held last year and 2016, a number ed b y th e in ter n atio n al American countries such as fore dropped him and two other ey Skeete, tried desperately last year, where there was to was struck to the ground “we introduced the world tries have come on board Chambers on support Wednesday, and other to the family, Chambers of siblings off to school.

However, come to terms with the news an opportunity to present But an inspection of theCommerce,” Brazil and Argentina. to the Marchi, who and was students accom- of teachers St. Hague convention.” including The Dominican Goicoechea said.

Local stakeholders intheir parents had earlier cauof the death 10 of her son. Her and discuss internaby members of the mepanied

by Primary HHCH regionSaudi Arabia.

Paul’s in their time This of time around, he Republic and structure AG Williams said they cluded members of the tioned them that they should not husband Glenroy was equally tional instruments aimed dia, showed that the post which said the meeting is to idenal representative Ignacio He said the HHCH welgrief. “President Granger and areofhoping to engage stake- local judiciary, the Child get involved in running for the the initiative inconsolable. at improving The the accident lives of ocwas made entirely four-inch tify and agree on various Goicoechea, said there are comes of the the Government of Guyana exholders andnoprovide the Care Protection Agensports.

Glensean signalledGeneral curred around 10:00hrs.

Guyanese. galvanised pipe was planted that were to behadAttorney many reasons all to conventions to gather tend sincere for condolences to his answers and outcomes they cy, the Bar Associations, that he had understood that According the workparents, In a messagetoofhim, condolence, deeper than four inches into togetherMr. to Glenroy make theandadopted Mrs. by stakeholders. the most important stake- are looking the for. the Guyana Association instruction and from holders all indicaplan is to David move Granger forward said President ground and was literally “an acThere will also be an imchildStacy protection instrument around the table Skeete, his siblings, other T h e c o n f e r e n c e w i l l of Women Lawyers, tions, repeatedly made it clear by allowing stakeholders he is deeply saddened to learn waiting to happen.” plementation of procedures to see whichcident available to allfriends, Guyanese. convention relatives, teachers and also address conventions non-governmental orthat he was not going to run. to which of those The Attorney of decide the death of Skeete.

The dead boy’s father, Glento accede to those conven- should be prioritised.

General students of the St.(AG) Paul’s Primasuch as the legal corpoganisations relating to However, a male teacher was instruments be Governpri- and ry,” message saidshould that the roy, said he was at work when tions, he said.

Minister of Legal AfHe said it is in fact a the message added. ration of commerce and children and the Private said to have called on him to run oritsed. ment of Guyana, through the heoccasion receivedfor a message that his Goicoechea said since very important fairs, Basil Williams revealed said Investigations that cross border issues.

The Sector Commission. and when he communicated his At a press conferencewill at be Ministry of Education was coninjured and was at the thefor last meeting in July UNICEF as child the international several the school wasconferpractising working to provide psychosocial its Annual Inter-House Sports parents’ instruction, the teacher hospital. Likewise, his mother

To advertise in this newspaper call Dennis at: 917-379-6590

26 14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 26,2017 2017

Caria Caria celebrates Heritage Day --with cultural explosion of dance, poetry, acoustic music

By Michel Outridge DOZENS of visitors joined residents of Caria Caria, on the Essequibo River on Sunday as they celebrated Amerindian Heritage Day in that community.

The event saw a cultural explosion of dance, poetry and acrostic music, coupled with the vending of Amerindian wines, beverages, and foods from the various booths that were specially constructed for the occasion.

In the absence of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, his representative, Mr Ashton Simon said Caria Caria is a model community, and it is only fitting that Amerindian Heritage was celebrated there with such fanfare, given the large turnout of both residents and visitors.

Simon, who is also President of the National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF), said the organisation has done a lot of behindthe-scenes work with its leaders in an effort to develop the community.

He also stressed the need for all-weather roads, electricity and potable water in the riverine community, the main source of income of which is from logging, farming and mining.

Guests also heard from the representative of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), as well as several other invitees who were part of the head table on Sunday during the cultural presentation at Caria Caria.

Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC), Everton Gibson said the organisation consists of 10 members, all of whom are tasked with overseeing the development of the village which has about 300 residents.

The Lake Mainstay/Whyaka troupe doing the “Curri-Curri” dance at Sunday’s Heritage Day celebrations

Caria Caria lasses

BRIEF HISTORY Giving a brief history of Caria Caria, Gibson said the village has been in existence since 1820 or thereabouts, back when it was run by the Dutch, and the church played a key role in education.

He said that for recreation these days, the children would play outdoor games such as cricket and football. He also spoke about the need for police presence in the village since there are about three bars there.

Bars aside, he said the community boasts several churches, a health centre, a community centre and playground, and a nursery school and Annexe.

Caria Caria is home to a mostly mixed-race peoples of Amerindian, Portuguese, East Indian and African descent.

The Resident Nurse, Everey Sampson, who was a vendor at one of the booths, told the Guyana Chronicle that she has been holding that post for 19 years. She too spoke about the various needs of the community, one of which is roads.

She also hinted at the need for potable water, as every now and again, there is an outbreak of typhoid and diarrhoea in the village, because the water they use is sourced from either the Essequibo River or rainfall.

Sampson was selling her fresh supply of Paiwari, golden apple wine and sarsaparilla wine, along with generous helpings of fried rice and BBQ chicken at the Caria Caria Heritage Day celebrations.

Cecilia Craig, a teacher at the village school, said that among their immediate needs are toys for the smaller children, teaching aids, stationery and other school supplies.

She stated, too, that they also are in need of fuel for the boat which was donated by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, which is used for the transport of schoolchildren.

The various alcoholic and other beverages that were on sale Sunday

Fort Island Medex, Preetty Debideen and Jeanette Hohenkirk

OVERSEAS VISITORS At the Caria Caria Heritage Day celebrations was Clyde Matthews, a Canada-based Guyanese who was visiting and was very pleased with the atmosphere, which was one of obvious celebration and togetherness.

Yvonne Jacobs, who journeyed with her extended-family from West Coast Demerara to Caria Caria, had her hand-made embroidery, fabric painting and craft products on sale.

Originally from Saxacalli, some 25 miles upriver from Parika, Jacobs said that because her husband is from Caria Caria, she took the family to experience what Heritage Day is like there.

Sharlene Sampson, who resides at Caria Caria, told this publication that life in the remote village is bearable, once you’re prepared to work, since there isn’t much folks there can do for a living.

She had steaming pots of pepperpot labba, hymara, BBQ Chicken, fried rice, chips and various beverages on sale.

The Guyana Chronicle also caught up with Jenette Hohenkirk, who had on sale rice and golden apple wines, paiwari, ‘Fly’, ite palm, cashew and plantain wines, along with various types of seasoned rice with BBQ chicken, deer, labba, wild hog and wild cow.

Being a resident, she said Caria Caria is a very peaceful and quiet place to live, and that come this time every year, she gets to put her culinary skills to the test.

Preetty Debideen, who is the resident Medex for Fort Island and a member of NADF, said she is originally from Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini) but has been living on the island for the past 15 years.

She said that Wakenaam is the closet police station to Fort Island which is located in the Essequibo River and is about an hour’s ride by speedboat to Caria Caria

:Caria Caria Village, on the Essequibo River

Heritage Day guests

Yvonne Jacobs displaying her wares on Sunday

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 29, 2017

Fighting fire with fire

27

Guyana Fire Service's first female appliance driver, Melesia Martin

By Jamall Adams BEING dominant or productive in the work environment is no longer based on your sex or where you grew up. In today's society, many career choices have no gender, since persons have decided to fight against the norms of what society once labelled or expected. Melesia Martin is a perfect example of this, and has been inspiring women over the years through her efficiency and productivity causing her to become Guyana's first female appliance driver within the Guyana

Fire Service.

Melesia was born and raised in Guyana and grew up in a family home on Princess Street. She is the third of six siblings and has always played a major role when it comes to being a positive influence among her siblings.

Growing up, she attended the South Road Nursery School and it was there where she got her first encounter, of witnessing firefighters in action. One Monday morning while on her way to school, Melissa witnessed the building just opposite her school engulfed in flames.

She explained how excited

she was to see the men in action, never imagining that she would ever take up that career path.

Melesia then went on to attend St Angela’s Primary School where she aspired to become a dentist. But unfortunately, this particular dream was short-lived.

While attending St Johns College, later on, Melesia had yet another first-hand experience of firefighting, this time it came from a school trip to the Guyana Fire Service's Central Georgetown location. This trip was the school's effort to educate the students about the daily activities of the Guyana Fire Service.

After the school visit, Melesia was enthusiastic about becoming a firefighter, based on the knowledge about firefighting, which she would've gained from being at the fire station. She then went home and told her dad about her new aspirations and was immediately encouraged to follow this career path.

"Because of the fact that my father was in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), he always had a desire to see me become a part of a disciplined service in Guyana.

So when I told him about my fire-fighting dreams, he was more than happy to support this choice," Melesia told the Pepperpot Magazine. She then added that her father had always encouraged her to pay close attention to the need for knowledge on fire prevention which is very important in our society.

After graduating high school and even with her father’s support and encouragement, Melesia was still a little hesitant about joining the service immediately.

"I guess I was afraid to join the service at such a young age, because it was a male- dominated [profession]," Melesia said. She then explained that she began working and was basically job-hopping, which proved to be a "miserable" period of her life.

In February of 2016, Melesia was accepted into the Guyana Fire Service as a firefighter and Control Room attendant. As a Control Room attendant, she was

United and strong THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has sought to remind Guyanese of the integral role it has played in the development of the country, at a time when the social and economic fabric of the society was at an all-time low.

And even as the party prepares to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee in October, it has laid bare its contribution to the leadership, service, fellowship and stewardship to the people of Guyana.

The party will celebrate its anniversary on October 5 under the theme: “United and Strong: Sixty years on.”

At a press conference on

Friday to announce the activities, PNC General-Secretary and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, said under the government of the PNC administrations between 1964 and 1992, Guyana experienced not only a significant political and constitutional advancement, but “an unprecedented nation-building efforts [sic] in every aspect of human endeavor.”

She said when the PNC entered office in 1964, the country was a broken nation.

“After losing the elections, Dr. Jagan refused to demit office as premier. He had to be removed via an Order-in-Council by the British Crown. This behaviour was

PNC General-Secretary Amna Ally

preceded while Dr. Jagan was premier by violence, racial strife, labour disputes, and

responsible for answering calls and dispatching appliances to emergency locations. She has since worked her way up to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a heavy-duty driver in the service, making her the first female to drive a fire appliance, in the history of the Guyana Fire Service.

"Learning to properly operate the fire appliance was a task I knew I was capable of doing it, with the right amount of patience and practice," she said. She then added that after receiving her appliance licence, she felt privileged and honoured to be able to serve her country on a broader scale than she

was already doing. Melesia further expressed how overwhelmed she was to fit in so well in a male-dominated position and knowing that this move has allowed her to make history so that even after she passes on, her legacy will remain.

When asked about the challenges she faces as a woman who's working in a profession where men outnumber women, Melesia said, "I won't say there are challenges, because in the service we're treated as one, we're thought about teamwork, no one person is left to get it done on their own."

She added, "As a female in the service you receive a lot of attention, people tend to have more respect for you because it's kind of unbelievable to most persons that a woman can actually fight fires and perform the daily duties of a fire-fighter."

Melesia is currently stationed at the Central Fire Station on Water Street, Stabroek, and has pledged to make fire-fighting her lifelong career path. She's very optimistic when it comes to the endless possibilities that exist for a woman, even in this particular career.

Melesia encourages others to "Believe in yourself and keep trusting God's timings. Do not be discouraged or let anyone tell you it can't be done. I've done amazing things as a woman and so can anyone else, regardless of your sex, sexual orientation, culture or race. Always remember that anything is possible."

-- PNC prepares to celebrate 60 years

ideological polarisation; and Dr. Jagan left the treasury bare!” Ally said.

According to her, the priority policy objectives made clear by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the PNC included healing the racial wounds; reconciliation and peace; structured national and economic and social development; and working towards political independence.

In these, she said, the political party was successful.

She said the PNC government also had a “tremendous track record.” She said the physical, educational, economic, cultural and political infrastructures of Guyana were built between

1964 and 1975.

All of the major housing schemes, arterial roads, drainage and irrigation schemes were built while the PNC was in government, she relayed.

Speaking more of the developments under the PNC government, Ally highlighted the establishment of several financial and defence institutions, including the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana National Cooperative Bank, the Guyana Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank and the Guyana State Corporation, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Youth Corps, the Guyana National Service and

the Guyana People’s Militia to guard and defend the new nation’s territorial integrity.

In education and culture, the party saw the construction of a new teacher’s training college, the University of Guyana campus at Turkeyen, technical institutions in New Amsterdam and Georgetown and multilateral schools along the coast.

In housing, she said potable water supply, sea and river defences and drainage and irrigation projects were also a major priority. For social and cultural development, Ally said the PNFC government introduced free education from nursery to university.

England seal series despite Lewis, Joseph career-bests

Pacer Alzarri Joseph made repeated breakthroughs to put West Indies on top. (Getty Images)

LONDON, England (CMC) – Evin Lewis’s sublime career-best hundred and Alzarri Joseph’s maiden five-wicket haul both proved in vain as West Indies crashed to a six-run defeat under Duckworth/ Lewis in the fourth OneDay International, to concede the five-match series to England here yesterday.

Chasing a difficult 357

for victory at the Oval following Lewis’s 176, England were 258 for five in the 36th over – ahead of the D/L par score of 252 – when the adverse weather drove players from the field at 19:35hrs (2:35 Eastern Caribbean time).

With the drizzles persisting, officials called play off at 20:10hrs , leaving a disappointed West Indies

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c Root b Woakes 2 E. Lewis ret. hurt 176 S. Hope c wkp. Buttler b Woakes 11 M. Samuels lbw b Woakes 1 J. Mohammed c wkp. Buttler b Rashid 46 J. Holder c Billings b Plunkett 77 R. Powell not out 28 Extras: (lb-3, w-12) 15 Total: (5 wkts, 50 overs) 356 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-19, 3-33, 4-150, 4-318, 5-356.

Bowling: Woakes 10-0-71-3, Ball 10-0-68-0, Plunkett 10-0-67-1, Moeen Ali 9-1-70-0, Root 1-0-10-0, Rashid 10-0-67-1.

ENGLAND innings J. Roy c wkp. Hope b Joseph 84 J. Bairstow c wkp. Hope b Joseph 39 J. Root c wkp. Hope b Joseph 14 E. .Morgan c sub. (K Hope) b Joseph 19 J. Buttler not out 43 S. Billings c Gayle b Joseph 2 M. Ali not out 48 Extras: (lb-4, w-3, nb-2) 9 TOTAL (5 wkts, 35.1 overs) 258 Fall of wickets: 1-126, 2-144, 3-157, 4-177, 5-181.

Bowling: Taylor 7-0-48-0, Holder 9-0-52-0, Joseph 8.10-56-5, Cummins 6-0-49-0, Nurse 3-0-39-0, Powell 2-010-0.

with their sixth straight ODI series defeat to England and without a tour victory over a higher-ranked side in five years.

This statistic seemed destined to change when the Caribbean side romped to 356 for five off their 50 overs – their fourth highest total in ODIs and highest-ever against England.

The charge was led by Lewis while captain Jason Holder lashed a career-best 77, Jason Mohammed struck 46 and Rovman Powell, a cameo unbeaten 28 at the end.

England seemed on course to complete their highest-ever successful run chase when opener Jason Roy stroked a top score of 84 in an opening stand of 126 with Jonny Bairstow who made 39.

But fast bowler Joseph intervened with an outstanding spell to claim five for 56 to haul West Indies back into the contest by reducing England to 181 for five in the 28th over.

However, Moeen Ali proved the Windies tormentor again, hammering an unbeaten 48 in a 77-run sixth-wicket stand with Jos Buttler who made 43 not out, to get England ahead of the required rate with rain looming in the distance.

England now lead the se-

ries 3-0 with the final match of the series carded for the Ageas Bowl tomorrow.

Sent in, the innings belonged to Lewis as he dominated England’s bowlers before finally being stretchered off in the 47th over after driving a full-length delivery from pacer Jake Ball into his ankle.

He lost talismanic partner Chris Gayle for two to the fourth ball of the innings, the veteran left-hander edging seamer Chris Woakes to Joe Root at first slip with two runs on the board.

Lewis then watched as West Indies slid to 33 for three in the seventh over, losing Shai Hope (11) and Marlon Samuels (1) cheaply.

The 25-year-old lefthander dug deep to produce an innings of class, stroking 17 fours and seven sixes off 130 deliveries, carving out the fourth-highest individual score by a West Indies batsman in ODIs. Significantly, he put on 117 for the fourth wicket with Mohammed who faced 71 balls and counted four boundaries before adding a further 168 with Holder in a record stand for the fifth wicket.

Lewis reached his half-century off 52 deliveries in the 20th over before accelerating to reach his second ODI century off 94 balls, when he swung Woakes to the fine leg boundary in the 35th over.

With his landmark safely behind him, Lewis launched a stunning assault, with a

The aggressive Evin Lewis reached his second ODI hundred off 94 balls. In all he hit 17 fours and seven sixes in his unbeaten 176.

pair of sixes off pacer Liam Plunkett in the 40th over and nearly single-handedly smashing 25 off the 44th over from off-spinner Moeen Ali as he motored past 150.

He lost Mohammed in the 29th over caught at the wicket off Rashid but found an ally in Holder to reset the fifth-wicket record for the Windies in ODIs. Holder, dropped on three by opposite number Eoin

Morgan at cover in the 30th over off Plunkett, blasted four fours and four sixes in a 62-ball cameo before perishing to the final ball of the innings.

When injury forced Lewis out with the charge on, Powell belted a pair of fours and sixes in a 15-ball knock as West Indies posted 131 runs off the last 10 overs.

Woakes was the best bowler with three for 71.

Evin Lewis ruled out for 2-3 weeks with fractured ankle

Evin Lewis had to be taken off on a stretcher and was later diagnosed with a hairline fracture. (AFP)

WEST Indies opening batsman Evin Lewis has been ruled out of the fifth and final One Day International (ODI) against England after being diagnosed with a fractured ankle.

On Tuesday Lewis cracked an impressive 176 from 130 balls, falling short of being just the sixth player in ODI history to score a double century. The savage Lewis smashed seven sixes and 17 fours, but eventually blasted a delivery from fast bowler Jake Ball into his ankle and had to leave the field before potentially being the first player to score a double ton in an ODI on English soil.

The medics remained on the pitch for several minutes to at-

tempt to treat Lewis, but it was soon clear that the player could take no further part in the encounter. Cricket West Indies has since confirmed that the Lewis suffered a hairline fracture on his right ankle, which will keep him out of action for two to three weeks.

Lewis’ assault on the English bowling attack powered the regional team to 356 for 5, recovering from a poor start that had seen them lose their first three wickets inside the first seven overs.

England, however, went on to win the match by 6 runs via the Duckworth/Lewis method and in the process claimed an unassailable 3-0 lead with one match remaining. (Sportsmax.com)