Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 09 12 2016

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â– Cameraman Adrian Narine snapped a shot of APNU+AFC parliamentarians taking a break in the lounge at Parliament Buildings on Thursday. Instead of snacks they seem to be devouring the contents of the weekly New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. From left: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence; Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes and Minister of Finance Winston Jordan.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Three-year-old burnt vietim heading for school after US surgeries After three successful skin grafting surgeries in the

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United States, the resilient five-year-old, Ranie Rogers, who was severely burnt in the head could L

be heading for school come January.

On May 23, 2014, 16-months-old to the United State on October 14,2016.

Ranie Rogers, sustained serious bums to The organisation further said that, her head, face, and arms, when a portable "Ranie's travels to and from the United kerosene stove fell on her. The baby was States were sponsored by JetBlue and rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Dynamic International Airways. While Corporation (GPHC) for treatment and in the United States, she had three sepawas said to have received two separate rate skin graft surgeries, all of which skin graft surgeries from that institution. were successful."

However, Ranie's condition did not improve as her body rejected the grafted skin and she was left with an open head wound for approximately one and a half years. The child's parents, in public statements had spoken of the hardships in caring for her, since their biggest fear was that she could have contracted some infection because of the open wound.

US-based Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), a humanitarian organization, took up the challenge and came to Ranie and her family's aid, after public appeals for assistance were made.

According to the organisation's official website, (www.savinghandsemer.gencyaid.com), within one month of taking on Ranie's case, the charity was • successful in securing pro-bono medical services, a medical visa for Ranie, coordinated all travel, housing and all other treatment related needs. She then traveled

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Ranie spent a total of four weeks in treatment and returned to Guyana on December 2, 2016. She is expected to be back in the US in June of 2017 for further treatment, including reconstmctive and cosmetic surgeries.

Young Rogers is now three-yearsold and currently lives with her parents Shawnette Lyken and Rol Rogers, who provide around the clock care for her, the organization said. Reports are that the child's family is eager to get her in school, since the ordeal had prevented her from doing so. She is expected to be attending Peter's Hall Nursery School.

SHEA stated that, "proper medical treatment is essential to anyone who has suffered from bum injuries. For a small child, the lack of medical care could mean the difference between life and death," and that is why the charity accepted Ranie's case and began advocating on her behalf.

SHEA Inc. provides financial assistance and coordinates free or low cost treatment to address the emergency medical needs of individuals in impoverished countries. The agency said it began in Guyana and the Caribbean, but

is seeking to expand to other geographic areas in need, as funds become available. They support and empower patients who cannot afford crucial medical treatment due to poverty or lack of appropriate services in their home nation.

Remittances not affected by low foreign exchange reserve Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has sought to restore confidence that there is no crisis involving the country's foreign exchange,

contrary to what has heen published in one of the local dailies.

With Christmas right around the corner, concerns were growing since among the issues being addressed is an

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allegation that commercial banks were not allowing remittances to the US. In a public release from the government's information department. Minister Jordan was quoted as saying that.

There is no shortage of foreign exchange in Guyana, the reserves at the Bank of Guyana have improved from approximately US$598M at the end of 2015 to about US$625M at present, an increase of US$28M." It was stated that a number of local banks had con-

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firmed that, for the first time in years, they were restricting customers who want to remit large sums of money abroad to pay for services and goods .It claimed that (continued on page 3)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

U.S.,

3

Cuba hold fifth bilateral common meeting in Havana law enforcement and environmental issues.

In the last 18 months, the United States and Cuba concluded 11 non-binding agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding on health, cancer research, agriculture, environmental cooperation, hydrography, marine protected areas, counternarcotics, federal air marshals, civil aviation, and direct transportation of mail.

In the coming weeks, the United States and Cuba are expected to sign agreements formalizing cooperation on law enforcement, conservation, seismology, meteorology, search and rescue, and oil spill response protocols.

The United States and Cuba have coordinated a number of high-level visits, including that of President Obama in March 2016, seven cabinet-level officials, and Dr. Jill Biden.

Seven U.S. Governors from New York, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Virginia, Missouri, and West Virginia have led trade delegations to Cuba since April 2015.

More than 80 members of the Congress, both Democrats and Republicans have visited Cuba in the last two years.

Havana [Cuba], Dec. 8 (ANI); The United States and Cuba held the fifth Bilateral Conunission meeting in Havana yesterday and reviewed the achievements of the commission since diplomatic relations were re-established in July 2015.

The U.S. delegation was led by acting differences in a clear, productive, and reAssistant Secretary of State for Western spectful manner.

Hemisphere Affairs Mari Carmen Aponte.

The dialogues and working groups that fall under the Bilateral Commission Embassy Havana Charge d'Affaires Jeffrey DeLaurentis and Deputy Assistant framework have allowed the United States Secretary John Creamer also attended for and Cuba to establish working relationships with counterparts, which are essential to the United States.

The Cuban delegation was led by continued bilateral cooperation, advanceForeign Ministry's Director General for ment of U .S. interests, and progress toward normalization.

U.S. Affairs Josefina Vidal.

The delegations agreed that the BilatThe Commission has prioritised and eral Commission has provided a frame- sequenced a number of bilateral initiatives work for discussion of a wide range of since its first quarterly meeting in Novemissues where U.S. and Cuban interests ber 2015. align, including on counternarcotics, The United States and Cuba have eshealth, and environmental issues. tablished dialogues on law enforcement, The United States and Cuba have claims, human rights, and economic and made important strides for the benefit of regulatory issues, and have continued both peoples. biannual Migration Talks.

The two sides also agreed where the The Bilateral Commission has protwo countries have disagreements, includ- vided a framework to address trafficking ing on human rights. in persons and the return of fugitives, as The two countries articulated those well as to schedule technical exchanges on

many for the first time.

Purposeful travel by Americans to Cuba increased by approximately 75 percent from 2014 to 2015.

Ten U.S. airlines now provide scheduled service between U.S. and Cuban cities, and Carnival cruises are docking in several Cuban cities, further connecting the U.S. and Cuban people.

Under the Bilateral Commission, the United States and Cuba expanded educational and cultural exchanges.

The number of Cubans studying in the United States increased 63 percent in academic year 2015-16.

More than 2,000 U.S. students visited Cuba as part of their academic program in academic year 2014-15.

The United States welcomed first Cuban Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow to the United States.

Four U.S. cellular providers offer roaming service in Cuba, further connecting Cuba and the United States.

The United States is looking forward to host the next Bilateral Commission meeting in Washington, DC at the earliest opportunity.

(ANI)

Remittances not affected by low foreign exchange reserve (from on page 2) banks were calling on cambios and each other for supplies and the shortage was exacerbated by a number of factors, "not least among them the severing of ties of a number of foreign banks with local financial institutions."

This matter of derisking by US banks was hot on the Caribbean agenda since regional leaders saw the pull out of American banks as trouble for their country's financial system. Already the cost of sending money to the US from Guyana has doubled since alternate banks have to be used to let Guyana into the American financial system.

Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobin Ganga stated that, "There is no for-

last year. You can see therefore that there is an increase in foreign exchange availability from the holdings," Dr. Ganga asserted.

With regard to the issue of difficulties of remitting monies, Dr. Ganga dismissed the assertion and assured that there is no problem and confirmed that all commercial banks in Guyana have at least one corresponding international bank.

creased their foreign exchange holdings. In 2015 they had a gross holding of US$357M, as of September 2016 it was US$388.4M and we are expecting the commercial banks to hold approximately US$403M by the end of the year."

"The Bank of Guyana had US$598M at the end of 2015, currently we are holding close to US$625M which is much more than

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Ganga and Jordan also spoke on the claims about Caribbean currencies flooding the economy, particularly Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. While the officials acknowledged that this is a situation that exists, they both indicated that it was not a need for alarm since measures are in place to address the matter and to allow the flow of the various currencies in a normal way.

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are just a few of our specialties BOG Governor Gobin Ganga eign currency crisis looming in Guyana The fact is we have a net supply of foreign currency in the system, so there should be no depreciation of the currency by any significant amount." "It is not a situation where there is a piling up of demand for foreign exchange at the commercial banks" Dr. Ganga continued.

He said, "Commercial banks have in-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

GUYANA

The Zena Henry Column With just about two weeks to go, the Capital Georgetown in particular, is already going crazy with excited Christmas shoppers. Many of them women of course, willing to prowl the entire city in search of the best curtains, carpets, rugs and many other home accessories.

9

It's usually a buzz here. Even outside of the capital, shoppers are stocking up and getting ready for the holidays; to enjoy the festive season with friends and family. They will ensure that they have their ginger beer, sorrel, pepper pot, black cake and of course lots of liquor to wash them down. It is expected that the food and drinks will be in abundance. It's always around this time that somethings never feels too lavish to have, too expensive or over-the-top. Many who celebrate the season, believe that only the best is given at this time and for those who can't afford the expensive gifts, it is really not the gift "but the thought that counts."

that is, especially now that Guyana's name is 'ringing' on the international stage. Already there has been an increase in foreigners coming to our country. It is so noticeable, it can seen on the streets.

You can see the European visitors popping up in many places in the city, especially in areas such as City Hall, the courts and other historical sites taking photos.

More foreigners will also be coming to our country for the season. A lot of them will be overseas-based Guyanese coming to spend the Christmas season in Guyana. Many of them usually take this opportunity to escape from the cold weather, preferring to have their ginger beer in a much cooler climate. In other cases, some will visit Guyana during this festive season to see what it is all about,

This is already a strong indicator of what is to come after Guyana's commercial production of oil. It has been said, many times before, that Guyana will see an influx of visitors, when the oil starts to pour ... it is already happening. It is Christmas and foreigners are already lining the streets of Guyana stocking up on what they will need for the season.

The Cubans are spending thousands of US dollars in our stores in Georgetown on a daily basis, as they buy many of the items they find hard to get at home. Our South American counterparts are also making frequent visits to the country.

Guyana's Christmas is no ordinary

one however. The criminals are on the prowl, the traffic madness has started and lobbying for purchases from vendors can become overwhelming. Parking is usually a dramatic affair, but with parking meters soon to come on stream in the city, this will well help the traffic dilemma.

your neck. I advise you to hold your pocket books close and keep your wallets in the front pocket. Leaving the jewelry at home may very well be a good idea too. This is not because Guyana is a bad place, it is because bad people can be found everywhere.

Like any location, where it is a hustle and bustle, the pick pockets and thieves are there; to relieve you of your gold chain or ring without you even knowing, because you were so caught up in buying that particular curtain, or the crowd is so large and you are bumping into everyone that you never felt the ring slip off your finger or the chain leaving

To some extent, the core treat of Christmas is to do "good." While doing "good" should be a year round affair, it is believed that hearts get bigger and hands get freer around the Christmas holidays.

Some become more considerate and mindful of how they speak and treat each other, and you know what they say, "it's the season for sharing." In many cases Guyanese commit acts of selflessness, a trait that might work in making this country great if it is exhibited a little more.

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However, when spending Christmas in Guyana, look out for "d sport." It will be music, dancing, lots of movement and maybe a bit too much drinking, all done on the streets. Any important business that can wait until Christmas is over, should better wait until then. The closer the festive season gets, the closer persons get to their celebratory stage.

The Christmas parties will be taking place all over the country, especially those huge company parties that usually see some willing to give an arm and leg to get into, the clubs and house parties.

But when it is all said and done there is nothing like Christmas Day when you sit at home with the family enjoying everything that is fine or the best that can be afforded. On that day the food is excellent, fit for a royal family and almost anything desired is available.

Very few people are on the road on Christmas Day. Sometimes, they might only be there heading to a friend or family' house to get in on the Christmas lunch; and why not when enjoying Christmas in Guyana.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016 □

5

The Handel

Things

That

Bother

Me

Andrews Column

Donald

Trump's

China policy

The United States has the world's largest economy and China the second largest. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that China's economy has overtaken that of United States in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Thus, the state of partnership existing between these two giants is helpful for world peace, security and economic prosperity. World leaders and academics consider it as "the world's most important bilateral relationship of the century." Would a Trump E

Presidency derail this state of affairs? Judging by his recent phone call to Taiwan'a President and his threats about China trade, it seems likely.

TRADE fallen into a trade-induced downThe President-elect has spoken loudly and clearly about his trade policy towards China. What bothers me is that this policy seems to ignore consequences.

It is a fact that China's economy has grown rapidly because of its focus on low-cost manufacturing for foreign markets. Exports to the US soared even more after the country joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001. American businesses and consumers bought $481.9 billion in Chinese goods in 2015, about one-fifth of all US imports and the most from any country. Mr. Trump believes that China is undercutting US Manufacturers.

A 2016 NY Times article estimates that manufacturing employment in the United States has fallen sharply. A 2013 study estimated that China's rise had eliminated at least one million domestic factory jobs.

Mr. Trump proposes a 45% tax on Chinese imports to solve this problem. Experts are sharply divided concerning the effects of this policy.

Jim Tankersley, writing in the Washington Post states, "They would, in fact, sock it to China and Mexico.

Both would fall into recession, the model suggests, if Trump levied his proposed tariffs and those countries retaliated with tariffs of their own.

Unfortunately, the United States would fall into recession, too. Up to 4 million American workers would lose their jobs. Another 3 million jobs would not be created that otherwise would have been, had the country not

turn."

Mr. Trump seems to believe that threatening China would make China modify its economic policies. This is the same kind of gunboat policies the US adopted in the 40s and 50s and got away with. We live in a different world dominated by globalisation and all economies are intertwined.

Instead of a policy of intimidation, Mr. Trump should imitate President Obama's policy of engagement.

r# PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP described the discussion as a "petty action" by Taiwan. The White House

warned that the call between Mr (See page 20)

ONE CHINA POLICY President-elect Trump's unwise phone call with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is frightening, to say the least. It signals that when he takes office in January 2017, he might deviate from America's long-standing "One-China" policy.

The One-China policy affirms that there is one China of which Taiwan is part. Taiwan calls itself the Republic of China (ROC) and the other part of China calls itself the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

The US does not recognize PRC's claim over Taiwan; but it does not consider Taiwan as a Sovereign State. Its status is described as unsettled. Since 1971, all US Presidents have articulated this policy.

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Minutes after Trump's 10minute call, China's state-run CCTV issued a statement saying that the President-elect had made "an unprecedented break with the OneChina Policy and accepted US-Mainland protocol. China's foreign Ministry protested the call and

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016 n bpaiL ^

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I tlilor In < hict Nigel Williams Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com Kiiigcl 10cÂŤi hotnijil.com gnnlcditorialcu gmail.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Teh 917-379-6590

Ctitorial

Miscarriage

of

justice

OUR December 6 edition carried a story of a 35-yearold woman who was found guilty of child neglect at the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court.

From the court's report, this young woman has 13 children and was charged with three counts of child neglect of her children, ages: five, seven and 10. She has been fined $100,000 for each child, which together is $300,000. or six months imprisonment. Anita, the woman's call name, told the magistrate she cannot afford to pay the fine and opted to serve the time in prison. In getting a clearer picture of this woman's biodata from the hearing, she is employed as a domestic, shares her home with a partner/husband, and is living with four of her children, including a three-month-old baby. The three children whom the court ruled that she neglected, were thankfully taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital for treatment.

In an examination of this case, there is obviously more to it than that of child neglect, which is a transgression of the Rights of the Child and an offence under the law that once found guilty the offender pays the penalty.

From this standpoint, one may think that the police and the court would have done their jobs. But has the wider society, including the institutions of state, done theirs.

Anita is a product of our society and her case should be examined on the basis of the existing circumstances.

Neglect of children, while it is an offence, has to be examined within the context of support institutions that are in place to prevent same and ensure future protection.

Being unrepresented ~ and it is reasonable to assume this had to do with her economic circumstance as a domestic, and/or the failure of the state to offer/provide her with legal assistance for representation- can be considered as a miscarriage of justice. In cases of this nature, it requires not reading the law to the letter, but understanding the circumstances that surround the entire issue, and making decisions based on same.

At a psychosocial level, it is not known if this woman had interaction with care-providers such a social worker. or was sent for medical evaluation. Could she be suffering from stress or post-partum depression? It was important that these issues should have been factored

tactics

- Harmons calls out PPPfor rebellion against order

By Rabindra Rooplall THE opposition mindset is rebellious against order as under their stewardship the country was in a state of lawlessness, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told the National Assembly Tuesday in his budget presentation.

"Mr. Speaker the complaints by the opposition that the budget is murderous and it would lead to suicide and other forms of violence portrays an opposition mindset of a rebellion against order." he said.

In giving an example of the lawlessness. Minister Harmon explained that licences were granted to persons who were not qualified to use the roadways.

"This has wreaked carnage on our roadways and yet we wonder why there are so many deaths, when examined those persons that were given licence did not even go through the test."

Harmon said.

Harmon said that such an environment of lawlessness was the hallmark of the PPP administration. He further said that the scare tactics used under the PPP is wellknown. "The PPP always, and continue to utilise fear as an element of control of their dwindling support base.

Mr. Speaker they aim to galvanise their support-base for congress, which is scheduled for next week, and that is what it's all about." Harmon said. He emphasized that Guyanese will recall similar language at the time of the debate on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill in the 10th Parliament.

CHOIR BOYS "They mobilise the same choir boys that you hear singing about the budget. It was doom and gloom if the opposition at that time did not agree to the PPP provisions in the bill. All across this country Mr. Speaker they went about scaring

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i Minister of State, Joseph Harmon people." Harmon reflected. " They were telling them business will shut down, no money transfer can come in. that contractors cannot walk around with more than US$10,000 to pay their workers because the provisions under the law were making it possible for a senior police officer to seize their money."

Harmon continued: "So Mr. Speaker the PPP and the small 'C is a party that has been known to raise the specter of violence to gather in the flock, and now it is no different as they attempt to vilify a well-crafted budget for their narrow political agenda." "Withdraw the budget is the rallying call for a party whose numbers are dwindling." Harmon charged even as he referenced Finance Minister Winston Jordon's remarks that the government has made a budgetary allocation of almost $1B to implement a series of renewable energy

in and form part of the evidence leading to conviction or not. There was a case in October of similar nature to Anita. in which another mother had abandoned her baby. She was found guilty, and fined $100,000 or face three months imprisonment. This newspaper did an editorial titled "Child endangerment charge." addressing the issue.

No excuse is being made for either of these women or any woman who chooses to act in like manner. At the same time, the society, most notably the institutions of state, cannot ignore what is seemingly a behavioural pattern, that should it be properly examined and attended to can be eliminated.

In Anita's case, nine of her children are not living with her.

This suggests that persons have provided her with some of the support she needed. But for the four children she has. she

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SOLAR FARM Additionally. Harmon reminded the house that under the renewable energy programme in 2017 there will be a solar energy farm on a large scale in Mabaruma.

This, he said will result in an overall annual savings of $193M and avoided carbon dioxide emissions of 1.674 tonnes per year.

Harmon said budget 2017 is a continuum of the programmes and policies which started in 2015 aimed at strengthening institutions and restoring confidence.

"These are works in progress even as we address the building of a diversified economy of a good life for all. Mr. Speaker the budget is demonstrative of the strength of government to take hard decisions to build our economy." he opined.

Speaking of the President's vision and develop-

ment in agriculture. Harmon said climate resistant agriculture, eco-tourism.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the promotion of renewable energy generation will ensure a diversified and resilient economy, while promoting green growth, green employment and a secure, clean and healthy environment for future generations. "The importance of the green agenda Mr. Speaker is underscored by the fact that the institutional arrangements for its realisation fall within the remit of the Department of the Environment within the Ministry of the Presidency and therefore under the direct supervision of his Excellency the President."

Harmon said.

Further. Harmon said under the PPP it was the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and it was equivalent to environment 101. but under the APNU the green pathway is environment 505. He said the PPP has a narrow vision of the potential for Guyana, while the 'green agenda' has become a reality.

"Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment will ensure a more effective communication, cooperation and coordination amongst the agencies concerning climate change, energy generation, environmental protection, forest conservation, national parks, protective areas, rivers and wildlife protection," Harmon said. "I'm sorry the time is so short because the green pathway is such a pathway that you can speak on it for a very long time," Harmon declared as the Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland lightheartedly asked the Minister to not engage in such a lengthy procedure. He said current land use and national patrimony will promote learning and innovation.

Further, Harmon said Prince Harry, who recently visited Iwokrama International Centre lauded the development and efforts being made to promote and conserve Guyana's natural habitat.

may still need support, be it financial or psychosocial.

Something must be done as a matter of national priority to address situations of this nature. Placing cases such as these before the courts without ensuring obvious areas of concern are addressed in itself constitutes a miscarriage of justice. Our judicial system is one of retributive justice. When the Anitas would have served their time and released back into society, where little or no effort is made to have them properly evaluated, and where needed given the requisite support, then the society would have failed what is evidently a very vulnerable group crying out for help. The Ministry of Social Protection may find it necessary to examine these cases and ask that the police and courts inform them of same.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

7

A view from New York

^MESraiMM WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS i,obertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668 H The recent death of Cuba's fabled former "Jefe," Fidel Castro Ruiz, undoubtedly one of the major political figures of the 20th century, provoked a predictably broad range of reactions, reflecting the bitter controversies over his legacy. Castro's death at 90 came nearly 10 years after he surrendered the reins of unchallenged power he exercised over Cuba's political life. For nearly half a century "El Jefe" — the Chief — as many dubbed him, was quite literally "President for life," first secretary of the ruling Communist Party and commanderin-chief of the Cuban military. This authority he passed dynastically into the hands of his younger brother, Raul, who is now 85.

Fidel Castro's rule outlasted that of 10 US Presidents, from Eisenhower to George W. Bush, all of whom were united across timelines in their unity and zealous commitment to the overthrowing of his regime, including by means of the abortive CIAorganized 'Bay of Pigs' invasion of 1961, literally hundreds of assassination attempts, and the longest economic blockade of any country in world history. He leaves Cuba less the hated American created pariah than it was at the height of the Cold War, and a country that hitherto Caribbean leaders had, out of nearsightedness and ignorance, looked at with contempt and scorn.

Indeed the longevity of Castro's political career was, without a doubt, quite astonishing. There can be no doubt that he exhibited some of the machismo elements of the old, traditional, Latin American caudillo during his rule. He could be ruthless in relation to those he saw as political rivals and opponents of the Cuban Revolution. But, undeniably and simultaneously, he also possessed an unquestionably personal charisma, charm and a degree of humanism that attracted support from both the oppressed masses of Cuba and wider layers of intellectuals and radicalized youth internationally.

So the reaction to his death by the US media was predictable. There was no love lost between the United States and the old uncompromising revolutionary, even after the historic visit of President Obama. Castro had heaped derision on the U.S. President's visit writing pointedly, "Cuba does not need lessons from imperialism." Editorial denunciations in the US media by politicians and reactionary Cuban emigre elements in Miami all celebrated the death of the

"brutal dictator."

The shameless dancing in the streets of Miami's Little Havana and the non-stop coverage, replete with the most ugly anti-Castro language by the mainstream media, bordered on outright triumphalism driven by a deliberate neglect of the historical context of Castro, the revolution, and Cuba. For one, all of the coverage and superficial analyses downplayed the open hostility of the United States against Cuba and its endless failures to enact regime change in a small, poor Caribbean island just 90 miles from its shores.

The narrative that "what matters is that Fidel Castro was a dictator" deliberately obfuscates the historical context and the realities of Latin America and the world when he came to power in 1959. The fact is, that in those days Latin America was dominated by rightwing despots, the vast majority backed, armed, encouraged, and mollycoddled by successive United States governments. Any and all attempts to replace these governments with more democratic and progressive people-oriented ones, usually ended with death by military force — something that continued right into the 1980s.

Castro, an astute and skilled political leader, understood that with United States companies expanding in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, the only way to transform Cuban society was through revolution and armed overthrow. But nowhere in Latin America suffered more from the brutal and baleful influence of US intervention than Cuba, for reasons of both of history and geography. Today, many ignore and conveniently forget the fact that the Fulgencio Batista Zaldlvar regime was one of the most barbarous on the continent. The degree of corruption in Cuba under Batista was accentuated by the United

States-based criminal organization, the Mafia, that exerted an unprecedented level of control on all of Havana's main businesses, yet this gangster regime was unflinchingly supported by successive US governments.

*4 F

After 1959, Castro had to defend the revolu3# tion's hard-won achievements against the threats of successive US governments and of the Miamibased terrorist groups, who bombed Cuban planes and hotels with impunity, well into the 1990s. Nor has any other country so dependent on US commerce seen its THE LATE FIDEL CASTRO economy so completely expectancy is six years higher (79 vs. strangled by a 50-year embargo, which 73), and the Cuban infant mortality applies not just to US firms but to any rate is roughly one-sixth than that of firm that trades with the US. And while the Dominican Republic. Cuba's literCastro was no saint, and could be in- acy levels and infant mortality rates, tractable when it came to so-called "en- it should be added, are also superior emies of the Revolution," there is no to those in the United States. getting around the fact, that even with Indeed, the simplistic commenthe brutal and illegal American emtaries in the US media that promoted bargo, Cuba progressed under Castro a common theme of "Castro as dictaand helped a number of nations caught tor," and his alleged penchant for poup in the throes of the post-World War litical repression, deserves to be II liberation movements to gain their inplaced in historical context. After all, dependence. One cannot speak of as history so eloquently notes, the African independence without evoking United States has, over the course of the commitment and support from the a century, supported countless dictarevolutionary people of Cuba. It was torships responsible for the deaths of the Cuban military that crippled and hundreds of thousands of people in defeated the United States-backed Latin America. In Batista's Cuba, torapartheid armies of South Africa helpture was routine. President John F. ing Angola and Namibia gain their inKennedy himself, not me, commented dependence. It was to Cuba that that the "regime was responsible for Ethiopia turned when Italy threatened the political murders of at least 20,000 to invade.

Cubans."

And while rightwing Cubans and Again, historical facts tell us that their enablers in the United States as vicious as the Batista regime was, Congress crow about the demise of it was not unique to the region. During the former Cuban President, the fact the same period, Washington supis that he enjoyed widespread support ported and armed true despots like and admiration from among all of Raphael Trujillo in the Dominican ReCuba's diverse groups. Older Cubans public, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier remind their grandchildren today that in Haiti, Augusto Pinochet in Chile, the freedoms they now enjoy did not and Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua, come easy and the improvements all of whom murdered, tortured and among the poorest sections of Cuban killed thousands of their own people. society were caused by Fidel Castro Successive United States Presidents and the revolution that he led in 1959. "looked the other way." Those who atLet me use just one neighboring comtempted to alter the existing order by parison to explain the forward march democratic means were dispatched of the Cuban people. Today, the murwith brutal violence, as seen in the der rate in Cuba is less than one quarCIA-organized overthrow of the Jater than in the Dominican Republic cobo Arbenz government in Guatethat is roughly the size of Cuba; life (continued on page 25)

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

JTIGUA AND BARBUDA CELEBRATES HISTORIC

ARRIVAL OF THE MS ANTHEM OF THE SEAS St. John's, Antigua (December 2,2016) - One of the largest cruise vessels in the world, and the largest cruise vessel to dock into Antigua and Barbuda, the MS Anthem of the Seas, made her presence felt in Antigua and Barbuda today, as she towered over other vessels in Heritage Quay, on her inaugural arrival into Antigua with a host of fan-fare and celebrations from the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of morning.

Tourism, the Hon. Asot Michael exIn speaking to the Captain of the tended a warm and hearty welcome to vessel on the inaugural visit, the Tourism both Royal Caribbean International and Minister said, "We view this visit as a MS Anthem of the Seas, her Captain and true sign of the confidence that Royal Crew, during the inaugural ceremony on Caribbean Cruise Lines has in Antigua board the vessel. and Barbuda as a marquee destination The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, The Hon. Gaston Browne, over 200 Government officials, dignitaries, stakeholders and invited guests were present for the on-board inaugural ceremony this

capable of offering a first class experience to your cruise guests.

"We could not have thought of a more fitting way to commission the extension and improvements of our Heritage Quay Pier but to have history record that the Anthem of the Seas was the first

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The Heritage Quay pier was extended to accommodate the large quantum class vessel. The commissioning of the extension of the pier is scheduled to take place later this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with another event, where hundreds of Antiguans and Barbudans have been invited to share in the historic moment.

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Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay area in celebration of the inaugural visit.

Duty free shopping is extended to all residents without the requirement of proof of travel that normally indicates that the goods purchased are leaving the country. This will be for one day only on Friday 2nd December from 9:00 a.m.

9:00 p.m.

This inaugural event will be celebrated with major activities in the Quay well into the evening after the ship has departed.

The 4220 passengers plus 1603 crew will have a major economic impact leading into the busy Christmas shopping season.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

9

LOS ANGELES WELCOMES U.S. VIRGIN

ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (December 7, 2016) - The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism made a strong foray into the Los Angeles, California market last week Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty stated that the U.S. Virgin Islands has been encouraged by the number of visitors from the California market in recent years, and the Department was hoping to grow this market.

"Last year we welcomed more than 31,000 stay-over visitors from California and we will focus on increasing these numbers by pursuing a more active presence on the West Coast," the Commissioner noted.

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty reported strong interest from the group market after hosting a luncheon with meeting planners in Beverly Hills, an event which served as a precursor to January's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) familiarization visit to the

n L»ec. Ki, counci I Member D.

Jumaane

Williams,

in

partnership with Senator Kevin S. Parker and the Nonprofit Help Desk, will host the "How to Win Government

Funding"

shop

from

6:00

8:00

p.m.

at

work-

Territory.

At a standing-room only event for 25 members of the media, also hosted by the Department of Tourism, journalists in attendance received timely news and updates about the Territory, including the upcoming Centennial in 2017.

The destination, along with St. Croix' Buccaneer Hotel, was featured at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held at The Beverly Hilton last Thursday evening. The event celebrated 100 of the world's most inspiring AfricanAmericans during an exciting, starstudded evening, and honored those who lead, inspire and demonstrate through their individual talents, the very best in Black America.

"We have to work very hard to earn the loyalty of every single visi-

tural Project is located at 1894 Flatbush Avenue and is accessible by public transportation by taking the B41, B11, B82 to Flatbush Avenue.

For times, visit MTA Trip Planner.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Farah LouisDray ton at flouis@council.nyc.gov or 718-629-2900.

n

A

fW

Bridge Multicultural Project.

The free workshop will teach attendees how to set up a non-profit, and is 1 of 2 workshops designed to prepare non-profits to sail through the City Council discretionary application.

The second workshop, "How to Win Government Funding," will take place on Dec. 13 at the Bridge Multicultural Project from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Bridge Multicul-

^JEWyaHXCI U GOUJUEIL I'jIGVJI-JGH I III I IUMAANE D. Ul DISTRICT, BROOKLYN. AND NEW YORK STATE SENATOR KEVIN 5. PARKER WITH THE NONPROFITHELPDESK fl PROIECT OF THE ICC O F GREATER COUlB f l£JLi\iUy HOIAI TO lAIIN •1'

uM , MI *1 A FREE WORKSHOP SERIES DESIGNED TO PREPARE NONPROFITS TO SAIL THROUGH THE CITY COUNCIL DISCRETIONARY FUNDING APPLICATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. THE BRIDGE MULTICULTURAL PROIECT 1894 FLATBUSH AUENUE (BETWEEN AVENUE L& ALTON PLACE) BROOKLYN, NY 11210 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO FLATBUSH AVENUE: B41, B11, B82 "1 For more information or to jumaane RSVP please contact Farah Louis-Drayton, at Council Member D. Williams District Office via email at Flouis(3)council.nvcgov

s?

i Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty (fourth from left) with members of her team and meeting planners in Beverly Hills, California. tor who travels to the U.S. Virgin Islands," the Commissioner explained, asserting that efforts to further penetrate the California market will continue in earnest. "Our goal in 2017 is

to increase visibility in our top markets as well as to make inroads into emerging markets, as we woo travelers with a strong interest in visiting our islands."

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

INNOVATIVE

Dr. Basil Springer's

PRIVATIZATION

Column "There is one body and one Spirit." —Ephesiam 4:4 In any society the ultimate objective of right thinking political, trade union and private sector leadership should be to design a structure for society so as to ultimately engender happiness among the people that they serve. This means that addressing issues such as net foreign exchange earnings, use of natural resources, education and training, high productivity employment for fair compensation, transportation, health and sanitation, food, clothing and housing is paramount.

These may be partitioned into achieve high returns on time and money productive sector issues and service investment. In the public sector, the role sector issues. The productive sectors, is one of creating laws and spending which are traditionally the domain of taxes and loans wisely. Collectively, the the private sector (structured to do busi- manifestation of their efforts should be ness) , grow the economy through enter- consumer (residents, visitors and buyers prise development and boost net abroad) satisfaction which can best be foreign exchange earnings whereas the achieved through high levels of operaservice sectors (the domain of the civil tional efficiency. At the end of it all we service) create the enabling environ- are in search of sustainable happiness. ment. Traditionally, the trade unions In Barbados at the moment, leadhave accepted the challenge of ensuring ership is grappling with finding a soluthat employee development and fair tion to a water distribution and garbage treatment is optimal and, as such, their collection problem. Traditionally, soluservices have been in demand across tions to these matters fall in the domain the public and private sectors. The trade of the public sector. However, if this is unions can make a further contribution not working for whatever reasons, we to the national agenda on the subject of can skillfully access the private sector's "high productivity employment for fair financial and business resources. This compensation". process of privatizing means involving In the private sector, the focus is on growth by aggressively trying to

the private sector in the domain of public sector space.

% Public/Private

Operational

Partnership

Efficiency

INNOVATIVE

PRIVATIZATION

Sustainable

Consumer

Happiness

Satisfaction

Investment nn n

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I am respectfully suggesting that an innovative solution is likely to be found in a public/private partnership but this means that tradition has to be compromised and egos managed in the interest of the people.

I am further suggesting, based on recent experiences, that the way to privatize an enterprise or an industry which was previously managed by the public sector is to establish a Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the people.

Appoint private sector Trustees to address corporate governance issues including private sector models for the management of business systems; invite private and public sector investment on which a return will be expected; ask the Trustees to lodge a copy of the operating rules of the Trust with government; and report to govern-

ment on a quarterly basis to give an account of their stewardship. This is an example of an effective public private partnership.

Let us recognize that our national public and private sectors are only different in the context of certain specific roles which they are best suited to perform. In terms of best serving the nation, however, we are all created from the same spiritual substance and would best practise in partnership to achieve objectives of national growth, development and happiness.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.)

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11

\ A *

*

iu mm

Ease The Tension 1-1/2 tsp. citric acid Method: 1. Crack ginger 2. Heat water in a stainless steel pot.

3. Add sugar to water and stir until dissolved.

4. Pour mixture on to cracked ginger.

5. Add lemon shces and citric acid. Cover.

6. Leave for 3 days, 7. Strain and bottle.

RICK WINK Ingredients: 1 pint white rice 4 lbs sugar 1 orange, lime 1/4 oz yeast 1 gallon water 1 lb. dried fruit 6 pieces of spice or mace Method: 1. Wash rice and dry it, put in a jar with dried fruit, spice, sugar and water.

2. Stir, then sprinkle yeast on top.

3. Peel lime and orange, cut in halves and add.

4. Allow lime to remain in jar for one week and orange for two weeks.

5. At end of three weeks, strain and bottle

Ingredients: 2 pints sorrel 2 lbs. sugar 4 pints water 3-4 pieces of mace 1/4 oz. yeast

Ingredients: 6 ozs. green ginger 6 lbs. white sugar 1-1/2 gallons water 1/2 of a lemon shced

Telephone:

After the honeymoon, the new wife tells her husband, "I think it's time for you to stop playing golf. In fact, you might as well sell all of your clubs."

The husband replies, "You're starting to sound like my ex-wife."

"I will give up drinking as well."

"And going to the club with your cronies?"

"Yes, I will."

"And what else will you give up for my sake?" she asked finally.

"I have already given up the idea of marrying you."

The husband says, "I haven't."

The Lawyer Dad

Method: 1. Pick sorrel and dry in sun for three days.

2. Put in a clean jar 3. Add sugar, water and mace and stir until sugar is dissolved.

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GINGER BEER CORDIAL

"And drinking?"

After the honeymoon

His wife says, "I thought you said you've never been married before?"

SORREL WINE

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"Yes, I will," came the reply.

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The father thought for a moment. "Yes son," he replied, "A lawyer will do anything to win a case.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

IT'S

A

FAST

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE

STORY OF

\

KEN "SNAKEHIPS" JOHNSON When Kenrick Reginald Huymans Johnson was born in British Guiana on September 10, 1914, his parents expected him to become a doctor like his father. But this was not to be.

They sent him to Queens College in Georgetown, then at age 15, to England, where he continued his studies at The William Borlase School in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Ken was an active and versatile person. He did well in his studies, in cricket and in football. Music was in his blood and he loved to dance. He sought out Buddy Bradley, a famous American choreographer, who coached big names in show business —Fred Astaire and Lucille Ball, for example — and who was in England in 1930 to work with Britain's young actress and dance star, Jessie Matthews. Bradley taught him to dance and he was a good student.

Ken Johnson's 6 feet 4 inches in height, already imposing in games, made him impressive as a dancer.

His "fluid and flexible style" earned him the nickname "Snakehips." He loved dressing in his immaculate white suits and would sometimes wear a flower in his lapel.

Johnson visited the United States in 1934. He did some film work in New York, and starred in cabaret in Hollywood. But it was listening to the orchestras of Cab Calloway and Fletcher Henderson in Harlem that led him in a new direction. He resolved to create his own orchestra.

In 1936, Ken was back in England, and accepted an offer from Lloyd Thompson to join his "Emperors of Jazz" band. When this band folded, Thompson assembled what would become 'Ken Johnson and his Rhythm Swingers'. It was later to become "TTze West Indian Orchestra." Many of the players came from the Thompson band. In July 1938, Johnson's orchestra was broadcasting over the BBC, and the band was also seen in the 1938 British film 'Traitor Spy'. By 1940, the band had become one of the top Swing bands in the U.K. In 1941, at the height of WW2, "The West Indian

Guyanese R&D

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f /

KEN "SNAKEHIPS" JOHNSON Orchestra" was resident at The Cafe de Paris club on Coventry Street in London's West End. Its broadcasts on the BBC were very popular and gave Johnson a huge audience.

The Cafe de Paris club was far down a long steep staircase, where patrons felt quite safe from the dangers of the Blitz outside. But on March 8, 1941, during a German air raid on London, one of the bombs found its way into the club's airshaft. Over 30 people were snuffed out, and 60 more were seriously injured.

Ken Johnson, only 26 years old, a flower in his lapel, was among the dead.

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(NY Post) - A GUYANESE man nearly decapitated his wife on a Queens Street corner early Monday — sawing through her neck in front of a witness who mistakenly asked if he needed help before he realized the unfolding horror, authorities and sources said.

The 50-year-old man allegedly confronted the woman — identified as being in her 40s — about a man she supposedly met online at the comer of 124th Street and 103rd Avenue when they got into a fight shortly after midnight.

He then pulled out a large kitchen knife and stabbed her several times in the chest, shoulder and both hands, cops said. Two witnesses who happened to be walking down the street at the time found Prem Rampersaud. 50. kneeling over her body making what appeared to be sawing motions with a large knife and said it sounded like he was cutting through bone, sources said.

One of the witnesses then asked Rampersaud.

Queens *%> m

Prem Rampersaud being escorted by the authorities "Do you need help?." according to sources. Rampersaud then turned around and looked at the pair for a moment before continuing to saw through the victim's neck.

Police captured Rampersaud a few blocks away and took him in for questioning.

He has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon, police said.

A knife believed to be the murder weapon was

recovered at the scene, officials said. The woman was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital. Her identity is being withheld pending family notification.

Police said Rampersaud gave his wife approximately $9,000 to move to the US from their native Guyana about a year ago and eventually followed her to Queens, where they moved in together.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

PM

13

Nagamootoo's RORfllMfl AIRWAYS "A

visit to Cuba DURING his recent visit to Cuba, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo interacted with several world leaders and also with the staff of Guyana's Embassy in Havana. The Prime Minister was in Cuba to attend the State Funeral of the late leader of that country, Fidel Castro, who passed away two Fridays ago.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

a

o

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

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@ dpiguyana

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OPPORTUNITIES K" -v TO INVEST / it GUYANA

IS

ÂĽ

FOR

BUSINESS -MIN. GASKIN

Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin said that Budget 2017 is a progressive one. The Minister was at the time speaking on the programme 'Budget in Focus' aired on Friday evening.

Minister Gaskin said that the budget balances very carefully people's needs, as well as businesses'. "It's our biggest budget ever, $250 Billion and with revenues of $218 Billion which is a deficit of $32 Billion which, in the general scheme of things, is not abnormal or anything like that, nothing to be alarmed or concerned about for a developing country such as Guyana," Gaskin said.

Industrial Estates Minister Gaskin,highlighted some of the key long- term investments one of which is the Single Window Automated Processing System which swaps with trade facilitation measures. He highlighted the Industrial Estates, stating that the Ministry of Business is developing the industrial estate in Lethem using a new model.

Minister Gaskin noted that it is an ongoing project that he would like to see conclude early in mid-2018.

As it relates to investors for the estate, with the right strategies, the right investors will come, which will be a boost for the local economy he opined.

Gaskin noted that work will be done with the Bureau of Statistics to ensure that particular entities are properly resourced so that they can function and efficiently provide data.

"We have indicated that with the recent Public Service College (launch), we are serious about improving the way the Public Service works through better monitoring and evaluation, management systems and of course, to inform decision making," he said.

He noted that in 2017, compliance certificates will be largely issued by GRA and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which are valid for three months.

Between 2015 and 2016, Guyana upgraded by 16 places on the ranking of the World Bank's Doing Business Index. This has been the largest single improvement achieved in the country's history of being on the Index. The Minister explained that there are a number of interventions, noting that access to

\

HON. DOMINIC GASKIN agAga MINISTER OF BUSINESS

credit was the area that Guyana scored badly in the previous year, however the Credit Reporting Act was amended to allow for the use of Credit Bureau. The banks are now mandated to utilise the services of the Credit Bureau which means that the risk to banks and lenders have now been reduced.

"The banks now have access to credit report, and they are now mandated to provide information to the Credit Bureau and that has created significant improvement in the index," the Minister noted.

Minister Gaskin said affordable energy is always an issue, however he has been assuring the private sector that the Government is investing in renewable energy, and it will become cheaper.

The Business Minister was asked if he believes that the private sector is ready to help diversify the economy. He responded thus; "With the right conditions and right investments, incentives, infrastructure, business environment and also political stability, those are some of the factors that create an environment for investments and I think that we will see more investments in the productive sectors and that is what we are deliberately and strategically targeting such as tourism, agriculture and agro processing among others," the Business Minister said.

Gaskin concluded by saying that "Guyana is ready for Business, Guyana is open for Business and Guyana means Business."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

BUDGET

2017

IS

15

COALITION

GOVERNMENT'S Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has called out the "prognosticators of dooms' that have been in overdrive denouncing 2017 Budget and calling for its removal.

The Communities Minister, speaking in the National Assembly in support of Budget 2017, pointed out that since the budget presentation, "members on the opposite side of this House have been busy , deriding and decrying this budget to be anti-working class, anti-business, ominous and all manner of epithets."

The Minister said that the reality could not be further from the truth. He said instead Budget 2017 is "the best of the three budgets that have been presented by this administration." He pointed out that the 2017 Budget is transformative in nature, as well as structure and, "It is pro-working class, with equity promoting measures."

Minister Bulkan said that "the progressive tax rates that it (the budget) introduces put more money in peoples' pockets." He pointed out that "even the 40 percent tax rate for persons earning more than

PEOPLE'S

BUDGET

MORE MONEY IN GUYANESE POCKETS

|

• VAT REDUCED!

^

• NO VAT!

^

• INCOME TAX REDUCED!

J

A

BUDGEts^

1

• OLD AGE PENSION INCREASED!

1+29.1 ■

BILLION

FOR PUBLIC SECURITY

GUYANA'S POPULATION BY REGION z

zPw

O 0 a.

Region 1

- 27,643

Region 2

- 46,810

Region 3

- 107,785

Region 4

- 311,563

Region 5

- 49,820

Region 6

- 109,652

Region 7

- 18,375

Region 8

- 11,077

Region 9

- 24,238

Region 10

- 39,992

BEST

$2.16 Million, annually, would see them taking home more under the current regime, given that one-third of their income is now non-taxable," the Minister said.

Minister Bulkan said that the Ministers and Government Members of Parliament "are proud of the 2017 Budget." He said that the purveyors of doom are no different than Chicken Licken, who was quick to jump to wrong conclusions and told everyone she met, that the sky was falling."( Chicken Licken, is an international folk tale with a moral in the form of a cumulative tale that makes light of paranoia and mass hysteria or mistaken belief that disaster is imminent). He added that, "We know from that story what happened to all those who followed Chicken Licken, they were eaten by the fox," the Minister said, pointing out that in the final analysis, it would be the people and not the opposition, who would be the ones who pronounce on 2017 Budget, as well as the next two that would follow, and give their final verdict in 2020.

Minister Bulkan said that Government recognises that the "members on the opposite side of the House are looking for political space," but govermnent however, is focused on the future.

Minister Bulkan also called out Opposition MP and former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud for some remarks he made during his presentation to the House on Budget 2017. Persaud, who spoke just prior to Minister Bulkan, said that the Local Government Elections (LGE) are still incomplete.

Persaud during his presentation had noted that there are still six Local Government areas in which the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has failed and continue to fail to resolve these elections.

Further, he also pointed out that "the Minister of Communities' imposition of Mayor in the township of Mabaruma and the imposition of chairpersons in those tied Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) is something that is still engaging the attention of the Court."

He asked then, how can, Government boast of having successfully completed the LGE. Minister Bulkan in responding however pointed out that what Persaud failed to tell the House is that following the ties in the LDOs;

HON. RONALD BULKAN MINISTER OF COMMUNITIES an offer was made by the Government to the Opposition, "to honour the democratic principle whereby the party that obtained the greater number of votes in those tied areas would be entitled to the chairmanship."

The Minister said that the records would show that "that offer was refused by the Opposition." He said this refusal is what led to the lack of a resolution on the elections, and what necessitates the need for him as Minister of Communities to name the Mayor in the case of Mabaruma and the chairperson in the LDOs. During his presentation, Persaud had also referred to Budget 2017 as "a great disappointment to all in the country." He had said that "when the dust is settled, there will be more than 75 percent of Guyanese in the country who would say that Budget 2017 was one of the gravest Budgets that would have brought onto the shoulder of people." Like the Members of the Opposition party that spoke before him, Persaud also joined the call for the Minister of Finance to withdraw Budget 2017 and come with a "proper financial proposal that would ensure growth and development in the country."

Minister Bulkan however denounced these statements, pointing out that the "transformative nature of Budget 2017 is infectious and contagious." He said that it is also "irreversible."

The Communities Minister invited the Opposition to be more dispassionate. He called on them to partner with government, noting that this would only bring benefit to the country.

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

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this represents the amount which the government will forego from the national treasury and is in effect a massive stimulus package. It was noted that the reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16% to 14% alone will dent the national treasury by $4.8 billion, while the loss from the reduction in Personal Income Tax will cost another $3.8 billion.

These figures have been provided by the Ministry of Finance.

"Further, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana assures all employees that under the new proposed Personal Income Tax system. ALL employees will have a take-home salary, come January 2017. which is higher than their current take-home salary." the release noted.

Persons are asked to use the Salary Calculator at www.dpi.gov.gy/salary which computes salaries under the new system. The Salary Calculator will show the increased take-home salary, total taxes to be paid and the National Insurance Scheme contribution.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Emphasis on Real Estate,

17

'Over

40'

Job

laxes and Bnsiness S TAXES

Hunting

The Edgar Henry Column

President Elect — Donald J. Trump will soon be sworn in as the 45th President of this great nation — The United States of America. When he's inaugurated on January 20,2017 he'll create history by becoming the oldest elected President in US history. Previously, the oldest elected President was Ronald Reagan, who took the oath of office at the age of 69 in 1981. Donald Trump is 70 years old. Interestingly, had Hillary Clinton won the election, she'd have been our second-oldest President-elect at the age of 69.

Without condoning ageism and the fact that we are all aging gracefully, we need to admit one uncomfortable truth: Older job seekers often make it too easy for companies to reject them.

Unfortunately this is true, no matter how we twist or turn it. Job seekers 'over 40' often face discrimination and may confront hurdles getting an interview, that younger applicants do not. But before putting the spotlight on others, let's examine ourselves, the over-40 job seekers. No doubt, if you are over 40 and scouting the job market, you must be mentally prepared to compete with younger employers, who in many cases represent a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, are willing to work for less pay, and are generally savvier concerning the latest technology.

Because the employment playing field is not altogether level, you will need to develop the mental resolve to compete and win as a serious contender. To accomplish this mentally, one has to focus on the positive attributes of one's age and experience. Think of what you are bringing to the employer's table; a more mature job candidate; sound decision-making skills; experience in relating to a wide variety of people; broader perspectives on life, and mature judgment on business matters.

Start with the resume. Resumes of older workers tend to be a lengthy recitation of job descriptions and accomplishments, impressively demonstrating an ever-increasing level of responsibility and compensation. As such, they are probably the least persuasive documents you could show a human resources manager. mi APPROACH Job seekers over 40 need a resume that looks forward, not backward. As a younger job seeker, you need to emphasize experience. By mid career, however, the focus of your resume should change for obvious reasons. Place all of your accomplishments and experience in the context of future service. A resume shouldn't read like the testimonial at your retirement dinner or an obituary.

When an over 40 job seeker applies for a job, it is noticeable that they painstakingly document a career of prominent positions at top financial services firms. Your resume should persuade a potential employer to grant you an interview, not for your old employer to give you a medal.

Change the perspective from "look at everything I have done," to "look at everything I can do for you." Take the time and effort to tailor your resume to each job you apply, so the particulars of the job are addressed in the context of your prior experience. Your resume must demonstrate how

Difficulties

ticket. Merely sending out twice as many resumes doesn't make you twice as likely to get a job. The converse is true. Make your own luck by applying to half as many jobs, but following up twice as often. Determine relevant ways that will help establish your qualifications for the job and your ability to learn new skills. Find ways to demonstrate your skills, not your frustrations about your job search.

Use your experience in order to sell yourself. Create a Web page showing why an employer should hire you. Embark upon

LOOK PHYSICALLY FIT One of the biggest concerns employers have in hiring mature workers relates to personal health. It is statistically true that aging increases certain health risks, particularly hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, according to current medical research, racial minorities are more susceptible to these diseases. No employer wants to hire someone whose attendance and productivity might be diminished because of chronic health problems.

Staying physically fit is not only good for your health in general; it can give you will put your experience and skills you an edge in job hunting. Looking to work for your new employer, not f Be creative. Too many over your resume or CV, the interhow much time and energy you exviewer can pretty much guess your age. candidates confuse sending a erted in the past for someone else.

On the other hand, it he notices that you resume with buying a lottery BE POSITIVE AND participate in competitive sports such as AGGRESSIVE baseball, cricket, lawn tennis, racquetticket. Merely sending out Don't be defensive, and don't ball, Softball, basketball or at least if omit dates. Fear of age discrimination twice as many resumes doesn't you profess to work out regularly that leads many job seekers over 40 to is certainly to your advantage. take graduation and employment make you twice as likely to get If you present yourself in an interdates off their resume. Not a good view as someone who is physically fit a job. The converse is true. idea. HR managers know all about and energetic, that will definitely enthis strategy. Put all relevant dates and hance your candidacy. First impression Make your own luck by applyjobs on your resume, but tell your counts. Looking physically fit is also a ing to half as many jobs, but story energetically. Be positive and matter of how you dress and present enthusiastic about the future, not deyourself to an employer. Perhaps it has ^ following up twice as often, j fensive and deceitful about the past. been a while since you had to actively Don't waste a good opportunity by dejob hunt. Should that be the case, you may fensively obscuring the truth. Instead, a free promotional campaign, offering to need to update your interview wardrobe. rewrite your resume to emphasize your work for free, on a trial basis and if the em- It's probably a good investment to buy a skills, your vitality and your commitment ployer is satisfied then he can hire you. In- couple of up to date business attire that are troduce data points so that an HR manager more contemporary in style. Get with it. to doing a great job. can evaluate your work habits and not just SELL YOURSELF your year of graduation. Your revised re"It is always better to have informaBe creative. Too many candidates con- sume radiates with energy; now back it up tion and not need it than to need it and fuse sending a resume with buying a lottery with action. not have it."

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18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Guyana

incensed

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;UNASUR Secretary-General publishes Venezuela's claims over Essequibo

By Ariana Gordon GUYANA has strongly objected to the publication of a proposal by the Government and Opposition of Venezuela - to claim rights over the Essequibo - being placed on the website of the Union of South American States (UNASUR) by Secretary-General of that body, Ernesto Samper.

Published on UNASUR's website in November, the document confirmed the Venezuelan Government and Opposition's approval of the "unanimous position in claiming rights over the Essequibo".

The agreement, part of a five-point pact between the two factions, was brokered by the Vatican; and it confirmed that both political factions hold a "unanimous position in defence of the legitimate and inalienable rights of Venezuela over the Essequibo" in the country's territorial dispute with neighbouring Guyana.

An official joint declaration titled "Living Together in Peace" was also released.

Guyana's Vice-President, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, described the move

by UNASUR Secretary-General Ernesto Samper as "illegal". He explained that the proposal made by the Venezuelan Government in cohaboration with the Opposition "was internal to Venezuela", and that UNASUR has rules which do not include a mandate to negotiate political disputes between its 12 member states.

"They have no such mandate, and we have found ourselves in a situation where UNASUR has published on its website proposals emanating from Venezuela and proposals that don't emanate from an official team which includes the Papal Monsignor (a representative of the Pope); and the proposal that has been put on UNASUR's website is a proposal almost to buy the compliance of the Venezuelan Opposition by a promise to fight for the Essequibo territory," he declared.

Venezuela's claim to the

Essequibo in Guyana is nothing new, except that UNASUR has published it on its website, whereas it is an internal proposal made by that Spanish-speaking country, he clarified.

"No international agreement [made] after 1899 has addressed or sought to modify the borders of Guyana and Venezuela. That agreement stands; and for an institution such as UNASUR to be publishing a wish of that kind is a problem," Minister Greenidge declared.

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that UNASUR, through its governing bod-

"One can only be critical of the factors that would drive a regional public servant to do something like this," he stated.

NO AUTHORITY, MANDATE Greenidge continued: "He has no authority, no mandate, to entertain these positions. I am just drawing to your attention that we were very concerned by this behaviour by the Secretary-General of UNASUR; we have written him and require that material be sent to other members of the group."

tions, but the negotiators never reported or endorsed a report from the team.

Minister Greenidge is of

when asked by Guyana Chronicle whether he is hopeful that a decision would be made before Mr. Ban demits office

*

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge points to a map of Guyana in his office as he explains the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy (on Sunday) ies, did not take a decision on the matter; and Minister Greenidge insists that the decision to publish the agreement was a decision made by Secretary-General Samper, "a man who is supposed to represent the interest of all 12 countries, and in this case we see him publishing a document which no self-respecting entity ~ multilateral entity ~ would do."

He chided Samper, to whom he has written, while stressing that Guyana is a sovereign state and UNASUR has no responsibility or competence in the dispute between the countries.

The minister said a meeting of UNASUR was scheduled for December 3, but that meeting has since been postponed. That meeting was set up to discuss, among other things, the problems of Venezuela and the proposals of solutions to those problems, including an update by the Papal Monsignor on the progress made.

Asked whether UNASUR has been involved in the negotiations on the border controversy, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that, from all indications, the Secretary-General of UNASUR was involved in the negotia-

the opinion that some members of UNASUR have sought to influence the United Nations Secretary-General's team and staff.

"I don't think they have done so formally, as members of the negotiating team. It is not unusual for people to approach entities in a manner intended to intimidate (them)," said Greenidge, who has also alerted UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the matter.

Upon taking office in 2015, the APNU-AFC coalition Administration made several appeals to regional and international bodies for support on the border controversy; but, Greenidge said, UNASUR was not one of those bodies.

Guyana, meanwhile, hopes that the outgoing UN Secretary-General would announce his "assessment" of the border controversy and forward the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final ruling on the 1899 Arbitral Award, which Venezuela has claimed is null and void.

"I don't want to pronounce on what the Secretary-General is going to do... He is called upon by the Treaty to exercise a function, and I hope that he will do so," said Greenidge

at the end of this month.

"I am reporting to you the hazards that he in our path as the Secretary-General is reflecting (on what assessment he will make). As he is reflecting, people are trying to persuade him that he shouldn't do anything, because Venezuela is in trouble and anything he does is going to compound that," Greenidge stated.

That view is unsupported

by Guyana, and the Foreign Affairs Minister made it clear that Venezuela's internal troubles have nothing to do with Guyana. "They started outside of Guyana and they will end and be resolved without Guyana's contribution in any way to their state."

He said, too, that whether Venezuela is stable or unstable, its Government is still taking action to destabilise Guyana; and he stressed that the action of Samper is against the interest of a sovereign member of UNASUR. NOT UNASUR "It is the UN that can determine what is a legal border, not UNASUR; not the Secretary-General of UNASUR and not the Venezuelan Opposition either. He (Samper) has responsibilities which he has abused,"

Greenidge said.

Samper has, in the past, offered to intervene in the matter, and the Guyana Government outright rejected his offer. Guyana has maintained that it has an agreement (dated 1966) with Venezuela by which such controversies are to be resolved within a specifically crafted framework; and according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Guyana is not prepared to go outside of the United Nations framework.

Last year, the former Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela, Odeen Ishmael (2003-2011), called UNASUR out for what he described to be the body's "lukewarm" approach to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

In an article published by this newspaper on November 18, 2015 and titled "UNASUR's lukewarm attitude to border crises", Ambassador Ishmael said: "By remaining silent on Venezuela's expanded claim to Guyana's territory, UNASUR appears to be losing its effectiveness and vibrancy in pronouncing on crucial issues affecting its members.

It did act when the presidents of Ecuador and Uruguay mediated the meeting between Maduro and Santos in September, even though no immediate solutions were reached. However, a similar action relative to Guyana and Venezuela has not been forthcoming. Is it because Guyana is a relatively small country in physical size, population and economy, that a threat of usurpation of its territory is ignored, because no one wants to tread on the toes of the larger and more powerful Venezuela? Or is it that the legitimacy of Guyana's territorial and maritime boundaries is influencing the organisation to adopt a 'hands-off position?"

Guyana has maintained its position: establishing the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899, which Venezuela claims is null and void, is to have the matter settled by the ICJ. All other processes as outlined in the Geneva Agreement of 1966 have failed to provide a solution to the border controversy.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

19

HARRIS THIS IS

@ LARGE (Ed Harris Column)

THE SEASON TO BE MERRY

— RETAILERS ARE

SMILING!!!

The month of December should really be designated SMALL BUSINESS MONTH. This is the time of year that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Operators are all excited about the business prospects as sales are expected to be substantial.

The street-side vendors and all other operators in the retail sector,

K ♦

welcome this time of year. Customer service skills have been sharpened to provide a quality of service beyond the expectations of their customers. My own experience a few evenings ago, in a newly es-

&

tablished community mart attests to this fact. The cashier at the

V ■A, Jt

checkout counter laid it all out to each customer—beautiful smile, great salutation, graceful checking of the items, and an invitation

"■

¥ ;» 1 !

W:

to return.

H ''

i

Members of the Diaspora coming home, tourists who want to get

in St. Lucia, so many things are happening at the business, social and

the Caribbean Christmas experience

cultural levels. Over the next few

and those of us at home provide the customer base for businesses in gen-

days, there will be a number of social activities to close off the year.

eral but small businesses in particular. There is a reason for smiling

The caterers will be busy preparing for the many Xmas parties. In spite

remittances from family and friends, or simply receiving financial gifts

faces as business persons present their products at this time of year. In

of the challenges of the year 2016,

from unexpected quarters. It is all

Entrepreneurs are still finding a way

recent years our French neighbours have been taking every opportunity

to care and share, not only among their employees but the public at

about caring and sharing, happening in the midst of commercial savvy,

_' v THE ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS tions, even our very own St. Lucia had a change of government. ISIS continues to cause concern for the super powers. Guyana has just been named the poorest country in this

that can only be experienced at

hemisphere. Who can forget such

Christmas, which is a very special time of year.

In today's world, Christmas is

events? In spite of all that is happening in our world today, it is still a

to share in our festivities and their

large. Businesspersons are donating

patronage is well appreciated. The small hotels in the north are filled at

and sponsoring events for promotional purposes, and offering dis-

weekends and on holidays.

counts of 30 to 50 percent, as they

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) since 1986 is an event that

battle for the minds and dollars of the buying public. You can imagine

we look forward to during the first week of December, when the boats begin to arrive at the Rodney Bay

what it will be like during the last week of Christmas.

It is a universally accepted holiday season, when the world is elevated

website is www.cipsaintlucia.com Remember always to Keep the

It must be noted that entrepreneurs involved in the distributive

to a heavenly atmosphere, where

Faith, knowing that God is in

there is peace and goodwill among men. I hear the carol Silver Bells',

Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles!

Edward Harris: Biblicist, Author/Publisher, Business Consultant, Realtor, Networker, CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker.

Email: jobfreelife72@yahoo.com.

Website: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com.

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/edharrisbiz

Marina in Gros Islet. The entertainment segment of this activity is open to the public and on a few occasions I found myself in the midst of challenging activities. It was on one of those occasions that I discovered the local reggae band - 4th World, based in Vieux Fort.

There is never a dull moment

trade are getting ready to achieve their highest level of sales during

THE exportation of rice from Guyana to Venezuela is ongoing, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder confirmed Wednesday evening.

The arrangement is a private-to-private one. he said.

"Yes. Not government to government, but private to private." the minister said, when asked by this publication if exports had resumed.

He noted that the process has been ongoing for the last four to five months, and in-

which means it's Christmas time in the city!

This year has been a remark-

strapped, there is always a way to find money during the festive season, whether it's the year-end bo-

able year so far, and will long be remembered. With developments like Brexit, the recently held US elec-

nuses paid to employees, overseas

- in private arrangement volves buyers coming to Guyana with hard currency, buying rice from millers, and taking it back to Venezuela.

Minister Holder revealed that since this resumption, at least 10.000 tonnes of rice has been exported to the neighbouring country, and this figure is increasing.

"I can't predict how much more wih be exported, but it is increasing." he confirmed.

Head of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Dharamkumar Seeraj. concurred with the minister that

buying rice was being exported privately.

However, he noted that the economic turmoil currently being experienced in Venezuela is not one which gives "confort."

As a result, the GRDB has been making efforts to collect payment for rice which will be exported before the rice is actually exported. He acknowledged though, that the board has not been able to achieve much in this regard but remain committed to hying.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that millers who are shipping rice to Venezuela are receiving approximately

great time to be alive; our heavenly Father has a great plan for us. Keep smiling retailers.

regardless of race, colour or creed.

this period of the calendar year.

Even though consumers are cash-

Venezuelans

By Ravin Singh

not enjoyed by Christians alone, but by almost every person of goodwill,

rice

This

from

US$550 per tonne, which will allow the millers to pay rice farmers between GY$2500$2700 per bag of paddy.

Guyana's relationship with Venezuela has been tense of recent, with President David Granger making strong statements at the United Nations General Assembly and to Parhament condemning Venezuela's aggression on the border controversy. Guyana is insisting on a juridical settlement to the border controversy, in which Venezuela claims that the arbitral award which settled the two countries' borders is null and void.

week's

recommended

Guyana

The political and social upheaval in oil-rich Venezuela has worsened in recent months, with a recession leaving millions unable to find or afford food amid shortages and spiralling inflation.

The shipping of rice from Georgetown to Caracas is expected to help alleviate the challenges faced by Venezuelans in accessing basic food items. Shipments are expected to continue and this is expected to further boost the rice industry in Guyana.

One industry insider has noted that this development is likely to provide a boost to

small rice farmers, as millers will not be looking to them to augment their supply to meet the demand for rice from Venezuela.

Meanwhile. Minister Holder also revealed that a Mexican team will be coming to Guyana in January to hammer out a rice deal between the two countries.

"They [the Mexican team] just got the clearance for the phytosanitary arrangement between the two countries.

A team will be coming in January" he said, adding that Mexico's demand is 1.8 million tonnes, while Guyana can produce only 600,000.

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Foreign

exchange

reserves

- Gov't, Central Bank slam KN story of shortage FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan and Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga have both dismissed claims carried in a Kaieteur News report of Tuesday, December 6, that there is a shortage of foreign exchange in Guyana.

"There is no shortage of foreign exchange in Guyana!

The reserves at the Bank of Guyana have improved from approximately US$598M at the end of 2015 to about US$625M at present ~ an increase of US$28M." Minister Jordan revealed on Tuesday.

Appearing under the headline "Major foreign currency crisis looms", the Kaieteur News' article contended that a number of local banks had confirmed that, for the first time in years, they are restricting customers who want to remit large sums of money abroad to pay for services and goods, among other things.

"Some of them are even calling cambios and each other for supplies. The shortage has been exacerbated by

a number of factors, not least among them the severing of ties of a number of foreign banks with local financial institutions". the article stated.

CARICOM Heads met earlier this year to discuss strengthening efforts to address the withdrawal of correspondent banking services from large international financial institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a term referred to as de-risking; but Minister Jordan explained that when the holdings by commercial banks are taken into consideration, foreign reserves have also increased in the system ~ from approximately US$955M at the end of 2015 to US$1.042B at present.

As such, he noted, there is no shortage of foreign exchange; which therefore means that there is no "foreign exchange crisis looming". and there is no need for the currency to depreciate.

He said the Bank of Guyana would take all necessary actions to protect the currency and the reserves it has.

Governor of the Bank of Guyana. Dr. Gobind Ganga.

Donald (from page 5) Trump and Taiwan's leader could "undermine" relations between Washington and Beijing.'

The call with Taiwan (now Taipei) was the first by a U.S. President-elect or President with a Taiwan leader since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 1979.

You might be asking, why the fuss about a phone call? White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said "The Chinese government and Beijing places an enormous priority on this situation and it's a sensitive matter." The White House has reached out to Beijing to assure them of US continued adherence to the one-China policy.

President Obama has gotten cooperation from China in limiting North Korea's influence in the peninsula. A diplomatic war with China could result in a change in China's policy in the sphere of her influence.

The world does not need a cold war

concurred with the minister's explanations at foregoing. and said there is no reason for concern. "There is no foreign currency crisis looming in Guyana!" he said, as he deemed the article misleading.

Further, he pointed out that Guyana has a net supply of foreign currency in the system, and this means that there is no need for depreciation of the currency by any significant amount. "It is not a situation where there is a piling-up of demand for foreign exchange at the commercial banks". Dr. Ganga emphatically stated.

Moreover, he provided details which illustrate that the current foreign exchange reserves held by the Bank of Guyana and the commercial banks are in excess of the 2015 figures, as was also articulated by Finance Minister Jordan.

Dr. Ganga said commercial banks have increased their foreign exchange holdings with a gross holding of US$357M in 2015. which moved to US$388.4M as at

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Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga

September 2016. He further added that it is expected that commercial banks will hold approximately US$403M by the end of this year.

"The (commercial) banks have money, and they have quite a lot. It is not a small amount." Dr. Ganga said.

circulation of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbadian dollars in the Guyanese economy; and this, he said, indicates that these currencies are being converted into Guyana dollars then used to purchase US currency.

Dr. Ganga explained that Guyana has had. since 2014. a significant supply of CARICOM currency in its system. This was evident in the fact that, in 2014. Trinidad and Tobago dollars increased from

INCREASE IN TT, BARBADIAN CURRENCIES Meanwhile. Dr. Ganga revealed that there has been an increase in the

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Mr. Trump does not impress me as a deep thinker and speaks as if he is still in a Reality Show â&#x20AC;&#x201D; letting things develop on their own. Running a country calls for reflection and deep analysis. Before speaking to the Taiwanese President, the Presidentelect should have consulted (as a matter of courtesy and commonsense) with Secretary of state, John Kerry. It is his prerogative not to do this. If the US is to be great again, our new President must make utterances and take actions based on present world reality.

On November 4,1979, university students took over the building of the US embassy and held 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days.

President Obama's policy towards the Middle East is one of engagement and not confrontation. Let us isolate one country as an example - Iran.

TT$9.1M to TT$24.4M in 2015; and in November of 2016. the sum of TT$38.3M was in the system.

Guyana also recorded a significant inflow of Barbadian dollars, which increased from $8.3M in 2014 to $13.5M in 2015.

As at November 2016. the amount stood at $12.3M. Dr. Ganga has also noted that Suriname has had major issues, and this trend of currency conversion has also been discovered at the border, where there is a conversion of cash from Guyana dollars to US dollars, which are being repatriated to Suriname.

Finance Minister Jordan has committed to ensuring that this issue is addressed at the soonest possible time. "The issue as it relates to the Trinidad and Barbados currencies flooding our market will be looked at, and action will be taken to ensure that this occurs in a normal way, rather than it being here just to buy up foreign currency," Minister Jordan said.

China policy

with China.

THE MIDDLE EAST

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The students were convinced that Washington was plotting against the Islamic Revolution just months after the toppling of the US-backed Shah.

Inside the embassy, they found shredded documents which proved their convictions.

Ten days later, former US President Jimmy Carter issued an executive order, freezing all assets and properties of the Iranian government, organizations and companies in the United States in response to the hostage taking.

Thirty years after the takeover

During the past 30 years, all US presidents agreed every year to extend the order on frozen Iranian assets.

of the US Embassy in Tehran, the United States still holds Iran's frozen assets and properties without paying Tehran anything in assets-related fi-

Iran and the US signed an agreement in 1981, known as the Algeria Declaration, which obliged Washington to remove the block on

Iran's assets, including capital, military equipment, diplomatic possessions and the money belonging to the deposed Shah of Iran and his family.

The US, however, fulfilled only parts of its commitments, according to a report by Ears news agency.

In 1994, the US proposed that it would return the frozen assets to Iran.

However, it later became clear that Washington rented out part of Iran's properties to Romania and Turkey and deposited the income in a particular account.

The US has transferred $8 billion in Iranian frozen assets to the Bank of England and another $3.6 billion to the Federal Reserve, the report says.

It was even revealed that the US had built a parking lot at the site of a building which belongs to Iran.

Analysts believe it remains unclear why the US, which seeks to establish relations and hold negotiations with Iran, does not fulfill its commitments and shows no goodwill in practice.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Chronicle

PAHO THE Guyana Chronicle last evening swept the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism with Senior Reporter Svetlana Marshall being adjudged the overall winner of the competition.

Marshall won in several categories, including in the categories of Best News Feature and Best News Article in the print media and Best News Feature and Best New Article online.

Tajeram Mohabir of the Guyana Chronicle won handsdown the prize for Best News Story (print), followed

by Marshall at second and David Papannah of Stabroek News who was placed third.

In the category of Best News Features (Print). Marshall copped the first prize, followed by Drey lan Johnson and Delicia Haynes.

Jessica Daw. Jeanna Pearson, and Shunza Samuels were the winners in the category of Best Television News Story, while Anadia Holladar and Handel Duncan won in the category of Best Television Feature.

In the category of Radio Feature. Cloreen Joseph and Marcey Parker were adjudged winners, while in the category of Best News

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Media

Story online Marshall again emerged among the winners. The other winners were Rabindra Rooplall (The Chronicle) and David Papannah (Stabroek News).

In the category of best News Feature (Online). Svetlana Marshall copped first place, followed by Ravin Singh and Alva Solomon, both of the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who delivered the feature address told the well-attended gathering at the Pegasus Hotel that there is no room for bias, prejudiced reports from the media.

The Prime Minister, a former journalist himself, noted that partisan journalism and personal attacks must be a thing of the past.

'There must be no room for partisan journalism, for bias and prejudiced reports and accounts. There must be no room for personality attacks and character assassination; no room for reports that incite racism, hatred and religious bigotry."

According to the Prime Minister, too often unbalanced and lopsided reports are published under the guise of news, and as such, he implored the country's journalists to "eschew these temptations."

He noted that big busi-

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Overall winner of the competition, Svetlana Marshall, receiving one of several awards last evening (Photos by Cullen Nelson) nesses. especially the pharmaceutical industry, have deep pockets and they use journalists to report on shortage of drags when there is no shortage, or to report about an epidemic when there is no epidemic - all to stimulate need for their medical supplies.

"Journalism, in its most pristine state, must always seek to serve the interest of

the public - to inform and educate the public about affairs which affect their lives and which enrich their existence. Journalists must be ultra-conscious of this and zealously and uncompromisingly guard it."

The Prime Minister made it clear that journalists can ill-afford slippages and to yield to temptations of gifts and enticements, while not-

ing that the demand for modem-day news causes erosion of basic and sacred tenets of journalism.

Nagamootoo highlighted instances of fear-mongering. hatred and division that resulted in inaccurate reports being published.

"This worries me as it is a betrayal and bastardisation of journalism. We see too the media being used to engineer

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â&#x2013; Overall winner of the 2016 PAHO/WHO health awards, Chronicle's Svetlana Marshall (second right), PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow (right), Chief Judge of the awards, Dr Paloma Mohamed, and the other judges of the awards with the 2016 awardees

and perpetuate misinformation and disinformation."

According to the Prime Minister, since taking office in May 2015. the APNU+AFC coalition Government has not interfered in the work of journalists, noting that the "media have been able to conduct their work freely and openly; have been able to report without fear of inhmidation or vichmisahon. even in the State media."

Mr Nagamootoo said the administration of which he is a part condemns previous, "brazen acts of inhmidation and suppression" of journalists and will not pursue an "oppressive agenda."

Prime Minister Nagamootoo. who holds responsibility for the communicahons sector, also encouraged local journalists not to be the purveyors of untruths and falsehoods.

"My Government will conhnue to guard your right as journalists to work in an environment which allows and affords you freedom and independence, to report and comment on facts." he said.

Commending PAHO/ WHO for the initiative, the Prime Minister reminisced on his time in the local media fraternity, noting that journalism was never deemed a "rewarding profession."

"But something new must have happened in Guyana that encourages recognition of the work of journalists, and we must not only welcome this fresh air of appreciation. but must all work to keep it this way." he said, reminding those gathered at the award ceremony that in the past local journalists who did not toe the line, were lumped among the "enemies of the State."

He noted that technology has transformed the landscape and workflow of journalism and noted that with the advent of social media, news is delivered within minutes. if not seconds.

But even as the Prime Minister reminisced about the past and assessed newera journalism, he committed his Government's support to the PAHO/WHO initiative, along with other similar initiatives that seek to recognise the work of media professionals.

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

GPHC A CARDIAC Intensive Care Unit (CICU) has been installed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) as that healthcare institution seeks to improve its delivery of service to what is being offered by private healthcare institutions.

Having recently expended more than US$500,000 to send cardiac patients abroad for treatment. GPHC. the Ministry of Public Health and the University of Calgary saw the need to develop a CICU at the nation's premier public healthcare institution.

In launching the Unit at the GPHC on Friday, head of the hospital's Cardiology Department. Dr. Mahendra Carpen. highlighted that the facility would be able to cut back on costs, given that 100 patients can now be treated at home.

"We want to be the leader in tertiary cardiac healthcare and bridge the gap betw een private and public healthcare... Thus, thanks to the University of Calgary, the Caribbean Heart Institute and the International Children's Heart Foundation, we are one step closer to doing that." Dr. Carpen said.

This new intervention would not only boost the hospital's capacity, but would also afford persons the chance to access affordable healthcare and make economic limitations less of a problem.

In welcoming the new unit. Public Health Minister

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Dr. George Norton pointed out that cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in Guyana, and the Government is cognisant of the importance of providing the best quality cardiac care to change this.

However, it was advised that the Ministry cannot boost the quality of cardiac care on its own. and that is why it has been working along with the University of Calgary to implement the Guyana Programme to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC).

The GPACC Project aims to significantly improve provision of patient care and enhance academic medical activity in Guyana through education, research, and clinical initiatives.

As a result of this collaboration. "we are here today to open this CICU. which is well equipped with eight monitored patient beds and five 'step-down' beds", it was declared.

Among the other equipment are eight new bedside monitors to monitor heart rhythm and blood pressure; two saturations, and equipment for invasive arterial and pulmonary artery monitoring, said Minister Norton.

The CICU functions as a closed medical unit, in that all orders and patient-care decisions are made by the cardiology medical team under the direction of the medical director, or his replacement.

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Health Minister Dr. George Norton (centre) along with Dr. Mahendra Carpen (left) and Dr. Wayne Warnica (right), doing a tour of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit suffering from cardiac-related conditions will now have a facility where their medical needs can be better catered to. allowing cardiac care in Guyana to be taken to a higher level.

The GPACC has contributed to the development of the CICU on two fronts: structure/function and education.

Also. GPACC has provided approximately

US$200,000 for the Echocardiography Laboratory and Echo programme, and US$50,000 for the ECG/ Stress Laboratory.

"GPACC has been working to boost human capacity to handle cardiac-related conditions through ward work, teaching rounds, sponsorship of medical residents for clinical rotations at the University of Calgary, and advanced training for other

medical staff, among other things." stressed Dr. Norton.

The educational component of GPACC is essential for the establishment of a sustainable cardiac programme. since there must be ongoing education for physicians. nurses, pharmacists, and technologists.

Meanwhile. Co-Director of GPACC. Dr. Wayne Warnica. said the CICU is just an extension to the CHI.

and will be a key contributor to the development of the GPHC's capacity.

However, he pointed out that there is need to improve cardiac care, hence the university has sponsored a physician from Guyana who is completing a programme at the University of Calgary, while additional training is ongoing for local doctors and nurses.

- Tender Board handled over 4000 requests as of Nov. 2016 A

busy

THE National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) have handled over 4000 requests for awards as of November 1,2016.

This is according to NPTAB Chairman. Berkley Wickham who addressed

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year

participants Tuesday at the opening of four-day workshop on Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

The event is being hosted at the Regency Suites Hotel.

Hadheld Street. Georgetown.

Wickham said the public procurement system will be strengthened and upgraded in 2017 as existing legislation will be reviewed to facilitate e-procurement. while the website will be improved to satisfy timely posting of advertisements of procurement opportunities and awards.

E-procurement (electronic procurement) is the business-to-business or business-to-consumer or business-to-Government purchase and sale of supplies, work, and services through the Internet, as well as other information and networking systems, such as electronic

data interchange and enterprise resource planning.

"In my opinion we are poised to take procurement out of a long period of stagnation and into a future where electronic Government procurement is the major tool to build a worldclass procurement process in Guyana." the Chairman told the workshop.

Thirty participants drawn from all 10 regions are participating in the level-two certihcate procurement training programme.

The programme is financed under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Public Procurement Modernisation Programme and Financial Management Technical Assistance Programme for Guyana under the Ministry of Finance.

The training is being facilitated by United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) Procurement Specialist. Rodofo Sanjmjo.

Wickham said two similar programmes involving 60 trainees from the public sector will be undertaken in January 2017.

The initiative is aimed at changing the long held perception of a tainted public procurement process.

The NPTAB Chairman said the difficulty of the task was never underestimated, but its success is rooted in achieving transparency, accountability. fairness, integrity and efficiency.

He said the initiative is one component of an overall capacity-building programme.

In February next year, there will be further training in contract compliance and management in a bid to improve transparency and accountabilitv.

A

NPTAB Chairman, Berkley Wickham

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

23

EMPHASIS ON HEALTH

45 Uses For lemons lat Will Blow Your Socks Off hese 45 health benefits and ways to use lemons will definitely motiyate you to keep lemons on hand at all times and T maybe even work lemon water into your diet.

Most people are familiar with the tradi- that may build up into kidney stones. tional uses for lemons to soothe sore throats 9. KEEP INSECTS OUT OF THE and add some citrus flavor to our foods.

KITCHEN However, the diversity of applications for You don't need insecticides or ant traps lemons far exceeds general knowledge and to ant-proof your kitchen. Just give it the once you read the following list, you'll lemon treatment. First squirt some lemon likely want to stock at least a few lemons in juice on door thresholds and windowsills. your kitchen 24/7.

Then squeeze lemon juice into any holes or 1. FRESHEN THE FRIDGE cracks where the ants are getting in. Finally, Remove refrigerator odors with ease. scatter small slices of lemon peel around Dab lemon juice on a cotton ball or sponge the outdoor entrance. The ants will get the and leave it in the fridge for several hours message that they aren't welcome. Lemons to absorb odors. Make sure to toss out any are also effective against roaches and fleas: malodorous items that might be causing the Simply mix the juice of 4 lemons (along bad smell and improve the effectiveness of with the rinds) with 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water and wash your floors with it; then the lemon juice. watch the fleas and roaches flee. They hate 2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE the smell.

Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of 10. ANTI-AGING water and drink three to four times per day Lemon water reduces the production of to lower your blood pressure. For best results, you can squeeze the lemon into a free radicals which are responsible for warm cup of water and drink it first thing aging skin and skin damage. Lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach.

Drinking the lemon water can reduce the effect of nausea and dizziness.

3. PREVENT CAULIFLOWER FROM TURNING BROWN Cauliflower tends to turn brown with even the slightest cooking. You can make sure the white vegetables stay white by squeezing a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice on them before heating.

4. MENTAL HEALTH Lemon water can brighten your mood and relieve depression and stress.The energy a human receives from food comes m from the atoms and molecules in your food.

A reaction occurs when the positive charged ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with the negative charged enzymes. Lemon is one of the few foods that contain more negative charged ions, providing your body with more energy when it enters the digestive tract. The scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and enis calorie free and an antioxidant. ergizing properties.

11. FRUIT AND VEGETABLE 5. REFRESH CUTTING BOARDS WASH No wonder your kitchen cutting board You never know what kind of pesticides smells! After all, you use it to chop onions, crush garlic, and prepare fish. To get rid of or dirt may be lurking on the skin of your the smell and help sanitize the cutting favorite fruits and vegetables. Slice your board, rub it all over with the cut side of lemon and squeeze out one tablespoon of half a lemon or wash it in undiluted juice lemon juice into your spray bottle. The lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and straight from the bottle. will leave your fruits and vegetables 6. RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS smelling nice too.

Lemon water can reduce phlegm; and 12. TREAT INFECTIONS can also help you breathe properly and aids Lemon water can fight throat infections a person suffering with asthma. The vitamin thanks to its antibacterial property. If salt C in lemons can also help with long-term water does not work for you, try lemon and respiratory disorders. water for gargling.

7. TREATING ARTHRITIS AND 13. DEODORIZE YOUR GARBAGE RHEUMATISM If your garbage is beginning to smell Lemon is a diuretic, meaning it assists in yucky, here's an easy way to deodorize it: the production of urine and helps to reduce inflammation by flushing out toxins and Save leftover lemon and orange peels and bacteria while also giving you relief from toss them at the base under the bag. To keep it smelling fresh, repeat once every couple arthritis and rheumatism. of weeks.

8. PREVENTS KIDNEY STONES 14. KEEP GUACAMOLE GREEN Regular consumption of lemon juice You've been making guacamole all day mixed with water may increase the production of urinary citrate, a chemical in the long for the big party, and you don't want urine that prevents the formation of crystals it to turn brown on top before the guests arrive. The solution: Sprinkle a liberal

amount of fresh lemon juice over it and it will stay fresh and green. The flavor of the lemon juice is a natural complement to the avocados in the guacamole. Make the fruit salad hours in advance too. Just squeeze some lemon juice onto the apple slices, and they'll stay snowy white.

15. PURGE THE BLOOD We consume a lot of junk food or food with a lot of preservatives and artificial flavors. This builds up a lot of toxins in the blood and body but daily consumption of lemon water helps to purify the blood.

16. MAKE SOGGY LETTUCE CRISP Don't toss that soggy lettuce into the garbage. With the help of a little lemon juice you can toss it in a salad instead. Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Then put the soggy lettuce in it and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to dry the leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.

17. ORAL HEALTH Lemon juice can relieve pain from toothaches, stop bleeding gums, and elimi-

nate bad odors caused by gum diseases or conditions. Massage lemon juice on bleeding gums or directly onto the area of the toothache. If the acidity from the lemon begins to bum in your mouth, be sure to rinse your gums and mouth quickly with water.

18. LIGHTEN AGE SPOTS Why buy expensive creams when you've got lemon juice? To lighten liver spots or freckles, try applying lemon juice directly to the area. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse your skin clean. It's a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

19. CREATE BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS For salon-worthy highlights, add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Then, sit in the sun until your hair dries. To maximize the effect, repeat once daily for up to a week.

20. MAKE A ROOM SCENT/ HUMIDIFIER Freshen and moisturize the air in your home on dry winter days. Make your own room scent that also doubles as a humidifier. If you have a wood-burning stove, place an enameled cast-iron pot or bowl on top, fill with water, and add lemon (and/or orange)

peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple skins. No wood-burning stove? Use your stovetop instead and just simmer the water periodically.

21. CLEAN AND WHITEN NAILS Pamper your hands without a manicurist.

Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail, 22. CLEANSE YOUR FACE Zap zits naturally by dabbing lemon juice on blackheads to draw them out during the day. You can also wash your face with lemon juice for a natural cleanse and exfoliation. Your skin should improve after several days of treatment. Lemon water is also a cooling agent, best way to beat the heat.

23. FRESHEN YOUR BREATH Make an impromptu mouthwash by rinsing with lemon juice straight from the bottle. Swallow for longer-lasting fresh breath.

The citric acid in the juice alters the pH level in your mouth, killing bacteria that causes bad breath. Rinse after a few minutes because long-term exposure to the acid in lemons can harm tooth enamel.

24. TREAT FLAKY DANDRUFF If itchy, scaly dandruff has you scratching your head, relief may be no farther away than your refrigerator. Just massage two tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir one teaspoon lemon juice into one cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat daily until your dandruff disappears.

25. GET RID OF TOUGH STAINS ON MARBLE You probably think of marble as stone, but it is really petrified calcium (also known as old seashells). That explains why it is so porous and easily stained and damaged. Those stains can be hard to remove.

If washing won't remove a stubborn stain, try this; Cut a lemon in half, dip the exposed flesh into some table salt, and rub it vigorously on the stain. But do this only as a last resort; acid can damage marble. Rinse well.

26. REMOVE BERRY STAINS It sure was fun to pick your own berries, but now your fingers are stained with berry juice that won't come off no matter how much you scrub with soap and water. Try washing your hands with undiluted lemon juice, then wait a few minutes and wash with warm, soapy water. Repeat until your hands are stain-free.

27. SOFTEN DRY, SCALY ELBOWS Itchy elbows are bad enough, but they look terrible too. For better looking (and feeling) elbows, mix baking soda and lemon juice to make an abrasive paste, then rub it into your elbows for a soothing, smoothing, and exfoliating treatment. Rinse your extremities in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water, then massage with olive oil and dab dry with a soft cloth.

28. HEADACHES Lemon juice with a few teaspoons of hot tea added is the treatment of a sophisticated New York bartender, for those who suffer with hangover headaches â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and from (continued on page 25)

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

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New York Chronicle Horoscope

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TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 21) You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. You will be able to get to the bottom of things next week. Your added discipline will help you complete the impossible at work. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your involvement with groups will raise your self esteem. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stubborn. Offer consolation, but don't give them any direction. Try to make your lover understand that you need to do things with your friends. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Don't waste this exciting day by sitting at home. Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Don't give in too quickly. Lay your cards on the table regarding your personal direction. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Tuesday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for those who attend. Travel will be fun and entertaining. Try not to allow others to burden you with additional responsibilities. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Knowledge can be acquired if you listen. Beware of individuals who are not that reliable or well known to you. Don't try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Be sure to take care of the needs of youngsters. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Thursday.

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PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. You will be in the mood to socialize. Don't overreact if your partner has a poor attitude. Don't make promises. Your luckiest events tnext week will occur on Saturday.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try not to take everything so seriously. Don't hesitate to voice your ideas and opinions. Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. Your health may suffer if you don't control your present situation. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 2 - Feb. 19) You need to spend some time getting to know this person all over again. Difficulties with your mate may lead to estrangement. Do not let in-laws upset you. Moves or the possibility of having someone different living with you may be difficult at first. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Invite people home to discuss your plans for group fundraising events and outings. Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Anger could lead to problems. Try not to let your emotions interfere with the completion of your work. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday.

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LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did. Your high energy will help you through this rather hectic week. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your boss won't be too thrilled if you leave things unfinished. Your input into their activities will help bring you closer together. Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people. You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Saturday.

8

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) ARIES (Mar. 21-April 20) Your family needs to spend some time with you, too. If they don't like the plan, suggest that they contribute a little. Snap out of it. You will enjoy getting together with friends. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

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ISSUE 26 CROSSWORD ANSWER SEN R Oo ■P O S T C 1 A O R BL A S K E R T E L 1S T R E A M 1 N G 1 F s A R M Y V 1 E D S T A B S H URL F L 1 R T E D L O O T 1 E S W E E P O N u S S L A S H E D W 1 s P S F L U EHH A N A T M E N D S S A c R 1 F 1 C E TOO A D o F A D E R 1 D S M A s F R E E COO 7. Worthless racehorse 8. Certain ocean (abbr.)

9. Previously named 11. Beetle's tormentor 12. Blame-denying phrase (2 wds.)

17. Inventor Whitney 19. Tippler 21. Brownie's kin 23. MP3 player from Apple 24. Athletic shoe brand 25. Measures of length (abbr.)

26. Mets' former stadium 27.Obey 28. Ph.D or B.A. 30. Lifesaving technique (abbr.)

32. Married woman's title (abbr.)

35. Illuminated (2 wds.)

36. "Help!"

38. Quarrel 39. Nothing 41. Cheerleading maneuver 44. Farm's storage spot 46. Extra dry 47. Naught 48. Actress Rachel Wood 49. At the drop hat (2 wds.)

50. "The Greatest" boxer 51. Linden or Holbrook 53. Herr's article

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

25

Revolution (from page 7) mala in 1954.

By 1950 — nine years before the Cuban Revolution — the masses of Latin America and Cuba held a seething resentment for Washington and its support of vicious dictators. This dual oppression became so pronounced that it sparked popular uprisings all over the continent. It was in this climate that the Cuban Revolution was born.

This is the historical context of the Cuban Revolution. It was and is the DIRECT result of the contradictions rendering Cuban society apart, due to the DIRECT behavior and policies of the United States government. The Cuban Revolution is the illegitimate child of the United States government. They cannot be separated. The Cuban Revolution was and is hated by the United States ruling class because of it SYM-

BOLISM. It demonstrates an ALTERNATIVE path to socio-economic development. That was the reason for the blockade and the hostility towards Cuba. If the Cuban Revolution succeeded successive American Administrations FEARED its social and political impact and consequences on the American people long told that capitalism was the only system with the ability to "lift all boats."

FIDEL CASTRO, MARXISM AND THE UNITED STATES After the overthrow of Batista, United States political, civic and business leaders genuinely believed that the Cuban Revolution was going to be short-lived and things would settle down and get back to "normal" — gambling, corruption, greed and criminality — all money making enterprises. But that did not happen and the

And

United States ruling class was horrified and angry that Castro was actually serious about changing social conditions on the island and raising the living standard of its impoverished masses. So, in response to limited land reform, Washington sought to strangle the Cuban economy, cutting Cuba's sugar export quota and then denying the island-nation oil.

Castro retaliated with nationalizing of US property and Cuban-owned enterprises, and turned to the Soviet Union for help, thus stoking Washington's anger to red-hot. Striking a Faustian Bargain, Castro turned to the utterly discredited Cuban Stalinist Popular Socialist Party, which supported Batista, and strongly opposed his guerrilla movement. The Stalinists provided him with the political apparatus that he and the nascent Cuban Revolution lacked.

Cuba

To put things in historical context Castro was representative of a broader bourgeois-nationalist and anti-imperialist movement that swept the colonial and oppressed countries in the post-World War II period, that gave rise to figures like Ben Bella in Algeria, Nasser in Egypt, Nkrumah in Ghana and Lumumba in the Congo, among others. Like Castro, many of them attempted to exploit the Cold War conflict between Washington and Moscow to secure their own interests.

While the rising expectations of the Cuban masses and the obstinate reaction of US imperialism served to push Castro to the left, he was in no sense a Marxist Leninist. While sincere in his original intentions to implement significant reforms of Cuban society, his political orientation was always of a pragmatic character.

4S Uses For Lemons That fill Blow Your Socks Off (from page 23) headaches due to many other causes. He converts his customers to this regimen, and weans them away from drug remedies completely.

29. rmi l S AND FEVERS Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes; never the less the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Try this method of "lemon socks" to help reduce fevers.

30. DIPTHFRIA Skip the vaccine for this disease. Lemon Juice Treatment still proves as one of the most powerful antiseptics and the strong digestive qualities of the fruit are admired around the world. Swallow 1/2 to 1 lemon juice every hour or two; this cuts loose the false membrane in the throat and permits it to come out.

31. VAGINAL HYGIENE Diluted lemon juice makes a safe and sane method of vaginal hygiene. It is a powerful antiseptic and it's free of irritating drugs that are present in douches and suppositories.

32. FORGET THE MOTH BALLS A charming French custom to keep closets free from moths is to take ripe lemons and stick them with cloves all over the skin.

The heavily studded lemons slowly dry with their cloves, leaving a marvelous odor throughout the closets and rooms.

33. STOMACH HEALTH Digestive problems are the most common ailments but warm water and lemon juice is the solution to most digestive problems, Lemon juice helps to purify the blood, reduces your chances of indigestion, constipation, eliminates toxins from the body, adds digestion and reduces phlegm.

34. DISINFECT CUTS AND SCRAPES Stop bleeding and disinfect minor cuts and scraps by pouring a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut. You can also apply the juice with a cotton ball and hold firmly in place for one minute.

35. SOOTHE POISON IVY RASH

You won't need an ocean of calamine lotion the next time poison ivy comes acreeping. Just apply lemon juice directly to the affected area to soothe itching and alleviate the rash, 36. REMOVE WARTS You've tried countless remedies to banish warts and nothing seems to work. Next time, apply a dab of lemon juice directly to the wart using a cotton swab. Repeat for several days until the acids in the lemon juice dissolve the wart completely.

37. BLEACH DELICATE FABRICS Avoid additional bleach stains by swapping ordinary household chlorine bleach with lemon juice, which is milder but no less effective. Soak your delicates in a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for at least half an hour before washing.

38. CLEAN TARNISHED BRASS AND POLISH CHROME Say good-bye to tarnish on brass, copper, or stainless steel. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or substitute baking soda or cream of tartar for the salt) and coat the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then wash in warm water, rinse, and polish dry. Use the same mixture to clean metal kitchen sinks too. Apply the paste, scrub gently, and rinse. Get rid of mineral deposits and polish chrome faucets and other tarnished chrome. Simply rub lemon rind over the chrome and watch it shine!

Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

39. REPLACE YOUR DRY CLEANER Ditch the expensive dry-cleaning bills (and harsh chemicals) with this homegrown trick. Simply scrub the stained area on shirts and blouses with equal parts lemon juice and water. Your "pits" will be good as new, and smell nice too.

40. BOOST LAUNDRY DETERGENT For more powerful cleaning action, pour 1 cup lemon juice into the washer during the wash cycle. The natural bleaching action of the juice will zap stains and remove rust and mineral discolorations from

*

••

cotton T-shirts and briefs and will leave your clothes smelling fresh. Your clothes will turn out brighter and also come out smelling lemon-fresh.

41. RID CLOTHES OF MILDEW Have you ever unpacked clothes you stored all winter and discovered some are stained with mildew? To get rid of it, make a paste of lemon juice and salt and rub it on the affected area, then dry the clothes in sunlight. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

42. ELIMINATE FIREPLACE ODOR There's nothing cozier on a cold winter night than a warm fire burning in the fireplace, unless the fire happens to smell horrible. Next time you have a fire that sends a stench into the room, try throwing a few lemon peels into the flames. You can also burn some lemon peels along with your firewood as a preventive measure.

43. NEUTRALIZE CAT-BOX ODOR You don't have to use an aerosol spray to neutralize foul-smelling cat-box odors or freshen the air in your bathroom. Just cut a couple of lemons in half. Then place them, cut side up, in a dish in the room, and the

air will soon smell lemon-fresh.

44. DEODORIZE A HUMIDIFIER When your humidifier starts to smell funky, deodorize it with ease: Just pour 3 or 4 teaspoons lemon juice into the water. It will not only remove the off odor but will replace it with a lemon-fresh fragrance. Repeat every couple of weeks to keep the odor from returning.

45. REDUCE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS In addition to a general detoxifying diet, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice before each meal, and before retiring can reduce asthma symptoms. * If you do consume lemon peel, stick to organic lemons to reduce your pesticide exposure.

John Summerly is nutritionist, herhologist, and homeopathic practitioner.

He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Credits: preventdisease.com

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

m

The Peter Haynes

\

Column BREADBASKET) OF THE CARIBBEAN

AWARE OF their country's comparatively tremendous availability of land and other resources for sustainable agriculture, Guyanese politicians have been mouthing for decades the phrase: "Guyana should be the Breadbasket of the Caribbean" It is notable that in a recent conversaUnfortunately, agriculture is not a fation, President Granger has changed that vorite occupation of the younger generation phrase and forcefully suggested that: in the region, hence the dependence on the "Guyana is the heart of the Caribbean." importation of foods, even of those which This is admittedly a realistic description, can be grown in the Caribbean! only in the sense of possibility and potenThat said, the new policy expressed by tial, as with the development of the embryo President Granger, that Guyana is the "heart - where the heart is external before it is en- of the Carib-bean," brings into greater focus veloped in the body to become its most ef- a new line of development for Guyana and ficient and vital organ - but it is, even in the wider Caribbean region. Indeed, Presithis sense, a cause for hope and celebration. dent Granger's "Green" agenda offers a In a conversation a few months ago clear way forward, and not only for with Guyana's Ambassador to Brussels, Dr. Guyana, but also to new avenues for investDeep Forde, he lamented the fact that the ment and development.

Caribbean islands import at least 60 percent For example, Santa Fe Mega Farms of the food that they consume, an avoidable have recently announced that they are exconsequence, when the area's food bills lit- pecting approval for an additional 20,000 erally eat into the foreign reserves of every acres to be allotted for increased cattle and black belly sheep rearing in the Rupununi. single island.

Yet to be appreciated or explained is To power this industrial breakthrough, the fact that with most of the islands de- Santa Fe Mega Farms will also be develpending on the tourist industry for a signif- oping solar energy — even at a time when icant segment of their income, very little Guyana is set to develop is fossil oil reeffort is made to offer visitors local foods. sources. This farsightedness means that the Somehow, there still exists the belief that revenues from the oil industry could be tourists coming to the Caribbean expect to freed up to developing other projects and eat the same foods that they enjoy when at industries in the country. home. How about researching the notion One important area to which such that tourists come to the Caribbean because green development would contribute posithey want to enjoy the beaches and the local tively, is the reduction, if not complete eradfoods? ication of unemployment — particularly Assuming that such an investigation among the youth, who are tempted by idlewould prove that the unique Caribbean ness into lives of crime, also the further dicuisines constitute a major tourist attrac- versification of agriculture. tion, it is incumbent upon the islands and President Granger has taken the bold its inhabitants—that depend so heavily on step of articulating to regional leaders that tourism for their survival, to set about in the years ahead, their task is to translate growing more food, in order to have local the accumulated knowledge gained over the dishes become staples on their menus. years into real "benefits for our people".

$64M THE European Union (EU) and the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) have signed a contract that would facilitate a study to devise a comprehensive restoration and sustainable conservation management plan for City Hall.

The contract, costing 279.196 euros [G$64M]. has been awarded to EURONET Consulting GEIE and is expected to be concluded by March/April 2017. The team of consultants will include experts from both Europe and Guyana, and the Na-

contract tional Trust of Guyana and City Hall will be actively engaged during the period of consultancy.

The core of the assessment would involve conducting a condition assessment and evaluation of the physical and structural state of City Hall and the City Engineer's Building; preparing and presenting a comprehensive green restoration plan and a sustainable conservation management plan for City Hall and the City Engineer's Building; and facilitating training sessions and strengthening

He noted that the promises made at the establishment of CSME - several decades ago - must finally begin to be delivered; that there need to be more manufacturing, production, and trade within the Caribbean bloc.

"It is high time that the region's natural resources are exploited. CARICOM needs to be kept abreast with the needs of the people, and Guyana's 'green 'agenda should be the direction for the entire region.

President Granger has further stated that the enhancing the standard of education is critical to the region's young people finding employment (not jobs) within the Caribbean, and not as tour guides and waitresses, but rather as zoologists and botanists.

Sir Kyffin Simpson, a very astute businessman may also have given some consideration to the development of his idea of the region feeding itself and not importing 60 percent of its food consumption. We know that Barbados has limitations in terms of cultivating land for agriculture, but it most lamentable in that with unemployment above ten percent, there is absolutely no desire among many young people to seek employment in agriculture.

It is undeniable that when the island was about to produce more food for local consumption, the necessary labour was provided largely by Guyanese. This phenomenon continues today — and the same could be said about the construction industry; high quality craftsmen come from Guyana.

Another example that is worthy of note: Is it a tribute to the quality of Guyanese craftsmen that Barbados's 50th Independence Anniversary Memorial was built entirely by Guyanese construction workers!

Perhaps it is not well known by today's youth and some of their elders that Guyana and Barbados have had very close association for centuries, and that the cooperation which exists between these coun-

signed

capacity within the relevant stakeholder agencies, a statement from the EU Office in Georgetown said on Monday.

EU Ambassador Jernej Videtic highlighted that "Georgetown's iconic City Hall and the City Engineer's Building, built in 1889. are unquestionably among the most outstanding architectural. cultural and historically significant buildings in Guyana."

Ambassador Videtic added: "The EU was delighted to help by funding this study, which will hope-

to

1

President David Granger tries goes way back to our foreparents. The lack of information about the facts of our shared history unfortunately leads some Barbadians to unwarranted feelings and comments to the effect that Guyanese are in their island taking away their jobs and even — amusingly, we hear —their men.

Obviously such statements are made by individuals uninformed and unaware of the days when schooners left Barbados with Barbadians families and their meagre possessions for Guyana to seek employment and a better life on the South American continent.

It is also true that many Barbadian men left their families behind, some never to return, but to start new families in Guyana. And there were also instances in which Guyanese visited Barbados for periods to ply their craft and also start families on the island, thereby having two - or more - families separated by the Atlantic.

It's high time for the uninformed to become informed, because the heart of the Caribbean is due to develop in the green land of Guyana, and there will be opportunities for many in the entire CSME region to have a better life in Guyana in the not too distant future.

restore

fully lead to a process that will see City Hall returned to its former glory."

The City Hall and City Engineer's Building are a part of Guyana's tangible heritage, and are considered important to the nation's historic fabric. In a bid to preserve and promote the value of its cultural heritage internationally, Guyana in 1977 became a signatory to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage ~ the first Caribbean State to do so.

City

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 9, 2016

Banks

DIH

beverage ONE year after Banks DIH Limited sold its shares in Barbados beverage conglomerate Banks Holdings Limited (BHL); it has decided to repurchase the 15 per cent shares as of December 1.

'The Directors of Banks DIH (BDIH) Limited believes that the transaction was in the best interest of all the stakeholders as BDIH. Throughout the whole process the directors of BDIH were guided by the company's financial and legal advisors." a statement signed by Company Secretary. Terrence Bynoe noted on Wednesday.

According to the company. in December 2015. it was informed through a press release that BDIH had sold the shares which it held in BHL's issued capital being a total amount of 4.358.815 common shares, constituting approximately 6.7 per cent of BHL's capital.

This was in the context of the takeover of BHL in Barbados by AMBEV. At that

27

repurchases

shares

in

Barbados

giant - says transaction was in best interest of all stakeholders

time. BHL held 20 per cent of the issued capital for BDIH. In 2015. Banks DIH Managing Director. Clifford Reis had announced a $600M payout to shareholders as a special interim dividend from the $L146B it had acquired from the sale of Banks Holdings Limited.

In 2015. reports revealed that Banks DIH Limited stated its recent sale of shares in Barbados beverage conglomerate Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) was both "financially and commercially advantageous" and will increase shareholder value.

Banks sought to clarify the sale, which was seen as key to a takeover of BHL by Brazilian beer giant AmBev. and it noted that its directors were guided by financial and legal advisors.

Banks sold its shares to SLU Beverages, a subsidiary of AmBev. for BDS $7.10 per share, which was ten cents over what Trinidadian conglomerate ANSA McAL. was offering.

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each other.

The ANSA McAl bid did not succeed. The Barbados Nation's newspaper report had stated that Barbados' Chief Justice. Sir Marston

PROFESSIONAL INCOME

Gibson had on November 13. 2015 lifted an injunction to halt the trading of BHL shares, paving the way for Banks DIH and others to sell their shares and eventually

TAX

allowing AmBev to gain majority control.

ANSA has challenged this decision. According to the Banks' release, the company sold 4.358.818 shares, equaling 6.7 per cent of BHL's issued capital, to SLU for BDS $7.10 per share (BDS $30,947,607 in total) on December 2.

It noted that accounting firm KPMG had advised that the upper limit of the valuation was BDS $5.60 per share.

Meanwhile, in the press release Wednesday. BDIH stated on December 1. 2016 it repurchased 15 per cent of the shares held in BHL's issued capital at the price of G$36.79 per share.

"That price was based on a valuation conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers in December 2015, which valued the 20 per cent shareholding of BHL in the issue capital of BDIH, at fair market value between $37.00-$40.00 per share," the release said.

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