Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 03 11 2017

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‘Guyanese Girls Rock’ Foundation Launched ISSUE No. 74

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 3, 2017

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Dr. Vibert Cambridge retires after 24 years at Scripps (OU) Page 13

PM calls it holiganism

Unruly opposition

Page 3

Harmon, Broomes defend President’s appointment of GECOM chair Page 4

Page 16 Board members of ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’, Carla Evelyn-Roberts, Treasurer; Cloyette Harris Stoute, President and Rhonda Binda, Vice President.

(Pic by Tangerine Clarke)

GTT Pinktober Page campaign 5 raises $4M Page 20

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

Outing turns deadly

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

-girl, uncle drown at Rockstone Fish Festival

AN afternoon of laughter and celebration at the Rockstone Fish Festival ended on a tragic note when a teenager and her uncle drowned in the vicinity of Golden Beach, Region 10.

Confirmed dead is 13-year-old Yasha Prince of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Her 50-year-old uncle Gavin Moses has reportedly drowned as well but his body, up to press time, had not been retrieved. Moses lived on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three The extended family had journeyed to Rockstone for the 12th Annual Fish Festival – a two-day festival in Region 10 which attracted hundreds of persons

Dead: Yasha Prince

from across Guyana. For Prince, it was the celebration of her 13th birthday.

Moses was also in celebratory mood, since he too had celebrated his 50th birthday recently.

According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, during the peak of the festival, the extended family chartered a private boat for a trip to the much talked about Golden Beach – located one mile away from the festivity.

It was while swimming that Prince and Moses drowned, creating great panic in the area. Prince’s body was discovered and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her uncle’s remains are yet to be located.

Hundreds of Guyanese from all walks of life turned out at the Rockstone Fish Festival in Region 10 on Sunday and for Ravi Persuad of Amelia's Ward, Linden, it was a day of celebration after winning the largest single catch. Also in the photo is boat Captain Ray Peters from Rockstone who took Persaud to the Essequibo River for the catch.

(Naomi Marshall photo)

Gov’t gears up for Budget 2018 THIS year’s budget will be the fourth to be presented by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and the APNU+AFC government since assuming office.

Billboard signage has been erected around the capital city depicting the Minister and government’s readiness to present the 2018 budget.

Earlier this month, Minister Jordan noted that there will be no new taxes in Budget 2018. Instead, he said the new budget seeks to provide an incentive to some sectors and promote small-business growth.

“Anything in this budget is about cleaning up or providing an incentive or two as promised. We promised some sectors we will see how we can support them in this renewal,” Minister Jordan added.

The 2018 budget will also cater to the long overdue construction of the East Bank Berbice (EBB) road, which is expected to cost approximately $1.5B. “We said those people were promised that road endlessly; we have to build the road. The road is going to cost between $1.3B and $1.5B,” Minister Jordan told reporters earlier this month.

The 2017 national budget of $250B was presented under the theme, “Building a diversified, green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese.”

The budget, which was the largest presented to the National Assembly by the APNU+AFC Government, saw a number of measures announced to stimulate the country’s economy and to create employment opportunities.

In keeping with an election promise, the government reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 14 per cent from 16 per cent; however, there were several new features including VAT on electricity and water as well as on education. Government later pledged to review the latter, a process which is still under review.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo holds placard (with spelling error) during President David Granger’s address of the National Assembly Thursday (Delano Williams)

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President David Granger during his speech

Unruly opposition -- Nagamootoo says PPP stoops to new low

By Ariana Gordon PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday slammed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for what he described as “disgraceful, awful and disgusting” behaviour during the opening session of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament.

The prime minister referenced the Opposition’s protest in the form of loud chants and placards while President David Granger addressed the National Assembly.

The Opposition from all indications was protesting the President’s appointment of Justice James Patterson to the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The placards borne by Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo and his team, alleged that the coalition government by its appointment of Justice Patterson will rig the 2020 general elections.

Chants of “No more rigging”, “What about democracy”?, “untrustworthy” and “not fit and proper” among others flooded the Parliament Chambers as President David Granger with support from the governing side maintained his composure and outlined his administration’s achievements since taking office, as well as plans for the future.

In fact, President Granger, though inaudible for most of his fifty plus minutes speech, was resolute in pointing out the fact that the country’s economy has been prudently managed over the past 30 months, which allowed for moderate economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.3 per cent in 2016 despite unfavourable external environment.

He reminded that the coalition government has adopted measures to improve the living standards of workers and pointed to the increase in the minimum wage of public servants which has increased by 50 per cent or from $39,540 to $60,000, within the past 26 months.

The President noted the reduction of the income tax rate and increased income tax threshold by a minimum of 20 per cent, “measures which boosted our working people’s disposable income.”

Additionally, he noted that national competitiveness has been enhanced by the reduction of the corporation tax rate for manufacturing and non-commercial companies from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

The Value-Added Tax (VAT) was reduced to 14 per cent and the VAT threshold increased from $10M to $15M. But as he continued to outline, his administration’s agenda before Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, the Joint Services and media, the PPP hurled unsavory comments towards him.

“Pay the teachers more”! “More jobs for young people” to which at very few times, Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland used his gravel to ensure order was maintained.

But the sounding of the gravel was not sufficient to stop the determined Opposition who had in the past walked out when the President addressed the National Assembly.

However, notwithstanding what has been described by the Prime Minister as “political price” paid by the President to endure the ruckus, he believes that the Opposition Leader has attempted to turn the National Assembly into an arena of domestic terrorism with the hope of intimidating the President.

AWFUL AND DISGUSTING “I believe it was awful, disgraceful, it was disgusting.

You see the leader of the Opposition hiding behind a placard, reducing himself to the level of a placard bearer, a picketer in the National Assembly,” said Nagamootoo who recounted that the protests started as murmurs and gravitated to screams.

The prime minister reminded that it was Jagdeo who served as President of Guyana for 12 years and has resorted to such “immaturity”.

President David Granger addresses the National Assembly Thursday

“… his response was not a dignified response to the content of what the President had to say. His response was in a kind of a speculative, inventive, bizarre slogan that says ‘no more rigging’.

“Well, we are not dealing with elections this year, and of course Local Government Elections are next year and in 2020 the national elections. All elections 2011, 2015—these have been declared to be free and fair and transparent and credible.

This is what the international community has said; there is no issue of rigged elections in Guyana and to hide behind a slogan of rigged elections was infantile,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is also leader of the House stated.

He said he did not expect much different from Jagdeo and

noted that they would stop at nothing to distract the President.

“I think they were trying to provoke a response, that the Speaker would rule that they were disorderly, which they were, because they were disrupting the formal sitting of the National Assembly and be ordered out -- to claim victory … when put out of the National Assembly.”

Nagamootoo said too that it is his administration’s intention to outline to citizens what it has done and its plans for the future so that the trust placed in it will not be broken.

“I believe today was a tremendous day for politics in Guyana, it marks the introduction of new tactics in the House, a type of guerilla tactic of mixing protest with disorderly behaviour but of course, what else do you expect of an Opposition that has lost credibility, that has lost its government twice; the majority in 2011 and the authority in 2015- they are still in a mood of shock and they behave that way,” declared the prime minister.

He stressed that while today’s demonstration was different from others, it served as an indication that “we have a job to do.”

“President Granger was elected to do a job and he has to do that job.”

Meanwhile, Jagdeo in a statement to the media after the end of Parliament criticised the President for what he considered to be lack of originality.

“I have said before that we could have expected another good life speech, opening up the interior, that the Forestry Commission’s job is to monitor the forests – useless things. He has not dealt with any of the major issues affecting Guyanese – the crime and how he will tackle the increase in crime; how he will tackle the increased loss of jobs in our economy; how he would tackle investments; in fact, he said we are attracting more investments now, when the reality is very different… he even talks about projects that were started under the PPP (when he says) ‘we have just completed the four-lane road on the East Bank. Does he not have anything original or relevant to say?”

The Opposition PPP has refused to listen to the President’s address in the National Assembly since the coalition government took office and according to Jagdeo, his party has “walked out in the past and not listened to the President, when there were other breaches of the Constitution.”

“But this breach (the unilateral appointment of a GECOM Chairman in violation of Constitutional provisions) was so egregious that just staying away was not adequate. We had to be here actively protesting the breach of the Constitution and the (undermining of) the rule of law. Therefore, that is why we took this action – to highlight; not only to Guyana, but to the international community that was here, about how seriously we, and the country, view this matter.”

Parliament has been adjourned until November 17.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

Harmon, Broomes defend President’s appointment of GECOM chair

By Colin A. Moore

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing the huge gathering of villagers at the Clonbrook Primary School

By Svetlana Marshall MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon ‘trashed’ Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during a well-attended community outreach meeting in Clonbrook on the East Coast of Demerara, as he defended President David Granger’s appointment of Retired High Court Judge, Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Stating that the Opposition Leader has been spewing lies in an attempt to discredit the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, Minister Harmon, in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, did not hold back on Saturday when he addressed the GECOM appointment at the Clonbrook Primary School before a huge crowd.

Stating the facts of the matter, Minister Harmon, from the outset said that President Granger’s appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM is in keeping with the Constitution, noting that he went beyond the call of duty.

“He has gone beyond what any other President has done to describe the characteristics, or what he understands to be meant by fit and proper,” Harmon told the cheering crowd.

It was noted that despite the efforts of the President, the opposition leader nevertheless provided three unacceptable lists with a total of 18 nominees, as he continued to prolong the process.

It was on this note that the State Minister rubbished claims by the opposition that the President acted “unilaterally” and “undemocratically,” when in fact he held at least three consultations with the opposi-

tion leader, discussing in detail the characteristics of nominees for the post must possess.

Minister Harmon recalled that during the last meeting with the opposition leader, President Granger made it clear that he would no longer put on hold the business of the country, and as such, resorted to appointing a chairman as allowed by Article 161 (2) of the constitution.

“Mr. Jagdeo has to understand that he is not the President of this country.

He is not the President of Guyana,” Harmon told the villagers, who in response shouted, “he is the opposition leader, and there he must stay.”

In retaliation for the appointment, the opposition

leader with the backing of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), threatened to withdraw from the National Borders Commission and adopt a non-cooperative approach towards the government.

“Don’t matter what happens in a country, once you are talking about borders and territorial integrity, you come together,” Minister Harmon said, while positing that Jagdeo’s action is not surprising.

“It reminded us that when he was in office, when he was President, one of the things he said he was going to do to settle the border issue, was to give Venezuela a piece of land,” Harmon recalled.

“What kind of man is that?” the State Minister

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes urging villagers to stay mobilised

Minister Simona Broomes watches on with excitement as Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, shows off his moves with a young masquerader on a street in Ann's Grove

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questioned, as he reminded the villagers of the many occasions when the former President lied to Guyana, including the time when he misled the nation on his marital status.

Unlike Jagdeo, Minister Harmon said, President Granger is an upright man of God who respects the rights of women to be empowered and implored those in the audience to remain resolute and focus on the future, despite the distractions being created by the opposition.

“In 2018 we are going to have Local Government Elections again…and you will have an opportunity to again elect the leaders in your community that you want. So that if the NDC is not working, you could throw them out,” Minister Harmon remarked.

Similarly, he said, President Granger has given the country the assurance that National and Regional Elections will also be held when they are constitutionally due.

Speaking passionately, Minister Broomes recalled that it was not so long ago that the APNU+AFC Government under the leadership of President Granger restored local democracy when Local Government Elections were held on March 16, 2016.

“We don’t want to control, we are putting powers in the hands of the people,” Minister Broomes said to loud rounds of applause.

Cautioning that they should be wary of naysayers, the Natural Resources Minister urged the people to be watchful. “People let us keep mobilised, and organ-

ised and let us be watchful.”

Speaking directly to her women folk, Minister Broomes declared that no longer are women being suppressed as their issues are now being placed on the front burner.

“Women embrace each other, stand with your government, stand with your children. Your government is for you, your government is with you and your government will stay with you.

We ain't going nowhere and leave you,” Minister Broomes assured them The community meeting was also attended by the Region Four Chairman, Genevieve Allen and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI,) Dr. Richard Van-West Charles among other regional and local officials.

Dennis A. Nelson 6 6 dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Tel: 917-379-6590

Editorial

Guyana Chronicle New New York York Edition Week-ending September 29,3,2017 Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending November 2017

PPP cooperation or not, Guyana will move positively forward through this government

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Editorial These improvements were long overdue SOPHIA has recently been in the news; and not for the first time. Those with good memories may recall the first stirrings of this community, when the first squatters attempted to erect dwellings. They were ordered removed in circumstances that will not detain us here; except to say, that sometime after, permission was given.

What then began with just a few dozen persons, braving what can be described as jungle, soon grew into the hundreds, then the thousands, as persons from many parts of our coastlands, staked their claim to land in this once canefield.

Today, Sophia is now one of the largest housing communities, with an estimated 13000 – 14000 persons now residing there.

To say that this now regularized housing community suffered deprivations, is to be conservative in our description of a community that experienced literal sufferings, pain, associated with accessing unknown territory for living.

These people, working class in nature, but including large families with children, and single moms, from all races, did not have the courtesies of the well-known One-Stop-Shop method of house lot distribution, with banking advisory services, and facilities for title, that were known to visit locales where applicants had applied for house lots. Most residences, whether modest, or large, have been built without recourse to mortgages/bank loans.

What at the moment is Sophia has been primarily developed by those residents, who in the early beginnings did not have even water pipes in their yards, no electricity, or where there were, most were via illegal connections; grass tracks, instead of roads. In fact, the story is well known of residents trekking to the residence of a former Army Chief of Staff, who was kind enough to offer water services from his yard.

We recall, a then Peoples National Congress/Reform(PNC/R)Member of Parliament, whose offer to install water supply infrastructure was instantly disallowed by the PPP/C Minister of Housing and Water.

That was how much that government had cared about some communities.

In essence, Sophia had been a neglected community that was even socially discriminated against by the so-

WE have heard the leader of the opposition calling on Guyanese, especially. PPP members and supporters, not to cooperate with the government towards having a better future. We must take lots of things into consideration as to what the man is calling for.

We must also understand that since May 2015, when this government took office, the PPP has never cooperated with the government, be it at the highest level or the lowest level. At Parliament to date, they cannot name one member from the opposition side to be nominated as deputy speaker of the National Assembly. They are telling all their RDC and NDC chairmen and councillors not to cooperate with the various regional administrations. They have been lambasting everything this government has been doing to better the infrastructural work in our land.

They now see the need to support teachers, sugar workers, rice farmers, fisherfolk, and the many other working class groups of this country. They now create division amongst some religious groups and are celebrating a national holiday or a day that was declared a national holiday on a different day.

I was told that the leader and a few members of the PPP attended a church service in Berbice over the weekend.

Yet those are the ones who are separating the nation, allowing the racial side to kick in and be in the minds of some people, but yet for all they now decided to show their godly side. I don't think

God will accept someone that faked his marriage, who is creating division among the people, who said if Jesus was in Guyana he would have voted PPP, and who wants to punish the people, etc.

Imagine at the PPP press conference after the chairman of GECOM was announced, those PPP members who attended and sat at the head table seemed to be out of voice, but rather we all know that they were harnessed by the leader of the opposition. The man alone must talk because it seems as if he alone has sense in the PPP. It was shameful.

But that's how dictators behave: they must say everything, go everywhere, etc and don't do anything.

Imagine, this man is telling Guyanese not to cooperate with the government. He is asking workers to stop cooperating and do what they want.

But he is not telling the workers when they do what he wants, who will feed them and their children? For sure, the leader of the opposition won't take out money from his pocket and give it to every family deciding not to cooperate.

The man wants us to believe he cares for Guyana, but yet for all he decided to pull his members out of the Border Commission. Which man will have his country at heart and do not want to defend his land and people?

The man is only showing his real side, all he cares about, and for, is power.

It is very blatant that the leader of the opposition is using the people who support his party to destroy Guyana. But that won't happen.

Dr. Doom should look at the crowd

he attracted at his village meeting in Chesney on the Corentyne over the weekend, a handful of voters with lots of small children. That alone shows that Berbicians won't listen to the race-baiting from this man.

I was told yesterday by someone about an incident, whereby a young man who works with CORE Region Five was chased out of Bath Settlement Freedom House because he was working with the project. It's shameful that under the PPP they could not have come up with a project that would enhance the environment. So they are chasing those who want to see a better Guyana.

Since this government took office, the PPP wasn't cooperating and no one expects them to at this time. In Region Five, almost the entire work programme for 2017 is being completed without the input of the PPP’s RDC chairman and councillors. Works are being done across the region, within every NDC. In Region Five, the positive works will continue even if the PPP decided to protest day after day and months after months. The people are seeing improvement within the region and that is what the PPP is afraid of - DEVELOPMENT under the APNU+AFC government.

I call on all Guyanese to reject the opposition leader’s call and let's work together for a better Guyana.

Regards Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region Five.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. ciety, generally. Comments were mostly socially prejudicial. People’s Progressive Party/Civic government for amenities But these comments failed to take into consideration that to improve their community. But none was forthcoming, at there were residents who originated from varying back- least not the type that this well-deserving community is now grounds. We all know the challenges that come from such receiving from this new dispensation. In plain language – The circumstances. These have been just the same that come PPP/C government did not see Sophia as one of theirs. It was from individual persons from what is traditionally termed a pattern of governance that guided the former as to which as residential. area got what, and why.

But that was a very long time ago. Of course, there is still Among its thousands of residents are young attorneys, illegal squatting, which the coalition government, A Partner- doctors, and other public service professionals; mostly born in ship for National Unity + Alliance for Change(APNU+AFC), the very late ‘80s and into the ‘90s. They understood what paalong with the concerned residents are now seeking to re- rental struggle is all about, endeavouring to establish a home solve permanently, with offers to build core homes for those for them. Many would have walked through muddy tracks who cannot afford to do so. to attend school. Now, they are the proud social products of What commenced as shacks for early dwellers, have a community that was birthed in dire hardship, now coming now been elevated to well- designed residences, with mod- into its own as a respected community. ern amenities, such as telephones, internet, and well-kept The not-so-long ago, Ministry of Communities consulyards. Also, since May 2015, this community has seen tations with the entire Sophia community, is built towards exponential improvements in the providing of critical further elevating the social environment of this commusocial views infrastructure as a potable water supply in nity.articles In another ten the inputs of community The andsuch opinions expressed inyears, thiswith newspaper are system, that now flows into homes; well surfaced roads, centres, playfields, walkways, better drainage, installation those of the not the necessarily reflectand the and electrical lights authors in A, B, and Cand Fields.do Recently, of further electrification, of policies course, roads and – Sophia North Sophia Road was paved; and there are road lights will be able to claim the right as an urban community in views of the of the New York Edition now illuminating thatmanagement entire locale. every sense of the description.of the Guyana These are improvements which have been long overdue.

Chronicle.

Numerous were the appeals by these residents, to the former Sophia is rising.

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

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

Discourse On American Racism: Why It Still Persists

T

here is no day that passes in America without some highprofile charges of racism usually some act perpetuated by White people against Blacks. That is those that reach and make the news headlines. What’s not reported and are commonplace, pervasive, and a daily occurrence are the overt and covert acts of racism that take place in businesses, workplaces, the US Armed Forces, employment, job and housing discrimination, and just White people being “uncomfortable” sitting near to a Black man or woman on New York City’s Number 2 subway line.

To many, American racism has been accepted as a fact of daily life. And yet its antisocial, debilitating effects remain viral, systemic and endemic across all of American society. To be sure, the most overt, demonstrable and brutal manifestations of racism have been set aside (not necessarily vanquished) mainly due to the march of history and changing times. American racism’s foundation is found in the United States educational system reinforced by strict social rules of racial engagement.

Today’s education system, both public and higher college education, which enforced and bolstered this egregious practice is a great place to start.

Consider this 2014 Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost,com) report: “Public school students of color get more punishment and less access to veteran teachers than their White peers, according to surveys released Friday by the U.S. Education Department that include data from every U.S. school district.

Black students are suspended or expelled at triple the rate of their White peers, according to the U.S. Education Department’s 2011-2012 Civil Rights Data Collection, a survey conducted every two years. Five percent of White students were suspended annually, compared with 16 percent of lack students, according to the report. Black girls were suspended at a rate of 12 percent — far greater than girls of other ethnicities and most categories of boys [https://www. huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/21/schools -discrimination_n_5002954.html] Buildings named after participants in racial violence and songs celebrating the segregation, as well as the lynching of Black people are not merely offensive. They recall the violence used to maintain all-White institutions for much of this country’s history . . . Colleges and universities built curricula and performed research that supported the enslavement of Africans. Money from the African slave trade and slavery financed institutions of higher education. [The New Republic www.newrepublic.com ].

Yes, U.S. colleges and universities promoted prolific pseudo-science that sought to justify the enslavement of

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Black people by claiming that Blacks were uncivilized, barely human, 3/5th of a White man, lazy, ideal for enslavement, and in need of the civilizing Christian influence of White people. A lot, perhaps a majority, of college campuses owned slaves and while they may not have been beaten and brutalized in public they maintained buildings, kept grounds clean and served as servants for faculty, staff and college big shots. At many such higher learning institutions, students, faculty, and administrators brought their slaves with them to these campuses.

And think not that this was just a Southern phenomenon. You’d be dead wrong. In the North prestigious colleges like Princeton and Harvard were directly connected to the slave trade and American chattel slavery. Today’s legacy of White racism is a deeply engrained “DNA” kind of problem — both conscious and subconscious. It exists in the involuntary behavior of White people’s reaction to even being in the

same room with Blacks. And all of this is rooted in academia.

In fact, White university scholars in slavery time consistently argued and produced “scholarly works” that presented arguments for the “natural” inferiority of Black people. These reports often promoted by newspapers across the nation also justified Black enslavement, and that this enslavement was necessary and moral and would bring Blacks closer to Christian salvation. Religious leaders backed these spurious and unscientific claims as they preached and convinced White populations about the “divinity” of chattel slavery’s mission.

American universities and leading academics of the day — all White — argued for Black slavery concluding that it was central to the nation’s economic growth and development. University coursework in history, religion and other educational disciplines supported the moral and political justification and correctness for slavery. What this underscores is the deep, organized and forceful projection of racism into the minds of White Americans. It highlighted and emphasized the supposed superiority of Whites and the “natural” inferiority of Blacks. It therefore inculcated in the minds of ordinary White families that Blacks had no rights, that they did not need respect since they were little different to, say, a donkey or

Three Part Series Part 1

a cow, that they owned. Over centuries this thinking would crystalize and justify the brutality against Blacks and usher in 400 years of White terrorism against Black people.

To drive this point home: Between 1801-1810 Princeton University’s President, Samuel Smith, published an essay entitled: “An Essay on the Causes of Variety of Complexion and Figure in the Human Species.” He argued in it that while all races are created unequal, he used the Bible to stoutly defend monogenesis and his belief that the first humans were White. He called for physical assimilation. Here’s how he put it: “In a colder climate blackened skins would revert to their original white beauty; “the woolly substance” on black heads would become “fine, straight hair” again.” His racist idea of the lighter and straighter the better still informs Eurocentric and racist norms today.

Indeed, White racism could never have survived without the active collusion and participation of American institutions of higher learning and the active and willing assistance of the religious communities. It is this joining of common interests that defines and differentiates American chattel slavery as the most rabid and dehumanizing of all forms of slavery.

[Next: How American chattel slavery worked.]

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

Region Five fisherfolk get concrete tarmac

By Clifford Stanley FISHERMEN docking at the Abary sluice after fishing in the Atlantic are now benefiting from a spacious concrete tarmac built by the Region Five Administration to help them conduct their operations on site without discomfort during rainy weather.

Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha dis closed that the tarmac was completed to the tune of $9.3M under the administration’s capital programme for Region Five for 2017.

He explained that the regional administration had observed that the sluice at the Abary River mouth had been the

docking post for over 35 fishing vessels and was an area where fish vendors and fish exporters would frequent to purchase from fishermen.

“This has been and continues to be a very busy point of sale for catches,” he said.

The administration had observed that the area had usually been in a deplorable state when it rains.

“It got muddy after rainfall. Vehicles going to the docking area either got bogged down or found it impossible to get there, thereby making life difficult for all concerned at these times. The aesthetics of the area during the rainy season had left much to be desired,” he said.

Against this backdrop,

the regional administration decided to build the tarmac close to the docking area and requested the required sum of money from Central Government in its 2017 budget.

Veteran fisherman Dyal also known as “Dow” was high in praise of the initiative.

“We have over one hundred fishermen operating from this sluice.

This thing is nice. Excellent. Before this when the rain fall we used to have to fetch the fish for a long distance to get to the buyers. This is something we needed for the longest while.

All the fishermen here are happy about this project by the region. No complaints,” he said.

MINERVA TRAVEL

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AND PROFESSIONALISM MEET

The recently constructed tarmac at Abary, Region Five that was built for fisherfolk of the region

Pensioner killed in Zeeburg accident

A 65-YEAR-OLD cyclist is dead and a motorcar driver in police custody following an accident at Zeeburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Thurs

day night.

Dead is Latchman Khemraj, CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA a watchman of Zeeburg North, TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED WCD. Reports indicate that the driver ELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC of motorcar PVV 6310 was heading eastward along the northern Travel Consultant side of the road when he collided The vehicle that was involved in the deadly accident Thursday (Rabindra Rooplall Photo) with the pensioner.

1053 E 40th Street Tel:night 718-377-2071 Khemraj was pronounced dead Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 at the Lenora Cottage Hospital. ducted on him found that his was above the legal limit.

The driver of the motorcar wasminitravel@hotmail.com Gendalall reportedly told relatives he only had email: identified as Davendra Gendalall. four beers and while driving the cyclist rode in front www.minervatravel.net Results of a breathalyser test con- of the vehicle resulting in the fatal accident.

MINERVA TRAVEL

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending October 27, 2017

9

President is More than a Name

A

misguided and presumptuous bigot became an American President and the world is treated to a full panoply of his ignorance, bigotry and deficiencies. To those who were not here to witness it, Donald Trump has given us a glimpse into the scorn that marked those detestable pre-civil rights years.

To middle and working class Caribbean immigrants in America, this writer included, who had the good fortune to grow and develop their own potentialities without the menace of things such as “White privilege” and bigotry, this is a real eye opener. It was incumbent upon this writer to learn about this very quickly in order to understand what drove an intolerable insensitive bigot like Donald Trump to the American presidency.

White privilege was the racist doctrine conceived in pre-civil rights days when young men like Donald Trump and many of his followers had all the privileges and advantages in America. In those ill-begotten bigoted years they could do and say anything about people who did not look like them and pay no penalty for those insults. The sins that gave them a false sense of superiority were injustice, incivility and routine barbarity. They deployed these weapons with an inhumane ferocity, designed to humiliate and prevent minority populations from advancing in the nation. That cleared the way for White men to dominate society, the workplace and social and cultural life, unchallenged. The workplace was marked by crude and lascivious remarks. Sexual harassment of women was prevalent and tolerated as part of the cultural and social life. Trump’s Access Hollywood tapes bragging about violating women epitomizes that era.

However, equal rights took away some of those unfettered privileges his followers enjoyed. Now, they are forced to compete and be respectful. The enchantment they derive from using the “N” word which they invented to taunt Blacks as well as their boorish behavior in the workplace can now cost them their jobs. That makes them furious.

Trump tapped into that anger and discontent among his lot. The most fun they have in life is in dehumanizing Black people. Trump had

no better target than a sitting President who happened to be Black. The pleasure he derived from a full out condescending assault on the man holding the highest office in the land pleased and continues to provide entertainment for his followers. His persistent claims that people are finding out things about Barack Obama’s birth in Hawaii that you will never believe was demonstrably false. Yet, he kept it up! The country learned later that the Obama ‘witch

prominent Black target to titillate his followers, enter the N.F.L. with 70% of its members African American.

Choosing one of the most racist states in the Union to fan the flames of racial animus with the N.F. L. is deliberate.

When this supreme racist wants to stir racial strife he goes to states that already have deep-seated racist attitudes that support his bigotry. His outrage has nothing to do with respecting the national flag, troops or anthem. There is no evidence that he respects any. He simply knows how to rile the “Jim Crow” crowds. On the other hand, he never questions the patriotism of deadly violent racists waving Nazi and Confederate flags, not national flags in Char-

FLASHBACK: White supremacists at a rally displaying the ‘Heil Hitler’ sign and the Confederate flat. How patriotic and American is this. hunt’ was conducted by none other than his beloved Sheriff Arpaio, lottesville! The nation witnessed him whom he pardoned for violating the display abhorrent sympathies for these groups even claiming they rule of law in Arizona.

Trump’s parochial views were were good people among them.

By now the whole world knows undoubtedly gathered in those precivil rights bigotry years where lies, he is a chronic and habitual liar. His the deceit and insults that were used reckless handling of the truth is capto destroy the souls of African tured daily with monotonous reguAmericans. Preposterous assaults on larity. We have seen his disrespect their intelligence to derisive taunts and disregard of veterans, John Mcon their skin colour are well docu- Cain, the Khan family, who lost a mented. These might be the only les- son at war and this most recent dustsons Trump soaked up with some up with the widow of fallen soldier efficacy because in 2017, he rolled Army Sergeant La David Johnson. out the same techniques. He had He also claimed to have raised great success embarrassing the first money for the veterans but only sitting African American President wrote a check months later when the with a tissue of lies about his birth- press confronted him. Similar to place and now that he can no longer what we heard recently. His promise pleasure himself with Obama’s birth of a $25,000 check to the family of certificate, he needs a new and a fallen soldier months ago was only

sent when the press again broke the story recently. He fell short years ago when called on to defend this country he so loves by claiming bone spurs in his foot, he cannot recall which one, sidelined him from serving his country.

All Trump has is a big filthy mouth and tricks. He is only one step removed from the ‘three card monte’ con man who ply the pavements in Times Square, New York; just a better dressed one. Each day this quintessential ugly American gives us more proof of his unfitness for this important office. Averting real issues, openly discrediting independent sources of information, without which the nation will only have his daily fusillade of lies and relentless foisting of farcical tales which has only given rise to his own preposterous occupancy in Washington.

The presidency is a joke to him; a ratings game of winners and losers and a platform for settling scores with his critics, perceived enemies and the first African American President, Barak Obama, whose elegance, sophistication and brilliance he will never match. When he yells, “Make America Great Again” his followers rhapsodize of a return to those vile dark pre-civil rights days when the White man ruled supreme!

His clarion call to African communities during his unforgettable campaign, “Blacks, what do you have to lose by voting for me?” That rhetorical question could be answered in this way, our pride and dignity for you could care less about our pain.

Trump may have gone to a higher institution of learning as he claims but I wager this man never read a book, wrote an academic paper or defended a thesis! He is barely literate and nothing coming out of his mouth indicates that he has a repertoire of academic knowledge.

If you have to keep reminding people you are smart, you are not!

How long can a wary nation tolerate this psychological tyranny from this restless soulless man?

Many hope that the answer to their prayers could come in something the special prosecutor Muller will uncover; corruption or collusion. The majority will take either; sooner rather than later!

by ANGELA MASSIAH

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC GROWTH "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long." —Psalm 25:4-5 the form of a Shepherding ModelTM ast week's column was about the urgent need for governments to innovatively and aggressively create an attractive en- which evolved in the Caribbean at the turn of the century. abling environment. This includes (1) sourcing capital to I had the privilege of leading the restructure national debt and to provide enterprise development initial research at the Caribbean Deseed capital in the national interest, (2) incentivizing the private velopment Bank (1998-2001) and then sector to provide equity and working capital to stimulate a new led a team, with help from the public growth paradigm, (3) encouraging the private sector to support an and private sectors around the entrepreneurship model as an alternative means of earning a living Caribbean (2001-2008), to engage in for displaced civil servants, and (4) introducing enterprise devel- wider regional discussion. In 2008, the opment in a wide range of traditional and creative economic sectors Barbados government responded posas a means of inducing economic growth. itively to a request to provide financial Once the capital is secured for debt restructuring and the initial growth thrust, whether by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or by a partnership with rich countries, then the immediate thrust must be to introduce the enterprise development value proposition to all sectors, including laid-off civil servants.

What is the enterprise development value proposition?

The enterprise development value proposition is the solution to the national problem of stymied economic growth, bearing in mind that economic growth can only take place "one successful enterprise after another". The hypothesis is that if governments adopt the enterprise development value proposition then the end result will be sustainable economic growth.

The status quo is that governments keep articulating the problem and paying lip service to it but they have not fully accepted that a well researched and tested potential enterprise development solution exists in

L

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

support to test the Model in Barbados.

The results of this pilot (2008-2012) were very pleasing and many of the nine projects which were in the pilot are still alive today, despite the premature end to the life of the pilot, which attests to the quality of the foundation laid by the team.

I continued to enhance the Model in Trinidad and Tobago (2012 to date), where the Management of Business Systems (ManOBizTM) Matrix, a Shepherding tool, emerged.

Now the Model is ready for implementation in each country of the Caribbean and beyond.

The Model consists of four well documented systems: (1) The identification and selection of entrepreneurs with export potential projects and assigning them a shepherd from "Day 1"; (2) Shepherding practices which are expedited by the ManOBizTM Matrix shepherding tool; (3) the attractive capitalization of an investment fund, a private sector initiative with public sector support ; (4) an integrated seed, equity and working capital fund management system designed to meet the needs of the entrepreneur at every stage along the journey to sustainable success.

Our research has shown that there is no shortage of profitable ideas in the Caribbean. There are plenty potential shepherds around who will be required to undertake a "Training of Shepherds" programme. Financiers, who have expressed an interest in capitalizing the fund, include credit unions, insurance companies, commercial banks, micro-finance institutions, businesses and high net worth individuals.

The Model is now available for interested partners who are looking for an innovative national, regional or global franchising opportunity with spin off effects to the triple bottom line (profit, people and planet).

Charles Sherlock Fillmore (18541948) taught that wisdom is a Godgiven spiritual power that exists in every person. Let the Divine light within us shine on our path and guide us daily as we reverse the trend, augment the recovery process towards sustainable success. Let us get serious about enterprise development.

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh A doctor was addressing a large audience in Tampa. “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the longterm harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

After several seconds of quiet, a 75year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said, “Wedding Cake.”

The Doctor’s Address

4. Beat the eggs, adding the onions, herbs and finally the milk-cheese mixture, as you beat.

5. Mix this with the rice and pour into a buttered loaf-tin and bake in a moderate oven for about 1 hour.

6. Garnish with peas or grilled tomatoes and serve with a sauce.

RICE AND CHINESE LOAF

Ingredients: 1 cup rice 2 cups water 1-2 cloves garlic 1-1/2 cups milk 1/2 lb. grated cheese 2 eggs finely chopped onion 2 tbsps. finely chopped herbs salt and pepper mustard to taste cooked peas or grilled tomato Method: 1. Cook the rice in boiling salted water with the garlic until soft.

2. While the rice is cooking, heat the milk and stir in the cheese.

3. Cook slowly until the cheese melts.

Add mustard and a little salt and pepper.

A mom comes to visit her son Kunal for dinner. He lives with a girl roommate Sunita. During the course of the meal, his mother couldn’t help but notice how pretty Kunal’s roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to

The Chutney Jar

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON An Incredible Life

B

ooker Taliaferro Washington, an influential Black leader of his time,was one of America’s great, if controversial, educators and reformers. He was born on a Virginia plantation on April 5, 1856. His mother was a slave who worked as a cook for the master’s family.

After the slaves were freed in 1863, Booker’s mother left the plantation. Booker was able to go to a school for Black children in Malden, West Virginia, working mornings in salt furnaces and coal mines to help support the family before going to school .

He entered the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute for Black students at the age of 17. After graduation, he taught school. He also served as secretary to General Samuel Armstrong, the principal of the school, who supported his appointment as organizer of a new industrial and teachertraining school for Blacks in Tuskegee, Alabama. The school was very poor. The first classes met in a run-down old church as no funds were provided for buildings and land.

To raise money for the school, he traveled widely, sometimes by mule and buggy, using his gifts as an orator to appeal for support. He soon became recognized as a

leader in the field of Negro education.

Booker T. Washington preached a philosophy of self-help, racial solidarity and accommodation, urging Blacks to accept discrimination for the time being and concentrate on lifting themselves up through hard work and material prosperity. He pushed education in the crafts, and industrial and farming skills. He promoted the virtues of patience, enterprise and thrift, which, he said, would win the respect of Whites and earn acceptance of Blacks as citizens in all strata of society.

His philosophy found powerful oppo-

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

sition in the person of another important Black figure: W. E. B. DuBois, an impressive Black intellectual, scholar and political thinker. DuBois, (1868-1963), who was to help found the NAACP, thought that Washington’s approach would only perpetuate White oppression. He pressed for political action and a civil rights agenda. Social change, said DuBois, could only properly be accomplished by an elite of college- educated Blacks he called “the Talented Tenth:” “The Negro Race,” he insisted, “like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men.” African American leaders became polarized into so-called conservatives, who supported Washington, and the so-called radicals, who sided with DuBois.

The DuBois philosophy of agitation and protest for civil rights contributed mightily to the Civil Rights movement which developed later.

Nevertheless, Booker T. became one of the most famous and respected men of his time — White or Black. As W. E. B. Du Bois put it years later, “Not only did presidents of the United States consult Booker T. Washington, but governors and congressmen; philanthropists conferred with him, scholars wrote to him . . . After a time al-

wonder if there was more between Kunal and his roommate than met the eye.

Reading his mom’s thoughts, Kunal volunteered, “I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Sunita and I are just roommates.”

About a week after the visit, Sunita came to Kunal saying, “Ever since your mother came to dinner, I’ve been unable to find the silver chutney jar. You don’t suppose she took it, do you?”

Kunal said, “Well, I doubt it, but I’ll email her, just to be sure.”

So he wrote to his mother: Dear Mother, I’m not saying that you ‘did’ take the chutney jar from my house, I’m not saying that you ‘did not’ take the chutney jar.

But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner.

Love, Kunal Several days later, Kunal received an email from his Mother which read: Dear Son, I’m not saying that you ‘do’ sleep with Sunita, and I’m not saying that you do not’ sleep with Sunita. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the chutney jar by now under the pillow.

most no Negro institution could collect funds without the recommendation or acquiescence of Mr. Washington. Few political appointments of Negroes were made anywhere in the United States without his consent.”

Booker became an extraordinarily powerful man. Rockefeller and Carnegie, provided much of the funds he needed. The school he managed, the Tuskegee Institute, became one of the wealthiest schools in the South and became known and respected across the nation.

As one of the most famous and respected men of his time, Washington saw his opinions cited weekly in the national press. Whenever he arrived in a city, reporters would crowd him begging for his observations on the events of the day.

Even though he was sometimes vilified by White supremacists, he was generally honored by both Blacks and Whites in the racist United States. Harvard conferred on him an honorary degree and he had access to the wealthies in the land. Washington was the first Black to be invited for dinner with a President in the White House.

President Theodore Roosevelt invited him to dinner at the White House — making Washington the first Black to have the privilege.

He was the author of several books.

One of the best known is ‘Up From Slavery’.

During Washington’s lifetime his school in Tuskegee grew into a campus of over 100 buildings, and its students numbered almost 1,600. The school, now called Tuskegee Institute, remains a monument to his life’s work, long after his death in 1915.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

Two Guyanese stalwarts among those honored by Crown Heights Lions Club T

he Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions Club hosted their 41st anniversary celebration with a gala event at the prestigious Antun’s Catering Hall on Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village on Saturday, October 20.

In her opening remarks to the packed catering hall, Program Chairperson, Lion Beverly Grannum-Arthur said: “Indeed it is a pleasure serving as Program Chairperson this year for the Crown Heights Lions Club. Our motto “We Serve” is very appropriate and it gives me great delight to see fellow Lions take on their responsibilities and execute their assigned duties with pride, joy and love for humanity.”

She further stated that the Crown

Heights Lion Club was honoring some stalwarts in the community, who through dedicated service were doing the same job as the Lions International organization — which her club is an affiliate member —have been doing since its inception 100 years ago—”Serving” and bringing smiles to the faces of the less fortunate.

Among those honored were two Guyanese, Ms. Beryl James — who started her community work in her native Guyana as a teenager, she is also the Secretary of the Guyana United Youth Development of New York (GUYDA), she recently retired as a Residential Counselor at the Boys Hope Girls Hope Boarding Program at the Catherine McAuley High school in Brooklyn where her prin-

Sitting in center honorees Beryl James (left) and Dr. Rosalind October-Edun (right) with Rose’s support group at the Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions Club 41st Anniversary held at Antun’s Catering Hall in Queens on October 20.

Honoree Beryl James (fourth from left) with her support group take time off from the party to pose for this New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle photo.

cipal responsibility was to help academically capable and motivated children from at risk situations meet their full potential and Dr. Rosalind October-Edun — dancer, choreographer, actor, community worker and member of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA). Professionally Rose as she is fondly called is a faculty member in the Human Services Division at the State University of New York (SUNY) Brooklyn location, where she

The Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions

enjoys mentoring adult learners.

The other nominees were: Dr. Kathi Garner, Mr. Glenver Jones, and Ms. Linette Williams.

The President of the Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions Club Ms. Althea McKayle and the Program Chairperson extend thanks on behalf of their club to all who supported this 41st anniversary celebration and look forward to their continued support.

(Pictures by Dennis Nelson).

Guyana York Edition week ending November 3, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

13 13

Scripps School of Media Arts & Science retirement celebration for Dr Vibert Cambridge

D

r. Vibert Cambridge is retiring after 24 years of service at Ohio University, and the School of Media Arts & Studies is holding a retirement reception to celebrate his career. He has taught courses in communication for social change and international communication in the School of Media Arts & Studies.

His current research focuses on music in 20th century Guyana.

During his time at the University Professor Cambridge has also served as associate director of the School of Telecommunications (1993-1995), director of Communication and Development Studies (1996-2000), and chair of the Department of African American Studies (2000-2006).

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Communication for Social Change International Communication Entertainment-Education in the African Diaspora in the Americas Broadcasting and the Caribbean Diaspora in the United States Professor Cambridge teaches courses in communication for social change and international communication in the School of Media Arts and Studies. His current research focuses on music in 20th century Guyana.

He has published several books, book chapters, and journal articles.

Among his publications are: “Milestones in communication and national

development.” In Y. Kamalipour (Ed.), Global Communication (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thompson Learning (2006), Immigration, diversity and broadcasting in the United States, (1990-2000). Athens, OH: Ohio University Press (2005), ”Writings on Guyanese music 2003–2004.” Black Praxis (Special edition.). Athens, OH: Department of African American Studies (2004), “This history has to respond to these rhythms: Notes on music and Guyanese history.” The Arts Journal, 1(2), 62–72 (2005), “Evolution of mass communication: Mass communication and sustainable futures.” The Encyclopedia of life support systems. Paris: UNESCO (2003), “The rehabilitation of “failed states”: Eritrea as a beta-site for distance education technologies.” In The Commonwealth of Learning, Educational technology 2000: A global vision for open and distance learning (pp. 325– 337). Vancouver: The Commonwealth of Learning (1997), International Afro

Mass Media. Westport, CT: Greenwood (1996).

He has also presented his research at conferences in Barbados, Canada, Eritrea, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Malaysia South African, and Turkmenistan.

Professor Cambridge has received awards and recognitions from the Guyana Folk Festival for outstanding contributions to Guyana’s culture and heritage (2005), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Ohio University Chapter (2005), A Netherlands Entertainment-Education Foundation (NEEF), Amsterdam (2000).

Professor Cambridge has served as Associate Director, School of Telecommunications (1993-1995), Director, Communication and Development Studies (1996-2000), and Chair, Department of African American Studies (20002006).

Dr. Vibert Cambridge, currently serves and the President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc..

This a non-profit 501(c)3 Association which was created in 2001 to document, showcase and celebrate the multiple roots of Guyana’s cultural heritage.

Through their work they preserve, promote and propagate Guyana’s cultural

Dr. Vibert Cambridge heritage and make it available through various channels to inspire future generations of Guyanese in Guyana. and in the Diaspora.

EDUCATION Ph.D. Mass Communication, Ohio University M.A. International Relations (Communication and Development), Ohio University Intermediate and Part II Final Diploma in Public Administration, South-West London College, London, England.

Rodrigues gets 30 years for killing mother, son ORIN Rodrigues, 23, of Moblissa, Soesdyke/Linden Highway has been sentenced to 30 years each for manslaughter of a mother and her son when he appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Georgetown High Court on Thursday.

The sentences will run concurrently. The judge started at a base of 42 years but deducted five years for the guilty plea, four years for time served and three years for remorse.

In total, Justice Reynolds deducted 12 years, leaving Rodrigues to serve 30 years behind bars.

After the sentencing, a pensive Rodrigues exited a packed courtroom which contained relatives of the deceased as well as his family members.

According to Probation Officer Michelle Small, who is attached to Region 10, Rodrigues was born in the North West District (NWD) from a common law union between his parents. When he was an infant, they separated.

His mother however, started a new relationship which bore eight children and after encountering financial difficulties he exited the school system and entered the world

of work at a young age to assist in supporting his family.

She related that Rodrigues had a normal childhood but is semi-literate and was not in a serious relationship.

The deceased and the accused were not related but occasionally consumed alcohol together and prior to the incident he had no altercations with that family.

Small told the court that Rodrigues’ prison record speaks well of him and he is part of the boxing team.

She said that the accused suffered from an emotional loss when his parents separated.

Small told the court that the family of the deceased said following the death of their mother and brother, their father turned to alcohol abuse and he was subsequently killed in a road accident.

She stated that the accused has expressed genuine remorse for his actions and has accepted responsibility for it.

He hails form a stable home but moved toward rapid alcohol consumption which was a normal practice of recreation in his community.

In his plea of mitigation, De-

The accused: Orin Rodrigues

fence Attorney Maxwell McKay said the accused is a boxer in prison and attend church services regularly and has shown remorse for what he did.

Rodrigues, 21, was only 17 when the incident took place and his attorney asked for a reasonable sentence from the judge.

BEGGED FOR MERCY Rodrigues also asked the judge for mercy and begged for

a reasonable sentence.

Justice Brassington Reynolds before handing down the sentence told the court that the incident is a tragedy on so many levels and it is ironic that a talented young man has found himself in such a position.

The judge added that by the actions of the deceased, two families are distraught and pointed out that the incident is indeed a tragedy because of lack of social services in remote communities where Rodrigues lives.

The judge told the court that the accused did not benefit from adequate exposure to education and noted his circumstance would have been different had he not leave school so young.

The judge added that it is painful for him but justice must be served given the fact that two lives have gone to waste and after listening to the probation report among other things, he handed down his sentence.

On November, 30, 2013, in the County of Demerara, Orin Rodrigues murdered Molly James, 30, and Aaron James, 15.

He pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he

made his first court appeared before Justice Reynolds.

It is alleged on the day in question, at 14:00hrs, Molly’s teenage daughter was at Moblissa Creek washing when the accused forcible engaged in sexual intercourse with her by threatening her with a knife.

Afterwards, she told her mother about the incident and they made a complaint to the Ameila’s ward Police Outpost. In his caution statement dated December 1, 2013, the accused admitted to having sex with the teenager and he became enraged when he learnt that she and her mother had reported the matter to the police.

In a fit of rage, he picked up a knife and went to Molly’s house at about midnight and saw them sleeping and reportedly stabbed them and escaped.

He was later arrested and charged for the double murder of Molly James and her son Aaron James at Moblissa on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

The State was represented by Shawnette Austin and Lisa Cave while the defence attorney was Maxwell McKay.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

See gov’t as a friend, not the enemy --PM urges private sector at opening of ‘Guyanese Flavours Uncapped’

By Navendra Seoraj IN response to the many requests and suggestions from the private sector, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has reminded businesspersons that they should see the State as a friend rather than a foe.

Amidst the tantalising smell of barbecued meats based with locally made barbecue sauces and the heady music of Dave Martins, the prime minister urged investors to forge stronger ties between the private sector and the government instead of losing hope.

But whereas losing hope would mean the full potential of the business community would neither be exploited nor realised, the launch of “Guyanese Flavours Uncapped” at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on Friday evening did present a glimmer of hope.

For decades it has been touted that mechanisation and innovation are needed, and this is the first step in highlighting the items, particularly in the agriculture sector, that can be transformed to a value-added good.

In order to make this process consistent, the private and public sectors need to work cohesively to capitalise on niches that are yet to be exploited.

“Guyana’s private sector is one of the largest but the investors need to be bold and bullish in an environment which is looking for investments,” the prime minister said, adding that mechanisation and innovation can make the country better.

A challenge was then issued to the private sector to take advantage of what they have and “run with it.”

Investments are relative to the stability of the currency and the economy, said Prime Minister Nagamootoo, as he pointed out that the government fully supports the private sector.

Investors, however, need to tell the government what they need in order to innovate and expand what they do.

He made reference to an example of such help which was an Action Plan that was submitted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) subsequent to the Business Summit that was held two weeks ago. According to him, the document was brought before Cabinet and is being discussed.

Every day new markets are opening, and there are Caribbean markets for all types of products that Guyana produces.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin also reflected on the growing demand for innovation and mechanisation of the traditional industries, but his main request to the private sector was to do more together in order to exploit Guyana’s trade agreements.

Gaskin pointed out that there are big markets that they need to start examining, especially where agro processing is concerned.

His sentiments were echoed by

Renowned Guyanese musician Dave Martins enticing the crowd with one of his popular tunes at the Sophia Exhibition Centre Friday night

Prime Minister, Mr Moses Nagamootoo and spouse Mrs Sita Nagamootoo examining some of the locally made products on exhibition at the launch of ‘Guyanese Flavours Uncapped’

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and Prime Minister Nagamootoo looking at some of the locally made juices

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Edward Boyer, who said there is indeed need for public and private sector partnership in order for there to be diversification of the traditional sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture.

Speaking directly about that area was President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta. He said the exhibition will give investors an opportunity to meet and network with government organisations and other businesses that can make agro processing a possibility.

“Untapped agriculture has been a talk for years, but agro-processors are unable to compete at a domestic and even international level because of many challenges,” Nokta said.

Some of the challenges they face include access to finance; consumer awareness; access to land and technology; affordable electricity; and farm-to-market access roads; and transportation.

The GMSA President highlighted that there is much to be done in order to make agro processing a key driver of growth.

He suggested that arable lands be opened to large-scale agriculture; technology be made available; energy costs be decreased by the advent of green energy such as hydropower and so forth.

A policy on agriculture and agro processing needs to be articulated but in order for this to happen, he encouraged the government to establish a clear policy framework for the development of the sector and its sub-sector.

In the interim, companies such as Sterling Products Limited have taken the mantle to help hinterland businesspeople to market their products. Those and other exhibitions can be seen at the Exhibition centre over the weekend. Gate opens at 15:00hrs, admission $500 for adults and $300 for children.

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway considers buying peanut butter made by persons from Aranaputa Valley in Region Nine (Photos by Adrian Narine)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

15

Cancer survivors honoured

By Nafeeza Yahya

AS part of Cancer Awareness Month, RD Production through the, “I’m a big deal empowerment and beauty pageant”, in partnership with Nand Persaud Charity Foundation honoured five cancer survivors in Berbice.

The event was held at the St. Francis Community Developers Headquarters, in Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant and saw the survivors treated to a luncheon and presented with hampers compliments of Sterling Products Limited.

The delegates, who are part of the inaugural “I’m a big deal” pageant slated for November 18, 2017 at the Albion Sports Complex used the opportunity

to help raise awareness of the disease and encouraged those present to focus on their health and look for early signs that may save their lives.

Audrey Morris, a nurse attached to the Guyana Cancer Foundation in her very informative and interactive presentation encouraged women to practice regular self-examinations and demonstrated the various methods used to help identify lumps and other warning sings.

Morris explained that with early detection, the chances of saving lives are greater since medical personnel can try to control and in many cases isolate and remove the disease before it spreads and becomes life-threatening.

Four of the survivors who were honoured as part of Cancer Awareness Month

Administering of HPV Vaccine begins

A father tries to calm down his crying daughter as her turn comes around to be pierced by the needle (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Shirley Thomas AS Guyana braces to wage an unrelenting battle against the spread of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - the virus that causes cervical cancers in women, the Ministry of Public Health on Thursday launched the administering of the HPV Vaccine at Mae’s Primary School, Subryan Ville, Georgetown.

It was part of a massive campaign to be rolled out nationally against HPV. Thursday’s target at Mae’s was 56. Staff of the Ministry of Public Health and teachers worked well into the afternoon to ensure the target was realised, with the aim of keeping the beneficiaries out of harm’s way, even as many wailed for fear of the needles.

The vaccine is being administered to girls aged 9 to 13 year, but technically can be given to girls 9 to 26 years old said Medex Charleen Howard Mohabir, Maternal and Child Health Regional Supervisor, adding that plans are on the cards for boys too, to be immunised against the virus in the future.

Mohabir said that health care providers will

be visiting the schools within the respective communities and holding discussions with the teachers, as well as children, in order to allay any fears they might have. She stressed the importance of putting them at ease, since in order to give them the vaccine the children have to be calm.

She said in its communication sessions, health workers ensure that they tell the nation about the virus: How it is transmitted; the dangers associated with it; its effects as well as the side effects; and how to respond.

Expressing her thoughts about the day’s exercise, Medex Mohabir said that even though the day’s target was 56, they anticipate that when they visit the public schools, the numbers will be significantly more.

“But we are all energised and fuelled up to work with teachers and parents,” she assured.

More than 36,000 girls between the ages of nine and 16 years are targeted to be immunised with the HPV vaccine following the re-launch of the HPV immunisation campaign. This was made known to journalists at a press conference by health officials from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Ministry of Public Health.

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow said that the main purpose of the HPV vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer. The vaccine also protects against genital warts in both females and males.

Dr. Morris Edwards explained that, based on research dated 2003 to 2012, it has been found that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Guyana and that that research has shown that for the period 2003 to 2012, there have been more than 6,500 cancer diagnoses.

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Merck Sharp and Dhome (MSD), a few weeks ago, re-launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination project, to guard against cervical cancer in Guyana, said to be one the most prevalent cancers around.

“Your health is in your hands,” she told those gathered. Breast cancer survivor Tessa Johnson-Rose, 51, in her passionate presentation spoke of the challenges she faced after she was diagnosed.

After being told she can never get pregnant, she was able to defy the odds and is now the mother of two healthy baby boys.

“When I was diagnosed I was told I would never have children or if I have children they wouldn’t be normal. I went against all odds and I asked and begged even one child at least if I should die in the process well I die, if I die when my child is born something will be left to be reminded of me. I was given a year off treatment to try, I got pregnant when I was four

months pregnant, I start to lose the baby and when I went to the doctor they told me prepare myself to get the baby but the baby won’t live and I asked the doctor can you do anything and they said all they can do is suture up the uterus … that worked and I was able to deliver at nine months. Having cancer is not a death sentence, with the right approach, you can beat it,” the proud mother said.

The survivors shared their stories about their battle with the dreaded disease that affects hundreds of men and women in Guyana.

Globally cancer is responsible for one in six deaths and is the second leading Bcauses of death worldwide.

Phoenix Recovery Project coordinator passes on A PALL of gloom has descended on the Mon Repos-based Phoenix Recovery Project as a result of the death of its coordinator, Clarence Young, who died on Tuesday night in the United States, where he had travelled recently to seek further medical attention.

The untimely demise of this Trinidad-native is being seen as a great blow to the project, which he founded when he migrated from his homeland many years ago, following his own `success story’ from substance abuse.

So successful was his inroads in helping drug addicts both young and old, that the programme was in 2011 conferred with one of this country’s national awards, the Medal of Service (MS).

There were many success stories from the lips of those who had once lost their way to drug abuse and addictions, but benefitted from the experience and guidance which brought them back on their feet.

A Facebook tribute from the Board and Directors stated that Young had left the land of his birth to fulfill a promise to Natalie Stephenson, to commence a drug recovery programme in 1995. That stay saw him working at places such as Prashad’s Hospital and Salvation Army, Tiger Bay, Hadfield Street

Clarence Young

and Plaisance.

It was in 2006 that he opened Phoenix as his first in-house programme, which to date is the only programme that currently caters for female drug addicts. (Wendella Davidson)

Male sex workers remanded to prison -on robbery with violence charges TWO male sex workers were on Monday remanded to prison by City Magistrate, Judy Latchman, for robbery with violence.

Kevin Forester, 21, of East Coast Demerara and Godfrey Cox, 17, of Charlestown, Georgetown, both denied the joint charge.

Particulars of the offence state that the two on October 24 at Croal Street, while being in the company of each other, allegedly robbed Victor Bess of G$84,000 and US$370

under threat of violence.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves strongly opposed to the defendants being released on bail, based on the nature and seriousness of the charge.

The prosecutor further pointed out that the defendants are known to the court, and have other charges of a similar nature against them.

As such, the magistrate remanded them to prison until November 20.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

Congratulations — ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’ Empowering the next generation of global leaders M

ore than two hundred benefactors from a wide cross-section of the Guyanese community, turned out to congratulate, and support Founder and President of ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Movement’ (GGRM) and by extension, ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’ that was officially unveiled during a reception at the Zen Hibachi Lounge, in South Ozone Park, on October 29.

Inspiring the next generation of Guyanese female leaders through its call to action, the non-profit movement will, through a series of constructive activities give young women, ages 14 to 18 a unique opportunity to learn from, and build trusting relationships with female professionals in positions of leadership.

This motto is what inspired Cloyette Harris-Stoute, and board members

Rhonda Binda, Vice President and Carla Evelyn Roberts, Treasurer, to start this foundation that will provide equal opportunity for all young women of Guyanese heritage.

Harris-Stoute, who was awarded a Citation by Senator Roxanne Persaud, was reminded by the politician of the vision she had, and her commitment to launch the Guyanese Girls Rock foundation, adding, “Guyanese Girls Rock, we are showing people how progressive we are and how committed we are.”

An entrepreneur, who established a merchandising brand of Tees, Caps, handVrinda Jagan, Esq., granddaughter of late Guyana Presidents, bags and other Dr. Cheddi and Janet Jagan, (center) with friends at the launch goods into a thriving party of ‘Guyanese Girls Rock’ Foundation at Zen Hibachi business, HarrisLounge.

Stoute, a wife and

By Tangerine Clarke

mother of two boys, was praised

by Senator Persaud for inspiring women, first with her Guyanese Girls Rock movement through a blog, and now a foundation to educate youth.

The Senator encouraged backers to continue their support of the non-profit foundation, and assured the savvy businesswoman and charitable giver that she would receive full support from the Senate office.

“We applaud you for the hard work you have done, and we will continue to support you Senator Roxanne Persaud and Founder/President through this journey,” said Sena- of ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’, Cloyette Harris-Stoute displaying Citation presented by tor Persaud.

Consul General of Guyana to the Senator at the foundation’s launch reception New York, Honorable Barbara at ZenHibachi Lounge in South Ozone Park on Atherly in an inspiring speech Sunday, October 29 commended the founders for “igniting passion in Guyanese girls to become the next generation of global leaders.”

“It’s an important endeavor because, as Guyanese I know we face certain challenges. But the initia- Anaya Lee Willabus, the young author, mother, Dimple Willabus and Dee Campbell of Nu Entertainment . tive of this group proves, if that Guyanese girl can do it, then so can we.

“When we think of a leader, we think of someone who is committed, someone who has drive, and someone whose resolve is to move things towards a singular unified purpose —like the ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’ — breaking conventions and developing new products and services,” added Consul General Barbara Atherly.

The diplomat saluted the group for its efforts to raise awareness, and educate young women in confidence building, leadership skills, proper etiquette and college readiness, noting that women empowerment will ensure equal rights.

“Let the resilient character of a Guyanese woman be applied positively and let us all commit to our girls who have the right to let their voices be heard; to be empowered and to take up leadership roles in our community,” added CG Atherly.

Vice President of GGRF, Rhonda Binda, Esq., reiterated the importance of the foundation’s trust, which is to inspire, motivate and celebrate the brilliance and achievements of Guyanese girls and

(continued on page 17)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

17

Administering of HPV Vaccine begins

A rare treat indeed!

TRIPLETS Radha, Rajshri and Reenica Mansaram, who hail from the Essequibo Coast, are celebrating their 23rd birthday today. Here’s wishing them God’s richest blessings, and hoping they live to celebrate many more birthdays together.

Don’t worry, you’ll be okay: this child in background is being reassured that there is no need for fear. Medex Charleen Howard Mohabir (right) and a technician getting things in order to administer the HPV Vaccine on a pupil of Mae’s Primary School, Subryanville, Georgetown on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photo)

‘Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation’ (from page 16)

women across the globe, during her welcome address.

Young author, Anaya Lee Wallabus, cemented the foundation’s vision, rightfully in her poem ‘She Believes In Me’ —

their contributions, and this inspired her to launch the ‘Guyanese Girl Rock Movement.’

As someone who has engaged the community in a passionate and positive way, Harris-Stoute believes that girls need great role models from whom they can

emony; TV Talk Show Host, Lakskmee Singh; CADVA Director, Dianne Madray; Miss Greater NYC Teen, Romeena Ali; Ann Narine; Auctioneer Cleveland John and donors of the auction prizes.

The prizes included: a Gift Basket

by D’Obvious Rose, Cake Designs by

A wide cross-section of the Guyanese community attend the launch of Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation (Pictures by Tangerine Clarke) reception at Zen Hibachi Lounge in South Ozone Park. it stated “Woman of courage, you are not a hero but a She-Ro, nothing can stop you but yourself, as I watch your compassion for others.

The pulsating excitement in the room was further amplified by the infectious rhythm of ‘GT Woman’, a new release performed by lyricist Courtney Noel, that “Rocked” the event.

Blogger and Founder of Guyanese Girls Rock Inc. and Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Cloyette Harris-Stoute, articulated that she felt Guyanese women weren’t being adequately recognized for

draw inspiration, as such, she created Guyanese Girls Rock, an online platform to empower, inspire, motivate and also celebrate the accomplishments of Guyanese women and girls across the globe.

She thanked the community for the outpouring of support that catapulted the ‘Guyanese Girls Rock Movement’ to prominence, and the successful launch of its Foundation.

She singled out Sen. Roxanne Persaud; Consul General Barbara Atherly; Dr. Ali Griffith; Dr. Rose October-Edun, who kept the audience lively as Mistress of Cer-

Sherry Boodhan-Singh, Canvas Paintings

by Carl. F. Anderson, Fashion jewelry by Millianna, Custom made fashion by 34.24.36.com, $1,500 Wedding Planning Package by Colefact Wedding, Custom Made Fashion by Sonia Noel Designs, Decorative Pillow Combo by Rochelle Porter Design and Multicultural Sari by Find a Sari.

Raffle prize donations came from Edible Arrangements, Debra Charles — Guyana’s Tasty Exotic Cookbook, BFF Spa Page, Books & Poems Gift Pak — Anaya the Author, Ankara Necklace — Craft by Chey, Wine and Spirits – Netstruc PR, and $500 Travel voucher from Sunita Travel Agency.

Board Member, Carla Evelyn Roberts, did the vote of thanks.

Contact info: Website: www.guyanesegirlsrock.org email: contact@guyanesegirlsrock.org phone: 646-285-6441.

Consul General Barbara Atherly, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Doris Rodney, proprietor of the Hills Restaurant on Church Avenue, in Brooklyn. Cloyette Harris-Stoute and Sherif Fraser, Manager of Community Board 17, Brooklyn at the launching.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

18

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

How to Track Advertising Results?

W

hen we advertise our businesses, how do we know whether the advertising works for us? This question haunts businessmen and entrepreneurs on a daily basis. There is institutionalized advertising and there is feedback advertising. Both work well, but to make that distinction as to which works better could be pains taking. Use both to the best of your ability.

ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS WISELY? You can't always track the effectiveness of your advertising dollars. No matter how powerful and persuasive your ad, most of the people you're paying to reach won't currently need what you're selling. But if your ad makes a deep enough impression on them, they'll remember you when they need you later.

With that said, bear in mind that I didn't say ad results can never be tracked; on the contrary. When you want to hold your ad dollars accountable, there are basically some adtracking strategies to choose from, to ensure you are on the right track and utilizing the correct medium. Beware of those organizations where you place annual advertisement, and none of their members ever support your business.

UNDER-PRICE A WELL-KNOWN PRODUCT All you have to do is to under-price a well-known product way below your competitors.This is the classic "loss leader" strategy. The general idea is that enough customers will buy additional items to offset the losses created by the under-pricing of the lead item. Most customers who chase after bargains end up buying other additional products, which they would not have necessarily bought. Would you make a trip to the grocery

store if they were advertising milk at $1.00 a gallon and eggs at 25 cents a dozen? You can easily track the effectiveness of the advertising through the number of units sold, or by

the increase in customers. The losses created through the under-pricing of the item will be relative to the amount of traffic generated.

Think of it as pro-rated advertising: The better it works, the more it costs. The downside to this strategy is that customers who switch to you for reasons of price alone will switch from you just as quickly, and for the same reason.

COUPONS Don't confuse the loss-leader strategy

with couponing. Generally, some studies have revealed that coupons appeal only to the lowest quality of customer. This scenario does not apply in all cases. Bargain hunters spend a lot of time with the intention of saving a couple of dollars, rich or poor. Nevertheless, it makes no sense in paying $10.00 in transportation to where the bargain exists in order to save 40 cents in an advertised coupon sale product. As a business person, if you're going to offer a bargain, do it openly.

Your best customers will be offended by the idea that some customers pay a higher price than others.

FEATURE ITEMS WITH A POWERFUL STORY The quantity of customers generated through this strategy will be less than when using the loss-leader strategy, but they'll be a better quality of customer.

The keys to this strategy are (1) You must find an item with a powerful story, then (2) You must find a writer capable of telling that story well. This particular strategy is offered by this newspaper on a weekly basis. Our editor would accommodate a story to go along with your general advertising space. This creates a double wammy and the effectiveness of the ad can easily be tracked through sales of the item and/or a general increase in customer count.

CAUTION Both strategies above must have limited-time offers. The fine print that states"While supplies last" is always a bad

idea. You must name a specific calendar date when the offer will expire and then be sure you have enough of the promotional items in stock to satisfy every inquiry. If a customer presents a coupon and you are out of stock, do not be reluctant to issue a “Rain Check.”Another scenario "Limit 1 per customer" is usually okay as long as it's plainly disclosed in the ad.

PLANT A WORD-FLAG IN THE AD A word-flag is an unexpected, memorable name, word or phrase that customers will voluntarily mention in their efforts to be friendly or to "connect" with you. For example: I would normally end my optical radio and print commercial with the words “We only have eyes for you.” Believe it or not customers will come to the store smiling and repeating those lines. Whenever that happens it gives a feedback that those customers actually heard or read the ad in one of the advertising media. It's not a word-flag to say, "Mention this ad and receive a 20-percent discount." Those ads will only make you seem unfocused and desperate.

APPLY KEY CODES Key codes are used in print advertising and direct mail. Suppose you were running an ad campaign in a group of magazines. The best way to track your advertising responses is to key each ad with a unique code, so every sale or lead can be identified according to its original source. In order to track the responses from individual publications and issues, you would need to include a different key code in each of the response mechanisms. Your direct-response print ad in the December 2017 issue of The New York Edition of The Chronicle could be coded "C-1," while another ad in the January issue might be coded "C-2." These codes would appear in the coupon section of the ads, so when responses were generated, you could immediately determine the source of each lead.

TRACK ONLINE RESPONSES Whether you're monitoring the results of online ads or an e-mail campaign, it's important to have unique tracking codes for each. One way to measure responses to an individual ad or e-mail is to track hits to your Web pages by including a "?" after the URL, plus your code. Of course, the bottom line isn't merely to measure how many leads you generate, but by how many actually convert to sales. By tracking all responses according to their sources, you can test individual ad campaigns to see which marketing approaches and offers produce the most profitable results for your company.

“It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it”

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

19

Fetter To Caribbean Development: Crippling Debt

by MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS

I

t has long been the quintessential Caribbean paradise. A tropical getaway a rum-soaked, sun-scorched island for the rich and famous for over a century. But that was then. Now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Which Caribbean island is that?

Barbados. For decades Barbados was one of the better-run nations in the Caribbean. But the island’s tourism industry has struggled in the wake of the global financial crisis, and a burst real estate bubble added to the economic toll.

Today, the country’s finances are now a mess. Government debt has now ballooned to over 100 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). That’s dangerously high for a small island state that tried to address this challenge by firing the equivalent of one per cent of its population from the public payroll.

But this bleak financial situation is not unique to Barbados. Debt is the millstone around the necks of Caribbean nations. Its crippling effects have had a negative impact on the growth and quality of life of the region’s people.

Indeed, this unsustainable debt is the main reason humbugging all development in the 13 small states of the English-speaking Caribbean and goes directly to the myriad of social and economic difficulties that they experience in combatting poverty reduction across the board. In fact, some economists point to the inescapable fact that the Caribbean region stands to lose the first three decades – 30 years – to backward, negative and retrograde growth caused by this stultifying and strangling debt.

But the problem is not that of debt accumulation, per se. It’s that unsustainably high debt servicing costs poses a real existential threat to poverty reduction, growth and development.

I’m no economist but I know that for small and large countries promoting development by raising loans has been an effective tool. One can argue that some managed levels of debt have contributed to growth by investing in productive enterprises that produced revenue streams to repay borrowings.

The problem? When debt is used to pay for recurrent expenditures from which there are no returns, the level rises with no means of repayment.

In this scenario, the cost of servicing existing and recurring debts for the Caribbean has become so high that it places heavy constrains on spending capacity and limits governments ability to provide goods and services needed by their people. It also leaves no money for them to invest in projects for socio-economic growth. Today, international debt servicing payments eats up a disproportionately high portion of governmentgenerated revenues. And when that’s

not enough they have to borrow more money just to service these debts, thus digging themselves deeper in an unsustainable financial hole.

Here’s the Caribbean debt situation as of 2016: • Only 2 of the 14 independent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries had debt to GDP ratios under 60% – Guyana and Haiti.

• The 12 with ratios over 60 percent were: Antigua and Barbuda 92.1%, Bahamas 66.9%, Barbados 107.9%, Belize 98.6%, Dominica 81%, Grenada 84.4%, Jamaica 115.2%, St Kitts-Nevis 65.8%, St Lucia 82.6%, St Vincent and The Grenadines 79.2%, Suriname 64.6% and Trinidad and Tobago 61%.

• Six of these countries experienced an increase in their debt to GDP ratios over their 2015 performance. Those countries are: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The real problem is the dire longterm projections when it comes to debt in the region. On its present course, by 2020, debt will remain unsustainable in 11 Caribbean small states, and there will be no change by 2030. So unless the international community responds in a timely basis to this grave problem, these CARICOM nations will lose the first three decades of the 21st Century.

This will have a real negative impact for growth and development in the region. The Caribbean will see a reversal in the advances they have made, poverty and unemployment will increase, and opportunities for economic growth will become a crippling, chronic problem.

Tourists on a beach in Barbados

FINAL NOTE: Caribbean tourism is doing great. But this is a short term fix and until and unless the region’s leaders focus on manufacturing (light) and producing goods and services for resale then this difficult economic system will only get worse. Natural disasters are the biggest bogeymen of Caribbean development. One hurricane can wipe out a nation’s hotel stocks leaving it with little prospects for growth. Just look at Puerto Rico. CARICOM’s reliance on one industry is both foolish and an example of tunnel vision. The region can diversity its economic base AROUND tourism by investing in infrastructure development, sport tourism, niche markets, all complimented by a robust light manufacturing sector.

At it’s very basic economics is not complex — you need to create, manufacture or build something that others will buy. You need to identify a need (a market) and fill that need. It’s that simple. Decades after the region gained its independence from Britain its leaders still can’t wrap their heads round this simple concept. Rum, sand, sea and sun will not cut it in this highly competitive modern tourist industry climate.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

GTT Pinktober campaign raises $4M

President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan, proudly displays the cheque representing a donation from GTT’s Pinktober fund- raising activities (Delano Williams photo)

inaugural, GTT Pinktober 5K/10K Walk/Run on October 21, which attracted over 5,000 participants, according to Allison Parker.

She said registration for the event was $2,000 which allowed for $500 to be donated to the Guyana Cancer Foundation and provided participants with three–day mobile data plans, compliments of GTT. In the package too, was a free ticket to two major upcoming shows which will soon be hosted in Guyana: The best gospel concert featuring Travis Green on November 3, or the best reggae concert featuring Chronixx on November 18.

Parker agreed, the 5K/10K Walk/Run provided a platform for every participant and over 200 volunteers to join in showing their support for the cause.

Seated from left: Pastor Simon Harris, Bibi Hassan and First Lady Sandra Granger, all share in lighting candles for friends and/or loved ones who have died of cancer (Delano Williams photo)

By Shirley Thomas THE GTT Pinktober campaign in support of persons who are victims of breast cancer and other cancers, with support from all across Guyana was able to amass a total of$4,752,680.00.

The sum was on Wednesday presented to the President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation Bibi Hassan, who will use it to continue the foundation’s mission of saving lives.

The presentation of the cheque was done by GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samanatha Gooden, at a ceremony to mark the official closing of Pinktober activities at GTT’s Brickdam Headquarters Key among fund-raisers was the GTT Pinktober Fund Raising Benefit Dinner, held at the Kokomo Room, Palm Court. The private and government sectors, the diplomatic community and private individuals all wholeheartedly supported the initiative.

Meanwhile, GTT’s Public Relations Manager Allision Parker said the evening provided opportunities for GTT Cancer Warriors to share their stories of survival and resilience.

Cancer Warriors, Anjuli Beharry-Strand, Marilyn Dewar, Mitzy Campbell, Rosaline Clarke, Leslie Black and Bibi Hassan were also honoured at the event as a show of recognition for their strength and their contributions to the fight against breast cancer.

However, the biggest and most successful event was the

First Lady Sandra Granger (at left), Bibi Hassan (at centre) and GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samantha Gooden (at right), proudly display the cheque from GTT. Others are volunteers in the effort (Delano Williams photo)

One of the most poignant moments, she recalled, was the release of 2000 pink helium balls, with each one representing someone who had lost the fight to cancer.

“There was a visible show of emotions from the thousands who gathered. The formation of the human ribbon gave those present an opportunity to join together to do and experience something which was never done before in Guyana,” Parker said.

Tracing the origin and objectives of Pinktober, Parker said

when GTT launched the Pinktober initiative just over a month ago, it was unimaginable the impact the initiative would have had on the lives of thousands of persons and communities across Guyana.

GTT’s intention was to raise funds for the Guyana Cancer Foundation to bolster their programme of raising awareness and to facilitate screening with the aim of saving lives.

Several activities were done, which gave the general public a chance to team up with GTT to contribute to the cause and they responded positively.

Speaking at Thursday’s event, First Lady Sandra Granger commended GTT for the excellent work done during Pinktober.

Meanwhile, cancer warriors and others all shared their positive stories of being part of the Pinktober experience.

GTT’s Brand Ambassadors Saiku, Poonam and Drew Thoven presented framed mementos of the Human Pinktober Ribbon to co-sponsors, nurses and doctors who are all part of the fight against breast and other cancers.

At the conclusion of the programme, attendees were invited to light candles to symbolise the hope they hold for all the warriors.

They also wrote notes of hope and encouragement which were placed in a ‘box of hope’ to be read to those who are either afflicted or affected.

WEST INDIES TEST CAPTAINS

(from page 5) 859, top score: 83, batting average: 30.67.

Bowling: balls: 2,931, wickets: 33, average: 31.81

GERRY ALEXANDER, OD Franz Copeland Murray “Gerry” Alexander, “the last White captain of the West Indies cricket team” to date, was born November 2, 1928 in Kingston, Jamaica.

He made his test debut against England at Leeds July 25-27, 1957.

His last Test was against Australia at Melbourne February 10-15, 1961.

John Goddard retired from cricket after West Indies 1957 tour of England. Gerry was appointed captain after Sir Frank Worrell declined, because he was studying Economics at Manchester University in England.

In his first test as captain in 1958, the West Indies defeated the touring Pakistan team 3-1. This was

the Pakistani’s first tour to the West Indies His team next toured India and Pakistan in 1958-59. This was the first time in years that the Windies were without the three Ws; but Alexander’s team won three Tests and drew 2.

During the lunchtime interval of the final Test, he sent home Roy Gilchrist for bowling excessive bouncers. Gilchrist never played for the West Indies again.

In the Tests against Pakistan, West Indies won 1 and Pakistan 2.

The West Indies lost 1 match and drew 4 against England in the 1960 series. By then, Sir Frank Worrell was available as captain and eventually replaced Alexander for the 1960-61 tour of Australia.

CAREER STATISTICS Gerry Alexander captained West Indies in 18 consecutive Tests.

He won 7, lost 4 and 7 were drawn.

Batting: 25 Tests, scored: 931

runs, average: 30.03, highest score: 108.

Wicketkeeping Dismissals:90.

series under Richardson — the 1985 series against Australia, its first defeat since 1980.

SIR RICHIE RICHARDSON, KCN Richard Benjamin “Richie” Richardson was born January 12, 1962 at Five Islands Village, Antigua and Barbuda. He was a superb batsman, especially against fast bowling. Remarkably, like Sir Viv Richards, he never wore a helmet.

He made his Test debut in the fourth Test of a six Test series against India in the 1983-84 series in India. In the first inning, he was LBW for 0 and in the second innings, he was bowled for 26.

After the 1992 World Cup, Viv Richards resigned from the West Indies captaincy. His pick to replace him was Desmond Haynes, but Richie Richardson was selected, and Viv Richards was dropped from the team.

The West Indies lost only one

STATISTICS Richardson captained West Indies in 24 Tests, winning 11, losing 6 and 7 were drawn.

Batting: Tests 86, runs: 5,949, highest score: 194 with an average of 44.39.

ODIs: 224, runs: 6,248, highest score: 122, average 33.41 CONCLUSION Quo Vadis? Where do I go from here? I enjoyed this series on lovely cricket, the lifeblood of most people from the Caribbean and Guyana. There will always be arguments about who was the greatest West Indian cricketer of them all, who was the best batsman, best fielder at a given position, best wicketkeeper and best captain. I gave my opinion. I dare say, yours is as good. Farewell to thee, my lovely.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 73 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) One sided attractions are likely. Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow. Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Romance is likely if you can bring yourself to go out with friends. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Don’t be shy to promote your own interests. Take a close look at any contracts you’ve signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. Do not overspend on entertainment. You could find that children will be a handful. Your lucky daynext week will be Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. You will get along well in social situations. You can make excellent career moves if you are open to the opportunities that exist. You should be in business for yourself. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Things at home may be somewhat rocky. You can make progress professionally. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven’t been taking proper care of yourself.

Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Your high energy will enable you to enlist the help of those in a position to back you. Be sure not to reveal private information to the wrong individuals.

You could experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be careful while traveling. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score.

Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Changes in your domestic scene are evident. You can make money through your creative efforts. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Don’t get involved in joint ventures. You may encounter someone that may be a game changer in your life. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Plan some family outings. Don’t be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. Plan your vacation with your partner next week. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make life easier for an older member of your family. Take the time to do your job correctly or you may find yourself looking for a new one. Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. Be diplomatic when dealing with in-law. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Your lover will cost you dearly if you let them. This will be a very hectic day if you’ve made promises to too many people. The great outdoors will allow you to teach youngsters some of the things you learned when growing up. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Drastic changes regarding your personal attitude are evident. Be careful when dealing with investments. Dealing with foreigners will be most enlightening. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. You should be in business for yourself. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Be sure to look into travel opportunities that will provide you with mental stimulation. Don’t get involved in joint ventures. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you’ve picked up over the years. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

6. “___ Radio” 7. ___ campaign 8. Actress Rita ___ 9. Actress Farrow 10. Bankbook abbr.

11. Gen. Eisenhower 17. Puffed 41 Actress Bassett 19. Porky ___ 43. Student’s concern 22. Supper scrap (abbr.)

24. Sock tips 44. At one’s __and call 25. General Robert __ (2 wds.)

46. Neglects 26. 1960s Atty. Gen. 50. British statesman 27. Actres Moran Winston ___ 28. TV’s “___-Dong School” 54. Harden 29. Notice 55. Spy Mata ___ 31. Pie ___ mode (2 wds.)

56. Caesar’s “and others” 33. Math branch (abbr.)

(2 wds.)

36. Flotsam 57. CpI. or sgt.

37. Baldwin or Guinness 58. Rustic getaway spots 39. Handsome god 59. Garage band’s tape 40. Tennis’s Shriver 60. Recipe measurement 42. Hurt (abbr.)

45. Airborne toy DOWN 47. “___ She Lovely” 1. Financial market 48. Private eyes, informally channel 49. Traffic sign 2. Juicy fruit 50, T’ai ___ (martial art) 3. Scary monster 51. ___ Solo 4. Give consent 52. Big coffeepot 5. Before (prefix) 53. Flee

ACROSS 1. ___ Sharkey” 4. Rental abodes (abbr.)

8. 2002, to Brutus 12. Not positive (abbr.)

13. Jam-pack 14. Hog sound 15. Taproom 16. Paint the town red 18 ___ suzette 20. Cabbagelike vegetable 21. Bride’s response (2 wds.)

23. Tenant 27. Lawn finishers 30. Author Virginia ___ 31. Onassis, to friends 32. Salada product 34. Scared one’s shout 35 Evans or Lavin 38. Expire

W O R D F I N D

T H I S H O U S E

ATTIC BATS CANDLES CRAWL DEVILS DISMAL DUSTY EMPTY EYES GARRET GOTHIC HEXED HOUSE IMAGE LOST MANSION

I S H A U N T E D

NIGHT NOISE PANIC RATS RUMOR SCARY SCREAM SEARCH SHADES SHOCK SPELLS STAIRS STEPS TIMID TRAPS VOICE

ISSUE 73 WORDFIND ANSWER

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

‘Music without borders’ Mark Batson promotes reggae album

By Telesha Ramnarine

The cover for his new Reggae album

Mark Lester Batson

GUYANESE singer/songwriter Mark Lester Batson, who hails from Buxton, on the East Coast Demerara, is busy promoting his first Reggae album, “Music without Borders”.

Though it was released since June, the 32-yearold singer doesn’t know for sure when he would officially launch the album as he wants to ensure that sufficient time is afforded to his fans to get to know his music so that they can thoroughly enjoy the launching party.

Although he gained some popularity singing Soca music, Mark said he decided to do a Reggae album, based on his personal life experiences, as he felt he can more effectively express himself in this genre of music.

The local singer is calling for the return of copyright laws

reggae content,” he expressed.

Mark, whose music is managed by Vizion Sounds Recording Company, is set on pursuing music to the highest level possible. “The sky is the limit. Wherever music takes me, I will go,” he said.

Mark describes his songs as clean music that anyone in the family, including young children, can enjoy.

He is grateful for the help he has been receiving from others as he continues to pursue his career, especially from his team that works behind the scenes, and from The Heatwave Band for which he is the lead singer.

Mark is also advising young and upcoming artistes to hold on to their dreams. “It’s not an easy journey, but it’s one that you shouldn’t trade,” he said.

“It’s about most of the stuff I passed through in day to day life. Part of the album has to do with culture, and the other, about relationship struggles,” Mark expressed about the album during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

He spoke in the company of Harry Parker, a member of Vizion Sounds Recording Company, in charge of road management and promotions.

CLEAN MUSIC Mark, who said he began his music career at just five years old, credits his mom, Bridget Blair Nelson, as the founder of the music in him.

He recalls that while growing up, several members of his family, including his mom, dad, sister and uncle, pursued music in some form. Fueling his interest in music was also the church choir and the school competitions that he participated in.

“I used to do Soca. More people would’ve known me singing Soca, but then as you grow and mature, you see things different and your lifestyle becomes different. I say to people my music isn’t just to sing a song but to spread a message, and I feel I can deliver that message more in the

COPYRIGHT Mark is not entirely satisfied with what is being done for local artistes and is calling on the government to work on copyright laws.

“There’s so much more to be done. In terms of our music going somewhere, we need our government to actually come on board and enforce that copyright law.

If we don’t have that copyright law, we are losing; we are always at a losing end,” he said.

Due to the absence of such laws, Mark observed how people who pirate their work actually end up benefitting more than them financially.

“The talent is there; the work, production and quality are there. Artistes will take their music to the limit to get it done. If we have to send it to Jamaica, around

the world, then we would, just to make sure the quality is right. But when it comes back, they struggle to sell the CDs and then someone carbon copies it and sell it for $200 after you spent so much money getting it done. At the end of the day, the persons who don’t do the work benefit the most,” the artiste said.

Mark also called on the Guyanese population to support and respect their local artistes.

Mark (stooping) with members of the Heatwave Band

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

In the Mail

23 23

PNC/R’s Georgetown District hosts exhibition T

HE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Georgetown District, hosted an exhibition at City Hall recently in celebration of the party’s 60thanniversary.

Office Manager Ms. Monica Thomas, also a city councillor, told the Pepperpot Magazine that the exhibition was the Georgetown District’s contribution to the list of activities that are ongoing for the entire month of October.

In an invited comment, Thomas said the exhibition featured a tent from the Ministry of Social Protection, as well as ‘Lindeners’ who came to Georgetown to display their leather craft and so forth.

Farmers and others were also able to display their local produce.

Furthermore, a literature booth featured information and pictures from as far back as when former President Forbes Burnham died.

Persons were able to showcase their local produce.

An exhibition by the PNC/R’s Georgetown District to celebrate the party’s 60th anniversary.

Office Manager Ms. Monica Thomas.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

— Media Release from —

106-11 Liberty Avenue u Ozone Park u New York 11417 u (718) 529-2300

Liberty Justice Center

W

WE CONDEMN ALL TERROR ATTACKS! Stronger law enforcement and cooperation, not stereotyping, key to public safety November 1, 2017

e stand together with all Americans and condemn the recent —and any and all — terror attacks! This is an attack on all of us! We mourn the loss of life and deplore the senseless violence and murder. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and communities.

We cannot, and will not tolerate, any violence and bigotry in our communities. Our strength comes from our diversity and immigration, and we will not be cowed by those who seek to divide us or promote fear. As strong and resilient communities, we must assist law enforcement in eradicating terror from our midst, while supporting each other and the rule of law, equal justice and due process. For this, we bear joint responsibility.

Immigrants must not be tarnished with the broad brush of blame and prejudice. Politicizing and dividing America is not the answer. We are, always were, and will remain, a nation of immigrants. Instead we should focus on more anti-terrorism efforts and funding.

The Department of Justice must ensure that US Attorneys and law enforcement personnel investigate and bring to justice the criminal elements who engage in and further terrorist activities and the opioid crises.

We condemn the fact that some US prosecutors, like Preet Bharara, ignored terrorism and drug overdose cases occurring right under their noses and backyards to the detriment of public safety during their tenure, choosing instead to hog the limelight and further their careers with publicity driven cases, many of which were either misconceived, civil administrative cases or selective prosecutions, and a waste of taxpayer resources.

See e.g., District Leader Albert Baldeo’s and other cases at: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/errol-louis-nyc-campaign-finance-tangle-article1.2403316; http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/stasi-bury-preet-not-praise-noarticle-1.3004789

The Manhattan attack occurred a few footsteps from the FBI, US Attorney and other law enforcement offices. Eradicating public terror, both foreign and domestic, must be given the highest priority by our government and all of us!

Note: The Liberty Justice Center is a civil rights and community organization, dedicated to the fight for community improvement, justice, equal rights, dignity, public safety and inclusion in the decision making process. Call (718) 529-2300 for assistance.

Contact person: Buddy Hoosein

COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS AND COLLEAGUES TAKE ON THE ISSUES AT FIRST SPEAKER FORUM

NEW YORK, NY: Recently at the New York Athletic Club in Midtown, the eight candidates for New York City Council Speaker faced off in their first public forum

of the race. Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (DBrooklyn) and the other candidates discussed a wide range of issues facing the city now and in the coming four years.

On what the city needs in a Speaker in this moment: "We are at a time where you need leadership that's going to be bold," argued Council Member Williams, adding he was "battletested, collaborative, and the right person for what we need right now."

On the Council's relationship to the Mayor and the Council's ability to move difficult bills forward: "I do not think that we have yet reached our potential as a body... what I would like is to build on what this Speaker has been able to accomplish, and from what I hear from my colleagues, really push this Council to be that independent voice that we know we can be and that the city expects us to be."

On his legislative record and the need to not shy away from difficult fights: "I am, I believe, the perfect example of being independent, being strong, being not afraid to push, and also being productive.

I have the most bills passed of all of the members of the Council except the Speaker. I've been able to accomplish that because you push when you need to and you pull back when you need to, and that's what leadership is... As a leader you have to know how to get things done, but you can't shirk the courage that you need

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams addressed the crowd assembled at the New York Athletic Club in the first forum for the candidates for Speaker of the City Council.

to push forward."

On his record of independence: "I defy anyone to explain how they've stood up to this Mayor more than I have. Not because it was popular, not because it was a show, but it was the right thing to do," he said, citing the issues of police conduct, gun violence, and affordable housing.

The candidates will meet at a series of forums on Thursday morning at the Agudath Israel of America Leadership Breakfast. Upcoming forums include: 11/2- 9:00am at the offices of Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Hosted by: Agudath of Israel America.

11/13- 6:00pm at The New School, Johnson Hall Auditorium. Hosted by: Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA).

11/14- 6:30pm at the Teachers College Cowin Auditorium. Hosted by: Just Leadership USA and partner organizations.

11/15- 5:00pm at Tisch WNET Studios. Hosted

by WNET and City and State NY.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 3, 2017

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Guyana Chronicle New York Editio

Guyanese Art works on display in New York City

By Francis Quamina Farrier A number of Guyanese Artists are painting New York City red, white and blue and every other hue. I discovered this when I recently checked out two art exhibitions

by Guyanese artists in New York City. In fact, the two exhibitions were held in the Borough of Manhattan, in “The City that never sleeps”.

The first of the current Guyanese Art Exhibitions which I checked out, was a one-man exhibition by veteran artist, Carl Anderson, which was held at the Port Authority Building at 42nd Street and Ninth Avenue in Mid-town Manhattan.

The journey from Georgetown to New York was a long and exciting one for the talented artist. A graduate of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, Carl has resided in neighbouring Venezuela for 13 years, where he developed a solid base of clients from many parts of the world.

His works have been commissioned by art collectors worldwide, including Guyana.

Some years ago, I reported on television, on an impressive piece of Anderson’s artwork depicting the Public Buildings, which was commissioned by then-Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Ralph Ramkarran.

The TV coverage included footage of the artist putting the finishing touches to the artwork at his Durban Street, Georgetown studio, to its arrival at the office of Mr. Ramkarran on the top floor of the West Wing of the Public Buildings,and on-camera comments by the Speaker as regards the painting, which even though brand new, was given touches to make it appear to be vintage as requested. It was one of those news reports which I thoroughly enjoyed producing.

Artworks by Carl Anderson are on display at The National Art Gallery, Castellani House, on Vlissengen Road, in Georgetown.

His works are also on display in the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Italy, Malta, the USA and Venezuela among others.

The other current Art Exhibition in Man-

A section of the Carl Anderson Art Exhibition at the Port Authority in Mid-town Manhattan, New York City.

(Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

hattan, New York City, has on display the works of 15 Guyanese artists. It is being held at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), on 125th Street, East Harlem, in Uptown Manhattan.

CCCADI promotes itself as, “The leading African Diaspora Cultural Arts Institution and Learning Center in New York, providing critical free or low-cost public programming and arts education services to tens of thousands of people annually.” It was founded in 1976.

The Guyanese artists whose works are on exhibition, were either born in British Guiana/ Guyana, or born abroad of Guyanese parents.

Let’s meet them now; Kwesi Abbensetts who is from the Corentyne, is 41 years old and has been residing in the US for a number of years; Daniel Abrams, 38 years of age, is a New York-born daughter of a Guyanese; Canadian-born Khadija Benn, 31, grew up in Linden

and Georgetown; Victor Dawson was born in British Guiana 69 years ago. He migrated to the USA in 1973 and is based in New Jersey.

United States, where he was well established.

The name of 68-year-old artist, Andrew Lyght, was well-known in the art world of Guyana, before he migrated, first to Canada, then to the USA. Like Andrew Lyght, 44-year-old Suchitra Mattai, first migrated from her native Guyana to Canada in 1976, then later transitioned to the USA. Born in Guyana 43 years ago, Mason Richards is now based in Los Angeles in the USA, where he does his artwork.

Another of the young artists is 31-yearold, Karran Sahadeo, who is classified as being multi-media as she works with painting and photography. Born in the USA of Guyanese parents, 42-year-old Keisha Scarville works out of Brooklyn. And we round off with, 69-year-old multi-disciplinary artist Arlington Weithers who was born in British Guiana in 1948 and now based in New York.

The curator of the Caribbean Cultural Centre African Diaspora Institute is Guyanese-born, Grace Aneiza Ali. The CCCAD gallery is located at 120 East 125 Street in Harlem. It states that it, “envison[s] a world that values and embraces a rich legacy of diverse African cultures.” To that objective, Guyanese artists are making a sterling contribution.

“We Meet Here” by Dominque Hunter

“Devotion Point” (Bushy Park, Parika) by Michael Lam

The very, well-known veteran artist, Stanley Greaves, AA, was born in British Guiana 83 years ago and was based both in Barbados and the USA for many years, he visits Guyana regularly; Brooklyn-based 67-year-old Carl Hazlewood, migrated from his homeland, many years ago. The youngest of the artists whose work is included in the exhibition is Dominique Hunter, who was born in Guyana 30 years ago. Another artist and photographer is 44-year-old Guyanese, Michael Lam, of Georgetown.

It is seven years since the death of the celebrated Guyanese artist and sculptor, Donald Locke, 1930-2010, but his artworks were also on display in the exhibition. The late, great Donald Locke, worked in his native Guyana as well as in the United Kingdom and the

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

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 3, 2017

Rohan Kanhai – An Appreciation

“The man of genius inspires us with a boundless confidence in our own powers” —Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up, and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!” —William Shakespeare.

“To see Kanhai flat on his back – with the ball among the crowd beyond the square-leg boundary – after making one of his outrageous sweeps to a good length ball, is to watch a man capable of playing shots fit to lay before an audience of emperors”-James Scott, May 1966, on the occasion of Guyana’s Independence.

“Kanhai discovered, created a new dimension in batting…He had found his way into regions Bradman never knew.”

— CLR James

“Some batsmen play brilliantly sometimes and at ordinary times they go ahead as usual. That one... is different from all of them. On certain days, before he goes into the wicket, he makes up his mind to let them have it. And once he is that way nothing on earth can stop him.

Some of his colleagues in the pavilion who have played with him for years have seen strokes that they have never seen before: from him or anybody else."—Sir Learie Constantine to CLR James, on Kanhai “His niche in West Indies cricket . . . is assured, as is his place in the hearts of all who treasure human excellence in any form.”

—Michael Gibbes

"It is hard to believe that there could be better players than Rohan Kanhai. I have seen him score tons for Warwickshire on all sorts of pitches -- against Derek Underwood on turning tracks and against Alan Ward and Harold Rhodes on a corrugated flyer against Derbyshire.

Rohan got hundreds on both occasions.

Nobody can be a fine cricketer than Garfield Sobers or Ian Botham but somehow Kanhai hardly gets a mention. I stood at the other end many times completely in awe of him.” — Dennis Amiss on his former Warwickshire teammate Rohan Kanhai.

R

ohan Kanhai, one of my boyhood heroes, was undoubtedly the most extraordinary batsman the West Indies has ever produced, blessed with such natural abilities that he could eviscerate any bowling attack in the world when he controlled the impetuosities that raged within him. There was beauty in his craft, so much different in his method of annihilation. Whereas other batsmen could wear down an at-

reach of any batsman, such as in the execution of his unique “triumphant fall, roti shot,” or falling hook shot, most times played off the eyebrows, the half-pull, half-sweep style stroke, the flick off the toes which dissected the on-side field, the reverse sweep off the leg stump or his majestic cover driving.

Cricketers like him invented and pioneered many innovations to the game which have made it richer and dearer to spectators. As cricket scribes would say, “many batsmen may enter the same cathedral of batsmanship with Kanhai, but will not be allowed to sit in the same pew.” In Michael Manley’s book, “A History of West Indian cricket,” Kanhai is photographed sitting with George Headley and Everton Weekes, and that is how they may sit in the front pew of that proverbial cathedral, with Viv Richards and Brian Lara.

In his book “Idols,” Sunil Gavaskar, whose gigantic batting feats have not only eulogized him in calypso but also immortalized him in a manner second to none, said this of Kanhai: “Rohan Kanhai is quite simply the greatest batsman I have ever seen. What does one write about one's hero, one's idol, one for whom there is so much admiration? To say that he is the greatest batsman I have ever seen so far is to put it mildly. A controversial statement perhaps, considering that there have This iconic photo of Kanhai executing his unique, triumphant been so many outfall shot highlights what C. L. R. James meant when he said standing batsmen, and “Kanhai created new dimensions in batting, which even the some great batsmen great Sir Don Bradman never knew.” that I have played with Nor did his interaction with the game of and against. But, having seen them all, cricket spawn changes to the socio-politi- there is no doubt in my mind that Rohan cal structures of society and effect reforms Kanhai was quite simply the best of them of a radical nature as Learie Constantine’s all.” and W. G. Grace’s did.

Gavaskar continues, “Sir Gary

tack, Kanhai would dissect it with clinical precision. He was poetry – rather than prose; ballet – rather than danc;, artistry – rather than sheer power, although this never compromised the force with which he hit the ball. He glided in riveting stroke play, batting with the dexterity of a virtuoso, yet prone to Shakespearian tragedy at any time. Kanhai on the rampage was a joy to behold.

He did not have the superlative statistics nor the sheer all-round cricketing genius of Garfield Sobers, the awesome power of Viv Richards, Clyde Walcott, Clive Lloyd or Gordon Greenidge, the classical poise of Sachin Tendulkar or Frank Worrell, or the steadfastness of George Headley or Steve Waugh.

Nor did he have the impregnable technique or patience of Geoff Boycott, Jack Hobbs or Sunil Gavaskar, the insatiable appetite for runs like Don Bradman, the grace of Greg Chappell or Zaheer Abbas or the oriental calm of Majid Khan.

Nor did he assume superstar status like Brian Lara or Sachin Tendulkar. Nor did he achieve batting statistics to propel him to the type of immortality attained by Sir Don Bradman, Lara or Tendulkar.

Yet, Kanhai possessed a combination of batting prowess, originality and sportsmanship above and beyond the reach of all of these great players to such an unparalleled degree that has never been seen in the game of cricket and perhaps will never be equaled. His arrival to the wicket heralded both hush and expectancy. Bars closed as all looked to the drama that was about to unfold before a Kanhai innings.

His creative genius surpassed any other batsman in the game, and his flamboyance was spellbinding. There were times in his batting artistry where he touched heights of batsmanship beyond the

Sobers came quite close to being the best batsman, but he was the greatest cricketer ever, and could do just about anything.

But as a batsman, I thought Rohan Kanhai was just a little bit better.” In his book “Living For Cricket,” the revered Clive Lloyd definitively said that he regarded Kanhai as “the finest batsman Guyana has produced.”

Kanhai’s greatness lies to a great degree with his connection to history, and the way he overcame the social and political forces of British imperialism which subdued him. A captivating player, he carried the hopes and aspirations of his countrymen during a period of political deprivation in their collective history, where his sweet successes or bitter failures mirrored theirs in the shackles of colonialism.

They celebrated when Kanhai shone

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

and brooded when he failed. In my boyhood days, he inspired youngsters like myself that, like him, we too could one day reach international fame.

With his showmanship and range of breathtaking strokes, few batsmen will ever attain the idolatry of Kanhai. He was a born favorite. Although one never to chase after batting records, Kanhai nevertheless achieved an impressive array of memorable milestones.

For example, although Tendulkar is the modern icon of batsmanship, he has never scored a century in each innings of a Test match as Kanhai did against as worthy an opponent as Australia, at Adelaide in 1960-61, nor top the batting averages in an English season as he did in 1975 with an average of 82.53, nor share in such high wicket partnerships in First Class cricket as he did with J. A. Jameson — 465*, Warwickshire v. Gloucestershire, 1974, second wicket and with K. Ibadulla — 402, Warwickshire v. Notts, 1968, fourth wicket.

And who would not help but admire his one day average of 55 runs per innings?

Or, notwithstanding the fact that statistics were always the furthest thing from his mind, appreciate that he scored 83 first class centuries, and countless 90’s, each innings a spectator’s dream?

Rohan, with a lot of help from Basil Butcher and Joe Solomon, opened the doors for Clive Lloyd, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Carl Hooper, Roger Harper, Ramnaresh Sarwan and others to follow.

Perhaps "opened" is a mild word. Kanhai blasted the door open for other Guyanese to follow.

After all, his book was aptly entitled, "Blasting for Runs." In fact, Gavaskar, Kallicharran and Bob Marley named their sons after Rohan Kanhai, a testimony to Kanhai's greatness. Gavaskar also hoped that his son Rohan would be at least half as good as the original Rohan Bholalal Kanhai, which he said would make him very proud indeed!

Rohan Bholalall Kanhai

Guyana ending November 3, 2017 Guyana Chronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition Editionweek Week-ending November 3, 2017

Gayle

Chris Gayle wins defamation case in Australia

C

hris Gayle prevailed in his a Sydney dressing room during defamation case against the 2015 World Cup. Fairfax Media, after a After deliberating for a little four-person jury in the New less than two hours, the jury conSouth Wales Supreme Court cluded that Fairfax Media - which found that there was insufficient publishes The Sydney Morning Herevidence to prove he exposed ald, The Age and the Canberra himself to a massage therapist in Times - had not justified its January

27 27

2016 report of the allegation on ei- treated that way," Russell said in evther the basis of truth or of qualified idence. "I was someone who had privilege, which weighs up the pub- forged my career in sport. I would lic interest value of published infor- never be as successful as I would be mation and whether or not the media if I was a man." outlet acted reasonably.

Russell had made a verbal The massage therapist who complaint at the time to the West Inmade the allegation, Leanne Rus- dies team manager Richie Richardsell, testified in court last week that son, who had then sent an email to she cried uncontrollably after Gayle the team requesting them to "please pulled down his towel to expose at all times, treat her in a respectable himself while saying "is this what and professional way". In his eviyou're looking for?" during a train- dence, Gayle had insisted the inciing session at Drummoyne Oval. dent "did not happen".

Both Gayle and his team-mate After the verdict was read out, Dwayne Smith gave evidence deny- Gayle spoke of his relief outside ing that the episode took place. court. "I'm a good man," he said.

Russell had contacted the "I'm not guilty."

Following the verdict, Fairfax sports editor of the Age, Chloe Media indicated concerns with the Saltau, to tell her story after she saw the infamous interview of Gayle by conduct of the case and that the the broadcaster Mel McLaughlin in company would be considering an January 2016. Russell also said that appeal. "Fairfax Media is concerned the incident with Gayle had fol- with the conduct of the trial to the lowed another, when Smith had sent extent that on Friday it sought an her a text message saying "sexy" order that the Jury be discharged and while she had been giving him a a new trial ordered," a spokesperson said. massage.

"The Judge [Justice Lucy McSpeaking for Gayle, barrister Bruce McClintock said Russell had Callum] accepted that the Jury had been "bitter" and "vengeful" in tar- been misled in a way that prejudiced geting Gayle. Russell, who now Fairfax, but declined to discharge works as an executive assistant for the Jury. Fairfax believes that it did the AFL, stated in her evidence that not get a fair trial. It is seriously conshe had wanted to take a stand for sidering its appeal rights." women in sport. "I was sick of being (Caribbeannews.net)

18 years for killing cousin-in-law

TRUDY Samuels called “Jad” and “Jadi”, 22, has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for the 2016 manslaughter of his cousin-in-law when he appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Georgetown High Court on Thursday.

The judge started at a base of 30 years but deducted five years for his cooperation/ had taken weapon to the pastor, two years for time served and five years owing to certain mitigation features/probation report.

As such, a total of 12 years was deducted and he will serve 18 years imprisonment.

Probation Officer Aggrey Azore told the court that he prepared the probation report after interviewing members of Santa Mission and both relatives of the deceased and the accused.

He told the court that Samuels was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and came from a broken home after his parents separated and went on to have other children with different partners.

Azore stated that the accused went to live with his grandmother at a young age and left the formal school system to work due to financial issues.

The probation officer said the conduct of the accused is good and he did not display any violent behaviour and is also of good character. Samuels is said to be a hard worker and at an early age he was engaged in fishing to

sustain his family.

Azore told the court that Samuels is a family-oriented person, good-natured and a kind and loving individual and the deceased is his cousin’s husband and they were celebrating her birthday after which they went to a wake house.

He also spoke well of his record since incarnation and the incident has surprised the community and both families given the fact he was not prone to violence.

Azore also noted that the wife of the deceased said with the loss of her husband, four children are left without a father and their performance in school has diminished and they are devastated.

GREAT REMORSE Azore told the court that the accused has shown great remorse for his actions and pleaded with the court for mercy in which a reasonable sentence should be handed down, given the fact that the accused has recognised his mistake and is in the process of reformation.

Defence Attorney Satyesh Kissoon said Samuels tried to render assistance in taking the deceased to the hospital but it was too late.

Kissoon added that the probation report speaks well of the accused but a life was lost nevertheless which has rendered a wife and four children without a husband and father.

The accused, Trudy Samuels

Justice Reynolds after listening to the proceeding said for the second time on Thursday he has need to describe the incident as a tragedy where two families are tramautised due to alcohol abuse.

He told the court that if the community was more proactive, the incident could have been avoided and the incomplete education of the accused coupled with alcohol abuse resulted in the loss of a life.

According to the state’s case, on February 22, 2016, in the county of Demerara Samuel murdered Joseph Jaundoo called “Teddy” or “Ted”.

Nikita Jaundoo, wife of the deceased reported that the accused and her husband were all at a ‘wake’ house in Santa Mission. They left the wake for home, however her husband returned to the wake house for their sons.

After some time, her sons came home saying their father sent them. She was told something and she returned to the wake house where she saw the deceased and the accused fighting and parted them and took her husband home.

The accused was sitting on the steps of their home when she saw the accused coming towards them and her husband ran upstairs.

The accused pushed her aside and went into their house, after which she went behind them, where she them saw the him stabbing her husband with a knife and pulled him off.

The accused was later arrested and charged for murder.

According to reports from the village, the men were imbibing alcohol at a wake house in the community where ‘jokes’ were reportedly made. The ‘jokes’ were not taken lightly by Samuels, and there was an altercation between the two men.

Persons parted them, after which Jaundoo proceeded home and the accused followed him and there he reportedly fatally stabbed him.

The State was represented by Shawnette Austin and Lisa Cave while the defence attorney was Satyesh Kissoon.

Windies frustrated as Zimbabwe avoid series sweep Skipper Jason Holder receives the series trophy after the second and final Test against Zimbabwe ended in a draw.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was named Man-of-the-Series. (WICB photos)

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – West Indies’ bid for a clean sweep ended in frustration as wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva struck a defiant half-century to earn Zimbabwe a precious draw on the final day of the second Test here Thursday.

Starting the day confident of victory at Queens Sports Club, West Indies managed to take just three Zimbabwe wickets as the hosts

produced a gritty performance to end on 301 for seven in their second innings, when the match was abandoned mid-way through the final session.

Chakabva was at the heart of the effort with an unbeaten 71 while Sikandar Raza, unbeaten on 58 overnight, missed out on three figures for the second time in the contest with 89, following his first innings 80.

Peter Moor stroked 42 while captain Graeme Cremer chipped in with 28 to help frustrate West Indies, especially in the final session.

It was a 91-run, unbroken eighth wicket stand between Chakabva and Cremer which steered the hosts safely through the final session and left the visitors out of options.

West Indies bowler toiled on an unresponsive track and fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel (2-34) and Kemar Roach (2-37), along with with leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (2-74) all only managed to take two wickets each.

Resuming the day on 140 for four but more importantly, only 18 runs ahead, Zimbabwe suffered a major setback in the day’s second over when Moor perished after adding just three runs to his overnight 39 – wafting at one from Gabriel and providing Shai Hope with a catch at gully.

Raza, unbeaten on 58 overnight, then combined with Malcolm Waller, who made just 15, to keep West Indies at bay for the remainder of the hour.

Waller batted nearly an hour and escaped with several near misses before falling in the first over following the first drinks break, edging Bishoo to Jermaine Blackwood at slip at 172 for six.

West Indies had the upper hand at this stage with Zimbabwe only 50 runs ahead but Raza and Chakabva then came together in a 38-run, seventh wicket stand which steered Zimbabwe safely through the remainder

of the session to be 199 without further loss at the interval.

All told, Raza faced 203 deliveries in exactly five hours and counted six fours and a six while Chakabva stroked five fours in a knock spanning 192 balls and 3-3/4 hours.

Raza, reprieved by DRS after he was adjudged lbw to Roach on 72, seemed set for three figures before his marathon innings ended in the third over after the break when he was bowled by captain and seamer Jason Holder by one that jagged back to claim off-stump.

However, any hopes West Indies had of steamrolling the Zimbabwe lower order then evaporated as Chakabva remained solid, and found an ally in Cremer to deny the visitors any further success.

Dropped on 28 by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich off Bishoo, Chakabva rallied to 48 not out at tea with Zimbabwe on 259 for seven, and he raised his fourth Test half-century in the fourth over following the break with a single square on the on-side off Bishoo.

Both he and Cremer, whose innings lasted just over 2-1/2 hours, then wore the West Indies bowlers down, and the introduction of Blackwood and Kieran Powell into the attack was more a sign of resignation, with Zimbabwe ahead by well over 150 runs.

West Indies took the series 1-0 after winning the first Test nine days ago by 117 runs at the same venue.