Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 10 03 2017

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 10,2011

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ready to pay full price for Pradovllle 2 laud

B9NDING Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, Ministers of Government and other Members of Parliament from both sides of the House bond in prayers at a Prayer and Breakfast for members of the National Assembly, Guyana Marriott on Thursday. □

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Guyana manage oil

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Power

to

the

women

President commits to ending gender inequality here

By Ariana Gordon EVEN though Guyana's fight for equal rights between the sexes has come a long way, President David Granger believes that more can and must be done to fulfill its obligations to the United Nations (UN)-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"We have to change our attitude to gender equality.

I do believe we can do so by creating an educated nation. by ensuring every girlchild completes primary and secondary school." he said Wednesday.

"We can move much further by removing the barriers to gender equality by ensuring that geographical, occupational, political and racial differences are diminished." he told invitees to an International Women's Day (IWD) function hosted by the Ministry of Social Protection at the Police Officers Training Centre at Eve Leary.

He believes that women can be empowered in many ways, like being given more opportunity to represent their communities, or be on committees. commissions and councils.

"Guyana is committed to fulfilling its obligations under Sustainable Development Goal #5." he said. "We can.

we must and we will achieve greater gender equality to empower our women and girls. The straggle for equality and parity continues."

He said that for starters.

Guyana's approach is to make gender equality a parallel policy of his government.

"Gender equality cannot be achieved in the absence of a more equal society." the President said. "Enforcement of legislation to protect women against abuse and to promote greater equality; the disparities between hinterland and coastland and between rural and urban communities for example must be reduced.

"The second front is education. Gender equality can be achieved mainly by ensuring unimpeded access to education; education will open opportunities for women."

He is also of the opinion that more women in the workforce can help to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

"Poor people produce poor children, and poor children. in turn, produce more poor children." he reasoned.

"It is a vicious cycle of hereditary poverty. The burden of poverty falls heavily on women; the vicious cycle of poverty can be broken in order to create a virtuous cycle of gender equality."

MORE JOBS And one way of doing that is by creating jobs to ensure that poor women have sustainable incomes, and a chance of exiting that cycle of poverty. Again, by empowering women, the President said, women can take their rightful role in the political decision-making process.

Not only that, he strongly believes that through empowerment. women can continue to assume leadership roles in their communities, and the country as a whole.

Minister of Social Protection, Ms Amna Ally feels the same way as the President does where the importance of gender equality and the positive impact it can have on society is concerned; that by closing gender gaps, poverty and hunger can be reduced.

And again, like President Granger. Minister Ally feels that even though the issue of gender equality has indeed come a long way. both globally and locally, yet women the world over continue to face many challenges in the world of work.

She said her ministry will do whatever it takes to help women become economically independent, in spite of such hindrances as gender-based violence.

"Gender-based violence is a serious problem in Guy-

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i K â&#x20AC;&#x201D;M. Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence (left), Minister of Social Ln Protection, Ms. Amna Ally (centre) and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, sharing a light moment at Wednesday's event to mark International Women's Day (Ministry of the Presidency photo) - L I ana; inequality betw een men held under the theme. "Wom- that the eldest girl-child in and women is the greatest en in the Changing World of a single-parent household human challenge we face Work...." Mrs Granger, who does not have to drop out of today." Minister Ally said, has long been an advocate school to look after her sibadding that the government for women's rights, said it lings while her mother goes remains committed to pro- cannot be denied that there to work. moting gender equality, and have been advancements "It means that teenage will work to achieve a coun- over the years; that women mothers can continue their try where women and girls have moved well beyond the schooling while they are are protected against vio- traditional roles of daughter, pregnant and return to school lence. Trafficking in Persons wife and mother, cooking, after delivery to continue (TIP) and other social ills. cleaning, caring for the chil- their education, without fear dren. farming and so on. of stigma and discriminaON THE SAME PAGE "They have not aban- tion. Our teachers and school First Lady. Mrs Sandra doned those roles, and today, administrators will need to Granger, is on the same page women are visible in almost suspend moral judgment and as both the President and every sector of society; they be trained to deal with these Minister Ally where women play a vital role in the social, children in a sensitive way." and development is con- economic and political de- the First Lady stressed. cerned. velopment of our country."

She is also of the opinion Speaking at a symposium she said, adding: "There is that women and girl-children no holding us back." must know that they are proWomen, she said, make tected by law from physical up half of the global labour and psychological abuse.

"Our entire population; force and represent 70 per cent of the global consump- men and women, boys and tion demand and as such girls, rural and urban, from Designed by Gold Poloce must be seen and voices the coastland and the hin122-18 Liberty Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 GOLD must be heard. terland must be made aware Phone: 718-835-4298 The theme she remind- that gender-based violence Fax: 718-835-3108 PALACE JEWELRY ed. calls for equal partici- will not be tolerated or trivipation in the work place by alised." she said, adding: 2030 and is coherent with "It is a criminal offence; Promotional Price for each Bracelet is $120.00 the UN Sustainable Devel- it is no joke to be on the reopment Goals, particularly ceiving end of such abuse."

Goals 4. 5. 7. 10 and 16.

She continued: "Our "Women and girls com- women and girls who are prise over 50 per cent of the trafficked for sex work or population of Guyana, so labour must know that the we are. in a sense, ideally perpetrators will be brought 000 placed to demand equality." to justice, and that they will said the First Lady. who. not only be forced to pay like her husband, made the compensation to the victims, point that the key to parity but will also be jailed for their crime. The victims is education.

"Our women and must also know that they will girl-children must be given receive the support they need equal access to education, to overcome their physical at all levels, in order to enter and psychological trauma." the workforce and meaningMrs. Granger also fully participate in national charged all women to conwww.goldpalacesiiop.com development." she said. tinue to speak up for their "This means that a social rights, and demand equalnet must be established, so ity. p

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Chile

willing

Guyana

By Navendra Seoraj EXTRACTIVE industry pioneer of South America, Chile, has indicated its intention to lend support to the Government of Guyana when the time comes to manage the earnings from its oil industry, which is expected to get started in 2020.

Chile's Ambassador to Guyana. Claudio Rojas made this announcement at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday evening during a ceremony to celebrate the visa waiver between Chile and Guyana.

The new system has a reciprocal effect which allows both Guyanese and Chileans to traverse the two countries without the use of a visa.

And. with the advent of new opportunities for trade and investment, the Chilean Ambassador has made the first step in declaring that Chile will be open to help Guyana in ft

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Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas managing the revenue earned from its budding oil industry.

"Guyana is poised to be one of the major oil producers in the world and we want to help the country manage the industry as well as the income that it will acquire when the project comes on stream," said Ambassador Rojas.

A report from a foreign media site, the Times, indicated that ExxonMobil- the American energy group conducting the oil exploration in Guyana- announced that it will be investing US$5 billion in the project and expects the first set of oil to be brought to market by mid-2020.

"Early rough estimates by experts of how much recoverable oil Guyana could have range to more than four bilhon barrels, which at today's prices would be worth more than US$200 billion," stated a New York Times report.

3

help

manage

Republic is of a lower grade than that which was discovered offshore Guyana.

Minister Trotman had r.

to

either Trinidad or Suriname, alluding to the fact that Government has hired a consultant to conduct a high-lev-

made it clear that there was no formal agreement in place for the refining of oil from the Stabroek Block with

oil el feasibility assessment to determine whether investing in an oil refinery is a viable economic option.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs,Carl Greenidge These are figures Chile is accustomed to managing said the ambassador, who pointed out that they are engaged in all aspects of the extractive industry.

"We have derived policies according to the flow of money. These are set up to ensure that everyone can feel the benefits of the income earned." posited Rojas.

Evidence of the country's consistent success in the extractive industry was brought to the fore by Foreign Affairs Minister. Carl Greenidge. He pointed out that Chile is one of the most "stable" countries in South America.

And with high credibility in the extractive sector, their support would be welcomed

by Guyana, said the minister who stated that this is just the initial stage in the step to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, although signals are coming in for support in managing some areas of the oil and gas sector. Natural Resomces Minister. Raphael Trotman and ExxonMobil are still on the hunt for a refinery.

Two of their options were Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname's oil refinery but. recent reports indicated that Suritrame's Staatsohe's Refinery was not built to handle the type of oil that will be extracted out of Guyana.

"Their oil is a much lighter quality. Our refinery was built for the heavy oil that we have landed here in Suriname." the Managing Director. Rudolf Elias said.

Trinidad and Tobago is allegedly in the same spot as Suriname. ExxonMobil Country Manager Jeff Simmons had noted that the grade of oil refined in the Twin Island

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Interesting

The Zena Henry Column

in

mSSBm It seems to be the beginning of very interesting times in Guyana. In fact, it is so interesting that social media is already buzzing. The street corners are going crazy; at the bus parks, in the rum shops and all other public places, people are talking about one thing; the arrest of top officials within the People's Progressive Party (PPP) by agents of the Special Organised Crime Unity (SOCU).

Former President Bharrat lie entities since allegations of corJagdeo and former Cabinet Secre- ruption, race baiting and other divitary Roger Luncheon were escorted sive actions continued to be leveled to the offices of the lawmen after re- against the PPP government even fusing the agency's invitation to after they had lost the elections. come in for questioning. Other forThere were numerous charges mer PPP ministers and/or close friends of the party on hearing this also started walking in with their lawyers, as they too were invited in for questioning.

0 They were all being asked quess o c u tions as to how they received prime Special Ormnlsed Crime Unit waterfront properties way below market value in the Pradoville 2 Housing Scheme, which is located in Sparendam on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana. It must be remembered that these persons are some of the key members of the opposition party and are prominent, influential persons within the country.

It is alleged that those living at Pradoville 2 would have accessed the lands by fraudulent means. The probe into the acquisition of the waterfront property began some two years ago when the Coalition government came into power and launched numerous audits into pub-

Guyana

not made public by them, and many high-priced projects were failing miserably, while funds were still being expended.

Some of those projects included the Skeldon Sugar factory where US$200m was spent, yet the industry cannot get its footing, despite hefty government subsidies annually. The $1B failed BrazilGuyana fibre optic cable that was supposed to help boost Guyana's TCT capabilities and the Berbice Bridge construction are among

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against the former government.

Public speculation of corruption by the PPP is still rampant, especially when many of the contracts were

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WANTED â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team selling print and on-line advertising to an established account list.

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

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

Email your resume and references to Dennis Nelson @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

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many other projects that Guyanese people believe was the front for stealing public funds. Money was allocated for one purpose, but was apparently used to full the pockets of a few or it was being "siphoned off as then Opposition member, Minister of Security Khemraj Ramjattan used to say.

However, large sums of State money were used to prepare the Pradoville 2 lands. Yet only a select few, all identified as being close to the PPP, got access to properties there at the special below market prices. The public fumed that the "PPP associates" were the only ones allowed at Pradoville 2 and that no advertising was done for other persons who wanted to buy land at the prime location. At the rate the prime property was sold other persons tried to buy the waterfront proper-

ties but were told that they could not do so.

Now after two years in office, people are sighing at what they say are results of their hard work. "This is what I voted for," a man said near the Stabroek market.

He kept shouting, "Is long I waiting for this.

They got to go to jail for all the money they stole."

Other citizens say they are finally seeing some action since they were starting to believe that the politicians were going to watch each other's backs and nothing was going to be done about the corruption.

Many Guyanese say they never thought they would see the day when politicians would be questioned about their conduct in office. It is time that Guyana change the way things are done and change the corrupt, and divisive culture that has plagued the development of the country for so many years.

Pradoville 2 may be the first matter that officially saw these very powerful people being hauled in by authorities, but public hope is that it will not be the last. There is much belief that a lot of stolen money is hidden outside of Guyana and Guyanese say they want it that back too!

The Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, told the media after his detention that his party and their supporters are not scared since the entire matter is a case of witch-hunting. He even told the media that he expects more charges will be laid in the future, due to the "vindictive nature" of the government.

These are certainly interesting times in Guyana. In a country governed by two powerful political parties. The Opposition party and its members could face legal action and their assets could possibly be taken away.

It is a time when all Guyanese, at home and abroad should pay attention. As much as all are looking forward to seeing justice the political sphere is also certainly changing.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

5

The Things

That

Blot her

Me

Handel Andrews Column

Destroying the Credibility, Presidential-ness of the Presidency

Iwish that I could discuss a different subject this week.

Based on ongoing events from the President, I cannot.

I will ask the difficult question: Based on his track record, can the President's words be trusted? If they can-

Kevin Lewis said: "President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any US citizen."

New York Times reported that F.B.I. Director, James B. Comey, asked the Justice Department this weekend to publicly reject President Trump's assertion that President Barack Obama ordered the tapping of | Mr. Trump's phones..

If the National Security Agency (NSA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) felt that there was probable cause to believe spies were operating in Trump Tower, they could seek a warrant from the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. This court is commonly known as FISA. Applications must be submitted and approved. Apparently, no such application exists. Importantly, if such existed, it means that it was believed that the Tower was conducting business that threatens the security of the United States.

Another means of attaining a warrant to wiretap Trump Tower was for President Obama, on his own, to file for a certification with the Attorney General. Mr. Comey is asking the Justice Department to re-

not, what are the consequences?

AN OLD TECHNIQUE Richard Nixon attempted to coverWhen I was a boy, a lie was a up his involvement. After his inlie. These days the White House is volvement was determined, and calling a lie an "alternative truth." facing virtual impeachment, he reIt's an old technique to say things signed. without proof. A says that B stole $1 It bothers me that this hombre million dollars from his workplace dares to call one of the greatest US without proof. We laugh because it Presidents "sick" and liken him to is a joke. Matters of the Presidency Richard Nixon. He is more a Nixon. are serious and not laughable. In the He refuses to make his tax returns words of scripture, "There is a time public, because it might expose his and a season for every activity under Russian ties and he seems to be covthe heavens." We have reached a ering up his campaign's ties to RussPRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP new low in America when the cred- ian meddling in our 2016 elections. ject Mr. Trump's assertions, because ibility and Presidential-ness of the He gives no evidence for his no such certification exists.

Presidency is being destroyed. outrageous claims and his RepubliAn analyst said on CNN on can cahoots, eager to deflect from OBAMA NOT BORN IN THE Tuesday morning that since the Dehis ties to Russia, talk about holding UNITED STATES mocrats (and it is not only Democinvestigations into his ridiculous acOn the surface, Donald Trump's rats) are accusing Trump and his cusations. accusation that Barack Obama was campaign advisers of having ties to Let me set the record straight. not bom in the US appears to some Russia, Trump is throwing out a If President Obama did this, there to be a laughing matter. It is not. If "similar red herring." This is a bad should be a paper trail. Director of you lie about a person, the least you analogy. One cannot compare ties Intelligence during the 2016 eleccan do if you discover the truth, is with a foreign country, being investion denied Trump's accusation. apologize and admit your error. tigated by the authorities, to accusJames Clapper said he would have That is, if you were well intening one's predecessor of wireknown about such action; but he is tioned. Trump was not. He has built tapping one without offering evinot aware of any such action. a career on lies, innuendos and halfPresident Obama's spokesman (continued on page 10) truths. It has served him well these many years. Why stop now? Troui \ ble is, that those who know better, keep silent, focusing only on their <: v Boston Shipping political affiliations. Mr. Trump owes President Obama an apology.

IT? 7 Inc. He is too arrogant to do this and no one is holding him accountable.

We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door WIRETAPPING TRUMP TO WE SHIP TOWER Last Saturday, without evidence, he accused President Barack Obama of wiretapping the phones in Trump Tower during the 2016 election campaign. He tweeted, "How low has President Obama gone, to tap my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watcrgatc. Bad (or sick) guy!"

Watergate was a serious political scandal that happened in the 1970s in these United States. It was caused by the break-in of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. President

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017 idilion .'Mr III I Major

fire

averted

is I ditor In ( hict Nigel Williams Fdilor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com unigclKV hotmail.com gnnlcditorial^ gniail.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Tel: 917-379-6590

Cbitonal Minister Harmon's commendable effort Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in his recent charge to permanent secretaries and upper management officers, called on them to improve their performance. For quite some time the society has been calling for the public service to be restored to a place where efficiency, effectiveness, and courtesy are hallmarks. That the minister is reinforcing this call should be seen as acknowledgment of the public's call and therefore justifiable.

The realisation of the desires of the government as it relates to the performance of public officers ought to factor in the various issues that contribute to compromising quality delivery of government's business. From time to time questions are raised as to the political climate within which public servants are asked to operate.

It is not a well-kept secret that at times decisions and the implementation process are filled with personality and partisan political positions. Operating in such a climate can deny public officers giving of their best and upholding professionalism because the atmosphere does not lend itself to these realisations. Non-implementation of some government programmes in many instances is stymied not because of the absence of guidelines and public officers unaware of their roles but hesitance in making decisions. This could be the result of the lack of self-confidence or not wanting to be visited with the wrath of an intemperate minister.

The public service was established to be insulated from such occupational hazard but to deny the prevalence of these features and their impact on compromising professionalism and integrity of the workers cannot be overlooked. In our society where there exist limited employment opportunities and persons have financial commitments to meet few will want to walk away or be terminated. In this environment the public servant in the discharge of his/her duty is being caught between a rock and a hard place.

While expectations are held of them, though not unreasonable. should they have a grievance the infrastmctmes are absent or not allowed to function properly. Public servants need the surety that they are free to function consistent with public service rules and guidelines. And where they are asked to act in conflict with these, should they be disciplined forfaihngto comply, recourse for justice should be available.

This is another way of building confidence.

It may be opportune as the minister stresses the importance of performance and service that the institutional structures to ensure and protect these, function simultaneously.

The 2016 Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service

...as generator explodes

By Alva Solomon PROMPT response by firefighters on Wednesday morning averted a major disaster at the University of Guyana's Turkeyen Campus after an overheated generator exploded.

According to reports, the generator, which was housed in proximity to the Faculty of Health Sciences, was seen smoking followed by a loud explosion. A concrete structure was destroyed by the mid-morning inferno while a stairwell at the recently renovated faculty building was also damaged.

Reports are that the generator was being used to power an antenna operated by telecommunications company Digicel.

A student at the scene told this newspaper that he was walking downstairs at the faculty when he smelled a pungent scent. He said he later saw smoke and the grass near the generator was burning; an explosion occurred soon after.

Andrew Holder. Officer-in-Charge of Fire Prevention of the Guyana Fire Service, told reporters at the scene that the fire most likely started after the generator overheated. He explained that the tank used for the storage of fuel to power the generator was of poor quality. He said such tanks are usually used for transporting fuel rather than for storage for continuous use.

Holder said that the generator was running for a continuous period of time and after it overheated the plastic material which the storage tanks are made of caught afire. The fire subsequently ran into the generator and an explosion followed.

He could not say if the

fire service was consulted as it relates to the set-up of the generator but according to him. he would not have recommended what availed.

At the scene, bewildered students stared and dis-

cussed the incident as some classes at that section of the campus were cancelled during the morning session.

According to the University's Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, who is traveling on official business, he received a call earlier on Wednesday from the CEO of Digicel

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Guyana, Kevin Kelly, who apologised for the damage and the inconvenience caused to the university community by the fire.

The Vice-Chancellor applauded the professionalism of members of the Guyana Fire Service. The cause of fire is under investigation.

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A fireman in action at the scene (Ravin Singh photos) XT SSs* awgiv Ci/J-

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made known the importance of confidence building and effective management to the delivery of public service. The report noted that key to these are the employer having meaningful engagement with the workers' representative (i.e. the trade unions) and ensure establishment of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal. Where these and others are absent exhortation will not bring the desired results.

Even as appointed public servants are expected to professionally discharge their duties where a parallel contractual service exists alongside them - who would not have gone through the system as they would have and are being treated better - such creates insecurity and compromises professionalism. Another issue often overlooked is that the service takes its cue from the political leadership, which is another aspect of public service.

In our society leaders are expected to set the tone through example. The appointed public servants' professionalism will only shine when the elected servants' actions create the space for it

to happen. In societies as small as ours, where politics becomes personal and territorial, the lines between the policymakers and executors could become blurred during the day-to-day execution of duty. It is not unheard of where ministers will immerse themselves into administrative activities, unmindful that their role is that of policy development, from which the programmes will flow, and the public servant executes.

Recognition by ministers of government that there are distinction of roles and responsibilities between them and appointed public servants, though their activities are intertwined, would allow for each to be given the space and respect the role of the other. An effective public service is key to good governance. Effort by Minister Harmon, while commendable, should not stop at the level of the appointed officers but equally extend to elected officers. Cultivating a new public service requires holistic approach. The society is capable of doing it.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

7

A view from New York In

WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS i,obertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

Defense

Of

Hie Undocumented _ Continuing, the study said, "Like other feigned indignation that will last nine days In recent times millions of undocumented immigrants have immigrants and U.S. citizens they purchase nothing else will come of this. In his address come under siege by new aggressive and intolerant policies of goods and services, work, and live across the to both houses of Congress Tmmp returned the Donald Trump Administration. And aside from sponta- country," adding, "Proposals to remove im- to his old immigrant bashing and criminalizneous and organized protests on the street and the limited political migrants ignore their many contributions. In ing themes again catching the mainstream reach by immigrant advocacy groups there is very little defense by a time when most states are facing revenue media agog.

Tmmp conjured up for the national authe Democratic Party. True, individual members have commented, shortages, the potential budgetary impacts of mass deportation merits careful considera- dience a story of "a woman, 66 years old, a condemned and called out President Trump for his cowardice in tion." veteran who was raped, sodomized, tortured attacking and demonizing defenseless and a powerless population.

According to study estimates, if every and killed by an illegal immigrant," introHe's obfuscated the facts, embroidered the reality and pulled every undocumented immigrant were to be de- duced the families of three other murder vicbait and switch when it comes to immigration duping the media ported from America, the country would lose tims, making the false and absurd claim that the country is under siege from rampant iminto thinking that he'll "soften this tone" and somehow reject the $11.74 billion in revenue. migrant crime.

SCAPEGOATING hateful and inflammatory anti-immigrant rhetoric of his campaign.

To solve this criminality, particularly the IMMIGRANTS "There will be no amnesty. Our mes- alone; 42 states currently tax undocumented Scapegoating the undocumented is a handiwork of undocumented immigrants. sage to the world will be this; You cannot ob- people more than their wealthiest denizens. tain legal status or become a citizen of the The study concluded that undocumented im- win-win for politicians like Donald Trump. Trump's plan was to create a special office United States by illegally entering our coun- migrants "make considerable tax contribu- He knows that Democrats will only offer called Victims of Immigration Crime Entepid, luke-warm resistance and outside of gagement or VOICE within the Department try , . . People will know that you can't just tions." smuggle in, hunker down, and wait to be leof Homeland Security, with the express purgalized. Those days are over." — President pose of "making public a comprehensive list Donald Trump's speech on immigration |U| of criminal actions committed by aliens," 08/31/2016, Phoenix, Arizona.

But the reality is that none of these off-theSo if you thought that on immigration wall flamboyant anti-immigrant edicts adthere will be a "kinder, gentler Trump" you're dress real security issues. What they do is sorely mistaken. But let's talk immigration, serve the sole purpose of portraying immiin particular the undocumented — not "aliens" — as Trump calls them. Let's expose grants as dangerous and threatening.

THE FACTS, as opposed to the fiction and THE FACTS fantasy of President Trump and his alternative reality.

Research exposes the untruth peddled by President Trump and his demonizing and Till UNDOCUMENTED criminalizing of undocu-mented immigrants PAY TAXES as endemic lawbreakers and criminals. In a According to a new study by Institute report by the National Bureau of Economic on Taxation & Economic Policy [Updated Research entitled: Why Are Immigrants' InMarch 2017], undocumented immigrants in carceration Rates So Low? Evidence On Sethe United States pay more than $11 billion lective Immigration, Deterrence, and annually in state and local taxes. The undocumented are not "free loaders" who commit (continued on page 24) crimes contrary to what the President and is supporters beheve. As a matter of fact, in 42 states, undocumented immigrants pay in taxes a higher share of their income than do ft 9 * the wealthiest one percent in their respective * ♦ C I ■'Si « i states.

Indeed, a common misconception is that undocumented immigrants, because of their status, avoid paying taxes. But the opposite is true — the undocumented WANT to pay taxes to demonstrate that they contribute to America just as others "with papers." The IRS can attest to the fact — not Delicious Home Breads the fiction — that undocumented immigrants pay sales and excise taxes, property nuhsim m Tastes So Good... A// You Need Is Water taxes and, in some instances, personal income taxes. The study determined that at — Also sample our mouth-watering pastries — least 50 percent of undocumented households currently file income tax returns — Guyanese Home-style Cooking — through the use of individual tax identification numbers, and many have taxes auto♦ Black Pudding ♦ Souse & ♦ Cook-up matically deducted from their paychecks.

That's about six million of the reportedly 11 are just a few of our specialties million undocumented immigrants living in ■ -i the United Sates. In real New York City m& — We Cater For All Occasions — terms that's over 400,000 people who contribute to the local tax coffers.

3 In a state like Alabama, the study found, the effective tax rate for undocumented individuals was 7.2 percent, three (Visit us @ 917 Utica Ave. in Brooklyn snyderAwst percentage points higher than the 3.8 percent effective tax rate that the wealthiest one or call (718) 485 -2020 to place your order percent pay in that state. Alabama was not

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Liberty

Avenue

fire

leaves

many

- businesses counting their losses Guyanese PERSONS of Guyanese extract are now unemployed and businesses counting their losses after a fire of unknown origin ravaged a row of buildings on Liberty Avenue in Queens, New York.

According to the New York Daily News, more than 200 firefighters responded to battle the blaze, which quickly spread from one store to a dozen two-storey apartments.

The daily has also quoted the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) as saying that "the seven-alarm fire started just before 11pm (23:00hrs) Saturday in a store on the first floor of a row of two-storey

jobless

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Police Officers cordoned off the section of the Avenue where the fire took place buildings on Liberty Ave. near 111th St. in Richmond Hill."

Although reports say no lives were lost, the fire.

which, according to one news source, took "four hours" to extinguish, still took a toll in some ways on those who occupied the

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One reliable source has informed the Guyana Chronicle that the blaze took out several businesses and apartments. some of which are reportedly owned or rented by persons with close ties to Guyana, who reside in New York.

Some of the businesses which were wiped out by the fire include. Ace Caribbean Market. Ramo Nauth Jewellers and the ever-popular Bobbie's Travel Agency.

The source said that

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Bobbie's Travel Agency was described as a service which Guyanese in Queens frequently used to book their flights and make their other travel arrangements.

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The source told the Guyana Chronicle that persons, who appeared to be occupants of some of the buildings. were seen yesterday in tears, staring at what's left after the fire.

The Guyana Chronicle was also informed that police and other officials have barricaded the area and are conducting their investigations.

So far, reports coming out of the international media indicate that the source of the fire is yet to be determined.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

9

Protestors

death

of

By Navendra Seoraj

parking

cardboard replicas of caskets which held mock-ups of parking meters, the project's by-laws and City Hall.

Persons walked in circles with the caskets chanting. "You were never good" and "If only you could tell us where is the money."

The protestors are calling on the M&CC to allow the relevant authorities to conduct a forensic audit into the Council's operations.

"We will continue to protest until we get justice... the parking meter project must be revoked because Guyana's economy is

PROTESTORS decked in black and white costumes amused the sizeable crowd which was gathered in front of City Hall by "mourning" the death of parking meters.

Though the act created a high level of amusement, the protestors were vocal in their call for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Smart City Solutions (SCS) parking meter project be cancelled.

The display was done with the use of

'mourn'

meters

not ready for such a step." said one of the protestors.

Protests have been ongoing for over a month and protestors have again proven that they will not rest until their cries are heeded by the M&CC.

At one point, the M&CC had resorted to consultations on the metered parking system with the hope of meeting the demands of the protestors.

But the negotiations ended with no "significant" changes made.

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GPHC

gets

$22M

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday received a donation of medical supplies and equipment valued at approximately $22M from the 12th Chinese Medical Brigade.

The head of Brigade. Dr. Lianhau Chen, said that the Chinese Government remains committed to ensuring that Guyana is supplied with the necessary equipment for effi-

cient health services dehvery.

Dr Chen said the donahon is a reflection of China's friendship with Guyana.

Equipment donated includes a microscope, an ultrasound machine, ami vital signs monitors among other supporting equipment. These and other instruments will be used in the areas of ophthalmology. gynaecology, ultrasound, orthopaedics. anaesthesia.and pathology.

Some of the protestors outside City Hall on Thursday

donation

Chairperson of the GPHC's Board of Directors. Kesaundra Alves.received the donation on behalf of the hospital. Alves said. "Throughout the history of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China, the Chinese Government has continually and significantly contributed to public health in Guyana, whether through the donation of medical supplies, equipment. (and) pharmaceuticals, or through the provision of

medical services."

Consultant and Head of the Orthopaedics unit. Dr. David Samaroo. highlighted that the laparoscopic and ophthalmology services offered by the GPHC have improved significantly. In 2009. the medical brigade at that time donated laparoscopic instruments, and the GPHC opened up a laparoscopic centre.

"In 2010 and 2011, the subsequent group (Medical

from

Brigade) donated a number of instruments to the ophthalmology department and they accelerated the way and the pace at which we were treating patients for cataract surgeries. We had about 10 to 12 patients per week for cataract surgery and at present we have about 15 to 20 persons on a daily basis that would have received cataract surgery," Dr Samaroo explained. In

China September, Guyana received medical equipment from the People's Republic of China valued US$420,000. The bilateral relations between Guyana and China continue to be strengthened as time goes by and is reflected by the yearly donations to boost performance in the areas of education, infrastructure and health. Bilateral relations between the two countries were forged in 1972. (GEVA)

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Dr. Basil Springer's Column "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20 economy.

The issue of priyatization always seems to be a contentious issue. Governments on the one hand, when they are in need There are services for which the government is exclusively responsible of funds to balance their budgets, often explore the option and for which funds are raised through of selling off appropriate businesses owned by Public Corporations grants, taxes and loans. These services (mainly state enterprises and statutory corporations), so that they include health care, education, child can convert this equity into readily available cash. care, sports, elections-related activities The private sector on the other rationalize the issue of privatization? and welfare.

Coming from a position of peace hand, desirous of expanding their PriGovernments also provide incenvate Corporations, are often on the and love, I think that the whole issue prowl to prey on governments, who are in need of cash, to purchase profitable or potentially profitable government WHYAND HOW TO PRIVATIZE enterprises.

Roles of Private and Public sectors Governments are less likely to lay-off workers, because of the negative Trust Corporation political feedback which may affect Public Corporation them directly, hence trade unions often think that their workers are more secure in a public-owned corporation than in a private sector-owned corporation, and often offer resistance to any proposals to privatize.

A Last Friday, Barbados Today pubGovernment lished what I thought was a well balA Hybrid NN O anced story on privatization based on a presentation made by Barbados' AmHo^mwe BIBTS bassador to the Caribbean Community, ' If .

BUSINESS SUCCESS Robert "Bobby" Morris to a DemoCbL* cratic Labour Party lunchtime meeting series. The headline of the story was "Don't touch them! Morris warns can be simply addressed if we think of lives to attract local and foreign busiagainst selling some state assets". I re- the primary roles of the public and pri- nesses in their thrust to grow the garded the headline of the story as vate sectors and then apportion respon- economy and generate more taxes. The being a bit sensational, even though it sibility so that these roles are fulfilled private sector raises its own funds and sets about growing the economy asmay be defended on the grounds that it in the best interests of the nation. referred to the specific quote that "some The role of the public sector is to sisted by a favourable enabling envistatutory bodies were simply too impor- set policy and engage in "regulatory ronment. tant to be put in the hands of the private sector".

What guidelines can we offer to

and service" functions. The role of the private sector is to manage sustainable business enterprises so as to grow the

There are services, including hospitals, transportation, public utilities which may attract paid revenue but

which may not be sufficiently profitable to justify private sector investment but could benefit from private sector management. Government has a responsibility to invest in these enterprises .

In this context, I would like to propose the Trust Corporation as the appropriate model.

"TRUST CORPORATION" means a company licensed under the Financial Institutions Act Cap 324A of the Laws of Barbados to carry on business as a trust company.

In this way, Government (on behalf of the people of Barbados) can participate in the capitalization of the Trust, exclusively or with the private sector. The Trust has private sector Trustees which govern it and is responsible through a line ministry to the Cabinet of Barbados. The management is private sector led and reports to the Trustees.

My proposal is based on practical experience in the design and management of such a Trust.

Let us seek Divine guidance and introduce strong public and private sector corporate governance guidelines which should be developed and followed day after day until the end of time.

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

Destroying the Credibility, Presidential-ness of the Presidency (from page 5) dence.

DESTROYING THE PRESIDENTIAL-NESS OF THE PRESIDENCY US political scientists continually seek to define "presidential" in the US context. Presidential-ness has been handed down as one of the traditions that binds our entire system together. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley described being presidential this way: "I think the most important aspect of being presidential is to not scare the world or the American people that you're going to do something irrational â&#x20AC;&#x201D; going into war in a willy-nilly fashion, using sloppy language that disturbs allies. So it's really about gravitas, of showing that you're

ready for the big game and that you understand that you have to act in a professional and in a sane manner."

Donald J. Trump has rendered presidential-ness irrelevant. The President of the United States is our leader and our chief executive. We will always respect the office, but the resident must earn our trust and respect. How can we respect a President who blatantly lies and laughingly tells untruths about a predecessor and any person who opposes him?

The US President is also "leader of the free world". How can our allies respect a liar, a man who says one thing today and something else tomorrow, a man who speaks before thinking? France's Liberation Newspaper under a title

"Trump; The American Nightmare", calls him "vulgar and opportunistic."

Can the world respect a man who flaunts his hatred for immigrants while his two wives are immigrants from Czechoslovakia and Slovenia? Perhaps in his alternative universe it is okay, because they are not Muslims. Incidentally, his grandfather Drumpf was a German, who was denied re-entry into Germany?

His apologists say, "This is Trump" What does this mean if he is demeaning the office he holds?

Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

The Republican majority in the Houses of Congress is till celebrating its 2016 election victories while their leader is ensuring their defeat

in the mid-terms and their virtual demise.

"More than ever, it's possible to draw direct linkage between our current President and the fictitious President Camacho from Mike Judge's movie "Idiocracy." The institutional disintegration that leads to idiocracy begins with rejecting the mandatory quality of being presidential and replacing it with the screeching trollishness of Trump as he abuses and exploits his nefariously attained executive power."

Thank our lucky stars that the constitution has imposed a four-year limit on all Presidents. One thing is certain. If we choose wisely 4 years from now, Presidential-ness and credibility will return to the Presidency.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

11

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Ingredients: 1-21/2 lb. chicken piquante sauce

2. Add seasonings, biscuit crumbs and chopped bacon and beaten egg. Mix together.

Stuffing: 3 cups breadnut 3 rashers bacon 3 tbsp chopped thyme eschalot wiri-wiri peppers salt to taste 2 cups biscuit crumbs legg 1/2 pint wine 2 tbsp. margarine parsley watercress

3. Wash chicken with lemon. Rub with piquante sauce, salt and pepper.

4. Stuff the bird with the breadnut mixture and sew up the cavity.

Brush with melted margarine.

5. Melt a little fat in the bottom of a casserole or baking pan. When hot, put in chicken pour around wine. Cover with casserole lid or foil and bake in a hot oven, basing often, until tender.

Method: 1. Cook breadnut in a small amount of water and when soft, crush.

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BUSTED A nun, really needing the bathroom, walked into a neighborhood pub. The place was hopping with music and dancing but every once in a while the lights would go out. Each time the lights went out the place would empt into cheers. However, when the revelers saw the nun, the room went dead silent.

She walked up to the bartender and asked, "May I please use the restroom?"

The bartender replied, "I really don't think you should."

"Why not?" the nun asked. " Well, there's a statue of a naked man in there and his most private part is covered only by a fig leaf," "Nonsense," said the nun, "I'll just look the other way."

So the bartender showed the nun the door at the top of the stairs and she proceeded to the restroom. After a few minutes she came back out and the whole place was hopping with music and dancing again. However, they did stop just long enough to give the nun a loud round of applause.

She went to the bartender and said, "Sir, I don't understand. Why did they applaud for me just because I went to the restroom?"

"Well, now they know you're one of us,"

FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

SECOND-DAY WEDDING IN BARBADOS ong ago, in Barbados, there was a custom called the "second-day wedding." Its time is gone but it is Lworthwhile remembering that it once existed.

For people who got married, there One of the ways of applying preswas the usual wedding day, of course. On sure to those who did not give enough that day, the bride was queen, and the was initiated at the festivities on the wedbride's family bore the expenses for her ding day. The bridegroom would openly coronation and the associated entertain- show his delight at the generosity of ment. those who were satisfactory givers, inviting them loudly to the second-day wedThen came the "second-day wedding the following Sunday. "Ah lookin' ding." This was held, generally at the for you Sunday, please God" was the cusbridegroom's home, the Sunday after the tomary way of putting it. actual wedding day. The host and hostess were the parents of the bridegroom.

Some of those who felt embarrassed would hurry and get a gift in time for the It was the opportunity for the bridesecond-day wedding. Those who were groom's side to show what splendid resources they had available to them, thus appreciated givers were treated royally matching or even surpassing the display and offered special portions of the good that the bride's family put on at the wed- things on the table. ding.

It also allowed the bridegroom and his family a last opportunity to extract the most possible from those who either had not yet given a gift or gave way below their means. It required accurate recollection of who had given gifts so far and what they gave.

Occasionally, bridegrooms delayed the second-day wedding by one week in order to provide guests more time to get better gifts.

The process began at church early in the morning. The parents of the bride arrived early and took up seats at the back of the church to observe the grand

entrance of the bride.

The bride would arrive in great ceremony, somewhat late, to make as great an impression as possible. She would be attired in her full bridal evening dress.

The bridegroom would be there too, but this entrance was really hers.

After the service, her exit would be timed so that those who had left the church building would be still in the churchyard. Members of the church would then congratulate the couple, or otherwise comment, as they proceeded to their car, then they would speed away on a ride somewhere before going to the home of the groom's parents for the second-day wedding.

Once there, the bride (now dressed in blue) and the groom (in his finest available suit) would sit in chairs on either side of the doorway to greet guests as they arrived. The warmth of the greeting would be in direct proportion to the appreciation for the gifts received. The level of appreciation would be evident even in the servings of delicacies to come later.

A good table at the second-day wedding groaned under the burden of good

said the bartender. "Would you like a drink?"

"But, I still don't understand," said the puzzled nun.

"You see," laughed the bartender, "every time the fig leaf on the statue is lifted, the lights go out in the whole place. Now, how about that drink?"

ONE WORD OR TWO In a small town, an elderly couple had been dating each other for a long time. At the urging of their friends, they decided it was finally time for marriage. Before the wedding, they went out to dinner and had a long conversation regarding how their marriage might work.

They discussed finances, living arrangements and so on. Finally, the old gentleman decided it was time to approach the subject of their physical relationship. "How do you feel about sex?" he asked, rather hesitantly.

"Well," she said, responding very carefully, "I'd have to say...I would like it infrequently."

The old gentleman sat quietly for a moment. Then over his glasses, he looked her in the eye and casually asked "Is that one word or two words?" things to eat and drink. Among the favorites were corn pone, cassava pone, sponge, pudding, black cake and coconut bread. So were baked ham, pork, chicken and fish. There was a wide range of fruit.

Drinks ranged from falernum for the ladies to rum for the men.

The men looked forward for the "Kiddie Dip," named after the kids or tender young goats that were its centerpiece and the dip surrounding them. The dip was composed of melted butter, Irish potatoes, Bermuda onions, herbs and condiments.

The maddening aroma of the Kiddie Dip alone caused great restlessness among the men, who were generally located outside the house, perhaps under a tarp, always drinking something, perhaps singing wedding hymns. The women, incidentally, sat in the front of the house in conversation.

When the time was right, the bridegroom's mother would call the men inside to partake of the Kiddie Dip. The men would first break their loaves of French bread and dip into the stew. That done, they would attack the kids, limbby-limb, section-by-section.

Later, there was the speech making.

Men and women gave the usual wedding-speech advice to newlyweds, quoted copiously from the Bible, and wished the couple numerous offspring.

As is usual, the imperatives of sleep, other duties, and limited staying power would cause the numbers to dwindle over time, and eventually the second-day wedding would be all over.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

SIR

FRANK

BE

WORRELL'S

HONORED

THIS

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (March 8, 2017) - The legacy of one of the world's greatest cricketers and exemplary human beings, Sir Frank Worrell of Barbados, will be honored in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend.

Launched by the 'Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee,' the year of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the former West Indies cricket captain's passing will be centered around a lecture by legendary Trinidadian broadcaster, Sir Trevor McDonald, who was himself knighted in 1999 for services to journalism.

Sir Frank, who died at age 42 in 1967, is remembered as more than a world-class cricketer. He was intelligent, well-educated and possessed diplomatic skills, all of which he used effectively to promote the spirit of regionalism in the game of cricket and in wider elements of Caribbean society.

Sir Frank's helmsmanship was captured by Trinidadian historian Cyril Lionel Robert James in a 1967 article in The Cricketer, entitled "Sir Frank Worrell: The Man Whose Leadership Made History." He wrote: "If his reserve permitted it, his remarkable intelligence could be seen in his views of West Indian society. To us who were concerned, he seemed poised for applying his powers to the cohesion and selfrealization of the West Indian people.

Not a man whom one slapped on the shoulder, he was nevertheless to the West Indian population an authentic national hero."

The article which asserted Sir Frank's "reputation for strong sympathies with the populace did him no harm, and his firm adherence to what he thought was right fitted him to exercise that leadership and gift for popularity which he had displayed so notably in the sphere of cricket. He had

My

shown the West Indian mastery of what Western civilization had to teach. His wide experience, reputation, audacity of perspective and the years which seemed to stretch before him fitted him to be one of those destined to help the West Indies to make their own West Indian way."

Sir Trevor McDonald will deliver his lecture at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, March

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10 (today). A commemorative dinner at the Queen's Park Oval, Trinidad, on Saturday, March 11 will feature an address by Claire Kilner, Deputy Director and Head of Alumni and Donor Com-

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LEGACY

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munications and Engagement at The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, where Sir Frank spent many happy years.

The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee was formed in Trinidad and Tobago 10 years ago to honor the legendary West Indies captain at a time when there was deepening public disenchantment with West Indies cricket.

Set up by a group of individuals associated with Sir Frank as co-workers, students at the Mona and St. Augustine campuses of the University of the West Indies (UWI), teammates, and in varied other regional endeavors, the Committee draws the attention of the region's younger generation to the story of Sir Frank's life, with the hope that individuals will be encouraged to become better athletes and, eventually, leaders and role models.

The committee is a nonprofit organization that arranged a number of lectures, delivered by distinguished regional and international connoisseurs of the game. It also presents the Noble Spirit Award to cricketers, administrators or other persons who have made significant contributions to cricket and have demonstrated the values, principles and leadership skills that distinguished Sir Frank Worrell.

The Committee's annual Blood Donation Drive at the St. Augustine Campus of UWI in 2009 was launched with the assistance of Nari Contractor, who in 1962 as the captain of the visiting Indian Cricket Team, was felled by a bouncer and remained unconscious for almost a week in a hospital in Barbados. It is to be recalled that Sir Frank was one of the first to donate blood and encouraged others to do so, thus helping to save Contractor's life.

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As part of the celebrations this year, on the Committee's 10th Anniversary as well as the 50th Anniversary of the passing of Sir Frank Worrell, experienced cricket journalist Ms. Vaneisa Baksh, will be supported to research and produce a comprehensive book on the life of Sir Frank, for which the committee is seeking interested sponsors.

A partnership with UWI, St. Augustine (the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) will develop and commercialize a smartphone app on West Indies cricket history. It will be in the form of an entertaining game to appeal to the younger generation and to increase their interest in the sport of cricket.

The Committee is also considering an offer by an entrepreneur to launch a venture involving the development and commercializing of Limited Edition 3D printed figurines of Sir Frank in action on the field of play.

Source: Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee.

Contact; Dr. Basil Springer + 1201861-2056 basilgf @ marketplaceexcellence .com

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Small

to

miners

'green'

13

pledge

allegiance

economy regulations to prove it

By Ariana Gordon AS they await the processing of their applications for land, small miners who have formed themselves into syndicates across the country are demanding that their contribution to the economy should not be taken lightly.

They promised to be fully compliant with safety regulations, to the extent that they are in the process of drafting their own safety guidelines, with the help of the GGMC to ensure that the regulation are on par with the body's rales and regulations.

According to Cheryl Williams, a miner attached to the Purani Small Miners' Syndicate. safety is very important where they're concerned.

Addressing the first 'Syndicate' forum on Monday at the Square of the Revolution, Williams said that their ultimate goal is to have "zero accidents" in the mining industry.

And in order to achieve that goal, she said, the parent body. 'Syndicates in one', is heavily depending on the GGMC to train miners in good safety practices.

"We can chase after gold, diamonds and other minerals; all of that is okay, but safety comes first." Williams said.

A MATTER OF SURVIVAL At the forum, the little over 100 small miners in attendance made it clear that they are not at all attempting to compete with the large-scale miners, but are rather looking to survive in an ever evolving industry.

As a matter of fact, they say they are fully prepared to function in keeping with the country's 'green' initiative, as it's important for them to mine in a hazard-free manner.

The miners contend that for far too long, they have been straggling to obtain land from the government, and are grateful to the APNU-AFC coalition government for living up to its promises thus far.

Judith Blair. who represents the Karau Mining Syndicate, said small miners are progressive people who are looking for an avenue to continue contributing to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The former parliamentarian said the formation of syndicates will see miners working in an entirely different environment.

"Under syndicates, we will no longer work in the way we worked in the past; we will be organised and have rales." she told her colleague small-scale miners.

NO MORE TIP In keeping with the rales r that will govern the syndicates.

Blair said there'll be zero tolerf ance for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and child labom. twin ills currently plaguing the industry.

She noted, too. that the time has come for females in the industry to be respected. "It is time we protect our womenfolk. And let us not forget our youths; we must shy away from child labour; we must encourMiners gathered at the Square of the Revolution on Monday age our 16-year-olds to remain imt â&#x2013; *-

Guyana,

IDB

ink

delivery of services in these areas while at the same time stimulate growth within the sectors. The "Support for the Development of a National Housing Strategy" programme will assist Guyana's Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in preparing and disseminating a Comprehensive National Housing Strategy. This IDB funding will enhance CH&PA's developmental approaches and interventions in the sector, thereby assisting citizens to access more cost-effective housing, the Ministry of Finance said in a release.

The "Fiscal Management Modernization Project" is designed to create greater efficiency in Guyana's revenue admin-

Puruni miner, Cheryl Williams in school." Blair said, adding: "We can mine without our children being in the backdam; it is dangerous." Having said that, she proceeded to call on government agencies to ensure that there is strict monitoring of the backdams to ensure that child labour is stomped out.

And. stressing the importance of syndicates to the mining sector. Blair made it clear that once small miners work together much can be achieved. "We will move forward if we work together; this land doesn't belong to one set of people." she said.

She further called on the authorities to examine those who are in possession of mining lands for a number of years but are not utilising them, as she believes that those lands ought to be confiscated and handed out to small-scale miners.

BILLS TO PAY "We have bills to pay; children to feed." she said, while noting that the lands promised to small miners through syndicates need to be made available speedily.

"Processing of these lands should take

US$1 JM

...housing, finance, aviation safety targeted MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan,on Monday signed three Technical Cooperation Agreements with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen,valued at US$1,762,250.

The agreements represent technical assistance resources for: development of a comprehensive National Housing Strategy funded at US$517. 250; a Fiscal Management Modernisation Project funded at $US745.

000; and a National Civil Aviation Plan for Guyana funded at US$500.000^ Minister Jordan acknowledged the timeliness of the agreements and said that they are critical to government's agenda to consolidate and restructure the

f

istration. This will envelop a strategic organisational structure and strengthen institutional and technical capacities of human and other resources of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). It also undertakes an assessment of the property tax collection system administrated by the Valuation Division of the Ministry of Finance. This assessment will see more realistic valuations of properties in Municipalities and Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) which in turn will lead to an increase in the value of real estate.

The "Support for a National Aviation Master Plan" will provide much-needed support to the Guyana Civil Aviation

precedence in GGMC; we need to have our land to work." a passionate Blair told her colleagues who readily agreed with her.

Similarly. Renwick Solomon stressed the need for miners to be given fertile lands to mine. He said over the years, small scale miners were given lands to which were already mined out. "We aint working pine... we working gold...we need good lands to mine." he stated.

He applauded the government for making a promise to small miners when they campaigned leading up to the 2015 general and regional elections and said, the administration has lived up to its word. "We are not competing with anybody; we are trying to survive- we approached the government with our plea and they have responded favourably."

Solomon stated.

NOTHING NEW Additionally. Bastiani. a miner attached to the Mahdia Syndicate, explained that syndicates are not a new and unheard of initiative, but one that began many years ago. He referenced former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds encomaging miners to form themselves into syndicates but that suggestion by the former Prime Minister differs from that which obtains today.

"Twenty years ago. Sam Hinds called on us to form syndicates...but it was a lottery, lottery syndicate where you had to apply for land. We formed ourselves into groups of four but the persons in the group were randomly chosen...they selected us from the beginning so we started with failures." Bastiani explained.

The Mahdia miner said that as a result of syndicates "miners now have a voice" noting that it is no longer 'a rat race'.

"This movement is big; it is different now...This is a fight for survival," the miner added.

assistance

Authority (GCCA) as it will prepare a National Air Transport Plan, a National Airports Plan, and a National Plan for the Administration of Civil Aviation. The GCCA is seeking a thorough analysis of the aviation sector that will allow it to plan more strategically, improve the quality of civil aviation oversight, and hasten structured improvements to the sector. Government is keen for an analysis of the sector that will allow it to plan more strategically for its development.

In brief remarks.Ms. Makonnen said that technical funds finance activities to transfer technical know how and expertise, capacity building, transfer of knowledge and research - including diagnostic, pre-investment and sector studies that

package

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan,and IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen,exchange contract documents following the signing support project design and preparation.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana lauded the InterAmerican Development Bank for its commitment to the country's development over the years.

The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan,and Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson; Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts and other heads of agencies.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

rm

willing

to

settle

.. .Robert Persaud ready to pay full price for Pradovillel land FORMER Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, has broken his silence two days after being questioned by detectives of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), relating to his acquisition of land at the controversial Pradoville 2 community on the East Coast of Demerara.

In a statement issued on his Faeebook page on Thursday. Persaud said he is willing to settle the issue if the State can prove that the price paid for the plot of land in

Pradoville 2 was below market value. "My legal advisor has indicated that should the State prove that the price paid for the plot of land was below market value, discussions can be entered into for a mutually acceptable resolution of the matter." the former People's Progressive Party (PPP) government minister said.

In September 2010. parcels each measuring 0.3030 of an acre were sold to Persaud and on August 23.2012. he sold his land, building and erections to LSR Inc.

for GY$90 million. According to Persaud. sometime in 2007-2008. he applied for a government house lot. since at the time, he was occupying a government residence and not the owner of any house lot issued by the State or one privately acquired. The former government minister claimed that he paid the full asking price for a plot of land in the Sparendaam-Goedverwagting area referred to as 'Pradoville 2.'

"This was the first time I ever purchased directly from

President

the State a house lot. Due to a number of factors, including financial constraints, after the building was erected on the said plot it was sold. I never occupied the residence at Pradoville 2." Persaud said.

He noted that all the necessary permissions were sought from the Ministry of Housing and that a financial penalty was paid for the early disposal of the plot and building.

Meanwhile. Persaud refuted media reports that he was arrested by SOCU. noth-

plugs

ing that he visited SOCU's headquarters voluntarily on Tuesday last. He claimed that he will continue to make himself "voluntarily" available and will cooperate with SOCU. But the Financial Investigation expert attached to SOCU. Dr Sam Sittlington. confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that Persaud was indeed arrested. Prior to releasing his statement on Thursday. Persaud opted not to engage the media after being grilled by SOCU detectives.

After the PPP lost the May 11,2015, national and regional elections, Persaud announced that he is taking a sabbatical from "front line politics" as he looks to serve Guyana at other levels. Persaud was appointed as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in 2011 just as the Ministry was established. He has also distanced himself from the PPP and its executive since 2015 by not attending meetings or the party's numerous press conferences.

return

Of

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;at Ghana's 60th cottage

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA could see the resurgence of a once vibrant cottage industry, following a call Sunday by President Granger for local villages to become more involved in manufacturing.

The call comes days after Minister of Finance. Mr Winston Jordan announced that the manufacturing sector only accounts for five per cent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking at a ceremony at Congress Place to mark Ghana's 60th Anniversary.

President Granger reminded his audience that after local African slaves were emancipated. it was to agriculture that they turned in order to make a living.

Those were the days, he said, when families were given tw o sections of land, one on which to plant and the other to build a home.

"During that time, persons produced their own food, and the economy was

based on trade, manufacturing and so forth."

Harking back to what Minister Jordan said at a recent press conference, that with the traditional sectors not performing as well as they should. Guyana would do well to become more involved in manufacturing.

President Granger said: "Get into manufacturing; open packaging plants and factories! Villagers can do simple things by planting guava and using them to make jams and jellies; villages today are empty, so the villagers need to get involved in various manufacturing activities."

He made the point that while persons still rely on Georgetown to find work, opportunities for growth and development might very well be knocking right in their very own communities and are being overlooked.

He ended by implying that one way of bucking the employment trend is to go back to the land. "People who

Industiy

produce and sell are superior to those who consume and buy." the president said.

According to the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) on its website, the manufacturing sector has been dedicated to the processing of traditional agricultural products such as rice, sugar, forest products and minerals, basic consumer items, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals for local consumption.

GO-INVEST CALL But while these traditional manufacturing activities remain important, there is a growing interest to expand into value-added, export-oriented manufacturing industries.

The website outlines that there is a particular interest in expanding Guyana's garments and apparel sector to build upon recent successes, and to take advantage of preferential access to foreign apparel markets under preferential trade agreements with

the US. EU. Canada. CARICOM and other bilateral trading partners.

In addition to favourable market access for most manufactured products. Guyana provides a number of advantages to investors interested in establishing or expanding manufacturing operations.

One which was outlined

by Go-Invest is the competitive cost of labom. because Guyana has one of the lowest manufacturing wage rates in the Caribbean and Central America, with a workforce that is highly literate and trainable.

Another advantage is what in the industry is called low "time-to-market'. meaning that Guyana's close proximity to the US market gives it a shorter time to market to countries such as China and India.

"This advantage is useful for companies wishing to find suppliers to meet their just-in-time delivery requirements," the website says.

Anniversary celebrations

m* f

President Granger addressing the gathering at Congress Place (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Jagdeo

15

hauled

...SOCUarrests top PPPofficials in

scam

By Ravin Singh Acquisition of prime ocean front lands for prices fixed below market value landed top officials in the Peoples' Progressive Party (PPP), including Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in the hands of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Tuesday. And although the PPP top officials had initially tried to dodge investigators they were hauled in amid high-drama for questioning.

Jagdeo along with former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Natural Resources Minister.

Robert Persaud and General Manager of the Gold Board Lisaveta Ramotar - who is the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar - were all arrested by SOCU earlier in the day.

Later that afternoon, several other persons including private sector executive Ramesh Dookhoo. Marcia Nadir-Sharma and Ghansham Singh-son of former Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul showed up at SOCU's Camp Street office, as they too were wanted for questioning.

They were all released after the hours of interrogation. The common denominator between these individuals. with the exception of Ramotar and Nadir-Sharma. was that they all acquired prime seaside land at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting. more commonly known as "Pradoville Two," below market value under the PPP government. They were reportedly arrested under the offence of conspiracy to defraud the state of revenue.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Nadir-Sharma. who served in a top position at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). was made to answer questions related to irregularities at that agency during her stint. Prior to the arrest on Tuesday.

Head of SOCU. Assistant

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Bharrat Jagdeo Commissioner Sydney James had indicated that several members of the PPP who served as former Ministers were wanted for questioning by the agency.

However. Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall. who is representing all former Cabinet members told James that his clients would not be meeting with investigators at SOCU's Camp Street headquarters. He offered that they would meet at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street.

In addition to those arrested and brought in for questioning on Tuesday, the law enforcement agency had written to former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee. former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand. former Minister of the Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and former Minister of Housing and Water, and Tourism Irfaan Ali. all of whom acquired land at Pradoville two.

Those individuals are expected to make their appearance at SOCU's office today for questioning. But although some of these individuals being questioned are not members of the PPP. Nandlall. who served as former Attorney General (AG) under the PPP said that he believes these investigations are "politically motivated." ".. .I've been saying from the beginning that these in-

Robert! Re rsaud vestigations are politically inspired; they are politically directed and they are deeply flawed in law." he told reporters on Tuesday.

Asked if he foresees charges in the future. Nandlall said he is unsure, and offered that if they reach the stage of criminal charges, they will be challenged on the ground of their legality, since to him. this is a "manifestation" of politicians directing the operations of law enforcement which is prohibited by law.

Pradoville Two lands were distributed in 2010 and during that time, then President Bharrat Jagdeo. bought 0.4603 of an acre for $2.3M and 1.5 acres for $7.5M. However, as President then, he would be immune from criminal charges for any actions conducted in his official capacity as President-an office he held from 1999 to 2011.

JAGDEO DODGES QUESTIONS Cognizant of this. Jagdeo activated the immunity clause of the Constitution and refused to answer questions related to actions during his time as President.

"They asked me a few questions related to the Pradoville transaction and I made a short statement. They asked me questions in my official capacity and I have immunities on those so I refused to answers those questions."

Dr Roger-Uuncheon he said.

Jagdeo also admitted that he was questioned in his private capacity and not his official capacity, but offered to investigators that he prefers not to make a statement at this time. He went on to state that SOCU "can choose to do what they want to do." and that if charges are brought against the named individuals, they will contest them in court.

"If they [SOCU] believe that any of these acts will intimidate us or make us scared of exposing the wrongdoings of this government they're wrong about it." Jagdeo said.

The former President also confirmed that he was "arrested." but argued that the actions of the law enforcement agency constituted "witch-hunting" and was being directed by the government. "...we believe it is a witch-hunt... Clearly SOCU has been receiving instractions from the political directorate. I sympathise for the people who work here because they are under severe political pressure." he added.

Brought in to the agency under similar circumstances was former Cabinet Secretary. Dr Roger Luncheon, who said that his line of questioning dealt with matters related to Pradoville Two. NICIL. the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Dr Luncheon related that "the atmosphere was fairly friendly and I don't think there was any cause for either party, myself or themselves. to become extreme where those questions and answers are concerned." Unsure of SOCU's next move the former Cabinet Secretary said he is not sure if charges will be laid against him.

"All I can speak to are the investigations that involve myself and as far as that is concerned. I don't see any scope for me to be charged subsequent to the conclusion of this investigation." an optimistic Luncheon told reporters.

On the other hand, former Private Sector Commission Chairman. Ramesh Doohkoo who also acquired a parcel of land at Pradoville. decided to visit SOCU's office after realising individuals were being arrested. He was accompanied by his lawyer Sanjeev Datadin. Dookhoo explained to reporters that he was contacted by SOCU on Friday and asked to report to the office for questioning, but his lawyer informed the agency that it was not possible since he (Dookhoo) had pressing matters to attend to.

However, the private sector executive said that on Tuesday, he realised, "all of these things started happening; I heard all these people were arrested and so I stopped what I was doing and I came down."

When asked if believes he acquired the land below market value. Dookoo said, "well you know, it's subjective and I don't think it's for me to say. I don't really wanna get into that... I buy a piece of bushy land with one house on the land right."

A seemingly frustrated Dookhoo then told the media. "Boy I wish I could give up the piece of land; the amount of embarrassment I've suffered from [Kaieteur News. Demerara Waves] I wish I can hand back the land and forget this unpleasant experience that I have had."

Dookoo refused to divulge how much he paid for the land, noting that the price is public knowledge.

Robert Persaud. who was also accompanied by his lawyer Mark Waldron. along with Lisa Ramotar.

Ghansham Singh and Marcia Nadir-Sharma opted not to engage the media.

Sharma would later tell members of the media to "go home and have dinner" when asked if he had any comment to make.

It was the Bharrat Jagdeo administration that made a decision authorising the NICIL to privatise state lands. That agency reportedly spent in excess of $200M to develop Pradoville Two without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly and other relevant bodies. Other persons who benefitted from the lands include; Compton Bourne, former Head of the Caribbean Development Bank and UG Chancellor; Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; Presidential Advisor Rear Admiral Gary Best; and Florrie Loretta Ramnauth. Special Prosecutor Trenton Lake, Michael Somersall, Hewley Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Patrice Henry and Compton Richardson were selected by the government to prosecute the Pradoville case.

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE mining town of Linden on Sunday came alive, with hundreds of spectators and revellers feting through the streets of Linden, gyrating provocatively to the soca music blasting through the several boom boxes.

It was indeed an explosion of iridescent colours, soca music and fete as the

Mash

revellers dressed in their colourful and creative costumes. portraying the true spirit of Mashramani.

The parade was held under this year's theme "Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity."

Residents of Linden, who were joined by curious onlookers. who journeyed from other regions, crowded street comers and pavements along the parade route to get a look

a

big

party

at what was in store for the day.

Making a special appearance was Minister of Business. Dominic Gaskin. and junior Education Minister.

Nicolette Henry.

Though the day's activities were threatened by some early showers, this did not stop the revellers of Linden, who were prompt and all decked out in their costumes, waiting for the go ahead to

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One of the floats making its way to the Bayroc Community Centre Ground on Sunday

f

commence the parade.

The revellers wended their way through Republic Avenue, then proceeded onto Independence Avenue, then down Washer Pond road, where they 'palanced' their way over to the Wismar shore on the Winifred Gaskin Highway and culminated at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground on the Wisroc junction, where the after-par-

l xsr

A young contingent 'Mashin' through the parade route on Sunday

ty started.

There were several of bands, including the Ministry of Education band, the Regional Democratic Council.

Region 10. the Linden Mayor and Town Council. Region 10 Department of Education. and some Community Development Councils in Region 10.

The parade also included the World Access Party

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Track and other party tracks, which were crowded with 'party lovers' and popular deejays and local soca singers such as " Jomo". who with their bacchanal, demonstrated Lindeners true love for party and fete.

"I really enjoying the Mash man. I feel this is one of the biggest we had. it is a real come back from last year. Linden hype right now." one spectator said while imbibing and dancing along the route.

"Mash come home to Linden ens is here it start.

Lindeners need to remember is here it start and come out and support and they did just so. we fetting till morning."

Sherene James cheerfully commented on the Mashramani parade.

The Mashramani Parade and all other Mashramani activities for 2017 were coordinated by the Regional Commemorative Committee.

Mashramani has its genesis in the mining town of Linden, which saw the first float parade being held there in 1966 as a celebration of Guyana's Independence.

It was organised by the Jaycees Social Group. The carnival celebration was later patterned after by other towns before becoming a national event and adopting the name Mashramani.

It has been customary for Linden to hosts its Mashramani float parade the Sunday after Republic Day. This had been done consecutively since 2006.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

New

fee'

By Telesha Ramnarine AS of June 1, all businesses in Georgetown will be subjected to a commercial refuse fee for the removal of commercial waste, Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine said recently.

In an interview with Chronicle at City Hall, he pointed out how the removal of commercial waste has become "burdensome" to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) owing to the fact that it has to expend more than $1M a week to get the job done.

"They are producing a lot of waste; plastics, styrofoam.

GNNL

'commercial

from It's only fitting that they have to pay separately for those collections." Narine pointed out.

He explained: "Only about tw o per cent of what they are paying or not paying in rates and taxes goes to garbage collection. This is grossly insufficient. And when you compare the commercial waste to residential. businesses produce far more."

According to him. the fee will be based on the size of the business, what it produces. and its staff size.

In the past. Narine had urged newly-elected councillors to change this situation by reconsidering the provi-

hails

By Shauna Jemmott THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) has hailed the contributions and efforts of its women employees as it joins organisations world over in celebration of International Women's Day yesterday.

Host of the simple ceremony. Reporter Tamica Gamett pointed out that the company has for the first time appointed a female member of the Board of Directors. who was selected from among the staff to represent workers.

Forty-seven per cent of the members of the workforce at the company are women, while the company's Board of Directors (BoD) has a balanced combination of both sexes. Gamett told the wom-

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Walter Narine

en-dominated gathering, as she encouraged the women to "celebrate yourself... you are significant as a woman".

Member of the Public Procurement Commission and former President of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL). Emily Dodson added much more meaning to the GNNL celebration.

She sang the song "Celebration" which was released in 1980 by Kool and the Gang.

She said International Women's Day (IWD) was dedicated by the United Nations to celebrate the political, economic and social lives of women globally.

It is a time, she said, to reflect on progress made and to make a call for change.

Guyanese women can eel-

f .

of

their waste when the Council could not adequately provide the service.

These 'junkies' helped to strew waste about the City, adding to the garbage epidemic that had struck Georgetown.

Narine suggested that these persons should be regulated according to environmental laws and policies.

He believes that those hired to dispose of waste around the City, such as horse cart and push cart men. should be regulated to ensure that they are adhering to proper policies pertaining to the environment.

Persons who are found using 'junkies' to dispose of

female

waste should be disciplined, he suggested.

Meanwhile. Narine said that by June, all garbage tracks working in Georgetown will have to be licensed.

"They (the tracks) are traversing the streets of Georgetown and are free to go anywhere to dispose garbage.

We are trying to standardise it and to license all tracks."

Narine told Guyana Chronicle.

The trucks will have to pay a licence fee for the year and the M&CC will look into all trucks in Georgetown while the Ministry of Communities will do it for the outer regions, he informed.

employees

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43^ * Some of the employees of the GNNL at the International Women's Day celebration (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson) ebrate as women are involved in practically every sphere in the country's development.

Only recently. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire were ap-

s*

The men about to serve the women

sion of free waste collection for businesses. He had insisted that providing such a service to the corporate community is helping to drain the City's coffers.

"Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean that gives free waste collection for businesses." he had noted.

He charged that in order for the Solid Waste Management Department to increase its service provision and better its functioning, "feasible plans would have to be devised to increase income for solid waste services."

In the past, some business people, large and small, hired homeless persons, or socalled 'junkies', to dispose of

contributions

waste

sa ,as y " "r""' to be licensed

June

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17

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pointed to the post of acting Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively, the first time the top two judicial posts here are held by women.

One third of members of Guyana's Parliament are women. In sport. Dodson noted that for the first time the Guyana Amatem Bodybuilding Federation (GAFB) has appointed a female Secretary with the recent appointment of Stacey Mckinnon to that position, while four of its recognised bodybuilders are women.

GARNETT RECOGNISED She commended Gamett for being the only active female sports reporter seen at major sports events in Guyana, and encouraged her to hold the fort and rise to greater heights.

The attorney also pointed

out that Guyana has one of the more progressive of legislations that speak to women and encouraged all women to understand the laws.

"Those laws protect your rights and you should knowabout them." she said, and made a promise to donate a user-friendly composition of laws addressing women's issues compiled by the GAWL. to the GNNL Library.

"We have come a long way." she said, "but there is still a lot to be done."

Statistics show that more women graduate from tertiary institutions than men, and by virtue of this, women are the educated majority in Guyana.

Dodson also hailed the move by Government to review the appointments of Directors of State Boards to ensure women have a more noticeable presence.

She shared the view that

it is time the unpaid work that women do in the households be counted for. as they share the burden of a workforce plus manages the affairs of their household.

GNNL Chairman. Imran Khan commended the women employees for increasing production and the product of the company.

"Women are not always recognised and heralded for the work that you do in society." he said and promised to make work more comfortable and rewarding for women in the employ of the Guyana Chronicle.

General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar reminded the women that they mean much to the GNNL, as she recognised their excellent performance on the job despite having to man their various chores and duties at homes.

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate,

Selling

your

home

Taxes anil Business S TAXES

in

The Edgar Henry Column

today's

you to update and refresh your decor, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, a little less clutter on the shelves, and, oh yeah, replace your carpet! This process is known as staging your home - you are "setting the stage" for buyers to see your home in its most appealing and aesthetically pleasing state.

The finishes and material in your home can make a huge difference when getting a higher return on your investment (ROI) in the fsale of your home. It goes without saying that the soiled stained, or matted carpet will not go far towards getting top dollar for your home, and could cause your home to sit longer on the market.

Jt Tom will tell Dick who in FOR turn will tell Harry of the dingy carpet, thus curtailing the sale of the house.

SALE This is why many sellers choose to replace tired carpet or floors before listing their home. As a i general rule properties Ittend to sell faster and for certain things to stimulate the purchaser's eye. curiosity and interest. There's no faster way to more money than ones that aren't prepped turn off a potential buyer than to overwhelm in a fashionable way to entice and woo the him with a home stuffed with kids' toys, the buyer's interest.

Fortunately, there are some inexpenagonizing odor of dog or kitty litter. That's why many high-end real estate agents employ sive things homeowners can do on their professional "home stagers" when they want own to attract a buyer. Whether you live in a cozy home or a huge colonial style manto guarantee a quick sale.

When the time comes to sell your sion, make your space feel as open and home, most real estate agents will advise clean as possible. Get rid of clutter, organ-

If you really want to stimulate a sale, you should under price your property by just a fraction. As the saying goes "Play dead to see what funeral you'll have." By simply shaving just a few thousand dollars off the price you can generate more foot traffic and create a buzz in the marketplace. Setting the right price for your home is more important now than ever.

PRICING YOUR HOME EFFECTIVELY Do not over price your home. It makes competing homes look like better values, and can lead to mortgage rejections once the appraisal is in. Over-pricing when selling a home is the single biggest reason why many "for sale by owner" home sellers don't sell their homes successfully. Remember, the home selling market dictates the price not what you think it should be worth.

One of the best ways to correctly price your house is to find out how much other homes, similar to your own, were recently sold for in your immediate neighborhood.

Typically, if you set the price of your home at 5 to 10 percent above the market price, you are likely to end up with an offer close to your home's true value. Also, you may try calculating the cost per square foot of your home compared to the house selling prices in your area. If your house has more features or other desirable qualities, you may want to set a slightly higher house selling price. The easiest way to accurately price your home is to contact your local home appraiser. Set your house selling price just under a whole number, such as $469,900 rather than $470,000.

MAKE IT INVITING Spmce up your home, make it presentable to cause attraction, and strategically place

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market

ize the closets and remove all personal items that may make it more difficult for someone to purchase.

MINIMIZE SURPRISES A home that's in good working order will always sell faster than one that needs pricey repairs. It is highly recommended to have your property inspected before you put it on the market. The benefits are twofold. First, it's always cheaper and faster to make your own repairs rather than have a buyer drag out the negotiating process to accommodate any necessary work. Second, you'll also avoid any nasty last-minute surprises that could derail a deal should the buyer's inspector discover your need, say, to replace the roof.

GET THE WORD OUT No matter how you sell your home, on your own or with a broker, make sure you have an eye-catching online listing. Some 80 percent of people start their real estate searches online, according to the National Association of Realtors. While it used to be enough to simply slap up one or two blurry photos, buyers now prefer a slew of pictures so that they don't waste their time touring a home that doesn't meet their requirements.

What should your listing include? If you really want to stand out from the competition consider hiring a professional photographer or finding a broker who uses one.

At the very least, take half a dozen or more photos that highlight your home's best features. Make sure to include a shot of the outside on a sunny day, and one of the kitchens, a bathroom, dining room and a bedroom. If you are taking a photo of your home, be sure that the home's yard/driveway is uncluttered. Remove bikes, garbage cans and parked cars. The same applies for interior shots. People are looking to buy your house, not your worldly possessions.

Think of furniture as props and the room a stage. Move things around if you have to.

Also, take lots of house photos. Your home deserves quality. The more you shoot, the better the odds are that you'll get a few really good presentable shots. Let the photographs tell the story.

THROW IN A LTTTL SOMETHING EXTRA As home sales have stalled, motivated sellers are offering traditional incentives, including paying for closing costs or points on a mortgage. Such tactics are especially attractive to first-time shoppers who can afford mortgage payments but struggle to come up with the down payment and closing fees. Here are a couple more ideas. If you installed a 40-inch plasma TV with a surround-sound stereo system in the living room, offer to include it with the house.

Chances are you won't be able to take it with you anyway. If you're selling a water front property, throw in the Jet Ski and dock rights or the snow blower. If you pad the asking price by just a couple of thousand dollars, you'll still come out ahead.

"It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

19

,m HARRIS VISION 2030 HOSTED SOUTHERN LARGE (Ed Harris Column) A

SYMPOSIUM 2017

different approach is emerging in Saint Lucia, where civil society is joining hands with entrepreneurs and

X

^professionals in driving the public sector to take pos-

itive developmental action that will create synergies that will advance economic progress in the State.

It is a great time to be living in Saint Lucia and especially to participate in mapping out an economic path to the nation's prosperity. It is hoped that at the end of this current debate which is being driven by Vision 2030 that documents will not be shelved but the implementation of projects will ensue.

It cannot be business as usual any longer; we must change our approach and be proactive. Until now we have been reactive. We can no longer take a laid back position, after all we are not tourists, we are creating the environment for tourists to see us as imaginative, resourceful people seeking to achieve excellence in our endeavours — a group of people who they will be happy to do business with.

At this time of year. Budget proposals are being put together and contributions are invited from all sections of society. It is very likely that some of the ideas shared last Sunday (March 5, 2017) will find acceptance with the budget committee. Whatever happens going forward. Saint Lucia is poised for the dawn of a new day, when the people will be contributing to the economic and social debate of the nation.

The invitation following created the buzz that saw scores of residents in the south of Saint Lucia and beyond converging at the Vieux Fort Fisheries Complex, Conference Room to listen to professionals in the various areas of endeavor that will impact on the projects that are expected to realise the Vi-

sion for 2030.

ENVITATION Greetingsl As intense public discussion about the future development of Vieux Fort continues, a diverse group of nationals have decided to

Her Majesty's Opposition and the general public to participate in this thoughtful exchange of ideas. Please email vf2030@slucia.com to register your interest in attending or contributing to Sunday's symposium.

Jako Productions Management, Publicity, Production Sunday, 5th March, 2017 definitely saw the coming together of minds including professionals, entrepreneurs and civil society to share a Vision that is projected to come into I pv

I •y* V f V.

m

Edward Harris: Biblicist, Author/Publisher, Business Consultant, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Networker, CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker Email: jobfreelife72@yahoo.com Website: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com FacebookPage: www.facebook.com/edharrisbiz

p '

Gathering at Southern Symposium 2017 come together to further the dialogue. Supported by organizations such as RISE Saint Lucia, The Vieux Fort Concerned Citizens' Coalition for Change, The Southern Tourism Development Corporation, Jako Productions, "I Will Stand", local business persons and ordinary "citizens-by-commitment", a symposium has been planned for the Vieux Fort Fisheries Complex on Sunday March 5, 2017.

Vision 2030 Vieux Fort invites the media, young people, interested government officials, members of

Make 2017 a successful year

fruition by the year 2030. The facilitator of the symposium was Mr. Sylvester Clauzel. Presenters included - Mr. Dr. Marcus Day, Dr. Stephen King, Mr. Eldridge Stephens, Mrs. Debra Tobierre, Dr. Harmsen, Dr. Anderson Reynolds, and others.

It was a lively session which lasted about four hours. It is my hope that all who attended the event will no longer try to imagine themselves being abducted by aliens and brought back to Vieux Fort in 2030 — but rather as real persons in charge of their own destiny with a perfect vision of what Vieux Fort should be like from this point onward. The symposium was streamed live on Choice TV. My suggested site of the week is www.facebook.com/jakoproductions Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is in Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles!

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20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Not

Pres.

much

delay

Granger to write Jagdeo on qualities of GECOM chair

PRESIDENT David Granger is expected to write Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo within a week, outlining the qualities he expects in a nominee for the vacant post of Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This was disclosed by Minister of State. Joseph Harmon, following a second round of meeting betw een the President and Jagdeo at State House on Wednesday afternoon. Harmon accompanied the President at the meeting along with Attorney General. Basil Williams, while PPP Member of Parliament. Anil Nandlall was also present.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency. Harmon in a brief comment noted that the President will write a letter to the Opposition Leader within a week to further guide his selection process following which Jagdeo is expected to submit his new list.

Minister Harmon also said that while a date for the next engagement with the

Opposition Leader has not been fixed, there is not going to be much delay in concluding the appointment of the new chairperson. According to the release. Harmon disclosed that Jagdeo requested clarification as it relates to the qualities of the persons to be included on the list. He said that the Attorney General provided a clear explanation as to what, according to the Constitution, was "fit and proper".

"His Excellency did elaborate a little more on that and he identified the three

28,000

unoccupied

ft * -

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ii

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r

,

Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams; President David Granger and Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, in discussions with Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP Member of Parliament, Mr. Anil Nandlall at State House Ts' which is to say that the person must be a person of integrity, the person must be a person who is independent and the person must be someone who is impartial."

Harmon said.

Jagdeo in a statement Wednesday evening noted that the President admitted that a collaborative exercise between the two would assist in arriving at a consensual candidate, in keeping with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, the two parties also

discussed the appointment of two judges, who were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to sit in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The issue was raised by the Opposition Leader when he met with the President last week at State House.

"His Excellency indicated to the Leader of the Opposition that he sent a letter to the Acting Chancellor and the Chairman of the JSC asking them to provide some additional information and based upon that he is going

house

lots

- CH&PA moves to address huge backlog of applications

By Navendra Seoraj SOME 28,000 unoccupied house lots, owned by persons across the country, are being scrutinised by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

A senior official of the Authority on Monday shared this information with applicants who enquired about the status of their application for a house lot.

It was explained that there are no available house lots in any part of the country and the CH&PA is looking for ways to create spaces in order to address the backlog of about 25.000 applications.

The senior official indi-

_

tilJl

-

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Adams-Patterson cated that the lots which are under scrutiny are owned by persons who do not utilise them, did not complete their payments or did not make any payment for the land.

And. if their effort to reclaim some of the lots is a success, the backlog will be addressed "immediately" and persons who have applications in the system from as long as the 1990s will be able to acquire a lot.

Although that might seem to ease the scarcity of house lots. Minister within the Ministry of Communities. Valarie Adams-Patterson told the Guyana Chronicle that there will always be a shortage of spaces to accommodate persons.

With the minimum age being changed from 21 years old to 18 years old. more and more applications are being received on a daily basis.

But. an alternative is in

the pipeline, which will see the construction of apartment buildings, duplexes and condominiums across the country.

"We have decided that with the land that we have, we can accommodate more families if we provide housing units instead of a house

y

to exercise his judgement."

Harmon noted.

However, the Opposition Leader noted that the JSC has already conducted the requisite inquires to determine the suitability of candidates. He pointed out that once those recommendations are made, the President's power is very limited under the Constitution. According to Jagdeo the President is now obliged to make the appointments in spite of reservations which he may have regarding the candidates who have been recommended.

under

"The Leader of the Opposition pointed out that any request for a performance related report ought not to be confined to the two Judges who have been recommended for elevation, but must apply to all Judges so that they can be a basis for comparison." the statement noted.

Last week. President Granger invited the Opposition Leader to discuss the appointment of Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire as Acting Chief Justice. The Opposition has since agreed to the two appointments.

Following the first meeting , Jagdeo noted in a release "the absence of action" in relation to recommendations made to the President last February by the JSC that Justice Rishi Persaud and Justice Dawn Gregory be appointed to the Court of Appeal as well as the appointment of Sandil Kissoon and Damone Younge, both Attorneys-at-Law, be appointed as Puisne Judges.

scrutiny

lot. especially given that only about 55 per cent of lots allocated has been occupied." said the minister.

Persons will have an opportunity to see what the duplexes and other buildings will look like at the upcoming Housing Expo in May at Perseverance. East Bank Demerara.

"Whatever barriers there are, we are going

to move them. Whatever policy changes need to be made, we are going to make (them), because we cannot continue to have people filing applications and their applications are not being processed. The bottom line is (that the backlog) has to be cleared, and quickly," Minister Adams-Patterson emphasised.

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Construction of the model houses moving apace

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

21

2

New York Chronicle Horoscope

■

0 AMES (Mar. 21 - April 20) You can make money if you put your savings into conservative investments.

Problems with relatives and friends could surface. Don't push your luck with your boss. You can bet that you'll draw attention to yourself. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) Love could develop with someone of a different cultural background. Your questions will help you ferret out secret information. Realize that you don't have to do everything yourself. You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvement's. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your uncanny insight will help you make the right choices. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways. Exhaustion will lead to minor injury if you don't know when to quit. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on. Your best gains will come through helping others emotionally. Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. Try to channel your energy into physical work. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You are best to deal with those outside your family. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval, Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. It may be a disappointing day emotionally. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Friday VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Opportunities for romance will develop through group endeavors; however, the association isn't likely to last. Don't let someone take the credit for a job you did. You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself. If you can, try to work out of your home this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Better still, take your mate and let them foot the bill. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. You will be attracted to unusual forms of entertainment and foreign cultures. Be up front if you don't want to be embarrassed. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Get involved in fitness programs that will bring you in contact with new friends. Your involvement in sports or entertainment will lead to new romances. Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you. Get domestic chores out of the way early. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You could pick up valuable knowledge through conversations with experienced individuals. You can get into self awareness groups or look into physical enhancement programs. Social events will lead to a strong and stable relationship. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. Any capricious behavior will confuse loved ones and your mood swings will result in loneliness. Mingle with individuals who are established and can give you some serious insight into business and future trends. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Tuesday

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ACROSS 1. Giggle sound 4. "Take Me Am" (2 wds.)

7. Embrace 10. Moment (abbr.)

11 13. Shakespeare's shrew 14. Sleuth, for short 15. Floor model 16. Water jug 17. Long, detailed story 19. Topeka's st.

21. PGA nickname 23. Increase 27. Large handbag 28. Clog 29. "The Greatest" boxer 30. Rainy months (abbr.)

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LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Don't reveal anything about your personal life that could be used adversely.

Don't overspend on friends or children. Either way, you're up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Look at your options before making commitments that could jeopardize your financial position. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be able to get your own way if you use your intellectual charm and know how. Catch up on correspondence. If you can get away for a vacation, do so. You can accomplish the most if you travel for business purposes. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

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ISSUE 39 CROSSWORD ANSWER COM K E G T E L F R I F 1 L E R A L A C E N T E R F 1 E L D E R V 1 E| A N Y A S E M O T E A M I T E T E P H 1 L P E N N Y M A R S H A L L E L S A S N A P ■R E S A X E D S T E M S E A S R 1 F E E D S T H E K 1 T T Y D E S | s e;e M E E E A L E D S s s S 11 ■ 2. Very wide shoe width 3. Kooky 4. War hero/actor Murphy 5. Guideline, for short 6. Doctrine's suffix 7. Hem's partner 8. Shoshonean Indian 9. Where Munich is (abbr.)

12. John Lennon's wife (2 wds.)

13. Berry et al.

18. Bakery specialties 20. Model Carol 21. " of Two Cities" (2 wds.)

22. Boxing ring borders 23.Unseasoned 24. Making alterations 25. Church officer 26. Goes up 28. Clinging vine 32. Overhaul 34. Tachometer letters 37. Verdi opera 38. Lubricated 40. Opera star 41. Drink like Fido 42. Fla.'s neighbor 43. Dentist's degree (abbr.)

45. Cistern 47. Company exec (abbr.)

48. Eventually

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■ 31. Hurried 32. Disencumbers 33. Honolulu garland 34. TV's " 911!"

35. Robert (2 wds.)

36. Fled 38. Perfumes 39. Mischievous sort 40. Designer Christian 41. "Shane" star 44. Extremely bad 46. Slick 49. "M*A*S*H" star 50. Talk wildly 51. Born, in wedding announcements 52. Faux (blunder) 53. Small amount 54. Acquired DOWN 1. DDE's predecessor O G

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ASSEMBLAGE

FRIENDS

BAND

GALA

ISSUE #39 W0RDFIND

CAKE

GAMES

ANSWER

CASSEROLE

CET-TOGETHER

CELEBRATION

GREAT TIME

CHARADES

GUESTS

CONVERSATION

HOSTESS

DANCING

MUSIC

DELICACIES

OCCASION

DINNER

REFRESHMENTS

FAMILY

SINGING

FEAST

SNACK

FESTIVITIES

TREATS

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

EMPHASIS ON

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

GUYANESE MOURN HELEN MARSHALL, FORMER

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT - DEAD AT 87 The Guyanese community is saddened at the passing of Helen Marshall, former Queens Borough President, who was of Guyanese lineage, and was welcomed on her visit to the South American country some years by a large delegation. She died on Sunday, March 4 in hospice care in California. She was 87.

Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams issued a statement calling Helen Marshall a dear friend and colleague, and a true asset to the residents of Queens and New York City.

"She distinguished herself during a career, committed to public service that spanned more than half a

By TANGERINE CLARKE century, from education to elected office. I am proud to stand beside her in history as the first African-American to serve as chief executive of one of our boroughs.

"Brooklyn joins in mourning the loss of this political pioneer, and of uplifting her story among those of the many heroes we celebrate in this Women's History

Month," said Adams.

Melinda Katz, who replaced Helen Marshall as Borough President, called her predecessor "a deeply compassionate person, who cared tremendously about the well-being of her fellow Queens residents."

According to the New York Daily News, Katz said "Helen fought tenaciously to improve our children's schools, to address seemingly intractable quality-of-life issues and to secure a fair share of City resources for Queens."

Melinda Katz commissioned a cultural center in Queens Borough Hall, last year, in dedication to Helen Marshall's legacy.

Ms. Marshall who created history by becoming the first Black President of the Queens Borough, from 2002 to 2013 (serving three terms), was remembered

by Patricia Jordon-Langford, President of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, as being an advisor to the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, she said: "We thank her for her fortitude, strength of character, guidance and imaginative advice.

"In 2005 she was the recipient of the 39th Guyana Independence Anniversary Golden Arrowhead Achievement of Distinction Award, in recognition of her exceptional accomplishments. This award was presented to her by The Guyana Tri-State Alliance and the Guyana Mission and Consulate at New York City Hall."

ANNOUNCEMENT â&#x2013; ^ uth Wilhcmina Raphael made her transition on February 24, 2017 ^MJmand a "Going Home â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Celebration of Her Life" service was held on Friday, March 3,2017, at the Grace Christian Seventh Day Adventist Church on 434 DeWitt Avenue in Brooklyn, she was interred on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens Queens.

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President of the Guyana Cultural Association, New York, Claire Goring, extends condolences to the relatives of the late politician, and said she was a soft spoken person, who made a big impact in her Queens community.

Before a landslide victory to occupy the seat at Queens Borough Hall, Helen Marshall began her lifelong careen in public service, she entered politics in 1974, serving as a Democratic District Leader before representing parts of Queens in the state Assembly and in the City Council for nearly 20 years, as stated in the Daily News.

Helen Marshall's husband, Donald, preceded her in death a few months earlier. Her children; Donald Jr. and Agnes Marie are left to mourn their passing.

tSji TO PUBLISH THE

Ruth was born in Danielstown, Essequibo in Guyana and lived at 80 Craig Street, Campbellville until she migrated to the United States in 1988.

She leaves to cherish her long and outstanding life her children: Claude, Vincent, Sandra, Colin, Andrea, Paula and foster daughter Candace; Sisters: Alvena (twin), Emily and Rachael (Patsy); Aunt: Rachel Kelly; Grandchildren: Candace, Kevin, Kevin, Karen, Jonnel, Simone, Jeremy, Kessler, Jamie, Jasmine, Ariana and Alyessia; Great grandchildren: Jacob, Karon, Daniel, Kylah, David, Joshua, Cameron, Selina, Kayla. Harper, Daughters-in-law: Pansy, Sandra, June; Grandson-in-law: GarvinDeJonge; numerous nieces and nephews (the Chances, Sobers, Roaches, Johns, Croals, Bostons); Cousin of Olga John and Dennis Rimple; Sisters-in-law: Lynette Austin, Stella McTaire; Brother-in-law: Terrence Williams; Long standing friends: Rupert and

The late RUTH WILHEMINA RAPHAEL Carmen Klaiber, Elaine Isaacs, Yema Welshman, Cheryl Lyte and Dawn Primo.

Special thanks to the administration and staff of Chapin Senior Citizens Home, Naughton Brothers Funeral Home, The Roaches (especially Pauline & Carl), Lorraine & Martin Niles, Lynette & Edmund Sobers; The Chance family (especially Kenton and Allison), Claudette & Dennis Nelson, Alisa Smith and all the numerous relatives and friends who loved Ruth and took the time to send a card, flowers or expressed their sorrow.

SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.

OF YOUR DECEASED

LOVED ONES

IN THIS NEWSPAPER

CALL;

917-379-6590

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

23 AEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE OIYYORK LNfrtRSTY Mi<F NEW

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

RANDY WESTON AT MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE MARCH 15 PROGRAM FEATURES MOROCCAN CiNAWA ARTISTS BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (MARCH 6, 2017) - Jazz Legend and Medgar Evers College artist-in-residence Randy Weston is back at the College on Wednesday, March 15 for his final master class: a program that focuses on gnawa music. Weston will hold a discussion and a demonstration with renowned musicians from 5-7 p.m. in the College's Founders Auditorium at 1650 Bedford Avc. The event is free and open to the public. Weston is considered an early champion of gnawa and many western audiences have discovered the music through his work. The ancient, enchanting music from North Africa has become so popular that Morocco's Gnaoua and World Music Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its first-ever world tour. The debut concert will take place March 16 at Lincoln Center. The debut concert will be followed by a series of concerts at The School of Jazz at The New School, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Pioneer Works in Brooklyn.

Weston's appearance at Medgar Evers is one of two free

E. West, Maalem Hassan Ben Jaafer and Samir Eangus of Innov Gnawa.

events prior to the opening of the Gnaou Festival Tour Concert. We-

There will also be a musical performance by Innov Gnawa.

ston's guests on March 15 for a discussion about the music include Columbia University scholar Hisham Ali, educator and bassist Paul

Weston, who often speaks of the African influences in his work, is the first artist in residence at Medgar Evers College. His spectac-

No

preference

ular career spans over 60 years. The National Endowment for the Arts

/.

(NEA) in 2001 named him a "Jazz Master," which the NEA describes as "the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists." The list of artists selected by the NEA for that honor includes Miles Davis, Betty Carter and Ramsey Lewis. In 2015, the Jazz Journalists Association gave Weston the Lifetime Achievement in Jazz award.

Weston says: "If you were to ask who is Randy Weston, it would be like making a stew. You throw in some Ellington, some Basie, some Monk, some Tatum and some Nat Cole; throw in Africa, throw in Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Chano Pozo. You put all of those ingredients in the pot, stir it up, and you have Randy Weston."

Weston's previous master class

for

RANDY WESTON at Medgar Evers College, on February 15, featured jazz pianist Monty Alexander. All the events have been free and open to the public.

CONTACT; FELICIA R. LEE DIRECTOR OF NEWS & INFORMATION 718-270-5046 Flee@mec.cuny.edu

military

men

... Trotman dismisses allegations ofgov V preference for ex-military personnel

By Frederick Halley MINISTER of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has scoffed at allegations that the administration is paying special attention to employing ex-military personnel.

Addressing a Stakeholder Engagement Session, themed "Guyana Rising from Potential to Prosperity." held at Westmount Event Centre. Toronto.

Canada last Saturday, minister Trotman emphatically denied the assumption from a member of the audience.

In a terse reply. Trotman said "it's not true at all." The minister pointed out that many people are being hired on a daily basis, some of them happened to have served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

They are citizens and are entitled to work if they have the qualifications and that should not exclude them."

Trotman said, if it is that others who are better qualified were bypassed, then there's an issue, "but

what I think what we are seeing is a large body of well-trained persons that was lying idle, people who wanted to give back."

Trotman alluded to the fact that perceptions do suggest that there is a preference for military or ex-military people, but he said that this is not so. "and bear in mind that we are a nation of less than a million people, so if you inject four persons from the military, it looks as though it's four hundred, but it's just four."

Responding to several complaints about the lack of action on previous issues facing members of the diaspora. minister Trotman disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently formulated a "Diaspora Strategy." which has been circulated within the last two weeks. The strategy, which will be up for further discussion at the heads of mission conference, is to be held in Guyana in early April. He also promised to bring up some of the matters with the minister of Foreign Affairs. Carl

1 r

A m 7

A member of the audience poses a question to Minister Trotman during the question and answer session Greenidge.

Concerning bottlenecks experienced by some members of the diaspora, including overseas-based alumnus, when exporting items to their homelands mostly as gifts, minister Trotman disclosed that the Ministry of Business, in conjunction with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have a preferential list for all importers. He said that it is a list that they

are now putting together of credible business places and importers so they can get immediate clearance of their goods but certainly the alumni associations will qualify.

Trotman further disclosed that the alumni associations shouldn't be caught in that clogging up kind of situation and that he is going to recommend that they be included as frequent importers.

Touching briefly on the crime situation. Trotman admitted that some of the crimes that are being committed he never imagined were possible, "the ease at which lives are being taken, husbands plotting to kill wives, wives plotting to kill husbands and the emergence of high incidence of gang-related crimesm. which have crept into our region."

Trotman said it is the

view of Caricom that several of these crimes emanate from North America into the Caribbean and Guyana has not been excluded. In light of this. Trotman disclosed that Caricom Heads of Government expressed grave concern at the level of crime in the Community and resolved to increase their efforts to curb the scourge, including greater focus on the social determinants of crime, especially among the youth.

"We have our own unique issue of suicide, which is unprecedented and it is a national crisis that has to be addressed."

Guyana's High Commissioner to Canada, Mrs. Clarissa Riehl, who was also present at the session, believed Guyana was on the verge of realising its great potential with the oil find and a better life is in the making for all Guyanese. According to Riehl, "this jump start of our economy is coming at a very timely manner and Guyana will seriously begin to move again."

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

tc>X

Clorox vs Peroxide VERY interesting and inexpensive. This was written by a doctor's wife in Indiana.

Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine , folks!

And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.

Please think about this: 1 Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out.

(I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cut-

In

HEALTH

M

0

ft

ft

EMPHASIS ON

T

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ting board, pour peroxide on it to kill sal- few minutes, and then blow your nose into monella and other bacteria. a tissue.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years 9. If you have a terrible toothache and until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% perof peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every oxide into your mouth and night and let dry. hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will 6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to lessen greatly. ten minutes several times a 10. And of course, if you day. My husband has seen like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was your wet hair after a shower healed by soaking in peroxide. and comb it through. You will rogen p 7. Fill a spray bottle with not have the peroxide-burnt eroxide 3° u fir a 50/50 mixture of peroxide blonde hair like the hair dye *tAU Antiaapdc packages but more natural and Water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without highlights if your hair is a harming your septic system light brown, reddish, or dirty like bleach or most other disblonde. It also lightens graduinfectants will. ally, so it's not a drastic 8. Tilt your head back change.

11. Put half a bottle of and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever peroxide in your bath to help you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bub- get rid of boils, fungus, or other skin infecble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a tions.

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12.. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13.1 use peroxide to clean my mirrors.

There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this, 14. Another place it's great is in the bathroom, if someone has been careless and has wet on the floor around the toilet and it's begun to smell of urine. Just put some peroxide in a spray bottle and spray. In the blink of any eye all the smell will be gone and the bacteria eliminated!

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle, no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner! This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too.

Pass it on! Clorox vs peroxide VERY interesting and inexpensive.

Undocumented

(from page 7) Deportation, the authors conclude that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than native-bom Americans. Mr. Trump must understand that breaking the law by overstaying their visas or entering the United States illegally does not predispose undocumented immigrants to commit crimes.

So the only purpose of publishing a list of crimes committed by "aliens" as a function of this VOICE set up can only be to stigmatize and criminalize the immigrant population — including the undocumented — a tried, true and proven method of inciting bigotry and contempt for a specific group of people. But the danger inherent in Tmmp's plan barkens back to a period in United States history when non-White, immigrant and indigenous populations were marginalized and scapegoated as "savage," "ungodly," "sinful," and "criminal."

There is enough historical evidence to prove the horrific scapegoating of AfricanAmericans and Native Americans for crimes they didn't commit. But the creation of lists of so-called "criminals" of a certain ethnicity to publish for public consumption brings to mind the most famous scapegoating of a population in recent history — the systematic persecution of the Jewish population of Europe during the Nazi era. The point of Tmmp's list-publishing department in the DHS is simply to stoke anti-immigrant paranoia, almost entirely directed at Blacks (killings in Chicago), Latinos, Muslims and non-White "others." The parallel to Nazi Germany is ugly but it's accurate.

Today the undocumented population lives in a state of fear and anxiety driven by the televised national crackdown by ICE agents and police. The next step for the Tmmp Administration is to create a Muslim database. It has not done so as yet but

nobody should be fooled by this administration, The implications of the VOICE program is an escalation of Tmmp's war on immigrants — ALL immigrants and makes abundantly clear that no matter how much he modulates his tone to "look presidential," and how many times he uses a genuflecting media to fake some kind of "pivot," Tmmp and his cohorts are prepared to go in the most sinister direction.

Here's CNN (www.cnn.com ) recent article under caption: "Tmmp's cmel baitand-switch on immigration."

"Then came Tmmp's address before Congress, and his tme intentions were revealed. His talk of immigration reform, we now know, was just that: Talk. At best, his earlier statements about immigration reform were a publicity stunt designed to gin up interest (and ratings, which Tmmp is obsessed with) in his speech. At worst, this bait-andswitch was a cmel hoax perpetrated on millions of undocumented people who might have briefly hoped for a reprieve from possible deportation.

"In fact, Tmmp's speech offered little meaningful policy on immigration, beyond conflating immigrants with crime and misrepresenting key facts underlying illegal immigration. Tellingly, there was no mention of offering legalization to anyone."

This is a very dark period in American history. But something will give — the oppressed can be oppressed only so much before they realize that they have nothing to lose "but their chains." When this happens people of goodwill will come together to take on the oppressor. And like everything in human progress this stmggle will create the conditions for change, development, and a more just civil society. Be warned: the war is coming.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

Peter Haynes

THE

25

ROLE AND IMPORTANCE

OF

SPORTS EV SOCIETY

This return to the issue of sports in the school curriculum has been prompted by recent reports that operators of private schools and providers of private lessons are protesting the payment of taxes on the vast incomes that they earn from their after-school sessions with literally hundreds of students five — and even six — days a week. I have stated before, and still contend

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that if these teachers were doing their jobs of teaching their after-school students the same curriculum during regular school hours, there would really be no need for after-school lessons.

As stated in previous columns, the teachers who conduct classes before and after the regular school hours are very likely too tired to perform at their best during the school day, hence the opening for children to receive extra lessons after school to make up for the teaching shortfalls in the classroom.

Last week, while visiting the Section "K" Campbellville area, I

were advised more than a year ago by the current administration that a National Sports Policy would be presented this year, none has been forthcoming.

Of course, the same promise was made by the previous administration for many years, and while nothing ever appeared, that was not surprising inasmuch as, to the best of my knowledge, the previous decision makers had little knowledge

observed an after-school Mathematics "school" in session with at least 50 children of different grades; the operator of this after school programme is apparently very popular, because children from several schools were in attendance.

With parents obsessed with their children succeeding at school, many are spending vast sums on these private lessons although there is no guarantee that their children will succeed or even achieve the most desired Grade One passes.

Interestingly, this state of affairs gives rise to the question of whether the parents' outlays are refunded by the teachers when their children are not successful. Another question which comes to mind is how much time these parents spend each day with their children, given that quality parenting involves dedicating time to childrearing.

A related issue concerns the return of sports programmes to

about what a National Sports Policy should include, not to mention that they never achieved much success in performing in any game.

Nate Lowrey, in an essay entitled "The role of Sports in Today's Society," has indicated that his obsession with sports and the role they play in society can be narrowed down to four main pillars: 1. Sports teaches life skills; 2. Sports teaches character;

school curricula. Promises to do this have not been fulfilled, and such activities are needed now

plains, "After playing days, sports role in society would be the skills it gives an individual — time management, dedication and determination, which would lead to

more than ever when so much of a child's day seems to be spent dealing with bookwork. Indeed, we are now nearing the end of the first quarter of 2017, and although we

3.Sports provide a family; and 4. Sports provides an emotional escape.

The role of Sports has been debated from time immemorial: sports is a vital part of society, both as an educational fixture and an entertainment enterprise, and it is an integral element of human and social development. It therefore contributes to social cohesion, tolerance, and integration, and is in addition an effective channel for physical expression. As Lowrey ex-

someone in the workforce or wherever doing better because of what they learned in sports."

Sports have also provided countless situations to teach individuals various lessons of character: not only does sports primarily reveal one's character, but perhaps its most important aspect is that it offers lessons on ethics. Sports builds the character attributes that are needed throughout life, and many athletes are really admired for their character, quite apart from their prowess in respective sports: In fact, sports shapes who we are! Some more insights from Lowrey are that, "The team is like family — just as we go out and support a blood relative, in sports we feel and do the same to and for our team mates."

Moreover, "Sports is a raw form of entertainment — we keep talking about the amazing moments that are not written, or how much pure joy come from winning a

championship or making that goal —you can't script that stuff." Some personalities have pointed out that sports provides an escape from the trials and tribulations of life, and it does provide the most fun one can legally have with one's body in public!

Guyana's reputation for educational excellence has been challenged in recent years by serious declines in services and curricular shortcomings: now that we have embarked on a serious effort at renewal and nation-building, we must demand the rapid presentation of a comprehensive National Sports Policy that takes our children's formation into serious consideration and makes sports into an important part of their learning experience, and surely one that has more worth than costly after-school cramming.

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26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

56 Years Ago Joe Solomon

created

History

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For as long as he lives he will be remembered for the most famous throw in cricket history — which brought about the first tied Test Match fby SHAN -- RAZACK pairing the damage in a fourth wicket partWhere were you when Joe Solomon gathered and threw the nership of 174. The all-rounder scored a ball to run out Ian Meekiff to record the first tied match swashbuckling 132 in 194 minutes including in Test cricket history. This match was played between 21 blistering fours and prompted the legAustralia and the West Indies at Brisbane, on Dec 9-14,1960 — 56 endary Don Bradman to visit the dressing room to congratulate him, while sports jouryears ago?

I was at the Rose Hall Estate Boys' won the hearts of the partisan Australians nalist Johnny Moyes concluded that it ranked Club with two friends Ivor Liverpool and and were given a farewell parade on their among the most outstanding seen in AusI tralia since the halcyon days of Bradman and James Rose (who later became Vice-Chan- way to the airport.

(Stan) McCabe.

Worrell's 65 was also a mascellor of the University of Guyana) attending This feat put Joe Solomon in the limea youth leader seminar at Skeldon Commu- light, his fellow Guyanese Rohan Kanhai terpiece. Solomon stepped on his wicket nity Center. and Basil Butcher were heralded in the after he had made a sound 65. Frank AlexanThe seminar was attended by male and county of Berbice and Guyana for their ex- der chipped in with 60 as West Indies raced female youths from the community centers ploits in the West Indies team. Immediately to a formidable 453.

Australia replied with a mammoth 505 across the sugar belt. It was under the aus- after this spectacular feat, it thrust Joe also and this was due mainly to the determination pices of the Guyana Sugar Producers Asso- into the limelight and he enjoyed the popuJOE SOLOMON of Bobby Simpson (92) and Norman O'Neil ciation (GSPA) and was conducted by larity that his two mates from Port Mouran leaving Brisbane that day."

Cricket Coach Clyde Walcott and female were enjoying. For years after the trio were who made his highest Test score 181. West Wes Hall, a bowler of great pace had welfare officer Ruby Samlalsingh. What I rethe Australians reeling on their knees with membered vividly is that we stayed up into half the side out for a meager 57, with Hall the wee hours of the morning listening to that taking four for 37, a partnership of 35 bematch. Afterwards we try to get some sleep, tween Davidson and Ken "The Slasher" and as we slept, a few of the guys 'painted McKay checked the rout, but at 92, McKay our faces with either toothpaste or black shoe was bowled all ends up by Sonny Ramadhin. polish. When we woke up, we looked as Richie Benaud, the Australian skipper joined though we were preparing for the Black and Davidson and the two batted with such deWhite Minstrel Show, which was popular in termination and judgment that they were still _ Hi the 60s in London. there at tea time. / The match will be remembered not only When play resumed Australia needed as one of the most exciting in the history of 120 runs in 123 minutes. Worrell could have the game but for its sporting spirit, excellent used defensive tactics, but instead both capcricket, climaxed in the most breath taking tains wanted all or nothing. Davidson and finish in the final over.

The greatest Test of all. The final play of the first Tied Test, Australia vs West Indies Benaud, the troublesome pair continued to Surely there are a number of present at Brisbane, 14 December, 1960. Joe Solomon is seen at far left with pointed hand. bat intelligently, playing each ball on its day cricketers who were not even bom then merit and running between the wickets was to experience the grandeur and excitement recognized as the golden trio and are always Indies second innings of 284 was largely due well judged. With 30 minutes left and 27 which had prevailed, but for the rest of us mentioned in the same breath — Kanhai, to the artistry of Worrell (65) and the genius runs to go, Worrell took the new ball hoping of Rohan Kanhai, who was in full exotic who were fortunate to be around at the time, Butcher and Solomon. to get a break through. By this time it seemed Commenting on the match 56 years flight with (54), Joe Solomon, was a model a sure win for Australia, unless something it is a treasure of nostalgia.

If it were not for television coverage, later, Joe Solomon said; "Back home in of consistency, he made 47. With a miraculous happened, the world would've missed one of the sport's Guyana, I used to hit the stumps regularly. lead of 52, Australia was set to score and miraculously it most enduring images — when Joe Solomon That was regular practice that we did, we'd 233 for victory, a task which seemed did. produced a magnificent piece of fielding to have to bet on who could hit the wickets at the time quite easy for the batsmen Joe Solomon of the caliber of run out Ian Meekiff with a direct hit from a down. And as boys we would transformed the Simpson, Harvey, throw deep on the point boundary. It was the throw at the mangoes to get course of the match O'Neil, Favell, Bethem down from the trees. I with his dynamitic naud and above all believe all that came in to fielding, when he Allan Davidson. No make me a good pitcher." gathered and threw 19 doubt this was the Another member of the the ball to run out Ian reason for the small nr side — Peter Lashley from Meekiff by inches to Barbados reflects: "1 was 1 crowd on the last day, secure the first tied and those who had atWESLEY HALL fielding close to Joe. I was at match in Test cricket. _ tended and planned square-leg and he was at This fleeting act ingrained Solomon's name to leave by the evening plane mid-wicket. The ball was were glad to wait until the in cricketing folklore and his other achievecoming to my right hand, jpni following morning. However, ments (only batsman to have scored four which was my throwing consecutive centuries at Bourda) paled by hand, and his left hand which was not his this was not to be. comparison. Solomon hit the stumps twice As Gideon Haigh rethrowing hand. I was the likely person to with direct throws which pick the ball up, but he'd just knock down lates in the Summer Game, were responsible for the disli'iiiim the stumps to run out (Allan) Davidson, and Keith Miller and Allan missals of Allan Davidson very first match of the series and set the stage he said, "move, move, move!" So I stopped, McGilli-vray, the commentaand Lindsay Kline. for one of the most competitive rubbers in which was unusual for me, he swooped and tors were flying into Sydney Allan Davidson who top Test history picked up the ball and hit the stumps again. when the hostess advised scored with a robust 80 was For as long as Joe lives — he is now 86 Had I picked up the ball there would have them that the match had finthe first of only three crickished "even." years old — he will be remembered for the been no tied Test! eters who have achieved the Miller: "You mean it most famous throw in cricket "double" of 100 runs and 10 Till MATCH wasn't a draw? folklore. He played 27 Tests wickets in a Test match. The West Indies batted first Hostess: "No, it wasn't as a middle order batsman other two were Ian Botham and were precariously placed a draw." but did nothing to match run114, 6-98 and 7-48 vs. India at 65 for three, losing CamMiller: "Then the West ning out the Australian to (Bombay) 1979/80, and mie Smith, Conrad Hunte and Indies won?"

SIR GARFIELD SOBERS record the historic result and Imran Khan 117, 6-98 and 5Rohan Kanhai, then Garry Hostess: "No, nobody highlight of the tourk no 82 against India (Faisalabad) 1982/83. Hall Sobers came and immedi- won it. I'll go back and find out." cricket fan will ever forget. and Davidson took the lion's share of the ately set about playing an inBy the time she returned with the full The home team went on to nings that would never be picture, McGillivray was the personification wickets, 20 in all. Hall took four for 140 and win the series by a 2-1 marforgotten. He and skipper of misery. "I have spent nearly 25 years," he five for 63. Davidson five for 134 and six for gin but the West Indies team Frank Worrell set about re- would write 25 years later, "being furious for 83. To be continued...

ROHAN KANHAI

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 10, 2017

27

Wi 1

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iTnVTHi ImMID

cvin Pietersen has rejoined Surrey for this year's NatWest T20 Blast, after withdrawing from the K aribbean Premier League.

Pietersen was expected to appear "I'm absolutely over the moon to for St. Lucia Stars (formerly Zouks) in be joining Surrey again. I've missed this year's CPL, which runs from Au- playing here at home and it's going to gust 1 to September 9. be a special feeling walking out at the But, as revealed by ESPNcricinfo, Kia Oval again," Pietersen said.

Pietersen has chosen instead to make a "We've got some seriously talreturn to English cricket, with this ented guys in our team and I'm very year's Blast set to be played in a block confident we can achieve something refrom July 7, with Finals Day on Sep- ally special this season. tember 2.

"I've had some great times at this While Pietersen is not a huge fan club and ground over the years; it's a of England's domestic T20 competition special place with top people, and I'm — he felt that playing just once a week looking forward to once again being rendered it difficult to find form or part of it." rhythm — the competition's return to Surrey's director of cricket, Alec something approaching a window in Stewart, said: "Re-signing KP is a mas2017 may has eased his concerns. sive boost to the club and the NatWest Pietersen opted out of the 2016 sea- T20 Blast competition. son, following final confirmation that his "To have a player of his undoubted England ambitions were over, but his re- calibre available to us will add strength lationship with Surrey has remained very and experience to our squad and I'm good, and the club never made any secret sure all our fans will enjoy seeing him of their desire to re-sign him when he be- back playing in England again. came available.

"His work ethic and appetite for

Playing

>

1 i KEVIN PEITERSEN success are infectious and our squad has always enjoyed having him around the dressing room and performing out in the middle."

Pietersen appeared in the 2014 and 2015 editions of the CPL but pulled out of last year's competition in order to

in Lahore felt like playing in St.

Darren Sammy, the Peshawar Zalmi captain, was one of nine overseas players who travelled to Lahore for the PSL final despite the security threat and his reason for doing so was to "bring back the smiles" on the faces of the fans.

Pakistan has hosted only one series of international cricket since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team and even then there had been the issue of a bombing on the edge of the security perimeter. Moreover, leading up to Sunday's match, there had been worrisome incidents across the country, including one in Lahore's own Defence Housing Authority. A blast had killed at least 10 people and left a dozen injured.

Pakistan did their best to mitigate the situation. The government's paramilitary force was deployed at Gaddafi stadium and the Rangers only made up one part of at least 10,000 security personal, which also included the Punjab police.

Sammy was one of four first-choice overseas players for Peshawar to still make the trip, along with West Indies team-mate Marlon Samuels and England's Chris Jordan and David Malan.

Quetta, however, lost a major part of the reason they made the final in the

first place, when Kevin Pietersen, Tymal Mills, Rilee Rossouw, Luke Wright and Nathan McCullum had pulled out of the match. They had to make do with last-minute changes, bringing in Bangladesh's Anamul Haque, South Africa's Mome van Wyk, Zimbabwe's Sean Ervine and West Indies' Ray ad Emrit.

The final was played with more than 22,000 people in attendance, who had assembled outside the ground in the afternoon in order to get through three layers of security before reaching their seats. And with Shahid Afridi out injured, Sammy was the one they cheered for the most.

"To me it was more than just a game," he said after Peshawar won the second edition of the PSL. "It started with the draft. Lala [Afridi] made the big announcement that I would be the captain and one of our mottos was to bring back the smiles, so I felt tonight I brought back a lot of smiles to Lahore and Peshawar. It is an amazing day and this trophy means a lot."

The Federation of International Cricketers' Association, in January, had warned that safety for the PSL final in Lahore could not be guaranteed and it wasn't until 24 hours before the match that the foreign players taking part in it

take some time off. He has spent recent months playing in South Africa's T20 Challenge, the BBL in Australia and the Pakistan Super League. The draft for the 2017 CPL is due to take place in Barbados on Friday.

ESPNCricInfo - Tuesday 7th March, 2017

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"When you have not been in a place you always have your doubts," Sammy said. "You get different views, different opinions. But I spoke to Javed [Afridi, the Peshawar team owner] and Shahid Afridi and they influenced my decision to come here. All the boys just made the decision that we are part of something, that we are coming down here for a good cause. The fans here deserve to see their players playing as they haven't seen this for quite a while.

I am glad I came here.

"I have enjoyed playing a cricket match [in Lahore] and I have even en-

joyed being with the security guys as I have never seen something like this before, so it was a good experience. It is hopefully a step in the right direction, where things could happen. What I can say is that being here felt like playing in St Lucia, playing in India or anywhere else in the world. And like I said at the toss, today I felt cricket was the winner."

The PCB had invited security advisors from the ICC and its member countries to watch the PSL final. Reports suggest they are keen to invite Bangladesh to tour Pakistan sometime in the future.

—ESPNCricInfo

New York

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ALEX Hales and Joe Root's centuries helped England complete a historic 3-0 one-day international whitewash with a 186-run trouncing of West Indies at the Kensington Oval.

Hales' comeback hundred, after breaking his hand in India and Root's first in this format for more than a year underpinned England's 328 all out with a second-wicket stand of 192.

West Indies' reply faltered immediately as both openers went in the space of the first nine legal deliveries en route to 142 all out in 39.2 overs. Chris Woakes (three for 16) and Liam Phmkett (three for 27) took most advantage of home failings - and England cruised to their first ODI whitewash success in the Caribbean, and victory by their fifth-highest runs margin.

Eoin Morgan's team can therefore press on towards the Champions Trophy with confidence enhanced after resounding success - albeit against inexperienced opponents who have not qualified for this summer's global event in England, and following tw o harder-fought wins in Antigua.

Hales (110) and Root (101) joined forces at 27 for one after England were put in as the Windies used the new ball well in awkward early conditions.

Hales responded with an innings containing nine fours and five sixes - the fourth maximum completing his 99-ball fifth ODI hundred with a mistimed hook over the wicketkeeper's

head off Alzarri Joseph (four for 76).

Root rode his luck a little to register his ninth century in this format, with 10 fours from 107 balls.

After Jason Roy planted a catch into the hands of mid-off. Root had two escapes. He was badly dropped on one by Evin Lewis at midwicket off Joseph before Ashley Nurse put down a tougher chance at a wide fourth slip when an edge on 12 off Jason Holder (three for 41) floated to the fielder's right but just carried.

Hales found the necessary momentum, largely by hitting Devendra Bishoo out of the attack.

The leg-spinner's fifth and last over cost 18 rans.

Hales' only moment of worry came on 93 when he missed a sweep at occasional off-spinner Kraigg Brathwaite and was given out Ibw but went to DRS - which overturned the decision because Hawk-Eye simulated the ball going shaight on from round the wicket to miss off stump.

The opener was in with an outside shot at breaking his own English record ODI score of 171 until he went after another big hit and steepled a catch to short fine leg off Joseph.

Out-of-form Jos Buttler was promoted but despite the bonus of a free-hit first ball, dispatching it for six over long-off after Joseph overstepped to Root. England's wicketkeeper

missed out again.

Morgan did too. but Root completed his century before his attempt to hit a six with the wind next ball got barely as far as deep mid-on. Moeen Ali became Joseph's second victim of the over when he chipped back a return catch for a golden duck to augment the young seamer's career-best.

England were still able to bag 87 for seven in a hectic last 10 overs. Holder taking two late wickets in tw o balls and Ben Stokes providing most of the tourists' muscle.

West Indies' chase never got started.

Extra bounce from Steven Finn and Woakes brought three simple catches with the new ball, tw o at midwicket and one straight back to the bowler.

Kieran Powell. Lewis - able to open following his trip to hospital for an x-ray on his wrist after falling on the concrete concourse as he stopped a boundary early in England's innings - and then Brathwaite were all found •L» 3

wanting as the total lurched to 13 for three.

The slide abated for a time, only for the inhoduction of Phmkett - who was on a hattrick at one point - to put the skids under the Windies' middle order too.

He produced a fine delivery to hold up from the angle and hit the top of Jason Mohammed's off-stump, and then took two in two as Shai Hope chipped a third catch into the leg-side ring and Holder got an inside-edge to the wicketkeeper.

The Windies were all but done at 45 for six.

Stokes then exacted instant revenge for last year's ICC World Twenty20 mauling from Carlos Brathwaite by pinning his fellow all-rounder Ibw with the only ball he bowled at him in the series.

Jonathan Carter's resistance fell four short of a half-century, but he did help stop England registering a new record margin of victorv.

Player of the Match Alex Hales receives prize cheque from ONEINDIG manager Ravindra Wadekar

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