Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 10 02 2017

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A section of the mammoth crowd during the peaceful protest outside City Hall, against the recently-introduced metered parking system in Georgetown (Samuel Maughn photo)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 10,2011

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Alliance for Change seeking to promote youth aim in IIS The Alliance for Change (AFC) is expected to boost activities that will see the promotion of its youth arm in the United States of America. By the end of the party's recently concluded National Conference, most of its positions had been changed after members had given their vote.

The conference had also

media during a press conference

seen voting conducted for posi-

that the youth members were

tions within the party's youth

grateful that the party would

arm. While it was noted that Eon

place much trust in their young

Eraser is the new Secretary Treas-

leaders. Rutherford said that the

urer, Shawna Nipaul Treasurer,

party had afforded a duly elected

Devon Sears General Secretary

national body, respected their

and Gerita Fernandez Vice Chair-

young members to adequately

man, Colin Haynes and Cynthia

represent their them by giving the

Rutherford were tied for the Pres-

president of the youth arm a vot-

idency.

ing seat on the national executive

After deliberations between

committee,

''Too

often youths

are excluded from the decision making process, and at times our contribu-

icYFC

tions are not reflected in polices f

Rutherford

FOR CHANGf GUYANA

stated.

She noted however that she and her team will dedicate their energies to working beyond the call of duty to ensure the interest of young people.

She said the youth members will reach out to young people within their various

communities

across Guyana through educational, sporting and

party leaders and other members,

Rutherford said that with

it was said that Haynes withdrew

one regional representative from

youth arm intends to work with

come involved in current affairs

his interest in the Presidency, with

each of the 10 administrative re-

the parent party to address issues

that sometimes affect them.

the

his

gions and the one representative

such as unemployment and un-

The youth president said her

the

that will hail from the US branch,

deremployment, as well as abuse

team will also try to promote and

they make up the national execu-

and the apparent growing lack of

secure scholarships for the young

tive of the youth arm.

interest by young people to be-

people they represent.

intention of focusing

strengths

on

promoting

party s youth arm in the US. Rutherford

had

told

the

training

Cynthia Rutherford YFC President

activities. The

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 10, 2017 1

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The Zena Henry Column It has been said time and time again that Guyana is going to take centre stage on the world scene really soon. The country is becoming the proud producer of billions of barrels of oil and the extremely small population will see an influx of foreigners visiting and even coming for business opportunities.

What the government described as a broken system is now under repair.

They have implemented many mechanisms that are geared to the country's development, many of those are in the form of taxation; which is the main source of revenue. The Minister of Finance insists it is necessary for advancing the country. The government has also explained that they are closing all loopholes and ensuring that wealth and opportunity are being distributed equally. Systematic functions, the government say are being made easier to accommodate business and the easy flow of transactions.

Where room existed for cheating citizens within the system through corruption and other unscrupulous acts, the government says if the problem has not already been fixed it is being investigated with the aim of finding a remedy.

However, not everything the government does seem to be sitting well with citizens, who for various reasons are rebelling against government implementations. Some persons say that the changes being made by the government are coming all at once making it hard for people to adjust, while some complain that very little public consultations arc being held to acquaint citizens with measures and to get their views on the issues. Other persons seem to be re-

belling at the behest of others, whether it be a political party, or a group.

Business people and the ordinary man have said that economic activity has slowed down and that less money is circulating. It is however expected that

to which many are attesting. This is one of the areas that citizens so desperately wanted fixed. The norm that previously it was necessary to have to slip your attendant something on the side to get efficient public services is no longer in effect. The processing of documents and other related transactions was time consuming and sometimes frustrating.

Some citizens say that while the services have improved, the cost has increased.

That is nonetheless, a stepping stone towards our seriousness in making

1 /4/

5t— 71

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They are ready to charm you with Guyanese hospitality.

Guyana a place to be proud of and to live comfortably. When Guyana's oil begins to pour, like many other oil producing nations, the country's business prospects are suppose to improve, while the charges to receive these services will be reduced. With the strategic geo— WANTED — graphic location Guyana occupies, sitting in the centre of the Caribbean, Central and South America, the future ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES augurs well for this country.

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated For the first time, many foreigners sales representatives to join our team selling print and on-line will be healing about Guyana, some of advertising to an established account list. them who have already heard the name The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is a weekly newspaper, Guyana, often times get it confused with carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and Ghana and believe that the country is the Caribbean and is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and somewhere in Africa.

Many foreigners will just be comthe Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyanachronicle.com). ing to visit Guyana, which will boost Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, our budding tourism industry. The counanticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If try will sell its flora and fauna and you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you. showcase its iconic Kaieteur Falls and Email your resume and references other natural wonders. This will bring to Dennis Nelson @ jobs for the businesses associated with dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com tourism such as: restaurants, hotels and or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview. guest houses, tour guides and entertainwhen certain changes are made, it may lead to a slow down, before it picks up momentum.

One noted improvement however, is the improved functioning of services

ment, taxi services , etc.

Foreign investment will also come to the country and Guyana Sprouts suspects that it will not only be monetary investments but there could very well be a boost in the investment in people through scholarships and other forms when these visitors see what the Guyanese people have to offer.

It will be the responsibility of the government to ensure that Guyana provides the avenues to accommodate these great expectations by putting the right measures in place, such as strong legislation to protect intellectual property.

The government will have to increase the infrastructure and other amenities that contribute to the ease of living to make it more appealing to citizens whose outlook on the country is what will be projected regionally and internationally.

Recently, the Minister of Foreign Affaires Carl Greenidge took umbrage to a Huffington Post article written by a member of Greenpeace US, when the article basically described Guyana as a weak pawn to be used by the oil company drilling here; since Guyana knew nothing about oil legislation of dealing with multi-billion dollar international companies.

Greenidge called it an attack on the dignity of a sovereign country. The Minister was more or less disturbed according to him, at how the writer chose to describe Guyana as a lame country without knowing the background; struggles and achievements made since its independence.

It was notable too, that while the media picked up on the article it was dealt with swiftly and put to rest by the government to say that America will not be writing the country's oil laws.

To many countries, especially large First World countries, Guyana is a much too small economy to be talking about, especially when its people are still divided. A new era is coming for Guyana and Guyanese will be responsible for boosting the country's image.

So, fellow Guyanese, Guyana Sprouts suggests that instead of getting riled up about what some American writer thinks of our country, let us settle our differences and show the world that this "weak pawn" is prepared to deal with any and everyone in a professional and knowledgeable manner and those who believe that this country will be — to put it in local parlance "A walk over, will have a rude awakening."

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

5

The Things

That

Botltar

Me

Handel Andrews Column

REMEMBERING

LADY

ELLA

Ella Fitzgerald is on every jazz lover's list of great American (JATP) concerts. Granz, founder of jazz singers. She is number one on my list. Scott Yanow, in Verve Records , became her manager). However, it took a decade behis biography of the great artist says: "Ella Fitzgerald was arfore he could record her on his label. guably the finest female jazz singer of all time (although some may vote When bebop overtook swing for Sarah Vaughan or Billie Holiday). Blessed with a beautiful voice and around 1946, Lady Ella changed her a wide range, Fitzgerald could outswing anyone, was a brilliant scat vocal style to suit the new medium. singer, and had near-perfect elocution; one could always understand the The immortal, the divine Dizzy Gillespie greatly influenced this. words she sang. The greatest female interpreter of the American songScat, vocal improvisation with wordbook." less vocables, nonsense syllables or Growing up in British Guiana (now month, the brilliant and popular band without words at all, became part of Guyana), 1 listened to her on the juke leader Chick Webb asked her to test with her repertoire. "Her 1945 scat boxes around town. The first time 1 heard the band at a Yale University dance. recording of "Flying Home" her in person was in the 60s at Massey She was well received by both audiarranged by Vic Schoen would later Hall in Toronto, Canada. I will never for- ence and the band. Webb hired her and she be described by The New York Times get the evening. When the curtains were played with the band during its memoas "one of the most influential vocal drawn, the MC simply said, "Ladies and rable Savoy Ballroom days. Songs she jazz records of the decade . . . Where Gentlemen, Miss Ella Fitzgerald." Out recorded with the band included: "Love other singers, most notably Louis walked the great lady. She bowed grace- and kisses", "Mr. Paganini" and the 1938 Armstrong, had tried similar improv15-year-old Buddy Bregman. They were fully and in her unique, fine voice said, version of the nursery rhyme "A-Tisket Aisation, no one before Miss Fitzgerald em- there to start work on Ella Fitzgerald "Thank you." She gave a performance for Tasket." Later that year, she recorded "/ ployed the technique with such dazzling Sings the Cole Porter Songbook. it was to the ages — singing songs I grew up with. found my yellow basket.' inventiveness." Her bebop recording of be the first in a series of eight albums When Chick Webb died in 1939, his EARLY DAYS "Oh, Lady Be Good\" (1947) was simi- recorded at irregular intervals to 1964. band was renamed Ella and Her Famous She was born Ella Jane Fitzgerald larly popular and increased her reputation Ella explored the Great American SongOrchestra. Between 1935 and 1942, she April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Viras one of the leading jazz vocalists." book, songwriter by songwriter. The alrecorded 150 songs with it. Many critics ginia, the daughter of William Fitzgerald On March 15,1955, because of Mar- bums are " The Cole Porter Songbook, consider most of these songs as "novelties and Temperance "Tempie", an unmarried ilyn Munroe's lobbying the owner, Queen The Rodgers and Hart Songbook, The and disposable pop fluff." couple. Her parents separated when she Ella made her first engagement at the Duke Ellington Songbook, The Irving was two and her mother married Joseph SOLO CAREER Moambo night club in Hollywood. The Berlin Songbook, The George and Ira da Silva. The family moved to Yonkers, Queen Ella went solo in 1942 and the First Lady was not the first African AmerGershwin Songbook, The Harold Arlen New York. world of music was better for it. However, ican to perform there. Singers Herb JefSongbook, The Jerome Kern Songbook Ella attended Benjamin Franklin Jun- she continued under contract with Delta fries, Eartha Kitt and Joyce Bryant had and The Johnny Mercer Songbook. ior High School from 1929. Her parents records and Milt Gabler continued as her done this in 1952 and 1953.

"These albums include some of the were devout members of Bethany manager. Her recordings on this label with On February 7, 1956 Ella Fitzgerald greatest songs of the composers featured.

Methodist Episcopal Church, which she greats, such as Bill Kenny and the Ink was at the Capitol Studios in Hollywood They are considered a cornerstone of 20th attended with them. It was there that she Spots, Duke Ellington and Louis Jordan to begin "one of the most remarkable secentury recorded popular music, and as a received her early influences in music, were very popular with the public. ries of recordings in the history of modem whole, represent some of the finest intersinging in the choir.

Ella worked regularly for the jazz music. Joining her was Norman Granz, the pretations of the greater part of the musiHer other musical influences in- impresario Norman Granz and appeared founder and guiding light behind Verve (continued on page 10) cluded Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby and regularly in his Jazz at the Philharmonic Records and his arranger and A&R man, the Boswell Sisters.

In 1932, her mother died from ini \ juries suffered in a car accident. The fol»rv Boston Shipping lowing year, Ella moved to her aunt in Harlem. Around this period, she began i £^ skipping school and was, at times, a lookInc. out for a numbers runner. When the authorities arrested her, she was first placed We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door in the Colored Orphan Asylum in Riverdale, Bronx. Later, she was moved TO WE SHIP to the New York Training School for Girls in Hudson, New York, a state reformatory.

GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS After she escaped, she was homeless for a TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES brief period.

GRENADA, BARBADOS During 1933-1934, she earned a livDOCUMENTS IM ing by singing on Harlem's streets. HowST. VINCENT LUGGAGE ever, on November 21, 1934 an event ST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES changed her life forever. She participated in Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE Connie Boswell of the Boswell Sisters CONTAINERS being her inspiration, she sang "Judy" and FAST RELIABLE SERVICE "The Object of my Affection" in her style.

CARS & REASONABLE RATES This gained her first prize and she received $25 prize money. "In theory, she also won the chance to perform at the BOSTON SHIPPING ENTERPRISES. INC. Apollo for a week but, seemingly because of her disheveled appearance, the theater 506 Ilccatur Street (Corner of Ralph Avc.) Brooklyn, NY 11233 never gave her that part of her prize."

In January 1935, she performed for 718. 443.8400 Fax: 718. 443.8403 one week with the Tiny Bradshaw Orchestra at the Harlem Opera House. The same

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

(T^rpnlclc^

K

New

Drop-in

Centre

I ditor In ( hict Nigel Williams Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com u nigcl IOC" hotniail.corn gnnlcditorial (a gnidil.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

Cbitoml

An

enlightening

to

be

MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, said that land has been acquired for the construction of a new Drop-in Centre at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Minister Ally told the Government Information Agency (GINA). that since her assumption to office, she has been working to move ahead with the constraction of the new Drop-in Centre to properly cater for vulnerable children. "Since I've come to this Ministry I have been able to secure a piece of land where we are going to build the Drop-in Centre. We are currently awaiting the paper work to be done so that we can go ahead with the constraction." Minister Ally explained.

built

at

Sophia

moving apace for the constraction of a shelter for victims of Domestic and Sexual abuse. The shelter will be constructed in the compound of the Mahaica Hospital.

Minister Ally explained that the design has been completed and the ministry is currently awaiting approval from the Islamic Development Bank for the project to commence. Ally said the shelter will be able to accommodate 20 families or about 100 persons; mainly survivors of domestic violence. "At the end of the day when you're finished doing all the different things what next? What do you do with the survivors? There must be a place to shelter them and that is what we're working

The Minister of Social Protection explained that the current building has been proven inadequate to house vulnerable children; it lacked the required facilities and space. Ally said once completed. the new building will accommodate children, as well as three families and will have all the necessary facilities and safety features.

In July 2016. the Drop-in Centre at Hadfield Street, was destroyed by a fire which claimed the lives of two brothers: six year old Joshua George and two year old Antonio George. The preliminary report on the fire found that the centre had systemtic problems and bad policy arrangements for fire.

Meanwhile, plans are also

towards." Minister Ally underlined.

The minister said her Ministry is also working on several rolled-over projects, including the rehabilitation on the Palms and the Ministry's Cornhill Street location among others. Additionally, the Ministry is constructing sidewalks at probation officers offices in Regions Five and Six so as to allow for easier access to their offices. From the $16.6B allocated for the Social Protection Ministry in the 2017 National Budget, $20M will be used for preliminary works on the Sophia Drop-in Centre and $4M for the construction of the domestic violence centre.

experience LAST Friday, City Hall saw hundreds of demonstrators, for and against, the parking meters. Casual observers may be inclined to see this as another protest, expressing views to influence a particular decision, one way or the other.

But this protest represented and brought to the fore many experiences that should be noted, deliberated on and hopefully influence policies and programmes in the right direction.

Those against the parking meters presented various reasons. Among the crowd were those who observers would be quick to note, and not without merit, when the PPP/C was in government they were silent or tepid to its wrongs or benefitted through direct relations. Others note that some of these same persons are present beneficiaries of the APNU+AFC government and deemed them the socalled fortunate or opportunists to benefit at the political level, regardless of who holds office.

Then there was the deputy mayor, who rejected the project from the inception and though some of his reasons are not without merit, in that the City Council voted in favour of and was in the counter-protesting group and he on the other side, sparked distinct conversation. The raw exchanges ~ placards and vocal ~ between the sides were spirited, though understandably it is not unusual or unfair to expect government representatives, irrespective of tiers or branches, acting in a manner consistent with the role government ought to play in citizens' lives.

Something is happening in the society which became clearer in Friday's protest. Outside of recognition that it creates opportunity for the enterprising to acquire land within the city to construct car parks and provide similar service at competitive rates, the politics could not be missed. The opposition PPP/C is playing a role in the parking meter protest. It is an organisation that represents constituents whose right to freedom of expression, including dissent, is constitutionally protected. When in government, the PPP/C was not so accepting of this right being enjoyed by others. Notably, the Leader of the Opposition as President governed with an iron fist, where few dare to cross him or speak out against any of this action, programme or policy, out of fear for the ill-fated consequences it brought.

Even as the PPP/C seized the opportunity to make its

Age

is just

Dear Editor, I WISH to support the excellent letter written by Dr David Hinds in KN of 1/2/17, making a strong case against terminating the services of proficient and effective officials on the basis of their age, irrespective of their competencies.

As a long-serving international Human Resource Management professional (and as one who is already past the biblical 'three score years & 10' but still gainfully employed, thank God!).

I can attest to the fact that age is not

a

number

necessarily a measure of someone's ability to perform well. Indeed, there are numerous examples of persons in their 50s and 60s who are already mentally and physically 'challenged' if not 'retired', while there are others who are decades older but still performing optimally.

The challenge is to assess persons based on objective appraisals of their performance and potential without undue consideration of their dates of birth. This is especially important in our Guyana context, where there is no surfeit of skilled and effective persons

political point, and observers are concerned the APNU+AFC is creating the atmosphere for the PPP/C's return to office, it need not be ignored the opportunity presented now to fearlessly dissent is not lost to many. At the same time, whereas government is respectful of this right, which correspondingly signals to the police non-permission to batter and bratalise protestors as would have been the norm, it cannot ignore rising dissent.

When dissent and alternative views are ignored by the incumbent. these always work against them. The goodwill that gave rise to the APNU+AFC's victory was an investment by the people in the nation's welfare and development. Such a leap of faith should not be seen as one-off thinking, but a privileged opportunity to provide needed leadership that would create the space the people require to grow and develop. To see protests as something to be ignored ~ even though the

and where the dearth of suitable technical and professional persons is likely to become more acute in the coming years.

Why put out some of our skilled and effective Guyanese professionals to pasture on the questionable pretext of age, while retaining even older others who are not necessarily more effective; in any event, there is no proof that they are denying opportunities for younger compatriots!

Regards, Nowrang Persaud

opposition may be using such events as redemptive opportunity and to re-enter office ~ would not help the society or its people. Our society has created a subculture where politics is seen as an opportunity to look after self and not serve the people. Self-serving practices when in public service are debilitating to the society, given that they will make people lose interest in the political process, which would undermine the authority and reasons why governments exist.

People are more enlightened today. This enlightenment would obviously come with greater demands and expectations of their governments. Government should not see enlightenment as hindrance ~ particularly in our representative system of democracy ~ but opportunity to pay heed and re-evaluate perceptions ~ real or perceived ~ about them. The parking meter protest allows for this and it should be seized.

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

7

A view from New York Celebrating

The

72nd

UK WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

I Birthday Of Bob Stroncj — Insparancg BuiH On

Marley An Essay by: Michael D. Roberts

The Supreme Rastaman would be pleased. In fact, I believe message was inherently that he's smiling at the fact that 36 years after he went to the and basically political: he Ancestors, his music is still relevant, his name still popular, preached an end to racial and urged and his brand still strong and intact. Any discussion of the Life and oppression Blacks to be proud of their Times of Robert Nesta Marley inevitably segues into a discussion heritage. So in his own of Jamaican Reggae Music in general, and his contribution to its right Marley was a Third growth and development, in particular.

Black ambassador, musical inno- vocal critics, and Jamaica reggae World music pioneer who vator, and gifted with visionary talents, music purists, Marley came under eventually turned into a suBob Marley's music today still speak heavy fire, in those early days, because perstar.

Marley was also a volumes about a man whose every it was felt that he was prostituting word and sentence was written with roots reggae music and betraying it to staunch advocate of conscious lyrics as he urged the emancipation of "his people" — people "inna Babylon."

Black people to think posiBlack people — in mind. And in his Along with his group, the Wallown way he not only identified the ers, that he formed in 1964, and which tive and do positive things. problems plaguing the so-called included two other great reggae lead- Nowadays it is fashionable "Third World" but offered solutions to ers in their own right — Peter Tosh to hear gurus of self-help them. That is why the music of the and Bunny Livingston, known world- working their spiel about Supreme Rastaman, as I like to call wide as Bunny Waller — Bob Marley positive thoughts. You him, endures to this very day. Indeed, was the great popularizer of reggae would think that they had the greatness of Boh Marley is that his music. It was he and the Wallers who listened to the Great Rastapopularity and staying quality outlasts infused this "island music" with Amer- man. Like Malcolm X and It is perhaps this prophetic qualail the present crop of reggae artistes. ican pop and rock, making it attractive Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Bob Marley ity that has made Robert Nesta Marley This Black History Month Mar- to international music consumers, and was acutely aware of the necessity to a Third World legend and Reggae's ley would have turned 72 years — had which gave it its enduring, lasting, "al- deal firmly with situations that deonly superstar. So as we celebrate the manded strong action. That did not he lived. And we can only speculate as ways fresh" quality. mean that he advocated unbridled, anniversary of his birth on February 6, to what music he would have conBut even when Marley sung sowe must remember his passing and cocted in that fertile and creative mind called lovey-dovey ballads and drew confrontational violence, but he underpay respect to his works. He was, unof his as he "trod down Babylon." To the ire of the "rude boys" of Jamaica's stood that the poor and oppressed had my mind the Supreme Rastaman still slums and garrison communities, his a duty to resist these things that were (continued on page 20) part of "Babylon." sings — getting better and better with each passing day. In the dancehalis of Brooklyn, the Caribbean basements of Canada, or the open tropical spaces of the Caribbean, Bob Mar"psS BaRcrv & Restaurant ley's timeless music lives on. His 9 C GT STYLE works continue to give new hope to the world's oppressed and solace to 917llticaAve. Catering for all Occasions Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner 718-485-2020 the downtrodden as he urges Black and Brown people to "Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your rights."

5 if" J A versatile entertainer, he was Delicious Home Breads singer, songwriter, expert guitarist and above all a pragmatic Rastaman. % '•? lirasun Tastes So Good .. .All You Need Is Water Robert Nesta Marley was bom in St. Ann, Jamaica, on Febmary 6,1945. He - Also sample our mouth-watering pastries — I died May 11,1981. Bob Marley, as he — Guyanese Home-style Cooking — is popularly known the world over, was the individual most responsible for ♦ Black Pudding + Souse & ♦ Cook-up taking reggae out of Jamaica's ghettos and "tenement yards," and making it are just a few of our specialties an internationally accepted musical genre.

— We Cater For All Occasions — -I With uncanny vision, Marley adroitly and skillfully altered indigenous traditional Jamaican roots music, making it more acceptable to jvisit us @ 917 Utica Ave. in Brooklyn snydenJSest the picky international market and consumer. Curiously, before he or call (718) 485 -2020 to place your order would win over his many and quite

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

►

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND T0URISIV

Hilega Hit Makers Join Lineup For 2017 St Kitts Music Festivalf First Wave of Signups:

Shabba Ranks, Mavado, Jab Cure and Goo Goo DoUs

BASSETERRE: Chart topping Dancehall artistes Shabba Ranks, Jab Cure, IVIavado and renowned American Rock band Goo Goo Dolls are the first wave of artistes signed to perform at the 21st Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place June 22-24,2017.

"We are very pleased to welcome these The GOO GOO DOLLS are well prolific artistes to St. Kitts," said the Hon. known for their commercially successful Lindsay F. P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, In- 1998 single Ms. They also have had several ternational Trade, Industry & Commerce. other notable and popular singles including "This mix of dancehall and rock-n-roll per- Name, Naked, Slide, Black Balloon, Here formances speaks to the dynamic diversity of Is Gone, Better Days, Give a Little Bit, Stay the St. Kitts Music Festival, which has be- with You and Home. The Goo Goo Dolls come a successful platform for driving have had 19 top ten singles on various tourism to our shores during the start of what charts, and have sold more than 12 million is typically our low season for visitor ar- albums worldwide rivals."

Now entering its 21st year, the St. Kitts MAVADO, is a Jamaican deejay, singer Music Festival attracts both locals and visand songwriter. He is also known as Singing itors alike. It features a wide range of musiBlacks and Gully Gawd. His most popular cal styles on the popular market, including songs include Caribbean Girl, Settle Down, R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, CaBig League, Money Can't Buy Life, lypso, Gospel and Contemporary music.

Progress and Gyal A Mad Over.

Past artists have included such prominent JAH CURE is known as the "King of acts as John Legend, Lionel Richie, Jason Lovers Rock and Roots Reggae," and was Derulo, Trey Songz, T-Pain, Michael mentored by Beres Hammond. His most Bolton, R. City, K.C. and the Sunshine popular album The Cure, dominated the Band, UB40's Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, billboard reggae charts for a phenomenal 36 Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny "Babyface" Edweeks and was nominated for Best Reggae monds, Shaggy, Kelly Rowland, Tarrus Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

Riley, Tessanne Chin, Toni Braxton, Beenie SHABBA RANKS was one of the most Man, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, popular dancehall artists of his generation Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King and was also one of the first Jamaican dee- Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, jays to gain worldwide acceptance. His Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Roberta biggest hit single outside of Jamaica was the Flack, Biggie Me, and Lord Nelson.

For more information about the St. Kitts Music Festival, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or "like" the St. Kitts Music Festival's Face book page.

reggae fusion smash Mr. Lover Man. Other tracks include Respect, Pirates Anthem, Trailer Load A Girls, Wicked inna Bed, Caan Dun, and Ting A Ling.

■»

SHABBA RANKS

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

9

Pres Granger visits Haiti for Still

no

way

out

- protestors differ on solution to parking meter controversy

By Ravin Singh Despite being able to mobilize what was arguably Guyana's biggest non-political mass movement in the country's recent history, protestors against the metered parking system have not taken a unified stance in relation to a solution.

Organised by the Movement Against Parking Meter (MAPM) the second of a series of peaceful protests saw more than one thousand citizens of all walks of life braving the midday sun on Thursday to publicly register their disapproval of the recently-introduced metered parking system.

Lasting for one hour, the peaceful protest featured many prominent Guyanese, including political activists, businessmen and lawyers.

It ended at 13:00hrs with the singing of the National Anthem.

However, after speaking to some of these individuals, it was clear that the movement has not agreed on a unified stance in relation to what the solution should be.

MAPM for instance has been consistent in its call for a revocation of the contract betw een the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown and Smart City Solutions (SCS) - the company contracted to manage and operate the meters. MAPM is protesting the lack of transparency with regard to the

Speaker wrote on his blog.

'The Conversation Tree' that if the City Council decides to reduce the fee. then it should be supported by MAPM. On the other hand, political and social activist. Freddie Kissoon. who also stood on the protest line expressed that he has an ideological objection to the meters in the context of Guyana's economy.

"If an economy can afford for people to pay for parking, then so be it. This economy cannot afford and does not allow for its population to pay for parking. The people who would pay for parking are not in the upper class only. They are normal working class people" he said.

Kissoon explained that theoretically, parking meter is a modern phenomenon, and people will pay for anything as long as they can afford it.

However, he noted that Guyana's economy simply "cannot sustain it".

He added that no analysis was done six months ago. and if it was done, then those responsible for the implementation of the project would have seen that it would lead to this - mass protest.

"People are protesting what they see as an imposition. It is suicidal for normal working class people who work in town, to have to pay this" Kissoon told reporters.

contract, the fact that there was no bidding process and the exorbitant fees attached to parking. Parking fee is currently $58 for 15 minutes.

Speaking on behalf of MAPM. Marcel Gaskin said that reduction in the fee will not be accepted, as they want a revocation of the contract.

His statement comes just one day after President David Granger would have met with Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen and Town Clerk Royston King, requesting that there be reduction in the "burdensome" fee.

"We're not accepting a reduction. What we want to see is the feasibility study, the impact study, the due diligence of SCS and the evidence of the tender process that was done to select SCS. If they can't produce these things, then we're asking that the contract be revoked" Gaskin said.

He said the issue is not about fees alone, but deals with transparency and accountability.

"Go back to the drawing board and do it properly, that's all we're saying" he added.

However, former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran. who was also part of the protest, shared the view that the fees should be reduced.

"A reduction in the fee from $32,000 a month to what? $2000 a month? I'm happy with that" Ramkarran said. On Tuesday the Former

J

inauguration PRESIDENT David Granger and a delegation from Guyana have landed in Port-au- Prince to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of the Republic of Haiti, Mr Jocelerme Privert.

The President, who is

of new president

accompanied by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr Carl Greenidge and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ms Audrey Waddell. among others, is attending in his capacity not only as Head of State of Guyana, but also as Chairman of the Caribbean

Community (CARICOM).

In addition to the main inauguration ceremony, President Granger will also be attending several other activities organised to mark the occasion, including a dinner hosted

by President-elect, Mr Jocelerme Privert.

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President Granger is greeted at Haiti's airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, Mr Pierrot Delienne (MOTP photo)

I

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

Dr. Basil Springer's

CREATING MALTH FOR THE SMALL FARMER

Column "Let us do it -full of belief, confident that we are presentable inside and out."

Access to arable land is an asset with which each country is blessed, albeit with varying quantity and quality. Small farmers have traditionally been subsistence farmers utilizing arable land to produce enough food initially to sustain their families with spill over on the local market. How can the nation mobilize small farmers, as an asset, to exploit the opportunity of the "global market pull" for exotic agricultural products and contribute to enhancing the small farmers' own prosperity and happiness as human beings and that of the nation as a whole?

The first step is to have faith that the system of small fanning can shift from subsistence fanning to export farming.

The second step is to establish a National Agricultural Trading Trust, sponsored by the public and private sector, to act collectively on behalf of small farmers (entrepreneurs) and benefit from economies of scale.

The third step is for the Trust to introduce the value chain concept, the links of which efficiently and effectively trade product from a group of small farmers to the final consumer.

The main links are production to the farm gate, post harvest handling, packaging, trading, shipping, wholesaling and retailing. Traditionally, the small farmer's final sale is at the farm gate. At each link a service is provided and the more services with which the Trust can negotiate an equity (ownership) position, the greater the farmer's share in the final price from the consumer.

The fourth step is for the Trust to appoint a value chain coordinator who is responsible for managing all the activities of the Trust on behalf of the small farmers.

The fifth step is for the Trust to build on the small farmer's activity to

sell product to the local market, where he disposes of the crop at the farm gate, and then to shift gear to an export focus (regionally or extra-regionally). The basic principles which are critical for export sales are competitive pricing, high quality, continuity of supply and timeliness of delivery. To compromise on these principles can mean the loss of the export market.

The sixth step is for the Trust, executed by the value chain coordinator, to identify sources of funds, both developmental (through government) and investment (private sector), to grow the trading business into a profitable enterprise. The Trust and the investor will be responsible for the joint risk which will be mitigated by the value chain coordinator who provides comprehensive shepherding services, including training and motivation for the farmers and other value chain stakeholders.

The seventh step is to negotiate with a financier to advance funds for material inputs whereas the farmer organizes the labour. When the crop is grown, the farmer is then paid for the labour through another negotiated advance from the financier. For each step in the value chain, the financier ad-

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hebrews 10:22

CRIMING WEALTH FOR

THE SMALL FARMER

f n OWNERSHIP

lOCfil RIGIONflUND CREflTiyi EXPORT MRFKITS FINANCING TRAINING AND VALUE CHAIN motwation CONCEPT N N /J NOTHING REATS BUSINESS SUCCESS -wi vances funds for post harvest handling, packaging, trading, paying the value chain coordinator and shipping at the end of which a cheque is collected from the buyer and the investor and farmers share the profits.

The comfort for the financier in this style of operation is the market contract between the Trust and the buyer and the fact that the value chain coordinator is shepherding the process at each step collectively for the small farmers. There may be other negotiated arrangements, including warehousing receipts and factoring of receivables that may provide additional comfort to the financier and the Trust.

.

c 0 V. A

The example of the small farmer is used here but we could extend the ideas more generally to that of any small business.

Let us engage in these innovative thoughts as we seek to utilize our available assets to revitalize economic growth.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeats business.com.)

REMEMBERING LADY ELLA "that too shall pass." Her Grammys and receiving the (from page 5) health deteriorating, Lady Lifetime Grammy Achievecal canon known as The Great American Ella, Queen Ella, The First ment Award, Kennedy Center Songhook."

Lady in Song made her last for the Performing Arts Medal Verve reissued the set in 1994 and it recording in 1991 and her last of Honor Award, National won the 1995 Grammy for Best Historical public performances in 1993.

Medal of Art, First Society of recording. It must be noted that Frank Singers Lifetime Achievement It is reported that she was Sinatra, who once said that Ella's "got it", Award, named "Ella" in her tired of being in hospital and blocked Capitol from re-releasing his own honor, Presidential Medal of retired to her Beverly Hills albums in a similar, single composer vein.

Freedom, and the George and mansion with her son Ray and He stated publicly that this was due to his Ira Gershwin Award for Lifeher granddaughter Alice. "On respect for the Queen of Song. time Musical Achievement and her last day, she was wheeled While recording the Songbooks and outside one last time, and sat Honorary Doctorate of Music the occasional studio album, Fitzgerald there for about an hour. When from Harvard University. toured 40 to 45 weeks per year in the she was taken back in, she There is a bronze sculpture of United States and internationally, under looked up with a soft smile on Fitzgerald in Yonkers, the city Chick Webb's great bassist Ray Brown in in which she grew up, created by Amerithe tutelage of Norman Granz. her face and said, "I'm ready to go now."

1947. They divorced in 1953. The couple can artist Vinnie Bagwell. It is located In 1963, Verve was sold to MGM, She died in her home on June 15,1996 at adopted a son they named Ray Brown Jr. southeast of the main entrance to the Amwhich did not renew the Lady's contract. the age of 79. trak/Metro-North Railroad station in front In 1972, Granz founded Pablo Records.

AWARDS CITATIONS AND MARRIAGES of the city's old trolley bam. She has a star Ms. Fitzgerald would record 20 records HONORS Ella Fitzgerald married twice. Her first for this label.

I will not mention all the many on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Ella was to Benny Komegay and it was an- awards and honors that Dr. Ella Fitzgerald Fitzgerald postage stamp was released All good things must come to an end, nulled in 1943. Her other marriage was to received. Some of these are: winning 13 April 2007.

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

11

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Favorite

Recip es THE OBSERVANT DRUNK A woman was shopping at her local supermarket, she took about one hour carefully selecting her items. At the checkout counter the cashier rang up the following items she had purchased.

A half-gallon of 2% milk, 2 dozen vegetarian eggs. 2 quart boxes of orange juice, a head of romaine lettuce, a 2 lb. can of coffee, a 1 lb. package of turkey bacon, 2 loaves of bread and 2 boxes of unsalted biscuits.

As she was unloading her items on the conveyor belt to check out. a drunk standing behind her watched as she placed the items in front of the cashier.

While the cashier was ringing up her purchases . the drunk calmly stated. "You must be single."

The woman was a bit startled by this proclamation. but she was intrigued by the derelict's intuition. since she was indeed single. She looked at items on the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about her selections that could have tipped off the drunk to her marital status.

Curiosity getting the better of her. she said "Well, you know what, you're absolutely correct.

But how on earth did you know that?"

The drunk replied, "Cause you're ugly."

SORREL DREVK Ingredients: 2 pints dried sorrel 6 pints water sugar to taste 2 Cinnamon sticks

Method: 1. Put sorrel in a container.

2. Sweeten water to taste and pour over sorrel. Add Cinnamon sticks.

3. Cover jar and let stand for 24-36 hours.

4. Strain, bottle and store in a refrigerator.

IT'S

A

FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

The Brooklyn Bridge - Brodie's bridge to fame teve Brodie saw a way to use the Brooklyn Bridge for self-promotion and did it. It brought him a measure of fame and fortune.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century. Opened in 1883, it ranked high among the world's first great suspension spans. From shore to shore, across the East River, the bridge is 1,091 meters (3,579 feet) long, with the central span 486 meters (1,595 feet).

After completion, the "Great Bridge" connecting downtown Man-hattan (at City Hall) to downtown Brooklyn near Borough Hall was referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

On May 19, 1885, two years after completion, Robert Odium, a physical fitness trainer, jumped off the bridge on a bet. It surprised no one that Odium died in the attempt. Experts agreed that the odds of anyone surviving the plunge were practically nil.

So when on July 23, 1886, headlines in New York City newspapers announced that Steve Brodie successfully

jumped off the bridge for a $100 bet and lived, it was trumpeted as a great story.

However, eyewitnesses claimed they saw him fake the Brooklyn Bridge jump and there was always suspicion that the reports were a hoax. Skeptics said Brodie had a friend toss a dummy off the bridge and that Brodie hid under a nearby pier only to swim out when rescue boats approached the scene.

Steve Brodie, a bookie, gained the publicity he was seeking, and it made him a celebrity. A tavern he opened shortly after in the Bowery became very popular among sightseers.

For a while, he was an exhibit at Alexander's museum at 347 Bowery, bragging about his exploits. His "permanent exhibit" began in 1890, when he opened a saloon at 114 Bowery.

Hanging on the wall of his saloon was an oil painting of his jump. There was also on display an affidavit from the

barge captain who had rescued him.

Brodie's Bowery saloon-museum made him prosperous. It became a popular- tourist attraction. Tour buses stopped there and tour guides described the place as "one of the great historical scenes of the city."

Brodie also became an actor in several shows, notably playing himself in a touring show called "On the Bowery" in which he recreated his legendary leap on stage.

SENIOR WEDDING Jacob, age 92. and Rebecca, age 89. living in Florida, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers "Yes".

Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds."

Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

Jacob: "How about Viagra?"

Pharmacist: "Of course."

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis. Jaundice?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills.

Geritol. antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."

Jacob says to the pharmacist: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.

Brodie's life gave New York a phrase, at least temporarily. "Pulling (or doing) a brodie" first became slang for a suicidal leap. Later it was used for "a fall, failure, or flop."

Later, in 1888, when Brodie was said to have repeated the stunt at Poughkeepsie's Railroad Bridge, only the local paper carried the story of this dubious event.

The old Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle reported in 1888 that Brodie leaped from the bridge, was rescued by some friends in a rowboat, and taken to New York to recover. The Daily Eagle's successor, The Poughkeepsie Journal, looked back on Thursday, May 9, 1974 and referred to the supposed event as a "death-defying leap by dare devil Steve Brodie in 1888."

The legend lives on. Brodie had his day in the sun. But many questions remain.

A 2-.

The Majestic Brooklyn Bridge

12

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

Cecil

Dhurjon

SENIOR Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon, has slammed former President Donald Ramotar for lying about the circumstances under which he demitted office as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

In a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Times, dated Saturday. 4th February 2017. Former President.

Donald Ramotar. listed Dhmjon as a victim of victimisation by Attorney General. Basil Williams. "This is a falsehood to which I cannot acquiesce." Dhurjon wrote in a letter to this newspaper.

"I was working on a contract of three and a half years, but after just over a year I decided that I should heed the advice of my doctors and cease active duties.

So I tendered my resignation. which took effect from 1st January 2017." the senior counsel said.

It was only on Monday Williams corrected several inaccuracies in the said letter. in which Ramotar listed a number of other persons mostly of East Indian descent. However. Dhurjon

Cort

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) rocked with the screams of celebrations as Cort was announced the winner, beating out eight competitors. Her performance earlier in the evening had been met with resounding applause.

GOLD PALACE JEWELRY

Ramotar's

Former President, Donald Ramotar Ministry of Legal Affairs for their co-operation and assistance without which my goals as a draftsman could not have been achieved. It was a pleasure serving as Chief Parliamentary Counsel. having learnt so much from so many for so long."

Dhmjon concluded.

In a release issued by his chambers on Monday.

Williams made reference to Ramotar's letter in the February 4th. 2017 publication of the Guyana Times which stated that the AG had

retains

GIVING a passionate delivery of her song, "Where the Innocence Gone," Essequibian Tshanna Cort once again rose to the occasion, successfully defending her title in this year's junior calypso contest Saturday evening.

t

would have none of it: "I consider it a moral duty to society to correct the falsehood which time and its non-refutation could lead to the belief that it is trae. and this would be most undesirable. It is wrong to cast blame on an individual where that individual's action has been nothing but honourable and just. I was never victimised in my fifty years as a law officer. I owe gratitude to the present Attorney General for his kindness; he was considerate and appreciative of my effort and was a source of encouragement." Dhurjon wrote.

"I take this opportunity to thank every Administration that afforded me the opportunity to serve Guyana for thirty three years as Chief Parliamentary Counsel to seven of the eight Attorneys General, all of whom approved of my work and to whom I am deeply indebted for the learning acquired from them. I thank the officers of the Ministries and Departments of Government. especially those of the

slams

"fired, harassed and forced to resign" many persons since taking office. However. Williams detailed the circumstances under which the persons Ramotar referenced parted with the chambers.

•Indira Ananjit (Former Permanent Secretary. Legal Affairs Ministry)-She was sent on administrative leave following the discovery of millions of dollars' worth of law books and computer parts authorised by her for purchase but not being found in the Ministry. Her

Junior

"It's an overwhelming feeling." said a joyful Cort following the announcement of her win. She was able to gamer 272 out of the maximum 300 points, to take the title and the $350,000 grand prize.

Paul "Chris P" Clarke.

falsehoods

contract was not renewed.

•Sita Ramlall (Solicitor General. Legal Affairs Ministry) -retired at age 65.

•Prithima Kissoon (Deputy Solicitor General) - Currently on Administrative Leave pending investigations in relation to matters she was dealing with in which she acted inimically to the interest of the State.

•Cecil Dhurjon (Former Chief Parliamentary Council. Legal Affairs Ministry)Mr Cecil Dhujon was given a three years contract by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams and resigned for medical reasons.

•Further. His wife Mrs Ananda Dhmjon who retired at age 55 from the Ministry of Legal Affairs was subsequently re-contracted as a Consultant to the Parliamentary Division by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams.

•Sasha Mahadeo (State Counsel)- She resigned after having accepted the opportunity to further her legal education in Canada.

•Rajendra Jaigobin (State Counsel) -He resigned and

Calypso

whose song "2017 Budget" drew quite a few laughs from the sizeable crowd and that was enough to see him hold the second-place spot with 245 points and a $200,000 cash prize .

He also copped "The Most Promising Junior"

Designed by Gold Poloce 122-18 Liberty Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 Phone: 718-835-4298 Fax: 718-835-3108

went to work with Mr Anil Nandlall.

•Fareeda Baksh- Ms Baksh was found unlawfully giving out files and documents to Anil Nandlall and his driver.

Contract not renewed.

•Dwajendra Rooplall (Personal Assistant) He Campaigned with Mr. Anil Nandall at the last National and Regional Elections and was a member of his personal staff. His contract was not renewed.

•Kemraj Mangroo- Resigned to take full time studies at the University of Guyana.

•Deborah Chan (Clerk)This individual was never employed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

•Chandradat Mangroo (Mr Nandlall's personal driver) He Resigned and is now employed at freedom House.

•Adrian Smith.- His contract was not renewed while Stephen Roberts resigned to further his studies. Beulah Williams retired at age 55 and had no interest in renewing her contract, finally Ms Vonetta Atwell is currently on six months Maternity Leave.

crown

award which carried a $75,000 cash prize. Third place saw a tie. and with 227 points apiece. Ryan Jagnarine and Niomi Alsopp both walked away with the $125,000 prize.

Jagnarine sang "Simply the Best." which hinted at the exploits of a "pope" whose scandal made headlines last year, while Alsopp's song "Gun Crime" was also well received.

Meanwhile. Cort is now set to represent Guyana in

Barbados at the upcoming inaugural Caribbean Junior Monarch Competihon, which is set to be a part of this year's CARIFESTA celebrations. She will compete with 11 other competitors from across the Caribbean.

Immediately following her win, she signed a contract guaranteeing her participation. Signing on behalf of the coordinators of the event was Chad Blackman, Legal and Regulatory Affairs Advisor.

Promotional Price for each Bracelet is $120.00

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I d p a I a c e s h o p. c o m Second-place winner Paul "Chris P" Clarke in action Saturday night

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

Twinning

On

Saturday,

Newark

February 4,

13

City with

Linden

Town

a

panel discussion was held at St.

Stephen's

Lutheran

Church Auditorium., 2806 Newkirk Avenue & East 28th Street, Brooklyn, New York.

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Mr. Rickford Burke was chair for the event. Co-chairs were Ms. Paula Walcott, Chair, Linden Fund, U.S.A. and Rhonda Binda, Esq., Director Queens Business and Economic Development. The panellists were 1

Hon. Barbara Atherly, Guyana Consul General; Ms. Tandika Miller, CEO Linden Enter-

L.

A

prise network; Ms. Nikeza Noel, Linden Town Council Member. The Hon. Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, sent a letter of apology for his absence.

(L-R) Mr. Rickford Burke, Ms. Nikeza Noel, Mr. Cory Provost, Ms. Tandika Miller, Senator Kevin Parker, Hon. Carwyn Holland, Hon. Barbara Atherly, Ms. Paula Walcott-Quintin and Ms. Rhonda

Mr. Eddie Neblett entertained the gathering with an impressive musical rendition.

ignore the need for comprehensive restructur-

ing local talent in sports and the arts, strength-

The keynote speaker was Hon. C. Hol-

ing and strengthening in its Business and, by

ening Linden's education system and enhanc-

land, Mayor of Linden. His topic was "AT THE DAWN OF A NEW DEVELOPMENT

extension, its Manufacturing, Education, Health, Sports and Tourism sectors.

ing its health sector.

The Mayor underscored the rich invest-

TRAJECTORY. LINDEN CAN BE GREAT

He stressed that the new trajectory for Linden's development must include, among

ment opportunities available in Linden, "it is not enough for us to dream big and aspire to

other things, emphasis on youth empower-

higher heights, we must encourage investors

ment, reviving small businesses, effective

to make Linden their home."

The Mayor said that Agro-processing holds great opportunity for success and pros-

AGAIN After recounting Linden's past greatness, he stressed that the dawn of a new era cannot

garbage collection and exporting and support-

■v

perity for Linden.

He said that As the twinning of Newark and

m

Linden is launched, the stage is set for the municipalities to mutually benefit from Linden's establishment as the organic agro-processing hub.

n

The Mayor said that the two municipalities can co-operate in areas, such as student and ath-

I

letic exchanges, inter-university exchanges and

7

developing a University centre in Linden; building Linden's hotel industry, exchange visits of the mayors to Linden and Newark.

/ 1 ♦ A section of the audience.

My

Card

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The Mayor received a standing ovation and the Q&A session showed that his words had struck home.

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14

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

Women

so

n

ers

decorated

- as WAC celebrates Golden Jubilee

By Zena Henry

Defence Force (GDF)'s Officer's Club and Auditorium.

The event followed the conferral earlier in the day of similar tokens of achievement on 31 other ranks and one officer during a special event on the Drill Square of Base Camp Ayanganna.

Both conferrals were done

by Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamootoo. in his capacity as Acting President while the Head of State is abroad on official business.

The military women who were honoured were drawn from the revitalised People's

FIRST Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, and wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, were on Tuesday honoured for their sterling contribution to the empowerment of women here, and the pivotal role they play in today's society.

For such an achievement, they were presented with 50th Anniversary medals commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Women's Army Corp (WAC) during a cocktail reception at the Guyana

4

Militia, the Coast Guard and various Army Base Camps.

It was said that the medals were granted "To honom all female Officers. Warrant Officers. Non-commissioned Officers and soldiers who are on active duty in the Guyana Defence Force as at February 6."

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COMPOSITION The medal is made of nickel, circular in shape, and measures 35millimeters in diameter.

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_ Another female soldier collects her medal

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GDF. which is an eight-sided star with the Canje Pheasant inset at the centre. This is encircled by the inscription. "Guyana Defence Force Military Commemoration Medal".

On the reverse side of the medal is the Victoria Regia Lily, supported by two crossed rifles at the centre, with the words "Fiftieth Anniversary Women's Army Corps" enscribed.

The AWC's anniversary is being celebrated under the theme. "Celebrating our Women: Empowering them for Total Defence".

Week-long activities are being held by the army, with the most recent being a Thanksgiving Service held at the National Cultural Centre, where the First Lady was the guest speaker.

SPECIAL INVITEE The army also sent a special invitation to US Navy Rear Admiral. Martha Herb to come and share in celebrating the milestone.

Herb was specially selected because of the work she continues to do throughout the Caribbean and the Americas in relation to women's integration.

Women were integrated into the GDF on January 30.

1967 to function as a reserve unit. The WAC was. however. formed to complement the number of men in the Force at a time when neighbouring Venezuela seized the Ankoko Islands on the Cuyuni River.

Captain Joan Granger and Officer Cadets Brenda Aaron, Clarissa Hookumchand and Hyacinth King of the first company of Women's Volunteer Corps had undergone training for the newly developed arm.

They were later joined by 56 women recruits. The army women were well received on Tuesday as they paraded to a cheering crowd of supporters.

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

New

By Telesha Ramnarine ADDED to the amount paid to have their deceased relatives interred, individuals must now pay a maintenance fee to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Chairman of the Finance Committee Oscar Clarke announced on Friday.

He was at the time presenting the 2017 budget estimates to the City Council, where he drew attention to the number of new fees that will have to be implemented to help the municipality with its expenses for the year.

Regarding the cemeteries.

Clarke said. "These facilities are vital to our socio-cultural aspects, but more particularly. our public health. For generations, council has been subsidising the operational costs of this facility, because citizens only pay a meagre sum to inter their loved ones; the rest is left to the council.

"However, this year.

2017. council has instituted

Fmr

fee

a maintenance fee to assist with the general good upkeep of the cemeteries managed by the municipality. As a result, in addition to the fee for the space, individuals must now pay a maintenance charge to the Georgetown City Council." Clarke continued.

Asked how much the new fee will be. Clarke told this newspaper on Saturday that this is yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, to further rake in revenue, the M&CC has also considered a 10 percent increase across the board on property rates.

"It should be noted that there was no increase in the percentage assessment of property rates since 1998.

This is against the background that there are a number of unassessed properties both in terms of constraction. expansion and change of use." observed Clarke.

Because Council is of the view that more revenue can be collected from municipal

Guyana

ONE of Guyana's finest diplomats, Noel Sinclair, has died. According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the news of Sinclair's demise was communicated to the ministry on Saturday.

The ministry noted that Sinclair's passing represents the end of a career that was spent almost entirely within the diplomatic service, with the brief exception as a Master at Central High School.

Sinclair held rich curriculum vitae. He was educated at the Central High School and the University of the West Indies (UWI). While at UWI. he obtained a Bach-

RENOWNED daughter of the soil and one of Guyana's outstanding medical practitioners, Dr Enid Denbow passed away on Wednesdav at the age of 95.

Dr Denbow. who was conferred with the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) in October last year by President David Granger, has been admired for her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of medicine. She held the distinction

burying

elor's Degree in French and a Diploma in International Relations.

"Even though he returned to Guyana after his studies at the regional university, it seems that the attractions of a newly independent Guyana seeking to find its place in the world of global politics had a compelling fascination for him. a fascination that was to endure for a lifetime." the release noted.

Later, after joining the newly established Ministry of External Affairs. Ambassador Sinclair quickly became a Third Secretary in the Guyana Embassy in Caracas, a Second Secretary

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A section of Le Repentir burial ground, Georgetown markets, the entire revenue-collection system for the markets will be computerised to capture all vendors and stallholders who are required to pay fees. In fact, as of this month. Council has decided to implement new fees which will affect salons, barber shops, and other forms of cosmetology.

The municipality has also

in the Guyana Embassy in Washington from 1969 to 1972. and First Secretary in the High Commission in Lusaka. Zambia, from 1976 to 1979.

At the peak of his career.

Sinclair was elevated to the post of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1979. The ministry noted that Ambassador Sinclair's rise in the Foreign Service was based on his understanding of international diplomacy, his capacity for hard work and his ability for productive interpersonal relations.

"And it must be said that his success is all the more

doctor

of being the first and only female Chief Medical Officer within the Health Ministry for several years.

Bom Enid Lucille Wilson to Edwin and Verleigh Wilson on August 3. 1921. she was one of three siblings who resided with her parents at Hadfield Street in the city.

She attended the St Joseph High School and after graduating, she became a pupil nurse at Georgetown Public Hospital. Her performance saw her earning the highest score nationally on both the nursing and mid-

the

rn

decided to implement a commercial waste fee to all businesses within the first quarter of the year that is expected to generate approximately $53M for the year.

"Commercial waste-generation has become burdensome to our municipality, since we have seen a rapid increase of such wastes from the business community. The

Ambassador to

Outstanding

By Alva Solomon

for

17

UN

wifery examinations. At the age of 22 she lost both of her parents but that did not halt her upward mobility.

Later, in 1948 she attended Howard University in Washington D.C and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology. She would then cam a medical degree from Women's Medical College. Philadelphia in 1955.

Among her academic accomplishments. Dr Denbow earned the prestigious Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. England. She

passes

noteworthy, because it came at a time when professional achievement occurred against the background of a highly competitive Foreign Service." the release stated.

It was noted that Sinclair's work and achievements at this country's overseas missions ensured that he would ascend to the highest position of the Foreign Service, that of Director-General. a position that was re-designated from that of Permanent Secretary to bring it in line with the other Foreign Ministries of Latin America.

While in that post. Ambassador Sinclair brought

Enid

municipality is stretched very thin to remove some 38 tons of commercial waste daily at a cost of $1M per week." stated Clarke.

Revenue will also be garnered from the controversial parking meter system that was implemented recently, from a hike in container fees to the council, and from efforts to have all court fines

on

his skills as an administrator and his understanding of the needs and purposes of the Foreign Service the ministry said. In addition, his diplomatic career did not end there, since the Region elected him the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) after recognising his talent and skills.

His character traits included that of someone who was well spoken, socially sophisticated and according to the ministry. Ambassador Sinclair was as close as one would get to the image of an ideal diplomat for a country

Denbow

was also awarded a Cardiology Fellowship from the world-renowned John Hopkins University Hospital and she became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.

Such was her record that she was considered among the cream of the crop in the medical field in Guyana.

Her stellar academic and professional performance vaulted her to the top of the medical field in Guyana. She is viewed as a light of inspiration for many women. She was the godmother of many.

paid over to the M&CC as opposed to the Consolidated Fund, where they are being remitted currently.

Clarke reminded that Georgetown comprises an area of 22 square kilometres, or 15 square miles, with a population estimated at 200.000 people and another 50.000 who visit the city for business and other reasons.

It continues to be a city of 60 wards programmed into 15 constituencies, an estimated 40.000 properties on record, excluding squatter settlements and Sophia.

The City Council maintains 160 miles of roads, 800 miles of concrete and earthen drains, 12 outfall channels and sluices; all parapets, reserves and thoroughfares; bridges, footpaths and sidewalks; municipal markets and parks, maternal and child welfare day care services, the abattoir, among many other municipal services, he pointed out.

Noel Sinclair like Guyana. His enviable command of English made him a superb drafter of diplomatic documents,which was among his many skills.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends sincere condolences to the immediate family of Ambassador Sinclair, especially his wife and children, his brothers and his sisters.

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r-r

Dr Denbow was conferred with the Cacique Crown of Honour in 2016 by President David Granger

18

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

Emphasis on Real Estate,

iy r

Using

Credit

Cards

to

Taxes and Business S TAXES

Fund Your Business

The Edgar Henry Column

On a very serious note, it is imperative that you are fully aware and cognizant of the risks you face before you take the plunge into credit-card debt to finance your business.

Many of us who use these cards do not have a clue as to how and when repayment will be made. This is sad.

Most surveys of entrepreneurs show that credit cards are among the most popular sources of startup financing. A recent survey found that loans from relatives and borrowing against credit cards were the two most common financing techniques used by startups with less than five employees. Despite this high rate of usage, the terms of credit-card financing are poorly understood.

How many entrepreneurs take the time to read the card issuer's "Terms of Use" when they respond to a new credit-card offer in the mail? This article provides some guidance to entrepreneurs who plan to use credit-card debt as a financing technique and wish to understand the implications of its personal guarantee.

PERSONAL GUARANTEE CLARIFICATION Most entrepreneurs shudder when faced with signing a personal guarantee for a business credit card for the first time.

Some banks use this as a gimmick and you should be aware of it. Banks would normally advertise and market their product as a "business line of credit" when in truth and in fact it's really a personal line of credit.

However, since the vast majority of businesses in the country are sole proprietorships, the difference between personal credit and business credit is six of one and half a dozen of the other, from a bank's perspective.

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Unless your business is incorporated, you're the de facto guarantor of all business debts. So if your business has a slow sales quarter and you fall behind on your creditcard payments, your personal credit rating and your personal ability to borrow are at risk.

Even if your business is incorporated, your bank or credit-card issuer may still require you to guarantee the business line of credit. In practice, most banks require shareholders with significant ownership in corporations to guarantee business lines of credit — typically owners with more than a 25 percent stake are required to sign guarantee forms when credit lines are more than $5,000. Moreover, most guarantee forms require joint and several liabilities, implying that all guarantors are responsible for the whole amount of the debt, even if they're not full owners of the business. The guarantors can be sued individually or collectively in some states.

NEW PARTNERS PERSONAL GUARANTEE If you're attracting new partners to your business, be sure to include a provision in the partnership agreement that commits them to accept a personal guarantee on all existing business debt. In many states, new partners aren't automatically responsible for previous debts, so this issue must be addressed specifically. The goal is to spread

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the liability as widely as possible to reduce the risk to any one individual.

Keep in mind that if you're establishing a credit line with a community bank or local small-business lender, there may be some room for negotiation. For example, it's possible to request that certain personal assets be excluded from the guarantee or that the guaranteed percentage of the loan declines as the business matures or surpasses a certain net-worth threshold. Private loans from relatives and other business associates are also subject to negotiation.

However, for credit-card issuers, the offer for business credit is usually a take-it-orleave-it proposition, and you must accept the personal guarantee if you want the card.

For small businesses struggling to find funding, borrowing against a credit card can be an attractive, if not in some cases, the only option. Plunging further into credit-

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card debt is a scary proposition, but for many the outcome has been rewarding. If you feel using a credit card to fund all or part of your business is the best option for you, be sure to read the fine print before responding to your next credit-card offer in the mail. Understanding the risks before you accept the offer can save you a lot of financial pain in the future.

WATCH THOSE CREDIT CARD OFFERS Now, many major credit card issuers like Citibank are aggressively going after the small business market with a diverse array of credit card offer products. These financial services are offering everything from rewards, cash back and airline miles to huge initial credit lines with 0% introductory periods.

What isn't explicitly stated in most credit card offer's features is the fact that small business owners can leverage business credit cards for startup capital. These little pieces of plastic can actually be the life blood to fuel and sustain a business startup. Once the financial pump has been primed, revenue from operations can be used to repay these micro-business loans before the finance charges become too onerous.

Everyone has heard of independent movie producers that have financed their first film with a wallet load of personal credit cards and lived to brag about it, only because they made huge profits. Nevertheless many entrepreneurs are probably a little wary about putting their personal finances into play for launching their ventures. This is where small business credit cards can come to the rescue.

IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS So, if you are contemplating taking control of your financial future and living out your dreams by launching a business startup, consider the benefits of using a business credit card to fund, track and reward your business activities. At the same time ensure you have a repayment plan in place or you may loose your shirt in the long run. "/I 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 February 10, 2017

19

HARRIS @ A

k

LARGE (Ed Harris Column)

The curtain came down on Laureate Festival on Sunday 5th February, 2017 with an event hosted by the Vieux Fort Nobel Laureate Committee and Jako Productions. Dr. Anderson Reynolds on behalf of Jako Productions presented the inaugural Jako Prize which was awarded to Mr. Sherwin Brice for Music. It was well deserved for a very tenacious artiste. I share his success and wish him well. I am very sorry he was not at the ceremony to receive his prize but his friend made him proud. Congratulations to the Committee for a job well done. They lived up to the festival theme in every way, Celebrating Excellence â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fostering National Pride.

The party can't done! Jazz & Arts Festival usually celebrated in the month of May, culminating on Mother's Day is no more. Instead, the usual 10-day festival has been replaced by SOLEIL - A SUMMER OF FESTIVALS. Six months, six Festivals.

There will never be a dull moment. No one can justifiably dispute the fact that St. Lucia is the party island of the Eastern Caribbean.

Even recent earthquakes cannot change that.

SOLEIL will kick off with Saint Lucia Jazz, May 12-14,2017. Many real jazz enthusiasts will welcome the organisers getting back to basics and reliving the Jazz Experience. I can't wait. We, Caribbean people like to talk. We spend a lot of time and energy following talk show hosts. In the many years of programming, 1 called a show on two occasions. One evening, a few days after the curtain came down on the festival, I was so upset at the fact that there was too much of everything other than Jazz â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I called the show. My frustration was expressed so strongly that it attracted a response from one of the organisers who said the event was doing fine and if it is not broken, don't fix it. Actually the organisers ignored the cries of the fans and the noise

Phillip Civil Society activist Dr Phillip Mozart Thomas who sued former President Donald Ramotar and others for $2.5 billion for libel and slander is now wanted by the Guyana Police Force for questioning in relation to fraud which occurred between 2016-02-04 and 2016-05-20.

It is unclear what is the nature of the investigations.

Thomas who was the Chairman of the Guyana National Council on Public Policy. Inc. (GNCPP) and the Guyana National Civil Society. Inc. Council (GNCSC) in December 2014 was accused of hosting a two day summit at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and owed the state -owned Conference Centre GYD$4 million for use of the facility

grew louder and louder. Finally, after 25 years, the Government of the day, due to fi-

but it is time to move on and place variety in its right context.

The new organisers are on spot, as 1 can only assume that the pie will now be shared with some degree of equity since there will be a substantially larger pie.

There will now be something for everyone, no one will be left out as the most popular genres of music will be available to music lovers. So my friends, let's dance!

While the breaking news on SOLEIL was being released, the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture was in its final stage of planning a meeting in the South that will bring executives of Invest St.

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nancial constraints decided to call it a day and move on. There are those who will put forward strong arguments against removing the festival from the entertainment calendar

Mozart

Thomas

WANTED: Phillip Mozart Thomas at Liliendaal.

Thomas had said that the Conference Centre was booked for the 17th -19th of December. 2014 and that documents requiring con-

flicting amounts, one billing him $5million and the other billing him $4.2million were sent to him. Neither is accurate. he had said, as they billed him for three day usage

Lucia face to face with business executives.

The meeting took place as planned and burning questions were answered in a very ami-

wanted and other services he did not use since he ended up using the Centre on the 17th alone.

However, the Conference Centre in a statement had offered a different story stating that its initial bill was approximately $6.6million for the three days, of which he was required to make a 50%down payment and pay the remaining amount 15:00hrs on the 17th. The Management of the conference centre had noted that Thomas' initial bill was eventually lowered to$4.2 million after factoring in several concessions.

The Conference Centre reportedly said that the GNCPP must pay the full cost since Thomas did not give official notice that he was no longer using the facility on the 18th and 19th

for

cable atmosphere. It is very likely that the first phase of the Pearl of the Caribbean project being promoted by Desert Star Holdings, Limited will proceed as long as the requirements of the Development Control Authority (DCA) are met.

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study is being finalised. The future of the project hangs heavily on this study. It is interesting to note that the first phase only calls for the removal of two occupants of lands that are in the path of the proposed racing track. The first phase of the project will be financed by Desert Star Holdings, Limited.

Discussions are ongoing and the outcome is eagerly awaited as from all indications the parties are still very much in the negotiation stage for the projects that are proposed to follow after the racing track. It is all about Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! The sensitisation programme is continuing as the executives promoting the project reach out to other individuals across the country including the youth.

Love is all you need. Have a wonderful Valentine!

Here is my recommended website of the week. http;//www.stlucia.org/summerfestival Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is in Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles!

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

questioning

and therefore breached his contract. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Thomas is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 227-

2128, 226-1389, 226-7065, 225-6411, 225-2227, 2250575, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

US-based Guyanese jailed for gun smuggling A NATIVE of Guyana, who lives in Georgia, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to smuggling dozens of guns to the South American country.

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta say 39-year-old Jermine Prosper, who lived in Conyers. legally purchased about 50 guns in Atlanta and smuggled them in shipping barrels to Guyana, where they were sold on the streets. Prosecutors say the legal permanent resident bought the guns between October 2013 and November 2015.

They included 34 9 mm pistols, eight .380-caliber pistols and six .25- caliber pistols. He was sentenced last week. (Associated Press)

20

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

Files

on

Shipyards

Zhanghao

disappears

investors breached investment agreement without sanction

By Alva Solomon PERSONNEL at the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) have misplaced the files relevant to Chinese company Zhanghao Shipyards Inc. The company, which was granted concessions to the tune of $82.4M to engage in value-added activities, may have breached its investor agreement with Go-Invest.

This was revealed recently following the release of a forensic audit report last week on an audit which was conducted by Nigel Hinds Financial Services, of Go-In-

vest operations.

According to the report, dated September 30. 2016. the company, which is based at Coverden. East Bank Demerara. was incorporated in 2013. with the principal object of establishing a shipyard to build and repair local and foreign registered vessels.

The report stated that the investor applied for concessions related to their principal activity and was granted concessions in October 2013.

The auditing firm noted that the investor benefitted from concessions to the value of GY$82.4M to engage

Celebrating (from page 7) doubtedly, Jamaica's most outstanding ambassador and one who yearned for all the people of the Caribbean to come together.

His music and lyrics advocated a kind of Black-centered Christianity that would "free our minds." Thus Marley, although bom in Jamaica, was a citizen of the Caribbean and socalled Third World, now rechristened "the Emerging Nations." He transcended the narrow borders of nations moving with his pulsating music to the world community of humankind.

But Marley was not merely satisfied to simply fight for deliverance from "Babylon" in the Western Hemisphere through his music and powerful lyrics. He preached resistance to all forms of oppression. His songs of protest and of agitation, composed after exposure to the social and economic inequalities prevalent in Jamaican and Caribbean society in his youth, have been adopted by people in many countries struggling for, what his talented compatriot, Peter Tosh and

in value-added economic activities.

"However, all evidence suggests that except for building a model vessel, the investor is in breach of the IA entered into," the auditing firm said.

The vessel, which was built with a capacity to ferry 200.000 tonnes of logs and six crew members, was launched in 2014 and was expected to be used by a sister company of the manufacturer which operated logging concessions at the time.

According to the auditing firm, its attempts to garner additional information on the agreement signed be-

The

tween the Chinese shipyard company and Go-Invest was stymied since the entire file on the shipyard could not be found by Go-Invest staff.

Later in the report, the auditing firm noted that an examination of the files of four investors including Zhanghao Shipyards Inc has revealed that Guyana did not benefit from concessions granted to these investors for more than G$2B since the investors all breached their investor agreements minus sanctions.

Among its recommendations. Nigel Hinds Financial Services said Go-Invest should ensure that it appli-

cations are properly filled, processed and filed.

In addition, the firm noted that concessions recommended for exemptions should be monitored to ensure Go-Invest database can provide the Ministry of Business with the necessary data to provide information on economic activity and the preferred areas of investment by investors.

The firm added that all concessions recommended

by Go-Invest should be reconciled with the related exemptions granted by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Former Go-Invest CEO Keith Burrowes

72nd Birthday Of Bob Marley

fellow Waller, called "equal rights and justice."

Marley's contribution to Jamaican and world musical culture still stands out as a monumental achievement of human endeavor. It was he more than anyone else, who took the indigenous musical art form of a Caribbean island nation, framed and packaged it to suit international tastes, and then sold it to the world. Today the world still sings "these songs of freedom," as the Dread-locked One demanded. Let us always remember that his music and his works were aimed, in the fashion of another great Jamaican, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, at liberating his race.

Marley's tenure on this earth was a potent reminder that Black people are still not yet free. His creative genius accomplished what most international politicians dream of achieving and he did it by being just - Bob Marley, humble and sincere.

There is something for everybody in the works of Bob Marley. Some folks love him for his upbeat, up-tempo music like "One Love" Jamaica's na-

tional song; others like his spiritual side found in such works as "Redemption Song" and "Three Little Birds." And still there are many who cling to the masterful works of protest music in songs like "Bad Card" and "Ambush In The Night."

No matter what people remember Bob Marley for, his works "Endureth for Ever." So "get up, stand up, stand up for your rights," and listen to the Supreme Rastaman who trod into Babylon "inna this generation" â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Triumphantly. Considered today's reggae classics, ROBERT NESTA "BOB" MARLEY Marley's music never ceases to refresh and reinvigorate each from the townships of Soweto in South Africa to the plush, affluent and every time that it is played. homesteads of Beverly Hills â&#x20AC;&#x201D; celeIndeed, it is his music's staying brate his 72nd earth day. power that keeps alive the image and "Rastaman Vibration ... Positive, spirit of Bob Marley as fans from all Positive Vibration, Yeah-ah. walks of life, and social standings â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

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

New York Chronicle Horoscope AMES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Don't say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose. Listening can be more valuable than being a chatterbox. You can expect to feel confused about your personal prospects. Uncertainty regarding your mate may emerge; reevaluate what you see in each other. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Thursday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You are best not to confide in anyone right now. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas. You will do well if you mingle with the brass net week. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your partner may be somewhat irritable next week. You will be able to make changes regarding your living arrangements. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) For best results get out of the office and do your job en route. Don't expect romantic encounters to be lasting. In-laws or relatives may oppose your personal intentions. You can mesmerize anyone you meet with your cultured attitude and outlook. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't let your emotional partner upset you next week. Sentimental feelings may make it difficult to get much done at work. Do your own research and be prepared. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Thursday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner next week. This could be the cause of a dispute that may result in estrangement.

You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes. Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship. The experience will be good. Your luckiest events net week will occur on Thursday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Love can be yours if you get out and about. Try to get out and socialize.

You will find the excitement gratifying. Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Thursday.

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ISSUE 35 CROSSWORD ANSWER M P G 1 O P J A H B A R f1 E S E E E L L I V S N OWS T O R M L A U G H R E P F O R O N E A S 1 B P 1 P E B E T A V A L 1 D 1 22 23 H24 25 D E B T S S 1 R E N R O M E O A 1 c K 6 27 28 29 30 31 32 AW E D D 1 P A P E S ■ ■ SF 3 35 36 I N N Wo K L Y R 1 C ■ 1 D O D G E 1 T Y 1 D O 7 38 39 40 N E O N1N A N S E T ■ 1 41 42 43 44 M R S D O T G E N 5. Blowgun missile 5 46 47 H48 6. Sixth-day creation 9 50 51 53 54 55 7. Animation ■" 6 8. Extremely modest person 57 58 9. Pinball foul ■ 9 60 ..

10. Children's author Carle ■ 11. Every 17. Chicken ACROSS 40. Yank 19. Tiny vegetable 1. Elevations (abbr.)

41. Comet competitor 21. Actor Jack 5. Johnny of "21 Jump 43. Hairpin curves 22. Tortoise's rival Street" 45. Treat poorly 23. Rome's home (abbr.)

9. Casual shirt 48. Numero 24 12. Timely benefit 49. Interstate roads 13. State positively 52. "Beautiful dreamer, 25. Lawyer's concern 28. Space org.

14. Retirement acct. wake me . .

30. Cheerios grains 15. Liz Taylor role, infor- 56. Completely mally 57. Previous paramours 31. Detective's aid 32. Big beer containers 16. People's of China 58. Cultivate 18. Make a selection 59. Folk-song girl Nelly 34. Gash 39. Kercheval of "Dallas" 20. Get rid of, informally 21. Snow 60. Shakespeare's tragic 42. Diamond, e.g.

44 24. Cooled king 45. Moby Dick's nemesis 26. Dig in 61. Dislike intensely 46 27.

DOWN 47. Very unattractive 29. Pier 1. Diane Sawyer's net- 48. Russia's Cold War initials 33. Swimwear tops work 49. Woodsman's tool 35. Radio spots 2.

Reaction to an IM 51. Affirmative reply 36. Cheney's alma mater joke 53. Teacher's gp.

37. Ringing device 3. Foot digit 54. Blasting substance (abbr.)

38. Search for 4. Slangy nose 54. Poetic work CROSSWORD 2 3 6 7 10 11 ' ■ ■ ' 2 i" 1" 5 17 1" 18 19 20

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CAPMCORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Over indulgence due to emotional upset will be your downfall. Good friends will give you honest answers. Move into a leadership position if you are determined to do so. You need to do more research before you make your final decision. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Saturday.

I

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) It's a great day to attend social functions. Sudden romantic encounters are quite likely, but discretion will be a must. There's a good chance that they won't come back. You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Thursday PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems. You can enjoy doing things that include children. You are best to put in some overtime rather than get involved in family gatherings. Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Monday.

A

D s G

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover to catch on. You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. Don't forget family obligations. Real estate investments will be profitable. Your luckiest events net week will occur on Monday.

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22

EMPHASIS ON

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS

MAYOR "GOT IT RIGHT" - WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON CREATION

OF MAYOR S OFFICE TO COMBAT GEN VIOLENCE ' I'd like to thank my colleagues Council Members Fernando Cabr■»* era, Laurie Cumbo, and Vanessa Gibson for their work on this ■Vi. issue. Below are a few remarks I made about the creation of the Office to Combat Gun Violence at Mayor Bill de Blasio's press conference today in Queensbridge.

"This announcement is amazing. Mayor tion and the City Council. In the future, the Bill de Blasio kept his word, and on this issue, Administration is investing $16 million angot it right. nually.

"When I met with the Mayor while he "When I talk to people across this city, ' was then Public Advocate, he shared with me it's clear that New Yorkers in every neighborhis future endeavors, and gun violence was a hood are united in their desire for safe streets," r major part of what we spoke about. For too said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Law enforcement long, the only people we sent to these com- is critical in reducing gun violence, but we munities were police officers. That was unfair also need to change a culture in which conto the police, and was unfair to the people they flicts too often escalate to shootings. Today, supposedly came to serve. It's been hard to we are inviting all New Yorkers to become change that message, but with my colleagues our partners in this fight - together, we can m in government, we have really turned the ship. make it clear that gun violence has no place has invested millions in new lights, security Administration calls for archaic and ineffecWe have begun to change the dynamic of in New York City." cameras, infrastructure improvements and tive practices such as Stop and Frisk and what public safety means, and who is respon"2016 was the safest year on record in programs that are making a meaningful dif- bringing in the National Guard to address gun sible for it, and that is critical.

New York City history. The Office to Prevent ference in our communities," said NYCHA violence in urban cities, I am inspired that this "In 2012, Council Member Cabrera and Gun Violence - along with neighborhood Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. "Thanks to legislation will create a national model that I, published a report on how to approach the policing - will enable us to further reduce this intensive collaborative effort led by the does not see the NYPD as the only solution to gun violence epidemic in the City, and almost crime. I'm grateful to the effort from law en- Mayor, Queensbridge Houses has gone a year ending gun violence but rather a new strategy everything that was in there has come to forcement, the Mayor, the Council, and most without a single shooting." that involves New York City agencies, not-for fruition, thanks to the support of the Mayor, importantly our local communities who conBrooklyn Borough President Eric -profit organizations, schools, houses of worSpeaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and City tinue to work collectively with us to keep our Adams said, "I have committed my entire ca- ship, mental health practitioners and most imCouncil. We talked about inter-agency com- neighborhoods safe," said Police Commis- reer to combating the senseless bloodshed in portantly the members of the community," munication, jobs, and things that were hap- sioner James P. O'Neill. our streets, and I could not be prouder of the said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, pening in those communities. All of the things Eric L Cumberbatch, Executive Director incredible work that violence interrupters and Chair of the Committee on Women's Issues. that we talked about are now coming to real- of the Mayor's Office to Prevent Gun Violence community advocates have achieved in adVanessa Gibson, Chair of Public Safety ity. said, "The launch of the Mayor's Office to Pre- vancing peace across our city. The City's Cri- Committee, said, "Gun violence is a tragic "The fundamental message is that we vent Gun Violence is a true testament to the sis Management System works because it epidemic that has stolen the lives of far too have to continue to push the idea forward that power of government and community working invests in proven public health strategies that many. Though we have seen a decrease in vipolice is not the only answer. They are a part hand in hand to promote safety and synergy address the societal challenges associated with olence city wide, too many of our communiof the solution; and while these communities from within. OPGV will coordinate, amplify gun violence, and we need to keep investing ties are still gripped by the realities of do ask for police, they also ask for jobs, hous- and organize community based efforts to de- in its growth and development. Community America's gun violence epidemic. As Chair of ing, and better education. We have to respond velop and deploy innovative strategies to con- and police, in partnership, are making reduc- the Committee on Public Safety, I am proud to those asks as well. tinue to reduce gun violence city wide. OPGV tions in violence possible. I stand shoulder to and excited to see this day and join my col"I want to also congratulate Eric Cum- will do this by working together with our jus- shoulder with Mayor de Blasio as well as leagues in announcing the Mayor's Office to berbatch on his appointment as director of the tice partners, community based organizations, every woman and man who has dedicated End Gun Violence. This first-of-its-kind maynew office. I can't think of anyone better than clergy, residents, and credible messengers to their heart and soul to making New York City oral office will focus on combining evidence him to lead this office. meet the complex challenges of gun violence, a safer place to raise healthy children and fam- based practices with community violence in"The premise to me has always been that which are multifaceted and go way beyond the ilies." terrupters to drive down shootings in every people who look like me are not genetically gun."

"The reduction in gun violence achieved comer of our city. Our holistic approach to adpredisposed to violence, and it's been incredibly "Gun violence has dropped to thirty-year under the de Blasio administration has spared dressing gun violence will couple wraparound hard to get that simple message across. Our lows and driving it down further will require an untold number of people from death and services with data driven practices while also young people need to know there is nothing innovative strategies that include traditional injury and shielded many others from the deep focusing on the root causes of why many enwrong with them. They are not innately violent law enforcement and extend beyond to en- and painful emotional suffering that comes gage in gun violence. I thank Mayor dc Blaand uneducable. It's resources that's needed, and gage residents and neighborhoods as partners when a family member or friend is killed or sio, the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice a wholistic approach to treat gun violence as the in fighting crime," said Elizabeth Glazer, Di- wounded in a shooting," said Queens Bor- Executive Director Elizabeth Glazer, the New public health issue that it is. rector of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Jus- ough President Melinda Katz. "The dramatic York City Council and the incredible work of "This Mayor embraced all that we said tice. "The new Mayor's Office to Prevent Gun milestone in gun violence reduction reached my colleagues Council Members Jumaane could work. The creation of this office is his- Violence will be the backbone of these inno- today at Queensbridge Houses is especially Williams and Laurie Cumbo for their partnertoric, and is shining a light across this country vative strategies, overseeing an expanded City encouraging and welcome. Mayor de Blasio ship and ongoing commitment to creating a where there is a president trying to shine dark- commitment to deploy 'credible messengers' and his entire team, including the dedicated safer city for all. Peace is a lifestyle that can ness." who work tirelessly to interrupt conflict be- officers of the NYPD, along with community be achieved and New Yorkers deserve nothing — Council Member Jumaane D. fore violence erupts and increasing support violence prevention partners like LIFE Camp less."

Williams and resources in neighborhoods with a histor- in Queens, should be commended for their un"As co-Chair of the City Council's Task ically high concentration of gun violence." ceasing efforts to end gun violence."

Force to Combat Gun Violence, I would like "We are excited to join the Mayor in an"The most challenging aspect of being a to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for his support MAYOR DE BLASIO — CITY COUNCIL nouncing the creation of the Office to Prevent New York City Council Member is receiving for holistic anti-gun violence initiatives in LAUNCHES MAYOR S OFFICE TO Gun Violence," said Health Commissioner Dr. the call that a member of your community has neighborhoods that need it the most. PreventPREVENT GUN VIOLENCE Mary T. Bassett. "We are thankful for the been killed as a result of a senseless act of gun ing shootings cannot be left to policing tactics NEW YORK, NY; Mayor de Blasio Mayor's commitment to expand the Cure Vi- violence. I proudly introduced legislation to alone. It's important that we use a multitoday announced the creation of the Mayor's olence program, which the Health Department create the first ever Mayor's Office to End pronged approach involving all City agencies, Office to Prevent Gun Violence. Housed has been implementing with community part- Gun Violence in the nation. Today is a historic community members and community groups within the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, ners for the last four years. This office allows day in New York City as Mayor de Blasio, in on the ground. Our city is a better place bethe new Office will oversee an expansion of for sustained action and strong interagency partnership with the New York City Council, cause this Mayor, along with the City Council, effective, innovative violence intervention and community collaboration to keep New advocates and gun violence intermpters trans- embraced the idea that only a comprehensive strategies. The City is investing $22.5 million Yorkers safe." form this concept into a reality. As the Trump this fiscal year, split between the Administra"Since taking office. Mayor de Blasio (continued on page 23)

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

EMPHASIS ON

23

1 [ VJ Kl CURRENT AFFAIR L V ■

^ m MEDGAR r^| EVERS 1 COLLEGE ■ OFrxarvuN^LRStTY ^ K1 W NEW YORK

DONNA BRAZILE, ROY WOOD JR., RANDY WESYON1AJ MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE, CUNY BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 6, 2017): Donna Brazile speaks out during a time of protest and change; a master class and entertainment from Randy Weston, the legendary pianist; and a conversation with popular comedian Roy Wood Jr. of "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" are among Black History Month highlights at Medgar Evers College.

A senior college of the City University of New York, the College offers an exciting calendar of February events. This year's theme is "Black Lives Matter Then and

Now; History, Culture, Power and Transformation." ♦ Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 AM12:45 PM. Donna Brazile, veteran Democratic political strategist and interim DNC chair, speaks on "The Fierce Urgency of Now" amid protest and a shifting political paradigm. 1650 Bedford Avenue, Founders Auditorium ♦ Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5:00 PM 7:00 PM. Randy Weston, the pianist/composer and College artist-in-residence, holds his fourth Master Class with guest Monty Alexander, jazz pianist. Mr. Weston will take questions from the audience and perform, along with Mr. Alexander. 1650 Bed-

ford Avenue, Founders Auditorium ♦ Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11 AM-12; 15 PM. Roy Wood Jr. of "The Daily Show

with Trevor Noah" is the guest for the "Conversation with Success" series. 1638 Bedford Avenue, Room L-12

■ IS* (

■r^ RANDY WESTON

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/

ROY WOOD Jr.

an COUNCIL MUNCHES mayor s omce to prevent gun violence a public health issue but engages the impacted • Help neighborhoods rebuild after fewest ever in New York City. (from page 22) community in its leadership and implementa- takedowns. The days immediately following The Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice approach will succeed in drastically reducing tion. We applaud the leadership of the New a "takedown" or other major law enforcement Cure Violence program - which has an office gun violence. It's been acknowledged through York City Council and Mayor de Blasio in action can be volatile, and helping a neighbor- located Queensbridge Houses property - has funding, and today, through this critical an- their continued and courageous investment in hood to rebuild can be a critical step in ensur- deployed teams throughout New York City nouncement, we take a very an integral next this public health prevention strategy that we ing that previous violence is not repeated. To since 2015. Its members work to intervene in step," said Council Member Jumaane D. call Cure Violence," said K. Bain, Founding help neighborhoods stabilize peacefully, the conflicts before violence erupts and ensure Williams, co-Chair of the Task Force to Com- Director of 696 Build Queensbridge.

Mayor's Office of Gun Violence is partnering that individuals at risk of being involved in vibat Gun Violence.

New York City is already at the forefront with the NYPD to hold open debriefs with olence are connected with effective programs Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van nationally in the fight to end gun violence; the residents after major takedowns to answer and services that can help lead to lasting Bramer said, "Gun violence has been decreas- City has the lowest incidence of gun violence questions and share information about the en- peace. ing across the city, and nowhere is this more of any major U.S. city, has enacted some of forcement action. After takedowns, the Office Queensbridge is one of 15 NYCHA deevident than Queensbridge, the nation's the strongest gun laws in the country, and pi- will also saturate affected neighborhoods with velopments targeted by the Mayor's Action largest public housing development, which I oneered a data-driven policing model that resources to prevent future crime, including Plan for Neighborhood Safety, a comprehenrepresent. Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated helped to drive an 83 percent decline in homi- legal services, therapeutic mental health serv- sive initiative to reduce crime and strengthen a full year without gun violence in this neigh- cides between 1993 and 2016. Since the start ices, and links to employment, using funding neighborhoods in the 15 New York City borhood. It took concerted efforts from many of Mayor de Blasio's administration, gun ar- from the Crisis Management System budget. Housing Authority developments that acpeople and organizations to reach this victory. rests are up 19 percent in New York City • Launch a Community Toolkit and counted for 20 percent of all violent crime in I look forward to working with the adminis- while the number of stop-and-frisks has fallen Safe in the City grants to activate New York- the City's public housing in 2014. In 2014, as tration and all of our community partners to 93 percent. Reducing the remaining gun vio- ers in helping reduce gun violence. The new part of the Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborextend the 365 days of peace for days, lence in the city will require not only the con- Office is rolling out a guide to help New York- hood Safety, the City allocated $13.6 million months, and years to come." tinuation of these strategies, but also ers connect to anti-violence activities already for the installation of permanent, state-of-theState Senator Michael Gianaris said, "As innovative approaches that extend beyond tra- available on the ground in neighborhoods art safety lighting. The installation is underthe author of many of the most important pro- ditional law enforcement to shift social norms across the city, provide information about how way. visions of the SAFE Act, I know firsthand and activate New Yorkers to help prevent to report information about a crime safely and The Mayor's Action Plan for Neighborhow much of a difference sensible and re- shootings. The Office announced today will anonymously, and offer resources to help hood safety also funds a series of initiatives sponsible gun laws can make. I am proud to serve as the backbone of these innovative ef- families and neighborhoods in the aftermath aimed at increasing pathways to opportunity represent the good people of Queensbridge forts. of a violent event. Additionally, the Office will and creating more connected public housing Houses and acknowledge the efforts of our The first new strategy the Office will provide small grants to residents to support communities, including mentoring and jobs community to take a stand against violence." pursue is expanding effective violence inter- neighborhood-driven anti-violence efforts. programs for young adults and Community "My father grew up in Queensbridge ruption strategies developed by Crisis ManThe Mayor's Office and the City Council Center programming for seniors. houses and it has always been a welcoming agement System - over the last three years, the jointly fund the Crisis Management System; in In addition to launching public safety place," said Assembly Member Catherine City has deployed teams of credible messen- the current fiscal year, the funding is $22.5 milinitiatives to further reduce crime at public Nolan. "This wonderful, widely successful gers who use the Cure Violence model to me- lion, half of which is funded by the Council. In housing developments citywide, the de Blasio initiative by Mayor de Blasio and Council diate conflicts on the street and connect the future, the City is investing an additional administration and U.S. Department of HousMajority Leader Van Bramer is returning us high-risk individuals to services that can re- $4.5 million in these efforts. ing and Urban Development (HUD) anto the safety we have always deserved. My duce the long-term risk of violence. This apOverwhelmingly, the norm in New York nounced in July 2015 a $10 million congratulations also to K. Bain for his leader- proach contributed to a 15 percent decline in City is peace. In even the highest-crime investment in free high-speed broadband ship and also to residents association president shootings in the 17 highest violence precincts precinct in New York City, over 99 percent of service for five public housing developments April Simpson Taylor, Eddie Cadiz, PSA 9, in New York City since Mayor de Blasio took residents have never been a suspect in a shootcitywide, including Queensbridge North and Marion Jeffries-NAACP , Bishop Mitchell office. ing case, and New York City is on pace to have South. The Mayor also recently announced $1 Taylor-Urban Upbound and Chris HanawyUnder the direction of Eric Cumber- the lowest number of shootings in over 30 billion in allocated funding for new roofs on Jacob Riis Settlement for all their support as batch, the new Executive Director of the years; year-to-date, shootings are down 20 perover 700 NYCHA buildings as part of the well."

Mayor's Office to Prevent Gun Violence, the cent compared to last year and 83 percent comFY18 Preliminary Budget.

"I am thankful that the City of New York Office will add the following new services to pared to an all-time high in 1993.

Additional City investments in the has made an unprecedented and collaborative the Crisis Management System; Today's announcement was made at Queensbridge Houses community include; effort to redefine what public safety means.

• Intervention workshops in juvenile Queensbridge Houses, North America's • $14.7 million for installation of Successes like ours at 696 Build Queens- justice facilities. In several Close to Home fa- largest public housing complex. Since the bridge alongside the other Cure Violence sites cilities and in the two secure detention facili- start of Mayor de Blasio's administration, CCTV and higher-security Layered Access within the Crisis Management System ties for juveniles in New York City, credible murders and shootings in public housing de- Control (LAC) Doors, which are operated by demonstrates what is possible when we ad- messenger teams will conduct weekly work- velopments are down 17 percent and 9 per- computer system and fob keys dress the root causes of violence in our com- shops and one-on-one mentoring to arm cent respectively. There has not been a • $1.65 million for grounds improvemunities . We are proud to be a part of this young people with the skills to diffuse con- shooting at Queensbridge Houses in over a ments, including upgrades to recreational initiative that not only addresses violence as flicts without violence. year. Last year's 998 shootings marked the spaces

24

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

mmr â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFC calls for suspension of Parking Meter System WITH concerns mounting over the operations governing the metered parking system, the Alliance for Change (AFC) is calling for the implementation of the project to be suspended until pertinent issues are addressed.

The party which shares executive power with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) articulated its position in a statement to the media on Tuesday. "... with regard to the publicly expressed concerns, the party strongly implores the M&CC [Mayor and City Council] to suspend the implementation of this project..." the statement read.

AFC said that it recognises the autonomy of the M&CC as the duly elected

representatives of Georgetown and the M&CC's legal right to regularise parking in Georgetown and raise revenue to better manage the affairs of the city.

However, the party is calling for the local government body to reconsider pertinent aspects of the Ministry of Finance's review of the project and seek a second independent review of its contract with National Parking Systems (NPS)/Smart City Solutions (SCS) - the companies contracted to manage and operate the parking meters.

After several issues regarding transparency of the project surfaced, the Government requested both the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General's

Major

PS

as gov

By Zena Henry CONSIDERATIONS are said to be on the way for a major shakeup of public servants holding the post of Permanent Secretaries to government ministries.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that discussions are on the way to shift around the PS's in a bid to ophmise their skills and performance. "Nothing has been done yet. but I can say that it is under consideration." a government official noted. The official said that in some instances the consideration for rearranging was not directly linked to the PS's performance, but rather a need to uhlise them in areas better suited to their skills.

It was explained that outside of this. PS's are public servants and there is nothing to say that they must remain

(AG) Chambers to examine the contract between the M&CC and NPS/SCS. The Ministry of Finance's review pointed out that if, under the arrangements the tender and procurement procedures were breached, it was enough for Government to void the contract.

And according to the party, the absence of a competitive bidding process and other practices, "do not appear to be in the best interest of the people of the city".

"The party therefore registers its serious concern with regard to the handling of this project from its inception to its current stage, but specifically in terms of the lack of sufficient prior public consultation; the absence

at a designated ministry.

"Somehmes people get comfortable." the source said, noting however that, "their strengths could be better utilised somewhere else."

Since the ascension of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition to government, they have had their share of ran-ins with Permanent Secretaries, many of those leftover from the last People's Progressive Party (PPP) administration.

In 2015. Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams had cause to send his Permanent Secretary. Indira Ananjit on a 52-day administrative leave to facilitate an audit into millions of dollars' worth in missing law books and computer parts. The AG said the PS had purchased the books which went missing.

Another incident saw the

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman of transparency and of a competitive bidding process; the seeming lack of proper planning with regard to exemptions and the pricing and penalty structures" the AFC noted.

The statement pointed out too that available documentation suggests that the municipality may have "overreached its authority" on a number of matters, including taxation arrangements, traffic arrangements and road ownership.

As such, the party said it views this with "alarm" as it does the apparent

"exclusivity and monopolisation" of paid metered parking in the city.

Additionally, AFC expressed that while it is neither supportive nor against the implementation of paid metered parking in Georgetown, it has been monitoring the implementation of the joint venture project.

Having observed the developments, the party noted that it has raised its concerns through Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, but is concerned that the implementation has advanced without much compromise.

Duncan, who has protested this parking meter project, has said that while he is not opposed to the idea of having parking meters in the capital city, he could not support this particular project, which, since its inception, lacked transparency.

He said that the project could not be supported for several reasons, including the fact that the contract was signed outside of the purview of current council, and it was never sent to tender.

The current contract provides for the private

shakeup

'tseeks to PS at the Ministry of the Presidency. Omar Shariff being sent on leave last June

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, after he was arrested by ranks of Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in connection with large sums of cash which were found in his personal bank accounts.

While the PS claimed it was his personal earnings, investigators are still probing the source of the money.

More recently, a Commission of Inquiry into the procurement of medical drugs recommended that Health Ministry PS Trevor Thomas be fired after it was found out that he had lied to the commission. They said he gave "inconsistent" and "deceptive" evidence. It was found that staffers of the Materials Management Unit were conspiring with bidders to help them win drag con-

companies to receive 80 per cent of all revenues generated from paid parking, while the M&CC will receive the remaining 20 per cent.

The cost for parking is $50 + $8 Value Added Tax (VAT) for 15 minutes, which can be purchased using a GeoPark parking meter card which varies in price. But Duncan, who contends that this cost is too high and should be reflective of the minimum wage and cost of living in Guyana, has been supported by the 'Movement Against Parking Meter' group, which staged a peaceful protest outside of City Hall on Friday.

Meanwhile, NPS/SCS and M&CC have commenced implementation of the project and have been charging drivers who park on the demarcated spots without paying for those spots.

However, many are contending this is illegal since the by-laws governing the metered parking system has not been approved by the Attorney General (AG) nor Cabinet.

looms

optimise skills, performan

tracts by making them more competitive than others.

In other cases some PS's have been replaced. Health Permanent Secretary. Leslie Cadogan was fired in 2015 amidst allegations of gross negligence and misconduct in the performance of his duties.

PPP Member of Parliament.

Nigel Dharamlall was booted from the Ministry of Indigenous People's Affair and Colin Croal was also fired as the PS to the then Local Government Ministry. A Permanent Secretary is equivalent to that of the Chief Execuhve Officer of a company. It is the most senior civil office in the ministry and is charged with ranning the department on a day-to-day basis.

Back in June last year President David Granger and Minister of State. Joseph Harmon, had convened a meeting with the permanent

secretaries of the various ministries with a view to ensuring that their work is in line with the policies of the Government. At the meeting the President said that the position of permanent secretary is the pinnacle of the professional career of a public servant and. as such his Government will ensure that the condihons under which they funchon are as close as possible to ideal and that there is a high level of satisfaction and commitment among them.

He explained that like law and medicine, public service is a profession that requires a high level of competency and professionalism. "Ministers may change, but permanent secretaries are meant to be permanent... to ran a ministry conhnuously for a long period of time, every day and whoever the minister is. the Permanent Secretary must

be able to discharge his/her function in an efficient manner but they cannot do that unless they are educated."

President Granger had said.

Similar senhments were expressed by Minister Harmon. who emphasised that permanent secretaries have a critical role to play in the functioning of the ministries.

He informed the permanent secretaries that the President will soon introduce a draft strategic plan for the various ministries, which outlines a broad framework within which each ministry will function and what they should focus on.

This draft plan also highlights the Government's green agenda. Minister Harmon said that, "the first and foremost responsibility of every Government ministry is to push that green agenda."

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

Drivers

could

lose

25

big

... on

parking

By Ravin Singh

ed to $464 (VAT inclusive).

Consumers are losing up to $36 on every parking meter card purchased, and could possibly lose up to $1.4M a month even as the parking rates remain higher than most in New York City - a city with an economy more than 517 times that of Guyana.

The metered parking system, introduced by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) last year, is a simple one.

Between the hours of 07:00 hrs and 19:00 hrs. if drivers wish to park in any of the demarcated spots, they are required to purchase a parking meter card, which is then used to pay for parking via the parking meters.

The prices for the cards vary from $570 to $11,400.

These prices are inclusive of the recently adjusted 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT). Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Monday said that VAT should not be charged on the cards.

However, they are still being charged.

Meanwhile, the rate for parking is $50 for 15 minutes and an additional $8 (16 per cent of $50) for VAT - taking the total to GYD$58 for 15 minutes or $232 per horn.

But even though VAT has been reduced to 14 per cent. $8 (or 16 per cent) is still being charged.

A parking meter card purchased by Guyana Chronicle for $580 (on Monday) allowed for a maximum parking time of tw o hours since the value of the card was only $500. The two horns amount-

NON-TRANSFERABLE And the balance? The $36 balance on the card could not be used due to the fact that it was not sufficient to purchase the minimum parking time - 15 minutes - nor was ittransferrable. Similar cases would occur if the $5,700 or $11,400 cards were used; although the loss would be less.

Assuming an individual wishes to park for four hours a day. they would be losing $72 on their cards for that day. $360 a (five-day) week, and $1,440 a month. Should this be applied to 1000 drivers. it means that they would collectively be losing $1.4M per month.

This loss to consumers was acknowledged by Kit Nascimento. Consultant for Smart City Solutions (SCS) and National Parking Systems (NPS) - the private companies contracted by the Georgetown M&CC to manage and operate the parking meters. The companies receive 80 per cent of the total revenue generated from paid parking while the Council receives the remaining 20 per cent.

When asked if consumers would be losing money on the cards. Nascimento responded in the affirmative, reasoning that "it is standard operating procedures around the world".

However, according to the New York City Government website, while there are several options to pay for parking, including the use of parking card as is the case in Guyana, payments with the card can be combined with

■ T mm :■

The highly-commercialised Robb j Street almost free of parked vehicles earlier this week

me M

■:v

laiiiliiil

meters

coins to avoid wasting remaining balance on the card.

The website explains that. "This is helpful if a parking card has a very low value remaining" as it allows for the balance on the card to be fully utilised by being subsidised with the coins.

The website also details the hourly rates for parking in the five boroughs of NYC; the Bronx. Brooklyn.

Queens. Staten Island and sections of Manhattan - all of which are US$1 per hour.

Current World Bank exchange rates indicate that this amounts to $206 per hour $26 cheaper when compared to the rates in Georgetown.

monthly

rates higher than

most areas in NYC

arrived at after extensive consultations. He said too that the rates are comparable to countries with similar GDP per capita, referencing "Mexico and Costa Rica."

DIFFERENT STORY However. World Bank statistics show that the GDP per capita for Mexico is US$9,005 while Costa Rica's is US$11,260. The international financial institution also has Guyana listed with a per capita GDP of only US$4,127 - the second lowest in this part of the hemisphere.

Similarly, the Gross National Income (GNI) per

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This receipt which was received by Guyana Chronicle shows that the two hours parking amounted to $464

A

TrrC v I » ■ A vehicle wheel-booted/clamped for not paying to park in a metered spot of metered parking, she has Notable too. is the capita for the countries ref- been forced to park some fact that NYC's economy erenced by Nascimento. distance from her place of is more than 517 that of were US$10,400 for Costa employ, to avoid having to Guyana's. Statistics from Rica and US$9.710 for Mex- pay what she described as a the City University of New ico. while Guyana's was "hefty parking sum."

York's (CUNY's) website US$4,090. These statistics The M&CC has begun show that NYC's Gross Do- were also retrieved from the charging drivers for memestic Product (GDP) is World Bank's website. tered parking and have been US$1.6 trillion, while the Earning an annual salary wheel-booting defaulting World Bank has Guyana's at slightly above that range is vehicles despite the parking US$3.IB. Shondell Adams, who has meter by-laws not having But despite the rates be- been directly affected by the been approved by Cabinet ing higher than those in a de- parking meters. or published in the official A driver. Shondell said Gazette. veloped country. Nascimento explained that they were that since the enforcement "I don't think it makes sense coming to work and then paying while you doing the Government work. It exA pensive because I tried it for the first few days and realise it ain't make sense. I would got to spend like quarter of my salary to pay for parking ■■■■a ■ a month. So what's gonna jlVp^iS f! happen to my bills and other ' Ls; J commitments?" she quesiiiiint tioned.

III HI si . II! The mother of one said r* ,i L-^ai while she understands the I I IIII need for City Hall to raise revenue to better manage its affairs, the way the Council went about introducing the meters was "wrong and inexcusable". contending that the : -i' : : . rates are "too high".

And Deputy Mayor of Georgetown. Sherod Duncan agrees with her.

TRANSPARENCY WANTING Duncan, who has protested the parking meter project, said while he is not opposed to the idea of having parking meters in the Capital City, he could not support this particular project, which, since its inception, lacked transparency.

According to him. the project could not be supported for several reasons, including the fact that the contract was signed outside of the purview of current Council, and it was never sent to tender.

After several of these issues surfaced, the Government requested both the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General's (AG) Chambers to examine the contract.

The Ministry of Finance's review pointed out that if under the arrangements the tender and procurement procedures were breached, it was enough for Government to void the contract. But Government has since said that it would only intervene if it is imperative, as they will not interfere in the affairs of an autonomous local government body.

Duncan added too that he could not support this project because parking fees must be "reflective of a minimum wage and a living wage".

His claim of secrecy and lack of transparency regarding the project has since been refuted by Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene - one of four Council members who was taken on a private trip to Mexico by SCS to observe the enforcement of metered Turn to page 26 ^

26

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

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The minibus following the accident

By Alva Solomon A family heading to an out-

ing, escaped with minor injuries on Sunday after the minibus in which thev were

travelling in careened off the roadway at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara.

EXA.AMNE FRAMES EXAMINE

AJMI>

OUR

WE'LL

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According to reports, around midday on Sunday, the minibus bearing registration number BTT 9621. was heading south along the public road at Schoonord in the vicinity of the new entrance to the Parfait Harmonie Housing Scheme when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Reports are that the

minibus driver was overtaking a vehicle at the time when he observed another heading in the opposite direction attempting to turn into the entrance to Parfait Harmonie.

To avoid a collision, the man swerved off of the roadway and the bus later ended up on its side in a drain along the side of the roadway.

There were no reports of serious injuries. Public-spirited citizens rushed to the scene to assist the passengers who were trapped in the vehicle. The family was heading to a creek on the highway at the time of the accident.

Police traffic ranks later arrived on the scene and manned the build-up of traffic in the area.

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11

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I The Purchase of any complete pair of eyeglasses or prescription lenses Discount valid with coupon only. Must be presented at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other often coupons, sales, discounts, union pians or insurances. Good only at E.N.G. Caribbean Vision Center, Brooklyn, NY. Limited time offer.

From page 25 parking in that country.

"It is my view that there is a group of individuals who wish to snatch this project and all of its benefits from the Council and the citizens for their own private enterprise and personal gain." the Mayor has said. However, no figures have since been given with regards to how much revenue the project is likely to generate.

She charged too. that if any individual has evidence to suggest that there was any "underhand" dealing with regards to the project, then they should take same to the police.

But Duncan is not the only opposing force the Mayor has to deal with.

EMPTY SPOTS Since becoming fully operational, citizens have rejected the metered parking system, with countless parking spots remaining vacant

lose

big

parking

on a daily basis. This has even prompted Town Clerk Royston King to issue a statement asking citizens to support the initiative, which he believes will benefit the City.

Simultaneously, there is a "Say no to parking meters in Georgetown" movement calling for citizens to "starve the parking meters". Several protests by this movement have been planned.

Additionally, an online petition introduced on Thursday has already received more than 300 signatures of citizens who reject the parking meters.

The petition states that most of the fines and measures which will be instituted. once the by-laws are approved. are "too high" in cost and have "unfair" penalties.

Should an individual fail to pay for parking while occupying a parking spot, his/her vehicle would be wheel-booted, and they will have tw o hours to pay a re-

meters

lease fine of $8,000 + VAT. If the individual tries to remove or interfere with the immobilisation device, that person could be fined $100,000 or spend three months in prison.

After tw o hours of being immobilised, the vehicle would be towed and this would attract a towing fee of $12,000.

If the vehicle is damaged during this process, the individual will not be compensated by the M&CC. Impoundment fee is $7,000. and each day the vehicle remains impounded, an additional $7,000 will be charged.

Should an individual fail to pay these fines within 90 days, the M&CC can sell the vehicle at a public auction.

Persons providing false or inaccurate names to wardens or City Constables run the risk of being placed before a magistrate and could be fined up to $50,000.

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

Kesaundra

new Ravin Singh ARMED with a Bachelors of Law Degree, a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) and a Masters' Degree in Law - specialising in Health, Ethics and Policy, Attorney Kesaundra Alves is the new Chairperson of the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Board.

This was announced by Minister of Public Health.

Volda Lawrence, during a press conference held at the Ministry on Monday. Noting that Cabinet gave its approval for the appointment of the new Board of Directors, the Minister said that Alves was named Chairperson. She said that Alves has also been involved in interdisciplin-

ary programmes involving medicine, human rights, law and politics related to public health.

Meanwhile. Dr. Holly Alexander, who has worked several years in the public health sector, was appointed as a Board Director. Dr. Alexander is the holder of a diploma in Public Management. a diploma in necrology, another diploma in Education and Masters' Degree in Public Health. Minister Lawrence explained that Dr. Alexander has been spearheading several aspects of public health over the years.

Dr. Ivelaw Sinclair, who is a practitioner at the Fort Wellington Regional Hospital was also announced as one of the Directors. He holds a Masters' Degree in Medicine

27

Alves

GPHC and several other health related certificates from Canada and China.

Representing the Public Health Ministry on the Board is Deputy Permanent Secretary. Collette Adams, while Finance Ministry Budget Director. Sonya Roopnauth. will represent the Ministry of Finance. Ms Roopnauth previously worked with the Health Ministry.

Ms Cleopatra Barkoye. a senior lecturer, who holds a Masters' Degree in Nursing Education, will represent the Nursing Council, while Mr Kempton Alexander will sit as a Director on behalf of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

Sitting on the board as ex officio members will be Chief Executive Offi-

heads

Board

*

Attorney Kasaundra Alves, newly appointed Chairperson of the GPHC Board

PROFESSIONAL INCOME

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cer (CEO) of the GPHC. Dr. Sheik Amir and Chief Medical Officer (CMO. Dr. Shamdeo Persaud.

"T believe that these persons are well put together to address the issues which confront GPHC. from policy to standards and vacancies and assisting us to achieve that vision of having GPHC operate in the manner in which it was intended to" the Public Health Minister said.

With the absence of a Deputy CEO and the Board being empowered to appoint same, Minister Lawrence said that the Board will be expected to fulfil its mandate as prescribed by the law. She added that the matter will be raised when she meets with the newly-appointed Board.

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LIMIT EL-

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The National Track and Field Centre, currently Guyana's only synthetic track facility

By Tamica Garnett ASSESSMENT works for the construction of two synthetic track facilities - one in Region 6 and one in Region 10 - have already begun, and Director of Sport Christopher Jones says the administration is looking to have at least one of the tracks completed by year end.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is currently doing evaluations for the tw o tracks, in addition to the assessment for a multipurpose sports facility in Region 7. The constmction is expected to begin as soon as all necessary preparatory hurdles have been cleared. Once green-lighted, the project will go to the tender board.

"We are striving to have completion this year. It's going to be completed this year. I can't say for both but

I know for sure one will be."

Jones told Chronicle Sport in an interview earlier this week.

"We've been on the ground to get a feel from the people on the ground, as to where those tracks should be laid."

Things are looking particularly good in Region 6. where Jones recently held discussions with the New Amsterdam Mayor Kirt Wynter. who wasted no time, and. according to Jones, has already suggested a possible location, and had contractors submit drawings for the proposed facility.

In Linden, however, an exact location is still being considered. Many thought the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground facility would have been the best location, but Jones said last year that that may not be possible because the MSC facility

houses a 300m track while a synthetic track will be 400m.

However, Jones said he has since been approached by the facility's personnel who submitted a proposal suggesting that a track just may be able to fit.

"After learning about government's intention to place a track in Region 10. the body of the MSC went ahead on their own to prepare drawings to show that a track can fit in that facility.

So they would have invited me to come and see those drawings and have a conversation with them as it relates to the track being laid in their facility. Those proposals submitted by them, have been further submitted to the PS. and the Minister for their own perusal." Jones related.

However, there's another proposed site in Bayroc. Linden. which has been suggest-

ed by Region 10 Member of Parliament. Jermaine Figueira. Jones says once Figueira has submitted the necessary proposal for that site, both locations will be thoroughly assessed by the Department of Sports' contractor.

"The final determination will be for the Minister and the PS. but I will make my recommendation after receiving both, based on what I see." Jones declared.

"If we had received both of those proposals already consultants for the Ministry would have already been in the regions to do their groundwork. So essentially they are waiting for us to say go. and they can do their assessment. We want to push on it as early as possible."

Jones assured.

Once the assessments have been completed and the contractor submits the bill of quantities, the project will go

r-

1 Director of Sport Christopher Jones to tender for bids to do the initial constmction work. The initial works can be done by a local company. However, an international company will have to be hired to lay the rabberised track.

Guyanese first got confirmation of plans to constract

new synthetic tracks across Guyana when Minister responsible for Sport. Nicolette Henry pointed out that some $210M had been set aside for proposed synthetic track facilities to be laid in Regions 2. 4. 6. 7 and 10.

To date. Guyana has only one synthetic track facility - the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara. This facility cost $1,084 billion and it was officially commissioned in April. 2015.

When the track's location was first unveiled, many stakeholders were not too pleased, and questioned the rationale behind putting the track in an area hardly known as an attraction point for athletics enthusiasts. The government-funded initiative was spearheaded by then Minister of Sport, Dr Frank Anthonv.

Hetmyer misses ton as Jaguars brush aside ICC Americas CAVE HILL, Barbados (CMC) - Guyana Jaguars wrapped up a disappointing preliminary round campaign in the Regional SuperSO by brushing aside ICC Americas by eight wickets, in their final Group B outing here yesterday.

Already eliminated from advancing to the final four.

Jaguars used the opportunity to notch their fourth win of the tournament by easily chasing down 171 at 3Ws Oval.

Opener Shimron Hetmyer. returning to the lineup after missing the last two games, missed out on a maiden hundred with 94 while fellow left-hander Assad Fudadin hit 54 - his second half-century of the competition.

The pair put on 142 for the first wicket to negate any chance of an upset, as ICC Americas slumped to their sixth defeat in seven outings.

Hetmyer. the successful former West Indies Un-

der-19s captain, hammered ten fours and four sixes in an aggressive 76-ball knock while Fudadin faced 66 deliveries and counted four fours and two sixes.

Jaguars galloped to their 50 off just 48 balls and reached 100 in the 19th over, with Hetmyer undertaking the bulk of the scoring.

In fact, he raised his half-century off 49 deliveries and then required another 27 deliveries to motor into the 90s before falling

short of his landmark.

He perished in the 26th over with the score on 158.

19 deliveries after Fudadin had departed.

Earlier. ICC Americas were bowled out of 170 off 48.1 overs, after choosing to bat first.

They were undermined by left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (3-15) and leg-spinner DevendraBishoo (3-28) both of whom finished with three wickets apiece.

Nikhil Dutta top-scored with 38. Saad bin Zafar

weighed in with 36 while Nitish Kumar got 31.

Openers Akeem Dodson (2) and Kamau Leverock (5) both fell cheaply to leave ICC Americas struggling on 12 for two in the fifth over before Kumar and Alex Amsterdam. who made 25. put on 55 for the third wicket.

Once they were separated. another slump ensued where ICC Americas lost four wickets for nine rans in the space of 24 balls and this time. Dutta and bin Zafar combined in a 67-run

partnership, to rescue the innings.

Dutta struck tw o fours off 77 balls while bin Zafar cracked a four and a six off 63 balls but the partnership though productive was a slow one and ICC Americas were only 136 for six in the 40th over.

When left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul removed Dutta to a catch at the wicket in the 43rd over, the innings declined again, as the last four wickets fell for 27 runs.