Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 28 04 2017

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Queen Elizabeth II and President David Granger sat down on Wednesday at Windsor Castle where discussions were held in the context of President Granger's 'green' State development agenda (Getty Images photo) W1*

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Online

passport

soon

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

service

Minister

coming

Felix

The Ministry of Citizenship is in the process of improving

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Guyanese could access the document and other services from the comfort of their homes. Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix has stated that his ministry is currently working out the details that would allow the improved and expanded online immigration services.

During the radio talk show LHot able to access the ministry's online Seat'', Minister Felix related that he immigration services and uplift their has held discussions with his techni- documents with one short visit to cal teams and is currently awaiting a the embassy, or designated represenreport on the necessary inputs re- tative . The Minister noted that the quired to make it a possibility. report will soon be available and the The Minister said that his min- ministry will be taking the next step istry wishes to make it so that a per- toward improving the online servson in Guyana can stay from his/her ice.

Additionally, the Citizenship

By ZENA HENRY Ministry has begun the process of home, apply for a passport and with digitalizing citizens' records. Someone short visit to the passport office, times accessing a birth or death cerhave their documents signed, and tificate could be frustrating, since ready to be accessed. the paper system has persons waitPersons living abroad will also ing weeks before their documents benefit from this service whether could be replaced. Also, any incorthey reside in the United States or rect information presented meant Canada for instance, they would be the process took longer.

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PASSPORT Felix noted that in his view, no one should have to wait a month to get a birth certificate.

"So we are working towards digitizing records in the first place.

And one of the benefits is having a database from which we can print the birth and other certificates."

The Minister said that initially the digitalization of the records was scheduled for three years, but is now

being scaled back to two years. He recognized that the information is significant since it includes births, deaths and marriages; and how far back the records are dated.

Persons living overseas and needing to replaced a birth or other certificates, will not have to endure long waits either, allowing them alsovto benefit from the digitalized system.

Guyana to host first 'housing solution' exposition With a fresh concept behind the provision of homes to citizens, the Ministry of Housing under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance of Change (APNU+AFC) government will be hosting its first ever housing exposition from May 26 to 29,2017. The event is expected to be like none other since it entails a model village that allows persons to choose the type of house they desire, when applying for a state built home.

Housing Minister Valerie Patterson, They are providing duplexes; has stated that the Central Housing and ground and elevated, made of wood or Planning Authority (CH&PA) is moving concrete and single homes, ground and away from providing house lots alone, elevated for low and middle income earnand is now providing holistic communi- ers. The community's road will be paved ties. The housing sector had been facing and well lit. A playground is located many challenges with persons receiving within the community, along with social house lots from the previous government spaces for members. with no water, electricity or access roads The model village, the ministry has in the area. Where homes were built, noted, will display the quality of service some persons were faced with poor roads and houses citizen's will receive when and limited amenities. With over 20,000 purchasing a home from the government. applications for homes within the system.

The Housing Ministry has hired a Minister Patterson related the need to re- number of contractors, employing some think the types of homes provided in re- 400 persons to build the model homes. lation to space.

The contractors are required to build the The upcoming housing expo will homes according to the criteria of the take all these matters into consideration. ministry and within a budget that would The fairly new Perseverance Housing speak to either a low or middle income Scheme, which is located on the East earner.

Bank of Demerara, will be the first with The homes are thus built in a version the types of communities the new gov- that is unique to the contractor. Housing ernment is working towards. applicants will have the option of choos-

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Duplexes under construction for the Expo in May. ing the model home they will be receiving from the government.

CHPA is expected to make the promotion of safe construction materials a priority at the exposition. This was disclosed by Project Manager, Kennard Dazzle during a media tour of the construction site Monday.

Dazzel told the media that the Housing Ministry has been introduced to special safety construction material and developers have been invited to partake in the housing exposition to construct homes made out of fire proof material. A Polish team is using the material to develop their version of low and middle in-

come homes.

Canadian Carihe is another company expected to construct homes using safety materials. In their version of the home, the company is said to be using a PVC like material that is also fire proof.

CPHA's recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul, explained that the government will not be abandoning the defective Turn Key properties from the last government. "We are constructing duplexes, town houses, single units and of course we are giving out service lots. We are catering to the greater needs of the people."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Nandlall

charged

...released on self-bail amid drama

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Thursday officially charged former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall with Larceny

By Bailee in connection with a number of law books which he carried away from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, saying he was given them by former President, Donald Ramotar during his tenure in office.

The case was called before Magistrate Fabio Azore and Nandlall. 44. of 28-29 Lama Avenue. Bel AirPark. Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that he fraudulently converted 14 Commonwealth Law Reports valued at GY$2.3 million to his own use. as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

a political and sinister motive. "The books are presently US$2,000 and the state will spend millions to prosecute this charge and it will go nowhere, the charge should not have been filed since I've already instituted proceedings in the constitutional court, since the constitution is very clear that a magistrate ought to defer to the superiority of the High Court and to the superior law of the land," he told reporters.

BREAKING HIS SPIRIT Nandlall said he is humbled at the expense to which the authorities are willing to go in breaking his spirit, but the charge has catapulted him into the line of many illustrious politicians who were also charged as part of the political struggle. None of the politi-

3

with

no intention of returning them to the State. He subsequently secured an order in the High Court which bars the police from seizing the books.

FLAGRANT MISUSE Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Melissa Tucker, had told the Audit Office that the alleged pact between Nandlall and Ramotar. regarding the purchase of law books was a "flagrant breach" of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA). Tucker had made the comments in her response to the Auditor General's findings into an audit of the missing books. The Auditor General in its conclusion had said that the Commonwealth

stealing

Law Books acquired by the ministry were not subject to storekeeping procedures and were not required, since they were part of his condition of service. However, the then Permanent Secretary. Tucker, made it clear that the ministry was never privy to any condition of service for Nandlall. which included the purchase of law reports. Tucker said the "the alleged agreement between the former AG and former President Ramotar circumvents the procedural accountabihty of the Budget Agency that is governed by the Stores Regulations 1993 and the FMAA 2003."

She added that the purchase of the law books, with public funds for Nandlall's personal use was. "A flagrant misuse of

law

public funds. Property bought with public funds by the ministry ought to remain the property of the ministry." Tucker stated.

She said. "The ministry feels compelled to remind you (Auditor General) that according to the FMAA: Public money means all money belonging to the State, received or collected by officials in their capacity or by any person authorised to receive or collect such money." In addition. Tucker stated that Section 48 of the FMAA. which speaks of the misuse of public funds, provides that: "A minister or official shall not in any manner misuse, misapply, or improperly dispose of public money."

Additionally, the audit had found that the books

books were not subject to storekeeping, according to Section 18 of the Stores Regulations 1993, which states, "All goods purchased shall be taken to the store and shall be subject to storekeeping procedures outlined in these regulations."

Stating that the ministry had no evidence of the agreement between Nandlall and Ramotar, Tucker said that, "Even assuming that there was such an agreement, the use of public funds in this manner is against the FMAA." She added that in respect to one law book valued $174,498 purchased on March 18, 2015, it was received by the permanent secretary on June 2,2016 and was placed in the library.

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121 -14 ^Liberty yVvcnuc Richmond Hill, NY 11419 V Nandlall flanked by lawyers and a supporter while leaving the Georgetown Magistrates Court (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) He is being represented by a battery of lawyers, led

by Glen Hanoman. He was released on his own recognizance and later stepped out of the prisoners' dock to sign the recognizance.

Nandlall initially was scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday afternoon.

However, the magistrate stood the matter down for Friday for hearing at 09:00hrs at the GeorgetownMagistrates Court.

This action by the magistrate was met with much disappointment by the Special Prosecutor assigned to the case. Patrice Henry and Head of SOCU. Sydney James.

The SOCU head had told the Guyana Chronicle earher in the day that Nandlall was not cooperating with investigators. According to James, even though during questioning on Monday Nandlall claimed that the books were secured in a house and the keys were with his wife overseas, the former AG subsequently told reporters that he had no intention of returning the books.

Meanwhile Nandlall. speaking with media operatives after leaving the courtroom. said the charge is not surprising, since he said it has

cians Nandlall referred to was charged for allegedly stealing state properties. "The criminal justice system is being used as a political instrument, the state paid my hght bills, phone bills, and also my subscription fees, the state can't claim my cellphone because they paid my phone bill, they can't claim my electrical appliances because they paid my hght bill, similarly they can't claim the law books, because they don't have any relationship with the supply of the law books. I was being supplied those law books that predated a decade before my appointment." Nandlall said.

Over the last two years.

Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that while he was AG. law books were purchased for him by the state with approval by former president Ramotar.

The missing books were bought from Lexis Nexis (U.K.). publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, and are said to be worth over US$2.5M. However, after the PPP was unseated in 2015. Nandlall took possession of the books which were bought for him as AG. by the state. At a press conference held at Freedom House today after being released by SOCU. Nandlall said that the law books are in his possession and he has

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017 V

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The Zena Henry Column^ Guyana Sprouts must concur with Minister of Finance Winston Jordan when he stated that local businessmen are not taking risks. Unfortunately, this observation could be used to describe most of the country's sectors.

In a Guyana Times report it was said that private sector players took umbrage at the Finance Minister for "scathing criticism" of their willingness and ability to take risks and invest in the local economy during a Diaspora meeting in Washington DC some Fridays ago.

Minister Jordan was quoted as describing the local private sector as "stuck in their waysand not adapting to the changing business environment. He said that while what exists currently is an expanded breed of private sector players, what is needed is a private sector that is willing to take chances.

The private sector has however claimed that unfavourable conditions exist locally for investment. They stated that Government needs to create the incentives in order for the private sector players to take up the challenges and noted that projects have to be bankable, as access to finance for investment is another major hurdle in doing business locally.

Another argument is that overwhelming taxes and the impact the new tax regime has on doing business

are

in Guyana have resulted in the slowdown in the velocity of money flow, and has ultimately impacted on the various sectors of the economy.

In being frank and not denying

"the illegal parallel economy" that was upholding the real one, less drugs, less money laundering and corruption ultimately slows down an economy, when these activities were significant contributors to the cash flow in the

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risk

takers?

first place.

In the article, Minister Jordan is quoted as saying, "In spite of all the local content legislation we may put in place, few private sector firms will not benefit if they do not re-orient the way they do business." One must analyze the statement to see how much could be drawn from it.

It must be said however, that

Guyana Sprouts believes that the government can do more to help the situation. It is however the responsibility of local business owners to analyse their establishments and align it with the new emerging Guyana. It seems highly unlikely that companies, whether legitimate or not, would be able to function in a so-called "clean economy" the same way they would in a corrupt one.

It must also be recognized that many big business personalities became prominent within the more than two-decade reign of the previous administration.

These big personalities are the influencers of the country's private business climate.

If private people hoard the US dollars, like the Central Bank's Governor has stated, then they are causing an imbalance in the cash system. It was understood that some traders were hoarding US dollars out of fear

while others were taking advantage of the imbalance to sell the foreign currency at a higher price.

This act by the private sector caused an effect in the system and, with the regular suspects taking advantage, caused a national panic that the Guyanese currency was depreciating because of a slow economy.

Moving away from the private sector, the Guyana Sugar Corporation is still having a difficult time making a positive move with the industry as workers continue to protest the closure and alterations being done to an industry producing an uncompetitive commodity.

The government wants to diversify the industry but is getting a lot of heat for the many workers that might lose their jobs. Yet no one wants to acknowledge the billions of tax payers' money having to subsidize the operations annually.

Again, it's about taking risks. Shrinking the sugar industry could never be the end.

There are options being offered by the government, but an immediate solution is what everyone desires.

More recently, the University of Guyana Vice Chancellor wanted to rent a building but the Council says it is too expensive. This is despite the school being able to earn its rental fee and some extra cash by renting the rental. It could only be seen that the Council does not want to take the risk.

There are many situations being highlighted daily where Guyanese seem "stuck in their ways" still afraid to stand up for themselves and demand from their government what they want. It is obvious by now that they need the help, but some are just unwilling, and it is mainly because they have their own agenda.

Apart from that some persons seem either comfortable or tamed.

Many just will not take the risk and are still afraid of rocking the boat, while others, they apparently just don't care.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

5

The Things

That

Bother

Me

(cont'd,

Handel

from

Andrews

last

Column

The Drums of Wan The country of no good options

Tensions between North Korea and the US are at boiling point. Anything could develop — a pre-emptive strike by the U.S. against North Korea or a pre-emptive one by North Korea against South Korea, Japan and Alaska. Let us examine what could happen in either scenario.

GEOGRAPHY OF NORTH KOREA The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is in East Asia, on the northern side of the Korean peninsula. It shares borders with China along the Amnok River, Russia along the Tumen River, and South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Prior to the allied victory over Japan in WW2, both North and South were united as Korea under the rule of Japan. After the wax- in 1945, the country was split along the 38th parallel.

This area is known as the Korean demilitarized zone, a 4 km (2.5 mil) strip of land running across the Korean peninsula. is the most heavily guarded area in the world. The two capitals are 223 miles apart.

IF THE US PRE-EMPTS NORTH KOREA? In March, Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson is on record saying that the Trump Administration is considering a pre-emptive strike on North Korea. He has been talking tough ever since.

Hawks in the administration and in Congress are begging the President to attack North Korea.

A preemptive attack against North Korea would not be a simple operation.

It is not the same as the 1986 attack on Libya, nor will it be like the operations in Iraq or Grenada. This action would be a big gamble.

In a statement carried by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister, Han Song-ryol, said, "If the United States thinks it can deal with us the way it treated Iraq and Libya, miserable victims of its aggression, and Syria, which did not respond immediately even after it was attacked, "we will go to wax- if they choose."

Before deciding to strike North Korea, the potential of such action should be carefully examined The U.S. would have to mount a full-scale destruction of the North's nuclear- facilities. This will be difficult, because very little is known about the location of such. Most military analysts believe they are hidden in caves or underground around the country or are mounted on carriers hidden in tunnels around the country.

Even if the US can damage some of North Korea's nuclear- facilities and weapons, these would be replaced.

other officials, as it has historically done against leaders it dislikes. Time was when assassinating a foreign leader was an integral component of America's national security "tool kit." This is now

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North Korea's nuclear- program is from within the country rather than imported from abroad. Thus, the country has the expertise to replace destroyed facilities, making setbacks temporary.

The difficulty of destroying North Korea's nukes, could prompt the U.S. to conduct a program to kill its leader and

frowned upon and discouraged. However, no standing Federal law criminalizes the assassination of a foreign official outside the boundaries of the United States. Only Executive Order 12333 prohibits the act of state-sponsored killing.

This is not a guarantee that U.S. Presidents will not order or endorse

week)

such killings, as the murders of Muhammar Khadhafi and Saddam Hussein prove. Thus, sponsoring the assassination of Kim Jung Un is a practical possibility.

The fall of the Kim regime would result in a dire refugee crisis of millions of North Koreans crossing over to China. A mass migration of North Koreans entering China through its northern Liaoning and Jilin provinces "would present complex economic, infrastructure, and cultural and political challenges potentially threatening China's political stability."

A rule of thumb is that war must come to the ground. Lindsay Graham, Marco Rubio and John McCain know this. Using ground forces in North Korea would be risky and might cost thousands of American fives. North Korea has a one million soldier army, the third largest in the world.

Bill Gates, former Secretary of Defense, speaking at West Point (2011), said, " Any future Secretary of Defense who advises the President to again send a big land army into Asia should have his head examined." He was following Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur's advice to the U.S., when he famously said, "Anyone wanting to commit American ground forces to the mainland of Asia should have his head examined." The United States has fought three major wars in Asia — Korea, Vietnam and (continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

(T^rpnlclc^

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I ditor In ( hict Guyana's Oil - Its Challenges and the Way Forward 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

Dear Mr. Editor, I recently read that the anticipated wealth from Guyana's oil is not earmarked for Guyanese.

If this is true, then whom is it expected to enrich?

Guyana is a blessed country endowed with vast resources, a conducive climate and a relatively small populationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;making it our own "Heaven" on earth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which in simple terms suggest that every individual should be able to at least live a very comfortable life.

Proper exploitation of our resources must be the key towards this aim, and Government must be able to organize appropriate mechanisms that will positively influence the programmes to achieve its objectives.

Government must publicise its plans (short and long term) so that the pop-

ulation could get on board.

The discovery of oil and its optimum exploitation therefore, could be used as the medium for a concerted development programme, through sustained industrialization within our economy.

Agriculture, Mining, Forestry, factories, fishing, etc., could all be factored into the housing and other infrastructural development programmes, geared to facilitate job creation within new housing areas, thereby establishing new and decentralizing existing job opportunities within the very areas.

The Government could utilize the anticipated earnings from oil to collatterise loans in advance from the international funding agencies, thereby commencing development programmes now, rather than waiting

until the year 2020, when the oil is to be extracted, and revenues are earned.

With these funds the people of Guyana could be treated to inexpensive clean energy for their electricity supply, increased social benefits and necessary infrastructural/development works, which will make life easier and vindicate the "Good Life Mantra of the Government."

These works will show that the Government is sincere about its promises, cares about its people, appreciate their role; and consequently prepare the way for its inevitable reelection in 2020, by a happy and contented electorate.

Respectfully, Alex Bird

Cintorial Congratulations to Carifta Games team Sexual

assault

awareness GUYANA is observing 'Sexual Awareness Week' from April 24th to 30th under the theme: "Engaging New Voices to End Sexual Violence," with the Ministry of Social Protection highlighting sexual assault as "one of the most pervasive violations of human rights."

The message is that sexual assault must not be viewed as "a dirty little secret, a taboo." since it really is a violation of one's inherent dignity and it's about power and control, not about sex. The ministry in a fullpage newspaper advertisement declared that "the time for complacency and the shrouded culture of silence has long passed and belongs to another era. The silence on sexual assault against women, men and children must be broken; it is time for stronger action."

Moreover, the ministry has reaffirmed its commitment "to shift and functionally transform attitudes that permit sexual assault to be hidden in a culture of silence (that) permits such a crime to go unpunished." In a timely, rallying call, the Social Protection Ministry said further that "together, as a nation we must stand united and speak up to change the culture that questions the actions of victims, rather than those of the perpetrators."

Media operatives, therefore, have an invaluable role to play by the way they report stories about sexual assault, so that they do not indulge in any shade of 'victim-blaming.' The media must focus on seeking to influence change in attitudes and behaviours across the community that condone or excuse sexual assault in any of its heinous manifestations-non-consensual sexual behaviour such as rape or sexual assault, psychological forms of abuse such as sexual harassment, human trafficking and indecent exposure, the use of a position of trust for sexual purposes, which includes some forms of paedophilia and pederasty and incest.

The ministry, in a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategic intervention, involving a cross-section of governmental agencies as well as civil society, has formulated a coordinated mechanism through the National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence. Moreover, protocols for medical practitioners, police officers and prosecutors have been developed and training pro-

Dear Editor GUYANA'S exceptional performances and achievements at the recently held Carifta Games in Curacao must be lauded.

The team of young athletes has made us proud. Likewise, the Government must be commended for its unprecedented initiative of providing scholarships for the successful

Carifta Games team. This augurs well for the future and can serve as an inspiration for up-and-coming athletes. It is hoped these young people would not squander this opportunity. but would make full use of the scholarships while at the same time enhancing and furthering their athletic abilities.

Maybe some day in the not-toodistant future, these athletes will

grammes are said to be currently ongoing.

However, civil society and the media must take the responsibility of systematically monitoring whether these protocols are being effectively followed when victims are in need of timely intervention and support, and to speak out whenever there are violations or shortcomings. In seeking to bring about the necessary behavioural changes, a number of prevailing myths must be methodically debunked. Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person's determination to exercise power over another and neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behaviours are invitations for unwanted sexual activity.

Even if a person went voluntarily to someone's residence or room and consented to engage in some sexual activity, it does not serve as a blanket consent for all sexual activity. If a person is unsure about whether the other person is comfortable with an elevated level of sexual activity, the person should stop and ask. When someone says "No" or "Stop", that means STOP. In reality, a victim may not always put up a fight or resist, as there are many reasons why a victim of sexual assault would not fight or resist the attacker. She/he may feel that fighting or resisting will make her/his attacker angry, resulting in more severe injury and may not resist as a coping mechanism for dealing with the trauma of being sexually assaulted. In many cases of sexual assault, a weapon is not involved and the offender often uses physical strength, physical violence, intimidation, threats, or a combination of these tactics to overpower the victim.

The unresolved experiences of sexual assault can have

be in the Guyana contingent to a Commonwealth Games meet or ultimately. the Olympics. Congratulations and continued successes to the Carifta team and all who worked to ensure success. It is important for all to remember this is not the end. but rather just the beginning.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

long-term psychological and social effects, and other effects of the trauma include changes in how victims view trust, anger and blame, shock, loss of control, a sense of vulnerability, fear, self-blame or guilt for 'allowing' the crime to happen. Beyond these effects, being assaulted can also have impacts that are less tangible.

The ministry put it this way: "Sexual assault has tremendous costs to communities, and our nation as a whole.

If left unaddressed. these human rights violations pose serious consequences for current and future generations.

It undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims. Victims of sexual assault can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. and even death."

Our observance of Sexual Awareness Week should be seen as a call to action for everyone. Although the subject of sexual assault is a difficult subject for many people to talk about, this observance is a means of raising awareness so that people not only begin to think about the implications. but they could start doing something about it as well.

You can help to raise the national awareness of sexual violence simply by educating yourself and your family about the issues.

You may even explore other ways in which you can personally get involved in the fight to raise awareness and prevent sexual violence in your community. You can also leverage social media for the greater good and speak for those who do not have a voice or are not able to express it.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

7

A view from New York i,

i A i j

Capitalism

And

WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS _ robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668 I, merican Politics , i apitahsm, the oft quoted system that supposedly has the due to a United States Supreme Court iteering, for example. There is little ability to lift all boats, and rewards individual creativity with suc- ruling. So that when people like Donald doubt that politicians in office must deC ' cess, is one of those enduring myths repeated over and over again Trump become President of the United liver those, or risk removal by their that has now become accepted by most Americans. It's just like the much States, capitalist America rejoices be- overt and covert corporate sponsors, touted and ever-changing concept of the "American Dream" (that is now cause they now have one of their own next time around. a nightmare) that is open to varied interpretations. Today, by almost every in the White House.

They must also camouflage those major statistical measurement, the average American is worse off than For their support, they get, no, de- deliveries with deliberately confusing they were a generation ago. Some people have taken to blaming the mand, access to the President, to ma- verbiage about the US national interyounger generation, saying that they're entitled, self-centered, too ab- nipulate polices in their favor, and ests, the people's safety, job creation, sorbed in their smartphones to work, and while some of those complaints expect specific favors in return. Things and other vague yet important-soundmay have a grain of truth to them, the data suggests that the kids are not like a favorable pro-big business gov- ing priorities. These bought and paid the problem. The truth of the American Dream based in myth is much ernment order, a tariff on manufactured for politicians of all hues and stripes more complex. Consider: Today, approximately 25% of people with college goods, financial crisis bailouts, or a for- usually do the favors (or, at least, most degrees don't have a job and aren't even looking. eign intervention that triggers war prof- of them) while allaying popular conThe reality of capitalism's Ameri^ cerns with infantile public posturing. can-Dream-Turned-Nightmare is that So we might ask what must hapnow there arc millions of hardworking, pen for Trump's actions to yield the intelligent people, who arc living from outcomes he claims to hope for? Inpaycheck-to-paycheck and are stuck in deed, these answers will point to some jobs with few opportunities for adsense of where this theatrical new ad♦ vancement and little hope for the fuministration is most likely to thrust the ture. In the wake of capitalism's abject American people. For example, how failure, is the fact that small businesses, might Trump deliver on his promised longingly yearning to become big, gen"middle class" jobs and incomes to the uflect to the pompous denizens of the millions who lost or lack them? corporate oligarchy that presumably Trump's rickety economic plan is to ♦ ♦ arc, in the words of President Donald J. stimulate demand for labor power, supTrump, "the best and brightest" in all posedly via major infrastructure spend« industries in the world. ing, and relocating manufacturing M Phew! That's American excepworkplaces back into the United States, tionalism for you, touted by no less a while limiting the supply of labor person than the "orangc-haired-one-in power, by deporting and banning the % « chief." Never mind that it was these entrance of millions of immigrants. same corporate "wunderkinds" who Such policy contradictions and royally screwed up the U.S. economy (continued on page 22) in 2008 causing what economists now call the Great Recession. It was a stroke of luck that one Barack Hussein Obama was elected that same year- and r who stemmed the cash hemorrhage # * * A f c I c started by a bunch of greedy Wall i Street fat cats that Trump so adores and admires.

But back to the much ballyhooed American system of capitalism. Debunking these long-held and media promoted myths, lies and falsehoods about a 200-plus-year-old economic system is not going to be easy but the very first place to start is, WITH THE EXAMPLE OF TRUMP HIMSELF. He's a capitalist. He sees American politics and economics as intertwined and interwoven with capitalist policies. In fact, a unique peculiarity of politics in today's advanced capitalist systems is how those systems corrupt and Lain politicians.

American corporations and the ultra-rich provide the funds that create, cause, and enable election victories — from local city races to big congressional ones. Money, the saying goes, is the "mother's milk of politics." And who has the money? Large corporations now considered "people"

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8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Registrar

of

Deeds

In

pickle

...allegedly pays self $4.5M in gratuity, waives $7M in outstanding fees THE police have been called in to investigate allegations of corruption against the Registrar of Deeds on reports that she unlawfully paid herself gratuity amounting to $4.5M and also waived outstanding fees due to the registries in the sum of over $7M. In a release, the Ministry of Legal Affairs said on Tuesday that staff of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) had called upon it to investigate complaints of alleged financial improprieties committed by acting Registrar of Deeds.

Ms. Azeena Baksh.

The ministry said it has referred the complaints to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) through Crime Chief Wendell Blan-

hum. According to the ministry. both the Human Resource and Accounting Departments have complained that as Head of the Budget Agency and sole person in authority to approve and sign off the payroll of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority and one of the main signatories of the Authority's bank account, the acting Registrar allegedly unlawfully paid herself gratuity, well knowing she was a pensionable employee, having been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

"Registrar Baksh further allegedly unlawfully paid herself a higher salary than was approved by the JSC." the ministry stated, adding that the Deeds Registry officers have disclosed that

these payments started since 2014 and continued up to the present and amount to nearly $4.5M. Moreover, according to the ministry, the Deeds Registry has also laid over with the Ministry of Legal Affairs documents revealing that Registrar Baksh out of revenue due. owing and payable to the Authority in or around the sum of $8,544,000. allegedly unlawfully waived the sum of $7,044,000 upon the request of an attorney-at-Law. who paid the sum of only $L5M. Baksh was appointed by the Judicial Service Commission in July 2012. At the time of her appointment, it was noted that she holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Guyana and

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also completed the Certificate of Legal Education (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and held several positions at various agencies, including at the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Human Services and Social Security. A forensic audit done by D. Bahadur and Company on the Deeds and Commercial Registries, had recommended among other tilings that the policy of recording revenue on an accrual basis should be changed to a cash basis, which is in support of the current recording method, noting that bank reconciliations should be prepared and reviewed monthly. The audit report pointed out that there was a Demerara Bank account in the name of the Deeds and Commercial Registries. However. the funds do not belong to the Registries, the account is an Escrow Account established as a result of court order #173-CD. "Based on confirmation received from Demerara Bank Ltd and credit advices seen. Bosai Mineral Group Guyana Inc. was depositing both interest and principal loan repayments as per the court order and debenture. The balance on this US$ a/c suggests that the loan has since been repaid, due to there being no further

CALL US FOR UNBEATABLE PRICES TO AND FROM

1

_ Registrar of Deeds Ms. Azeena Baksh deposits to the A/c."

According to the forensic audit, there is no evidence of any reconciliation being done, neither any monitoring of the account. It was therefore recommended that the Escrow Account be reconciled and monitored on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that this matter be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, since it also involves CLICO. "The Ministries of Finance and Legal Affairs should be informed of the following for their action in relation to the Escrow Account and Act of Deposit Account: The conditions under which these accounts operate; the balance on the accounts as at the date of the forensic audit; the steps taken by the Deeds to effect

GUYANA

a reconciliation of the Act of Deposit Account with the aid of available bank statements and court orders; the results of this exercise; and the unresolved balance on the account; and advise on how to deal with the balance within the legal framework."

Additionally, the auditor had recommended that the vacancy for an internal auditor be filled immediately to address many of the matters affecting the DCRA, including the missing receipt book that saw a former cashier, Kayren Booker, being fired for fraud. Additionally, there was a vacancy for a Registrar of Commerce.

Currently, Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh holds the post of Registrar of Commerce, but the auditor believes that her dual role can result in "work overload and oversight."

"Additionally, without the appointment of a Registrar of Commerce, various functions of this department can be backlogged; e.g. the registration of trademarks has been significantly delayed, and this may be one of the prime reasons," the report stated. A number of other key positions, including Assistant Registrar of Commerce, Field Auditor, Audit Clerk and Stores Clerk have to be filled to reduce inefficiencv at the DCRA.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

9

By Got

TMiGro

is

Milk?

Mo

Such

think that milk can come from almonds, soy (a bean, for crying out loud!) or rice (a bloody grass product!) and other sundry plants without the biological mechanisms necessary to produce the liquid more commonly known as mammalian baby food. We keep drinking baby food even after our mothers have stopped producing the stuff

ter than good ole cows milk or its derivatives (powdered, skimmed, low-fat etc. etc.) that's for more scientific people than me to decide. But I do know that there's no such thing as almond milk. I don't need some company to try and convince me of this until and unless a soybean suddenly grew a set of lactating udders.

And if you think that I'm kinda coo-coo about this milk thing — think again. This issue is so important, especially to the United States diary industry, and the relentless competition with plant-based beverage manufacturers, that 32 members of the U.S. Congress wrote to the FDA to complain bitterly about the fact that these companies

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Michael Derek Roberts

Thing As Aimonh iViiih

I'm always asked when I go to a restaurant and order a cup of tea or coffee if I would like milk and what kind. Half-and-Half? Skimmed milk? Lowfat milk? Or Soy milk? Phew! That's enough to drive a guy insane. What's with all these milks anyway? So at first I just ignored the milk list and respectfully mumbled to the waitress, who seemed amused at my confusion, that I just needed "regular milk." Whatever that is. Invariably she would return with some small packets of white liquid or a jug of the milky stuff.

1 know what you're thinking. I once declared to the world that 1 hate sheep and don't too care for their bovine cousins either. That I'm just prejudiced against those that bleat and those that moo. Or that I don't like milk — period — being lactose intolerant. So I decided to look at this milk phenomenon and to my surprise 1 found that they ARE A WIDE ARRAY OF MILKS THAT ARE NOT REALLY MILK. Infact, the dairy section of your local grocery or supermarket carries a long list and array of such "milk" options.

Gee, there's whole milk, reduced-fat milk, low-fat milk, fat-free milk, lactosefrcc milk, almond milk, soymilk, coconut milk, and so much more. 1 was quite surprised and amazed at the various and flavored milks and "other milks" that 1 never even knew existed. Believe me, if you are looking for a liquid to pour into your morning coffee or tea or on top of your favorite sugar-laden "healthy" breakfast cereal, you have plenty, plenty of options.

But you know I'm an iconoclast, right? And I'm definitely going to question all these milky details and conclusions. I just have to PROVE THINGS. It's in my DNA you might say. I'm a kinda Smart Aleck, you know. So, I'm going to try to answer the question; are all these products claiming to be milk REALLY IS milk?

Okay, okay. Lets get this premise thing straight. Philosophical reasoning (we'll call that logic) has a really neat, and simple, formula to prove things. If the premise is right the conclusion has to be right, ok? Don't bother just see to note my explanation [*].

Soooo, EXACTLY what IS milk? The US Food and Drug Administration, I found, still has a very specific, bovine/cow-centric, definition of the white stuff. So who am I to doubt them? Here's what they say milk is: "Milk is the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows."

Aha! So there's no such thing as Soy Milk! Or almond milk, or coconut milk, or rice milk, or hemp milk. Bada Bing! That's unless, we have lactating coconuts, almonds, and hemp. "Milk it turns out comes ONLY from mammals. Ergo, cashews (or coconuts or rice), it turns out, are NOT mammals, don't have udders (breasts), and therefore can't lactate, thus making it quite impossible for them to produce milk."

Yep, you've all been had! You've been buying a plant based liquid marketing to you, and ginned up using some really dumb science, by some company or the other, and you've fallen hook, line and sinker for their slick advertising tricks that "sold" you a bold-faced lie — that you believed. You still

Nah.

ft

FDA to enforce this matter by requiring plant-based products to adopt a more appropriate name that does not include the word "milk".

And there you thought that 1 was just making a big fuss, as usual. So what the heck should consumers call plant-based beverages, if not milk? Yep, 1 know. Labeling "Soy Milk" as "Soy Juice" will not drive sales or encourage buyers. You see, the word "Milk" works in the psychological sense in that it gives the beverage greater context. For example, calling a beverage Coconut Milk clearly indicates and implies that it serves as a substitute for traditional dairy (cow's) milk, is just as healthy and safe. Unfortunately, it also serves to confuse the consumer into thinking the beverage is a type of milk. It's not.

But Its Not Only About Milk There's Meat Too! Yes, there are many "meat alternatives" on supermarket shelves. In the "healthy section." And let's consider how we treat meat-alternatives, which go by names such as faux (false) meat, imitation meat, or mock meat. Sometimes we just call them "protein products." There are also "cheese products" — not to be confused with cheese made from genuine mammalian milk (cow, sheep goat or others). So to conclude, dear friends and gentle people, there is no such thing as Soy Meat, and there is certainly no such thing as Almond Milk.

Got it?

A premise is a statement that an argument claims will induce or justify a conclusion. In other words, a premise is an assumption that something is true. In logic, an argument requires a set of (at least) two declarative sentences (or "propositions") known as the premises along with another declarative sentence (or "proposition") known as the conclusion.!

were "misleading consumers with the milk becoming the only mammals that do so.

But trust the Chinese to hoodwink un- label."

There's part of their complaint set thinking westerners. It was the Chinese out in a letter: company Vitasoy that started this trend, "While consumers are entitled to way back in 1979, when it entered the United States market with a public relations choose imitation products, it is misleading campaign that its plant based beverages and illegal for manufacturers of these prodwere "milk." And we bought it without ucts to profit from the "milk" name. These thinking! Yeah, Soy Milk is just plant juice. products should be allowed on the market Let's call them "milk alternatives," will only when accurately labeled. We urge you? But you know what's sad? Genuine milk sales have been on the decline since FOR OLD RECORDS CASH PA 2009 while these H "milk alternatives" (did I say that?) have Interested in all kinds of literally tripled in . m ANYTHING ... Reggae, records from Guyana, worldwide sales.

Calypso (no Soca), Gospel, THE REASON? Panama, Peru, Haiti, Brazil, Doo Wop, Blues, Latin, 0( la Slick, targeted and all Caribbean Islands.

Jazz, & R&B. EXCEPT POP marketing. People 1 WE BUY OLD RECORDS want to be healthy and when these plant 5? beverage companies ' HOUSE CALLS MADE spend tons of money I 1 promoting their © Call CHARLIE products as healthy alternatives, some um anytime @ 11 i m mu M iove W ton with more alleged 11 1 WM'T TOM WVHW TM nutritious values, (516)612-2009 and safer than cow's AM HAMILTON or goat's milk, then or e-mail: groupsound@aol.com HE LORD RHABURN COMBO^H these pseudo-milks 1 Ui} will keep flying off the shelves. I don't know if they are bet-

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Invest

in

Guyana

- President tells British investors Guyana is 'best destination9 PRESIDENT David Granger has said that Guyana, for long-term development, has the most exciting investment prospects in the Caribbean and added that the country holds an enviable and strategic position as the link between the South American continent, the Caribbean Region and the rest of the world.

The President's remarks. which were made at an investment seminar organised by the Caribbean Council in London on Tuesday. were supported by Mr Gil Holzman. President and Chief Exective Officer of ECO Atlantic Oil and Gas. which has a stake in oil and gas exploration in Guyana.

He said. "With everything combined together under the management of the President and his administration, I think the next two to five to 10 years will be very transformational and again, from my personal perspective, this is probably the best investment destination in the world at the moment."

President Granger and Mr Holzman were part of a panel, which included Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Carl Greenidge; British High Commissioner to Guyana.

Mr Greg Quinn and Mr Andy Thorne. Group Chairman of the Kestrel Group, which is involved in the shipping industry in Guyana. The session was facilitated by British Member of Parliament Lord Bruce of Bennachie and in the audience were business executives from infrastracture. port development. oil and gas. tourism and hospitality and shipping, who are already operating in the Caribbean and Guyana, or are interested in doing so. along with members of the diplomatic community.

The Guyanese Head of State sold Guyana as an exciting investment destination with several advantages and opportunities. "We have the land, we have an intelligent.

English-speaking population, we have the resomces. and I think people who are looking for something different; something unique, will come to Guyana. I am not suggesting that you leave Belize or Antigua or Barbados, but I am suggesting for long-term development. Guyana is the best prospect for investment." he said. President Granger painted a picture of Guyana's

potential and the 'green' State development policy, which would see it taking advantage of its eco-tourism product, preserving its environment, pursuing 'green' energy development while taking advantage of coming oil and gas revenues to accomplish these goals, declaring that even as the country transitions, it has to 'walk on two legs.'

"Oil and gas is a very attractive prospect... We probably wouldn't start to produce oil and gas till maybe 2020... We will continue to develop our sources of renewable energy and at the same time use the revenues

there have been uncertainties in markets in the European Union, we still have a viable sugar industry, which can generate enough biomass to produce energy." he said.

Even as the administration works to steadily improve Guyana's reputation as an attractive investment destination. President Granger told those gathered that progress is already being made, with regard to the legal and regulatory environment.

This he said, combined with the fact that Guyana, the only English-speaking country on the continent of South America. has a similar common

and that there were instances of discrimination, as a result of a number of factors, including corruption. "This is something that the current Government has been mandated to address... regulations have been changed, laws have been amended in a wide range of ways, including in relation to money laundering and funding of terrorism, legislation pertaining to the mining sector and the updating of legislation in relation to forestry and the like." he said.

From the foreign policy point of view, the President spoke of the various regional

*

I

w./ Investors queued up to speak one on one with President David Granger, following the formal presentations. Here the Head of State is pictured in discussion with Director at ION Geophysical, Mr. Folarin Lajumoke from the petroleum industry to funnel our development of infrastracture and education in particular, and ensure that other industries could be diversified away from what we call our six sisters; sugar, rice, bauxite, timber and gold and diamonds. Oil and gas are not going to distract us.

We are going to ensure that the revenues... go into our Sovereign Wealth Fund, but we will also ensure that we continue to become a 'green' state by developing our sustainable energy resources."

President Granger said.

With the need for cheaper energy to boost the manufacturing sector, the Head of State outlined Guyana's energy-generation potential and called for investments in solar and wind energy, biomass and hydropower.

"We can generate electricity from about 100 sites...

We have huge savannahs and the sunlight is sufficient to generate electricity in many of our hinterland communities... We are the largest CARICOM [Caribbean Community] sugar producer up to the present time and although

law. parliamentary system and institutional infrastructure that can be found in other Commonwealth countries means that there would be some ease of doing business for companies from those parts of the world.

"We can assure that your profits can be repatriated.

We can assure you that our legal system, our Judiciary, our Ombudsman, our Auditor General, our elections are all entirely in consonance with what is required in Western Europe and the Commonwealth. Only last year we had our Local Government Elections, which under the previous administration had been suspended for nearly two decades and when the elections were held, we created three new towns. The urbanisation of our hinterland is proceeding apace. ." he said.

Supporting this point.

Minister Greenidge said that prior to the 2015 elections, there were serious concerns that the device for setting rales and for allocating resomces in the various sectors were less than transparent

and international bodies with which Guyana is affiliated, such as the Union of South American States (UNASUR). the Organisation of American States. CARICOM. Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR). Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the United Nations. He also updated the gathering on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and assured investors that the matter is on its way to being resolved.

The Guyanese Head of State acknowledged, though, that the country has series deficiencies in the area of infrastractural development and noted that Government is focused on comprehensive development plans that include deep-water harbours, aerodromes and road and bridge netw orks that link the coastland to the hinterland.

Minister Greenidge added that the infrastracture needed for the sustained development of the productive sectors is inadequate and stated that this is a major priority area for the administration.

He said. too. that the

country is working with its neighbours and international partners to look at the development of a deep-water port that allows Guyana and other countries in South America to ship their goods to markets in North America and Europe. Mr Holzman from ECO Atlantic Oil and Gas. encouraging other investors to take a look at Guyana, said that the economic boom that Guyana is about to witness as a result of oil production will have a significant effect on several sectors such as real estate, hotels, tourism, airlines, shipping, education and healthcare and will create exciting opportunities.

"You will have 20.000 expats flying into the country and they will need hotel rooms. The big companies that are going to build the infrastructure, they will need areas next to the port. You will need better roads from the airport." he said.

Nevertheless. Mr Holzman pointed out that the Government is taking impressive measmes in terms of ensuring that benefits of the oil and gas industry redound to the citizens and contribute to national development.

He added that while there is a need to develop capacity to manage the sector in Government Ministries and agencies, he said that his interactions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission have been heartening. "These are all very savvy people; they are very responsible. They know that the big opportunity of the oil discovery, which is transformational for the country, should be dealt with very, very carefully... I know that your administration, Mr President, is speaking with everyone there is in the UN. in the United States, here in the United Kingdom, in Norway [and elsewhere] in order to learn from other people's mistakes, in order to take the right measures going forward, taking the oil opportunity and making it for the greater good of your people and your country and I think you're taking very impressive measmes." Mr Holzman said.

He also informed the Head of State that his company, which is conducting exploration work in the Stabroek Block, respects the country's 'green' thrust.

Kestrel Group's Chairman. Mr Thome, in his remarks described Guyana as "the most amazing, magical

place" where it is safe and easy to conduct business.

"Please go to Guyana; it is an amazing country, listen to the people. The opportunities there are amazing, but do the right thing; give back to the local people. Do this for them as well as yourselves.

Make money, but make it the right way. Give a helping hand when you can. People do not want a handout they want a hand up. So please do the right thing." he urged potential investors.

Mr Thorne also spoke of a project that will be implemented in Guyana under the auspices of the Prince's Trust International. He explained that it targets young people who are unemployed; offering them training in various fields such as tourism, hospitality, port operations, infrastracture and transportation among others and finding them full-time employment at the end of the programme.

He noted that when oil comes on stream, there will be an immediate boom in jobs and these individuals will be trained and ready. "It is so important and so valuable that we do this. In Barbados when we started it. I was a little sceptical, but 41 young people went on to the course and 36 ended up in full-time employment." he said.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Mr Quinn. said Guyana is moving in the right direction, particularly as it relates to the ease of doing business and the reduction of corruption. "I think we went up 16 points on the ease of doing business between 2016 and 2017 and that was from 140 to 124 and the corruptions perception index, which went from 29 to 34...

We believe that this is an Administration and a Government. which we can and want to work with and which has significant potential going forward." he said.

President Granger also spoke, along with the Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay, Minister for the Commonwealth and the UN, whom he had met with earlier in the day at the Caribbean Council's House of Lords Annual Reception and met with Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson. Details of that engagement will be provided in a subsequent report. The Head of State will have an audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II tomorrow at Windsor Castle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

11 Lighte \ A 4

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Favorite

51

Recipes

Ease The Tension - Enjoy A Laugh

BREADFRUIT AND CHEESE PUFFS Ingredients:

until the mixture becomes elastic.

1 lb. breadfruit

4. Add breadfruit and cheese.

salt and pepper

5. Put into a forcing bag fitted with a plain tube. Pipe 1/2 inch lengths into hot fat and cook until golden brown.

1/2 oz. margarine 1/8 pint water 1-1/2 ozs. flour 2 eggs 4 ozs. cheese Method: 1. Peel breadfruit and cook in boiling salted water until tender. Drain, sieve,season.

2. Melt margarine, add water and bring to boil. Add flour all at once and beat over gentle heat until mixture forms a ball.

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Last week we gave you the first two degrees of the seven degrees of stupidity. Here are the other five degrees. Whoever have all seven degrees, have qualified for their PhD. in stupidity.

THIRD DEGREE A woman suspects her boyfriend of cheating on her, so she goes out and buys a gun. She goes to his apartment unexpectedly and when she opens the door she finds him in the arms of a red head. Well, the woman is really angry. She opens her purse to take out the gun,and as she does so, she is overcome with grief. She takes the gun and puts it to her head. The boyfriend yells, "No, honey, don't do it!!!" The woman replies, "Shut up, you're next!"

FOURTH DEGREE A woman was bragging about her knowledge of state capitals. She proudly says, "Go ahead, and ask me, I know all of them." A friend says, "OK, what's the capital of Wisconsin ?" The blonde replies, "Oh, that's easy; W." FIFTH DEGREE What did the blonde ask her doctor

SL.

3. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE AMAZING PRINCE RANDIAN OF GUYANA Exactly how P.T. Barnum, the American showman, knew that in British Guiana (now Guyana), he could find a person so unusual that hundreds of thousands would pay to see him, we may never know. We do know however that in 1889 he found such a person there and brought him to the United States.

The young man, born to Hindu parents in 1871 with neither arms nor legs, was then 18-years-old. Barnum transported him from the "Demerara district" and right away exhibited him as a "human oddity" or "freak" — a practice common in those days.

He was named "Prince Randian" and was billed as "The Caterpillar Man", "The Armless and Legless Wonder", "The Human Torso" even "The Human Worm" and for 45 years, entertained audiences primarily at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York, but also in other parts of the United States — at

circuses, carnivals and museums. He drew large crowds who watched him perform tasks using only his lips and teeth where one would ordinarily use one's hands.

He was often introduced as the 'human caterpillar who crawls on his belly like a reptile.' This was because

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he moved from one place to another by wiggling his shoulders and hips.

In his performances he wore a woolen garment of one piece that covered him like a sack. At one end was a busy head. The rest was torso.

One of his so-called "tricks" was rolling cigarettes, which was re-

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THE AMAZING PRINCE

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when he told her she was pregnant?

"Is it mine?"

SIXTH DEGREE Bambi, a blonde in her fourth year as a UCLA freshman, sat in her US government class. The professor asked Bambi if she knew what Roe vs.

Wade was about. Bambi pondered the question then finally said, "That was the decision George Washington had to make before he crossed the Delaware."

SEVENTH DEGREE Returning home from work, a blonde was shocked to find her house ransacked and burglarized. She telephoned the police at once and reported the crime.

The police dispatcher broadcasted the call on the radio, and a K-9 unit, patrolling nearby, was the first to respond. As the K-9 officer approached the house with his dog on a leash, the blonde ran out on the porch, shuddered at the sight of the cop and his dog, and then sat down on the steps. Putting her face in her hands, she moaned, "I come home to find all my possessions stolen. I call the police for help, and what do they do?

They send me a BLIND policeman." ally making cigarettes out of raw tobacco leaf and paper. His other activities included writing with a pen or pencil, painting with brushes and shaving with a razor fixed in a wooden block — all done by the skillful use of his lips.

Randian claimed that the box in which he kept his smoking materials and the other paraphernalia for his act had been made by him, using a saw, knife and hammer.

He also said he had painted it, holding the brush with his teeth and that it was he who fitted it with a lock.

"Someday," he used to say, "I'll build myself a house."

Randian also became an actor.

When Tod Browning made his famous movie "Freaks" in 1932, Prince Randion was featured rolling a cigarette.

Prince Randian spoke English, German and French. He also raised a family. The "Prince" had a wife, "Princess Sarah," four sons and a daughter. Their home was at 174 Water Street, Patterson, New Jersey.

He died at the age of 63, shortly after a performance at Sam Wagner's 14th Street Museum in New York City on December 19, 1934. The newspapers of the day, calling him such names as Randian, Randion, Radion, Radian took note of his passing.

12

Some

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

local

manufacturers

have

- in implementation of national and international standards

By Svetlana Marshall EXECUTIVE Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Candelle Walcott-Bostwick,has said that some local manufacturers have fallen short in the implementation of national and international standards needed to be competitive on the global market.

Walcott-Bostwick was at the time speaking during the first National Codex Committee (NCC) Stakeholders' Forum held recently at De Impeccable Banquet Hall.

Brickdam. Georgetown, under the theme: "Food and Nutrition Security: Food Safety, the Key." It was organised by the GNBS in collaboration with the CODEX Alimentarius International Food Standards. the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for "Food Code") is a collection of internationally recognised standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations relating to foods, food production. and food safety.

In the presence of Chile's Ambassador to Guyana. Claudio Rojas Rachel;

My

Esso Exploration and Production Company Environmental and Regulatory Advisor. Dan Steurer. and other key stakeholders, including representatives from the FAO and WHO Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Board.

'JUIL.

p

_ GNBS Executive Director Candelle Walcott-Bostwick discussing the importance of implementing standards established by Codex Walcott-Bostwick said implementation of standards outlined by organisations such as Codex will enable local producers and manufacturers better access to regional and international markets.

"Our local manufacturers have to recognise that if we do not implement the standards which provide confidence and in the case

of food safety, if we don't implement standards that would indicate that a particular food or product is safe, our products would not be able to access regional and global markets." she explained.

TREMENDOUS EFFORTS At the level of GNBS. the directors said tremendous efforts are being made to ensure that the country's local industries are up to date with international standards governing a wide range of industries.

Additionally, she said the GNBS will be working with the ministries of health and agriculture to bring about greater awareness on the standards that currently exist within the local arena and the need for implementation.

"If we want to ensure that our products are competitive. now is the time for us to implement the standards that are available."

The NCC which was resuscitated on March 5.

2014. is a body that is designed to advise the Government of Guyana on the implications of various food standards and food-safety issues. which have risen in the overall context by the work undertaken by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission.

Card

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The CODEX Alimentarius international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade.

Consumers can trast the safety and quality of the food products they buy. and importers can trast that the food they order will be in accordance with their specifications.

NCC Vice-Chairperson.

Maxine Parris-Aaron. further explained that the forum was held to build awareness on Code Alimentarius and its benefits to Guyana's food safety structure and the constant modification of Global Food Safety.

"The National Codex Committee... felt that this forum was necessary and timely, given the impending passage of the Food Control Bill, the dynamics of food safety globally and the urgent need for our country to improve and increase its participation in activities and work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission." she told those present.

COORDINATED APPROACH Meanwhile. Ambassador Rojas Rachel, in delivering brief remarks, said the agro food sector in Latin America and the Caribbean Region

Is

fallen

faces a number of challenges - challenges which must be addressed through a coordinated approach.

"Among those challenges. climate change is a growing concern. We must adapt our productive cycle and system to it. Extreme weather conditions and their impact in agriculture are more common every day.

Recent studies have singled the Caribbean Region as one of the most vulnerable areas to be affected by cli-

>

Chile's Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas Rachel mate change." he explained, adding that these natural disasters can overall affect the production of food derived from agriculture, and other related activities such as fishing and tourism in rural areas.

He said too that new

My

short

trends that favour protectionism. and new forms related to different types of regulatory requirements could threaten the ability to gain access to markets that have traditionally provided better opportunities for producers.

"All of the above require better coordination of our countries regionally and globally, by improving our trade and economic cooperation and integration." he maintained.

Ambassador Rojas Rachel said at the core of these issues is the need to improve sanitary and phytosanitary standards, as well as the Region's food-safety systems.

They are crucial requirements to access the international and local markets and to guarantee consumers the quality of what they are buying, he emphasised.

Presentations were also given by Andrea Mendonca, technical officer, GNBS; Mark Pierre, agricultural health and food safety specialist, Ministry of Agriculture; Suresh Amichand, senior inspector, Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board; Grace Parris, lecturer and manager, Agro- processing Facility, Guyana School of Agriculture; and Anthony Ross, quality assurance manager, Sterling Products Limited, among others.

Bond

8?

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teSoffici'

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

EMPHASIS ON

13

BUSINESS}

BUSINESS PROFILE

OF

THE

MONTH

BOSTON SHIPPING ENTERPRISE INC. - Makes omsm shipping my as shipping next ioor When Guyanese Hugh Errol Boston arrived in New York City, a subway ride cost 35 cents and a telephone call was 10 cents. In more than four

TEL: (718) 443-8400

decades living in the Big Apple, he's seen the good times

vâ&#x2013;

0 St XRAVIjlf 00 FAX: (718) 443-8403

and the hard times, and through it all, he's remained Guyanese in behavior and sentiment, with service to his community being the hallmark of his life, a life impacted by various political situations.

"When I left Guyana, things were just starting to get tough. I didn't like the politics that was showing up,' Boston relates. Though well spoken, there's no affectation of an American accent or affluence, although he's the Founder/Chief By G. Isaiah Chappelle Executive Officer of Boston Shipping Enterprise Inc. In December 1974, Hugh Boston visited the United States on vacation and decided to stay on since he had two brothers and two sisters lining here.

One of his brothers who was living in the US since 1967 was able to petition for his permanent residency, after limmy Carter became President and opened the immigration policies, allowing siblings to sponsor each other.

The business became successful, but he remained a people-oriented person and has received public accolades for service to the community, even being bestowed with a congressional award in 2003 for his accomplishments in business and giving back to the community. The tribute presented by the House of Representatives, highlights his receiving the Thomas R. Fortune Business award, distributing toys to children at the community block party near his residence, and offering part-time employment to young people who live in the vicinity of his business.

The father of three daughters, with two

cemetery to prevent flooding. Each August, he sponsors the Vacation Bible School, providing meals and organizing field trips, one year they made a trip to Charity where the young people toured the coconut mills. His contributions to his home village was also mentioned in the House of Representatives tribute.

*-

&

During the first years of settling into his adopted country, Hugh Boston held several jobs, until 1994 when he concentrated all his efforts in running his shipping service.

He first worked from 1975 to 1978 as a mailroom supervisor at Phillip Holtzer and Associates, then Pfizer Pharmaceuticals as a quality control inspector for two years. He then moved into construction as an operating engineer. On the side, he was driving taxi in his own service for 16 years until 1994, when he established the shipping company, some 20 years after taking up residency in the United States.

While in construction, Boston would send commodities to Guyana for a friend, from which was hatched the idea to establish a shipping company. Business was bright in the early days. Many families in Guyana survived on barrels sent by relatives living and working in the USA. In those days, the cost to ship a barrel was $160. The busiest period was during the Christmas season and Hugh Boston would head back to Guyana to ensure his cargo was delivered on time, overseeing the handling on the wharf and to interact with his customers. The company has an office in the GPO building manned by a staff of three.

L

r

t Mr. Hugh Boston at work in his office at Decatur Avenue in Brooklyn grandsons, was the recipient of the Fathers Recognition award by Carih News in June, 2013. It cites that he is a determined entrepreneur, committed to his community, known for his honesty and integrity and dedication to his family.

Hugh Boston hailed from the Essequibo Coast in Guyana and in August of each year he would visit his home village.

Bush Lot, which he left in 1969 to seek his fortunes in Georgetown, where he served in the Guyana Police Force until his immigrating to the USA. Hugh would give back to the community by sponsoring various projects and activities for the people in Bush Lot. He built a church in honor of his mother and is now funding the building-up of the

"But I haven't done it for five years due to a slow turn around in business.

There weren't many challenges in the early years until after 9/11," Boston points out.

The government began cracking down on federal maritime licenses and bonds, although Hugh Boston made sure he was always in possession of those documents and they were up-to-date. However, there remained many unlicensed operators who became the biggest challenge in the shipping community. The hona fide shippers had to compete with the low prices the unregulated shippers were offering, in many cases $65 or even $60 per barrel. These unregulated shippers would not ship their own containers but would secure space in someone else's

so they were able to offer cheaper prices.

And they do not operate bonds. Such operations are not insured and clients would get no redress for loss or damage.

"When the shipping lines raised their charges per container during the peak season, legitimate Guyanese shippers had to reduce their cost for shipping cargo.

Today, there's less demand, more outlets, and prices way down," Boston relates.

The situation has given rise to many outlets now vying for shrinking demand.

Back in the earlier years, not many Guyanese travelled to the United States, so shipping was the channel to send commodities back home. Today, with visas almost readily available, many people now visit and take the things they need back home themselves.

Boston Shipping Enterprise Inc. remains viable because of good service and has one big advantage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it operates from its own building. Hugh Boston owns the property at the corner of Ralph Avenue and Decatur Street since 1985, so the high cost of rent is not a factor in operational cost.

The company mostly ships barrels, cars and containers, but also deals with cargo,boxes,documents, luggage, appliances and furniture to Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia, Haiti and other worldwide destinations.

The shipper is licensed and bonded as required by the Federal Maritime Commission for the protection of its clients.

A staff of one female and four males ensure that the company's motto is upheld: " We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door."

For more information on Boston Shipping Enterprise Inc. Check his advertisement on Page 5 of this newspaper.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

British

Minister

of

State

- on heels of President s trip to UK

"V

'bbean ECEPTlON 17 2

to

was impressed, of course, by the work you have already done to analyse which infrastracture projects will be needed, not only to support the delivery of the discovery of oil and the delivery of that to the commercial sector, but also infrastractural projects that support the development of tourism." she said.

COMMITTED TO CARIBBEAN Emphasising the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relationships be-

visit

Dr. Angus McCoss.

Exploration Director and a Member of the Board of Tullow Oil. which is conducting oil exploration on the edge of the Guiana-Suriname basin, which he described as the 'industry's hottest exploration hot spot' and the Orinduik-Kanuku area, also spoke at the event and emphasised his company's commitment to respecting President Granger's push for environmental protection.

"A country rich with natural resources is both a

anese benefit from any oil production it is involved in.

"We understand that the oil exploration industry is still relatively new to the Guianas and the broader Caribbean region, although it is a highly prospective region. Ensuring the nationals of our host countries directly participate in the country's oil industry is one of the key ways in which we work. We create shared prosperity. Now we have a strong track record, ahead of any legislative requirements, of doing this in our countries

r

President David Granger tells British national and multilateral investors that Guyana is an exciting prospect as Baroness Anelay listens intently

S. A section of the large audience at the event

£ IT

Historic

Queen

value of the region as an investment destination.

"They could combine the benefits of having investments in the Caribbean with those in Guyana. Guyana has got tremendous advantages as the only English speaking country on the continent, as a law-abiding country as opposed to a lawless country, as a country with significant land space and possibilities of developing infrastracture and eco-tourism... I think they were quite impressed and I am very confident that we will be receiving more inquiries and investments." he said.

Baroness Anelay. who during her visit to Guyana, will meet with the Guyanese head of state. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. Ambassador Invin LaRocque. the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General and members of the private sector, said at the reception, that British inves-

tors want to share in those investment opportunities and the future described by the President and added that she looks forward to seeing those developments.

She also said that the United Kingdom's commitment to strong relationships in the Caribbean is demonstrated by the fact that it is the largest bilateral donor to the region and noted that Guyana is a beneficiary of that commitment.

"Our regional programme for the Caribbean led by the Department for International Development (DFID) amounts to £400 million for the period 2015-2020 and that support includes the £300M pounds UK Caribbean Infrastracture Fund announced just three years ago. which will fund infrastracture projects to support economic growth and prosperity. Mr. President, not only in your speech a few moments ago. but also in our discussions earlier today. I

President David Granger interacting with guests at the event tween the UK and Caribbean States. Baroness Anelay said that even as the country prepares to leave the European Union (EU). it remains absolutely committed to its relationship with the Caribbean.

"Mr. President you stressed the fact that Guyana is the only English-Speaking country on mainland South America, we should remember our shared values because our partnership is strengthened also by our strong personal ties, thanks of course in part to the number of Caribbean people, who have made their home in this country and who very much, make such a strong contribution to our country today." she said.

great opportunity and a great responsibility for all stakeholders involved and as an oil and gas operator we must be careful to explore, develop and produce oil in the most responsible way [with] respect for both the natural environment, the health and safety of our workers and the communities of our host countries. The economic risks that oil and gas companies take up front are very significant... Once oil begins to flow that's when the revenues start for both Government and the oil company." he said.

The oil executive also noted that Tullow Oil is committed to ensuring that Guy-

This gentleman won a bottle of Eldorado 12-year-old rum as part of a fund raising raffle organised by the Caribbean Council of operation. Our support of local business development has also been part of our longstanding commitment to shared prosperity."

President Granger.

Wednesday afternoon wrapped up his engagements with the Caribbean Council, attending their Advisory Board meehng.

The head of state, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge took questions on security, infrastructural development and transparency from board members representing Mott MacDonald, Tullow Oil, DART Enterprises Limited, European External Action Service (EEAS), Virgin Atlantic, among others. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Elizabeth

ll,

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday met with the Queen of England, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England in a private meeting during which he said discussions centered on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), a network of forest conservation initiatives, which involves all 52 countries of the Commonwealth.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, these discussions were held in the context of President Granger's 'green' State development agenda.

The meeting marks the first time a Guyanese Head of State has met with Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom (UK) and President Granger believes that relations between the two countries are 'becoming warmer'.

He added that the relationship between Her Majesty's Government and Guyana has benefited immensely from the interactions, during his visit.

He said that the meeting is significant because, though he is not on an official State visit, he was able to meet with Her Majesty, who remains an influential world leader.

"The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth. When she adopts a programme, which is a 'green' programme. which is entirely consistent with Guyana's 'green' agenda, it is very significant for Guyana and Guyanese and of course she is a very influential person from a moral point of view; intellectual, philosophical point of view around the world... I can say that it was of the utmost significance for me and for Guyana that she. since 2015 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta, laid out this policy of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy...

As Head of State, it was an honour for me to meet the Queen and to share the vision of. not only a Green State; a Green Guyana, but also a Green Commonwealth." he

company to

PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday met with executives from United Kingdom (UK) based sugar and ethanol trading, advisory and supply chain management firm, CZARNIKOW at the National Liberal Club in London, to discuss the re-organisation of the sugar sector and the development of a competitive marketing strategy for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Incorporated (GuySuCo).

The meeting occurred even as Government looks at making the sugar industry more competitive in light of local and global challenges, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said.

CZARNIKOW. which has been working with the sugar company for a number of years, will engage with GuySuCo on the new strategic plan after the White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry is laid in the National Assembly on May 8.2017.and debates are completed.

Associate Director. Mr. John Ireland and Chief Ex-

meeting

President meet at Windsor Castle

Guyana's 'green

UK Baroness Anelay announced her visit to Guyana during her speech at the Caribbean Council's House of Lords Reception THE Right Honourable Baroness Anelay of St. Johns has announced that she will be visiting Guyana from May 1-3,2017 as part of a three-country tour, which includes Trinidad and Venezuela.

The British Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office made this announcement at the Caribbean CounciFs House of Lords Annual Reception, last night, where President David Granger also delivered an address outlining Guyana's abundant resources. investment potential and its strengthened legal and regulatory framework for the national and multilateral investors, who attended the event.

The Guyanese head of state said he believes such investors are beginning to see Guyana as a new horizon that does not diminish the opportunities in other Caribbean States but adds to the overall

15

Guyana

I %

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

state'

agenda

J M —

L-

r

President David Granger and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle during his first official visit to the United Kingdom. (Getty Images) said.

According to the release, the President said that he will continue to promote the concept of environmental protection and preservation as Chairman of CARICOM. while ensuring Guyana's commitment to becoming a 'green' state remains undiminished.

craft

new

"[The Queen] is convinced that this is the way to save the earth, to save the Commonwealth, to save our country and I'm in full support of her." he said.

The President also expressed Guyana's gratitude to Her Majesty for Britain's support on the implementation of the Security Sector

marketing

& i

...

\

_ _ President David Granger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Guyana's High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Hamley Case during the meeting with CZARNIKOW's Associate Director, Mr. John Ireland (first right) and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robin Cave (second right) (Ministry of the Presidency photo) ecutive Officer. Mr. Robin Cave met with the President, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Carl Greenidge and High Commissioner. Mr. Hamley Case. The Head of State said that Guyana needs technical support even as the country looks toward the consolidation of the industry in order to make it more competitive.

This, he said, would be done through a combination of the maintenance of the Albion. Blairmont and Uitvlugt sugar estates, private sector investment and the promotion

discussed

of peasant farming. President Granger said that a push towards increased value added production is important to the future of the industry.

Currently, the sector employs about 17.000 people and the President emphasised the need for investment in order to ensure viability and increased efficiency in the industry. The meeting also allowed discussions on ways to consolidate Guyana's access to the British market in light of Brexit. the term coined to describe the United Kingdom's impending withdrawal

from the EU. This matter is at the top of the agenda for discussions, during the President's visit to the UK this week, but Guyana's marketing strategy for sugar is also likely to include improving access to EU markets and the expansion of marketing arrangements in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Over the next few days President Granger will engage in a series of high-level meetings in addition to the Caribbean Council's Annual Reception at the House of Lords and the Investment

Reform Action Plan in Guyana. In January this year, the UK military officer. Mr. Russell Combe arrived in Guyana to oversee the implementation of the Plan. This matter was also emphasised during President Granger's meeting with Foreign Secretary. the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, which was held

plan

for

Seminar on Guyana. While there, the President will also meet with Her Majesty. Queen Elizabeth II and Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE.as well as the Guyanese diaspora in London.

Meanwhile.Minister of State. Joseph Harmon.speaking at a public meeting in Den Amstel. West Coast Demerara on Sunday .told residents Government will restructure the industry and simultaneously change the way in which resources are allocated. These steps he posited are necessary for the effective utilization of tax payers' dollars, noting that in the long ran. Government will be in a better position to do more for citizens. Government's plans for the future of the Sugar Industry will be clearly stated in a White Paper which will be laid in the National Assembly on May 8. 2017.

A 'White Paper' is a government report giving information or proposals on an issue. The draft White Paper on the sugar industry' s future

yesterday at the House of Lords.

The President said that these meetings have augured well for Guyana's relationship with the UK at both a governmental and private sector level.

"The main takeaway is Guyana's commitment to continuing as a member of the Commonwealth and as a State that is attractive to investment from British investors; a State that is organised and administered on the principles of accountability and transparency and a State that is friendly to investors.

And in meeting with Foreign Secretary Johnson, he is quite aware of the issues affecting Guyana and we saw eye to eye on those issues." the President said.

Queen Elizabeth II visited British Guiana first in the year of the former colony's Independence; February 1966 and then again in February 1994, which was the first post-Independence trip she has made to Guyana.

GuySuCo was submitted by Minister of Agriculture.Noel Holder.to Cabinet for its consideration at its Tuesday. April 18 meeting.

Harmon had noted that discussions on the White Paper will surround the feasibility of amalgamating some of the sugar estates and factories where appropriate, the requirement for divestment of some facilities, and the utilisation of some of the facilities of the estates, particularly the land, for sugar workers and cane farmers to undertake agro-based activities. In his 2017 budget presentation, Minister of Finance,Winston Jordan had said that the status quo of the sugar industry can neither be sustained nor maintained.

According to the Finance Minister,as currently structured, the industry would require government's support to the tune of $18.6 billion and $21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. (Ministry of the Presidency)

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

British

Minister

of

State

- on heels of President's trip to UK

"V

'bbean ECEPTlON 17 2

to

was impressed, of course, by the work you have already done to analyse which infrastracture projects will be needed, not only to support the delivery of the discovery of oil and the delivery of that to the commercial sector, but also infrastractural projects that support the development of tourism." she said.

COMMITTED TO CARIBBEAN Emphasising the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relationships be-

visit

Guyana

Dr. Angus McCoss.

Exploration Director and a Member of the Board of Tullow Oil. which is conducting oil exploration on the edge of the Guiana-Suriname basin, which he described as the 'industry's hottest exploration hot spot' and the Orinduik-Kanuku area, also spoke at the event and emphasised his company's commitment to respecting President Granger's push for environmental protection.

"A country rich with natural resources is both a

anese benefit from any oil production it is involved in.

"We understand that the oil exploration industry is still relatively new to the Guianas and the broader Caribbean region, although it is a highly prospective region. Ensuring the nationals of our host countries directly participate in the country's oil industry is one of the key ways in which we work. We create shared prosperity. Now we have a strong track record, ahead of any legislative requirements, of doing this in our countries

I ft*

% MS

■*

B

President David Granger tells British national and multilateral investors that Guyana is an exciting prospect as Baroness Anelay listens intently A

S. A section of the large audience at the event

IT >

Baroness Anelay announced her visit to Guyana during her speech at the Caribbean Council's House of Lords Reception THE Right Honourable Baroness Anelay of St. Johns has announced that she will be visiting Guyana from May 1-3,2017 as part of a three-country tour, which includes Trinidad and Venezuela.

The British Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office made this announcement at the Caribbean CounciFs House of Lords Annual Reception, last night, where President David Granger also delivered an address outlining Guyana's abundant resources. investment potential and its strengthened legal and regulatory framework for the national and multilateral investors, who attended the event.

The Guyanese head of state said he believes such investors are beginning to see Guyana as a new horizon that does not diminish the opportunities in other Caribbean States but adds to the overall

value of the region as an investment destination.

"They could combine the benefits of having investments in the Caribbean with those in Guyana. Guyana has got tremendous advantages as the only English speaking country on the continent, as a law-abiding country as opposed to a lawless country, as a country with significant land space and possibilities of developing infrastracture and eco-tourism... I think they were quite impressed and I am very confident that we will be receiving more inquiries and investments." he said.

Baroness Anelay. who during her visit to Guyana, will meet with the Guyanese head of state. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. Ambassador Invin LaRocque. the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General and members of the private sector, said at the reception, that British inves-

tors want to share in those investment opportunities and the future described by the President and added that she looks forward to seeing those developments.

She also said that the United Kingdom's commitment to strong relationships in the Caribbean is demonstrated by the fact that it is the largest bilateral donor to the region and noted that Guyana is a beneficiary of that commitment.

"Our regional programme for the Caribbean led by the Department for International Development (DFID) amounts to £400 million for the period 2015-2020 and that support includes the £300M pounds UK Caribbean Infrastracture Fund announced just three years ago. which will fund infrastracture projects to support economic growth and prosperity. Mr. President, not only in your speech a few moments ago. but also in our discussions earlier today. I

President David Granger interacting with guests at the event tween the UK and Caribbean States. Baroness Anelay said that even as the country prepares to leave the European Union (EU). it remains absolutely committed to its relationship with the Caribbean.

"Mr. President you stressed the fact that Guyana is the only English-Speaking country on mainland South America, we should remember our shared values because our partnership is strengthened also by our strong personal ties, thanks of course in part to the number of Caribbean people, who have made their home in this country and who very much, make such a strong contribution to our country today." she said.

great opportunity and a great responsibility for all stakeholders involved and as an oil and gas operator we must be careful to explore, develop and produce oil in the most responsible way [with] respect for both the natural environment, the health and safety of our workers and the communities of our host countries. The economic risks that oil and gas companies take up front are very significant... Once oil begins to flow that's when the revenues start for both Government and the oil company." he said.

The oil executive also noted that Tullow Oil is committed to ensuring that Guy-

This gentleman won a bottle of Eldorado 12-year-old rum as part of a fund raising raffle organised by the Caribbean Council of operation. Our support of local business development has also been part of our longstanding commitment to shared prosperity."

President Granger.

Wednesday afternoon wrapped up his engagements with the Caribbean Council, attending their Advisory Board meeting.

The head of state, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge took questions on security, infrastructural development and transparency from board members representing Mott MacDonald, Tullow Oil, DART Enterprises Limited, European External Action Service (EEAS), Virgin Atlantic, among others. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Historic

Queen

Elizabeth

ll,

UK

He said that the meeting is significant because, though he is not on an official State visit, he was able to meet with Her Majesty, who remains an influential world leader.

"The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth. When she adopts a programme, which is a 'green' programme. which is entirely consistent with Guyana's 'green' agenda, it is very significant for Guyana and Guyanese and of course she is a very influential person from a moral point of view; intellectual, philosophical point of view around the world... I can say that it was of the utmost significance for me and for Guyana that she. since 2015 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta, laid out this policy of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy...

As Head of State, it was an honour for me to meet the Queen and to share the vision of. not only a Green State; a Green Guyana, but also a Green Commonwealth." he

company to

PRESIDENT David Granger on Monday met with executives from United Kingdom (UK) based sugar and ethanol trading, advisory and supply chain management firm, CZARNIKOW at the National Liberal Club in London, to discuss the re-organisation of the sugar sector and the development of a competitive marketing strategy for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Incorporated (GuySuCo).

The meeting occurred even as Government looks at making the sugar industry more competitive in light of local and global challenges, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said.

CZARNIKOW. which has been working with the sugar company for a number of years, will engage with GuySuCo on the new strategic plan after the White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry is laid in the National Assembly on May 8.2017.and debates are completed.

Associate Director. Mr. John Ireland and Chief Ex-

meeting

President meet at Windsor Castle

Guyana's 'green PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday met with the Queen of England, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England in a private meeting during which he said discussions centered on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), a network of forest conservation initiatives, which involves all 52 countries of the Commonwealth.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, these discussions were held in the context of President Granger's 'green' State development agenda.

The meeting marks the first time a Guyanese Head of State has met with Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom (UK) and President Granger believes that relations between the two countries are 'becoming warmer'.

He added that the relationship between Her Majesty's Government and Guyana has benefited immensely from the interactions, during his visit.

15

state'

agenda

S '

_ President David Granger and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle during his first official visit to the United Kingdom. (Getty Images) said.

According to the release, the President said that he will continue to promote the concept of environmental protection and preservation as Chairman of CARICOM. while ensuring Guyana's commitment to becoming a 'green' state remains undiminished.

craft

new

"[The Queen] is convinced that this is the way to save the earth, to save the Commonwealth, to save our country and I'm in full support of her." he said.

The President also expressed Guyana's gratitude to Her Majesty for Britain's support on the implementation of the Security Sector

marketing

»»» m

President David Granger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Guyana's High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Hamley Case during the meeting with CZARNIKOW's Associate Director, Mr. John Ireland (first right) and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robin Cave (second right) (Ministry of the Presidency photo) ecutive Officer. Mr. Robin Cave met with the President, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Carl Greenidge and High Commissioner. Mr. Hamley Case. The Head of State said that Guyana needs technical support even as the country looks toward the consolidation of the industry in order to make it more competitive.

This, he said, would be done through a combination of the maintenance of the Albion. Blairmont and Uitvlugt sugar estates, private sector investment and the promotion

discussed

of peasant farming. President Granger said that a push towards increased value added production is important to the future of the industry.

Currently, the sector employs about 17.000 people and the President emphasised the need for investment in order to ensure viability and increased efficiency in the industry. The meeting also allowed discussions on ways to consolidate Guyana's access to the British market in light of Brexit. the term coined to describe the United Kingdom's impending withdrawal

from the EU. This matter is at the top of the agenda for discussions, during the President's visit to the UK this week, but Guyana's marketing strategy for sugar is also likely to include improving access to EU markets and the expansion of marketing arrangements in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Over the next few days President Granger will engage in a series of high-level meetings in addition to the Caribbean Council's Annual Reception at the House of Lords and the Investment

Reform Action Plan in Guyana. In January this year, the UK military officer. Mr. Russell Combe arrived in Guyana to oversee the implementation of the Plan. This matter was also emphasised during President Granger's meeting with Foreign Secretary. the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, which was held

plan

for

Seminar on Guyana. While there, the President will also meet with Her Majesty. Queen Elizabeth II and Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE.as well as the Guyanese diaspora in London.

Meanwhile.Minister of State. Joseph Harmon.speaking at a public meeting in Den Amstel. West Coast Demerara on Sunday .told residents Government will restructure the industry and simultaneously change the way in which resources are allocated. These steps he posited are necessary for the effective utilization of tax payers' dollars, noting that in the long ran. Government will be in a better position to do more for citizens. Government's plans for the future of the Sugar Industry will be clearly stated in a White Paper which will be laid in the National Assembly on May 8. 2017.

A 'White Paper' is a government report giving information or proposals on an issue. The draft White Paper on the sugar industry' s future

yesterday at the House of Lords.

The President said that these meetings have augured well for Guyana's relationship with the UK at both a governmental and private sector level.

"The main takeaway is Guyana's commitment to continuing as a member of the Commonwealth and as a State that is attractive to investment from British investors; a State that is organised and administered on the principles of accountability and transparency and a State that is friendly to investors.

And in meeting with Foreign Secretary Johnson, he is quite aware of the issues affecting Guyana and we saw eye to eye on those issues." the President said.

Queen Elizabeth II visited British Guiana first in the year of the former colony's Independence; February 1966 and then again in February 1994, which was the first post-Independence trip she has made to Guyana.

GuySuCo was submitted by Minister of Agriculture.Noel Holder.to Cabinet for its consideration at its Tuesday. April 18 meeting.

Harmon had noted that discussions on the White Paper will surround the feasibility of amalgamating some of the sugar estates and factories where appropriate, the requirement for divestment of some facilities, and the utilisation of some of the facilities of the estates, particularly the land, for sugar workers and cane farmers to undertake agro-based activities. In his 2017 budget presentation, Minister of Finance,Winston Jordan had said that the status quo of the sugar industry can neither be sustained nor maintained.

According to the Finance Minister,as currently structured, the industry would require government's support to the tune of $18.6 billion and $21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. (Ministry of the Presidency)

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

"Mm m m m

By Shauna Jemmott

Wright, & Joelly Valentine. '"More eyes are on Guyana than ever before," Martindale told the Pepperpot Magazine Tuesday.

She said with queens displaying more dedication to their purpose and striving harder to reach the crown, with emphasis on self-discipline. Miss World Guyana is doing better as the years go by. Judging has specific guidelines set out by Miss World, and so queens are no longer selected on the basis of a particular look. In fact. Miss World itself does not look for a particular look, but seeks an all-round beauty who is passionate about changing the world positively.

One thing is common among the 2017 delegates - beauty - and the local franchise-holder said, "If we were to just judge on looks, we wouldn't have a competition."

Even as winning the competition has been made easier by Miss World with the winner of each sequence of the competition being pushed automatically in the spot of semi-finalists.

Miss World Guyana gets better and more competitive. "... Every year it gets better and more competitive and I believe it is because we have done enough work to exclude ourselves from the tinge that pageantry has ~ in face, we prefer not to... refer to what we do

§mf

as pageantry ~ we are more of a movement that incorporates a series MISS World Guyana has proof challenges that allow a young gressed...and with Guyana being one woman to compete against the best of the strongest supporters of Julia version of herself. We put them on a Morley's international Miss World path of self-exploration and as such contest, franchise - holder Natasha we refer to them as Super Gs ~ all Martindale dreams of a big win in positive elements of what G is ~ December 2017. gratitude, graciousness, Guyanese, The pageant's queens have returned great!" Martindale explained. from Miss World with much more than And as the international contests they had carried into the competition; begin to assess each queen from and even as the investment in particiher arrival in contest, judging has pating is extraordinary, Martindale is already begun and each delegate is L v seeking to achieve some day, the exencouraged to be herself. traordinary again.

"We are judging where she startThis year some 57 delegates had aped off from to where she ends up plied for a spot in the competition and ~ at the end of this period, she must even as the selection process has ended, be awakened ~ she must become the semi-finalists are preparing to battle for BEST version of herself in every the crown, and a place in Queen's Row aspect." at the oldest and most admired internaAnd while each girl is encouraged tional beauty pageant. to present her best self, Martindale The 14 semi-finalists vying for the admitted that at this stage of the Miss Guyana 2017 title in June and a competition there is no particular girl golden opportunity to compete with who can be deemed "outstanding," over 80 other international queens and since each is beautiful with her own represent Guyana at Miss World, are: personality and judges are now beAshana Carrington, Nitifah Thompson, coming familiar with delegates.

Alieca James, Sharda Pramdeo, HemSpending time with the commitwantie Seodat, Ariell Ghanie, Nikesia tee and among judges, each other Hussain, Thamesha Watson, Maria and the general public will ensure Fletcher, Vena Mookram, Manisha the selection of the queen who is fitMiss World franchise holder Mai-Lee Wong, Crystal Wills, Delisha test for the Miss World Guyana crown.

Natasha Martindale Among semi-finalists so far are girls who are consistent, as well as those who excel in a parIC>EA^P ticular field of contest.

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MARKETING * SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTING * SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY & MANAGEMENT * WEBSITE What poses a greatCREATION * COST-EFFECTIVE SMALL BUSINESS PLAN CREATION * FREE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE & FORMS er challenge however is topping introductory CALL: (347) 279-6668 or Email: robertsconsulting@gmx.com and other presentai tions from the previous years for the Miss COMMONSENSE STRATEGIES 910 Park Place Suite 3B Brooklyn NY World international competition, but acSMALL BUSINESS CONSULTING 11216 cording to Martindale, MAD E EASY Tel. (347) 279-6668 a touch of "creativity" saves.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

'Wonict

17

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(Photos compliments of Miss World Guyana)

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18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate,

*p

Challenges

Facing

Taxes and Business S TAXES

The Edgar Henry Column

Small Businesses . with the competition, should seek out manu- flow. Many small businesses go under from One of the phenomenal challenges facing small businesses is facturers and try to buy more wholesale to the burden of too much debt combined with the acknowledgement that population trend is becoming obtain reduced prices to compete, via buying too little management of the day-to-day opmore and more diverse in areas where businesses are logroups. eration, mainly because they get into trouble cated.

CASH FLOW AND A BUSINESS by borrowing too much money.

CHANGING CUSTOMER BASE is happening in the market place. Small busiPLAN OPTIMISM AND SOLUTION This population change is due mainly to nesses should visit the competition to ensure This is the mainstay of any business. InSmall businesses should not be overly the influx of other nationalities and the de- whether they are on the right track comparing ventory control and budgeting is necessary. optimistic. Most times they want to update parture and decline of existing ones. The advertising and marketing strategies. Some Overstocking in the past was a norm, but be- their ads on the websites or to institute a new process creates a new sense of awareness, small businesses are left behind due to their cause of the changing technology small busi- logo. Their mindset is always task oriented. new lifestyle and new habits. Hence, busi- lack of market awareness and they head to- nesses got tied up with a lot of obsolete stock The problem is that at times, small businesses nesses would then have to adjust their mar- wards a decline. on hand and on the shelves which sometimes rush in and do the wrong things. Not because keting and advertising skills accordingly. do not move because of the changes in the an idea is technologically possible or everyCRUSHED BY LARGE Small businesses today are entirely different market place. Consequently they are tying up body else is doing it, means it is right for your CONGLOMERATES from what it was years ago. The global econAnother challenge that faces small busi- cash and reducing the cash flow, just because company. Small businesses should start omy that has emerged, due in part to adnesses is the fact that they are limited, mainly of the lack of inventory control. A business thinking about marketing and applying a hovances in technology, vastly enlarges the because of size, as the big conglomerates plan is not just a vehicle through which to ob- listic approach. They should ascertain what potential for attracting new customers, but it move into the areas. The pricings that the tain funding. It helps owners sharpen their they are trying to accomplish, whether or not also means that competition is increasingly Kmart's and the Wal-Mart's have on some business concepts exploring different alter- a new add or logo is needed in the particular fierce. items are in some instances much lower than natives and approaches, ultimately increasing business, before attempting to implement.

Twenty years ago, a business opened a their chances of They should do a test market to determine J A&t* storefront, put ads in the local paper, joined success through whether or not a particular implementation is a local networking organization and hoped innovation. It good for the business or not. the local customers needed what they had to Growth could also serve TRAINING offer. All that changed with the inception of as a tool to atSmall business owners should be aware the Internet. A business is no longer dependtract prospective and know what the business needs. These ent on its local customer base for its survival; partners and em- ideas should be passed on to the employees it now has a worldwide audience for its goods ployees, by via training sessions for everyone to be on the and services. The Internet has changed not demonstrating to same page. Too often the owner knows what only a business' customer base, but how a them that the to do but the staff does not. Perhaps the staff / --rcfW business communicates with its employees, Tt&y plan is well con- changes on a regular basis and enough traini WICHE ^ and finds and manages the competition. ceived and fi- ing is not implemented in a short period of A business' ability to communicate with nancially sound. time. / its employees, customers and associates Over time, a PRIORITIZING changed dramatically when the Internet business plan WJmFn For example, let's suppose who wanted yielded new communication tools. Email and can serve as a to do something two years ago, but it was not the small businesses. The big companies that instant messaging have changed the face of buy in bulk, have several locations and can road map or as a guide for success rather than possible at that time. Now that the cash is business communication. afford to sell at low prices. Smaller busi- a document gathering dust on a shelf. available today, does not mean it's still the MARKET PLACE CHANGES nesses have to implement other promotional EXPANSION right thing to do. Two years ago everyone A challenge that faces small businesses ideas and items to solicit customers to the It is better to grow slowly, and when used the postal service for regular mail. is the fact that they are not cognizant of what stores. Small businesses, which are in touch you do expand, try to grow with the cash Today everyone with a computer utilizes email. Someone with an existing small business that has been pieced together and built from savings and available cash flow, the decision not to overreach for that big loan, can make a huge difference.

O.G. SHIPPING & BUSINESS INC In summary, small businesses face the challenge of maintaining revenues, business og s opportunities, create repeat business, move SHIPPING TO GUYANA into new markets and understand customer relations. A professional looking website for your store or company can add considerably to your creditability and allow you to project & THE CARIBBEAN your professional image. Customers can look your business up on a search engine to figure out what you do. Achieving all these objecVIA AIR OR OCEAN tives may be unrealistic if you select a poor or failing Internet Service Provider. It is critical to find an ISP that is reliable, provides 'you Xrfheice . . .

Qex ^"hcrc 24/7 technical support and enables customers to find you easily. The last thing customers want is to try to get to your site and discover Specializing In: the site server is constantly under construction or they cannot locate or access it. ♦ MOVING ♦ PICK-UP & DELIVERY SERVICE "It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it" 951 ROGERS AVE , (bet.TildenAve.&AlbemarleR(l.) RROOXLYN, NY 11226 To have all your real estate TEL 347-234-87II3 / 347-767-7443. FAX: 347-240-7983 email: ogshippinggt@gmail.com 7 PUBLIC RD. ♦ LaPENITENCE, G/TOWH., GUYANA ♦ 225-4099 or 225-0627

questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

'Son

Chapman'

By Vanessa Braithwaite NORMAN Chapman, owner of the 'Son Chapman' vessel that was blown up back in 1964 died last week following a brief period of illness.

His death comes amid celebrations in his home town- Linden to mark the community's 47th Anniversary.

A long standing member of the People's National

has contributed significantly to the party's development.

These sentiments were echoed by Chairman of the PNC Region 10 Arm. Sandra Adams. "Mr. Chapman will be missed by the party regionally and nationally, as a very vocal member on issues that he thinks need to be addressed, whether it is community issues or whether it is issues relating to the party members of itself; he has always been very vocal

19

owner

life in the party from since I would have joined in 1986."

A Mackenzie High School teacher and former Member of Parliament.

Ms Vanessa Kissoon. also spoke positively of Mr. Norman Chapman. "Chapman was a strong Stalwart, who lived his life and he was very outspoken and I admired him because he always stuck to what he believed and I have had the opportunity to work with him during the Son Chapman Memorial and I would always remember when he could get what he wanted, he would 'suck his teeth' and say don't worry with] them people girl, let

we do we thing." Kissoon said that she will miss him dearly. "His laugh I will always remember and how he used to make me laugh, telling me he is young and full of energy." The former MP. along with the Virtuous Women on a Mission group, visited the ailing Chapman in January and presented him with a love bag.

His daughter Dianna Chapman said that her father's death is a big blow to her. "My father was my biggest supporter, he was very instrumental in all stages of my life, he always encouraged me to always be on top. number 1.1 loved him more that anyone could

1_ r r

imagine. He said to me.

"You're a Chapman and we are powerful people, so always let people respect you." she said. Despite her hurt. Dianna said that she vows to continue making her father proud and to continue living up to her family's name.

Mr. Norman Chapman, despite suffering a huge blow when his vessel blew up killing over 40 persons, did not allow this to damper his spirit and continued being a role model and entrepreneur. He owned several business complexes in Mackenzie, known as the Chapman Square. When the Massacre occurred. Chap-

away man speaking to a reporter years after, said that he was not surprised when he received the terrible news, as he had long been hearing of plans to 'waste' the Son Chapman. He had made reports to the police, though, and had taken certain precautionary security measures.

Chapman reiterated that there were persons that were jealous of the popularity of the launch and were therefore determined to stop it at any cost. He participated in memorial occasions in an effort to remember the lives of those who were killed in the tragedy.

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Norman Chapman Congress Reform (PNCR) and a businessman, who was known by many for the ' Son Chapman' launch that was blown to pieces on July 6th 1964 at Horadia. a community located in the Demerara River. Mr. Chapman passed away after a brief illness at the Mackenzie Hospital Complex. He leaves to mourn his several children, including renowned educators. Miss Janice Gibson and Ava Chapman, and the reigning Calypsonian Queen. Dianna Chapman.

Mr. Chapman was known for his outgoing personality; his aggressive attitude for development.

POLITICAL STALWART The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) has described Mr. Chapman's loss as a grave one to the party, not only regionally but nationally, since he

and upright in terms of contributions." she said.

Adams said she admired Mr. Chapman's drive for development as he would observe things that would miss the eyes of the regular man. He was always active, she revealed, in terms of mobilising forces to pursue projects to foster forward movement for the party.

Adams, who is also a long standing member of the PNCR and now serves as the Deputy Director for Community Development Council. posited that Chapman played an integral role in her political career. "Personally I had a very good relationship with him and I admired him because if he feels I am wrong, he tells me straight, and I accepted his criticism because they were always constructive and that helped me in the process of being a politician over the years.

I have known him all my

MISSING windows, rotten boards and other unsightly features of the historic St. George's Cathedral will be a thing of the past.

The once tallest wooden structure in the world is getting a much-needed facelift.

In an effort to restore the building to its former glory, church members organised fund-raising activities and received donations from worshippers.

The rehabilitation will see replacement of rotten boards and broken windptt? and repainting of the struttore, among other works.

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20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Early

completion

- completion of north-eastern end of CJIA main runway expected

by November

By Alva Solomon EXPANSION works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are progressing well, as works on the main runway are expected to be completed ahead of its December deadline.

Reports are that concrete foundation works have already started on sections of the north-eastern end of the runway, which is used primarily for aircraft departure.

The area has been backfilled and raised to the level of the existing runway.

Last December. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson informed the National Assembly that foundation and excavation works had been completed and the entire project was on course to meet its December 2017 completion deadline.

At the time, he had said that renovation works for the existing terminal building would be carried out in stages.

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Works in progress on expansion of the runway commencing from the checkin side in the first quarter of 2017. and lasting until the end

Police

of the project.

Patterson said foundation works for the new arrival

Force

dog

terminal building have commenced and were expected to be completed by May next

Cuban

year.

The 32-month project, which commenced in January

passengers

2013. two years after the contract was signed between the Government and the contracting firm, China Harbom Engineering Company (CHEC) . was extended past its original completion date of September 2015 to December next year.

The scope of the project includes the extension of the main runway 06/24 from 2270 metres to 3360 metres, relocation of the Guyana Defence Force Engineering Corps, relocation of residents' houses, police houses, road diversions and utility works, some of which have been completed.

The scope also includes construction of parking, taxiway works and installation of ground-lighting facilities, construction of a new arrival terminal building, extension works to the existing terminal facility, construction of a new dieselgeneration room, a new fire pump station, as well as a new boarding corridor with bridges.

leave

CJIA

- Easy Sky granted temporary permit to operate handler THE Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) is mourning the loss of one of its stalwart members in Roger Anthony Mattar, who served as president during the period 2009-2011.

The 75-yearold Mattar passed away at his residence in Whitby.

Ontario. Canada last Sunday after a prolonged illness. Mattar. who was previously vice-president and earned quite a reputation as a dog-handler while a member of the Guyana Police Force, is credited with being one of the founding members of GEPAC when it was registered in October 1997.

Prior to migrating to Canada. Mattar. who joined the then British Guiana Police Force in 1961. was first stationed at the Ruimveldt Police Station before being transferred to Berbice. serving in New Amsterdam. West

passes

away

_ Roger Anthony Mattar Berbice and Corentyne. In New Amsterdam. Roger was also an active field hockey player and coach of the women's team.

He later joined the canine section in Georgetow n, where he served for many years and was the first dog-handler to be posted to the Ancient County. On his return to Georgetown. Mattar was seconded for a month to the Montserrat Police Force, working with his former instructor. Guyanese Galton

St John who was then Commissioner of Police on the island.

A keen community worker.

Mattar joined the Jaycees of South Georgetown and held several posts, including that of convention director, president of South Georgetown, and vice-president of the Jaycees of Guyana.

Moving up the ladder, Mattar was promoted to the rank of Detective Inspector and reassigned to the Price Control Squad where he served until his resignation and subsequent migration. Mattar, who will be interred on Thursday, leaves to mourn his wife of 48 years,Waveny, children and grand-children and other close relatives.

GEPAC expressed sincere condolences to the late Mattar's wife, children and other close family members.

(Frederick Halley).

HUNDREDS of stranded Cuban passengers began leaving the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday aboard a Honduran-based airline, Easy Sky's Boeing 732 aircraft.

Easy Sky. whose local partner is Roraima Airways. was suspended from operating at the CJIA this week by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) over safety concerns.

Reports are that the airline was grounded after it was pointed out that the aircraft used by the airline appeared overbooked and overloaded on several of its flights.

The situation resulted in hundreds of Cuban nationals being stranded at the CJIA. mostly traders who travel here to purchase goods to resell on the island.

The airline was subsequently granted temporary permission to operate at the CJIA to ferry the stranded passengers, while its Airworthiness Operator Certificate (AOC) was being reviewed by the GCAA.

Easy Sky's Boeing 732 aircraft "taxiing" for take-off around midday on Tuesday as it prepared to depart the CJIA A statement from the Prime Minister's Office has noted that alternative arrangements have been put in place to avert the situation.

Easy Sky first introduced its service here in October last year, and subsequently expanded its flights from three to four per week, ferrying approximately 300 Cubans each week betw een Cuba and Guyana.

On Tuesday, airport officials told the Guyana Chronicle that the airline's aircraft departed the CJIA with a fully booked flight for Havana around midday.

And while several passengers were left behind, arrangements were being

put in place to fly them to Cuba.

There has been an influx of Cuban nationals visiting these shores. Foreign Affairs Minister. Carl Greenidge noted last December that the presence of the foreigners, who travel here particularly to shop, demonstrates a "closer cooperation" between Guyana and the Spanish-speaking island.

He said Cubans do not require visas to visit Guyana, and those arriving here are not only interested in trade. He noted that there are Cubans who come here just for the purpose of tourism.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

New York Chrenlcle Norosccpe ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Changes at home will be necessary. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. You will be able to talk to your lover about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation.

You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You need time to rejuvenate. Make plans to do something special with the one you love. You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Get more involved in group efforts at work. Lowered vitality could affect your work. Do your job and then spend some time with family; you'll be glad you did. Avoid any intimate involvement with coworkers or employers . Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Try to curb your bad habits. If you're in the mood, go out and socialize or get involved in sports activities. You're eager to learn. Residential moves will be favorable. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

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LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your ability to be practical in business will help. Don't expect the whole family to be overjoyed. If you can, try to work out of your home this week.

You are best to keep your cash in a safe place. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You should regain some of your self esteem if you get involved in organizational functions. Don't let siblings put pressure on you. You can clear up important legalities and sign contracts this week. Travel or short trips will probably be your best outlet. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Do a little extra work at home. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you. Take advantage of your attributes and lure the mate of your choice. Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You must take care not to over exert yourself if involved in sports. Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely. Money may slip through your fingers.

Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

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CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't forget to read the fine print. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle. Don't let your anger consume you and don't allow important matters go unattended to. Your fight for those less fortunate is not likely to end in sweet victory. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

21 ISSUE 46 CROSSWORD ANSWER A N T M F M \K B c A L 1 ■T Y R A w O O A" 3 B U D ■w E 1 R D E JLT WR 1 T E T O 1 1" 18 20 a □ S E 1 N IF O N D LL E ■" ■ ■ A RJ C E DU E N R i N 22 23 I21 R O B E _1 ■ K 0 O K m? U R 25 26 H28 29 E M T] O L "Dl ,8 A L E M _■ S' A T 1 N Y C H Tl L L Y 32 ■1 ■ C H O P P T D. _■ ■ 35 u P H E A V A L E T A L ■ b U Ml■ N E S si R i P1 A 36 37 38 n [=1 51 I>l:*s1 .a. JL w 1 ■ Rock" 39 41 42 43 4. Renovate 1 45 46 AT " 5. Disney's deer ■ ■" 50 6. Dentists" group (abbr.) © | 7. Departure word (hyph.)

53 ■■ 8. Fictional traveler _ 9. Supply weapons ACROSS 34. Light knock 10. Zodiac lion 1. Wound remainder 35 13. Briny places 5. Valise 36. "The Pied _ of 18. Simple updo 8. Female, informally Hamelin" 20. " a Camera" (2 wds.)

11. Cairo's river 38. Seafood delicacy 23. Leah's son 12. Bother 39. Slippery creatures 24. Fore's partner 13. "You bet!"

40. Rooflike cover 25 14. Agenda listing 44. Prince Charles's 26. The of Job 15. Chairman sister 27.

Blank space 16. Popular Moppet 46. Egg layer 17. "The Georgia 48. Russian ruler, once 29. Guess at a price (abbr.)

31. Matt Dillon, e.g.

Peach" (2 wds.)

49. Adorn 32. Go in again 19. TV tuner 50. Ten-percenter 34 21. Sot's offense (abbr.) (abbr.)

35. Trim the lawn 22. Fragrant herb 51. Director Kazan 37. Unauthorized look 24. Colorado ski area 52. Ike's inits.

38. Talks wildly 27. Basketball court's 53. Part of L.A. 41. Skye, e.g. locale 54. Depend 42. Carpenter's need 28. Neckline shape 30. Young colt 43. Elephant's color DOWN 31. Dogpatch's Daisy 1. Irritated state 44. Subtract's opposite 32. Guns a motor 2. Big town 45. Edward's nickname 33. Mummy name 3. Baldwin of "30 47. Alter CROSSWORD 2 3 4 6 9 10 ■ '

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MAPLE BAYBERRY MULBERRY

ANSWER

BEACH PEA TREE BIRCH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you're not in sight. Your support and concern will help. You will be a real chatterbox this week. You have to believe in yourself and your talents.

Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

ISSUE #46 W0RDFIND

PECAN CATALPA

O G jXSilJ Ft (CXOXN V/E.A n 3 :

POPULAR COTTONWOOD

i.f < i -

SASSAFRAS ELDER SERVICEB ERRY GINKGO SHEEPBERRY

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want this week. An older member of the family may need assistance. Social activity should be on your agenda this week. Family talks may get a little combative. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

HAWTHORN

H A SUMAC

LAURELCHERRY SYCAMORE LINDEN WILLOW LOCUST

6 -.. _ N S E

vN = XC\R U U L ■u \u;

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

The Drums of Wan The country of no good options (from page 5) Afghanistan — with less than ideal results.

Despite recent analyses that China will not defend North Korea against an American attack, China may put some of its forces on the line to stop the US from striking.

The best tools the U.S. could use against North Korea would be stealth aircrafts like the F-22 and B-2 bombers.

With Chinese soldiers in Pyongyang and around North Korea's main nuclear- infrastructure, the U.S. would be unlikely to bomb these critical targets.

NORTH KOREA REACTION Jonathan Pollack, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and an expert on East Asia policy, believes that a U.S. at-

tack on North Korea would lead to "a very big war-." The North Koreans would retaliate against South Korea and Japan.

"The risk would be that Japan would be the only country in the history of civilization to have been attacked yet again with a nuclear weapon." The fust time by America and the next time by American miscalculation in attacking North Korea.

Dr. Pollack continued: "You could see devastation of all kinds directed against South Korea."

Max Fisher (NY Times March 18, 2017) makes a good point. "For all of the United States' military superiority, North Korea has one significant advantage; its willingness to accept risk. This allows the country to retaliate against any limited strikes by imposing costs that are disproportionately difficult for its adversaries to bear-.

Capitalism

A11 (1

THE BROADER PICTURE A U.S. pre-emptive strike against North Korea would destroy or greatly limit the North's capability to build a nuclear weapon capable of striking the U.S .A. A Korean strike would be in response to this. However, the broader picture is one that sees the North's actions as self-protection. We have been

American

(from page 7) confusion makes his job creation policy very suspect and unworkable. So for all that to happen, it will be necessary, no critical, to prevent a surge in automation as the employer response to rising wages. It will also be necessary to prevent or offset retaliatory tariff and protectionist measures by foreign countries. Consider one such scenario: Countries (like Mexico) may place tariffs on incoming US exports or tax or discriminate against US holdings inside their borders. It will be necessary to prevent or offset a business cycle downturn. Nor is this short-list by any means complete or include the many other conditions that need to happen to enable President Trump to deliver on his promises.

they carefully and methodically avoid systemic critiques. For example, they will attack a price, an interest rate, some tax or fee, without exposing or attacking the economic system that reproduced and continues to produce it.

Then too, in capitalist nations like America, the perpetual anxieties that politicians constantly experience flow in part, from their general function as scapegoats for the system's bad economic outcomes — instabilities, inequalities and injustices. The fallout from these occurrences is that they shamefully blame each other, and thereby cultivate illusions among the electorate that rotating the major politicians will change the basic capitalist economic structures and their inevitable effects.

Indeed, for politicians, acting as willing scapegoats for capitalism's systemic dysfunction they are quick to identify others upon whom to offload as much of their scapegoat status as possible. So-called "soft political targets" include: immigrants, foreigners, religious or ethnic minorities, "named" ten-orists and so on. In this sense, as evidenced by the modus operandi of the Trump Administration, capitalism's politics turn ugly, vicious, vengeful and can become lethal.

Most importantly, they reinforce long-held taboos against blaming economic ills (such as unemployment, low wages, foreclosed homes and unsustainable debts) on the capitalist economic system that has fired, underpaid and/or evicted so many in their rush for super profits. To the extent that politicians address economic issues at all,

One could assume, for exampleand you don't even need nuclear weapons to do it — direct attacks on South Korea's nuclear- reactor complex.

South Korea has one of the most developed nuclear energy of any country in the world."

Seoul, its capital, with 20 million people, is within North Korea's artillery and chemical weaponry range and the North would not hesitate to use chemical weapons.

The political sleight-of-hand used by now adept politicians is to find and fasten onto important issues — less immediately connected to the economic system — to establish some real differences (e.g., on ecology, abortion, civil liberties, immigration policy, etc.).

Thus, mainstream politicians — Democrats and Republicans alike — do this hypocritical dance because in the final analysis there is very little difference between them, when it comes to supporting, protecting and reinforcing capitalism.

When all is said and done the million-dollar- question is this: What if Trump's actions are not followed by enough rising jobs and incomes? What if his now still myopic popular- base begins to turn against him and heed his many detractors? What will Trump do then? For President Trump to accept defeat and abandon his "Make America Great Again" project is out of the ques-

tion. What is more likely is he'll ratchet up his tried and tested scapegoating program of American's most vulnerable and defenseless communities and populations — immigrants, Muslims, etc.

So we'll see more deportations, more refugee bans, more industry deregulation, more foreigner bashing, more saber rattling, and calls for war. With that also comes more demonization and repression of those who will likewise increase their questioning or disapproval of the way Trump "does business."

To better understand this looming showdown between capitalism, its politics, and the reaction of the Trump Administration we must start with the uncoordinated and unstructured "resistance" movement that has quickly become the watchword of an impressive opposition to the Trump government and its oppressive potential. But the lessons of capitalism's dysfunctional politics and what it has spawned will go unlearned, if opposition remains only at the level of simply resisting this particular administration.

It is absolutely hilarious to think that exchanging the Trump regime for a return to so-called "normal" capitalism will, of necessity, change the status quo in America. That's wishful, foolish thinking since "exchanging faces every five years" continue to bring us back to precisely the system that produced Trump in the first place. The situation and status quo needs to be disrupted and a revolutionary, progressive politics that require, at the very least, that political parties endorsing capitalism be supplemented and challenged by those that do not. Further down the road, we

here before. There is a difference this time. Our President's inexperience, tendency to talk before thinking and general unpredictability makes anything possible. It would take one misstep by either party to start a war. This is how North Korea sees it. Their very existence seems threatened. If the threat remains, North Korea will proceed to build nuclear weapons, which one day might be able to hit California.

I doubt the U.S. would pre-emptively strike North Korea. Too much is at stake with little to gain. I only wish our U.N. Ambassador and our Secretary of State would reduce the war rhetoric.

The North Korean problem is political.

Stop saying "the days of diplomacy are over" and get back to the bargaining table. Then, the drums of war will end its beat to destruction in the Korean peninsula.

Politics need an informed political debate between those who think that the capitalism of today is the best that American and human society can achieve, and those who think we can do much better.

Indeed, the continuing one-sided politics of the post-Cold War in which criticism of capitalism has been equated to treason and in the case of America "un-American" and unpatriotic, must be relegated to the garbage dump of history. If capitalism is all humanity can do to life all boats, stop global manmade poverty, and elevate the very super-rich as overlords of billions of the world's people, then I would have lost all faith in humanity. If — and it's a very, very big if — we can summon the guts and courage to confront a system that caused so much pain and heartache in 2008, then we could finally expose the system and offer solutions.

But as long as our political and economic systems are controlled, manipulated, and run by politicians in the pockets of big business in America, such a dialogue will be long in coming.

American politicians will continue to heap huge amounts of vapid praises on capitalism, as the ONLY system to alleviate poverty — just as they continue to tout education as one of the tools.

Fact is that a POLITICAL SYSTEM BASED ON RACISM has corrupted and polluted the very best ideals of capitalism. And we've not confronted racism yet, far less reform the very economic system that it spawned.

The political phenomenon that created Donald J. Trump and company is precisely why we should look to reforming capitalism. But I can dream, can't I?

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

EMPHASIS ON

23

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS)

WMIAMS1 STATEMENT ON

YOIHH EMPLOYMENT TASK

FORCE REPORT NEW YORK, NY - On April 26,2017, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, released the following statement in reT. sponse to the Youth Employment Task Force report that was released earlier.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL ing the Council's priorities seriously MEMBER WILLIAMS when it comes to youth jobs including, \ "For the past two years, the City Summer Youth Employment Program V Council has made clear that one of our (SYEP) and Work, Learn, Grow most significant priorities is the expan- (WLG) by partnering on the joint task sion of employment for young people. force that produced this report.

I commend the Administration for tak"The report focuses on answering

V IT -a i-

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m a

Q V. 11SYEP recipient Ornessa Brown shares her experience working in Council Member Jumaane D. Williams1 office at a February 2017 press conference calling for increased SYEP SlOtS. Photo Credit: Vania Andre, NYC Council

the question of quality and how to make the youth job programs better. To that end, I congratulate the task force for the very incisive thought process and final product, including clear' recommendations. Unfortunately, the report skips over the primary question of when and by how much the programs should be expanded. In addition, having missed the original deadline for the release, and given the proximity of it to the budget deadline, we must now negotiate this priority of how many jobs will be avail-

able.

"Still, I look forward to using the information gathered to assist our shared goal of expanding available slots. There is no disagreement that the single most effective thing that can be done to address youth violence, is a job.

The statistics are clear — employing young people strengthens communities, reduces gun violence and shows young people a better way. I look forward to seeing that reflected in the final budget."

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24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Nalia

Obama

Into

—

Dresses

ri

EX/t/AINE FRA.AA.ES EXAAAINE

AN»t>

Shirts

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JUST because she's a former first daughter doesn't mean that her spring style isn't eminently relatable: Malia Obama is striding into the season with a little shirtdress swagger.

A leg-barring Malia was spotted leaving her internship at The Weinstein Company in New York on Tuesday wearing a thigh-grazing, lumbeijack-red, plaid shirtdress. Topped with a basic black bomber jacket, the simple yet daring look was way more city streets than White House — and way on trend. If blazers, sweatshirts, and graphic tees can be turned into minidresses, so too can button-ups... which, on the extremely tall former first daughter, inevitably run super short. And super stylish.

Last week, Malia garnered attention for Malia Obama spotted leaving Harvey We i n ste i n' sjof f i ceJm^Tr i be ca|i nja sporting a similar look out and about in NYC. chic outfit as she hea'ded to herjier The teenager, who is taking a gap year before car in New — York -—City. (Photo: Splash) enrolling in her parents" alma mater. Harvard

OUR

is

al

/

Spring

University, wore a daring denim shirtdress^ work on a day in which city temperaturesjnj nally warmed into the 80s. Then and no\\asF!^ kept the look clean, pairing both button-down dresses with classic black Chuck Taylor Converse, a backpack, and nothing more. (Well, except for the iPhone reliably clutched in her right hand — a girl's gotta keep connected, after all.)

While the casual warm-weather look may Malia Obama enjoying the warm be quite a departure from the more staid sum- weather7(Ph"oto: Splash News) mer style that both she and sister Sasha sported last year when their father was still in office, Cardosa, 30, was harassing her, it's only the latest in a line of edgier post-PO- CBS reports. Following mulTUS fashion choices the elder Obama daughter tiple incidents, including one has recently made, including the high-waisted marriage proposal, Cardosa is jeans she rocked on her first day of work and now undergoing a a psychiatric the colorful beanies she sported at Sundance. evaluation. Uaw enforcement Also on Tuesday, agents in Malia's is still deciding whether or not secret service detail reported to the New to file stalking and harassment York Police Department that Jair Nilton charges against him.

Lisa

Ramotar

distances

WE'LL

YOUR self

from

Rasul

...gives voluntary statement to SOCU FREE EYE EXAM WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY COMPLETE PAIR OF EYE GLASSES OR PRESCRIPTION LENSES.

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GENERAL Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Lisaveta Ramotar has denied any wrongdoing one week after being sent on administrative leave to facilitate an investigation into the operations of the Board based on a forensic audit report and a simultaneous police investigation into an alleged money-laundering ring by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Ramotar. who is the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar. in a statement to Head of SOCU. Sydney James, on Wednesday said while she has not been called to an interview by the Unit, she is providing a "voluntary statement." Her statement was submitted to James in the presence of her attorney. Anil Nandlall.

"On April 20. 2017. I was sent on Administrative Leave to facilitate the investigation as mentioned above.

I wish to assert strongly that I am absolutely innocent of any wrong doings. I have discharged my duties at the Guyana Gold Board professionally and based on the important metric of declaration it was under my tenure that the Cooperative Republic of Guyana obtained its highest ever declaration to date." Ramotar said in her

statement.

She said she was officially informed on April 20 that SOCU was conducting an investigation into allegations of money laundering and suspected involvement of staff members of the Gold Board with gold dealer. Saddiqi Rasul.

Rasul. the owner of SSS Minerals Trading Enterprise. was earlier this month charged with six counts of obtaining money by false pretense and released on $3M bail. It is alleged that the gold dealer was involved in a $956M fraud at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI). The charges alleged that between March 21 and 22.

2017 at Bartica. with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $290M. $298M. $138M. $45M. $89M and $96M from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) by falsely pretending he had cash in his account at Citizens Bank to honour the cheques he en-cashed.

However, in her missive to James. Ramotar who served at the helm of the Guyana Gold Board from January 2. 2015. sought to clear what she believes are misconceptions being publicised in the media. She denied ever giving instructions

General Manager, Guyana Gold Board, Lisaveta Ramotar to Suzanne Bullen. Compliance Officer to incorporate Rasul's company.

"I wish to strongly deny that I ever gave instructions to Ms. Bullen to incorporate Mr. Rasul's company. In fact, the first time I learnt of her incorporating the company is on April 20. 2017. when she indicated that she should resign her position at the Guyana Gold Board because she incorporated the company." said Ramotar.

It was discovered that Bullen was the attorney who was engaged in the formation of Rasul's company. She was one of three persons, including Ramotar who was sent on administrative leave by the Ministry of Natural Resources to facilitate SOCU's investigation. The other person is Ramotar's deputy Andrea Seelochan.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

25

The Peter Haynes Column y hear that our very own cricketers say that they perform better when they go to other regions because integration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an institution that appears to be floundering on its they are treated better. It is disconcerting to us all moorings, remarked President of the Republic of Trinidad and To- when we view the imbroglio taking place between bago, His Excellency Anthony Carmona, when he delivered the Annual UWI the WICB and our cricketers. We have not been the most exemplary, when it comes to resolving conflict STAT Lecture at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. and dispute. I think a good dose of mediation is President Carmona, himself an Alumni required". of all three UWI campuses and labelled himPresident Carmona called for West Indies self "TrinlamBaj", said that describing West cricket to be rescued from the conundrum that Indies cricket as floundering on its moorings, Y] it now sits in. Again, he asked," Why must there he was being kind and conservative, as he debe conflict being trashed out on social media, livered the lecture on "Youth and Caribbean rather than being approached in a meditative Identity: Redefining Caribbean Pride for the j j a way, where mediation and Alternative Dispute 21 st Century Youth Resolution techniques can be engaged.

He said that former West Indies cricket r He further called for solution-oriented dicaptain Clive Lloyd gave an insightful obseralogue of pertinent issues affecting the instituvation of the importance of cricket to the intion of West Indies cricket and that those tegration movement, "Cricket is the ethos solutions must be enforced for the good of the around which West Indies society revolves.

Caribbean, as sports has the power to heal and All our experiments in Caribbean integration bring people together in the spirit of camaeither failed or maintained a dubious survivraderie. ability, but cricket remains the instrument of The Trinidad and Tobago President reCaribbean Cohesion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the remover of arid s marked: "We must not and cannot be limited in insularity and nationalistic prejudice". our vision and foresight, as it relates to sport President Carmona further remarked, and its development in the region."

"We therefore owe the sport of cricket a debt He further stated that he has observed with of gratitude for the mighty task it has accomadmiration, the robust intellect and the vision, plished in bringing Caribbean people toas well as mission of Sir Hilary Beckles as he President of the Republic of In in dad and Tobago, His gether. It cannot be lost upon any of us goes about the business of the Caribbean peothough, that West Indies Cricket is in a place Excellency Anthony Carmona. ple. He noted that Sir Hilary is possessed with it should not be. Empty stands add evidence "I vividly recall the joy and thrill the Caribbean boundless faith in the destiny of Caribbean people to the spiraling disillusionment and there is a need as a region experienced in 1975 and 1979 when the to stop that tedious saber-rattling that goes on, when West Indies won the Cricket World Cup or in 1994 and the belief in the contribution that can be made towards the development of the region. lame potshots are sent across the bow." and 2004 when Brian President Carmona observed that Sir Hilary has Charles Lara broke the demonstrated what is the true meaning of leadership, world record for the by not waiting for something to happen, as in his most runs in a Test StianiMHi Gabriel fined 50% of match many writings and other actions, he has not only match or more relamented the precipitous decline in fortune of our cently, the outpouring West Indies cricket team, an institution which was of love and support fee for Sarfraz Ahmed incident once held out to be the most successful sporting enfrom all Caribbean tity in the world, but he also offered solutions.

Shannon Gabriel, the West In- deliberately made contact with Sarfraz at people, when Chris The Trinidad and Tobago President said that the the non-striker's end when collecting his dies fast howler, has been Gayle became the first UWI head held a mirror in front of us to show how fined 50% of his match fee cap from umpire Richard Illingworth batsman, only days beautiful we were when we were world champions and handed three demerit points who then had a word with Gabriel. ago, to score 10,000 in all formats of the game and were the envy of after an incident involving Sarfraz Illingworth, along with the other T20 runs," President many, Ahmed on the fourth day in umpires, later reported the incident and Carmona remarked.

Finally, he said that the Cricket Development Kingston.

Gabriel was found to have breached ArThe Trinidad and Centre, which Sir Hilary promoted, should have been ticle 2.2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct At the end of the 103rd over of PakTobago President also for Players and Player Support Personthe springboard to launch our renaissance in cricket. istan's first innings, Gabriel's 22nd, he stated that all the peonel, which relates to "InapSadly, President Carmona noted that those who ple of the Caribbean propriate and deliberate * r can make a difference did not seek to build on this are concerned and physical contact with a solid example of leadership, to the chagrin of all heartbroken that their Player, Player Support Perright-thinking men and women in the region. itM desire for the best playsonnel, Umpire, Match Refers to represent the reeree or any other Person (including a spectator) in the gion at all times, yet advertise in this course of play during an Inthese best players from ternational Match". the region are not getGabriel admitted the ofting their rightful place newspaper call M fence and accepted the sancto represent the "mair tion from match referee Chris roon". ^^ennis at; Broad so there was no need He questioned, "Why i L .U for a hearing. this has not been cor917 379 6?90 ESPNCricInfo rected? It is appalling to

West Indies cricket is a real, active and working symbol of Caribbean

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

I saw my First Test Match in 1954 at Bonrda / witnessed the first bottle-throwing incident in the West Indies There can be few joys more satisfying than the memory of one's first Test match, especially if one was still in short pants and in primary school, as I was, in 1954 when England arrived in Guyana, which was then British Guiana. I saw that match 61 years ago, but that

the gloves of Godfrey Evans to run out Cliff McWatt, which resulted in the (in) famous bottle-throwing incident, the first of its kind in cricket history. May, moved to his right, picked up and returned the ball like a bullet to the wicketkeeper. The whole thing was done with a feline quality, with the fluidity that is the hallmark of the athlete who goes beyond skill into some other extraordinary realm of unconscious co-ordination.

Cliff McWatt of British Guiana and J. K. Holt Jr. of Jamaica were leading a grim rearguard action for the West Indies. Batting with determination and obviously intent in getting the West Indies back into the game, they had added 99 runs for the eightwicket when disaster struck. McWatt was unfortunately run out for 54 and "Badge" Menzies made no hesitation in raising his finger. There was no doubt McWatt was out, but his brave innings had inspired hope of a West Indies revival, so when "Badge" gave him marching orders, a section of the crowd reacted badly. One man threw a bottle unto the field, and then, as if by some given command, a rain of bottles littered the field, forcing the English team to run-off.

It was some time before the field could be cleaned and at the end of the day, "Badge" had to be escorted to the pavilion after some spectators, hurled insults at the hapless man.

Brian Statham, working up a pace

match still lives in my memory as if I saw it yesterday.

I read about these players: Willie Wat- tary tickets to the Main Pavilion. son, Len Hutton, Peter May, Dennis CompWe were comfortably seated in the ton, Tom Graveney, Johnny Wardle, Trevor North Stand, which is now dismantled and Bailey, Godfrey Evans, Jim Laker, Tony replaced with the Lance Gibbs Stand. We Lock and Brian Statham on the England were seated at the top left hand side, just beside and on the West Indies side; John Holt, side the sightscreen where we had a Jeffrey Stollmeyer, Erank Worrell, Everton panoramic view of everything in the midWeekes, Clyde Walcott, Robert Christiani, dle. Imagine, it took me the whole lunch Gerry Gomez, Dennis Atkinson, Clifford session to get three soft drinks, all because McWatt, Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valen- I was unable to get past the big crowd at the tine now, unbelievably, I was seeing those booth. very players in the flesh.

Dad took us to lunch on the rest day, Sadly, all the players on the England Sunday, We went to the New City Restauside have died while Everton Weekes (92) rant and had three portions of Canterbury and Sonny Ramadhin (88), are the only sur- Steak. I was really looking forward to that viving members of the West Indies team. meal. After all, it was a case of a 'country I was a great admirer of the versatile boy' coming to town, and Dad ensured that all-rounder Trevor Bailey. An easy action, we got the very best, well, at least, the medium pacer, who got the ball to go either things, which we wouldn't normally get at way and concentrated on line and length. home.

Matter of fact, one of the basic techniques Sitting at almost handshake distance I picked up was when Bailey was fielding. in the restaurant were two West Indies playHe would use his back foot to cover in the ers, Sonny Ramadhin and Dennis Atkinson. event the ball escaped his hands. In this way, he tended to save a lot of unnecessary a ir runs. It seemed as if it was by design or •• purely accidental, my high school friend Alfred Archibald always refers to me as \ "Trevor".

I am always indebted to my Dad who u u u took me to see my first Test match. West Indies v England in March 1954 at Bourda.

Mom went along with us. I was told that my u y t dad was a reasonably good cricketer in his fi n.. days. He was an opening batsman/wicketkccpcr, who represented Bath Estate and later on Rose Hall Estate. Dad related to me that he and Aladat Khan, the first player to score a century in the Davson Cup_!

Berbice's premier first-class tournament — opened the innings for Bath.

I can still remember to this day, exactly 61 years ago, the seat in which. Mom West Indies team of 1954 Dad and 1 sat. It was not the usual South Stand (renamed after the Berbice icon. I need not tell you how excited 1 was. So from the Southern End flattened the West Rohan Kanhai) where Berbicians frequent much so, I did not even bother to touch my Indies for 251 in the first innings. In action, most, and where my son Shan Razack Jr. steak. All the while my eyes were glued on he is beautiful to watch as he glides to the and I sat over the years, until the Guyana to those two guys. That itself was a great wicket like a man moving on a cushion of Cricket Board started giving us complimen- treat for me. You know something, when 1 air, and then attacks the batsman with that came to live in Georgetown in 1983,1 was beautiful action, which seemed like poetry looking around for the New City Restau- in motion, sure he was.

Left-arm spinner, Tony Lock, rerant, but I couldn't find it. Out of curiosity, I just wanted to know where the location minded me very much of our own Joe "Cobra" Ramdat, only that he had to my was.

But of course, what made the match mind, a suspect action. This apparently, was more enjoyable than anything else were the proven in no uncertain manner in the Barperformances of both the West Indies and bados Test, when umpire Keith Walcott English teams. Len Hutton's 169 in the first called him for chucking. In Guyana parlinnings left indelible memories. Equally in- ance, it was nothing short of "pelting", eradicable however, was the grace of "chucking" call it what you may. Anyway, Stollmeyer, the patience of Bailey, the exu- Lock survived and had a very colorful Test berance of Compton, the crisis-dependabil- career. Lock managing with every ball to r'* ity of Holt and our own Clifford McWatt, display as much hostility as any quick . and the amazing in-fielding and perform- bowler that ever lived. Indeed, to look at ance of Robert Christiani and out-fielding Lock after a delivery one had to reconstruct the flight in one's mind to remember that he of Peter May. Then there were the picturesque bat- bowled at only a quick spinner's pace. That ting displays of Tom Graveney and the bru- was the era when spinners reigned supreme. tal power of Everton deCourcy Weekes on Matter of fact, there was a proliferation of i spinners, five in all on both sides. 'Those the go, who made an aggressive 94.

Batting at No. 3, tall and elegant, Peter little pals of mine, Ramadhin and Valentine May made only 12 runs with two crisps on- on the West Indies side, while England had drives, but it was his brilliant fielding, to their advantage Laker, Lock and Johnny which caught my eyes. So much so, that it Wardle and between them, they had sent V was May's throw from the boundary into down over half the number of overs 260, TONY LOCK

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■1 I PETER MAY out of 462 bowled in the match.

Charles Palmer, manager of the England tour, reminisced 50 years later. With local men appointed in each island, the eight umpires in the series had stood in only seven previous Tests between them. So alarmed were MCC about the umpiring in the warm-up match in British Guiana that fresh officials had to be appointed for the Third Test, one of them — "Badge" Menzies — having to combine his duties with those of head grounds man. "I would never accuse them of cheating. Palmer said. Indeed, I made a point of this in my report to the MCC. They were just incompetent.

They hadn't the experience.

On the fourth evening of the Test the grounds man Menzies put up his finger when his fellow Guyanese Clifford McWatt was short of his ground, going for the 100th run of his partnership. Was the riot fuelled by drink, or gambling, or political unrest at the removal of power of their left wing Prime Minister? Whatever the cause. Hutton refused to leave the field. "1 want to take these last two wickets this evening," he said, and play resumed. With no fielders in the deep, and Johnny Wardle defusing the tension by swigging dmnkenly from a bottle. A police guard was stationed out side the groundman's house.

Then there was the matter of Tony Lock's quicker ball. He had been no-balled in one match in England by Fred Prince, at The Oval in 1952, and he would eventually — in the aftermath of the "chucking" controversies of the 1958-59, tour to Australia — had to remodel his action. But in the first Test and again in the match against Barbados he was called, and he had to cut out his deadliest weapon. "The no-balling caused quite a rumpus, 'Jim Laker wrote; "Yet to my eyes his quickest ball was a genuine throw, and it looked glaring in Barbados."

To his surprise Charles Palmer recently discovered some cine film that he had taken on the tour and a sequence of frames confirms Laker's judgment." It certainly shows up Tony Lock's action.

Again, I am so grateful to my parent — I know, wherever they are, they are looking over us — for the early exposure to sports, cricket in particular and for their unstinted support and encouragement in my writing. Perhaps, one day my son, Shan Razack Jr. would relate his experience on his first Test match. West Indies v India in 1983 at Bourda. Right, Shan?

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 28, 2017

Two

27

Guyanese win

World Masters

silver and bronze

Games

in New Zealand

Guyanese cyclist Aubrey Gordon, a three-time Olympian, won silver and Cyril Hunte, another former national cyclist, got bronze at the World Masters Games on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.

The road cycling criterium race, with 44 starters in the 60-64 male category, was won by American Joseph Cullinan and the trio clocked in at 36 minutes, 51 seconds.

However, former national cycling coach and twotime Olympian, Victor Rutherford, who is based in Florida, was disappointed that one of them did not win gold, "They had planned and worked hard for over six months with the Masters in mind and although they won silver and bronze medals, I know they were expecting for one of them to bring home gold. Anyhow, with the road races scheduled for next Sunday, hopefully we will have the elusive gold," Rutherford told the New York Chronicle.

Cyril Hunte, who is

at

based in California, is the brother of former national champion, Neville Hunte.

Cycling fans would recall that Cyril was once a fierce

m

competitor in Guyana alongside national stars of yesteryear like: Aubrey Gordon, Randolph 'Randy' Toussaint, Errol McClean and Joelyn Joseph.

Last year after the US National Championships, Gordon and Hunte set their eyes on the World Masters Games and plans were put in place.

Rutherford also said that Hunte had a really good build up, placing and winning in many events prior to leaving for New Zealand.

However, Gordon, now considered to be the 'Shivnarine

V

4

ChanderpauT of cycling, was hampered somewhat by job commitment and weather.

Gordon, who was a gold medalist in the men's 50-54 years age category at the 2009 UCI World Masters Criterium Road Race in

r * ■r

Sydney, Australia, also represented Guyana at the

a m —MM—

CONCACAF

files

53

mm

1980, 1984 Olympics.

and

1988

suit against ex-FIFA officials

Jack Warner and NEW YORK -- North America's football federation has filed a lawsuit claiming it was victimized by two defendants charged in the MI A bribery scandal.

In papers filed earlier this week in federal court in Brooklyn, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) accuses former FIFA officials Jack Warner and Charles Blazer of making a fortune through embezzlement — allegations that mirror those in a sprawling U.S. criminal investigation that has resulted in charges against several top football officials.

The suit accuses the pair of negotiating bribes and kickbacks in connection with lucrative broadcasting rights for tournaments including CONCACAF's Gold Cup championship.

"There can be no doubt that Warner

mm

'U I ■

Chuck

Blazer

-

CHUCK BLAZER and JACK WARNER and Blazer victimized CONCACAF, stealing and defrauding it out of tens of millions of dollars in brazen acts of corruption for their own personal benefit at the expense of the entire CONCACAF re-

gion," the suit says.

The suit seeks $20 million in compensatory damages and unspecified punitive damages.

Blazer has pleaded guilty and coop-

erated in the criminal probe. One of his attorneys in that case declined comment on Friday.

Warner is fighting extradition in Trinidad and Tobago, where he's denied any wrongdoing.

FIFA, international football's governing body, filed a restitution claim last year in the criminal case that similarly portrayed it as a victim of the defendants.

"Their actions have deeply tarnished the FIFA brand and impaired FIFA's ability to use its resources for positive actions throughout the world, and to meet its global mission of supporting and enhancing the game of football, commonly known in the United States as soccer," it says.

The claim includes a demand for tens of millions in payments, including $10 million it says was stolen by Warner, Blazer and others.

(AP)

New York Ed lion «««

The Chronicle can also be read @ http://wm.guyanachronicle.com

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Former Guyana Under-19 player Shameer Sadloo (right) hands over part of the donation to Cold Fusion president Budhnarine Persaud, in the presence of some members of his senior and youth club. Also in picture is Freddie Madray (centre). ECC president Rajesh Singh and Manniram Shew are on Sadloo's left.

THE recently formed Cold Fusion Cricket Club of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was last Saturday the recipient of a quantity of cricket gear, compliments of New York-based Guyanese Shameer 'Joey' Sadloo, his son Ian, Steve Ragubeer and Freddie Madray. Cricket Zone and Millat Sporting Goods also

contributed.

Sadloo. a former Guyana Under-19 cricketer, who also represented Everest Cricket Club (ECC) at the domestic level, and is on holiday in Guyana, handed over the equipment to Budhnarine Persaud. president of Cold Fusion at a simple ceremony, held at his former club on Camp Road.

Georgetown.

Sports enthusiast and International Six dominoes captain Manniram Shew, also a prominent member of Everest, played an instrumental part in securing the gear from Sadloo. a long-time associate, and the others involved.

Members of both the senior and youth teams of Cold Fusion

as well as executive members of Everest were also attended the presentation.

Following the presentation, former Guyana all-rounder and prominent East Bank Demerara cricket coach Claude St John, who played a big part in Sadloo's success at the youth level, held a rap session with the youth players

of Cold Fusion and this was well received by the youngsters.

Included among the cricket equipment were elbow guards, wicket-keeping pads, hip guards, bat rubbers, wicket-keeping gloves, jack straps, batting gloves, helmets, cricket bats, gear bag and practice clothes.