Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 20 01 2017

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ISSUE NO. 33

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 20,2011

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Pres Granger refers Jagdeo's GECOM chair enquiries to Attorney General ^

New York state Sen. John Sampson, center, was sentenced for obstruction of justice and lying to the FBI. (JEFFERSON SIEGEL/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

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.. .joint services get tough on tattooed ranks

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twice p25 ...throws out Jagdeo's race-baiting appeal case — nixes out-of-tinte appeal on Dipcon judgment -AG signals move to CCJ, questions motive

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

20 Guyanese in training as Fly Jamaica flight attendants Asix-week training course is on-the-way in Guyana for 20 young locals as Fly Jamaica gets ready for the anticipated increase in aviation activity in that country. The company's Director Rox-

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anne Reece told the Guyana Chronicle (NY) that the airline is not only providing service to Guyana but is also providing employment for na-

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tionals, since they work within the jurisdiction.

The training course is the second to be held in Guyana with

the love of passengers being served by their fellow countrymen.

trainees attending sessions at the air-

It was noted however that as

line's Ogle office. The potential em-

Guyana aims to attain its Category

ployees are expected to travel to

One status Guyanese must have ac-

Miami for further training as they cur-

cess to affordable airlift that cater to

rently identify with aviation proce-

their specific needs. As such, Reece said Fly Jamaica's parent company

pected to conduct scheduled flights.

In becoming the national carrier,

necessities of regular chartered serv-

dures such as emergency protocol, operations and onboard service.

Wings Aviation will be promoting Air

Reece told the newspaper that Air

ets and receive substandard service.

Guyana as the national carrier having formerly made such an application to

Guyana would be branded to depict

It is expected however that the

Reece told the Guyana Chronicle (NY) that the new batch of flight

ices and pay exorbitant prices for tick-

its country of origin and service. This

national carrier will remain in Guyana

is expected to improve airlift espe-

and provide service geared specially

ment the expansion of the carrier's

the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

Fly Jamaica Airways will soon

cially on the lucrative Georgetown/

for the Guyanese public.

services. She stressed the importance

launch charter flights from the Cheddi

New York route.

of having all crew members properly

Jagan Airport in Guyana to Cuba and

Many passengers travelling be-

II country, Air Guyana will conduct

trained to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the airline. "We

New York's John F. Kennedy Airport

tween Guyana and New York are

charters. When Guyana attains its

in Febmary via Air Guyana. While the

often left disappointed at the service

Category One status, "we will be op-

want to contribute to the Guyanese economy," Reece posited as she noted

company provides flights between

they receive, when carriers claiming

erating Air Guyana under its own um-

Guyana and Jamaica, it is later ex-

to be airlines are unable to provide the

brella," Reece confidently stated.

attendants are expected to comple-

As Guyana remains a Category

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Hide

your

THE joint services have taken a decision to rigidly enforce policies governing its personnel and have turned away several new recruits sporting visible tattoos, while giving ranks with the body art a few months to get them removed.

While a young man took to the media with his plight of being turned away from accomplishing his military dream because of having the clearly visible skin designs, many are left to wonder.

"Should legal policies governing an organisation be adjusted to accommodate a common trend?"

Dictionary definition of a tattoo is that it "is a form of body modification, made by inserting ink. either indelible or temporary. into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment."

ALL MUST UPHOLD POLICY Tattooing has become a popular style, and many younger people go wild, branding their skin with a design without understanding the consequences.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Public Relations Personnel. Major Delbert George said Tuesday there are policies outlining the operations of the army and all of its officers, including new recruits, must uphold the standards of the military.

He said the regulation speaks to tattoos that are visible in any form of military attire, including PC shorts and military training T-shirts. Article 4066 within the GDF Personnel Policy which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle, clearly states that "Ranks shall not acquire tattoos that are visible while wearing military uniform or any kit while engaged in organised sports, except swimming, or tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (for example, being pornographic, blasphemous, racist or political) or otherwise bring discredit to the Guyana Defence Force."

The policy is not against officers wearing tattoos in places that will result in them being displayed while in military attire, including military uniform and

military T-shirts and shorts during physical exercise.

Army hopefuls sporting tattoos on the chest and 'number plates' may be allowed if the individual othenvise qualifies to become a GDF Officer.

With the rigid training and practices within the military which involves body contact, the military policies Article 4067 also states "Tattooing is discouraged as it can lead to damage of the blood vessels and even HIV infection. It has also been observed that tattoos have a negative impact on employment opportunities in the civilian sector."

One concerned citizen took to social media and criticised the move of the GDF to turn away new recruits who sport tattoos, calling the army's policy an "archaic regulation." The comment stated that in enforcing this policy, the GDF is preventing young people ready to serve the country from doing so. at a time when Guyana's sovereignty is under threat.

The commenter suggested that traditions be broken

from the law which was written since in the 1950s since, with such rule being upheld, the GDF could possibly soon be an army of men senior in age. Many youths tattoo for style before even considering a career and have the skin art in places which can be visible even in uniforms.

MAY 2 DEADLINE Meanwhile. Police Public Relations Officer. Jairam

•

recraits that they should remove the tattoos and return to complete test, it is aware that the process of removing the body art is quite expensive.

A source from the Guyana Fire Service also told the Guyana Chronicle that recently the force enforced the policy of refusing to accept persons with visible tattoos and has asked all staff with such to remove them by May 2.

One member of the joint services told the Guyana Chronicle she was given a

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May 2 deadline to remove the tattoos. She said she consulted a local hospital and was told that she must first pay $4000 consultation fee to arrange for the tattoos to be removed. She said fees to remove the tattoos vary per session and it takes over five sessions to remove them. $5000 is charged for the removal of a small tattoo. $10. 000 to remove a medium size and $15,000 for the removal of a large tattoo.

Several members of the joint services have tattoos visible on their bodies.

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Ramlakan said individuals have been turned away by the Guyana Police Force because the same policy which the army applies is used by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and all other members of the joint services. "As long as you have visible tattoos on any part of your body, you wouldn't be enlisted...a lot of young people qualify but they have the tattoos." Ramlakan told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

He said while the GPF would also inform the young

.. .joint services get tough on tattooed ranks

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

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The side of Guyana only

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The Zena Henry Celumn 1 Viewing with the naked eye, it is almost impossible to understand why there are not many visible developmental activities taking place around the country, providing employment for those in need, especially young people.

On a daily basis many, predominately young men are found involved in illegal activities, involving drug handling or violent crimes. Many of them are coming from deprived or less-fortunate communities. In some cases many are encouraged by 'bad company' and get involved in illegal activities rather than using their creativity to come up with meaningful ways of making an honest living.

with news of more oil success last week.

Foreigners are beginning to peak into Guyana and are keeping an ear open for growing opportunities.

The question however is what locals are doing to prepare themselves for a country that is just waiting to burst with devel-

opment. It is safe to say that many expected employment opportunities will open, the same ones they claimed they could not get in the previous administration. Whether it was construction, community empowerment, self-employment or a stronger 'buy local' push, almost every citizen that depended on that "change" was hoping to see their lives directly affected positively, in one way or another.

A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) predicted that unemployment in Latin America and the Caribbean will rise to 8.4 percent this year according to their World Employment and

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Many Guyanese leading up to and after the 2015 elections, were relieved and optimistic that a new government had come in place and that change had come.

Today, they complain about high taxation, unemployment, crime and other social matters that they thought would have been eased after endorsing the "change" mantra.

With only seemingly positive events lined up in Guyana's future, such as oil production, improved business sectors and massive investments, it would be expected that Guyana would be preparing itself to pump its chest at the world when a serious look is given to the country. The country is now making its strut onto the world seen. Guyana again graced the world stage

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Social Outlook - trends 2017. It said that the increase in unemployment levels and rates in 2017 will be driven by deteriorating labour market conditions in emerging countries, as the impacts of several deep recessions in 2016 continue to affect labour markets in 2017.

The report went further to state that the discontent with the social situation and lack of decent job opportunities are factors that play a role in a person's decision to migrate.

Guyana Spouts believes that Guyana does not have to face such complications.

The change that citizens voted for, the same change that even some in the Diaspora travelled home to ensure, lies with the people to demand what is needed. That is the side of things that only the citizens can fix.

To ensure that Guyana is a comfortable place with an acceptable standard of living for everyone. A lot of unhealthy and unnecessary foreign items enter the country while local items are sidelined and sometimes have to be sold at higher prices for vendors to make a living. Guyana 'the bread basket of the Caribbean,' promotes buying locally, but continues to be flooded with foreign goods. There are many farming opportunities and available markets for especially the recently-promoted super foods such as the coconut and moringa.

Entertainment is a huge business that is still to get its deserved recognition in Guyana, which has very limited entertainment activities for locals. That is an area in need of serious promotion and could do well with some overseas experience to boost its promotion. Entertainment is a very good medium to provide employment.

People's creative powers need room to grow. It is the ultimate employment source since there is no better job than the one you create and enjoy doing. A push for copyright laws is needed to ensure the protection of people's work.

Guyana Sprouts repeats that much can be done to improve the standard of living of all Guyanese. Guyana has to be made great so that those in the Diaspora will not always think of vacationing in a foreign country, but will yearn to come back home, where the standard of living is good and it is safe and entertaining.

It is the responsibility of every Guyanese to make Guyana a comfortable place to live. By simply sending a letter to the local newspaper on a topic that may have affected you —you can make a difference. No one wants to know that a situation arises where they must return to their homeland, but dread the thought because of its condition and living standards.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

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Handel Andrews President Barack Obama's Foreign Policy (2) (continued from last week) Column IRAN The nuclear agreement that the US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China r cached with Iran on July 14,2015 in Vienna was a notable achievement. The President called the Agreement "a victory for diplomacy, for American national security and for the safety and security of the world."

On January 16, 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency (AEA) verified that Iran completed the necessary steps stipulated in the agreement that will ensure Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful. The Agreement put limits on most of Iran's nuclear programs.

If the Republicans have their way under a Trump Presidency, they should likely extend soon-to-expire sanctions unrelated to Iran's nuclear capability. Additionally, they are likely to introduce and pass legislation to reverse the US participation in the Iran Agreement.

History will honour Barack Obama for his successful policy towards Iran. He cannot be blamed if his successor pursues a policy of confrontation. If, and it is highly unlikely that should the other signatories go along with the US, Iran would resume its former nuclear programs.

AFRICAN POLIC Y Barack Obama's election as US President was justifiably received in Africa with great enthusiasm. This was largely due to the belief that he would make African issues a top priority. However, in the words of a Politico writer: "Barack Obama has arguably done less for the continent than his predecessors."

He was the first US President to address the African Union. In that speech, he promised "to transform America's relationship with Africa — so that we're truly listening to our African friends and working together, as equal partners."

Very encouraging words. However, the truth is not as encouraging. Instead of disentangling Bush's policies towards Africa, he doubled down. "He saw Africa through a national security prism that focused on terrorism and counterterrorism." Consequently, he increased drone operations on the continent, in which thousands of innocent civilians were killed. The 2014 Security Governance Initiative for Africa's main aim was to create a secure environment for U.S. investors. The US continues its exploitation of Africa, "business as usual."

Many Africans argue that the President's policies have suppressed the African people's hope for Democratic reforms, "simultaneously bolstering the power of cormpt African elites."

In August 2014, Barack Obama invited some of Africa's most brutal dictators to his USAfrica Summit. Among those were President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, Paul Biya of the Cameroon, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo, Idriss Deby of the Republic of Chad, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi. To many Africans, the message was that the US was not interested in promoting Democracy in Africa.

History shows that dictatorships in Africa are supported by the American government because these corrupt rulers benefit American corporate elites by providing access to cheap human and natural resources.

Despite this, he adopted a policy directed toward sustainability, technological advancement and health relief. In 2010, Obama together

with the US. Agency for International Development and the Peace Corps launched the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This was a positive investment in the new generation of African leaders.

Obama's policy towards Africa has not lived up to his lofty words. I thought that Obama's years would bear more fruits than any other US President's. However, our 44th President was "so focused on pleasing the world, that he dropped the ball and made the wrong foreign-policy moves for the US, and for Africa." I will leave it to history to be his judge.

Till CARIBBEAN When Barack Obama was elected President, the Caribbean hoped that things would be better than they were under other Presidents. Now as he leaves office: Have things improved in the Caribbean or are they as they were before?

On February 24,1982, President Ronald Reagan launched his Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). One of the highlights was to be a massive aid program to the Caribbean region.

However, it did not improve the economic conditions of the countries. Eventually, it was scrapped.

President Barack Obama's administration has provided aid for energy security, reducing energy costs and fighting climate change. This follows discussions resulting in the White House Caribbean Energy Security Summit hosted by the Vice President in January 2015 and the launch of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI) coordinated by the Department of State One of the stellar achievements of Barack Obama's Presidency was the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). It brings together members of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic to collaborate on regional security with the US as a partner. The US has provided $437 million since 2010 for the project. The purpose of CBSI is to combat drug trafficking and other crimes, which threaten regional security.

Through the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, hundreds of young Caribbean persons are given scholarships to America in an Entrepreneurship program intended that after completing studies, they will return home and launch small businesses.

Obama's restoration of ties with Cuba is, arguably, his greatest achievement in the Caribbean. On January 14, 2017, the US and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It deals specifically with countemarcotics, money laundering, fraud,human smuggling, and counterterrorism.

Additionally, on January 12,2017, President Obama ended the "wet feet, dry feet policy." This policy entailed that any Cuban who fled Cuba and entered the US could apply for residency. Those caught before reaching the US were returned to Cuba.

A stain on President Obama's record re: the Caribbean is the number of Caribbean deportations over which he presided. He has deported more Caribbean persons than any other President before him. For his 8 years in office, he has deported every year more persons to the Caribbean than George Bush did in 8 years. Many Caribbean leaders blame the rise in crime to some of these deportees who learned their crime in the US. Any discussion of US-Caribbean rela-

tions must include Presidential Proclamation — National Caribbean-AmeriOP 6?zcan Heritage Month: "I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue 'b rP of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, 0? do hereby proclaim June 2015 as NaQ. m tional Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to celo 31 ebrate the history and culture of Caribirl bean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

In supporting his action, the President said: For centuries, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neigh- m bors not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by our common values and ties of kin. From a region of extraordinary beauty, generations of immigrants have brought their enormous I believe in analyzing FACTS when arspirit, unique talents, and vibrant culture to the United States. Their contributions have en- riving at conclusions. What I think of Presiriched our Nation and strengthened the deep dent Barack Obama — he could have done great things if he had received the support of bonds between our peoples.

Congress — is beside the point. As John CONCLUSION Adams said: "Facts are stubborn things; and President Barack Obama is the ultimate whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, family man and a positive example to men in or the dictates of our passion, they cannot public office. No sexual or other scandal is at- alter the state of facts and evidence." In this tached to his name and, in recent times, he is two-part series I have presented facts. You perhaps the most beloved President after JFK. must judge our 44th Presided based on them.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

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Fdilor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com unigclKV hotmail.com gnnli-ditorial^ gniail.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Tel: 917-379-6590

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...Pres Granger refers Jagdeo's GECOM chair enquiries to Attorney General

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The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in November last year drew attention to the National Agricultural Research Institute's (NARI) report that Guyana loses up to 23 percent of the cassava it produces and 30 percent of our fruits is dumped.

This sampling of wastage in our society when hunger and poverty around the world persist ought to serve as declaration of the country's potential should these resources be properly harnessed. Right here there are persons who go to bed without a meal and live in poverty, when evidently it ought not to be so. WhatNARFs figures are telling us is that there exist an underlying deficit that ought to be addressed, particularly in the areas of capacity for storage, distribution and markets.

Last Friday Minster of Business Dominic Gaskin speaking at function to commission a business that has converted to solar energy called on Guyanese to buy and consume local products. In what can best be described as a patriotic pitch the minister not only pointed to the macro economic viability of such an approach but also the micro benefit in creating employment and economic opportunities.

Sensitisation is key here in cultivating taste, pride in producing and consuming local, creating employment and economic opportunities for self and fellow Guyanese, and the value of playing a role in reducing poverty and hunger. Resurgent focus in local foods admittedly has left Guyana somewhat behind in several instances. In addition to technology- that is research and development- the appreciation of local products has diminished. Rectifying both requires investment, monetarily and culturally. A process of education could include empowering producers and vendors in packaging techniques to make their products attractive, additionally to avoiding or minimising

PRESIDENT David Granger has officially responded to Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who has been seeking clarification as to why the President rejected his six nominees for the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The Guyana Chronicle has confirmed that Jagdeo received the President's response on Wednesday night and in the correspondence.

President Granger advised the Opposition Leader to send one of his representatives to seek the clarification from Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Basil Williams "in order to avoid further misinterpretation or misunderstanding of this important constitutional matter."

A statement from the Opposition Leader's office Wednesday night noted.

"We are disappointed that the clarifications that we requested have not been furnished. We are further disappointed that the President is unprepared to meet with the Leader of the Opposition on a matter of such cracial national importance.

We had hoped that such a meeting would have exposed the President to a view that is different from that of the Attorney General, whom we presume, is advising the President on this matter."

According to the state-

ment. in the best interest of the nation, the Leader of the Opposition will accede to the President's request to meet with the Attorney General.

"It is our hope that this engagement will provide the requisite clarity and j

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will move the process closer to an early resolution." the statement concluded.

The President had written Jagdeo informing him that he finds unacceptable his list of nominees for the post of GECOM; the nominees included Governance and Conflict Resolution Consultant. Lawrence Latchmansingh; Business Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, retired Major-General Norman McLean; Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant.

Christopher Ram; business-

damage. Preservation and presentation techniques should also aim to put the country at competitive advantage in the global market.

At the self-sufficiency level production of fresh foods enhances the nation's developmental thrast; assist the people's desire for healthy lifestyle, and reaching for the aspiration of breadbasket status in the Caribbean. But such achievements are not without challenges.

In the 21st century where globally the benefits of organic and fresh foods are being pursued for health benefits, it is still not un-unusual to see Guyanese shying away from our local products. Some have come to associate using such with poverty. Such conditioning matters not that imported foods, most of which are processed, are not only unhealthy but diverting needed foreign exchange that can be directed to pressing local issues requiring attention for development.

Recognition by the Government that there needs to be collective effort to arrest the trend of not being favourably disposed to local products and turning it around is well taken.

Where acknowledgement is given that Government has to create the enabling environment for production and consumption to thrive, there are some areas that readily come to mine. The Government can look at providing institutional strengthening

woman Rhyaan Shah; and former University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor. Professor James Rose.O The President had noted that the qualifications of the six people submitted by Jagdeo do not match the criteria as set out in the Constitution of Guyana. Jagdeo had then asked the President to provide clarification for his rejection of the list and also requested a meeting to deal with the matter.

When questioned on Wednesday about the issue, the President told reporters.

"I myself did not feel that there was anything that was obscure or unclear in the constitution, so I've asked the Minister of Legal Affairs to examine the letter from the Opposition Leader to see whether anything I might have written was obscure."

When asked if he will agree to the Opposition Leader's request for a meeting. the President said.

"Well as I said, he wants clarification; I don't think he wants to meet me. he wants clarification...! think what he meant is that he wants the matter clarified and I will provide that clarification.

I don't mind meeting him. but as far as I can see. it is a matter of clarification."

According to the President. he is in no hurry to unilaterally select a new Chair for GECOM; he says he wants to conduct meaningful consultations.

President David Granger "I am obliged to conduct meaningful consultations with him [Jagdeo] and I will do that...I will not make a choice until after the consultations are completed. " "I am a man of great patience. This is a constitutional matter, it is important to Guyana, so I am not rushing and I don't want to bring the process to an end without both sides being satisfied." the Head of State said.

It should be noted that this is the first time since 1992 that the Opposition Leader has submitted a list of persons to be selected as chairman of GECOM without at least one of them being qualified as a judge or a senior counsel.

And though Article 161(2) of the Constitution leaves room for a non-judge to be selected under the 'fit and proper' description, it is the President who determines this. Attorney General Basil Williams had said.

to NARI through increase financial investment that will facilitate intensified research and attract the brightest of minds through employment or exchange programmes. There is also utility in examining local market surveys to understand perception. production and consumption patterns, requirement to get the goods to the marketplace, storage facilitates and availability. and other relevant factors. In penetrating the international market Government could utilise overseas missions where commercial units can be set up to monitor economic activities, including preferential taste in the host countries.

As the country moves to the stage where the protection of the environment has become a necessity the minster's call for opportunities of alternative energy to be tapped into for the production of goods and services is timely.

Where it was once seen as poverty to sun dry sea foods, such as the famed salted fish and dried shrimp, today such method of producing foods are lauded. Shade houses are also another viable option. Additionally to protecting the plants from being damaged by the climate yields are enhanced. It is said crops produced under this condition the yield is tenfold. Guyana and Guyanese can achieve what Minister Gaskin points to. Doing this requires commitment towards the ideals.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017 A view from New York Obama's

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Faustian

Yeah, yeah. Fin venturing into really ultra-sensitive territory with this one. Any attempt to dissect, analyze or even have a dissenting opinion about the legacy of President Barack Obama, America's first Black President, is often met with a stonecold response from his supporters, many of them mindless fanatics, or a rolling of the eyes and condescending glances towards the heavens by his detractors, as if appealing for some form of divine guidance. But I'm going to take a brutally honest and objective cursory look at his legacy, no matter the ire or cheers that this draws. I think that to have an opinion on such an historical presidency can help further the cause of sensible, ongoing debates.

So let me start on the high notes, the the slightest whiff of scandal - something places that people who support President literally unheard of in the US Capital.

Obama have no difficulty in connecting with Phew! and can be proud of their man. Americans But let me go on. As an unparalleled endured the traumatic quixotic reign of the orator and public speaker. President Obama Bush years, after the salacious zippergate and rose to the occasion so often and so well under-the-oval-desk adult lolly-popping of that, for the first time in a very long time, exthe Clinton presidency, and the almost saliceptional political oratory became commonvating glee of congressional Republicans, place in the United States instead of being eager to impeach him for an alleged fellatio rare. I'm going to miss hearing that cool, unepisode administered by the buxom Monica hurried, deep and commanding voice speakLewinsky. Such White House priapic politics ing out on everything from race to hip-hop. reminded us abut the tawdry senate hearings In times of pain, as with every mass murder, of the raunchy now Supreme Court Justice Obama's level-headedness and humanity Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill, with Exshone through — brightly. But addressing hibit 1 being the pubic hair on a can of Coca his legacy, the difficult part is that as in any Cola and some narrative about "Long John deal there will be winners and losers, happy Silver" — the one in the pants, not the pirate. people and unhappy ones.

With all that pre-Obama days drama I believe that the kink in Obama's and Bush's warmongering neocons getting presidency is not what he did, but what he all orgasmic over drones and bombing, I will didn't do.

And it's here that we must bemiss America's first Black President. I come objective — we have to take the good mean, the man brought SANITY back to the with the not so good, and analyze it. office of the President of the United States, and the national political discourse. Put TORTURE against the impending calamity that is com♦ During the George W. Bush Ading to us, most Americans will yeam for this ministration, torture was used to prosecute unflappable and calm President. I don't the "war on terror." A variety of methods know how he did it. Me? I would have told were used in violation of international laws people like Senate Majority Leader Mitch that the United States is a signatory to. In McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan August 2014 President Obama admitted as to go yourself. (You can add your fa- much. "We tortured some folks." He also vorite expletive in the space provided). How told us not to be "too sanctimonious in retthe man did not end up being a very good rospect about the tough job that those folks friend of Jack Daniels earning the right to had," because they were "patriots." Maybe call him "Jimbo" is beyond me. we were hearing Dick Chaney — no, that Indeed, only a certifiable nincompoop could not be Obama. But it was. Not one or a dried-in-the-wool moron would con- single person — from George W. Bush all clude that President Obama did nothing the way down to the meanest private at Abu positive for the past eight years. Heck, he Ghraib — was brought to justice for the saved the US auto industry and stopped it crimes of torture and murder. That's the from bleeding jobs, pensions, and other first stain on his record in my view. Now benefits, hammered out a very difficult based on that precedent President Trump is lukewarm but very real global deal on cli- set to "normalize" torture, because "we just mate change, passed a health care law that tortured some folks." allows many previously uninsured people You see in this case, its not what Presto access insurance — something a bunch ident Obama did, but what he did not do. of former presidents tried to do for 60 His decision to let torture stand and go unyears, signed the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't punished meant that the illegal and unlawTell," supported same-sex marriage much ful acts themselves would not only stand, to the chagrin of the Republican Party es- hut also expand. He could have set a legal tablishment and the Bom Again Christian precedent by prosecuting the perpetrators. community, established relations with He chose not to. This was not the hope and Cuba, commuted the sentences of over a change we were looking for. thousand victims of the failed "war on WALL STREET PLUNDER drugs," placed a pair of justices (both AND THEFT women) on the Supreme Court, signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and all the Then there is the matter of Wall Street while managed to do his job without even and the financial collapse of 2008. Admit-

Legacy: A

Bargain?

tedly, President Obama and his Administration did a superlative job of patching up and holding the US economy together. And the recovery we have enjoyed since those dark days is not to be laughed at. Yet that recovery is merely an accent in the symphony of financial fiction we labor under, like so many cheese-seeking mice in an endless maze.

To be sure, the financial crisis and economic malady was not President Obama's fault — that happened under the rapacious Bush Administration and his crony capitalist neocons. However, it is most instmctive that, as with the torturers, none of the Wall Street thieves and plunderers who eviscerated the economy to their great personal profit was ever prosecuted for any of their crimes.

In fact, a number of them got pretty sweet gigs with the Obama Administration, and many more looked forward to their own civil service sinecures upon the election of Hillary Clinton. If the truth was told they all got away with the heist of the millennium and walked off scot free with cash falling out of their pockets. As a matter of fact only one banker from that Era of Corporate Piracy was prosecuted — Bemie Madoff. The only reason he got caught and was punished was because he stole from rich people.

President Obama could have acted in a way that signaled that he was not going to tolerate corporate piracy in America. He could have made examples of those who deliberately decided that greed was the gold standard by which Wall Street worked. He could have enacted justice for the millions of people who lost their homes, their jobs and their life savings. He chose not to. Its not what he did, but what he did not do. So when he told America that Hillary Clinton was going to continue his policies, Americans heard him — loud and clear. They remained home because they knew that nobody was on their side, not now, not ever, and Hillary could preach until she was blue in the face.

Because President Obama barely lived up his promise of "hope" Americans are now left with a President and Republican Party that is set to undo 100 years of progress. Americans, ordinary Americans, could not understand why we were spending trillions of dollars on unwinnable wars, outsourcing jobs in record numbers but reluctant to raise the pittance of national minimum wage by a few dollars. So as Republicans yelled and screamed about "big government," austerity and the national deficit the Obama Administration AND Democrats failed to tell working class Americans that all this was all a tissue of lies and policies designed to further help the rich get richer.

What he did not do weighs very heavy on his legacy and the historic reckoning as to what kind of President he was.

THE CONTRADICTIONS ♦ The President who warns repeatedly and passionately of climate change hut

'W' /

f 'A

ignored Standing Rock as he champions hydro-fracking and tar sands oil pipelines. ♦ The President who promises transparency while stomping on whistleblowers like Edward Snowden. ♦ The President who denounces terrorism while making new terrorists by way of the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent people, sustained bombings in the Middle East, through his drone warfare. ♦ The President who champions the middle class but finds great difficulty to speak about the working class — the backbone of American industry and growth. ♦ The Nobel Peace Prize winner who sold more weapons to the world than any administration since World War 11.

So in the end, is everything Obama's fault? No, definitely not. His first day at work involved two catastrophic wars that he did not start but inherited, an economy in serious meltdown mode, and poor people screaming bloody murder at an elitist class that just raided the national cookie jar.

Upon arrival, he was greeted with a campaign of GOP obstructionism that knows no peer in American political history.

THE THINGS I'M GRATEFUL FOR I must say thank you to President Obama for showing me the true face of the United States in 2017. No hypocritical masks, no happy, sloppy paint jobs covering up "mainstream America" but the real racist deal.

The election and re-election of the first Black President — touted properly as a transcendent moment in the annals of our history — was followed by a cmde, glaring detonation of brazen racism that cannot he ignored or dismissed.

Finally, President Obama showed me that he was never in charge of anything.

But, this is not unusual or a surprise — no United States President is. True power lies with the establishment corrupters, the grubby, arrogant war profiteers, the greedy oil peddlers, the insane, untouchable gun manufacturers, the parasitic insurance companies, the sycophantic TV people, the stockbrokers and the bankers for the bankers. President Obama had many chances to change things and each time he punted.

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

SCUBA SI

LUCIA EARNS PAD! GREEN STAR AWARD

ST. LUCIA (January 9,2017) - St. Lucia's longest-running dive operation, Scuba St. Lucia, has received the PADI Green Star Award for its dedication to conservation.

Founded in 1981, Scuba St. life for our teams at Ansc Chastanet Lucia is located at the water's edge and Jade Mountain," Troubetzkoy of the 600-acre Anse Chastanet and said.

Jade Mountain resorts. Consistently The hotels operate their own voted among the top hotels in the wastewater treatment plant on site, Caribbean by leading travel author- treating gray water for irrigation and ities, both hotels were designed with keeping its water supply independa commitment to sustainability and ent from the surrounding commuenvironmental preservation. nity, so as not to burden the Now, the Professional Associ- residents of Soufriere. The resorts' ation of Diving Instructors (PADI) facilities are equipped with low is recognizing the resorts' efforts to flush toilets, low flow shower heads keep its scuba diving operation and composting toilets on the beach. clean and green.

Guests are encouraged to The award is given to PADI reuse their towels and sheets during dive centers and resorts which their stay, rather than having their demonstrate a commitment to con- linens laundered daily, while old, servation across multiple business but still usable, towels are altered by functions, including energy use, a local seamstress to become hand water conservation, environmen- towels for the hotel's public areas. tally friendly transportation, conserThe resorts' fuel-efficient vehivation leadership, use of sustainable cles are regularly serviced and fresh materials, and a donation to conser- fish and produce come from a farm vation via Project AWARE, a non- on property as well as the surroundprofit that works with scuba divers ing community. to protect the ocean.

The region around Anse ChasThat level of dedication to the tanet is part of an award-winning environment falls in line with the marine reserve run by the Soufriere philosophy of resort owner, Nick Marine Management Association.

Troubetzkoy, who passionately be- Scuba St. Lucia strictly follows the lieves in nature. "Being conscious marine reserve policy of "look but about the environment is a way of don't touch," to ensure protection of

u

rm feS'•• ..-a Scuba St. Lucia — St. Lucia's longest-running dive operation. the area's coral reef and other marine life.

"I am grateful to PADI for recognizing us with this honor, and I'm so proud of our team members for their continued world-class excellence in all areas, but particularly in our environmental efforts," Nick Troubetzkoy said.

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For further information about Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, call 1 800 223-1108 or visit wnw.ansechastanet.com and www.jademountain.com.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

9

A Day of Remembrance, MLK Holiday and

As two Caribbean immigrants look back on the legacies of two major public figures in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King and U.S. President Barack Obama they agree on some key things.

The first is that Dr. King whose birth- historic election of Barack Obama as Amerday was officially recognized on Monday, ica's first Black president in 2008.

January 15, with a public holiday across the Incidentally, Shirley Chisholm, the U.S., made a substantial difference in their daughter of a Bajan mother and a Guyanese lives. For without the work, sacrifices and father also helped to roll "the proverbial eloquence of Dr. King pressing the case for wicket" on which Obama batted and scored equality and diversity at home and self-determination around the world both Adrian Mapp, Mayor of Plainfield in New Jersey, and Prof. Cecil Foster, Chairman of the Department of Transnational Studies at the State University of New York in Buffalo insisted it was unlikely they would be in their current positions of influence.

"I believe that I wouldn't be in the Mayor's office today if we didn't have a Martin Luther King to break down the bar-

Barack Obama

Alabama, Ms. Curry used a seven inch letter opener to stab him in the chest at a book signing. Luckily, Dr. King was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where Dr. Maynard worked feverishly to remove the weapon which was lodged near the Civil Rights leader's heart.

After several hours of delicate surgery, the Guyanese eventually removed the blade and told Dr. King later that if he had so much as sneezed before its extraction he

DR. KING ON COURAGE AND ACTION %

By Peter Gaskin riers and pave the way for all of the transformative changes that have occurred during the last 50-plus years," said Mapp.

Foster, one of Canada's leading novelists and a major media commentator in Toronto put it differently while keeping his eyes focused on Dr. King's legacy and on the achievements of President Obama, as he prepares to hand-over the power of his office to President-elect Trump later this week.

"I think Dr. King helped to transform this country," Foster said. "Were he alive today, he would be very disappointed, even appalled that Trump would be succeeding Obama on Friday in Washington and begin trying to undermine Obama's legacy, I think Dr. King would be worried about what the Trump era can mean to the future of race relations in the U.S. and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba which were improved in recent months by President Obama with the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, among other steps."

President-elect Trump has hinted that there could be a rollback in ties between the two countries, a move that could negate many of the forceful actions of Caribbean states, Guyana included, which called for an end to the diplomatic and economic isolation of Cuba "Any such move by the Trump Administration would have a negative impact on the Caribbean, especially on the nations of Caricom," said Prof. Foster.

Interestingly, when contacted in the Cuban capital, Donna Forde, a Caribbean diplomat in Havana declined to comment on the state of American politics and on the events of the past few weeks since Trump's election in November. But she acknowledged that the diplomatic community in Havana was getting anxious about possible changes in Washington's approach to the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation.

"Members of the diplomatic community are waiting to see what will happen," was all she would say.

The next thing, Foster and Mapp agreed on, was that Dr. King's leadership and actions helped to pave the way for the

v

his "ton" to gain entry into the White House. Chisholm was the first Black person who sought the presidential nomination of a major political party, going back to the early 1970s.

Although they appreciate and support the constitutional requirement of term limits, Mapp who emigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life and Foster, who settled in Canada in order to boost his education and expand his professional horizons as a journalist, aren't overjoyed over the prospect of the departure of Obama from office in Washington later this week.

"President Obama was truly a leader and a major force for change," said Mapp.

"Obama has made a substantial difference," added Foster.

That explains why the Mayor, the SUNY academician and Caribbean diplomats in Cuba are spending this week reflecting on the transformation of the U.S. that was propelled by Dr. King's words and deeds. They will also look back with pride on the record of the Obama White House.

"A lot of economic and social challenges in the Black and in poor communities show that the objectives of Dr. King have not been fully realized but are still relevant today," said Forde who spent a decade assigned to the United Nations in New York and the Organization of American States in Washington, before being posted as a career diplomat in Havana in 2010. "It's important that people spend the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday (and the rest of the week) reflecting on his contribution and his ideals."

But as the Mayor, SUNY professor and diplomats think about Dr. King, many New Yorkers will also remember how the skillful hands of a Guyanese surgeon at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Aubre' de Lambert Maynard saved the icon's life in 1958 after he was stabbed by a mentally ill Black woman, Izola Ware Curry.

The daughter of a sharecropper in

Dr. Maynard, a staff surgeon at Harlem hospital was born in Guyana. He said later that the incident was "a momentous occasion for Harlem Hospital because it was a man of Dr. King's position who was known all over the world" and whose life was saved there. "For him to be brought to Harlem Hospital for a dangerous thing like that, where his life was at stake, it was a challenge," added Dr. Maynard.

Ms. Curry died almost two years ago at the age of 98. Dr. Maynard passed away just before the turn of the 21st century, 1999 to be exact.

would have died.

"The X-rays revealed that the tip of the blade was on the edge of my aorta, the main artery. And once that was punctured you're drowned in your own blood - that's the end of you," Dr. King later wrote as he thanked the Caribbean surgeon for saving his life.

Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles. Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances.

Courage breeds creativity. Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it.

Cowards ask the question: Is it safe?

Expediency asks the question: Is it politic?

Vanity asks the question: Is it popular?

But conscience asks the question: Is it Right?

And there comes a time when you must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right. — Martin Luther King, Jr.

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10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Dr. Basil Springer's BUSINESS

HEALTH

"I will take sickness away from among you."

CARE

Column

— Exodus 23:25

The triple bottom line, also referred to as the three pillars of sustainability, measures the holistic performance of a corporation over time. It is an accounting framework with three parts: social, environmental and financial, also referred to as the three Ps: people, planet and profit.

If the people in corporations are happy, If allowed to continue, this is a recipe for then productivity and quality will be on the poverty and unsociable behaviour. We increase and the corporations become more have a problem that can be so devastating competitive and sustainable. that we should spare no expense in fixing There is an ancient Indian proverb the problem. But how? which states: "We do not inherit the earth Let me share an extract from my colfrom our ancestors, we borrow it from our umn of February 27, 2012 entitled "The children". And according to Jim Clyburn: Spiritual Blanket": "It (the spiritual blan"We therefore have a moral responsibility ket) is a virtual creation which exudes a to protect the earth and ensure that our chil- tranquil, serene and idyllic environment dren and grandchildren have a healthy and and allows one who is spiritually attuned sustainable environment in which to live." to receive the whispers from God who has If corporations are profitable they will overcome the world and brings peace to all thrive; if profits grow then this is a signif- mankind. What a wonderful gift, how many of us are tuned in?" icant boost to sustainability.

The beauty about the gift of the SpirThe collective impact of the holistic itual Blanket is that, with one fell swoop, successful growth of corporations defines a diet of solutions magically emerges and sustainable development. On the other informs as to the magnitude and direction hand, if people are not happy, if we do not of our next steps. protect our planet and if corporations are I have paid attention to two whispers. not profitable, this will lead to the total demise of society as we know it.

First of all, the only way to turn this around The growth of Caribbean eco- is by recruiting and practising good leadnomies, on average, has been very modest. ership and management of business sys-

terns at the business level. In this way, we give ourselves a good chance to achieve sustainable development for all.

Sustainability

Secondly, we must accept that we have a problem and set about solving the problem systematically. The management of business systems (ManOBiz™) matrix, a shepherding tool, is a real solution www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.

ManOBiz reminds the management team of the importance of many concepts over the five business systems, including: (1) Corporate Governance - start your business with a board meeting to confirm your mission, lay a sound foundation on which to build and finesse the interactive agenda and minutes combination to build efficiency in the conduct of board meetings so that good decisions will be made; hold board meetings monthly to confirm plans for the next month and monitor performance in the previous month; and hold management meetings weekly to sequentially prepare presentations on action items for the next board meeting.

(2) Finance - protect your credit rating by using savings, grants and funds from supportive family/friends in the embryonic stages of your business; use prof-

its, as soon as is practicable, to further capitalize your business; introduce financial partnerships (loans and equity) only when repayment can be justified by investmentled cash flow projections; and promote "shepherding", a risk mitigation measure, as collateral to secure the investment.

(3) Marketing - sales is the "breath of life" for the business; develop your marketing matrix and mine it with aggressive sales strategies; recognize that customer satisfaction is key to success; monitor your customer growth from prospect to contract and completion diligently; prepare sales forecasts to monitor the potential growth performance; support sales staff with dynamic public relations, including social (continued on page 12)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

11

\ A 4 \iA s My

Favorite

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Ease The Tension—Enjoy A Laugh

Recip es

MEAT LOAF Ingredients: 1 ^ lbs. steak (minced) A cup stock or water (if necessary) 1 cup biscuit or breadcmmbs salt and pepper to taste 2 eggs, beaten lightly 1 onion (chopped finely) 1 tgbsp. chopped eschalot and celery 1 tbsp. piquante sauce l

Method: 1. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly 2. Press into a well-greased loaf tin. Bake in a moderately hot oven, until cooked.

3. Turn out on to serving dish and garnish with lettuce leaves.

N.B.: Hard-boiled eggs may be positioned in center of loaf before baking.

Telephone:

THE JIGSAW PUZZLE Ablonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a new jigsaw puzzle and I can't figure out how to get it started."

Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a tiger."

Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table.

He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger." He

takes her hand and says, "Second, I want you to relax.

Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then . . ." he sighed.

"Let's put all these Cereal Frosted Flakes back in the box".

STOLEN CAR PARTS A n elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to reA. ^kport that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher: "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!" she cried.

The dispatcher said, "Stay calm.

An officer is on the way."

A few minutes later, the officer radios in. "Disregard." He says. "She got in the back-seat by mistake."

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

rrs

a

fa|Ir

by JAMES SVIDNEY

THE

KOKER

(SLUICE)

"Koker door open, back dam flood" in Guyana means to a Guyanese that a mistake has been made and we have to face dire consequences.

Koker is the name used in Guyana for sluice. The koker is one of the most important features of the drainage system. The word is said to have Dutch origins. However, it seems that not even the Dutch call their sluices kokers; only Guyanese, it appears, do that.

However the name came to be used, the Dutch had much to do with the entire water management systern. As the first colonists, they designed the country's drainage and irrigation system with its sea walls, canals, sluices (kokers), culverts, groynes, aqueducts and pumps.

The Dutch have long been experts at warfare against the encroaching sea. They were forced to be. Over 25 percent of the Netherlands is below sea level. Much of the land the Dutch live on is reclaimed from the sea and protected by thousands of miles of embankment of earth and rock, called dykes (dikes), built to prevent floods.

The Dutch built dykes around almost everything and kept them dry by pumping out the excess water, Dams are everywhere. Land reclaimed this way from the sea are considered to have been empoldered

and are called polders, Many Dutch place names refleet this reality. Rotterdam is the dam in the Rotte, and Amsterdam the dam in the river Amstel. The Dutch name Van Dyke refers to peopie living on or near a dyke. Many Dutch streets, villages and towns have the term dyke in it.

Many place names in Guyana reflect the reality that the Dutch were once there. Guyanese poet Arthur Seymour's "Name Poem" reminds us that "words born upon Dutch tongues live in our speech, "The sentinel that was Kykoveral, Beterverwagting, Vlissengen and Stabroek and sonorous toll of bells in Vergenoegen."

Dutch engineering was necessary because Guyana's narrow coastal belt, home to 90 percent of the population and the most intensively cultivated part of the country, is several feet below sea level at high tide. They therefore employed Dutch solutions to a familiar problem.

The entire coastal area in Guyana, including the capital city of Georgetown need protection both from the Atlantic ocean and the mouths of the larger rivers — in the case of Georgetown, the Demerara River. The coastal area is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a seawall started by the Dutch.

The Dutch also built a series of sluice gates (kokers) at points where the canals they dug meet the Demerara estuary.

At high tide the kokers form a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the canals and the koker gate must be closed or WQ water will flood the it land. At low tide kok*' ers must be opened to TsSf-Js -a■ -• allow the surplus surA Koker (sluice) in Georgetown, Guyana face water to flow away, or it will keep accumulating there may be blockages.

At various times in the counand cause trouble. try's history and in various parts of Kokers generally have attenthe country, Guyana has had to deal dants. The attendant is expected to with flooding. Guyana knows about be watchful and control the flow of frantically shoring up dams with the water. To do so, he must work sandbags or whatever seemed at the with the tides. time would be of help. Perhaps the When there is unwanted water most chronicled instance was the on the land, the attendant must enKingston Flood of 1855, as a result sure that the gate is open at low tide of the failure of the Georgetown sea so that water would flow out into the wall. river or ocean. He must also close It seems, too, that the lesson the gate to ensure that when the that scrupulous maintenance of the water rises during high tide, it does country's drainage system is critical, not invade the land by way of the has to be learnt over and over again koker. and at great cost.

Koker attendants sometimes The "back dam," a dam behind fail. They could fall asleep, be inat- the main living area in an emtentive or just be drunk. Heavy dam- poldered area, is relatively far away age to property, including farm from the offending Atlantic or the crops, could be caused by a single river. When "Koker door open" (at instance of inattention. the wrong time) and "back dam Kokers sometimes fail. The flood," everywhere else is flooded mechanisms may fail to work or too.

(from page 12)

solutely essential for high productivity; formal and informal study keeps people abreast of the latest information; and succession planning is key to sustainability.

(5) Operations - This is the engine of growth for the company where profits are generated and can be increased by expanding successful profit centres, cost reduction and increased productivity in technical and support processes; carefully delineate process flow for all products and services and present in Gantt charts for easy reference; determine all direct costs and profitability by product or service and carefully compute indirect costs; monitor cash flow

projections monthly; annually assess the value of the company through an automated valuation process; produce monthly financial management statements and annual audited statements; and ensure that the company benefits from well administered and appropriate ICT processes.

I was honoured to have been invited to the formal launch of the book titled "Businessman's Accounting Companion", written by Bob Gopee and his son Rendra Gopee, last Tuesday at the National Library and Information System Authority (NAL1S) in Port of Spain, Trinidad. This Businessman's Companion will provide for

The tragic flooding of January 2005 in Guyana has focused attention on many aspects of the drainage and irrigation system of the country. Flooding and drought are both constant threats to life in Guyana.

media marketing strategies.

(4) People - people are our most important resource and they must be developed to the fullest; the objective is to have a highly productive staff by training them well, providing them with appropriate technology and ensuring that their processes are state-of-the-art and efficient; mind-set change must be proactively addressed through the practice of positives affirmations of abundance; personal time (sleep/exercise/work/community service/personal) management is ab-

easy reading as well as serve as a reference tool, as businesses develop.

Let us recognize that our economies are ill, but with God's grace we can continue to invest in the health of the business so that it may be rehabilitated by a renewed leadership and management approach as well as the diligent application of a systematic evolutionary process to facilitate growth and sustainability.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is ChangeEngine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Nand

Persaud

13

scores

another

- NPIC becomes first major company to go 100 percent green Nand Persaud International Communications (NPIC) of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, on Friday commissioned a $110M solar facility, becoming the first major company in Guyana to go 100 percent solar.

The 220 KW solar plant powers the entire operations of NPIC s Call Centre which has the capacity to employ 500 representatives plus management and supervisory staff on a 24-hour shift basis.

The 12.000 square feet panels were sourced from the US and currently produces 1000 KW of power daily, more that what is required for the high-powered servers. computers, lighting and all other equipment that the

company utilises.

The excess power produced is relayed to the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

Speaking at the commissioning. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo congratulated the company directors as he hailed the investment as significant.

The principals of Nand Persaud Group of Companies moved from being simple rice harvesters to establishing one of the leading companies across Guyana and the Caribbean.

According to the Prime Minister, the investment is in keeping with the Government's vision for a green country and sets the pace for others to follow.

"Today. I want to con-

gratulate the Nand Persaud Group of Companies for their innovation, vision and foresight and we hope that by 2025 to transition Guyana to renewable energy, to cheap energy, to clean energy."

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said in a bid to achieve this goal, the Government this year budgeted $250M to power Madhia.

Bartica. Lethem. Maburama. and all areas earmarked to be towns, by solar panels and other sources of renewable energy.

With Guyana set to be among the largest oil-producing nations. Mr Nagamootoo said all traditional sources of energy must not be abandoned.

Business Minister Domi-

nic Gaskin said for businesses to thrive, they have to be able to be innovative in combatting challenges of cost, of production, and noted that the Nand Persaud Group of Companies has been doing well in this regard.

The company has won numerous awards and praises for ventures undertaken, a testament to their commitment towards providing employment and opportunities for Guyanese, especially Berbicians.

The Nonvegian Counsul Desmond Sears was also high in praise.

"The use of byproducts

by Nand Persaud and Companies to power its operations instead of fossil fuel is a good example and testimony of the role companies

I

S, i

S5 Sakuntie Persaud, wife of the late Nand Persaud, with assistance from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially commission the $110M solar facility as family and staff look on

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can play in achieving a green economy in Guyana for the improvement of human wellbeing..."

COST EFFICIENT NPIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajindra Persaud. said the company was always interested in green technology but moved to solar energy because the current market trends have made it a "cost efficient investment".

"Recently with the global rise for solar power has caused us to invest in solar technology, the cost for solar energy in the world has become very, very competitive, the technology has improved and has become cost efficient." he said.

Current market trends put solar usage at two per cent but that figure is expected to grow to 25 per cent in the next 10 years.

Persaud said Guyana should not be left behind and urged the Government and businesses to seriously think about it. noting that plans are afoot to partner with the company that installed the system to make it available to anyone in Guyana. Financing options could also be considered, he said.

The US$528,000 investment generates approximately 1000 KW of power per day. saving the company some $50,000 every day. making it very competitive and allowing the company to recover the investment within three to five years.

The company consumes some 70 per cent of the power it produces and the remainder goes to GPL. GPL is currently getting this excess free of charge, since meters have been installed.

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NPIC Managing Director Darren Ramdial said the company in the past 14 years has moved from strength to strength.

"Nand Persaud International Communications was founded in the year 2002; it commenced its operations with just 18 reps, one manager. one supervisor and an accountant. We became the first company to commence business in the telemarketing/communications sector introducing this type of industry to Guyana. I am proud to say we still stand strong maintaining the lead with 14 plus years of experience, and staying current in the world of technology." he said.

He added: "People are critical to a company's success. I wish to first thank the management and staff for all the hard work that has helped to contribute to our success as a company.

And I also wish to thank everyone else who has in whatever way contributed to our growth."

The company has been the recipient of the Reed Business Information Gold Medal plaque and Quality Recognition Award in 2006. and is the first commercial establishment to go green in Guyana.

"We won the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Presidential Award - for Investment in Green Technology 2016 and the Caribbean Export Development Agency -Special Award for Excellence in Service Exports 2016." Persaud said.

Among the attendees at Friday's commissioning were Regional Chairman David Armogan and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

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14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

O

D

Get social with us

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

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©dpiguyana

YoufiJ© / dpiguyana

@ dpiguyana

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m i Nand Persaud International Communications

vision and foresight and we hope that by 2025 to transition Guyana to

(NPIC) of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, on Friday commissioned a $110M solar facility, becoming the first major

renewable energy, to cheap energy, to clean energy."

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said in a bid to achieve this goal,

company in Guyana to go 100 per-

the Government this year budgeted

cent solar.

The 220 KW solar plant powers the entire operations of NPIC's Call Centre which has the capacity to

$250M to power Madhia, Bartica, Lethem, Maburama, and all areas earmarked to be towns, by solar panels and other sources of

employ 500 representatives plus

allowing the company to recover the

Darren Ramdial said the company

renewable energy.

investment within three to five years.

The company consumes some 70

in the past 14 years has moved from

management and supervisory staff on a 24-hour shift basis.

With Guyana set to be among the largest oil-producing nations,

per cent of the power it produces and

The 12,000 square feet panels were sourced from the US and currently produces 1000 KW of power daily, more than what is

Mr Nagamootoo said all traditional sources of energy must not be abandoned.

Business Minister Dominic

required for the high-powered

Gaskin said for businesses to thrive,

servers, computers, lighting and all other equipment that the company

they have to be able to be innovative in combatting challenges of cost, of

utilises.

The excess power produced is

production, and noted that the Nand Persaud Group of Companies has

relayed to the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

Speaking at the commissioning.

been doing well in this regard.

NPIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajindra Persaud, said the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo congratulated the company directors

company was always interested in green technology but moved to solar

as he hailed the investment as significant.

energy because the current market trends have made it a "cost efficient

The principals of Nand Persaud Group of Companies moved from being simple rice harvesters to

investment".

"Recently with the global rise for solar power has caused us to

establishing one of the leading companies across Guyana and the

invest in solar technology, the cost for solar energy in the world has

Caribbean.

become very, very competitive, the

According to the Prime Minister, the investment is in keeping with the Government's vision for a green country and sets the pace for others to follow.

"Today, I want to congratulate

technology has improved and has become cost efficient," he said.

The US$528,000 investment generates approximately 1000 KW of power per day, saving the company some $50,000 every day,

the Nand Persaud Group of

making it very competitive and

Companies for their innovation.

the remainder goes to GPL. GPL is currently getting this excess free of charge, since meters have been installed.

NPIC Managing Director

-

strength to strength.

Among the attendees at Friday's commissioning were Regional Chairman David Armogan and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

NEW ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF

i m

Brigadier Patrick West being decorated with his new badge of rank by President David Granger and former Chief of Staff, Brigadier George Lewis at Base Camp Ayanganna

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

15

in.

President

calls

on i v

banking

to

help

sector

address

hinterland

other

â&#x2013; â&#x2013;

and

un-served

3

areas

- at opening of Republic Bank Triumph Branch iresident David Granger called tin the banking * P sector to help address the deficiencies that exist in the provision of financial services in Guyana.

The Head of State, who was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening of the Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited's Triumph Branch, also used the opportunity to urge commercial banks to take the lead in providing capital and credit to help in the acquisition of new 'green' technologies as Guyana transitions into a green economy.

The $1.5B facility, which is outfitted with energy efficient lighting and refrigeration flow for air conditioning systems in keeping with Guyana's 'green state' agenda, will cater to the banking needs of residents along the East Coast Demerara.

President Granger quoted statistics provided by the World Bank, which showed that, in 2015, Guyana had only 8.4 commercial bank branches per 100,000 people compared to neighbouring Suriname, which had 11.1 per 100,000 people and Trinidad and Tobago 13 branches. Additionally, at the time of the report, Guyana only had 17 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) per 100,000 persons, compared with 41 in Trinidad and Tobago.

"There is still great potential for the provision of financial services further eastward and westward so as to drive the economic development

'I

President David Granger assisting First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially declare open, the Republic Bank's Triumph Branch

of this part of our coastland... The commercial banking sector must take bold and innovative means to bridge the gap between the services available on the coastland and those available in the hinterland," the Head of State said.

He also spoke of the importance of banking services to the development of the newlydesignated capital towns; Bartica Lethem and Mabaruma. In fact, outside of Bartica, the only two hinterland communities with bank branches are Lethem, where there is a Republic Bank branch and Port Kaituma, where there is a Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry branch, and as a result, residents have to make costly trips to access vital services. "The lack of access to banking services in un-served areas presents a serious constraint to income generation activities. It is also a factor limiting the economic development of those regions.

My Government is committed, over the long-term, to ensuring universal access to financial services throughout Guyana," President Grander said.

Acknowledging that some communities, because of remoteness and small populace, would not make permanent branches worthwhile, the President informed that his Administration is exploring alternatives to traditional banking services as it is not viable for banks to establish branches to serve those areas. Some of the options being considered include mobile banking.

Calling on the financial sector to support this initiative the President said, "People living along the river banks, people living in our vast grasslands, people living in the savannahs, people living in the rainforest where the mining and logging takes place, these people need services. Guyana, therefore, more than other Caribbean states, a mainland state, needs to develop systems adapted to its geographic reality, one size does not fit all for us. Mobile banking has proved to be very successful at expanding access to financial services in many countries.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Republic Bank, Mr.

Nigel Baptiste said that the opening of the Triumph Branch solidifies the Bank's vision to strengthen relations with the communities between West Berbice and Georgetown. He added the bank's expansion plans are strongly aligned with the trends shaping the local, regional and global economies. Mr. Baptiste also said that among local developments are increased opportunities for home ownership, the expansion of small and medium enterprises and growing confidence in the local economic prospects.

The services offered at this branch include; retail and commercial deposit and credit facilities, residential mortgages, personal banking, foreign banking services and card business, electronic banking and night deposit facilities.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma and Minister of Public Telecommunication, Ms. Catherine Hughes also attended the event.

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

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J Trust you are having a super day. Maybe you just did a good deed that made someone smile. You should feel proud of yourself.

Last week we started the discussion on Growth and it was clear that it has to be intentional. No one improves by accident. Personal and or professional growth don't just happen. You can start today and stop waiting on what you think is the perfect moment. Like maybe when you lose weight or start a new job or a new relationship. As Nike says: "LET'S DO IT." As we implement changes for the better not everyone will be happy for you and you may lose some people along the way. It is a

with Dr

good time to ask ourselves questions: Who are the people in your immediate circle? Do they care about you? Can they assist you to grow?

I have learnt so much through the 15 invaluable laws of growth by John Maxwell, which I will share with you over time. Years ago I knew I had to improve my life not just for me but for my first daughter Mariska. Just a couple months ago the memories came back like a flood as if it was yesterday.

I made a decision that no matter where in the world I am to visit a hospital.

Recently I visited the children's ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital to check on the kids. Some

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people have no visitors and it is comforting sometimes just to chat with someone and hear their words of encouragement. It is sad to see so many kids suffering from

at this innocent boy not knowing that his kidney was failing and how sick he really was.

I talked with over a dozen moms and tried to be en-

Sometimes we just need to believe it is possible and to take that leap and grow our wings on the way down.

It feels great to invent yourself and sometimes even reinvent yourself cancer, diabetes, heart, and kidney failure.

I was chatting with one of the moms and was looking at her son Gavin who was coloring a book and smiling, even though he was obviously very ill. I went close to him and started chatting about colors and he got so excited. I looked

couraging even though the odds seemed against them.

As mothers, we worry about our children and try not to let them know how anxious and concerned we really are . I encouraged them to keep praying because everything is possible with GOD. As I walked out of the hospital with tears miming

rwrffl

.V down my face, some memories of the past flooded my mind. A feeling of deja vu .

A little over 23 years ago I was walking out the same children's ward with tears ranning down my face as my daughter was crying and screaming: "MOMMY. MOMMY. MOMMY." I walked down those stairs and into the yard and that's when the floodgates opened. I can still hear her crying because her crib was at the window and she was watching me.

I looked back at the innocent. tiny face staring at her mommy leaving her with people she has never seen. She seemed perplexed since it was always the two of us everywhere I went.

For a few years I seldomly

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went places that I could not take my baby. I remembered at the time they were many kids hospitalized with gastroenteritis so tw o children were placed in one small crib.

I felt helpless sitting there for hours waiting for someone to look at her. As 'gastro' was threatening my daughter's life all I could do was pray that God would spare her life. I had promised Mariska and myself while she was in my womb to be a great mom but now I felt like a failure.

I was living in Bartica but because she was so ill she needed to get to the city ASAP. I traveled from Bartica to Georgetown with very little funds available to me.

Her dad was not a part of her life financially or othenvise. I returned the next morning to find my daughter and the other baby playing in their feces. It broke my heart that I could not take her to a private hospital with better facilities but that was not an option.

Two days later the beautiful little girl sharing the crib with my daughter died.

I panicked as I looked at her alone in the crib, very weak but very happy to see me.

I vowed then without knowing how. that I would put a plan in place, so as to never again be in this position. I knew my WHY. "What is your why?

As Havard psychologist Jerome Bruner says: "You're more likely to act yourself into feeling than feel yourself in action."

Sometimes we just need to believe it is possible and to take that leap and grow our wings on the way down.

It feels great to invent yourself and sometimes even reinvent yourself.

Remember it is your story.

Trast MY story motivated someone.

You cannot change your destination overnight but you can change your direction. overnight — Jim Rohn.

I am inviting you to join me every morning from Monday to Friday on Radio Guyana 89.5 and weekly in the Pepperpot as we continue this beautiful Journey called Life Beyond The Runway.

INSPIRING LIVES THROUGH FASHION

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

17

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business S TAXES

The Edgar Henry Column

There is this old saying "Charity begins at home." Most of us enjoy the joy of ghing at some time or other in our valued lives. In the biblical connotation Matthew 10:8 declares "Freely give — Freely receive" and Acts of the Apostles 20:35 states "It is more blessed to give than to receive" On the contrary, the adage "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts" comes to mind.

Everyone knows there are lots of good reasons to give to charity; especially at the end of the year when there is a tax benefit to reap and holiday goodwill to spread. But recently many charities are doing quite a bit of giving themselves. There are those individuals who do not give from the heart and always expect something in return. Charity should not be viewed as a reciprocal concept or looked at as an 'Eye for an Eye' process.

But alas in this changing world, huge organizations are adopting this policy in order for them to survive and succeed.

Non-profits are trying harder than ever to make donating fun. They have little choice since their costs are rising as charitable donations remain fairly flat. These organizations realize they have to give something to get something.

Americans give over $250 billion dollars to charity every year. However, before you dig deep into your pockets in support of your favorite cause, make sure your money goes where you originally intended it to, and is used for the purpose you wished. The vast majority of charitable donations go to reputable organizations that use contributions wisely. Unfortunately, there are also more than a few less-thantrustworthy operators out there waiting in disguise via camouflage to con you.

O.G.

PAYMENT METHOD Pay by check or exercise extreme care when making a donation by credit card. Never give cash. Also, make out the check to the organization, never to an individual. Though there are a few legal requirements here, depending on your state, the Better Business Bureau standards recommend that at least half of your donation go to programs and that no more than 35% go to fund raising. Find out, and request printed confirmation of the percentages for charity and those for fund raising activities.

SOLICITATION Avoid emotional and high pressure appeals, especially if it is advertised as "urgently needed today." Take your time to do your homework and make sure you direct your donation to the cause you want to

SHIPPING

SHIPPING

&

SUCK WITH YOUR FAVORITE CHARITIES Stay with those you know or with which you have some affiliation. This is the single most important rule when making sure your donation goes where you want it to go. There are thousands of established, well-managed popular charities that need your help guaranteeing your donation will be spent prudently.

&

benefit. The organization will probably not go out of business if you delay two weeks before making your contribution. If it does, you were wise not to contribute in the first place. When in doubt, feel free to refuse or to echo a resounding "NO." Distinguish and discard your mail appeals that do not clearly identify the charity and describe its programs. Just as important, appeals should not be disguised as bills or invoices.

Not because you gave $25 to a charity last year automatically mean you owe them or you are obligated and committed this year as a standing order.

DOUBTS Contact the appropriate consumer protection agency. If you have doubts about the integrity of a solicitation or simply want more information about the charity, do your research. If many organizations are competing for your donations, set up a budget for the total amount you intend to give to charitable causes for the year and divide it into months. For example, if you designate $ 1,200 for the year, that is $ 100 per month.

Then allocate the cash each month based on the budget. Gradually, you will find yourself focusing on one or two charities you really want to help, such as the Salva-

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tion Army or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

ENJOY GREAT TAX BENEFITS Ask if the contribution is deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Distinguish between tax deductible for you and tax exempt for them. It's a big difference.

Tax exempt means that the organization does not have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct the contribution on your tax returns.

When giving used items, you are entitled to deduct their fair market value not the original purchase price on your federal income tax form. Since this is a common request, ask for a receipt and, if necessary, help establish a value. Avoid spending money on purchases and events that benefit fund raisers and not the actual charity.

Ask the solicitor to provide a precise breakdown of how much of the donation/purchase goes to the charity and also the amount that is tax-deductible. If the donation involves buying items such as books; find out how much of the proceeds benefit the charity.

Every year you have until December 31 to make a donation and get a deduction on April's tax bill. The terms "non-profit organization" and "charity" aren't synonymous. For example, the IRS doesn't allow people to deduct contributions to political candidates, foreign organizations, civic associations or focus groups whose purpose is to lobby for law changes. There are lots of reasons to give to charity other than tax benefits. And no matter which charity you choose or why you decide to give you will likely find it rewarding in ways you never expected.

Believe it or not, donating to charity helps stimulate the regions of the brain associated with gratification and pleasure.

Plus, it's the right thing to do. Why? It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

HARRIS SAM LUCIANS CALL UPON THEIR GOVERNMENT

@ LARGE (Ed Harris Column)

FORTUNSPARENCVA^D ACCOUNTABILITY!!!

It has been a hectic past week when the Hon. Allen Chastanet led Government had to deal with a number of issues including crime, black mail claim by a Minister, the St. Jude's hospital reconstruction and the Desert Star Holdings Limited - 2.6 billion US dollar investment.

Most St. Lucians are now

through the act of Confession.

that subscribes to the Christian

wait tor better health services.

Faith, unless someone runs afoul

The Desert Star Holdings

of the law, the Bible must prevail.

Limited mega investment contin-

A final word on this - God is not

ues to make headlines. In re-

mocked. Whatever is done in

sponse to Vieux Fort Concerned

darkness must come to light

Citizens Coalition for Change

whether in life or in death. No

(VFCCCC) and other concerned

man can fool God. Can I have an

citizens around the island, this

Amen!

week, the government sought to

convinced that the issue of crime

The Bible states that â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if

is not something that has recently

we confess of our sins, God is

surfaced. It is a result of years of

faithful and just to forgive us.

Senior Minister, Honourable

set the record straight in a Press

neglect and lack of social serv-

There are those who will claim

Guy Joseph, Minister of Eco-

Conference hosted by Invest St.

ices and opportunities to keep the

that this is taken too far when

nomic Development received the

Lucia, where important aspects

preachers who preach on a daily

report on the problems regarding

of

The drug business is one

basis against certain sins and will

the completion of the St. Jude's

were presented in a Fact Sheet to

where recruitment seems to be

even disfellowship some of their

Hospital and promised to prose-

the public and are now making

steady and has now shifted to the

faithful members, end up com-

cute anyone found to be in breach

the

minds of the youth off drugs.

the

framework

rounds

in

agreement

the

electronic

schools where students are mem-

media, www.facebook.com/pearl

bers of gangs and fighting for

ofthecaribbeanslu.

turf.

Discussions on the proposed investment are continuing and

Something has to be done to remove the focus of our youth

Hon. Allen

Chastanet, Prime

from a life of crime to something

Minister is expected to meet with

more in keeping with a lifestyle

the Developer in London this

consistent with the social values

week. The opportunity will also

which most people seem to have

be taken to meet with members

forgotten.

of the Diaspora at the High Commission in London.

Many years ago in one of

On

my columns, I called for leaders

the

lighter

side,

a

in our country to take notice of

Meetup group was launched in

the declining values of our young

Vieux Fort, St. Lucia on Wednes-

people and do something to arrest

S'

, *C~

day, January 18, 2017 at Lushe

the situation before it is too late.

Restaurant. It is very important

Now it has almost hit crisis pro-

that there are social opportunities

portion and everyone is con-

available to welcome investors. I

cerned.

St. Jude's Hospital

It is not a new call for our

mitting the same sins, and after

Leaders in all aspects of life to

public outcry are welcomed back

After spending 95 million

lead by example. But it is human

into the faith. rr, , i â&#x20AC;˘ The clear conclusion there-

dollars, the hospital is far from completion.

In the meantime, the 1

to err and there are provisions in the Bible for their forgiveness

fore is that once we live in a state

of their contractual agreement.

residents of the South continue to

am pleased to be the Sponsor of the group. Please visit us at www.meetup.com/CastriesKnowledge-Sharing-Meetup.

So many things are happening at the level of government that I must encourage you to return to www.investstlucia.com as my rec-

Make 2017 a successful year for your business

ommended website of the week.

Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is

Advertise in the

in Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles\

New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle and see your business grow Call Dennis Nelson our representative @ 917-379-6590

Edward Harris: Biblicist, Author/Publisher, Business Consultant, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Networker, CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker.

Email: j obfreelife?2 @yahoo .comWebsite: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com.

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ edharrisbiz.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Parking

meters

19

operational

from

By Vishani Ragobeer SINCE their appearance in the streets of Georgetown last December, there has been much uncertainty surrounding the parking meters and their mode of operation.

In response to this. Smart City Solutions, the company contracted to conduct the parking meter project, has stationed demonstration officers at some of the locations of these meters to explain to potential users how the system will work.

Explaining how to use the system. Demonstration Officer Clinton Walkes noted that drivers must first be in possession of a "parking card." which can be purchased from the Smart City Solutions Office, or other vendors such as gas stations and supermarkets.

"These cards will be rechargeable and can be purchased with balances of $500. $2500. $5000 and $10000." Walkes said.

He highlighted that when drivers purchase or recharge with $5000. they will receive one hour free parking time, while they will receive tw o and a half hours parking time for purchasing $10000.

These cards will be avail-

FDD

January

place it in a visible manner on your vehicle's dashboard."

He also warned that failure to comply will result in a transit officer "booting" the vehicle, which in other words means placing a lock on the vehicle's wheel.

A "grace time" of two hours will be given, whereby users can come and pay for the time they were parked, if not. vehicles will be towed away.

These transit officers, he mentioned also, will be stationed at all locations to en-

r S *

\

sure security of the vehicles and the meters and to ensure that users comply with the system.

Another demonstration officer. Denzel Beckles. noted that both Smart City Solutions and the City Council are currently looking at attaching a fine for misdemeanours.

Drivers will pay for parking from Monday to Saturday only, between 07:00 hrs - 19: 00 hrs and will be required to pay $50 for every 15 minutes or $200 for every hour in the designated areas of Georgetown.

/ m

Demonstration Officer Clinton Walkes swipes the parking card at the parking meter in front of City Hall able for purchase this week, according to the demonstration officer, as the parking meter system becomes operational from January 23.

Clinton also explained that in addition to having this card, drivers must also be cognisant of the various markings on the roadways allocated as parking spaces.

gets

These markings, he said, are accompanied by a combination of numerals.

At the meter. Walkes showed that there is a panel explaining the process of using this meter.

He said drivers must first press the green button and enter the numbers for the parking space and confirm

tough

with another press of the green button. Then, they must select the amount of time that they require (maximum time being six hours) and present the card in front of the sensor. Thereafter, a ticket will be printed for the driver.

Walkes cautioned: "You must take this ticket and

with

/<3f

The ticket received from the parking meter along with the parking card required to use the system

importers

- Moves to enforce labelling laws IMPORTERS of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices can see their goods being refused entry into Guyana if they are not properly labelled.

On Tuesday, the Government Analyst - Food and Drag Department (GA-FDD) issued a stern warning to importers, stating that the exact name and complete address of manufacturer and the country of origin must be stated in English on all labels.

Director of the Food and Drag Department. Marlon Cole has said that the requirements are in keeping with the Food and Drag Act Chapter 34:04. and the Food and Drag Regulations Part (II) Regulation 18.

"The Department has been consistently encountering imported items where the name and address of the manufacturer are not stated, and in some cases the country

23

, TOMATO SAUC D, CELLULOSE C

ER, TOMATO PASTE, SPICES

lot JUNE PRODUCTION DA EXPIRY DATE JUNE mooucr of p h c PREPARED FOR GEETANGEUE S NEWYORK/TORONTO table Always your friend on

'A

An example of a label with inadequate MFG information that will be refused entry into Guyana

Director of the Food and Drug Department, Marian Cole of origin is unknown." Cole said Tuesday in a statement.

"There are also some cases where only a website and or a third parly retailer is stated on labels." he added.

He further said that the Department would be enforcing the legislation, and will be refusing entry to items which are inadequately labelled.

As such, consumers are being advised to purchase items of food, drags and cos-

metics and medical devices that are adequately labelled according to the Food and Drag Regulation, in that it has: "A Brand Name, a Common Name, the Net Contents. List of Ingredients where necessary. Storage Instructions. Expiry Date, the Address of Manufacturer and the Country of Origin."

Another stipulation. Cole said, is that all information must be in English.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that importers whose products have not reached the requirements under the law have requested that their products be re-exported.

STERN ACTION In recent times, the FDD has been taking stem action against importers who have failed to adhere to the Food and Drag Act and the Food and Drag Regulation.

Just last week, a 20-foot

container of Awal Junior Milk from the Kingdom of Bahrain was refused entry into Guyana after the product was found to be contaminated with vegetable oil. and had only 1.5 per cent milk fat.

The Food and Drag Regulations for dairy products mandate that 'flavoured milk' must contain 2.5 per cent of milk fat.

Last November, the Court had ruled in favour of the FDD in a matter placed be-

fore it by local businessman. Rafik Ahmad, who was prevented from importing a container of sweetened condensed milk into Guyana.

Cole had refused entry to Ahmad's container after it was established that the latter was attempting to import Moi sweetened condensed milk, a product made from vegetable fat-based milk, and not a dairy product as is required by Part IV. Division 5 (Dairy Products) (13) of the Food and Drag Regulations of 1977.

Acting Chief Justice. Yonette Cummings-Edwards had ruled that the decision by the Food and Drag Department was lawful, and done in accordance with the Food and Drags Act. Chapter 34:04 and the Food and Drags Regulations 1977. in conjunction with Section 43 Schedule 11 of the Customs Act. Chapter 82:04.

Currently, the Department is investigating several importers who may be in breach of the law.

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Former

leader

Senate

sentenced

years [NY Daily News] Ex-Brooklyn Sen. John Sampson was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison by a judge who struggled to understand why the once-powerful pol became so greedy.

Sampson attempted to stymie a mortgage fraud investigation into a friend who loaned the state senator money. He also lied to the feds about his secret ownership of a Brooklyn liquor store.

"At the root of all this is some idea you picked up along the way that you had the right to dispense with your ethical obligations.

NY

It's disturbing." Judge Dora Irizarry said before sentencing Sampson for obstraction of justice and lying to the FBI. "For the life of me. I can't understand what kind of monetary incentive there was behind this given your wife earns almost three quarters of a million dollars a year as a partner at a highly regarded accounting firm. And you yourself live well. What level of greed do you have to have to engage in this conduct?"

Sampson embezzled around $440,000 entrusted to him as a court-appointed referee of foreclosure properties be-

HI

In

tween 1998 and July 2006. prosecutors said.

A judge ruled that the statute of limitations on the embezzlement charges had passed, but the feds pressed on with charges of obstmcting the investigation and tampering with witnesses and evidence. The feds captured Sampson telling a cooperating witness. Edul Ahmad, to keep secret a $188,500 loan to Sampson that the pol never reported. Sampson had solicited the loan in 2006 to cover up his embezzlement of foreclosure money.

"This opens up a can of worms." Sampson said on

to

five

prison

the tape. Sampson also told Ahmad, who was charged with mortgage fraud, to lie to federal prosecutors about their relationship.

"I understand these actions have caused pain to my family, my constituents."

Sampson said in court.

"My parents raised me better than this, and they didn't sacrifice everything so I could end up in this predicament."

Irizarry did not believe Sampson's good deeds as an elected official meant he deserved leniency.

"That's what you're supposed to do as an elected

official." she said. "Where it has suited you in your own purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you have sidestepped your obligations, and if it hurts somebody else, so be it."

Sampson's lawyers had previously argued that his crimes were less serious than those of disgraced Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Skelos. once the most powerful Republican in the state Senate, was sentenced last year to five years in prison for bribery and extortion.

The Long Island pol used his political power to secure cushy no-show jobs for his ne'er-do-well son.

Sampson argued in filings that Skelos's conduct was a more "egregious abuse of power." Sampson's attorney, Joshua Colangelo, said he would appeal. He previously asked for a new trial in light of the Supreme Court ruling overturning the bribery conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Sampson's arguments echo those of Skelos and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who said that McDonnell case redefined the legal definition of "official acts" done for corrupt reasons.

nil

â&#x2013; winARM KIN I AN.Net - The Obama administration and Cuba's Interior Ministry have fagreed to share information on international criminal activity such as terrorism, -

human trafficking and money laundering despite Republican objections to U.S. lawenforcement cooperation with President Raul Castro's government, The Associated Press reports.

The State Department signed the

turn as possible behind normalization

sharing information, carrying out joint

memorandum of understanding Mon-

before Obama leaves office. Trump

investigations and possibly stationing

day, January 16 with the Cuban Inte-

has promised to re-evaluate Obama's

law-enforcement officials in each

rior Ministry, which is responsible for

agreements with Cuba and cancel

other's countries. It was signed by Jef-

internal security in Cuba, including

those that he doesn't beheve serve U.S.

frey DeLaurentis, chief of mission at

crackdowns on political dissidents.

interests.

the U.S. Embassy in Havana, and Vice

interests of the United States," the National Security Council said in a written statement.

"While

significant

differences between our governments

The signing in Havana was closed to

Trump has named several anti-

Adm. Julio Cesar Gandarilla, the

continue, the progress of the last two

the press but the State Department said

Castro Cuban-Americans to his transi-

newly appointed Cuban interior min-

years reminds the world of what is

it was witnessed by President Barack

tion team. While they have not spoken

ister.

possible when we are defined not by

Obama's point man on normalization

publicly since joining the transition,

The Obama administration says

with Cuba, Deputy National Security

Obama's pledge to share intelligence

it is in both countries' interests to fight

Adviser Ben Rhodes.

with Cuban state security has gener-

international crime like human smug-

On Thursday, the Obama admin-

In the wake of Donald Trump's

ated particularly heated criticism from

gling, drug trafficking and child sexual

istration ended a year of negotiations

presidential election victory, the Cuban

Republican former diplomats and

abuse.

with the Cuban government by ending

government has launched a last-

Cuban-American members of Con-

minute msh of deals with the Obama

gress.

the past but by the future we can build together."

"The goals of the President's

a 21-year-old "wet foot, dry foot" im-

Cuba policy have been simple: to help

migration policy that allowed any

administration and U.S. businesses in

The memorandum signed Mon-

the Cuban people achieve a better fu-

Cuban who made it to U.S. soil to stay

an attempt to build as much momen-

day commits the U.S. and Cuba to

ture for themselves and to advance the

and become a legal resident.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

21

4

2

New York Chronicle Horoscope 2 ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave. It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries next week. You will be uncertain of your feelings. Take care of any paperwork concerning institutional or governmental agencies. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) Try to be precise in your communications. You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don't back down. Losses could occur if you haven't been careful when dealing with joint financial ventures. Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends .Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing. Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. Career changes may not be your choice right now, but in the long run they will be to your advantage. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. Your tendency to dramatize may be a little much for your partner to take constantly. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Do things for them but don't allow them to make unreasonable requests.

Don't let coworkers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. You will have a problem dealing with groups.

Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. You can make moves, but they won't be settling. Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship. Put your plans into motion by presenting your intentions to those who should be able to give you financial support. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

LIBRA (Sept 24 - Oct 23) Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved.

Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. You can expect opposition at work. Don't let your competition be privy to information that could be incriminating. Changes will not be easy for the youngsters involved. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

16

/fas.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can make financial gains through your unique and creative approach to business. You need to enjoy the company of those who enjoy the same pastimes. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand. You may have difficulties with someone who lives with you. Attend to things that you should have done yesterday. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line. You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts.

Talk to others about your plans. Your lover may be annoyed if you have been flirtatious or not attentive to their needs. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

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7. Testaments 45. Rifle 24. Obeyed 12. Common title start 46. Kemo Sabe's friend 25. Sparkly stone 13. Wise bird 48. Popular gathering 27. Baseball legend Gehrig 14. Once more spot 28. Conducted 15. Waistband material 52. Chirp 30. Wind dir.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle. Opportunities to expand your circle of friends will result in possible new romantic encounters. Emotional upset at work will set you back. Your partner's a little jumpy. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Don't let emotional upset force you into the poorhouse. Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Don't be afraid to confront situations concerning loved ones in order to solve any problems that may exist. You may find your self a bit frazzled if you allow someone to goad you into an unsavory debate. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

i

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ISSUE 32 CROSSWORD ANSWER E D T 4E L S 1 E OM RAY i YAW N S N E 1 M P L E M E N T 1 R K N E E L E A S T E A 1 D R T E G L A D D E N E A T E MO N M E H R A SAN D S D E A L E R E T A S C 1 CON C U R R E F E A D Ej ■ P O T P O U R R S 1 C OM A R s| O E E K R A c E sJ s

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

...Justices Cecil Kennaid, Prem Persaud to leave office by March

By Ariana Gordon THE services of Chairmen of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Justices Cecil Kennard and Prem Persaud respectively are coming to an end as both are expected to retire by the end of March.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the administration considered the age of both men who are approaching 80 or have already attained it. The distinguished retired jurists have been employed by the State for years, with Kennard a retired Chancellor of the Judiciary being at the helm of the PCA since 2001. This publication understands that both men were appointed and served with open contracts which allows for their termination at any point.

In the case of Justice Kennard. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that the former Chan-

cellor will retire next month.

"He is going...he would be leaving at the end of February." said Ramjattan. under whose purview the PCA falls; he noted that Justice Kennard has served in the post for a long time.

Asked about likely candidates for the post. Minister Ramjattan said he is not the person to speak to that, as President David Granger will select the next Chairman of the PCA. The PCA was established by the Police Complaints Authority Act in 1989 under former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte's administration to be an independent investigative institution, which would receive complaints from members of the public about alleged criminal offences committed by members of the Guyana Police Force.

However, the PCA has never functioned with full autonomy in accordance with the functions prescribed by the PCA Act. The body is

t MCTX-V Outgoing Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, Justice Cecil Kennard neither independent nor investigative. as it relies on the government through the Ministry of Public Security for staff and financing and is also dependent on the Guyana Police Force for the conduct of investigations.

Meanwhile. Minister of Public Telecommunications.

Catherine Hughes, has confirmed the retirement of Jus-

tice Persaud. She told the Guyana Chronicle that the outgoing chairman of the PUC is nearing 80 years of age and the time has come for him to retire.

She denied that he was sacked and said. "No. not let go. He is retiring; he is close to 80 years old and will retire soon. We are in transition and he will retire by March 2017" Minister Hughes said Justice Persaud's contribution over the years is valued not only by her. but by the administration.

"I have spoken with him and he will always be a mentor to the organisation." Minister Hughes added.

The Public Telecommunications Minister said candidates will be explored in the coming weeks and an announcement made at the appropriate time. The PUC is a body established by the Public Utilities Commission Act No.26 of 1990. which came into effect on October 1. 1990. The legislation

was subsequently amended thrice; in 1991. 1994 and 1999.

The commission consists of a chairman, who serves on a full-time basis and three

\

I

Outgoing Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Justice Prem Persaud other commissioners, who are appointed to serve on a part-time basis. In accordance with Section 5 of the Act. a fourth commissioner

can be appointed by the commission. if it is necessary.

The commissioners who serve on the commission alongside Justice Persaud are Maurice Solomon. Dela Britton and Rajendra Bissessar and are mandated to establish and enforce rules and procedures for the regulation of the public utilities, commensurate with internationally accepted regulatory standards and promote and regulate the efficient longterm provision of utility services for national. consistent with government's policies.

Additionally, the commission is mandated to provide a fair environment conducive to business interests, investment in the public utilities sector and the interest of consumers; to investigate and seek to resolve in a timely manner, complaints filed with the commission against any public utility and to carry out its function in a fair, transparent and independent manner.

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

HIMC. EXPLAINS THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS

ACHIEVEMENTS TO ITS SUPPORTERS The Health & Education Relief Organization for Cancer Inc., (H.E.R.O.C.) is a New York State Nonprofit Corporation, filed with NYS Secretary of State on December 12, 2014. H.E.R.O.C received Public Charity Status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code from the United States Treasury. To date we are registered with the Charities Bureau of NYS Office of the Attor-

OSHAG-C, whose Public Charity 501(c)(3) status was revoked on April 15,2015 by the United States Treasury. The President objected to our participation with our planned events for the Cancer patients in Guyana during Cancer Awareness Month.

These were all planned events in conjunction with the Giving Hope Foundation of Guyana prior to our arrival.

During this time, we were de-

there was no transparency or ac-

amount of Wigs for the patients,

countability. In order for us to maintain our integrity, we moved on,

Prosthetics, Prosthetic Bras, Regular Bras, Wheel Chairs and Walkers and a very large amount of Medical Sup-

formed and birthed H.E.R.O.C. H.E.R.O.C. consists of individuals who are motivated and willing to work towards giving back to our country of birth by helping others

plies that will be distributed by the Giving Hope Foundation to Health Clinics and Centers as needed.

Please know that H.E.R.O.C. is

who are afflicted with the dreadful disease of cancer. Our Mission State-

not in competition with any other or-

ment speaks on this subject.

On October 27, 2016, we were

ing towards the same efforts. We are

further endorsed as the aligned sup-

tinue to do so in the future. We are now asking our Supporters, Patrons,

ganization or persons who are work-

ney General.

scribed to Ministerial Officials, Senior Hospital Management & Staff, the

During our first inaugural trip to Guyana in October 2016, we encoun-

Press, a number of Business Representatives and the Public as Defunct

port group associated with The Giving Hope Foundation of Guyana

tered some opposition by the Founder and President of the Organization for Social & Health Advancement for Guyana & The Caribbean, Inc.

Members of OSHAG-C. The founder members of H.E.R.O.C. are previous

where we will continue to support in all areas of Cancer. During the time

from any negativity as we continue in

OSHAG-C members who found it difficult to work with a leader where

of our Mission, we have provided to the Giving Hope Foundation, a large

sional manner.

giving from our hearts and will con-

both in the US and Guyana to abstain our positive efforts in a most profes-

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

23

EMPHASIS 01M HEALTH T

i1

Cup

of Hot

Water

01n

att

Empty

I (Stomachy

solves

ome good reasons why a drink of Hot Water every morning on an empty stomach is good I would also s suggest to add some fresh lemon juice to it Reasons Why Drinking Hot Water system on track. Warm water will help break Every Morning on an Empty Stomach is down these foods even faster, making them easier for you to digest. Drinking cold water good.

Most of us are used to begin the morn- during or after a meal can actually harden the ing with a cup of coffee, rarely cup of tea oil in consumed foods and therefore create a and even more rarely with a glass of water fat deposit in the intestine. Luckily, you can to help them wake up after long hours of replace a glass of cold water with a warm one sleeping. to aid digestion, especially after eating a meal.

Why? Because nobody still really knows the benefits water can give us. We prefer drinking ice cold water to warm water. But the truth is a cup of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning can do wonders for us.

Here are six reasons why to consume warm water is very good.

(1) DETOXIFIES ORGANS FOR WELDING A glass of warm water in the morning helps clean body of toxin. Hot water decomposes food faster and facilitates digestion.

Water and other liquids help break down the food in your stomach and keep the digestive

(2) AIDS CONSTIPATION At one point or another, many of us will experience this common stomach problem where we have little to no bowel movement. The strain felt during elimination, accompanied by bloating, is brought on by a lack of water in the body. Drinking very warm water in the morning on an empty stomach can help improve bowel movements and aid constipation while breaking down foods as they smoothly pass through the intestines.

(3) EASES PAIN Hot water is believed to be the most powerful natural home remedy which can

mantypjrobtems ease pain from menstrual cramps to headaches. Heat will relax tummy muscles and free you from a cramp or feeling of stiffness in an arm or leg. Warm water is good for all kinds of cramps because it enhances capillary circulation and thus helps to relax muscles. The heat from warm water has a calming and soothing effect on the abdominal muscles, which can help provide instant relief for cramps and muscle spasms.

How to start ever day with... .

V

(4) REDUCES OVER WEIGHT Those who are on diet know for sure that a glass of hot water in the morning helps shed extra pounds. What hot water does is increase temperature body and accelerating metabolism so the body burns more calories. It will also have a beneficial effect on the kidneys and all organs of excretion.

(5) IMPROVES CIRCULATION Drinking warm water frees the body of toxins. It flushes out the toxins that are circulating throughout the body and then enhances blood circulation.

(6) STOPS THE AGING PROCESS Premature aging is the most common personal problem that every woman wants

so desperately to fight. The toxins in the body speed up the aging process but the warm water eliminates the toxins from the body, slows the aging process and increases the elasticity of the skin.

10 foods that can help prevent prostate cancer Prostate cancer is the most common Cleveland, Ohio.

6. Berries granate juice can prevent the movement of cannon-skin cancer among men and there will Although fruit is filled with anti-cancer an- cer cells and weaken their attraction to a chemOne of the key players in the Mediterbe more than 180,000 new cases of prostate ranean diet is fish. Salmon, in particular, is a rich tioxidants, too much sugar— even natural sug- ical signal that promotes the metastasis of cancer diagnosed this year alone, the Amer- source of omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated ars from fruit— have been associated with prostate cancer to the bone, according to a study ican Cancer Society estimates. fats that have been shown to ward off prostate cancer. In fact, a study in the journal Annals of out of the University of California, Riverside It's well known that diets high in saturated cancer. Other winners include sardines, mack- Oncology found that men who had a high found. fats like those found in meat and dairy are asso- erel and halibut. glycemic load diet had a 26 percent increased 10. Soy ciated with a higher risk for prostate cancer. risk of developing prostate cancer than lose who Although it's not clear that eating soy-rich 3.

Brazil nuts And although one particular diet has not had a diet with a lower glycemic load. foods alone can prevent cancer, laboratory stud"One of the most important minerals for been shown to prevent prostate cancer, men who Cancer has also been associated with oxfollow a vegan diet had a 35 percent lower risk prostate cancer protection is selenium," Es- idative stress but if you can prevent it, the cells ies show that treating prostate cancer cells with than those who followed a non-vegetarian, pinosa said. Selenium levels decrease with age will be less likely to turn into cancer, Espinosa the isoflavones found in soy protein may interlacto-ovo-vegetarian,pesco-vegetarian, or semi- but studies show that men who have high levels said. Some of the best foods to combat oxidative fere with the pathways in prostate cancer cells vegetarian diet, according to a study in the of selenium are the least likely to develop stress include blueberries, raspberries and straw- that are related to inflammation and the growth prostate cancer.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. berries, which are high in anti-oxidants and have and spread of cancer, Cimperman said.

What's more, studies have found that Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium: a low glycemic index.

"We have enough data to support that eatJapanese men have a lower risk for prostate canjust six to eight contain more than 700 percent ing properly can significantly reduce the risk of cer, likely because their diets are high in soy.

7.

Coffee of the daily value. prostate cancer," said Dr. Geo Espinosa, a naturJulie Revelant is a health journalist and A meta-analysis published in the journal opathic and functional medicine doctor in New 4. Tomatoes a consultant who provides content marketing Cancer Causes and Control found that drinking York City and author of, "Thrive, Don't Only Tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid— four to five cups of coffee a day might be asso- and copywriting services for the healthcare inSurvive." or plant pigment—which may prevent prostate dustry. She's also a mom of two. Learn more Here are 10 healthy foods that can help de- cancer. In fact, men who eat 10 portions of ciated with a reduction in prostate cancer. Not about Julie at revelantwriting.com. only does coffee contain antioxidants, but coffee crease your prostate cancer risk. tomatoes a week can reduce their risk for can help you metabolize sugars more efficiently, DISCLAIMER: These health tips that are prostate cancer by 18 percent, a study in the which is associated with a lower risk of devel1. Broccoli provided by this newspaper are not inExperts agree eating a diet rich in crucifer- journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and oping cancer, Espinosa said. If you're not a coftended to replace any medication that ous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cab- Prevention found. fee drinker, green tea is a close second.

Although eating raw or cooked tomatoes bage, collard greens and kale is one of the best anyone is taking for any of the men8. Carrots ways to ward off prostate cancer. Cruciferous may be beneficial, studies show that lycopene is tioned complaints, but is information Men who eat three servings of carrots a vegetables are not only low in carbohydrates, better absorbed when it's paired with fat. Add a that we acquired from various sources, which have been linked to cancer, but they're small amount of olive oil to your favorite mari- week are 18 percent less likely to develop some of which are mentioned. rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that nara sauce or drizzle some over a tomato salad. prostate cancer, found a study in the European All our articles are only on everyday Journal of Nutrition. Carrots, as well as pumpmay prevent cell changes that can lead to it.

5. Walnuts over-the-counter fruits and vegetables kin and winter squash, are a rich source of beta2. Salmon A diet that includes whole walnuts or walthat we use but if used in the right way, carotene, a carotenoid that is converted to "People who follow the Mediterranean diet nut oil slowed prostate cancer growth in mice might be helpful in solving some of the vitamin A and has antioxidant properties. have a lower risk of developing prostate can- and reduced levels of the hormone IGF-1, which problems mentioned in these articles. cer," said Lisa Cimperman a registered dietitian has been linked to prostate cancer, a study in the 9. Pomegranate juice Before using any of these remenutritionist, a spokesperson for the Academy of Journal of Medicinal Food found. Walnuts are Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and redies, we suggest that you consult with Nutrition and Dietetics and a clinical dietitian at likely winners because they're low in carbohy- search suggests that pomegranate juice may your regular doctors for their approval.

University Hospitals Case Medical Center in drates and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. ward off cancer. In fact, components in pome-

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

The

GUYANA NEEDS TO TREAT SPORTS

Peter Haynes \

Column AS SERIOUS GLOBAL BUSINESS

With the holidays observed with the usual traditions — whether less or over the top — celebrating the successes of 2016 and now looking forward to a

more

eventful 2017, I would be very satisfied with continued good health, and offer similar wishes to all. However, it is safe to say that there are lots of deferred and unfinished business rolling over from 2016 that must be placed at the top of our "to do list^ for 2017, and especially so for Guyana's many sports associations.

Naturally the task facing the Guyana Olympic Association and the National Sports Council tops the list.

Last weekend I happened to hear the Barbadian Bronze Medalist Obadele Thompson remind the Who's Who of sports in Barbados, including the Minister of Sports, that to be successful at the 2020 Tokyo Games, a national programme must be developed immediately, not in two or three years.

As a reminder or for information, and certainly not to take away anything from Barbados, Obadele has Guyanese parents; his father Alvin was a record holder for the 100 yards sprint at Queen's College of Guyana and became known as "9.9 Thompson." Nonetheless, I give Bajans the credit for Obadele's birth and the development of his career, which both occurred in Barbados.

In his feature address at the Barbados National Sports Council's 34th Annual Sports Awards ceremony, Thpmpson made reference to Britain's cost per medal won at the Rio Games, and noted the amount the country proposes to spend over the next four years to ensure even greater success in Tokyo. Barbados, like Guyana, cannot spend anything close to what Britain spent for Rio, and moreso what will be spent for Tokyo.

However, when we recognize that the Guyana Olympic Association utilized just 25% of its available funds in one Olympic year in preparation for the Rio Games, clearly it was never the intention of the Executive of the G.O.A, prior to the Games, for any Guyanese to mount the podium at those Olympics!

And what is even more shameful, a few months later, its officials sought and obtained re-election to the top three positions for the next four years.

This being the sixth and final term of the President, the least the G.O.A Executive can do is to develop and execute a four-year plan to place a Guyanese on an Olympic podium and thus have the Golden Arrowhead hoisted even once at the Tokyo Games.

It is not expected that the G.O.A would be the sole developer of such a four-year programme — given that none has ever been previously produced — all sports associations with Olympic Medal aspirants need to work to develop four-year plans to be incorporated into a National four-year plan under the aegis of the G.O.A. With a plan in place, the National

Olympic Games. As a result these trips are merely opportunities for individuals to visit a country that has never been encountered previously.

For a country like Guyana, with limited funding for sports participation and development, this practice raises the question of seriousness of the private sector support: in how many of the sporting events at the levels mentioned above can Guyana seriously expect to be contenders, if this is the support provided?

At the moment, I am unable to present a list of the representative associations, possibly because there is none, which can stake a claim to have aspirants to contention in international competition. Please associations, give us the names of your potential com-

1136

Sports Council and its parent, the Ministry of Education and Sports, would obviously be brought formally into the picture, because it would then be a National Plan. We know that the Ministry has already stepped up to the plate by approving funds in the 2017 National Budget for sports development.

The need for the involvement of the private sector in this exercise cannot be overstated. On an almost daily basis, we see the private sector appearing in the media making donations for some team or other to travel overseas to compete in a tournament, but in none of these cases does the travel or participation lead to the representation in the Central American, Pan-American, Commonwealth or

Obadele Thompson petitors, produce a development plan that makes sense and that is achievable.

In planning to involve private entities, prepare a four-year budget and present it to the companies, requesting them to make donations over four years to the "National Four-year Sports Budget — The Road to Tokyo". Unfortunately, yes this will reduce the donations to your 'trips which will then not be included in the four-year plan because the companies would have already contributed to the national plan, and therefore not be required or even called upon to make small donations here and there for your international travel.

As Obedale Thompson called on his Barbadian audience to do: "We

need to think Big!" We must not look at going on these myriad small trips that do not lead to the development of an individual or a team. Donations to these junkets do very little for the development of a sport or an individual.

In Guyana, we, too, have to think BIG! It is understood that these trips are necessary for exposure and competition at higher levels than those experienced at home: those trips will be part of the four-year plan, and the donations that cover them will be part of the national effort to underwrite such travel.

A very important aspect of the involvement of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Sports Council in this proposed development is the task of seeking assistance from our friends — i.e. countries — with proven expertise, skills and resources to make coaches and equipment available for a minimum of three years to be part of Guyana's 'Road to Tokyo" plan.

It should be noted that every overseas trip requires foreign exchange — effectively U.S. dollars — it is for the Ministry of Finance to monitor and have the final say in the exporting of the country's foreign exchange for sports development travel.

Sports associations and teams desirous of travelling overseas and requiring foreign currency must henceforth be made to satisfy specific terms and conditions even if, in previous administrations, it was either deliberate or through lack of knowledge that the appropriate regulations were not enforced. The regulations that I refer to, state that every National Sports Association is required to submit to the National Sports Council the following documents at the beginning of each year: the Approved Constitution and amendments, if any, and the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, which must be accompanied by the Annual Reports of the President, the Secretary and the Audited Financial Statement. Any Association planning to travel overseas will be denied foreign currency by the Bank of Guyana unless it is in receipt of a recommendation from the National Sports Council — no exceptions.

There is urgent need for all concerned parties to understand and appreciate that sports is a serious global issue and that we in Guyana must begin to treat it as such in every respect!

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Singh

25

strikes

twice

By Ariana Gordon ACTING Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, on Wednesday threw out an appeal against the decision of the High Court last year to free Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo of a race-baiting charge, but Attorney General Basil Williams has signalled that he will file another appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

He said the Chancellor's decision is a vain attempt to free Jagdeo because the case is appealable. Justice Singh's decision comes amid deep concerns by the administration and other citizens regarding his decision in the dying days of his career on the bench to bring up tw o of the most controversial cases, which will impact Jagdeo.

The other case is an appeal against a decision by former Chief Justice Ian Chang to scrap presidential term limits. on which he is set to rule onFebraary 15. 2017.

Also in court on Wednesday. Justice Singh refused to allow an out-of-time appeal against a $446M judgement that was granted in favour of Dipcon Engineering Services Limited against the Government of Guyana.

Dipcon had taken the government to court since 2009.

The court later awarded US$665.032.17(G$133M) together with US$1,563,368 (G$3 1 3M). The first sum was awarded for the "road-building and constraction works" undertaken by Dipcon. The other sum was for the "increased cost incurred by Dipcon at the request of government."

The government has to pay interest on both sums.

It also has to pay six percent interest per annum from 2009 when the judgment was filed, to October 2015 and interest of four percent until the sum is fully paid. The

8

...throws out Jagdeo!s race-baiting appeal case - nixes out-of-time appeal on Dipcon judgment -AG signals move to CCJ, questions motive

,1

Deputy Solicitor- General, Prithima Kissoon Attorney General Chambers had missed the stipulated time to appeal the case, but later filed an out-of-time appeal, which the chancellor who heads the Appeal Court did not entertain.

REVOCATION OF ACTING APPOINTMENT Political watchers said that government is not without options to halt any further move by Justice Singh and President David Granger can revoke his acting appointment as Chancellor before he proceeds on pre-retirement leave at the end of this month.

In his ruling, the Chancellor said the Deputy Solicitor-General. Prithima Kissoon. who filed the appeal onbehah of the AG.had conceded that Williams wasn't a proper party to the matter.

According to Justice Singh, the fact that Kissoon had conceded to Jagdeo's lawyer Mursaline Bacchus's contention that the AG was not a proper party to the proceed-

years

JAMES Hunte, called "Dougla," was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh in the High Court on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The indictment stated that on March 20. 2012. at Le Ressouvenir. East Coast

jail

ing was sufficient to dismiss the case. Approximately six months ago. Kissoon was required to file an affidavit in response to Bacchus's contention against the Ahorney General being named in the matter along with adding Magistrate Charlyn Artiga's name to the appeal; this was not done.

Justice Singh said too that he finds the concession by the Deputy Solicitor-General to be of "great significance" and ruled that the appeal filed was null.

However, when contacted.

Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that he was not surprised by the action of the Deputy Solicitor- General.

"She filed the appeal and her concession is unknown to me; she did not consult the Attorney General and she has absented herself for the month by submihing medical certificate after medical certificate; the judge ruled that the appeal is a nullity... and in favour of Jagdeo."

VAIN ATTEMPT The Attorney General believes that the move by the Deputy Solicitor- General and the Chancellor is "a vain ahempt to free Jagdeo of those cases." while noting that it is a question of having all matters related to the former president dealt with before the Chancellor goes on pre-retirement leave at the end of this month.

"I am amused by it; the move by the Chancellor is not without remedy, we will take the case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ); the case was dismissed on form and not substance... he hasn't determined the

for

Demerara. Hunte unlawfully killed Andy Hunte. his two-month-old son. Hunte expressed remorse for his action on Wednesday when he was asked to address the court. Justice Singh took this into consideration and deducted five years from the sentence for time served in prison.

man

substantive issue there." declared Attorney General Williams.

Some senior attorneys had warned that the Chancellor will ahempt to adjudicate political mahers before he goes on pre-retirement leave on January 30. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Justice Singh, whose substantive post is that of Chief Justice, is expected to begin pre-retirement leave in January. 2017 and is also expected to demit office by January 30. 2017.

\

Attorney General, Basil Williams A prominent attorney speaking under the condition of anonymity.has opined that Justice Singh may be politically motivated to take on new cases during the time he ought to be on pre-retirement leave. Justice Singh will celebrate his 65th birth anniversary on Febraary 23.

"It must be ensured that the Chancellor does not take on any new cases, especially political cases. It is expected that he would want to start cases and then say he can't go on leave, as he will have

who

Justice Singh however told Hunte to use the time in jail to reform and equip himself with a trade so that when he is freed, he would be able to contribute to society in a meaningful way. The trial Judge also spoke of Hunte's good behaviour in prison; based on his record, he may become eligible for parole.

to conclude the cases." said the prominent ahorney.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Kissoon .unknown to Williams, had conceded by virtue of an oral statement which followed the submission of a written statement one day later. Ahorney Judy Stuart worked alongside Kissoon on the case, but Stuart was never briefed by the Deputy Solicitor- General on her conceding in the matter, this newspaper was told.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Stuart was shocked when she was informed that Kissoon had conceded. This newspaper was reliably informed that Kissoon made an application for leave to the Attorney General to be off work from December 20. 2016 to January 21. 2017. but that leave was denied. Shortly after, the Deputy Solicitor- General submitted several medical certificates indicating her unfitness to be at work.

BABU JAAN Last year. Justice Navindra Singh had ruled that the facts submitted in the case of racial incitement made

by Christopher Ram against Jagdeo were insufficient to amount to an offence for which Jagdeo should be charged. During a speech at Babu Jaan. Corentyne.

Jagdeo was accused of racial incitement when he said.

"The opposition consistently shouts about the racism of the PPP. but they practise racism. The opposition beat drams at six in the morning and say let us throw out those coolie people."

Ram had filed the matter

killed

The High Court Judge believes that Hunte regretted his course of action on the day in question when he killed his infant child during a row with his then reputed wife. As such. Justice Singh reprimanded Hunte for losing his temper, which caused the death of his child, but took into consideration that

in April. 2015 at the Whim Magistrate's Court. Corentyne. Berbice and the charge being that the former president uttered words to cause racial or ethnic hatred, contrary to Section 139 D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People Act. Chapter 1:03.

Section L39D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People Act. CAP 1:03 of the Laws of Guyana, provides that any person who makes or publishes any statement

r /

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh which results or can result in racial or ethnic hatred among the people shall be liable to conviction.

The case was being heard by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrates' Court, but Jagdeo through his attorney Murseline Bacchus argued that the charge was frivolous and vexatious and requested it be dismissed, while questioning the jurisdiction of Magistrate Charlyn Artiga to hear the matter. By virtue of the matter put before Justice William Ramlal, an Order/ Rule Nisi of Certiorari directing Artiga to show cause why a Writ/ Order of Certiorari should not be issued against her and to quash her decision in the ruling of the private criminal case.

infant

he (Hunte) took the injured baby to the hospital.

State Prosecutor. Tuanna Hardy, in her submission to the court said that Hunte's reputed wife was sitting at a shop on the day in question, holding her baby, when the accused arrived and a heated argument ensued.

She related that the

son

accused then took off his belt and fired a lash in the direction of the woman, but it connected with the baby's head, causing severe injuries. The infant died the same day at the hospital. Hunte was represented by Attorney George Thomas. (Michel Outridge)

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

^Palpably

defective'

- Justice Pollard backs President ys rejection of Jagdeo's list RETIRED Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) believes that the decision made by President David Granger to reject the list of nominees to serve on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is well founded.

In a letter to the Editor. Justice Pollard who is a one-time nominee for the position outlined why the President's decision to reject the list of nominees which included controversial Indian rights activist. Rhyaan Shah. Professor James Rose.

Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Consultant.

Lawrence Latchmansingh; business executive. Ramesh Dookhoo; former chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Norman Me Lean; and Chartered Accountant.

Christopher Ram was a good move.

The distinguished jurist in his missive said the intent of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana is to "secure impartiality and even-handedness in the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM." Article 161 (1) of the Constitution makes provision for the Elections Commission which consists of a chairman who is to be a full-time chairman and who should not engage in any other form of employment, as well as other members. Subsection 2 of Article 161 says.

"Subject to the provisions of paragraph (4). the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a

3

judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any judge, or any other fit and proper person. to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly."

In light of the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution. Professor Pollard said that in context the criteria that are applicable for selection is a judge with specified experience, a person who is qualified to be a judge or any other fit and proper person. "The employment of the pronoun "other" speaks volumes and must be interpreted to mean that such "other fit and proper person" must possess the characteristics of the twonamed preceding persons. In effect, such person must possess the generally accepted distinctive characteristics of a judge, namely, autonomy of decision-making, considerable jurisdictional reach, impartiality, integrity and the disposition to act judicially." said Justice Pollard.

He submitted that by virtue of that which has been expressly stated in the constitution. President Granger must be provided with nominees. who at the very least meet the criteria outlined by the supreme law of the land.

years

By Clestine Juan HASLYN O'Neal Thorn, 46, was sentenced to three years jail and fined $4.1M after admitting to trafficking over three pounds of cocaine in his suitcase.

The construction worker appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court, where it was revealed that on January 14. 2017 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). he had 1.54 kilograms of cocaine for the

jail,

"In effect, if he is to make a fair and balanced choice he must be given in equal number persons possessing the attributes described above and in the present circumstances two persons from each category."

In the case of the rejected nominees, none would have met the criteria set by the Constitution; Rhyaan Shah

Justice Duke Pollard was the co-founder of the now defunct and divisive Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA). which the then PPP government had neutralised by creating the Indian Arrival Committee, now renamed the Indian Action Committee while.

Latchmansingh is the former Programme Manager.

Social Cohesion Programme.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guyana. Since May 2003.

Latchmansingh has managed activities to build local capacities for the peaceful resolution of disputes

$4.1 M

purpose of trafficking.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor.

Kunyo Sandiford told the court that on January 14 about 13:58h. Thorn was an outgoing passenger on a Dynamic Airlines flight, destined for New York.

Thorn went to the airport check-in counter and tagged his suitcase and proceeded to the scanner, where he placed his carry-on suitcase.

A CANU officer stationed at the airport noticed two suspicious objects immediately on the screen and then

and promote the rale of law and democratic governance.

Meanwhile. Chartered Accountant Ram who is also an attorney and former head of the Bar Association has worked for many years with the local Elections Observer Bureau and has been an outspoken critic of both the former and present governments. He was recently hired as a forensic auditor by the current government.

Former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Dookhoo was also identified by the Opposition Leader as a potential candidate for the chairmanship at GECOM. He is a business executive and has worked closely with former President Bharrat Jagdeo. now Opposition Leader.

Another of the candidates put forward by Jagdeo was retired Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). He worked with the former administration, and served as a member of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that had cleared former Minister of Home Affairs. Ronald Gajraj of involvement in extra-judicial killings by the Phantom Squad.

McLean also served as both Commissioner of Police and Chief of Staff of the GDF during the Forbes Bumham presidency. Since the early 1990s. McLean has been Human Resomces Manager of Omai Gold Mines, a subsidiary of Canada's Cambior Inc. Back in 2009. he and his wife. Evelyn Sita Ramlal. were charged with four counts of conspiracy to

fine

approached Thom.

The officer asked Thom if the contents inside the suitcase were his and whether he packed it himself. He responded in the affirmative and was taken into a search booth at the airport, along with the suitcase.

The suitcase was emptied in Thorn's presence and a small incision was made into the walls of the luggage when a whitish substance was observed. A field test was done on the substance which disclosed that it was

for

cocaine. Two packets of cocaine were pulled out from walls of the suitcase.

The man was taken to CANU headquarters where he confessed to an officer that he bought the drag for $US4.000. Thom was represented by attorney George Thomas and told the court that he has a medical condition which requires surgery.

Additionally, the Attorney begged the Magistrate to impose a lenient sentence on his client since Thom didn't waste the court's time.

defraud when they appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate. Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and were granted bail totalling $850,000.

It was alleged that on December 10. 2004 and March 18. 2009 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud. Ramlal and McLean conspired with each other and person or persons unknown to forge an adoption order with respect to a girlchild. purporting to show that the said adoption order was issued on December 14. 2000 knowing same to be false. However, in 2011 the case was dismissed

by Magistrate Fazil Azeez.

Azeez had found that a prima facie case had not been made out against the defendants and so the charge levelled against them was dismissed.

An assessment of the qualifications of the six nominees. Justice Pollard posited illustrates that "the list submitted is palpably defective in omitting persons qualified as judges or possessing requisite qualifications to be appointed as such."

He continued: "And it is submitted that the President was correct and principled in characterising the list as unacceptable."

The Opposition Leader has said he wants the CCJ to interpret the law on the appointment of a GECOM Chair; a move Justice Pollard said is not surprising. At a press conference last week.

Jagdeo said the President's interpretation of the law is wayward, noting that the inclusion of "or any other fit and proper person" was

aimed at broadening the category from which the GECOM Chairman could be nominated and thereafter appointed.

"The President said the Constitution is quite clear and it is clear to me too. that outside of judges, others can be appointed to the post."

Jagdeo said.

He argued that practice has shown that his interpretation is not flawed as several past presidents including Desmond Hoyte. SC. had submitted four lists comprising individuals who were not judges or did not have the qualifications to become a judge.

The Opposition Leader reminded that President David Granger himself had accepted nomination by Hoyte. even though he (Granger) was not from the legal fraternity.

Notwithstanding those arguments, the President maintains that he will follow the guideline set by the Constitution.

"So the point is. even if the Constitution had been breached, or a nomination been made in breach of the Constitution â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10 or 20 years ago â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there is no need to repeat it. so that's not a precedent. I am accepting now as President that the constitutional provisions must be applied." the Head of State said subsequently.

Jagdeo has since written President Granger requesting an explanation on what constitutes "fit and proper" and has also requested a meeting with the head-of-state.

cocaine

mule

* \ I

ll , j i

I

Haslyn O'Neal Thom

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending January 20, 2017

Cops

to

clampdown

27

on

bikes

...seen as a main cause of serious accidents in Berbice Unlighted pedal cyclists and stray animals are responsible for many of the serious traffic accidents in Berbice, officer in charge of traffic in 'B' Division (Berbice) Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud said.

"We will be going for zero tolerance against the unlighted cycles. Persons will be ticketed if precau-

tions are not taken, the fine is $5,000. and when that is paid the cycle will not be released until lights and reflectors are purchased and placed on the cycle...! would also like to see unbranded animals seen on the roadways be confiscated as many animals are not branded and when accidents occurs, there is no signs of

the owners," he said.

Although drunk drivers and speeding contribute to most of the fatal accidents in Berbice. Persaud said diligent works by traffic ranks resulted in a decrease in fatal accidents for 2016.

In making a comparison, the Superintendent said in 2015 there were 22 fatal accidents resulting in 30 deaths while in 2016 there were 15 accidents and 16 deaths. Of the 16 deaths in 2016. six were pedestrians, three were motorcyclist and the remainders were pedal cyclist.

He said 10 of these fatal accidents occurred during the day and five in the night, while eight of the fatal accidents occurred on the weekends. In 2016. eleven of the persons killed were betw een the ages of 7-35 years of age which represent a young population. The drivers involved in these accidents

range from 16 -40.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Persaud said last year 8.078 persons were charged for speeding

Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud within the division and 796 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Lamenting that the fines for DUI's is

PROFESSIONAL INCOME

without too low Persaud opined that it should be increased to $50,000 and over for drivers who continue to flout the law.

"Drivers under the influence of alcohol should use a taxi to get home instead of driving, which can result in a fatal accident. Many people who are drunk feel to themselves they can drive safely to return home, but based on what we see on the roadways this is not the reality, many never return home." Persaud said. He said in 2016 there were 90 serious accidents.

89 minor and 103 damage accidents while in 2015 there were 69 serious. 104 minor and 129 damage accidents Meanwhile, the Traffic Superintendent said persons choosing to use private hire cars must be aware that if there is an accident they will not be covered by any insurance. "We cannot drop our guard and we will intensify our effort in protecting citizens." he said.

TAX

lights

Focusing on the positives adopted by Traffic ranks in Berbice. Persaud said a special televised programme titled "Road safety and you" gives citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns, which are eventually addressed. He said in 2016 thousands of flyers on DUFs were shared out to drivers while several driver seminars were held. Persaud said during road safety month over 90% of school in Berbice had lectures and there were four road safety rallies.

He explained that in order to keep road fatalities on a low, traffic ranks patrol the Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, New Amsterdam and Canje, Berbice. "All these measure resulted in a safer roadway since we are aiming for less accidents and deaths on the roadways," Persaud said. The educational programmes will continue for 2017.

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Pakistan

aid

12-year

win

GUYA.MA

dronght

ClMfTED

in Australia

Pakistan 4 for 221 (Hafeez 72, Maiik 42*) beat Australia 220 (Smith GO, Amir 3-47) by six wickets Not since the days of a young Wasim Akram and a

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befuddled Allan Border had Pakistan beaten Aus-

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tralia at the MCG, in a match played as part of the one-off World Championship of Cricket. And not since

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January 2005 had Pakistan beaten Australia in Australia, in any format.

Pakistan ended both those dry spells in a contest that illustrated familiar strengths for the visitors and plenty of increasingly tiresome weaknesses among the hosts. On a sluggish surface Australia's batsmen were cornered by Pakistan's spinners, allowing for a chase within the modest reach of their batsmen.

Earlier in the day Australia had unveiled their touring party for a Test series in India next month, with the spin bowler Mitchell Swepson speaking outside the MCG. About the same time on the other side of the gates, eight members of the same squad were demonstrating why Swepson and his counterparts may not often have many runs to defend.

Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and standin captain Mohammad Hafeez combined to expose Australia's familiar troubles against spin. While the pitch did not take much in the way of turn, its variable pace was expertly utilised to prevent the home team batsmen from finding rhythm.

Captain Steven Smith got closest with 60, but even he was forced to play well within himself. Matthew Wade made another useful contribution, but he was bowled, playing outside a straight delivery

in a fashion eerily similar to so many Australian dismissals on the Test tour of Sri Lanka last year.

Left to chase a mere 221, Hafeez led the way with 72 and found useful support from Malik to guide the visitors home. Importantly, the Australians were denied the opportunity to use their own spinners, as Hafeez took 10 (after a single from his opening partner Sharjeel Khan) from Travis Head's first over, duly persuading Smith to rely almost totally on seam bowlers for the rest of the night. Glenn Maxwell, chosen for his allround skills for India, is yet to bowl a ball this series.

Australia were forced to shuffle around the batting order by the omission of Chris Lynn due to an apparent neck injury, and neither Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh nor Head were able to prosper in their new positions. Junaid Khan also bowled neatly for the visitors in his first GDI in over one-and-a-half years.

It had been Junaid who made his presence felt early. He procured an edge from the bat of David Warner, which sent Australia's vice-captain back for his second low score of the series. Then, he coaxed Khawaja to cut a ball too close to him, re-

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suiting in a fine low catch by Sharjeel Khan at slip.

Next over, the promoted Marsh threw hard hands playing his first ball, against Mohammad Amir, and offered up a catch to cover point, leaving Smith and Head with a considerable salvage job. Head was fluent for the second time in as many innings, but was again unable to capitalise on his start, a fate that also befell Glenn Maxwell when he sallied forth to Imad and was bowled off his pads.

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<. i i M MM afeez had an excellent match as stan and anchoring Pakistan's chase with a steady 72.

jitam, fi TrarmTiwnriTi or 45 from his ten overs

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Wade and Smith then put together the most substantial stand of the innings, and it appeared to have given the hosts a chance of posting a similar tally to their Brisbane effort.

However, Smith was somewhat unfortunately bowled off the inside edge and body when he tried to attack the persistent Imad, signalling another twist in the innings.

The remaining overs were decidedly underwhelming for Australia, even if Pat Cummins escaped a caught behind first ball via a clear outside edge that escaped the attention of umpire Chris Gaffaney. Pakistan were duly left with a chase that would appear within their reach, so long as the batsmen can improve after the fashion of the bowlers.

In order to defend the total successfully, the Australians needed early wickets, and fourth ball of the innings Hafeez edged an attempt to drive Mitchell Stare. The ball arrowed straight into the lap of Smith, but burst through his hands; the pain of the missed chance was compounded by the sensitive region the ball stmck.

From there the visitors built a diligent chase around Hafeez's spinal innings, never pressured by the run rate and so able to defuse some challenging spells from Stare and Pat Cummins in particular. Malik's skills in modulating a chase were useful towards the finish, and after he evaded a caught behind appeal by Cummins, the Pakistani supporters among a crowd of 31,390 were able to toast a drought-breaker — and a seriessquarer.