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THE recent influx of Cubans here, particularly to do shopping demonstrates a "closer cooperation" with Guyana and the Spanish-speaking island, says Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge. Speaking on Thursday at his end-of-year press conference. the minister said Cubans do not require visas to visit Guyana and those arriving here are not only interested in trade. He noted that there are Cubans who come here just for the purpose of tourism. "These are Cuban visitors in a range of areas from trading, commercial travellers, from people who may come on holiday and spend a day; two weeks... our role is to ensure that the arrangements for their entry are proper." said Greenidge. He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to facilitate the movement of people here and noted that

Harper Former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elisabeth Harper has been rehired as a consultant to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Subject Minister Carl Greenidge told reporters on Thursday that Harper's focus will be on the country's sovereignty. He said too that Harper who was a long standing diplomat will also assist the Ministry with documentation. "Mrs. Harper has been retained by the Ministry latterly to work with us in a couple of areas; she has rather unique skills and as Director General and member of the staff of the Ministry for many years, she had worked very closely on the matters pertaining to sovereignty and the documentation." said Minister Greenidge. He described Harper's skills as "unique", noting that recraiting her will assist his Ministry significantly in the areas of sovereignty and documentation. "... because of the delicacy of that area (sovereignty) we have been utilising the skills of Mrs. Harper to assist us in that area and that is ongoing and it will continue." The minister explained

Cuba like Guyana is a member of the African. Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP group of states). Additionally. Greenidge stated that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also has special relations with Cuba, while Guyana has "especially special and long relations with Cuba." therefore making it necessary for the country to ensure "the smooth movement of persons betw een the two countries. "We ensure that the institutional arrangements are in place." he added, noting that though institutional arrangements are usually in place, they don't always work smoothly. "We try to keep that oil lubricated and we welcome as we do from anywhere else in the Region, the Cuban visitors who come to purchase commodities, services or to sell goods just as we welcome those who are sent by the Cuban govern-

back

mk i

ment to render assistance in the medical and other areas." Up The Foreign Affairs Minister gave the assmance that the influx of Cubans in Guyana is a "reflection of a closer cooperation." while noting that it is the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "to keep that arrangement reasonably tight and ensure our laws and international obligations are met at the same time." Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge Greenidge made it clear that and investment. the role of his ministry in There are a number of relation to Cuba is no differcountries to which Guyanese ent from that of Barbados or can travel without visas and the United Kingdom. according to the minister, this Latin America process will continue in a bid Meanwhile, the Foreign to ensure investment comes Affairs Minister disclosed to Guyana hassle-free. He that his ministry has been said he has seen some conworking with both bilateral and regional partners in Latin cerns on the issue, but mainAmerica to facilitate travel tains that those comments are within the Region, something germane to Government's dehe deems very important if cision. "Our responsibility is Guyana is to enhance trade to facilitate the development

Foreign eign Affairs has been challenged to carry out policies as effectively as they should. Meanwhile. Harper served for decades at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but stepped down as Director General in the lead up to the May 2015 General and Re-

of Guyana. The development of Guyana will turn upon Guyana being part of an economic and political animal that is larger than 700.000 people." he said, noting that Guyana can be described as plankton in the ocean. "We are so small that if we attempt to survive merely on the basis of our numbers we are not going to get very far. however bright we think we are [as] a people. So we have to transform ourselves from a tiny state." Minister Greenidge argued that as part of the process of enlarging, there must be economic integration, citing CARICOM. though the Caricom Single Market and Economy has not progressed according to plans. "Guyana wants to be at the centre of that enlargement... That has to do with ensuing we cooperate and integrate with Latin America. South America and Central

America- that's part of our thrust." The Foreign Affairs Minister said by virtue of the many arrangements within the bloc, visas and otherwise. Guyana is enabling potential investors to not only see and hear about Guyana on television, but also be able to visit the country first-hand to assess the country's capacity to receive investors. This, he said, is important for the country's development and made specific reference to technological development in the area of telecommunications. "It is key... no development of tourism, agro-processing or modem mining will take place if we are unable to put down infrastructure associated with these areas - that is part and parcel of the process of deepening relations with Latin America," declared Minister Greenidge.

Ministry ...as sovereignty consultant gional elections. That year. Harper accepted the Prime Ministerial candidacy under the People's Progressive Parly/ Civic (PPP/C) and ran alongside former President Donald Ramotar. The PPP/C was in power at the time but lost the elec-

tions to the APNU+AFC coalition led by now President David Granger. Following the May 2016 General and Regional Elections. Harper was offered a place in the National Assembly by the PPP/C. an offer she refused. However, she had indi-

cated subsequent to the campaign season that she was not opposed to working with the APNU-AFC administration in the areas of foreign affairs and diplomacy. Harper has worked in Government service for approximately 40 years.

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1 Elisabeth Harper that in the area of documentation. there is a problem of identification and Harper's expertise will assist greatly in identifying the material lodged at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "In this Ministry I am able to point to you in many rooms which have many documents and few people can tell you what the documents are. That is one side and we try to utilise the knowledge of those who have worked here in the past." Greenidge added. Additionally, he disclosed that with the high turnover of staff and issues of storage and maintenance of documents, staff at the Ministry of For-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Review

of all

airlines

Dynamic Airways'

local

representative

necessa

Dymmk

Airways

long list of occurrences since its

Captain

entry into the Guyanese market,

Gerry Gouveia says he is "100 percent" accepting

with even its inaugural flight

of a review of the foreign based carrier by the avi-

being marred with long delays.

ation authorities following a number of flight cancella-

Gouveia while talking about Dy-

tions out of New York ahead of the Christmas holiday. He

namic in its initial

stages in

is adamant however that in the face of fairness, other car-

Guyana had described that airline

riers should be reviewed as well.

as a move toward aiding the un-

During a press conference,

ence, Gouveia explained that the

stable, but lucrative Guyana/New

Gouveia told media operatives

airline had put two jumbo jet air-

York market.

that, "I will expect an even hand

craft on stand-by in case of an

With hundreds of passengers

and a leveled play field, so I

emergency with the primary air-

plying this route on a daily basis

would like equal reviews to be

craft. He noted however that both

there is still inadequate airlift.

done of other carriers." The pilot

aircraft were down after a ground

And since Guyana does not have

who has his own local aviation company, but is the local handler

handling truck at the JFK Airport

a designated carrier, passengers

crashed into one of the airplanes

are therefore subject to the poli-

CART. GERRY GOUVEIA

for Dynamic restated his position

and damaged its engine shell. The

cies of the usually foreign-owned,

vamp the entire aviation industry

that all airlines face difficulty be-

other aircraft he said, had me-

foreign-based carriers. Other car-

and it is expected that all carriers

fore declaring that sensationalism

chanical problems.

riers have also experienced long

will be forced to exhibit greater

delays

responsibility for the

of the "two" flight cancellations

Gouveia highlighted how-

on the part of the media forced the

ever that Dynamic has met with

intervention of the Guyana Civil

the GCAA Director General and

Aviation Authority (GCAA). Head of the GCAA, Egbert

has since handed over the report regarding the Christmas cancella-

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Making resolutions have become one of the biggest activities leading up to the birth of the New Year. People from all around could be heard saying, "next year I will do...this and do that. They resolve to fulfill all kinds of promises; some to themselves and some to others. The internet's free encyclopedia says that, a New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year's Day. It is also an old practice adopted by various societies. Babylonians, it is said made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts, and the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, they said that the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry, while at watch-night services, Christians would prepare for the New Year ahead by praying and making these resolutions. Fast-forward 2016 and modem societies are still making resolutions in the

hopes of bettering themselves. Many New Year resolutions involve, increased finances through a better paying job or starting their own business. They seek better living conditions, by resolving to move to another country with better standards of living. To save more and spend less, to go back to school, start a career, improve their physical and mental wellbeing. To take that vacation they have always wanted, to make new friends, or to settle down and have kids. To some extent, making resolutions are within the platitudes of life. Many resolve to do things and never get around to doing it, some are naturally denied the right to go on. For whatever reason their plans don't go the right way and disappointment steps in. Sometimes it doesn't matter how well a plan is thought out, poor execution, failure to put your all into it and even fate can have devastating results. The newness of the year brings a lot of hope and a feeling of getting another chance to start over. It could sometimes

be refreshing, almost like a revival. With that being the case, then the desire to do better and to ensure that it follows through should be great. Expectations are the driving force of change; that is, with change comes great expectations, that things would be better than the way they were before. It is therefore a lie to promise change and not deliver even on the simplest of things that can result in pain and suffering for others. Making resolutions are becoming commonplace like promises made and never delivered. Guyana Sprouts believes that resolutions should be made every step of the

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way. As things change, so should plans and ideas, to have a continuous effect. Maybe things are not meant to be forced but rather to set a stage and to go with the flow. Take time to relax and breathe. For those who have always had New Year resolutions it's probably clear by now that it doesn't always work out. Reflection is good. At the end of every calendar year, examining the pros and cons, the wrongs, the rights, the experiences and their meanings, the people who are in your life and those you would have lost. Take time to look back and take in the lessons that were taught. It's a great way of preparing for the New Year. Deep meditation on what was, to determine what will be. It would be wise to make resolutions that excites you. Make plans to change where you believe the need is great. Don't say you want to lose weight and the desire to do so is not there. Seeing a nice dress or a fancy suit and saying that you will lose weight because you want to wear it is not the same as wanting to lose weight because internally you are not happy with the way you look or feel. Wanting a better job without seeing the need to prepare yourself academically, if it is required, for the new challenge is not the same as actually taking the first step to go sign up for the course. Wanting change in your country is also not the same as actually doing things to foster that change. Resolutions require action and only the desire for change will fuel this power. Make good decisions and base them on existing ones. Don't make abrupt changes if it's not necessary and remember the key is to maintain a flow. The New Year is only the continuation or change of what used to be. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM GUYANA SPROUTS!

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016 Hmv York Edition Closer I tlilor In < hict Nigel Williams Editor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com Kiiigcl 10cÂŤi hotnuiLcom gnnlcditorialcu gmail.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Teh 917-379-6590

(Ciutonal

The

Surlname

collaboration THE recent announcement that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Suriname Police Corps (SPC) will be collaborating to tackle organised crime, particularly trafficking in drugs, humans and weapons, is welcome news on the anti-crime front. From our reports. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has said that, as part of the collaboration, specific types of organised crime will be targeted, and modalities on communication and intelligence-sharing will be established. He insisted that sharing information and intelligence has to be timely, and as such. Customs and Trade and CANU will share information directly with the Suriname authorities, along with matters under investigation. Evidence of this sort of collaboration taking place even before this announcement was made had been borne out when the lawmen in that Dutch-speaking country arrested and deported self-confessed drug lord Barry Dataram a few months ago. The spectacular arrest of fleeing drag lord Roger Khan by the Suriname authorities back in 2006 is also another good example of how invaluable any collaboration between Guyana and Suriname can be in combating organised crime. What are clear from these tw o incidents is that Suriname is no safe haven for criminals who may want to flee this jurisdiction, and that country has been a willing partner in fighting crime. What is also worthy of note is that it has been through the collaboration betw een Guyana and Suriname that sea piracy has been at an all-time low. with only one case being recorded this year, compared to what had obtained in previous years. But it is not that Suriname does not have its own straggles. In its 2016 Narcotics Strategy Report, the United States, in addition to saying that that country is a transit zone for South American cocaine en route to Europe and Africa, observed that there appears to be little political will for vigorous enforcement. "Corruption pervades many government offices in Suriname and may also play a role." the report said, adding that cargo containers carry most of the narcotics smuggled through Suriname. but smaller fishing vessels also carry drags out to sea for transfer to larger freighters. During the first nine months of 2015. Surinamese

oil

production

- construction of US1.2B onshore petroleum facility next year By Alva Solomon AS THE Government works towards strengthening Guyana's emerging petroleum sector, construction of an onshore petroleum facility will commence in 2017 at Crab Island, which is at the mouth of the Berbice River. In September this year, the Ministry of Natmal Resomces (MNR) announced that it will be working in conjunction with the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Business to establish an oil and gas facility which it said is critically needed and would be part of the raft of measmes intended to ensure that Guyana keeps on the right trajectory in the development of the oil and gas industry. On Thursday morning Minister of Natural Resources. Raphael Trotman told members of the media at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) boardroom that Cabinet has green-lighted the establishment of an onshore industrial site to service the off shore exploration and production activities of the oil companies operating offshore Guyana. He said that the facility will be a public/private partnership initiative which will be built to the tune of US$1.2B and a minimum of at least 600 direct jobs which will be created from the venture. He said that investments will come from the private sector as well as the oil companies working in Guyana. According to Trotman. interviews were held with a significant number of persons in October and November regarding the construction of the facility. He noted that recently he was accompanied by Minister of Public Infrastructure. David Patterson on a visit to Louisiana in the United States of America where the tw o officials saw firsthand the operations of an onshore petroleum facility. Meanwhile, the MNR has received from Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited the company's development plan which outlines each aspect of the steps regarding its operations here. Esso is a subsidiary of US oil giant ExxonMobil. Trotman said that the plan will be reviewed by international experts who the Government will engage for the

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman addressing the media on Thursday morning specific purpose. Two weeks ago Esso Exploration awarded a contract to Dutch consortium SBM Offshore for a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is seen as a pivotal step in its plans towards First Oil carded for 2020. SBM Offshore will perform frontend engineering and design for the FPSO and. subject to a final investment decision on the project in 2017. will construct, install and operate the vessel. Trotman said that on Tuesday Cabinet also gave the go-ahead for several other initiatives geared for the development of the emerging oil and gas sector and these included projects relative to the ministry's policy and legislative agenda, the crafting of the Petroleum Commission Bill and a bill to provide for the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, known as generational savings. He said a draft copy of the Petroleum Commission Bill was shared with stakeholders, the oil exploration companies operating in Guyana, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the Parlia-

authorities arrested 139 alleged drag traffickers and seized 626.6 kilograms (kg) of cocaine. 33.8 litres of liquid cocaine. 841.7 kg of marijuana, four grams of heroin. 4.3 grams of hashish, and 2.878 MDMA tablets. Ever since the period of the "Troubles", as described by President David Granger. Guyana has grappled with organised crime and its attendant street robberies and other deviant behaviours. It is against this background that any effort to strengthen existing strategies ought to be supported and encouraged. Where crime continues to pose threats to the nation's security and the citizens' peace of mind, no Guyanese should seek political mileage from another's misery. Regardless of our politics, all want to feel, and be. safe; and together, we must work to achieve it. Commitments given by the President that "Government intends to make Guyana safe for this and future generations [and] we will do so not only by combating crime and criminals. but in uprooting the causes of crime and its links with transnational crime" are deserving of support and participating to ensure realisation. The recent launch of the drag strategy master plan; the establishment of a National Security Committee and

mentary Opposition among others. Trotman said that passing of the bill will ensure the formation of the Petroleum Commission which will become the regulatory body of the sector in Guyana. He noted that the Sovereign Wealth Fund aims to ensure that pools from the petroleum sector reach every Guyanese, for generations ahead. The Government is currently engaging the Commonwealth Secretariat's legal department for assistance in developing a framework for the fund. "The framework is being finalised, the drafts are being delivered and we are expecting it within a number of days." Trotman said. He said the fund will enable the Government to protect the economy from the "volatile nature" of natural resources revenues, assist in growing and modernising the sustainable status of the economy and further enhance the capacity of Guyanese. A draft of the framework of the fund will be presented to the National Assembly in January 2017.

proposed new National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) to address narco-trafficking; and a new National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to beef up surveillance of our borders and coasts will help in crime reduction. Augmentations of the Police Mounted and Marine branches have also been done incrementally, where the former will aid in policing our vast borders and the latter battle piracy. Reaching out to the United Kingdom (UK) with "a view to restoring the aborted Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP)" is a necessary component of crime fighting. The PPP/C Administration had rejected the SSRAP implementation ~ though it was a plan it helped conceive ~ on the argument that the role the UK wanted to play violated Guyana's sovereignty. At the same time, its needs to be said that those who would have relied on crime for an income, abominable as it is. must be afforded opportunities to engage in legitimate forms of income earning. It will not help if the narco trade goes underground, given that it presently operates in broad daylight; because it would be harder to root out, and would make life more dangerous for those who can provide intelligence or want to remove themselves from criminal activities.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Things

That

Bother

Foreign policy is likely to dominate the first months of the new US Administration. Three areas of interest are Syria, Iran and Israel. SYRIA The Government of Syria has been fighting armed opposition to overthrow its legitimate Government since March 2011. Some argue that it is an offspring of the Arab spring, when Syrian opposition demanded that President Bashar alAssad resign. Supporters of the Government continue to battle the insurgents. With the help of Russia, they now have the upper hand. Despite repeated clamor by hawks in his party to intervene. President Obama has adopted a hands-off policy towards Syria. It is a workable, sensible policy. History teaches that intervention in Libya and Iraq has led to near failed states. Why would Syria be different? Of course, John Bolton, John McCain, Lindsay Graham and their hawk colleagues in Congress think differently. Their credo is that America is policeman of the world and its Godgiven right is to intervene whenever IT thinks it's right. Whatever Mr. Trump does in Syria, he must face the challenge of an Assad-Putin coalition on its way to victory. My guess is that, despite his campaign rhetoric, he will continue Obama's policy. He believes in spheres of influence and would not have problems with Russia's influence in Syria. An unintended consequence of the Syrian civil war is the number of refugees — probably 8.1 million in Syria alone. Since October 1, (3,542 of a projected 10,000) Syrian refugees have been resettled in the United States. In contrast, the President-elect announced that his administration would suspend immigration from Syria, He will initiate an extreme, tough vetting process. Applicants would submit to an "ideological certification" that should ensure that those admitted "share our values and love our people." They must share their views of honor killings, women, gays and minorities as well as their attitudes on "radical Islam." Much will depend on the course of the Syrian conflict. If the

Government retains control of territory formerly held by the terrorists, the flow of refugees would decrease dramatically. It would be in US's best interests to step up humanitarian aid. The President-elect said during his Presidential campaign, that he would cease supplying moderate opposition with aid. If he changes and continues aid, and the terrorists recapture territory they previously held, and the conflict continues, the US must join with Russia to shore up Assad. There is no other way. IRAN According to many nuclear policy analysts, Iran's suspension of its nuclear program, is in the best interest of the Middle East. Largely due to its co-operation, some sanctions were lifted and some of its money held in US banks was returned. A U .S. President has broad powers to enact foreign policy. They exercise those powers by issuing executive orders. Presidential memoranda and what are called findings. President Obama used executive order to put his Iran policy into effect. President-elect says that he will rescind Mr. Obama's deal with Iran. Since anything enacted by executive order can be rescinded by executive order, Mr. Trump has the authority to do what he says. Whether he will do what he says, is unclear. He has walked back on many of his statements. It would be wise policy to engage and not confront Iran. US-ISRAELI RELATIONS Since the end of the British Mandate and the seizure of land and property of the Palestinian inhabitants the following day, the UN has always criticised the Zionist state for its actions. Since its victory in the Six Day War (1967), Israel has continued to build settlements on land legally owned by Palestinians. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted many resolutions saying that US relations with Israel encourages Israel to pursue aggressive and expansionist policies and practices. The 9th Emergency Session of the General Assembly was convened at the request of the

;

ea *

sm FLASHBACK Security Council, when the United States blocked efforts to adopt sanctions against Israel. On Friday 23 December 2016, the UN Security Council demanded that Israel halt settlements in the

West Bank and East Jerusalem. In the vote, the 15-member Council voted 14 in favour, with the US abstaining. The resolution called the (continued on page 24)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016 A view from New York Of Cows, WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

Ok, ok. It's the New Year and I promise to be good — kinda, sorta. But it's very hard not to be me at a time when Homo sapiens all over the world are doing very foolish things. Call it what you want, but I call it the

herd mentality," as in a herd of bovine pasture an-

imals loudly bellowing and being led by an equally bovine and louder creature. Sure, sure, I can hear you: no, humans do not behave like cows, or sheep for that matter. We're intelligent beings, a cut way above the animals that

Herds

And

Resolutions Year's resolutions is that they're made at the start of a New Year. So at this time people want to have some external reason —, perhaps even an excuse — to reinvent themselves. Women secretly want to look better than Porker Betty with her belly falling out. Ugh! And men solemnly swear to cut back on the Jamaica White Rum because they've behaved like perfect jackasses while having a "few too many." People are a bit ashamed of how the past year went in relations to unfulfilled promises and other self-abuse issues like too much grog, too little exercise, and to much pigging out on the wrong foods.

to fantasize how we'll look with a TV six-pack abs body or a Brazilian butt lift or be like a participant on Dancing With The Stars. These fantasies are short-lived and the immediate rush experienced when we make our New Years resolutions and con ourselves into believing that we're going to keep them — this year — soon turns into a depressing downer that drags us back to our old accustomed habits — until next year when we make even more unrealistic resolutions that we're going to fail at — over and over again and again.

grunt, screech and bellow. Can't help shake the feeling — we humans are living, walking about this cow thing. That's because gluttons, prone to excess as the grazevery blinking New Year people do ing herd of bovine, ruminant quite a lot of stupid things. And I'm denizens of the grassy pasture. Only So in my view, willpower just no speaking about mall brawls akin we're on two legs instead of four. isn't too helpful. Thinking about the to a marauding herd of wildebeests. So after solemnly swearing that But, humans are creatures of downside of failure could make peoFor one they drink way too much alple more despondent (especially cohol, kiss the wrong set of A ■/?] since we aren't perfect all of the people, and pull some all I -r - *' A time). You can imagine the steamy all-nighters that leave ■ 1 recipe for a disastrous New them with monumental hang- BSSs?^ [ Year's resolution. For example, overs for the next couple of you've been trying desperately O-T days. And they, like the rest of FIT to lose weight for years. You've the human herd, make a numalways failed. So this year, ber of unrealistic and unattainyou're going to wait until the able New Year's resolutions. 31st of December and hope that Thing is they do that EVERY the cultural connotations will 1 BLOODY YEAR without fail. Ol) IT help you get it right this time. More than 50 percent of You resolve not to give up, and Americans make New Year's ^ try really, really hard. You imagSMOKING l resolutions every year. These ine what it would be like to be fit PINO resolutions usually run the and healthy, and torment yourgamut of such things as weight self with images of obesity and loss, exercise, quitting smok- LOVg diabetes. You might even buy a take ing, cutting excessive "shopai month's supply of fat-free riceholic" spending, finally, finally i cakes, a running kit, gym mematrip getting that degree, eating more —' bership, and set an ambitious veggies and sorting out the habit and so mentally it's very hard target. Yeah right. You are guaranteed kinks in an on again, off again rela- this time, this time, yes THIS TIME, to change. At the start of a New Year to fail. tionship. All of this is great news for we're going to follow up on our New it's very tempting to use an external Thing is New Year's resolutions Big Businesses. Almost on cue, just Year's resolutions by middle to the factor as a focus for our short-lived are grossly over-hyped for commeraround the end of the "old year," end of January they're pretty much reflex desire to change. However, the cial and money making reasons. Sengullible humans start to get bom- out the proverbial door. Yep, about very fact that we're using the New sible plans to address important issues barded with all kinds of pie-in-the- 78 percent of those who make these Year to shove us into action indicates in your life can be made at any time sky TV commercials designed to resolutions will not keep them. So that we're not really capable or able of the year. So you do not need to foldraw in people who have just re- why the heck do we do it in the first to do the hard work necessary to low the herd and make resolutions and solved to do or change something in place? Well, for one thing, EVERY- change. Indeed, the New Year's hype all kinds of cockamamie self-delutheir humdrum lives. ONE is doing it, so as good herd about resolutions and change shows sional promises at the end of an old stock we just follow suit. Then our just how we fantasize our weakWe're suckers for all kinds of year for activation and implementatrue human nature seeps forth — nesses and how over-ambitious and TV advertising crap. That's the same tion in the new one. But it feels good we're a bunch of sanctimonious hyp- unrealistic we can be as a herd. advertisers that urge you to eat more to be at a New Year's party with noise ocrites. While we smile and tell each Domino's pizzas, drink more sugarThe upshot is that the abysmal makers, hats, and being just a bit alcoladen Snapple, binge drink on as- other that we're going to make good failure of New Year's resolutions holically merry, and belt out one or on these resolutions, we know that sorted Vodkas, rums, gins and shows just how lacking in will power, two resolutions to equally inebriated in-between wine cooler mixtures, we have ABSOLUTELY NO IN- determination, and focus that we are friends all doing the same thing. while all the very time pushing TENTION of sticking to our prom- in the context of being driven like My advice? If you don't want to ises. It just sounds good during this weight loss solutions a la Jenny fuzzy, half-drunk season of stupid. herd members towards unrealistic break your New Year's resolutions Craig, Bowflex, and Weight Watchoutcomes. These resolutions also just don't make them in the first ers. And if you believe that, this There is no other explanation. have a kind of morbid sensibility place. Then again, I'm not a cow and should give us pause then think again One mega problem with New from the standpoint of our being able I don't do the herd thing.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

SC /

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

NEW

AIRLIFT

INTO

Port of Spain, Trinidad - The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, hosted a welcome reception in December, 2016 for Air Canada Rouge's new nonstop service between This departure of Air Canada Rouge flight AC 1880 marked the beginning of a new, year-round service between Toronto and Port of Spain as part of the airline's ongoing global expansion. This new service connects with Air Canada's extensive domestic and international network through the Toronto-Pearson global hub. The commencement of this service marks the resumption of a 60-year route that Air Canada had ended in 2008. In greeting the Captain and crew of the inaugural Air Canada Rouge flight, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Tourism, noted that "in today's fiercely competitive global market place, consistent, reliable and competitive air access is the lifeblood of any modem

Toronto and Trinidad. economy. In this light, therefore, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has sought to attract additional airlift both to Trinidad and to Tobago. We welcomed Condor and Thomas Cook to Tobago in November 2016. Moreover, as a result of our recent participation in ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London, we are in discussions with several other airlines — including Eurowings, Norwegian Airlines and Air Berlin — all in our efforts to secure additional airlift directly to Tobago". Minister Cudjoe applauded the decision by Air Canada to commence flights to Trinidad and wished the company all the best in this initiative. The Air Canada service to Port-ofSpain from the Toronto hub will operate

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With an average of 40,000 to 50,000 visitor arrivals from Canada each year, Canada is Trinidad and Tobago's second largest source market. The typical Canadian visitor stays for approximately two (2) weeks and spends approximately TT$6,500 per trip, generating approximately TT$0.34 billion (US$ 0.05 billion) in foreign direct revenue. Over 50% of Canadian visitors come to Trinidad and Tobago to visit Friends and Relatives (the VFR market); followed by approximately 20% who come for leisure.

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The Ministry of Tourism also announced during the ceremony that TDC will be launching early next year (2017) a new tourism mobile application that will provide users with a comprehensive insight into our myriad events and festivals as well as provide feedback regarding the quality of visitor experiences whilst in Trinidad and Tobago.

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S with 282 passengers onboard were many dignitaries including: Her Excellency Carla Hogan Rufelds, the High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Mrs. Vidiah Ramkhelawan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism;Mr. Warren Solomon, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC;); Mrs. Adrienne Ayers-Allen, Acting General Manager of the Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Michael Lazzari, Director of the travel agency Lazzari and Sampson; Mr. Ariel Harris, General Manager Operations of Air Canada. Passengers arriving in Trinidad received commemorative eco-friendly token bags with local gifts as tokens of appreciation from the Ministry of Tourism and the TDC. (T&T Ministry of Tourism Press Release.)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

ANTIGUA AND

AWARDS

BARBUDA WIN

2016

MOST

PRESTIGIOUS

'CARIBBEAN TRAVEL AWARDS'

Tvii-lsk Mox Wim ThmAnris Muirng 'Dtstiniilm of Ik Ym' (ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA, WI) - The success of Antigua and Barbuda's Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has led to double-digit growth in air arrivals from the USA and attracting new properties, including big names such as Marriott. This has resulted in Antigua and Barbuda dominating in the Caribbean Journal's 2016 ^Caribbean Travel Awards.' The Honorable Asot A. Michael, Min- isles into the regional tourism leader. I am ister of Tourism, Economic Development, proud of this recognition, which is accepted Investment and Energy was named the on behalf of all our tourism teams both on 'Caribbean Minister of the Year,' Mr. Colin island and in the source markets who have C. James, CEO, ABTA was named worked tirelessly to achieve the positive 'Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year,' growth that we are seeing. This award tmly and Antigua and Barbuda took the winning signifies that Antigua and Barbuda are the crown, being named 'Caribbean Destina- new leaders in attracting visitors, investtion of the Year.' ment and dynamic properties in the The Caribbean Journal was founded Caribbean. In addition, T am pleased with in 2011 as the first pan-Caribbean newspa- the recognition of our team's marketing and per, with cutting edge analysis, unmatched digital strategy as being one of the best in original content, on-location video, the pub- the industry. We would not have won this lication has changed the way the Caribbean award without all of their hard work." gets its news, and is today, one of the leadThe Caribbean Journal was founded ing publications in the Caribbean market. in 2011 as the first pan-Caribbean newspaAntigua and Barbuda won 'Caribbean per, with cutting edge analysis, unmatched Destination of the Year,' because of the original content, on-location video, the pubstrong increase in visitors, the pipeline of lication has changed the way the new hotel projects, as well as the new VC Caribbean gets its news, and is today, one Bird International airport that only add to of the leading publications in the the full portfolio of portfolio of properties Caribbean market. and hotels. The Honorable Minister ABOUT ANTIGUA AND Michael was recognized as being one of the BARBUDA Carib-bean's most forward-thinking Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Tourism Ministers and being instrumental Barbuda (Bar-byew'da) is located in the in helping to drive Antigua's strong growth heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the this year, as well as turning Antigua and World Travel Awards 2015 and 2016 Barbuda into a hub for hotel projects and Caribbean's Most Romantic Destination, major projects such as the airport's new the twin-island paradise offers visitors solar farm. The ABTA CEO, Mr. James, two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal was recognized as being instrumental in temperatures year-round, a rich history, managing the Tourism Authority to the vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, strong position it has today with almost award-winning resorts, mouth-watering 10% growth overall, and 20% within the cuisine and 365 stunning pink and whiteUS, the largest market for the destination. sand beaches - one for every day of the These awards bring great prominence to year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, positioning the desAntigua comprises 108-square miles with tination as the tourism leader in the industry rich history and spectacular topography for the upcoming year. that provides a variety of popular sight"I am incredibly honored to be named seeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the 'Tourism Minister of the Year,' by the the only remaining example of a Georgian Caribbean Journal. Since taking office in fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage 2014 we have been relentlessly working to site, is perhaps the most renowned landattract investments, investing in improving mark. Antigua's tourism events calendar our on-island tourism products as well as includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing access touch points including our new air- Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and port and our port so as to become the leader the annual Antigua Carnival; known as in the region. While we are excited by what the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festiwe have achieved so far, we are dedicated val. Barbuda, Antigua's smaller sister isto continuing to invest, improve and raise land, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. awareness of Antigua and Barbuda to at- The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antract even more visitors and provide them tigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride the absolutely best experience possible in away. Barbuda is known for its untouched travel," said Honorable Minister Michael. 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as The CEO, Mr. James, shared his the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sancthoughts on the win, "We are very proud to tuary in the Western Hemisphere. be recognized for all of the hard work and For information about Antigua & dedication that the Ministry of Tourism and Barbuda visit the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or have been investing so as to turn our twin- www.antiguabarbudabuzz.com and fol-

Antigua and Barbuda

low us on Twitter. http;//twitter.com/antiguabarbuda Face book www.facebook,com/an tiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda Contact: Maria Blackman — Marketing Communications\ —Antigua & Barbuda

Tourism Authority — HEAD OFFICE :3rd Floor IACB Building I Comer of High and Temple Sts.l St. John's Antigua {Office) +1268 562 7600 {Direct Line): +1268 4647601 Website: visitantiguabarbuda LoveAntiguaB arbuda,

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

PRACTISE PEACEFUL PARTNERSHIP

Dr. Basil Springer's Column

"Go in peace. The mission you are on is under the eye of the Lord."

— Judges 18:6

wo of my most loyal Caribbean readers for more than a decade gave me feedback to my recent colT umn on Public Private Partnerships. The first was so impactful that the jobs are not provided, taxes are not colleast I could do was to reproduce it in its lected, collective self-esteem diminishes, entirety. crime increases, brain drain increases and "Your recent column touched a the society and economy spiral downnerve. We often talk about 'private public ward. partnership' as if it is some recent inven"So all enterprise is a private-public tion. All enterprise throughout the partnership and the sooner we all recognize Caribbean is already a private public part- that and cooperate in finding the right measnership. The partnership fails when mem- ure of contribution by each side, the better bers on one side of the partnership either the outcomes for any country or region." fail to recognize or refuse to play their In response to my questions: "Why is part. it that Caribbean leadership is in such "If the roads are not properly main- chaos? Is it because of colonial heritage, tained by the public sector, transportation power, egos, greed, arrogance, disunity, intimes are longer, vehicle maintenance be- fighting, mendicancy, a fixation on reparacomes an additional private expense and tions, lack of global vision, distrust, efficiencies of product and services deliv- jealousy, hate, envy, worry, guilt and/or eries decline. If educational systems do fear?" His response was; "It is all of these not deliver adults with the necessary skills on both sides." required by private businesses AND the He went on to say: "There are busigovernment, training expenses increase, nessmen who really believe that it is their the quality of products and services de- genius entirely that explains their success cline, the cost of doing business increases in the Caribbean. There are political leaders and the entire country becomes less com- who seek to grab maximum credit for all petitive. The same applies to health care, that happens in their country. Neither one to the approval of licences, to the search is correct. Those political leaders who enfor titles to land etc, etc, etc. sure that government services are delivered "If businesses are not sustainable. in the most effective, transparent and effi-

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cient way will see significant increases in private investments in their country. Those investors who seek to maximize their income AND work obviously and delightfully with cooperating governments to maximize the benefits to the country, will feel an embrace as never before. "One more thing. Private public partnerships are often spoken about as if they relate to capital investments only. True partnerships also relate to ideas, process, government policies and proper welcome and immersion of expatriates into the local culture and history. No matter the size of one's ego, being elected does not provide instant knowledge about all aspects of one's assigned portfolio. Being invited to invest in a country, does not provide instant knowledge of those items that matter most to the people of that country. Even local investors would do well to become better acquainted with the outcomes that the government is seeking and finding ways to assist in the delivery of those outcomes. "Private public partnerships work best when it is all encompassing. Such partnerships are not an option. They are not

some new construct. They are an imperative. They are the bedrock of the long term success of any society and economy." The other response from another colleague, not for the first time either, was more contained but very informative and revealing; "Basil, I agree and this is where we are moving in Jamaica. Montego Bay airport went that route and has been a major success. Our main Cargo Port which has not seen growth in years was just PPP'd and we are now moving to invite PPPs for Norman Manley Airport in Kingston and several other exciting PPPs are being planned." In the midst of any challenge, let us confess to the errors of our ways, ask for forgiveness and become radiating centres of love, thus becoming peaceful and free to partner to achieve a bedrock of stability and sustainability. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Carib-bean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. — CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeabusiness.com)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

\ A 4

Jf JC Oar S for

the

i j

-jF

TROPICAL FRUIT SAUCE

THE SMART & POLITE

OLD AGE HAS ITS

CASHIER

BENEFITS

Ingredients: 1 large pineapple diced 2 large green peppers 12 ozs. orange juice 8 tsps. lemon juice 4 tbsps. cornflour 2 ozs. sugar 2 tsps. grated ginger 3 tsps grated orange rind 1-1/2-2 pints water Method: 1. Remove stem and seeds from peppers, cut into strips. 2. Combine orange and lemon juice, water, cornflour and sugar. Blend well. 3. Cook, stirring constantly until clear and thickened. Boil for 2 min-

The Management and Staff of the NEW YORK EDITION

utes. 4. Stir in ginger, orange rind, pineapple and peppers. Heat thoroughly. 5. Serve with oven fried chicken.

Telephone:

Because they had no reservations at one of the busiest restaurants in Queens, New York, my elderly neighbor and his wife were told there would be at least a 45-mimite wait for a table. Young man, my elderly neighbr retorted, we're both 90-years-old, and haven't got a lot of time to spare. We may not have that 45 minutes to spare, so you would have to make an exception.." They were seated immediately.

Iwas in the six item express lane at the store quietly huning. Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me had slipped into this check-out line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. You could imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward looked into the cart and asked sweetly, "So which six items would you like to buy?" (Wouldn't it be great if that happened more often?)

OF THE GUYANA CHRONICLE - wish ALL OUR READERS and ADVERTISERS - A HAPPY KWANZAA and A PROSPEROUS 2017

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

•< IT'S

■r

■v

FAST i

by JAMES SYDNEY

c J Boxing

Day

Blues

Remembering That Extra Day of Christmas In the United States, one of the missing elements of Christmas-time is Boxing Day. This is the feeling of most people from the English-speaking Caribbean. It has always been to us an integral part of Christmas, a good and necessary extension of Christmas Day. Because we have to do without it now, the full impact of the Christmas holidays is diminished. Boxing Day is a public holiday not only in the Caribbean, but in Britain where it all began, in Canada, Australia, New Zealand,

and friends on Christmas Day, employers gave their servants boxed Christmas gifts the day after Christmas. These were generally called their Christmas boxes. Another claim is that this was the day

and many Commonwealth countries. Nobody knows for sure the origin of Boxing Day, but there are many claims. One, perhaps the most plausible, is that whereas everyone in old England gave Christmas gifts to their relatives

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the 26th is not called Boxing Day, but is

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money to the poor. Boxing Day has long been a

moves to December 26 and Boxing Day moves to December 27. In Canada, stores sell their

world, begins on Boxing Day as the yachts depart Sydney Harbour

public holiday in the UK, and traditionally a day of sport. Like other

excess Christmas inventory on Boxing Day at significantly reduced prices. Retailers often go beyond that to Boxing Week. In Ireland, the 26th is known as St. Stephen's Day or Wren's Day. It is a holiday during the Christmas season, but with different origins. In Australia, a Boxing Day

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Test Match begins usually on the 26th of December and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the largest, noisiest crowd of their cricket year. For some it is "the greatest and most anticipated Test Match on the world cricket calendar." In Sydney, Australia, the annual Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race,

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observed by many thousands of spectators around the harbor in spectator boats. In the Caribbean, Boxing Day is essentially an extension of the Christmas holiday — a time for unfinished Christmas "business." The religious aspect of Christmas takes a back seat for most people. Feasting and fun continue. Those who spent Christmas only with family venture out to visit friends. The masquerade bands come out in full force. The parties start early. Dinners and dances are everywhere. In the Bahamas, it's Junkanoo time. Junkanoo begins on Boxing Day and continues till New Year's Day. Wouldn't it be great to have Boxing Day in the USA?

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New York Edition of the Guyana Chronkk

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

^preadina Every year for the past 12 years, GCA executive

Edgar

Henry

goes back to his hometown village of Beterverwagting / Triumph to spread Christmas cheer with 150 kids in the area. Christmas is a magical time and he feels obligated to ensure that it is recognized. Michael Khan and Natasha Azeez fully clad as Mr. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus delighted the kids with carol singing.

the

Christmas

face painting and distribution of gifts. They were treated to a sumptuous meal followed by dessert which included ice cream, cake and nuts. Thanks to the contributors Ronald Mc Donald, Metro Plus, Dr. Juliet Emanuel and the Guyana Cultural Association, Edgar was once again delighted to put smiles on the faces of the kids of his hometown village, which has always celebrated the Spirit of the Season as one of Peace and Good Will."The pictures tell the story.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

v A* s

m nfe/

Imr.iri Ki^sn Ditectarvi fuhiic Irnofmalim

transformational development to kick into high gear THE NEW YEAR promises to be one in which the transformational development of Guyana will kick into high gear. Firstly, constitutional reform is high on the agenda as an issue which was the promise of the Coalition Administration's election campaign. Led by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. the process of nationwide consultation will commence and be done in every region, with over 100 sessions at which residents and citizens will have an opportunity to make their contributions and suggestions. Exciting infrastructural projects are also on the cards.

E.R

The long overdue paving of the Linden-to-Lethem trail will commence with phase one ~ the Linden-to-Mabura stretch, which is that portion of the trail that is notoriously in the worst condition, particularly during the rainy season, when portions of it become difficult to navigate and some areas of the trail break away, forming deep sinkholes. Another decades-overdue road project is the building of the Parika-to-Goshen road, which will open up the vast East Bank Essequibo stretch and make travel to the coastland and Georgetown hassle-free for Barticians. To get to Georgetown

from Bartica now takes upwards of four hours altogether (travel from Bartica to Parika by boat and drive from Parika to Georgetown, plus waiting time). This will be cut down to under an horn, with a quick dash across the Essequibo River from Bartica to Goshen being followed by a straight drive from Goshen to the city. Farmers in the area will also take far less time to get their produce to market, which will result in fresher produce in the stalls and supermarkets, and healthier eating for consumers. Bridging of the Essequibo River at Kurupukari will also significantly reduce

the travel time to Lethem. Currently, there is a pontoon service across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari. which is operated by a private company. The service is mostly reliable, but is time-consuming. and only a limited number of vehicles can be accommodated on each trip. A free-flowing bridge will revolutionise this aspect of the trip to Lethem. and cut down travel time considerably; as now travellers have to spend hours waiting at night for the daytime-only pontoon service to begin operating. Work will also commence on the feasibility of a new bridge across the De-

Braithwaite

-family to THE remains of renowned author E.R. Braithwaite were on Wednesday last cremated in the United States, where he had been living, family members have confirmed. There was no funeral for the late "To Sir With Love" author; instead, there was a very private viewing, at which Braithwaite "s two sons, Ron and Francis, were present. They had arrived from England where they reside. Guyana's Representative to the USA and the OAS, Ambassador Riyad Insanally, was specially invited to represent Guyana. The body of the late author of "To Sir, With Love", "Paid Servant", "Honorary White", "A Kind of Home coming" and other books was cremated. His wife, Genevieve, says that a memorial will be held at a date to be announced, but that would certainly be after the holidays are over; possibly in late January or early February. E.R. Braithwaite died at the age 104. He died suddenly in Maryland, USA. Braithwaite had gone with his wife, Genevieve, to a mechanic shop to have their car checked up. There the educator, author and

merara River. The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) was commissioned in 1978 and is presently costly to maintain and operate for the thousands of persons from Regions 3. 2 and 7 especially, who use it on a daily basis. With large housing schemes at La Parfaite Harmonie. Tuschen and Zeelugt in Region 3. a reliable, high-capacity, high span bridge is a necessity to replace the floating, retractable DHB. which has to be closed daily to vehicular traffic to accommodate large ships going upriver in the Demerara for bauxite etc. The continued rolling out of the Coalition Administration's green agenda

and the broadening of the ICT network are also integral components to setting the foundation of Guyana's future as an oil-producing nation. There have been, and there will be, hurdles and mis-steps in the process; but Guyana's future is exciting, and some difficult, unpopular and longterm actions are needed to set the stage. Citizens' patience and understanding will be necessary, to avoid national anxiety and frustration that development is not being fast-tracked as quickly as many would like, after years of ad hocism as the national development strategy.

cremated

hold memorial next year diplomat suffered a heart attack while waiting for the one-hour work on the vehicle to be completed. He was rushed to hospital, where he received immediate medical attention, but passed away peacefully shortly after. Dr. Eustace Ricardo Braithwaite, CCH, was last in Guyana in August 2012, as a special guest of the Government of Guyana. That was on the occasion of his 100th birthday. He was appointed patron of the Inter-Guiana Culture Festival that year. Braithwaite also attended a performance of the play "To Sir, With Love: A Guyana Version" by Mosa Telford, which was produced by the National Library. During that final visit to his homeland, he was also conferred with the National Award of the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH). President David Granger has, in a statement, said that Guyana deeply mourns the passing of the late educator, author and diplomat. President Granger said Mr. Braithwaite was an eminent Guyanese and distinguished diplomat. "Mr. Braithwaite lived a full and remarkable life, having authored 'Choice of Straws"

(1965), 'A Kind of Homecoming" (1961), 'Paid Servant" (1962); and most famously, the 1959 'To Sir, With Love," which was made into the 1967 British hit film of the same title, starring Sidney Poitier and singer Lulu." Bom in Georgetown on June 27, 1912, Braithwaite attended the St. Ambrose Primary School in Alberttown before moving on to Queen's College, Guyana, and then the City College of New York (1940). He joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot during World War 11, before leaving to attend the University of Cambridge (1949), where he earned a Master's Degree in Physics. Braithwaite later became a School Master in London during the period 1950-1957, a Welfare Officer at the London County Council from 1958-1960, and a Human Rights Officer of World Veterans Federation from 1960 to 1963. He was the first Guyanese to hold the post of Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), in 1967. This led, subsequently, to his election as President of the UN Council for South West Africa in 1968. He later served as Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela.

E.R Braithwaite with Guyana Jubilee Year Plaque "Made in Guyana" (Francis Quamina Farrier photo)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

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By Gabriella Patram

2016

have to play on and utilise," Minister Gaskin said. Minister of Business with Gaskin said that Guyana's the responsibility for Tourism, nature and Eco-Tourism is Dominic Gaskin, said that the second to none. The Minister year 2016 has been a good one pointed out that Guyana is a for the tourism sector and that large country when compared to all citizens should be proud to its Caribbean neighbours, and when persons fly over Guyana know that Guyana has a product that attracts visitors. and all that they will see is vast Minister Gaskin un-spoilt natural habitat for W highlighted that at the end of miles and miles. September, Guyana had seen Minister Gaskin stated that an 11 percent increase in the un- spoilt habitat has its tourist arrivals. This is attractions such as the amazing expected to increase over the bio diversity, the plant life, Christmas holidays. "We have animal life, the rivers and a product that is unusual in this "anyone who visits the HON. DOMINIC GASKIN day and age and we are hinterland comes away with a MINISTER OF BUSINESS refreshing sense that it is probably one of the most something really special and ignored countries on the planet and has been for a long time, which makes us that is what we want to promote," Minister Gaskin special in a sense that not a lot of people know said. 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations -Minister about Guyana, so this sudden discovery gives us a certain prominence, a certain mystique that we Gaskin said that the May Jubilee celebrations

tourism

created quite a buzz not only locally but around the world. He noted that the country had a huge influx of visitors in May and June. "This year has been a very good year to tourism; a lot of work went into promoting Guyana for the jubilee year and that work began last year under the previous Minister Catherine Hughes and a lot of what happened in May must be attributed to her hard work. I only took over in July and I am reaping the benefits of her hard work," Minister Gaskin said. A total of 170,318 visitors arrived in Guyana during the first three quarters of 2016, when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor arrivals peaked in May, with over 24,000, which is double the number from May 2015. GuyExpo 2016 Minister Gaskin said that this year's trade show was a huge success and that his Ministry and the GuyExpo Committee was very appreciative of the hundreds of attendees that attended the exposition. Minister Gaskin explained that GuyExpo was well aligned with the objectives of the Ministry of

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

CJIA

revenue

collection

GUYANA up

13% - as at November 30

BREAKDOWN BY GENDER

By Raiietta LaFIeur

PER REGION A

•

REGION

MALES

FEMALES

14,450

13,193

23,554

23,256

53,794

53,991

152,188

159,375

24,833

24,987

54,963

54,689

9,721

8,654

6,032

5,045

12,479

11,759

19,791

20,201

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport's (CJIA) revenue collection has improved by 13 percent, and this has been attributed to the processing of more passengers at the country's main port-of-entry. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson during the recent 2017 budget presentation reported that the CJIA is projected to earn $1.3B by December 31, 2016. At the end of November 2016, revenues amounted to $1.168B, in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year, when it was $1.033B. "The CJIA, I'm pleased to announce, the corporation recorded 513,444 processed passengers as of November 2016, compared to 459,346 that is up compared from last year and the CJIA was twice successfully audited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of USA in 2016," Minister Patterson explained. Minister Patterson also reported to the National Assembly that works on the CJIA expansion project were moving apace and that several aspects have been completed. To date excavation and foundation

works are 100 percent completed, while about half of the runway has been finished. The latter should be completed by May next year. Works have also commenced on the new terminal building and are expected to be completed in May, 2017. In 2016, $4.450B was provided for the continuation of the CJIA expansion project which is slated for completion at the end of 2017. No fimds were allocated for the project in the 2017 budget. The project would see the runway extended from 7,500 to 10,800 feet, double aircraft position from four to eight, with eight passenger boarding bridges that will improve safety by eliminating the mixing of passengers and ground support vehicles as currently obtains on the apron, CCTV (closed circuit television) system with approximately 300 cameras, two elevators and escalators, and a departure control system for the convenience of airlines to manage their passengers at the terminal. In 2011, the then government inked a US$150M contract with China Harbour Engineering (CHEC), for the CJIA expansion project.

TOTALS: MALES - 371,805 FEMALES - 375,150 POPULATION: 746,955

Business, as well as the economic development priorities of the government, and was designed to nurture and promote business growth and development in Guyana. The annual trade fair saw an estimated 500 exhibitors who showcased their enterprises. The hosting of this business event in May was part of the range of activities commemorating Guyana's 50th independence anniversary. Coconut Festival "Awakening a Sleeping Giant", that was the theme of Guyana's very first Coconut Festival that was staged during Agriculture Month 2016. The Guyana Coconut Festival was held from October 28 to 30 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The last week of October 2016 was designated Coconut Awareness Week. Among the range of activities were product exhibitions, cooking and processing demonstrations, and presentations by Guyanese, Surinamese and American stakeholders on the multiple use of coconut. Some of the countries that participated in the festival include Suriname, Brazil, Mexico and India.

Ministry of the Presidency Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Let us 'work towards creating a culture ■ r Sla&l of peace and goodwill /I-/

the values of Christmas' - President David Granger

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Photo by Anthony Sookram

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

By Svetlana Marshall MORE than a year after launching an investigation into the Red House lease agreement initiated under the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government, the Attorney General's Chamber is now reporting that the agreement is invalid. In a detailed statement issued on Wednesday, the Attorney General's Chamber, headed by the Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, said that on March 30. 2012. the Red House lease agreement was initiated without the approval of the President, in contradiction of Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01. "There was no formal approval by the President of the Day. nor the National Trast. rendering the lease invalid, and a nullity in law. The President can properly revoke it." the Attorney General's Chamber stated, while further contending that the lease was "birthed in darkness to hide its unlawfulness from the scratiny of justice. In making its case, the Attorney General's Chamber pointed to several facts. It was explained that on

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- Red House lease null and void - Jagdeo had refused to approve application - President March 21. 2000. the Cheddi lagan Research Centre Inc. (CJRCI) was incorporated by Janet Jagan. Nadira Jagan-Brancier and Donald Ramotar as "a not-for-proht company" with the aim of establishing a library and research facility to contain

can revoke

the books, records and documents owned by Cheddi Jagan. It was in that year that a lease between the Government of Guyana, the National Trast. and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc was drawn up but was not executed.

lands

The Attorney General's Chamber further pointed out that on May 3. 2006. the former President Donald Ramotar. who was then General-Secretary of the PPP/C. had applied to the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys for a lease of the

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Red House lands on behalf of the Resource Centre. Although a hie was opened, approval had not been granted and as such the application was re-submitted in 2010. "On January 11. 2011. this re-submission was also not approved as there is no evidence of any signature of the President on the purported schedule, only those of Doerga Persaud. then CL&S and the Manager of Land Administration Mr. Menzie." the Attorney General's Chamber stated. However, on March 30. 2012. a lease entered by the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys on behalf of the Government, and Ralph Ramkarran SC. on behalf of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. was issued under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act. Chapter 59:01. The lease agreement, for the plots of land in Kingston. Georgetown, has a duration of 99 years at a cost of only $1,000 monthly. This adds

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up to $12,000 per year and $1,188,000 over the 99-year period. However, the Attorney General's Chamber is contending that the Red House lease is void. It was pointed out that Section 10 (1) of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01 states that "Government Lands shall only be rented or sold with the sanction of the President and on the terms and conditions determined by him." "This means that the President of Guyana must approve the Lease." the Chamber further stated. It was noted too that given the fact that the Red House was established under the National Trast of Guyana Monuments Register as a Public Building/National Monument/Heritage Site, approval for transfer, mortgage or lease must come from a Minister of Government in accordance with Section 3 (1) of the National Trast Act Chapter 20:03. "It is submitted that there is no evidence of a formal approval by the Minister/ President to lease the "Red House" a Public Building/ National Monument/Heritage site to the CJRCI. The unsigned draft lease agreement of 2000 suggests a disinclination on the part of the Minister/President to approve such a transaction." the Attorney General's Chamber stated. In 2015, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had indicated government's intention for the 'Red House' to be soon returned to the people of Guyana. He had shockingly revealed to the nation via the National Assembly that the former PPP/C administration had privatised 'Red House', otherwise known as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. Subsequent to that revelation, the matter was referred to Williams with a clear direction that he is to examine all the ways in which the lease can be terminated, resulting in the 'Red House' being returned to the people of Guyana. Harmon had said that the building must be taken out of the hands of a company to which government feels it was unreasonably transferred. Now that the transaction has been deemed null and void, it is highly likely that the President will use the powers vested in him to revoke the lands.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Life

threatening

Linden

CONSTANT pressure from heavy-duty lumber and other trucks, coupled with the recent heavy downpours, has, over the past few weeks, caused severe eroding of the surface and foundation of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, resulting in numerous breakaways and several minor accidents, given that drivers are not aware of these eroded 'holes'. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has received several reports of such accidents and has since officially informed drivers of the situation, advising drivers to proceed with caution in the vicinity of Kairuni. Yarrowkabra. Amelia's Ward and Kara Kara. Several breakages were temporarily corrected by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) over the past months, but the heavy downpours have now caused the curb walls at sections of the highway to be completely eroded, and the entire foundation of the thoroughfare is now void. A few months ago. breakages at Moblissa and Loo Creek resulted in water gushing into the yards of residents.

thus eroding the foundations of their houses. Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian has described the situation as life-threatening. He is particularly concerned with the breakaway at Kara Kara, since it is located on a slope in reasonably close proximity to the Kara Kara Creek. "Apart from this, there are other breakages on the road because of the rain. (Those) would have to be fixed right away; (they) are posing serious threats to life and limb (and) to vehicular traffic on the road." Morian posited. He had. a few months ago. suggested that a walkthrough of the entire highway be done by the MPI to enable that ministry to ascertain the weak points on the highway. "So. first thing I would recommend here is that the (MPI) do a walkthrough survey; look at the stress points and threatening areas, so that (they) can do corrective work." he stated. Concerns have also been raised about the other factors responsible for the degradation of the road, such as residents removing sections of the highway's curb walls to make driveways to their

Elderly

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\v The erosion at Yarrowkabra homes or pathways to their villages. It has also been alleged that lumber trucks would drive over the curb walls to park off of the road; and this.

woman

the airport, she was asked to take the scan. The woman said she explained to the officers that she cannot do a body scan and was impolitely sent into a room when two officers asked her to strip. She explained to the Guyana Chronicle that she had previously undergone a cancer-related surgical procedure and was ordered by her doctor to avoid much radiation. That is why she could not do the scan at the airport. The woman who declined to be named said she has travelled many countries. but disappointment clouds her joy of home as the bad experience was

roans

Highways

after a period of time, would have destroyed the road. On a visit to the highway on Saturday, this newspaper observed visible dents and cracks along the road. One

experienced in her own country. "Normally, when this is the case, airport personnel, internationally, administer a pat down. This was not the case with me. I was rudely ordered into a room with an audience and ordered to strip... I had to take off my top and my pants. It's how the woman said it. she said you have to strip. It's embarrassing for beginners. They didn't say we suspect something. I don't even know if it is [because of] the short stay that I had here." the senior citizen said. She said none of the officers told her the reason for the search and while she was there, no other pas-

senger was subjected to the same treatment. "This has been a very distressing and traumatic experience... I have travelled... and never have I suffered such humiliation and disgraceful treatment. These were like young women who could have been my children. Why does my country have to bring this embarrassment to me?" the woman asked. She said she has never been in trouble with the law and has no plans of doing such at age 68. "I am not a terrorist, nor am I a drag dealer. If this is the way people are treated, then no one will want to visit Guyana to do a striptease act at the airport." the woman told the Guyana Chronicle.

*> ;

A minor accident occurred

the eroded hole at Kairuni

civil engineer explained that those are as a result of the highway not having a solid foundation; and it has been made clear that with the continuous pressure from vehicular traffic, especially the heavy duty tracks plying the Georgetown to interior locations, the highway may soon cave in at various areas. The Region 10 Road Safety Organization had recently called for logs to be transported by river, so as to save the only thoroughfare connecting Region Four to

Region Ten and to several other interior regions. Regional officials have also called for the highway to be equipped with lights, since visibility on the highway is very limited at night, especially when foggy conditions are prevalent. Drivers are, further, calling on the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to repair the eroded sections earliest, as the inclement weather during the Christmas season may result in road accidents.

strip-searched

- says it was unreasonable and embarrassing A SIXTY-EIGHT-YEAROLD woman has complained of being embarrassed after security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri told her that they were following security procedure when they took her in a room and asked her to strip. The U.S.-based Guyanese said in mid-September. she visited Guyana for just five days after hearing that her house had been invaded by floodwaters at Mocha-Arcadia. East Bank Demerara. On September 16. she was travelling back to the U.S. and as she checked in and approached security at

She suggested that airport staff receive proper training to carry out their responsibilities, as it is the first place of contact for those travelling into Guyana. And on that note, the elderly woman is calling on President David Granger. Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan to ensure airport personnel are properly trained. "They need training. They need to be trained how to deal with such situations. They need to send them to observe how passengers are processed international [sic] at airports; and not be denigrated as I was made to endure." the woman said. She said even at the John F. Kennedy Interna-

CJIA

tional Airport, a female officer would accompany her and administer a 'pat down.' The woman said she had left Guyana since 1974 and lived in Africa and several other countries before migrating to the U.S. She visits her homeland at least twice every year and considers herself a "dual citizen." The woman said on that day. the only reason she did not turn back was the fact that she had a doctor's appointment in the U.S. and she knew too that her ticket money would not have been refunded by the airline agency. Efforts to contact Airport Manager Ramesh Geer yesterday proved futile.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Emphasis on Real Estate,

Age

Really

Taxes and Business S TAXES

The Edgar Henry Column

Just

Avery Happy New Year to all our readers. It is not only the years that are progressing rapidly. Don't fool yourself, let's face it, we are all getting older. Since we do not know the time or the hour when we will leave these shores, now is ample time to make preparations for lifestyle health changes and retirement. No matter how old we are, we are somewhat reluctant to admit that we are simply waiting patiently in the departure lounge as the clock on the wall keeps ticking. Most importantly you must take into consideration the practicality of what's happening in the world around which you exist. The political and economic state of affairs must be taken into account. When all the aches and pains start to manifest themselves and you don't recognize that stranger in the mirror; it's time to get serious about your future, financial and otherwise, realizing you're not going to live forever. Many persons approaching 50 are done with child-rearing; some of my male colleagues would agree while others would retort "Speak for yourself." However, previous inadequate savings or high debt levels can cripple retirement plans, as can illness, disability and layoffs. Poor planning, insufficient insurance protection and kids who return to live with parents pose additional risks. But by making crucial decisions, timing your retirement or deciding where you intend to live, you are better able to map out your plans. RECONSIDER YOUR CAREER Working during retirement can have social, emotional and economic benefits. The longer you're employed, the less you need to save for retirement. But what if you hate your job or your industry is downsizing rapidly? You can either wait to get fired, or figure out what you'd really like to do as you advance in age. Beware, the temptation to pitch it all in and go back to school for years on borrowed money. If so, you're unlikely to recoup the investment and you could end up saddled with student loans in your 80s. If you need additional training, night school is usually the better bet. If you're dying to start your own business in your 50s, do it as a sideline first to see if you can make your idea fly. PUT RETIREMENT ON THE FRONT BURNER You may still have kids to raise and educating them may need financial help as well. But saving for your retirement still needs to be your top priority. The median retirement age these days is 62 and if you're thinking about retiring before age 65, decide when your Medicare coverage should kick in and consider your health insurance options. Does your company offer retiree medical coverage? Could you be covered under a spouse's work coverage? These options need to be considered especially if you are self-employed. REFLECTIONS If the winter of your life comes by surprise, and these questions tend to haunt you: — How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go? Where did my kids go? And where did my youth go? As you reminisce

you would remember as a kid seeing older people thinking they were light years away from you. Suddenly, taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it's almost mandatory. In essence, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not. You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so live for today and say and do the things you want your loved ones to remember. FACTORS TO CONSIDER Will you sell your home and move, or tap into the equity with a reverse mortgage? How will you spend your time and how much will it cost? Do you have long-term care coverage or will you need to set aside money to cover future care? Fidelity Investments estimate the typical couple at age 65 will need about $200,000 to cover longterm care costs. ACCELERATE YOUR DEBT REPAYMENT If you're behind on retirement savings, every extra dollar should go there. You might want to consider getting your debt, including your mortgage, paid off by the time you retire. That will allow you to live on less or, conversely, spend more doing fun stuff, like vocations and travel. That

O.G.

Number?

credit card debt should be the first to go. Once it's paid, you can start adding a few bucks to every mortgage payment to reduce the principal.

If they're out of school and not disabled, kids should be economically independent. If they're still relying on you for sustenance, you're putting their financial future at risk as well as your own. Parents should avoid bailing out children "Teach them to fish." Also, make sure you have adequate liability insurance. Raise the liability limits on your homeowners' and auto insurance policies to the maximum, and consider adding a personal liability policy, also called an umbrella policy. As a rule of thumb, you should have liability coverage that's equal to one or two times your net worth. Long-term care insurance is the final piece of the puzzle. Actually, start taking advantage of your AARP discounts on insurance, travel, entertainment, shopping and more. SCHEDULE ALL THOSE CHECKUPS Now that you're approaching 50, you should be having physicals every year. Women need mammograms every two years, and should ask about bone-density screening. Men need prostate exams and both sexes need hypertension and diabetic checkups, screening for colorectal cancers, which may include colonoscopy. This isn't

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

c HARRIS LARGE (Ed Harris Column)

To my readers everywhere, especially those of the Caribbean Diaspora, it is my hope that you spent a most enjoyable festive season and that you are ready to face whatever challenges that may come your way in 2017. With just three days to go at the time of my writing this article, I am filled with expectations and anxieties like never before experienced in my adult life. I speak for many others who have expressed the same sentiments. It is a matter of urgency that we expect and receive better economic performance than was experienced in the past six to seven years. It has been a downhill battle to survive; many have resigned to the fact that it is over, while many stood their ground and continue to keep hope alive. It has not been all doom and gloom, many entrepreneurs in the midst of the difficult times have done well, and will continue to excel. Every year, the St. Lucia Chamber land state. Our time has come. This of Commerce, Industry and Agricul- is massive! ture successfully hosts their Awards Ceremony which highlights the excellence of St. Lucian entrepreneurship. Already nominees for 2017 have been announced. However, speaking for the majority, things cannot be allowed to continue as usual, a change has got to come. We can no longer continue to do the same things expecting different results. It is not surprising that we no longer hear buzz words like Paradigm Shift, Thinking Outside the Box, Diversification, etc. Our political and community leaders went back to business as usual. It is time to wake them up. Those who show signs of moving forward with a different agenda — one that is in sync with the current trends, and consisk1 tent with the EASE of DOING BUSINESS, using INVESTMENT as the catalyst in moving forward must be encouraged and supported. Based on my recent articles, you would have noted that St. Lucia is poised for a massive investment of US 2.6 Billion Dollars in the South of the island — Pearl of the Caribbean being promoted by Desert Star Holdings Ltd. But there are many more projects slated for 2017 in the South, the upgrading of the Hewanorra International Airport, building of new hotels and upgrading of existing ones. Developments are not only scheduled for the South; the North continues its expansion with two new hotels scheduled to be officially opened in 2017. Sandals Resorts International has signalled its intension to build a six star hotel on Pigeon Island Causeway. The year 2017 is St. Lucia's year and there should be no stopping this little is-

While I pray without ceasing for this door of opportunity to be opened, I will not throw caution to the wind. We have been there before, even though not at this magni-

tude, but expectations have been high in the past without yielding any positive outcome. However, this is the nature of business — some will fail and some will succeed. We should always strive to succeed rather than fail. This simple fact establishes the heavy burden on Leaders who are entrepreneurial in their approach to investments and as a result, ultimately take risks. As we head for the churches on New Year's Eve, let us become prayer warriors for progress, this will not be only for St. Lucia but the Caribbean as a whole, including all

aspora would turn their eyes to the Caribbean and seek out investments, and not leave it exclusively to the extra regional investors. It is for that reason that in my last article I encouraged my readers to own a piece of the rock. Any investment at this time in the South of island (the New Frontier) can only be positive. Apart from housing and land development, there are opportunities in every area of business. The South needs restaurants, retail Stores with quality products, specialised businesses and services, etc. If you have an idea that you feel the time has come for it to be introduced to the Caribbean, enter into a confidential agreement with a reputable Business Consultant and get an initial survey done to access the viability of the idea — will it fly? Look at all the big developments scheduled to come on stream in 2017. St. Lucia has all the indicators of being the right place to be in the Caribbean! Check the facts. This brings me to the point where I introduce you to this week's recommended website - www.investstlucia.com In parting, let me take this opportunity to wish you, your families and your associates - A Happy, Productive and Prosperous New Year. Demand the life you deserve! Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is in Charge - Dream Big and Expect Miracles!

member states of CARICOM. The future look great for FDIs but how much more guaranteed that future will be if our friends in the Di-

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

Happy Holidays to All Our Readers and Advertisers We Thank You for Your Business in 2016 and look forward to serving you in 2017 Advertise with us and see your business grow Call 917-379-6590 to place your Ad.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Scrap-metal

dealers

cry

for

help

...plead with gov't to re-open trade By Ariana Gordon THE Guyana Metal Recyclers Association has issued a renewed call for the Government of Guyana to reopen the suspended scrap metal trade. The trade was suspended since June 2015 and according to Secretary of the Association, Michael TO LET ONE ROOM OFFICE ONLY US$300 611 CONCILIATION STREET, TUCVILLE, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA CALL +592 695-8785, +592680-2011, WHATSAPP +8613428675874 Email pogmiguyana@yahoo.com OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL SPACE 25FT.X18FT. FOR BBQ, LUNCH, BIRTHDAY PARTIES ETC. USS300, ACCOMMODATES 50 PERSONS 611 CONCILIATION STREET, TUCVILLE, GEORGETOWN, GUYANA CALL 592- 695-8785, 680-2011, WHATSAPP +8613428675874 email pogmiguyana@yahoo.com

Benjamin, persons within the trade are being forced out of honest work. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday. Benjamin said despite promises made by the APNU+AFC administration to lift the suspension on the trade, nothing has been done and dealers are losing millions of dollars on a daily basis. He explained that properties belonging to some of the dealers have been forfeited by the bank and persons are under strain to provide for their families. "Eighteen months into the suspension and we have no firm commitment from the Ministry of Business regarding the resumption of the trade. We at this moment are very disappointed and are under a lot of hnancial constraints...we have lots of obligations." said a frustrated Benjamin.

According to Benjamin, it was expected that the trade would be reopened on or by November 30. 2016 in accordance with a roadmap prepared by the Ministry of Business. The roadmap indicated that the trade would have been reopened after the completion of the draft legislation, a scrap metal proposal, the creation of operational process for carrying on trade, draft regulations and SOP's for the regulating of the trade, the design and composition of a monitoring unit, the establishment of licensing fees, the submission of the legislation to the National Assembly for passage, and the establishment of a scrap metal unit. In a correspondence to the Association dated August 16. 2016. subject Minister. Dominic Gaskin said. "In so far as the resumption of the scrap metal trade is con-

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Secretary of the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association, Michael Benjamin displays a document sent to the Association by the Ministry of Business on Wednesday cemed. there is currently no regulatory body in place to oversee the operation of the trade. The Ministry of Business has set out a road map of actions that need to be completed before the trade can resume and is working towards achieving the set milestones." But Benjamin said the roadmap submitted by the Minister is not realistic and is placing excess hardship on those who depend on the trade to maintain their families. "There is no certainty right now... we are not certain where we are at this point. Up to when we picketed in August, the President spoke with us and we asked for the trade to be reopened and government can work on the new legislation simultaneously. I don't see anything wrong with the current legislation... the administration never tried it." He said the Association understands the concerns of the government and that of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) as it relates to vandalism. However. he made it clear that there is a list of 25 exporters all of whom are licensed scrap metal dealers and members of the Association. On December 16. 2016. Business Liaison Officer. Neilson McKenzie (Jr.) in a letter to the Association informed that the Ministry of Business will begin the process of registering scrap metal exporters in advance of the resumption of the trade under a new legislative and regulatory

framework. "Under this framework, the Ministry intends to license dealers and collectors and regulate the trade in a manner that emphasises traceability and accountability. Dealers will be required to submit reports of every transaction and will be prohibited from acquiring scrap metal that cannot be traced to its original owner." the letter from the Ministry of Business stated. Additionally, the Ministry said that it expects to resume the issuing of licences for the export of scrap metal to registered exporters who can provide "proper documentation" to show how the metal was acquired. "Until such time as new legislation takes effect the existing legislation will remain in force." the letter stated. The Ministry of Business said it recognises the plight of those who depend on the industry to earn and is "committed to its earliest possible resumption." "The Ministry is equally committed to ensuring that the industry is allowed to operate in a way that is free from the harmful impacts of the various malpractices that have plagued it in the past." But the Secretary of the Metal Recyclers Association finds the letter "strange" as a list comprising 25 exporters was submitted to the Ministry of Business. "I don't understand this... this was a dark Christmas.. .there are 42 containers sitting on the wharf...millions being lost...we have storage fees. Scrap metal is a lucrative business and we are being denied the right to

earn, pay our bills and support our families." Benjamin said. According to him. there has always been traceability in the system citing an exporter's logbook which requires the names, identification numbers, telephone numbers and addresses of the registered exporters. "We are saying the legislation is there enforce it... deal with those who vandalise... not because there are a few bad eggs you shut down the trade." he declared. Some containers that were sitting on city wharves were allowed to be exported last December but according to Benjamin only six exporters were allowed to ship. He contended that the Ministry's bid to regulate the trade would be pointless without the assistance of the police. "The police must play a major role in the trade. We do not get the support of the police. We want a smooth running trade that will always portray positive work ethics." Benjamin told Guyana Chronicle that over 1300 persons are faced with difficult circumstances as a result of the suspension of the trade and he pleaded with President David Granger to intervene. "Mr. President, please let good sense prevail; intervene immediately and let the trade begin. We are at a standstill; we are not getting enough feedback to know what is causing the delay. It is too long and we are suffering tremendously." he pleaded. "Mr. President please have a heart of compassion," cried Benjamin.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

- President orders revocation of Red House lease - occupants must vacate by Saturday

p â–

H PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday ordered that the controversial lease for Red House, which housed the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property by Saturday. The decision comes one day after the Attorney General. Basil Williams issued a statement detailing the history of the CJRCFs occupancy of the building and outlining that there was no valid lease agreement as former President Bharrat Jagdeo had refused to approve at least two applications for the lease. In a release Thursday night it was mentioned that the Head of State handed down these instructions earlier in the day in a letter to Minister of State. Mr. Joseph Harmon, more than one year after the Coalition Government had engaged the CJRCI on the matter of the lease. This engagement included negotiations for The Red House to provide a national service by housing information on all of the Presidents of Guyana. Those negotiations proved futile and in an invited comment. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Mr. Basil Williams said that after discussions broke down, he sought to determine the legality of the lease agreement. "Having carefully considered the advice of the Minister of Legal Affairs. President Granger has concluded that it would be in the public's interest for the lease issued to the CJRCI to be revoked and has also directed the Minister of State that the building be assigned to house "The National Trast of Guyana, its staff, stores and equipment", currently housed in the Valerie Rodway Building on Carmichael Street, with effect from January 1. 2017. where it would be better able to fulfil its mandate to preserve Guyana's national patrimony and to promote an appreciation for the nation's heritage." the release added. In a statement issued on Wednesday. Minister Williams said his investigations revealed that the lease held by the CJRCI is invalid on several grounds, including that there is no evidence that the President of the day had sanctioned it. On March 30. 2012 The Red House lease agreement was initiated without the approval of either the President of the

Jealous

Day or The National Trust of Guyana, which is in contravention of Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01. rendering it void. The statement also said that on March 21. 2000. the CJRCI was incorporated as "a not-for-profit company" by late former President Janet Jagan. her daughter Ms. Nadira Jagan-Brancier and former President Donald Ramotar. who was then the General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). with the aim of establishing a library and research facility to contain the works and documents owned by the late President Cheddi Jagan. In that same year, the lease agreement among the parties; the Government of Guyana. The National Trast of Guyana and the CJRCI was drawn up but not executed. The Attorney General further said that on May 3. 2006 Mr. Ramotar applied to the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys (CL&S) for a lease of the property, which comprises Lots 65. 66 and 67 High Street. Kingston. Georgetown, on behalf of the CJRCI but although a fde had been opened in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Com-

lover

THE Udho family of No.70 village, Berbice, left their home on Christmas Eve to go to the busy Corriverton area for a lime and to cash in on any last-minute Christmas deals; however, they never made it past three houses from where they live as they were brutally attacked by a jealous cutlass-wielding former lover of a family member. In the aftermath of the attack, the man's former girlfriend 23-year-old Bhartie Udho.had received several wounds about her body, including the head and lost her right arm and two lingers. Her 43-year-old mother. Amika Udho. suffered several chops about the body, including the neck and lost her right middle linger. The younger daughter of the family. 18-year-old Alisa Ali also suffered several chops about the body

after attempting to rescue her mother and sister. The alleged attacker, who has been identihed as 27-yearold Shamar Mohamed Ally also known as 'Crabman' has gone into hiding. According to Alisa. the incident occurred about 20:30hrs as the family left home for Skeldon. "Between 8 and 8:30. we left to go catch car on the road to go Skeldon and when we turn to go on the street. I stepped back because my shoe strap was loose... then I don't know where this man come from but he throw a rope around my sister neck and dragged her to the ground. When she fell, he got on his knees and pulled out a cutlass from his right side and started to broadside her." the traumatised teenager told this newspaper. Alisa related that her mother then tried to push 'Crabman' away with the

mission (GL&SC). approval had not been granted. The application was then resubmitted on August 30. 2010. on a revised schedule, to the then Office of the President. On January 11. 2011. the resubmitted application was also not approved as there is no evidence of any signature of the President of the Day on the purported schedule, only those of Mr. Doorga Persaud. the then CL&S. and the Manager of Land Administration. Mr. Enrique Monize. However, on March 30. 2012. a lease entered by the CL&S on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and by Mr. Ralph Ramkarran. S.C.. on behalf of the CJRCI. was issued under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act. Chapter 59:01 for property with a duration of 99 years, commencing on January 1. 2012 at an annual rental of $12,000 for the first three years, and with the proviso that the Government could revise the annual rent payable at the end of every three years. In the statement, the Attorney General said that the 99-year lease "was not executed in the manner of a transport, that is advertised and passed before the Court.

severs

....chops mother, others By Nafeeza Yahya

- National Trust to be housed at site

Suspect: Shamar Mohamed Ally, also known as 'Crabman,' is in hiding help of her two brothers, but he remained planted on the ground. At this point the traumatised teen recalled that the attacker became enraged and started to chop her mother and sister, while he kept her tw o younger brothers. ages 14 and 17. at bay. "After them try to push him off. he start chop me sister and mother, he chop me sister on she forehead, neck back and cut off her lingers when she try to bar the cutlass...the same thing happened to my mother when she try fuh hold back the cutlass, she lose she

nor was it filed as of record and annotation made against the Property by the Registrar of Deeds." The statement further noted that in Section 4 of the State Lands Act Chapter 62:01 said that State Lands can only be converted into Government Lands with the sanction of the President of the Day and on the terms and conditions determined by this office bearer and there is no formal evidence of sanction or approval by the then President. The Red House is established in The National Trast of Guyana Monuments Register as a Public Building/ National Monument/Heritage Site. The Trast was established under The National Trust Act Chapter 20:03 Laws of Guyana, which is an "Act to make provision for the preservation of monuments. sites, places and objects of historic interest or national importance". Its main responsibility is the preservation of all monuments of Guyana, which under the Act includes "any building, structure or object or other work of man..." The National Trust also "shall not transfer, mortgage, lease, charge or dispose of any land without the approval of the

Minister." according to its webpage. The Attorney General maintains that all the parties knew that The Red House "at all material times was a heritage site, both building and lands under the National Trust Act Chapter 20:03". Further, the CL&S is the custodian of all Government Lands... "that is why there must be evidence of the President approving leases under Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01". On August 21, 2015, Minister Harmon, in his Budget presentation, had told the Parliament that the PPP/C had privatised the CJRCI and had been leasing the property for a mere $1,000 per month. The Minister had also noted that while in government, the PPP/C Administration had spent large sums renovating The Red House, a property of the State until 2012, then renamed it CJRCI. Minister Harmon had also said that all the sitting executives of the CJRCI are all connected to the PPP/C party and that discussions between the government and the CJRCI and others on the matter had been futile.

woman's

middle linger on she right hand." The young woman said after she realised the attacker was not letting up. she decided to intervene by trying to push him away from her sister, but he turned the cutlass on her. dealing her several hits about her arms and shoulders before returning to her sister. At this point. Alisa recalled that he hred a chop towards her sister, who attempted to block it causing her right arm to be severed from the elbow. Alisa intervened again, only to be hit several times more, but allowed the attacker to turn his attention away from her sister, whom he seemed hell bent on killing. By this time her youngest sister. 16-year-old Afeeda. had heard the screams and ran out to the street only to be chased away by the cutlass-wielding man. who ran away after her father came out. "When my dad came out 'Crabman' ran away, dad

arm

TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Bhartie Udho lost her arm during the attack was confused seeing me holding my mother covered in blood and my sister with her hand chopped off. that he started to shout and the neighbours came and lend us their car to take them to the hospital." Alisa related that upon

arrival at the Skeldon Hospital. they were immediately rushed by ambulance to the New Amsterdam hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public hospital, where her family underwent Turn to page 25 >

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

t f/itf/] w 2i wording and demanded it be passed."

(from page 7) practice "a flagrant violation of International Law." In a statement, Israel's Foreign Ministry said Israel was limiting its work contacts with the 10 relevant embassies in Israel, as well as travels of officials from Israel to those countries. These countries were Britain, France, Russia, China, Japan, Ukraine, Angola, Egypt, Uruguay and Spain. Israel has always acted a s spoilt adopted child of the US. When anyone criticizes their wicked policies, they call them anti-Semitic, despite Palestinians also being Semites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angrily told his cabinet: "According to our information, we have no doubt the Obama administration initiated it (the resolution), stood behind it, coordinated the

On Wednesday 28th December, 2016, the Jerusalem Zoning Committee met to discuss the con- ■ struction of 50 settlements in East Jerusalem. It was expected to approve the plan. After the Israeli Prime Minister asked them to suspend their decision, they agreed. However, this only a delay tactic. Netanyahu knows that Trump will continue traditional US stance in the UN with respect to Israel and the settlements will be built. Israel's behavior is buoyed by our President-elect, who believes that East Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel and that building new settlements is in Israel's best interests. Trump's choice of David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel reinforces the point. I believe that sanity will pre-

vail in US policy in the areas discussed. America survived Joe McCarthy, George Wallace and the Klu Klux Klan. It will survive Donald

v •

Trump, one way or the other. Let us wish ourselves A BLESSED AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR (2017).

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Army,

police

Chronicle

reject

headline

Parking

roll

out

iT7

meters

January

looking to employ a new strategy that will see the Council renting municipal bonds.

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THE Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have both rejected a headline in the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday saying " Army, police officers fingered" in the ongoing probe into an illegal aircraft that was abandoned at Yupukari, Region Nine back in September. The law enforcement agencies did not deny the contents of the article, but pointed out that the headline was misleading and erroneous. Reporting from the findings of a commission of inquiry into the discovery of the illegal plane Guyana Chronicle reported that two members of the joint services are under investigation to determine whether they had any links to the

issue. The officers - a deputy superintendent of police and a 2nd lieutenant of the GDF have been removed from their postings in the area and the GDF was asked to set up a Board of Inquiry to probe any possible wrong doing by the officers. Guyana Chronicle was told that the hnal report into the investigation concerning the plane cited the GDF officer for abandoning his post when he was asked to stake out the area where the plane was found and also he has been accused of tampering with the scene of the investigation. Regarding the police officer, this newspaper was told that the hnal report cited him for physically assaulting civilians at the scene who wanted to report the discovery of the

plane to authorities. Residents had found the plane almost one month before an official report was made to authorities, according to the preliminary findings of Brigadier (Ret'd) Edward Collins. According to information reaching this newspaper Collins in his report recommended that the two officers be disciplined and also recommended further that an investigation be conducted into whether they knew of the aircraft operations. Collins also recommended that a more senior GDF officer be posted to command the troops in the Rupununi and that the military should augment its strength in the border region.

Jealous lover severs... From page 23 surgery and are being kept in the intensive care unit. Their condition is listed as stable but serious. AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP Upon inquiring what may have triggered the attack. Alisa related that the incident stemmed from her sister. Bhartie ending the relationship she had shared with the suspect since 2011. According the Alisa. her sister decided to end the short relationship in 2011 after noticing that even though the relationship was not serious. Ally was very jealous, demanding and abusive. This did not sit well with Ally, as he would verbally abuse Bhartie whenever he saw her and on several occasions held her against her will, taking her to remote locations. However, on each occasion she managed to call someone to get her. The sister further noted that several reports were made to the police station and the matter would end up in court, however, the case was always postponed to a later date. As the constant abuse continued. Bhartie. a grad-

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The mother, Amika Udho, is in a serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital uate of the University of Guyana, was forced to quit her job as a teacher at the #56 Primary School after the suspect would show up before and after school. Despite moving on with his life by marrying and fathering tw o children, the suspect still continued to harass and abuse Bhartie whenever she ventured outside her home. Alisa said. This she said, forced Bhartie to remain indoors and the suspect then attempted to gain entry into the home in early 2016. The matter was

reported and a restraining order was placed on Ally. Meanwhile, the father of the home. Abdul Ali. told the Guyana Chronicle that he has always been fearful for his daughter's life after noticing the suspect's behaviour. He explained that the threats have been going on for quite some time and had the police acted more sternly, the incident could have been prevented. He is however hoping that the police can capture the suspect so that justice can be served.

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INTROSPECTION As the city continues to take steps to improve income-collection and boost services. King said the M&CC has commenced introspection to outline shortfalls and look at areas where they can enhance services. "Two pump attendants were already suspended for refusing to execute their tasks... by doing so they compromised our already fragile drainage system... so in order to hud more things like these, we need to look inwards instead of just looking outwards." stressed the town clerk. The M&CC will be moving to implement more training programmes to bolster its human resources and to also recrait more competent individuals. "We are stagnated by the old pattern

j City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green TOWN Clerk Royston King said the parking meter project is expected to take effect on January 9,2016, but for informational purposes, so that persons can be familiarised on how the meters are used. During the hnal statutory meeting of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) at City Hall, the town clerk said that the informational phase will be conducted for a few days, after which, the project will take full effect. King in a statement had disclosed that the M&CC will soon apply to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan for conhrmation of the Georgetown parking meters by-laws. "These by-laws seek to enforce general and specific measures to ensure the integrity of the parking meter project will be fully introduced in the City of Georgetown on January 9. 2017." the town clerk said. Drivers will be required to purchase "parking cards" from the Smart City Office or other vendors, in order to park at a designated area and will be required to pay $50 for every 15 minutes or $200 for every hour. The prices were approved by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). The parking cards will be available for either long or short-term use and drivers will be required to rehll the cards for a specific value. After inserting the card, a receipt will follow, which drivers must place on the front windscreen, so inspectors will see that the spot was paid for. It was also noted that drivers will pay for parking from Monday to Saturday only, between 07:00 hrs - 19:00 hrs. This, initiative he said, is just one of the major projects in the pipeline for 2017. given that aside from parking meters which will boost city revenues, the M&CC will be

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V Town Clerk Royston King of the old system and actions will be taken against it." Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said. The mayor also used the opportunity to inform the town clerk of the work of the officers/staff that operate under him. As such, she indicated to King that, "if you can't properly manage your officers, we will manage you." Some shortcomings in 2016 led to the M&CC failing to complete rehabilitation of the Kitty Market; however, it was able to achieve some of its goals, such as the transformation of the Merriman Mall and reconstraction of some bridges, among other things. Next year greater emphasis will be placed on minimising flooding in areas such as South Ruimveldt and Albouystown, the mayor said.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

New York Chronicle Horoscope

2 ARIES (Mar. 21-April20) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. Your determination and stamina will make your work look flawless and effortless. The distance may make both you and your mate appreciate each other more. Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. Your luckiest events next week will occur on a Sunday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed. Relationships may be hard to handle. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. You can bet that situations will get out of hand if you allow others to interfere. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Keep your cash in your pocket and offer them sound advice rather than your financial assistance. Your ability to help others will win you points. Use your head and do things to your liking. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Business hips might prove unproductive. Your ability to take hold of a situation will surely bring you popularity and leadership. Avoid confrontations with coworkers who aren't pulling their- weight. Don't overindulge in anyway. Your luckiest events next week will occur- on Wednesday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Your fight for those less fortunate is not likely to end in sweet victory. Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. There's a good chance that they won't come back. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Your- luckiest events next week will occur on Friday. LIBRA (Sept 24 - Oct. 23) Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive. You have a lot to offer. You may find yourself in a romantic situation. Don't jump too quickly if someone hies to make you join in on their- crusade. Your- luckiest events next week will occur- on Saturday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation. Romantic relationships could be under pressure. Look into attending seminars that can expand your perception. Don't spend too much in order to impress others. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Don't hesitate to present your unique ideas. Good friends will give you honest answers. Make those phone calls and pay your bills. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

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1 ACROSS 1. High school dance 5. Watering spot 8. Merely 12. Emanation 13. The Gulf 14. NBC's " Factor" 15. Slapping 17. Hasbro products 18. Word in BET 20. Bowling 23. Mode 27. French couturier 28. Lincoln et al. 30. Actress Gardner 31. "CSI" evidence 32. Fail examinations 33. Foil material 34. Quirky 35. Survive 36. Tarot reader's prop

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Y O U

N O

Y W H

O W S

A O

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n ABRAHAMS ASHFORD

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) A long discussion is in order if you wish to clear- the air-. Avoid any gossip and be careful that you aren't misinterpreted. You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk. The great outdoors will allow you to teach youngsters some of the things you learned when growing up. Your- luckiest events next week will occur- on Thursday.

DAVIS

BALAS BENOIT BIKILA BORZOV DIDRIKSON ECKERT FOSBURY HAHN ISO-HOLLO KETER KINGDOM KISS

N O A Y R

Y O A

T O

L G W A R O

E M

H O

T O

F O N

O B

B M

B O

O V

O M

A N

s M 0 D £ JL. 1 JL.JL.J3.

O N

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will gain a lot if you listen. Your involvement with children will be most rewarding. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. Do something together and you'll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday.

PISCES (Feb.20-Mar.20) Travel and entertainment will be pleasurable. You are exceptional at presenting your- ideas. You can get into self awareness groups or look into physical enhancement programs. Your- lack of interest in your- partner is a problem. Your- luckiest events this month will occur- on Wednesday.

1 TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas. You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the aits. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Monday.

ISSUE 29 CROSSWORD ANSWER

1 V A

Y A

LEWIS LIDDELL

ISSUE #29 W0RDFIND

LOWE MYYRA OWENS RICHARDS RUDOLPH SHORTER SNELL

ANSWER w T P P O

E C 0 S N (tA CP R O U 3) d> E (EMtL -YCE, E R\S> <N/(K" N A/ft* <y\L / 1 vA Pi A %A/ 0 fit L E t\cb V (S T O .D G

THOMPSON THORPE THUGWANE VIREN ZATOPEK

sy i L.. W/O I/E C S iU L A

U R

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Heal & Education Relief Organization for Cancer (HEROC)

Breakfast/Brunch on January 8,2017 - New Yoifc Once

again

The

HEALTH & EDUCATION RELIEF

Health and Educa-

ORGANIZATION FOR CANCER

tion Relief Organiza-

(H.E.R.O.C)

tion for Cancer (HEROC) will be hosting its Annual Holiday

PRESENTS I

MTFISI

Breakfast/Brunch on January

OUR 4th ANNUAL BREAKFAST & DUTCH AUCTION

8th, 2017 Please see the flyer at right. For the past three years we have been building and gearing up for our Mission Trip to Guyana which was just completed in November 5th, 2016. It is now our desire to return to our homeland every year in October during Cancer Awareness month to continue our work. After a very successful trip, it is our desire to grow each year and your continued support will allow us to meet our goals.

REMSEN HALL 375 Rcimen Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11212 (bet. Lenox Rd & Clatkson Avo)

On oc

SUNDAY JANUARY 8th 2017 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM S

Come out and enjoy a savory meal with friends and

family!

Bring your appetite and don't forget yuh SSSS far de auction with bids starting iSI.OO SSSS

Please come out and support our Holiday Breakfast/Brunch and help us at this very motivational fund raiser event.

Children $15.00

Adults $20.00

Tickets please contact: LORNA 646-522-8005; THERESA 347-901-0009 HAROLD 917-496-8247; MARIA 917-385-6409

Best regards and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS send my sincerest regard 1 to

all

who

B Kwanzaa

celebrate

this

bles, I)lessings and memories over the paist year let us be inspired by

the spirit of unity or Umoja, so we can bring in 2017 with hope that

there will be a better tomorrow, Habari Gani..."

holiday

season. Today marks the beginning of a cultural celebration

that

honors

African

American heritage and cul-

r ■

COUNCIL MEMBER

JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS

ture through the seven prinA5th Council District, Brooklyn

ciples of Kwanzaa ~ unity, tflST FlflTBUSH

self determination, collective work and responsibility, co-

FUTBUSH ■a

operative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. "This season, we celebrate Kwanzaa at a time when many of Africa's children in America are undergoing challenges as they move through life. We are faced with high unemployment rates, inadequate housing and schooling options, and a burgeoning gun violence pandemic that is taking the lives of our youth. "As we reflect on our trou-

*>■ ,v *

FUTLflNDS

•

MIDW000

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

7Peter Haynes

JUMAN-YASSIN SECURES LONGEST SERVING

—

GOA PRESIDENCY TITLE WITH POOREST RECORD

Within 48 hours, we will be saying goodbye to 2016 and welcoming 2017 with great hope, expectations, determination, and resolve to ensure that it will be the best year that we will have experienced in our lifetimes. And moreso, we will pledge to ensure that it will be the year in which the foundation will be laid for the best Guyana to bequeath to our grand- and greatgrandchildren, who will eternally thank us for the work and sacrifices we made to ensure a green and better life for them. Over the past four to five months, I have tried to touch on topics and issues which ought to have provoked great interest. I am sure that on many occasions there were dissenting readers and opinions and, for some of these, I may have even tapped their toes. That was good, as it shows that I have continued to attract readers. In one case, there was a response which I did not pursue after a good friend in the Labour arena used an issue in one of my columns to respond but continued to hide behind the real issue. Some other columnists at home have been waging a campaign against the Guyana Olympic Association and its President, who according to them, provided the type of leadership which enhanced only himself and the members of his clique, but certainly did not place the nation on the charts as credible contenders, but caused it to continue to be mere pretenders in the world of sports. The position that I then took — to refrain from getting into the fray — was deliberate, for many reasons. The Annual General Meeting of the G.O.A. is behind us now, and I am sure that my columnist friends are either licking their wounds or voicing unprintable words about the delegates who represented the affiliated organizations. Emanating from the AGM are some very important reports and developments . I really don't want to state the actual figures, when it comes to the millions of dollars that the G.O.A received from various international donor organizations e.g. the LOG, the Com-monwealth Games Foundation, and the Pan American Games. However, given that a large amount of these funds have not been spent, one might suggest that there were no more meetings or games for the country's athletes to attend, but the question must be asked: for what purposes were the expended sums used, and how did Guyana benefit through the development of participants or sports facilities, or in more obviously tangible results — for example, the win-

ning of medals? Let's take, for example, the fact that the Government took the lead to construct a synthetic athletic track. Much more needs to be done to make the facility one about which we could be proud to say: "This is our own!" and able to welcome the best in the world to compete right here at Leonora. The government, in recognition of this continuing need, has in fact voted large sums of money in the 2017 National Budget to upgrade the facility. In my opinion, the Guyana Olympic Association should have realized that unless the donors restricted contributions to facilities owned by government, it ought to have jumped in with both hands and feet to finance the upgrading of such facilities. Thus, the monies that the government proposed spending to upgrade the athletic facility could then be used to develop other areas to address the nation's basic and immediate needs. Am I to understand that no member of the executive or any affiliate organizations saw the needs of the GOA's involvement in order to effect such a simple exercise? It should also be noted that in the 2017 National Budget the Government has made provisions to upgrade the Aquatic Center. What are those bright and qualified executive members of the GOA doing when they attend meetings? Are they only considering who will attend which overseas meeting on which continent, and whose turn it is to go this time around? Please, people, this is nothing new with the GOA — or for that matter — with any other sports organization. It has been happening for decades, and I dare say it will happen for decades to come unless we take a stand for real change now! For good measure, I will throw in the need for development of sports facilities throughout the country. As a reminder to those who may have forgotten and a lesson for those too young to know, such work was done in the past by GUYSUCO! But that was work done when "Sugar was Sweet."

According to reports, two motions were proposed and accepted at the AGM of the G.O.A.: one, to split the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer position to create individual Assistant Secretary and an Assistant Treasurer positions, is understandable and I am in total agreement with that. But the other motion, to have a three-term limit for the Presidency, is utterly amusing, which all can agree, comes TWELVE YEARS too late. Let's do some calculations. When the term limit plan takes effect, the current President would have been in office for 24 years, and any succeeding President would only be able to serve for twelve years. It should be truly safe to say that no previous President of the Guyana Olympic Association would have served as long, for while the record will show that Mr. JumanYassin will have been the longest serving President of the Olympic Association, what it will not say is whether there was any development of sports in Guyana during the 24 years of his tenure. What will be his legacy, what will be the legacy of the G.O.A. for those 24 years? Or, and a big OR, will he continue to do as he has done in the past 20 years - and not have any ideas or plans to do any better than during the past 20 years? Alternatively, the Executive Committee could use the next four years to make amends and remember it is not too late to say to the Government that it will assist in the development and upgrading of the Athletic and the Aquatic facilities so that the funds voted in the National Budget could be utilized to develop other aspects of the country's life. Let me suggest what the G.O.A will say about why they did not propose spending their monies on upgrading facilities: "the Government must give the respective National Associa-

r .!

PRESIDENT JUMAN YASSIN tions ownership of the land before they spend the grant monies." Please, tell me why that would be such a difficult issue to be negotiated by the G.O.A. with the Government! I am aware that this issue involves not just moving funds voted for one issue and switching them to another area, but surely we could consider it? Please, don't let the next four years be yet another period for the members of the executive and their supporters to put pins on the world map on the countries that they would like to visit before they demit either office or this life. I cannot leave without a word to my friends in the Labour Movement. Please announce plans to organize the tens of thousands of unorganized workers through the country and also to develop young leaders to take over from the retiring leaders who have been in the positions even longer than Mr. Jamun-Yassin would have been President of the G.O.A. in four years. May 2017 be a year of good health, prosperity and lots of fun. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

The Management and Staff of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle wish all our Advertisers and Readers — Good Tidings for this holiday season.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Princess

All

the

Hotel

Amusement

rage

By Tamica Garnett

Park

these

days

rrn t

The Fun Park officially And the prices for the rides are opened to much fanfare and not exorbitant at all. As prices go in AS the entertainment incrowds. Its symbolic ribbon Guyana, theirs "ain't bad". Entrance dustry in Guyana continwas cut by General Manager into the Park is free, and you only ues to boom, the Ramada Eray Kanma. and then eager pay for the rides that you go on. Georgetown Princess Hotel patrons got on to the fun part, Prices per turn on the rides range enjoying it all the more be- from $200 - $500. The payment is looking to keep on top of the game, and last Saturday cause everything was free for system is much like the one at the / officially opened its "Fun the day. already established Fun City at the Park" amusement park at The Park complements the Hotel. its Providence, East Bank UK- c iP m Hotel's "Fun City", which alDemerara location. ready comes with the full quota HOW IT WORKS \fi-U i There's the exciting Pirate of arcade games. How it works is that you buy a »n* Ship, the rotating Flowers Fun Park Manager Huseyin Fun Park card for which you add V I • m\t IL Ride, the Candy Paradise, the Deminel explained, though, "credits", each of which is $100. If Carousel, the bumper cars, that while the Fun City facil- you already have a Fun City card, ' \ and so much more that makes ity is one that more caters to then no sweat! The cards are interyoung children and teens, the changeable. This, of comse. means this the place to be if you're a I ' looking for thrills and exciteamusement park is going to be you can also use your Fun Park card I »1 for all ages. ment. Not to mention the wellat the Fun City. The thrilling Pirate Ship ride stocked concessions bar. which "We figured that Guyana The Park opens daily from 12:00 is every kid's dream come trae. needs a bigger amusement to 13:00hrs. but it doesn't actually from chocolate fountain and park to which families can really get busy until late in the evecotton candy to its hot dogs come altogether. Fun City is a ning. and of course weekends. and boiled com. the entire thing is enclosed. tions come with age and height nice entertainment centre, but The facility is just behind the And if you're old enough to But be warned! There are rides limits for safety reasons. we were thinking only children or hotel, on the northern side, so as remember the travelling carnivals that will thrill and rides that will teenagers would come there. But soon as you enter the compound, FIRST OF ITS KIND with the Park, all the family mem- turn left. that came to Guyana in the past, scare some of us. or if you've ever enjoyed the rides Though Guyana has other enter- bers can come, with very nice rides The pendulum Pirate Ship is And don't worry! Before long that used to be a part of the GuyEx- just one such ride that is not for tainment complexes and play parks, for them to ride all together." the you won't have any worries with po experience, then you are going the faint of heart. Able to seat 30 this amusement park is the first of Turkey-born electronic engineer finding it, because there will be a to love the Ramada amusement persons at a time, the ride takes you its kind to be established in such a said just before he took us on a tour shuttle train conveying patrons to park. almost to the roof, and will have big way in Guyana. of the facility. and from the Park. And it doesn't even matter if you screaming to come down. you're not old enough to remember But don't worry! Like all rides, Going for a drive on the bumper cars 7 any of those things, because the it's completely safe; seatbelts and n Ramada comes with attractions everything! Another screamer is probably that cater to just about any age. no u matter how old or young you are. going to be the crazy-dance ride, 17 which also swings like a pendulum, JAM-PACKED but also spins. The bumper cars The Park comes jam-packed will be all the rage though, and for i£ with rides and attractions, but don't those who want to stick to the less 'vfy** (ft let that have you thinking that the scary end of things, there's the carplace is by any means clustered or ousel. which seats 24. There's also confusing. The layout is well done; a sand box area. everything is well spaced, though Naturally, some of the attrac-

Over sunm n

200

police

ran in mmams i iI

recruits mi mm

inducted ■

. .

UNDER the theme "Training to Build and Strengthen the Competencies of Ranks through Partnerships and Monitoring of Performances", 225 new law enforcement officers, having graduated, recently participated in the Guyana Police Force Passing-Out Parade for recruit training courses, held at the Tactical Services Unit Square at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

New York

Ed ition ♦ «««

N£V/Si"'vp!:ri~

QUVAWA

The Chronicle can also be read @ http://mw.guyanachronicle.coin

LIMIT EL'

West Indies women allrounder Deandra suffered

Dottin

multiple

has

cheek-

bone fractures after a collision on the field during the Women's Big Bash League game

between

Brisbane

Heat and Melbourne Stars. However, she insisted "all is

■PC

going to be fine!" in a post on Facebook.

"Eye socket and eyesight is fine, jaw and teeth fine," Dottin wrote. "I am out of hospital now, recovering before a specialist appointment with a face surgeon Thursday. At this stage it is believed I will require titanium plates to fix the issues." The Cricket Australia website reported Dottin, who plays for Heat, would check in with Brisbane Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon Dr John Arvier to finalise a timeline for her recovery.

Harris were the fielders in the deep

by medical staff. Harris was thrown

This incident came a day after

Dottin suffered the injury at

and, while trying to prevent the ball

into the picket fence, but she felt well

Allan Border Field on Tuesday. In the

from crossing the boundary, they

enough to remain at the ground

11th over, with Stars chasing 130,

crashed into

Dottin

though she didn't take any further part

Meg Fanning hit seamer Haidee Bir-

seemed to land awkwardly on a kit

in the match, which Heat won by five

Heat's Holly Ferling suffered a concussion from her head striking the turf hard while trying to take a catch. She was not able to play

kett over midwicket. Dottin and Faura

bag and was stretchered off the field

runs.

each

other.

Tuesday's game as a result. ESPNCricInfo

jmrm

■... -

. (Buyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE IS OFFERING

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 30, 2016

Andre Russell's black bat reapproved after modification Barbados [West Indies], Dec.27 (ANI): West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has once again been approved by Cricket Australia (CA) to use his black bat in the Big Bash League (BBL) after a clear laminate

cover was applied to help protect the ball. Russell, who plays for Syd-

marks on the match ball, Andre

ney Thunder in the league, used

has worked with his bat manufacturer to modify the bat," ESPN-

the black bat last week against Sydney Sixers after being given approval by the country's cricket

cricinfo saying.

quoted

Everard,

board. However, after the game,

"A clear laminate cover has

CA withdrew its approval after it

been applied to the bat, which

was discovered that the bat left

complies with regulations to en-

visible marks on the ball.

sure the ball discolouration does

Now, the head of the BBL,

not occur again. We're now satis-

Anthony Everard confirmed that

fied that the bat will not compro-

the CA had granted Russell to re-

mise the integrity of the game by

sume using his black-coloured bat

discolouring the match ball and

after he got it laminated by a clear

we have granted approval for

cover to ensure the ball dis-

Andre to use the bat in any future

colouration does not occur again.

BBL matches," he added.

A k

i ANDRE RUSSELL WITH HIS BLACK BAT

"Following feedback from

Earlier, the BBL head had

lution that doesn't result in the dis-

bat won't compromise the in-

the match offficials that the bat

said that any BBL or Women's BBL player, who wishes to use a

colouration of the match ball,

tegrity of the game, which accord-

would be permitted to do so subject to CA being satisfied that the

ing to the board discolouring the match ball does (ANI)

used by Andre in the opening night of the season left black

bat with a different colouring so-

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