Guyana chronicle ny e paper 01 01 2018

www.guyanachronicle.com

ISSUE No. 96

WEEK ENDING APRIL 6, 2018

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Prime Minister Back Home ... after successful surgery ►

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President to lead delegation to C’Wealth talks ►

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Guyana wants ICJ to order Venezuela off Ankoko

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

► SUSTAINING THE NY EDITION OF THE CHRONICLE In The Mail

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Dear Editor, Following up on the very first letter that was written about the Guyana Government releasing incremental subventions for the reliable continuation of the publication of the Guyana Chronicle in New York, we, the overseas consumers of the paper, should take heart from two announcements that were made in Georgetown last week.

The first announcement came from President David Granger, who in responses to questions from Media personnel, declared "I recognize the need for the public to re-

ceive information, particularly through the State media, which would help them to make decisions . . . So there is a role for public information and the Chronicle is a public information medium."

Later the same week, Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond stated that the Agency had returned to profitability.

The Chairperson told the Company's Annual General Meeting that at the end of December, 2016, GNNL recorded its best performance in the last decade, raking in a

profit before tax of $63.7 million.

From those two statements, I believe that the Administration of this newspaper should be very proactive in detailing its request to its parent.

One thought that I have Mr. Editor, is that if the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is to provide information and help Guyana Government promotion to readers in this State, and to the wider Diaspora including Canada, the New York Administration will have to rapidly increase its New York/U.S./Canada production and

circulation.

In addition, I am wondering that if one of the major roles of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is for example to keep Guyanese and other nationalities upto-date on investment opportunities in Guyana — Does it mean that the Administration of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle will by itself or in collaboration with other agencies, say Consulates have to mount information fora like seminars or symposia.

Wilfred Davilar Reader of the Chronicle.

GDF to get two skyvans

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo having a light moment at the prayer breakfast on the lawns of the Prime Minister Page PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL 19 REMEMBERING Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr.

InIslamic Memory of Bank in US$900M Dr. Martin aid package for Guyana► Luther King, Jr.

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on the 50th Anniversary of his Assassination

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In Memory Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ►

he Indian Diaspora America than the previous two cenCouncil International turies had produced. He championed (IDC) and its global equal rights which led to the 1965 US affiliates join with other or- Civil Rights Act, legally barring discrimination and segregation in all ganizations, agencies, offisegments of American society. cials, groups, individuals Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and institutions worldwide was an American Baptist Minister in remembering Dr. Martin and activist who became the most Luther King Jr., on the 50th visible spokesperson and leader in anniversary of his assassina- the civil rights movement. He was tion on April 4, 1968 in Mem- born on January 15, 1929 and assasphis, Tennessee, USA. Pagesinated on April 4, 1968. Dr. Martin

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived an extraordinary life. At age 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with US President John Kennedy. At age 34, he galvanized the nation with his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. At age 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At the young age of 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today to confront the ugly vestiges of racial discrimination especially during these turbulent and alarming times.

We pay special homage and grateful recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s preeminent leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from 1955 to 1968, during which time African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in

Luther King Jr. believed that peaceful refusal to obey unjust law was the best way to bring about social change. His adherence of Ghandhian non-violence teachings for peacful protests to achieve freedom and social justice have inspired many to protest in peaceful ways against oppression, colonial rule, subjugation and violent discrimination in many countries.

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provide inspiration, challenges and reminders of the possibilities for good, as well as the role and responsibility of everyone to be supportive of advancing social justice in even small ways. One of his famous quotes: “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle;

the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”.

The world owes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a debt of gratitude.

For more information contact: Ashook Ramsaran at AshookRamsaran@gmail.com Mobile (USA) +1 917 519 5783 Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage, and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations, and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

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Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 1929-1968

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call: (917) 379-6590

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

PM back home after successful surgery

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday resumed duty following a successful bypass surgery in the United States in February.

The Prime Minister along with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo and their daughter, Maria Nagamootoo, were welcomed home Thursday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Following his arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by his cabinet colleagues, including President David Granger at a prayer-breakfast on the lawns of his residence.

The Prime Minister has since resumed duty. Minister

post-Cabinet press briefing that the Prime Minister was kept abreast of developments while he was abroad. “That is Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Prime Minister was kept abreast with what is happening in the country while away. The world is a global village, now that you can be any part of the world and still electronically be in touch with your office and be able to make decisions,” said Harmon.

There are, however, some administrative matters related to the Prime Minister’s office that he will be briefed on subsequently, Harmon stated. Meanwhile, at the prayer-breakfast, the Prime

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being greeted by Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament

of State Joseph Harmon told reporters Thursday during a

Minister and his family were joined by President David

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in high spirits at the thanksgiving ceremony for his return home

Granger, several ministers of government and well-wishers. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI) the aim was to warmly welcome home the Prime Minister who returned after weeks of recuperating from his surgery.

The prayer-breakfast was hosted at the PM’s residence, and all present expressed pleasure at the PM’s return and recommitted to ensuring that his health and well-being are a top priority for the government. Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally said, “Prime Minister, I want to say to you that you have to take it one day at a time, we love you, we treasure you and we want to have you for a long, long time.”

Similarly, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan noted that the Prime Minister’s expertise and sharing of experiences

course; Prosperity- Boosting intra-Commonwealth trade and investment; Security- increasing cooperation, response to security challenges including global terrorism, organised crime and cyber-attacks, Fairnesspromoting democracy, fundamental freedoms and good governance across the commonwealth, and Sustainability- building resilience of small and vulnerable states to deal with the effects of climate change and other crises.

Minister Harmon reminded that 2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Iwokrama reserve. Moreover, Guyana recently dedicated approximately 700,000 hectares of the protected area of Konashen Protected Area, home of the Wai Wai people, in the South Rupununi, to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

“Guyana will therefore use the opportunity of the

President David Granger

heads of government meeting to continue its leadership role in the establishment of the green agenda of the Commonwealth and we

for the PM and family by Reverend John O. Smith, Shaykh Moenul Hack, and Pandit Chateram Pooran.

Also in attendance at the prayer-breakfast was First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, and family and friends of the Prime Minister. In February, a routine medical examination done here revealed that the Prime Minister had some cardiac issues and had to undergo the heart bypass surgery at a medical institution in the U.S. Following the successful surgery, he remained in the U.S. at his family’s residence during his recovery process.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being greeted by Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament

President to lead delegation to Commonwealth Summit President David Granger will be attending the 25th meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations, to be held in London, from April 16-20, 2018.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that the President, who would be joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddle and Guyana’s High Commissioner to London, Hamley Case, will emphasise Guyana’s role in and contribution to the green agenda of the Commonwealth.

Themed “Towards a common future”, the fourday summit is geared towards orienting the Commonwealth to a more proactive and relevant global role with regards to increasing international turbulence and unease.

In keeping with the summit’s theme, four specific areas will be of primary dis-

were greatly missed while he was away. “The advantages of having you in our midst and the fact of having your remarks at Cabinet, Parliament, the AFC meetings and security meetings among others.”

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman said “we look forward to your presence in the house and we say to your wife and family ‘thank you’ for taking care of him, thank you for bringing him home to us and we will not fail you. We have a duty to take care of him and we will not let you down and we will not fail you, Sir.” Prayers were offered up

do so as we seek to establish a green economy and green state as our model of development,” the Minister of State added.

Prisoners get warder drunk, ‘beat out’

TWO prisoners have escaped from a maximum security jail in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, by getting a guard drunk and convincing him to let them go to buy more alcohol.

The two inmates never returned, and police are currently hunting for them.

Colleagues of the guard at La Picota jail said his breath smelt of alcohol and he refused to be breathalysed.

The prison director said the production of homebrewed liquor inside the prison was common despite frequent checks.

The two fugitives were identified as Jhon Gutiérrez Rincón, a FARC rebel who was sentenced to 40 years in prison for kidnapping in 2003, and Olmedo Vargas, who had recently demobilised from the FARC rebel group, but was awaiting trial for alleged theft.

The prison authorities said they had not been able to detect any damage to the structure of the prison or its

gates and they were therefore working on the assumption that a guard colluded to help them escape.

That version of events coincides with the statements of other guards who said they had seen the two inmates drinking with one of the guards and that they had convinced the guard to let them leave on the promise they would came back with fresh supplies of alcohol.

In an interview with Colombia’s FM radio [in Spanish], prison director Col Germán Ricaurte said there had been “a lack of professionalism, a lack of professional ethics, in which one of our officials seems to have broken security protocols and this facilitated the escape”.

“The weakness of this official meant that he ingested this liquor and these inmates took advantage of that to convince him that they needed to leave [the prison],” Col Ricaurte explained. (BBC)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

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US$150M to fix GPL …new CEO says money will address 'urgent' system problems

By Alva Solomon AMID constant power outages, new Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Albert Gordon, says the company requires US$150M to address urgent shortcomings in the operating systems of the entity.

“We need to do some major reconfigurations, “Gordon said on Wednesday evening during a meet-and-greet session with the media at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

Gordon said while the company is working to provide service with its existing resources , it would require a sum of US$110M to first address system deficiencies and another US$40M to fix the generators at the power company.

He said during his first two days here in Guyana earlier this year, the system had shut down twice and according to him, he has identified the major challenge facing him, which is “keeping the lights on.” He said that there are different contributors to the system failing, including configuration of the existing system infrastructure. “Right now there are serious deficiencies in the system that

we need to address,” he said.

He said that a simple deficiency in the system would be the configuration of the power lines which connect to homes in which he noted that in several instances the lines are connected directly to the generators of the company. “That’s not how you normally configure a power system,” Gordon said.

He said that the power is first generated, there is an increased voltage to power lines, the power is then sent to a sub-station and the voltage is then reduced and then distributed to homes.

power station and if a tree falls on the lines, the entire system, goes down. He said another deficiency is that there is not a lot of redundancy to provide back-up power.

He said that because of the lack of redundancy in the network, if a line goes down or it is taken out of the system for maintenance, there would be a power outage.”So the first priority is to keep the lights on, “he said, noting that a simple malfunction can result in the entire system being shut down.

Gordon noted too that the transmission system which is

ured in such a manner that if there is a fault, the generators will speed-up and trip or slow-down and trip and this would lead to a power cut.

He recounted that last year the entire system had shut-down down 25 times, an occurrence which he noted shouldn’t be. “So that is something that needs immediate attention,” Gordon said.

Gordon said that about 50 megawatts capacity of the power company’s generating capacity is also “very old” and in need of replacement.

He said that this often results in failure of the generators

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson(second left) stands with the new CEO of GPL, Albert Gordon and staff of the power company

He said too that a number of lines leave the Kingston

supposed to keep the power system stable is also config-

very regularly. He said that this results in a very small

GPL CEO Albert Gordon as he addressed the media on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel

margin of error which leads to load-shedding.

Gordon gave credit to the team at GPL for providing service to the nation, given the deficiencies with which they are working at the power company. On Wednesday evening, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that Gordon, who started in his new post in February this year, has been briefed on the requirements and high expectations government has of him. He said so far Gordon has “lived-up” to expectations and initial

tasks.

He said Gordon has been briefed also on the government’s mandate to be as close as possible to have 100 per cent renewable energy power by the year 2025. Patterson said too that there must have a board of persons to support the ongoing and future plans of GPL and according to him, the names of members of the new board should be at Cabinet. He said that board should be named within two weeks.

Gov’t to beef up police presence at western border --as reports of ‘El Sindicato’ activity escalate

By Zena Henry MORE police ranks will be heading to border communities in the country’s western region as reports of members of the Venezuela-based ‘El Sindicato’ gang committing robberies on villagers continue to surface.

Minister of Public Security and Chairman of the Parliamentary Sub-committee on Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told the Guyana Chronicle that after paying a visit to at least four border communities last Thursday, the parliamentary team is convinced that the presence of the violent gang is of grave concern to some residents.

Minister Ramjattan said that the body visited Moruka, Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma where informative public meetings were held.

Mabaruma residents, he said, were especially concerned about

‘El Sindicato’, who they say are operating in the southernmost part of the region.

Residents told the parliamentary team that reports out of that area are that persons are being robbed sporadically.

The minister said that whatever will be done to address the matter will be done carefully. “We must act very cautiously; we don’t know whether these people are Venezuelans, Brazilians or Guyanese who can speak Portuguese or Spanish,” he said.

The minister pointed out that a mixture of persons, some of unsavoury character, can be found along these border areas, and it is known that they do involve foreigners from next door countries, and Guyanese as well.

Minister Ramjattan said that ‘F’ Division ranks have been working hard to upkeep security in the interior locations, but given

the terrain and area to be covered, it has its challenges.

The Cuyuni River for example, he said, is a long one that is not easy to cover, and much activity takes place there.

As a result, new methods will be used to improve the existing security operations. The minister said that an expert within the police arena will be sought for new ideas in addressing security in the locations.

Drones for aerial surveillance is one system that could be would be to cover large spaces, and very efficient in identifying areas where illegal activities are taking place.

“These are sensitive areas... so all of that have to be looked at,” Ramjattan noted.

The minister said that the community visit also gave the parliamentary team a chance to check up on police stations and community policing groups in

the area.

He said that every effort will be made to improve the state of security in the border locations. “We want to ensure that the services of the police and the army are efficient in that area,” the security minister asserted.

Minister Ramjattan explained that given the parliamentary security sub-committee is an “in-camera body”, it is not at liberty to go into great detail about decisions taken at that level, given the matters at reference are of national security.

He noted, however, that when a report is delivered to the full Parliament, citizens would then become aware of the security matters and those that can be made relevantly public.

Early last month, President Granger himself visited the border communities after regional heads informed the government about the

need to increase security in those areas due to the infiltration by the Venezuelan ‘El Sindicato’ gangs and an influx of citizens seeking relief from economic and social hardships.

Safety concerns were being raised since villagers said that miners were being robbed and even killed for mining or being present in territories claimed by Sindicatos just over the Venezuelan border. A video of one such incident even surfaced on social media.

Another concern for residents was that citizens from crisis-hit Venezuela were descending on their communities, seeking food and medical attention, thereby adding pressure to the services that are meant for locals. Regional officials asked the government to provide extra medication and assistance.

Military presence was also increased in some areas.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

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In Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of one of the Greatest Freedom Fighters

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r. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, an event that sent shock waves reverberating around the world. A Baptist Minister and Founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Rev. King had led the civil right movement since the mid-1950s, using a combination of impassioned speeches and nonviolent protests to fight segregation and achieve significant civil-rights advances for African-Americans, as well as Black people around the world.

Rev. King's assassination led to an outpouring of universal anger, as well as a period of national mourning that helped speed the way for an equal housing bill that would be the last significant legislative achievement of the civil rights era.

The 50th anniversary of Rev. King's assassination was marked with demonstrations in scores of American cities, with banners bearing themes like"We are the fire that water will not put out", and "We shall win through persistence and resistance."

By CARLYLE HARRY

BACKGROUND In the last years of his life, Rev. King faced mounting criticism from young African-American activists who favored a more confrontational approach to seeking change. Those young radicals stuck closer to the ideals of the Black nationalist leader Malcolm X (himself assassinated in 1965), who had condemned Dr. King’s advocacy of nonviolence as “criminal” in the face of the continuing repression that African Americans were enduring.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a television interview, pointed out that at the time of his father's death, the latter's efforts were so hated by different

Members of the National Council of Churches silent march past the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall on the way to a large gathering of faith leaders on the National Mall. The A.C.T. to End Racism Rally serves as the starting point for a multi-year effort to address and remove racism from the nation's social fabric and bring the country together. The rally coincides with events around the country (at right is the MLK, Jr. memorial).

forces and interest groups that his approval rate had sunk to 28%.

The son emphasized that President Johnson was particularly angry with his father because of his criticisms of America's involvement in the Vietnam war.

As a result of this opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sought to widen his appeal beyond his own race, speaking out publicly against the Vietnam War and working to form a coalition of poor Americans — Black and White alike — to address such issues as poverty and unemployment. Among the witnesses at King's assassination was Jesse Jackson, one of his closest aides. Ordained as a minister soon after King's death, Jackson went on to form Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and to run twice for U.S. President, in 1984 and 1988.

In the spring of 1968, while preparing for a planned march to Washington in order to lobby Congress on behalf of the poor, Rev. King and other

SCLC members were called to Memphis, Tennessee, to support a sanitation workers’ strike. On the night of April 3, Rev. King gave a speech at the Mason Temple Church in Memphis.

In that speech, Rev. King seemed to foreshadow his own untimely passing, or at least to strike a particularly reflective note, ending with those now-historic words: “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.

And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

THE ASSASSINATION Just after 6 p.m. the following day, Rev. King was standing on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where he and his associates were staying, when a sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, at the tender age of 39.

Shock and distress over the news of Rev. King’s death sparked rioting in more than 100 cities around the country, including burning and looting. Amid a wave of national mourning, President Lyndon B. Johnson urged Americans to “reject the blind violence” that had killed Rev.King, whom he called the “apostle of nonviolence.”

The President also called on Congress to speedily pass the civil rights legislation saying that it would be a fitting legacy to the Rev. King and his life’s work. On April 11, President Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act, a major piece of civil rights' legislation.

On June 8, Authorities apprehended the suspect in Rev. King’s murder — a small-time criminal named James Earl Ray, at London’s Heathrow Airport. Witnesses had seen him running from a boarding house near the Lorraine Motel carrying a bundle; prosecutors said he fired the fatal bullet from a bathroom in that building. Authorities found Ray’s fingerprints on the rifle used to kill Rev. King, a scope and a

(continued on page 19)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

The Carlyle

Harry Column

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ONE GUYANA PLATFORM

LETTER-REVIEW — reproductive (building) planks . . .

n two separate days last level. The objective is also to find agreed solutions to political goverweek, Mr. Dennis Nelnance and socio-economic problems son (administrator, deand issues, and to forge national consigner, and producer of this sensus for political governance and organ) and I had discussions national development. The promoaround our individual exposures tion of political and social justice in and experiences to a variety of Guyana could be achieved if the PPP variables that are connected to and the PNC are involved in the CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR search for appropriate solutions works. We agreed that in hiring through genuine dialogue". say a carpenter, a mason or a Elucidating on his concept of gutter-smith we should look for dialogue, Mr. Goolsarran pointed out and settle for an experienced/re"They have the major responsibility liable worker who charges in a in the success of the dialogue process reasonable way. So, in continu. . . Genuine political dialogue being to erect this one-Guyana tween the PPP and the PNC offers platform, I was fortunate to potential opportunities from which come across some useful (buildall can gain. The parties are chaling) blocks that were contained lenged to commit themselves to enin a ‘Letter to the Editor’ that gage in determined dialogue, based was published in a Guyaneseon the principles of mutual trust and owned newspaper. need the Secretary General of the vent-laden letter, Mr. Goolsarran good faith . . . Success in the mutual United Nations to provide a facilita- noted that "Political dialogue be- outcome of political dialogue also rePOSTS/PILLARS That letter headlined by the tor to stimulate the dialogue process tween the leaders of the PPP and the quires national commitment and nawords "GOOD FAITH POLITI- and mediate differences as may be PNC on governance and on social tional political will. The building of and economic matters should be pro- confidence and trust, their mainteCAL DIALOGUE IN THE NA- necessary? " In construction/erection terms, moted and adopted as a matter of nance and sustainability require a TIONAL INTEREST" was written

by Mr. Samuel Goolsaran (who I The Letter-writer has to be compli- high priority for the national good. high degree of commitment and namented for using his hammer (the The objective is to foster confiknow) that was published in a tional leadership." dence, high trust, mutual understandGuyanese newspaper that is circu- pen) to hit the nail on the head.

3.

CONSENSUS-CHALing, cordial and civil communication lated in Guyana. In the final analysis LENGES — Mr. Goolsarran views 2. THE ADVANTAGES OF . . . Why have two, when ONE can DIALOGUE — Continuing his sol- and good relations at the national (continued on page 7) do. The major building-blocks that have been elaborated upon by the Letter-Writer include:—1. REASONS FOR THE LETTER —Mr. Goolsarran's letter encouraged an open debate and advocacy for national consensus and national unity by the main political parties, whose We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door actions and postures impact the lives TO of all in Guyana. He concluded "It is WE SHIP time to look forward, to put aside GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS continuing campaigns for political TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES points, and transcend the blame GRENADA, BARBADOS DOCUMENTS game. Let us be frank and admit that in reality, we live in a fractured, diST. VINCENT LUGGAGE vided, wounded and bleeding counST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES try related to the politics of race and & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE looking ethnicity in the contest for political power and dominance by the CONTAINERS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE PPP and PNC for over 60 years." Mr. CARS & REASONABLE RATES Goolsarran asked "How long must this nation wait for the political conflicts and contests between these two dominant political forces to come to 506 Decatur Street (Corner of Ralph Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11233 an end for the national good? Do we need a Truth and Reconciliation 718 Fax: 718 Commission (like South Africa) to bring healing to this nation? Do we Licensed and Bonded as Required By The Federal Maritime Commission — For Your Protection

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Technology Transfer THE world is being described as a global marketplace. Each country has a responsibility to put its interpretation to this reality, hopefully a pro-active one, where that will see it working to be an active rather than passive player. In Guyana’s case, it could present multiple opportunities to be a player in any part of the world plying our products and aggressively competing with others.

The potential of this nation’s natural resources could be harnessed for the benefit of the people of this country, and in so doing, realise in real terms the potential they offer. This nation is among few blessed with pristine forests, gold, bauxite, rice and sugar and should not be content with only exporting primary products, absent value-added.

For instance, much of the furniture Guyanese use is being imported. With the amount of lumber at our disposal at this juncture of our development, Guyana should have been a major contender at the market in the exportation of furniture made from our wood.

For years, Guyanese have been told that the private sector is the engine of growth, but in development, the private sector is but one sector in the tri-sectoral economy of which all have a role to play in economic development. Any country that has become strong in manufacturing has seen research and development as an important factor in moving the process forward, and in the case of countries such as China, the government has led the way.

The making of furniture in this country is long overdue for its deserving attention. As a matter of economic importance, pursuing with vigour the furniture-manufacturing industry can reap dividends for country and citizens. It may be necessary to get this

Chronicle New YorkWeek-ending Edition weekJanuary ending 19, April 6, 2018 GuyanaGuyana Chronicle New York Edition 2018

Parking meters should not be allowed to return Dear Editor THE doggedness and explicit bullyism being displayed by some members of the Georgetown City Council as they seek to shove down the throats of Guyanese the purported benefits with regard to the renegotiation of the scandalous parking meter deal, clearly means one of two things: it is either those who are championing the return of the parking meters have an interest in its operations and therefore are duty-bound to see it up and running, or it means that they are just heartless, who could not care less of what the political, economic and legal consequences and fallout will be.

They are all aware that foisting what can only be described as a corrupt contract on the citizens of Georgetown is not only wrong, but is proscribed. Let me say from

the very outset that most citizens recognise that space is precious in our capital city – and so is time for our drivers, so they do not oppose a modern, transparent and efficient parking system being implemented by the City Council; what they oppose is having it done by Smart City Solutions.

They challenge the legality and transparency of the arrangement and the credibility of the company with which the city has entered into the contract.

From the outset, it should be noted that the previous Council never approved the imposition of the draconian parking meter project as was erroneously stated repeatedly by the administration, and therefore everything else that followed, including the renegotiation, was null and void and premised on a falsehood.

Secondly and very importantly, it must be noted

off the ground with investment made by the government in training artisans to become furniture-makers. This can be done by recruiting proficient trainers from countries that are successful in this business. From an economic standpoint, government may find it feasible to invest in kilns to dry wood to specific standards.

Investment of such nature can create an industry, which can put thousands of people to work in an employment line which includes an array of skills from the felling of trees to that of marketing the product. There is also indirect employment and economic opportunities flowing from these activities, such as food-vending, which will rely on the farmers for produce, and so forth. Our forest must be, in the first instance, of benefit to the Guyanese society for generations to come. What is required is an indigenous plan and not one that awaits the initiative and direction from foreign

that the parking meters fiasco has been mired in controversy from the inception.

The tortuous journey began with the setting up of an opaque company going by the name National Parking Systems (NPS) sometime around 1995, which listed its address as 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016, where the security and other officials in the building that NPS claimed as the address from which it rented office space, emphatically denied that National Parking Systems had an office there, leading to the first set of concerns by citizens.

Then we had NPS partnering with a company called Smart City Solutions (SCS) to install the parking system and there was again another controversy, as there seemed to be two Smart City Solutions, one with just two directors and registered locally and one which is owned by a

investors. As the government embraces the policy of a “green” economy as its developmental thrust, the society will look forward to the state providing leadership in the sustainable exploitation of our resources, human and natural.

From the developed world, countries such as Guyana are being advised that free-market means that the state must keep its hands off of every business.

Today, China is the world’s largest economy and has achieved this status rejecting the view of the hands-off approach of the state. China has overtaken the United States, which overtook Britain in 1872. The International Monetary Fund has estimated that China’s economy will be worth £16.7trillion in 2019, compared to the United States, the economy of which is estimated will be £13.8trillion for the same period.

China’s growth did not happen with the private sector leading the way, but by the government in a

Disclaimer: Disclaimer:

Mexican group.

Evidently, no due diligence was done by the Council on these companies, as one of the original principals behind the deal had been jailed for four months in New York in 2002 and placed on five years’ probation for grand larceny in the third degree; whilst the other was convicted and then released from a US federal prison in 2007. The ‘Terrific Triumvirate’ which incorrectly believes installing parking meters is the legal right of the Council, and that they will be forcibly implemented, is in for a rude awakening, as until and unless the entire parking meter initiative is done over transparently and with reputable companies, it will go nowhere.

Regards Mark Roopan

state-led economy. This country has created a model whereby its state companies are moving to other countries, primarily in the developing world, to invest, bringing their labour and returning monetary value to the Chinese economy. What China has done and continues to do, is to apply political economics not only to meet the needs of its population, but also to become a major player in the global market place, creating various levels of dependency on the country, and by extension increasing its influence on the world stage. Guyana can learn from the best practices of other countries in ensuring that the nation’s resources are exploited for the benefit of the country and citizens. This will require a level of self-determination which involves the Executive, National Assembly, stakeholders and citizens. We can and must reach for our potential.

Theviews viewsand and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper The opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are are thoseofofthe theauthors authors and necessarily reflect policies those and dodo notnot necessarily reflect the the policies and and viewsofofthe themanagement management New York Edition of the Guyana views of of thethe New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle.

Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

7

LETTER-REVIEW — reproductive (building) planks . . . the challenge to consensus this way"In Guyana the real challenge is to develop national consensus in the form of national accord on political governance and an agreed program for social, economic, and human development in the interest of the national communities . . . National consensus agreements provide the framework for strategies to achieve good political governance, international competitiveness, higher standards of living, improved social protection, a stable currency, investment-friendly policies and a more development-conducive political and social climate in environments which uphold and respect fundamental rights and freedoms at all levels in the national community."

4. POSSIBLE OUTCOMES — Mr. Goolsarran feels that the outcome of political dialogue could promote effective management of the economy in a climate of good political governance with participation of civil society, being crucial for agree-

(from page 5)

ing on measures for balanced economic, social and political developments.

In Mr. Goolsarran's opinion: The governing authority of the National Assembly and the Government bears heavy responsibility for ensuring that good governance prevails.

He opined: "The manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development, reflects fairness and effective political, economic and social justice . . .

A country that is committed to such good political governance will ensure that there is genuine participation by the political and social partners, who must demonstrate credibility, transparency, and accountability in the administration and management of national affairs."

5. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL STRATEGIES — Mr. Goolsarran before advancing strategies, summarized the main challenges facing Guyana in terms of national strategies to promote a mature political culture, they included

economic growth, social, political, and human development, call for actions at the national level. "It is for the Government, the political parties, private sector, the labour movement and civil society in Guyana: (a) to respect, promote and realize in good faith the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in our National Constitution and laws, UN Conventions, and Regional and other International Treaty obligations; and (b) to adopt through genuine and sustained political dialogue, changes in political governance and the management of national socioeconomic and political affairs. Those must be promoted in a paradigm shift — from the prolonged confrontational and divisive posture to one which cultivates consensus and cooperation in the national interest."

6. STARTING AFRESH — Mr. Goolsarran is suggesting that genuine dialogue between the PNC and the PPP should begin afresh, and without delay in order to achieve national consensus and to move the

country forward as a united Nation.

He concluded "My list for genuine dialogue includes: building confidence and high trust; agree on a shared vision for Guyana; constitutional reform aimed at creating a broad based, inclusive Government which can elect the President by twothirds vote by the National Assembly and which caters for one Vice President; allocating the constitutionality of ministerial portfolios based on the proportional strengths of the parties forming the Government; electoral reforms; fixed national election date, and an agreed programme for political, social, economic and human development for the national good of all citizens". **********

Nothing could be better than working with a letter from a writing carpenter that looks at the UNITY matter.

Mr.G is calling on the Parties to indulge in advocacies and to focus on the country.

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Occurs off Haiti

It occurred around 9:46 a.m., less than 24 hours after a tremor was felt in some communes.

Monday’s 4.6 magnitude quake was located about 108.4 km south of Belle Anse and 111.8 km southeast of Marigot, according to the Technical Unit of Seismology (UTS).

(Caribbean360)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A 4.6 magnitude earthquake occurred Monday morning off Haiti, a country that has still not fully recovered from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit in 2010.

However, there were no reports of injuries or damage from the quake.

Brazil's ex-president faces jail BRASLIA [Brazil]: Quashing his bid to return to power, Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the country's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be imprisoned while he appeals his corruption conviction.

Chief Justice Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha cast the deciding vote, reported the New York Times.

He is facing 12 years in jail on charges of accepting a bribe but had asked to remain free during his appeal.

Maintaining his innocence, Lula has said that the charges are politically motivated to pre-

vent him running for President again.

Silva's Workers' Party, in a statement posted on Twitter, wrote, "No matter how many roses the mighty kill, they will never manage to stop spring."

Da Silva, who is known commonly as Lula, was convicted of corruption and money laundering last July and was sentenced to almost 10 years of imprisonment.

However, in January, an appeals court unanimously increased the sentence to 12 years, the report said.

Lula served as President from 2003 to 2011.

(ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM 8 8

Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending 6, 2018 Guyana Chronicle NewNew YorkYork Edition Week-ending AprilApril 6, 2018

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

AA’s interest in Guyana a good sign … ‘vote of confidence’ in its ever-improving aviation image abroad

By Zena Henry THE move by American Airlines (AA) to commence service here is being seen as a major vote of confidence in the country’s improving aviation safety and security capacity.

That’s according to Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Captain Egbert Field, who told the Guyana Chronicle that while AA has not yet formally applied to operate here, it has adequate time to do so, since it expects to start flights out of the country by year-end.

He said that a major airline like American Airlines said to the Authority it was confident in the safety and security operations that Guyana has here.

AA is expected to operate flights from Guyana to Miami, but Field has already indicated the Authority’s intention to entertain an application from the airline should the AA decide to ply the usually unstable but lucrative Georgetown to New York route.

Field expects that many more airlines like AA will

want to operate in Guyana, especially with the emerging oil and gas industry, but not if the country’s aviation sector is chaotic and without proper standards.

He said that even the international aircraft manufacturers like Boeing have given the country’s improving security and safety ambitions great reviews, and ranked Guyana third in the hemisphere for rising aviation countries.

Boeing is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services, and is among the largest global aircraft manufacturers.

BOEING APPROVAL Field said that Boeing came here earlier in the year to apprise the Authority of the country’s growing positive aviation image internationally. He said that Boeing’s regional director, who deals with product promotion, said he was happy with the direction Guyana is taking, and the advancements

the Authority is making in the sector.

Boeing has also indicated to the Authority its intention to share its findings and all other information gathered on Guyana with airlines and other companies within the field.

Captain Field said that as a major player in international aviation, Boeing would have access to a lot of data from the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and like agencies, as well as economic data and feasibility studies of a country as part of its marketing and promotional strategy for its products.

He said that as a credible force within the aviation sector, Boeing’s promotion of Guyana as a lucrative destination “would be a boost for Guyana, and put the country on the map”.

Another plus in Guyana’s favour is its being selected for the first time ever to host an ICAO air transport conference, which will be held in November.

According to Field, this conference will not only help boost Guyana’s image, but also promote its aviation sector, since the country will

be entertaining all 192 member states in the organisation, and will have the opportunity of highlighting what is being offered locally.

Field said the ICAO recognition is all thanks to the GCAA’s hardworking staff, of whom he is immensely proud.

Back in 2017, Guyana was conferred with the Council President Certificate by ICAO, in recognition of the significant progress that was made in addressing safety oversight deficiencies, and the effective implementation of the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Since assuming the leadership of the GCAA, Captain Field has moved Guyana from its 44.24% ICAO rating to an impressive

to 64.66%.

A PROUD MOMENT Reacting to the news last week of AA’s interest in Guyana, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said: “I am delighted that American Airlines will commence flying to Guyana in December. This will coincide with the launch of the newly expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and demonstrates a confidence in Destination Guyana, not only as a desirable tourist destination but as an emerging oil economy as well.

“The government has been working at various levels to provide more options to travellers to and from Guyana; to North America with increased airlift, and

American Airlines’ commitment to Destination Guyana is recognition of government’s work since coming into office in 2015.”

Minister Patterson, back in January this year, had said that the new arrivals terminal building, generator building, pipe installation, pump station and water tank, boarding corridor and passenger boarding bridges would be completed by the first quarter of this year.

Work on the check-in and departure lounges and the first phase of the departure terminal, screening and VIP areas, and the south-west runway will be completed by the end of June. All other works will be completed by December 2018.

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To Advertise in To Advertise in this new and this new and exciting paper exciting paper The New York The Edition New York of Edition of the GUYANA the GUYANA — CHRONICLE CHRONICLE — Guyana’s Guyana’s National National Newspaper Newspaper call: call: 917-379-6590 917-379-6590

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

9

1

Castro’s Successor to Inherit Long-standing Conflict Between Cuba and the United States HAVANA, Cuba — Cuba’s tense relations with the United States under the administration of Donald Trump reflect a scenario of conflict that is not alien to the generation that will take over the country on April 19, when President Raúl Castro is set to step down.

Since the 1960s, Cuba’s nationalist stance has drawn on the animosity with the U.S., and the likely successors of the country’s current leaders, most of whom were born around the time of the 1959 revolution or afterwards, were educated in a culture of “anti-imperialist resistance”.

According to the official figures on the outcome of the March 11 general elections, the average age of the new members of Parliament fell to 49 years, compared to 57 years for the outgoing lawmakers.

The single-chamber National Assembly of People’s Power elects from among its members the 31 members of the Council of State, which according to the constitution is the highest representative of the Cuban state, whose President is the Head of State and Government.

The most likely candidate to succeed Castro is the current First Vice President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, although there is no official confirmation.

The return to the tension that existed before the détente agreed by Raúl Castro, 86, and Barack Obama (2009-2017) on December 17, 2014, which led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana, brings additional difficulties to the weakened Cuban economy and puts a brake on the changes required by its socialist model of development.

“Unfortunately, reform in Cuba becomes more difficult when the United States is more aggressive and negative,” said John McAuliff, executive director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development, a U.S.-based non-governmental organisation that supports efforts for reconciliation with Cuba.

In his opinion, a new generation of leaders “opens a door, but it does not guarantee” how quickly change will come. “If the new leaders expand opportunities for the self-employed and small businesses, especially in tourism and other professional sectors, the economy will improve,” he told IPS from the U.S. by e-mail.

In the same vein, he said that “if the public dialogue incorporates all the sectors that are not explicitly counterrevolutionary inside and outside the country, politics will expand, evolve and be strengthened along with Cuba’s history and culture.”

Trump’s adverse policy towards Cuba since his arrival at the White House in January 2017 has kept bilateral ties at their lowest level, with a skeleton staff at the two embassies, which are unable to carry out their consular and business duties, while it has restricted travel by U.S. citizens to the Caribbean island nation, among other limitations.

Washington justifies the reduction of personnel and the recommendation to U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to Cuba by citing mysterious attacks – apparently linked to high-pitched sounds – that affected the health of U.S. and Canadian diplomats in Cuba between November 2016 and August 2017.

Havana has denied any involvement in the incidents.

In a December 22 speech in the Cuban Parliament, Castro accused the United States of fabricating “pretexts” to justify the return to “failed and universally rejected policies.”

U.S. lawmakers who visited Cuba between February 19-21, led by the Democratic Senator for the state of Vermont, Patrick Leahy, said the measures ordered

by Trump were a serious mistake, harmful to the governments and people of both nations.

In defiance of the travel advisory against Cuba, the legislators flew here with their wives, and in the case of Leahy, with his 13-year-old granddaughter. The group

Cubans wait in line outside the Colombian Embassy in Havana to obtain a visa for Colombia in order to apply for a u.s. visa at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotå due to the reductions in staff at the U.S. Embassy in the Cuban Capital. (photo credit: Jorge Luis Banos/IPS ) met with Castro and other local authorities.

“Cuba is changing. Soon you will elect a new President and likely experience a generation shift in leadership, and regrettably at this historic moment in Cuban history, the U.S. engagement is limited,” Jim McGovern, a Democrat member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Massachusetts, lamented in a press conference.

In turn, Senator Ron Wyden, of Oregon, reported that there is a legislative proposal against the embargo brought forward by him and other senators, which has strong bipartisan support. “After the November elections, we will have more support to end the embargo,” he said.

Meanwhile, migrants are among the biggest losers in the embassy conflict, although the Cuban embassy in Washington, with 17 fewer staff members, says it has maintained its usual services, including consular services for Cubans and Americans.

But the reduction of personnel in the U.S. embassy in Havana forces Cuban immigrants to travel to Colombia to process their visas, which will prevent Washington in 2018 from meeting its commitment to issue 20,000 visas a year, as established in the migration agreements of 1994 and 1995.

The main recipient of Cuban emigration is the United States, where over two million people of Cuban origin reside, of whom almost 1.2 million were born in Cuba, according to

official data from the U.S. A good part of that population has not cut its umbilical cord with Cuba.

Lillian Manzor, interim chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at the University of Miami, told IPS by e-mail that currently, most Cubans in the U.S. support rapprochement between the two countries, while U.S. foreign policy is going in the opposite direction.

“Reconciliation and rapprochement occur on a human level. States can facilitate it, but they can neither impose it nor stop it,” she said, recalling that “even during the most tense moments of relations between Cuba and the United States, we Cubans have remained in touch with our families, friends and collaborators.”

In that sense, Manzor, a Cuban resident in the United States, does not underestimate the strength that this majority sector of Cuban migrants can represent in order to stop the setback imposed by the Trump administration on the normalisation of bilateral ties between Washington and Havana, restored in July 2015.

“That’s the big challenge. How can this need to stay connected with our family and friends be turned into an electoral force. In the meantime, we must continue with what we have always done: cope with adverse policies and fight for our rights as American citizens,” she said.

The academic also said that among immigrants favourable to “closer political and human relations” there are many who hope that “the new president of Cuba will continue with the necessary migratory changes to facilitate travel for Cubans residing abroad.”

Whoever it will be, Castro’s successor has the stage set to move in that direction. On January 1, four Cuban government measures came into force, aimed at relaxing the country’s migration policy and improving its relation with the Cuban exile community. The provisions followed the new Migration Law in force since 2013.

“The Cuban passport is still one of the most expensive in the world especially considering the payment that must be made every two years to maintain the validity of the passport,” said Manzor. The document, valid for six years, costs US$400 plus US$200 for the biannual extension.

By Patricia Grogg (Caribbeab360)

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

2

Jamaica PM Says Winnie Mandela Was Champion of Freedom KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a champion of freedom.

The anti-apartheid freedom campaigner died yesterday in her homeland, South Africa, after a long illness. She was 81-years-old.

Holness said Winnie Mandela’s death brings into focus the significant struggle of Black people throughout the world against racism and in particular apartheid in South Africa.

“Winnie Mandela was a symbol of the Black struggle against oppression and injustice. We here in Jamaica supported her in that struggle as she maintained the legacy of her then husband, Nelson Mandela while he was locked away for 27 years,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted the tremendous impact both Winnie and her late former husband, Nelson Mandela had on him and the world.

“As a young man, the Mandelas were inspirations to me and many of my peers. We were cognizant of the evolution of the struggle that culminated in the release of Nelson Mandela and the implementing of majority Black rule in South Africa. We still strongly remember their visit to Jamaica in 1991, as I know do many Jamaicans today,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness added that Winnie Mandela is immortalized in the Jamaican socio-cultural consciousness with songs and stories about her life and struggles.

“Winnie is a part of us. We identified with her struggle and we recorded songs about her. Jamaica embraced her not just as the wife of Nelson Mandela but importantly the mother of modern South Africa — a woman who was a freedom fighter and liberator in her own right.”

With her death, he added, Jamaica has lost a friend and inspiration.

(Caribbean360)

The Late WINNIE MADIKIZELA-MANDELA

Oil Exploration Offshore Barbados To Start Soon BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Exploration of Barbados’ potential offshore petroleum resources is expected to begin within the next year.

Speaking in Trinidad at a regional symposium on Strengthening CARICOM’s Energy Collaboration, Minister with responsibility for Energy, Senator Darcy Boyce said that Barbados had successfully negotiated exploration licences for two blocks within BHP Billiton and had awarded another block to Repsol.

“BHP Billiton is now in the final stages of the EIA (Energy Information Administration) process, and once complete, we expect exploration to begin within the next year,” he disclosed.

Noting that Barbados had a substantial offshore petroleum acreage comprising more than 70,000 square kilometres, Senator Boyce said it was the intention of the Energy Division to continue to market the island’s offshore acreage internationally, with the hope of generating more investment and ex-

ploration opportunities.

He further disclosed that, in consideration of the industry’s renewed interest in offshore deepwater exploration, particularly within the Caribbean region, it was Barbados’ intention to restart its licensing efforts within the next year.

He gave the assurance that as a tourist-oriented country, great care

was being taken in the pursuit of this initiative, in order to ensure the preservation and protection of the coastal and marine environment.

“We have established a robust regulatory regime in terms of our offshore petroleum legislation and will continue to ensure that we learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions, and explore opportunities for developing stronger partnerships with our regional counterparts,” Boyce said.

In this regard, the Energy Minister stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with both the established and emerging offshore oil and gas jurisdictions within CARICOM, describing this as a critical step in charting a successful energy future.

“The region is fast becoming a hotbed of activity due to its promising and largely untapped offshore petroleum potential and it is therefore imperative that we work closely together in building capacity and developing a collective resilience,” he said.

(Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THE CURE MIDLIFE CRISES

PLANTAIN BUNS Ingredients: 8 ozs. flour 2 tsps. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt milk to blend 1 egg 3 ozs. margarine 1 cup grated or crushed yellow plantains

4. Add beaten egg and bind to a stiff dough. Add milk if necessary.

5. Place in lumps on a greased and floured pan.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

N.B: This quantity makes 12-14 buns

Method: 1. Sift flour, salt and baking powder in mixing bowl.

2. Add margarine and rub in with finger-tips.

3. Stir in grated or crushed plantain.

After being married for 24 years, I took a careful look at my wife and said, “Honey, 24 years ago we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV, and I got to sleep every night with a hot 20-year-old gal, my wife.

Now I have a $300,000 home, a $45,000 truck, nice big bed and plasma screen TV, but I’m sleeping with a 45-year-old woman. It seems to me that you’re not holding up your side of things.”

My wife is a very reasonable woman, she told me to go out and find a hot 20-year-old gal and she would hold up her side of things by making sure that I would once again live in a cheap apartment, drive a cheap car, sleep on a sofa bed and watch a 10-inch black and white TV. Aren’t older women great? They really know how to solve your mid-life crises.

A MAN NAMED SAM TING

Walking through San Francisco's Chinatown, a tourist from the Midwest was enjoying the artistry of all the Chinese restaurants, shops, signs and banners when he turned a corner and saw a building with the sign "Moshe Plotnik's Laundry."

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE SAHARA DESERT ONCE PLANTS AND ANIMALS FLOURISHED THERE

T

he Sahara is the world’s largest desert and is located in the world’s hottest region. The record holder for the hottest place in the Sahara, and in the world, is Azizia, near Tripoli in Libya, where a temperature of 150°F (66° C) was recorded in 1922.

Not only is the Sahara hot, it is vast. It is bigger than the entire United States, with an area of over 3,500,000 square miles, and is nearly as big as all of Europe.

It is kept dry by the winds in the region. These are northeast trade winds which grow hotter as they move toward the Equator, take up moisture, and leave the terrain mostly rock and sand.

The landscape on the whole is varied. The famous sand dunes of the Sahara Desert grow up to 1,411 ft high — taller than the Empire State Building in New York. The biggest of them are in Algeria. But some of the

desert terrain is made up of flat stony plains called regs; some areas are under sea level, yet others rise up in stony mountains up to 11,000 feet high.

In spite of the prevailing heat in the desert, when the sun goes down, the land can cool very quickly. The temperature may drop 30 to 50 degrees, and in winter some oases even see frost at night.

Of the Sahara’s roughly 4 million people, most live in Mauritania,

Western Sahara, Algeria, Libya and Egypt.

Thousands of years ago, most of the Sahara was not nearly as dry as it is today. Scientists say that it once had the climate of a moist, temperate or subtropical region and was green with grass, plants and trees. Giraffes, elephants and rhinos were part of the animal population. Gradually, however, the vegetation disappeared and the region became arid. The animals could not be sustained.

Oldest Rock Paintings of the Sahara

"Moshe Plotnik?" he wondered. "How does that belong in Chinatown?" He walked into the shop and saw a fairly standard looking dry cleaner, although he could see that the proprietors were clearly aware of the uniqueness of the store name as there were baseball hats, T-shirts and coffee mugs emblazoned with the logo "Moshe Plotnik's Chinese Laundry."

The tourist selected a coffee cup as a conversation piece to take back to his office. Behind the counter was a smiling old Chinese gentleman who thanked him for his purchase.

The tourist asked, "Can you explain how this place got a name like 'Moshe Plotnik's Laundry?'

The old man answered, "Ah . . . Eveebody ask me that . . . It name of owner."

Looking around, the tourist asked, "Is he here?" "It me," replies the old man.

"Really? You're Chinese. How did you ever get a name like Moshe Plotnik?"

"Is simple," said the old man. "Many, many years ago I come to this country. I standing in line at 'Documentation Center of Immigration.' Man in front of me was Jewish man from Poland. Lady at counter look at him and say, "What your name?" He say, "Moshe Plotnik." Then she look at me and say, "What's your name?"

I say, "Sam Ting."

Today, much of the Sahara is so low in organic matter it supports little or no biological activity. The soil in depressions is often inhospitably saline. Vegetation in places include scattered growths of grasses, shrubs and trees in the highlands as well as in the oases and along river beds. A few plants are well adjusted to the climate, and germinate within three days of rain.

Today, there are a number of fertile oases watered by underground rivers, springs and natural wells. In such places, cultivated grasses, corn, fruits and date palms may be found.

Animal life is limited. Some locations support gazelles, Barbary sheep, deer, oryx, desert antelopes, jackals, sand foxes, badgers, hyena and a few others. There are about 300 species of birds.

Rivers in the Sahara are mostly seasonal, carrying water for brief periods following erratic rainfalls then reverting to dry river beds. The only permanent ones are the Nile and Niger Rivers.

Rock paintings found in southeast Algeria, drawn thousands of years ago, are reminders of the time when the Sahara was fertile.

Will such a time return? Unlikely. Scientists say the Sahara is expanding southwards at an average of six miles a month.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

Sisters beating the odds - Expanding farming practices in Yarrowkabra

Jovita King

By Svetlana Marshall THREE sisters are capitalising on the advantages of farming in Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and at the same time, are beating the odds as they set their eyes on citrus, cash crop and sour-sop leaf exportation.

Located approximately 38 miles from the capital city, Yarrowkabra is known for farming. Its sandy soil type makes it ideal for farming citrus and cash crops in addition to poultry farming.

The majority of the more than 5,000 residents there, either farm for domestic and or commercial purposes, and Janel, Jovita and Jehanne King are no exception.

For the past six years,

these young women have been managing their family farm in Yarrowkabra. During this publication’s recent visit to the community, Jovita, the second of the three sisters, was busy moulding the citrus trees on the farm.

“We have a small-scale farm that is 100 per cent organic,” Jovita told the Pepperpot Magazine as she took a 15 minutes break from her routine farming activities.

On their farm measuring one acre, the sisters plant bora, tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, celery, parsley, carilli (corilla) and eggplant commonly called boulanger. Additionally, the farm is filled with soursop and papaya trees, in addition to lime, guava, coconut, tangerine, cherry and pear trees. Meat birds, ducks

and goats are also reared on the farm.

Jovita explained that they would use animal manure with green manure as a form of organic fertiliser, stating clearly that no chemical fertilisers are used to grow their crops.

“Our farm is 100 per cent organic because as we rear our chickens, we would use the manure on our plants.

Three years ago we had pigs and we would put the mould on the older trees because pig mould is very strong, you wouldn’t take chance to put it on the young cash crops but everything we use is from our compost, from our chicken farm, the ducks, the goats,” the 22-year-old further explained.

Presently, the sisters supply persons at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) with produce in addition to persons operating out of several Government Ministries on a daily basis while also selling to their neighbours and friends.

However, the girls – ages 20, 22 and 26 – are looking to expand their operation at Yarrowkabra and beyond,

Jehanne King feeding their ducks at the family's Yarrowkabra farm on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

reaching as far as Long Creek where the family has managed to secure another plot of land.

“We are in the process of gathering additional lands and acquiring a loan that would allow us to expand. Right now we do small-scale farming but we are trying to reach the standard of exporting,” Jovita said.

She noted that while the family is hoping to export cash crops in the not so distant future, it is also looking for markets abroad for the sale of

soursop and papaya leaves due to their health benefits.

MEDEICINAL PLANTS Rich in protein, calcium, fructose, fat, vitamins ‘A’ and ‘B’, soursop leaves are said to have excellent medical properties that can treat cancer, uric acid, back pain, eczema and rheumatism. Papaya leaves reportedly have anti-malarial properties and are good for treatment of the hair and skin.

“So we are hoping to get a

Jovita King moulding a section of the family farm

market to export and be used locally for health purposes,” said an optimistic Jovita.

Until they acquire the necessary lands and loan needed to upgrade their farming, Jovita said they will continue to maintain their farm at Yarrowkabra, but that is not without its challenges.

“As it stands now we are not having steady water up here. We still struggle with water, sometimes we have to pump from the creek many days, and the weather changes because right now we are experiencing the dry season. It’s only recently we got electricity but the water pressure is very, very low,” she explained.

Nonetheless, to increase their chances, the sisters, all of whom studied Agricultural Science at secondary school will be specialising in various fields within the sector. Very soon, Jovita said she will be studying Herbology while her younger sister has an interest in Agricultural Mechanics.

The eldest sister, Janel is expected to commence studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture soon.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

13

Islamic Bank in US$900M aid package for Guyana GUYANA is in line to receive US $900M from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to facilitate a threeyear programme targeting key development areas in the country, including economic infrastructure, rural development, human development and trade and competitiveness, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has said.

In his address to the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Tunisia, Jordan explained that the IsDB fielded a programming mission in December 2017 where a work programme spanning three years–2018-2020–was formalised. He said approximately US $900M has been set aside to provide financing and technical assistance in key development areas such as economic infrastructure, rural development, human development and trade and competitiveness.

“It is quite evident that our joint efforts can go a long way in bringing about socio-economic stability and prosperity in Guyana, which can redound to the benefit of the Latin American and Caribbean Region. Guyana remains hopeful for its future and grateful for the Bank’s support,” Minister Jordan said.

While taking stock of the progress made by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government since taking office in May, 2015, the Finance Minister spoke of the assistance that is already being provided by the IsDB. “Agriculture continues to be a major contributor to growth and expansion in our economy. In this regard, the Government has leveraged the inter-locking capacity of the Bank, and is currently in an advanced stage of designing a Reverse-Linkage Project with the Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), which will assist in updating Guyana’s expertise and technology in rice production,” the Finance Minister pointed out.

According to him, the project will support the introduction of innovative rice varieties that are more resilient and also will significantly increase rice yields per acre.

Minister Jordan said with the IsDB’s continued support as a financing mechanism and provider of technical expertise, Guyana is optimistic about the growth of its non-traditional agricultural sector that is in line to benefit from new technologies

and supporting infrastructure.

“These efforts will not only ensure national food security, but, also, substantially transform the cost structure and competitiveness of our agriculture sector,” he posited.

cation (IBSME) approach. It will also make use of UNESCO’s Global Micro-Science Experiments programme and supporting mathematics kits and will lead to the integration of mathematics through science lessons,” he

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank.

In the area of education, the Finance Minister noted that the Guyana Government in partnership with the IsDB has developed a project that will embrace the Inquiry Based Science and Mathematics Education (IBSME) approach at both the primary and secondary levels.

“This project will embrace the Inquiry Based Science and Mathematics Edu-

explained, while adding that it will also raise the level of scientific and mathematical literacy among teachers and students and simultaneously support a learner-centered environment.

In 2017, the minimum standards for elderly residential care facilities were completed and enacted in Guyana, the Minister further reported. He noted that con-

currently, the Government approached the Bank for its support and assistance to design a project which will modernise and upgrade the facilities of the Palms Geriatric facility. That project is expected to procure equipment and furniture. It will also result in the provision of enhanced medical care.

Meanwhile, in reporting on other aspects of Guyana’s development, Minister Jordan noted that the Government is forging ahead with a number of key strategic approaches for the economic well-being of the country.

These include strengthening national planning; building a robust oil and gas industry; consolidating the macroeconomic fundamentals; fostering economic diversification; strengthening private sector capacity and its involvement in national development; diversification of the agricultural sector; investing in human and social development; development of climate resilient infrastructure; and pursuing equitable growth in a green development agenda.

He also informed the leaders on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, explaining that it will ensure sustainable growth with equity that redounds to the economic well-being of every citizen. “It could

become, quite possibly, a model for other like- minded economies,” he posited.

The strategy is being fashioned through a collaborative and consultative process.

“It will allow our people an opportunity to shape the scope and scale of our development priorities, given our existing and future resource flows,’ he explained, while adding that “My Government will continue to assess the economic tides and employ timely policy measures to correct imbalances and mitigate negative effects that could stymie growth. In this regard, we aim to strengthen our analytical capability to determine the macroeconomic effects of various policies and interventions employed to grow our economy.”

Additionally, Guyana has recently adopted a Public-Private Partnership (P3) Framework that provides a structured platform for local and external private sectors to meaningfully engage with Government to achieve economic development.

President of the IsDB, Dr. Bandar Hajjar; Governors, Alternate Governors and members of delegation were among those present at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank.

Guyana wants ICJ to order Venezuela off Ankoko … seeks protection for foreign company GUYANA has called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Venezuela to immediately withdraw from and cease occupation of the eastern half of Ankoko Island and every other area recognised as its sovereign territory in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award and the 1905 Agreement.

One week after filing its application to the ICJ Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge on Wednesday met with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York.

Venezuela National Army occupied the Guyana side of the Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River which is the western border between the two states; five months after independence, in October 1966 and has remained in illegal occupation ever since.

The island is used as a military garrison to harass miners and to engage in occasional acts of provocation against the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) border detachment at Eteringbang on the opposite bank of the river.

The eastern half of An-

koko Island situated at the confluence of the Cuyuni and Wenamu rivers, which forms part of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, was taken over by the Venezuelan Army in 1966. The Venezuelans constructed a military base, an airstrip and a post office and brought in civilian settlers.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by the ICJ on Wednesday, the court said Guyana also called on the court to have Venezuela “refrain from threatening or using force against any person and/or company licensed by Guyana or engage in economic or commercial activity in Guyanese territory as determined by the 1899 Award and 1905 Agreement, or in any maritime areas appurtenant to such territory over which Guyana has sovereignty or exercises sovereign rights, and shall not interfere with any Guyanese or Guyanese-authorised activities in those areas”.

Additionally, Guyana’s application noted that Venezuela is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a

consequence. The application also requests the ICJ to declare that the 1899 Award is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and the boundary established by that Award and the 1905 Agreement is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela.

“Guyana enjoys full sovereignty over the territory between the Essequibo River and the boundary established by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement, and Venezuela enjoys full sovereignty over the territory west of that boundary; Guyana and Venezuela are under an obligation to fully respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the boundary established by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Agreement,” Guyana’s application states.

“On March 29, Guyana filed an application against Venezuela with the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. In its application, Guyana requests the Court “to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the Award Regarding the Boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela,

Secretary-General António Guterres (right) meets with Carl Greenidge, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana.

of October 3, 1899 (hereinafter the ‘1899 Award’)”.

Guyana also stated that the 1899 Award was “a full, perfect, and final settlement” of all questions relating to determining the boundary line between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela.

It is Guyana’s position that between November 1900 and June 1904, a joint Anglo-Venezuelan Boundary Commission “identified, demarcated and permanently fixed the boundary established by the Award” before the signing of a Joint Declaration by the Commissioners on January 10, 1905 (referred to by Guyana as the “1905 Agreement”).

Guyana stated that in 1962,

for the first time, Venezuela contested the Award as “arbitrary” and “null and void”.

This, according to Guyana, led to the signing of the Agreement to resolve the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana at Geneva on February 17, 1966 (the Geneva Agreement), which “provided for recourse to a series of dispute settlement mechanisms to finally resolve the controversy”.

Additionally, Guyana submits that the Geneva Agreement authorised the United Nations Secretary-General to decide which appropriate

dispute resolution mechanism to adopt for the peaceful settlement of the dispute, in accordance with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. On January 30, 2018, UN Secretary-General António Guterres determined that the Good Offices Process had failed to achieve a peaceful settlement of the controversy. Guterres took a formal and binding decision, under Article IV, paragraph 2 of the Agreement, to choose a different means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter.

In identical letters to both Parties, the UN Secretary-General communicated the terms of his decision that, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the Geneva Agreement, the controversy shall be settled by recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Guyana’s application to the ICJ has been filed pursuant to the Secretary-General’s decision.

The full text of Guyana’s application is available on the ICJ website.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established by the United Nations Charter in June 1945 and began its activities in April 1946. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

“I want to make sure that you can enjoy Easter’ -- President Granger tells East Coast and Soesdyke children

AS Guyanese joined Christians across the world in the observance of Good Friday, President David Granger and ministers of government took the administration’s kite-distribution exercise to Buxton and Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara and Kuru Kururu and Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, bringing smiles to the faces of over 1000 children.

Starting at Wilson’s Gas Station in Buxton, accompanied by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, the President said that the flying of kites at Easter is a unique Guyanese tradition, which brings together not only Christians and families, but people from all walks of life as well.

“You can go all over the Caribbean, Anguilla, Belize and nobody is flying a kite.

It is a Guyanese thing. So let

us preserve this tradition and let us have fun. So we are here to help you to celebrate a traditional Guyanese Easter,” he said.

Gladis Browne, a resident of the area, in an invited comment said that the children from Buxton and its

environs always look forward eagerly to the President’s visit every Easter and Christmas, as they know that he always has them at heart.

“Since he has been in office, we look forward to seeing him every year and he doesn’t disappoint. So today

we are happy that he is here to share kites and make the children happy,” she said.

Over at Lusignan, where over 300 children received kites, the President echoed those sentiments, noting that he makes it his duty to visit the Lusignan/ Good Hope

Learning Centre every year to bring joy to the children.

“This is where we want to come, to Good Hope and Lusignan and our purpose here is to make sure that you can enjoy your Easter. We are [here to] help you enjoy this holiday that all of us as

President David Granger with children at the Yarrowkabra Primary School during his kite-distribution exercise last Friday

Guyanese celebrate,” President Granger said.

From Lusignan, the President travelled to the Kuru Kururu and the Yarrowkabra Primary Schools, where he shared a similar message.

More than 600 children, some as young as one-yearold, were beaming with excitement as they received their kites from President Granger, Minister Ally and Chairperson of DemeraraMahaica (Region Four), Genevieve Allen.

Yonette Fortune, a resident of Kuru Kururu, said that she is pleased that the President was able to visit the community. “We welcome you Sir and we thank you for taking the time out to be here with us,” she said.

Little Daniel Williams said that he is eager to go out on Easter Sunday to fly his two-foot kite, which he received from the President. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President David Granger interacts with children at the Lusignan/ Good Hope Learning Centre when he distributed more than 300 kites

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

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‘Guyana is a place for all of us’ -- says Minister Harmon at Region Three kite distribution exercise

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon last Friday distributed kites to children from Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), while encouraging them to participate fully in the celebration of Easter.

The distribution was done at the Wales Primary School, West Demerara Secondary School, and the Den Amstel Community Centre as part of the administration’s annual exercise, which allows the President and Ministers of Government to meet and interact with children across the country and encourage participation in the annual tradition of kite-flying in Guyana.

“Easter is an important time in the lives of Christians and it has now become a celebration for all Guyana, irrespective of your religion.

As you raise your kites, remember [the flag], remember Guyana. Remember that Guyana is a place for all of us. We’re one country, one Guyana. So remember that this is a time of togetherness.

It is a time of cohesion… it’s about oneness,” the minister of state said.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon with children during the kite distribution exercise last Friday

Minister Harmon also said that the flags raised high in the air are symbolic of the rising hope in the hearts of all Guyanese.

“The holiday of Easter represents the rising of hope

for Guyana and the rising of hope for all of the children of Guyana. So, today as I distribute these kites, it is really a symbol of what we all hope for in Guyana, that is a rising of all our hopes

and expectations and the delivery of a good life for all of us as we live together in peace and harmony in this country,” he said.

Teacher at the Wales Primary School, Nichola

Gould was inspired by the minister’s words. “It’s a great initiative because, as he said, Guyana is on the rise, especially where children are concerned because the youth [will be] the lead-

ers,” she said.

Minister Harmon was accompanied by his mother, Susan Clement and his daughter, Daniele Harmon-Klien.

Bulkan spreads Easter spirit to Region Eight PRESIDENT David Granger’s kite-distribution initiative was taken to the Region Eight community of Mahdia last Saturday. Some 400 primary school students from five villages in the district received kites for the Easter holiday.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Rajcoomarie Gloria Bancroft delivered the kites on behalf of the Head of State.

Students from Micobie, El Paso, Princeville and Campbelltown were brought by Toshaos Ivan Pio and John Andries to join others from Tumatumari and Mahdia for the event.

The excited children and their parents who came out in their numbers noted that this was the first time the kite-distribution initiative had been brought to their community. The kites were adorned with the President’s photograph along with photographs of birds and animals.

Minister Bulkan wished the children and their parents an enjoyable Easter and reminded them to continue working to develop their communities.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and APNU+AFC Member of Parliament Rajcoomarie Gloria Bancroft, with some of the Region Eight Primary School children

Minister Bulkan listens intently to this little girl

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan,APNU+AFC Member of Parliament Rajcoomarie Gloria Bancroft and Toshaos Ivan Pio and John Andries, are joined by some of the children with their kites

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

T TH HE E H HI IS ST TO ORY RY PA PAG GE E

Indian Arrival Day

ndian Arrival Day is observed Most immigrants came from the remained continued to work on the sugar Guyana; Bharat Jagdeo — former Presin some countries in the Carib- lower agricultural caste (including plantations. Others cultivated rice on a ident of Guyana; Moses Nagamootoo — bean and Mauritius. On May chamar); artisan caste (kumhar); culti- large scale, reared cattle, sold milk and Prime Minister of Guyana; Sir Shridath 30, 1994, Trinidad and Tobago was vator caste (kurmi); grazier caste (ahir); became involved in cash crop cultiva- Ramphal — former Commonwealth the first country to commemorate landholding caste (thakur), and priestly tion. They became barbers, tailors, car- Secretary General; Donald Ramotar — penters, boat builders, charcoal makers, former President of Guyana; Ayube this event. It was called Arrival Day. caste (brahmin).

There were also significant num- sieve makers, goldsmiths, porters, small Edun, founder and former President of In 1995, it was re-named Indian Arthe Manpower Citizens Association; rival Day. In Guyana, April 5 is a bers of Muslims and outcasts. Owing to scale manufacturers and fishermen.

Richard Ishmael — former President of Chroni(Guyana Mangar C. Tota immiwomen of shortage relative the public holiday commemorating the MPCA; Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo, “Ineloquently, states 2014) 5, May cle, dea was there days, early the in grants event. and work hard much of dint by dians, famed for his 245 consecutive successful gree of miscegenation; some men BACKGROUND defenses in murder cases; Sir Edward the of out emerged and saved thrift, African with cohabited or married When slavery was abolished on Auand new a carve to misery of abyss Victor Luckhoo, Chancellor of the Judimixed of children producing women gust 1, 1838 and Apprenticeship ended ciary, 1969-1976; last Governor-Genfour years later, there was a shortage eral of Guyana, 1969 and first person of labor on the plantations. Despite to act as President of Guyana, Februrecruiting laborers from the ary 23, 1970-March 10, 1970; Caribbean, Africa and parts of EuBertrand Oswald Adams, Govt. Junrope, the situation required additional ior Scholar (first place in Colony); labor. After the Caribbean islands second placed at Guiana Scholarship. placed restrictions on emigration, the Dr. Sir Fenton Ramsahoye, sugar planters in Guyana began to first Ph.D in Law and holds Guyana’s look to India to obtain a large labor for making the most aprecord the force. One of them, John Gladstone, the Privy Council in before pearances father of the British statesman the Caribbean.

William Ewart Gladstone and owner of the plantations Vreed-en-Hoop SPORTS and Vreed-en-Stein, applied for perRohan Kanhai – former West Inmission from the Secretary of State dies cricket captain; Alvin Kallicharfor the Colonies to recruit Indians to “S.S. Whitby” and “S.S. Hesperus” at Port Georgetown, British Guiana — May 1838. ran — former West Indies cricket serve in Guyana for a five-year period of captain; Shivnarine Chanderpaul — forprosperous destiny for their descenblood referred to as ‘douglas.’ indenture. mer West Indies cricket captain; Indentureship, as the immigration dants.”

His request was granted and he, Ramnaresh Sarwan — former West InThose descendants made great dies cricket captain; Joe Solomon — Henry Davidson, Barclay and Company, scheme was known, had a temporary Andrew Colville, John and Henry Moss, halt from July 1839 to May 1845, after strides in the 20th Century. Some entered West Indian Cricketer; Narsingh Deonarowners of sugar plantations in Guyana, which it continued uninterrupted to the professions, the Civil Service and ine – West Indian cricketer; Harry Powarranged to recruit 414 workers from 1917. By then, 239,909 Indians landed opened businesses. Others entered poli- ell and Moses Dwarka — marathon India. Of these, 150 were "hill coolies" in Guyana. About 75,547 returned to tics. In 1916, Thomas Flood, a merchant runners. and government contractor and Joseph from Chota Nagpur, and the remainder India.

WRITERS The Indian workers fared no better Alexander Luckhoo, a lawyer, contested were from Burdwan and Bancoorah near — the first writer Ruhomon Joseph to Calcutta. (The word "coolie", a cor- than the slaves they had replaced. Dr. elections to the Court of Policy. Edward a publication author to descent Indian of ruption of the Tamil word "kuli", re- Odeen Ishmael writes that: “by January A. Luckhoo, Mayor of New Amsterdam, Joseph Ebenezer Charles Guyana; in 1839 agents of the Anti-Slavery Society and J. A. Veerasammy, both lawyers, and ferred to a porter or labourer).

Ramcharitar-Lalla — known as the “FaTwo ships, the Whitby and Hespe- accused some planters in Demerara of Ashraf Ally, a merchant, ran for posiand whipping, including ill-treatment, tions as Financial Representatives. ther of Indian Poetry in Guyana”, who rus were chartered to transport the workedited the first “Indian Collection of Poers. The Whitby arrived in Guyana on expressed concerns over the high death Joseph Alexander Luckhoo was the only one who succeeded and became the first etry;” Ada Debidin —who published her May 5, 1838 during daylight with 267 rate of the Indians.”

In April 1839, a three-man team led East Indian elected to the national legis- first book, “Saman Sunset”, at 85 and persons. It sailed to Berbice and 164 imher second book, “An anthology of chilmigrants were recruited by Highbury by the Secretary of the Anti-Slavery So- lature — the Court of Policy. dren’s stories”, at 91SS; Betty Lewis — and Waterloo plantations. The ship re- ciety, John Scoble, visited Guyana to inCULTURAL HERITAGE Guyana’s first woman biographer. turned to Demerara, where the other im- vestigate the working and living “Indian immigrants and their deCONCLUSION migrants were taken to Belle Vue Estate. conditions of the Indians. They found scendants have ensured that there is a wellwere claims agents’ their that Indians have done well and their Hesperus arrived the night of May rich Indian cultural heritage in Guyana’s contributions to Guyana are recognized.

5, 1838 with 170 workers. They were founded and reported their concerns to multi-cultural and pluralistic society.” distributed among the Vreedestein, the Governor, Sir Henry Light.

When Indians arrived in Guyana, The tradition of thrift, hard work and edComa appointed he response, In Vreed-en-hoop and Anna Regina plan83 per cent were Hindus, and 14 per cent ucation have served them well these planAfrican Several Inquiry. of mission tations. were Muslims. The remaining three per- many years. HAPPY INDIAN ARMany of these laborers were re- tation laborers gave evidence, supporting cent were Christians. The Ramayan, the RIVAL DAY, Guyanese and persons of cruited from the heavily-populated, Bho- the Society's accusations against the of- Bhagwat Gita and the Holy Quran are Guyanese heritage!

I close with the meaningful words jpuri-speaking area that came to be fending planters. Governor Light or- still prized holy books in Indian houseguilty the of prosecution the dered Ramsaran, in “Beyond the Ashook of known as the United Provinces — holds. parties.

Heperus and the Whitby”: “History has roughly the present-day Uttar Pradesh NOTABLE INDIANS Dr. Ishmael wrote that: “Despite thrown us together and history would — and embarked at emigration depot at Indians have made notable contri- look kindly on the success of the human the bad treatment on some estates, other Calcutta (now Kolkota). butions in Guyanese politics, sports and spirit that is triumphant in a shared desAnother source of laborers was the Indians, especially on the Berbice eswriting, among other fields, these are a tiny. Our (the races of Guyana) paths Madras Presidency, in Southern India, tates, were generally well-treated.”

The system of contract labor (In- few of my favourites. met — actually we were thrown together where the principal emigration port was POLITICS — we stayed put, remained intact and we Madras (now Chennai). Today, the de- dentureship) was abolished in 1917. By in settled had Indians 238,909 then, have forged a new path for our shared peer life — Alli Baron Alli, Waheed scendants of the immigrants from these were 74,645 Approximately Guyana. destiny.”

Cheddi Lords; of House British the in parts are still called ‘Madrasis.’ repatriated to India. Some of those who Beret Jagan — former President of

I

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

17

M&CC clears scrap metal from Norton Street LARGE amounts of old scrap metal and a derelict vehicle were removed from Norton Street on Tuesday afternoon by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in keeping with its mandate to reclaim public spaces and parapets.

The removal was spearheaded by Town Clerk Royston King, who said the action is necessary for the safety of residents and comes about after its owner, Morris Primo, was issued several notices.

King said Primo has brought the matter upon himself with his refusal to adhere to the Municipal and District Council Act which prohibits trespass in alleyways, public and council roads, parapets and pavements.

“One individual has held the entire community hostage by storing all sorts of scrap metal and a whole host of other undesirable things, creating an environment for mosquito breeding and harbouring all kinds of reptiles.

“We couldn’t allow a situation like this to continue to remain in the city and because of that, we’re moving to clear the entire parapet and even the yard in which these things are stored,” King said.

A number of trucks and two excavators were at work at the scene with the help of several workmen who could be seen clearing items such as old refrigerators, stoves, car parts, zinc sheets and other items.

“This particular individual was warned over and over again. He’s been given notices, both verbal and written notices and he has failed to comply so we’re taking action against him,” the town clerk said.

However, speaking with reporters, Primo disagreed with King. He claimed that he did not receive a warning from the City Council, and only knew about the removal when the team of

workmen showed up.

Primo who has been operating at the location for over 14 years, told reporters that had he been given extra time he would have removed the stored items.

He was very much against the removal of the truck parked on the parapet, stating that it would be damaged if removed by the excavators.

King, nonetheless, maintained his previous stance.

“These things have been stored on our parapets and on the reserve for ages and because we’ve not taken action against him, he continues to accumulate all sorts of objectionable things.

“Not caring about the way his neighbours feel and not caring about the property or property value of his neighbours. We couldn’t allow this to continue.”

The town clerk said the persons living adjacent to the scrap yard and others in the community have complained to the City Council about the ‘eyesore’, which he said Primo paid no mind to.

Speaking with two female residents living beside and behind the scrap yard, who both wished to remain unnamed, one woman said: “It was a health hazard because of rats and all of those things, plenty mosquitoes.”

The other who has small children said, “You would get a lot of mosquitoes and so on, it would be a facelift for the environment.”

Aside from the scrap metal dealer, King said a notice has been issued to a farmer who reportedly rears and slaughters pigs in the Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

This act is said to have been occurring for some 15 years and the meat is sold at the Bourda Market.

The M&CC has described the situation as a dangerous health risk.

“We’ve served the no-

Owner of the scrap yard, Morris Primo, salvages what he can as the workmen clear the area

tice and they have a few more days, by next week, to remove those pigs and piglets from the cemetery.

We couldn’t have a farmer rearing pigs in the cemetery.

It is just not right, it is completely unacceptable,” King said firmly.

Apart from the Norton Street clean up, King made known the M&CC’s intention to revisit Sussex Street, in Charlestown, where a similar scrap metal operation had been restarted by a man after the site was cleared just a few weeks ago.

The scrap metal and other materials will be transported to a Princes Street location where they will be buried.

An excavator used to remove the bulk of scrap metal and other materials on Norton Street

There was also an accumulated buildup of materials beginning on the roadside opposite the scrap yard

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

18

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business The Edgar Henry Column

M

MORTGAGES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2018

ortgage rates are low and they are poised to possibly go higher. Regardless of the rates, it’s a great time to purchase a home if you qualify.

With all the concerns and challenges facing off with real estate pricing and fair market values, people are waiting with bated breath to decipher whether or not to purchase a home. You might be surprised to know that right now is the ideal time to obtain a mortgage, but not if you have poor credit.

You can get a great deal on a 30-year, fixed-rate, if you have a solid FICO score, a manageable debt burden, and positive proof of a reliable income.

Some borrowers may have jumped to get low rates now, fearing rates will move even higher in the coming months. The first week in March usually marks the start of the busy spring housing market, but you wouldn't know that from the mortgage market analysis. Total mortgage application volume barely moved last month, up just 1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Applications to refinance a home loan, which usually fall when rates rise, moved up to a 1 percent gain for the week and were nearly 2 percent higher than a year ago, when interest rates were lower. Some borrowers have jumped to get the low rates, fearing even higher ones are coming soon.

Rates are probably headed even higher this year, raising the question of whether you should borrow now or wait for a better deal. If you're a gambler you can afford to wait, but if you’re a worrier and can't sleep at night wondering if rates will go up, take that chance, make a calculated decision and borrow now.

SHOP AROUND In ordinary times, one loan is about as good as another since most 30year loans are bordering around a quar-

ter of a percentage point difference.

Today, lender rates vary as to how much risk they're willing to take in making loans. So it really pays to shop around, because rates are constantly changing. Any novice would be attracted and borrow from the cheapest offer available.

GET A FIXED RATE MORTGAGE Forget what you were told in quieter times about the pros and cons of fixed- rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgage

loans. Recently, all the best deals are on fixed-rate loans because that's the segment of the market that the government has been targeting with support. The securitization of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) has mostly dried up, so banks don't want to originate ARMs, therefore they don't offer attractive rates on them. Some lending institutions are extending the terms on some ARMs and maintaining low interest rates if your payment history is great.

FANNIE MAE AND

FREDDIE MAC For decades, the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were the contented foundation of the U.S. housing market. By buying and packaging home loans into bonds and absorbing much of their risk, they made it easier for homebuyers to get mortgages, and to get them on easier terms than are available in most countries. Created by the government and then spun off as shareholder-owned corporations, Fannie and Freddie churned out steady profits, as investors treated their debt as virtually risk-free.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have tightened standards for the loans they'll

buy or guarantee, even though the two mortgage finance giants are now under government conservatorship. You'll need a FICO score of at least 720 for the best interest rate, although for a big enough fee, Fannie and Freddie will guarantee loans with FICO scores down to the mid-600s but you may also need a down payment of 20% or more.

Lately, the most difficult hurdle for many buyers has been lenders' debt-toincome standards.

We've all heard that it's getting harder and harder to qualify for a new loan, but no one's been certain what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have set as rules in this financial environment.

So what do you need to buy a home today using Fannie or Freddie? If you have a score of 740 or higher and want to buy a home valued at $400,000, you would need to have $80,000 to put down on the home plus another $5,000 for fees before you could even think about buying. If your credit score was below 680, you would need the $80,000 down plus approximately $10,000 in fees.

The problem is that since Frannie and Freddie are the only players

in town for most mortgages, and since private mortgage money dried up, there's not much to go around in helping people who want to buy a home.

The only way to stop the downward spiral in home prices is to reduce the backlog of homes on the market.

GET PRE-QUALIFIED Home sellers are likely to give you a better deal on a house if you're prequalified for a mortgage. Why? Because it shows you can get the deal done quickly. In the real estate market, nothing aggravates a seller more than being strung along by a buyer who really wants the house but can't qualify for the loan. It is a frustrating experience.

FIRST-TIME BORROWERS NEED CREDIT COUNSELING A lot of the current mess we're in could have been avoided if first-time home buyers had paid attention to warnings about overextending themselves. Most people getting into the market for the first time seriously underestimate the cost of maintaining a home. What happens if as soon as you close that water heater blows? Do you have enough money to pay for the unexpected leaky roof without missing a mortgage payment?

I've seen mortgage applications rise, but many people are being turned away because they don't qualify. On the other hand, if you got an ARM in the past and it’s coming up on an interest rate reset, don't rush to unload it, keep it for now. Short-term interest rates have gotten so low that you're very likely to see your monthly payment falls.

Obviously there are first time buyers ready to purchase, so we need to find a happy medium between safe lending and helping to stabilize the housing market and its pricing.

Most importantly ensure that your down payment is not borrowed. Be prepared to provide proof that the down payment was sitting in your account for at least three to six months. Lenders want to be certain that they are in first position.

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

To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

19

GDF to get two skyvans

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is likely to receive two additional planes to add to its fleet and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that the government is interested in acquiring Skyvans and is in the process of inspecting them.

“I know that we are looking to acquire Skyvans and we are in the process of

inspecting them,” Harmon told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday. Since the equipment is still being inspected, the Minister said no date has been given yet as to when the craft would be available to the military.

The government has, however, given its commitment to strengthen the country’s border regions and boost their abilities by providing

the requisite equipment.

This newspaper was told that the army itself continues to express interest in building its fleet by accessing helicopters also. While Minister Harmon said he could only speak to the Skyvans, GDF sources confirmed that talks have surfaced about the possible acquisition of at least two helicopters outside of fixed-wing aircraft.

The Short SC.7 Skyvan is a British 19-seat twin-turboprop aircraft. The high wing, twin-engine carrier has always been pegged as an ideal craft for Guyana given its STOL-- Short Takeoff and Landing abilities --which will suit the country’s short interior airstrips. The GDF had been operating two helicopters--the GDF One and GDF Two--while problems

would be experienced occasionally with its Bell 412 helicopter. The GDF’s fleet had also included another 1960s British-made Skyvan with several years of operation.

A “corroding” Chinese Harbin Y-12 and a single-engine Cessna 206 seized during a drug raid was also in the mix. Last year, the army had re-

quested funding for the acquisition of additional rotor wing aircraft, models with capabilities said to be significantly advanced, as compared to the Bell 206 helicopters on the army’s roster. The GDF has been fortunate, however, in receiving several pieces of equipment from the Chinese and other foreign associates.

In Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (from page 4)

pair of binoculars.

On March 10, 1969, Ray pleaded guilty to King’s murder and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. No testimony was heard in his trial. Shortly afterwards, however, Ray recanted his confession, claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy.

Ray later found sympathy in an unlikely place: Members of King’s family, including his son Dexter, who publicly met with Ray in 1977 and began arguing for a reopening of his case. Though the U.S. government conducted several investigations into the trial — each time confirming Ray’s guilt as the sole assassin — controversy still surrounds the assassination.

At the time of Ray’s death in 1998, King’s widow Coretta Scott King (who in the weeks after her husband’s death had courageously continued the campaign to aid the striking Memphis sanitation workers and carried on his mission of social change through nonviolent means) publicly lamented that “America will never have the benefit of Mr. Ray’s trial, which would have produced new revelations about the assassination . . . as well as establish the facts concerning Mr. Ray’s innocence.”

THE ASSASSINATION'S IMPACT Though Blacks and Whites alike mourned Rev. King’s passing, the killing in some ways served to widen the rift between Black and White Americans, as many Blacks saw Rev. King’s assassination as a rejection of their vigorous pursuit of equality through the nonviolent resistance he had championed.

His murder, like the killing of Malcolm X in 1965, radicalized many moderate African-American activists, fueling the growth of the Black Power movement and the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

FLASHBACK: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. stands with other civil rights leaders on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., a day before he was assassinated. (photo from AP) Rev. King has remained the most only five years widely known African-American leader died.

of his era, and the most public face of the civil rights movement, along with its most eloquent voice.

A campaign to establish a national holiday in his honor began almost immediately after his death . . . President Ronald Reagan signed the King holiday bill into law in 1983.

Let me close with some words from Rev. King's youngest daughter — Bernice, who was old when her father

Bernice stated that she and her siblings coped with the departure of her father, because their mother — Coretta kept indoctrinating them around the fact that "God had different reasons for calling his children home — -the main one being that he had other tasks for them to do in Heaven". ******* With this article, The New York Chronicle is maintaining a tradition of contributing attention to our fore-mothers and fathers — like Dr. Martin Luther King who served as Leaders, beyond their own borders.

We Honor MLK's legacy to the global community.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

20

In The Mail

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

SUSTAINING THE NY EDITION OF THE CHRONICLE

Dear Editor, Following up on the very first letter that was written about the Guyana Government releasing incremental subventions for the reliable continuation of the publication of the Guyana Chronicle in New York, we, the overseas consumers of the paper, should take heart from two announcements that were made in Georgetown last week.

The first announcement came from President David Granger, who in responses to questions from Media personnel, declared "I recognize the need for the public to re-

ceive information, particularly through the State media, which would help them to make decisions . . . So there is a role for public information and the Chronicle is a public information medium."

Later the same week, Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond stated that the Agency had returned to profitability.

The Chairperson told the Company's Annual General Meeting that at the end of December, 2016, GNNL recorded its best performance in the last decade, raking in a

profit before tax of $63.7 million.

From those two statements, I believe that the Administration of this newspaper should be very proactive in detailing its request to its parent.

One thought that I have Mr. Editor, is that if the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is to provide information and help Guyana Government promotion to readers in this State, and to the wider Diaspora including Canada, the New York Administration will have to rapidly increase its New York/U.S./Canada production and

circulation.

In addition, I am wondering that if one of the major roles of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is for example to keep Guyanese and other nationalities upto-date on investment opportunities in Guyana — Does it mean that the Administration of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle will by itself or in collaboration with other agencies, say Consulates have to mount information fora like seminars or symposia.

Wilfred Davilar Reader of the Chronicle.

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

REMEMBERING Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr. on the 50th Anniversary of his Assassination

T

he Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and its global affiliates join with other organizations, agencies, officials, groups, individuals and institutions worldwide in remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on the 50th anniversary of his assassination on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived an extraordinary life. At age 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with US President John Kennedy. At age 34, he galvanized the nation with his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. At age 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At the young age of 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today to confront the ugly vestiges of racial discrimination especially during these turbulent and alarming times.

We pay special homage and grateful recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s preeminent leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from 1955 to 1968, during which time African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in

America than the previous two centuries had produced. He championed equal rights which led to the 1965 US Civil Rights Act, legally barring discrimination and segregation in all segments of American society.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist Minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement. He was born on January 15, 1929 and assassinated on April 4, 1968. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peaceful refusal to obey unjust law was the best way to bring about social change. His adherence of Ghandhian non-violence teachings for peacful protests to achieve freedom and social justice have inspired many to protest in peaceful ways against oppression, colonial rule, subjugation and violent discrimination in many countries.

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provide inspiration, challenges and reminders of the possibilities for good, as well as the role and responsibility of everyone to be supportive of advancing social justice in even small ways. One of his famous quotes: “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle;

the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”.

The world owes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a debt of gratitude.

For more information contact: Ashook Ramsaran at AshookRamsaran@gmail.com Mobile (USA) +1 917 519 5783 Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage, and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations, and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 1929-1968

To advertise your business, a special milestone, your wedding anniversary, your child’s birthday, your organization’s fundraiser or any special occasion in the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle

call: (917) 379-6590

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 95 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Jealous co-workers may try to sabotage your attempts to get ahead. If you’re preoccupied, be careful while operating a vehicle or any kind of equipment or machinery. Self improvement projects should be your key concern. Get out and enjoy some entertainment. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Plan to do things with your faithful pet or with youngsters who have interesting hobbies. You could do extremely well in competitive sports events.

Don’t torment yourself. Disharmony in the home will be extremely stressful.

Relationships will form if you get out and do things that you enjoy. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Try not to skirt issues if you think you’ll hurt someone’s feelings. Plan a trip to the country or take a drive to the beach. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Your luckiest event next weekwill occur on Friday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art or music tnext week.

Visitors may drop by unexpectedly, resulting in tension with your lover.

Over-indulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles. Your mind will be on matters that deal with secret affairs. Pursue outdoor activities or any physical exertion. Don’t let yourself get rundown. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Get them to pitch in, if you need help. Romance is likely if you can bring yourself to go out with friends. It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries next week. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You may be confused regarding your love life. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship. All your energy should be directed into money-making opportunities. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Monday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You might have a problem juggling your time. Your mind is on moneymaking ventures. Your social activity should be conducive to finding love.

Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Socialize with friends, but don’t overspend on lavish entertainment. Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. Your mind may not be on the job.

Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Sunday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) This may not be your time if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you. You should get involved with activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You won’t have much time for your mate this month. You’ll find travel or involvement in large groups gratifying. You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with. You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Put your energy into home renovations. You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately. You will accomplish the most in the work environment this month. Enlist co-workers in order to get the job done on time. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

ACROSS 1. __ liquor 5. Fraternity letter 10. Good earth 14. Dwarf buffalo 15. Ne'er-do-well 16. Song for Carmen 17. Elusive creature 18. lndicated 19. Young salmon 20. Venus 23. Threshold 24. Down and out 25. Blotchy 28. Alter 31. Be of use to 32. Rich Little, e.g.

33. Spud bud 36. Pluto 40. Commercials 41. Put out 42. Bell sounds 43. Stumbled in speech 45. Senility

W O R D F I N D

ANTIPASTO BHAJJI BRUSCHETTA BUFFALO WING CANAPE CHEESE CHILE CON OUESO CRAB PUFF CROSTINO EGG ROLL FRUIT SATAD HUMMUS NACHOS ONION RING

A P P E T I Z E R S

10. Ran out 11. Electioneer 12. Put on 13. Get a wife 21. City in northern France 22. Lodge 25. Arp's art 26. Dedicated 46. Bay window 27, Bridge call 49. Emanation 28. Plant sucker 50. Mercury 29. Butcher's stock 57. Kuwaiti ruler 30. Go astray 58. Great Lakes salmon 32. Culmination 59. Certain raptors 33. Pennsylvania city 60. Let 34. Safecracker 6l. Hodgepodges 35. lrish offshoot 62. Boys 37. Fine-grained wooc 63. Duds 38. Be gaga over 64. Retreats 39. Fortresses 65. Eyelid problem 43. Card game 44. Totality DOWN 45. Pressure 1. Poet Angelou 46. Manifest 2. Again 47. Rival of Paris 3. French novelist Pierre 48. Cake topper 4. Serious agitation 49. ln progress 51. Symbol 5. Comparison 52 Exclusive 6. Mode 53. ___ ls lt," Jackson film.

7, __ rock 54 "Doggone’ it!"

8. Department store 55 “May event, for short department 56 Latin infinitive.

9. Song and dance

PINCHO POTATO SKINS POTATO WEDGES PRAWN COCKTAIL SALMON TARTAR SPRING ROLLS TAPAS TORTILLA VOL-AUVENXXX ZRANGOLLA

ISSUE 95 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

3

Audit Ordered in Trinidad and Tobago As Country Named in Global Data Mining Scandal PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has ordered an audit into all government agencies and state entities on the heels of claims that a government minister in a previous administration hired a Britishbased consultancy firm to illegally harvest data of the twin-island republic’s citizens.

Christopher Wylie, a whistleblower who worked for the British political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, revealed Trinidad and Tobago’s involvement in the scandal when he addressed United Kingdom lawmakers on Tuesday. He said he had passed on contractual documentation and emails from some of the past projects of AggregateIQ (AIQ), an affiliate of Cambridge Analytica, including one “for the, at the time, Minister of National Security for Trinidad”.

“Part of the project was to go out and find a way of accessing raw Internet service provider data for the entire country to monitor what people were browsing in that country. As I understand it, it’s not legal in Trinidad and it certainly wouldn’t be legal here.”

In a statement to Parliament yesterday, Al-Rawi said Cambridge Analytica, AIQ, and the Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL) Group and their affiliate companies allegedly carried out illegal data and communication mining activities in Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 under the former Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led People’s Partnership government.

He said the alleged activities breached the law in Trinidad and Tobago and there will be further digging to get to the bottom of what happened and who was involved.

“The Interception of Communica-

tions Act, Chapter 15:08 at Section 6, strictly prohibits the interception of communication in the manner alleged by the whistleblower in testimony given before The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons of the British Parliament. The Computer Misuse Act, Chapter 11:17, at Section 3, prohibits the unauthorised access to data. The alleged acts committed by Cambridge Analytica and its affiliates/alter egos potentially constitute breaches of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

“In the election campaign of 2015, citizens would recall that there were wide scale receipts of unsolicited personalized political messaging from entities promoting the United National Congress. It is therefore incumbent upon the Office of the Attorney General in discharging duties under the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, to cause an audit of all Government Ministries, Statutory Authorities, State Enterprises and the National Security Council to ascertain whether any contracts were established, whether any payments were made and whether any services were rendered by the named companies, Cambridge Analytica, AggregateIQ, and the Strategic Communication Laboratories (SCL) Group, and/or any of their affiliate/alter ego companies/entities.

“I shall ensure that this audit includes the application of a keen eye for any masked transactions through nominated/trustee entities to hide the true identity and nature of any services provided,” Al-Rawi told Parliament.

The Attorney General added that his office would also cooperate with international investigative agencies that are conducting parallel investigations into the matter.

“We shall reach out to authorities in the United Kingdom and the United

WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle, Inc.) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an established account list.

The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean.

It is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage(www.guyanachronicle.com).

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

EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: DENNIS NELSON @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

Attorney General Al-Rawi making the statement in Parliament Wednesday.

States of America to secure information and evidence relating to this most serious matter of alleged illegal conduct and activity,” he assured.

“Accordingly, Madam Speaker, I am to inform this Honourable House that yesterday [Tuesday] I instructed the State’s Attorneys in the United Kingdom to take immediate steps to secure the evidence and materials provided by persons including the whistleblower Christopher Wylie.”

Al-Rawi said the government would do “all in its power to investigate this very important matter to unearth whether the rights of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have been infringed and to hold all such persons responsible for breaches of the laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago properly accountable”.

However, Persad-Bissessar has condemned Al-Rawi for linking her People’s Partnership government and her United National Congress (UNC) to the illegal activities by Cambridge Analytica.

In a statement issued after the Attorney General’s presentation in Parliament, she denied any personal involvement or that of her party with the company, and served notice that the Opposition intended to file in Parliament, at the earliest opportunity, a motion of breach of privilege by the Attorney General “for his malicious and deliberate falsehood”.

“The Attorney General’s statement, by virtue of what appears to be calculated omissions and deliberate vagueness, amounted to a mischievous effort to mislead the Parliament, and by extension, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, in what is undoubtedly an important issue regarding their privacy rights in the uncontrolled and largely unregulated global virtual world of social media,” she said.

“Al Rawi cited brief statements made by a whistle-blower by the name of Christopher Wiley in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, who claimed that the company dealt with a former Government Minister and political officials, but did not specify the names or any further details of such claims.The Attorney General, without providing any such names or documents or evidence, went on to put his own dubious spin on these limited allegations by Mr Wiley. With a clear intention to serve a mischievous and desperate political agenda in the wake of the massive failures and corrupt practices of his ruling Rowley regime, the Attorney General maliciously claimed, without referencing any shred of evidence in any form, that this alleged dealing was perpetrated by the UNC politicians and Kamla PersadBissessar-led Government.”

She suggested that fingers should be pointed elsewhere, however, when she said that a Google search would provide details contained in an article published CBC News, that Cambridge Analytica’s first contract with SCL was in 2013, for political work in Trinidad and Tobago with the country’s Congress of the People party.

“It is therefore evident from this respectable and credible news report from the CBC News of Canada that the UNC was not the political party referred to by Mr Wylie, nor were any of its sitting members of the People’s Partnership Government,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“It can also be concluded that the Attorney General had easy access to this public information, yet deliberately opted to omit it from his Parliamentary statement in an effort to wrongly and unjustly smear the UNC and its leader and members.”

(Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

23

‘Kanapang Boys-Pakaraimas Juice’ Makushi brothers launch first modern band in the Pakaraimas

By Ravena Gildharie DEEP in the heart of the Patamona and Makushi

tender age. Kanapang is bordered by Brazil and Phillip got the opportunity to develop his keyboard and guitar

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ has recorded over 15 songs to date

district in the North Pakaraimas, three Makushi brothers in the village of Kanapang have combined their musical talents to form what they claim is the first modern live entertainment band to emerge from that part of Guyana.

With the use of modern instruments, the brothers are focused on making music that can showcase their rich indigenous culture and traditions practiced in the renowned Pakaraimas district.

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ was launched in August 2017, founded by the youngest of the Lewis siblings, Phillip, a 22-yearold farmer, who developed a passion for music since a

skills through practice with bands from the neighbouring country until he encouraged his brothers to acquire their own instruments and form the band.

Today, the boys perform live and on-stage with Phillip skilled at the keyboard and also as the lead singer alongside his elder brother, 24-year-old Charles, who is currently serving as Kanapang’s Toshao. The older Lewis sibling, James, 33, has mastered his skills at the bass guitar. The brothers are from a larger family of 11 siblings born to a generation of Kanapang’s earliest settlers.

Charles highlighted that music runs in the family as

an older cousin, Anthony Clement, is a well-known keyboard player from the community who mastered his instrumental skills in Brazil where he mostly performs.

It was Clement who initially taught Phillip to use the keyboard and coached him as he developed his singing talent.

Due to Kanapang’s close proximity to Brazil, most villagers look to social services and entertainment from across the border.

Some of the students even attend school in the Portuguese-speaking country.

However, all three of the Lewis musicians attended the Paramakatoi Secondary School situated in the nearby Pakaraimas community.

Usually, they combine their

to perform. Their songs are often based on the environment, events, activities and experiences that are mostly unique to the native people of the Pakaraimas.

According to Charles, the band has to date written and produced more than 15 songs, the most popular being ‘The Pakaraimas People,’ a composition that celebrates and showcases “the beauties of the Pakaraimas such as the mighty Kaieteur Falls, the mountains and the talented Patamona and Makushi people who live there.”

The group’s music mostly takes the form of reggae and the popular Brazilian Forró genre. The songs are composed and performed in

Makushi and Patamona dialects.

Since its launch, Charles said the band has been enjoying significant support, especially in the nearby Brazilian communities, with its most recent performance being

during a talent show to entertain government officials, Toshaos and other community leaders who had gathered for a quarterly meeting.

Transportation, however, remains one of the band’s

Toshao Charles Lewis rehearsing for a performance

‘Kanapang Boys - Pakaraimas Juice’ was launched in August 2017

ideas and talents to write and produce songs for the band

English and Portuguese as well as the native Indigenous

last January in the town of Uiramutã, Roraima.

“That town has a population of about 4,000, and it was there we saw our largest ever crowd,” Charles told the Pepperpot Magazine, adding “we are usually invited to play at almost all events and occasions during the year.”

The band has gained popularity at private events too such as birthdays, weddings, parties and other social gatherings in Kanapang and nearby villages of the North Pakaraimas. A few months ago, Charles and Phillip took to the stage in Kato

main challenges due to the difficulties in traversing the mountainous terrains. Looking ahead, ‘Kanapang Boys’ is hoping to promote their band and music nationally across Guyana with dreams of producing their own CDs/ DVDs. However, a limited financial capacity of the musicians and lack of sponsorship to support these activities are daunting factors.

Nevertheless, the young men are determined to make their band known on a wider scale and expose their Indigenous culture and talents to Guyanese in all parts of the country.

Sol introduces new motor oil SOL GUYANA has joined an ongoing revolution in motor oil, launching its ground-breaking Shell motor oil formulation, the fully synthetic Helix Ultra-range of premium lubricants made from natural gas with patented Shell PurePlus technology.

According to a press statement from Sol, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is the company’s most technologically advanced lubricant and the first motor oil designed from natural gas.

Sol Guyana, the official macro distributor for Shell lubricant, introduced the new product at a simple ceremony on Wednesday at

the Pegasus Hotel.

The new Helix Ultra with PurePlus technology is expected to give motorists in Guyana access to Shell’s latest and most advanced motor oil, designed to deliver a range of key benefits which meet the needs of modern engines.

“From our company’s inception we pledged the delivery of quality products and services, customised solutions, flexibility and excellent sales support to customers, building on the legacy of Shell lubricants in Guyana,” said General Manager (Guyana) Liz Wyatt.

The manager noted that Sol’s

longstanding partnership with Shell continues to be of benefit to the customers, and they are proud of their continued association with the world’s leading suppliers of high quality motor oils.

It is in keeping with this tradition that Sol will continue to support their customers by ensuring that they can always make informed choices of the best lubricants available for their particular vehicle application.

The new Shell Helix Ultra-synthetic line of premium motor oils introduces an entirely new way of producing synthetic base oils from natural gas with

the patented Shell PurePlus technology, a cutting edge gasto-liquid technology process that converts natural gas into crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.

Ayanna Watson, Commercial and Lubricants Manager said the innovative motor oil constituted a significant advancement in the composition of Shell Helix Ultra motor oils.

This launch marked the culmination of 40 years of research in gas-to-liquid technology at Shell lubricants technology centres worldwide. Shell PurePlus

Technology is paving the way for the next generation of motor oils by offering possibilities for new viscosity grades that can provide engine protection in more extreme conditions.

Shell PurePlus technology also works in combination with active cleansing technology to produce a premium lubricant which under tests demonstrated the highest attainable levels of cleansing and protection, keeping engines closer to factory clean than any of engine deposits and sludge.

According to Watson, it has also been shown to contribute positively to fuel saving.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

GUYANESE & CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS WILL NOT COLLECTIVELY BENEFIT FROM THE CENSUS! A

rticle 1, Section 2, the U.S. Constitution provides, “Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States . . . according to their respective Numbers . . . The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of 10 Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.”

The 14th Amendment mandates apportionment of representatives “according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state,” as distinct from citizens only.

An accurate census is critical for all communities to be provided fair resources for services and representation in government, relative to the taxes, sacri-

fices and the blood, sweat and tears they shed daily for America’s prosperity.

Caribbean nationals, West Indians, Guyanese, Trinidadians, Jamaicans, Asian Americans, Latinos and other immigrant communities have historically been undercounted, and this question will only lead to fear and even more drastically reduced response rates, especially in places like New York, DC and California.

The hospitals, schools, social services, senior centers, afterschool programs, pre-K services, day care, transportation and other services are among the worst in the nation, although immigrants most times have to do two to three jobs to make ends meet, pay their taxes willingly, and most refuse social and public assistance — all in pursuit of the sometimes elusive American dream.

Consequently, we vehemently oppose the addition of the citizenship question to the 2020 census questionnaire.

The Trump administration’s announce-

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

Many Census community partners, like District Leader Albert Baldeo and others, will find it difficult to convince the millions of non U.S. citizens to participate in the 2020 census if the question asking whether they are US citizens is maintained on the questionnaire. ment that it intends to include a citizen- broadband, and census data will detership question is myopic and ill-advised, mine which communities get priority. and defeats the entire purpose for taking In New York, for example, how the a decennial nationwide census in the first already measly $7 billion from the federal place. Indeed, it violates the Founding government that funds all these aspects of Fathers motives for gathering census data life here, like whether resources are proas part of the U.S. Constitution. vided for repairs to the Belt, Grand CenIn the last census count, in 2010, de- tral and Van Wyck Expressways and spite our collective efforts to get everyone nutritional programs and centers for sencounted, the city’s response rate was only iors, where new schools and hospitals are 62 percent. 50,000 residents were not built, especially if Region 11 of Richcounted, causing New York to lose two mond Hill (Little Guyana) gets any, could Congressional seats, and it may be worse be affected by one question on the 2020 this time around. census: Are you a United States citizen?

There are now 3.2 million foreignThe federal data has collateral conborn people in New York City, out of 8.6 sequences. For example, the city’s educamillion residents. Of those foreign-born, tion department uses Census data to 46 percent are noncitizens, with at least redraw school zones, the health depart500,000 undocumented, all of whom use ment uses it to understand illness rates, public resources and services. while businesses use federal information Congress depends on those results to determine whether to open in undernot only to decide how to distribute fed- served neighborhoods. eral resources, but how to determine the All of this can be solved by just number of congressional districts in each withdrawing the intrusive question from state. It is the most important data and the form, which is unconstitutional and economic tool in America, and is used to fundamentally un-American. It is an illplan the provision of health care, law en- concealed attempt to stop funding for forcement, education, employment, trans- sanctuary cities like New York and Caliportation, social services, like where to fornia. Others oppose this measure as an build new schools, roads, health care fa- attempt by Republicans to sabotage imcilities, child-care and senior centers. portant census data to rig the political At least 132 government programs system in their favor. use information from the census to deterNote: Albert Baldeo is a civil mine how to allocate in excess of $675 rights activist and community advobillion, much of it for programs that serve cate. After years of advocacy, he got lower-income families, like Medicare, the MTA to install a subway elevator Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition at the Lefferts station in Richmond Assistance Program, Pell grants for col- Hill/Ozone Park. As the President of lege and reduced-price school lunch pro- the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty grams. Census data also apportions Justice Center, he has continued the highway spending. According to a 2016 fight for justice, equal rights, dignity study by the Federal Communications and inclusion for all. He can be conCommission, about 12.6 million Ameri- tacted at the Baldeo Foundation: Alcan households do not have access to Baldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

25

Bobby Vieira launches Guyana Lite 104.1 FM VETERAN Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira will be celebrating 40 years as a broadcaster this week which will also coincide with the launch of his new radio station, Guyana Lite 104.1 FM. The new station is located at lot 41 United Nations Place, Georgetown.

In an interview with this publication, Vieira said the station will commence operations on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 with “Bobby in the morning” from 07:00 – 9:00hrs.

He noted that Guyana Lite will be an alternative to the regular programming heard on radio in Guyana daily.

“Our concept of soft, relaxing music can also be considered as ‘Music to unwind with’. We bring you music to add flavour to your day and send good vibes to your house, car, work space or that early-morning jog. Guyana Lite Radio is the place to make things happen to your soul, so please sit back, relax and listen to the sounds of the lite days of Guyana,” Vieira said.

He continued: “If you listen to people across the board, you would recognise that the younger people also need to find something, especially students [who] need to find something to listen to

what is relaxing and comforting, so that they can do their work quietly, so it will be 24 hours of soft, relaxing and light music.”

that it’s the right thing to do, because we must recognise that there are other groups with other cultural aspirations, so we want to make

tionally, Vieira said that he intends to partner with other stalwarts to train young broadcasters.

“I plan to invite people

Veteran Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira in studio at Radio Station Lite 104.1 FM.

Noting that there will be a significant amount of Guyanese music on the station, the broadcaster said the parent company of Lite FM is about multicultural broadcasting and there will also be programmes with such flavour.

“Guyana is a potpourri of different ethnicities and so we cannot run away from that; and it’s not about being politically correct, it’s just

certain that everybody is comfortable,” he said.

He said in the evenings such as on Mondays, there will be pan music, Tuesdays will be instrumental, Wednesdays,oldies and goldies, Thursdays, jazz, followed

by Caribbean Fridays.

Meanwhile, on Saturdays there will be a threehour youth programme titled ‘Generation Next’. Addi-

like Margaret Lawrence and Ron Robinson to assist with training… we have a problem now with people on the radio who cannot announce, pronounce words, their grammar bad, using another dialect from another country and that is frustrating to many people,” the broadcaster said.

Underscoring his passion for training, Vieira said in

the US where he studied, no one can just go on air without passing an approved test set out by the Federal Communications Commission that the person has reached the criteria.

Noting that he is the holder of an FCC broadcasting licence, which allows him to broadcast in any of the states in the US, Vieira said only persons who fulfil certain broadcasting criteria will be allowed to operate on Lite 104.1 FM. Another aspect of the radio station would be community affairs; the broadcaster said this will give citizens the opportunity to call into the station to speak on various issues to educate society.

He said the station also plans to have on Wednesdays an ‘International Link-Up’ with persons in the Guyanese diaspora.

“Generally it’s education, entertainment and information, but music will be our theme and [our] tagline [is] songs of ‘yesterday, today and forever,” he said.

He said persons can download the Lite Radio app in the play store or visit and stream on http://www.guyanalite.com/.

In radio-broadcasting operations, Vieira said “we seek to promote the full distribution of public information; to obtain access to sources of

news not commonly brought together in the same medium; and to employ such varied sources in the public presentation of accurate, objective, comprehensive news on all matters vitally affecting the community.”

Vieira started as a broadcaster in the days of “Radio Demerara” under the tutelage of Pat Cameron, James Sydney and Ron Robinson.

He later migrated to New York where he pursued a career in broadcasting at the New York College of broadcasters. There he learned to produce for both radio and television.

After graduating, he started off working at a station in Miami called 1080KM. Years later, he then returned to New York where he worked with 103.9 WNBM-FM. He finally moved on and was also partial owner of One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2, which was the last broadcasting outfit with which he worked in New York until he returned to Guyana in 2015.

Vieira said prior to that, he had spent 20 consecutive years visiting Guyana every Christmas to air the Christmas Morning Show.

“During that period, we also did the Christmas Day greetings from New York, where persons sent greetings to their relatives,” he said.

Efforts to preserve Dakoura Creek bearing fruit THE government’s efforts to preserve Dakoura Creek, which will eventually be the sole source of water for Linden residents through the Dakoura Creek Protection Strategy, have seen many successes.

This is according to Guyana Water Inc. consultant Samuel Wright who has been instrumental in preparing the management plan and has given a lot of energies and resources to the success of the plan.

The plan commenced in 2015 with support funding from the International Development Bank (IDB) and since then the project has seen the construction of a new treatment plant on the Dakoura Creek and the completion of supporting transmission and distribution systems.

The implementation of the plan includes investigations and analysis of the content, including water quality monitoring, gauging of the Dakoura Creek, and public awareness,

outreach and education programmes.

Wright said he has exerted a lot of energies in educating and bringing awareness to residents of Linden on the importance of the protection of the watershed.

“The overriding consideration is that uninformed development. The lack of awareness of the watershed processes and lack of regulatory oversight threaten and could undermine the integrity of the watershed, and impair the primary designated use,” an excerpt from the executive summary of the strategic plan noted.

THREATS REMAIN Wright is hopeful that funding will be made available for the implementation of the plan since several of the initial threats to the watershed still remain today. Three of these are indiscriminate garbage dumping, unauthorised mining and residential squatting. Wright alleged that a private garbage collection company

The government’s efforts to preserve Dakoura Creek have seen many successes

operating in Linden continues to dump at the watershed.

A key aspect of the management strategy is to have the Dakoura Creek Watershed (DCW) awarded special protective status.

This would facilitate immediate protection of the resources while

monitoring and characterisation programmes are developed and implemented.

Wright said he would not fully advocate for the removal of residents and farmers, but the focus should be on educating these on what activities can be harmful to the watershed.

Signs have been placed at strategic areas of the watershed in an effort to raise awareness of its preservation.

Wright is calling for all supporting stakeholders to play their role in protecting this very important water source in Linden.

When the implementation phase is completed, residents of Wismar will receive improved water supply and quality.

The Dakoura Creek Watershed is one of five watersheds in Linden, all sub-basins of the Demerara River Watershed. It is approximately 13 kilometres long and 7 kilometres wide.

Access through the DCW is by bauxite haul roads, abandoned logging trails, survey lines and unsurfaced roads within and from the housing developments.

Land use within the DCW includes bauxite and laterite mining and squatting.

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending April 6, 2018

New Linden mayor gets keys to town …promises transparency, accountability

By Vanessa Braithwaite NEW Linden Mayor Waneka Arindell on Wednesday chaired her first statutory meeting at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) and promised greater transparency and accountability.

With much pomp, former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland ceremonially handed over the keys to the office after both parties had inspected a guard of honour by ranks of the municipality who marched through Republic Avenue.

Arindell and her deputy, Wainwright Bethune, were both sworn in last Wednesday in Georgetown by President David Granger. She is Linden’s 10th mayor and 3rd female mayor. She is married, a mother of three and the holder of a Certificate in Theology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography.

She was secretary and president of the Section Youth Ministry for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), also a former journalist and teacher. She has also worked with Linden Care Foundation and NCERD. ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY TOP PRIORITY Mayor Arindell related to this newspaper that she will be taking very seriously the

responsibility of the council to remain accountable to the electorate of Linden, since it was they who have entrusted the councillors with the responsibility to serve.

She spoke about the need to create a better rapport with the people and in doing so all financial information as well as future plans of the council will be made public.

The works of the council are all public information, all works must be transparent and so the doors of the council are open to all residents of the township of Linden who pay their rates and taxes. You are allowed to come in to find out and to be informed,” Mayor Arindell stated.

The Council will soon have a ‘public day’, where residents will be able to visit her office and voice their concerns. Being a lover of children and the elderly, Arindell said a number of programmes are in the pipeline to benefit these two groups.

For the youths, one of her signature programmes is the initiating of a junior mayor programme geared towards secondary school students.

“The main aim of the programme is to have continuity in leadership at the local level. It was birthed out of the struggles councillors faced following Local Government Elections - entering without any prior training,” Arindell

related.

Children and youths, she explained, have always been her passion and she will be directing energies towards their education and academic training. "My passion has always been working with children and the importance of each child being able to read

investors and workers taking all our finances away from our country and town," she outlined.

The Linden mayor will be seeking the blessings of the council to establish literacy hubs all across Linden and in the future to establish a literacy school, in an effort to help slow learners.

“While I just want to start

activities available to keep them meaningfully occupied and entertained.

"We cannot do it alone, I cannot do it alone, the council cannot do it alone.

We need all stakeholders on board, both the local, governmental and the diaspora.

While we call on the diaspora who have always been with us, we continue to covet that

Mayor Waneka Arindell (centre), Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune (left) and former Mayor Carwyn Holland (right) flanked by other councillors of the municipality

and write according to their age; for an educated population is a population that will survive … if we cannot train from the cradle, then we will lose them in their youthful stage and we will continue to have a stagnated population.

“With the rise in oil finds, if we do not have an educated population, then, we will continue to have overseas

with literacy hubs, I hope to see a school for remedial work where children who are unable to cope will be able to come into a setting, develop and then be replaced in the system.

“For senior citizens, she will be looking at the renovation of the Dorfolk home located in Retrieve and also to pool resources in having

support, but more so to the residents of Linden to rise up and take ownership of your town, give the support, work for your town and help make Linden a town that we all will be proud of," she said.

Meanwhile new Deputy Mayor Wainright Bethune said that the feeling is no different when he was a normal councillor, since he

was always about service to the people. Bethune who focused on environmental protection and waste management as a councillor, said that he will continue to focus on this area. “The plans are no different, we have to ensure we are more efficient in terms of the way we will execute our plans for waste management.

For this to be achieved, Bethune said that networking and collaboration with all the major stakeholders will be necessary. “We have to get all stakeholders on board and let them understand the basic status (of the council), we cannot achieve this alone. We also need a big input from the residents,” During his two-term tenure as councillor, Bethune said that he would have extended some personal resources debushing a few acres as well as clearing drains for his constituency as well as making representation for the construction of Casuarina Drive.

At the statutory meeting held on Wednesday, councillors and administrative staff of the LMTC presented former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland with a gift of appreciation, who in turn encouraged the new mayor and deputy mayor to work in unison and to put petty politicking aside as this would stymie progress.

Concerted effort to tackle illegal mining at Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Ministry of Natural Resources will be collaborating with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) and the Linden municipality in an effort to clamp down on the indiscriminate and illegal mining of the region’s resources.

These resources include sand, loam, laterite and stone. Illegal sandpits have been causing erosion in various communities in the town.

On Wednesday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman told the Guyana Chronicle that he is cognisant of what is happening in Linden and the matter is of grave concern to his ministry.

He has since assigned junior Natural Resources

Minister Simona Broomes to investigate the issue. She has since held one meeting thus far with the residents of Moblissa over the mining of both sand and loam in their community.

“We don’t expect that within a day, week or even a month, the problems of the last two decades will be reversed immediately, but certainly it is a matter of grave concern to us and we are doing something about it,” Trotman said.

He confessed that the situation has escalated to this point of worry, as a result of years of neglected supervision. In addition to causing erosion and wanton exploitation of the region’s resources that can garner an income, another area of concern is the damage sand trucks are causing to the roadways.

Currently, sections of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

An illegal sandpit aback Amelia’s Ward

are under threat. The surface of the road is being eroded by the weight of the trucks.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian has described a huge “break away” at the Moblissa Bridge as an awaiting catastrophe and posited during a recent visit that the very trucks can topple, especially at night.

Trotman said this situation also merits the attention of his ministry.

“Sand trucks are blamed for that and while I might say that is for the police, I take it that the Ministry of Natural Resources has responsibility; we want to make sure that if sand is being moved, we want to make

sure that it is being done in a lawful way. We have to respect weight limits and wherever this sand is coming from the sandpit must be authorised.”

During previous statutory meetings at the RDC, the matter was raised by councillors who also cited the exploitation of gold and lumber from the region. Residents from aback Amelia’s Ward have been up in arms with regional officials over the illegal mining of sand by contractors, truck and tractor operators, which has expanded to a pit right behind their back doors.

Residents of Cholmondley Hill, Wismar, have also expressed concern over illegal mining of sand in their community since this too is causing erosion.

Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Patter-

son-Yearwood, had revealed that while clearing land for the construction of housing units in Amelia’s Ward, a huge sand pit was discovered at the exact spot where the houses were to be built.

Alternative arrangements had to be made. One tractor driver explained to this publication that mining and selling sand has been his livelihood for years and he also has in his employ three young boys who look to the job to make an honest living.

If the sandpit operation is halted, not only will many breadwinners for their families be out of jobs, but construction costs in Linden will also go up. Minister Trotman never spoke of halting the operation, but of putting systems in place for it to be done in an orderly manner and legally.

'AKeemo Paul stood out' — WI coach Stuart Law

three-day cricket feast in Karachi, after nine barren years, came to an end on Tuesday, with over 70,000 spectators having gone through the turnstiles at National Stadium. West Indies — who last toured Pakistan in 2006 — lost all three games heavily, but won lots of goodwill for the part they played in helping return international cricket to the country.

"I'm a big fan of Pakistan cricket," head coach Stuart Law said at a press conference. "The fans here in the subcontinent are pretty passionate.

This was the first time I'd been to Karachi and the fans here were outstanding every night. They were very respectful to us. Everywhere we've been, we've been treated very well. The security has been outstanding, and we haven't had any problems.

"It's a bit daunting if you're not used to the set-up. It's a bit daunting for the people outside but once you get here and see for yourself, you feel more confident. I'm not saying that it will open the floodgates and bring everyone rushing back, but from what I've seen here, it's more than adequate and we should be able to get cricket back to Pakistan. I feel sorry for the Pakistan players who don't play enough cricket in front of their home fans. Every game for them is an away game so you feel for those boys who can't play in front of their families week in week out."

West Indies had committed to touring Pakistan last year, but then the

series was postponed to April. It suffered another setback with key players including Chris Gayle and captain Carlos Brathwaite pulling out. Their reluctance to tour Pakistan due to safety concerns has been evident with Cricket West Indies even having to offer them USD 25,000 as extra incentive. In the end, a weakened 13-man squad was as-

sembled together, hastily, and they landed in Karachi mere hours before the opening game on Sunday.

The difference in quality between the two sides was stark. Pakistan beat West Indies by a record-breaking 143 runs on Sunday. The second T20I was, again, barely a contest and even though the visitors, were reduced to 12 men with Veerasammy Permaul's injury, put up a better fight in the third game, Pakistan romped home in a chase of 153 with eight wickets and three overs to spare.

"The positives we can take is that we brought a very KEEMO young team here PAUL with little experience," Law said.

"I'm pretty impressed with Keemo Paul, who I thought stood out.

He worked for us in Zimbabwe in the 50 over format too. Another debutant tonight Andre McCarthy showed good intent with the bat. It's a difficult task coming here and playing in Pakistan.

We did lose the series 3-0 but we got better as the series went on and that's a good sign for us."

West Indies' schedule was

cramped, and they weren't able to have a conditioning or training session before or during their three days in Karachi. They were driven back to the airport immediately after the final game to fly home and were unable to shrug of the lingering jet lag.

When asked if the result of the series could have been different if his side was given enough time to train, Law said, "You never know, we don't have a crystal ball. But we got better as the tournament went on. The tour was somewhat rushed and the IPL is starting soon. We have a lot of players involved in the IPL and their franchises are pretty ruthless when it comes to player activity. It wasn't probably ideal timing, but I'm glad for the people here in Karachi. When you look back, yes I'm disappointed with our result, but there's lot of smiles on faces, and there are lot of people happy out here.

"I thought every time we went out we had a more positive attitude towards the game. We probably lacked desire in the first two games whether that was jet lag or whatever, it's still no excuse playing international cricket and representing your country, your people, your family and yourself. So you shouldn't have to be up for any contest, it should be automatic. But Pakistan are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment, and playing very good cricket."

ESPNCricInfo (Caribbeannesws.net)

Schutt takes top spot in ICC WT20I bowlers' rankings A

ustralia swing bowler Megan Schutt has become the topranked bowler in the ICC's T20I rankings for women after emerging as the highest wickettaker in the recent T20 tri-series in India. Australia clinched the title by by beating England in the final in Mumbai, where Schutt was named Player of the Series for her nine wickets from five matches, and the best economy rate in the series (minimum five overs) of 6.28.

Schutt had briefly held the top spot last year too, but only for three days in November. She is now on 669 rating

points, followed by New Zealand offspinner Leigh Kasperek (630) who picked up 10 wickets in the four home T20s against West Indies. Kasperek jumped seven spots to overtake Hayley Matthews, Jess Jonassen and Poonam Yadav. Poonam went up six places to her career-best fifth spot while her team-mate Jhulan Goswami returned to the top-20 list by taking 15th place.

Among the batsmen, Australia captain Meg Lanning moved up one spot to No. 3 after not being dismissed even once during the tri-series while scoring 175 runs, including her match-winning 88* off 45 balls in the final on Saturday.

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor is still at the top, while Suzie Bates is second. Australia opener Beth Mooney moved up to fourth place and India's Smriti Mandhana from 20th to seventh.

In the women's team rankings, which take into account results across formats, Australia are at the top, followed by England, New Zealand and India.

MEGAN SCHUTT

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 6, 2018

27

PAKISTAN COMPLETES SERIES WHITEWASH OVER WEST INDIES P

akistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.

The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss.

Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43ball 52 — his team’s only half-century on this tour.

It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51.

The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40.

He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan’s domination with a 52-run stand.

Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs.

Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries.

Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes — two in the last over from Usman Shinwari — as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohamd Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday — teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan

and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies.

Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs.

Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years.

The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in La-

hore.

The victory yesterday also strengthened Pakistan’s position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over secondplaced Australia.

Since Sarfraz Ahmed took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Shadab Khan penalised for breaching ICC code of conduct Dubai [UAE]: Pakistan wrist-spinner Shadab Khan has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during his side's second T20I match against the West Indies in Karachi.

The 19-year-old was found to have violated Article 2.1.7 of the code, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an international match."

In addition to the fine for his breach, one demerit point has been added to Shadab's disciplinary record.

The incident took place in the ninth over of the West Indies' innings when Shadab, after dismissing Chadwick Walton, pointed his finger at the departing batsmen and also made an inappro-

priate comment.

After the match, Shadab admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Shozab Raza and Ahmed Shahab, third umpire Ahsan Raza, as well as fourth umpire Khalid Mahmood.

Pakistan went on to win the second match by 82 runs to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1 at the National Stadium. .(ANI) (Caribbeannews.ne)t

SHADAB KHAN