Guyana chronicle ny e paper 03 23 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

ARCHwww.guyanachronicle 23, 2018 .com

ISSUE No. 94

FREE DISTRIBUTION WEEK ENDING MARCH 23, 2018

FREE DISTRIBUTION

India interested in our oil Pages xxx

►

Page 08

US$7.1 rehabilitative work on ► conference centre 85% complete

Page 12

Work on the back of the facility taking shape (Adrian Narine photo)

Caroline Farinha is Guyana’s newest Centenarian See Page 13

Image of Black woman More nabbed on New Canadian Caroline Farinha is inGuyana’s carjacking $10 bill newest See Page 17

probeCentenarian See Page 26

See Page 13

Image of Black woman on New Canadian $10 bill See Page 17

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

Oil must benefit all -- President Granger lays out vision for oil-and-gas sector

GUYANA has to “walk on two legs”, said President David Granger, as he drove home the point for preservation of the Green State and ensuring that oil production benefits current and future generations. He expressed these sentiments at the opening of a special high-level Cabinet caucus on oil at State House on Tuesday.

education, development of administration and legislation to protect Guyanese from the adverse aspects of exploitation of the oil resource. The high-level forum was also addressed by Sir Paul Collier, professor of Economics and Public Policy in the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. He is also a director of the International Growth Centre,

build consensus and harness a common sense of purpose to ensure success of the new industry. In all of this, he said, fostering an atmosphere of transparency is also critical. ROAD MAP Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman explained that the sessions seek to develop a roadmap for the

Parrado, former Manager of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Chile; Ambassador Patrick Duddy, Lecturer, Duke University; Dr Valerie Marcel, Chatham House Fellow; Professor Matthew Andrews, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government; Professor Peter Harrington, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government; Patrick Heller, Advisor, Natural Resource

President David Granger

economic development.

Sir Paul Collier

“We need to educate ourselves as a Cabinet, as a government and as a population as a whole, to take a sober approach to the exploitation of this valuable resource. We need to create the organisation, the structure that will manage this resource,” the President said. He added: “This is going to be the single largest industry in Guyana…. We need to ensure that our resources are mobilised, so that every Guyanese understands the importance of petroleum… We have to understand that this industry from the start is Guyanese.” Also critical, the President said, is investment in

the director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies, and a fellow of St Antony's College, Oxford. The Oxford University Economics professor commended President Granger for his vision for the impending oil-and-gas sector, specifically the plan for establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Trusteeship and prudent management, Sir Paul noted, are indicators that the government has begun on the ‘right foot’ in relation to its preparatory measures. He also advised the government that the oil-and-gas sector revenues be transformed into assets for future

STRONG FOUNDATION According to Sir Paul, transforming oil, gas and mineral wealth into sustainable development requires a complete chain of economic decisions and strong foundations of good governance. In the local context, the expert said, these decisions span a number of ministries, each having a role to play in the process. Guyana, he noted, has a unique opportunity of ‘getting it right’ by employing a simple strategy of how the money accrued will be utilised for creating jobs and other opportunities for its people. He cited the example of Norway and Britain, with Norway investing in assets and having a successful industry, while Britain did not and failed. Guyana can learn from

the experiences of these countries, Sir Paul emphasised, noting that good decision-making rests on a foundation of rules, institutions, a critical mass of informed citizens and an authorising environment. He added that education is a priority area for building the sector and listed skilled people, electricity and good connectivity as practical suggestions to ensure the sector’s viability. Volatility, obsolescence and depletion are key areas for consideration, Sir Paul said. Due to price volatility, he is advising that the country invest in liquid assets that are not correlated with the commodity or the economy, since their value will depreciate over time. Communicating with citizens is a key component in the process and Collier urged that the government

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

government, in preparation for oil production in 2020. “We need a synthesis of ideas that form themselves into a practical and attainable plan of action. We need as well the ability to speak a new language, a lingua franca, so to speak and all together at the same time and to be able to communicate that effectively,” he said. The event is facilitated by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, through its New Producers Group. Speakers at the high-level forum are Sir Paul Collier; Sir Shridath Ramphal, Caribbean statesman and International Advisor; Eric

Governance Institute; and Dr Paloma Mohamed, University of Guyana. The caucus is expected to lead to further similar engagements in a scheduled and programmatic way in the months ahead. The government’s objective is to move preparations to a deeper level of engagement on issues such as prioritising spending on infrastructure, agriculture and social programmes, inter-generational savings, geo-political considerations, legal and institutional strengthening, benefit-sharing and engagement and involvement of the people of Guyana, to name a few.

Guyana recommits to protecting its forest This week Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Forests and President David Granger says this global celebration provides a platform to raise awareness on the importance of all types of woodlands and trees and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us. In a message President Granger says Guyana embraces this year’s theme ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities.’ “Forests and trees store

carbon, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change in and around urban areas. Guyana is the largest State in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Its forests cover more than 85 percent of its landmass. Guyana is a net carbon sink. More than 80 percent of our country is covered by forests, which are the habitat of some of world’s rarest and most unique flora and fauna.” According to Mr Granger Guyana,

through its ‘green’ development agenda will spare no effort to protect its natural patrimony and contribute to both a sustainable future and to an effective global response to climate change. Guyana with the world’s second highest percentage of tropical rainforest cover, is part of the Guiana Shield, an area spread over 2.7 million square kilometres. The ‘Shield’, described as the “lungs of the Earth” and the “greenhouse of the world” is

a global resource because of the environmental services it provides. He said Guyana remains committed to protecting its forests and to working with its neighbours to ensure the sustainable management of the natural resources of the Shield and is prepared to sustainably manage, conserve and protect our diverse eco-system and place our ecological resources at the service of humanity.

Don't tear it up

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

… economist warns of damning consequences if Exxon contract is scrapped ...predicts better second deal, encourages new players

PROFESSOR Sir Paul Collier has warned against tearing up the ExxonMobil contract, saying that such a move would spell disaster for the country’s burgeoning oiland-gas industry. Speaking yesterday at an information session for journalists at the Pegasus Hotel, Collier, an economist, said that even though the contract might have issues, it is still a reasonable contract. Accompanying Sir Paul was distinguished Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal. Both men were among a panel of international experts who participated in a Cabinet Caucus earlier in the day on Guyana’s oiland gas-future. “As far as I could see, you got a reasonable deal,” said Collier, who made it clear that he does not have all of the information possible for him to make a qualified judgment on the merits of the contract. “This is the first licence…there will be other licences,” he said. Collier noted that now is the time to get other operators in and said that subsequent contracts will be better. “I think that as far as I could see you got a reasonable deal,” he said. “The next deal you get will be better than the first, the

third deal will be better than the second. I suggest you use this as an opportunity to do some more licences. I think that should be the game plan,” he said. “What would be absolutely disastrous is tearing this contract up. If you tear this contract up, nobody else will come,” he said. Collier said that governments have to establish credibility over the contracts they sign. “And if the first contract you sign you tear up in a couple of years, you’re dead,” he said. He believes that the cost-recovery structure, though criticised by some, actually works to Guyana’s advantage as it means the country will reap a greater share of the production in a few short years after costs have been recovered. The contract with ExxonMobil has a cost-recovery percentage of 75 per cent. “So the first four years or so you don’t get so much money and then you get quite a lot more. You still have to work Sir Collier said that despite the “snakeoil” messages being peddled by some persons, people will still have to earn their living by working, even with the country becoming an oil producer. “Will you still have to work?

Yes. Is this big enough to make a decisive difference for your children? If you use it well, yes. This is the biggest historic opportunity that this society has ever faced. I suspect that it is the biggest opportunity

he noted that this is not unique to Guyana, adding that while a government may have a few lawyers at their service, a company such as ExxonMobil may have a battery of about 700. “I don’t

Sir Paul Collier (left) and Sir Shridath Ramphal

that you will face in any of your lifetimes. So getting it right is really important,” said Collier. Unequally matched Collier believes indeed that Guyana is unequally matched against the likes of ExxonMobil in terms of resources and technical and legal expertise. However,

pretend that it is an even struggle. What you have got to do is build capacity to scrutinise what they pay in tax. Don’t assume that you can just trust them to pay the right amount,” he warned. “Build a specialist team in monitoring,” he said, citing the example of Norway which has a team of 40 tax

revenue collection professionals. “You don’t need as many as 40, you need some, who can learn gradually the intricacies of the industry,” he said. ‘You have a duty to defend your institutions’ Collier said that stakeholders such as journalists must defend the institutions which periodically come under attack. “You need to build a critical mass of citizens in the country who understand why oil-rich countries need distinctive institutions which manage that money, and defend those institutions,” he urged. Sir Paul is Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and a Professorial Fellow of St Antony’s College. Sir Paul has written for the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. He has researched the causes and consequences of civil war; the effects of aid and the problems of democracy in low-income and natural-resources-rich societies, among others. He is an expert thinker on the “resource curse.”

Linden mother died of kidney failure

-LHC internal probe finds By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Linden Hospital Complex has completed its internal investigation into the maternal death of 41-yearold Jennifer Gill which took place on Monday evening and it is affirmed that she died of kidney failure as a result of haemorrhaging. The haemorrhaging was caused by a blood disorder called blood dyscrasia which is a condition of the blood not clotting fast enough. At a press conference on Wednesday, Public Relations Officer, Toshanna Allicock, said that Gill started haemorrhaging after giving birth on Saturday evening and after efforts to stop the bleeding proved futile, a decision was made to perform a hysterectomy. It was during surgery that she experienced a hypovolemic shock. This is a condition that results when you lose more than

20 percent of your body’s blood or fluid supply. This severe fluid loss makes it impossible for the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood to your body and this can lead to organ failure. After the surgery, the hospital explained that the woman was placed in the Intensive Care Unit where she subsequently went into a cardo respiratory arrest and resuscitation was attempted, but proved futile. She died at 20:30 hrs on Monday. “Ms Gill was treated by expert doctors from the time she entered into our care to the very end. The immediate family was updated on her condition throughout her time with us. I hold firm that our institution is equipped with competent and compassionate doctors who aim to deliver the best quality care to our community,” Allicock said. Explaining further was Chief Executive Officer, Dr.

CEO of LHC Dr. Mohammed Riyasat and PRO, Ms Toshanna Allicock

Mohammed Riyasat, who said that Gill was never prepared for a C-section as asserted by family members who claimed that a C-section was not done because of the absence of doctors. “When the patient arrived the doctor was on site. The doctor did evaluate the patient and that doctor initiated the call for the consultant who arrived at 9:40 and by the time she was here, she did another evaluation and the patient was fully dilated which means that she was ready to deliver. This patient delivered with no problem;

bouncing baby and that was okay, but half of an hour after then the nurse noticed that she started getting a little bleeding and then it started again and the doctor said something is wrong with this patient and there the doctor made a decision to take out the uterus. The patient was normal and talking and everything,” Riyasat explained. While this was done, all the necessary medication was given during this post-delivery situation. It was in the theatre that the complications arose because of a blood dis-

order called blood dyscrasia. “She was bleeding faster than the blood was clotting. What you found is that the blood got thinner and when the kidneys sensed that there was not much oxygen flowing through in the blood, it starts shutting down. When she came out and was sent to the ICU, she wasn’t passing any urine. Until the next day she wasn’t passing any urine and, as a result of the kidney failing and the loss of blood, she died.” During this 48-hour period, the team of doctors including specialists, consultants and surgeons, remained with her and was updating the family members on her progress and they were also allowed to see her, the CEO said. Medical Superintendent Remeeza McDonald said that it was only on her way to the theatre that the patient related that she had a blood disorder and experienced haemorrhaging during her delivery 20 years ago. The normal clotting and bleeding tests that

were done, Riyasat explained, could not have picked up her disorder. “If a C-section was done, the patient would have died before. In this case there were no criteria for a caesarean. If a patient has a blood disorder with a clotting problem and you go and put knife on her, she would not have lasted as long as she lasted,” the CEO said. A post-mortem examination was scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday but was postponed as family members are pressing for an independent person to witness the post-mortem from overseas. Riyasat said that the hospital will now put stricter systems in place to make sure that patients’ medical history are known before hand while having closer collaboration with the medical staff at the health centres and the medical staff at the hospital. It has been nine years since LHC recorded a maternal death.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

A PLAN BY GUYANESE IN THE DIASPORA — TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE HOMELAND

igration to develop countries is a phenomenon with which most Guyanese are familiar. Migration consists of two factors — the Push factors and the Pull factors. The Push factors are those which compel individuals to migrate from their countries of origin. The Pull factors are those which attract an individual to an advanced society. The traditional Push factors that propel the brain drain in the 1950s were:

• The lack of a natural resource base in Guyana. • Even though Guyana contains mineral resources, such as, bauxite, gold and diamonds, the lack of a transportation infrastructure prevents the maximum exploitation of these resources. • Guyana does possess two principal export commodities, rice and sugar, but in the 1960s the output of these commodities declined dramatically. Between 1985 and 1990 the rate of growth of the economy declined to almost zero. • As a result of the economic decline, the unemployment rate averaged almost 50% during this recession, and there was a massive brain drain in which skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workers migrated to Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Pull factors: • The availability of employment in the factories, offices, private households, hospitals and nursing homes in the United States. • The availability of college education at universities in the United States. • The enactment of the Hart-Cellar Immigration Act of 1965 in which the quota from nations in the Caribbean rose from 1,000 persons per country to 10,000 persons per country, and in which the quota for the Western Hemisphere increased to 120,000. • The migration from Guyana to the United States rose from 1,434 in 1960-1965 to 5,760 in 1966-1970 to 14,320 in 1971-1975 to 33,211 in 1976-1980 and to 140,000 in 2005. Guyana now has the fifth largest immigrant population in New York City. Migration is not a linear equation, but a circular flow. The remittance flow is a form of compensation to the present generation of Guyanese for the massive economic loss imposed on the nation in the 1960s for the recession caused by the brain drain. The Guyanese national in New York residing in the Diaspora today is like a spouse who is paying alimony and child support for having abandoned the marital residence in the 1960s. In 2012, remittances of Guyanese in the United States to their relatives in the homeland totaled $400 million, constituting 17% of the

GDP of Guyana. Most of the remittances to Guyana have been transmitted by money transfer companies, which represent 77.7% of the remittance market, while commercial banks represent 11.3% of the market, and CAMBIOs 11.1%. Orozco and Hamilton observed that the cost of sending remittances to Latin American and the Caribbean is the highest in the Western Hemisphere. The average price paid to send $100 US dollars via money transfer companies is $10 compared to US $25 if the same remittance was sent through a commercial bank. IMPORTANCE OF REMITTANCES In the year 2012, the remittances to Guyana constituted 17% of the GDP, 205% of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and 36.3% of the exports. DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT OF REMITTANCES The traditional hypothesis is that remittances is used primarily for consumer spending, but not for economic development. However, economists such as, Orozco, Hamilton and Roberts have clearly stated that while at the micro level it has been used to reduce the poverty rate and to boost household income, it can also be used at the macro

level to boost output and economic development. Whether the funds are used to finance consumption or investment is unimportant. Financing consumption tends to have a multiplier effect that creates jobs, boost output and enhances economic growth. The statistics show that the remittances sent to Guyana are used for the following purposes: - Food 27% - Clothing 20% - Real Estate 16% - Education 15% - Savings 14% - Business 8% The 16% expenditure on real estate development is significant, since migrants can now send money directly to financial institutions to purchase real estate in Guyana. The 15% expenditure on education is also important, since education constitutes human capital development — the acquisition of skills enabling individuals to obtain employment. The 8% investment in business reflects the failure of the Guyana Stock Exchange and Go Invest to market business opportunities to the public at large, and to stimulate a thirst to invest in business ventures. The

14% investment in savings is important, since it results in financial deepening —the increase use of commercial banks to transact business enabling the individual to obtain credit and invest in new business opportunities.

by Colin A. Moore

REMITTANCES AND POVERTY REDUCTION Remittances tend to alleviate poverty in the recipient countries. Adam and Page in their study of 70 low income countries show a positive correlation between remittances and poverty reduction. Their findings conclude that a 10% increase in the share of remittances to the GDF leads to a 1.2% in the reduction of the people living below the poverty line. In 1988 when there was a massive brain drain in Guyana and a low inflow of remittances, the poverty rate stood at 65%. When remittances kicked in by 1992, the poverty rate had been reduced to 43%. By 2002 it had been reduced to 35%. It is expected that by 2018 the poverty rate will fall to 20%. CONCLUSION The data indicates that remittances have had an impact on the development of the Guyanese economy, both at the micro and macro levels. At the micro level, it has increased household disposable income and has significantly reduced poverty levels. At the macro level, it has increased gross national disposable income from $563.4 million at the end of 1995 to $790.8 million by the end of 2005. The expenditure on education investments translates into human capital formation. financial capital accumulation has increased output and employment. PROPOSALS 1 Guyana needs to promote the transfer of remittances through commercial banks rather than money transfer companies. Statistics show that remittances held in deposits at commercial banks, have a multiplier effect of two to three times, however, transmittal fee of 25% charged by the commercial banks is much too exorbitant. The government needs to persuade these banks either to reduce the transmission fee of 25% or else to hold the remittances in foreign currency deposits rather than to convert them into the domestic currency. 2 The government should promote the creation of Micro Finance Institutions (MFI’s) as investment vehicles, particularly in the rural and hinterland communities. In many developing countries, such as, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, women have been particularly valuable in creating investment opportunities in the areas of textile manufacturing, agricultural marketing, catering, and retail business activities. 3 The Guyana government should establish a Remittance Unit within the Bank of Guyana, as is done in many developing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. This unit should be responsible for engaging the Diaspora in using Hometown Associations to engage in more extensive remittance activities, and to disseminate financial literacy information to both donors and recipients, especially in the area of intermediation — the increase use of banking institutions in the developmental process. 4 The Guyanese authorities should adopt the “better practices” paradigm adopted in other developing countries, such as the use of matching funds for remittance-backed community projects, as is done in Mexico where the government provides $3 for every $1 invested by the Hometown Associations. 5 The government should work closely to match Hometown Associations with international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, UNDP, IMF and the IDB. 6 The banks should be persuaded to open foreign currency denominated accounts, which would give the recipient the option of whether to convert the funds into local currency at the institution or to maintain it in the US currency. 7 GAPF proposes that the government of Guyana

(continued on page 19)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

The Carlyle

Harry Column

ONE GUYANA PLATFORM Pluses of/for cooperation

was rather impressed that some foreign Governments in extending (48th Republican anniversary) Greetings to the Government and people of Guyana, actually remembered to refer to the country by its correct acronym . . . 'THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA'.

In my ongoing quest to ERECT the one-Guyana platform, we should maintain and retain inclusion of the adjective — 'COOPERATIVE'. I took note that this year's Mashramani Theme laid emphases on 'cooperation'. The late Dr. Harold Drayton in his recently published Memoirs, “An Accidental Life,” lauded 'Cooperation' with these words" I want to thank my mother, my step-father and all of the people who I came in contact with, and who made it possible for me to survive, to grow and develop — both physically and intellectually." Because we have to continue to share our rich history with the young, let me pen a few words about Dr. Drayton, who died during the early hours of March 11th, 2018 in the United States of America. Born in 1929, Dr. Drayton attended Modern High school, before going on to the University College of the West Indies (Mona Campus, Jamaica) — He was an excellent Biology Teacher and Professor. In December, 1962, Dr. Drayton heeded the call of Premier Dr. Cheddi Jagan to return to Guyana in order to work on establishing the University of Guyana. That Institution was launched in October, 1963.

HEALING I cannot write on a UNITYPLATFORM, and not seek to bring about healing and reconciliation where and when necessary. Thus, as a former Labor-Officer who had to initiate mediation and conciliation between disputing parties, it is incumbent upon me to suggest that the Board of Directors and the Management of the Guyana Chronicle (on the one hand), and Messrs. Hinds and Lewis (on the other) seek to reach rapprochement on the latter being re-installed as periodic columnists with that medium. I am spurred to that recommendation due to the many local and over-

seas advocacies that are being 17th "Since the attainment of pomade on behalf of the two comlitical independence the two rades — one of whom is a comajor political parties namely the leader of the Working People's PPP/C, and the PNC/R have in Alliance, and the other who is a their own respective ways perreputable Leader of Guy-ana's fected the art of practicing diviTrade Union Movement. sive politics in order to win Further, this matter is reportelections, both parties have creedly fomenting ideological disated a permanent divide among agreements and divisions among the people along racial lines." Board Members of the Medium — (iii) On March 17th, Verian some of whom have tendered their Mentis-Barker stated on Facebook, resignations. "Guyana where politics is polarized, with one pole being singuI view the present APNU+ larly impotent, viable only when its AFC Government as a transformaideas are compelling enough to tive Administration, and transamass a swing vote . . . Fact is only formative leaders aim to be pro-acone side, one demographic needs tive; and when they need to be rethat swing voter . . . She concluded active, they do so by seeking to that the purpose of communicabring about results via cooperative tions is not to message, but to ENand productive coalitions and The late Dr. Harold Drayton’s memoirs now agreements. GAGE." available in bookstores. In summary, I am stimulated Let us be motivated by this to pursue this protracted journey of a were published in Guyanese newspa- year's International Women's Day mesONE GUYANA PLATFORM, after pers last weekend:-sage "PRESS FOR PROGRESS." (i) One Op-Ed piece stated "Most observing a quote from American Bil********* Call me by my right name lionaire, Warren Buffet . . . He joked of our past and present political lead"a pregnancy must go its full nine- ers were or are arrogant, untrustworDon't ignore my claim month term limit, you cannot produce thy, inefficient, and corrupt . . . Many to include the adjective a baby in months by getting nine (9) lack the skill set required for probCooperative. lem-solving, and they thrive by being women pregnant." I am all about unity A further reason for penning the divisive". within my country, (ii) A Guyanese College Profes'ONE GUYANA PLATFORM' is and cooperation sor (from Queens, New York), pubwhen I read three commentaries that is a major part of the PLAN. lished in a Guyana Daily, on March

Boston Shipping Enterprises, Inc.

We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door TO WE SHIP GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES GRENADA, BARBADOS DOCUMENTS ST. VINCENT LUGGAGE ST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE CONTAINERS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE CARS & REASONABLE RATES

BOSTON SHIPPING ENTERPRISES, INC. 718.443. 8400

Fax: 718.443. 8403

506 Decatur Street (Corner of Ralph Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11233 Licensed and Bonded as Required By The Federal Maritime Commission — For Your Protection

6 6

Guyana Chronicle NewEdition York Edition week ending March 23, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Week-ending January 19, 2018

Enemies within the gates of the republic guyanachronicle.com guyanachronicle.com

For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our For All Publishing and Advertising in New York Representative: New York consult our Dennis A. Nelson New York Representative: dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com Dennis A. Nelson Tel: 917-379-6590 dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Editorial Editorial Tel: 917-379-6590

A broad look at the NGSA

THE National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results will soon be out and all are hoping that the results are better when compared to the previous year, notably in the key areas of Mathematics and English Language. Last year, students performed creditably in these two areas, largely because education administrators moved to pointedly address the problems of failure in these two critical subject areas. The NGSA is unarguably the most strategic assessment designed to promote learning at the primary level, but poor implementation and forward planning on the part of teachers and education officers in the past had stymied its success. The assessment is threefold. The first in Grade Two is designed to identify pupils’ weaknesses in literacy and numeracy; by Grade Four, these should be corrected; and by Grade Six, they should be able to master basic concepts in these two disciplines and pass their final examinations without much struggle. These assessments in other words are really diagnostic tools to identify pupils’ weaknesses and correct them before they leave primary school. Yet, while they have been in place for a long time, only recently corrective action was taken to fully implement the system. The failure in the past to implement the system has been reflecting in students’ performance in Mathematics and English at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations. In 2010, the pass rate at CSEC, counting Grades One to Three was 59 per cent; in 2011 it moved to 60 per cent, but declined in 2012 to 37 per cent; it increased to 45 per cent in 2013, before increasing again -- but marginally -- to 46 per cent in 2014. While students’ performance in English at secondary school has not been impressive, their performance in Mathematics is one to forget. Counting Grades One to Three, the pass rate in 2010 was 35 per cent; in 2011 it dipped to 30 per cent; in 2012

Dear Sir, I HAVE been following the discussions in relation to the discontinuation of Dr Hinds and Mr Lewis’ columns from the national newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle. I could not care less about the revocation, but I am somewhat amused at the defence put up by the twosome. According to both of them, this manoeuvre has the fingerprints of the government written all over it. This big bad government directed their underlings (according to them) to cease and desist carrying their columns. Hinds in the Kaieteur News of 3/15 called on the Government to "cease being small-minded and spiteful." He further iterated after learning of the board’s decision, "that not many people in Guyana has the courage to stand up for principle. And adamantly declared that "it's a political decision." A hatchet job in other words. Lewis on the other hand was less effusive: he claimed in the Kaieteur News of 3/11 that "it would be naive to think that the editor-in-chief unilaterally disposed of myself and Hinds as columnists." And why not? I have been in the newspaper profession for quite some time and in that profession you learn that the editor-in-chief makes all decisions, including personnel and the news, in the newsroom. You are also reminded that the editor-in-chief has the pen, to either scratch or to write. For both of them to think that it was a directive of the coalition, reminds me of my old grandmother Clar, Clar who, in a situation like that, would say "you think herring of yourself." Yes they do. Their egos are so large that they completely ignore what the editor-in-chief said, and steadfastly believes that it’s the order of the government that held sway. If the government is so perturbed by their writings, then this government should immediately shut up shop and slink away. If the firing of cap pistols by these columnists so discombobulates this administration, what are they going to do when the real war starts. Remember, if "Jesus was here he would it declined further to 29 per cent; in 2013 it further declined to 28 per cent, before increasing to an encouraging 38 per cent in 2014. It is commendable that these statistics were not glossed over by education officials, but were used as a base for careful planning and crafting of strategies to meaningfully address the heavy failures in these two subjects. Since Mathematics and English are key subjects in the school system at the

recommend we vote PPP," and" if the coalition wins the election, Black people are going to come into your homes and rob and kill them." How soon we forget. Hinds for one writings never impressed me personally; I think that he is a confused individual. He is all about criticising. This is what he said in Grenada while making a speech back in 2016. "I argued that the Caribbean has stood still in DEVELOPMENT terms, partly because our governments have avoided REVOLUTIONARY changes, our independence leaders once in office, become reformist at best, never going beyond the confines of political and economic correctness." Words from a man who with his cohorts in the WPA fought down the most revolutionary thinker we had in Mr Burnham. He and the other professional writers and TV analysts and activists in Guyana, are excellent at criticising; ask them for one coherent political idea to move this country forward, you will encounter mutes. Hinds really believes that this spiteful and small-minded government was becoming queasy because of his influential missives. If anything, the only people he influenced are the 10 remaining members of the WPA and his family in Buxton. I have heard Lincoln Lewis, trade unionist by profession and activist by choice, complain strenuously that Stabroek News "Butchers his letters." I am sure he knows that the editor has a pen in that. I would not want to put down his activism, but I would think that his activism would be connected more so with the unions. He was around when the PPP splintered the trade union movement. That unlikely episode never occurred during the time of the Burnham dictatorship. Lewis with all of his political activism, his trade union know-how like humpy dumpty could not put them back together again. Come Labour Day each union takes to its own excesses. And the irony is, unions are a synonym for "solidarity": in Guyana, they could not be further apart. He who could not put his own house in order, has the temerity to criticise how another house

primary level, it would be important for the Ministry of Education to re-examine the other subjects offered at the National Grade Six Assessment. These are Science and Social Studies. While these two subjects are important, in the scheme of things, they are secondary to Mathematics and English. But more importantly, they can be incorporated into Mathematics and English. If this is done, it would lessen the stress on pupils having to focus on four

Disclaimer: Disclaimer:

is being administered. Oh, and by the way, the subvention was reinstated by this spiteful government. The Stabroek News, a newspaper that I have always considered a Trojan Horse and who shamelessly ignores its birth, thinks it is its duty to take sides in the Town Council brouhaha and those who are against the parking meters. They think that they are supposed to turn the present Town Council into a buffoon, Stabroek news cartoons 3/11 and 3/14. In replying to a want to be town clerk, mayor, and activist, the present town clerk listed his academic qualifications, pointing to the fact that he is amply qualified for the position. However, that particular paragraph carried in the other dailies was conveniently omitted from the Stabroek. This surely could not have been done without the silent knowledge of the editor-in-chief. During the term of the previous town clerk, who gave grief to the council, with numerous no-confidence votes against her dismissed or disallowed, never was she caricatured in the Stabroek News. No time was she personally insulted or demeaned. Another minister in the PPP government prayed for an epidemic to befall Georgetown, (we all know the majority inhabitants of Georgetown). Was he scolded for his utterances by Stabroek News? Of course not. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he could have been caricatured as a Nazi (Hitler) who gassed Jews to death. The double standards of the Stabroek News are nothing new. The words of Ronald Austin Jr in the Guyana Chronicle of February 20th article, The Enemies of the Republic within the Gates of the Republic, sums up our present position. "While we look beyond our borders to identify and nullify threats to the republic, let us not rule out the possibility that the biggest threat to the republic may dwell within the gates of the republic, singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge." . . . Regards Milton Bruce subject areas at the primary level, and increase the attention given to English and Mathematics. As long as students can master the basics of literacy and numeracy, a solid foundation will have been set for them to excel in the other subject areas. And gradually, the high failure rates in English and Mathematics, both at the primary and secondary levels, will progressively diminish.

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 March 23, 2018

Fly Jamaica Airlines Employee Nabbed With Cocaine at Airport in New York NEW YORK, United States — A crew member on Fly Jamaica Airways recently discovered that he could not get a leg up on US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in his attempt to transport illegal drugs into the United States. Jamaican Hugh Hall was nabbed with cocaine tapped to his legs at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JKF) last weekend, CBP revealed in a statement issued yesterday. He had arrived at JFK from Montego Bay, Jamaica on March 17, and presented himself for inspection. Hall was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers discovered the four packages, all of which contained a white

powder that tested positive for cocaine. The cocaine seized weighed about nine pounds and had an apstreet value of proximate US$160,000. Hall was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

“This seizure is another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of illicit drugs,” said Leon Hayward, Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations. Hall faces federal narcotics smuggling charges. (Caribbean360)

Crew member caught with cocaine taped to his legs at JFK. (Photo credit: US Customs and Border Protection)

ABLP Returned to Government After Early Elections in Antigua

ST JOHN’S, Antigua — It wasn’t the clean sweep he was hoping for, but Prime Minister Gaston Browne yesterday led his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) into another term in office, winning 15 out of 17 seats in a poll that also featured a victory for his wife, who contested her first election, and a defeat for the leader of the main opposition party. The preliminary results released by the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) showed that among those winning seats for the ABLP were Maria Bird-Browne, who contested the St. John’s Rural East seat that had been held by her uncle, Sir Lester Bird, before his retirement from active politics. But Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Harold Lovell and his deputy, Wilmoth Daniel, were not so fortunate. They both lost their races in an election that was called

more than a year earlier than constitutionally due. In the one constituency won by the UPP — All Saints East and St. Luke’s constituency — ABLP candidate Colin James challenged the result after losing by 10 votes to Jamal Pringle. However, after a recount, Pringle was confirmed the winner. Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) — which had formed an alliance with the UPP going into the elections — defeated incumbent Arthur Nibbs of the ABLP to become the representative for the sister isle. Browne told supporters this morning that it was not time to “gloat about the victory”. Instead, he encouraged all parties to “cooperate toward the betterment of Antigua and Barbuda” and to forego “the division of politics” in order to “reunite” the nation following a swift but divisive campaign.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne led his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) into a second consecutive election victory, “Whereas we have our differ- ing this country is quintessential to its ences, I say to you that those differ- socioeconomic development,” he ences should not result in any form of said. permanent division. So we must be “We have to bring all the people able to forgive those who would’ve together.” Browne declared Thursday a offended us. There were many offences during this campaign, but at public holiday. the same time, I say to you that unit(Caribbean360)

Jamaican Policewoman Who Was Hailed A Hero Is Charged With Murder KINGSTON, Jamaica — A female police officer who was hailed a hero after shooting a man whom she said tried to steal her car nine months ago, has now been charged with the murder of that man. Constable Melissa White appeared in court yesterday, hours

after being charged with the June 6, 2017 murder of Edward George Brown, and was released on J$500,000 (US$3,977) bail. She returns to court on April 27. When Brown was shot last year, it was reported that White had stopped at a traffic light when two men, one armed with a rifle and an-

other with a pistol, attempted to steal her car. She said she challenged the gunmen and one of them, Brown, was shot and injured. He subsequently died in hospital. While White was hailed a hero, an investigation conducted by the Inspectorate of the Constabulary and the Independent Commission of

Investigations (INDECOM) found that what unfolded was not as reported. CCTV footage and eyewitness statements obtained by investigators revealed that Brown had stolen a bottle of olive oil from a supermarket and was running when he was shot by the policewoman.

(Caribbean360)

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

India interested in our oil

INDIA has joined a number of countries which have an active interest in obtaining an oil block in Guyana, said High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam. “India is interested in having an oil block for exploration; there has been correspondence between both Governments, but the process will take its own time,” said the High Commissioner during a press conference at the Indian High Commission on Thursday. India’s interest in having an oil block was shared with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge during their visit to India in January. The High Commissioner said officials of the Ministry of Oil and Gas of India met with the ministers to discuss several areas within the oil and gas industry. Although he was not sure if a formal proposal was made to the Government of Guyana (GoG) to have an oil block here, Mahalingam said such a proposal is quite possible because their ministries often make direct contact with the relevant local ministries. “It is quite possible that they would have written but we are not aware,” said the High Commissioner, adding that there is definitely an active interest from the Government of India to have an oil block.

Since ExxonMobil and its exploration partners, CNOOC Nexen and Hess dis-

Jan. 29, 2018. “This latest discovery further increases our confidence

miles west of the Payara-1 well, and follows previous discoveries on the Stabroek

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam

covered oil offshore Guyana, companies such as French oil giant Total and others have signaled their interest in exploring for oil. ExxonMobil had in late February announced its seventh oil discovery offshore Guyana, following drilling at the Pacora-1 exploration well. According to reports, ExxonMobil encountered approximately 65 feet (20 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was safely drilled to a depth of 18,363 feet (5,597 meters) in 6,781 feet (2,067 meters) of water. Drilling commenced on

in developing this key area of the Stabroek Block,” said Steve Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “Pacora will be developed in conjunction with the giant Payara field, and along with other phases, will help bring Guyana production to more than 500,000 barrels per day.” Initially, ExxonMobil had projected daily output from 2020 at 120,000 barrels per day. Guyana is entitled to 2 percent royalty and 12.5 percent of the overall production, which amounts to half of the oil profits. The Pacora-1 well is located approximately four

Block at Liza, Payara, Liza

Deep, Snoek, Turbot and Ranger. “Guyana is a new member of the oil club and the last time when the foreign affairs minister visited India, the officials said they can help in areas of oil and gas but the Government of Guyana has to come and say which area they would like to have cooperation,” said Mahalingam. The High Commissioner pointed out that India’s commitment was also conveyed to President David Granger during his recent visit to India where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Government officials of India. India had also signaled its interest in buying oil from Guyana when production starts in 2020. The country purchases oil from Latin America and South America.

Prime Minister Modi will also be visiting Guyana this year to conduct more discussions pertaining to bilateral relations with the GoG. “2018 has been a wonderful year so far for India-Guyana relations; India’s Prime Minister will visit sometime in November and December; so it will be a historical year between the two countries,” said Mahalingam. Prime Minister Modi had told President Granger that India is willing to do whatever it can to support Guyana’s development and pointed out that there are many areas for cooperation, particularly in the sugar and oil sectors. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the scale of Guyana-India relations and agreed to continue discussions when Prime Minister Modi visits Guyana later this year.

MINERVA TRAVEL

CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED

Enjoy a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on the

Norwegian Getaway November 18 to 25, 2018 Miami – Roatan Honduras – Harvest Caye Belize – Costa Maya, Mexico – Cozumel Mexico – Miami

Inside $955 – Ocean View $1,115 – Balcony $1,255 (Limited staterooms still available) Deposit $300 non-refundable by February 26, 2018 — Final payment August 08, 2018 Contact: Minerva Travel Tel: 718-377-2071 or minitravel@hotmail.com

To Advertise in this new and exciting paper The New York Edition of the GUYANA CHRONICLE — Guyana’s National Newspaper call: 917-379-6590 or (347) 385-4115

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

First Female President of Trinidad and Tobago Takes Office PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad —PaulaMae Weekes on Monday was sworn in as the first female President and sixth overall Head of State of Trinidad and Tobago. A large crowd, including Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior members of the Judiciary gathered at the Queen’s Park Oval for the inauguration ceremony, where President Weekes appealed to citizens to walk side-by-side with her in rebuilding the twin-island republic which continues to grapple with crime and other social ills. She said there were many who lamented that Trinidad and Tobago “is perilously close to the point of no return”, with crime, corruption, racism, abysmal public services and an ineffective judicial system, among other problems, so thick on the ground that all hope is lost, and the country had two choices: “Option 1 – We can lament, blame, criticise and allow a miasma of despair to overwhelm us or Option 2 we can consciously and intentionally choose the alternative.” “I know what the murder count is and how many of the victims have been women and children slaughtered in acts of domestic violence, I am cognizant of the volatile tensions in east Port-of-Spain. I see people affected by mental illness, addiction and homelessness sleeping on the streets and if I needed to get to Tobago in a hurry I could not be certain if or when I would arrive. I comprehend fully the state of the state and so

(from left) Former President, Anthony Carmona; Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley and Chief Justice, Ivor Archie look on as Paula Mae-Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, takes the Oath of Office,

understand why we might have every reason to despair. “None of us is blind or foolish enough to deny that Trinidad and Tobago is going through dark times, but I echo the words of C S. Lewis, when I say: ‘this a good world gone wrong but it still retains the memory of what ought to have been’ . . . So let us today choose Option 2 confront the darkness and declare that it will not take over,” President Weekes said. She further said that as a servant of a people, she would do her best by word and deed to both be a light and spread the light of others at every opportunity. But Weekes said she needed citizens to help her along.

“If you feel that you are going to leave me alone to do all the heavy lifting, you’re sadly mistaken. I have something to ask of you . . . I am going to rub my imaginary lamp and appeal to the collective genie that you are,” she said, before outlining her three wishes. “First of all, I ask you to find ways to make a positive difference in whatever your sphere of influence, not necessarily ambitious designs but rather specific, practical, doable projects — the results of which can be seen and measured in the short term, and then let us celebrate each success. Many individuals and organisations have asked to meet with me. Let’s not meet just for meeting sake—we do not have that luxury. Come armed with

(Photo Credit: Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago)

your ideas, your feasible projects to improve our quality of life. Nothing will catch my attention faster than a man or woman with a plan. “Next, I ask those of you with a platform from which to disseminate your views to find new and creative ways to inspire your audience while reporting responsibly and commenting civilly on the facts, in particular on social media which is here to stay and has great value in giving a voice to those who might otherwise be voiceless but reckless use of this or any communication channel will defeat its very purpose. “And last . . . we speak all the time about how violent a society we’ve become. True, but the climate of violence is not created or even birthed in overt acts; it’s embedded in everyday talk, in commonplace interaction, in schools, in the market, in business places, in the rum shops and, worst of all, in the home. I ask you to be mindful in your use of language remembering that a soft answer often turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger and that pleasant speech increases one’s persuasiveness. When we have the inevitable differences of opinion we can do so without the savagery, the ad hominem attacks, the gratuitous insults.” Speaking to the media after the Swearing-in Ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said he was looking forward to working closely with President Weekes, who takes over from the retired Anthony Carmona. (Caribbean360)

Jamaican Man Among Six Killed in Bridge Collapse at Florida University FLORIDA, United States — One of the six people killed when a pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University (FIU) in the United States has been identified as a Jamaican, Navaro Brown. The 37-year-old died in hospital after being injured when the bridge collapsed onto a bustling roadway in Miami Thursday (March 15). Brown had been employed at Structural Technologies VSL — a company that provides products to strengthen bridges, buildings and other structures — and was one of NAVARO BROWN three employees injured in the collapse. His two colleagues were hospitalized and have been listed as stable. Michael Biesiada, a spokesman for Structural Technologies, did not say what Brown was doing at the time of the collapse but said he was “working on the project providing installation support for our products”. The Jamaican was the second deceased identified, after FIU student Alexa Duran was named as the first victim. The others who perished were: married father of three, Brandon Brownfield; Rolando Fraga Hernandez; Oswald Gonzalez and Alberto Arias. FIU held a moment of silence last Monday at 1:47 p.m., exactly four days to the minute after the bridge collapsed. (Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

Authorities To Test Sample of Substance said to be Responsible For Deaths in St. Lucia CASTRIES, St. Lucia — Investigations are continuing into the sudden deaths of four St. Lucians, with the Ministry of Health saying it had received a sample of the substance allegedly responsible for the tragedies. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlene Fredericks said the sample has been passed on to the relevant authorities for testing. “At this point in time we can’t speak to absolutely what this sample is, but we can say that it was a clear, colourless liquid resembling water or strong rum,” she said. “We believe that there is a toxin, and we’re encouraging persons, should anyone come into contact with the substance or have any sample of it, to either bring it to us so that we can pass it on to the authorities for testing, or dispose of it properly. Ensure that you pour it into the ground and that it disappears. Do not throw away a container containing the substance in the event that someone else picks it up and ingests it.”

Four people, who all lived in Coolie Town, on the western coast of the island, drank alcohol after a funeral and died within days of each other. The Ministry of Health said the patients went to the Victoria Hospital at varying times with unusual symptoms, including sudden onset of blindness and abdominal pain. It said that in some cases, the patients rapidly became unconsciousness before dying. Dr. Fredericks noted that as of last Monday (March 19), there have been no additional cases of severe illness or death. However, some people who felt they may have consumed the substance came forward in order to get tested over the weekend. “We referred approximately 10 persons to the Victoria Hospital for testing and follow up. Those cases were relatively mild, but out of precaution and given that they indicated that they may have been exposed, we referred them to the Victoria Hospital where they could be tested and treated appropriately,” (Caribbean360) she explained.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlene Fredericks

State of Emergency declared in a Second Parish in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica — A slew of murders and rampant crime in parts of the parish of St. Catherine has prompted authorities to declare a State of Public Emergency in a second parish since the start of this year. On the heels of the State of Public Emergency in St. James —which was declared in January and has been extended until May 2 — Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday declared a similar state of affairs in the St. Catherine North Police Division, for 14 days in the first instance. A joint Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)/Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) team was deployed to the area yesterday morning to undertake enhanced secu-

rity measures, in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act. Police reported Monday night that 94 people were detained yesterday, 24 of whom were later released, of the remainder, 20 were processed and kept overnight, while the remaining 50 were being processed with a view to determine whether they will be further detained or released. In announcing the State of Public Emergency at a press conference, Prime Minister Holness said the move was necessary as crime and violence, particularly murders, had been escalating in the St. Catherine North Police Division. The area has recorded 49 murders since the start

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (at podium) declaring a State of Public Emergency for St. Catherine North Police Division. Others in picture (from left) Chief Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade; Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifford Blake; National Security Minister, Robert Montague; Justice Minister Delroy Chuck; and incoming Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson. (Photo Credit JIS)

of the year, mainly due to gang activity. “Under these enhanced security measures, the security forces will have extraordinary powers and some citizens’ rights will be suspended,” Holness said. He advised that the security forces would have the power to search and detain persons without a warrant; and curtail the operating hours of businesses as well as access to venues. Additionally, all persons using roads leading into and out of St. Catherine North and their vehicles will be subject to search. “In various areas, there will be joint static and mobile patrols. Persons may also be stopped at various checkpoints,” the Prime Minister further indicated. However, he assured that the security forces’ use of that authority could not be arbitrary or beyond review. “The security forces are expected and have been directed to treat citizens with respect and to protect the dignity and safety of all Jamaicans,” he emphasized. (Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THE CHEATING HUSBAND

or several years, a married man was having an affair with an SOURSOP PUNCH Italian woman. One night, Ingredients: orange slices or a dash of she confided in him that she nutmeg. 1 ripe soursop was pregnant. water Not wanting to ruin his rep1-1⁄2 cups sugar utation or his marriage, he paid 4 cups cold milk her a large sum of money and sent her to Italy to secretly have Method: the child. He also told her if she 1. Add enough water to sourstayed in Italy to raise the child, sop toi extract 1-1⁄2 pints of he would also provide child support until the child turned 18. juice. 2. Place in refrigerator to She agreed, but asked how cool. he would know when the baby was born. 3. Mix the sugar and milk and add the cold juice slowly. To keep it discrete, he told 4. Serve cold, garnished with her to simply mail him a post

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

FROM CRIPPLE TO OLYMPIC STAR THE STORY OF WILMA RUDOLPH

ho was the first American woman runner to win three gold medals at the Olympics?

Her name was Wilma Rudolph – a young Black woman of extraordinary courage and achievement. As a young child she had double pneumonia and scarlet fever. In addition, she contracted polio and became crippled. Her doctor said she would never be able to walk. Yet on September 7th, 1960, in Rome, Wilma became the first American woman to win three gold medals at the Olympics. She won the 100-meter dash and the 200meter dash, and ran the anchor on the 400meter relay team. Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, the 17th of 191 children. A premature baby, she weighed 4 ⁄2 pounds. Because of her early illness, most of her childhood was spent in bed. After it was discovered that she had polio, her mother devotedly took her twice a week for therapy to Nashville’s Meharry Medical College, a hospital for Blacks 50 miles away. Often too, her mother, despite tiredness from the day’s work, would sit on Wilma‘s bed and massage her polio-stricken daughter’s leg telling her she would one day walk without braces. Wilma’s many brothers and sisters

pitched in, taking turns massaging her crippled leg and even reported on her if she removed her braces. She so badly wanted to be normal, even exceptional, she would sometimes put them aside. She used those braces from age six till age nine. In the meantime, she survived childhood whooping cough, measles and chicken pox. After shedding the braces, she was able to walk only with the aid of a special shoe. Three years later, however, she discarded the shoe and joined her brother in backyard basketball games. Rudolph attended Burt High School. While there, she became a record-setting bas-

WILMA RUDOLPH

ketball star. By the time she was 16, she was part of the U.S. Olympic track and field team, earning an Olympic Bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Games. In 1957, Rudolph enrolled at Tennessee State University and began working towards the Olympic Games in Rome. At Tennessee State, she set the world record for the 200 meters in July of 1960. Wilma Rudolph was now an impressive 5-feet-11 and 130 pounds. And she was fast. A commentator remarked: don’t blink. You might miss her. And that would be a shame. And now, the Olympics. At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. She broke records as she won the 100- and 200meter races and anchored the U.S. team to victory in the 4 x 100-meter relay. Rudolph said she had a special, personal reason to want to win. She wanted to pay tribute to an American athlete who was her inspiration — Jesse Owens, the star of the 1936 Summer Olympics, held in Berlin, Germany. Sports Illustrated reported that in the selfsame Germany, mounted police had to keep back Rudolph’s admirers in Cologne. In Berlin, fans stole her shoes then besieged

card, and write “Spaghetti” on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin. One day, about nine months later, he came home to his confused wife. “Honey,” she said, “you received a very strange post card today.” “Oh, just give it to me and I’ll explain it later,” he said. The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and fainted. On the card was written: “Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Three with meatballs, two without . . . SEND EXTRA SAUCE.” her bus, beating on it with their fists until she acknowledged them. She received numerous awards and was called many wonderful things. In America, she was “The Tennessee Tornado,” the Italians nicknamed her “La Gazzella Nera” (the Black Gazelle) and the French called her “La Perle Noire” (The Black Pearl). She has become one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. “She’s done more for her country than what the U.S. could have paid her for,” one observer said. Described as soft-spoken and gracious in manner, she both inspired and paved the way for African-American athletes, both men and women, who came later. When she was returning from Rome, segregationist Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington, planned to head the welcome home celebration for the Tennessee star, but Rudolph said she would not participate in a segregated event. As a result, Rudolph’s parade and banquet were the first integrated events in Clarksville, her hometown. Rudolph was later to serve in many useful ways ‚— including as track coach, as athletic consultant, and as Assistant Director of Athletics for the Mayor’s Youth Foundation in Chicago. She established the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, became a noted goodwill ambassador, was a talk show host and was active on the lecture circuit. On November 12, 1994, Wilma Rudolph died at her home in Brentwood, Tennessee. Her Foundation Award is presented to “a female athlete who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, makes significant contributions to sports and serves as an inspiration and role model to those who face challenges, overcomes them and strives for success at all levels.” Very fitting.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

US$7.1 rehabilitative work on conference centre 85% complete -to be completed by May, already has bookings for June through to 2019 The US$7.1 million rehabilitative work on the Arthur Chung Convention Centre is 85 per cent complete despite major challenges with a sinking ground floor, said Engineer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Vaniar Gutierrez. Rehabilitation of the centre started in November 2016, after management realised that fissures in the walls and uneven floors were becoming unsafe to work in and around. The centre was officially closed on December 1, 2016 to facilitate major rehabilitation, which was scheduled to be completed within 18 months. “We encountered some challenges during construction; the previous floor did not have reinforcement and the compaction work was poor so the floor sunk,” said the engineer during a tour of the facility on Thursday. He said they had to remove all the old material from the floor to do compaction, noting that it was well compacted and tested. “We have used additional loads to test it to ensure that it does not sink again… we have really accurate calculations,” Gutierrez explained. In addition to the floors, a canopy was installed with a steel structure and new types of LED lights among other things. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine

Hughes who was also a part of the tour said the centre which was opened in 2006 was a gift from the People’s Republic of China. Prior to be being handed over to Guyana in 2006, an agreement between the two countries was signed in 2004. Aside from the construction of the centre, the country also agreed to carry out repairs and maintenance after 10 years of use. The company which received the contract to do the work was the China Civil Engineering company. Like the initial construction, the rehabilitative work was also funded by the Chinese Government. Although, based on the contract it was time for the rehabilitative work to be done, the minister said it was indeed needed because in addition to the floor there were leaking pipes, uneven floor boards and concrete that would have resulted in an injury if they did not close the facility for repairs. Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huiyong Shen was pleased with the work that was done and even commended the contractors for working towards completing the facility on time. The facility which is expected to be completed by May 27 will have modern meeting rooms and upgraded facilities said General Manager, Nandcomar Ramdial. Some of the features of

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huiyong Shen checking out some of the new features of the centre during the tour (Adrian Narine photo)

The main meeting room decked out with new seats and modern equipment (Adrian Narine photos)

the centre that were upgraded include the entrance gate, external walls, electrical lighting panels and the washroom. “When the contractors started they found a lot more structural and other types of damages in addition to the initial problems,” he explained, adding that even some new features were added because of the new problems that were discovered. Ramdial said some of the new items included a Public Address (PA) system in the meeting rooms, projectors, electronic screens, video conferencing equipment and Wi-Fi. In addition, the main conference hall has a new digital conference system that could accommodate three different languages spoken simultaneously and video tracking capabilities, as well as 375 new chairs. Aside from the main hall which has a seating capacity of 500 persons, there are two other meeting areas, one on the eastern side of the room which could accommodate 220 persons and another on the western side that could hold 120 people. The facility also has a computer lab, the conference secretariat, a business centre, first aid clinic, a dining hall and a kitchen. Ramdial said the rehabilitation has not been completed as yet but they already have bookings from June into the first quarter of 2019.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

‘Aunt Carro’ Caroline Farinha is Guyana’s newest Centenarian

Womack wished Ms. Farinha several more years of "existence on earth", before proceeding to give her and other recipients Holy Communion, and blessing the refreshments. Guyana's Consul-General, Hon. Ms. Barbara Atherly in extending greetings to the Centenarian, informed the gathering that it was a source of sincere pride for her to attend and participate in these types of ceremonies. Ms. Atherly pointed out that reaching 100 years was a chronological achievement that definitely had to be recognized and chronicled. Ms. Atherly noted that Ms. Farinha had to be a Shining Light among us all, and she traced the contributions that Ms. Farinha had made to her 13 children, 33 grand children, and 59 great grand-children. Ms. Atherly then presented a Proclamation to the Centenarian. Brooklyn's Borough President, Eric Adams Centenarian Caroline Farinha receives communion from Fr. Lawrence also sent a Proclamation Womack of the St. Augustine church on Avenue D in Brooklyn. to Ms. Farinha, which was read by one of her grandsons. The evening's At the commencement of the brief cereactivity concluded with the consumption of remony to mark the occasion, Mistress of Cerefreshments. Another party was held for the Cenmony, Ms. Farinha's daughter, Doreen Philatenarian the following afternoon (Sunday, March delphia observed that she was not surprised that 18th). her mother had lived so long, because she had for Ms. Caroline Farinha is one of three surviva long time been known as "the Bush Doctor" ing children from the union of Antonio Perreirawho villagers and city dwellers visited for advice Jardine and Christina Weatherspoon of Plantation and suggestions on solvents to a variety of health Content, East Coast Demerara. She is the sixth of concerns and challenges. In an opening prayer, 10 children. Ms. Farinha has 13 of whom all are Fr. Lawrence Womack from St. Augustine's Episalive. She grew up at Content, Mahaicony, where copal church relied upon the contents of Psalm she attended High Dam Primary school . . . she 71, in order to comment on the long life, endeavwas also very active in the Roman Catholic ors and accomplishments of the Centenarian. Fr. Church. Ms. Farinha who migrated to the United

by Carlyle Harry

ast Saturday afternoon (March 17th) the The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle took great pride in covering an outstanding ceremony to mark the 100th birthday of Ms. Caroline Farinha. The ceremony which was held at the Rutland Nursing Home, also known as the Kingsbrook Nursing Home was attended by 10 of Ms. Farinha's 13 children, other close family members, as well as friends whom she has accumulated over the years.

Centenarian Caroline Farinha surrounded by 10 of her 13 children (from left) Leon Farinha, Rose Sam, Herman Farinha, Barbara Farinha, Patsy Crandon, Stella Alphonso, Lynette Farinha, Juliet Hoppie, Dorothy Seuewasing & Doreen Philadelphia, her 97-year old sister, Cecelia (is at extreme left sitting) and Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly (is fourth from left).

Centenarian Caroline Farinha cuts her birthday cake while some of her daughters and Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly look on.

States of America over two decades ago, still has most of her faculties intact, and is delighted to have reached 100 years old, a first in her family. With the aid of spectacles, she continues to be an avid reader. She attributes her longevity to ‘the powers of the most high’. Her eldest brother, Lionel, fell short of the century mark by seven

Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly (right) with Centenarian ‘Aunt Carro’ and some of her children after presenting her with a Proclamation commemorating this extraordinary milestone. months, five years ago, while her sister, Cecilia, who also resides in New York turned 97 on March 11, 2018. Caroline and Cecelia are always together, and are always thought to be twins. Among the Centenarian's family members are former Mayor of New Amsterdam, Errol Alphonso, her nephew, and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the late Dennis Gouveia, she is also great aunt of Senior Sports Broadcaster/Journalist Allan La Rose. As mentioned above, Ms, Farinha was well known for her herbal-medicinal recommendations; she was reputed to be physically strong as a result of the type of work that she did in the family's grocery store business; that physical strength enabled 'Aunt Carro’, as she is familiarly called to become an accomplished cricketer.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

60/40 split in profit

-- in favour of Guyana should Tullow and Eco (Atlantic) strike oil here A PRODUCTION Sharing Agreement (PSA) inked between the Government of Guyana, Tullow Guyana B.V and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc indicates that the country could benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profit, including a one per cent royalty once the companies commence pumping for oil in the Orinduik Block. Tullow Oil, parent company of Tullow Guyana B.V., is a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company, which has interests in 90 exploration and production licences across 16 countries that are in West Africa, East Africa and ‘New Ventures’, which include Guyana and French Guiana. Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Inc. is a small, independent international oil and gas exploration company based in Toronto, Canada. It has a 40 per cent interest in the Orinduik Block, while Tullow Oil has 60 per cent. According to the Petroleum Contract, which was signed on January 14, 2016, once the recoverable costs have been satisfied, the

profit will be shared between the government and the contractor for each field, based on an established system. This could see Guyana receiving a profit share as high as 60 per cent and as low as 50 per cent. “The balance of crude oil and/ or natural gas available in any month after recoverable contract costs have been satisfied to the extent aforesaid (hereinafter referred to as “Profit Oil” and or “Profit Gas’ as the case may be) shall be shared between the government and the contractor for each field…,” Article 11:04 of the Petroleum Agreement states. For the first 25,000 barrels of oil, Guyana is in line to receive a profit of 50 per cent. For the next 25,000 barrels, the country’s profit would increase to 52.5 per cent and 55 per cent for the next 15,000 barrels. For the subsequent batch of 15,000 barrels of oil, Guyana would benefit from a 57.5 per cent profit and 60 per cent profit for more than 80, 000 barrels of oil. The profit will be shared between the government

and contractor on a monthly basis. According to Article 15:06 of the Petroleum Agreement, a one per cent royalty is included in the government’s share of profit. “The government’s share of profit oil specified in Article 11 includes royalty payable by the contractor at the rate of one per cent of crude oil produced and sold, and delivery to the minister, pursuant to Article 14 of his share of profit oil equivalent to royalty shall constitute payment of such royalty in kind,” the agreement states. The agreement also provides for associated gas produced from an oil field within the contract area to be used for the purposes of the operations of production and production enhancement of oil fields, such as gas injection, gas lifting and power generation. 3D seismic operations in the Orinduk Block were completed early September 2017, and according to the Natural Resources Ministry, processing and subsequent interpretation will follow with the possibility of

drilling in 2019. “Both companies are very optimistic about the prospects for recoverable petroleum in the Orinduk Block,” the ministry said in a statement. It was noted too that the terms of the contract are the same as those for Esso (Exploration and Production) Guyana Limited and partners Hess and CNOOCN. The Natural Resources Ministry released the Petroleum Agreement the government signed with Tullow Guyana B.V. and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. in keeping with its commitment to release major contracts between the government and companies in the extractive industries sector. In the interest of transparency, it said, it will continue to make Petroleum Agreements available to the public. Contracts entered into with ExxonMobil and its joint-venture partners, Ratio Guyana Inc. and CGX Energy have already been released and are on the ministry’s website.

Exxon shore-base to be ready by August By Navendra Seoraj

GYSBI General Manager Glenn Lockwood (Adrian Narine photos)

CONSTRUCTION of the initial facilities at the ExxonMobil shore-base is expected to be completed by August, said General Manager of the Guyana Shore Base Inc, (GYSBI) Glenn Lockwood. The infrastructure of the base includes a large yard with pipe racks and staging places, where they intend to put tubular (pipes) prior to sending them to the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO). “By this , the construc-

tion phase would have been completed, then we would be doing additional work,” said Lockwood during an exclusive tour of the facility on Saturday. Although the initial stages of work would be completed soon, different facilities will be built as years go by, said the general manager. Some of the facilities that are yet to be completed include a power station, a water-filtration system and generator systems. GYSBI has so far employed 60 persons, 94 per cent of whom are Guyanese.

One of the facilities being constructed at the shore-base

Some of the pipes being packed neatly into the racks

When the facility is fully completed, they expect to have a staff complement of close to 300 persons. “There has been a lot of enthusiasm from Guyanese, because they know that the industry is a big thing, so lots of people want to be involved… we have trained a lot of them because not a lot of local workers know the industry well,” Lockwood explained, adding that a lot of young people in particular have signalled their interest to be a part of the operations.

The general manager further explained that the industry, especially the shore-base, will be growing and changing over the next 10 years. The area being developed by GYSBI is 28 acres, with a waterfront of 900ft by 1600ft. The company is aiming to build a wharf of 600ft. ExxonMobil – the company currently drilling for oil in Guyana along with joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen – had awarded the contract to Guyana Shore Base Inc., (GYSBI)

which is a Guyanese joint venture made up of Muneshwer’s Limited, Pacific Rim Constructors, TotalTec Oilfield Services and LED Offshore. ExxonMobil had initially planned to use a shore base in Trinidad and Tobago before turning its full attention to Guyana. The base will service the needs of the FPSO which will be offshore Guyana producing oil. Fuel, water, cement, mud, and other materials will be available at the base.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

Stalemate continues over Linden TV

…no meeting in one year by LTV board By Vanessa Braithwaite It has been a little over one year since the Board of Directors of the Linden Television Station has held its last meeting, which ended abruptly after four directors walked out. Since then, the board has been at a stalemate since no engagement whatsoever has been held among the board members. This has been described as worrying by some board members, who in an invited comment said that some members are holding the board hostage while the residents of Linden are suffering the consequences. Expressing his frustration on the matter was Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford, who said that he plans to engage Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on the

MP, Audwin Rutherford

matter as soon as he returns to the country. “For me it is not fair to the people of Linden, the process must move forward, this is a matter of total power control and persons need to put the interest of the people ahead of their issues,” Rutherford said. The MP asserted that the board is divided by two factions while there are a few members in

between the two factions, and this is what is stalling the process. He added that he is not even sure if the current board still has life or whether it has been expired. Pastor Morris McKinnon also expressed his disappointment over the way things have been handled, and even questioned whether he still has interest in pursuing being a director given the fact that it has been dormant for so long. “Everything is just laid back, everything is just laid on the table, nothing has been going on, things just went into a stalemate,” McKinnon said. Board member Leslie Gonsalves who did not want to comment further without advice from incumbent secretary Sharma Solomon, said however, that the people of Linden are agitated about the lack of progress regarding the television station.

Sharma Solomon

Efforts to reach Solomon for a comment proved futile. Residents of Linden are calling on Prime Minister Nagamootoo who has responsibility for public communication and who mandated the extension of the board, to look into the way things are going since there may be need for necessary adjustments. Meanwhile, Lindeners continue to bemoan the limited channels received by the National Communications

Network (NCN) which provides a weekly news broadcast. “It is about time now, this board story going on for so long that two people from the board done dead and nothing in happening, like this whole generation got to dead out before something happen, please, please, we are pleading with the powers that be to do something for Linden, don’t let the next election come and we still waiting,” one pharmacist commented. With the passing of the late Sandra Adams, the board now has 14 members. These include Mr. Phillip Bynoe; Mayor Carwyn Holland and his deputy, Ms. Waneka Arrindale; Regional MP’s Messrs. Jermaine Figueira, Audwin Rutherford, Leslie Gonsalves and Ms. Merna Adrian and Ms. Vanessa Kissoon. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had told residents of Linden that the the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA)

stands ready to issue the licence for the operationalisation of the Linden Television Station and that Channel 13 has already been secured for Linden. At the last convened meeting of the board, in March of 2017, four members walked out after the majority voted in favour for the elections for secretary and chairman to be done by secret ballot. The application for a television station was made after residents complained about the limited and biassed content that they were subjected to from NCN under the PPP Government.The then administration had signed an agreement to grant the licence on August 21, 2012 after a deadly protest which resulted in the death of three Lindeners.

Families press for answers …as autopsies reveal seawall bandits shot six times each

THE post-mortem results of the three suspected bandits who were shot and killed by police last week on the Georgetown seawall died from multiple gunshot wounds. The post-mortem results according to relatives of the deceased, also reveal that the men, identified as Dextroy “Dutty” Cordis, 46, of Grove, East Bank Demerara, Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara and Errol “Dynamite” Adams, 57, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast and Buxton, ECD, were not shot at close range. The three suspected bandits were killed by the police following a reported shootout on the Georgetown seawall. Lawrence Assanah, brother of Kwame Assanah, told the Guyana Chronicle that the postmortems were conducted on Monday, and while he did not witness them, he was informed that both his brother and Cordis died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. “They told us that there were multiple gunshot wounds and that it was from a distance and all the bullets exited their bodies,” Assanah told the Guyana Chronicle. “Both Kwame and Cordis got six shots each we were told,” Lawrence Assanah continued, while noting that he finds it strange that his brother received six gunshots to the upper part of his body and all of the bullets exited his body, but none damaged his car, to which he was near. “If they [bullets] exit, then they had to hit something that is near-

Kwame Assanah

by…if they were that close to the vehicle then the warheads would have had to hit the vehicle, but the vehicle was not hit,” the grieving man told the Guyana Chronicle. Assanah maintains that the police’s account of what transpired last Thursday is not adding up. “There is so much that isn’t adding up,” he remarked, while noting that his brother was not a criminal. “I know my brother. I am not naïve…I am not trying to cover up for him,” he said, noting that there is no evidence to suggest that his brother was a criminal or had criminal intentions. The autopsies of the three men were done at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary by Dr Nehaul Singh. Singh, according to the police, gave the cause of deaths as multiple gunshot injuries. Asked whether his family intends to pursue the matter beyond where it is, Assanah said, “We are exploring our options.” He explained that the decision on the way forward will be made by his entire

family. “There are grey areas and it is expected that the police [hierarchy] has to defend their ranks, but there are too many grey areas,” he declared. Assanah will be buried Friday. Attempts to contact Cordis’ family proved futile on Monday. Meanwhile, Coleen Osbourne, sister of Errol Adams, told this publication that she was informed that her brother also died from multiple gunshot wounds. She said from the information received, he was shot to his upper body in the region of his shoulder. “They didn’t state how many shots he received,” said Osbourne, who indicated that she did not have any other information pertaining to the post-mortem. Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnaraine, told reporters Monday that the killing of the trio was justified and noted that the men were not executed. “No police officer sets out to execute a citizen, based on training and capacity-building in recent years,” he said. “So, whatever specific actions they may have played on the day in question, thing is, you cannot escape the point that they were part and parcel of an arrangement to commit a criminal act with some serious consequences,” Ramnarine contended, while adding that the men had intended to use deadly force. He maintained that the police involved in last Thursday’s operation acted in keeping with the law and reacted when they were fired upon

Dextroy Cordis

by the identified trio. The police had initially stated that Assanah was known to the police and had a criminal record, but then accepted that, that statement was an error. In a statement Thursday, the police said that following several incidents of robbery under arms committed on customers after completing transactions at various commercial banks, surveillance and collaboration with key stakeholders were improved. The police said that based on information received from ‘Operatives’ performing duty in the vicinity of Scotia Bank on Robb Street, a motorcar with two suspicious-looking characters was in the vicinity and ranks of an anti-crime patrol in an unmarked vehicle were alerted. The ranks followed the vehicle which was observed following a customer who had exited the said bank and was in a motorcar. Police said at the Kingston

seawall, the customer parked his motorcar and the two suspiciouslooking characters in the motorcar drove up to the customer’s vehicle and exited, one brandishing a small firearm at the customer. Ranks of the police anti-crime patrol, which was in close proximity, called out to the suspicious-looking characters, but one who was armed discharged several rounds at the police who returned fire. Police said the initial exchange resulted in the deaths of Cordis and Assanah. Shortly after the exchange of gunfire, two males were observed on a Honda CG motorcycle in close proximity to a Toyota Ist car owned and driven by Assanah. One of the two persons on the motorcycle discharged several rounds at the police, who returned fire and Adams, a known character to the lawmen, was killed. His accomplice sped away on the motorcycle. A 9mm pistol,along with a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells, was found next to the body of Cordis. The roof and windshield of the police anti-crime vehicle were damaged by gunfire from the suspects. The police said a search conducted on Assanah’s car unearthed a number of items, including a supernumerary precept, one driver’s licence, 10 passports belonging to himself and family members, a key used by “trunkers”, two handcuff keys, a bandana and clothing.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

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

Distinguished Guyanese: Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo KCMG, CBE, Q.C.

o be born great, to achieve greatness and to have greatness thrust upon you, makes you an exceptional human being. Speaking of which leads me to Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo, arguably the most prominent Guyanese of all time. Politician, diplomat, lawyer and Christian evangelist, he is a reminder of what it is to be great.

FAMILY HISTORY His grandfather, Lokhooa (later renamed Moses Luckhoo) at age seven and his brothers, 11-year-old Ruhoman and 13-year-old Pahalad, were brought to British Guiana as indentured laborers in the mid-Nineteenth Century. A labor recruiter had persuaded them to leave India and sail to British Guiana (now Guyana). He assured them that in five years they could return to India as rich men. Fred Archer, in his book on the Luckhoo Dynasty, says, "For Luckhooa the promise of wealth was to come true, but he did not go back to India. He stayed and founded a dynasty." Sir Lionel’s grandmother was Elizabeth Saywack. His paternal uncle was Joseph Alexander Luckhoo, first Indian Barrister-at-law in Guyana, first Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Guyana and the first Indian appointed to the Combined Court (later it became the Legislative Council). Alexander’s sons were Sir JOSEPH ALEXANDER LUCKHOO Jr., Chief Justice of Guyana and Appeal Judge, Jamaica and RONALD HEWLEY LUCKHOO, barrister-at-law. Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo was born on March 2, 1914 in New Amsterdam, Guyana, a place known for producing legends, and passed away December 12, 1997. His father was Edward Alfred Luckhoo, O.B.E., Mayor of New Amsterdam, first Indian solicitor in Guyanese history and second Indian to be appointed to the Combined Court. His mother was Evelyn Maude Mungal-Singh, a housewife. His sisters were Ena Luckhoo, first female lawyer in Guyana and Renee Luckhoo, both prominent lawyers. His two brothers were Edward Victor Luckhoo, Q. C. High Commissioner for Guyana in India; Chancellor of the Judiciary; Governor General of Guyana and the first person to act in the capacity of President of Guyana, and Claude Lloyd Luckhoo, Q.C., attorney. Lloyd, in addition to having been a brilliant lawyer, was Guyana’s greatest horseracing commentator. After graduating from Queen’s

College, Guyana’s most prestigious grammar school, he went to England and studied medicine at St. Thomas hospital. He quickly switched careers to legal studies and was called to the English bar (Middle Temple) in 1940. On May 26, 1940, he returned to Guyana and established the firm Luckhoo and Luckhoo with one of his brothers. Guinness Book of Records ranks Sir Lionel as “the world's most successful advocate, with 245 consecutive successful defenses in murder cases.” He “was known as the Perry Mason of the Caribbean.” The late K. W. E. Denny and I used to frequent the Supreme Court to listen to great criminal cases. The two most outstanding advocates were J. O. F. Haynes and Sir Lionel Luckhoo. Haynes was the better of the two with facts, arguing the law, drawing the judge’s attention to precedents. Sir Lionel did all of this with grace. POLITICIAN As a politician, Sir Lionel Luckhoo supported Guyana’s status quo and was a favorite child of the British Colonial Office. The people disliked his britishness and considered him an aristocrat He failed to win a seat in the historic 1947 elections; but served in the Legislative Council (1952-1953) as a nominated member. UNDESIRABLE PUBLICATIONS BILL Sir Lionel’s political career is marked for his March 13, 1952 motion in the Legislature banning “Subversive Literature.” Popularly called the Dunce Motion, it was aimed at containing the growing popularity of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which had been using foreign books and pamphlets to educate the Guyanese people. It called for “preventing the entry into the colony of literature, publications, propaganda or films which were subversive or contrary to the public interest.” Two of the banned books were “The Communist Manifesto,” a required text in political science in America, Canada and England at the time. Another book deemed to be subversive was Paul Robeson’s “Here I Stand.” The motion garnered strong support from the Catholic Church and Big Business. It passed.

Throughout 1952, books and pamphlets imported from Britain by the PPP were confiscated by the authorities and destroyed Based on Luckhoo’s motion, the Undesirable Publications (Prohibition and Importation) Bill was presented to the Legislative Council on February

27, 1953. Like the Dunce Motion, it passed. The Undesirable Publications Act specified that anyone who sold or distributed material that the Governorin Council felt was "subversive" could be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned up to one year. Anyone who already owned and kept such work in his/her possession was subject to a fine of $250 and or imprisoned up to six months. Banned material was to be surrendered to the police. Sir Lionel established the National Labour front (NLF), which contested the 1957 elections. He was not elected to Parliament and his party won only one seat. DIPLOMAT He attended two conferences for Guyana’s Independence in London, England — 1963 as United Force (UF) advisor and 1965 as Guyana Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK). He was appointed High Commissioner and Ambassador for Guyana and Barbados in Britain (1966-1970). From 1967–1970 he served as joint ambassador for Guyana and Barbados in France, Germany and the Netherlands, and was knighted twice by the Queen. RELIGION In 1978, Sir Lionel attended a meeting sponsored by the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship Interna-

SIR LIONEL LUCKHOO

tional (FGBMFI.) He recalls (Sir Lionel Luckhoo’s Testimony on the internet): “When the altar call was given I looked around at the people, many of whom I knew personally, and mentally debated whether I should respond. But it seemed as though Jesus was knocking at the door of my heart, bidding me open to Him. I stood and accepted Jesus by faith. That was the beginning of a complete change, a total transformation of my life. I was born again.” In 1980, he founded “Luckhoo Ministries” in Fort Worth, Texas and became an itinerant speaker about his Christianity in Guyana, England, Australia and the United States. Sir Lionel said, “I want only two things in life: to go and give witness to my faith, and to preach, to do some little work in winning people to the cross of Jesus. To me, this would be a great climax to my life, a means of thanking God for His many kindnesses to me, by seeking to give others the opportunity of the happiness and peace of mind I now enjoy because of my abiding faith.” In addition to personal testimony, he wrote several booklets about Christian doctrine, which are available on the internet. Among these are: “Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?”, “What is your verdict?” “The tomb is Empty, because He is Risen”, “The truth about the resurrection”, “Why should I believe in Christ’s resurrection?” CASE FOR CHRIST The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, is the basic tenet of Christianity. Sir Lionel, for all his brilliant legal acumen, advances the usual supporting arguments for proof of this event. Like all of us Christians, he accepts this event by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” CONCLUSION This great man belonged to a dynasty, the likes of which Guyana shall never see again. To be singled out among his brothers, uncles, cousins and his father is truly to be great. I close with the often-quoted words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time, Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

Image of a Black Woman on the new Canadian $10 bill O

by Francis Quamina Farrier

dian Law Firm has invited artists to submit paintings which will be displayed on the exterior of the cinema where Viola Desmond made her legendary stand for Civil Rights. Plans are also afoot to have streets in Montreal and Halifax bear her name. Canada is moving away from a history of slavery and segregation, to a country in which all men and women are treated with respect and human dignity. In his feature address at the Launch Ceremony on March 8, 2018, Canada's Like African-American Rosa Parks in neighFinance Minister said, "Viola is just one of bouring America, who started a movement millions of stories from women who've against non-Whites having to sit at the back helped shape, build and influence our of the bus, Viola Desmond has, by her brave country." It is noteworthy to mention how actions, made life and living that much better that heroic act by Viola Desmond has benfor the tens of thousands of Guyanese, who efited Guyanese who have made Canada have made Canada and America their their adopted country. Guyanese of colour adopted countries. Bravo to two Women of can now go to the movies at cinemas in African Heritage — Rosa Parks of the USA Canada with dignity and occupy any availand Viola Desmond of Canada. able seat of their choice. This is something What must also be recognized, is that not all which should never be taken for granted by Black People in Canada, Guyana or any other those who have benefited, myself included. country are "at the bottom of the ladder", even At this time in Canada, the movie back in the 1940s, Viola Desmond and her "BLACK PANTHER", with a strong cast of husband Jack were well-to-do Black CanadiBlack characters, including two played by ans. Guyanese, is at the top of the movie Box Also of note, is that although Canada had Office chart, as is the case in neighbouring slavery of its Indigenous and African peoples for over 200 years, the country's third woman Governor General, The Rt. Hon. Michelle Jean, who was born in Haiti, is of African Heritage. She served in that post from 2005 to 2010. It's been a long and steep climb to the top for Black People in Canada, but more and more, like Viola Desmond, have alThe unveiling of a jumbo image of the new Canadready reached the top of the ian $10 Bank note. From left: Minister of Finance, proverbial ladder. Bill Morneau; Wanda Robson, Sister of Viola Desmond who did the unveiling; and Governor of In closing, it would be approthe Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz. Two sides of the new Canadian $10 bill. priate to mention that Viola America and many other countries around Canada later this year tweeted: “This is be- Desmond is the first singular woman other than Queen Elizabeth ll, featured on a the world including Guyana, and Guyanese yond lovely.” Decades after her passing, Viola Canadian currency. Also that some 63 years are as proud as ever that Guyanese are playing major roles in that record breaking Desmond continues to make history in after her death, a posthumous apology and movie. Today, Canada-based Guyanese Canada. A few years ago, her image was pardon was officially handed down for the and those visiting, can sit anywhere in a put on a Postage Stamp. At present, a Cana- arrest and conviction of Viola Desmond. cinema in Canada and enjoy this powerful, history making, afro-centric movie. Unlike the majority of my fellow Guyanese who went to Canada, my first visit to that country which was in 1969, was on a flight from Bermuda to the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia. That is the very city and province where Viola Davis Desmond was born and where she made her heroic mark on Canada's contemporary history. My first experience of Canadian kindness was as follows; just after my wife and I got off the bus from the Halifax International

n International Women's Day, March 8, 2018, another piece of Canada's history was unveiled; jumbo size images of the country's new $10 Bank Note was unveiled in the presence of Canada's Minister of Finance, Hon. Bill Morneau; the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz; and a distinguished audience. The unveiling was done by Wanda Robson, an African-Canadian, and sister of the person whose image graces the new Canadian $10 Bank Note; Viola Davis Desmond. You may wonder why I am writing about this (important) milestone which occurred in Canada earlier this month. Let me explain. First, Canada is a country in which tens of thousands of Guyanese reside and who will be handling this new Canadian $10 bill over the coming years. No doubt, that new Canadian currency will also be in the commercial Banks here in Guyana as well, and Guyanese at home will be looking and marveling at its unique composition. At the front is the image of Viola Desmond, a Black woman, and at the back is the image of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. In a previous feature article of mine in the Sunday Chronicle Pepperpot of April 2017, and with the Headline, "Introspective Poetry and Powerful Women", three paragraphs revealed the then u-coming release of this new Canadian $10 bill, and the story behind it. On November 8, 1946, an AfricanCanadian, Viola Desmond, a beautician, entrepreneur and a woman of means, bought a ticket and entered the "WHITES ONLY" section of a movie theatre in the Provence of Nova Scotia, in Canada. Although there was no official law preventing non-whites from sitting in "Whites-Only" sections of Canadian cinemas, Viola was dragged from the theatre by police, arrested, charged and thrown into jail where she spent 12 hours. She was charged with Tax evasion; the tax on her ticket was proved to be ONE CENT short, and so, through no fault of her own, Viola Desmond was found guilty and fined $20. Her husband Jack had told her to "let it go", when she expressed her desire to appeal the conviction. But encouraged by members of her church she secured the service of Frederick Bissett, a White lawyer, and the matter went to court. It proved to be very complicated with many twists and turns, but in the end cinemas in Canada changed their unwritten "Whites Only" policy, and Viola Desmond became a Canadian celebrity, much in the same way as Rosa Parks in the United States of America. Many years later, the image of Viola Desmond was put on a Postage stamp and at this time, there is a movement to have streets in Montreal and Halifax named after her. In a statement to the Citizens of Canada on International Women's Day 2017, Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced that the new Canadian $10 bill, which would have the image of Viola Desmond, would be launched on International Woman's Day 2018. True to his word, that took place on March 8, 2018, as promised by the Canadian Prime Minister.

Airport, and crossing the street to the hotel, a strong wind was making it somewhat difficult for both of us carrying our suitcases. There were no coasters or wheels on suitcases back then, so one had to lift one's luggage. A White gentleman, approached us and offered to assist my wife with her suitcase, taking it all the way into the hotel lobby. A great first impression by a Canadian at Social Cohesion, way back in 1969. Since the release of the new $10 bill, I took a survey via email and telephone, with Canada-based Guyanese in regard to the image of an African-Canadian being placed on that new $10 bill. Here is a sample from that survey; Former Bishops' High School student, Dr. Joy Agard-Mighty, who is based in Ottawa, stated, "I am truly delighted that Viola Desmond's courageous act of defiance against systemic discrimination, has been recognized in this public and enduring fashion." Toronto-based Educator Peter Jailall responded, "I feel Viola deserves that honour". Former GBC Technical Operator, Lawrence Blackmore, now based in Toronto, expressed the view that, "This gesture was simply inspiring to say the least." And former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, who will visit

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

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

urely, not everyone should file a return. With just about three weeks to the dreaded April 17th deadline this year, the rules have certainly changed. Most taxpayers make it through taxfiling season without any hassle, mainly because the Internal Revenue Service doesn't require a return from them. WHO SHOULD FILE A RETURN? There are basic criteria to be considered when determining whether you have to file a return or not: - your age, your filing status, your income, your dependency status, or whether you meet a few other special requirements. Generally, once you reach a certain income level, the law requires you to file. Even if you're not required to file a 2017 return, there are reasons you may want to file a tax return anyway.

YOU MAY WANT TO FILE A TAX RETURN There are several reasons why you may want to file or efile a 2017 tax return even if you do not meet the minimum income requirements: • If you had taxes withheld from your pay, you must file a tax return to receive a tax refund. • If you qualify, you must file a

WHY SHOULD YOU FILE A TAX RETURN? tion Tax Credit. • If you overpaid estimated tax or applied a prior year overpayment to this year, you must file to receive the refund.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY FEDERAL RETURN? This is a question that Tax Preparers face on a daily basis. While the IRS doesn't commit to a specific refund date when you submit your return, the agency anticipates that over 90% of refunds will be issued within 21 days. While most people file electronically these days, the combination of elec-

MINIMUM INCOME REQUIREMENTS TO FILE A FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURN The minimum income required to efile or file a tax return for Tax Year 2017 depends on your income, age, and filing status. The minimum income levels for the various filing statuses are listed in the table in the center of the page. If you earned below the minimum income for your filing status, you may not be required to file a Federal Tax Return. However, there are reasons why you may still have to file.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES The IRS has a filing gift for you if your 65th birthday was Jan. 1, 2018. In most situations, your age for tax purposes depends on how old you were on the last day of the previous year. But when it comes to determining whether you have to file a return, the IRS says if you turned 65 on New Year's Day 2018, you are considered to be 65 at the end of 2017. That one-day grace period allows you to use the higher income thresholds to determine whether you must file a return this year.

return to receive the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit. • If you are claiming education credits, you must file to be refunded the American Opportunity Credit. • If you have a qualifying child but owe no tax, you can file to be refunded the Additional Child Tax Credit. • If you qualify, you must file to claim the refundable Health Coverage Tax Credit. • If you adopted a qualifying child, you must file to claim the Adop-

tronic filing (e-filing) and direct deposit is the quickest way to get your refund. Refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit takes just a bit longer to process.

FILING EARLY Getting your tax return submitted to the IRS as soon as possible can be a highly effective way to prevent identity theft. One common form of identity theft involves criminals who file phony tax returns using the identifying information of people like you and me, with the goal of collecting a big tax refund before anyone realizes what's happened. To give credit where it's due, the IRS has gotten much better about detecting and preventing fraudulent returns in recent years. In fact, the agency says its improved processes helped it stop 787,000 phony returns in 2016. That said, this is still a major problem. Here's where filing early comes in. The IRS accepts only one tax return per Social Security number,

which is why many people first realize they've been victimized when they unsuccessfully try to file their returns. However, if you file early, you're effectively eliminating the possibility of having a false return filed in your name.

FILE WHEN READY As a final thought, it's important to mention that you shouldn't file your tax return until you're ready to do so, meaning you have received all of the appropriate documentation: W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and so on.

SELF EMPLOYMENT INCOME Don't neglect self-employment earnings, whether you're a teenager running a lawn service or an adult nurse on private duty. This money counts toward determining if you have to file a return, regardless of whether it was your sole source of income or just an occasional side job to make a little extra cash. If this annual gross income amount is at least as much as the income level for your filing status, you have to send in a 1040 and Schedule C or C-EZ reporting your self-employment earnings. Remember to file a Schedule SE to pay self-employment tax if your net earnings exceed $400.

IT PAYS TO FILE…REGARDLESS. To the few who don't legally have to file, it sometimes pays to send in a return anyway. This is the case for individuals who don't earn much but might be eligible for the earned income tax credit. (EITC). This benefit is available to qualified individuals even if they owe no taxes, meaning they would receive money from the federal government. Many people think the credit is available only to parents. Not so. The credit amount is greater for eligible low-wage taxpayers with children. In addition, the IRS says that most individual taxpayers are due a tax refund, but the only way they can get that cash is to simply file a return: Either 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. ”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 March 23, 2018

Court hears of seven-hour surveillance of cocaine-in-lumber truck THE trial of motorcycle racer Stephen Vieira and three other men, including a former customs official, for trafficking cocaine continued on Monday with fresh evidence being led by a Customs Anti-narcotics Unit (CANU) officer. Customs Officer Sherwayne De Abreu of Section ‘A’ Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown; Vieira of Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown; businessman Tazim Gafoor and his son, Nazim Gafoor, a motor car racer, both of Menzies Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, are on trial for aiding Hakim Mohamed to traffic 84.986 kilograms of cocaine between March 1 and May 2, 2017. The men are being represented by attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, Everton Lammy-Singh, Glen Hanoman and Nigel Hughes. The matter is being presided over by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court

with evidence being led by CANU Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford. The officer (name stated) took the stand and disclosed that he had done over seven hours of surveillance on the vehicle with the drugs on May 2, 2017, from the time it transited from the West Coast of Demerara to the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). According to the CANU rank, on May 2, 2017, he was instructed by his subordinate officer and subsequently, he along with other officers left CANU headquarters about 09:35 hrs in a surveillance vehicle and proceeded to the EBD to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). He further stated that at 10:40hrs, while at Parika, he noticed a motor vehicle GSS 4748 in the village of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, transporting a quantity of lumber painted red with four men, including the driver inside. The witness disclosed that at 11:00 hrs the vehicle stopped at the GUY-Ameri-

ca store at Meten-Meer-Zorg Public Road, WCD, for about 30 minutes and proceeded again across the Demerara Harbour Bridge at 12:35hrs and stopped at Bagotstown, EBD, for 40 minutes. The vehicle, the witness noted, turned around and then proceeded back over the Harbour Bridge and stopped for one hour at the WCD side before heading to Windsor Forest, WCD, where because of rain it was forced to stop twice. About 15:00hrs, the vehicle stopped at Zeelugt, WCD, for about 40 minutes when Hakim Mohamed joined the vehicle. The witness revealed that they trailed the vehicle with the lumber inside to the home of Mohammed, where he saw the men offloading the wood. The officer explained that he approached the men and identified himself as a CANU officer. He added that the men told him that the lumber was from Khan’s lumber yard at Parika. He explained that he

searched the lumber then drilled a hole inside and found the suspected narcotics in packets. The matter will continue on March 28 with the officer’s testimony. The four defendants are currently out on $5M bail each, which was granted by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire in the High Court. They were first charged and remanded on May 30, 2017. According to reports, the bust was made after CANU officials had received a tip-off on May 12 last year. When the ranks acted, dressed lumber boards were being packed onto a truck. The truck driver and porters were arrested, but were subsequently released after it was discovered that the vehicle and its workers were hired to transport the lumber. The anti-narcotics agency in a release had said that ranks conducted a search on the parapet in front of the premises of Mohamed and searched a truck laden with sev-

eral pallets of 1×6 dressed lumber boards, prepared for export. Several pieces of boards were drilled randomly by the ranks and a whitish substance was revealed (cocaine). The lumber, belonging to Narine Lall, was packed at a sawmill located at Lookout, East Bank Essequibo, to be transported to a wharf in Georgetown and then shipped to the United States of America, CANU stated. According to reports, Vieira is listed on the shipping documents as a representative of the shipper, Lall. An arrest warrant has been issued for Lall, according to CANU. Tazim was placed before the court, charged for his role in another cocaine matter. The 43-year-old man was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice last September, following the discovery of over nine kilograms of cocaine.

A PLAN BY GUYANESE IN THE DIASPORA — TO STIMULATEECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE HOMELAND (from page 4) establish a new administrative region to be designated as Region XI, comprising the Guyanese citizens residing in New York City. The New York City Department of City Planning estimated in December 2013 that this population was 140,000, the fifth largest immigrant population in New York City. The IMF has estimated that remittances to Guyana in 2012 was $400 million, representing 17% of the GDF. In light of their population size, and their financial contribution to Guyana, the Guyanese residents in the Diaspora deserve to be designated as a separate and distinct administrative region. Article 59 of the constitution of Guyana states that every Guyanese citizen over the age of 18 years is eligible to vote in elections in Guyana. The right of expatriates to vote in elections in their country of origin varies according to the legislation to their country of origin. As of 2006, 93 countries allowed their expatriates to vote in elections – 36 European countries, 21 African countries, 15 Asian countries, 13 countries in the Americas and 6 Pacific countries. I would propose that the National Assembly pass the necessary legislation authorizing GECOM to register the Guyanese citizens in New York City and to prepare the election proceedings for the national elections in 2020. In light of the debacle of 1968, I would recommend that GECOM implement a system of absentee voting rather than in person voting, and that the electors in New York City be permitted to mail their ballots to the GECOM office for processing. The

Carter center and other regional and international monitors should certify the impartiality of the election process. 8. Democratic elections are the fairest and most equitable system to ensure that the Guyanese nationals in the Diaspora participate in formulating policies in their

homeland. They have demonstrated their commitments to their homeland by maintaining cultural links with Guyana, and by sending remittances, which have constituted a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product. It is only appropriate that the Government of Guyana reward this

commitment to the homeland by giving them an opportunity to exercise their franchise and to participate in the political process by 2020.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

In The Mail

SUSTAINING THE CHRONICLE

Dear Editor, I wish to wholeheartedly support the views that were expressed in last week Friday's issue of the Guyana Chronicle, by Ms. Marcia Thorne. Under the headline 'SUSTAINING THE GUYANA CHRONICLE', Ms. Thorne pointed to the

Informational and Public Relations' reasons that should cause the Guyana Government to relay financial fuel to keep this Medium circulated in the Diaspora and other Geographic locations where Guyanese are now residing. I would however like to add that Guyanese-owned private sector entities should also do their part in

contributing to the life of the Chronicle through the ongoing purchases of advertisements. I believe that Guyana's private sector can honor its commitment to its countrymen and women by purchasing advertisements in the New York Edition of the Chronicle. Afterall, there is a plethora of successful Guyanese businesses just in

New York alone. Apart from public sector grants and subsidies, newspapers and other informative media can only survive and improve with advertising patronage. Please let 'charity begin at home'. Sugrim Naidoo Reader of the Chronicle

BP DIAZ TO SEND OFF STUDENTS TO THE MARCH FOR OUR LIVES’ AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

n Saturday, March 24, 2018, four buses of Bronx high school stu- D.C. Bronx Borough President dents to the “March for Our Lives” Borough President Diaz was Ruben Diaz Jr. will send off against gun violence in Washington, able to secure four buses for the students, who come from DreamYard Preparatory High School, The DreamYard Art Center, The Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics, Cornerstone Academy for Social Action and The Pelham Academy for Academics and Community Engagement, to make the trip. The sendoff will take place outside of The Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, at 6:00 a.m. March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar. In the tragic wake of the seventeen lives brutally cut short in Florida, politicians are telling us that now is not the time to talk about guns. March For Our Lives believes the time is now.

On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington, D.C. to demand that their lives and safety become a priority. WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018 WHERE: The Bronx County Building 851 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY TIME: 6:00 a.m. Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President John DeSio Communications Director

*FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY* CONTACT: John DeSio (718) 590-3543 jdesio@bronxbp.nyc.gov

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 Chronicle

call: (917) 379-6590

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 93 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine. Try to take care of the needs of those you love. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be sure to spend time helping children with projects that are too difficult for them to accomplish alone. Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation. Don’t avoid your true feelings. Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations. Your outgoing nature will win hearts. Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event. Get out and experience the spice of life. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. Your unique approach to life will interest others. You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. Try to calm down and listen to your partner’s complaints. Compromise may be necessary. Concentrate on your career and on making money. Your boss may not be in the best of moods this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Don’t be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life. Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford. You can get into weight loss programs or go out and change your image with a new look in clothing, hairstyle, and attitude. Arguments with employers or colleagues will be to your detriment. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You may feel that someone at work is holding you back. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Try and avoid getting involved in idle chatter or gossip that might get you in trouble. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen. If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. You may have been too agreeable to someone who just wanted to use you. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You can make gains if you look at long-term investments. You can handle situations that require contact with institutions or large corporations. They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don’t let individuals with wild schemes talk you into a financial deal that is not likely to be successful. Creative educational pursuits will pay off. This is a great day to spend with family. Don’t second guess yourself, just go to it. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You have two choices; get out on your own, or bend to your mate’s whims. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Your pursuits may end up being fruitless. You may have a hard time relating to children this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Disharmony will result in a lowered vitality. Stress may result in minor illness. Entertainment could cost you more than you expect. You’ll find it difficult to control your emotions. Your tendency to vacillate will drive everyone crazy. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

1. 5. 10. 14. 15. 16. 17.

ACROSS Grouch Alphabetic system lndian king Andes capital Shrovetide dish Bibliographical abbr. 0pposed, in Dogpatch 18. 0verhangs 19. End piece 20. Weekly delivery 23 . Wound 24 . Twaddle 25. Certain digital watch face for short 26. Distort 28. Hallucinogen 31. Storage area 34. Boxer Spinks 35. Learning method 36. ls an eariy bird 39. Duds 40. Make well 41. Broken mirrors, for

W O R D F I N D

V O C A L T Y P E S

ALTO BARITENOR BARITONE BASS BELTING BOY SOPRANO CASTRATO CONVENIENZE COUNTERTENOR FACH FALSETTO HAUTE-CONTRE LYHRIC SOPRANO

& T E C H N I Q U E S

7. Center of activity 8. Fresh 9. Squandered 10. Rundown 11. Mounted on 12. Green gem I3. Controversial spray 21. Guinness and smart example 22. Kit mitt 42. Eight-time Norris 26. Stitf hairs Trophy wtnner 27. Eyelid pigment 43. Mask 28. Get checkmated 44. Last Greek consonant 29. Overpower 45. Gladys Knight 30. Animal shelters backup singer 31. Cornstarch brand 46. Like some pitches 32. Stadium section 50. Guards against glare 33. Old autocrat 55. Atmosphere 34. Wasn't straight 56. Be of use to 35. Subsidence 57. Ain't correct? 37. Hewing tools 58. Jack-o'-lantern leature 38. Plantain lily 59. Bob's companion 43. ___ Master's Voice 60. Yorkshire river 44. Hauling one 61. Steep 45. Antic 62. More sound 46. Pointed arch 63. Not e'en once 47. Put out DOWN 48. Crowded 1. Elegance 49. Fragrant compound 2. Put together 50. Tail motions 3. Acid in proteins 51. Continental cash 4. Ammo belt 52. Part of a score, maybe 5. Minded 53. lris's place 6. Renal. for one 54. Biriani side

MEANE

MEZZOSOPRANO MUSICO

QUINTUS

SOPRANINO

SOUBRETTE SPINTO

TENOR DI GRAZIA TREBLE

VIBRATO

YODELING

ISSUE 93 WORDFIND ANSWER

3 New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018 Guyana Chronicle EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

22 22

Latin America ON and CARIBBEAN the Caribbean Edging Towards Eliminating Tuberculosis EMPHASIS AFFAIRS Latin America and the Caribbean Edging Towards Eliminating Tuberculosis 3

WASHINGTON DC, United States — Known as El Libertador throughout the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, Simón Bolívar was central to the battle for independence from SpanWASHINGTON DC, United States — ish rule in Venezuela, Bolivia, ColomKnown as El Libertador throughout the bia, Ecuador, Peru. Latin Americaand and Caribbean (LAC) A less known fact is that region, Simón Bolívar wasBolívar, centralthe to son of a wealthy Venezuelan creole the battle for independence fromfamily, Spandiedrule fromin Tuberculosis on December ish Venezuela,(TB) Bolivia, Colom17, 1880, at age 47. His compatriot, bia, Ecuador, and Peru. Rojas, renowned A lessimpressionist known fact isCristobal that Bolívar, the painted La Miseria in 1886, depicting the son of a wealthy Venezuelan creole family, social conditions of the (TB) day that gave rise died from Tuberculosis on December to TB. He died from the disease in 1890 at 17, 1880, at age 47. His compatriot, age 33. renowned impressionist Cristobal Rojas, Tuberculosis is an ancient disease. Repainted La Miseria in 1886, depicting the sults from a 2014 DNA study of remains in social conditions of the day that gave rise southern Peru suggest that human TB was to TB. He died from the disease in 1890 at present 6,000 years ago. This chronic familage 33. iarity of the disease no doubt makes it more Tuberculosis is an ancient disease. Redifficult to generate the attention required sults from a 2014 DNA study of remains in to eradicate it from the human experience. southern Peru suggest that human TB was Observed as World TB Day each year, present 6,000 years ago. This chronic familMarch 24 is the annual opportunity for adiarity of the disease no doubt makes it more vocates and interest groups to build public difficult to generate the attention required awareness about the disease, which killed to eradicate it from the human experience. 1.7 million people in 2017 and sickened Observed as World TB Day each year, more than 10 million. The date marks the March 24 is the annual opportunity for adanniversary of the announcement in 1882 vocates and interest groups to build public by Robert Koch, a German physician and awareness aboutthat thehedisease, which killed the microbiologist, had discovered 1.7 million people in 2017 and cause of TB: the tubercle bacillus.sickened moreKoch’s than 10work million. The dateinmarks the was seminal the treatanniversary of the announcement in 1882 ment of TB—also known as the white by Robert Koch,was a German physician and plague—which devastating populathe microbiologist, that he had discovered tions in Europe and the Americas at the cause of TB: the tubercle bacillus. time. One in seven people in London, died work was thebytreatfrom Koch’s TB in the early 8thseminal century,inand the ment of TB—also known as the start of the 19th century, the numberwhite had plague—which devastating grown to 1 in 4.2was — fueled in partpopulaby the tions in Europe and the Americas at the squalid conditions of the growing Industrial time. One in seven people in London, died Revolution. from A TBhundred in the early 8th century, and by the years after Koch’s discovstart of the 19th century, the number had ery, in 1982, the International Union grown 1 in 4.2 — fueled in partDisease by the AgainsttoTuberculosis and Lung squalid conditions of the growing Industrial proposed observing the date as World TB Revolution. Day. The WHO formally recognized the anA hundred years nual observation more after than aKoch’s decadediscovlater. ery, Last in 1982, International year, the WHO announced Union at a Against Tuberculosis and Lung Meeting Disease United Nations High-Level proposed observing date as 26, World TB (UNHLM) on TB on the September alongDay. The WHO formally recognized the anside the 2018 General Assembly. The meetnual observation more than a decade later. ing is expected to build on the outcomes of Last year, WHO announced at a United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on TB on September 26, alongside the 2018 General Assembly. The meeting is expected to build on the outcomes of

the 2017 Moscow Ministerial Conference and commit to providing the resource and policy framework needed to end TB. Anyone can catch TB, which is spread when an Moscow infected Ministerial and untreated person the 2017 Conference coughs, spits or sneezes. However, it is still and commit to providing the resource and mostly spread in conditions of poverty policy framework needed to end TB. and therefore more Anyone canprevalent catch TB,among which populais spread tions in the global south. when an infected and untreated person Among with incidences of coughs, spitscountries or sneezes. However, it is still 40 cases or more per 100,000 in 2016, mostly spread in conditions of poverty and South Africa topsprevalent the list with 834populacases; therefore more among followed by Lesotho, 788; Swaziland, 565; tions in the global south.

Among countries with incidences of 40 cases or more per 100,000 in 2016, South Africa tops the list with 834 cases; followed by Lesotho, 788; Swaziland, 565;

magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010, which destroyed the health infrastructure in the Haitian capital, Port-Au-Prince, and left 1.5 million people homeless, the number of cases skyrocketed. magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 2010, which A 2015the WHO report said the increase destroyed health infrastructure in the was first noted among children. In 2010, Haitian capital, Port-Au-Prince, and left 1.5 242 children younger than the 10-years-old million people homeless, number of were diagnosed with TB, compared to 72 cases skyrocketed. in 2009—a 336 percent increase. While the A 2015 WHO report said the increase incidences remain high overall, they are dewas first noted among children. In 2010, creasing from those immediately after the 242 children younger than 10-years-old earthquake. were diagnosed with TB, compared to 72

in 2009—a 336 percent increase. While the incidences remain high overall, they are decreasing from those immediately after the earthquake.

Tuberculosis is the world’s top infectious killer.

(Photo Credit: UN)

North Korea, 561; Kiribati, 551; MozamWith the second highest incidences in bique, 551; Timor-Leste (East Timor), 498; the region, Peru’s TB cases include virulent and Namibia, 489—to round off the top multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) at orCredit: 35 pereight. around 2,300 patients per year, Tuberculosis is the world’s top infectious killer. (Photo UN) In the LAC region, eight of 33 coun- cent of all cases in the region; and extenNorth Korea, 551;with Mozamthe second incidences drug resistant TBhighest (XDR-TB), strainsin tries made the 561; list inKiribati, 2016: Haiti 194 sively With bique, 551; Timor-Leste (East Timor), 498; the region, Peru’s TB cases include frontcases per 100,000 followed by Peru with of the disease that do not respond to virulent and Guyana, Namibia,93;489—to round off the 60; top line multi-drug TB (MDR-TB) treatment,resistant affect around 100 patientsat 119; Dominican Republic, year, in or the 35 repereight. 52; El Salvador, 43; Honduras, 43; per around patientsofper year, 2,300 or 75 percent all cases Ecuador, cent of all cases in the region; and extenIn the LAC region, eight of 33 counand Brazil and Paraguay with 41 each. gion. sively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB), strains tries made the list in 2016: While the incidences are farHaiti less with than 194 in Unlike many high-burden countries, of the disease that do not respond to cases per 100,000 followed by Peru with parts of Africa and Asia, the disease rethough, Peru also has one of the highestfrontTB linerates treatment, affect ataround 100 patients 119; Guyana, 93;correlated Dominican Republic, 60; cure mains a problem, with conditions in the world 87 percent for all Elparticularly Salvador, 43;among Honduras, 43; new per year, or 75and percent of all cases in theforreEcuador, of poverty52; and indigein 2013, TB cases 66 percent, and Brazil and Paraguay with 41 each. gion. nous populations and people living with XDR-TB TB,.XDR-TB. Since 1990, the While the incidences are far less than in annualUnlike many HIV. mortality ratehigh-burden per 100,000countries, people partsHaiti’s of Africa and Asia, the disease rethough, Peru also has one of the TB high numbers are attributable from TB in Peru has decreased byhighest 73.8 permains problem, correlated conditions cure an rates in theof world at 87 percent for all to the acountry’s desperate with problems of cent, average 3.2 per year. Globally, of poverty and particularly among for new TB casesrate andfor 66MDR-TB percent, inis2013, poverty including overcrowded livingindigecon- the reduction around nous populations and people living with 52 XDR-TB TB,.XDR-TB. Since 1990, the ditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate percent and 28 percent for XDR-TB. HIV. annual mortality rate per 100,000 people healthcare services. The high cost of drugs Although trending in the right direcHaiti’s high numbers are attributable from TB in Peru has decreased by 73.8 and difficult treatment regime exacerbates tion, Peru’s reduction rate is still slow perat to the country’s problems cent, an1.5 average of 3.2 per year. conditions for thosedesperate who become infected.of around percent a year, shortGlobally, of the poverty including overcrowded living con- global the reduction is around In the aftermath of the devastating reductionrate of for 1.65MDR-TB percent annually, ditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate 52 percent and 28 percent for XDR-TB. healthcare services. The high cost of drugs Although trending in the right direcand difficult treatment regime exacerbates tion, Peru’s reduction rate is still slow at conditions for those who become infected. around 1.5 percent a year, short of the In the aftermath of the devastating global reduction of 1.65 percent annually,

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(Guyana in Brooklyn, Queens andisthe Bronx,for asmotivated well as onsales our The New York Edition Chronicle, Inc.) looking webpage(www.guyanachronicle.com). representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an esDo you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating chaltablished account list. lengesThe andNew continually seeking If you areisgoal-driven, we want to talk York Edition ofnew the customers. Guyana Chronicle a weekly newspaper, car@ and the Caribbean. to you.news, views and EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO:Diaspora, DENNIS NELSON rying comments from the Guyana It is circulated everydennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview. webpage(www.guyanachronicle.com). Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating chal-

WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

according to the WHO. To reach the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.3) of ending epidemics of TB and other infectious diseases by 2030, the reduction rates need to increase to WHO. at least To fourreach percent according to the theanSusnually. tainable Development Goal (SDG 3.3) of Peru’s largely ofpositive trajectory ending epidemics TB and other infecbegan in 1991 when a new government tious diseases by 2030, the reduction rates headed AlbertotoFujimori set out to re-anneed tobyincrease at least four percent build the country’s infrastructure, which nually. had been destroyed years of trajectory guerilla Peru’s largelyby positive warfare. began in 1991 when a new government Tuberculosis control was set given headed by Alberto Fujimori outhigh to repriority and the budget increased build the country’s infrastructure, from which US$600,000 to $5 million year. New polhad been destroyed by ayears of guerilla icy framework included Direct Observation warfare. Treatment (DOTS), free diagnosis and Tuberculosis control was given high treatment, and providing poor families with priority and the budget increased from food packages both for nutritional support US$600,000 to $5 million a year. New poland to encourage compliance with treaticy framework included Direct Observation ment. Treatment (DOTS), free diagnosis and The work of Partner’s in Health, a treatment, and providing poor families with Massachusetts-based NGO which trains food packages both for nutritional support volunteers to support TB patients through and to encourage compliance with treattheir treatment is also credited with Peru’s ment. improved TB outcomes. The work of Partner’s in Health, a The UNHLM is intended to secure Massachusetts-based NGO which trains greater commitments from governments volunteers to support TB patients through worldwide to reduce TB incidence by 80 their treatment is also credited with Peru’s percent and deaths by 90 percent and to improved TB outcomes. eliminate catastrophic costs to households The UNHLM is intended to secure by 2030. greater from governments Latincommitments America and the Caribbean, may worldwide to reduce TB incidence by 80 be among the lesser economically develpercent and deaths by 90 percent and oped regions of the world, but it is rich in to eliminateprovided catastrophic costs like to households inspiration by leaders Bolivar. by 2030. It should come as no surprise, therefore, America and the Caribbean, may that theLatin region is edging towards the goal among the economically develofbe eliminating TBlesser and solve an old problem but it is rich in oped regions of the world, that while persistent, is highly soluble. inspiration provided by leaders like Bolivar. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the region is edging towards the goal of eliminating TB and solve an old problem that while persistent, is highly soluble.

By Grace Virtue, Ph.D., is Senior Advisor – Communications, ACTION Global Health Advocacy Partnership. (Caribbean360) By Grace Virtue, Ph.D., is Senior Advisor – Communications, ACTION Global Health Advocacy Partnership. (Caribbean360)

Police say stolen phone found on accused A 20-year-old man of Duncan Street, Kitty appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday on two charges of robbery with aggravation. It is alleged that on March 16 at Irving Street, Georgetown, in the company of others, Randy Bowen robbed Julian Delouse of one cellphone worth $24,000.

It is further alleged that again at Irving Street, in the company of others, Bowen robbed Royston Beveny of a cellphone worth $21,000 According to evidence given in court by the prosecutor, the virtual complaint was waiting on transportation when the suspect approached him and demanded the cell-

phone. As a result, a report was made at the Kitty Police Station after which the suspect was spotted and arrested. A search was carried out on him and the said phone found. Bail was granted by Magistrate Judy Latchman in the sum of $200,000 and the matter adjourned to April 09.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

$4.6M fish processing facility opens in Stanleytown THE West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society, in Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), dedicated a $4.6m salt fish processing facility on Tuesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported. The project, which was funded under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme, saw the completion of the building and the procurement of a dryer and other equipment. The women also benefitted from training and other support from the Cooperatives Department and the Region Three’s Regional Administration. At the dedication ceremony, Chairperson of the West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperatives Society, Loraine Hooper explained that the group began with four mem-

bers. However, other women soon indicated their interest to join. Once fully operational, she anticipates that at least 40 women within the Stanleytown community will be actively involved in the project. Hooper noted that, “the Government of Guyana has made a statement. They are saying that women will be the primary focus in this country and this is a testimony to that because this project was funded through the Government. We were funded through the SLED project and we are very grateful.” Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikran commended the women for bringing the project to its realisation and encouraged them to make full use of the facility. “What is important is how we use this building hereafter; to make that decision of what training is going to take place here…so that we can train other persons. So, I want to commend all

The West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society salt fish processing facility, located at Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara)

the persons of the group,” Jaikran stated. The REO expressed gratitude to the Ministry of So-

cial Protection for choosing Stanleytown as one of the first communities to benefit from such a project in the re-

gion. Jaikran added that the group will be used as a model for others in the region. The West Demerara Proac-

tive Women Producers Cooperative Society was formed in 2017, following a training exercise through the Office of the First Lady. They were tasked with creating a project that will see them utilising the skills gained, while creating employment for the women in the community. The facility will be officially launched within a month. The SLED initiative is designed to provide support for the expansion of the local economy in communities across the nation and, to aid small enterprises with the goal of stimulating youth employment. The salt fish processing facility is run by one of 19 groups across the country that benefitted from the programme in 2017, at a cost of approximately $100M. (DPI)

Region Two rice farmers happy with payment this crop RICE FARMERS in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have expressed joy and satisfaction in the manner in which rice millers have treated them this crop. According to the farmers they received prompt payments, with cash being made available at the bank within a week. This for them is an improvement in the sector since they can re-invest in their crop, as well as do more around their home environs. Rice farmers during interviews related that for this crop, payments from the mills were prompt. “This is a better crop. I say this because we were given as much as $500 more on each bag and also prompt payments. When this happens the farmer is in a better position,” said one farmer. Another farmer from Affiance, Shane Jordhan, related that this crop a rice miller from Vilvoorden managed to

purchase bulk paddy from farmers and that mill is also offering better prices. “We had to take our paddy far this time but we didn’t regret because that miller at Vilvoorden came in and rescued the rice farmers plus gave us better prices,” Jordhan further related. Other farmers, who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity, fearing victimisation from other millers, related that with early payments they are able to do more in terms of offsetting their overhead expenses, as well as to make investment for themselves. “When early payments are made then we are able to see our money, we are able to pay out combine, tractor men and we are able to save for our family. This is what we want; we don’t want piece, piece money… when this happen more expenses bulk up hence the business becomes unprofitable,” farmer Richard De Younge said.

A combine in a harvested field in Region Two

Several millers this crop have offered better prices to Region Two farmers. Last crop rice farmers were offered $2000-$2500 per bag of paddy and this crop the prices have increased to

$2800-$3000. Almost 90 percent of the harvesting has been completed within the agricultural region and some farmers are in the process of burning their fields in preparation for ploughing.

Next crop, the region’s National Drainage and Irrigation Committee will be introducing a ‘water schedule’ for farmers, to allow for timely flow of water into their fields in time for sowing.

24 24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

WPA better in coalition, says Dr Roopnarine ALTHOUGH some executive members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) believe that the party should sever ties with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Executive Member, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine believes the coalition is their “best bet”. “A single individual party cannot accomplish the tasks ahead of us; I think our best bet as a party is to work more harmoniously with the coalition,” said Roopnaraine in an invited comment on Wednesday. Some members of the party, particularly executive member, Tacuma Ogunseye, are of the view that “coalition politics” in Guyana has failed to live up to expectations. According to a Guyana Times report, Ogunseye said the leaders of the party owe

it to their members to put their continued involvement in APNU on the agenda for serious discussion. He noted that there are concerns that the party’s time in the coalition has not done the party, and the country as a whole, any good. Responding to Ogunseye’s comments, Dr Roopnaraine, who is also a minister of government, said: “We would need to engage thoroughly on the matter, but they will have a hard time convincing me that it is a good idea; the coalition is the way forward for us.” Although he admitted that the coalition did not see eyeto-eye on some issues, Dr Roopnaraine noted that state and various other matters did not permit them to have a meeting among the executive members of APNU to discuss

so that the problems could be addressed. “Despite all the difficulties, the coalition is the way forward for us,” he said, adding that there are other issues that need to be addressed aside from internal problems. Dr Roopnaraine said the WPA needs to reinvigorate the party by working with communities to recruit WPA Executive, new members. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine He believes the grievances. that the real task The veteran WPA mem- ahead is to resuscitate the ber was hopeful that a meet- WPA groups in villages and ing would be convened soon, communities.

Port of Spain in danger of sinking --seismologist warns

JUST before 11 pm last Thursday, shaken residents in the northern part of the island took to social media to alert friends and family with a ubiquitous, “Earthquake” update. The tremor lasted, according to some, about a minute. The UWI Seismic Research Centre quickly responded with its own Facebook update that an earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, did indeed occur at 10:49pm, 75 kilometres west-north-west of Port of Spain, in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. Earlier that day, Seismologist Dr Ilias Papadopoulos, a Research Fellow in Engineering Seismology at the Centre, had given a presentation to members of the Port of Spain Central Rotary Club about the risk of earthquakes to TT. The country, he noted, is located at the convergence of three tectonic plates— the Ca-

ribbean, North American and South American— part of the earth’s rocky crust that glide over the mantle, the second layer of molten rock. Trinidad, in particular, is split in two, with half the country part of the North American plate, and the next part of the South American— demarcated by the Central Range. The country gets 2,200 earthquakes a year— ten to 15 a day—but most are so small that only the most sensitive scientific instruments are able to pick them up. The recent activity caused by Grenada’s underwater volcano, Kick ‘Em Jenny, has brought that up to about 50 to 70 per day. While most destruction caused by earthquakes is because of poor construction, Papadopolous said the biggest risk to Trinidad—or rather, Port of Spain—is liquefaction.(T&TNewsday)

Gaston Browne set to win landslide at Antigua polls …UPP leader loses as party heads towards massive defeat The leader of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell was defeated in the general elections in Antigua on Wednesday as his party appears heading towards a massive overall defeat. Lovell, a former finance minister, who was leading the UPP into a general election for the first time, was seeking to regain the St. John’s City East seat, which he lost in 2014 to the incumbent Melford Nicholas of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). Nicholas polled 769 votes as against 616 for Lovell and 16 votes for Bruce Goodwin of the Nemocratic National Alliance (DNA). Lovell has not yet conceded defeat in the general election, but the ABLP is leading in all of the 17 seats, except Barbuda, where Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) easily defeated the incumbent Arthur Nibbs of the ABLP by 568 to 429 votes. “This is a historic time for the people of Barbuda,” Walker said, noting that this is the first time that a candidate has won the seat by more than 100 seats. “I am very happy tonight. I have made history in so many ways. I have won

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

all the boxes and that has never to cast their ballots. Prime happened and the people have Minister Gaston Browne, said to the administration that who had predicted a clean they are fed up,” he added. sweep of the polls by his Walker had gone to the ABLP, is comfortably leadHigh Court unsuccessfully ing in the St. John City West challenging the decision of constituency which he has the Antigua and Barburepresented since 1999, while da Electoral Commission his wife, Maria Browne, (ABEC) to have voters on the island cast their ballots is heading for a successful in Antigua. ABEC had taken entry into politics leading in the decision indicating that the St. John Rural seat that the damage done to the is- had been held previously by land by Hurricane Irma last former prime minister and member, September had made it im- family (continued on page 25) Sir Lester possible for the voters there Bird. (CMC)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, 2018

Major disaster averted at GPL Kingston Power Plant By Navendra Seoraj A MAJOR catastrophe was averted at the old Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power station on Monday, when a truck caught fire next to a fuel tank which contained close to one million gallons of fuel. “Robust and timely response from the workers of GPL and the Fire Service resulted in a major disaster being avoided,” said Fire Chief Marlon Gentle during an interview with reporters at the Kingston facility. Although it was still unclear as to how the truck ignited, Gentle said the firefighters were able to contain the blaze using their resources

and some equipment from GPL. Around 14:30hrs, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received several reports of fire at the facility and a response drill was activated to deal with that type of situation. Gentle explained that five units were dispatched to the scene, including water support and foam tenders. “When the men arrived, they encountered a truck on fire and the fire had already spread to a holding area that contained bunker `C’ fuel I believe,” he said. They were able to extinguish the fire with intense water and foam but the truck, pipes and other equipment connected to the power

Firefighters and workers of the power company inspecting the area where the fire started on Monday

generator facility were destroyed. A full damage assessment has not been done but the fire chief reiterated that a major catastrophe was averted because the fire did not reach the fuel storage tank. He believes that although the situation did not get worse, it was still serious because there were fuel, generators and equipment that transmit power to the generator and other flammable items that could have caused more damage if they were ignited. The fire chief commended the GPL staff for raising a quick alert on the fire. “This was no rehearsal but it was a timely response and we are out of danger here, so all

we are doing now is a cooling exercise and fire watch,” Gentle explained. The fire chief said this was not the first time a fire broke out at the facility, adding that in the past there was fire at the building and even instances where the generators caught fire. A reliable source from GPL’s partner, Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) commended the in-house workers for their effort and also the fire service. The source said the damage would have been unimaginable if the fire had reached the tank of fuel but because of the good work, a lot was saved.

A GPL worker, extreme right, assisting firefighters to put out the blaze

Murder accused walks free …after caution statement disappears from police station

POLICE ranks at the Kamarang Police Station, Mazaruni, Region , are expected to give statements into a matter in which the caution statement of a murder accused mysteriously disappeared from that police station. The development came to light on Wednesday when the accused returned to court in the area and the statement could not be presented to the court as was previously

ordered. Magistrate Allan Wilson dismissed the matter against Percy Abrams and allowed him to walk away a free man after the prosecution informed the court that the caution statement which was lodged at the station, could not be located. This is even as the records at the station confirmed that the critical evidence in the ongoing case was taken there by a police detective from the Criminal Investigation

Department in Georgetown sometime back. Abrams is accused of murdering Dexter Edwards, a gold miner back in 2016. The two reportedly had a misunderstanding and it was during the standoff that Edwards was murdered. When the police picked up Abrams for the crime and questioned him, he reportedly confessed to the murder. However, at one of the court proceedings, the police presented a pho-

tocopy of the caution statement which they received from Abrams and the court rejected it after the lawyer for the accused protested. The prosecution was ordered to present to the court the original statement. Efforts were made to have that statement reach the district well ahead of the court date and that was done when a rank from the city took it to the Kamarang Police Station where it was lodged.

However, when a call was made for it on Wednesday at the hearing, the police informed the court that the statement was present at the station prior, but when efforts were made to secure it for Wednesday’s hearing, it could not be located. That prompted the lawyer for the accused to put forward arguments which found favour with the court. The charge against the man was dismissed for want of prosecu-

tion. The father of the victim is now calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter and bring the persons who are responsible for the disappearance of the caution statement to justice. He alleged that persons might have been induced to destroy the evidence. A report has since been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Georgetown.

LIAT to operate flights for CAL

LIAT has successfully concluded a commercial agreement with Caribbean Airlines to operate flights on the Trinidad and Tobago air bridge. The airline will operate an ATR 72 aircraft to provide

assistance in moving passengers on the air bridge, according to a release from LIAT. The agreement between the airlines is as a result of the challenges on the passenger sea bridge between the islands and, the increase in capacity

needed by Caribbean Airlines which has been requested by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, Julie Reifer-Jones, noted that this type of cooperation is an important part

of maintaining connectivity. “We are happy to enter into this agreement with Caribbean Airlines to assist them in providing this integral service.” She stated that the LIAT aircraft will be operated and maintained by LIAT staff.

The CEO noted that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is also a shareholder in LIAT and the airline is happy to be able to assist at this critical time. The commercial agreement saw the first flight being operated on Monday

afternoon from the Piarco International Airport. LIAT’s regular schedule will be maintained as the airline continues to work to restore connectivity to its destinations affected by the hurricanes of 2017.

26 12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending March 23, GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 20,2018 2018

Major disaster averted at GPL Kingston Power Plant Four more nabbed in carjacking probe By Navendra Seoraj

AS part of acatastrophe continuing was investigation into recent carjack- Coast Demerara. And between December 9, 2017 and FebruA MAJOR avertings, onGuyana Wednesday during ed atpolice the old Power and an intelligence-led op- ary 10, 2018 the men also fraudulently used the chassis plate eration two station vehicles on and detained four persons of a Toyota Allion originally owned by Trechel Powers, a Light intercepted (GPL) power in ‘A’ Division. cook of Lot 198 Eve’s View, Annandale, ECD. Monday, when a truck caught numbers The original chassis numbers of both vehicles were profireThe nextvehicles to a fuelchassis tank which con- appeared to have been tampered withtoand drivers alleged that they were given vided to the court. The two men had appeared before Principal tained close onethe million gallons the vehicles to operate by a close relative of a suspect who is Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ of fuel. currently being sought and who is the suspected mastermind Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. of the “carjacking ring”, and another who is on remand having Crime Chief Paul Williams had in an interview with the been charged with five counts of receiving stolen property and Department of Public Information (DPI) on the matter said the three counts of imitation of identification mark. breakthrough was as a result of diligent detective work and Late February, two welders, Ricky Chung,23, and Nigel the launch of timely raids that resulted in the smashing of at Chung,42, both welders of Lot 5 Coverden, East Bank De- least three carjacking rings across the country. merara, were jointly charged for alleged carjacking activities. He had said too that the police would be targeting some Police had alleged that the two men between December 17, of of thethe vehicles are working as taxis to see if theyAare Firefighters and workers powerthat company inspecting the area GPL worker, extreme right, assisting firefighters to put out 2017 and February 10, 2018 fraudulently used a chassis plate in terms of their engine and chassis numbers, wherelegitimate the fire started on Monday the blaze (number provided) on a Toyota Spacio which was originally adding that a number of the vehicles have been linked to owned by Samuel Munroe, 59, of Lot 2369 Non Pareil, other as crimes across country. two cars retrieved the first time aby firepolice broke out at the had the already spread to a holding still serious because thereThe Although it wasEast still unclear to fire were how the truck ignited, Gentle said the area that contained bunker `C’ fuel I fuel, generators and equipment that facility, adding that in the past there firefighters were able to contain the believe,” he said. transmit power to the generator and was fire at the building and even inThey were able to extinguish the other flammable items that could stances where the generators caught blaze using their resources and some fire with intense water and foam but have caused more damage if they fire. equipment from GPL. A reliable source from GPL’s Around 14:30hrs, the Guyana the truck, pipes and other equipment were ignited. Fire Chief Marlon Gentle Fire Service (GFS) received several connected to the power generator The fire chief commended the partner, Power Producers and Disspeaking to reporters at the THEreports Guyana on Leslie Guyana (PPDI) Chronicle Incorporated comfacility were destroyed. of Police fire at Force the facility and a Glen. is asked to contactGPL the staff po- for raising a quick alert tributors The scene (Adrian Narine photos) (GPF) on Monday of damage mixed assessment understands thatworkers the fourfor mended the in-house has not on response drill wasafteractivated to Primo deal (34)Aisfull lice on telephone numbers The GPF back in April the fire. “Robust and timely response noonwith issued wanted bul- race and his individuals allegedtheir effort and alsowere the fire service. beenlast doneknown but the fire226-2870, chief reiterated thatatype of situation. 229-2655,“This 229- was2016, had issued wanted no rehearsal but it was from the workers of GPL and the Fire letin for Floyd Andrew address D’Urban ly involved in athe series of The source said damage that 80 a major catastrophe was averted 226-7065, Gentle explained that five unitsis Lot 2289, 227-1149, bulletins for are four a timely response and we outpersons, of Service resulted in a major disaster Primo fordispatched obtaining to money Street, Lodge, Georgetown. where- if wouldhouse-lot have beenscams unimaginable because the fire did not reachorthethe fuel were the scene, includor 911, nearest police Primo, danger here, including so all we are doingwho now were being avoided,” said Fire Chief Marthe fire reached the tank storage ing water support andocfoam tenders. by false pretence which The GPF said tank. anyone station. All information by had several persons wereof will exercise being sought questionis a cooling and firefor watch,” lon Gentle during an interview with because of the good Hethat believes the theGentle “When the men arrived, curred between 2017-11-01 withthey information could that robbed of millions of work, dolbe although treated with strictest ing in relation to a series fuel of but explained. Wanted: Primo. reporters at theFloyd Kingston facility. and 2017-11-30 did not get worse, it was encountered committed a truck on firelead and to thethe situation arrest of Primo lars.saved. confidence. activities. The fire fraudulent chief said this was not a lot was

Wanted bulletin out for house-lot scammer

St. Joseph’s Hospital pushes healthy eating – as it celebrates 73rd anniversary By Lisa Hamilton IN CELEBRATION of the 73rd anniversary of the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, the institution hosted an open house and exhibition offering free medical services and health information to the general public on Monday. The event was hosted at the nursing school and saw a large participation of first, second and third-year students. They did blood pressure testing, provided nutrition advice and spoke to interested individuals about becoming enrolled in the institution. Director of the School of Nursing, Nurse Elsie Asabere, said the event was held to hear from members of the public. “We realised that a lot of persons come and they ask questions [and] because we are a private institution they sometimes don’t understand what we stand for. So we decided to do an open house so that anybody can come and ask any question… at the end of the day they would be well informed about the school and what it stands for,” she said. Asabere added that the medical services provided by the students served not only

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Deborrah Ramsay

to help test their practical skills, but would allow for the referral of patients with alarming results to visit the nearby hospital which just could save a life. One group, which was tasked with demonstrating the types of nutritional diets, especially for persons with compromised kidney functions, told the Guyana Chronicle of the dos and don’ts of healthy eating. “Guyanese tend to eat whatever they feel like eating but health is a major problem in Guyana, that they don’t really take as something serious until it gets worse,” said nursing student Gregory

Abrams. His group warned that the consumption of alcohol can contribute to obesity and cautioned against the over-consumption of Chinese food, a popular go-to meal for Guyanese, which usually has a high oil content. They instead encouraged the public to eat more fresh vegetables and fruit, replace soda beverages with water and maintain a low-carb diet which is especially important for diabetic patients. The hospital’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Deborrah Ramsay, said the event would help to prepare the nursing students for the practicality of the hospital wards and for emergencies in the real world. PRACTICAL WORK “Part of the work they’re learning here is about certain diets, about certain chronic diseases that a person might have and they’re well equipped to give to the patients or the general public coming to this open day, information on their diet. We know high blood pressure is a silent killer so they need to sit down and say to the patient ‘you need to eat certain things, you need to use less salt’. It’s preparing them [the students] for the real world,” she explained. As Guyana begins to move upwards on the eco-

The public was invited to receive free blood pressure testing at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, in celebration of its 73rd anniversary (Delano Williams photo)

nomic ladder due to its recent oil discovery, Ramsey said there will be an even greater need for nurses and for them to meet the needs of the population. “Nursing is not at any time going to stop because people will always need nursing and hospitals will always need nursing. Guyana is moving in a different direction now [as] the face of Guyana is being put on the map everyday due to oil and gas. “There’s a lot more that

has to be done in terms of getting our human resources together so that we can supply that industry, as well as maintain supply to others,” she highlighted. She said, too, that similar to many other institutions, the nursing institution has its list of challenges but she hopes to one day obtain additional equipment for practical assignments, a larger school building and to be able to offer degrees in nursing. In the meanwhile, the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

School of Nursing maintains a good relationship with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, through which its students receive additional practical training which they then share with their colleagues when they return. Just last year, the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing received a 100 per cent pass rate at the Nurses State Final Examination and has since expressed its intention to keep this bar high and steady.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending March 23, 2018

REGAINING OUR PAST CRICKET GLORY T

he West Indian Diaspora demands answers from CWI or WICB, or “whatever you’ll call yourselves,” to borrow former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan’s recent quote, as to why and how we are still struggling amongst cricket’s minions to find a place on cricket’s biggest stage — the World Cup. This is a debacle in itself, because not only is it unprecedented, but it would have been risible to even think that before.

This prestigious tournament is held every four years, and is Cricket’s Olympics. We have won the first two editions of the tournament, thanks to the leadership of Clive Lloyd and his team. Hence, our struggle to make the qualifiers is very depressing, indeed. While other teams like Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka have already secured a place in the tournament, West Indies is still fighting hard to qualify in Zimbabwe, where the home team almost knocked us out of the tournament, after Afghanistan humiliated us. Even Bangladesh, an emerging cricketing nation, has made the World Cup qualifiers before us. Most West Indians treasure our conquests in this tournament, from its inception. Will that brilliant, match winning 102 by Clive Lloyd in the final against Australia in the inaugural World Cup in 1975, Rohan Kanhai’s wonderful supporting knock of 55 with Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran’s onslaught on Lillee in his spellbinding 10 ball sequence of 4,4,4,4,4,1,4,6,0,4 (35 runs), Viv Richards spectacular three run-outs in the same final, his majestic 138 from 157 balls, consisting of 11 fours and three sixes, and Collis King’s mercurial 86 from 66 balls, 10 fours and three sixes in the 1979 final, this time against England, for example, ever be bestowed again to a proud Caribbean nation? Caribbean nations yearn for such glory, again. After all, although the West Indies “are Third World countries, we belong and are in the first World of Cricket.” (Former Jamaican PM, Michael Manley). Cricket is not only a religion in the Caribbean, but it best defines the region in the highest context. Indeed, regional political integration has its genesis in cricket as a unifying and defining force. We just cannot ignore, nor relinquish that supremacy. In a larger world where we are often treated as underdogs and second class citizens in a global context, allow us to find comfort and solace in our regional strength. Intrinsic in this endeavor, is our demand that Cricket West Indies President, Dave Cameron, explain his logic and methodology that “the Caribbean

side are using the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe to plot their capture of the showpiece in England next year . . . In going to the tournament, we’ve been planning on how to win the World Cup, not just qualify . . . That’s the reason we took certain players to ensure that we have the quality and we’re [giving] some players experience to be able to win the World Cup,” he has told reporters. Every school child in the Caribbean is smart enough to denounce such an unwise approach and utterances

have to accommodate lesser mortals. “These players would have had to bow down and ask for an apology, I am the King of the West Indies. The West Indies is me, myself and I,” Cameron would have explained. To their credit, veterans Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels sucked up their pride and were included, but were under great pressure to perform. These players will tell you how WPA’s criticisms can devastate a player. Ask Ronnie Sarwan, a class batsman we loved to see play cricket. Ronnie said he did not know his front foot from his back foot, and will never play for the West Indies again. Understandably, when great players and captains like Worrell, Sobers, Kanhai, Lloyd, Richards and Lara scold players, they respect that, but when a

FLASHBACK: The Caribbean and its large, global Diaspora have always reveled in our global cricket supremacy, like when Clive Lloyd was honored in Richmond Hill a few years ago by: (first row) Governor David Paterson, and District Leader Albert Baldeo (the author of this article), Dr. Philip Baldeo, Chuck Mohan and (second row) Senators John Sampson and James Sanders, for his performances and leadership, including winning the inaugural 1975 World Cup and scoring his magnificent 102 in the Final to defeat Australia. as “counting your chickens before they dictatorial official who hardly knows are hatched.” They will tell you that how to hold a bat or grip a ball attempts you will achieve nothing when you imto do the same, he disparages a player. plement such an egotistical and reckless Cameron’s also claims that, “CWI approach. Some will, understandably, had made player performance the key use more colorful language to describe requirement going forward . . . I think it, which I cannot publish here. we need to be very clear about what we Indeed, the basic defects of are doing . . . We are about performance Cameron’s so called master plan is reand we want to make that very clear flected in the omission of players like across everything that we do, that if we Kieron Pollard, Darren and Dwayne don’t perform they are consequences. I Bravo, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. wouldn’t go as far as to say they will be He may argue that they “opted out,” or changes because I know, we will qualthat amnesty will solve the problem and ify.” we will field our strongest team, but his We cannot forget that Cameron critics will counter that he kept them presided over the defeat of the once out, without exploring any avenues to mighty West Indies that were forced include them at all. After all, in into the qualifiers for the first time in Cameron’s world, an Emperor does not our history after we were ranked ninth

The ALBERT BALDEO Column in the One-Day International rankings at the September 30 cut-off date last year, while eight other teams — who will readily admit that they cannot boast of the great players and history of the West Indies, who once ruled the cricketing world — gained automatic qualification. Neither should we compete in the World Cup if we are going to be content with qualifying. Where is your plan to win, and regain our cricket superiority, Mr. Cameron? Cameron’s attempts to preempt the arguments that he is the cause of West Indies demise, when he claims, “the lack of financial support from both government and the corporate sector, had contributed to the decline of West Indies cricket . . . You just look at the top of the cricket rankings, the globalized nations, and that tells you everything,” he contended. “There’s financial support, there’s corporate support — government and corporate — and that’s the reason Cricket West Indies cricket is where it’s at today. We were supported by sugar cane, bananas, bauxite and where are those industries today?” Well, what has changed, Mr. Cameron, when we had those same humble or even less support, and proudly ruled the cricket world? Your argument is fallacious. America, a corporate behemoth, is not the greatest cricket nation, in spite of your theory. Neither is the UAE, Netherlands or Hong Kong. Indeed, we were almost sent packing by Zimbabwe, humiliated by Afghanistan, while countries like Nepal have claimed ODI status for the first time, surely not corporate, financial or global titans by any stretch of the imagination! Indeed, you are the common and supervening factor in our cricket’s deterioration. Take a leave of absence, let CARICOM grant and implement unconditional amnesty to all players, implement professional responsibility for players, and let’s see how our fortunes soar once again. Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. After years of advocacy, he got the MTA to install a subway elevator at the Lefferts station in Richmond Hill/Ozone Park. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued the fight for justice, equal rights, dignity and inclusion for all. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: AlBaldeo@aol. com or (718) 529-2300.

Relief for West Indies, heartbreak for Scotland W

behind for a duck. West Indies were 2 for 2, and Scotland well and truly had their tails up. On a pitch offering bounce, carry and early swing Marlon Samuels shut up shop while Evin Lewis attempted to play something approaching his natural game. Lewis collected his first boundary

his groove and moved through the 40s with a series of sweeps at the spinners. A flowing drive to the cover boundary took him to a 65ball fifty in the 23rd over, and a dab to third man brought up the 100 partnership soon afterwards. Despite their shaky start, West Indies had laid a platform and all was set for a charge at the death. Except, it never came. Having extended the partnership to 121, Lewis attempted a huge heave to

with a crunching drive through the covers and, once the shine had been seen off the ball, reasserted himself with a pair of sixes off Alasdair Evans. Timing wasn't a problem for Samuels, but he couldn't hit the gaps nearly as often as he would have liked. One of his straight drives floored Lewis at the non-striker's end, and Scotland's cover fielders were kept busy, but Samuels struggled to rotate the strike with any fluency. At the other end, Lewis found

leg, but missed the ball entirely to be trapped lbw by Brad Wheal for 66. Samuels eventually reached a fifty of his own, but consumed 98 balls for his eventual 51, with 62 of those being dot balls that allowed Scotland's bowlers to settle into a rhythm. Attempting to make amends for his go-slow, Samuels charged out and carved Leask over the off side, only for Tom Sole to take a sharp, sliding catch, sprinting around the long-off boundary. With his very next ball, Leask had Shim-

est Indies 198 (Lewis 66, Samuels 51, Sharif 3-27, Wheal 3-34) beat Scotland 125 for 5 in 35.2 overs (Berrington 33, Munsey 32*, Roach 2-20, Nurse 2-35) by 5 runs (DLS method).

It usually rains on around 191 days a year in Edinburgh, where Scotland plays much of their international cricket. Harare Sports Club sees, by comparison, around 73 rainy days a year, and one of those days brought a soggy end to what was shaping up to be a thrilling match between West Indies and Scotland. Chasing 199, Scotland were 125 for 5, five runs behind the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score, when the rain came down. The result means West Indies have booked their place in Sunday's final, and thus the World Cup in England next year. Storm clouds could be seen in the distance even as Scotland started their chase, and drizzle started to drift across the ground around the 30th over. Shortly afterwards, Scotland, who were already behind the par score, lost Richie Berrington to a controversial umpiring decision, lbw to an Ashley Nurse delivery that appeared to be heading down the leg side. Clearly aware of the need to get a move on, Michael Leask cracked two fours in his 14, but when the rain arrived in force, Scotland were still behind. While their day ended in heartbreak, Scotland could scarcely have asked for a better start to the match. Opening the bowling from the City End, Safyaan Sharif pitched his first ball on middle and swung it away to find the outside edge of Gayle's bat. A colossus had fallen, and Scotland were boosted by the belief that, with the Gayle threat safely taken care of, this really could be their day. Things got even better for them when, with the first ball of his next over, Sharif had Shai Hope caught

ron Hetmyer caught behind, and the match turned once more. After that dismissal in the 34th over, West Indies hit just two more boundaries and lost a further five wickets to be all out for 198 in the 49th over. Sharif capped his important early wickets with the dismissal of Rovman Powell before he could do any damage, while Brad Wheal's double-strike ended the innings. Scotland had bowled out every side they had played in this competition, bar Ireland, who managed to get through their 50 overs nine down. After this performance, it was easy to see why. Scotland needed to score at a shade under four in their chase, but more importantly they needed a steady start and cool heads. For the first 10 overs, however, neither was forthcoming. In the fourth over, Kyle Coetzer threw his hands into a fierce cut, but found Lewis at point. In the fourth, a hopping Matthew Cross deflected a brutal lifter from Jason Holder onto his own stumps, and in the seventh Michael Jones fell into a leg trap, hooking Kemar Roach straight to Powell at long leg. In quick time, Scotland were 25 for 3 and suddenly 199 seemed a long way off. Calum MacLeod and Berrington dug them out of the hole with a steady 42-run stand, foregoing any exuberance for risk-free accumulation. But both men were removed by Nurse, with Berrington's dismissal proving particularly crucial as Scotland were just beginning to up the tempo as the rain approached. Michael Leask and George Munsey set themselves for a counterpunch, but it was not to be, and the rain arrived to spoil Scotland's fairytale ending. For West Indies, though, it brought sweet relief. (ESPNCricinfo) (Caribbeannews.net)