Guyana chronicle ny e paper 05 18 2018

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ISSUE No. 102

WEEK ENDING MAY 18, 2018

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SARA and FIU ink ‘info-sharing’ pact s d n e p s u S d r GNNL Boa f o n o i t i d E …aimed at strengthening legal mechanism for court proceedings ► k r o New Y e l c i n o r h C a n a Guy Suriname to regulariseto Reorganize

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(PPaaggee22)

illegal Guyanese fishermen ►

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Rice, paddy exports up from last year …GRDB credits success to opening of markets in Mexico, Cuba

FOR the period January – April 2018, Guyana has exported 139,501 metric tonnes of paddy, rice, and rice by-products amounting to US $57.7Million.

This surpasses 2017’s export of 120,811 metric tonnes equivalent to US $47M and General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Nizam Hassan has credited

Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Police, Mr Stuart Getrouw comforting one of the Guyanese fishermen at Saturday’s meeting (Photo by René Gompers courtesy of Starnieuws)

this to the opening up of new markets in Mexico and Cuba.

Hassan noted that Guyana had not exported to the Cuban market for a number of years. However, the amount now being exported has increased by more than one hundred per cent. He explained, “In 2017, Turn to page 20 ►

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending 18,2018 2018 GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday,May May 15,

Suriname to regularise illegal Guyanese fishermen NEWS out of neighbouring Suriname is that the Minister of Justice and Police there, Mr Stuart Getrouw has agreed to grant legal status to those Guyanese fishermen living and operating there illegally.

“We are pleased that you are frank about the illegality; we are working on it because we cannot just take you out of the country. You need us and we also need you,” Getrouw was quoted by the Surinamese daily, Starnieuws, as saying last Friday during a meeting with the fishermen.

The minister has also given the go-ahead for the men to return to sea the following day, and his word that their safety will be guaranteed both aerially and on the ground by way of coast guard patrols.

The announcement was reportedly met with mixed emotion, as everyone at the meeting was in agreement that they needed to get back to work, but were more afraid of what awaited them if they dared.

Said Hemanlall Ramsarran, one of whose vessels was involved in the April 27 mayhem: “The minister said they will have aerial support and boats in the water; I am hoping we can get enough to guarantee the safety of everyone, because every day the boats were docked we lost money.

“But lives are more important, so safety comes first.”

The decision to grant the Guyanese an amnesty of sorts is reportedly in recSuriname’s Minister of Justice and Police, Mr Stuart ognition of their invaluable Getrouw comforting one of the Guyanese fishermen at contribution to the SurinamSaturday’s meeting (Photo by René Gompers courtesy ese economy, more particuof Starnieuws) larly the fishing sector which contributes some $45M an- fishing industry closer to presence of the Navy, the Coast Guard, the police and nually to the country’s Gross over 80%. helicopters, he said, is clearDomestic Product (GDP). ly visible, particularly the Reports are that of the ON HIGH ALERT He was quoted in Mon- Nieuw Amsterdam police approximately 6,500 persons employed in the Surinamese day’s edition of Starnieuws station where police are on fishing industry, most are as saying that he is pleased high alert.

Mohamedhoesein made either Guyanese or have with the way the Surinamese Guyanese roots. Chairman of authorites have handled the the point that while the SuGUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 16, 2018 the Surinamese fishermen’s matter, in that they’ve put rinamese fishermen are gencoop, Mr Willem Mohamed- safety measures in place to erally not interested in going hoesein puts the number of protect fishermen, wheth- to sea, the Guyanese are the illegals in the Surinamese er Guyanese or not. The mainstay of the industry and

are needed to be able to continue the economic activity, so that the sector does not collapse.

According to Starnieuws, the first fishing boats set sail on Saturday, and are now obliged to put together a crew list as mandated by the fishermen’s cooperative, the Visserscollectief.

The Maritime Authority of Suriname also has the crew list of vessels that go to sea, says Mr Mark Lall, secretary of the fishermen’s cooperative.

He says that with a crew list, it can safely be assumed that there will no longer be any confusion about who is or is not on the intended vessel.

Starnieuws said that after the pirate attack of April 27, it was an uphill task for the authorities to find out who exactly was on the attacked boats.

Up to now, it has been assumed that there were at least 20 people on the four vessels. Five fishermen survived the brutal attack off the coast near the Wia Wiabank. There are four corpses, three in Suriname that have not yet been identified, and one in Guyana, where the family has already confirmed who it is. It is assumed that there are still

Chairman of the Surinamese fishermen’s coop, Mr Willem Mohamedhoesein (Photo courtesy of Starnieuws)

11 fishermen missing from the attack.

The newspaper quotes Lall as saying that the presence of the coastguard and defense in inland navigation has somewhat restored a sense of security among fishermen, and that the expectation is that in the coming days, the other vessels will also depart for the sea again.

Lall says that the Surinamese authorities have not given up the search for the missing fishermen, as the coastguard and defense are still on the lookout, as are the fishermen who are setting back out to sea.

368 to receive house lots

368 to receive house lots by Mahaica vendor killed

by November intruder

By Telesha Ramnarine

criteria were deemed Director of suitable Projects to execute the works,” CHPA, Omar Narine,heoffer said, adding that the conthat the works will inclu tracts were overseen by the construction of roads, pair of short grey pants, three that it was unusual for her National Procurement and dra gold rings, one gold band, one husband to venture outside and culverts, Tender Board. along with t gold chain and one stud gold during the wee hours of the Director of Projects installation of pureat wa earring. morning.

CHPA, Omar Narine, ofdistribution networks.

Guyana Chronicle was In an interview with fered that the works will intold that about 02:00hrs on this publication, one rela“We intendof to start clude construction roads, Monday, the vendor who tive called “Jason” said he the first of June drains andweek culverts, along with plies his trade on the Maha- had locked up his home and with the ofofpure datebody Nove where theinstallation vendor’s ica, ECD Public Road was moved out of the area because A cordoned section of the yardcompletion water distribution networks. was found in the drain.

(Adrian Narine photo) awakened by a strange sound of the negativity and crime in “We intend to start in emanating from a bond in the the community. “I had asked the firstPeople week of Junetowith lower flat of his two-storeyed him what he was doing for an dem come out,” Jason history. need be a completion date of Novemwooden house.

Mother’s Day and he tell me said while reflecting on made an example, thieves ber. away Five-month He decided to venture into that he gal na feel to go no- what Yassem wife had told getting with toocontract much is more adethe yard to inspect the bond where, so I said alright man, him. Adding that he had in duration this country, andthan when quatedecide to have these then works when he was confronted by leff am for a next day and we previously warned Fareez people to react, the perpetrator who attacked will carry them out another Yassem not to ever venture people completed.

We worked with in authority saying him with a sharp instrument. day,” he said while noting outside his house when it something, but when peothe contractors previously His wife was then awakened that Yassem sold his supplies was so late in the night, pleand getting dailywell,” no theyrobbed performed Dead: Fareez Yassem upon hearing the rumble out- from a stall in front of his Jason who is the owner of one in authority is heard Narine said. side. She then heard her hus- supermarket. anything a supermarket, said that condemning He observed thatorthe band cry out “Ow bai, aww post-mortem examination. anyone an example, He described Fareez Yas- he was previously robbed making project will not only affect Reports are that the man, bai, ow” at which point she sem as a man who worked and would never venture butthe is only time…,” another beneficiaries positively who was a former employ- realised he was not in bed hard and who had little time into his yard alone if there relative said. resident but will haveOne a huge impact soof sheCHPA rushed out and Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul (at centre) signs several for at infraee Chief of Banks DIH Ltd., wasof CHPA “Another young life in is contracts anything works amiss, since to waste, especially around Executive Officer Lelon Saul (atstarted centre) signs several contracts for infrastructural Provi- said: on the ‘supply market’ shoutare forDirector him gotProjects no Hall. stabbed times inat theProvidence are always lurking rum shops orin anything that dence andfive Peter’s Hall.

Also intophoto of Omar Narine and Procurement Manager Kendra Levans gone, a man who makes structural works andbutPeter’s Also photo are bandits Director of Projects of sand, stone, pipes, back with a sharp object, answer. She then called out was not developing his fam- in the darkness. “This area anterms honest living and the Omar Narine and Procurement Manager Kendra Levans culverts and other construcloudly to her neighbour and four stabs to the H. neck, two said the CHPA is commit- ily. continue isquite known for thieves; peo- senseless killings ($48,500,980), Nauth of the contracts. clear.” tion materials. when they responded, Yasstabs in the jaw, three to his by those who have no reple house does get break “When his wife was holand By SonsTelesha ($64,741,622), ted to improving the physiyou fail to; ofcal course, He pointed out that the Ramnarine andmotionless for works at“Iffor Peter’s infrastructure within the “Solife I would just like to sem was found in left arm and other lacerations spect for and who wants in often, all that police do lering help, all the man and Romell Jagroop Gen- cal infrastructure within the as an agency, we will be entire procurement system inform the private sector H a and l l , urged a g rthe e e mthem e n t sto wtake e r whatever e and housing areas, anddone urged the a drain in their aboutConstruction the body. When he was housing live from the sweat of justfair; come take drunk in eral Services areas, yard. forcedwas ap- iswas was and in thefinpub- to to meet with this demand She hadsigned told neighbours discovered, he was wearingand a others.” gerprints and the rest is bed and is only the womTHREE hundred sixwith Chung’s Global service providers to adhere ($75,294,758). service providers to adhere propriate action should you lic and open tender. “Those when this project comty-eight Enterprise ($77,729,355), to the andhave conditions In brief beneficiaries remarks, Saul towill the terms and conditions default. I want to make this terms who would satisfied the mences.”

…suspect arrested after leaving slippers, bicycle on scene

THREE hundred and sixty-eight beneficiaries will be able to access their

By Rabindra Rooplall house lots by November this year, the TWO daysfollowing before his birth signing of a number anniversary, a fatherofof contracts on Tuesday for three of Lot 25, Belmonte infrastructural at Mahaica, East works Coast DeProvidence and merara (ECD) wasPeter’s stabbed Hall, East Bank Demerara. to death in his yard on Chief Executive OffiMonday during a suspectedof robbery. cer Central Housing and DeadAuthority is 34-year-old FaPlanning (CHPA) reez Yassem.

The the fruits and Lelon Saul signed convegetable was stabbed tracts with vendor the various conmore than a dozen tractors in the Ministrytimes of about the body and was found Housing Boardroom on lying in a drain by his wife Brickdam. and neighbours crying out for The total cost of the inhelp. The suspect, who left vestment nearly behind a is bicycle and$546M slippers and for works at Peter’s at the scene of the crime, is in Hall, were policeagreements custody assisting with signed with Chung’s Global investigations.

He admitted Enterprise ($77,729,355), that the bicycle and slippers Eron Civil EngineerfoundLall at the scene were his, ing ($128,888,606), butWorks is unable to give an alibi GuyAmerica Construction as to his whereabouts at the time of the killing.

The man’s ($79,515,117) and Colin death Contracting has left the community, Talbot Services his friends and relatives in ($71,132,683). aF state o r of t h eshock. c o m pThe l e t ibody on is currently at the Lyken of works at Providence, c oFuneral n t r a c t sParlour w e r e awaiting signed a with KB&B Contractors

be able to access their house

Eron Lall Civil Engineer-

of the contracts.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

4

GUYANA 2065 – A STRATEGY FOR THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF GUYANA NEW PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNANCE The APNU+AFC coalition is committed to ending the winner take all political culture that has haunted GUYANA for the last 62 years. They are determined to establish for the next 50 years, an inclusionary, transparent, accountable, responsive and multi-racial democracy. The following are the proposals to accomplish this long term goal: • Introducing a mixed electoral system, combining constituency representation by direct elections, with a small number of at-large seats, elected on the basis of proportional representation.

• Introducing village councils, retaining Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and Regional Democratic Councils (RDC’s), and introducing constituency elections at the RDC, NDC and village levels.

• Creating a mechanism for community-based groups, non-government organizations and civil society stakeholders to participate in formulation and execution of policies and programs at the local, regional and national levels.

• Ensuring that the principles of good governance — accountability, transparency, disclosure and oversight exists in all public agencies and governmental institutions to ensure that the rule of law and respect for human rights is a central principle of governance.

• Ensuring that all political groups have equal access to the state media and that there is an unrestricted freedom for private groups to operate radio, televisions and print media.

• Ensuring that the following commissions and agencies are established and operational — the Human Rights Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Indigenous People’s Commission, the Rights of the Child Commission, the Public Procurement Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Auditor General.

• Establishing equality before the law and to stamp out every form of discrimination, whether based on race, religion, gender, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

• Eliminating all forms of public and private corruption.

• Establishing an Integrity Commission, and to ensure that all Members of Parliament will be required to declare their assets and be monitored from the time that they are elected to office to the time when they demit office.

• Eliminating the immunities from criminal prosecution, special privileges and pension benefits of the imperial presidency.

• Ensuring the separation of powers between the legislative executive and judicial branches of government — to ensure that the Judiciary, the Civil Service, the Police Force, the Guyana Defense Force and all the sectors of the public service are independent of the executive branch of gov-

ernment.

• Establishing a Human Rights Commission to ensure that all employment decisions are based on merit, and not on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

way from Lethem to Linden, the construction of a 350 megawatt hydro-electric project in the Mazaruni River and the dredging of the Demerara and Berbice Rivers to create deep water ports in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.

THE STRATEGY TO CREATE A DYNAMIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN GUYANA Guyana’s geography is both a blessing and a curse. The multiplicity of rivers and creeks, cataracts and waterfalls, savannahs, tropical rainforest and mountain chains

THE INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY 2065 • A highway linking Lethem to Linden which will be connected to the highway linking Linden to Soesdyke and Soesdyke to Georgetown.

• A high-span bridge across the Demerara and Berbice rivers.

• A highway linking Soesdyke to Wales on the West Bank of the Demerara River.

• A highway from Kwakwani on the Berbice River to Ituni then to Linden.

• A highway from Rockstone on the West Bank of the Demerara River to Mahdia. From Mahdia there will be three feeder roads. One going to Bartica, the second going Pamela Landing on the Potaro River and the third going to Kurupung on the Cuyuni River.

• A highway from Soesdyke to St. Cuthbert’s Mission in the Mahaica Creek and from St. Cuthbert’s Mission to the village of Mahaica.

• A highway from Monkey Jump on the Eastern Bank of the Essequibo River to Rockstone on the Western Bank of the Demerara River to Linden.

• A highway linking Parika to Monkey Jump.

• A highway from Supenaam on the West Bank of the Demerara River to Kamaira on the Cuyuni River.

• A series of bridges and causeways linking the islands in the Essequibo River to Morasi on the East Bank of the Essequibo River and Supenaam on the West Bank of the Essequibo River • A highway linking Mathews Ridge and Port Kaituma in the Northwest to Mabaruma to the Venezuelan border.

have made Guyana the Bread Basket of the Caribbean and the ecotourism mecca in South America, but it has also made it difficult to establish a transportation continuous infrastructure between the eastern and western sections of Guyana, and between the coastlands to the north and the hinterland to the south. It has also made it difficult, if not impossible, to establish a continuous network of roads between Corriverton in the east and Mabaruma in the west, and between Georgetown in the north and Lethem in the south. The estuaries of the four rivers — the Corentyne , the Berbice, the Demerara and the Essequibo Rivers — have forced the Government to build bridges or operate ferries to maintain the continuity of the road system.

The countries of South America, particularly Brazil, have established a program called the Initiative for the Integration of the Regional Infrastructure of South America (IIRSA), a development plan to link South America’s economy through new transportation, energy and telecommunication projects. IIRSA has financed the construction of the Takutu Bridge, linking Lethem and the Rupununi region to the state of Roraima in northern Brazil. IIRSA is also financing the construction of a high-

CONSTRAINTS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The lack of a viable transportation infrastructure has been the primary constraint hindering the social, cultural and economic development of Guyana in several ways.

• It has increased production costs and reduced competitiveness in the agriculture, mining and forestry sectors.

• It has impeded the capacity of Guyana to fully utilize its natural resources – gold, timber, diamonds and agriculture.

• It has severely limited communications between those who live on the coastlands and those who inhabit the hinterlands.

• It has effectively divided the country into two cultures, and has effectively pre-

vented the evolution of the one Guyana project.

• It has impeded the unity of the country in both the physical and cultural sense.

• It has effectively prevented the coastal population from penetrating the rich hinterland and force them to live in cramped and crowded conditions on the narrow coastal belt, while more suitable are available in the south.

• Failure to occupy the greater part of the country has encouraged Guyana’s neighbors in Surinam, Brazil and Venezuela to make claims on its territory, and encourage elements within Guyana to raise the banner of insurrection, as occurred in the Rupununi Uprising in January 1969.

by Colin A. Moore

ECONOMIC BENEFITS • These eleven projects will attract millions of dollars in Guyana in the investment in the ecotourism sector, in the mining sector, in the agro-processing, cattle rearing, live stock, agriculture, mining, forestry and the fishing sectors.

• They will create 200,000 jobs for young Guyanese in the coastlands and Amerindians in the hinterland. 100,000 of these young Guyanese and Amerindians will be employed in the construction of the roads and bridges and when these projects are completed another 100,000 will be given plots of land along the highways and will be encouraged to produce agricultural products, such as, citrus, pineapple, peanut, soy beans, herbs, spices and seasoning, fruits and vegetables, and livestock and will be encouraged to establish commercial enterprises.

• These projects will stimulate spinoff growth in every sector – mining, timber, fishing, agro-processing, information technology and data processing centers.

These infrastructure projects will precipitate an economic takeoff that will transform Guyana into the breadbasket of the Caribbean, will transform the Intermediate Savannahs into an agro-processing center, will restore the Rupununi Savannahs into the cattle rearing giant that it once was, will transform Linden into a new aluminum center, a transportation hub, and an auto assembly manufacturing center. It will transform Linden into a new aluminum center, and an auto assembly manufacturing center. It will transform the Demerara, Mazuruni and Cuyuni rivers into hydro-electric power centers, capable of generating cheap electricity to the consumers in Guyana, and the consumers in northern Brazil. It will also generate power the bauxite industries in Linden and Kwakwani, the timber industry, the mining industry and the agro-processing industry. The dredging of the Demerara and Berbice Rivers will transform Georgetown and New Amsterdam into deep water harbors that will attract large ocean going vessels that will permit bulk loading facilities for our sugar, rice, bauxite and timber resources. The creation of free trade zones in Lethem and Hog Island will transform these areas into a viable center in the estuary of

(continued on page 22)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

The Carlyle

Harry Column

I

5

ONE GUYANA PLATFORM

The President's Appropriate Words

n the same way that "Sunshine could serve as one of the best sanitizers and disinfectants", a Leader's words can serve as GLUE that holds racial and political unity together.

Hence, I shall reproduce (my chosen) sentences that were uttered

by Guyana's President David Granger when he presented an address to mark the 180th anniversary of the arrival of East Indian immigrants to Guyana . . . I shall also be intervening with suggestions around how the President's words could be used as tools for mobilization and massage. In effect, I am attempting to turn the President's descriptions into future PRESCRIPTIONS for the Birthland.

That address was given on Saturday, May 5th at a ceremony that was organized by the Berbice Indian Cultural Committee at Plantation Highbury, East Berbice, Corentyne (which is in Region Six).

'INDIAN-ARRIVAL DAY' was celebrated on May 5th in the Birthland.

Of course, the President's May 5th words followed a call that he had made a few days earlier in his Labor Day (May 1st) address when he called for greater and higher levels of cooperation and collaboration within the society, he actually stated "we have passed through the age of confrontation, we are now in the age of cooperation and collaboration."

Trade Unionist and Newspaper Columnist, Lincoln Lewis commented: "cooperation and collaboration are essential elements in forging relations and building societies." (i) President Granger in his Arrival Day address, emphasized: "Social Cohesion recognizes that Guyana is now, and always will be multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious . . . It recognizes those differences between various social groups and fosters respect for each other. We fought for 180 years to be where we are today in order to bring our people together, and we cannot turn back . . . Our diversity is an asset and not a liability."

Since "actions speak louder than words", I would like to witness

young Guyanese the Ministry of residents inside Social Cohesion, and outside of Tr a d e - U n i o n s , Guyana to proPrivate Sector mote cooperative Groupings, and exercises and other (relevant) ventures that social and interwould involve est-groups inside citizens in swimand outside of ming-together Guyana set out to programs. demonstrate how (iii) The Head the Nation's diof State reminded versity is, and that like the micould prove to be grants: "we have assets instead of to learn to live as liabilities . . . In President David Granger neighbors, rather other words, to see how they could bear out Dr. than fight each other as enemies."

I suggest that studies be done Martin Luther King's reminder: "we may have all come in different ships, into the practices that each racial group brings to the table, and find but we are in the same boat now." (ii) The President noted: "we out how they could be mingled for are all Guyanese now, and we have societal progress, as well as collabto make a success of this Nation that oration among the leading political we have put together . . . Our des- parties. (iii) Guyana's Leader continies are intertwined forever in our Nation's future, and we must swim cluded: "Guyana, on this Indian Arrival Day, pays homage to the together or sink separately."

I would encourage the organi- Indian Indentured Immigrants and zations and groups mentioned above their descendants, for their contrito organize Brain-Storming ses- butions to Nation Building.�

I would challenge existing Insions and seminars for adults and

dian Cultural Organizations to examine how they could add to the contributions that they have already made to Guyana . . . especially in spheres of political and racial unity.

I would also like to appeal to our existing political parties to submerge their philosophical and ideological preferences and differences, and instead work together in order to address the structural socio-economic problems and frustrations that are harrassing the poorer inhabitants.

In closing this section, I utilize remarks from Mr. David Armogan, Chairman of East Berbice-Corentyne who appealed to all Guyanese to bury their differences and attempt to live as one United people. **************

The President's speech covered our Indian Ancestors' links to Guyana's culture, its socio-economic future, how we could go further to build the Birthland together.

In the words of Mr. Granger We can be divided, no longer, We have to exist as neighbors, We must be each other's keepers.

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Editorial

Strengthening ties with India AFRICA, particularly West Africa, and India have been the territories which have largely peopled Guyana together with the Amerindian peoples.

Owing to this historic contact, Guyanese find it easy to deal with people from those continents and they in turn, find Guyanese easy with whom to have rapport. Therefore, when Mr Satya Paal Singh, a Minister from the Government of India paid us a four-day visit last week, we embraced him with friendliness and goodwill. Mr Singh had a fruitful four-day visit and was able to meet the diaspora at the Pegasus Hotel and spoke with the leaders of government and the opposition, having useful and enlightening exchanges.

But the highlight of his visit was his meeting with President Granger. At that meeting, many matters of importance to Guyana, especially economic, were discussed. President Granger took the opportunity of opening the discussions with the sugar industry. He pointed out that the industry was still innately profitable but it needed injections of capital and upgrading of its technology. Guyana possesses many pluses for an investor, one of them being it has a skilled and able labour force that could immediately go into production. The President iterated that Guyana was open to cooperation with the Indian Government in every aspect of the Industry and also welcomed investors from India, not only in sugar but in all other fields.

India is the largest sugar producer in the world and Indian companies have invested in other countries, for example, in neighbouring Brazil. Indian entrepreneurs are fully au fait with all aspects of the industry and could certainly help us in marketing, an area where for generations we have depended upon the British and European markets to our detriment.

It should be mentioned that India has developed on its own a number of new sugar technologies which they would be able to put at our disposal. President Granger then went on to remark: "We are happy to be able to contemplate co-operation with the Republic of India, particularly in the area of technology...our

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending MayMay 4, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending 18, 2018

High Court to rule on Monday on application to halt case against Ashni, Brassington ON Monday, Justice Franklin Holder will decide whether an interim stay of proceedings will be granted in the case brought against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington for alleged misconduct in public office.

A team of lawyers, led by former Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, had filed a ‘Fixed Date Application’ for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to be issued, quashing the case brought against Dr. Singh and Brassington in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

In that “Fixed Date Application,” which is the substantive application, the legal team, among other things, applied for an “interim order restraining the learned Chief Magistrate or any magistrate within the Georgetown Magisterial District from hearing or attempting to hear or determine or taking any further steps in respect of the Information Upon Oath of Munilall Persaud, Corporal of Police of the Special Organized Crime Unit…”

In the High Court on Wednesday, relations are very deep and wide and collaborating on environmental issues and energy development are very, very important to us at this time. Guyana can learn a lot from India."

Minister Singh responded that India is very happy to assist Guyana in this field, noting that they have accumulated considerable experience and have even developed technologies in harnessing solar, hydro and wind power. The Minister also spoke of the possibility of India helping Guyana to strengthen its security sector by offering training in forensic science and of police officers.

President Granger responded that this is an area where Guyana could benefit significantly.

As a former colony, Guyana, like the rest of the West Indies, was indoctrinated to think that the Mother Country Britain and Europe were the pinnacle of human civilsation and were the only examples worthy of emulation. And at Indepen-

Nandlall and team put forward their arguments in favour of the application while Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas argued against it. Their arguments were made before Justice Holder in Court 11.

After hearing the arguments for more than three hours in the high court, Justice Holder announced that he will make his decision on the stay application on Monday May 21, 2018 at 11:30hrs.

On May 8, 2018, Dr. Singh and Brassington were charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to the public law when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The first charge alleged that on Monday, December 28, 2009 by way of an agreement of sale and purchase, they “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, lands amounting to 103.88 acres, property of the State for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (Vat exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleges that the duo on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by

dence, when the West (including the United States) began to offer "developmental aid" of many kinds, as colonials we felt it was almost a divine blessing.

At this time, India and China, two enormous ancient countries, had freed themselves from Western interference and had again achieved equilibrial conditions so that they could embark upon national development. Their growth and development were very rapid and they achieved surpluses. They also began to offer assistance to poorer countries and though such aid was more altruistic than former Western aid, Guyanese and West Indians felt that Western assistance was preferable.

Today, the situation has changed and the West itself now goes to the East in search of wealth as they did in the times of Columbus and Vasco da Gama, and even to get certain technologies from Japan. Now, Guyanese are very appreciative to be offered Indian

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:

way of agreement of sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation, land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the State for the sum of $150,000,000 knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

The final charge alleges that the former finance minister and the former NICIL CEO on Saturday, May 14, 2011, by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc. 10, 002 acres of land located at Turkeyen, ECD, property of the State for the sum of $185, 037,000 without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The men were not required to plead to the charge as Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Special Prosecutor, Trenton Lake, explained to the court that additional investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The two defendants were placed on $6M bail each. The matter was adjourned until June 5, 2018. and Chinese assistance and are beginning to seek after it. Minister Satya Paal Singh kept strictly to his portfolio but his visit also had a foreign policy dimension. Guyana for many years has had to suffer a baseless border claim for most of its territory and having a friend like India would certainly be an asset. India is a very influential country internationally and throwing their support behind us would be of much advantage. It could also help to stiffen the Commonwealth’s support for Guyana since India has nine-tenths of the Commonwealth's population and a great deal of its territory. Minister Satya Paal Singh's visit was far more than a routine one-he has further strengthened our much valued friendship with India; important economic issues were raised including the possible revivification of the sugar industry; and there could be positive foreign policy reverberations from it.

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

Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

7

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

1

Commonwealth Citizens Finally Added To Electoral List in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Four Commonwealth citizens living in Barbados who had been fighting to get their names on the list of registered voters have now been included, giving them the opportunity to vote in the May 24 general elections.

Grenadian Shireen Ann MathlinTulloch, Jamaican Michelle Russell, and Montserratian Sharon Edgcome-Miller, disclosed that Taylor had done as the court demanded.

“All of the litigants in the matter have been registered and have received confirmation that they are on Their inclusion came yesterday, the voters’ list,” he told online newsafter Chief Electoral Officer Angela paper Barbados Today.

Taylor complied with a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) order handed In an emergency CCJ session on down in an unprecedented Sunday Sunday, a five-member panel sitting. headed by CCJ president Sir Dennis Byron said it was satisfied that VenThe Trinidad-based CCJ gave Tay- tose, a professor at the Cave Hill lor until noon yesterday to ensure Campus of the University of the that St Lucian professor Eddy Ven- West Indies (UWI), had satisfied the tose was registered, or be found in necessary legal and regulatory concontempt of court and risk impris- ditions for registration as an elector. onment and/or a fine.

Professor Ventose had stated that he Attorney-at-law Gregory Nicholls, was qualified and entitled to be regwho was on the legal team repre- istered to vote but his registration senting Ventose, the principal appli- was consistently refused. The Court cant in a class action suit against the of Appeal in Barbados last Tuesday Electoral and Boundaries Commis- ruled that he was qualified to be regsion (EBC) that also included istered to vote, but stopped short of

compelling Sealy to enroll him on this week. the register of voters, only giving the electoral chief 24 hours to make In delivering the ruling, Sir Dennis a determination on his application. expressed the view that the CCJ’s decision should also resolve the When she failed to register him, matter for other Commonwealth citProfessor Ventose asked the CCJ to izens, resident in Barbados for the declare that he was entitled to be relevant qualifying period, who are registered to vote and to order the also claiming a right to be registered CEO to enter his name on the final as voters under the Barbados laws.

(Caribbean360) voters’ list ahead of its publication

CCJ Reduces Manslaughter Sentence for Guyanese Involved in Russian Teen’s Killing in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — A Guyanese man who was involved in the killing of a Russian teenager in Barbados back in 2008, has had his sentence reduced after appealing to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The CCJ ruled yesterday that Teerath Persaud’s manslaughter sentence be reduced from 25 to 18 years. With a discount for time already spent in custody, he would serve 13 years and 339 days, starting from December 11, 2012.

Persaud was convicted along with Barbadian Christopher Omar McCollin of killing Anna Druizhinina on November 8, 2008, a day after her 16th birthday. Druizhinina came to Barbados at the age of seven with her mother Larissa Jackson and stepfather John Jackson,

lowing the disappearance of BDS$100,000 (US$50,000) from the business. Druizhinina’s death was seen as a revenge killing by Persaud.

On the day in question, Persaud and McCollin went to rob the Jackson residence, and when they found Druizhinina home alone, they bound her hands and feet and tied a towel around her face. One end of a piece of wire was looped around her neck and the other thrown over a beam in the ceiling, and the girl was made to stand on a paint can and bucket that were placed one on top of the other.

Druizhinina was left precariously perched on the containers while Teerath Persaud (inset) had his sentence for killing Anna Druizhinina rePersaud and McCollin searched for duced to 18 years. items to steal, and she eventually who owned a wholesale business death, Persaud was shot in the arm fell and was strangled. where Persaud had previously been by his former employer with whom (Caribbean360) employed. Three months prior to her he got into an altercation fol-

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Popular Jamaican Reggae Singer on Rape Charge KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reggae artist Capleton was released on J$250,000 (US$1,995) bail after appearing in court on a rape charge Monday morning.

The 51-year-old Jamaican entertainer, whose real name is Clifton Bailey, was ordered not to have any contact with the complainant, as a condition of his bail release.

However, Capleton, who has to perform at several overseas shows from May 25 to June 27, will not have to surrender his travel documents.

He returns to court on June 14.

The entertainer was last week questioned by detectives at the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse about having sexual intercourse with a hairdresser

without her consent on April 28.

It’s alleged that Capleton raped the complainant when she went to his hotel that day to groom his hair.

She reported the incident to police four days later, but Capleton subsequently claimed that the woman was trying to extort him.

Police are investigating the extortion allegation.

(Caribbeannews.net)

CAPELTON

Chief Electoral Officer Says Only Deceased Removed from List of Registered Voters BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Amid reports that hundreds of names have been deleted from the voters list ahead of the Mary 24 general elections in Barbados, Chief Electoral Officer Angela Taylor has insisted that only deceased persons have been removed from the list.

And she said the process required when deleting those persons is being followed.

“We have to publish the names that we intend to delete; we have to give members of the public four weeks to get back to us and say if there is any reason why we shouldn’t delete [a name]. We correct any errors that we might have made and then we print the list of persons who we have deleted,” Taylor explained.

In addition, the Chief Electoral Officer said there were people who may have changed their address but were not yet registered in their new constituency, and they are still being investigated.

“When persons register or make amendments they come to replace it we ask ‘what’s your adto their registration, such as change of address, we dress?’ and if it is what we have on the system it have our registering officers go out into the con- stays. If you give us something different we will stituency and do the investigations, which com- update your record,” Taylor noted.

The updated Register of Electors will be pubprises confirming that they are living at the address and confirming exactly which constituency, de- lished and printed on Friday. pending on the boundary lines and exactly which (Caribbeannews.net) polling district, they are living in,” Taylor exMINERVA TRAVEL plained.

She added that perCLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED sons who have not subEnjoy a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on the mitted a form but are registered at their current Norwegian Getaway address would have preNovember 18 to 25, 2018 sented themselves to the Miami – Roatan Honduras – Harvest Caye Belize – Costa Maya, Mexico – Cozumel Mexico – Miami Electoral and Boundaries Inside $955 – Ocean View $1,115 – Balcony $1,255 (Limited staterooms still available) Commission at some Deposit $300 non-refundable by February 26, 2018 — Final payment August 08, 2018 point.

Contact: Minerva Travel “When a person or minitravel@hotmail.com Tel: 718-377-2071 loses their ID card and

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

9

2

Caribbean Warned to Prepare for Possibility of Severe Outbreak Of Dengue Fever PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — While Chikungunya and Zika which swept the region in 2014 and 2016 are not expected back anytime soon, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning residents to “gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2018.”

It says that’s because the pre-conditions of abundant mosquito vector levels still exist and increased levels of dengue are being reported in Latin America and elsewhere.

The Trinidad-based CARPHA says it is imperative, as rainy season begins in many countries, that

Recepgtacles like tyres and drums are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,

efforts to stop mosquitoes breeding be stepped up, especially for pregnant women and vulnerable populations, noting that dengue remains a global health problem and, like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease.

“Although dengue is not new to the region, we need to gear up for the possibility of a severe outbreak. This virus has been increasing in frequency over the past 30 years. Reports from Latin America elsewhere show markedly increased dengue in recent months, so we in the Caribbean can expect it will soon be here,” CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. James Hospedales said yesterday in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2018.

RECEPTACLES LIKE TYRES AND DRUMS ARE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR MOSQUITOES.

Under the slogan “Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites”, Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week is being marked May 7 to 13, and focuses on mosquito borne diseases and risks associated with them.

The measures used for controlling the spread of dengue are the same as those for Zika and Chikungunya as these diseases are transmit-

ted by the same mosquito, Aedes aegypti. CARPHA said that as the rainy season approaches, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified.

It says the most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.

Research by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) shows that drums and tyres are the main mosquito breeding sources in Caribbean countries.

“We need to clean up our surroundings. The two most important things to manage mosquito populations in our Caribbean countries are to manage water storage drums and tanks, and properly dispose of used vehicle tires to prevent mosquitos breeding,” said Dr. Hospedales.

Actions that can be taken include covering drums and tanks, checking the guttering, removing stagnant water sources and individuals protecting themselves and their family from bites.

Infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take

THE DENGUE MOSQUITO extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and enlist the help of family, friends and neighbours to destroy breeding sites.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but can be severe and cause death. Symptoms typically begin four to ten days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. This illness can evolve to severe dengue, characterized by potentially deadly complication due to intense and continuous abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting.

(Caribbean360)

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

3

Jamaica and US Amend Open Skies Agreement to Enhance Commerce KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica and the United States of America have revised their Open Skies Air Transport Agreement to further strengthen the aviation partnership between the two countries and deepen commercial and economic ties.

Under an amendment signed yesterday, the Governments have agreed to allow all cargo airlines from their respective countries to continue to third country destinations without having to return home first.

This amendment is expected to enhance business connectivity for Jamaica and the United States.

Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague notes that air services agreements smooth the progress of international and commercial air transport between territories.

He said Jamaica has signed such agreements with 29 countries and is actively pursuing alliance with various others.

“Indeed, our desire for strengthened bilateral relationship between the United States and Jamaica is the basis for this amendment agreement today, and arose from negotiations at the 2017 International Conference on Air Services Negotiation held in Colombo, Sri Lanka,” he said.

Minister Montague noted that air transport is a driver of growth, and the Government is continuously seeking ways to increase connectivity through the Open Skies Policy.

The policy aims to encourage competition and expansion of international air services and provide an open environment that will encourage operations into Jamaica’s airports, facilitating the development of Jamaica’s international trade, investments, tourism and all sectors of air transport.

It also provides liberalized criteria for designation and code-sharing among airlines, and the creation of balanced links and access with CARICOM and non-CARICOM carriers/operators.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States, Eric Khant, who signed on behalf of his Government, said that expanding open skies agreements is a key part of United States strategy for engagement in the Caribbean, creating an environment where greater growth-inducing commerce can take place.

“Our aviation partnership with Jamaica has always been robust and mutually beneficial, so we (are) augmenting that partnership today,” he said.

Khant said as the Government of Jamaica works to build the nation as an intermodal logistics hub, this amend-

Minister of Transort and Mining of Jamaica, Robert Montague (left), shakes hands with Chargé F’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States, Eric Khantl following the signing of an Amended Open Skies Air Transport Agreement between the two countries.

ment will attract many new air carriers to the market, allowing them to operate from Jamaica as they serve the region and beyond.

He said several other countries in the region have already signed the agreement, including Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Overall, this amendment represents our strong and growing economic partnership that supports Jamaica’s economic reform agenda,” he said.

(Caribbean360)

Suspended Cop and Mother Charged with Passport Forgery ST JOHN’S, Antigua, — A suspended senior police officer and his mother have been charged with fraud related to an alleged racket involving forging Antigua and Barbuda passports.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Ray John, 47, who was suspended last month pending an investigation; and his mother, 63year-old Yvonne Nickie, were each granted EC$50,000 bail (US$18,523) yesterday when they appeared in court on several charges stemming from offences allegedly committed between January and March this year.

As part of their bail conditions, they had to surrender their travel documents and have to report to the police station daily.

In addition to facing five counts of conspiracy to forge Antigua and Barbuda passports jointly with his Vincentian-born mother, John is also accused of two counts of larceny of 54 multi-layered infilling sheets and one multilayered infilling patch, valued EC$21,700, (US$8,039) the property of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office.

He is further accused of receiving four multi-layered infilling sheets and one multilayered infilling patch valued at EC$1,300 (US$482), also property of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office, knowing same to have been stolen.

Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh ordered the mother and son to return to court on July 11.

The charges they were slapped with stem from an investigation that began in early April, into the discovery of bio pages of Antigua and Barbuda passports in the possession of a man in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

John was subsequently suspended after his home was searched and several items confiscated. His mother was visiting him at the time, but a few days later, as she boarded a flight back home at the V.C. Bird International Airport, she was held by police.

(Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh In a dark and gloomy room, the fortune teller was startled by what she saw in her crystal ball.

She looked up at her customer, sitting across the table. "There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just be blunt. Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year."

Visibly shaken, the woman stared at the psychic's lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself. She simply had to know.

She met the fortune teller's gaze, steadied her voice, and asked: "Will I get away with it?"

THE FORTUNE TELLER

RICH COCONUT BUNS Ingredients: 8 ozs. margarine 8 ozs. sugar 3 eggs 12 ozs. flour 12 tsps. baking powder 1⁄2 large peeled coconuts (grated) ⁄2 tsp. almond essence

5. Put into queen cake tins and bake in a hot oven 425oF for 20-30 minutes.

Two Trini businessmen in Chaguanas were taking a break in their soon to be opened new store.

The store wasn’t ready yet, with only a few shelves set up. One owner said to the other jokingly, “Ah bet any minute now some chupidee gon put he face in the window and ask wha we selling?”

No sooner were the words out of his mouth, when sure enough a curious window shopper walked to the door had a peek and in a loud voice asked, “What all yuh selling here?”

TRINI RETAILING

Method: 1. Cream margarine and sugar.

2. Beat in eggs singly with essence.

3. Cut in flour and baking powder.

4. Add grated coconut. Mic to a soft doing consistency.

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE EXTRAORDINARY SLOTH Sloths have long, curved claws that allow them to comfortably hang upsidedown from branches. With only about half as much muscle tissue as other animals of similar weight, they move only when necessary. At night they inch slowly along the branches in search of the tree leaves and twigs that they eat.

They sometimes sit on top of branches

ever, a recent study done by scientists of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, indicates sloths sleep about 10 hours a day.

On smooth ground a sloth is relatively helpless, barely able to support its own weight. On a flat surface its claws scratch around trying hard to get a grip.

When sloths do move along the ground, their speed is generally less than one foot per minute. Their top speed is about 5 feet per minute.

However, sloths are competent swimmers. Where there is a stream or a lake they may jump in without fear and swim easily.

Baby sloths normally cling to their mother's fur, and fall off occasionally. They are tough creatures and rarely die from a fall. However, some of them do die. Rarely would a mother leave her place on the tree to investigate.

It has been noticed, however, that sloths observe a ritual descent about once a week. They would go to the ground to urinate and defecate, exposing themselves to great risk by going to the same spot on each occasion.

Females normally produce a baby

IT LIVES SLOWLY AND DIES SLOWLY

W

hen we say a person is a “sloth,” we pay him no compliment. We mean he is sluggish and lazy. We are saying that he takes after the sloth, an animal that is loath to move, and sleeps for most of the day.

Sloths are strange-looking animals, found in Central and South America, and are related to anteaters, armadillos, and aardvarks. They live in the canopies of trees in tropical rain forests and are never ordinarily seen anywhere else.

There are six species, generally described as three-toed and two-toed sloths. Three-toed sloths have three toes on each foot. Twotoed sloths have two toes on their front feet and three on the back.

The length of a two-toed sloth ranges from 18 inches to a little above two feet. Its tail is about 2.5 inches. The three-toed sloth is somewhat smaller. Weights vary from about 7 to 18 pounds.

Strictly speaking all sloths have three toes. The "two-toed" sloths, however, have only two fingers. Two-toed sloths are generally faster moving than three-toed sloths.

The Three Toed Sloth

but, more often, they eat, sleep, and even give birth hanging from tree limbs.

Most early literature said that sloths sleep for about 18 hours each day. How-

One of the men replied sarcastically: “We selling fools.”

Without skipping a beat, the window shopper said: “All yuh doin’ well then . . . only two left?”

A Black girl and a White girl were friends.

The Black girl slept over at the White girl's house. It was 3 a.m., and they were still up.

The White girl's mother came downstairs and said, 'Honey, don't you think it's time for you to go to bed?' The White girl responded, 'Shut up Mother, I don't want to go to sleep now!'

Her mother said, 'Okay, honey. You can go to bed later.’The Black girl was very intrigued by what happened and decided to use the same tactics when she got home.

The next night the Black girl's mother said to her girl, 'Girl, go to bed! It's late!'

The Black girl shouted, 'Shut up Momma, I don't want to go to sleep now!’

The Black girl's mother took one look at her and raised her eyebrow. The Black girl started to blink, looked around, and asked, 'Where am I?' A lady came over to the bed and answered, 'You're in the Intensive Care Unit, Sweetie.'

MOTHER vs MOMMA

every year, but because of their slow movements they may take longer than a year to make contact with a mate.

The English explorer and writer Charles Waterton, who lived in British Guiana from 1804 to 1812, said in his book “Wanderings in South America,” that sloths were often caught and abused.

He wrote that the sloth’s looks, gestures and cries “all conspire to entreat you to take pity on him.” Three-toed sloths are commonly called Ai. The name “Ai,” imitates the sighing sound that sloths sometimes make when in distress.

The sloth’s digestion also is slow. The leaves it eats do not provide a great deal of energy and take a long time to pass through the multiple compartments of the animal’s very large, specialized, slow-acting stomach and the process can take as long as a month to complete.

The fur of a sloth may be brown or gray and shaggy. It is often covered by growing algae. The greenish color the algae gives the fur serves as a camouflage against humans, eagles, jaguars, ocelots, Harpy eagles, anacondas and other animals.

The sloth’s greatest danger from humans is not from being hunted, but from displacement from its habitat.

The sloth hangs tenaciously to life.

Even when shot by a hunter, and in the process of dying, it may remain hanging upside-down in a tree, held in place by its claws. Waterton wrote: “It exists long after it has received wounds which would have destroyed any other animal; and it may be said, on seeing a mortally wounded sloth, that life disputes with death every inch of flesh in its body.”

Interfaith Service to mark Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

Tremendous progress H

is Excellency Rudolph Ten-Pow, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations and Honorable Barbara Atherly, Consul General of Guyana in New York, will honor the …President up gains since coalition assumes office of Independence of the Cooperative Re52nd Anniversarytalks PRESIDENT Grang- with small,”an said President Granger Service, ensuring weon overcome some improvements over the last public ofDavid Guyana Interfaith Sunday er has said that he does not in an invited comment at State of the challenges we faced three years, the Government May 20, 2018. envisage any major addition House on Wednesday. in May 2015,” said the Pres- has done a lot,” he said. or change to his will Cabinet It has been theme: three years adding Living that commen“Sixident, People and The Service be headed by reeven as he stated that the since the A Partnership for tators do not understand the ligious leaders of the various faiths Working Together in Unity”. administration has done National Unity and Alliance difficulties they face in terms of Guyana and held in the(APNU+AFC) tremendously wellwould despitebe for Change of finance and international A procession of Faith Leaders the odds. of the Academic Government elected to relations, among other Atrium Corewaswith flag bearers, and a choirthings. will Wednesday marked three office and the President said Sober analysts would be Building, York College Campus, commence presided years since the APNU+AFC he does not believe that there the ableordinance, to see “tremendous” 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Government has been in of- will be an expansion from progress, he asserted, noting over by Bishop Robin Dinnanauth, fice.

“Every person I appointthat for the first timeSheik since Jamaica, at 3 :00 p.m. 15 main ministries of any the time Christian community, ed in May 2015 is still in the soon.

Independence, they have a Mohammed Shaffieq of the Bybeen Cabinet; there have only President Granger be- situation where the Muslim territorial changes in terms of establishof case Venezuela will be Community and with Pandit Arun Gossai Sandra Clarkelieves that the members ing the Ministry of Telecom- Cabinet are enough to deal going to the court.

“In relation of the Hindu Community. munications and so forth, in but collaboration with new and existing chal- to the changes in wages and The Diplomats, I 12 want to keep the Cabinet lenges. “It is just a matter of pension, if you innumerate the The event will culminate with the

with the Friends of the Consulate Committee, are inviting all Guyanese to participate in the evening of prayer and thanksgiving for the nation’s accomplishment, as they celebrate the

singing of Guyanese folk songs, a flute solo, and a reception with delicious fare showcasing Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.

assistance and advice of regional and international counterparts. For instance, he pointed out that the Security Sector Reform report is with Cabinet and will be In addition, aside from the revealed when they have recent tragedy in Suriname completed their deliberawaters, President Granger said tions. “Once it is done, there they were able to suppress is nothing to hide. There are piracy in Guyana waters but, serious security challenges the recent incident involving but we are deeply concerned Guyanese fishermen showed about the security condithat they still have to ensure tions and the sooner we that piracy is uprooted. implement those reforms the better,” said President The President also noted the problems in the prison President David Granger Granger. He maintained service but said they are speaking to reporters as that government is confident not of their making. How- Foreign Affairs Minister, that they would be able to ever, they are working to Carl Greenidge, looks on deliver a better and safer life photo) for all Guyanese. overcome Chronicle them with the Guyana New(Adrian YorkNarine Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

Interfaith Service to mark Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence

H

is Excellency Rudolph Ten-Pow, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations and Honorable Barbara Atherly, Consul General of Guyana in New York, will honor the 52nd Anniversary of Independence of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana with an Interfaith Service, on Sunday May 20, 2018.

The Service will be headed by religious leaders of the various faiths of Guyana and would be held in the Atrium of the Academic Core Building, York College Campus, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Jamaica, at 3 :00 p.m.

By Sandra Clarke

theme: “Six People Living and Working Together in Unity”.

A procession of Faith Leaders with flag bearers, and a choir will commence the ordinance, presided over by Bishop Robin Dinnanauth, of the Christian community, Sheik Mohammed Shaffieq of the Muslim Community and Pandit Arun Gossai of the Hindu Community.

The Diplomats, in collaboration The event will culminate with the with the Friends of the Consulate singing of Guyanese folk songs, a Committee, are inviting all Guyanese flute solo, and a reception with deto participate in the evening of prayer licious fare showcasing Guyana’s and thanksgiving for the nation’s acrich cultural heritage. complishment, as they celebrate the

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

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SUNDAY May 13,2018 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition weekCHRONICLE, ending May 18,

Lindo Creek revisited: A r

Story and Photos by Svetlana Marshall

AS the tears trickled down her cheeks, Onica Butts just sat there silently in the grass, a stone’s throw from where the bodies of her reputed husband and seven other miners were haphazardly placed on top of each other and set afire after being shot and killed by armed gunmen at a camp in Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River in Region 10.

Remnants of a blue tarpaulin and an enamel cup that had seen better days were visible in the sand where it is said that the charred remains of the miners were found on Saturday June 21, 2008 by owner of the mining camp, Mr Leonard Arokium. A rusted ‘lavadora’, the machine used by the miners to wash the gravel to get to the diamonds, an engine and several dented and corroded drums, along with a black rubber tube could be seen at different

foot on the scene of the gruesome crime. Mr Torres is the father of 17-year-old Nigel Torres, one of the eight Lindo Creek victims.

As Butts sat quietly contemplating perhaps what life would have been like had the father of her two children, Dax Arokium, been alive, Justice Trotman upon arrival at the campsite, gathered the members of his team and observed a moment of silence.

Among those in his entourage were the Commission’s Legal Counsel Patrice Henry, and its Public Relations Officer, Melanie Morris; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officer, Sherlock Rigby; four ranks of the Guyana Police Force, namely Corporals Gasper and Bruce, and Constables Akeem Bacchus and Shain Kippins; and two tour guides, Carl Jacobs and Kevin Campbell.

In his quest to find the truth about what transpired the day the eight miners were murdered, Justice

Justice Donald Trotman being assisted across one of the five creeks enroute to Lindo Creek

Onica Butts and the Torres sisters laying flowers at the site in remembrance of their loved ones

ppoints of the camp now partially covered with vegetation.

Butts was among the first to arrive on Friday at the scene of the June 2008 massacre, ahead of a 23-member team led by Chairman of the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (COI), Justice (Retired) Donald Trotman.

In fact, Butts and Mr Edmond Torres and his three children (Talia, Tanasha and Xaviar, ages 14, 17 and 18) created history by becoming the first family to ever set

Trotman proved naysayers wrong when he and his team travelled the more than 119 miles from Kwakwani, through the treacherous UNAMCO Trail for a period of two-and-a-half hours, using 4x4 vehicles before it was time to come off the road.

At that point, the team then trekked through the forest, covering rough terrain in the process. The fallen trees, the steep and slippery hills, and the five creeks proved to be the most difficult to manoeuver during the more

than two-hour-long journey to the scene of the massacre.

Public Health Ministry’s Medex Lolitta Rebeiro and Justice Trotman’s Security Carl McLeod were also part of the team, along with five media operatives.

TOUGH GOING Though describing the journey to Lindo Creek as “rough, hazardous and strenuous”, Justice Trotman was determined to reach the camp, and he did with the

assistance of Officer Rigby, the police and the tour guides.

After observing the minute of silence, Justice Trotman told those gathered that the journey was critical to the inquiry, while declaring that history was being created by the team.

“We cannot dwell upon the atrocities and the sorrows,” he began. “We have to dwell on the hopes and the future, so that our being here today could very well mean that no similar atrocities in the future will be committed by anyone else in our nation.

“And we hope also that our presence here will encourage the appropriate authorities of our State and Government to afford and accord the responsibilities which they have to protect their citizens in times of peace and in time of peril.

So as we leave here today, history will remember that we met here in a spirit of inquiry; in a spirit of wanting to find the truth of what happened so that something similar will never happen again in our country among our people.”

Standing at a vantage point on the campsite, Mr Torres stood by himself observing the area while his three children combed it. “I feel very sad,” he told the Guyana Chronicle as the

tears welled in his eyes. His son had gone to Lindo Creek in search of work when he met his demise.

According to Mr Torres, he almost broke down in tears at sight of Butts crying silently in the grass, but

though it took some doing, decided to hold it in.

“But I glad to see where my son died and burn,” he said, adding that he’d heard of the area where the tragedy occurred, but it was the first time in 10 years that he was

Justice Trotman and team trekking through the forest

SUNDAY 2018Edition GuyanaCHRONICLE, Chronicle May New13, York

week ending May 18, 2018

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return to the crime scene Onica Butts cuts a lonely figure at the site where her reputed husband was murdered

given the opportunity to visit the scene.

For him and his three remaining children, it was important to be there. His wife, Yonette, could not bear stand in the area where her son was shot, killed and burnt, so she remained at home at the Kwakwani Waterfront.

CONFLICTING THEORIES Based on the journey he’d undertaken that day, Mr Torres concluded that it was impossible for the Rondell ‘Fine-Man’ Rawlins’ gang to commit the gruesome crime while on the run from the Joint Services.

“Never! Never! It is not the “Fine-Man Gang”! Not them!” he told this newspaper.

The theory is that after the gang came under police fire at Christmas Falls, further up the Berbice River, on June 6, 2008, they crossed the river and, coming upon the miners at Lindo Creek, they executed them.

However, based on the geographical location, persons familiar with the terrain are maintaining that it was impossible for the gang to reach Lindo Creek from Christmas Falls while being on the run from the Joint Services.

Kevin Campbell, an ex-policeman-turned miner who is familiar with area in the Upper Berbice River, expressed similar views while speaking to the Guyana Chronicle and Newsroom.

“It is highly impossible!” he said. “They can’t meet

here! Let me tell you from my heart, is not they do it!

I ain’t buying that! And no li’l child wouldn’t buy that either; is not they do it!”

Campbell maintained.

Campbell, during his annual leave while in the Force, had worked with the miners. He left the Force the same day he heard of the gruesome killing; and one after when he returned to the scene, he still found skeletal remains.

“It was sad to know they said that they picked up all the bones them, and when you come again, bones still remaining,” Campbell said. Upon finding the bones of the miners, Campbell said he put them in a black plastic bag and buried them in the sand a short distance away from where they were burnt.

CALL FOR JUSTICE Today, he, like the Torres family, is calling for justice to prevail. “I hope for my sister to get justice for her husband; I would glad for her to get justice, and I need justice for my friends them too,” Campbell said.

Though Butts was too distraught to speak on the scene, she subsequently opened up to this newspaper. “The journey that I took yesterday was challenging,” she said. “And from what they’re saying that it’s ‘Fine-Man’, it’s highly impossible for a man on the run to commit such a crime, knowing that people are after him.”

Kevin, the tour guide, who had worked with the miners before their demise, looking at what’s left of the engine that was used at the camp prior to the massacre

The ‘lavadora’ used by the miners to wash the diamonds

Four months pregnant with her second child at the time, Butts said she was in a state of shock and disbelief upon learning that her reputed husband had been murdered. Today, close to 10 years later, facing reality is still major struggle for her.

Before leaving the mining camp on Friday afternoon, Butts, along with the members of the Torres family, paid homage to their loved ones by laying flowers at the spot where their burnt remains were found.

Cecil Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs and Clifton Berry Wong were the other miners that were murdered.

All that remains at the spot where the bodies of the miners were burnt

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

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

Guyana’s Journey to Independence

P

EOPLE’S ACTION COMMITTEE. On November 6, 1945, Dr. Cheddi Jagan; his wife Janet; Jocelyn Hubbard, General Secretary of the Trade Union Council (TUC); Ashton Chase, General Secretary of the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU); formed the Peoples Action Committee (PAC). Some young stars that joined its ranks included Boysie Ramkarran, Sydney King ((Eusi Kwayana), Rory Westmas, Martin Carter, Chet Huntley and Lionel Jeffrey.

On July 12, 1945 Janet Jagan; The incident never occurred. A petiWinifred Gaskin, wife of legendary tion, claiming that Critchlow used Guyanese cricketer Berkley Gaskin; racial bias and defamation of characand Mrs. Frances Stafford, wife of Joseph Van Battenburg Stafford; a distinguished local solicitor, had formed the Women’s Progressive and Economic Organization (WPEO).

The PAC called for universal adult suffrage without literacy qualifications and self-government for the colony. The expatriate ruling class, the local elite and the business community found these ideas subversive and called PAC leaders communists.

THE 1947 ELECTIONS On November 24, 1947 elections were held in Guyana. Two parties contested — Manpower Citizens Association (MPCA), the purported voice of sugar workers, but really the lackey of the Sugar Producers Association (SPA) and the British Guiana Labour Party (BGLP), comprised of trade unions outside the MPCA. Additionally, 31 Independents ran.

Among those were Dr. and Mrs. Jagan and Jocelyn Hubbard.

The BGLP contested 13 of the 14 seats and the MPCA 7.

The BGLP won five seats, MPCA won one seat and the remaining eight were won by Independents.

The elections changed the balance of power from the old guard to newcomers. These included Dr Jung Bahadur Singh, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Dr. J. A. Nicholson, Theophilus Lee, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, W. O. R. Kendall, Daniel Debidin, Rev. A. T. Peters, Captain J. P. Coglan and C. V. Wright. Members of the old guard who retained their seats were Dr. G. M. Gonsalves, C. P. Ferreira, W. Phang and John Fernandes.

In the 1947 elections, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow ran for the BGLP in the North Cummingsburgh constituency. His competitor was Mrs. Frances Stafford, a white expatriate. R. B. O. Hart, one of Critchlow’s managers claimed and the candidate repeated that Mrs. Stafford had been convicted of kicking an African child and fined $5.00.

were demanding that the system under which they worked be changed from the “cut and load” to one of “cut and drop.” Under the former, they were required to cut the cane and load it onto punts. The latter would be one in which they would cut the cane and other workers would load it for shipment to the factory.

They also demanded higher wages

FLASHBACK: (from left) Boysie Ramkarran, Sydney King (now Eusi Kwayana), L. F. S. Burnhan, Janet Jagan, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, J. P. Latchmansingh and Ashton Chase.

ter to be elected, was filed and upheld and Critchlow’s election was declared null and void. John Carter (later Sir John Carter), a young, and brilliant lawyer, contested the bielection and won.

The 1947 Legislature gave the people hope that things would improve. However, most legislators recognized that there was a problem with the limitations imposed by the colonial office on their power. They argued that a new constitution, giving them more power, was necessary to implement the steps required for improving the situation.

Sir Charles Woolley, the then Governor, did not share their concerns and his actions demonstrated his utter disdain for the election results. He nominated defeated candidates to serve in the Legislative and Executive Councils and to chair advisory committees. Among them were Frederick Seaforth, head of Bookers; and Lionel Luckhoo, a prominent lawyer and well-known supporter of the status quo.

ENMORE RIOTS On April 22, 1948, cane cutters throughout British Guiana, backed by the General Industrial Workers Union (GIWU), went on strike. They

and improved living conditions.

As the strike continued, they rejected the MPCA’s call for them to return to work and requested negotiations with the SPA, an organization of estate owners, be conducted exclusively with the GIWU. The SPA refused their request and insisted that they would only bargain with the MPCA. This was expected, since they had always gotten their way with the MPCA and knew that the GIWU would not be as accommodating.

On the morning of June 16, 1948, a crowd of 400 workers gathered outside the Enmore Estate to protest and picket. By midday, it grew to 1,000 and was led by one of the workers carrying a red flag. They attempted to enter the factory compound through the gates and two trench gaps at the rear. Despite heavy police protection of these areas, they managed to push open the main gate.

When their efforts to restrain the strikers failed, the police opened fire.

Five strikers were killed — Lallabagee Kissoon, 30 years old; who was shot in the back and Dookie; who died in the hospital later that day, came from Enmore. Pooran, nine-years-old, who was shot in the leg and pelvis; Rambarran, who died

(part 3)

from bullet wounds in his leg; and Harry, who died the following day from severe spinal injuries; came f r o m Enterprise. Those who died became known as the Enmore Martyrs.

Governor, Sir Charles Woolley, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident. F. M. Boland, a prominent Supreme Court Judge, headed it and its members were S. L. Van B. Stafford and R. S. Persaud, Registrar of the Supreme Court.

In their testimony to the Commission, police officers involved in the shooting claimed that their actions were in self-defense against an unruly mob, bent on killing them.

The report, as widely expected, justified the shootings.

In October 1948, the Secretary of State for the Colonies appointed a Commission to inquire into, and report on, the organization of the sugar industry in British Guiana, with special reference to production, wages and working conditions, and to make recommendations for improvement.

The Commission was known as the Venn Commission.

Its chairman was J. A. Venn Litt.D., J. P., President of Queen’s College, Cambridge; R. Sudell, FILA, Agricultural Journalist and B. G. Smallman, Secretary, an official at the Colonial Office.

The Commission arrived in British Guiana on December 24, 1948 and held an inaugural meeting on December 28 at the Georgetown Town Hall. The public began presenting evidence four days later.

After listening to 192 testimonies in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, and having visited all the main sugar plantations, they left February 19, 1949 and submitted their report to the British Government in July 1949

ADULT SUFFRAGE On August 25, 1948, the Legislative Council defeated a bill on adult suffrage. Dr. Jagan was the only legislator to vote in the affirmative.

Ironically, the LCP representatives — John Carter, Dr. Gonzales, Dr. Nicholson and W. O. R. Kendall — voted against it.

The British Government realized that steps were required to examine the possibility of granting

(continued on page 20)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

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Iconic educator Lyken laid to rest

By Shirley Thomas

HUNDREDS from the education sector, as well as mourners and sympathisers whose lives she had touched in diverse ways, on Wednesday bade a fond farewell as they paid their last respects to a fallen Guyanese educational icon.

Renowned academician, Olive Adriana Lyken and pioneer in the founding of the Robert Lyken Memorial Home died at her East Street, Georgetown residence on Thursday May 3, 2018, following a brief period of illness.

Her body was interred at Le Repentir Cemetery after a moving Thanksgiving Service at the Trinity Methodist Church. On High Street. She was 94.

Lyken, with years of exceptional experience in the teaching profession, was the first woman to have held the prestigious position of Education Officer in Guyana, as well as the first Principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education, making an indelible impact on the education sector in Guyana.

It was in 1956 that she was assigned to the Essequibo Coast as an education officer with responsibility for staff development in the Nursery and Infant Division.

The year 1974 was another breakthrough year for

The late Ms Olive Adriana Lyken

Lyken; for it was in that year that she was appointed principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education, functioning in that capacity for five years then retiring in 1979.

Born in Georgetown on March 15, 1924, to Joseph Eleazor Lyken and Emily Mathilda Lyken, Olive was the youngest of four siblings.

TRAILBLAZER There were many glowing tributes in her honour, and according to Audrey Goring who read the eulogy, Lyken’s passion was education. Goring recalled that at the tender age of 16, she entered the teaching profession, serving as a primary school teacher from 1940

to 1956. By 1947, she had already obtained her Trained Teacher’s Certificate from the-then Government Training College.

In 1967, she took up the position of lecturer in Geography and Infant Education at the Cyril Potter College of Education, and a year later, was appointed deputy principal of the college.

In 1979, she retired from the education sector and joined the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) as group training officer, a position she retained for the next 13 years until 1992. She also developed and ran an Apprentice Scheme at GPC, doing it with a passion, since it was part of her career that she loved best.

She subsequently proceeded to the United Kingdom to continue her studies. Applying herself diligently as always, she graduated with a Degree with Honours in Geography from Birbeck College at the University of London.

Lyken lived in the UK for eight years during which she worked as a remedial teacher – special education, with the Greater London Education Authority before returning to Guyana.

FAMILY BUSINESS Over the years, she was also very much involved in the family business, The

Robert Lyken Funeral Parlour, founded by her father in 1922 after World War I and through the years, managed by his sons Robert, Arthur, Joseph (Big Joe) and nephew (Little Joe).

Subsequent to their passing, she took over the management of the business, by which time Olive had retired from GPC. However, in recent times she’d passed the mantle of leadership of the family legacy on to her nephew, Gordon Lyken.

Aunt Olive, as she was familiarly called by family members, was described as a remarkable woman.

According to her nieces and nephews, “She was the epitome of traditional values, an affectionate person,

yet a strict disciplinarian and demanded strict moral values from her students, siblings and many nieces and nephews.” She was a stickler for discipline.

In other tributes by relatives, members of the teaching profession and educational sector generally, Aunt Olive was eulogised as a sincere, dedicated woman with a strong personality and one who expressed her views without fear; one who helped to positively shape the character of those within her realm. She taught strong values and the importance of working together as a team.

Even though she had no biological children, Lyken was described as a ‘mother’ to many (whose lives she

touched) in diverse ways: as a friend, colleague, teacher, educator.

Among those paying tributes from the congregation bidding a fond farewell and paying their last respects were members drawn from the 300-strong ‘41st Batch of the College of Education’ (1974 to 1976), which was led by Olive Adriana Lyken.

Others included Director of Public Prosecutions, Wilfred Lee, former chairman of the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Shalimar Hack, Noelle Richardson and Albert Bentick.

Bereaved family members, other mourners and sympathisers at the Thanksgiving Service for Olive Lyken at the Trinity Methodist Church on Wednesday

Samuels breaks up rum drinking prison gang A NUMBER of prison inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison located at Penitentiary Walk, New Amsterdam, Berbice, would be transferred to other prisons across the country as the prison administration moves to break up the open lawlessness that was displayed last weekend, when some of them posted images on Facebook of them drinking rum.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle last evening, Director of Prison (ag) Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels, said the development is indeed worrying to the administration of the prisons and immediate steps were taken to address the issue. He further stated that over the next few days a number of other measures would be taken to ensure the practice does not continue.

In the photographs which surfaced, inmates were seen relaxing as they drank and posed with high-end liquor and some amount of cannabis

and other contrabands. As for the liquor, it is clear that those could not have been smuggled into the facility by persons visiting the inmates, since it would have been uncovered at the checking point at the prisons.

Last evening Samuels explained that already some of the prisoners were separated from the areas at the location that they were being house.

He continued, “Arrangements are being worked on with the police in ‘B’ Division to improve the level of security at the prisons.”

Over the years a number of prison officers would have been placed before the courts for facilitating the smuggling of contrabands into the prison cells for inmates. Those contrabands, in instances, were intended for and in other cases delivered to suspects on remand for murder, cocaine trafficking, armed robberies and other serious crimes.

Also on Monday, the Min-

istry of Public Security issued a statement informing that is was aware of the development at the New Amsterdam Prison.

The ministry noted that the mobile phone which was used to upload the photographs to social media has since been confiscated, and that the authorities have already launched an investigation. It is unclear whose name the sim card being used in the phone is registered to, and added to that it is also unclear who might be the person(s) supplying these mobile devices which are within the prison walls and in the hands of prisoners with credit and the facilitation of data plan.

A number of inmates, including some at Camp Street and Lusignan often make Facebook posts and change their profile photos and statuses from their jail cell. There are also some within the walls with active WhatsApp and Instagram accounts. The Public Security Ministry said it

was extremely disappointed that alien and other materials inclusive of drugs and liquor find their way into the various prisons.

The release while not pointing any fingers directly to anyone, said that there can be no doubt that pris-

on wardens and prisoners are in collusion and that contributed to the Sunday’s development. Further, the release stated, that such kind of misbehaviour by culpable prison wardens will be dealt with very seriously, following the conclusion of

an investigation which has already been launched. The ministry is confident that the investigations will reveal who the officers are, even as the ministry promised to feed the public with the information when the probe is concluded.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

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

H

as your tax return gotten just too complicated to handle on your own? Or maybe you just don't have the time to fill out all those forms. Every year the laws are changing, and it is becoming more and more difficult. So now you've decided to bite the bullet and hire a tax pro.

You have to start planning early for next year. If your tax situation is relatively simple, you probably can get by with a commercial preparer such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. Or consider an enrolled agent, who is certified by the IRS and has a PTIN number.

However, if your tax return will be complex, you just started a business in the past year or you are looking for year-round tax advice, consider hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) or certified private accountant or financial specialist. Another option is an accredited tax adviser or preparer, like the writer of this article, who receives credentials from the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation who are qualified to handle returns for individuals and businesses, and can handle more complicated issues such as estate planning.

These are the various professionals who can help. Picking the appropriate type of preparer is the easy part. Actually finding the right experienced company or person to do the job can be tough.

This person is going to know as much about your financial situation as your spouse, so the professional needs to be someone you're comfortable with and could rely on for guidance and direction.

If you're thinking about enlisting the help of a professional tax preparer for the first time or are searching for someone new because you're not satisfied with the service you're getting from you current preparer, follow these steps.

Step 1: Get a referral. Referrals from satisfied existing clients are excellent recommendations. So ask your friends, family and colleagues whether they can recommend a tax preparer. If you are new to an area, check with your state to find a competent CPA in your area. Then narrow your list of recommended tax preparers down to two or three candidates, who you will then call or visit for an interview.

Step 2: Interview candidates. If you're trying to hire a new tax preparer in the midst of tax season, you might have a hard time finding someone who can sit down with you in his or her office for a long interview. However, most tax preparers should have time for a phone interview of 20 to 30 minutes. If they aren't willing to give you a few minutes on the phone --

or want to charge you for the initial interview — then look elsewhere. You want somebody who is willing to listen to you, hear your story.

Here are some key questions to ask at the interview.

1. How long have you been in practice? You want someone who has been preparing returns long enough (i.e. several years) to anticipate problems or IRS challenges.

2. What are your credentials? Anyone can hang out a shingle claiming to be a tax preparer because there are no licensing requirements. So search for an enrolled agent, accredited tax adviser (ATA), accredited tax preparer (ATP), certified pub-

Hiring a Tax Professional lic accountant (CPA). Only a CPA can have the PFS, personal financial specialist, designation. Check your state's licensing board and professional associations (see step 1) to assure that he or she is a member in good standing and has had no disciplinary action taken against him or her.

3. Do you have any specialties?

This is important to ask if you have a specific need. For example, if you have a small business, you need someone who knows business accounting. Or if you have rental property, look for someone who has experience handling this sort of tax situation.

4. How much will you charge? You probably won't get an exact number, but a tax preparer should be able to provide you with an estimate. Find out if he or she charges an hourly rate or flat fee and whether that fee will cover everything or will there be add-ons for planning meetings and calls throughout the year.

5. Do you have room for a new client? Or, more importantly, will you file my return in a timely manner? And will you have time to meet with me throughout the year?

6. Will you handle my return, or will you hand it off to a less-experienced office associate? If the preparer is part of a firm and will not be preparing your return personally, ask if he or she will review it after the associate completes it.

7.

Will you represent me before the IRS? Run out the door if the answer is no. If you are audited, you want someone who will defend your return.

Step 3: Watch for red flags. Steer clear of anyone who talks about cheating the IRS. Or a preparer who pushes you to take deductions, says you don't have to report certain income or promises to get a refund that will be a certain percentage of what you earn. You should definitely avoid someone whose fees are based on a percentage of your refund. If the preparer's fees are contingent on what you're getting back, he or she may bend the rules to get more back which

could be disastrous for you.

Step 4: Mention any special circumstances. Let the preparer know about any events, such as a recent divorce or large lump-sum payment from a retirement plan that will affect your tax situation.

Step 5: Pick a preparer. So maybe even after you've interviewed all your candidates, you're still not sure whom you want to hire or are nervous about handing over this important duty to someone else.

After all, it's your signature on the form, and you're liable for the information on it -- regardless of who prepares it. Just be sure to select an individual who will be available to assist you if you have questions months, or even years, after your tax return has been filed.

YOU'VE MADE YOUR CHOICE. NOW WHAT? If you are not organized and you take a shoebox of receipts and documents to the preparer, you'll be wasting his time and your money.

Compile summarizations of your income, expenses, cost basis of investments you sold, Social Security numbers for all dependents, a list of donations you made, collect all letters you have received in the mail and tax forms sent to you by the IRS. Make it as simple and clear cut for the preparer as you can.

Do not sign a blank return. It's like giving a blank check to someone. Be sure you are satisfied with the return before signing it because you are responsible for its contents.

When the return is complete, make sure the preparer has signed it. If they don't sign it, it should raise a red flag: Are they doing something they know is wrong? Besides, paid preparers are required by IRS to sign a return and there are provisions laid out in electronic filings.

PROS ON THE CHEAP If you can't afford one of the tax preparers discussed above, you still can get some help from a professional —for free.

Your first stop should be the IRS website.

There you'll be able to search for local services, including free help lines and walk-in centers. You can also try the IRS's national hotline, 800-829-1040, although you're more likely to be greeted with a busy signal than a helpful voice — and phone lines will only get busier especially during the tax season.

“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 May 18, 2018

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Memories of growing up in a ‘Logie’ Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

19

- Daughter of indentured labourer talks of the days of old

Rajkumarie Prashad aka ‘Aunty Baby’ of Perseverance Village on the Essequibo Coast.

By Indrawattie Natram LAST week, Guyana observed the 180th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indians, and as this time comes around, more than ever, there remains several Guyanese who can clearly recall the experiences of their fore parents, having lived to hear some of them tell the stories themselves.

One such person is 88-yearold Rajkumarie Prashad aka ‘Aunty Baby’ of Perseverance Village on the Essequibo Coast.

‘Aunty Baby’ is one of the oldest women in her village. The Pepperpot Magazine conducted an interview with her and her story was quite interesting as she traced back with vivid memories that her father- who was an immigrant- left with her. ‘Aunty Baby’s’ father Pansham (only name given) was among the thousands of

golden ages when no one locked their doors and persons were living in comfort and trust. The only daughter of her parents, ‘Aunty Baby’ said that she enjoyed life long ago much better than in the modern age.

"Growing up in the 40s was peaceful. We enjoyed cooking on we fireside. We [use to] wash we clothes in a trench and after my mother [would] bathe we and then send we home. The life was so good and children were honouring their parents," she recalled.

After marrying at the age of 16 on May 10, 1947 to Kamta Prashad, ‘Aunty Baby’ said her life continued to prosper. She lived 70 years with her husband hap-

pily before he passed away in 2016. During her lifetime, she had many different jobs, including manually planting rice, selling vegetables and planting in her own farm.

From rice planting, she began selling at the Bourda, Suddie and Anna Regina markets to fend for her children. During her marriage with the now deceased Kamta, she gave birth to eight children, all of whom are still alive except for one of her sons- a lawyer- who passed away while he was still young.

‘Aunty Baby’ said that although today’s life is much more comfortable because of the many technological advances, she enjoyed the bond families shared in the

simpler days.

"Long ago not only your parents can scold you, but anyone from the village can pull you up whenever you erred and no one get upset. These days you can't discipline nobody children.

Long ago was strict and loyal days," ‘Aunty Baby’ further reminisced.

She also recalled the poor infrastructure that she grew up under especially the inability to access potable water and electricity.

Thanking God every day for living to see such a golden age, she related that she continues to keep herself happy with ancient memories. At the age of 88, she spends most of her time reading, writing poems and

Indians who were brought to Guyana for indentured labour between 1838-1917.

She stated that Pansham came to Guyana with his parents in the early 1900s.

Her father later got married to her mother, Bhagpat, and started his life in Guyana after he opted not to return to Calcutta, India.

Unveiling her story, she said that she can vividly recall growing up in a Logie- a house that accommodates several families and was constructed by the Indians when they came to Guyana.

LIVING IN A ‘LOGIE’ "In those days they call it range houses or Logie.

Different families lived in different compartments. Everyone had their privacy… [and] the unity and love was there," ‘Aunty Baby’ related.

She said that for over 16 years she had lived in a Logie and still remembers those

‘Aunty Baby’ reading a poem

Rajkumarie Prashad along with her husband Kamta Persaud, and her children when they were young.

also singing bhajans (Hindu religious songs).

Almost every Sunday, she spends her time at the Temple where she engages in congregational worship. She related that she always keeps God close and although her life has become a lonely one she is occupied with the essence of God. In her spare time, she washes, cooks and tidies her yard. She is a lover of fresh roses and flower plants and has her own flower garden.

Her children, who reside in the United States of America, often encourage her to go live with them, but the country-minded ‘Aunty Baby’ said she love Guyana.

She enjoys the fresh air and the comfort of the green scenery she inherited in her backyard. The woman visited her daughters and son in the USA in the year 1995 but said she loves her birthland Guyana more than any other country.

She is, however, comforted by the love of her children and her countless grandchildren. When asked what she would attribute to her long life, she said healthy eating and serving God. Her advice to young people is to stay truthful to themselves and to aspire to the righteous life.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

From page 1 ►

Rice, paddy exports up ... we exported 15,512 tonnes, which was supplied from just one miller-exporter. Thus far, we have two millers that have been given contracts to export to Cuba.

So far for this year, we have exported 37,418 tonnes valued at US $18.9 Million and we still have more to send.

We definitely have already more than 100 per cent over the 2017 figures.”

Hassan added that with the projected increase of consumption, there has been increased production activity. “These two markets have helped the exports to grow as well as to stimulate interest that has encouraged the farmers to return to cultivation. The FAO has

reported that the global consumption of rice is projected to increase in 2018, and with that, we’re seeing some amount of increased activity on the production level, also the interest by the millers. And this is of course followed by the export of paddy, rice and it’ by-products.” Hassan further said. The GRDB board has heightened efforts to further garner more markets for farmers, millers, and the stakeholders involved in the industry by introducing a new rice variety. ‘GRDB 15’ can give as much as 20 per cent more than the current high yielding variety ‘GRDB 10’ which means more bags per acre. After seven years of research, the GRDB officially

unveiled the ‘GRDB 15’ in April this year.

Last week Guyana Chronicle reported that in less than a year, Mexico has purchased more than 174,875 tonnes of paddy from Guyana and will soon move to the importation of white rice from this country.

The exportation of Guyanese paddy to Mexico was birthed out of a visit to that country by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in October, 2015.

During the Open Governance Global Summit in Mexico City in 2015, Prime Minister Nagamootoo met with Mexico’s Agriculture Minister, Jose Calzada, and a decision was made to accelerate the process of allowing Guyana’s rice into

the Mexican market. In a letter to Prime Minister Nagamootoo on Tuesday, Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel, expressed deep satisfaction in the progress made since the October 2015 meeting.

Ambassador Sierra-Medel said official statistics from July to December 2017 have revealed that more than 113,525 tonnes of paddy from Guyana was exported. It was noted that in March 2018, a second business mission by GRDB and Go-Invest went to Mexico. From January to April 2018, more than 39,850 tonnes of Guyana’s paddy had been shipped to Mexico. “In less than a calendar year, Mexi-

co has purchased more than 174,875 tonnes of Guyanese paddy. As a result of the active trade, Mexico has become the largest individual destination for Guyanese paddy,” Mexico’s Ambassador reported to Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

Additionally, in response to the growing interest in the importation of Guyanese white rice, Mexico has issued phyto-sanitary clearance for the processed grain.

Back in 2015, Prime Minister Nagamootoo had visited Mexico with the aim of securing markets for rice farmers here, who were severely affected by the loss of the Venezuelan rice market. To date, his visit continues to bear

fruit. In April, the GRDB reported that over 530,000 tonnes of paddy is projected to be produced, based on reports of higher yields. This is up nine per cent from the 488,833 tonnes that were projected for the first crop of 2018. At the time, statistics had indicated that 310,748 tonnes of paddy equivalent to 201,986 tonnes of rice was harvested for the year. It was noted that 51,280 hectares of the 87,539 hectares sown has been already harvested and according to GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan, the figures bode well for the industry.

Guyana’s Journey to Independence decided that he would become the new Party’s Chairman, instead of greater participation of Guianese in Ashton Chase, as had been earlier governing their country. On Decem- proposed. ber 16, 1948, the Governor anThe PAC dissolved itself on nounced, in an address to the New Year’s Day 1950 and formally Legislative Council, that a Commisannounced the establishment of the sion to that effect would be appointed People’s Progressive Party (PPP). shortly.

The aims of the P. P. P. were in PPP EARLY YEARS keeping with its socialist principles. It The 1948 sugar strike provided stood for self-government, economic invaluable organizational experience development and the creation of a sofor the PAC. By holding meetings cialist society. It also pledged itself with workers in various parts of the to winning total independence for country, it saw the increasing need to British Guiana. bring all the ethnic groups under its Its first headquarters was Dr. umbrella.

Jagan’s dental surgery at 199 CharIts members also decided to ac- lotte Street, Georgetown. celerate plans to organize a political REPORT OF THE party. They met regularly to discuss WADDINGTON COMMISSION converting the party into such an orOn October 8, 1950, the Comganization. It was decided to call it the mission, which the Governor had People’s Progressive Party, after the promised would review the franchise pro-militant Progressive Party, and the composition of the Executive formed by Henry Wallace and Paul and Legislative Councils, was apRobeson in the United States. Cheddi pointed. Sir E. J. Waddington was its Jagan would be its leader, Ashton Chairman, Dr. Rita Hinden and ProChase its Chairman and Janet Jagan fessor Vincent Harlow were its other its Secretary. Linden Forbes Sampson members.

Burnham retuned to Guiana while After completing its mission, the these discussions were in progress. principals returned to Britain and preThe leadership sent him to Ja- sented their report to the British Govmaica to study the operations of the ernment on June 28, 1951. They People’s National Party (PNP), then recommended the introduction of uniled by Norman Manley. versal adult suffrage, a bicameral legBased on his report, it was de- islature consisting of a House of cided to pattern the Party’s constitu- Assembly of 24 elected members and tion after the PNP’s. Its members

(from page 16)

three ex-officio members: the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General.

They also recommended a State Council, consisting of six members nominated by the Governor, two nominated by the majority group and one by the minority group in the House of Assembly. While there was no longer any income or property qualification, elected members had to be literate in English.

The Conservative Government, which won the British General elections, accepted these proposals. They were incorporated into law and enshrined in a new constitution on March 8, 1952 and April 1953, respectively. The Waddington Constitution was officially declared the system under which a new Government would be elected in 1953.

The PPP attacked the new constitution. Writing in the Thunder newspapers of November 1951, Forbes Burnham said that it succeeded “in illustrating that indeed the State is an instrument designed to maintain the dominance of the ruling class and that there is no advance to be gained except by relentless and determined struggle.” In the Legislative Council in January 1952, Dr. Jagan attacked it as being “merely a fake and another tactic of the British colonialists to perpetrate exploitation.”

THE 1953 ELECTIONS The Legislative Council was due to be

dissolved on November 29, 1952; but the British Government extended its life to April 2, 1953. This action was taken to put into effect arrangements of the new Waddington constitution.

The election was scheduled to be held April 27, 1953. The PPP ran candidates in 22 of the 24 constituencies.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) ran in 15 constituencies and the Peoples National Party (PNP) ran in eight.

The results were: PPP 18 seats; NDP 2; Independents 4.

The PPP victory stunned the British and American governments, whose experts had predicted that the new government would be composed of a diverse group of members of political parties and independents.

Despite the British Government’s displeasure with the results, it allowed the PPP to govern, largely based on Colonial Secretary, Oliver Lyttleton’s assertion that the only ‘hard evidence’ about the policies of the PPP, its Election Manifesto, was within acceptable limits. He judged it no more radical than the British Labour Party’s policy statement.

Next week: CONCLUSION AND FAREWELL TO MY READERS as the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is beine suspended by the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers, Ltd (GNNL) from May 25, 2018 for reorganizing.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 101 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Your charm will be captivating. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money. Your best efforts will come through hard work. Don't torment yourself. Disharmony in the home will be extremely stressful. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You might find it difficult to control your emotions. You need a break from your daily routine. You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Social activities will be satisfying. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Time is money and you must be ready to take action in order to reach your highest potential. Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Entertain those who can provide you with valuable information and knowledge. Don't get talked into get rich quick schemes. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Plan events like camping or white water rafting. Your best efforts will come through hard work. You can bet that someone in a higher position is watching to see how busy you are. Get on with your life. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) A new image can be the result if you change your look. Try to be understanding. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed. You will be accident prone if you aren't careful this next week. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Insincere gestures of friendliness may be misleading. You will drive your emotional partner crazy this month. It might be best to keep your ideas to yourself next week. Health problems may prevail if you don't take care of them immediately. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) There might be one who is quite willing to take the credit for your work. You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Look after financial transactions next week. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try to stay calm and do the best you can. Check into art objects or precious stones. You can do well in group endeavors. Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. You may want to sign up for courses that will encourage you to have more confidence in yourself. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you next week. Dig deep, ferret out any hidden concerns before you sign your life away. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. You may have difficulties with foreigners. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can get a great deal accomplished if you bring work home. Problems on the home front might be a little disconcerting. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities. Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Your luckiest event next weekh will occur on Monday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You will be tempted to shop till you drop. Do not overspend on entertainment. Hard work will pay off if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors. You should be in business for yourself. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) A change is as good as a rest. Don't go looking for change. You may have ignored or neglected your mate lately. A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. You will have a greater involvement in groups; however, they may not be to your advantage. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

ACROSS 1. Entreats 5. Tax pro, for short 8. Kind of rug 13. lndian dish ingredient 14. Goatee site 15. Tiny creature 16. Cheering 18. Diamond measure 19. Tragic model 21. Potpie morsel 22. "What's ___?

23. Charge 24. Sprinkled around 27. Piercing locale 30. "Rocky ___” 31. Proof goof 35. Civil rights org.

39. German model 43. ___ green 44. Small amount 45. Genetic letters 46. Picker-upper 48. "Jo's Boys" author 5'l. Garden party?

W O R D F I N D

W A DS EH N I ZN EG L T O N

[ANTWONE FISHER] CARBON COPY [CRIMSON TIDE] CRY FREEDOM DEJA VU FLIGHT GLORY HE GOT GAME INSIDE MAN JOHN Q MALCOLM X MAN ON FIRE

12. Shop tool 14. Dry red table wine 17. Freshly 20. Farm animal 24. Under the weather 25. Game piece 26. lranian coin 28. Biri ending 54. Be-bopper 29. Churchill's "so few": abbr.

57. Eggs 32. Thanksgiving serving 58. "The First Supermodel" 33. Telepathy 65. Avoid 34. Datebook abbr.

66. Determine one's 36. Big top? position 37. Penny 67. Centers 38. Behind 68. Stalk forerunner 40. Mo. preceding 69. Auspices, var.

41. Food additive 70. Lock 42. Give heed 71. Nigerian state 47. Trick taker, often 72. Break 49. Butche’s offering 50. Focus DOWN 51. Give the heave-ho 1. Turkish official 52. Guts 2. Avoid 53. Habituate 3. "Show Boat" composer 55. Pdf makers 4. Colorful wrap 56. Beat 5. å la mode 59. Middle of March 6. Nut pine 60. Kind of pool 7. Go fish 6l. "Bye now" 8. Pouches 62. Leamed 9. Prayer leader 63. lnventor Elisha 10. Printing flourish 64. Egg holder 11. Die down

M O V I E S OUT OF TIME PHILADELPHIA POWER RICOCHET SAFE HOUSE [THE BOOK OF ELI] THE EQUALIZER THE HURRICANE THE SIEGE TRINING DAY UNSTOPPABLE VIRTUOSITY

ISSUE 101 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

Woman remanded for attempted murder of cop

DAYS after 25-year-old Maryann Daby allegedly discharged several rounds in the compound of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) at Thomas Lands and later pointed her firearm at a police officer, she was on Tuesday charged and remanded to prison on a string of charges, including attempted murder.

Daby, who is the finance manager of United Commodities, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for dis-

charging a firearm to commit murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that on May 13, 2018 at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Daby discharged a firearm at Police Constable Christopher Kissoon with intent to commit murder. This is an indictable offence.

The court further heard that on the same day, Daby had a .32 pistol in her possession along with six rounds of .32 ammunition to which she holds no licence to carry. She

denied the two charges when they were read to her.

Her attorney, Mark Waldron explained to the court that his client is a licensed firearm holder since 2014, however she had updated her licence to a 9mm pistol in 2018, to which she is still to attain.

Waldron further stressed that his client was tested for gunshot residue but that no spent shells were found in the GMRSC compound. Police Prosecutor Inspector Arwin Moore told the court, that on the day in question Constable Kissoon approached Daby

Girl succumbs following highway crash ARIANA Hughes, one of several children who were among adults injured in an accident on Sunday along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, has succumbed to her injuries.

She died while receiv-

ing medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPC) on Monday, while her mother and sister are still fighting for their lives. The news of the child’s death did come with its controversy, as before it

was confirmed that she had died, hospital personnel miscommunicated to the relatives that it was her sister, Jada Enmore, who had succumbed. That saw Jada’s father posting her photo on social media in-

after she was seen firing several shots in the air.

When the officer approached Daby she placed

the gun to his forehead and pulled the trigger. However the gun was empty. To the astonishment of those pres-

ent, while the facts were being read in court, Daby’s aunt blurted out, “He (Kissoon) should have dead.”

Moore objected to bail being granted to the woman, citing the seriousness of the charge and the fact that she was not licensed to carry the .32 pistol.

The magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Daby to prison until May 23. Her attorney however indicated that he will be applying for bail at the High Court.

forming that she died, only to be told later that it was a mix-up in the names.

On Sunday, the children were travelling in a car with their mother when she lost control of the vehicle and slammed into another car before careening into a minibus loaded with people. The two were heading in different directions, the bus west and the car east.

The impact resulted in extensive damage to the vehicles involved and several persons who were pinned in the minibus had to be rescued.

When the passengers were rescued, they were taken to the Diamond Hospital where the badly injured were treated, stabilised and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospi-

tal (GPH). At the hospital, persons who were in the minibus related that they saw the car moving out of control but the driver of the minibus had little options, although he attempted to evade and avoid a collision.

The minibus was transporting persons who had gone for an outing at a creek along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Maryann Daby

GUYANA 2065 – A STRATEGY FOR THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF GUYANA (from page 5)

international trade and commerce.

PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN GUYANA The discovery of oil and gas resources in the estuary of the Corentyne River, and in the Stabroek Block section of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) constitute one of the largest reserves of oil and natural gas in the world, outside of the Arctic region. These oil discoveries are expected to transform Guyana into a significant manufacturing, mining and petro-chemical powerhouse in the western hemisphere.

However, all is not peaches and cream.

Venezuela has threatened to seize oil rigs operating in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and has mobilized troops on the Guyana/Venezuela border to enforce its claims to the western Essequibo Region. Furthermore, the former PPP government has appropriated millions of dollars from the Treasury, and the sugar unions have threatened to close down the sugar estates. The decline of the narco-trafficking industry has reduced the supply of money in Guyana. Finally, the two main export industries, sugar and rice, are on the brink of extinction.

If the Guyana Government manages to eliminate these problems, there is every prospect that, in the near future, Guyana will move from an agricultural economy, dependent on the export of sugar and rice, into a manufacturing mining and petro chemical giant.

CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION THE CREATION OF A NEW AFRO-INDIAN

MUSICAL GENRE

Although literature, art, drama and dance have been important aspects of our cultural landscape, music has been the most significant form of cultural self expression at the individual, village, regional and national levels. In his iconic book, entitled “Musical Life in Guyana,” Vibert Cambridge has identified the significant problem in the history of Guyana’s musical life. He stated, in pertinent part, that “at the end of the twentieth century, despite the world-class stature or individual Guyanese musicians living in the Diaspora, Guyana did not produce any enduring internationally popular musical genres.” On the other hand, other nations have been able to use their rich heritage of African traditions to create commercially successful and internationally musical genres: • Argentina has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro-Argentine population to create the Tango; • Brazil has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro-Brazilian population to create the Brazilian carnival and the Samba; • The Dominican Republic has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro-Dominican population to create the Meringue; • Cuba has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro-Cuban population to create the Son, Mambo and Rhumba; • Puerto Rico has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro-Puerto Rican population to create the Salsa; • Haiti has been able to use the rhythms of the Haitian population to create the Compas; • Guadeloupe and Martinique have

been able to use the rhythms of the African population to create the Zouk; • Trinidad and Tobago has been able to use the rhythms of the Afro Trinidadian population to create the Calypso and Soca; • Jamaica has been able to utilize the rhythms of the Afro Jamaican population to create the Mento, Rock Steady and Reggae; • Guyana has been unable to elevate the rhythms of its Afro-Guyanese population, such as the Cumfa and Kwe-kwe into a commercially successful and internationally significant musical genre.

Perhaps the problem is that, for most of our history, we have been focused on promoting the British and European musical repertoire, rather than promoting our indigenous musical heritage. The Carifesta celebrations of 1972 exposed Guyana to the internationally-recognized musical genres created in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and Surinam, and has had a profound effect on the Guyanese national consciousness.

I would propose that we replicate Carifesta in 2020. In the meantime, we should also promote our Guyanese music festival yearly, and elevate our Mashramani celebrations into the cultural equivalent of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. We also need to elevate the quality of our music by creating a national school of music, a state-of-the-art recording studio and a high-quality record pressing plant. We also ought to establish a course on musical journalism at the University of Guyana, and, in conjunction with other cultural stakeholders, we need to create the kind of musical impresarios that was represented by entrepreneurs like Vivian Lee. Finally, we need to establish radio stations with

high-powered transmitters, capable of reaching the audience in the Caribbean and South America. The problem has not been our inability to create quality music, but in our inability to market, distribute and disseminate our musical product. We need to actively market our cultural products to our neighbors in the Caribbean and to our Guyanese nationals in the Diaspora — United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

The best prospect for establishing an internationally significant musical genre in Guyana, is to create a synthesis of the AfroGuyanese and Indo-Guyanese musical traditions. Vibert Cambridge has documented the attempts to create this synthesis, which dates back to the post-independence period when Terry Nelson, a reggae musician in London returned to Guyana, and established Halagala Studio. His ambition was to expand the musician horizon in Guyana and to create a distinctive Guyanese sound.

He encouraged a group of musicians to develop this distinctive Afro-Indi beat.

Among the musicians he attracted were Joyce Urmella Harris, Neisha Benjamin and the Mighty Enchanter. These artists popularized East Indian folk songs, such as “Benji darling” and “Oh Maninja,” the original Chutney hit. Among the famous songs in this tradition was The Mighty Fighter’s, “Come leh we go Sookie,” Lord Enchanter’s song, “Maujd wid me” and Terry Gajraj hit, “Bengali baboo.”

It seems that the political coalition that we witnessed in May 2015 will herald the advent of a cultural coalition between the Afro-Guyanese and the Indo-Guyanese musical traditions.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

23

Family disowns woman for resisting marriage and rape LONDON, UK — Social media networks have been set alight following this week's sentencing to death of a teenage girl in Sudan, who defended herself against her husband who was about to rape her.

The woman was 16 when she was forced to marry a man against her will.

When she finished high school she was forced to go and live with the man. When she refused to consummate the marriage, her husband arranged for his brothers and a cousin to hold her down while he had sexual intercourcse with her. When he tried to rape her again the following day, the girl fled to the kitchen where she grabbed a knife to defend herself. According to court documents the husband then attacked her and in the ensuing struggle the man sustaind knife wounds. He later died.

'The Sudanese court’s sentencing this week of the girl, who is now 19, for killing her rapist husband in self-defence highlights the failure of the authorities to tackle child marriage, forced marriage and marital rape,' Amnesty International has said in a statement.

Noura Hussein Hamad has been in jail

for the last year, held at the Omdurman Women’s Prison since May 2017. Her family has disowned her.

“Noura's life-long wish was to become a teacher but she ended up being forced to marry an abusive man who raped and brutalized her. Now she has been slapped with a death sentence by a court which refused to recognize the existence of rape within marriage. Noura Hussein is a victim and the sentence against her is an intolerable act of cruelty,” Seif Magango, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes said Saturday.

“The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and to apply it to a rape victim only highlights the failure of the Sudanese authorities to acknowledge the violence she endured.

The Sudanese authorities must quash this grossly unfair sentence and ensure that Noura gets a fair retrial that takes into account her mitigating circumstances.”

'Noura Hussein was married against her will to Abdulrahman Mohamed Hammad when she was 16. The first marriage

ceremony involved the signing of a marriage contract between her father and Abdulrahman. The second part of the marriage ceremony took place in April 2017, when she was forced to move into Abdulrahman’s home upon having completed high school.

When she refused to consummate the marriage, Abdulrahman invited two of his brothers and a male cousin to help him rape her,' the Amnesty International statement said.

'On 2 May 2017, the three men held Noura Hussein down while Abdulrahman raped her. The next morning he tried to rape her again but she managed to escape to the kitchen where she grabbed a knife. In the ensuing scuffle, Abdulrahman sustained fatal knife wounds.'

'Noura then fled to her family home, but her father handed her over to the police, who opened a case against her. A medical examination report from the fight with Abdulrahman indicated she had sustained injuries including a bite and scratches,' Amnesty said.

At her trial in July 2017, the judge applied an outdated law which did not recog-

nize marital rape. Noura Hussein was charged under the Criminal Act (1991) and found guilty of intentional murder on 29 April 2018 at the Central Criminal Court of Omdurman.

Under Article (27)(1) of that Act, execution can be either by hanging or stoning or in the same manner as the commitment of murder by the perpetrator, and may be as a hudud punishment or in retribution or approximation, and may be with crucifixion.

Marriage is legal in Sudan for children provided they are ten years old.

Amnesty International has started a petition to be presented to the Minister for Justice in Sudan. Readers can sign the petition here.

Jay Jackson — Big News Network News Agency.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Antigua Minister Out of Cabinet Again Amid Bribery Scandal ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Antigua and Barbuda’s Trade and Investment Minister Asot Michael has resigned from the Cabinet amid allegations that he is linked to a British investor accused of bribery.

Michael yesterday submitted his resignation letter, which takes effect tomorrow, to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who accepted it and asked Governor General Sir Rodney Williams to revoke his appointment. The move comes on the heels of the opposition United Progressive Party’s (UPP) political leader Harold Lovell calling for him to either step down or be fired.

Although insisting that he had done nothing wrong, Michael said he would resign “to allow the government to fulfil its obligations to the people, without any distraction”.

A court in the United Kingdom last week heard transcripts of 2016 conversations between British billionaire Peter Virdee and his business partner Dieter Trutschler, in which Virdee talked about being asked for bribes.

In the recordings, made by German authorities, the investor said Michael had asked him for a car for his mother, $2 million, and a watch.

The media reports on the court revelations prompted Lovell to demand the removal of Michael who had been fired as minister of tourism, economic development, investment and energy last October, after he was arrested in London, but returned to the Cabinet after the March 21 elections in which he won his seat.

Lovell contended that the latest controversy “once again drags the name of Antigua and Barbuda into the mud”.

“It is absolutely important that Mr Michael should do the right thing and he

This is the second time in just over half a year that Asot Michael is out of the Cabinet. should resign immediately. Failing an immediate resignation Prime Minister Gaston Browne ought to relive him immediately of his responsibilities,” he said.

But even as he stepped down, Michael insisted that he was “not a party to the court proceedings in the United Kingdom which have been reported in the media, nor have I been charged with any wrongdoing. The media reports refer to recordings of conversations between persons other than myself, and I cannot be held responsible for their utterances”.

He charged that the allegations were being used by “opposition political elements” to seek to discredit him and the Government.

And Michael’ said he would do all in his power to counter and disprove allegations made against him.

“I am determined that the calumnies against me shall not stand,” he wrote in his resignation letter.

Michael is not the only Caribbean politician under the microscope as a result of the revelations in the British court.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris is facing calls from the opposition party to step down as well, since his name was also mentioned.

(Caribbean360)

24 GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018 9

SARA, FIU ink ‘info-sharing’ pact …aimed at strengthening legal mechanism for court proceedings

By Ariana Gordon THE State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the sharing of information between the two agencies.

Director of SARA, Professor Clive Thomas, told reporters that the signing of the MOU which is in keeping with best practices will solidify cooperation between the two entities. He disclosed that the signing of the agreement was not long in the making, while noting that the two entities had an implicit understanding. “We have a lot to do by working in common. We also work in common with similar organisations, such as the Revenue Authority, the Securities Council, and the Lands and Survey to ensure they coordinate and support or activities,” he said.

Monday’s signing of the MOU, which took place in SARA’s boardroom, Main Street, was aimed at establishing a formal mechanism for joint support. “We were given the support before… the formal mechanism would primarily ensure the legality in terms of any court proceedings,” said the SARA head, who explained that there has been information sharing in the past but having the information is not enough, as in court proceedings the information must be submitted in the form of evidence.

“Therefore we must have a legal basis on which we transfer that information to them. The movement in this direction is an important step in the building of a legal foundation, for seeking to recovery both the assets of the state and also preventing money laundering and terrorist financing,” Professor Thomas reasoned.

He said SARA and the FIU are mandated by both international law (convention) as well as domestic law to cooperate, because both entities share the same set of goals which relate to the reduction of corruption both as a national good and as an international obligation. Professor Thomas explained that the increasing tendency globally is the recognition that the fight against corruption is the fight for the welfare and well-being of the broad masses of the population of the entire globe. He noted that public corruption has been identified as the single biggest deterrent to development.

“Assets that are taken unlawfully from the state and returned back to the people of the state constitute an increasing amount of resources for their welfare. Our target at this point in time is to bring cases to the court in the third quarter of this year, which means right after the end of June,” he stated.

SARA’s Director said too that his agency’s fight against corruption is supported by several international agencies.

Last week, SARA officials interacted with representatives of the FraudNet firm and the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting who are working with the entity to identify and retrieve Guyana’s assets held overseas.

“We are working hand in hand with them to recover some state assets which have been unlawfully removed from the State of Guyana,” said Professor Thomas. He said efforts are increasingly being made to encourage symbiotic relations among anti-corruption agencies to ensure justice is achieved.

BEST PRACTICES Meanwhile, Director of the FIU Matthew Langevine described the signing of the

MOU as in keeping with international best practices.

He, like Professor Thomas, said the aim of the MOU is to foster cooperation and allow for the sharing of intelligence between the two agencies, thereby ensuring effectiveness in the execution of their

arrangements are in place and are relevant stakeholders and authorities within the AML/CFT framework are involved,” said Langevine.

The FIU Director said too that critical to his entity’s mandate is ensuring that as the custodian of personal

agreements or arrangements with domestic agencies for the sharing and or exchange of information.

He reminded that Guyana is in the midst of its fourth round of mutual evaluation preparation and satisfying the requirements of the process is of importance to Guyana, as such the second Finan-

lishment of his unit more than 25 intelligence reports were submitted to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He explained that while those reports were submitted amendments to the relevant legislation were necessary, as the old legislation indicated that cases were

(From left) Directors of the FIU and SARA, Matthew Langevine and Professor Clive Thomas sign the MOU for information sharing on, Monday (Delano Williams photos)

respective functions.

The FIU acts as the national reservoir of financial information has recognised importance of having access to the “widest possible range” of information that can help us promote and intensify its mandate. This includes facilitating the detection and deterrence of money laundering, terrorism and other financial and serious offences.

“The quality of the intelligence product expected to be produced by the FIU must be of the highest quality that sufficient supports the work of the law enforcement agencies. It therefore cannot operate in isolation but must ensure collaborative

information, data protection is critical. It means therefore that the sharing of information must be done in a structured manner.

“This MOU would ensure that our respective agencies conduct their statutory duties in a safe and responsible manner,” he stated, noting that money laundering and terrorist financing are connected to other serious offences though they may take different forms.

Langevine stated that the legal basis of the MOU is vested under Section 9 (4) (n) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT), to enter into

cial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendation which requires that there be cooperation with AML/ CFT efforts amongst all relevant stakeholders here. The FIU Director also pointed to recommendation 29, which speaks to the need for the FIU being able to demonstrate its effectiveness in sharing its intelligence product with all relevant authorities.

The FIU was established under the APNU+AFC coalition government is aimed at detecting money laundering and terrorist financing among other financial and serious offences. Langevine also disclosed that since the estab-

to be tried summarily and ought to have been completed within six months of the investigations.

“This affected many of the cases that were under review,” he said, and assured that those cases were not abandoned by SOCU. “They are still getting legal advice and direction on them. We have continued to provide intelligence reports since that amendment which was completed in September last year, and so, since then in excess of five new cases under the revised legislation are under continuous investigation,” the FIU Director disclosed.

PPP councillor under fire for ‘racial’ remarks PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor, Bishram Kuppen, was on Monday reprimanded for making what was considered to be a racially inciting statement against the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

The M&CC recently took a decision to remove vendors along Alexander Street and Kuppen was subsequently quoted as saying,

publicly, that he thought the move was ethnically motivated.

Town Clerk Royston King, during his announcements at the statutory meeting, said Kuppen’s statement can affect the work of the council and undermine its authority. He said the councillor did not do a proper investigation as African vendors were also among those removed.

Kuppen said it was the vendors themselves who reported this to him and that upon checking, he indeed saw that those arrested included only East Indians. “I didn’t see any other race,” he maintained.

Kuppen recalled that he also saw that two African vendors, one selling near a bakery and the other operating a mobile hardware store, were allowed to re-

main while the others were moved.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said Kuppen’s statement was intentional and racial and she added that councillors should aim to bridge the racial gap instead of widening it.

The Town Clerk said at any level, it is wrong for a respected councillor to make such a statement publicly. “That statement

could not be justified. And I am taking it very seriously. Is it Mr. Kuppen’s intention to start some racial disturbance? What is his hidden agenda?

Even if in his own heart he perceives this might be a racial movement, why would a councillor make such a statement in public? It’s beyond me. And it is not true,” King told the Chronicle.

PPP Councillor, Bishram Kuppen

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending May 18, 2018

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

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SIR FRANK WORRELL’S LEGACY THE WEST INDIES SHOULD TAKE A PAGE OUT OF THE BOOK OF ITS ELDER STATESMAN! orrell never made a crude or an ungrammatical stroke…Worrell was poetry.”

— Sir Neville Cardus, the doyen of cricket writers

“W “S

o when half a million Australians lined the streets of Melbourne in their ticker tape farewell to Worrell and his men, they were not only paying a final tribute to the team's great achievements, they were recognizing the capacity and potential of equals both on and off the turf . . . He saw the many diverse elements of the West Indies as a whole, a common culture and outlook separated only by the Caribbean Sea.” — Sir Learie Constantine

“I

have seen grown men break down and cry because they felt they had let him (Sir Frank Worrell), down . . .”

— Roy Gilchrist, West Indies controversial fast bowler, and the most feared in his time

After I graduated from Queen’s College and Bishop’s High School (after it became co-ed, of course), I proceeded to Cave Hill, Barbados to pursue my legal education, competing with some of the finest scholars.

One of the first places I visited was Sir Frank Worrell’s gravesite. I wanted to pay tribute to one of the Commonwealth’s foremost heroes. I had read so much about this man. He was bigger than life, and was regarded as the most powerful unifying force in the West Indies and one of the most influential and greatest West Indians of all time, a quintessential Caribbean man.

You could feel his presence, even after his death. The fact that he died so young, (42-years-old), adds to his mystique. Later, the addition of the monuments of Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes, who collectively formed the unique trinity called “the 3Ws,” all of whom were knighted for their services to cricket, completed the legend of these three great West Indies cricketers, who were born within a mile and 18 months of each other in Barbados, delivered by the same midwife, and whose busts now stand beside each other.

This monument, bearing the busts of this magnificent trio, can be found surrounded by tropical flora in the park opposite the Oval named in their honor (the 3Ws Oval), at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus in Barbados, adding a serenity fitting for such souls. Both Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott are

A budding Frank Worrell graces the cover of World Sports magazine.

players of various islands to mould together a team which became world champions in the space of five years. He settled an intense batting rivalry between Kanhai and Sobers, appeasing each by bringing the best out of them, and uniting every player in the team.

Worrell was more than a gifted batsman with an insightful cricketing brain. The inimitable Rohan Kanhai, in his book, “Blasting for Runs,” refers to Worrell’s “touch of genius that made him such a great skipper.” (Pg. 65). He was a man of ambassadorial and political insight, and surely would have made even greater contributions to the socio-political history of the West Indies on a wider scale had he not died so early. He was simply a colossus. Indeed, a memorial service was held in his honor in Westminster Abbey, the first time such an honor was granted to a sportsman. He was also the first West Indian carry his bat in a Test innings. His cricket feats are well known, for his batting skills flowed from an incomparable silken genius he used to mesmerizing effect, and needs no repetition here.

Suffice it to say, Worrell was the supreme artist, blessed with style and ele-

buried on the grounds of the University campus on a hill overlooking the square, and serve as an inspiration to the many brilliant students from the Caribbean region who congregate there to become future leaders and professionals. Sir Everton Weekes is the only surviving W (93 not out).

My student’s room at Sherlock Hall overlooked Sir Frank’s grave, and I would look over to it when I was challenged, and took inspiration form the way he fought the overwhelming odds, especially when his leukemia illness would have weighed heavily on his health. It was getting yourself to think like Sir Frank batting at the wicket, fighting institutional confines, fatigue and tiredness to get to that double century. This was, after all, cricket’s messiah, a leader who changed the future of the Caribbean, by daring to think bigger beyond the institutional shackles that sought to restrain him.

Sir Frank Worrell is cricket’s Nelson Mandela. Although he only captained the West Indies in 15 Tests, as the West Indies first Black captain, The immortal “3 Ws”-Worrell, Walcott, Weekes. it was enough for him to leave a lasting legacy as one of the Caribbean’s out- gance, pleasing to the eye while executing standing icons. Cricketers of color, like all the strokes, while never playing a hurried Sobers, Kanhai, Lloyd, Kallicharran, Mur- or false one. He was grace, personified.

However, to emphasize the length and ray, Richards, Greenidge, Haynes, Richardbreadth of Worrell’s influence, we should son, Walsh, Lara, Adams, Hooper, Jacobs, mention that in 2009, the Sir Frank Worrell Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Ganga, Gayle, Reifer, Memorial Blood Drive was begun in Sammy, Ramdin, Holder, Braithwaite and Trinidad and Tobago, inaugurated by Nari others who have had, or will have the priviContractor, to whom Worrell had donated lege of captaining the West Indies, ultiblood after his head injury in 1962, when mately owe this honor to this trailblazer.

Contractor was injured by a Charlie Griffith The magnificence of his life, accombouncer.

Following Frank’s example, the plishments and ideals are indelibly enCricket Association of Bengal organizes a shrined in cricket, and also as a leader, blood donation drive every year and the day educator, counsellor, senator (Jamaica), auis commemorated as Sir Frank Worrell Day thor, humanitarian, not least in breaking the in the state of West Bengal in India. color barriers that then existed in West InFormer Jamaican Prime Minister dian cricket and social life.

Michael Manley paid tribute to Worrell’s At the age of 36, when he was belatedly leadership, and posits that a Frank Worrell anointed as the West Indies Cricket Captain or a Clive Lloyd, who both assumed paternal in 1960, the Barbadian Knight was already roles over the teams they led, might have past his cricketing prime, having risen to be better guided bad boy Roy Gilchrist into one of the world’s best and most loved crickmanifesting his full talent, instead of being eters, but his leadership skills elevated the banished from the game.

In his History of West Indies to great heights. As Captain, he West Indies Cricket, Manley saw Gilchrist’s ended the cliques and rivalries between the expulsion as "a tragedy born of the interac-

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

tion between a flawed individual and a malformed society, an almost Greek inevitability as man and system proceeded to their inevitable and final collision."

As a testament to his impact beyond the boundaries of the West Indies, there is an annual Sir Frank Worrell day in India where people donate blood, although he never played a Test match in India (he did however tour India with three Commonwealth teams). During a lecture tour to Indian universities he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Law degree by Punjab University.

Upon his death, flags flew at half-mast in Radcliffe, Lancashire and in Jamaica and Barbados. As a tribute to him the West Indies and Australia compete for the Frank Worrell Trophy. He is an inductee in the US Black Athletes Hall of fame in Connecticut.

He became a popular professional in the Lancashire league and there is a street in Radcliffe named in his honor.

His photo adorns a Barbadian $5 note and postage stamps. There are the Sir Frank Worrell grounds at the St. Augustine campus of UWI Trinidad, Frank Worrell UWI scholarship fund, and the Frank Worrell memorial gardens around his burial site. A number of Frank Worrell momentos are lodged at Lord’s museum. He is an ICC Hall of Fame inductee and there is a sculpture of him at the famous Madame Toussauds Wax museum in London. He was one of five great West Indian cricketers of all time as selected in 2004 to commemorate 75 years of Tests as a regional team (the other four were George Headley, Garfield Sobers, Viv Richards and Brian Lara). In 1964 he was knighted for his contribution to cricket.

He performed one last service to the region, managing the West Indians in their crushing home-series defeat of Australia in 1965. There is the Frank Worrell Hall at the University of West Indies, Barbados, as well as the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Development Centre and Cricket ground in Trinidad.

A memorative plaque at his boyhood home was unveiled by the Barbados Prime Minister in 1991 and in 2007 the home was torn down to be replaced by a museum in his honor.

Wisden summed up Worrell best: “West Indians of all backgrounds and shades of opinion paid their last respects to a man who had done more than any other of their countrymen to bind together the new nations of the Caribbean and establish a reputation for fair play throughout the world.”

Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate, and his political battles placed previously ignored minority communities like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, justice, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: AlBaldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 18, 2018

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Imam-ul-Haq guides Pakistan home after Ireland scare Pakistan 310 for 9 dec. (Ashraf 83, Shafiq 62, Shadab 54, Murtagh 4-45) and 160 for 5 (Imam 74*, Babar 59) beat Ireland 130 (K .O'Brien 40, Abbas 4-44, Shadab 3-31) and 339 (K. O'Brien 118, Thompson 55, Abbas 5-66) by five wickets In the end, Ireland were beaten in their maiden Test, suffering the same fate as eight of the other 10 members of cricket's most exclusive club. Imam-ul-Haq, the debutant opener, and Babar Azam fashioned the significant partnership Pakistan needed to avert disaster after they had slipped to 14 for 3 chasing 160. But that hardly begins to tell the story of Malahide.

Although Ireland only managed to added 20 runs to their overnight 319 for 7, century-maker Kevin O'Brien falling to his first ball on the fifth morning, they had everyone in the ground — and many far beyond — dreaming of a victory worthy of folklore when Tim Murtagh and Boyd Rankin plucked out three wickets in the first five overs of Pakistan's chase. Not only could Ireland envisage becoming the second team after Australia to win their first Test, they would have done so after following on — a feat achieved three times in the history of the game.

Pakistan, haunted by recent failures when set a small-but-testing target, knew they were being set-up as the falls guys.

Having dismissed Ireland for 130 first time around, it was galling enough that they had managed to pass 300, led by O'Brien's historic innings. Now Pakistan were in trouble on a green seamer against green opponents (in Test terms), with their two most-experienced batsmen back in the dressing room.

steered Pakistan away from calamity, but it was one that Ireland should have broken when the game was still very much alive.

In the second over after lunch, Murtagh located his groove once again — and located

Imam-ul-Haq brought up a 50 on Test debut.

Instead, the youngsters stood up.

Imam has already dealt with the pressure of expectation — his uncle, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is one of Pakistan's greatest batsmen, as well as the chief selector — and he played an innings of calm authority to record his maiden half-century, characterised by composure and sound shot selection. He has a tale to tell of Malahide, too, having seemingly been knocked unconscious going for a single from the first ball of the match.

The fourth-wicket stand between Imam and Babar, eventually worth 126,

(Pic: Getty Images)

Babar's outside edge, only for Andy Balbirnie to drop a straightforward catch diving to his left at third slip. Pakistan could have been 60 for 4, but instead they added 50 runs in the next 10 overs. Ireland's chance was gone.

Babar is also a batsman under great scrutiny, as Pakistan adapt to life after the retirements of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. His ODI batting average is 51.11; going into this match, he averaged less than half of that from 11 Tests. This was his fifth half-century, but he was run out with Pak-

istan still 20 from victory — Balbirnie halfatoning for his drop with a good bit of fielding.

Still Ireland would not lie down, Stuart Thompson claiming the wicket of Sarfraz Ahmed lbw to narrow the margin further.

Until the final ball was bowled, and the winning runs struck by Imam, the first Irish men's Test XI in history did their ICC Full Member status proud.

Ireland arrived at the ground in the morning knowing that plenty needed to go their way if the "Miracle of Malahide" was to be fully realised. O'Brien going on to a big hundred would have been the first target, but he could only lean on his bat handle and curse himself after driving hard at Mohammad Abbas in the second over of the day and sending a simple catch to slip.

Abbas pocketed the last two wickets, as well, to finish with his second five-for in six Tests.

Instinct said that Pakistan might contrive to make life difficult for themselves yet. Murtagh set nerves jangling in his opening over, as Azhar Ali edged a curving delivery to first slip, his attempts to walk down the pitch and combat the swing in vain. Haris Sohail struck one boundary before fencing a rising Rankin delivery to gully and when Asad Shafiq lost his off stump prodding forward at Murtagh, the roars around the ground fuelled Irish belief.

Ireland fought to become a Test nation, and believed that they were good enough. Now the rest of the world, surely, believes them too.

(ESPNCricinfo)

O'Brien's fairytale debut makes ICC rankings history K

evin O'Brien has made the second-best start in terms of ICC rankings points for a batsman playing for a debutant Test team.

O'Brien made 40 in Ireland's first innings against Pakistan in Malahide, and 118 in their second innings, to set up the possibility of a fairytale victory after being made to follow on. That performance earned O'Brien 440 rankings points.

To find a performance that earned a batsman more rankings points in a team's debut Test, we must go all the way back to 1877 and the first ever Test match, in which

the opener Charles Bannerman made 165 retired hurt out of Australia's first-innings total of 245 against England at the MCG. One hundred and forty one years later, that innings still holds the record for the highest share of a team's total made by one bats-

A magical moment: Ireland's first Test century came from Kevin O'Brien .

(Getty Images)

man. That performance earned Bannerman 447 ICC rankings points, retrospectively.

O'Brien snuck in between Bannerman and Aminul Islam, whose innings of 145 in Bangladesh's inaugural Test against India in 2000 earned him 432 points. Dave Houghton's 121 and 41 not out in Zimbabwe's maiden Test against India in 1992, meanwhile, fetched him 431 points.

(ESPNCricinfoj

Kevin O'Brien became only the fourth centurion on his country's Test debut (ESPNcricinfo Ltd.)

West Indies to host Bangladesh for T20Is in Florida W

est Indies are set to host Bangladesh for three T20 internationals in August, with the second and third games to be held at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.

St. Kitts is likely to be the venue for the first game.

A Florida stadium official confirmed to ESPNcricinfo earlier this year that Cricket West Indies (CWI) had reserved the dates to hold a set of matches, initially believed to be against Pakistan as a reciprocal arrangement following West Indies' agreement to play three T20Is in Karachi in April. But Bangladesh are already due to tour the West Indies in July — a tour pushed back from March due to it clashing with the World Cup Qualifier that West Indies took part in — for two Tests and three ODIs.

were reserved by CWI to stage the T20Is, prior to the start of the 2018 CPL, which will run from August 8 to September 16. It makes for a busy month of cricket in LauderAccording to the stadium offi- hill, with three Jamaica Tallawahs cial in Lauderhill, August 4 and 5 matches also anticipated to be held at the venue during the CPL.

This will be the third time West Indies will host a team in Florida. After the maiden T20I series on USA soil, between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in May 2010, West Indies played New

Zealand in 2012, just a few months before winning the World T20 title in Sri Lanka. West Indies then returned in August 2016 to play a pair of T20Is against India, with the first match drawing a sellout crowd of 15,000 people.

Though it is the only ODI-certified stadium in the USA that can host T20Is between two Test nations, the venue's drainage facilities have been a source of concern in the past. That was exposed during the India matches, with no supersoppers available, and the second match producing no result despite a thunderstorm that lasted only 20 minutes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from July to November, with thunderstorms almost on a daily threat.

The PCB's desire to be a third team in a possible triseries in Florida is not financially viable for Lauderhill as matches would need to be played not just on weekdays but in the day time. The floodlights at the ground in Lauderhill are inadequate for international cricket, and it would require temporary supplemental floodlights — something the CPL did in 2016.

ESPNCricInfo (Caribbeannews.net)

Windies to host Bangladesh Tests in Antigua, Jamaica

A

ntigua and Jamaica will host the two Tests between Windies and Bangladesh, Cricket West Indies announced on Tuesday (May 15). Bangladesh will be playing a Test in Antigua for the first time while the game in Jamaica will be their first Test there in 14 years.

Bangladesh, who start their tour with a twoday warm-up game, will play the first Test in Antigua from July 4. The second and final Test will be played in Jamaica from July 12, followed by a three-match ODI series. The first two ODIs will be played in Antigua, while the third game will be held in St. Kitts.

St. Kitts will host the first T20I, before action shifts to Lauderhill in Florida for the next two fixtures.

FULL SCHEDULE: July 4 to 8 — First Test, Antigua July 12 to 16 — Second Test, Jamaica July 22 — First ODI, Guyana July 25 — Second ODI, Guyana July 28 - Third ODI, St. Kitts July 31 — First T20I, St. Kitts August 4 — Second T20I, Florida August 5 — Third T20I, Florida