New-york-edition07-08-2016

No. 104560

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MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

Price: $80

JULY 8, 2016

(VAT Inclusive)

CARICOM to lobby ... against US-imposed financial sanctions

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Prosperous, inclusive Guyana good for the U.S. Page 2

- Ambassador Holloway

Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the private sector celebrating the U.S.’s 240th Independence Day, during a reception at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday evening. [Samuel Maughn photo]

Come to Guyana

- President Granger urges Page 4 Caribbean businesses to set up shop

Handyman killed in Stabroek Market brawl 25

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Prosperous, inclusive Guyana good for the U.S

- Ambassador Holloway

By Svetlana Marshall A STRONG, prosperous and inclusive Guyana means well for the U.S., Ambassador Perry Holloway said on Wednesday evening.

“Our hope is that our relationship can lead to a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive Guyana. Not because we are overly altruistic, though sometimes we can be altruistic.

It is because we are neighbours, trading partners, allies, and we share a cultural, historical, and literally a genetic shared history,” the U.S. Ambassador said Wednesday evening at a ceremony held at the Guyana Marriott to mark “The Fourth of July.”

“A secure, prosperous, and inclusive Guyana is good for the United , because it means less crime in the Region, less danger from terrorism, more trade, better standards of living for both countries and hopefully more tolerance and acceptance in both countries and between both countries,” Ambassador Holloway added.

Though the ceremony was organised to commemorate the U.S.’s 240th Independence Day, it was also a celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the U.S. “We started out in 1966 by turning over the lease to Atkinson Airfield to the new country of Guyana.

“You young folks may not know that the U.S. originally built Atkinson Airbase in 1941 to protect this area against German Underwater or U-Boats and to protect the bauxite deposits, which could be used by Germany to make aircraft.

It eventually became Guyana’s international airport,” Ambassador Holloway said.

In the 1960s, the U.S. overseas development arm, USAID, played a critical role in the construction of the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. The U.S. had also jumped to the

Please see page 3

U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo took the lead in cutting the cake to mark the U.S.’s Independence Day. Others in photo are Mrs Holloway, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and First Lady Sandra Granger (Samuel Maughn photo)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

CARICOM to lobby against US-imposed financial sanctions

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- as US banks pull support from region

By Derwayne Wills UNITED STATES -based banks are cutting ties with regional financial institutions leaving Caribbean leaders no other option than to appeal for leniency from the US government, whose financial laws could leave the Caribbean cut off from the rest of the financing world.

“The matter is one that could lock out the Caribbean from the financial system if it is not addressed,” said Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness who spoke with the press corps Thursday evening following a round of meetings with the region’s leaders.

Much of trade within and outside the region is done using the US dollar. As a means of cutting cost, Caribbean financial institutions have created partnerships with US-based banks using ‘cor-

respondent accounts’ rather than setting up branches in that country.

Those partnerships allow for the US dollar to be traded between regional financial institutions and the rest of the world. A cutting of those connections could affect the flow of US dollars in the region.

Following the terrorist attacks in the US in September 2001, the US Congress implemented an aggressive regime of anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering measures which affect the world’s financial system.

Caribbean and Latin American governments are still shuffling to follow through with compliance measures impost by congress since the US could sanction banks based in that country who conduct business with the Caribbean and Latin-America.

Most of the capital flow

within the Caribbean and Latin America uses the US dollar as the common denominator.

Some countries in the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have progressed further than others, leaving Prime Minister Holness calling for compliant countries to be “rewarded” rather than face the risk of US-based banks pulling out from those countries.

So far, Bank of America, a major US bank, has withdrawn support from Guyana’s commercial banks, and similar measures are happening across the region.

The Caribbean is looking to muster support from the international community and has so far requested assistance from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as it builds its case for the US petition.

Bachelet departed Guyana a few days ago after attending the 37th summit

Prosperous, inclusive Guyana good ...

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country’s rescue during the 18 years of its worst economic times by supplying the country with wheat, so that there could have been bread in Guyana.

“President Jimmy Carter and others have participated in a number of national elections as observers and President Carter himself has long been a friend and admirer of Guyana, providing support and advice at key moments and earning the respect of all,” the U.S. Ambassador recalled.

In recent years, the Caribbean Basin Initiative, and the PEPFAR Programme on which more than US$30M has been expended to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDs and to treat those who are infected, have taken centre stage as the countries continue to display “strong” diplomatic ties.

“We opened a DEA Office, which very soon will pay off with big dividends.

We have provided equipment, training and technical assistance to CANU and SOCU,” he added.

Guyanese have also been contributing to the U.S., Ambassador Holloway posited, while noting that there

are approximately 800, 000 people in the U.S. of Guyanese descent. “They are teachers, doctors, scientists, store-owners, members of the police force and military, business people, artists, and everything else that is good.”

Ambassador Holloway addressed the gathering in the presence of his wife Rosaura, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Bryan Hunt, Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and other Members of Government, members of the diplomatic community, and members of private and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in his address, underscored the mutual relations that the Guyana and U.S. share, noting that in recent times, the central focus has been on transnational threats ranging from global security to climate change to diseases and crime.

“The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) – an initiative of the United States Government prove the value of

cooperation on both sides,” the Prime Minister posited, emphasing that it has contributed significantly to the reduction and control of the spread of HIV and AIDS. “It has also benefited Guyana by creating greater awareness, encouraging citizens to make responsible choices and by boosting Guyana’s national capacity,” he added, while expressing appreciation to the U.S. Guyana and the U.S., he stressed, must continue to model cooperation agreements to address the respective interests of both countries.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said too that Guyana is encouraged by American Oil Firm ExxonMobil’s oil find. “The discovery of petroleum reserves will allow Guyana to realise its true economic potentials…,” he said, while adding that the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund will ensure that future generations are not denied the benefits of economic development.

In this regard, he said Guyana looks forward to sharing best practices and experiences with the Government of the U.S.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness of regional leaders held in Georgetown. The Chilean President told the press corps before her departure that she

awaits a report from Caricom governments on correspondent banking to determine how best her country can offer assistance.

Although CARICOM is preparing to lobby the US on the measures imposed by that country, there is some skepticism on the lobby’s success especially since regional governments were never consulted on measures being implemented by the world power in the last 15 years.

Prime Minister Holness however maintains optimism in the lobby calling it “proactive and instrumental.”

“I think that reason will prevail and I think that our voices need to be a little louder so that the people who matter and who can change the decisions hear us.”

Since much of US in-

vestment is tied to the Caribbean, Holness believes that any threat to the region’s banking system is also a threat to US investments within the Caribbean.

Come to Guyana 4

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

- President Granger urges Caribbean businesses to set up shop here - assures Guyana remains open to all CARICOM nationals

“We’re [Guyana and Suriname] open for investment and we’re open for development and we’re all a part of one community. So Guyana’s land space, Suriname’s land space and our resources, petroleum, gold, diamonds, bauxite are all part of the Caribbean patrimony. I want to see us develop together” - President Granger

By Ravin Singh WITH recent confirmation of a significant oil find brightening hopes of a prosperous economy and with sprawling interior lands begging for investment to satisfy the food demands of the Caribbean, President David Granger Wednesday extended an open invitation for the Region’s people to set up shop here.

“We’ve got Brazilians here, we’ve got Chinese, we’ve got Russians here, we’ve got Canadians here; so why not [people from] other Caribbean countries?” the President told reporters at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown where he was meeting

with other Caribbean leaders.

Guyana’s economy has been touted to become the beacon of CARICOM in the next decade given the significant oil discovery by ExxonMobil. The U.S.-based company recently confirmed a “world-class discovery” of between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil following the drilling of the Liza2 well in the Stabroek Bloc offshore Guyana.

President Granger said he expects that some of the proceeds from the foreseen petroleum industry will go into a Sovereign Wealth Fund. In addition, he noted that the surpluses will be used to develop Guyana’s infrastructure and education system.

“We are quite mature and we know what we are going to do when the revenues start to flow. So the Guyanese people can look forward to a higher quality of life,” the President committed.

Given Guyana’s potential for expansion of its economy, the Head of State also reaffirmed that his invitation for regional investments, which was issued last year, is still in effect.

“That invitation is still extended. The states of the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica have well developed business communities and [today] I’ll be going into the hinterland with one of the CARICOM Prime Ministers to show him [investment] possibilities,” President Granger said.

He pointed out that the Rupununi is larger than Costa Rica, which underscores the fact that its potential is still to be realised.

“I am sure that they are interested and that they’ll be able to take a message back to their countrymen in the business sector to see Guyana and Suriname as a new horizon for development in agriculture and tourism.”

The Head of State also boasted of the fact that Guyana has the “best eco-tourism product on the continent,” while adding that he expects in years to come Guyana will be seeing a lot of development with its Caribbean colleagues.

Quizzed further on whether Guyana remains open to nationals of other Caribbean countries, the President responded in the affirmative.

Regarding Guyana’s role in CARICOM in the coming years, the President noted that the English-speaking country will assist in resolving all difficulties that might have impeded growth in the regional bloc, since its headquarters is located in Georgetown.

He also revealed that the Heads of Government have been informed that Guyana and Suriname combined are larger than Germany, which underscores the need for CARICOM to regard these two states as being part of the hinterland of the Caribbean.

“We’re [Guyana and Suriname] open for investment and we’re open for development and we’re all a part of one community. So Guyana’s land space, Suriname’s land space and our resources, petroleum, gold, diamonds [and] bauxite are all part of the Caribbean patrimony.

I want to see us develop together,” President Granger stated.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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CARICOM must deliver

- leaders agitate for free movement, single market and economy

By Neil Marks Leaders of CARICOM opened their annual meeting in Georgetown on Monday evening wary about the pessimism some have about the regional integration movement, but eager still to pronounce on its potential to deliver the promise of free movement and a single market and economy.

The leaders were keenly aware that the ability to move freely around the 15-nation grouping is the most tangible expression of CARICOM people in the region look to, but the failure of officials at some ports of entry to allow a six-month stay with no questions asked has been a headache for many.

Prime Minister of St Lucia, Allen Chastanet, brought the uncomfortable question to the fore: What if the people of CARICOM ask for a referendum as was seen in Britain? His question drew silence from the auditorium at the National Cultural Centre.

He said that CARICOM must deliver on immediate solutions to poverty in the region; that “people must feel tangible benefits”; and that they demand that their leaders “deliver on a better way of life”.

Chastanet, who was delivering his maiden speech to IMMIGRATION CHAT? Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, CARICOM, said that often excuses are proffered about why and Prime Minister of Trinidad, Dr Keith Rowley, in discussion after the opening ceremony of the 37th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Monday evening (Adrian Narine photo) progress is hampered, but he asked leaders if they could be the ruling of the Caribbe- countries and improvement of our citizens’ lives,” he said. certain of the response of the an Court of Justice (CCJ) His concern was later recognised by the Dominican Prime people if a referendum on in the case of Jamaican Minister, who got down to real, tough questions the people CARICOM were called.

Shanique Myrie provides of the region have been venting. “Why is it cheaper to travel He said that languishing guidance on how the matter by air from Dominica to New York than it is to travel from structures must be replaced should be dealt with.

Dominica to Guyana? Why are St Lucian bananas cheaper or strengthened, so that CARin London than in Barbados? Why is it cheaper to phone a ICOM can function effecBLESSING OF relative in London from Grenada than it is to phone a friend tively.

CARICOM in St Vincent?”

Chastanet warned that his Mr Gonsalves suggested that the work of regional integratime in CARICOM would be It was a position that Dr tion would not be a miracle of CARICOM Government, but spent demanding more actions Gonsalves agreed with, as that it needed the input of all, including the skeptics. than words, and he said that he recognised that the CCJ “Many of the very critics do not want to put in a good behind his impatience would was one of the blessings day’s work and engage in pushing an agenda. Rather than be the fact that people in St – Roosevelt Skerrit, of CARICOM. He said it look to the politicians for miracles, what we should do when Lucia and those of the CaribPrime Minister of Dominica was the only supranation- we go to work is that we must produce and we must not allow bean would be experiencing al body the grouping has the work place to become a war zone.” another day of poverty if the created.

He called for commitment to the process. region’s leaders fail to deliver Myrie, who claimed to have been subjected to a body “We have a way of beating up on ourselves too much, and on their mandate of a better life for all.

Chastanet is one of three new Prime Ministers since the cavity search in Barbados, took the island’s Government to then we find ourselves going to church on Saturday or Sunday court and won, with the CCJ making it definitive that people morning and sing ‘Great is Thy faithfulness’.” last CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

The Trinidad Prime Minister got the first applause of the Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is chair- of CARICOM must be allowed without harassment into any ing the meeting and should have hosted the meeting but was member state for six months; and that if a refusal is made, night from the audience when he said that leaders needed to unable to so do as the island is still reeling from the effects the person must be given the reason in writing, and must be take the bull by the horns and deliver for the people of the region. He issued the warning that “we have seen nothing in of tropical storm Erika, said the fresh perspective of the new notified of their right to seek legal redress.

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness used the meeting Europe from which we can take solace,” referring to Britain’s leaders can only be helpful to the work of the region.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent, who to protest the treatment meted out to Jamaicans in Trinidad: vote to leave the European Union, the integration movement was going home from Guyana but had an in-transit stop in “Jamaicans have been expressing concerns of increased cases on which CARICOM patterned itself and from which it has April last year, made headlines when it was reported that of denial of entry and treatment at ports of entry at other juris- received crucial support.

“Leadership is not about popularity, but about leading and security officials failed to recognise him and tried to screen dictions. This must be urgently addressed in a meaningful way him. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Georgetown otherwise,” he told the opening ceremony, where his Trinida- making tough decisions,” he declared.

He said that CARICOM leaders needed to take ownership confab on Monday evening, he tried to downplay the hiccups dian counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, also addressed the issue.

The two sides have sought dialogue to resolve the issue. of opportunities and put the issue of a single market and econwith free movement, saying that there was a problem with But more than travel for people is demanded of CAR- omy back on the front burner. immigration officials that simply needed to be solved.

Leaders will pronounce on their discussions on the Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, admit- ICOM, Mr Holness said. “…regional integration is not an end to itself, it is a means issue of free movement of people and the single market ted there were challenges with the free movement of people.

He noted that while governments have the right to deny entry, to achieve broader achievement, the economic growth of our and economy at the end of their meeting on Wednesday.

“Why is it cheaper to travel by air from Dominica to New York than it is to travel from Dominica to Guyana? Why are St Lucian bananas cheaper in London than in Barbados? Why is it cheaper to phone a relative in London from Grenada than it is to phone a friend in St Vincent?”

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor-In-Chief Editor

Godfrey Wray Nigel Williams

Editor Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 Godfrey Wray guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 gnnleditorial@gmail.com guyanachronicle.com

Editorial Editorial

Dennis A Nelson –– dennisnelson. wnigel10@hotmail.com newyorkchronicle@yahoo.com –– 917-379-6590

gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Establishing Synergies for Education It is public knowledge Guyana’s human capital is being depleted through emigration at percentage greater than the birth rate. It is widely reported more than 80 percent of university graduates leave Guyana. Among the principal push factors are high unemployment, under-employment, and the comparative values of wages/ salaries to cost of living and desired standard of living.

The flight of human capital has serious implications for a country’s development. Even in the so-called technological age, the conceptualisation, development and application of technology cannot be without the input and support (financial and otherwise) of man, from production, to distribution, and the consumption phases.

Economist Professor Clive Thomas’ column ‘Guyana and the wider world,’ 10th August 2014, in an article entitled, “Guyana’s 2012 Population Census: Runaway brain drain rules!” had this to say: “As a rule, one observes worldwide that high levels of emigration result in two major manifestations. One is that proportionately this emigration is weightiest among those strata of the population with technical skills, expertise and training, and who are otherwise experienced. The second manifestation is that those countries with small populations (like Guyana) have high ratios of emigrants living abroad (the diaspora) to their resident population.”

Given the realities above, when it was learnt that the recently appointed Principal and Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Ivelaw Griffith- a Guyanese who served and distinguished himself in high profiled positions in United States’ universities-moved to confront prevailing challenges at this institution, it was most welcomed.

In a detailed address to stakeholders on 22nd May, the VC outlined what he considered to be the challenges facing UG, which he described as a “crisis” situation and what he proposed the solutions to be, which he is evidently moving to implement.

The university has moved to adopt the theme “Renaissance of the University of Guyana.” Renaissance speaks to ‘revival’ or ‘rebirth.’ Those who recall the heyday of the institution admitted it not only produced students and employed educators who distinguished themselves, locally and aboard, but its intellectual pool also played a role in shaping and influencing the national discourse, including politics, national policies and programmes.

Among the things the VC pointed out the institution

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Don’t give up

Dear Editor:

W

HEN I wrote the Common Entrance Examination for the first time I got Alleyne’s High School and on my second try, Richard Ishmael Secondary School.

My six years at Richard Ishmael shaped my life in ways I could not imagine it would when I held the Common Entrance results in my hand. Richard Ishmael was an education. The teachers were dedicated.

My first exposure to debating was at high school; those experiences live with me. My first chance at leadership was serving as a Prefect. Some of the lessons from that simple task I still carry with me. The extra-curricular activities were a blessing, I grabbed the opportunity to help organise concerts etc. and was an eager spectator at sporting events. What was a greater blessing was a good family and more particularly, a great mother who inspired me every step of the way.

The empowerment of my mother in making sure I had all I needed for school and the motivation she gave told me very early in life I could do anything with my life. I went to Richard Ishmael Secondary proudly. It was not considered by any measure a “top school,” but that did not stop me from going on to higher education, earning certification in Industrial Relations and Management, a diploma in Communication

Studies and Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB); currently,I’m in the stages of the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.

Richard Ishmael inspired me to give back more than 10 years teaching experience to the sector. I would go on to work for the Office of the Prime Minister and serve in the second highest position in the largest municipality in our country. The salient point I leave with you is that the school you go to is not the final word on who you become in life, the same way the Bible tells us a man’s life is not determined by its beginnings. I leave with you another biblical injunction which has served me well: "The race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Good teachers, great family, some motivation and encouragement, self-determination and the purposes of God being fulfilled in our lives all go towards who we become and not just the high school we go to. Congrats to all Guyana's children who wrote these exams. God bless you.

Regards Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

Heads of Gov’t are empowered to act, yet are calling for action Dear Editor: IT was observed that at the opening (July 4, 2017) of the Annual Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that presenters on matters relating to advancing Caribbean integration were taking the positions of calling for action.

It needs to be said that as Heads of Government, the President and Prime Ministers are empowered to act unresource challenge which he says revolves around two resources; financial and human capital resource. And part of what has accentuated the human capital challenge, he said, is insufficient money to replace employees who have left, and insufficient money to pay those who are here, which leads to those people eventually leaving. To some extent the crisis in funding will contribute to crisis in retaining qualified skills and talents.

And it is safe to say out of this recognition and the aim to alleviate same would have informed UG’s Education Resources Ambassador Conference of 23rd June-25th June.

Held under the theme “Dreaming Resources, Doing Resources,” this conference saw the convergence of educators in the Diaspora and home, deliberating on the state of education in Guyana and what role (s) they can play to improve its quality.

That the Diaspora has expressed and proven its commitment to seeing Guyana’s premier tertiary institution re-asserts and re-assumes its role in society, not only in churning out highly trained and competent human capital, but also hopefully a cadre of intellectuals who will commit to seeing the improvement of Guyana and vying for leading office, be it elected or appointed, ought not to be lost sight of.

Education makes a nation. With persons leaving the comfort of their adopted homes, or taking time away from work,

der the CARICOM Treaty, Charters, and each nation’s respective laws, and in keeping with the duties and responsibilities of the offices held. Caribbean countries are no longer colonies, thereby requiring the call for action from elsewhere (the Crown). The Caribbean peoples are no longer colonized, thereby having to call on the Crown to act in keeping with their welfare. Heads of Government are in charge of the day-to-day business in their respective

Please see page 7 family or vacation to lend support to a worthy venture in the land of their birth is cementing and formalising synergies in education that can only redound to the nation’s benefit.

Reportedly, 45 high-level participants came from Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America with background in education, medicine, media, and industry. They were joined by around 60 local participants in what has been described as a ground-breaking event, which saw a groundswell of appreciation for the challenges that UG faces in the production of quality graduates to support the nation’s development.

According to the UG Newsletter contributions from the diaspora came in the form of cash, scholarships and pledges which tallied at over US$70,000 dollars or G$14.5M. Guyana has to move forward. There is no other option, and every support given to Guyana by Guyanese, home or in the diaspora, is aiding in that step forward. To this end the conference was a very encouraging developmental effort, not only for tertiary education in Guyana, but for the nation’s overall development, and as we are wont to say it cast shadow of greater things to come.

Congratulations to the intellectual authors, organisers, participants and contributors!

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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The Muslim-led slave uprisings in Guyana Dear Editor, VERY little is written about the prominent role that enslaved African Muslims played in the history of the Guianas; but, for now, we will focus on Guyana, the former Dutch/British colony in South America.

While the reconstruction of the history of enslaved Africans in Guyana is difficult, due to the horrors of slavery and the fact that almost 99% of the archival materials are in Dutch, it may cause some unease for the predominantly forced converted descendants of Africans in Guyana today not to mention the whiteman’s burden that made Africa into a “dark corner of the world”, which Europeans claim was void of any civilization.

Black Egypt (Nubia), Kush, and Axum were suddenly not part of Africa. This bias was carried over by some who wrote the history books of Guyana and refused to acknowledge the role African Muslims played in the country’s history, and their quest to retain their identities.

While enslaved African Muslims may not have had in their possession the Holy Quran, many had it committed to memory, which their masters could not burn.

According to Emilia Viotti da Costa in her book

Heads of Gov’t ...

From page 6 countries and their party or group holds significant sway in the legislature. It means that in addition to day-to-day administration of the Government, they can also proceed with making laws to advance integration.

Heads of Government are not Leaders of the Opposition or minority, thereby not having control of the executive, and requiring action on the part of the executive which they head.

Calling on others to act when you are empowered to act has been a new fad of the Heads of Government and executive and it should cease. This had never been a practice of Heads of Government of yore. It can be recalled that Forbes Burnham, Eric Williams, Errol Barrow, Michael Manley, Vere Bird Sr., Eugene Charles and others came to CARICOM with a vision, shared it with the Region’s peoples, engaged stakeholders, and moved to act. Most of the time the political work was done before the convening of conferences, which were used to fine-tune proposals, make decisions, and return to their respective countries for implementation.

What the integration process needs to realise the objectives set out therein is for Heads of Government to recognise that they have the power to act on the things they are calling for action on. Heads should use the muscles that come with the offices they occupy, and bring before the Region a Plan of Action they will embrace, having done preparatory work, and making known the respective arms of CARICOM tasked with getting the job done.

It is the absence of political will and commitment to the integration process that is responsible for many decisions taken not being implemented by the respective members.

A lot of work has been done by the technicians, but beyond the work prepared, implementation, which the politicians are in charge of, have been slow. The Region’s peoples can only act on the basis of clear guidelines and enabling environments created, which the Heads of Government have the responsibility to ensure. The peoples await leadership and have been calling on the respective governments to act, notwithstanding some have taken initiatives to proceed on their own to make integration work.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

“Crowns of Glory, Tears of Blood”, some enslaved Africans involved in the 1823 Demerara rebellion were Muslims.

An African driver from Plantation Brothers by the name of Bob was a Muslim, and was known as the Mahometan. Incidentally, Quamina the ringleader was an African from the Akan community. During the trial of the ‘ringleaders,’ one African who testified against them was a Muslim who demanded to take his oath the Islamic way.

Also, according to Norman Cameron in his book “150 Years of Education In Guyana (1808 - 1957)”, “two Mohammedans”, Romeo and Jason, were ordained by the Christian missionary on Plantation Le Ressouvenir as deacons; Romeo was ordained in 1808 and Jason in 1814.

Despite the horrors of enslavement, traces of their Islamic faith were referenced in the early 1800s in several books that ascribed to materials written in Arabic found among slaves in British Guiana. In Thomas Staunton St. Clair’s 1834 autobiography, titled “A Soldier’s Sojourn in British Guiana, 1806-1808”, he mentioned a slave plot planned for Christmas Eve in 1807. St. Clair was a British soldier stationed in Demerara for three years, from 1805 to June 1808. From his personal recollections, he mentioned that “a slave woman who lived with a young Scottish overseer on a plantation on the East Coast Demerara betrayed the conspirators.”

The ringleader was her own father. Based on her accusation, at least 20 slaves were arrested, while her father and a few others were hanged.

One piece of evidence that was presented during the trial was a letter written in the Arabic script, supposedly by one of the rebels, and addressed to the slaves. However, since no member of the Court could read the letter, its purport could only be guessed at. This suggests that her father was a Muslim and one with strong faith.

More importantly, in 1836, two years prior to the arriv-

al of the first Hindustani Muslims in British Guiana, the London Missionary Society reported that Thomas Lewis -a freed African -- was educated in England and had started a school in Union Chapel in New Amsterdam. Lewis was formerly a Muslim known as Toby. Toby, the Hausa Muslim, could read the Arabic text of the Holy Quran.

Last, but not least, the very first slave revolt in 1763 was carried out by a house slave, Kofi (which means born on the Jummah) from the Akan tribe of Ghana, who was probably a Muslim, since he was literate in the Arabic language. In addition, a few of Kofi’s ‘lieutenants’ were Muslims. Akara (his chief army commander, and from the same plantation) and Atta and Quabi were also from the Akan tribe.

In Guyana, the majority of enslaved Africans were from the Congo and Kromanti regions. Looking at the 1819 slave population of Berbice (Table S3. 4. Higman 1984), there was a significant number of African-born Muslims in the colony. Out of the total African-born slaves (12,867), only 1,198 (or 9%) were specified; and out of this number, 235 (or 20%) were Muslims. These were distributed as follows:– 111 Mandingos from Senegambia and Bambara (Mali/Burkina Faso); from Sierra Leone there were 27 Temnes, 27 Fullahs and 18 Susus; 14 from the Gold Coast, and 38 Hausas from Benin.

Enslaved African Muslims were leaders in slave uprisings. As well, some who converted in exchange for freedom became prominent Christian preachers in Guyana.

Among these are Tobi, Romeo and Jason.

During this month of Ramadhan, 2016, we would like to pay homage to all formerly enslaved Africans who had been murdered and assassinated during the African Holocaust, and to bring attention to a few who refused to bear the names of their slave masters.

RAY CHICKRIE and SHABNAM ALLI

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Ramotar points out BK’s faults Dear Editor Mr. Brian Tiwari has reacted, strongly, to a letter I had sent to the press, in which I stated that the APNU/AFC regime handed over eight containers of steel that were imported

by Surendra Company for the Construction of the Specialty Hospital, to BK International Group, days after the 2015 General Elections.

I indicated that the PPP/C government had paid all required charges to GRA and to the Wharf, took the containers off the Wharf and the Ministry of Health took possession of these containers.

In the meantime, the PPP/C government had moved to the Courts to sue Surendra to recover monies paid to them after the Government terminated the contract. The intention was to execute the judgment obtained against Surendra by levying on the containers to recover the judgment.

Mr. Tiwari claimed that we did not know what were in the containers, or their value. That also is not true.

At the request of the Office of the President, the GRA did a one hundred percent inspection of the containers. As a result, we were assured that the value was sufficient to satisfy the judgment. These containers were removed at the instance of Mr. Tiwari.

Therefore, I maintain that millions of dollars’ worth in steel were virtually handed to him by his new found political friends.

After I released the letter Mr. Tiwari sent to me dated March 23 2015, in which he assured me that he was a “born PPP” and still is, obliviously embarrassed, Mr. Tiwari seemed to have gone on a frenzy, throwing caution to the wind and unleashed a wild set of charges against me. He claimed that he sent that letter to me because I threatened to stop his company from using GUYSUCO’S hangar. This is absolutely

untrue. GUYSUCO granted his company permission to use that facility, not me nor the Government. It was not my policy or that of my government to interfere with entities governed by a board of directors. He alluded to an incident where certain APNU officials travelled on a flight which the Government of Guyana had chartered. Of Course I objected.

I had every right to do so.

In any event, this incident is absolutely unconnected to his letter 23rd March 2015. This incident occurred long after.

Mr. Tiwari also claimed that the PPP/C had allowed Surendra’s representative to leave Guyana. That is another lie. The truth is that after his case was completed with Surendra, the court discharged the injunction which prevented the representative from leaving Guyana. There is a Court Order to this effect.

As a result, the representative was free to leave the Country. This had nothing to do with the government. The

fact is that the PPP/C ended this contract with Surendra after their breach and took legal and administrative measures to recover tax payers’ money. Mr Tiwari’s actions prevented the Government from recovering these monies.

In clear Mafiosi style, Mr. Tiwari made a lot of allegations against my brother. Let me state from the outset that I am not my brother’s keeper. However, I feel compelled to respond because, Mr. Tiwari attempts to implicate me in a number of wrong doings.

As a result, I took the time to speak to my brother to ascertain these claims of Mr. Tiwari.

He informed me as follows: 1. My brother never purchased any land from GUYSUCO. No one owns any such land on his behalf.

2. My brother offered to purchase lands from GUYSUCO. He never received a response.

I challenge Mr. Tiwari to produce evidence to the contrary.

3. My brother never purchased any pontoons or tugs from NICIL. 4. My brother owns a tug, which he has owned long before I became President.

5. As regards the barge, this barge was owned by MARAD. Mr. Tiwari used this barge for years and when it became unworkable he abandoned it at Parika and left to sink.

6. My brother was awarded a contract to fetch materials for the Government. He was permitted to repair and use this same barge. This he did for years. Eventually, MARAD offered to sell him the barge. They produced a certificate of valuation. My brother purchased at a price above that valuation.

7. A few months ago, Mr. Tiwari caused SARU to investigate this matter. I believe Mr. Tiwari wants back this barge because it is now in good condition. SARU investigated this matter and examined my brother’s docu-

ments. My brother has heard nothing since.

8. Mr. Tiwari also charged that my brother received a container of parts from a Chinese businessman.

Another lie. I was told that it is Mr. Brain Tiwari who introduced my brother to the Chinese businessman. He told me that he had ordered from this businessman a part for the steering of his tug.

The gentleman obliged and brought it in. It was housed in a box not more than five feet long and three feet wide.

That is a far cry from a forty feet container. He also informed me that in Mr. Tiwari’s presence, he enquired from the gentleman, the cost, however, this gentleman refuse to accept any payment.

Mr. Tiwari conveys the impression that I have some personal vendetta against him and his company. This is another fabrication. I have known Mr. Tiwari for many years before I became president. Why then would i suddenly develop a vendetta for him?

The truth is that when I assumed office, it was reported to me that Mr. Tiwari’s company has a long history of not meeting contractual deadlines and submitting huge variation to contracts already signed, sometimes more than the original contract value. I was unprepared to tolerate such abuse. Also, there was a long line of contractual breaches by Mr. Tiwari company which he was failing to deliver on. These include: 1. His company was contracted to rent the GRDB Wharf, and to develop it with an option to purchase in the end for $110 million. The rent was $10 million dollars per year. No rent was paid for four years. No development works were done. As a result, legal proceedings were filed

by NICIL. The matter is still pending in the Court.

2. His company also miserably failed in respect to a contract to build a wharf for GPL at Vreed- En Hoop.

GPL faced tremendous cost overruns and delays as a result. GPL was forced to move fuel by road instead.

This cost the company millions of dollars in additional expenses.

3. Bk International fabricated a claim that GPL destroyed Six Hundred Million dollars of heavy duty equipment which he claimed were on a piece of land at VreedEn- Hoop, which he owned.

In response GPL contended that the land was abandoned, over grown with bushes and had some pieces of old iron on it, which they dumped in the bushes nearby. In fact GPL claimed they spent two million dollars to clear the land and pieces of old iron are still in the bushes. Bk International demanded six Hundred Million dollars in compensation and when this demand was refused they sued. The matter is still in Court.

4. BK’s management of the Haags Bosch project was a complete disaster. They ousted Puran’s Bros from the project and took over management of the site. It was so bad that the IDB refused to fund the project if BKs continued to be the contractor. Our government terminated the contract. BK went to court. Even this government could not help him.

They eventually ejected him from the site.

5. The East Bank Road project is another casualty.

I do not believe the contract is completed as yet. Three contracts to drill wells for GWI were awarded to him years ago. To date none has been completed. I can go on but I think I have said enough. I hope that I have made it clear that I have no personal axe to grind with Mr. Tiwari. Mr. Tiwari has a problem with me. It all started when I begun to demand that contractors fulfill their contractual obligation.

Regards Donald Ramotar Former President

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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Progress at last - Int’l financial watchdog backs steps to fight money laundering; on-site visit slated for September

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA has been finally cleared to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) review lists, and is to be paid an on-site visit shortly by the International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG).

The purpose of the visit by the international watchdog body is to verify whether Guyana is indeed implementing and sustaining the outlined Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms.

Making the disclosure yesterday was Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, during a press conference at his Carmichael Street, Georgetown Office.

“A year after President David Arthur Granger gave a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and CFATF to address the strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government inherited from the previous government, the FATF has cleared the way for Guyana to begin to exit its process, and thereupon the CFATF process also,” Minister Williams said, as he broke what many, particularly those in the business community, might consider to be the good news.

RELATED LEGISLATION Currently, Guyana has an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act in place, along with other related legislation governing supervisory bodies, financial institutions, law enforcement, and foreign affairs.

The National Assembly, in May, passed the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill 2016. In 2015, it had also passed the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill; the AML/ CFT (Amendment) Bill Nos. 1 and 2; and the AML/CFT Regulations,all in keeping with recommendations made by FATF and CFATF. The decision to take Guyana off the review lists was made during an FATF Plenary and Working Group meeting held in Busan, Korea, from June 18-24.

The meeting, which was attended by the Attorney-General and Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Alicia Williams, saw the Plenary adopting FATF/ICRG Co-chair’s Report, which stated that Guyana had substantially completed its Action Plan at the Technical level.

“In line with the procedures for removing jurisdictions from ICRG review, the ICRG recommends that an on-site visit take place to the country prior to the October 2016 meetings, in order to verify that the implementation of its AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and there is political commitment to sustain implementation,” sections of the report read.

ON-SITE VISIT FATF/ICRG has identified September 15 and 16, 2016 for the conduct of the on-site visit, but these dates are yet to be confirmed by the Government of Guyana.

The FIU, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Bank of Guyana, Guyana Securities Council (GSC), the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS), the Supervisor of Insurance (SoI), Money Transfer Agencies and commercial banks are all in the line-up to be visited by the ICRG. The international body will determine whether Guyana is adequately criminalising money-laundering and terrorist financing, and whether there are effective procedures in place for the confiscation of assets related to money-laundering.

Additionally, as part of its action plan, the country was required to establish and implement an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing, and freezing terrorist assets; establish a fully operational and effectively functioning FIU; establish effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing financial transparency; and strengthen suspicious transactions reporting requirements.

The final of the seven reforms required in the Action Plan

to be moved, in the October Plenary, to remove Guyana from the FATF/ICRG’s review list,” Minister Williams explained.

On being removed from the said list, Guyana will, thereupon, qualify to exit the CFATF follow-up process.

At a CFATF Plenary Meeting and Working Group Agenda held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from June 5-9, 2016, CFATF had given Guyana a clean bill of health on its “Tenth Follow-Up Report,” the first submitted by the new government.

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams addressing reporters on the clearance received by Guyana to commence the exiting process relates to the implementation of an adequate supervisory framework.

ALL SYSTEMS GO Asked whether all the institutions and agencies listed are well equipped to facilitate the visit by the ICRG, the Attorney-General’s response was: “They must be.”

In order to ensure a successful visit, the Legal Affairs Ministry will be holding meetings with the named institutions, organisations and agencies to ensure that all systems are in place, in keeping with the recommendations made by FATF and CFATF. “Once the FATF/ICRG Co-chairs conclude that Guyana has satisfied its on-site verification, then a Motion will have

“Guyana has significantly improved its overall level of compliance, and, most importantly, Guyana has fully addressed the core and key recommendations. While Guyana satisfies the criteria for application to exit the follow-up process, it is still in the FATF/ICRG process, which it needs to complete first. As such, it is recommended that Guyana stay in enhanced follow-up, and be required to report on continuing implementation to the next plenary in November,” CFATF had said during that plenary meeting.

In November, 2013 CFATF had identified Guyana as a country with significant strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime. By May, 2014 the regional financial watchdog body sounded an alarm, calling on member countries to safeguard themselves from Guyana.

“Members are therefore called upon to implement further counter-measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money-laundering and terrorist-financing risks emanating from Guyana,” CFATF had said, even as it announced its referral of Guyana to FATF. CFATF members were encouraged to enhance their due-diligence measures, introduce enhanced reporting mechanisms or systematic reporting of financial transactions; refuse the establishment of subsidiaries or branches or representative offices in Guyana. Additionally, it was clearly stated that countries should minimise their business relationships or financial transactions with Guyana and even persons within the country.

But now that the tide is changing, the business community can expect Guyana’s removal from the ‘Light Grey List’ in the not-too-distant future.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE MONITORING DASHBOARDS "Put God in charge of your work, then what you have planned will take place." - Proverbs 16:3.

By Dr. Basil Springer We are all familiar with the term “dashboard” in the context of an automobile or aircraft. The purpose of the dashboard is to display operational information to facilitate the operator’s decision making process through timely performance monitoring.

Similarly, in business, the managers of the five business systems (corporate governance, investment finance, marketing, people development and operations) need business intelligence dashboards so they can monitor the performance of their respective portfolios.

The advent of the information age has introduced information and computer technology sophistication to allow for the development of dashboards with varying degrees of interactive capability. Business intelligence dashboards display the current status of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the systems of a business.

The corporate governance dashboard has a quality control function geared to the achievement of overall business success. It is predicated on a “board meeting” culture which lays a sound foundation through a cyclical process of approving the next month’s action plan and monitoring management’s performance, one month later.

The financial investment dashboard has a financial security function geared to protect the business by injecting investment ahead of impending cash flow deficits. It

is predicated on three month rolling cash flow projections to determine the quantum of seed, working capital and long term investment needs of the business.

The marketing dashboard helps to bring life to the business by reflecting the outcome of an incessant aggressive sales strategy to exponentially increase sales. It is predicated on the three dimensional mining of the marketing matrix, sales conversion flow, customer relations management, and the expert handling of public relations, branding and social media marketing.

Dr. Basil Springer The people development dashboard is about monitoring the holistic health of all staff in response to the success of the marketing function in such a manner that high levels of human productivity (work smarter, not harder) are observed. It is predicated on the impact of the practice of positive affirmations of abundance, shepherding, time man-

agement, performance appraisal as well as formal and informal training programmes.

The operations dashboard has a profitability function geared to ensure that the business is tracking a path of sustainability. It is predicated on the philosophy of innovative technology and optimal process flow which implies a focus on the individual profitability of each profit centre of the business.

Let us put first things first and seek Divine guidance, and let us continually monitor our performance across all the business systems of the organization by engaging early detection practices facilitated by the business intelligence dashboards. In doing so, we should reward excellence when it is deserved and more so take corrective action to bring us back on track when there is a departure from the targets which are set. In this way, the Shepherding process will enhance the opportunity for business success.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www. nothingbeatsbusiness.com.)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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Guyanese make up 20% of Antigua …PM Browne hails contributions to economy

By Svetlana Marshall Antigua and Barbuda has gone well beyond its treaty commitments to allow for the free movement of skilled nationals, and Guyanese are reaping significant benefits, that country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Tuesday.

Minutes after exiting CARICOM’s first Business Plenary at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel, Prime Minister Browne told local journalists that Antigua and Barbuda is among Member States leading the way in the promotion of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“We have gone beyond our treaty commitments to allow for the free movement of skilled nationals,” he said while adding that the Antigua and Barbuda has even opened up its economic and social space to unskilled nationals to work and live. “So we have gone way beyond the call of duty to facilitate the movement of the Caribbean people,”

Prime Minister Browne emphasised. But Antigua and Barbuda’s involvement in CSME is not just limited to the free movement of labour – the country as part of its trade arrangements has been importing a number of products from CARICOM countries. “So our commitment to CARICOM integration I believe is extremely strong and can be seen in very tangible ways.”

His comments come exactly one year after, Antigua and Barbuda was granted an extension to its five-year exemption from the free movement agreement for domestic workers established under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). CARICOM Heads of Government had granted the country a three year extension as against the five year extension requested.

The CSME forms a major part of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. At the time, the Antiguan Prime minister had argued that the need for exemption was more pressing

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne speaking with local journalists at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday than when it was first granted more than five years ago.

Nevertheless, in turning his attention to the contributions made by Guyanese to his homeland, Prime Minister Browne said Guyanese continue to play a critical role in the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.

“Guyanese living in Antigua and Barbuda have been making significant contributions towards the advancement of our country, and many of them, they bring skills to our country, some bring capital, and generally speaking they have been law abiding citi-

zens,” he reported.

According to the Prime Minister, Guyanese make up 15 to 20 per cent of the country’s population of 90,000 people. “So with that level of Guyanese residency and citizenship, clearly they are a well-integrated part of the country’s population. They

continue to make their contributions in various sectors of the economy and we are very appreciative of the level of cooperation and their contributions,” he added.

He said while many are pessimistic about the future of CARICOM, Antigua and Barbuda will continue to be optimistic. “We have always been at the fore front of the integration movement, you will recall that back in 1966, when CARIFTA was formed it was Guyana, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda that started it…So we will continue to play our role, we will continue to be a part of the decision making process, to influence growth and development of the Caribbean Regional Integration.

Prime Minister Browne is here in Guyana along with other Heads of Government and Regional Leaders participating in the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Granger hopes Venezuela border controversy goes to int’l court in four months

By Ravin Singh PRESIDENT David Granger is hopeful that the outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will declare a move to the International Court of Justice within four months to settle once and for all the border controversy with Venezuela.

His comment came at the start of Wednesday’s meetings of the 37th Heads of Government meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela dates back to over a century, with renewed and forceful claims after the American oil firm ExxonMobil announced a giant oil find offshore Guyana

last year.

With the oil discovery approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana, Venezuela extended its land claim and sought this country’s Atlantic front. The decree, deemed by the President as “obnoxious,” was withdrawn after CARICOM backed Guyana in the controversy.

It was back in 1966, on the eve of Guyana’s independence from Britain, that Venezuela claimed the 1899 arbitral award which settled the countries’ borders was null and void.

That triggered the socalled Geneva Agreement, which mandated the United Nations Secretary- General to dictate a mechanism to settle the controversy as provided for in Chapter VI of the Char-

ter of the United Nations.

The then UN Secretary-General selected the Good Officers Process as one of the specific means available under the Charter.

However, President Granger contended last year that after 25 years, the Good Officers Process has been exhausted.

“It is, therefore, not an infraction, but a fulfilment, of the Geneva Agreement to seek another peaceful option if one tried option failed to resolve the controversy,” the President had said.

Subsequently, there was a proposed resolution, as was promised by the Venezuelan delegation at the 36th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference last year.

File photo shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and President David Granger at a meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last September Topical during the fourday meet, the border dispute garnered support in favour of Guyana from the regional bloc. This followed President Granger’s pleading with CARICOM to reaffirm its collective support for the principles enshrined in international law for safe-

is in full support of Guyana’s sovereignty. The Commonwealth is in support of Guyana’s sovereignty. So as far as the Venezuelan claim is concerned, this is something that is not necessarily invented for the petroleum matter.

It has been bothering Guyana for the last 50 years and we

the course of action before he demits office in the near future.

“All Mr. Ban Ki-moon has to do within the remaining months and weeks of his office is select a course that doesn’t involve warfare… we’ve asked him to choose a course that would take the

“All Mr. Ban Ki-moon has to do within the remaining months and weeks of his office is select a course that doesn’t involve warfare… we’ve asked him to choose a course that would take the controversy to a juridical settlement and we hope he does this within the next four months before he demits office.”

– President Granger guarding territorial integrity, sovereignty and national independence.

And with CARICOM reaffirming its support for Guyana, President David Granger said on Wednesday that Guyana was very fortunate at the last Heads of Government meeting to get Venezuela to withdraw and change its “obnoxious decree.”

However, the Head of State made it clear that presently, Guyana is not satisfied with a dormant status of the border spat.

“Right now we’re not satisfied, but CARICOM is aware of the developments which have taken place and

want to bring it to a juridical conclusion at this point in time,” Granger said.

He went on to express his hope in the UN’s Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon choosing a course for the peaceful resolution of the controversy.

“That’s his [Ban Kimoon’s] job - to simply select a course and it is up to Guyana and Venezuela to pursue that course.

And our selection is the course that will take us to the courts” the President added.

But according to him, he remains hopeful that Mr Ban will make a decision on

controversy to a juridical settlement and we hope he does this within the next four months before he demits office,” the President said.

Ban Ki-moon is the eighth UN Secretary-General, who first took up office on January 1, 2007. In 2011, he was unanimously re-elected by the General Assembly and will serve until December 31, 2016.

Last year, the UN announced that for the first time in its history, the 193 member states, including those of the Caribbean, will be included “totally” in the selection of the next UN Secretary-General.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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US$300,000 Japanese grant for disaster risk project

T

HE impact of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Guyana was further highlighted with the official launching of a special project in the agriculture sector in Guyana, titled “Building Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood: Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management/Disaster Risk Reduction (DRM/ DRR)�.

The US$300,000 project which is funded by the Japanese Government under supervision of the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was officially launched on Monday in the UNDP Conference Room.

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder in delivering the feature address, underscored the importance of implementing enhanced disaster risk management mechanisms to offset the impact climate change has on agriculture production in Guyana. This, he noted, has caused increased focus on the need for enhanced agriculture disaster and risk management systems to be implemented.

Building on the past achievements, projects such as these are necessary, according to the Agriculture Minister, as agriculture risk reduction and disaster management revolve around adaptation and mitigation initiatives to prevent and manage floods and droughts.

GOOD ECONOMIC SENSE "With the kind of economic losses and developmental setbacks that Guyana has experienced because of El Nino or drought-like periods and La Nina-related floods, particularly since 2000, it makes good economic sense to invest in prevention and mitigation of disasters," the Minister said.

While the issue of disaster risk reduction is not entirely new to the agriculture sector, and the Ministry of Agriculture specifically, the development of the disaster risk management plan for the agriculture sector in 2013, represented the first attempt at a holistic framework for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in the agricultural sub-sectors.

Minister Holder echoed the call for the

critical masses to be fully equipped with knowledge and skills to direct the much needed transformation, for the needed change to occur. "We therefore thank the Government of Japan, UNDP, FAO and other partners for supporting us in this project, which is in line with the guiding principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the global call for Governance within Disaster Risk Reduction," he said.

Japanese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Mitsuhiko Okada spoke of the importance that disaster risk management plays and pledged the continued support of the people and government of Japan to Guyana. In February of this year, the Japanese Government approved the US$300,000 to support disaster risk management in Guyana, which according to the Ambassador will significantly aid in strengthening the system.

DISASTER, FOOD INSECURITY Meanwhile, FAO's Deputy Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul pointed to some of the impacts that natural disasters pose in the Caribbean annually.

In 1998, as a result of drought, 35 percent of Guyana's rice fields were left uncultivated due to insufficient water. "There is a direct link between disaster and food insecurity... they interrupt market access, trade and food supply, reduce income and employment, deplete saving and erode livelihood," she said.

In 2013, the FAO worked with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a disaster risk management plan for the agriculture sector.

This project was important for reducing the effects of climate change and was also emphasized by UN Resident Coordinator and Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance, respectively, Ms, Khadija Musa and Dr. Hector Butts.

The Japanese funded project remains a timely initiative in assisting the agriculture sector in Guyana to respond more effectively to the impacts of climate change and to further increase the country's resilience to offset the effects of climate change.

Japanese Ambassador, Mitsuhiko Okada delivering remarks at the event

UN Resident Coordinator, Khadija Musa

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Scenes from reception to mark the U.S. Independence Day

US Ambassador, Perry Holloway and his wife, in discussion with Guyana’s First Lady, Sandra Granger (right

US Ambassador Perry Holloway listens keenly to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo while his wife, Sita Nagamootoo and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan look on.

Opposition Parliamentarian, Clement Rohee (left) and Head of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh at the reception held at the Guyana Marriott

Mr Holloway and Prime Minister Nagamootoo toast to U.S’ 240th Independence

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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Scenes from CARICOM 37th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government PHOTOS BY DELANO WILLIAMS AND ADRIAN NARINE

A line - up of regional leaders at the 37th regular meeting of the conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

(L-R) Prime Ministers of Jamaica and St Lucia, Andrew Holness and Allen Chastanet share a light moment

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo being escorted into the auditorium of the National Cultural Centre

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Granger and First - Lady, Sandra Granger

The press corps in attendance at the National Cultural Centre

Saxophonist, Pastor Richard McDonald performs at the opening of the Heads of Government meeting

A section of the audience at the opening of the Heads of Government conference at the National Cultural Centre

Guyana’s Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan interacts with Belizean Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington

Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves shares a light moment with President David Granger and First - Lady Sandra Granger

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

BOYS TOP! Mae’s, Dharmic Rama Krishna boys top NGSA

By Ravin Singh ANTHONY Ferreira of Mae’s Under 12 School and Aryan Singh of Dharmic Rama Krishna School gained the top places at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), both having scored the highest marks of the 14,386 pupils who wrote the examinations.

The duo each scored 568 marks -- 15 marks short of a perfect score -- to jointly share the top spot at this year’s NGSA. Third position was gained by Sarena Razak of Graham’s Hall Primary, who obtained 565 marks; while fourth position was gained by Chelsea Barnes of Success Elementary, who gained 563 marks.

Securing fifth position was Arun Sooknarine of Dharmic Rama Krishna with 562 marks; and Helia Agrad of Success Elementary gained the sixth position with 561 marks. Seventh position was shared by five candidates, namely: Indie Rampersaud of Success Elementary, Justin Seecharan of Success Elementary, Jonathan Ganga of Leonora Primary, Divya Nandalall of Mae’s Under 12, and Lemuel Assing of New Guyana School.

The top 10 candidates will each be awarded a place at Queen’s College; along with those who achieved 541 marks or above. Those who received between 531 and 540 will be awarded a place at the Bishops’ High School, while those scoring between 522 and 530 will earn a spot at St. Stanislaus College.

Students who scored between 516 and 521 marks will be awarded places at St. Rose’s High School, and those who gained between 508 and 516 marks will be awarded places at St. Joseph High.

And while President’s College remains one of the ‘A’ schools in Region Four, only non-residential places will be awarded to candidates from Region Four who are living between Mahaica and Cummings Lodge and have attained a minimum score of 493 marks. However, residential places will be offered to candidates from regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten who have attained scores of 493 marks and above.

It was revealed that a total of 225 candidates from schools in these regions are eligible for entry into the school.

Tabulations for this year’s NGSA, which were written on the 27th and 28th of April, did not include the grades Two and Four assessment results of these students, as had obtained in previous years.

Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who said at a

Anthony Ferreira of Mae’s Under 12 gained 568 marks

Aryan Singh of the Dharmic Rama Krishna School scored 568 marks

press conference on Tuesday that his Ministry has commenced collaboration with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to improve the quality of all primary grade assessments, made this disclosure. He explained that the objective of this consultation is to ensure that all assessments conform to regional and international test development and administration standards and expectations, to facilitate consistent, reliable measurement and tracking of pupil performance.

He noted that teachers, subject specialists and test development officers from Guyana developed all items for the 2016 NGSA, with the technical guidance of CXC. These, according to him, addressed key areas, such as item construction, weighting of items, sampling, and other psychometric elements.

Areas tested for each subject were as follows: For Mathematics -- knowledge, algorithmic thinking and reasoning; for Science -- knowledge, comprehension and application; for Social Studies --knowledge, conceptual understanding and use of knowledge; and for English Language -- reading, comprehension and vocabulary; structure and mechanics; content, focus, vocabulary, language and organisation.

Regarding the overall subject performance, Minister Roopnaraine revealed that the performances in English Language and Social Studies has been consistent with what obtained

in previous years. He noted, however, that the 2016 results regarding Mathematics and Science have fallen below those of previous years. Though statistics were not provided by the minister, he noted that the analysis is currently being conducted to ascertain the specific areas in which pupils experienced the greatest difficulty.

“The Ministry of Education has made concerted efforts to include items that would stimulate critical and higher-level thinking. The analysis of the 2016 assessment results will have deep implications for the instructional approaches adopted by teachers going forward,” Dr. Roopnaraine said.

He also noted that the practices of drilling and teaching to the test, which had been adopted over the years, will do little to benefit pupils in this new dispensation, and work will be continued throughout the system to ensure that teachers focus on fully teaching the appropriate concepts and raising pupils’ competence levels, rather than employing the antiquated traditional approaches.

The 2016 NGSA results will be available online from 5 pm this evening. Parents and students are advised to log onto the Ministry of Education website: education.gov. gy. The candidate’s timetable will provide the necessary information to access these results.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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Real Estate and Business Mortgage Bailout Won’t Be Around Forever The HARP program to the rescue

By Edgar Henry What is HARP? It is the Home Affordable Refinance Program. This is a federal program of the United States, set up by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in March 2009 to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. Approximately 2.5 million Americans have benefited from the program. All you have to do is to qualify.

When does the program end?

A forgotten mortgage stimulus program that was passed

by President Obama to help the middle class was instituted.

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Calculate your new house payment and see if you qualify. In an effort to enable more struggling homeowners to take advantage of the Home Affordable Refinance Program, which is totally free, gives homeowners a once in a lifetime mortgage bailout. Like most government benefits this program will expire, but there is still time left for up to 700,000 qualified homeowners to take advantage of it.

It's important that homeowners don't wait as though it would not end. The deadline of the program has been extended to December 31, 2016. HARP has also expanded the eligibility criteria for Making Homes Available (MHA) to be able to offer assistance to struggling homeowners.

Once In A Lifetime Mortgage Bailout HARP Gives Homeowners a chance to eliminate mortgage payments, reduces what homeowners owe and it lowers interest rates. It is a program with no downside. HARP doesn't add any cost to your refinance because it's a totally free government program, and it helps qualified homeowners get better, more affordable mortgages. Homeowners have used HARP to eliminate up to 15 years of mortgage payments, cut their interest rates in half, or even to just simply lower their monthly payments and save up to $3,000 yearly.

How To Get A HARP Loan Homeowners have to find banks that offer HARP refinancing, so shop around for adequate services. The most important thing is for you to qualify to ascertain if you are eligible.

Everyone that qualifies should be using a refinance program. However, banks really don't want homeowners to know about this program because they dislike what this program could do to their pockets. HARP helps homeowners refinance at today's historically low rates and switch to 15 year fixed rate mortgages. This helps homeowners save up to approximately $180,000, which means homeowners who use HARP could take as much as $180,000 out of banks pockets and put it back into theirs. If you fall into this scenario simply calculate your new house payment and see if you qualify.

In one of the President's State of the Union address, he told homeowners that if they refinanced at today's historically low rates, they could save up to $3,000. This statement can be found in the State of the Union transcript - http://www. whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/24/remarks-president-state-union-address. Additionally, homeowners who refinance from 30 year fixed mortgages to 15 year fixed mortgages can save up to $145,000. Further information for this can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/realestate/ exploring-the-15-year-loan-for-refinancing-mortgages.html Under provisions of the Making Homes Affordable Act – MHA -(a.k.a. HARP 2.0), signed into law by President Obama, Fannie Mae has removed certain loan refinance requirements for qualifying loans including the Loan-To-Value (LTV) ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages, property appraisal, minimum credit score & credit check, and eliminated & lowered certain fees for borrowers making it easier to refinance

into a lower rate mortgage, effectively reducing the amount of interest paid (and owed) over the life of the loan. More information on this topic can be found at :http://www.fhfa.gov/ Media/PublicAffairs/Pages/ FHFA-Fannie-Mae-and-Freddie-Mac-Announce-HARPChangesto-Reach-More-Borrowers.aspx A shorter term mortgage enables borrowers to pay down the amount they owe much faster than a traditional 30year mortgage. Furthermore, interest rates on shorter term mortgages usually are less than on thirty-year mortgages. More information can be found at http://harpprogram.org/faq.php The Making Home Affordable Program is also set to expire on December 31, 2016 and is free http://www. makinghomeaffordable.gov/ about-mha/Pages/default.aspx but standard refinance fees will Edgar Henry still apply.

To encourage borrowers to make the decision to rebuild equity in their homes, some lending institutions are proposing that the legislation provide for the GSEs and FHA to cover the closing costs of borrowers who chose this option - a benefit averaging about $3,000 per homeowner. To be eligible, a participant in either program must agree to refinance into a loan with a no more than 20 year

term with monthly payments roughly equal to those they make under their current loan. For those who agree to these terms, the lender will receive payment for all closing costs directly from the GSEs or the FHA, depending on the entity involved. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/01/ fact-sheet-president-obama-s-plan-help-responsible-homeowners-and-heal-h For example, on a $200,000 loan, a homeowner in a 30 year fixed at 6.25% would end up paying the bank $443,316.

That same homeowner, if they switched to a 15 year fixed at today’s rate of approximately3.5% APR would own their home for only $250,779.

Homeowners can now utilize a government sponsored HARP program to refinance their home from high interest rates, declined home values, and underwater mortgages.

Basically, if you meet the criteria, you may be HARP-eligible. If your mortgage is an FHA, USDA, VA or a jumbo mortgage, you are not HARP-eligible. Underwater FHA mortgages can be refinanced via the FHA Streamline Refinance program.

Here are two important HARP requirements: The mortgage must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The mortgage must have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009. The HARP refinance program allows you to refinance your home even if it is 1/2 the value of your current loan balance. HARP Benefits are as follows: - Up to 200% loan to value, late mortgage payments may be acceptable, minimal fees, little or no out-of-pocket expenses, some may qualify without an appraisal. You may be eligible for a HARP refinance through the government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program. Check your eligibility. ”It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Bouterse calls for diversification of region’s economy

By Svetlana Marshall

PRESIDENT of the Republic of Suriname, Desiré Bouterse championed the cause for the further diversification of the region’s economy when he addressed the 37th Regular Meeting of Conference of

namese President said, as he addressed the gathering at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown.

“We must move into diversification of our economies… we have to develop our services industries to the point where they become solid foreign currency earners

is also proving to be very problematic, the Surinamese President added.

“Because of the decline on the world’s economy, we have noticed a decline in the number of tourists travelling to our region,” he said, while lobbying CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRoc-

Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley said the achievements made should not and cannot be understated.

As he delivered his inaugural address at the high-level regional meeting, the Trinidadian Prime Minister said member states have made

to greater variety; quality and quantity of goods and services, thereby providing greater capacity to trade with other countries.

The CSME was signed into effect in 2001, however, its implementation had proven to be challenging. After several years of delay, the

of our economy, too much of our well-being, too much of our progress and our quality of life depend on security for us to not be focus on the peace and comfort of our people.”

St Lucia Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, in his address, said the people of the

Suriname’s President, Desiré Bouterse addressing the Heads of Government meeting

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley during his address to CARICOM Heads of Government on Monday

St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet spoke passionately about regional integration during his presentation

the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Monday.

The ever depleting commodity prices on the world market is undoubtedly having a domino-effect on member states, particularly those that are heavily dependent on the extractive sector, the Suri-

que to establish a connection with the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Secretariat to nominate experts who will advise member states on creative ways to establish new tourism packages more visitors to the region.

Though the Caribbean Community continues to face many challenges, Prime

CARICOM Heads of Government in 2011 declared that progress towards the Single Economy had been put on pause as a consequence of the 2007-2008 financial crises.

In Trinidad, he said cognisance was taken of the need to give special priority to CARICOM; hence, a policy framework is being put in place to enhance his country’s relations with CARICOM, starting with the renaming of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM affairs.

He said too, his Cabinet has also taken a decision to reopen a High Commission in Barbados, which when operational, together with the Mission in Jamaica, will ensure that Trinidad and Tobago has bilateral accreditation in all CARICOM countries.

characterised by sustainability,” President Bouterse said.

In their quest to diversify their economies, member states, particularly those dependent on the extractive sectors, must come together to brainstorm solutions to the challenges they face.

Countries mono dependency on the tourism industry

significant progress either as a group or individually.

“In our early history, we, the Caribbean, the Caribbean Community, would have united against the apartheid in South African. We were resolute in our position on the economic embargo against Cuba. As a region, were able to negotiate, to our citizens’ benefit, successful trade agreements. United, we brought the issue of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases to the international stage,” Prime Minister Rowley said.

While CARICOM has made some significant strides through functional cooperation in several critical areas, he said, undoubtedly, it has and continues to face equal challenges.

NOT ABOUT POPULARITY Nevertheless, in moving forward, he said, tough decisions must be made.

“Leadership is not always about popularity; leadership sometimes is about leading and making tough decision,” he posited.

On that note, the Trinidad Prime Minister called for CARICOM to put the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) back on the active agenda.

CSME was designed to facilitate the full use of labour, exploitation of other factors of production, competitive production leading

CRIME AND SECURITY Attention, he said, must also be given to the area of crime and security which continues to be a sore area of concern.

“As leader for crime and security in CARICOM, I wish to give you the assurance that under my stewardship, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to take an active role in other matters pertaining to regional security. The sustainable development of our community depends on us….Too much

region must feel the tangible benefits that regional integration brings with it.

“The recent referendum that voted for Britain to exit the European Union has put the survival of integration into focus. People are once again asking, what is in it for me and my country? What if our people ask for such a referendum? Are we certain of their response? Have we done enough to create a connection between our people and this community?”

Prime Minister Chastanet said the CARICOM has an excellent pool of human resources that should be utilised for the effective materialisation of the community’s objectives at a time when small member states are experiencing growing challenges.

“These global challenges are now beating down at the door of the survival of small islands and developing nation states. They all want their fair pound of flesh for the bare bones of our humanity,” he said.

Prime Minister Chastanet stressed that steps must be taken to reduce cost and increase efficiency in governance across CARICOM. He also championed the cause for the equality of women, saying that though they contribute significantly to the development of the region, they are still being undermined.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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West Indies Cricket Team - the true West Indian identity

By Ravin Singh NATIONALISM can be construed as a sentiment of oneness, or the uniting of a people. It is often predicated on a myth of origin, whereby people from the same geographical region share a common birthplace, common soil, and common blood.

The issue with West Indian nationalism, as demonstrated in the Independence Movement, was that those supposed commonalities -- appealed to by politicians -- were founded upon a fabricated convenient myth.

Colonialism brought varied peoples to the Caribbean from all parts of the world: Blacks from Africa through the slave trade, and Indians and Chinese as indentured labourers after emancipation. Against this historical setting, the idea of a common birthplace was a falsehood used to appeal to a sense of togetherness.

There was, also, no singular West Indian identity or West Indian soil. The colonies of the West Indies Federation were distinctly unique, and were different from each other. And with heterogeneous populations Former West Indies due to slavery and indentureCaptain, Clive Lloyd ship, claims of a common West Indian blood were just as untenable.

THE ONE TRUE SYMBOL Perhaps the only symbolic instrument of a West Indian identity is the West Indies Cricket Team.

To the world the team appeared to be a united front, particularly after defeating the English, a feat that West Indians craved in the political arena. During its formative years, between 1928 and 1950, the struggles of West Indian cricketers mirrored the region’s centuries-long quest to move beyond its colonial beginnings and become independent from Britain.

Additionally, the selection and success of Sonny Ramadhin, the first West Indian cricketer of East Indian descent, presented a more integrated and unified region.

Cricket made its institutional debut in the colonies through the education system and through British soldiers stationed in garrisons strewn across the islands. Exposure to cricket through education was one of the key ways the game and its code of conduct were first disseminated to freed slaves and indentured workers in the Caribbean.

It is from this beginning that the ties between cricket and the formation of a post-emancipation West Indian identity were established.

SEMINAL MOMENTS Black cricketers forged their way onto the West Indies Cricket Team in greater numbers after its inaugural Test match in 1928. The series victory of the West Indies over England (1950) and Frank Worrell’s captaincy (1960) are understood to be two seminal moments in the development of West Indies Cricket. However, fairly little has been studied about the relationship between these two events and the political movement towards independence.

These historic moments were catalysts for a “coming of age” period in West Indies Cricket, which subsequently led to a period of domination in world cricket, starting in the mid-1970s.

In repeatedly choosing a “white man” as captain, the WICBC made clear that it did not think black West Indians were capable of holding a leadership position. Furthermore, it was a political statement that served the purpose of maintaining the colonial relationship of master teaching pupil.

And while it has been widely accepted that cricket is an instrument which unites Caribbean people, former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd contends that once the region has the right tools to play cricket, or any sport, athletes in the region can be as good as those from the developed world.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! The triumphant West Indies Under-19 squad

‘When the West Indies Team was at the top for over 20 years, we brought a lot of money to the region, since foreigners wanted to see us play. So I think it is time now for governments to give back financially to help support the sport to a greater extent’ - Clive Lloyd LLOYD’S TAKE Lloyd, who has been described as the most successful West Indies Captain, led a side consisting of cricketers from various countries, such as Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica, who came with their own set of baggage and cultural differences.

Asked to comment on the current quality of cricket in the region, Lloyd boasted that in addition to cricket, the Caribbean has been able to excel in many aspects of sport, including athletics, where the region has stamped its authority internationally.

The Caribbean is known for producing some of the most sensational track and field athletes, including the fastest female in the world -- Shelly Ann Pryce-Fraser, and “the fastest man on the planet”-- Usain Bolt. But with a perceived view of declining quality in the cricket played in the region, the former captain contends that once the region is able to work together, it can produce some of the best athletes in the world. To do this, though, he said, there needs to be availability of resources to support the athletes.

“We need the necessary tools and resources which other countries have been able to use to push and develop sports in their country. One example is England, where financial and other support for cricket has always been meted out,” he said.

Lloyd also reasoned that the geographic make-up of the region, which comprises a plethora of islands, results in additional expense for transportation via airplanes, and to meet accommodation, which other countries such as England or India are able to cut back on.

He also recalled, when he was a member of the English Sports Council, seeing large sums of money being spent on sports development. According to him, this is what is needed for the development of cricket and sports in the Caribbean.

In light of this, he underscored the need for governments

in the region to invest more in sports, which becomes increasingly important, given that cricket is an expensive sport.

TIME IS NOW “When the West Indies Team was at the top for over 20 years, we brought a lot of money to the region, since foreigners wanted to see us play. So I think it is time now for governments to give back financially to help support the sport to a greater extent,” he said.

The former West Indies Captain also suggested that young people in the region are seemingly gravitating to foreign sports for various reasons, including the fact that participation in these sports is less expensive.

“To be able to buy a bat or a helmet [to play cricket], you have to be earning enough, since equipment for cricket is expensive. Other foreign sports, such as basketball, are relatively cheaper to play and easier to access, so people tend to gravitate to those sports,” he noted.

But the ability to excel at sports does not only require skills and equipment. In fact, Lloyd explained, sports must be supported with education, which enhances the technical ability of any athlete.

He said Jamaica has adopted a policy of pushing sports in a serious way at the school level, and recommended that this model should be adopted throughout the region to support the educational capacity of athletes emerging from the region.

He reiterated that for sports, particularly cricket, to be strengthened in the region, Heads of Government need to come together and devise a strategy to approach the development of sports collectively, since no one country can achieve the level of output the entire region is capable of.

The former captain also explained that he sees the need for domestic players to tour internationally, to get the kind of exposure world-class cricketers get. In addition, he noted, there needs to be an injection of overseas-based cricketers to come to the Caribbean and make the sport more competitive.

“We do have professional cricket in the region, but we need an injection of overseas players to make our cricket more competitive.

“Our captains need to learn to exert more pressure on players, and players need to build on their ability to focus. These things, I believe, will help to support and develop the future of West Indies Cricket which is likely to reap much success and bring that high level of nationalism and patriotism to the region,” Lloyd said.

Earlier this year, the West Indies Cricket teams made history when the senior women’s team was able to win the World Cup; the U-19 male team was able to win the World Cup, and the men’s senior team was able to win the World T20Cup.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Women ‘borrower’ busted at Puruni

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THEY each occupy a room in a dilapidated wooden shack which has space to accommodate only a makeshift bed. During the day, they lie their tired heads on worn out mattresses consumed with bed bugs, and the fortunate ones protect themselves from attacking mosquitoes with sheets.

Their clothes are still in their suitcases, while their cosmetics and make-up line the corners of their beds. Above each head is a tied line where underwear and towels are displayed.

The most luxuriant thing in their tiny rooms is the display of six-inch heels that line pockmarked walls.

These are the conditions which girls, mostly non-nationals, are forced to accept from their “bosses”. They are each described as a mere piece of property: full-time for their bosses and part-time for their clients.

A team headed by Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, on Saturday embarked on a mission to seek out the concerns of minors and pork- knockers in the mining backdam of Takutu Landing in Region Seven.

Her attention was, however, shifted from the intent of the trip after she spotted two girls running away from the scene as they sighted the minister and her team approaching.

Officers of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the police’s Tactical Service Unit began searching a shack close by a rumshop and bar, and observed female belongings there, although no female was in sight.

The caretaker told the ministerial team that the property is owned by one “Julie”, and the girls are ‘borrowed’ from a man named “Junior”, who operates a bar at Puruni Landing.

“Is seven girls ah bring; three ah them supposed to come back this afternoon…

I just ask Junior to borrow them girl; me don’t hire them girl, cuz me and Junior aright; he own them, he ah

bring them in,” the caretaker said.

The caretaker also revealed that the owner of the premises, Julie, had asked him to source some girls from Berbice, where he resides; but he was unable to do so, so he sourced them from Junior.

As the officers searched the room for any clues as to who may be their occupants, it was concluded that the rooms were permanent residence for the girls, as there were a lot of dirty clothes tossed in a corner of one room, while, in another, the officers found a cell phone.

“Who would go away and leave their cell phone and purse?” they asked the caretaker, who was giving conflicting stories and changing his name.

CAUGHT RED-HANDED As the officers continued their search, one of the occupants returned “home” in very revealing clothes. She was immediately questioned and was asked to show her documents. The Colombian national revealed that she was living in the shack for the past three months; and, contrary to the caretaker’s story, she does not even know who is Junior.

The woman said she is an illegal immigrant, but is trying to get an extension to her five-year visa which has expired. The girl, who can barely speak English, revealed to this publication that she dances and strips in the bar at nights, but often goes away and returns in the morning.

Asked why she lives in such deplorable conditions, she said she prefers it here in Guyana: “I prefer here than Colombia; it better here….I here five years now, but I went home and come back three months now. My visa expire, so I went for extension. I make money here,” she said as she looked for her identification document to verify her age.

The caretaker, who at this time was trying to drive away with a girl whom he had previously introduced as his

The conditions inside one of the shacks girlfriend, was approached for more questioning but was unable to give the officers the name of “his girlfriend”.

It was then that suspicions arose that the woman might have also been ‘borrowed’.

The team then journeyed to Puruni, where Junior allegedly operates. The caretaker had said that Junior has about 20 girls who may be illegal immigrants working for him. On arrival at the Puruni Landing, Junior was found sitting calmly on a bench. He was asked to bring out everyone who may be residing at the premises.

The team found two teenage boys; one claimed to be a DJ and the other a cook.

Asked about the whereabouts of the girls, Junior said they had already left. The caretaker, who earlier had told police that he had borrowed the girls from Junior, was seen in Puruni. One of the policemen surmised that Junior had been tipped off and the girls were sent away before the arrival of the minister and her team.

PREVIOUS ARREST Junior was arrested in 2015 after Minister Broomes and a team from the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisa-

tion (GWMO) and the police had conducted a raid at the Platinum Bar in Bartica, where some 27 non-nationals who were suspected of being trafficked were rescued.

Nine of those persons, who were from the Dominican Republic; three who were from Venezuela; 12 who were from Brazil, and three who were from Colombia were held. Of the 27 persons, four were charged with overstaying their time in Guyana, and seven were charged with illegal entry.

Junior is said to have restarted operation, sourcing girls in Puruni.

Two of the shacks where the women ply their trade

As the team conducted its investigation around the little community, there were mixed responses from the residents. One man said, “Y’all doing a good job!

Y’all keep up de good work!

They can’t come here and take over we country!” But another man contended: “They come to take way we girls. What pork-knocker gon do now, boy?”

The GGMC officers have revoked the licence granted to Junior and ordered the officers stationed at Puruni to close down the shop.

Minister Broomes, in an invited comment, said her concern lies with the safety of the women, as they are often taken advantage of.

“They can’t make a complaint, because they frighten because they don’t know anyone. They are not straight, and they (already) have this language barrier and all of that (to contend with). They don’t know that this is what they coming to (do). When you come, they don’t know anybody, they can’t talk to nobody,” Broomes said.

The law allows for any adult being trafficked to make a choice: whether to stay in the country and be granted a decent job, or to return home safely to their families.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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Stop the pessimism - Dr Gonsalves urges region to acknowledge its blessings and build on them

By Ariana Gordon PRIME Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves decried critics of CARICOM on Tuesday night during his address at the opening of the Thirty-seventh Regular Meeting of Heads of Government held in Georgetown.

In a sharp statement against pessimists of the region, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister said there has been much progress in the regional bloc since its establishment in 1973.

This, he noted is notwithstanding the many challenges facing the Community.

Dr Gonsalves told those gathered at the National Cultural Centre for the opening ceremony that those who opine that CARICOM is “comatose” do not take into account what the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas is about and the “tremendous progress that has been made. And have also failed to acknowledge the strength and possibilities that exist therein, he said.

“There is abroad in the Caribbean, and across the world, in particular the western world, a sense of pessimism, a species of learned helplessness… you see it in

the newspapers, you hear it on the radio and television and even on the pulpits.”

INDEPENDENT STATES Dr Gonsalves noted that CARICOM is not a federation, a military state nor confederation. He made it clear that CARICOM is a community of independent, sovereign states.

It was established with three main aims: to enhance the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), to establish effective functional cooperation and to coordinate foreign policy.

A fourth pillar, security was added following the petition made by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Dr Gonsalves made it clear that the only supra national authoritative institution created under the Treaty of Chaguaramas is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its original jurisdiction.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister noted that the case of Jamaican Shanique Myrie resulted in the CCJ examining the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the decisions of the Heads of Government of CARICOM and making pronouncements which all governments are mandated to

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves makes a point during his address at the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Monday follow, relative to freedom of movement.

Myrie in 2011, claimed she was unfairly treated when she arrived at the Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados and sued for damages which were granted by the CCJ, which ruled that subjecting her to a cavity search, locking her up in an unsanitary cell and deporting her was contrary to the rules of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Dr Gonsalves noted that problems faced at ports of en-

try by some nationals ought not to be seen as a restriction on free movement but as a problem that must be solved.

“If you ask them if they would like a federation or military state they would tell you no, if you ask them should we have a single currency, they would laugh.

If you should ask if they should have a common currency, they would say no,” he added.

STAY UPBEAT He was quick to point out

that there is a need to “deepen the integration process” but called on all to not denounce the achievements made by the Community over the years.

“We have a way of beating up on ourselves too much and we find ourselves going to church on Saturday or Sunday morning and singing great is they faithfulness,” the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister stated.

He also called on CARICOM citizens to work hard, produce and not allow the workplace to become a war zone.

Dr Gonsalves noted that as a people “we need to work harder and smarter.”

Many of the critics, he said “do not want to put in a good day’s work and engage in pushing an agenda”.

“The Caribbean, of which CARICOM has a seminal political expression, is a civilisation, a functioning civilisation, we have law and order, there is no state in the region which is a failed state, we have modern sophisticated countries, so why don’t we acknowledge these blessings and mercies and see how we can build on them rather than beating up on ourselves needlessly.”

Turning his attention

to BREXIT, which refers to the June 23, 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union, the Prime Minister said the Caribbean people are hysterical about the implications of BREXIT, but have failed to look at the opportunities that the decision by the United Kingdom can bring to the region.

“We must look for them (opportunities) rather than to bemoan what has happened.

That is not going to get us anywhere,” he said.

And notwithstanding all the challenges and struggles, Prime Minister Gonsalves strongly believes that progress will continue to be made in the region.

He agreed that work has to be accelerated in the area of the Single Market and Economy, but call on all stakeholders to remember that the process cannot be accelerated if “we remain unequally yoked”.

The Prime Minister contends that immense progress has been made in the areas of poverty reduction, housing, transparency and democracy.

But despite the achievements, he said there is much “negativism and learned helplessness”.

“I say we stop it. We need to be very positive.”

Manning hailed as visionary, patriot and Caribbean man

By Vishani Ragobeer THE former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning, who recently passed away, was on Monday hailed as a visionary, patriot and Caribbean man.

He was celebrated by all the Caribbean leaders who addressed the opening ceremony of the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the National Cultural Centre.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque began his presentation by having everyone in the audience observe a minute’s silence for the Community’s longstanding member.

LaRocque, and the other leaders who spoke, noted Manning’s achievements and contributions to the integration movement.

In an earlier statement, he hailed Manning as a “champion” of CARICOM with the following words: “His contribution to our Community stemmed from his conviction that integration was the best response to the challenges faced by our region of small states.”

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, said Manning would be remembered as a vision-

ary, patriot, and Caribbean man who had been committed to excellence. Dr Rowley noted that Manning, like himself, had understood the pivotal role integration plays in the

The late former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning

development of a country, and CARICOM as a whole; and had been the driving force behind highlighting and addressing the problems the region faces from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This had led to CARICOM initiating a United Nations high-level meeting on combating NCDs. Manning, Dr Rowley said, had also initiated the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security.

According to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, “One of the titans of integration (has) left us”.

For Suriname’s President, Desiré Delano Bouterse, Manning was undoubtedly a great man. “His commitment to regional integration and development will not be forgotten,” the Suriname President said.

And Prime Minister of Dominica and Chairman of this Conference, Roosevelt Skerrit, said his country has slated July 5 and 6 as national days of mourning for the former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister.

Manning will be remembered as "a stalwart in seeking the achievement of the CARICOM ideal," said Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Meeting its goal - The groundbreaking Digicel schools football tournament

By Tamica Garnett “It means so much for us in terms of development, in terms of developing the sports section in the school, and developing the school in general.”

That description, from one coach, mirrors the feelings of others across the country when it comes to the Digicel football competition for secondary school students. The tournament has registered its place as one of the premier competitions for the country’s youths.

Now an annual event, the competition has built quite a name for itself over the past six years.

The event is highly anticipated and many schools and students consider it an honour to be a part of the event.

“Just to participate in the Digicel Schools Football Tournament is a big thing; this is the big football competition.

“Everybody prepares for it, everyone wants to be a part of it,” said Simone Wickham manager for the Cummings Lodge Secondary.

Cummunigs Lodge earlier this week played the Bishop’s High at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Camp Ayanganna, in one of many matches being staged throughout the week at various grounds in Georgetown, and across the country.

Cummings Lodge and Bishop’s High are two of 180 secondary schools from across Guyana that registered to take part in the competition, which runs under the theme “Unite.

Develop. Excel”. The tournament is said to be the brainchild of Jacqueline James, Digicel’s Head of Marketing.

The tournament was aimed developing the students into all rounded individuals. And as the competition continues, there is no question that it has done just that.

For many, the annual tournament is about seeing who will come out the best among the schools as they vie for the top $1M prize that goes to the winning school. But for others, it’s about the discipline, the bonds, the friendships, and the opportunities that the event presents.

“You find people from different communities, different upbringing - some are sheltered, some are not - but sports develops a unity that is far greater than anything, not even school develops this unity as a team. They are really into this, it has really helped them to bond more as friends, these guys believe in each other,” said the coach for the Bishop’s High team, following the team’s 7-5 win over Cummings Lodge.

One of the most admirable facet of the competition is just how vastly decentralized this game is, and has always been. This competition touches every last one of Guyana’s 10 administration region, with preliminary matches held in each and every last region. Digicel has been applauded over the years for the

opportunity it provides for many of the players to see differing parts of Guyana, that they may have not otherwise ventured to.

Though Digicel often shies away from declaring the kind of budget one comes up against for executing something of this magnitude, there is no doubt the company is shelling millions into this venture.

It’s more than just the prize money; Digicel covers the uniforms for these teams, and covers the cost of transportation, no matter the distance. And, as one student put it, they don’t just look at the football, they invest in the players.

“Being a part of this competition is very beneficial, because they (Digicel) don’t just look at the football, they cater for us academically, and they help us. In previous competitions they would sponsor and assist players to further their career. They assisted me a lot, and I felt special, it was a privilege,” commented Bishop’s High player Nemar Williams.

As one teacher sees it the competition stands to open doors for many of the students who may not be so academically inclined, but have skills otherwise.

“It’s giving the students the opportunity to showcase their

talent, and also boosting them education wise because all two have to go hand in hand.

“This is an exposure that when they finish secondary school they will be able to market themselves.

“So even if they don’t do well education wise, they have something that they could do with football, become a coach, become a referee, something,” the Cummings Lodge coach noted.

A lot of students who have competed at this competition have gone on to play for other local teams, with prospects of making it onto the national team.

One observer pointed out that the competition even stands to be credited with helping the students become more disciplined, and more inclined to stay in school.

“School dropout has decreased too because of this football championship. One of the requirements is that attendance at school is a perquisite to play. Teachers told me discipline among students improved,” the coach said.

The finals of the competition will be held on July 31 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Blind Cricket team for regional tournament

THE local team participating in the ninth Regional Blind Cricket Tournament to be held July 8 to 16 will depart Guyana shortly for Trinidad and Tobago.

The 14-member squad will be selected today (Sunday) to play against teams from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Blind Cricket Association (BCA) includes players from Georgetown, Linden, Region Six, the Essequibo Coast and Region Four. “These are players who are from three categories: B1 (totally blind), B2 (partially sighted), and B3 (with better vision).

But all persons, in order for them to play blind cricket, have to be legally blind and this means 10 percent or less of your vision.

“On a team of 11, you have four B 3’s, four B 1’s

and three B 2’s. B 3’s are like the wicket keepers, out fielders, captains and so forth.

Everyone is required to field; all are required to bat if necessary; the B 1’s would have a runner for them. B 1’s must bowl 40 percent of the overs in any game,” BCA board member and player Ganesh Singh explained.

“Guyana has been playing blind cricket for the past ten years. This was officially launched in 2006 and we have officially participated in a number of regional tournaments over the years. We hosted in 2009,” Singh noted.

The rules of Blind Cricket are very similar to regular cricket and the game is played bowling under-hand and with a hard plastic white ball that has beads in it.

“When it is being rolled to the batsman under-hand, he

would hear when it’s coming. So the game is all about listening,” said Singh.

Acting President of the BCA, Cecil Morris, said blind cricket enhances the lives of blind persons and gives them a higher level of confidence that helps them move forward academically and become well rounded out individuals.

He reminded that there is no age barrier. “Once you’re fit, you can play cricket. And there is no gender bias. It’s a good therapy for anyone who has lost their sight than sitting around doing nothing.

It proves that life is not just sitting down and being a blind person.”

Team Manager Theresa Pemberton told Chronicle that blind cricket has been a strong vehicle for young blind persons and has brought out the best

Left to right: Blind Cricket association Board Member Ganesh Singh, Team Manager Theresa Pemberton and acting President Cecil Morris in them.

She expressed thanks to the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Cricket Board, all

corporate sponsors, and the National Sports Commission.

Guyana will hold the 10th regional tournament

next year and the BCA is hoping that sponsors will generously support the tournament.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

23

Wrong page numbers force suspension of Westford fraud trial THE $639M fraud trial against former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford and her former aide Margaret Cummings was Wednesday adjourned after it was found that the statements filed were in “disarray.”

We s t f o r d a n d C u m mings faced 24 charges before Magistrate Judy Latchman for allegedly stealing more than $639 million from the Government of Guyana over a period of five years, while being stationed at the Ministry of Public Service.

The duo is represented by a team of attorneys – Rexford McKay, Neil Boston, Keisha Chase, Eusi Anderson, Bibi Shaddick, Brandon Glasford, Dexter Todd and Stanley Moore.

At the start of proceedings, Chief Accountant of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Public Service, Andre Dazzle was the first witness to be called on behalf of Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt.

However his testimony was stopped halfway by attorney Boston.

Dazzle was able to iden-

tify that Dr. Westford was the head of the Ministry between the years of 2011-2015, while Cummings was her Personnel Officer, who also acted as the Administration Officer and Confidential Secretary to Dr. Westford.

The witness disclosed that Cummings was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the accounts department and was the person who he reported to directly.

However, his evidence was halted after Boston objected. The lawyer was unable to follow, since Page 54 in the prosecution’s file was of Dazzle’s statement, but in the lawyer’s file, Page 54 was the statement of former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Service.

The Attorney was quick to point out that the prosecutor was treating the witness as Ally since Page 52 of the file is what was being led by Dazzle.

The Prosecutor was quick to address the lawyer’s claims and contended that it was a mere mix up of the files since there are 24 statements from each of the files, which may be

Former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford at court Wednesday numbered wrong.

“I will put together one file for the court to stop the confusion,” Hunt said in an application for the new file of statements.

In what Boston deemed as “a hurricane of turbulence,” the matter was adjourned until July 26 for the file to be submitted and for the trial to continue.

Westford and Cummings are both out on bail of $4.8M each after they pleaded not guilty to the joint charges in

February last.

The charges state that between the period of October 19, 2011 and April 28, 2015, Westford and Cummings, while being employed with the former Public Service Ministry, stole $639,420,000 belonging to the Government of Guyana, which they accessed by virtue of employment.

It is also alleged that between 2011 and 2015, Westford signed 24 memorandums amounting to $639,420,000

Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings and sent them to the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President to be signed and approved.

The money was said to have been requested for activities to be conducted in the 10 administrative regions.

Westford acted in her capacity of Minister and signed a number of memorandums for the total sum of $639,420,000 and sent them to the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, who in turn approved them.

The payment vouchers were made by the Office of the President and sent to the Finance Ministry, which issued the cheques and Cummings signed for them. The cheques were allegedly made out for the purpose of financing various activities of the Public Service Ministry across the 10 administrative regions; however, an investigation revealed that these events never took place, nor were there any documents to show how the money was spent.

Pregnant teen jailed, fined $1.8M for cocaine in sanitary pads, handbag

Isaacs conceals her face on her way to court Wednesday

PATRIMA Nima Isaacs, 19, was on Wednesday sent to jail for three years and ordered to pay a fine of $1.8 million after she was convicted for trying to traffic cocaine, which she stashed in sanitary pads she was wearing and in the handles of her handbag.

She was busted with the cocaine, weighing some one pound, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Sunday. She was about to board a flight to the United States.

The teen confessed to City Magistrate, Leron Daly that the cocaine belonged to her and that she intended to traffic the prohibited drug.

Patrima Isaacs Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo SandifordThompson led the facts in court and contended that Isaacs on the day in question

was an outgoing passenger on a Caribbean Airline flight BW 526 destined for JFK International Airport, United States.

Isaacs was stopped while at the airport scanner and a search was conducted by CANU ranks on her carry-on hand bag.

The cocaine was found concealed in the handles of the woman’s multicolored straw bag.

The ranks became suspicious and conducted a full body search on the woman and found a plastic parcel of cocaine in the form of a sanitary napkin between Isaacs’s legs. She was taken to the CANU headquarters, where

the drug was weighed in her presence.

“I know that I did a wrong act and I’m very sorry; I will never do this again,” Isaacs told the court, as she begged for leniency.

The prosecutor urged the Magistrate to consider the fact the Isaacs had assisted the Police with further investigation to arrest the recruiter who solicited her to fetch the drugs.

Magistrate Daly, in her sentence, considered that the teen is pregnant, while at the same time placing weight on the seriousness of the offence and the manner in which the drug was concealed

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

Jealous woman kills male lover

By Rabindra Rooplall AN ex-convict who was released from prison two months ago was killed Saturday night by a jealous lover who stabbed him to the neck while he was in bed, police said.

Dead is 42-year-old Frederick Peters of Lot 90, Recht-Door-Zee, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD). The father of two was discovered dead by police at 22:30hrs in the house and was whisked away to the Ezekiel Funeral Home by undertakers.

In police custody is his lover 47-year-old Colette Parks. She initially told police that the two had an argument and Peters stabbed her in the arm and thigh and she retaliated by stabbing him in the neck. However, detectives found that her version of the story had a number of inconsistencies.

According to the dead man’s 17-year-old son, Akeem Messiah, on the day his father was killed, he was spending some time at his mother’s home in Sophia.

Usually, he said, his father would call him daily and his phone is never turned off.

“When I call my father phone, it went straight to voicemail. When I call his lady phone it ring out, that was at 10:00 am. I didn’t take it for nothing, I call back at 12:00 again and his phone went to voicemail.

Now when I went home in the night, all I see is a set of police van in front the house,” he explained.

“The police tell me I can’t go into the house because my stepmother and father had a fight and she ‘jook’ he.”

The teen said he last saw his father alive on Friday and the Saturday morning when he awoke, his father had already left the house. He then escorted his stepmother into the City to purchase some items and he left her at Dem-

ico by Stabroek Market since she was waiting on his father to meet her.

“I then decide to go into Sophia by my mother to spend some time,” the young man said.

When questioned how long he was living with his father and stepmother, Messiah said since his father was released from the Georgetown Prison on May 3, 2016.

“This lady and my father have been having a relationship for the past eight years because she used to visit him in the prison. On the day my father was released and I go there, she was already at the jail waiting on my father. She then take he in Parfaite where she was renting a house,” the teen explained.

VIOLENT Reflecting on the tumultuous relationship his father had with his stepmother, Messiah said it was one that was violent with constant attacks on his father.

“My father told me he never decided to react because he done went to jail and feel what it is and didn’t want to go back because he come out to take care of his children. My father can’t even get a call on his phone, she always pelting away his phone, she always ‘jooking’ him or throwing hot water on him, and even tell him that she will kill him if he ever has another woman with him,” the tearful teen said.

He disclosed that his stepmother Parks was deported from the United States 10 years ago and has no close relatives here. He said her children and immediate relatives are all in the US. Meanwhile, the cousin of the deceased, Lisa Edwards told this publication that she had received a call from Parks expressing her frustration that Peters was having friendly relations with other women.

Edwards said that Parks

Dead: Frederick Peters related that a woman called her cell phone and was abusive to her.

“I tell her don’t worry about that, I’m going to come up at their house and we will talk about it. I tell her don’t worry about anything you know the man sleeps daily at you and is your man.”

She was supposed to visit the couple Sunday, Edwards said, and Peters was supposed to call her since they had planned to visit a barbe-que a relative was hosting Saturday.

“Is about 04:00hrs Sunday my aunty rap on my door and tell me he died and I started to cry, me and my relatives then come over to the Best Hospital and he was transferred to Ezekiel mortuary,” she said.

She then contacted Parks, she said. “When we spoke she reminded me about some girl that call her phone. I ask her where was Fredrick at that time, she said he was in the kitchen, I said ow man you could have called me and let ah take a taxi to come over and this could not have happened, how you make it reach suh, then the phone cut off.”

NO BLOOD ON HANDS She concluded that her cousin who was strong built and over six feet tall was killed in his sleep since when she visited him in the morgue, there was no blood on his hands or any mark of violence on his body to suggest a fight.

Arrested lover: Colette Parks According to neighbours, Parks had moved into the apartment late last year and was living with someone.

She then moved out in January 2016 and later moved

loud noises and confusion from their section on a daily basis,” one neighbour said.

“The rate they were behaving I know someone would have gotten injured, but I didn’t expect murder.”

In February, 2007, Peters escaped from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court lockups but was apprehended by police. His address given back then was 3715 North Ruimveldt. It is alleged that on February 20 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court lockups, being in lawful custody pending criminal charges of robbery under arms, he escaped.

He was brought before

the court and headed up Croal Street before going onto King Street where he disappeared.

On his first appearance in Court One, Peters was refused bail on ten counts of robbery under arms, one count of threatening a police officer, abduction and having a dangerous weapon without reasonable excuse.

It is alleged that between May 24 and September 4, 2006, he robbed 10 persons, carting off with over $1,088,000 in jewellery, a cellular phone, cash and other items.

He also reportedly threatened City policeman, Quincy Trotman, had a

The body of Frederick Peters was retrieved from the upper flat of this building, in an apartment he shared with his lover back in. However, months ago they saw a new occupant sharing the apartment with her. He was identified as the same Frederick Peters who was killed Saturday night.

“This woman don’t talk to anybody in the place, is four apartments the building got and you can always hear

then Magistrate Cecil Sullivan on September 8, and was refused bail. Peters who was granted $550,000 bail

by Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock at Court Six was waiting in the court lockups to be transported back to prison when he reportedly escaped. He reportedly ran through a gate at the back of

‘Rambo’ knife with no reasonable excuse and abducted Adilah Sabree. In court speaking about why he escaped, he said, “My daughter was ill, she had one more day to live and I beg the magistrate to allow a police to escort me to the hospital.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

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‘Picture Boy’ gets death sentence … for killing Victoria brothers

By Shauna Jemmott ALMOST ten years and three trials into the 2006 murder of Victoria brothers Ray Walcott, called ‘Sugar’, and Carl Andrews, called ‘Alo’, a family is thankful for closure on the matter after Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry passed down two sentences of death to Cyon Collier, called ‘Picture Boy’, who yesterday was found guilty of both murders.

Walcott and Andrews were gunned down by Collier at Victoria Four Corner, East Coast Demerara, on September 23, 2006. Walcott’s entire forehead was torn away, while Andrews was shot at least three times, and died as a result of perforation of the lungs caused by a single gunshot wound.

Reports indicate that both siblings died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.

Collier was sentenced to death by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, after a

12-member jury found him guilty of the murders of Walcott and Andrews.

Reports are that Collier rode up on a motorcycle while a group of men were playing a friendly game of dominoes at Victoria Four Corner, East Coast Demerara, and after a brief interaction, gunned down the two brothers execution-style.

After the jury announced that Collier had been found guilty on both counts of murder, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, in passing down both death sentences, told the convicted murderer that he was sentenced to death and would “be taken to a lawful place of execution and there be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”

Earlier, after the verdict was read and Collier was asked if he had anything to say, he responded, “Maam, I don’t know how they arrived at that verdict. Since the jury has found me guilty of the

charge, I stand here asking for the mercy of the court. I ask Your Honour to be very lenient with me. I also wanna say sorry to the relatives of the deceased, and I beg their forgiveness.”

As the court officers led Collier out of the courtroom, he remained calm but displayed a sad countenance.

He showed his relatives the ‘thumbs-up’, and they, too, exited the courtroom quickly.

Mother of the dead brothers, Jeune Andrews, stood in the courtroom and lifted both hands on high with her eyes closed as Collier left the court.

This trial, which began on June 7, saw 10 witnesses being called by the prosecution, while the defence, represented by Attorney-at-Law Lindon Amsterdam, called five witnesses.

Collier, who had fled the murder scene, was discovered asleep in an abandoned house at Lot 23 Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD at 05:00hrs by a par-

Sentenced to death: Cyon Collier, called “Picture Boy” ty of police officers and soldiers 12 days after the fatal shooting. He had in his possession a number of guns and ammunition, including an AK-47 assault rifle. Collier faced trial twice before for the same murders, but the other two trials ended in ‘hung’ juries before different judges.

On Tuesday, the State closed its case after ten of its intended eleven witnesses

had testified. Collier was called on to lead his defence, and gave an unsworn statement from the dock, wherein he chronicled his movements leading up to the shooting on September 23, 2006 and thereafter.

He told the court that he was neither present at the scene of the shooting nor was he around that area, even though witnesses had placed him at the scene before and after the fatal shooting.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle after the verdicts were delivered, father of the two deceased men, Godfrey Andrews, gave all credit to God for the way the case had ended.

“Everything that takes place in this court is God work. He did it the right time and the right place. He knows all things. You could get away from man, but you cannot get away from God. This has been going on all the time. I’m happy to hear for what God has done, and I give Him all the praise, all

the honour! All! I give Him my life.”

Andrews said of the convict: “He been bribing, bribing, bribing; but then you know God say it’s the end and it got to be the end is today. I’m happy for the prosecutor that led the case.

I’m happy for the judge, and also God will richly bless those twelve learned men who sitting there and give that decision, because it is the fact that he murdered these two guys; no doubt about it.”

Mrs Jeune Andrews said, “With God all things are possible…I have faith in the God I serve. The pain is still there because I lost two sons and it’s a long time. I never fight anybody, (but) I just take it to the Lord in prayer… and I thank Him.” Two of the Andrews’ siblings also travelled into Guyana last night to be present at the end of the trial. The case was prosecuted

by Attorneys Narissa Leander and Tuanna Hardy.

Handyman killed in Stabroek Market brawl

By Svetlana Marshall AN early morning brawl between two men at the Stabroek Market Square on Monday ended on a bloody note when one was stabbed to death.

According to reports, the men, who did odd jobs for a living, were engaged in a heated argument, which soon turned into a fight. During the scuffle, one of them pulled out a sharp object and dealt the other a blow to his abdomen. The incident occurred at about 07:00h.

After committing the act, the suspect attempted to escape, but was pursued by eyewitnesses and led straight to the Brickdam Police Station, where he turned himself in.

The dead man has been identified as Steve Dexter Arthur of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, Arthur was lying

Steve Dexter Arthur’s lifeless body at the scene of the crime

motionless in a pool of blood in front of the building that once housed the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB). Vendors at the time had already displayed their fruits and provision for sale.

As they awaited the arrival of the police, one of the vendors hurriedly packed his perishables into a bus as scores of passersby watched in dismay. “Me ain’t see nuttin, you know.

Dem had a lil fight, and by de time I turn meh back I hear a holla,” the vendor said while packing his produce into his bus.

The businessman, who has been selling in the area for the past three years, said it was only when he turned around that he saw the man bleeding profusely on the ground. However, he said while the two men are well known handymen around the Stabroek Market Square, they were not working for him at the time of the incident.

The police, upon arrival, cordoned off the area and commenced their investigation.

The murder suspect

Vendors moving their fruits and provision away from the scene of the crime

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

US$22M for CPL 2016 ... Company still operating in the red

By Stephan Sookram THIS year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will cost US$22M with the company still running in the red.

According to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Caribbean Premier League Pete Russel, this edition will see investors pumping a total over $4.5B Guyana dollars into the tournament which will run for six weeks.

“It’s still slightly in the red; It’s a very expensive tournament to run,” the COO confirmed during a press briefing yesterday with members of the media.

“If you look at our investment this year it’s going to be another US$22M that we pump into the tournament; that’s a huge amount of money and therefore yes, commercially we have to try to make

that work,” the COO said.

But, the general idea behind the tournament is to break even, the CPL COO said, adding that “there is a gap but it’s closing every year and our aim is to get it to break even certainly by next year and let’s see where it goes from there.”

“What’s great (about the CPL) is the quality of cricket.

This tournament is now being known around the world so it makes the commercial deals that much easier, “When we can do deals like have Facebook come to us and say ‘we want to put your product on Facebook live to over 40 countries’ that’s exciting, and that tells you something about what people want to watch.”

CPL WANTS TO GIVE BACK Nonetheless, the CPL still has a plan to invest

in the region with Russel saying, “We want to be seen in the region, to be in each of the CPL countries 12 months of every year.

We want to be a part of the solution for West Indies Cricket.

“We feel we played our part for what happened in India and we want to continue to be there.”

While he did say that he cannot control how the investment is utilised, he opined, “Even if it’s a small thing like adopting a cricket club, making it a CPL cricket club where we improve the facility, make it a centre of excellence for younger players, whatever the structure is, we want to be a part of it.”

“One of the parts of the proposal we put to the government here was along those lines,” the COO said.

Ohio brings F1600 podiums for Calvin Ming OVERSEAS-based Guyanese Calvin Ming picked up two podium finishes this weekend as the F1600 series continued in Ohio.

Ming could have made it a perfect weekend with three wins in as many races but car troubles sidelined him in the last race of the day.

In the first race, Ming was knocking on the door throughout the keenly contested action-packed event but could manage to finish only third behind Peter Portante, and Neil Verhagen respectively.

In the second race, he managed to make the jump to first after some intense driving with Phillippe Denes and Peter Portante finishing a close second and third respectively.

"The race was good from the start. We tried to stay in the lead pack and in the end it worked out. It was a good battle with the front group and I can't thank Team Pelfrey enough," said Ming.

In the final race of the day, however, an electrical failure put him out of contention on the final lap while he was leading.

He finished thirteenth.

CPL Chief Operations Officer Pete Russel examines the pitch at national stadium in the presence of CPL International Director of Cricket Tom Moody and other CPL officials. Guyana will host four matches beginning Thursday.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

Wayne Jones sparkles on first overseas sojourn

By Frederick Halley AT 55, Wayne Jones is still touted as one of the best softball players to have ever graced the venues in Guyana, churning out unbelievable batting performances over a career that has spanned more

Wayne Jones after completing a fine 97 versus Albion All Stars

Calvin Ming (centre) stands on the podium with Phillippe Denes and Peter Portante after the 11th race of the F1600 series.

than three decades.

What’s somewhat remarkable about Jones is the fact that, unlike some of his peers, he has concentrated strictly on the grassroots sport and has never entertained the thought of entering the ‘hard ball’ arena.

Coupled with his skilful batting and undoubted knowledge of the game, Jones is considered an automatic selection for any squad competing in and out of Guyana but for personal reasons he had never left the shores of his homeland.

Last weekend was therefore

a special one for the lanky Jones when he donned colours for the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Masters squad in the 12th annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Legends Cup tournament.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, Jones disclosed that it was always his dream to play softball cricket out of Guyana and was extremely happy that the opportunity presented itself.

Very meticulous with his preparation prior to competing in “big” games, Jones ensured that he had a thorough inspection of the pitch and playing area last Thursday, prior to the commencement of the tournament on Friday and that seemed to have paid off.

Seemingly well set to complete a masterful century on his first game out of Guyana and with wickets tumbling at the other end, Jones went via run-out for a well-composed 97, falling three runs short of a well-deserved century with five deliveries remaining in the 20over game.

After the game. Jones also recalled being run-out for a fine 76 in the Wolf Warriors memorial tournament currently being played in Guyana in his last match before leaving there and felt he was well prepared for the New York tournament.

Jones’ dominating and match-winning knock against Albion All Stars included nine sixes and five fours with Lloyd Rooplall’s 18

being the next highest score. He also slammed a quick-fire unbeaten 39 (two sixes, two fours) versus eventual winners Regal Masters in last Sunday’s final, albeit in a losing cause.

Prior to Sunday’s final, Jones had expressed confidence that the GFSCA outfit would have emerged victorious but his hopes and dreams were dashed by archrivals and Guyanese counterparts Regal Masters who were clearly the better team when it mattered most.

A product of Bel Air, Greater Georgetown, Jones has won many accolades during his long and distinguished career, representing several top teams, including Bel Air, Youth Stars, President’s XI, Durban XI, Goodwood, Dirty Dozen, Ariel and more recently GFSCA. He was also a regular member of the Demerara Inter-county team when that tournament was a feature years ago.

Now a permanent member of the GFSCA on and off the field, he is tasked with organising tournaments in his capacity of organising secretary, Jones’ enthusiasm for softball has never waned although he was on the verge of retiring several years back.

That retirement never materialised and, being as fit as ever in the twilight of his career, Jones has no intention of ‘calling it a day’ anytime soon. He’s also hoping that the recent New York trip will be the impetus for several more.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 8, 2016

27

GRFU seeks $15M for RAN final against Mexico

By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) must now stump up $15M to send the Green Machine to Mexico later this month for the Finals of the Rugby America North (RAN) 15s Finals.

Guyana will face Mexico after that side’s 34-24 triumph over the Cayman Islands recently.

According to RAN rules, the team with the higher seeding during the last edition of the tournament – Mexico placed second - get to play hosts for the final.

However, that, according to the Guyana Rugby Football Union president Peter Green means that they must now stump up a budget of $15M for the journey.

During a press conference on Monday, Green said, “Mexico is a high altitude

country. We need to go at least 10 days in advance to acclimatise. That costs money.”

“The Green Machine have been doing well but it’s been difficult to get people to translate that into the performance of a National Rugby team that have been leading from the front over the national teams of this country. That has to change,” the outspoken head said.

The team is ranked 46th in the world and 8th in the Americas while Mexico is now 11th after the win and Green believes that “Mexico have nothing to lose and everything to gain with victory over us because they are the underdogs.”

He continued, “We have everything to lose because if we lose this game, we lose the qualifiers for the World Cup 2019; we also lose the option of host-

Flashback! The victorious Guyana team celebrate after ‘frying’ Barbados 48-17 at the National Park during the earlier stages of the Rugby America North (RAN) South Zone Finals. (Delano Williams photo) ing games at home as the number one-ranked country.”

The GRFU will have to

GRFU sweating on U.S. visa review of key players

By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is sweating on the United States VISA review of two key players ahead of their departure for the 2016 edition of the Rugby America North Men’s U-19 Championships.

During a press briefing yesterday, manager of the team Col. John Lewis contended that those two are integral parts of the unit and their absence would have an obvious effect.

“They are very important to the team. They both play in the pack as wing forwards and second rows and one, particularly, is a very skilled tackler.

They are very important for the team,” Lewis said.

When quizzed about a back-up plan, the manager added, “At this point in time, the only contingency plan that we have would be to find a

player who already has a U.S. VISA. Having found that, we then have to find a seat on the plane to take him there. Those two problems will be very difficult to overcome if we have to go that route.”

Underlining the importance of the tournament set to run from July 9 to 16 in Miami, Florida, Lewis said, “We are in tier two with three other teams and above us, there is another group that is above us, U-19 tier ones, six teams.

“Once we are successful at our levels and beat the other three, we will be promoted next year to the top tier. It is a step up once we win.”

Currently, Guyana will play in the same Group with St Lucia, Jamaica and the Bahamas but promotion will put them against the likes of the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda among

others.

Meanwhile, coach of the unit, Troy Yhip, contended, “Our strength in the team is the back line.

Our forwards are coming to scratch with what they have to do but our strength is our tackling ability. We are going to win.”

“We have very good players who are talented and well skilled in the positions that they play and once they play to our game plans, we could overcome the teams that are there,” he said.

Guyana open their account on Sunday July 10 at 16:00hrs when they play the Bahamas before playing on Tuesday at 14:00hrs against Jamaica.

They return on Friday, July 15 to play St Lucia from 13:00hrs.

Apart from Yhip and Lewis, Claudius Butts will act as assistant coach.

(From L-R U-19) Coach Troy Yhip, manager John Lewis and GRFU president Peter Green. (Ivan Bentham photo)

bring in all the ‘big guns’ according to Green, with the likes of Kevin McKenzie, Vallon Adams from the USA and a few others expected to make the line-up.

Also present during this morning’s meeting was assistant coach Kenneth Grant.

He contended that the unit has been in training ahead of the fixture, looking at the mi-

nor mistakes that were made during the earlier games in the series.

Guyana’s match against the Mexicans is set for July 27.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

CBC-U16 Men’s Championship…

Guyana mows down Trinidad &Tobago

By Daniel Haynes

L

ed by a downtown assault, the Guyanese male U-16 team pulled off a much needed win against Trinidad and Kelmar Carmichael driving for layup

Tobago and in the process secured its second win in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships on Wednesday night.

On night four of the

games being played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) the locals set up a game with the Jamaicans for a spot in the last four of the tournament.

The first quarter got off

to a flyer for Guyana with Shamar France and Kevon Wiggins pushing the locals to a 17-0 picture perfect start.

The locals played lockdown defence on the wonder-kid Jordan Persad not allowing him to touch the ball much in the quarter. Shamar France picked him up full court while switches were implemented in the help-zone defence of the local side. The quarter ended with Guyana up 20- 7.

The second quarter was much of the same, with the jump shooting consistency Guyana had found in the first quarter. Persad had begun finding his range with a few floaters within the paint but Wiggins was big in this quarter as well as captain Jordan Alphonso who turned in 9 points to push Guyana’s half time score to 39-19.

Coming out of the quarter, the turnover bug returned for the Guyanese, as a few quick ones allowed the Trinidadians to get some offence going, Persad scoring 20

Shamar France unloads one of his four three-pointers

points in the quarter to finish it 56-39. Guyana’s Nigel Bowen and Andrew Johnson also produced some valuable points.

The fourth quarter saw Guyana receiving a few scares with the lead dwindling below 10 points as Persad found his grove, sinking threes and jump-shots.

However, both Wiggins and France responded when it mattered, upping their game while captain Alphonso despite another bad free throw night, elevated to another level. The game finished 69-52 with Alphonso and Wiggins bagging 18 points and 27 rebounds between them. France finished with 14 points on 4-9 three- point shooting.

For Trinidad, Persad scored 23, after 61 point performance in the first two games. Trinidadian coach Mervyn Jackson stated the remainder of the tournament was just on gaining experience and exposure for his team.

“It’s strictly about development moving forward and getting our guys to raise their level” stated Jackson.

Also commenting was Persad who stated “I’m just trying to do everything I can to get my team to the win, whatever I have to do I will.” He also commented that moving forward that was his mentality.

The Guyanese united faced Jamaica last evening for a spot in the final four.