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ISSUE No. 76

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 17, 2017

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‘Guyana fit to fight’ President assures Guyana is well positioned to combat financial crimes

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Attorney General, Basil Williams escorts President David Granger into the conference hall at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) 46th Plenary and Working Group Meetings held at the Marriot Hotel (Adrian Narine photo)

CCJ President urges Guyana to appoint Chancellor and CJ Page 3

An Open Letter to Mayor Page 24 DeBlassio

‘Guyana has Guyana, China done a at 45 miracle’ Page 9

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

‘Guyana fit to fight’ President assures Guyana is well positioned to combat financial crimes

By Ariana Gordon THE integrity of the Caribbean’s financial sector was placed under the microscope on Wednesday by President David Granger when he addressed the opening ceremony of the 46th Plenary and Working Group Meeting for the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), being held at the Marriott Hotel.

In his address to the gathering which included Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other ministers of government, President Granger noted that the Caribbean is fighting a war against financial ‘privateers’ to preserve the integrity of its institutions and to counter money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. In this light, he said “Guyana is fit to fight” while noting that this country has embarked on the path of passing robust regulations and legislation to protect its financial system from financing unlawful activitie­s 17 years ago.

Over the years, Guyana has passed the Money-Laundering (Prevention) Act 2000; Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009; Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2010; Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2015; and the Anti-Money

President David Granger speaks at the opening ceremony of the 46th Plenary and Working Group Meetings of the CFATF on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel

Laundering and the Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2015.

The aforementioned legislation he told the Region’s legal minds, has progressively corrected deficiencies in the AML-CFT regime and allowed the improvement of compliance within the Task Force’s standards. “The appropriate agencies – the Bank of Guyana (BOG), the Financial

Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – have been empowered with the authority and autonomy and equipped with the technical and institutional means to discharge their functions under our anti-money laundering and countering of the financing of terrorism legislation,” the President stated.

Additionally, the President noted that the Caribbean yearns to be a zone of concord and peace after half a millennium of conquest, conflict and chaos. He noted too that given its location, the Region can be used for narcotics trafficking, while adding that the Caribbean, with its fragmented jurisdictions scattered over 2, 754 million km² of sea-space, with countless cays, coves and islets, has become an attractive destination – a ‘paradise’ – for money-launderers, tax-evaders and assorted transnational criminal cartels. ”These crimes have the potential of disrupting our economies, corrupting officials, subverting our institutions, perverting our youth and spawning frightening levels of crime and violence in society,” he said, stressing that the Task Force’s recommendations are necessary to insulate the Region’s financial sector from

Attorney General and Deputy Chair of CFATF Basil Williams S.C. addressing participants of the 46th Plenary and Working Group Meetings of CFATF on Wednesday

We are confident that the Task Force’s work will improve the security and prosperity of this Region and the safety and happiness

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets Attorney General Basil Williams on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 46th Plenary and Working Group Meetings of CFATF

the crimes of money-laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Those recommendations he stated, can assist to insulate the Region’s economies from contamination by ‘dirty money’ and by protecting the integrity of the Region’s financial sector from the risks associated with ill-gotten gains.

The President stressed too that the Task Force’s recommendations will also help to cultivate a stable financial sector that will allow for the facilitation of international trade and investment and enhance the interconnectedness between the Region’s financial sector and the global banking system, so as to prevent our banks from being blacklisted.

The head-of-state said too that the presence of many attorneys-general, ministers and other officials at the meeting which began on Sunday is testimony to the importance placed on the Task Force’s core responsibility for the peer review process of the mutual evaluation programme.

“The work to be done during this meeting is a necessity for guaranteeing the integrity of the Region’s financial sector and, particularly, for preventing money-laundering and the financing of terrorism.

of its people,” said the Guyanese leader who also outlined Guyana and the Region’s familiarity with terrorism when he cited the Cubana air disaster of 1976, and the European arrival in The Bahamas in 1492.

Transnational crime Similarly, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, who has assumed the chairmanship of CFATF, said if left unchecked, transnational criminal organisations and terrorist financing networks can impact in a significant way the peace, tranquility and security of the Region. “So constant vigilance by all of us is critical and for all of us gathered here… this means effective implementation and the highest levels of compliance with the FATF recommendations,” said Williams. He pointed too to the placing of emphasis on the identification, assessment and understanding the extent of national money laundering and terrorist financial risk and taking the necessary action to prevent and or mitigate those risks by allocating sufficient resources, and implementing policies to curb same.

The 46th Plenary and Working Group Meetings of the CFATF will conclude today.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

CARICOM Consular Corps (CCC) of New York

T

he combined efforts of the CARICOM Consular Corps (CCC) of New York to mobilize emergency supplies for Caribbean countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria has produced commendable and encouraging results to date.

CCC Hurricane Relief Workers preparing packages.

As part of the combined efforts, the grouping which comprises Consuls General of the CARICOM, immediately organized emergency supplies for Caribbean countries affected by the devastating natural disasters.

During September and October, volunteers from several Caribbean nations gathered at Friends of Crown Heights in Brooklyn to receive, sort and pack donations. So far our community has received the following donations which are all going to be used in relief efforts: • 23 commercial bins; (equivalent to 69 barrels) • 22 jumbo barrels; and • 205 cases of water.

Given the efficacious outpouring of love and support from New York and the tri-state area, the Consular Corps is now coordinating relief drives in other US cities and plans are proceeding to host a grand concert featuring the best of the region's artistes

CCC Hurricane Relief Workers packing barrels. to continue the fund raising effort.

The CARICOM Consular Corps continues to stand in unity with our brothers and sisters of the region and we express our deepest gratitude to all who made donations, as well as to those who volunteered during the past four weeks.

CCJ President urges Guyana to appoint Chancellor and Chief Justice GEORGETOWN — President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron has expressed concern about the inability of present and previous administrations to appoint a Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Byron, in a recent address to the Guyana Bar Association said that according to the country’s constitution, the Chancellor and Chief Justice should be appointed by the President after obtaining the agreement from the opposition leader.

However, the CCJ President pointed out that for 12 years, successive presidents and leaders of the opposition have been unable to agree on the appointments.

Twelve years ago, the Office of Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana became vacant when Justice Desiree Barnard, joined the Bench of the CCJ, he reminded.

“I draw attention to Article 127(2) of the Constitution which provides, in relevant part, “If the office of Chancellor is vacant … then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office…the functions shall be performed by such other of the judges as shall be appointed by the President after

meaningful consultation with the leader of the opposition,” he said.

The CCJ President said that the use of the word “shall” imposes a mandatory obligation upon both the President and the Leader of the Opposition to come to an agreement on the perSIR DENNIS BYRON sons to be appointed as Chancellor and Chief Justice.

“But it should also indicate that the Constitution intended that the identified officials would exercise high standards of good faith and reasonableness because failure to agree is not an acceptable option in the interpretation of that constitutional provision.”

He noted that the situation has moved well beyond what ought to be acceptable in

a modern democracy where respect for the rule of law is maintained.

However, last month President David Granger said he was waiting on a response from the nominee identified for the substantive post of Chancellor of the Judiciary.

The Head of State only said that the person was of Guyanese descent but hails from the Anglophone Caribbean.

The President then said that once the nominee responds, he will consult Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo in accordance with the Constitution.

Currently, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards serves as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire is the acting Chief Justice (CMC) (Caribbeannews.net)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

Aggressive strategy needed -GPHC chair to tackle diabetes Aggressive strategy needed to tackle diabetes Aggressive strategy needed diabetes Aggressive strategy needed to tackle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017 GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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By Colin A. Moore

By Navendra Seoraj expected to risea which to 60.5which mil- is countries, figure countries, a figure is -GPHC chair -GPHC chair lion by 2040. expected to rise to 60.5 countries, a figure which -GPHC chair expected to rise to 60.5 mil- ismil-

lion by WITH diabetes cases num-lion expected 2015, thetonumber of to2040. rise 60.5 milby In 2040.

By Navendra Seoraj lion by 2040.

In 2015, the of dibering in the thousands, diabetic cases in number Guyana

By Navendra Seoraj In 2015, the number of diBy Navendra Seoraj abetic cases in Guyana stood In 2015, the number of diGeorgetown Public Hos-abetic stood at 49,800 and the in Guyana stood WITH diabetes cases num- cases at cases 49,800 and thestood World abetic in Guyana Corporation (GPHC) World Health Organisation WITHpital diabetes cases numbering in the thousands, at 49,800 and the World WITH diabetes cases numHealth Organisation (WHO)’s ering in the thousands, at 49,800 and the profile World Chairperson, Kesaundra (WHO)’s country Georgetown Public Hospibering in the thousands,Health Organisation (WHO)’s country profile of 2016 Georgetown Public HospiAlves said that an of 2016 revealed that most reHealth Organisation (WHO)’s tal has Corporation (GPHC) Georgetown Public Hospicountry profile of 2016 re-re- ocvealed that most deaths al Corporation (GPHC) aggressive action plan is deaths occurred in the 30-69 country profile of 2016 Chairperson, Kesaundra tal Corporation (GPHC)vealed that most deaths occurred the 30-69 ageand range, Chairperson, needed toKesaundra tackle range, males 160 Alves has said the thatdisan ag-age vealed thatinmost deaths ocChairperson, Kesaundra curred in the 30-69 age range, males 160 and females Alves Alves has gressive said that an agaction plan is needease. females 180, while those 70180, curred in the 30-69 age range, has said that an aged to tackle disease.

160 andabove, females 180, while those 70 years ressive action plan isathe needDiabetes isplan disease years and males lessand males 160 and females 180, gressive action is need-inmales Diabetes isability a disease inthan d to tackle the disease. above, males less than those 70 years and which the body’s towhile 100 deaths and females ed to tackle the disease. while those 70 years and100 GPHC Chairperson which to140.males Diabetes is ora the disease intoability deaths and females 140.

Diabetes is body’s a disease inabove, produce respond the less than 100 above, males less than 100 Kesaundra Alves Chairperson GPHC Chairperson or respond to the While there have been GPHC whichwhich the produce body’s ability to to theinsulin body’s hormone isability impaired, While there have been addresses the gathering deaths and females 140. deaths and females 140. hormone insulin is impaired, Kesaundra Alves Kesaundra Alves many attempts locally to reproduce or respond to the While roduce or respond to the at the Ramada Hotel resulting in abnormal metabattempts locally to While there have been there have been resulting in abnormal metab-many addresses thegathering gathering addresses the duce those figures, there hormone insulin is impaired, ormone insulin is impaired, many attempts locally to reolismolism of carbohydrates andmany reduce those figures, there is atat attempts locally to reof carbohydrates and the Ramada Hotel the Ramada Hotel still much work there to be is done, resulting in abnormal metab-induceis esulting inelevated abnormal metabthose figures, elevated levels of glucose still toisDiabebe those figures, levels of glucose induce theobserved objectiveglobally of heightening said much Alves atwork athere World of carbohydrates and being with lism olism of carbohydrates and still much work to be done, the blood at adone, World the blood still done, much work to be and making more tessaid DayAlves programme, organ-the awareness elevated levels of glucose in objective of heightening objective of heightening levated levels of glucose in said Alves at a World Diabethe objective of heightening According to statistics, According to statistics,saidDiabetes programme, effective interventions to comAlves aDay World Diabeisedatby the Lions Club of Di-awareness the blood and making more awareness andmaking making more tes Day programme, organhe blood awareness more some million people bat thisand disease which is prevsome 141 141 million people organised by the Lions tes Day programme, organamond/Grove and held at the According to statistics, effective interventions to comeffective interventions to ised by the Lions Club of DiAccording to statistics, worldwide are affected by effective interventions to comalent at the national, regional Ramada Hotel, Providence, ised by the Lions Club of Diworldwide are affected by Club of Diamond/Grove 141 million people bat this disease whichis isprevprev-the amond/Grove and held at the combat this disease which diabetes, with more than 44.3 ome some 141 million people and international levels,” bat this disease which on Tuesday. amond/Grove heldRamada at the diabetes, with more than 44.3 and held and at the worldwide are affected alent at thechairperson national, regional Ramada “World Hotel, Providence, million recorded inby North is prevalent at the regional national, GPHC said. worldwide arewith affected byNorth alent at the national, Diabetes Day isand Ramada Hotel, Providence, million recorded in Hotel, Providence, on diabetes, more than 44.3 international levels,” the on Tuesday.

American and Caribbean Statistics from the Ameriregional and international iabetes, with more than 44.3 being observed globally with and international levels,” American and Caribbean Tuesday. million recorded in Northon Tuesday.

GPHC chairperson said. the “World Diabetes Day is levels,” the GPHC million recorded in Caribbean North chairperson “World Diabetes DayDay is is GPHC American countries, aand figure which is being “World Diabetes Statistics from said. thechairperAmeriobserved globally with son said. from the AmeriAmerican and Caribbean Statistics being observed globally with

Members of the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove share a moment with the GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves (centre) Members of the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove share a moment with the GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves (centre)

Members of the Lions Club of Diamond/Grove share a moment with the GPHC Chairperson Kesaundra Alves (centre)

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Statistics from the Amerrevealed thatthe thesituation situation cascas revealed that icas revealed that the situisrevealed quite alarming Guyana casquite that theinin situation is alarming Guyana ation is quite alarming and Trinidad and Tobago. is quite alarming in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. in Guyana and Trinidad and Those countries reportedly and Trinidad and Tobago.

Those countries reportedly occupy the top positions, out Tobago.

Those countries reportedly occupy the top positions, out ofThose 54 the countries, withreportregard to occupy top positions, out countries of 54 countries, with regardand to the incidence of diabetes of 54 countries, with regard to edlyincidence occupy of thediabetes top posithe and deaths persons duringand their the incidence of54diabetes tions, outof of countries, deaths of persons during their working life. deaths of persons during their with regard the incidence working life.to Alves, in making reference working life. of diabetes and deaths of inmaking making reference toAlves, that, said that thereference local econAlves, in persons during their workto that, said the local economysaid will that be severely comproto ingthat, life. that the local econmised if, severely on a yearly basis, omy will be severely comproomy will be comproAlves, in making referthe human resources dwindle mised if, on a yearly basis, mised on said a yearly basis, ence to that, that the loashuman a consequence ofdwindle diabetes the resources dwindle the resources cal economy will be severely which can be prevented or as consequence of as a consequence ofadiabetes diabetes compromised if, on yearly better managed if only persons which can be oror which canhuman be prevented prevented basis, the resources change their lifestyle and work better managed better managed ifonly onlypersons persons dwindle as a ifconsequence at reducing the riskand factors that change their of diabetes which and canwork be change their lifestyle lifestyle work are attributed to this disease. at reducing the risk factors that prevented or managed at reducing thebetter risk factors “Collectively, you that and are attributed to if only persons change their are tothis thisadisease. disease.

Iattributed have to make concerted “Collectively, you and lifestyle and work this atyou reduceffort to reverse upward “Collectively, and have make concerted ing the to risk factors that trend, and so Iaawant to are comIIeffort have to make concerted to reverse this upward pliment thethis members of the attributed to disease. effort to thistoupward trend, andreverse so I want comDiamond/Grove Lions Club “Collectively, you and trend, and so I want to pliment the taken members ofcomthe who to have this initiative IDiamond/Grove have make aLions concerted pliment the members of the Club to organise this forum, with a effort to taken reverse this upDiamond/Grove Lions Club who have this initiative viewtrend, to educating residents of ward and so I want who have taken this initiative to organise this forum, with a the surrounding communities toorganise compliment theofmemto this forum, with a view to residents of on theeducating prevalence this disbers of the Diamond/Grove view to and educating residents the surrounding communities ease to apprise them of of Lions Club whoways have taken the surrounding communities on the prevalence of this disthe numerous in which ease and tosuffering apprise them ofto this to of organise on theinitiative prevalence this dishuman related the numerous ways which ease and to them debates andapprise its complications this forum, with a inview toof human related to can besuffering alleviated,” said Alves. the numerous ways inofwhich educating residents the debates and its communities complications She also zeroed in on the human suffering related to surrounding can be alleviated,” said for World Diabetes Day debates and its complications ontheme the prevalence ofAlves. this “Women diabetes --the our She also and zeroed in on can be alleviated,” said Alves. disease and to apprise them right to a healthy future.” theme for World Diabetes Day She numerous also zeroedways in on in the of the According to her, -in our Guy“Women and diabetes theme for World Diabetes Day which human suffering ana, statistics reveal that right to the a healthy future.”

“Women and diabetes -- its our related to debates more women thanand are According to her, inmen Guyright to a healthy future.” complications can be alleaffected by the reveal diseasethat and ana, the statistics According to in Guyviated,” are lesssaid ableAlves. to her, withstand more women than men arethe ana, thealso statistics reveal that burden of the disease.

She zeroed in on and the affected by the disease more menthe are theme for Diabetes are lesswomen ableWorld to than withstand affected disease and burden ofby the the disease.

Day “Women and diabetes are less right able totowithstand the -- our a healthy burden of the disease. future.”

According to her, in

A staff of the Ramada Hotel being given a free optical checkup which was made available by the Lions Club of AAstaff ofof thethe Ramada Hotel being given a free optical Diamond/Grove staff Ramada Hotel being given a free optical checkup which was made available by the Lions Club of checkup which was made available by the Lions Club of Guyana, the statisticsDiamond/Grove reveal Members of the Lions

Diamond/Grove capacity place women that more women than men Club alsotosupported herand noThe third sustainable girlsofasbuilding a top priority for the goal of the by United Nations tion are affected the disease and strengthtoofplace women and The third Ministry Public Health.

(UN) speaks totosustainable the health capacity and are less ablesustainable withstand ening to place capacity topriority place women The girls ascapacity a top forwomthe and goal of thethird United Nations Alves said the Ministry and well-being of all women the burden of the disease. en and girls as a top priority girls as a top priority for the goal of the United Nations Public Health.

(UN) speaks to said the the health has the beenof severely challenged andThe girls.

Alves local Ministry third sustainable for Ministry of Public Ministry of Public Health.

(UN) speaks to the health Alves said the Ministry and well-being of all women health systems must be fully with the high incidence of goal of the United Nations Health.

Alves the been Ministry and well-being of the all women been severely and girls.

Alves local diabetes but said [it]challenged has responsive tosaid them in the has (UN) speaks to the health Alves said the Ministry has been severely challenged and girls.

Alves said the local with the high incidence health systems must be fully of sense of offering high quali- able, with the emergence of and of allinwomhas been severely the incidence health systems must bethe fullydiabetes but high [it] challenged has been responsive to them thewith Guyana Diabetes Care of ty, well-being more comprehensive and with the emergence ofofbeen en and Alves said with thetohigh incidence diabetes but [it] has sense of girls. offering qualiresponsive to high them inthetheable, Project, better address and readily available services.

Guyana Diabetes ty, more and manage the disease. able, with the local health systems must diabetes but [it] emergence has Care been of “As we think of women sense ofcomprehensive offering high quali-the toprogramme better address readily available services.

The is and fowith diabetes and those the Guyana Diabetes be fully responsive to prone them able, with the emergence ofCare ty, more comprehensive andProject, thefour disease. cused on priority areas, “As we think of women tothe thesense disease, it is important Project, toDiabetes better address available services. inreadily of offering high manage the Guyana Care and The programme is fonamely: retinopwith and those thatdiabetes theymore have access to es- Project, manage the disease.

“As we think ofprone women quality, comprehentoDiabetic better address and athy; Diabetes in pregnancused on four priority areas, sential diabetes medicine and to the disease, it is important The programme is fowithand diabetes and available those prone manage the disease. sive readily cy;cused The Diabetic development of areas, a technologies retinopthat theydisease, have and access to es- namely: on four priority to the it isself-manimportant services.

The programme is fodiabetes database at the agement education and inforDiabetes in pregnansential diabetes medicine and namely: Diabetic retinopthat they have to es-athy; “As we think of achieve womcused four priority Ministry of Public Health; mation they needaccess to cy; Theondevelopment ofara technologies and self-manathy; Diabetes in pregnansential diabetes medicine and en with diabetes and those eas, namely: Diabetic and a public awareness comoptimal generations,” she said. the agement education and infor- diabetes database at reticy; The development technologies and self-manprone to the disease, it is Ministry nopathy; in preg-of a ponent through the Chronic Members of Lions ofDiabetes Public Health; mation they need tothe achieve diabetes database at agement education and inforimportant that they have nancy; The development of the Disease Unit at the Ministry Club also supported her notion optimal generations,” she said. and a public awareness comMinistry ofthe Public mation need toLions achieveponent Public Health. ofMembers building and strengthening access tothey essential aofdiabetes database at Health; the through Chronic of thediabetes and aUnit public awareness optimal generations,” she said.Disease medicine and technologies Ministry of at Public Health;comthe Ministry Club also supported her notion ponent through the Chronic Members of the eduLionsof Public Health. of building and strengthening and self-management and a public awareness Disease Unit at the Ministry Club also herthey notion component cation and supported information through the of Public Health. of building and strengthening need to achieve optimal gen- Chronic Disease Unit at the erations,” she said.

Ministry of Public Health.

Taxi driver wanted in teacher’s murder THE police are seeking to contact a taxi driver whose cellphone number appeared repeatedly on Kescia Branche’s phone as they draw near to wrapping up their investigations into her death.

The police were granted an additional 72 hours Monday to further detain the suspects. A total of nine statements have been taken from persons and three suspects are in custody, including the father of Branche’s three-year-old son.

Police related that the taxi driver’s car was impounded at the Brickdam Police Station and it is suspected that he left the country after Branche’s body was found with a broken leg and in an

unconscious state on November 5.

Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive.

The Richard Ishmael Secondary school teacher died two days after being found battered in the City at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

The police had requested CCTV footage in the area and it was reviewed.

Crime Chief (ag), Paul Williams recently said that persons will be charged this week as the investigation continues into the death of Branche.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

5

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

U.S. THANKSGIVING

During President Franklin D. is called the harvest moon. Tradi- claimed that November 26 be a day tionally, harvest festivals were held for all America to celebrate Thanks- Roosevelt’s Presidency, some states on or nearest to the Sunday of the giving. It was for “service to that celebrated the holiday on the last Harvest Moon. They were joyous great and glorious Being, who is the Thursday in November while others occasions celebrating good harvests beneficent Author of all the good chose the second-to-last Thursday.

On December 26, 1941, Conand featured food, dance, wine and that was, that is, or that will be.” On that day, the President attended serv- gress passed a law making the romance.

The Puritan Thanksgiving was ices at St. Paul’s chapel, in New fourth Thursday of November the date for celebrating Thanksgiving. quite different. It was a day of York City.

BEFORE PLYMOUTH Several Presidents opposed The first American Thanksgiv- prayer, fasting and humility before RELIGIOUS ASPECT OF ing was celebrated September 8, THANKSGIVING 1565 at St. Augustine, Florida. On Thanksgiving is the most basic this occasion, the native Americans element in all worship. “It is right to and Spanish settlers held a feast at give thanks and praise to God which the Holy Mass was offered.

Almighty.” In Christian worship, the Another early Thanksgiving Blessed Sacrament in the Mass is celebration was held December 19, called Eucharist, which means 1619. On this date, 38 English setThanksgiving. tlers landed at Berkeley Hundred, in In the High Middle Ages, the Virginia Colony. Captain John church practiced a Thanksgiving Woodleaf led the new arrivals in a Harvest Festival. Because no defiThanksgiving Service for safe journite liturgical day or ceremony was ney. The Charter of Berkeley Hunprescribed by the church, various dred states: “we ordain that the day customs sprung up locally. Howof our ship’s arrival as the place asever, the most common Harvest and signed for plantation in the land of Thanksgiving celebration was held Native Americans and Pilgrims meeting on Thanksgiving Day. Virginia shall be yearly and perpeton the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours ually kept holy as a day of Thanks- God in thanks for a good harvest celebrating Thanksgiving, in 1855, on November 11.

16 states celebrated Thanksgiving and other gifts. giving to Almighty God.” After mass, people played (14 on the 4th Thursday of Novem- games, engaged in parades and a NATIONAL THANKSGIVING Plymouth ber and 2 on the 3rd). main dinner, featuring the roast Prior to the American RevoluDespite this historical eviIn 1863, President Abraham goose. They drank Saint Martin’s tion, Thanksgiving was proclaimed dence, it is still generally believed Lincoln proclaimed the 4th Thursthat the first Thanksgiving was cel- by state and church leaders. On Sep- day in November as the standard wine with the dinner. The first ebrated in October 1621. This feast tember 3, 1789, New York pro- date of Thanksgiving. (continued on page 20) did not celebrate Mass, lasted three days and was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.

Most history books state that the first Thanksgiving on American soil was in 1621 when 53 Puritans (they were called Pilgrims 200 years later) sat with some 91 Wampanoag We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door natives for a meal thanking them for TO WE SHIP their help and thanking God for the GUYANA, JAMAICA bountiful harvest.

BARRELS The Puritans set sail from PlyTRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES mouth, England, September 6, 1620 GRENADA, BARBADOS DOCUMENTS on the Mayflower with 44 Pilgrims ST. VINCENT LUGGAGE (Saints) and 66 others (Strangers).

ST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES They finally settled in Provincetown Harbour on November 21, 1620. & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE MODERN CELEBRATIONS CONTAINERS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE Modern celebrations blend two CARS traditions from England — the tra& REASONABLE RATES ditional Harvest Festival and the Church of England observances.

ORIGIN

G. K. Chesterton said that thanks are the highest form of thought. Thanking Almighty God for his blessings is the highest form of thanks. Thanksgiving is both a national holiday and a day of thanks.

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THE HARVEST FESTIVAL The word “harvest” derives from the Old English “haerfest”, which means “autumn.” The full moon nearest the autumnal equinox

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6 Dennis A. Nelson 6

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Guyana Chronicle NewNew YorkYork Edition Week-ending September Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending November29, 17,2017 2017

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Editorial Stop the sensationalism and let the court decide THERE is no doubt, for various reasons, some would rather not see Justice James Patterson be appointed the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

Some think his appointment by President David Granger was inconsistent with Article 161 of the Guyana Constitution. Others think the appointment was unilateral and/or undemocratic, and some have posited though it is constitutional, the manner within which it was done bears adverse political consequences.

Another school of argument is his age and President Granger not honouring the requirements he set to be considered for appointment.

Last month the High Court was asked by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Zulfikar Mustapha, to deem the appointment unconstitutional and the Chairman not qualified to be appointed under the Article. Last week the nation was advised by Attorney General Basil Williams via Solicitor-General Kim Kyte, who filed the Government’s response, asking the court to dismiss the case, citing its reasons for. Going to the court for a determination, and hopefully resolution, makes sense given the foundation from which the appointment was made and the contentious interpretation of the Article.

Several views by groups and organisations, notably the inconsistencies and making up of reasons as persons go along, why the Chairman is not fit and proper, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has taken a surprising, dare it be said alarming, take on this perception. In a release on Wednesday the organisation is questioning whether Justice Patterson is fit and proper to serve. Its question has nothing to do with the requirement of being a judge, a qualifying condition consistent with the Constitution. Its question is that of the criterion ‘fit and proper’ determined to be akin to characteristics of ability and integrity expected to be befitting someone in the legal fraternity.

If Justice Patterson was disrobed from the bar or engaged in any criminal or civil misconduct and found guilty by the Court, the ‘fit and proper’ would have carried expressed meaning. That this has not been the case, the matter raised by the GHRA, an organisation at which society looks to be amongst the most reasonable and impartial in our chaotic environment, is not synchronising.

Justice Patterson, whether seen as privileged or not, having served as Chief Justice, acting or confirmed, in

Full disclosure of oil contract is a live consideration before Cabinet Dear Editor We thank you for the opportunity to respond to a letter appearing in the November 14, 2017 edition of the Stabroek News and headlined ‘Guyanese need the release of the Exxon contract and to know if a signing bonus was paid’.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has taken note of each and every call for the ExxonMobil agreement to be disclosed in the interest of transparency, from a number of stakeholders. These calls whilst validly grounded on the basis of transparency, also engender the promotion of related discussions and necessary considerations of national and international importance. Within this wider framework, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has expressed its intent to publish the details of all Production Sharing Contracts as soon as it is opportune to do so.

The MNR takes this opportunity as well to guide that all international and local oil companies operating in Guyana have Production Sharing Contracts which contain confidentiality clauses. It is also the responsibility of Govern-

ment in the interest of transparency and good governance, to engage all companies as the Government works towards publication.

These weighty considerations and deliberations are not matters residing solely within the ambit of the Minister of Natural Resources, but are reflective of the collective position of His Excellency, the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. Minister Trotman’s position is not his own, but that of a Government committed to the best interests of all Guyanese now and in the future.

It is with this interest in mind that the Government of Guyana thought it prudent to release key financial provisions of the contract – the royalty (2%), the production sharing percentage (50/50) and the cost recovery ceiling (75%). In addition every discovery carries a release on the quality and estimates of recoverable barrels of oil. This information allows Guyanese to gain a fundamental understanding of the expected financial returns to the nation and is not to be brushed aside simply in the pursuit of ‘more disclosure’. The MNR urges Guyanese to soberly consider what we expect, what opportunities are

arising and what arrangements we need to to put in place to properly manage the fortune that is coming our way; even as we work towards further releasing the contents of the contractual engagements in existence.

In closing we wish to emphasis, yet again, that this matter of full disclosure is a live consideration before Cabinet and the Ministry of Natural Resources shall continue to engage all stakeholders on this and other matters pertaining to the transparent and responsible development of the petroleum sector.

We continue to welcome the contributions of all Guyanese and look forward to continued and productive engagement as we work towards increasing access to contractual information regarding our burgeoning petroleum sector in such a manner which preserves the public benefit and right to sustainable development, in the interest of openness and accountability.

Yours faithfully, N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources

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

Grenada, be it under a government that has the support of Readers are only to be disappointed when the GHRA the United States (U.S) which in 1983 invaded the country made known that while a “U.S-based academic, Dr. Richard and overthrew the Maurice Bishop Government, does not Gibson, filed a Freedom of Information request for access make him unfit. Even though the Bishop government was to a wide range of documents related to the trials…[to their] overthrown, something the Forbes Burnham Government knowledge not a single document of the nine-month trial condemned with the full support of Opposition Leader Ched- itself has ever been released.” Readers are left to deem die Jagan, Grenada did not stop being a state. credible what was written in some book titled “A Travesty To propose that Justice Patterson served during this Of Justice: The case of the Grenada 17” fully aware that not checkered period as that country’s Chief Justice, when everything written is gospel, especially in this case where its Constitution was suspended and for argument sake a documents pertaining to the trial were not released. pseudo territory of the U.S where he presided over the There is no disputing the OAS Inter-American Hutrial of the alleged seventeen (17) ringleaders for the man Rights Commission would have questioned the mandeath of Bishop and others, does not disqualify him to ner in which the trial was conducted, including respecting serve as Chairman. Grenada did not fall off the map nor the rights of the accused. This is normal occurrence in were Grenadians considered primitive, living in a land of the pursuit and dispensation of justice. Even if the sevno structure, rules and laws. There is no argument what enteen rights were not upheld during the trial, worst the U.S did was wrong, but this does not reconcile with case scenario can result in mistrial and/or compensation the thinking that and the service any rendered during this awarded.

This tooin form part newspaper of the judicial undertaking, The views opinions expressed in articles this are time would make then unfit and improper. and insulates not even the best of judges or most talented The GHRA in raising questions about member of the reflect legal fraternity. all due respect those of the authors andJustice do Patterson not necessarily theWith policies and to being fit and proper for the job, is relying on an alleged the GHRA, this is sensationalism gone amok. The court sworn Affidavit a Ramsay Clark that was made of reportedly has beenYork asked to decide and of it makes to await its views of bythe management the New Edition thesense Guyana to the Michigan Court for access to records by the U.S Army judgement. As the GHRA feels the seventeen rights were and other U.S Government Agencies which would have denied, it is hoped it doesn’t want to be accused of doing Chronicle. released information of “disturbing facts.” the same to Justice Patterson.

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

7

America’s Shame: Slavery’s Lingering Impact Conclusion of Three Part Series

H

ere in the United States the institution of chattel slavery did not end overnight. Infact, before any meaningful “from the bottom up” reform could happen, White people needed to recognize that the economic benefit was vastly overshadowed by the all-encompassing and overwhelming repugnance, immorality, and inhumanity of slavery.

Indeed, the United States of be enslaved. This slave justification America, “a new nation, conceived ideology would survive well into the in liberty and dedicated to the Cold War with Russia and end only proposition that all men are created after public questioning of the soequal,” started out as a slave society called “land of the free” holding an built on the blood, sweat and tears of entire population of millions of millions of enslaved Africans and Black people in bondage and subortheir descendants. dination. This social and societal Today, in 2017, after what is contradiction still lingers today: rightly called America’s “original America’s highfalutin and lofty, alsin” of chattel slavery has left an in- most divine, ideals about human digdelible mark on the nation’s soul. nity while putting in place deliberate The reality is that a terrible price had practices and policies that continue to be paid, in a tragic, brutal civil to keep Black Americans in secondwar, before this new country was rid class citizen status, even now is still of that most barbaric and dehuman- in sharp contrast. It’s also a breadthizing institution. But for Black taking national hypocrisy.

Americans the end of slavery, as an Yes, there are no large plantainstitution, was just the start of a new tions with thousands of Black struggle for economic, social and African slaves doing backbreaking democratic equality. Even now in an work from sunrise to sunset for no age of technology and stunning pay. But the inner city ghettos with human advancements, across all sec- its myriad of social and economic tors of the country, millions of Black problems represent and perpetuate Americans still languish in societal the legacy of slavery in modern backwaters. What does this say about times. Today, drugs, not produced in America’s civic culture as we end the first decade of a new century?

America’s continuing inability and national reluctance to confront its slave past and once and for all reconcile its collective conscience, keeps the unintended consequences of slavery and embarrassing racism in the public’s eye over and over again. As far back as 1903 Black scholars like W. E. B. Du Bois predicted that the “color line” would be America’s major headache in the future. He was right, of course. He must have marveled in some consternation at the fact that when he made this observation America was welcoming its “huddled masses yearning to be free” from all across Europe while Blacks in the south, born right here in America, were still not free.

Small wonder that America would also embrace an old, racist, White supremacist and thoroughly debunked Nazi ideology that claimed that Black people were subhuman and therefore predestined to

the Black community, are part of the problem. Deliberate neglect by big city governments of these inner city enclaves are shunned by other sections of the populace. Discriminated against by all, even middle class Blacks, who were born there and have presumably now “made it,” and have been accepted and embraced by White American society. In New York City for example, certain zip codes immediately tell employers that an applicant for a job “lives in

the projects.”

Herded into what Bob Marley called “concrete jungles” Blacks in the inner cities have little options for progress. Man-made poverty and its byproducts — violence, drug use and addiction, poor health outcomes, crime and hopelessness — make sure that these communities never prosper or grow. Societal stigma, covert and overt racism help to make these areas the perfect kind of neo-

continued on page 20

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Cruise tourism to inject nearly EC$200 million into St. Kitts-Nevis in 3 months BASSETERRE — Nearly EC$200 million will be pumped into the St. Kitts and Nevis economy between November 2017 and January 2018, thanks to a booming cruise tourism industry.

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Lindsay Grant announced this today, November 14, during a sitting of Parliament, adding: “Never before has this been seen in the history of this cruise industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The Minister mentioned that 14 ships are expected to make calls to the island this week.

That’s a total of 35,759 visitors to the shores in just the span of seven days.

Minister Grant said that according to the Business Research and Economic Advisors Report (BREA), every visitor that graces the shores of St. Kitts and Nevis spends approximately US$111.08.

“So, those 14 ships and the 35,759 passengers this week

translates to US$3,972,108 or approximately EC$10.7 million pumped into this economy just this week. If we have a look at November, there will be 76 calls.

This is a total of 160,843 passengers translating to US$17,866,440.

In December, there will only be one day without a ship. There will be 115 calls in total. That’s about four ships per day, with Christmas and Boxing Day expected to see seven ships each.

The ships will be bringing to our shores 274,435 passengers.

This translates to US$30,484,239 in December alone.”

In January, 88 calls will be made, bringing in a total of 225,955 passengers. This translates to US$25,099,081.

“So, between November, December and January, this economy will see pumped into it $199,555,662. That is fantastic news for St. Kitts and Nevis,” Minister Grant said.

(SKNIS)

(Caribbeannews.net)

Hon. Lindsay Grant — Minister of Tourism.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

9 9

‘Guyana has done a miracle’ …CFATF chair hails Guyana’s progress on AML fight

CHAIRPERSON of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, said that although Guyana is not up for assessment in the fourth round, thus far this country “…has done a miraculous job” in exiting the third round and continues to make progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering regime.

Braithwaite- Knwles also commended Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, for his tenure in the CFATF and his role in moving Guyana forward out of jeopardy in the Third Round in a very short period of time. “I think what Guyana has done to position itself for this fourth round is also impressive in the sense that what the AG has done is put Guyana forward as the incoming chair.

And by [him] being deputy chair for one year, effectively, Guyana has gained more experience, more awareness and has used every opportunity to best position itself.”

Meanwhile, CFATF Executive-Director Calvin Wilson said that it was evident that the region places great importance on the issue of combating the financing of terrorism through money laundering as the gathering was the largest of senior officials. The formal opening ceremony of the meeting will be held this morning at the Marriott Hotel and will be addressed

by President David Granger. With 12 attorneys general and ministers of justice from around the world, the conference agenda will focus on the assessment of the 25 members within the Caribbean Region. As Guyana continues to move forward towards becoming fully compliant, three countries, Haiti, St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines remain abaft in the third round of the Mutual Evaluation Programme. The

countries were scheduled to make follow-up reports to the International Cooperation Review Group to determine whether they would advance to the next round.

“We [are] monitoring their compliance with rectifying the identified deficiencies, in their Mutual Evaluation

Reports, but we also [are] looking to the future, and the future is the fourth round which started in 2015,” said Wilson. Countries such as The Bahamas, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have had their Mutual Evaluations completed.

From l-r Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, Faris Al Rawi; Angela Brooks, Director of Public Prosecutions, Turks and Caicos Islands; Adriel Braithwaite, AG of Barbados AG Rhondalee Knowles of the Turks & Caicos and Chairperson of CFATF and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, Basil Williams, who is also deputy chair of the grouping.

Miners praise gov’t for fixing interior roads, airstrips …but urge enforcement of weight limit THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] said it welcomes recent efforts by the Government to maintain and improve the interior roads, airstrips, and landings which service the various mining and other hinterland locations.

In a release, the GGDMA said gold and diamond mining continues to be the main economic driver of development in Guyana and safe, reliable and efficient passenger and cargo services are critical to the success of mining operations.

“The GGDMA recognises that the infrastructure in the mining districts was developed through the efforts of bauxite, manganese, gold and diamond miners, together with forest concessionaires and central government. We submit that this sharing of responsibilities and facilities by stakeholders is fundamental to the continued development of the extractive and other industries. “ The GGDMA calls upon the service providers to make a concerted effort to further improve their overall service.

“We call upon truck operators and trucking services to stop overloading their trucks. This is critical as the rainy season is quickly approaching. When the roads become deplorable there is more down time and hence [it] increases the operations cost to miners and other hinterland road users, who now have to pay double to have their fuel and other supplies delivered to their camps,” the GGDMA said.

Additionally, the GGDMA said many of their miners’ trucks and other equipment are being severely damaged due to the deplorable roads. This once again puts additional financial pressure on the miner as unnecessary maintenance cost. As such, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] “is calling on the Government of Guyana to enforce the established Road Users Agreement which stipulates and monitors the weight restrictions for trucks and vehicles transporting fuel and other supplies at key points such as Linden and Bartica. The GGDMA is of the view that

some trucking services are damaging the roads, due to the in excessive weights. We also call on the Government to enforce the Road Users Agreement which is fully supported by the GGDMA to encourage a culture of responsible use of interior roads,” the release added.

The mining body has also called on all trucking services to adhere to the Road Users Agreement so that the current repairs and maintenance that is being carried out by the government, will be of a long-term benefit to miners and all hinterland road users.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

STIMULATING THE ECONOMY

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

— 2 Corinthians 9:6 “I am always challenged by mony: he chronic challenge with which most countries are faced is to find a solution to the problem of slow and unsteady eco- those who approach Government agennomic growth. The answer is in two parts. To stimulate the cies, lending agencies included, seeking economy and thus enhance the general standard of living and qual- assistance and advice and are treated in ity of life, by creating an environment in which (1) established busi- the worst possible manner.”

Inniss spoke of bureaucracy that nesses must grow and prosper and, simultaneously, (2) the hindered business facilitating agencies. development of a family of new successful high performance enterHe accused them of seeing business prises is facilitated, one enterprise after another. people who needed assistance as “num-

T

Established businesses have the experience, access to finance and can purchase expertise to help them to grow. Potential high performance enterprises, on the other hand, need help.

There was an article in Barbados Today on November 1, 2017 entitled "Small business blues" which is very relevant to discussions on stimulating the economy. The University of the West Indies, the Government, the Small Business Association (SBA) and an entrepreneur weighed in on this topic.

Barbados’ small business owners exist in an unfriendly environment that is stifling growth and impacting national economic activity, says UWI consulting executive director, Lisa Cummins, who called for fresh thinking outside the norm to propel this sector.

Cummins said a negative operating environment for small businesses in Barbados was the latest in a series of struggles for the sector that collectively accounts for the largest share of commercial activity.

She noted: “Our business support organizations and our national trade promotion organizations need to be reimagined and transformed.”

Recently, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Small Business Devel-

opment Donville Inniss, told those attending the 2017 SBA Awards Cere-

bers on a piece of paper, part of a balance sheet. Sometimes they don’t

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

appreciate what that individual is going through to fulfill his/her dreams. There are just too many Barbadians whose dreams are being dashed aside because we are not flexible.”

Meanwhile, Senator John Watson, the first SBA president, said that the Minister’s comments were significant because he is actually saying that they are not friendly. All he has to do is go in there and tell them what to do. He doesn’t have to ask them in a public forum to do that, he commented.

Khalil Bryan, an entrepreneur, has complained that though some government agencies have “fantastic programmes”, the lending policies of these agencies are still in the brick and mortar mode, where they are happy assisting those with assets that can be repossessed.

“What we’ve experienced is that the group that is actually giving us money . . . was the Barbados Public Workers Credit Union Limited. They said "we want to give people money". They have shown that they want to give people money. We need to have a portfolio of start-ups, of medium-sized companies, of large companies, then you [will] start seeing investment growth.”

Well, there is a well researched and tested solution to the problem, as articulated by Khalil, which is the "3M Shepherding Model" facilitated by a Shepherding Tool, the ManOBizTM Matrix. It has been tested in collaboration with a large and diverse portfolio of start-ups with potential for global export, in Barbados and Trinidad. Its Shepherding concept has been warmly embraced and its fund management systems have been designed to change the financial lexicon from (loan, interest rate, payback period) to (seed/equity, return on investment, equity buy-back clause). The 3M Shepherding Model should be very attractive for partnership with progressive credit unions. Why re-invent the wheel?

The US (German-born) physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) is wellknown for his definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

The implication here is that we must change.

Let us combine our ideas, our money, our shepherding skills and experience, to stimulate growth in our economies and support others in order to enhance our chances of sustainable success.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf57@gmail .com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www.facebook.com/basilgf)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh DEATH NOTICE

SWEET PEPPERS STUFFED WITH RICE

Ingredients: 2 ozs. margarine 3 ozs. rice 1 ⁄2 pint water salt and pepper 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 sprig thyme 4 sweet peppers 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 tbsp. oil 2 medium-sized onions, sliced

Method: 1. Melt 1 oz. fat in a saucepan, add rice and stir for a minute.

2. Add water, salt, pepper and thyme.

Cover tightly and simmer for 10 minutes only.

3. Meanwhile cut a slice off stem end of the peppers and carefully remove all the seeds.

4. Three-quarter fill each pepper with rice

and replace the lids.

5. Cut tomatoes in half and squeeze out some of the juice, then heat the remaining fat and the oil in a flame proof casserole. Add the stuffed peppers and the onions and cook over moderate heat for 10 minutes, then add tomatoes, garlic and a little salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.

6. Carefully turn the peppers and continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes until surplus moisture evaporates.

7. Serve hot or cold.

When her husband finally died his wife put the usual death notice in the paper, but added that he died of gonorrhea.

No sooner were the papers delivered when a friend of the family phoned and complained bitterly, “You know very well that he died of diarrhea, not gonorrhea.” Replied the widow, “I nursed him night and day so of course I know he died of diarrhea, but I thought it would be better for posterity to remember him as a great lover rather than the big shit he always was.”

The wife replied, “The damn The husband had just finished funeral director would be my first reading a new book entitled, “You guess.”

Can be The Man of Your House.”

THE MAN OF THE HOUSE

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

SAD REFLECTIONS ON CHILD LABOR W

hen many of us think of childhooddays, we see, as part of the picture, proud and caring parents lovingly bringing up their children and shielding them from the harsher aspects of life. We also see carefree hours of play, lots of time in the backyard, toys and games, many trips to pleasant places like playgrounds and libraries – almost an endless stream of activities intended to please and entertain.

But for millions, the reality is very different. For them, childhood is a period during which they are introduced to real work.

Not glamorous work like the acting as was done by a Shirley Temple or the singing of a young Michael Jackson, which, though hard work of sorts, was considered cute, and profitable and rewarding.

Some children are required to do demanding tasks. In some instances, the hard work is dictated by economic situations that make it necessary for children to make adult-sized contributions to what the family needs to do.

A distinction can be made between child work and child labor. Child work better describes light work that does not put a

He stormed into the kitchen where his wife was and announced, “From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law. You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I’m finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me and we will make the kind of love that I want.

Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe. Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?”

In fact, throughout much of history, people did not see child labor as a problem. At one point in the history of the United States, the labor of children was seen as a necessary aspect of the nation’s economic development.

Child labor became an issue when people wanted to see their children getting an education in school, and when workers began to think in terms of workers’ rights and children’s rights.

Child labor has ranged from A child at work in Kovno, Central Lithuania. children helping their own parents with their businesses, e.g. child’s health in danger and does not interselling food on the street to work in factofere with the child’s education and developries, mines, quarries, fields and in other peoment. Child work can even be positive. But ple’s homes as domestic servants, making throughout the ages children have done them added workers in the family at an early heavy, grinding work required of them by age.

Children were not always considered people who exploit children to secure gain as needing a number of early years dedior ease for themselves. Life is hard for these cated to education in preparation for adult children because they are driven to labor life. like adults and may even be punished for not Child labor played an significant role performing. in the Industrial Revolution in England. In And such situations continue today. the United States, tiny children once rouEven though in developed countries like the tinely worked in underground mines, cotton United States such conditions are relatively mills, sardine canneries, and in factories. rare, they have not disappeared.

Many spent all night out selling newspapers in any weather, or did oyster shucking, shrimp picking, fruit picking, bootblacking, and sewing – just like adults. Many worked night shifts from 6 to 6.

In many cases, the children’s work environment was inhumane, even brutal. They were often forced to perform work in unbearable conditions. Such conditions still exist –even in developed countries – and nothing is said about them if no one is looking.

Some children work hidden away in houses where no one else is able to intervene in a helpful way. This practice takes place today in countries where there may be government labor inspectors and active media.

Perhaps the most controversial forms of work include the use of children as soldiers, or as prostitutes, or on plantations.

Often such children are forcibly recruited and enslaved.

Girls, working as domestic servants and unpaid household help, may be trafficked, exploited and abused.

It is estimated that about 250 million children are engaged in child labor around the world. We often hear that child laborers come mainly from the Asian and Pacific regions, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa. However, hidden child labor exists on some scale even in industrialized economies. It is everywhere - wherever the children could be made invisible behind walls or far away from observant eyes.

Laws against child labor are necessary, for everywhere in the world there are people ready to exploit children for their own profit or pleasure.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams sworn in as a Lion at Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club Awards Dinner

Club was Chartered on March 25th, ‘Feeding of the Less Fortunate’ 2014 with 28 members and became in November.

They have continued to serve a part of Lions Clubs International, the World's largest Service Organi- the community in many various zation, which is celebrating its Cen- ways and love doing it.

Lions Clubs International is an tennial anniversary this year. They belong to District 20-K1, and are part international secular, non-political of Multiple District 20. The District service organization founded by is presently governed by District Melvin Jones in 1917. As of April 2015, it had over 46,000 local clubs Governor, Lion Charles Mc Bride.

Over the past years Brooklyn and more than 1.4 million members Leaders Lions Club have done a in over 200 countries around the number of Community Service world. Headquartered in Oak Projects with their signature proj- Brook, Illinois, United States, the ects being a ‘Back To School’ organization aims to meet the needs Lion Adams thanked the Club Club was born with the dedication of supplies giveaway in August, a of communities on a local and for bestowing this honor on him five members wanting to make a ‘Literacy Fiesta’ in January and a global scale. and said that he would honor his change in other peoples lives. The pledge and give the same dedication to his club as he is giving the citizens of Brooklyn.

The club also gave two presidential awards to Lion Stanley Springer — who is a printer and dedicates his services to the club whenever called upon and Mr. Patrick Jolly, Tower Isles Frozen Food President — a very dear friend of the club, who the secretary described as someone the club could always call upon in their time of need. The club also presented Police Captain Breslin of the 73rd Precinct with one of their club pins.

The club also gave certificates to all the Lions that partici- (from left) Mr. Pat Jolly, President of Tower Isle Frozen Foods (Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn); Lion Stanley pated in the club’s annual Springer, owner of Springer Printing; 2nd Vice District Governor, Lion Deborah Harrison; District Governor, Thanksgiving feeding at which Lion Charles Mc Bride; Immediate Past District Governor, Lion Jacqueline Williams; Brooklyn Leaders Lions they served meals to over 200 per- Club President, Lion Simon Thomas; Brooklyn Borough President, Lion Eric Adams, proudly holding his sons on Saturday, November 11. Honorary Membership Certificate and Appreciation Award; Lion Audrey Doorn, 1st Vice District Governor (picture by Dennis Nelson) Brooklyn Leaders Lions and Lion Sandy Fraser-Thomas, Secretary of Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club.

T

he Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club held its First Annual Appreciation Awards Dinner at the Grace Christian Church Hall on DeWitt Avenue in Brooklyn on Sunday, November 12. The highlight of the evening was the honoring of Brooklyn Borough President, the Hon. Eric L. Adams, who became the Hon. Lion Eric L. Adams after he was officially sworn in as a Lion by District 20K-1 Immediate Past District Governor. Lion Jacqueline Williams. He was also given an award certificate for his dedicated service to the Brooklyn community, which was presented by Leaders President, Lion Simon A. Thomas, while 20-K1 District Governor, Lion Charles Mc Bride presented him with his Lions pin.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

13

Another glance at the Jonestown Tragedy "S

ure I know 'bout Jonestown. Everybody knows 'bout Jonestown", the elderly African-American gentleman responded to me in a deep Southern accent, when I asked him what he knew about the tragedy which had occurred in Guyana some years previously.

That exchange took place between the gentleman and myself 20 years ago, while I was on a visit to Washington, DC, and on the pavement in front of the White House. But I've always remembered it, if only because of the way in which that stranger to me, was as warm as ever discussing that sordid topic, as though we had known each other for a very long time, and as though it was destiny for a cult which was against all what America stood for, ending in such a dramatic way.

Jonestown was one of the worst Mass Murder/Suicide in modern World History, and it had occurred in what some Guyanese have referred to as, "A Republic within a Republic", in Guyana on November 18, 1978, when 913 men, women and children, were murdered or committed suicide. It is something which has been a great embarrassment to Guyana, even though we were not in anyway directly involved.

The Jonestown tragedy still sends chills down one's spine almost four decades later. Just a few days before it occurred, I was on holiday in New York when this mass murder/suicide unfolded in Guyana. A few days previously, I was at the JFK International Airport seeing a relative off on a Pan Am Airways flight to Guyana via Trinidad, when I observed a group of about 15 persons making their way to the boarding gate of the flight.

One of them stood out from the rest in the group. He was obviously someone of importance, because from my perspective, I realized that he was a VIP, with members of the media going along with him. On inquiry, I found out that he was a United States Congressman, Leo Ryan, and I took it for granted that he was on his way to Trinidad and Tobago. But that was not so. The Congressman was actually on his way to Guyana to investigate rumours about questionable activities at the American People's Temple Commune at Jonestown in the North-West Region of Guyana, just outside Port Kaituma.

Also there were reports that some of the members wanted to leave, but were being kept there against their will.

The presence of Congressman Leo Ryan, and his visit to Jonestown, via Port Kaituma, brought an end to The

People's Temple religious cult, and a tragedy unfathomable, prior to its happening. Leader of the group, Rev. Jim Jones, who was the main individual under the radar of the Congressman, ordered that his followers commit suicide by drinking a snide-laced kool aid, after having all the young children injected with the deadly poison.

Armed guards were posted to ensure that no one escaped. However a few did, by sneaking off into the nearby jungle, while the horror and confusion of the tragedy was unfolding.

the century, resulting in Journalists and Reporters from all around the world, descending on Guyana for a story full of intrigue and politics, as well as lots of blood and gore. The news coverage put Guyana under the international spotlight for the wrong reason, since it was published in countries all around the world.

The permission by the Guyana government at the time to grant that large plot of land to Jim Jones and The People's Temple, has always been a controversial issue. At that time of the country's history, Agriculture was of premier importance on the National Agenda. In applying to the Guyana Government for land to settle almost one thousand Americans, Jim Jones was readily accepted, saying that he

Some of the victims of Jonestown in Guyana - November 1978.

Meanwhile, some of the armed guards went after the Congressman and his team who had already left the commune for the Port Kaituma airstrip, where a Guyana Airways Twin Otter airplane was already there waiting to fly the congressman and his team back to Georgetown. Leo Ryan was bleeding from a wound which was inflected on him by a woman of the People's Temple cult, as he was leaving the commune to get to the Port Kaituma Airstrip. That was an indication of worse to come.

Before Congressman Leo Ryan and his entourage could have boarded the GAC aircraft, the People's Temple guards arrived at the airstrip and opened fire, killing the Congressman and a number of others, including members of the NBC Television News Team; those who I had seen at the JFK Airport just a few days previously.

It was the biggest news story of

planned to establish an Agricultural utopia in South America, since according to him, his 'church' was being persecuted in the United States of America.

However, agriculture was not the only pursuit at Jonestown, according to some of the locals with whom I spoke some years later. Ships arrived at the tiny Port Kaituma from abroad. "They would always dock in the dark of night and off-load", an elderly lady told me.

"Strange-looking cargo, which the Customs never checked" she added. That lady was certainly no respecter of Jim Jones who headed the People's Temple and admitted that she was suspicious of him all along. She even accused him of being a racist, "He never speak to we Black People here", she said with indignation.

But that elderly Guyanese lady was not alone in the way many at Port Kaituma at the time, felt about Jim

by Francis Quamina Farrier Jones and The People's Temple. I was told that not only did ships arrive at Port kaituma under the cover of darkness, but there were the arrivals and departures of suspicious airplanes at the Port Kaituma airstrip. The flights were connected to the People's Temple at Jonestown, I was informed.

It was a fact that the Jonestown Commune was very private to outsiders, and when there were any visitors, especially Government officials, every thing positive was put in place to make a good impression. The cultural activities in particular were stunning.

The commune abounded with talent. music, dancing, singing, acting — the works.

On one occasion, as the Director of Drama at the Department of Culture, I was involved with the production of a show at the National Cultural Centre, at which a few of the items were performed by very talented young members of the People's Temple Culture Group. There was absolutely no indication for me to have suspected that those beautiful youngsters would have died is such a terrible way. They were all so vibrant and so talented.

What no one in Georgetown knew at the time, was that every member of the People's Temple was tied down to return; for example, their passports were impounded by Jim Jones. There were always close family members who were kept back at Jonestown — a wife and husband were never permitted to leave together, and if they were, their child or children would be kept at Jonestown, to ensure that the parents would return. But while all of this was going on, there were many Guyanese-based away from Port Kaituma, who knew absolutely nothing about The People's Temple Commune at Jonestown.

Celebrated Guyanese Jurist Sir Lionel Luckhoo, once the Mayor of Georgetown, admitted that the first time he heard of Jonestown and the massacre of the century, was when he received a phone call all the way from Australia, by someone seeking information from him. In other words, the news of that horrific event was already known half way around the world, even as most Guyanese knew nothing about it.

I first heard of that suicide/massacre while still in New York. What I first heard was that Guyana Defense Force solders had attacked Venezuela.

Then a few hours later, that it was a United States Congressman who was

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

Justice James Patt The legal luminary head Guyana Elections Comm AN ideal candidate for the position of the Chairman of a critical organisation such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must possess the qualities of impartiality, integrity and intelligence, qualities similar to what are expected of a former or current Judge, as is defined in the Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. , was President David Granger’s view when he selected 84-year-old Justice (Retired) James Aloysius Patterson and swore him in on October 19, 2017 as the Chairman of the body, which has the enormous task of overseeing the holding of General and Regional Elections in the country.

The Head of State no doubt knew that after a long and protracted process, where the Leader of the Opposition attempted to force his hand with several flawed lists of nominees for the post, he must find someone, who was well-grounded in law and who had a record of judicial competence that was beyond reproach. In this regard, he did not falter. As the debate continues countrywide over the selection of Justice Patterson to head the Commission, there is no doubt that he is a legal luminary and a force to reckon with in his own right, serving not only as the acting Chief Justice of Grenada but boasting more than 67 years of service in the legal field.

In a recent interview with the Press and Publicity of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice Patterson said that while it was an appointment he did not see coming, he jumped at the opportunity when approached, as it allows him to continue to serve his country. Despite the shameless debate grounded in ageism, which is the prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's age, Justice Patterson is still quite capable of functioning at maximum capacity.

“There are other aspects [to consider] other than age. One of the Members of the United States Supreme Court is around my age and that member is a she, and she is a marvellous, amazing woman. Her mental faculties still have the electricity a younger person. You can be of age and totally obtuse and stupid. It goes both ways. It doesn’t follow that perfection or an approximate aspect of that goes with age. I know… some very old people who are acute and working in their minds; they can think at speed,” he said.

What the new Chairman of GECOM did not mention though is that ageism is actually illegal in many developed countries, and prohibits private and public employers from treating an applicant or employee less favourably because of their age. This is a fact that is not foreign to even the Opposition Leader, who in his list submissions, nominated two candidates, who are older than 80 years.

How does Justice Patterson stack up when one considers the qualities of impartiality, integrity and independence? He says they are embedded in his character. “I have a long association with the law. I have been the acting Chief Justice of Grenada for some years. There is some talk about me not being Chief Justice but I have acted and all of the other attributes that the President adumbrated on, I think that I have all of them; impartiality, independence and integrity. To be an effective Judge, you must be impartial. I would like to go home and sleep at nights. I want to know that I have done my best and I have discharged my functions according to the law,” the new Chairman of GECOM said.

As he takes up the mantle and responsibilities associated with the Office of Chairman of the Commission, Justice Patterson

said that he has one mission and that mission is to discharge h “I am hoping to have the cooperation of all citizens of the interested in how they vote but they have a choice. That is all pears voting time and that people can put the country first. Th equates to how I feel about justice and I will not look at party a As a Judge, that is how you have to think and I would like to

CHILDHOOD A

But who exactly is the man called Justice James Patters who were both in the education sector. Having lost his moth whom he described as “very strict” but with a quest for exc Patterson said that he would have liked to share a better re for and that is for teaching him how to be a gentleman.

“I went to my father’s school and that was not a very ni children to abound and excel and that was the cause of severa were ‘unspoiling’ and severe most of the times and I would sa never related to me as I would relate to my children. So you l but he was a very clever man. He taught himself to read, wri and Greek but what I can thank him for is that he installed in m and if that ethic had endured now, you would have a different While Justice Patterson started his secondary educatio slaus College before heading off to the Washington High took the Senior Cambridge examinations. In those days, th High School. Justice Patterson opted for Central High Sch History, both subjects he wanted to sit.

“I ended my secondary education at Central High School an out at the Deeds Registry. If you consider my work at the Reg the law. In those days you had to go to England and you had right to call students to the Bar] to be able to do so. So I went As fate would have had it, Justice Patterson met former Pre and they became best pals. “We sat in what we called the mes friendship began there. Everyone knows that I am apolitical. ap ma ter tha par

vem in Co the

pan wit of in

im yea (D He J.O po he Justice Patterson during inspection at the opening of Parliament, Georgetown Law Courts.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

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terson ding the mission

his duties in an impartial and professional manner. e voting age because they have a primary duty to vote. I am not l I am interested in. I am hoping that the vitriol I see now, disaphat is what I want to see. I have a restless social conscience that affiliation to decide what are the things that are best for Guyana. go home and sleep in the nights,” he said.

AND EDUCATION

son? As he would tell in the interview, he was born to parents her at a young age, he was raised by his father, a headmaster, cellence and high standards from his offspring. While Justice elationship, there is one thing he can unreservedly thank him

ice thing during those days because headmasters expected their al collisions between my father and I. In those days headmasters ay compared to the person who I am and today’s dad, my father learn from your parent’s omissions as well as their commissions ite and spell Hindi, Urdu and Arabic and he started me on Latin me, how you must treat a woman. You must be a gentleman first t society,” he shared. on at Queen’s College, he was later transferred to St. StaniSchool, and then later to the Berbice High School where he he only Sixth Form schools were Queens College and Central hool as that institution was offering Economics and Economic

nd I consider that school my alma mater to this day. Then I started gistry, I have had roughly 67 years of unbroken association with to belong to one of the Inns [of Court, which has the exclusive t into the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple,” he said. esident Hugh Desmond Hoyte as a member of the Middle Temple sses, adjacent to each other and we ate in groups of four and our . I appeared at that man’s funeral because he was my friend, not political associate. Nobody can say that they have ever seen me arching for any party. They can’t say that truthfully,” Justice Patrson said, responding to criticisms from the political Opposition at he is a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), the rty to which the late President belonged.

After being called to the Degree of the Utter Bar in Nomber 1964, Justice Patterson also became a registered nurse the psychiatric part of the Register of the General Nursing ouncil of England and Wales, while he was pursuing studies at e Council for Legal Education for the Bar final examination.

From 1962-1966, he worked with John Morris, Wilkes and Comny and Nairnsey Fisher and Lewis company firms of Solicitors, th the approval of the Benchers of the Middle Temple, during part the period of the reading for the Bar. In 1970, while on holiday Guyana, he was admitted to the Bar in Guyana.

In 1972, he returned to Guyana and entered into private practice mmediately in the Chambers of the late Hector Patterson. That same ar, he joined the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP) and was appointed as Senior State Counsel in January 1974. e subsequently resigned to take over the Chambers of the late O.F. Haynes, who left private practice for a Court of Appeal apointment en route to the Chancellorship of the Judiciary. In 1983, was invited to join the Judiciary of Grenada, an offer he took up.

In 1991, he returned to Guyana and took up a position on the upreme Court of Judicature before retiring in December 1996.

With much being said about his service as Chief Justice of Grenada, Justice Patterson said that the records speak for itself as he indeed served for a period. “I am not worried about that. There is nothing more that betrays an ingenious nature than untruths against a man’s character, so I dismiss it because there is nothing that I can do about it. I am not one to argue and debate; I listen and I keep quiet,” he said.

This was supported by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, who during last week’s Post-Cabinet press briefing, said that regardless of whether it is a substantive or acting appointment, once that individual would have served in a certain capacity for a period of time, it cannot be disputed. “We have a lot of persons here in this country, who are acting but we don’t say that because they are acting that they aren’t in the position. We won’t say that the Chancellor of the Judiciary, who was acting until he retired wasn’t the Chancellor of the Judiciary. The Current Chancellor and Chief Justice are acting. The person has performed in those capacities; he has performed credibly as the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Prison Riot and you can see from the quality of that work whether this person is capable of dealing with GECOM or not,” Minister Harmon said.

FAMILY

A father of 12 children; six boys and six girls, Justice Patterson said that he is not only family- oriented but also a doting grandfather, great-grandfather and great, great grandfather. “I am a very happy and very proud of all of them. They are very proud of my appointment and they encourage me every day,” he says with a smile.

Outside of his professional life, he enjoys reading, mentoring and counselling young people, particularly men and enjoying a good game of cricket. “I am very shy and I am not publicity seeking. I like reading the Bible and practice it as best as I know how, and that makes me self-content. I love to read and follow current affairs, I have a thirst for knowledge that never ceases, and I love associating with young people. I love cricket and in my time we had all the greats but I lost interest when the West Indies started losing,” he said.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

Help end ‘them and us’ mentality

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

--Dr Narine tells UG graduands

Dr. Dhanpaul Narine addressing the graduands on Saturday at UG’s 51st Convocation Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA may have the best oil find in the Caribbean, but if it cannot overcome its race issues, it will continue to suffer.

This was the sentiment shared by Dr. Dhanpaul Narine while delivering the feature address during the University of Guyana(UG)’s 51st Convocation Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Saturday.

“After 50 years in this country, we can’t continue with the ‘them and us’ mindset; we win, you lose.

We must create a dialogue where everybody in this country is a winner,” Dr. Narine charged the grad-

uands.

“The Mother Country is Guyana, and our allegiance is to this country,” he said.

“India, Africa, China and Portugal are grandparents.”

Dr. Narine, who was born here but now lives abroad, spoke of knowing nothing but poverty while growing up in Vergenoegen on the East Bank Essequibo, but said he always believed in achieving greatness, especially in a cohesive society.

“When you want to do something, or dream big, you will have lots of opposition, but you must never give up,” he advised the

some 915 students who were being honoured that morning in the first of a two-session ceremony to be held for the day.

“We should learn to treat the planet with respect, and not consume more than we need,” Dr. Narine said, adding:“If we’d respected the planet, there would be nothing like climate change; instead conservation should be the keyword in our lives.”

He recalled being encouraged while a child by his paternal grandfather, a priest, to live a life of giving to his community.

Dr. Narine is the holder of a BSc (Hon.), MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees and has taught at the London School of Economics and City University, New York.

The Richmond Hill, Queens, resident has helped found Guyana Watch, a programme that every year sends medical supplies here to be distributed among the poor.

He also helped found the annual Phagwah Parade, held in New York, which attracts thousands of Guyanese living in the Diaspora.

Noting that over the years, honesty and integrity have been the watchwords by which he’s lived, Dr. Narine told the graduands before him that in much the same way those two words have aided in his development, so too can they help theirs. “Work hard, and good people will come in your life,” he urged.

As to how he perceives

Recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal, Aarif Baksh with UG Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris (Delano Williams Photo)

Dr. Raquel Thomas-Caesar speaks at the graduation ceremony

respect for differences, Dr. inspiring our children,” Dr. Narine said inculcating such Thomas-Caesar said, adding an attitude is an important that for too long Guyanese aspect of educational de- have allowed race and polvelopment. He also stressed itics to divide us, at the that in order for Guyana to expense of the country’s rise to its full potential, all development. women should be educat“Let’s not passively ed, since education is the await for others to stand means by which to bring up and do something!” she about meaningful change in challenged. “We have to society. actively embrace Guyana; Head of the internation- step out and start thinking ally-acclaimed Iwokrama outside the box!”

International Centre, Dr. RaUG Chancellor, Profesquel Thomas-Caesar assured sor Nigel Harris in brief rethe graduands that contrary marks reminded his charges to popular belief, a degree that with the discovery of from the University of Guy- oil and potential resources ana is just as recognised linked to the find, there is internationally as one from a possibility of financial reany of the other universities sources coming to Guyana. the world over.

“With imaginative, creShe should know, as ative, honest and daring back in 1991, she was in leadership,” he said, “all the very same shoes they our people can benefit. It were that morning, waiting is important that those who to receive her certification lead us mobilise these new to prove that she was indeed resources, if they do materia graduate of the Faculty alise, to address some of the of Natural Sciences, in the adversities that plague our disciplines of Biology and country.”

Chemistry.

Among the adversities She urged that one way of which he spoke are the of giving back to the country grinding poverty that affects that afforded them this rare a sizeable number of the opportunity at a tertiary ed- urban and rural population; ucation, is to engage in vol- inadequate access to firstuntary community work and rate education for many of where possible, to further our young people; the growtheir studies overseas and ing threat of rising sea and travel, as this will help open river levels; and most of all their eyes on how things are the ever widening racial and done internationally. political divide.

Noting that Guyanese The valedictorian and are in dire need of inspira- best graduating student tion, she said that everyone this year was International who successfully graduates Relations alum, Ms Elsie from the University of Guy- Ann Harry. Aarif Baksh, ana should aspire to become who obtained a BSc in Staa mentor to someone. tistics received the Chan(continued pageon17) cellor’s medal.

“We have toon work

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

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Members of Faith Assembly Church serves ‘Thanksgiving Lunch’ to the Ozone Park Senior Center

T

he members of Faith Assembly Pentecostal Church of 120-13 101 Avenue in Richmond, Queens, got together to serve their annual ‘Thanksgiving Lunch’ to the senior citizens of the Catholic Charity Senior Center of Ozone Park, on Tuesday,

The members of the Faith Pentecostal Church are known for their charity in the Richmond Hill area, having recently hosted a ‘Street Fair’ and a ‘Back To School Program’ in August, where they gave out school supplies to the children of the community. Pictured at right and below are the church members serving the seniors.

November 14.

Another glance at the Jonestown Tragedy killed in the Guyana Jungle. Finally, when images and names unfolded on the American Television News broadcasts, I recalled the group which I had seen at the JFK International Airport making their way to the Pan Am Airlines flight, less than a week earlier. I was stunned.

On my flight back to Guyana three days later, I would venture to say that the packed flight had well over 60 percent of media personnel on board. That developing story in Guyana was about to get FULL COVERAGE internationally. It was BREAKING NEWS by the hour.

During a visit to the United States a few weeks ago, and with plans to write this feature article, I did a survey to ascertain what percentage of Americans (at least those living in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington, DC) still remember or know about Jonestown and the People's Temple Massacre which occurred almost four decades ago.

As would be expected, a very small percentage of those under 30 years of age knew anything about Jonestown. Almost 95 percent of those 50 and over, with whom I spoke, remembered the tragedy. "What do you remember about Jonestown?" was the question I posed; With an expression which reflected some disgust, "Poison",

(from page 13)

was the only word I got in response from an elderly African-American lady.

A White gentleman who told me that he is a pastor, spoke at length; "I can't fathom how so many intelligent people were duped by that Jones guy", he said, almost still trying to get an answer to his satisfaction, after all these years.

So what were the findings of the Guyana portion of my survey which I conducted during the past two weeks?

sponse I received from a group of students of the St. George's High School in Georgetown; almost all of them knew about the tragedy. There was also a one-word response almost similar to the one, "Poison", which I got in the United States. That Guyanese one-word response was "massacre".

The years have passed, and I am still investigating some puzzling aspects of the People's Temple Jonestown

FLASHBACK: Another scene from the horrible tragedy in 1978.

The Jonestown tragedy is still wellknown by Guyanese, including those who were born long after it had occurred. The most impressive was the re-

tragedy. I'm told that there is much more to the story than is generally known so far. There are those who speak of a CIA element regarding the

tragedy. There are also those who have expressed the view that Jim Jones was not one of the victims, and that he escaped to Brazil and later to Russia.

There is also the theory that a small number of the children who died, were Guyanese who were adopted by the People's Temple.

I've visited what remains of Jonestown on two occasions. On the first occasion I retrieved a base-ball glove; however, those in my visiting party made me do away with it, saying that it may cause our return flight to Ogle to crash. I also discovered that there are a few people at Port Kaituma who hold the strong belief that there are some 'Jumbies' from Jonestown who visit Port Kaituma from time to time and do some wicked things. The recent fire which destroyed four buildings at Port Kaituma last Monday, may be attributed to jumbies from Jonestown.

However, as the elderly African American gentleman told me in his beautiful Southern accent at Washington, DC, some two decades ago, "Everybody knows 'bout Jonestown."

That seems to be slowly becoming not quite as accurate in the United States, as is the case in Guyana. And so the question returns; "Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it."

That sign was posted at a strategic location at Jonestown while it functioned as The People's Temple.

G Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

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

D

id you know that the W-4 form you sign when you take a job could be a powerful tax-planning tool that can put cash in your pocket today? Once you are an employee, it's really simple and easy.

Here’s how to make it work for you.

When you start a new job, your employer asks you to complete a Form W-4 — the Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. From your answers you submitted on that form, your employer determines how much to withhold in federal and state taxes from your paycheck.

You may not be familiar with the language on the form. It asks how many "withholding allowances" you want to claim? But here is the bottom line. Withholding allowances equal cash. The more "allowances" you claim, the less taxes are taken from your paycheck. And that means more cash comes to you each pay period.

Signing the W-4 the first time doesn't permanently lock you into one set of allowances forever. In fact, federal law requires your employer to let you change your allowances at any time. Again, increase your allowances, and you increase the amount of money you would take home.

ALLOWANCES AND TAX CREDITS You get an allowance for each exemption you claim on your tax return -- for yourself, your spouse and your dependents.

Unfortunately, that's where most people stop, and they over-withhold. You may be entitled to other allowances depending on additional dependents in your household.

You are also entitled to additional

withholding allowances for the estimated tax credits you expect to take. If you expect to qualify for the earned income credit, the credit for child and dependent-care expenses, the foreign tax credit, the child tax credit, education credits or adoption credits, these all permit you to claim additional allowances.

OTHER EXPENSES You can get additional withholding allowances for employee business expenses, moving expenses and, if you qualify, for the additional standard deduction for being over 65 or if you are considered legally blind. You can get additional withholding allowances for estimated net losses from your business or profession, from capital losses, from losses on rental properties and from losses from farming expenses as well.

You can also get additional withholding allowances for potential contributions to a deductible IRA. Itemized deductions and alimony You can get additional withholding allowances if you itemize your deductions and/or pay alimony during the year. Itemized deductions give you possibly the

Get next year's tax refund now biggest opportunity to put a lot more into your take-home pay. The key is expected, not actual, deductions, contributions and losses. Additional withholding allowances can always be claimed under the expectation of making charitable contributions, incurring higher medical expenses or borrowing money and incurring an increase in interest expenses.

Why reduce your withholdings?

The advantages of reducing your withholdings can be significant. For example if you're single and earn $20,000 a year, one additional allowance that you claim reduces the withholding taken from your salary by approximately $50 a month. That

adds up to $600.00 a year. With five additional withholding allowances, you have approximately $2,500 every year in your pocket, and you don’t have to wait for the IRS to refund it in the New Year.

Understand that reducing your withholdings does NOT reduce the tax you have to pay on April 15. What it does do is to put more money in your pocket now, rather than later in the form of a big refund.

The difference is of course that some people do not have that will to save the extra $50.00 monthly. However if their withholdings are not reduced, when they receive the large refund, they do not spend it wisely.

Psychologically, it's great to get the big refund after you file your return. But think about it: a big refund means that you've given an interest-free loan to the IRS. They, not you, have had the use of your money during the year for investments and reinvestments.

The objective that you should focus on is to give the IRS just enough money so that you avoid any penalties and interest.

That way you have the use of your money during the year -- and any interest earned on those "extra" dollars belongs wholly and solely to you.

No matter how much you may owe on April 15, if you meet any of the safe-harbor requirements, you escape all under-withholding interest and penalties. In the worst-case situation, you can take the "extra" dollars and put them in a moneymarket fund each pay period. This cash will be there on April 15 if taxes are due, and at least you - not the government have personally earned some incremental dollars in interest.

DON'T FORGET You may file a new W-4 form at any time if you want to change your withholding allowances, for any reason and at any time during the year. By law your employer has no alternative but to honor your request. This gives you another opportunity for tax savings.

Unlike estimated tax payments, which are always due on specified dates (April 15, July 15 and Oct. 15, and Jan. 15 of the year following), payroll withholdings are expected to be paid evenly throughout the year. Some sophisticated, tax-knowledgeable individuals significantly under-withhold on their income for the first 11 months of the year, file an amended W-4 and then significantly over-withhold in the last month to make up the difference.

As long as you do not violate the safe harbor rules, you escape interest and penalties for under-withholding. My advice to you is to take a second look at your W4.forms, make the necessary adjustments; I'll bet you'll be glad you did.

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

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

Guyana, China at 45

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Chinese Embassy puts on grand cultural show to mark occasion

Members of the Sichuan Province Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble performing at the event

THE Chinese Embassy here hosted a cultural show last week at the National Cultural Centre, celebrating 45 years of diplomatic ties between Guyana and Beijing.

of six peoples, China is also a big family of fifty-six ethnic groups. “Sichuan is an example of harmonious inhabitation of multiple ethnic groups and integration of different cultures.”

The ambassador said the Ethnic Song and Dance Ensemble in Aba’s Tibet and Qiang autonomous prefecture, is a professional art troupe which has the longest history with unique styles, abundant contents, excellent team and distinctive artworks.

It also specialises in Tibetan and Qiang characteristics and a higher artistic standard performing team.

It often represents Sichuan to perform abroad and is highly thought of by domestic and foreign experts and audience.

Wednesday night, the artists Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita presented a cultural feast Nagamootoo shared friendly exchanges with Chinese of song, dance, instruments.

Ambassador, H.E. Cui Jianchun, and United States Ambassador, H.E. Perry Holloway, at the grand Chinese “They bring not only wonderful performance, but also cultural show at the National Cultural Centre warm greetings of Chinese people towards the Guyanese The event was attended by Prime Minis- people, as well as best wishes to the 45th anter Moses Nagamootoo, ministers of govern- niversary of diplomatic ties between China ment and members of the diplomatic corps. and Guyana,” Ambassador Cui said.

In remarks at the event China’s AmbasAccording to the Chinese envoy “dissador to Guyana, Cui Jainchun said it was a tance cannot separate true friends even when pleasure to join in watching the performance they are far apart. The friendship between of Sichuan Province Ethnic Song and Dance China and Guyana has a long history alEnsemble in Aba’s Tibet and Qiang auton- though we are separated by oceans.” omous prefecture, in celebration of the 45th The ambassador said since the establishAnniversary of diplomatic ties between ment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago, the China and Guyana. two countries have witnessed ever-growing “On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in political, economic and trade relations and Guyana, I would like to express warm wel- increasingly frequent exchanges in culture. come to the artists who came a long way The Chinese culture including Chinese lanfrom China and sincere gratitude to all the guage, arts, clothing and food is very popufriends who made a lot of efforts in arrang- lar with the Guyanese people. Bruce Lee and ing this performance,” Ambassador Cui said. Jackie Chan are widely known in Guyana. I He said just like Guyana, a country often encounter Guyanese friends who can

speak a few Chinese.

Meanwhile, more and more Chinese people are attracted by the original natural scenery, distinctive music and dance of Guyana. “Exchanges and mutual learning will not only boost the development and prosperity of the unique culture of Guyana and ancient Chinese culture but also

contribute to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples. I believe that with the expansion of friendly exchanges between China and Guyana, the cultural and people-to-people exchanges will achieve greater progress, China-Guyana relations will reach higher level…”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

20

America’s Shame: Slavery’s Lingering Impact (from page 7)

reluctance to engage in any discussion of slavery and racism — its just too very painful. So since the end of the Civil War the White American Establishment has pretended that everything is all right and deliberately ignored and obfuscated the real insidious perseverance of slavery and its negative impact on American

slavery society. America’s prison system, a private capitalist enterprise, is a booming and growing business. In fact, prison businesses routinely build expansion and upgrades on Black high school graduation rates and recidivism. In places like Brooklyn in New York that rate is about 48% — meaning that for first time offenders there is the likelihood that nearly half of them will return to prison.

And yes, slavery in its purest form — a caste system of social domination enforced with open violence has ended. Indeed, it is also a fact that from these ashes has sprung a large and stable Black middle class.

And too, Black American’s participation in the economic, political, and cultural life of the United States, at every level and in every venue, has expanded impressively. This is good news. In the first decade of this ex- society today. hilarating new century, it deserves to Instead, the nation wallows in be celebrated. the Peter Pan Syndrome and spins a However, as Dr. Cornel West is daily meme of heroism in all things, fond of saying “America needs to reinforced by the out-of-place offergrow up” and I might add that it ings of Hollywood’s blockbuster needs to come to terms with its slave movies, constantly and nauseatingly, past —no matter how painful and remade over and over again. It seems embarrassing. I fully understand the that in its never-ending search for heroes the juvenile love affair with Spi-

derman, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman et al continually provide Americans of all races the welcome escapism that they so desperately yearn for as they put off reckoning with the pains and evils of the nation’s slave past.

With the election of America’s first Black President, many were

saying that this new dispensation meant that race and color were no longer relevant. But this is a categorical lie: everywhere you look today people are attending assiduously to race. For example, the last U.S. Census revealed that, among married people 25 to 34 years old in 1990, 70 percent of Asian women and 39 percent of Hispanic women, but only 2 percent of Black women, had White

husbands. Moreover, racially mixed church congregations are still so rare that they make news headlines when they are found.

Indeed, so culturally isolated are Black ghetto teenagers that linguists find their speech patterns to be converging across geographic distances, even as this emergent dialect grows increasingly dissimilar from the speech of poor Whites living but a few miles away. Childless White couples now travel to China in search of children to adopt, while ghetto-born Black orphans go parentless. Does this mean that American society is irredeemably racist?

No. Not in the least, but this illustrates how deeply imbedded in the social consciousness of our nation is the racial “otherness,” “nobodiness” and little value of Black people in predominately White American society. No discourse on contemporary race relations should minimize this fundamental fact.

Is there hope for the future of race relations in America? And can we, as one nation undivisible under God, get past the evilness of 400 years of chattel slavery? I’m an eternal optimist. I say, in the words of my all-time favorite United States president – “YES WE CAN!”

U.S. THANKSGIVING

2015), Marina Strim, “Thanksgiving one day in history or a few days in argument; but if I were the writer, I is a myth. A myth told to intention- history, if one tribe or one small seg- should have added “national celeThanksgiving meal in 1621 was ally hide the truth. Beginning even ment of one tribe decided to share bration.” mainly geese. It was not until much “The whole country is a crime later that turkey became the staple. scene and should be marked with SECULAR CELEBRATION yellow tape” says Roxanne DunbarIn modern times, there could Ortiz, author of “An Indigenous People’s History of the United States.” be no Thanksgiving without football The Europeans have a logical arguand, in New York, without the ment for a national celebration — they are Macy’s Parade. The tradition of the rulers of this land — but it should not football games on Thanksgiving be imposed on those from whom this land began with a game between Princewas taken.

By now, you might be calling me ton and Yale in 1876. The first names.

How do I dare to criticize America Macy’s parade was in 1924. (from page 5)

THE FORGOTTEN STORY Most of us know the old story about how from humble beginnings the United States grew to become the richest and most democratic country on earth. We celebrate this every November 26. There is another story not as well known that needs to be told.

In TELSTUR (November 25,

with the name itself — being grateful for something given — there was no giving. There was a massive violent taking. While perhaps there is some debate on what happened on

food with Europeans, that is in no way an argument that can undo the rest of history — much less rationalise a celebration.”

I understand the thrust of the

that has been so good to me — given me a good education, a big house, expensive car, college-educated children and grandchildren. “You couldn’t get these back home!”

I love Thanksgiving and will be lifting my glass with stolly and soda for the things this country has done for me and I will most definitely attend church to thank God Almighty for his many blessings. Nevertheless, I cannot forget the plight of my indigenous brothers and those of my race who are systemically doomed to their miserable lot.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 75 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Take time to do something nice for yourself. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle. Uncertainty about your relationship is prevalent. Get more involved in group efforts at work. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Listening can be more valuable than being a chatterbox. Your mate will appreciate your honesty. Don’t rely on others to do your work. Take the time to help those less fortunate. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline. Give everyone in the house a physical chore that will help burn off some of the excess energy. Opportunities to get ahead will be evident. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You can expect to have a passionate time if you go out with someone you are romantically interested in. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. Problems with relatives and friends could surface. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You are best to stick to yourself this week. Get together with those you find mentally stimulating. Plan a nice evening for two. Being unappreciated by your boss could make it hard to do your work effectively. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this week.

You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess. You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with. Throw yourself into your work. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Your devotion will be persuasive. Be prudent and don’t be led down the garden path. You will have to help family members sort out unfortunate difficulties. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed; however, someone you work with may get jealous. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don’t use the interstate as a racetrack. Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress. You must not lead someone on or show interest in them for the wrong reasons. Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try to spend some time on your own. You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. Make sure all of your travel and driver’s documents are in proper order. You will be able to get your own way if you use your intellectual charm and know how. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Opportunities to make financial gains through investments look promising. Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. Don’t play on your partner’s emotions. Don’t avoid situations that may deteriorate; try to mend them. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You can make financial deals that will bring you extra cash. You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. Keep a lookout for any individuals eager to confront you with unsavory situations. You can anger others quickly this week.

Avoid overspending on items for your home. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Praise will be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. The talk you have may be eye-opening with regard to your present situation. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

ACROSS 1. Branch of the Armed Services (abbr.)

5. They’re elected 8. Chafe 11. Falafel’s bread 12. Christmas mo.

13. Jai ___ 14. Stout pole 15. Rowing tool 16. Flex 17. Author Stevenson’s monogram 19. Samuel’s teacher 21. Military school student 24. Paying attention 28. Frank ––– Wright 29. One going in 30. Gl’s address (abbr.)

31. Used to be 32. Smart ___ whip (2 wds.)

W O R D F I N D

Y O U R

W H A T L ’ I S N E

BANK TELLER BROKER CHEF

COMPTROLLER FILE CLERK FOREMAN

GARDENER

6. Teachers’ gp.

7. They keep flies out 8. ___-de-France 9. Hied 10. Young goat 13. Remain 33. Dry up, like a grape 18. British partnership abbr.

20. Permit 36. Dillon and Damon 21.

Embrace 38. Spring colors 39. “God ___ America” 22. First letter, to Aristotle 40. List shortener (abbr.) 23. Entrance and exit 41. Thrash 24. Restores 42. Pack tight 25. Furious 45. Artist Yoko 26. Orioles’ homes 47. Has creditors 27. Cow food 51. Forget-me-___ 31. Greet 52. Horde 34. List ingredients 53. Fountain order 35. Dog doc 54. ___ de plume 36 Advanced business degree 55. Sullivan and Wynn (abbr.)

56. Oz canine 37. Just about 41. Throws DOWN 42 Channel out of Atlanta 1. Delivery letters 43. Aussie marsupial 2. Taste a cocktail 44. Banking machine (abbr.)

3. NYC transit line 46.

Be drowsy 4. Jim of “Liar Liar” 48.

Pay court 5. Wedding vows (2 49.

NY summer setting (abbr.) wds.)

50. ___ Paulo

NURSE

OPTICIAN PAINTER

PLUMBER RABBI

REPAIRMAN SECRETARY

HAIRDRESSER

STATISTICIAN

JEWELER

USHER

INSPECTOR

INTERPRETER LAB TECH LOGGER

MIDWIFE

TAILOR

TEACHER VALET

WAITER

ZOOKEEPER

ISSUE 75 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017

The Irony of World War I, 99 years later

By Francis Quamina Farrier THE year 2017 marks 99 years since the end of the First World War (1914-1918), and I’ve decided to throw the spotlight on the last surviving Guyanese veteran of that war in which citizens of British Guiana were participants, fighting for King and country. He is Gerhom Onisemus Browne, who served with the British West Indian Regiment and saw action in North Africa and the Middle East.

During the 15 years in which I produced The Eighty-Plus Club, which was a weekly half-hour Radio Programme Series, I interviewed three Guyanese veterans of World War One. One of them was from West Berbice, one from Georgetown and the third was from West Coast Demerara. The lat-

ter,Gershom Barnabas Onesimus Browne, turned out to be Guyana’s last surviving World War 1 Veteran. He passed away on December 6, 2000, at the age of 102.

There wasn’t the kind of extended interactions with the two other veterans as I had with Gershom Browne. I had a long period of contact with him, visiting with him at his Bagotville, WCD home and interviewing him on many occasions, including for Father’s Day and Remembrance Day. So it was my privilege to hear some

first-hand stories about that First World War, in which many of the combatants fought face-to-face, most of them far from their homelands. I also learned quite a lot about the contributions of soldiers from British Guiana and the British West Indies; former British colonies which are now members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

During my interviews with Gershom, he spoke of joining the army on February 1, 1916, when he was a mere17 year old.

(The official age for joining was 18, but he was near enough, and so he was accepted).

The teenaged Browne shipped out for the War Front in faraway North Africa in November 1916, as a member of the ‘C’ Company, First British West Indies Regiment.

Most of those British Guianese were from

Members of the British West Indian Regiment on the Battlefield of the First World War. Today their great grand-children can’t enter Britain as freely as the great-grandchildren of the enemy they fought for Britain

leader in the Bagotville area for many years. He also created history as the only Guyanese to have written a `First Book’, when he was 100 years of age. His book “A History of Bagotville” was published just a few months before he passed away.

Gershom Browne was a regular feature at Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Cenotaph in Georgetown, up to the very last, before he marched off into Eternity in 2000. It has been 17 years since his passing, and I keep remembering his dignified presence at the Cenotaph in Georgetown every year, where he always placed a wreath at that War Monument on Remembrance Day. Allied Troops on camels in North Africa during the First World War There are four words inscribed on the Cenotaph in against the Turkish Army who was allies with the German Army. There were many Georgetown; at the north is SACRIFICE. At Georgetown, Plaisance, Beterverwagting tough battles which the British West In- the south is HUMANITY, at the east is DEand Buxton, according to Gershom. dies Regiment was engaged in, he told me. VOTION, and at the west is FORTITUDE. His ship made stops at Trinidad, BarNinety-nine years after the end of that However, with the excellent training they bados, Grenada and St. Lucia, picking up First World War, it is worthy of mention received, they were always victorious over other volunteers, before heading across the the irony that the descendants of Gerthe enemy.

Atlantic Ocean, then through the MediterraAfter the end of World War I, in Oc- shom Browne and others of the British nean Sea and finally to Malta. Shortly after, tober 1918, Gershom along with 19 other West Indian Regiment who fought for the soldiers were transported to Egypt in of his countrymen, were demobilised and King and Country in that First World northern Africa, putting their lives on the returned to British Guiana. Back in his na- War, would find it much more difficult to line to support Brittan and the Allies. tive Land, this special veteran lived out the gain entry into Britain now, than the deGershom saw action both in northern rest of his long life as a productive citizen, scendants of the Germans who Gershom Africa and Palestine. He spoke of fighting a portion of which was being a community Browne and others fought against.

ation boost Bee-keeping to boost Bee-keeping to boost ice ation Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingNovember November SUNDAY CHRONICLE 12, 17, 20172017

23

23 SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 12, 2017

income-generation income-generation in icein West Berbice

pair of gloves, a hive tool, a smoker, a hive brush and a five-gallon bucket – compliments of FFTP(Guyana) Inc. Food For The Poor’s d pair of gloves, a hive tool, Public Relations Manager, OD The aPoor West Coast Berbice Bee afalgar, Hopetown and pair of gloves, a hive tool, d aFor smoker, hive brush Wayne Hamilton, said the at Number 29 Seafield were equipped a smoker, a hive brush yana) Inc. (FFTP) in Project e. and a five-gallon bucket project has the capability aboration with Food Village, Trafalgar, West and trained for apiculture. d – compliments of FFTP(and a five-gallon bucket toGuyana) generate

by Berbice (WCB). ’sThe Poor IncorpoCoast Each farmer received – compliments of FFTP(Inc. income ad, producing Food USA, For The Florida, on Poor’s Some 30 farmers from five hives, a bee-keeper’s Guyana) Inc. quality honey Food For Manager, The Poor Florida representative, Brinaire thanked Food for the FOOD For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. (FFTP) Wayne Hamilton, saidveil, the project Public Relations Manager, sday launched the the villages of Profit, Tr- suit, a bee-keeper’s a Food For The Poor’s for sale and by selling the Jean, addresses participants at the launch of the Poor for their generin collaboration with Food For The Poor has the capability to generate income by proWayne Hamilton, said the Public Relations Manager, bee colonies. Florida, USA, on Bee-keeping training programme at Number 59 osity and for initiating Incorporated, Tuesday ducing quality honey for sale and by selling project has the capability Wayne Hamilton, said the Additionally, pollen, the project which will Berbice (WCB) launched the West Coast Berbice Village, Bee Proj- West the beeCoast colonies. to generate income by project hasasthe capability serve a fillip for ina producing natural source of vitaect at Number 29 Village, Trafalgar, West Additionally, pollen, a natural source quality honey to generate income by Food For The Poor Florida representative, Brinaire come-generation in West Coast Berbice (WCB). of vitamins and beeswax used in cosmetics mins andand beeswax used for sale by selling thein Jean, communities thankedquality honey FFTP Incorporated, Flori-at the addresses participants launch of theproducing Berbice.

30 farmers theBee-keeping villages of and other items will be produced and sold59to beeSome colonies. cosmetics and otherfrom items training programme at Number Food for the Poor forby selling the da, USA, Projects Officer, for sale and Profit, Trafalgar, Hopetown and Seafield generate income.

Additionally, pollen, West Coast Berbice (WCB) will be produced and sold Village, bee colonies. their generosity and for Brinaire Jean, made briefIncorporated Chief Exwere equipped and trained FFTP (Guyana) natural source of vita-for apiculture. toagenerate income.

Additionally, pollen, initiating the project remarks the ceremony.

Each hives, a atecutive Officer, Kent Vincent, and FFTP mins and farmer beeswaxreceived used in five communities thanked FFTP Incorporated, Floria natural of vitaFFTP (Guyana) Incorbee-keeper's suit, a bee-keeper's veil, a pair Incorporated, Florida, USA, Projects Offiwhich willfor serve as source a Representatives of for cosmetics and other items da, USA, the Poor Projects Officer, Food mins and beeswax used in porated Chief Executive of gloves, a hive tool, a smoker, a hive brush cer, Brinaire Jean, made brief remarks at the will be produced and sold Brinaire fillip forand income-generathe Profit, Trafalgar, for Jean, made brief their generosity cosmetics and other items and a five-gallon bucket – compliments of ceremony.

Officer, Kent Vincent, and remarks to generate income. initiating project at the ceremony. tionthe in West Berbice.

Hopetown and Sea Field

West Berbice

will be produced and sold FFTP(Guyana) Inc. IncorRepresentatives of will the Profit, FFTP (Guyana) serveTrafalas a Representatives of which Food For The Poor’s Public Relations gar, Hopetown and Sea Field communities porated Chief Executive the Profit, Trafalgar, fillip for income-genera-to generate income.

FFTP (Guyana) IncorOfficer, Kent Vincent, and Hopetown and Sea Field tion in West Berbice.

porated Chief Executive Officer, Kent Vincent, and

Food For The Poor Florida representative, Brinaire Jean, addresses participants at the launch of the Bee-keeping training programme at Number 59 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) Food For The Poor Florida representative, Brinaire

Jean, addresses participants at the launch of the Bee-keeping training programme at Number 59 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) FFTP Incorporated, Florida, USA, Projects Officer, Brinaire Jean, made brief remarks at the ceremony.

Representatives of the Profit, Trafalgar, Hopetown and Sea Field

communities thanked Food for the Poor for their generosity and for initiating the project which will serve as a fillip for income-generation in West Berbice.

Bee-keeping kits presented to participants of the programme

Bee-keeping kits presented to participants of the programme

Bee-keeping kits presented to participants of the programme Bee-keeping kits presented to participants of the programme

CEOVincent Kent Vincent makes his presentation bee-keepingitems items to parFFTP’sFFTP’s CEO Kent makes his presentation of of bee-keeping to participants ticipants undergoing the training undergoing the training

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

An Open Letter to Mayor DeBlasio

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

ourage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles.

Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances.

Courage breeds creativity; Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it. Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency ask the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But, conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“C

Mr. Mayor, Congratulations on your re-election! Now we can move on, ignore the pettiness and distractions, and focus on doing the people’s business, and the work of the City. Although we recognize and appreciate the accomplishments of your first term, we believe that our greatest achievements are still to come.

No Mayor, especially one like you, with such a large budget, clout, fluid ideas and progressive leadership, can ever really be a lame duck.

You should continue to have more regular community meetings in all five boroughs, heed the voices of the people

and implement our ideas and solve our issues, and recognize the uniqueness and strength of New York has been forged by its diversity, differences, and yes, by its common bonds and dreams. We also need to see less bickering, and more cooperation, between yourself and the Governor.

Despite our efforts, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) continues to breach their public commitment and obligation to complete the wheelchairaccessible elevator in the Richmond Hill/Ozone Park community at the busy Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue subway stop. This $29 million project,

commenced since 2014, was scheduled to be finished since the end of 2016, but excuses abound each time we enquire about the constantly deferred completion date, making it, pardon the pun, a virtual “pie in the sky!”

Seniors, pregnant mothers, kids, the physically challenged, students, workers, indeed, everyone in our tax paying community would benefit greatly from this elevator which makes mobility and travel easier, and deserve to have this project completed. The MTA will also benefit from increased revenues, and its procrastination raises serious concerns, including the forced closure of the adjacent main stairway, which affects businesses, the local economy, and congests traffic. The fencing, construction and accumulating garbage are an eye sore, and present a danger to public safety, especially in the winter months.

This entity must recognize that it is failing in its duty to make access easier for residents with disabilities, contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Indeed, the nonprofit Center for Independence of the Disabled New Yorkers just filed a lawsuit against the MTA for lack of elevator access citywide. Richmond Hill/Ozone Park residents may also bring a class action law suit against the entity, but your intervention will lead to faster results.

Please look into this. As a matter of customer obligation and due compliance with our laws, this project is long overdue, and must be completed now!

Moreover, low-income New Yorkers struggle every day to pay for transportation, and other basic expenses.

More than one in four often can’t afford the bus and subway fares needed to get to work, commute to college or transport their children. And those who can often lose their jobs because of MTA’s notorious lateness.

Mr. Mayor, our fellow New York-

ers cannot be humiliated to begging for a swipe, or forced to choose between food and finding a job, or using some relative’s address so our kids can get admitted to a better school. A low-paid home health aide, desperate to get to work on time and keep her job, must not have to risk fare evasion that could lead to deportation.

The cost of MetroCards consumes more than 10 percent of income for the working poor. With the latest round of fare hikes that went into effect, public transit has become even more out of reach for those who rely on it the most because they can’t afford cars, taxis or Uber.

You said, in a recent letter to New Yorkers, “The fact is: People are so fundamentally challenged by the affordability crisis that this city must do more and must do it quickly.” Mr. Mayor, people can scarcely afford a place to live, and if they can find that affordable place to live, the public education system is a mess. Our children need better schools.

Here in New York City, residents are looking to you for leadership, and your administration to truly implement the principle that all of us have an equal stake in our common destiny and prosperity, usher in a new era of equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers, and put an end to that “pay to play” culture once and for all.

Respectfully yours, Albert Baldeo Civil Rights Activisty

Mayor DeBlassio with family and supporters after reelction victory.

Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017 10

Guyana and Suriname represented at border seminar in Brazil GUYANESE academic Dr. Mark Kirton has called for the Guiana Shield to become a zone of peace with the countries of the region committing themselves to the sanctity and inviolability of borders and the de-escalation of controversies, as well as the establishment of higher levels of economic, technical and social collaboration.

Dr. Mark Kirton

Dr. Kirton gave the keynote presentation at the opening of the first International Seminar on Border Studies of the Guianas hosted by the Federal University of Amapa (UNIFAP) in Macapa, Brazil, on Thursday last.

At the seminar organised by Professor Paulo Gustavo Correa, Vice Rector of UNIFAP. Dr. Kirton presented on the theme, “Integration in the Guianas as a tool for development.”

Dr. Kirton indicated that for too long, a sense of separateness had characterised relations among the Guiana Shield states and has constrained the emergence of strong linkages.

He also posited that colonial bilateralism, differences in culture and language, as well as differing levels of economic development and resource endowment had combined to limit collaboration. Further, Dr. Kirton presented the view that the common economic and security challenges being faced by the Guiana Shield states must bring about a unified approach as the states grapple with issues, including drug trafficking, transnational crime networks, and frequent and intense climate change events.

He also indicated that given the porous borders, limited human and financial resources and increasing trans-border criminal networks, consideration must be given to the widening of the Amazonian Surveillance System (SIVAM) currently operating in Bra-

zil to include the smaller states of the Guiana Shield such as Guyana and Suriname, in a unified effort to facilitate greater security in those countries.

Dr. Kirton also recommended the establishment of a Business Forum of the Guiana Shield to spearhead the development of higher levels of trade and commercial activities among the countries. The session was attended by academics, Brazilian Federal and State officials including the Secretary of the State of Amapa, for Science and Technology, and several officials of the Federal University of Amapa.

As part of the seminar’s programme, Dr. Ruben Martoredjo from Suriname delivered a presentation on Suriname’s Social Policy Discourse, highlighting the challenges of small countries in addressing social security policy, and proposed actions and strategies which could be adopted, taking into account the opportunities which regional and bilateral cooperation among the Guiana Shield countries could provide.

He added that through the years, the government of Suriname had encountered challenges in the implementation of social security and social protection, which included marked geographical differences between the coastal region and the interior districts, population density, limitations to infrastructure and linguistic differences. Further, Dr. Martoredjo posited that there is a critical need to create employment opportunities for the growing working-age population in the current phase of a significant demographic shift in Suriname.

Dr. Martoredjo also proposed an increase in Suriname’s engagement with regional organisations such as UNASUR, which can provide knowledge and support on social development issues.

Dr. Martoredjo also recommended that Suriname develop stronger efforts at cooperation in social development with countries such as Brazil, which is internationally recognised for its social programmes, including the Bolsa Familia Programme.

Dr. Martoredjo also participated in a panel which discussed Suriname’s integration in South America. During his presentation Dr. Martoredjo drew attention to the position of Suriname as a small state and recommended that due to its limitations of financial and human resources, the country should prioritise its engagement in the regionalisation process and he proposed joint representation by small states in the activities of regional organisations.

Part of the forum

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 16, 2017 25

Gospel singer robbed at gunpoint in his yard

LOCAL gospel singer Kester Deane was robbed at gunpoint early Wednesday morning in his yard.

Police said Deane, 45, of 141 Upper Hadfield Street, D’urban Backlands, Georgetown, was robbed of $13,000 in cash, two cell phones valued at $160,000, two gold rings valued $120,000, two external hard drives valued $60,000, a black laptop valued at $350,000,and one blue and grey haversack valued at $15,000. The suspect is being sought and an investigation is in progress, police say.

Meanwhile, Deane, who was still shaken from the incident, said via his Facebook page that he had just completed his Tuesday night live radio programme “Gospel Rocks Radio” on HJ 94.1FM which started at 10:30hrs.

He related that he had just parked his car in his yard and was about to open his front door when he was alerted by the consistent barking of his dog; and then he spotted a

man with a gun. Deane said that the man came up to him with his face covered with a red and white rag and demanded that he hand over all his money.

Traumatised: Gospel singer Kester Deane.

The gospel singer related that he pleaded with the bandit, saying that he did

not have any money and all he had was his computer, which had all his gospel music stored and two cellular phones. He was relieved of those items and was also asked to take off his wedding band and a silver ring which had the initials “KD” engraved on it.

Not satisfied, the gunman told Deane to empty his pockets and while doing so, his teenage son came out to see what was happening.

The tenants upstairs also ventured outside, but the duo were ordered to ‘get inside’ after the robber pointed the gun at them.

The bandit then exited the yard with the stolen items.

Deane said, “I give God praise and thanks, because it could have been tragic. I still have life, and my family is safe.”

However, it was later confirmed by Deane that the laptop was left in the bushes near his home by the bandit.

Remanded for having 1 cartridge A BRAZILIAN was on Wednesday refused bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on November 7 at Back Street Ghetto, Tabatinga, Lethem, Joao Figerio had a 20-gauge shotgun cartridge in his possession when he was not a licensed firearm

holder.

With the help of an interpreter, the defendant pleaded not guilty. The 23-year-old construction worker explained to the court that he came to Guyana to visit his mother in Lethem.

The unrepresented man was remanded until December 5th when his matter will be called again at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Joao Figerio

Clothes thief didn’t waste the court’s time A 53-year-old man was on Wednesday sentenced to 6 months’ jail on a simple larceny charge by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Rendrick Gary of Leopold Street confessed that on August 6 at Sussex Street, Charlestown, together with another, he stole a quantity of ladies and gents clothing valued $176,000 from Barbara Nedd.

“The other man get away with more things than me... all I get was boots, shirt and a pants” Gary told the court.

According to the facts read in court by Police prosecutor Simone Payne, on the day in question, Gary and his accomplice went into the woman’s store to buy

Rendrick Gary

clothes.

While tending to the defendant’s needs, the other man was putting items into a bag.

The woman then left and went into her storeroom and, upon her return, she saw

the men running away, and getting into a car with the clothing.

The Magistrate, after considering that Gary did not waste the court’s time, sentenced him to 6 months’ imprisonment.

26 GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 16, 2017

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 17, 2017 9

Sir Byron plugs digital recording to address backlog in court THE sluggishness within the local legal system can be reduced significantly if digital recording of court proceedings are used within the judiciary, says President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron.

Speaking at the 37th Annual Bar dinner held on Saturday at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Justice Byron noted that reducing delay and improving court efficiency is often thought to be an expensive process. He said there are techniques that can challenge such a perception while pointing to the area of trial management here.

“One of the problem areas of trial management in Guyana is that the official court transcript is mostly managed manually by or under the supervision of the trial judge or magistrate.”

As such, Justice Byron said “moving to a digital transcript which is automatically recorded at the pace of the proceedings will not only improve the accuracy and fairness of the record and

provide the litigant with improved access to it, but it will speed up the proceedings about three times.”

Additionally, the learned judge said making the court record available to the public, litigants and judges is important for open and fair justice for all. “If one takes it to its logical conclusion, a relatively inexpensive process such as making the digital record the official transcript of the court, would have the same effect as hiring three times as many judges, and building, furnishing and equipping three times as many court rooms,” said the CCJ President who disclosed that the CCJ has set the example in this regard.

Guyana has begun that process through the Modernisation of the Justice Administration System project.

Under that project, several courts have since been refurbished and new features, including digital recording, have been installed primarily in the Court of Appeal, Chief Justice’s court and the Commercial Courts.

Meanwhile, Justice Byron pointed to the plethora of complaints leveled at the feet of the judiciary. He said the most common amongst the complaints are the inordinate delays, low performance and efficiency, high costs of court

of the right of the citizen to a fair and timely trial. If the trial process fails to provide this, should the judges and the legal profession look at their influence on judicial independence? I want to introduce some ideas that have

President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron

operations and low levels of public confidence.

“Discussions on judicial independence usually concentrate on the tensions between the executive and the judiciary. But let us recall the definition of judicial independence as the guarantor

influenced our operations at the CCJ.” He said the concept of a court of excellence would augur well for the local judiciary while noting that the notion does not define excellence as a state that is achieved, but as the process

of continuous improvement.

“So that the best courts are those that are continuously assessing where they are, developing plans to deal with weaknesses, implementing those plans, evaluating the effects of what they did, and then starting over,” said Justice Byron.

Accordingly, he said the International Framework for Court Excellence (IFCE) can be used as a quality management system. It is designed to help courts to improve their performance. The framework, he added, is particularly useful to judicial policymakers and practitioners, and it prescribes a set of focused, clear and actionable core court performance measures that deconstruct the ultimate question: “How are we performing?” by addressing two enabling questions: What should we measure? How should we measure it?”

This framework, he also added, makes it clear that the court’s pathway to excellence will be enhanced only through open communication as it relates to strategies,

policies and procedures with those who are part of and utilise the system. “The Framework stresses the imperative for courts to be open and transparent about their performance, strategies and their processes to ensure public respect and confidence in the judicial system and to publish details of what actions they are taking to address problems within the court system.

This goes hand in hand with strategic planning,” he told the legal fraternity Saturday.

The CCJ President said too that one of the advantages of strategic planning is that the stakeholders--the Bar being the most critical--get an opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategies which will guide judicial performance. “At the CCJ we also embraced this concept and now we are at the end of the first plan from 2012-2017.

We are currently in the process of developing the new plan for 2018 – 2023. I recommend a similar process for the courts here,” he stated.

Commanders visit injured ranks Sex and the City FIUscandal… combing

Fired

through over 200 suspicious financial reports constables reinstated

The Financial Intelligence analyse and disseminate crease the level of analytical Unit (FIU) is combing intelligence received from that the that entity is reabout the matterwork and observed if anyone

By Telesha Ramnarine Friends was not given the opportunity to complete its through a rising number reporting agencies in terms quired to carry out.

Though should be sent home, it ought to be Foo. Chase-Green was not particularly in responsibilities, neither was the committee alof reports of financial imof intelligence reports to created in 2003, the FIU “Why did the chief constable release the boy?

TOWN Clerk Royston King Tuesday night lowed to report its findings and make recom- favour of changing the decision in favour Who’s thefor accessory to the crime?

Who has proprieties, as it continues thehow agency was severely understaffed took a decision to rescind a decision he mendations to the council,” the minister said. of the minister and pointed out Bav-responsible the authority to charge people?

The chief conmade last month to fire the two officers to work together with the investigating money laun- and ineffective, resulting stable did nothing because he has a blue eye at the centre of the City Constabulary sex Special Organised Crime dering and terrorist financno didn’t one being identified baby in the batchinand want anything to scandal involving a 15-year-old boy.

Unit (SOCU). ing activities.become According or prosecuted for the crime exposed.”

The officers, Lance Corporal Clifton This is according to to Langevine, over the last of inferred money alaundering The mayor second timeand that Pellew and Quacy Baveghems, will now be head of the FIU, Matthew year, the FIUFoo sought to related activities Guyana, did nothing about the matterinbecause he sent on administrative leave until the investigation by the Legal Affairs and Security ComLangevine, who told the focus on ensuring that all re-withinPellew. more than 13 years of its is “friends” mittee and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are aware But Chairman of the Legal Affairs Department of Public Infor- porting agencies are operation. completed and recommendations are made Committee, Councillor Sherodsymbolic Duncan, ofmation (DPI) on Tuesday, of their responsibilities and However, of regarding the way forward. fered that although all of the emotions and that suspicious reports from begin taking steps to prothe government’s com right, Kingstanding: took the decision to reinstate From Acting Welfare Officer, Assistant Superintendent Jewel Sullivan; evidence might be there, the be banks and money transfer vide information required mitment to officer combatshould money thePublic officers following a letterSuperintendent from Commu- Jairam Ramlakhan; Divisional Commander, Relations Officer, given a hearing.

Deputy Mayor Lionel agencies along with other under the law.

“We have laundering and terrorist nities Minister Ronald Bulkan, whichChapman outlined and Police Association Inspector Chairman Assistant Commissioner Marlon Jaikarran offered that the officers should not how flawed King’s decision was in with the first categories of reporting en- had some challenges putting financing, in accordance Mohan Khan, interacting injured Police Constable Wilfred France have been dismissed before the investigation place to fire the officers. Mayor Patricia tities have risen to over 200. that into effect.

It requires a with the Financial AcPOLICE ‘A’ too, and noted ‘D’ division Charlestown, George- Cockfield, who went berserk was completed. And People’s Progressive Chase-Green, that KingStreets, had misled “We have looked into lot of training, a lot of outTask Kuppen Force’s similarly (FATF) commanders accompanied town. at the La Grange Police StaParty Councillortion Bishram the council in this matter. a number of them and we reaches with these entities, standards, in June 2016, by ranks divisions While chasing the robber, tion.

“I of amtheir advised that due process to commented that King took a wrong decision on Wednesday visited the his colleague, who was in Constable Cockfield later have forwarded to the Spebut I think we have done a new director of the FIU discipline Mr. Baveghems has not been folin terminating the services without the invesGeorgetown Public stumbled onto the turned the gun on himself. lowed in this matter andHosI nowpursuit, advise that cial Organised Crime Unit; a commendable job over was appointed and the tigation being completed. pitalbe to done, checkforthwith, up on their ground, in his M70 Assistant Commissioner same affording himresulting an

Councillor Oscar Clarke offered that in excess of ten intelligent the last year in bringing on functional capacity of colleagues who were recently riflethat firing off a round which James said a church service opportunity to answer allegations have the matter was handled badly from the very reports over the last twelve board several different catethe unit was enhanced.

Chase-Green line of duty. hit Constable France in theMayor was Patricia held Wednesday in thereads to councillors a letter from toinjured be laidin tothe him. start.entities.” Further, whereas the last Minister Ronald Bulkan. months,” Langevine told gories of reporting of ‘A’ Divi-thatarm. compoundCommunities of the La Grange Commander “It is important you note The Chronicle understands that the sion,the Assistant Commissionshops, head of the FIU by was rethat Ministry of Communities Assistant will not Commissioner Police Station where the inci- DPI on the sidelines of the These include betting juvenile was allegedly approached Pellew er Marlon Chapman visited Chapman said the visit was to dent occurred. condone unfair and/or wrongful treatstoodand in the Constabulary and security

Meanwhile, the Council took eghems 46th Plenary Working credit unions, agencruited solely by the last in the wee hours of the morning and made Policemeted Constable Wil- of ensure that the arank was rePastor Derek ment out to22770 employees any local the sex act to completion instead decision to give He the said Legal Affairs and allowed Group Meetings of the Ca- cies and more recently, under this to engagereal in theGovernment, act. The incident occurred fred France to enquire of his ceiving the best medical care Anderson of the Cops and democratic organ, and will endeavour to Security Committee seven working days of doing something about it. estate agencies and sometime between August 22 and 23 last. ribbean Financial Action car dealnew administration, the well-being their and have an update and and that he was beginning responding today to Faith Network, to along safeguard employment natural Baveghems, who has written to (Wednesday) wrapwith up The chief constable had told this Task Force (CFATF) being ers,” Langevine said.

FIU head, deputy head, on the state of his recovery treatment. other police ranks after the justice rights,” the minister wrote. various persons complaining of unlawful newspaper that although he was aware that its investigation. from gunshot wound he at theCommander Leslie conclusion of the service, held in Guyana at the MarHe out further said while accountant other key a He pointed out that time of even saw when Pellew took a the James The mayor said she had a “big beef” dismissal, lance corporal at referenceand faced a similar sustained. visited Woman Constable paidatathe visit tohe thedecided Georgeriot. the receipt information personnels were recruited the dismissals, the Legal Affairs and Security Chase-Green said. “He witnessed theof matter with the town clerk time to condom, in 2016, everyone is deemed innocent Constable in- 23464 Shanicefire Fraser whomen. town Public Committee wasFrance still in was the process of investinothing.

He did not even reportboosted it untilover the two When she Hospital informedwhere King act but Thedid FIU’s primary manhas been through a parliamentary they the are proven guilty. jured on Tuesday while trywas shot several times about they met and offered words gating the matter and had not yet completed that she was not satisfied with his decision, in the under diary.” the AML/CFT last year, the next phasePellew’s 2016 matter was reportdate in process that involved the to apprehend a robbery the body lover,pointed Police outofthat comfort to authority Constable itsingwork.

“Therefore, your actions may by be herKing Chase-Green also chided Chief Con- edly dropped, because the victim did not he had the to Act of 2009 is to receive, the process is to try to inOpposition.

(DPI) suspect at Leopold and Breda Constable 22834 Clement Fraser. deemed as ultra vires, since the [committee] make an administrative decision. stable Andrew Foo for not doing anything pursue it.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 17, 2017

27

Chris Gayle touts 'tell-all' story on Twitter for $300,000 C

hris Gayle, the West Indies batsman, has announced that he intends to cash in after winning his defamation case with Fairfax Media last week, by selling his tell-all story to the highest bidder for at least US$300,000.

Gayle successfully sued Fairfax, the publishers of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, following the publication of a series of articles in 2016, alleging that he had exposed himself to a female masseuse during West Indies' World Cup campaign in Australia the previous year.

In a series of posts on Twitter, Gayle declared that what went on behind the scenes of the court case was "like a movie", adding that he believed there had been an agenda to get him banned from playing cricket.

"I have a very interested successful

story to tell!!" Gayle wrote. "It can be an exclusive 60 Minutes interview or y'all just have to wait on my next book!

"It's about what transpired in court and behind the scenes in Australia, how they went to bigger heads to get me banned.

"How they want to use me as a scapegoat over a interview — I'll tell you what I did every day after court, believe me, when I break this down to y'all it will be like a movie!"

He added that there would be "no holding back" and that he had been ready to "fight until my last breath" to clear his name.

With 18 T20 centuries to his name, more than twice as many as any other batsman in the format, Gayle has established a reputation as one of the most sought-after players in T20 leagues the world over.

However, he has not played in Australia's Big Bash League since 2016, after igniting a sexism row by appearing to proposition a female reporter

CHRIS GAYLE

during a live interview. He was fined Aus$10,000 (US$7,660) by his team, Melbourne Renegades, for "inappropriate conduct". (Caribbeannews.net)

West Indies to tour Pakistan in March for T20 series A

full-strength West Indies team is expected to land in Lahore next March for a three-match Twenty20 series after Cricket West Indies (CWI) "committed" to tour Pakistan next year. The tour was meant to be played this November, but logistical challenges forced the tour to be postponed.

At an impromptu media conference in Lahore on Saturday, PCB chairman Najam Sethi confirmed the schedule for the West Indies' tour with the three matches to be played on March 29, 31 and April 1. Sethi also stated that both PCB and CWI agreed to play a series of Twenty20 matches annually over the next

will keep coming to Pakistan for the next five years and we will reciprocate by playing in the USA. But the series we will play in the USA will be a tri-series with the third team to be decided later."

Both CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) gave their approval for the tour subject to the security situation in Pakistan remaining the same as it was during the World XI series and the solitary T20 match Sri Lanka played in Lahore recently.

"We have not had time to get through procedures and processes to get the tour was scheduled in time, but we are still committed to support Pakistan cricket. Our intention is to return in

FLASHBACK: Sarfraz Ahmed took an excellent catch to remove Jason Mohammed the last time the two teams met.

five years both in Pakistan and the USA subject to availability of dates.

"There were talks to play the series in November, but due to unforeseen weather, we didn't take a risk so we will start our first series from March next year followed by the one in the USA," Sethi said in Lahore. "From then onwards, they

March," CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave told ESPNcricinfo.

After hosting the World XI and Sri Lanka T20s successfully, the PCB was confident and keen to host West Indies too. However, Sethi had admitted to ESPNcricinfo recently that scheduling remained a concern for CWI.

Before they could finalise the schedule, both CWI and WIPA were waiting for an updated security and risk assessment report from Eastern Star International (ESI), an independent security firm owned by security expert Reg Dickason.

ESI sent its updated report to CWI on November 3 and the WIPA had its meeting this week before intimating its decision to Grave.

After deliberations among its members which included players, the WIPA was assured that the threat levels had not "materially changed" since the World XI games. "Therefore, they said they would have no objection based on security," Grave said. "They legitimately raised concerns around trying to do these things quickly without the necessary time to review the security plans. And they also had concerns about our ability to inform and communicate those plans to all the players. Also, addressing any questions and concerns of the players over the scheduling of the domestic T20 tournaments around the world and our own domestic cricket is quite a challenge and hence WIPA needed the time before making their decision."

The PCB and the Punjab government (Lahore being the capital) assured that the same level of security would be afforded to the West Indies team as was to the World XI and Sri Lankan contingents.

But with time running out, the logistical challenges were growing. CWI is understood to have communicated the same to the PCB during a conference call on November 6.

During the call, Grave and Roland Holder, CWI's cricket operations manager, informed Sethi that even as they awaited the WIPA's decision (the WIPA

called an emergency meeting on November 7), the biggest challenge would be sorting the visas and the travel plans of the T20 squad which was scattered between the Caribbean and Bangla-desh, where some players are participating in the Bangladesh Premier League.

With West Indies playing New Zealand in a limited-overs series following the Tests in December, the same players had submitted their passports at the New Zealand embassies in New Delhi and Washington. So even with the WIPA nod, arranging Pakistan visas within a short span of time was nearly impossible.

Both boards tried to find a solution and CWI checked if they could tour late November or early December so the West Indies T20 squad could fly from Pakistan en route to New Zealand. However, the foggy conditions in winter in Lahore was the big hurdle, the PCB stated.

According to Grave, West Indies will fly to Lahore after the World Cup Qualifiers in March in Zimbabwe. However, that trip will get a final nod based on an updated security report closer to the tour.

"We will now focus our attention on playing in the final week of March, which is after the World Cup Qualifiers and before the IPL," Grave said. "We are now working on an operational deadline. In order for us to be arriving in Lahore the end of March, we need to have booked the flights and confirmed the names by midFebruary. In order to do that, we would need to have selected the squad by early February and we will need a security assessment in the first week of January and would also have to get WIPA approval and have a discussion face-to-face with the players. This timeline is not formalised, but that is the broad framework."

Caribbeannews.net

Price, King crowned CMRC Champions … Trinidad and Tobago retain Country title

By Stephan Sookram

Bryce Prince was unstoppable in this 2017 Caribbean Super stock campaign

ANDREW King is the King of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Group Four All-Wheel Drive class after being crowned Champion Driver Monday evening at the presentation ceremony.

King, who drives a Mazda Rx7 but opted to compete in the AWD class won ahead of Jamaica’s Kyle Greg and his Radical to ensure that a Guyanese holds on to the title lost last year to Jamaican Doug Gore.

In the Two-wheel drive class, many were powerless to stop Barbadian Mark Maloney from retaining it yet again. The Group Three class was always going to go to Paul Vieira who finished ahead of countryman Ronald Wortman.

Both Wortman’s and Vieira’s cars were shipped here but arrived late on Sunday on account of the shipping vessel encountering difficulties.

The Group Two Caribbean title was also retained by Mark Thompson of Barbados with 155.5 points ahead of the Trinidad trio of Daryl Ali, Luke Bhola and Bridget Singh.

On the Super Stocks, it was all Bryce Prince who railroaded the competition to take his maiden title and he looks set to continue next year.

Meanwhile Trinidad and Tobago retained their Country Championship title after blitzing the field for the year 2017. In spite of scoring just 50 points from the final leg, the Trinis were crowned champions by a considerable margin On the local front, Azad Hassan took the Sport T`uner class while Narine Dasrat was crowned Street Tuner champion and Motilall Deodass won the Starlet Cup. Chet Singh had a stellar year to take the local Group Two Champion Driver-of-theYear trophy while Vishok Persaud took the Group Three title. King and Kristian Jeffrey took the Group 4 2WD and AWD title respectively.

Kevin Persaud was outstanding as he took the Super Sport local trophy.

It was also announced by Caribbean Motor Racing Association Chair Silbourne Clarke that the first instalment of the 2018 championship will take place in Trinidad.

The Trinidad and Tobago team celebrate winning another CMRC Country title

Andrew King is the reigning CMRC Group 4 AWD champion