New york edition e paper 02 16 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2016

No. 104560

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

$80 WEEK ENDINGPrice: FEBRUARY 16, 2018

C’wealth backs Guyana (VAT Inclusive)

See Page 2

…reiterates support for Guyana’s sovereignty …lauds UN decision to send border controversy to ICJ

Lindo Creek COI hearings on hold

A shell of a vehicle suspected to have been stolen and other vehicle parts seized by police.

See Page 23

Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan appointed Acting Justice of Appeal

See Page 23

PM’s heart surgery successful

Police break up ‘car jacking’ ring

See Page 14

…two more cars, truck and shell of other vehicles found

See Page 2

Teen busted with cocaine at CJIA PSaegee 7

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

PM’s heart surgery successful PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo is recovering from heart by-pass surgery which his family noted on Tuesday was successful. The prime minister’s wife Mrs Sita Nagamootoo and family members expressed appreciation to all well-wishers. Government in a statement attributed to Minister of State Joseph Harmon noted that Prime Minister Nagamootoo is resting and recovering with Mrs Nagamootoo, his children and other family members by his side. Prime Minister Nagamootoo is expected to make

a full and complete recovery in the coming weeks before returning to Guyana. “The Government of Guyana wishes Prime Minister Nagamootoo well as he recuperates and extends its support to Mrs. Nagamootoo and the family during the recovery process,” the statement read. “The Government of Guyana, on its own behalf and on behalf of the people of Guyana, extends its deepest appreciation to the surgeons, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals in Guyana and in the United States, who provided excel-

lent care to the prime minister,” the statement noted. Harmon stated in a re-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

lease on Monday that Nagamootoo recently underwent a routine medical examination in Guyana which revealed that he has some cardiac issues. In a statement the AFC said it is heartened that Nagamootoo had a medical issue detected at an early stage and is undergoing medical care to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, the AFC said it was pleased to have received the reassuring news that Prime Minister Nagamootoo successfully completed heart bypass surgery in the United States. “The party wish-

es Prime Minister Nagamootoo well in his recovery process in the coming weeks and looks forward to his full and complete recovery. The party extends its support to his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and their children Maria, Angela, Adela and Ernesto along with their grandchildren and other relatives who are by his side at this time.” According to the party, it eagerly anticipates Nagamootoo’s return to Guyana following his full recovery over the coming weeks and

the continuation of his selfless and tireless work in improving the lives of all Guyanese. “The AFC, once again, offers its sincere thanks to the medical professionals in Guyana and in the United States who provided care of the highest quality to Prime Minister Nagamootoo throughout this process. The party thanks as well the Guyanese public for their prayers and good wishes and encourages all to keep Prime Minister Nagamootoo in their prayers.”

Commonwealth stands with Guyana …Commonwealth reiterates support for Guyana’s sovereignty …lauds UN decision to send border controversy to ICJ

COMMONWEALTH Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Gutteres, to refer the long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a statement posted on its website, the Commonwealth SG recalled that at the September 2017 meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, ministers noted Guyana’s concern that this long-standing controversy has impacted the country’s economic development. The secretary-general further recalled that at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November, 2015, the leaders noted that “the Geneva Agreement of 1966 between the Parties provides a range of mechanisms for an expeditious solution to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention of invalidity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. The Heads expressed their full support for the United Nations Secretary-General to choose a means of settlement in keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement 1966, to bring the

tive support of Commonwealth member governments for the maintenance and safeguarding of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Gutteres in referring the matter to the ICJ, had said that the controversy arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. In the Geneva Agreement of 1966, Guyana and Venezuela conferred upon the secretary-general the power and responsibility to choose a means of peaceful settlement from amongst those contemplated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Geneva Agreement also provides that if the means so chosen does not lead to a solution of the controversy, the secretary-general is to choose another means of settlement. “Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon communicated to the parties on 15 December 2016, a framework for the resolution of the border controversy based on his conclusions on what would constitute the most appropriate next steps. Notably, he concluded that the Good Offices Process, which had been conducted since 1990, would

that if, by the end of 2017, his successor, Secretary-General António Guterres, concluded that significant progress had not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he would choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly requested that he refrain from doing so,” the UN statement read. It added that in early 2017, Secretary-General Guterres had appointed a Personal Representative, Mr. Dag Halvor Nylander, who engaged in intensive high-level efforts to seek a negotiated settlement to the controversy. “The secretary-general has carefully analysed developments in 2017 in the Good Offices process and has concluded that significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy. Accordingly, the secretary-general has fulfilled the responsibility that has fallen to him within the framework set by his predecessor in December 2016, and has chosen the International Court of Justice as the means to be used for resolution of the controversy. In reaching this decision, the sec-

the United Nations through a complementary process established on the basis of the powers of the secretary-general under the Charter of the United Nations. The secretary-general, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, remains committed to accompany both

International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX) at the Guyana Marriott Sir Shridath, who was present at the signing of the Geneva Agreement on February 17, 1966, said Guyana will be moving to the ICJ to have the age-old controversy settled. The World Court’s

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

controversy to a definitive end.” According to the statement, the secretary-general reiterated the unequivocal and collec-

continue for one final year, until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation. He also reached the conclusion

retary-general has also reached the conclusion that Guyana and Venezuela could benefit from the continued good offices of

States as they seek to overcome their differences regarding this border controversy,” the statement ended. President David Granger has said that the decision by Guterres should be respected by both countries. A week ago, distinguished Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal said that the final judgment handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Guyana/Venezuela territorial controversy will be binding. Speaking to reporters on the matter on the margins of the just concluded Guyana

decision, he said, will be obligatory in nature, while making it clear that it will not be simply an opinion as suggested by some political analysts here. “The decision of the court will be binding… it is not going to be in an advisory capacity…. Unfortunately, some pretty wild things have been said in Guyana which are far from legally accurate,” Sir Shridath said. It was explained that the ICJ’s ruling will be made under the 1966 Geneva Agreement and Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. It was under the Geneva

Agreement that Guyana and Venezuela had conferred upon the UN Secretary-General the power and responsibility to choose a means of peaceful settlement from amongst those contemplated in Article 33 of the Charter. In moving forward, Sir Shridath said it is important that the country approaches the matter with some degree of caution and professionalism. “I think that it is very important that we are modest, we are not celebratory, [and] we are not triumphalist. We are going to be modest, serious, and professional and move forward.” The Guyana Government has disclosed that US$15M has been set aside for legal fees. Legal expenses, Sir Shridath said, is necessary for the process, but pointed to the fact that a lot is at stake. “If you go to the court there must be some legal expense, but what is at stake for Guyana is everything, so legal expenses are minuscule to what is at stake and what I think we are likely to do is reassemble the team that was successful in [the] Suriname [matter] and this is not about discussing those details, but they will be released in due course,” he told reporters. Foley Hoag was the law firm that successfully spearheaded the case for the Government of Guyana in the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname. The Government of Venezuela, in a public statement, rejected the UN Secretary- General’s decision, stating that it remains firm its historic position – that the matter be resolved at the level of the Good Offices. But Mr. Guterres, in making his decision, concluded that no significant progress had been made at the level of the Good Offices process.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

US Charges 5 Ex-Venezuelan Officials in PDVSA Bribe Case U

.S. prosecutors on Monday announced charges against five former Venezuelan officials accused of soliciting bribes in exchange for helping vendors win favorable treatment from state oil company PDVSA, the latest case to stem from a $1 billion graft probe.

The indictment by the U.S. Justice Department was filed in federal court in Houston, Texas, and was made public after Spain on Friday extradited one of the former officials, Cesar Rincon, who was a general manager at PDVSA's, procurement unit Bariven. Others charged included Nervis Villalobos, a former Venezuelan vice minister of energy; Rafael Reiter, who worked as PDVSA's head of security and loss prevention; and Luis Carlos de Leon, a former official at a state-run electric company. Those three like Rincon were arrested in Spain in October at the request of U.S. authorities amid a foreign bribery investigation into the financially struggling PDVSA, or Petroleos de Venezuela SA. De Leon, Villalobos and Reiter remain in Spanish custody.

The indictment also charged Alejandro Isturiz Chiesa, who was an assistant to Bariven's president and remains at large. All five face conspiracy and money laundering charges. De Leon and Villalobos were also charged with conspiring to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Fred Schwartz, a lawyer for Rincon, said he expected his 50-year-old client would plead not guilty when he is arraigned on March 6. Lawyers for the other defendants could not be immediately identified. The case flowed out of a U.S. investigation into what prosecutors have previously called a $1 billion bribery plot involving payments to PDVSA officials that became public with the arrest of two businessmen in 2015. The indictment announced on Monday said that from 2011 to 2013, the five Venezuelans sought bribes and kick-

Venezuela, Libya Lose UN Vote for Third Time in 3 Years UNITED NATIONS - Venezuela and Libya have been suspended from voting in the U.N. General Assembly for the third time in three years because of millions of dollars in unpaid dues to the world body.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed the General Assembly in late January that 14 countries including Venezuela and Libya were in arrears, and Assembly spokesman Brenden

UN Council Varma confirmed Tuesday that Venezuela has lost its vote in the 193-member global organization as a result. Libya did as well. According to a letter from Guterres to the Assembly president, Venezuela must pay a minimum of $25,200,296 to restore its voting rights, and Libya must pay at least $6,594,842. Venezuela is engulfed in an economic and political crisis and Libya has two rival governments, each backed by an array of militias. The other countries that lost their voting rights are Central African Republic, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Marshall Islands, Surinam and Yemen. Equatorial Guinea, which is on the Security Council, also lost its vote. In a resolution, the General Assembly decided that Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe and Somalia would be permitted to vote despite being in arrears. (VOA) (Caribbeannews.net))

backs from vendors in exchange for helping them secure PDVSA contracts and gain priority over other vendors for outstanding invoices during its liquidity crisis. The indictment said the five Venezuelans then used various companies and bank accounts in Switzerland, Curacao and elsewhere to launder the money they received. Among the vendors that they promised to help in exchange for bribes were Roberto Rincon, who was president of Tradequip Services and Marine, and Abraham Jose Shiera Bastidas, the manager of Vertix Instrumentos, the indictment said. Both pleaded guilty in 2016 to conspiring to pay bribes to secure energy contracts. Eight other people have also pleaded guilty in connection with the U.S. investigation. (VOA) (Caribbeannews.net))

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

GUYANA WILL PREVAIL IN THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) PART ONE of THREE

t seems that good news, like the flu epidemic has become contagious. There are two news items in the newspapers in Guyana that indicate that good news has become not only an epidemic, but a universal pandemic. First there was the news that the Guyana Government will appoint a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the deaths that occurred in Guyana between 2002 and 2007. Then there was the news that the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres will be referring the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Take heart Guyana, we will certainly win the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The scriptures tell us that patience is a virtue and has its rewards. In Galatians 6:9 Paul tells us: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. Isaiah tells us: “but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31. The first Guyanese elected official to advocate judicial settlement, was Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who, on December 22, 2014, announced that Guyana was considering a number of options, including judicial settlement, to resolve the border controversy, between Guyana and Venezuela. She said that the United Nations Good Officer Process (GOP) had yielded little benefit during the last two decades. She added that a decision on the future course of action on the land boundary controversy will be taken during 2015, and that if Guyana decided on judicial action, that will almost certainly be done by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The request for judicial settlement of the border controversy that was first articulated by Rodrigues-Birkett in 2014 was replicated by Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge in 2016. Greenidge regarded the Venezuelan strategy of bilateral negotiation as a strategy to delay the negotiations ad infinitum, and to create a sword of Damocles which Venezuela could hold over the body politic of Guyana. On the other hand, judicial resolution would give Guyana an opportunity to litigate the case expeditiously in an impartial international forum and would bring an end to the nightmare of perpetual negotiations. Greenidge was also convinced that Venezuela’s

claim that the Arbitral decision of 1899 was null and void, was patently frivolous. He is convinced that Guyana stands a great prospect of prevailing in the International Court of Justice. But before the matter could be referred to the ICJ, Guyana had to prove that it had exhausted all of the procedural options articulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. Article 33 of the Charter of United Nations, identifies the following procedural options — negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial settlement. (Emphases added). Before referring the matter to the International Court of Justice, the aggrieved party must prove that it has exhausted all of the procedural steps articulated in Article 33. In the Venezuela/Guyana border controversy, Guyana can establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it has exhausted all of the procedural steps articulated in Article 33. • Negotiations. In 1966, the Guyana government and Venezuela executed the Geneva Agreement under

FLASHBACK: Prime Minister Forbes Burnham presenting Captain Roland DaSilva with an award for bravery and dedication to duty in the face of fearful odds during the Rupununi uprising in January 1969. (photo Tuesday, June 24, 1969) which the parties established a mixed commission to examine the documents produced at the Arbitral Tribunal Hearing of 1899 in order to validate Venezuela’s claim of nullity. While this strategy was regarded by Guyana as a peaceful settlement of the dispute, Venezuela cynically regarded it as a re-litigation of the border dispute. While Guyana insisted that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was a “full, perfect and final settlement of the dispute,” Venezuela has insisted, without any documentary evidence, that the Award of 1899 was null and void. • Reconciliation. In 1970, President Raphael Caldera of Venezuela executed a 12-year moratorium on the Venezuela claim against Guyana, called the Protocol of Port-of-Spain. When the Protocol expired in 1982, President Caldera refused to renew it. The parties then decided, under Article IV of the Geneva Agreement to refer the controversy to the Secretary General of the United Nations. • Mediation. Between 1990 and September 2017, the Secretary

by Colin A. Moore Generals of the United Nations, appointed as their personal representatives — Dr. Alistair McIntire, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of West Indies and Secretary General of Caricom; Oliver Jackman, a former High Court Judge from Barbados; Dr. Norman Girvan, a former Economics Professor from the University of the West Indies, and a former Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States; and Dag Halvor Nylander, a Swedish Diplomat and the present representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations. As Minister Rodrigues Birkett said, on December 22, 2014, the United Nations Good Officer Process has failed to produce any significant benefits during the last two decades. The bilateral negotiations between Guyana and Venezuela during the years 1966 and 2017 had failed to yield any significant diplomatic benefits. The mixed commissions set up in 1966 had gone out in existence in 1970, and during the years 1966-2016, Venezuela had initiated a series of military provocations, which had threatened the territorial sovereignty of Guyana. • On October 12, 1966, Venezuelan armed forces had annexed by force the Guyana portion of Ankoko Island. • In January 1969, Venezuela provided military training and equipment to a group of rebels in the Rupununi Savannah, who sought to secede from Guyana. Venezuela refused to extradite the rebels to Guyana, claiming that they were born in the Zona de Reclamation and were, therefore, Venezuelan citizens. • In the year 2000, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela threatened to invade Guyana to prevent an American company called Beale Industries from establishing a satellite launching station in the hinterlands of Guyana. • On October 14, 2013, units of the Venezuelan navy stopped, boarded and apprehended an American contracted oil rig called the MV Teknik Perdana drilling in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and towed the vessel to a Venezuela port on Margarita Island. • On May 27, 2013, President Maduro of Venezuela enacted an Executive Order claiming that Venezuela owns all of Guyana’s Maritime space, west of the Essequibo River. • In 2017, Venezuela is claiming that the Lisa and Payara oil wells being explored by Exxon Mobil in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) lies within Venezuela’s Maritime Territory. Guyana strongly disputes this spurious claim, and has authorized the companies to continue exploration and drilling. It is anticipated that the massive oil reserves off Guyana’s Atlantic Coast will be a significant cause of conflict between Guyana and Venezuela in the future. To resolve this dispute is to refer this matter to the International Court of Justice. Venezuela has been given 50 years to produce documentary evidence to validate its bogus claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void. Venezuela so far, failed to produce any scintilla of evidence to validate its claim of nullity. Guyana contends that: 1) based on the common law principle of Res Judicata; 2) the failure of Venezuela to produce any documentary evidence to support its claim of nullity, and, 3) The validity of the Schomburg Line, showing that there were no Spanish settlements on the Guyana/ Venezuela frontier in 1899, while there was abundant evidence documenting Dutch and British settlements in the northwest region of Guyana. Based on these contentions, Guyana feels that it will prevail in the International Court of Justice.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

The Carlyle

Harry Column

ONE GUYANA PLATFORM Putting Country Over Party

eaders, after my first article last week, I did receive a hybrid of responses. While many showed appreciation and welcomed the goal of a 'One Guyana Platform' many labelled me as being idealistic — expressing that Guyanese could never come together "racially and/or politically"

Well as I indicated in that first article, I had borrowed/stolen the theme "One Guyana Platform" from now President David Granger; I believe in it, and I am not going to tire, or be discouraged from penning articles on that plank. Readers, this week I am stimulated to write on the topic 'PUTTING COUNTRY OVER PARTY', because on two separate days and on two separate occasions last week a combination of Democratic Party and Republican Party Senators and Congress-Persons submerged their institutional differences, went against the thoughts and expressions of their respective leaderships and agreed on a two-year Budget deal, that erased another Governmental shutdown in America. That deal does not mean that the elected officials from the two parties have deleted their partisan or ideological differences, or that they have forged a new love for each other. This is how the Senate Democratic Leader, Chuck Schumer put it: "We have reached a Budget deal that neither side loves, but that both sides can be proud of." What is also important to note, is that the Democratic Party's LegislativeLeader, Nancy Pelosi disagreed with the deal that a contingent of her colleagues arrived at with their Republican counterparts, and she in fact voted against it.

DUPLICATION Readers, I am not for one moment, encouraging dissent or disrespect within the political outfits serving in Guyana's Legislature. I am just suggesting that likeminded Parliamentarians should imitate the American initiative, and form different caucuses in order to come up and turn up with solvents to, and for the Republic's political and socio-economic challenges and hurdles. Of course on some occasions, those caucus participants might have to go against the dictates and leanings of their respective leaderships, or the philosophical or ideological bends of their outfits. Those proposed solvents will add up to 'Placing COUNTRY over PARTY',

in the interest of the society's masses. Together we have to break the back of this inherited, constant and chronic racial and class divisions that continue to plague the nation. We have to link ourselves to chains of change and transformation; if we do not do it for ourselves, nobody is going to do it for us.

(i) we as Guyanese, given our fraught political/racial history, also need to correct ourselves; (ii) as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Ivelaw Griffith reminds "if we want better for our country, we must all chip in, we are all in this together"; and (iii) Let us chew on the advice of

Michael Gerson writing about the institutionalized partisanship in the United States, opined in the Washington Post "character matters, the pull of political tribalism and institutionalized racism is so great, that we've reached a point where partisanship outweighs morality . . . we have to correct ourselves."

Martin Carter: “if we do not become involved, we shall be consumed.” There must be a full-blooded embrace of country over party. In summary, I am not an ostrich, I am well aware that some narrow-minded elected officials will opt to keep the masses divided in order to satisfy their own selfish political aspirations and am-

If we could party together . . . why can’t we work together.

bitions. But readers/comrades, those impediments are not going to deter or hinder me from proceeding on the pilgrimage of seeking and engineering ‘ONENESS' platforms within Guyana's villages, districts, towns, regions, communities, and the society at large. While emphasizing the primal and pivotal roles that elected officials have to play in the architectural design, construction and erection of the 'One Guyana Platform' . . . I am not for one moment underrating the dynamic roles that the masses by themselves could play in sowing, growing and fertilizing seeds and plants of National Unity. We, the Guyanese masses living inside and outside of Guyana do not need the elected officials to lead us to common ground, we can establish and develop the components of our respective common grounds. In conclusion, a true patriot does not evade duty, he or she shoulders it, in spite of natural or artificial variables. *********

It does not have to be the PPP or the PNC. It does not have to be Indian you versus Black me. Why can't we have one country living in racial unity. Why not a One Guyana Platform and Banner.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Our religious leaders must lead by example Dear Editor,

Tangible recognition for National Awardees THE 18th century Essayist Oliver Goldsmith remarked with sarcasm in one of his essays that the monarchs of Europe received service of the highest excellence from some of their citizens but gave in return yards of ribbon. In the 19th century, the monarchs awarded medals in addition to the ribbons and awardees were accorded some social pre-eminence. Today, citizens have continued to give selfless service to the State and Nation and are honoured with medals but without any tangible recognition. In Guyana, personnel in the Police and Military services, the Public Service, and persons in business, the professions and those engaged in social and religious work have been honoured from year to year but most are soon forgotten. Many honorees are persons of wealth and influence and would consider it infra dignitatem to be offered some tangible reward from the State, in tandem with their national honours. And most others who have served selflessly had no thought of receiving any reward from anyone and to offer any reward to such persons may result in their politely declining. But there are a number of honorees, especially those who had served in the Police, Army and Public Service who have become very old to and have no relatives or even close friends to turn, and they do not have savings on which to depend. This group of honorees does need help and the State should accord it. We would not suggest special pensions for the old awardees, but rather that they should have easier access to the facilities of the State, especially with regards to health. We would therefore suggest the following could be done for the State and society to show their gratitude to people who had selflessly given the better part of their lives to the nation. An annual list of all surviving honorees should be published and sent to the hospitals and government departments. The departments and the hospitals should give priority of treatment to any honoree who might identify himself or herself as such. For example, many old honorees have to go to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to pick up a

THE recent news captioned: “Rosignol Pastor gets 40 years for raping minor” was very shocking and disturbing, since the rise and fall of our so-called pope among other religious leaders in the Christian community who remind me of the Rev Jim Jones who killed 918 innocent souls in the name of God. The current news of a pastor getting a 40-year sentence for raping a minor sets a bad example to the Christian community as well as other religious communities. Men and women falling into sexual sin is an old disease that plagued the church since the beginning of time. As a reverend and religious leader myself, I wish to admonish all religious leaders from every religion to be very watchful, also political leaders and leaders of government and private institutions. When I attended Bible College or Seminary, I was taught a course called “Ministerial Ethics” and over a dozen courses on the “Principles of leadership.” I was taught that the three principles or weapons used by Satan to destroy men are: “Power, Sex, and Money”. In the Bible, King David, a very powerful man used his power to take away and seduce a next man’s wife, Bathsheba, when he discovered the man called

Uriah was a soldier in his army. He then got him killed by putting him in front of a battle line. King David used his power to corrupt his own life, but he did not escape the harsh judgement of God. His son Solomon also fell into sexual transgression. We also see many modern-day preachers and money-hungry con men falling from grace, even going to jail, now we see them in Guyana. Many of these guys who have churches bigger than cinemas just try to deceive and swindle uneducated followers for money all in the name of Christ and God. Now with this pastor going to jail for 40 years brings a very bad name to the church of Christ. What one minister does can impact the ministry of many others, even though they may not serve in the same church denomination and that will also include imams and pandits from their religions too. From the course I did, “Ministerial Ethics,” I learnt that a minister of religion should not counsel a woman alone, be alone with a woman in a closed office, have a woman alone in his car, eat with a woman alone at a restaurant and the same goes for the female ministers of religion. Today we have seen the opposite one sentence in the Lord’s Prayer when Jesus said: ‘’And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil’’. Ministers of Religion need to set a better example to the church, community, society and nation. Even today, we have a lot of so-called pastors and church leaders who never went through any training for ministry but call themselves Apostles, Prophets and Bishops, many of whom can barely read at a very competent level. Saint Paul told young Timothy “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” meaning, to study and rightly interpreting the Holy Scriptures and Paul himself was a literary scholar and lawyer, also an orator and linguist. What is important in ministry and every capacity of leadership is our morality, character, integrity and respect from others. It’s not how nice we dress, it’s how much morally upright we must be. Good character is the leadership quality that distinguishes great leaders. It is the quality that most people admire. Leaders of good character have integrity, courage and compassion. They are careful and prudent. Humble in their awareness of their own limitations, they seek out the knowledge and counsel of others. They constantly learn and others want to learn from them. Their decisions and actions inspire

employees to think and act in a way that not only improves the bottom line, but that contributes to the well-being of the organisation and society. The love of God in our hearts will give us the ability to love our wives, husbands, children and the human race. No amount of wealth can replace the love of God. What we need in Guyana is God’s love as the cure for all our social problems. Ministers must see their own daughter in a next man’s daughter, they must see the mothers, sisters, aunts as their own, because they must have the love of God in their hearts and don’t see members of the opposite sex as sex objects and rape objects, because we will reap what we sow. Ministers of Religion are not angels and no man or woman is perfect and no sin is too big for God to forgive; we can learn from our mistakes. My heart was broken when I read of the bad news in the press, but life must go on and the church will continue to grow. One man’s sin or failure will never affect the whole body of Christ. I advise all ministers of religion and all other leaders to live a life of morality and integrity and above all, love your neighbour as yourself. Regards REV. GIDEON CECIL

KN in vain attempt to mislead readers Dear Editor,

THE Ministry of Natural Resources notes attempts by the publisher of the Kaieteur News to mislead its readers on the Production Sharing Agreement between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and ExxonMobil and its joint-venture partners. An article in the February 14 edition of the newspaper headlined, “Oil contract reveals … Guyana agrees to not go after ExxonMobil’s hidden financial records regarding operations here” is nothing short of dis-

ingenuous. First, the right and responsibility of the Minister of Natural Resources in relation to having regular audits of ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana would have been reported on by Kaieteur News and other media. To state in a headline that Guyana agrees to not go after financial records of the company could only be construed as disingenuous. Clear contradictory statements contained in the article can be credited as either mischief or careless editing. In one paragraph the article states, “…the Government of Guyana

agreed to relinquish all rights to go after documents in relation to operations here,” while the following paragraph states, “The Government of Guyana has agreed to limit the scope of any audit it may pursue…” These two statements are inconsistent and shows the incongruity of the arguments put forward in the article. Annex C of the PSA, “Nothing herein shall entitle the Minister or his auditors to have access to data and records which: I) are subject to statutory restrictions on disclosure or ii) do not relate to petroleum oper-

ations; or iii) are not customarily disclosed in auditing practice in the international petroleum industry…” is clear and Kaieteur News should explain the exact complaints with the quoted section. The ministry welcomes scrutiny and calls for transparency, but these need to be tempered by objectivity.

document or make a payment and it would be a great relief to such persons if they could have a quicker service. With regard to the health services and hospitals, an honoree should be able to telephone someone in authority to ensure he/she does not wait in long lines. Such persons, especially the old, should be able to get walking sticks or even a wheel chair by calling at the Public Hospital’s Administrator’s

office. They also should have their X-rays and operations done as a priority. They should also be given some priority with the ambulance service, at the hospital and the Fire Service, once they are identified. We have seen honorees in their 80s, who used to be very senior public servants, waiting in confused lines to see an eye doctor or a doctor in the medical and surgical clinics. Such

persons may often be arthritic and in pain. Many old age and NIS pensioners who are honorees also find great difficulty in uplifting their pension books. It would be a great relief if some arrangement could be worked out where these books are delivered to the honorees’ homes. Supermarkets should be invited to extend discount facilities to honorees and at Christmas, the relevant Ministry

should be responsible for presenting food hampers to honorees. On death, the State should assist in meeting the expenses of burial or cremation of the honorees if requested. If the State were to accord such tangible recognition to honorees it would enhance the prestige of the honours and show that the State was caring for those who had given so much of their lives to the service of the Nation.

Regards JOHANN EARLE Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

‘No compulsion’ By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger, while stating that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is committed to coalition politics, said the decision to review the Cummingsburg Accord lies with the Alliance For Change (AFC), but noted that there are several available options, one of which is to let the agreement continue until 2020. But the AFC Leader, Raphael Trotman expressed the view that it would be “healthy” for the coalition to review the accord to determine strengths and weaknesses with a view to strengthening it. “The AFC’s view is that yes it allows for; it was designed for a review and that it should be reviewed because no doubt there are areas that need refashioning, there are areas that need re-strengthening,” Trotman, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources, stated. Wednesday February 14, 2018 marked three years since the APNU and AFC signed the Cummingsburg Accord to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections as a single coalition. Speaking to reporters at State House on the 3rd Anniversary of the Accord, President Granger said he has not received a formal request from the AFC to discuss the life of the Cummingsburg Accord,

but noted that APNU is open to discussion. “What I can assure you is that the A Partnership for National Unity which I lead has had several meetings and in the event that the Alliance for Change would like to meet to discuss, we are quite prepared,” President Granger told reporters. However, he noted that a review of the Cummingsburg Accord at this time is not compulsory. “All I can say at this point in time is that there is no compulsion that the accord be reviewed because…the shortest period is three years, that is from 2015 to today, and the longest period is until 2020,” he explained. According to him, the AFC has several options to consider. “It can allow the accord to proceed as it is proceeding at present, it can allow it to expire at 2020 or it could make request for the meeting. The A Partnership for National Unity is committed to coalition politics and I would say that the advent of the coalition into Government has been good for Guyana, we are better together and we would like to see the accord continue,” President Granger said. In May 2017, the AFC appointed a special Cummingsburg Accord Review Committee (CARC) which was tasked with studying the Accord and identifying areas which may require strengthening and updating

Teen busted with cocaine at CJIA A 19-year-old female outgoing passenger to the United States was on Wednesday busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport with cocaine concealed in her handbag. Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit have since arrested her mother and another relative. In a release, CANU said ranks conducted a search on the woman who was scheduled to travel to the USA. They

found a quantity of suspected cocaine concealed in her handbag. The teenager resides on the East Coast of Demerara and was accompanied to the airport by her mother and family members, the release stated. The cocaine in her handbag was tested and weighed 2.660 kg. The young woman, her mother and the relative are currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

The cocaine that was seized from the teenager

along with discussion and negotiation with coalition partner – APNU. AFC has repeatedly said that the accord is a sunset agreement

…President says Cummingsburg Accord can expire in 2020 ..AFC says review healthy for the coalition burg Accord presents a “golden opportunity” to strengthen it for the future. He, like the President, pointed to the fact that the

President David Granger speaking to reporters on Wednesday at State House on the Cummingsburg Accord

Leader of the Alliance for Change, Raphael Trotman

which requires early review with a view to the Local Government Elections of 2019 and General and Regional Elections in 2020. Shortly after President Granger spoke to the media, AFC Leader Raphael Trotman, in a separate interview, said the 3rd Anniversary of the Cummings-

Cummingsburg Accord should have a minimum life of three years and a maximum of five years. “The framers of the accord, they themselves contemplated that at the end of three years, which actually would be today, there would be some kind of opportunity for a review.

So while there may be no need for it, I believe that those who crafted it and put it together and had signed, wanted some discussion… Retrospection and introspection are always good to do,” Trotman said. The AFC Leader, who is the Minister of Natural Resources in the coalition Government, expressed the view that it would be “healthy” for the coalition to review the Cummingsburg Accord to determine strengths and weaknesses with a view to strengthening areas of weaknesses. According to the AFC Leader, the alliance is vindicated in its decision to enter into an accord, and should it not shy away from or pretend that it does not exists. “We should be proud of what we have. We should be able to like anything in a home, you take it out on an anniversary date, you shine it up and you put some polish on it and you ensure that it is shining brightly, and if there is a little chip here or there, you ensure that it is repaired and it is strong,” he posited. Trotman said while he would like to see the accord continue, it should also be strengthened following a review process among the parties involved. “As we begin to go into the second historic Local Government Elections in this country, in a few months; historic because this Government was able to restore Local

Government Elections after two decades of the absence of them, one of the glaring absence in the accord is the fact that the specifics for Local Government Elections are not taken care of,” he explained. It was explained that at the time of signing the accord, the focus was on General and Regional Elections and not Local Government Elections. Trotman made it clear that AFC has no regrets entering into the accord, and maintains the view that President Granger was the best person to lead the coalition. “We continue to believe in him as a leader, we just need to ensure that the coalition is strong. There are parties within the coalition--the PNCR just being one. The WPA, they themselves have expressed some concerns, and we believe that it is not just the AFC that would wish to have the review and that all of the party should have a summit meeting,” he said. According to him, a proposal was made to the President to have a summit for all parties of the coalition, during which they all can produce a mandate from their executives. On February 17, 2018 when the AFC meet, a decision would be made on the way forward, Trotman posited, but noted that “a letter is in draft” and the executives are just waiting to determine its content.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

President meets army leaders …addresses ongoing border concerns …updates high command on Brazil talks

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President David Granger on Monday convened a meeting with the Guyana Defence Force high command to among other things discuss ongoing defence concerns, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a statement. There have been some level of criminal activities at Guyana’s borders with both Venezuela and Brazil. According to the ministry in wake of the recent visit by a high-level delegation from neighbouring Brazil, led by Brazil’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Raul Jungmann Pinto, Minister of Justice, Mr. Torquato Lorena Jardim and General Sérgio Etchegoyen, Minister Head of Institutional Security/Presidency of the Republic, last Friday, President Granger on Monday convened a special meeting with the GDF top brass. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was also present at the meeting, held at State House, explained that the purpose of this follow-up meeting was to review the discussions that emanated from the deliberations with the Brazilian delegation and to prepare the GDF to chart the way forward in terms of defence cooperation. Last Friday during the talks with Brazil, Guyana stressed the need for greater emphasis on surveillance and her involvement in the Ama-

zon Surveillance System. The two countries also reviewed a six-year-old communique on defence. The bilateral engagement, which was hosted at State House, saw a commitment by both countries to review the September, 2012 Joint Communiqué, which followed the official visit to Guyana by Ambassador Celso Amorim, then Minister of Defence of Brazil. The review is intended to update the agreements in that document and bring them in line with present-day realities, as well as to deepen defence cooperation. During the meeting with the Brazilians President Granger said that the visit, which follows closely after his own State visit to Brazil in late December, was the initiation of the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Brazil. He added that the signing of that 2012 communiqué saw the establishment of a bilateral defence working group. “We would like to review the Joint Communiqué to determine its applicability to present-day circumstances. That agreement contained seven points, which are being implemented, but in light of the present situation in the northern coast of South America, we would like to review that agreement…to put greater emphasis on surveillance and our involvement in the Amazon Surveillance System,” President Granger

said. To this end, Minister Jungmann informed delegates that Brazil is ready to revisit the terms and provisions of the communiqué to work out the modalities of how the two

Minister of Defence, we have responsibility for the army, the marine and the air force, so whatever we can do to assist Guyana, let us know,” the minister told the President. Meanwhile, also at the

meeting was Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who updated the visiting delegation on the recent developments of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, which he said is at the heart

President David Granger and his team, which includes Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, meeting with the high command of the Guyana Defence Force (MoTP photo)

countries can cooperate in the areas of defence outlined by the President. “We are willing to review the communiqué. We will do this through our Military Attaché… who will then refer it to the higher authorities,” he said. Speaking of defence cooperation, Minister Jungmann told the President that countries in the hemisphere have to work more closely together to tackle problems such as drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes, which threaten law and order and citizens’ safety. “As

of Guyana’s national security. President Granger also took the opportunity to place on record, Guyana’s gratitude to Brazil for its support for Guyana in the border controversy with Venezuela. “Brazil, for 50 years, has been a guarantor of our territory and has maintained that it is not interested in any changes to settled boundaries,” he said. Minister Jungmann said that Brazil has the third largest border in South America and the world at large and it has frontiers with 10 countries. He noted that Brazil wants to see the controversy with Venezuela resolved permanently and in a diplomatic manner, which can be achieved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This, he said, is vital for the stability of the South American continent.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

Homes Evacuated as Mud Volcano Erupts in Trinidad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A few homes in a community in the south of Trinidad have been evacuated following at least two eruptions at the Devil’s Wood Yard mud volcano last Tuesday morning.

The rumbling began around 4 a.m.

at the volcano in Hindustan Village near New Grant, Princes Town, and another eruption was reported after 9 a.m. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) said it is closely monitoring the situation, along with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago, the

The mud volcano

University of the West Indies (UWI) Geological Society, the UWI Seismic Research Centre and the Princes Town Regional Corporation. Police and fire officials also converged at the site. “The EMA is mobilizing a team to visit the site to conduct air testing in the area. TTFS [Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service) and Police Service are on site to maintain public safety and security,” the OPDM said in a statement this morning. Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat reported that there was still some seismic activity at the site and the size of the mud flow was growing, he advised citizens against visiting the volcano. He said three homes close to the site have been evacuated and cracks were visible on the road and on lands in

the area. The mud volcano first erupted in 1852 and then again 20 years ago. (Caribbean360)

Cracks were visible on the road and on lands in the area

The US Says This Caribbean National Is A Global Terrorist WASHINGTON, United States — A Trinidadian man who made headlines last year when he admitted to killings in his homeland and urged Muslims still living there to wage jihad in the twin-island republic, has now been categorized by the United States as a global terrorist.

Shane Dominic Crawford — whose also goes by the names Abu Sa’d at-Trinidadi, Asadullah, Shane Asadullah Crawford and Asad — is among five people whom the US Department of State added to its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under an executive order which imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that Shgane Crawford threaten the security of US nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or the country’s economy. The 31-year-old Crawford is “believed to be a foreign terrorist fighter in Syria carrying out terrorist activity on behalf of ISIS, including acting as an English language propagandist for the group,” the US State Department said. The SDGT designation means that US citizens are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions or dealings with Crawford or any of the others — Sudanese El Shafee Elsheikh; British extremist Anjem Choudary; Sami Bouras, a Swedish citizen of Tunisian descent; and New Zealand national Mark John Taylor — and all of their property and interests in property under US jurisdiction have been frozen. The US State Department said this action notifies the US public and the international community

that Crawford, Elsheikh, Choudary, Bouras, and Taylor have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism. Last year in an interview with ISIS magazine Dabiq, Crawford spoke about his own “jihad endeavour” in his homeland. He admitted that he and a few of his Muslims brothers took revenge “whenever the disbelievers in Trinidad would kill or harm a Muslim”. Crawford, identified in the article as a sniper for ISIS, was one of the first three Muslims to leave Trinidad and Tobago to join the terrorist organization. The former Christian who converted to Islam left his homeland for war-torn Syria in 2013.

(Caribbean360)

Shane Crawford (far left) is a sniper for ISIS.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

Swan Song for Longest Serving Barbados Prime Minister BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, — The man who served as Prime Minister of Barbados longer than anyone else has announced that the current sitting of Parliament will be his last. Owen Arthur, who led Barbados through economic prosperity from 1994 to 2008, said last Tuesday that this was the end of his parliamentary road after 35 years as a legislator. “Today, I will be making my last speech ever . . . I am retiring,” Arthur told Barbados TODAY as he prepared to climb the steep steps of Parliament to participate in the debate on the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2018-2019. Arthur, who in July 2014 had resigned from the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) for the second time after losing his second straight election — he had stood down in 2008 following the party’s defeat at the general election that year only to return in October 2010 — had previously given notice of his intention to call it a day. When he announced his resignation from the BLP in July 2014, accusing the party under Mia Mottley of losing its soul, he had also indicated that he would remain in Parliament as an independent until the end his term this year.

However, there were doubts among political circles that he would actually quit, with many speculating he would join the fledgling United Progressive Party, one of the country’s new political parties of which many of its members are former BLP supporters accused of being anti-Mottley. His confirmation that this would be his last parliamentary sitting was described by veteran political scientist and pollster Peter Wickham as “strange” and “puzzling”. Wickham told Barbados TODAY he had anticipated that Arthur would have seen out his final term and not step down so close to the end. “He already indicated that he is going as of the end of this term, so why not wait for the end? It’s strange from a person who has already announced his retirement. It’s like you have announced your retirement and you are doing it all over again,” Wickham said. “It’s like when David Thompson indicated that he was planning to resign as Leader of the Opposition — it’s either you resign or you don’t. He has already said that he is not pursuing politics any further, he has resigned from the Barbados Labour Party and he is saying his political career is

over. He said all of that so now that he is not going back into Parliament is strange because of all those reasons. “The parliamentary term has not ended. I am a bit surprised that he has chosen to retire before the term has ended. For the time being, he is still considered a Member of Parliament unless his seat is declared vacant,” the head of the Caribbean Development Research Services added. Wickham’s argument supposes that the life of Parliament will continue past the current sitting, particularly after Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said recently that he intended to go down the wire. However, with Stuart being entitled to announce an election date at any time, it is possible that he can ask Governor General Dame Sandra Mason to dissolve Parliament soon after the debate on the Estimates, which would make this Arthur’s last sitting. Arthur led the BLP to power soon after he became leader in 1994 and remained at the helm until January 2008, when his party was defeated by the Democratic Labour Party under the leadership of David Thompson, who died more than two years later in October 2010. Following his defeat Arthur stepped down as party leader, saying an immediate

leadership transition would be in the best interests of both the party and Barbadian democracy. Former Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley was chosen as the new BLP leader, but in 2010 after bitter infighting, Arthur was returned to the helm, from where he led the party to a second straight loss in 2013, a general election many had thought the BLP would have won. He stepped down as party leader for the second time on February 26, 2013, before severing ties with the party in 2014. (Barbados Today) (Caribbean360)

OWEN ARTHUR

mMoney: What’s in Your Wallet? BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — In a country where about half the population doesn’t have bank accounts, and bank fees can be almost punitive, the principals behind a digitized version of the Barbados dollar are hoping to change the money game. Mobile money (mMoney), an electronic wallet powered by local fintech company Bitt, allows users to store, send and receive money on their mobile device. More specifically, consumers are afforded the convenience of purchasing products and

services, instantaneous peer-to-peer money transfers, and cash-in and cash-out services, all backed by secure, blockchain technology. “You have a wallet on your smartphone carrying a representation of the Barbados dollar that you can spend via your smartphone at a network at merchants across the country,” explained Bitt’s chief executive officer Rawdon Adams, one of the driving forces behind the initiative. Even before today’s marketing launch, the mMoney network included more than

130 merchants — and the list is still growing. “The only thing we don’t have at the moment, but we’re very close to getting, is petrol stations. We’ve got quite a few convenience stores, but we’re probably going to have at least one outlet of a big supermarket later this month, possibly by early March, so at that point we feel we’ll really have just about every type of good people need for day-to-day living covered,” explained Adams. Use of mMoney for purchases is com-

pletely free to the consumer. It simply requires the user to download the app. There is also no cost attached to peer-to-peer money transfers. “So, if you want to send a relative or a friend in a different part of the island some money, you can send this digital Barbados dollar directly to their phone and they can go right ahead and spend it,” Adams said. The benefits of mMoney don’t end at the consumers, however. The app offers participating merchants a smarter, more affordable way to get paid. Unlike the traditional point of sale systems which cost businesses as much as seven percent fee per transaction, mMoney is free to merchants until the end of June, and when payment eventually kicks it, it will be at just one per cent of the amount involved in the transaction. For merchants, mMoney also eliminates the disadvantages associated with cheques, as payment is instant. Additionally, each mMoney merchant has the ability to function as a teller, allowing customers to either deposit or withdraw money from their electronic wallets. A one percent charge is paid by the customer for the latter. To top up the virtual wallet, app users have the option of either using the tellertype service at merchants, or going into Bitt’s Hastings, Christ Church office. Adams says the plan is to eventually add more options for consumers. (Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THE ASSISTANT

Ingredients: 1 lb. eddoes 1 oz. margarine 1 ⁄4 pint milk 2 eggs separated salt to taste 1 ⁄4 tsp. white sugar

EDDO SOUFFLE into a greased pie dish allowing room for the mixture to rise. 5. Bake in a hot oven till well risen and golden brown — about 203- minutes. 6. Serve at once.

Method: 1. Peel and wash eddoes with lime juice. 2. Cook until soft with boiling salted water. 3. Drain. thoroughly and crush. Mix all ingredients except egg whites. Beat well. 4. Whisk egg whites very swiftly and fold into eddo mixture. Pour

doctor in Newfoundland wanted to get off work and go hunting, so he approached his assistant. “Garge, I am going hunting tomorrow and don’t want to close the clinic. I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of all me patients”. “Yes, sir!” answers Garge. The doctor goes hunting and returns the following day and asks: “So, Garge, how was your day?” Garge told him that he took care of three patients. “The first one had a headache so I gave him TYLENOL.” “Bravo Mate, and the second one?” asks the doctor. “The second one had stomach burning and I gave him MAALOX, sir,” says Garge. “Bravo, bravo! You’re good at this and what about the third one?” asks the doctor. “Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door opens and a woman enters. Like a flame, she undresses herself, taking off everything including her bra and her panties, and lies down on the table, spreading her legs and shouts: ‘HELP ME! For five years I have not seen any man!’” “Tunderin’ lard Jesus Garge, what did you do?” asks the doctor. “I put drops in her eyes.” replied Garge. “Thank Heavens, Garge” the doctor replied “She is my HIV/AIDS patient.

LYING EXCUSES

ne day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, ‘My dear child, why are you crying?’ The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her hus-

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

ODD COUSINS OF THE OWL FAMILY LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF THEIR OWN

n many ways, burrowing owls are mavericks in the owl family. They don’t nest in trees as most birds do; they don’t hunt only at night as most owls do; and they are not intimidated by closeness to people.

Owls are found on every continent except Antarctica. People have reacted to their curious appearance — enormous eyes directed forward and surrounded by disks of radiating feathers — in a variety of ways. Their look of gravity has caused them to be associated with wisdom, studiousness, intelligence and even prosperity over the centuries. In Western folklore, they are often associated with studious scholars and wise elders. The Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, is often depicted holding an owl. Their affinity with the night also suggests magic and witchcraft. The screeching call of an owl suggests death and misfortune. Ancient Romans regarded seeing an owl in the daytime as a

bad omen. So where would you expect to find an owl in the daytime? Being mostly creatures of the night, able to see and actively hunt for prey only under cover of darkness, daytime finds them in most cases sleeping in caves, hollow trees, and other secluded places. However, the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is active during the day and much of its hunting is done at dusk.

With its bright yellow eyes and prominent white eyebrows and a white “chin” patch, the burrowing owl is probably the most common owl in the Caribbean. It has brown upperparts, heavily spotted with white or buff. It is found in low vegetation areas such as grasslands, pasturelands, mountain slopes or other dry, open areas. Just as tree-dwelling owls usurp the deserted nests of other birds, especially hawks, the burrowing owl takes over deserted tortoise or armadillo burrows. The nests are often located near roads, farms, homes, and regularly maintained irrigation canals. If secondhand burrows are unavailable and the soil is not hard or rocky, the owls may excavate their own. Burrowing owls will also nest in shallow, THE BURROWING OWL

band in making a living for their family. The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with pearls. ‘Is this your thimble?’ the Lord asked. The seamstress replied, ‘No.’ The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a silver thimble ringed with sapphires ‘Is this your thimble?’ the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, ‘No.’ The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble. ’Is this your thimble?’ the Lord asked. The seamstress replied, ‘Yes.’ The Lord was pleased with the woman’s honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy. Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water. When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, ’Why are you crying? ‘Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!’ The Lord went down into the water and came up with Denzel Washington. ‘Is this your husband?’ the Lord asked. ‘Yes,’ cried the seamstress. The Lord was furious. ‘You lied! That is an untruth!’ The seamstress replied, ‘Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said ‘no’ to Denzel Washington, you would have come up with Brad Pitt. Then if I said ‘no’ to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said ‘yes,’ you would have given me all three. Lord, I’m not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT’S why I said ‘yes’ to Denzel.’

underground structures or objects, if they are suitable and are not far away from the surface. The owl uses its feet to enlarge the burrow until it is 6 to 10 ft long, with a nest chamber at the end. It lines the burrow and the nest chamber with dried horse or cow manure and may use the same burrow year after year. Because burrowing owls are not shy of people, they live comfortably in populated areas. As a result, they are often killed by vehicles when crossing roads. Among their many natural enemies are badgers and snakes. They are also sometimes killed by domestic cats and dogs. Unlike other owls, burrowing owls eat fruits and seeds. Their diet also includes small mammals, small birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, insects, and scorpions. Mainly, however, they eat large insects and small rodents. When hunting, a burrowing owl sometimes waits on a perch until it spots its prey. Then it would swoop down on the prey or fly up to catch insects in flight. Sometimes it would chase its prey on foot across the ground. The typical plaintive “who who” or “coo cooooo” call of a burrowing owl is believed to be associated with defense of territory or breeding. It is often the call of adult males to announce a promising new burrow to the female. The owl makes other sounds, described as chucks, chattering and screams, usually accompanied by a vigorous bobbing of the head up and down. An alarmed bird will emit a hissing call sounding like a rattlesnake.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Neil Chan Prize

FOR CREATIVITY & PAGEANTRY FOR MASHRAMANI MASH NITE COMPETION

THE

Neil Chan

FOUNDATION

PAGEANTRY CREATIVITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

PRESS RELEASE February 5, 2018

Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain, today announcced the inclusion of the Neil Chan Prize for Creativity and Pageantry as part of the King of the Band Competition at this year’s Mash Nite event.

Mrs. Sheila Chan, widow of Neil Chan A.A., former costume designer and Mashramani Mash Day and Mash Nite convenor, has donated a special prize in his honor. This trophy will be donated yearly as part of the King of the Band competition. Neil Chan, who died on January 5, 2018, , won King of the Band at the Mashramani Mash Nite Competitions in the 80s and 90s, on many occasions, with portrayals of different themes over the years . Chan’s costumes dominated the Mashramani scene with presentations that can be described as a masterful blend of costume design and well choreographed pageantry. It was the Solo Band and Neil Chan who first started breaking boundaries where the costume wearer became the character . The Solo costume bands maintained the tradition of being storytellers, and used lighter materials such as cane and bamboo with an emphasis on local ingredients. The costumes were carried on the body and not on wheels which allowed for exciting performances on stage. Solo used characters and storylines and made them into productions of color, costume, sculpture, and music, where the participants also served as the performers and characters in their story. Chan and the Solo Band stayed true to the core meaning of Mashramani as a celebration and an artistic expression that tells the story of Guyana’s rich and unique culture. Solo sought to preserve the tradition and true spirit of Mashramani, emphasising creativity, pageantry and craftsmanship. This will be part of the judging criteria for the Neil Chan Prize. The Neil Chan Foundation, in the near future would like to work with the Department of Culture to develop the Festival Arts in Guyana by providing training for young designers to enhance the standard and quality of Mashramani, thereby ensuring that this significant Festival continues to develop in a way that it reflects the cultural and moral values of our nation.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

REFLECTIONS AROUND AN ADVOCATE L

ocal and Overseas Advocate — Mrs. Guliana Jacobs-Moses was honored on Sunday evening (February 11) at the Auditorium of St. Stephen's church on Newkirk avenue.

The special event was organized by a number of Guyanese organizations that Guliana had belonged to, or was affiliated with. The verbal contributions to Guliana, stressed the following highlights: * Her axiomatic attractions to advocacies and protest; * Her ready and willing donations to the needy and worthy causes; * Her demonstrations of humility

By CARLYLE HARRY

and simplicity in her day-by-day existence and interpersonal interactions; * Her consistent participation in meetings and seminars, and particularly her favorite query at those Fora . . . "SO, WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?" Guliana was known to be actively involved in public demonstrations against atrocities that were occurring in her homeland . . . Guyana, and in New York against (for example) immigration

actions against Guyanese and Caribbean peoples: * Guliana's love for her Kwakwani, and the many developmental projects that she did for its adults and young people; * Her boldness in terms of confronting sources of intimidation and discontent; * Her willingness to travel inside and outside of New York in order to address political and socio/economic issues that pertained to Guyanese and Caribbean peoples; Several of the friends and associates spoke about the emphases that Guliana placed on the involvement of young people, as well as the institution of business activities to cater for small businesses and women; * In expressing their gratitude(s) at the Reflections' ceremony that was

Guyana Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly (center) holding Guliana’s mother; Christina Jacobs (in white top); others in picture are Guliana’s husband Noel Moses (with black cap); Guliana’s aunt, Agusta Henry (holding kid); Errol Lewis (NAR president in afro shirt) and to his left is Ms. Bonita Montaque (President of UBBM, who was one of organizers and the MC of the evening proceedings) and other members of Guliana’s family.

Some of the members of organizations and friends who attended the special ‘Reflections’ gathering for Guliana Jacobs-Moses last Sunday at St. Stephen’s Church auditorium.

arranged for Guliana, her mother, Ms. Christina Jacobs and one of her sisters pointed out the commitment that she had to her parents, her aunts, uncles, siblings

(NAR), COFONA. WOMI, GUYDA, Guyana Cultural Association, United Bridge Builders Mission, and the Guyana Unity Movement. Recorded and live music was provided by Super Terry Sound system and drummers Mboya, Akoya Rudder, Baba Umpha and Jeggae entertained the audience with superb drumming and singing performances. A ‘Departure Viewing’ and Service were held for Guliana on Thursday evening, and the Burial will take place on Friday (February 16). A POEM FOR GULLY GULIANA I am TRYING, But I cannot stop CRYING. Guliana — How could you leave? Leaving us to grieve. Gully, how can we believe that you have taken Your LEAVE.

and other relatives. They detailed some the principal leadership roles that she displayed within the family-unit, the material contributions that she made to individual family members, and her insistence that they excelled in any paths they chose to pursue. Guyana's Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly issued a charge to the many organizations present at the gathering. Ms. Atherley proposed that the organizations combined on a joint Project to honor Guliana. In support of the Consul General’s charge, Mr. Leonard Lewis, President of COFONA (The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam), suggested that the project should be beamed towards young people, since that was Guliana's priority. Among the Organizations that organized and were represented at the “Reflections' Ceremony” were: The Guyana Action Committee (GAC), Guyana American Patriotic Forum (GAPF), North American Region of the PNC/R

Gully, you loved your Kwakwani. Gully, you loved our Party. Gully, you were our Secretary, Gully, you managed the Treasury You will remain in our memories. Though short, you thought TALL --You grew us ALL. Gully, you always shared views on a variety of things in the news. Gully, you willingly demonstrated that You will not be duplicated. Gully, you were reliable, Gully, you were dependable Gully, you left in the morning Without any warning. Gully, we shall MISS YOU You were so REAL and TRUE. Gully, We shall cradle Noel and keep him WELL. Peaceful Departure Our beloved Sister. Continue to help men, women and children, who You shall meet in Heaven. When you FILE your TASKS The refunds will OVERFLOW.

Noel Moses (husband of the late Guliana – center with grey jacket) with some of the many friends and members of various organizations who came out to participate in the ‘Reflections’ ceremony last Sunday.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Carjacking crackdown …two more cars, truck and shell of other vehicles found TWO more persons have been arrested and four vehicles suspected to have been stolen were seized during a police operation at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Wednesday. The police reported that acting on information, a party of cops commanded by a senior officer proceeded to a location at Yarrowkabra and found a black Toyota Premio, PMM 6979, which is suspected to have been stolen. Shortly after, the police went to another location in Yarrowkabra and arrested

a 39-year-old taxi driver on whose premises two ‘dirt’ bikes (a red and black Honda Tornado and a CRF Honda 150) suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained, were found. As the search continued, a 22-year-old taxi driver of Chand Sand Road, Timehri, was apparently alerted to the police’s operation and quickly handed over to the police at Timehri, a beige Toyoto Spacio motor car, PPP 82, which he alleged was given to him to work as taxi since last Thursday by a named individual. That person is now in

police custody, along with the taxi driver. The vehicles are lodged at the Brickdam Police Station as investigations continue. Earlier this week, police ranks in ‘A’ Division during a 10-hour operation which concluded at 03:00hrs in the morning at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and six persons were arrested. Two motorcars, along with a canter truck which is registered to a Barr Street, Kitty resident, loaded with the shell of a silver-coloured Toyota Spacio and a quantity of vehicle parts, suspect-

ed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained, were also seized and lodged. The suspects are reportedly employed by an ex-policeman, who is in custody along with others assisting with the investigation. On Friday last, a former policeman, a husband and wife and four women, were taken into custody following the discovery of several suspected stolen vehicles and parts at North Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara and Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. It is believed that the

vehicles might have been hijacked and stripped of their parts which are being sold. Police ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit swooped down on the North Vryheid’s Lust premises occupied by a 29-year-old taxi driver and his 25-year-old wife and found several car mirrors with engraved licence plate numbers, doors, lights, wipers and other vehicle parts for Toyota Allion, Spacio and Premio motor cars. As a result, the couple was taken into custody after the husband provided the

police with conflicting stories as to why the suspected stolen vehicle parts were stockpiled at his residence. Meanwhile, on the aforementioned day, the ex-policeman and four women were detained after police ranks in ‘A’ Division went to a property at Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu, and conducted a search, during which a quantity of vehicle parts and several vehicles suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained, were found. The items have been lodged at the Timehri Police Station.

By Indrawattie Natram

As early as next Tuesday, a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be submitting a plan of the project to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The team, he said, will be present at the RDC statutory meeting and will provide councillors with essential information concerning the project. That will begin the first consultation for the project, and councillors will be given the opportunity to voice their concerns, as well as make recommendations as they see fit. Hopkinson said he has seen a preview of the “layout” and he is certain that it will receive positive reviews from the Region Two RDC. The new landing will be equipped with a port for en-

try and exit, while a special area will be dedicated to the differently-abled. An information desk is included in the project and is one of many that were listed under the region’s

capital budget. It will replace the dilapidated and obsolete structure that is presently at Supenaam. At the moment, passengers travelling by speedboat face great discomfort

whenever the vessel has to be offloaded, as the current structure is shaky and cannot withstand pressure. Some of the boards from the walkway of the current stelling are also dislocated

or missing. Interviews conducted with speedboat operators have revealed that the project will be a beneficial one. Boat operators said that at the moment, they have to assist passengers to the boats and sometimes it is of great inconvenience to them. They welcome the project, and anticipate its completion. “A boat landing will be a big plus for Region Two,” one boat operator said. “It’s the first structure that will welcome visitors; I hope that special attention can be given, especially when it comes to the building and the materials. “I am particularly happy, and I will personally be monitoring the project. Essequibo needs this.”

Region Two to get state-of-the-art boat landing REGION Two is to be gifted yet another transformative project this year which will afford persons the opportunity of travelling in safety and comfort. This year the region will be expending some $34M on a state-of-the-art boat landing at Supenaam. The facility is to be funded under the region’s capital works budget, and will be overseen by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, according to Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson. During an interview with the media recently, Hopkinson said that the Ministry will be collaborating with the region on the project, in terms of providing technical advice and guidance.

The Supenaam Landing, in its dilapidated state

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Investor banks big on coconut industry Story and photos by Rabindra Rooplall

GUYANA may be just a heartbeat away from the USA, arguably the biggest driver of demand for the product, not to mention the regional hub in terms of supply, yet it’s still to achieve its true potential. But things are about to make a turnaround, as Pomeroon Trading Inc has plans to tremendously boost production. According to British businessman and CEO of Pomeroon Trading, Mr Duncan Turnbull, in the initial stages, the company had invested in an intercropping pilot project to sustain the start-up of the industry. He told the G uyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview that while the company’s main aim is to export coconut water, it will be experimenting with value-added processing facilities, such as using coconut husk for biofuel. Turnbull also said that the company will be intercropping with avocado, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, moringa, passion fruit and stevia, since they are looking at high-end crops that can be processed here before being exported. But in the interim, there are three main intercrops being planted for the local market, and these are bananas, of which there are 20,000 suckers, watermelons, all 20 acres of them, and 25 acres of pumpkin. He said that with demand for coconuts booming, and ageing trees threatening to curtail world supply, researchers feel that Guyana could develop a viable coconut industry. SUPPLY & DEMAND Global demand for coconut products, Turnbull said, is growing at a rate of 10 per cent per annum, but supply is another story, as over 90

per cent of the nuts on the market come from smallhold farmers. Again, of the 70 billion or so coconuts on the world market annually, just a measly one per cent comes from the Caribbean. Global supply of raw coconuts, Turnbull says, is

tional desiccated coconut is as solid as ever. Contending that the availability of coconut seedlings is one of the key reasons for underperformance in the local coconut sector, Turnbull said: “We are trying to tackle this problem at the most fundamental level.

recently met with Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, to update them on the nursery and works being done to rehabilitate the estate. He is particularly grateful for the support he has been receiving from NAREI and

CARDI Country Representative, Dr. Cyril Roberts (stooping) with Turnbull and other officials at the coconut nursery during a recent visit

dominated by Indonesia, The Philippines and India, so Guyana is ripe for development, since urbanisation is challenging the industries in these countries. He said, too, that with the sugar industry on the decline the world over, Guyana will have to adjust, which means that there will be lots of land available and viable for coconut production. And, thanks to health-conscious consumers, the markets for high-end products such as coconut water and virgin coconut oil are seeing exponential growth. Strong niche markets, the Britisher said, are also emerging for coconut-based snacks, milk, yoghurt and ice cream, as well as coconut flour and coconut sugar, while demand for the tradi-

“Existing estates are often ageing and unproductive. Without the right planting materials, the industry cannot revitalise.” BIGGEST SUPPLIER Turnbull has plans for Pomeroon Trading to be the biggest supplier of planting materials in the Pomeroon. For that matter, he has plans for Guyana to have the biggest coconut seedling nursery in all of the Caribbean, as the company aims to produce over five acres with 50 beds of seedlings in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Ministry of Agriculture. Turnbull and his team

the Ministry of Agriculture. He said that presently, his company employs about 40 persons in the community, and has replanted some 30,000 coconut trees. He said that although the availability of seedlings is one of the main challenges to the Caribbean coconut industry, the company will help to tackle this by planting three-year coconut seedlings, which will be available for sale to local farmers, thereby stimulating a vibrant industry. Pomeroon Trading Inc. is a Guyana-registered company operating on some 700 acres of farmland in the Pomeroon that has been leased from the Stoll family. TECH-DRIVEN The company aims to

use technology to transform the local industry. Thirty thousand seedlings have already been planted, and this is likely to be increased to 50,000 in the next year. Financed by investors from the UK and the Caribbean, the company is working to restore a neglected

plantlets arrived at NAREI’s Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) head office from Mexico. The varieties include Mexican Pacific Tall, Vanuatu Tall, Markham Valley Tall and Pilipog Green Dwarf. They are currently being monitored at the in-

Part of the Pomeroon Trading team: from left are: Consultant Doug Hardman; Chief Scientist, Dr. Andrew Watson; CEO Duncan Turnbull; and Co-Founders Neil Passmore and Hayden Chittell

estate to its former glory. As part of its corporate social responsibility in the community, the company recently built and handed over a dining hall to the Hackney Primary School. According to a survey done by NAREI, there are over 1,454 coconut farmers in Guyana. And while the industry comprises a large number of estates, small farmers make up a significant proportion of the industry. This is especially so in the Pomeroon, Wakenaam and the East Coast of Demerara. Coconuts continue to be Guyana’s major non-traditional export; exports which amount to some US$5M annually. January last, more than 450 tissue-cultured coconut

stitute’s greenhouse. The plantlets were donated by the Investigative Centre of Yucatan (CICY) as part of NAREI’s staff, Analeesa Skeete’s thesis for her Master’s Degree Programme in Biological Sciences. According to Skeete, the new varieties are resistant to the lethal yellowing, one of the most fatal diseases that attack coconut palms. An evaluation of the plants will be done to see how well they adapt to Guyana’s climate. Farmers will subsequently be introduced to the new varieties at a demonstration farm, where they can examine the nuts’ sizes, taste and quality. These new varieties are good for both water and coconut oil.

Maj. (Ret’d) Michalene Maria Wilson laid to rest …remembered as loving, compassionate and disciplined

LITERALLY hundreds yesterday turned out at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, David Street, Kitty, to a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the life of the late Maj. (Ret’d) Michalene Maria Wilson, formerly of the Guyana Defence Force and to pay their last respects to the superb military officer. Major Wilson died on February 4, after a brief period of illness. She was 64. Among the distinguished gathering joining the husband of the

deceased, Lt. Colonel (Ret’d), Victor Wilson and other sorrowing family members in bidding an emotional farewell to the former champion army rank werePresident David Granger, Head of the Disciplined Services; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon; and other Ministers of Government; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West and other senior members of the Guyana Defence Force, (Past and Serving) and a wide cross section of other ranks

of the army, including the Veterans of the Women’s Army (WAC) who turned out in their numbers. There was also full representation of priests from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown as well as members drawn from the Holy Rosary Congregation of which Major Wilson was a faithful and dedicated member. Officiating Priest was Father John Persaud who did the Homily as well as the Final Commendation. Meanwhile, there were several glowing tributes during which the late Major was

remembered as a selfless, loving and compassionate individual; disciplined and a stickler for excellence, yet well liked by all. She entered the Guyana Defence Force as an Officer Cadet from whence she soared to higher heights, eventually assuming the rank of Major. Maj. Michalene Maria Wilson leaves to mourn her husband, Lt. Col. Victor Wilson; their children and other family members. Following the Thanksgiving Service, her body was interred at Le Repentir Cemetery.

Standing at right is President David Granger, next to his wife, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry and family members of the deceased.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

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

History of Guyana political parties

he 1953 PPP victory stunned the British and American governments, whose experts had anticipated that the new government would be composed of a diverse group of members of political parties and independents. Winston Churchill, the then British Prime Minister, was very critical of the Colonial Office that had told him the PPP could not win a majority.

The United States Government was very annoyed with its cronies who had all along predicted a victory for the anti-PPP forces. In a statement on the results, the PPP declared that, "The victory of our democratic movement was a great shock and surprise to the ruling class, who, consequent upon their thirst for maximum profit, have isolated themselves from the people.” CRISIS IN THE PPP On the first day of the joint session of the General Council and the Parliamentary Group, Forbes Burnham refused to discuss the selection of ministers. On Thursday, May 7, one of his close supporters called a mass meeting in Georgetown at the Auditorium in Charlotte Street. The party’s executive did not sanction it. The plan was to replace Dr. Jagan as leader of the Party with Forbes Burnham. However, the scheme backfired when Rudy Luck, a member the General Council, attended the meeting and revealed that the meeting was an attempt to oust Dr. Jagan as leader. The meeting broke up in disorder and Forbes Burnham, realizing that he did not have majority support for his plan, dropped his demand and agreed to discuss the selection of ministers. Those selected were Dr. Cheddi Jagan, as leader of the House, Ashton Chase, Sydney King, Forbes Burnham, Dr. J. P. Latchmansingh and Jainarine Singh In its short tenure the PPP Government introduced many significant measures in the Legislature. However, the two that led to its downfall were: introduction of The Labour Relations Bill and Repeal of The Trades Disputes (Essential Services) Ordinance. The latter was a wartime legislation that prohibited strikes in the essential services. The British Government viewed the announcement as a move to disrupt services in water supplies, electricity, transport, food supplies and public

health. Although the motion was eventually introduced in the House of Assembly, it was waiting debate when the Governor dissolved the Government. The Labour Relations Bill was intended to secure the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively with their employers. It was also aimed at prohibiting then current victimization of workers

isters and stripped them of their portfolios. This action expelled them from the Executive Council, which was to be later reconstituted with persons he nominated. On the following day, he prorogued the House of Assembly and the State Council, effectively suspending the Constitution. A state of emergency was declared throughout the country.

Some members of 1953 PPP cabinet (L to R) Boysie Ramkarran, Sydney King (Eusi Kwyana), L. F. S. Burnham, Janet Jagan, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Dr. J. P. Latchmansingh and Ashton Chase.

who chose to join a union of their choice and the right of trade union officials to visit their members’ place of employment. It stipulated that employers must recognize unions enjoying support of more than 65% percent of employees in certain industries. When the House of Assembly met on September 24, 1953, the Speaker refused to suspend the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly to allow the Minister of Labour, Ashton Chase, to move the Labour Relations Bill through its stages. The PPP legislators walked out in protest. DISMISSAL OF GOVERNMENT AND SUSPENSION OF THE CONSTITUTION British troops landed in British Guiana on October 9, 1953. That day, three orders of the British Government, first issued on 4 October, 1953 were implemented. The first was The British Guiana (Emergency) Order in Council, which gave the Governor emergency powers to deal with any situation that would result from the suspension of the constitution. The second was The British Guiana Order in Council, granting powers to the Governor not to consult with the Executive Council in implementing policy. The Executive Council was to continue to exist, but the Governor was not obligated to seek its advice. The third Order was The Additional Royal Instructions that required the Governor to consult with the Executive Council except in sensitive cases prejudicial to the interests of the British Government. Later that day, the Governor withdrew the appointments of the PPP Min-

The PPP launched a campaign of civil disobedience against the draconian measures the Governor had imposed. However, the British authorities were determined to crush the Party and the police, and the British army carried out raids on the homes of its leaders, many of whom had to obtain police permission to travel outside their residential districts. Under the State of Emergency, public meetings and gatherings were also banned. Nevertheless, such bans applied only to the PPP, since anti-PPP groups were granted permission to hold meetings. It became ludicrous, when the police considered the attendance of PPP officials at religious services as political activity and charged them with breaking the law. Organizations such as the Demerara Youth Rally, the Pioneer Youth League and the British Guiana Peace Committee were banned on December 15, 1953. In May 1954, the police closed the PPP headquarters on Regent Street, in Georgetown. SPLIT IN THE PPP Before the PPP 1953 victory, my father had told me that all was not well within the party and that Burnham was being prodded to challenge Jagan for the leadership. I thought that the PPP’s resounding victory at the polls would have strengthened the relationship between the two men. Regrettably, it did not. Two factions developed within the party supporting either man. According to Jainarine Singh in his book “Guyana: Democracy Betrayed”, he states: a meeting was held in late 1954 to resolve the differences. He said that both Cheddi Jagan and

PART TWO OF THREE

Forbes Burnham were present. It was decided that it would “be strategically astute for Jagan to give way to Forbes Burnham as leader of the party. Jagan agreed with this, but it must be noted that his wife Janet was absent from the meeting. He recalled another executive meeting in late November when Janet was present. At that meeting, Cheddi announced that he was not supporting the decision reached at the earlier meeting.” Although the party’s constitution stated that party conferences were to be held in March of each year, Forbes Burnham, as Chairman, decided to hold one on February 12 and 13, 1955. He circumvented the provision by calling it a “special conference” with a fixed agenda, excluding members’ motions. Dr. and Mrs. Jagan, Rory Westmas, Martin Carter and other important members of the party did not attend the first day’s meeting, which was held at the Auditorium in Charlotte Street. They attended on the 13th at the Metropole Cinema, only after Forbes Burnham agreed that elections would not be held. Shortly after the meeting commenced, Clinton Wong, one of Forbes Burnham’s close associates, requested suspension of the standing rules on the basis that he wanted to move a motion of no confidence in the Executive Committee and another for holding new elections. Forbes Burnham then consulted with the 13 members on the platform. Although seven disagreed with Wong’s motion, he allowed it. Janet Jagan, Rory Westmas, Dr. Jagan, Martin Carter, Ashton Chase, Sydney King, Jessie Burnham, Lionel Jeffrey, Eric Huntley, Vernon Morris, Fred Bowman, George Robertson and approximately 200 floor members walked out. The meeting continued, elections were held, and a new executive was elected. It comprised Forbes Burnham, Leader; Dr. J. P. Latchhmansing Chairman, Cheddi Jagan, Senior Vice-Chairman; Clinton Wong, Junior ViceChairman; Jainarine Singh, Secretary: Jessie Burnham, Assistant Secretary: Janet Jagan, Treasurer. Eusi Kwayana, Rudy Luck, Ulric Fingal, E. Bobb, A. P. Alleyne, R. Mitchell, Surajballi, H. Sargeant, Pandit Misir, Pandit Ramoutar, Jagnarine, Mohamed Khan, R. Fields, Jane Phillips-Gay and M. Edinboro were elected General Council Members. Dr. Jagan, Mrs. Jagan, Sydney King and Rudy Luck never joined or held office in the splinter group. On February 15, 1955, the Executive Committee of the PPP convened

(continued on page 25)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Calls grow for King’s removal CALLS are growing for the sacking of Town Clerk Royston King and the matter was discussed at last weekend’s General Council of the People’s National Congress Reform. Only on Wednesday, former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan said he intends to move a no-confidence motion against King. Similarly, PNCR firebrand in the Sophia area, Andrea Marks, who is also a city councillor, warned King at Monday’s statutory meeting about a no-confidence vote. In a correspondence seen by this newspaper, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan told Chase-Green that at a Central Executive Committee meeting on February 7, 2018, concerns were expressed about her pub-

lic conduct. “Madam Mayor, on 2018.02.07 at a meeting of the members of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), be informed that concerns were expressed about your public conduct generally, with specific reference to your public utterances which may be construed only as confrontational to the office and / or the person holding the office of the Minister of Communities, and the effects and implications of such conduct,” Bulkan wrote the mayor. Further, on 2018.02.10 at a meeting of the General Council of the PNCR, a delegate and councillor called for the removal of the town clerk (TC) of the City of Georgetown. That call was premised on the opinion

of the delegate that the TC’s conduct, deportment, and actions constitute an embarrassment to the administration,” Bulkan told Chase-Green in the letter. Regarding King’s conduct, Minister Bulkan made reference to a missive penned by Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikaran, which informed him that he was unaware that an appeal of the court order by the town clerk had been undertaken regarding the Bel Air Park fiasco. “Mr. Jaikaran stated too, that he was similarly taken aback by the decision which predicated the court order, namely, the use of the Bel Air Park playfield for housing, as neither of those matters were decided nor even discussed by council. He made clear his disapproval of such practices,” the Communities Minister said.

Minister Bulkan also called on the mayor to provide information pertaining to business transactions made by the council. “Be informed that I require the following: a complete list of all contracts, leases, sales, and any other transactions involving assets (real estate, equipment, etc) under the control of council, between the date of assuming office in April 2016 to the present,” the letter stated. Chase-Green has recently accused Minister Bulkan of interfering with the work of the council, a charge he has dismissed. The mayor and town clerk have been receiving criticisms for several months from various stakeholders regarding their conduct, including their role in the Smart City Solutions parking meter project. That mat-

…PNCR executive concerned about mayor’s conduct ter is engaging the attention of the courts. Meanwhile, Duncan has signalled his disapproval of King’s conduct and wrote in his letter to the editor of this newspaper that: “The Council is no longer in charge at City Hall, the Town Clerk is in full command.” Duncan says the longer he listens to King, the longer he contemplates his actions, “the more I am convinced that we can no longer countenance his brand of administration over the capital city, Georgetown.” The former deputy mayor said when the APNU+AFC Government was elected in 2015, “we had high hopes that the government we were electing would give us a clean break from the past. It was the mandate and expectation carried in the expressions, “It Is Time!” and “Vote for Change”.

The hope of change buoyed us. It was the deep desire shared by the majority of Guyanese and precipitated regime change. It was a new dispensation which unleashed local government elections in 2016. Yet, events since the election of the “new” City Councillors have caused the reasonable man to conclude that at the local government level, we were not to have a change but an exchange.” According to Duncan, local government elections were an opportunity for the promise of democratic renewal to be made real, yet it was not to be in full measure or any meaningful way. “Our city is managed from crisis to crisis; we lurch from scandal to scandal, the latest being the Bel Air Park and Farnum Play Grounds.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

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

soot over the years, falling loose bricks in the chimney, the flue system clogged, the chimney air flap inoperable. These are some of the main causes carbon monoxide seep into your home, since there is no escape through the chimney causing unnecessary accidents. Particularly in the winter months, windows and doors are sealed tightly to keep the heat within your home. Hence when the carbon monoxide builds up there is no escape. In order to reduce the number of home fires and fatal home disasters, homeowners need to properly install and maintain heating equipment, monitor the carbon monoxide levels in their home, have a working smoke alarm detector and use extreme care when burning wood for heat. HEALTH SYMPTOMS Smoke and Carbon-monoxide detector It has been known for tector in their home — leaving more than decades that Carbon monoxide poisoning half of families in potential danger of car- can produce lasting health harm, mainly bon monoxide poisoning. In recent reports, through the destructive effects on the cencarbon monoxide poisoning caused by tral nervous system. Some studies found heating equipment causes 5%, or nearly that 25-40% of people died during acute ex300 cases of unintentional home-poisoning posure, while 15-40% of the survivors sufdeaths every year. fered immediate or delayed illness. Today carbon monoxide is the most Low concentrations reveal fatigue in commonly encountered and pervasive poi- healthy people, and chest pain in people son in our environment. It is responsible for with heart disease. Higher concentrations more deaths than any other single poison, reveal impaired vision and coordination; and it caters for enormous suffering and headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea morbidity in those who survive. and irregular breathing. Very high concentrations result in fatality. Carbon monoxide PRECAUTION Carbon monoxide poisoning is not the combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen only winter safety threat; the number of carrying substance in our red blood cells. house fires increase as the months grow As a result, the molecule called carbox-hecolder. The State of Home Safety in “Amer- moglobin forms. In fact, hemoglobin is two ica Report” found that many homes have hundred and fifty (250) times attracted to smoke alarms installed. Unfortunately only carbon monoxide than to oxygen. If you a small percentage are operable and func- breathe air that is 0.1% carbon monoxide tioning according to the fire department within one hour, it will bind to 50% of your regulations. Most instances batteries are not hemoglobin molecules, which is just the replaced and on occasion they are not tested same as losing half of your blood volume. leaving millions of smoke alarms ineffec- Although hemoglobin will eventually give up the bound carbon monoxide, it does so tive. very slowly. One treatment for carbon When was the last time you had a promonoxide poisoning is to give the victim fessional visit your home and have your supplemental oxygen through an oxygen chimney cleaned? The back-up of chimney muzzle. A patient may even recover from carbon monoxide poisoning with little or no long-term effects if the treatment is initiated quickly and properly. Remember this gas is colorless and practically odorless so it is incumbent on us to take all the necessary measures to avoid inhaling this toxic gas. If you suspect that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, leave the house, and visit your family doctor for medical attention. TIPS Some space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are all leading causes of winter home fires and carbon monoxide

arbon Monoxide poisoning, sometimes known as the silent homeowner killer, can be caused by improper care and use of home heating sources; and unless important heating safety precautions are administered, it can strike your life or your family’s life at any time. Last week I had the opportunity to liaise with my plumber, one of the few licensed plumbers who hail from Grenada. He claims he makes it his duty to read my articles every week and asked me to elaborate on the importance of carbon monoxide protection, especially now in the winter season. The reason being he recently experienced a mishap and loss of a family member under similar circumstances. WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE? Burning any fuel produces carbon monoxide. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home such as oil or gas burners for heating, space heaters, fireplaces and cooking stoves are potential sources. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little carbon monoxide. Improperly operating appliances can produce fatal carbon monoxide concentrations in your home. Likewise using charcoal indoors such as bar-b-que grills or running a car in a closed garage, also having a generator inside of your home can cause carbon monoxide build-up and could lead to poisoning. Carbon monoxide also reacts with chlorine to form another poisonous gas, phosgene, which forms when plastics and other synthetic materials such as PVC pipes are burned in unventilated spaces. STATISTICS According to a recent study from the Home Safety Council, the State of Home Safety in a American poll report, 67 percent of households use gas, wood, kerosene, coal or fuel as their major heating source that would release carbon monoxide when burned. More than 100,000 medical visits each year are caused by old or poorly serviced heating sources. Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide poses a very harmful threat to our families. Unfortunately, in the United Sates only about 35% to 40% of homeowners have an operable carbon monoxide de-

Homeowners / Tenants - Beware

poisoning. This is also possible in the summer months where one system is used for both heating and hot water purposes. The following tips are recommended to avoid potential dangers:– • Install at least one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home especially near the sleeping areas. • Never leave a car running in a closed garage. • Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your central heating system and repair leaks. • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced. • Do not burn charcoal indoors or in a garage. • Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use. • Never use a cooking stove to heat your home. • If you have a wood stove ensure that you burn approved wood and avoid any toxic material. All wood stoves should be placed on approved stove boards to protect the floor from heat and hot embers. • Ensure that a stainless steel cap is installed on your chimney; the crown is cemented properly; chimney pointed with waterproof cement; base of chimney re-tarred; flue pipes and smoke pipes are securely installed. • Hire a professional to sweep and clean your chimney at least once yearly to prevent creosote buildup. • Never ever operate a generator in your enclosed home. CAUTION A carbon monoxide detector can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of potential carbon monoxide sources. No detector is 100% reliable, and some individuals may experience health problems at levels of carbon monoxide below the detection sensitivity of these devices. Homeowners need to be aware that heating appliances have safety dangers that must be addressed to keep our families safe. Proper attention and maintenance of combustion appliances in the home is most important in reducing risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Let common sense and good judgment prevail. “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 February 16, 2016

Commemorative stamp for Dr Jagan’s 100th THE launch of a Cheddi Jagan Commemorative Stamp is among a series of projects and initiatives which the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will roll out in 2018, the management in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications announced on Monday. Though it is an autonomous service provider, the GPOC falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. At a news conference on Monday, Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes disclosed that the GPOC has entered into an arrangement with the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, to produce a philatelic stamp to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Dr. Cheddi Jagan – one of Guyana’s Founding Leaders. The former president was born on March 22, 1918. “The stamp was designed and is being produced by the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation located in New Jersey, USA. This company is a long time philatelic contractor with the GPOC, and I understand that it also produces stamps and related materials for postal services all across

the Caribbean,” the minister detailed. The special Cheddi Jagan Centenary stamp will be unveiled and made available to the public in March, she added, while stating that the corporation looks forward to continuing its relationship with the Research Centre. REHAB OF POST OFFICES That aside, Minister Hughes said in moving forward, the GPOC will be carrying out major rehabilitative works on post offices across the country and will simultaneously be equipping them with the necessary technology to allow for greater efficiency. “In 2016 I found almost every GPO building in a really decrepit state. We intend to change the public perception and at the same time, improve the quality of services we deliver. There are so many benefits all around but the one we want the most is a better relationship with our customers,” she told reporters. The Public Telecommunications Minister added: “We have a lot of work to do - rehabilitating post office buildings, installing computers and Wi-Fi for the residents to use (in city

and towns, inland and hinterland regions), and we are upgrading the quality of services we provide, including services for pensioners, while we add to functions of every neighbourhood post office.”

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes

At the time, Minister Hughes was speaking in the presence of GPOC’s Postmaster General, Karen Brown; Chairman, Reverend Raphael Massiah; and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Telesha Whyte, during a press conference at the Guyana Post Officer Training Centre in Georgetown. Brown in her presentation,

detailed that the post offices in New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Wales and Bagotville will be rehabilitated this year at a cost of $30M. These facilities, she posited, will have a modern outlook. “Offices will be equipped with security systems, adequate ICT, air conditioning, weather protection, seating accommodation, lavatory facilities and accessible by the infirm,” Brown explained. In embracing the Government’s mandate, the postmaster general, said that post offices will facilitate Information Communication and Technology (ICT) hubs within their parameters: “All of which, will provide a conducive environment for engagement; setting the atmosphere for productivity and cohesion,” she posited. As at December 1, 2017, the GPOC headquarters has been powered by solar system and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) simultaneously, compliments of the Government through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Additionally, in the field of ICT, Brown said GPOC plans to be fully computerised by the end of 2018. Already, 54 of the 65 post offices spread across

the country are computerised. And as the GPOC moves to enhance it services, steps are being taken to review a number of internal producers. It is also analysing the possibility of implementing a Postal Code which will aid in mail sortation and delivery. Additionally, the corporation is looking to complete the tasks assigned to it by the Universal Postal Union Operational Readiness for ECommerce Project (ORE) action plan. “In August 2017 the Universal Post Union launched its Operational Readiness for E Commerce (ORE) Project for Caribbean Countries. The aim of the project for the Caribbean countries is to address obstacles to online border transactions for customers, help participating Post to modernise operational processes, and use all available standardised IT tools, and Endto-End systems to implement operations solutions that meet e-commerce requirements,” Brown explained. Creating an End-to-End (E2E) process mapping; completion of the Security Self-Assessment tools, which will enable a Security Audit of GPOC’s operations by the Universal Postal Union; and

the acquisition of a an X-ray scanner,” are among the plans earmarked for 2018. The postmaster general noted that the GPOC acquired the X-Ray Scanner through the UPU Quality of Service Fund. She said while it will aid the corporation in improving the efficiency of its mail operations, it will also help to detect illicit items such as drugs. The GPOC has also commenced the process of acquiring ownership of the land it occupies in accordance with the Public Corporations (Post Office) Order No.109 of 1976. The process has started on an initial five plots of land in Bartica, New Amsterdam, Wismar, Charlestown and Anna Regina, to chart the course. According to Brown, surveys have been completed and the plans have already been signed off by the Lands & Survey Commission and are in GPOC’s possession. It is projected that this initial process will be completed in the second quarter of 2018. She noted that this move will increase the corporation’s asset base and better position it to be modernised. The project is budgeted at $3M.

GTT ready to partner with oil and gas industry–CEO at GIPEX GUYANA Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) stands ready to partner with the Oil and Gas Industry, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd when he spoke at the just concluded Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition (GIPEX). “Our beautiful Guyana is on the precipice of an exciting new era, as an impressive array of the world’s leading energy companies develops its offshore oil & gas fields and marches toward production. As with any large infrastructure development activity, a sustained investment of capital and expertise will be critical in making these projects a success,” Nedd said while extending a hand of partnership. Pointing out that GTT has pioneered many firsts in Guyana such as the modernisation of basic telecommunications, the nationwide launch of cellular services, the first high-speed broadband network, the deployment of LTE-based fixed wireless services, and the submarine cable that serves as the lifeblood of internet connectivity for the country, Nedd committed the company to even greater and better initiative. In 2017, GTT had also launched the nation’s first fibreto-the-home network, adding to the advanced and secure fibre-based services that it currently provides to businesses. The CEO further pointed out that the company has invested over US$150M in the development of communications infrastructure and advanced communications & information services in the last 10 years alone. Additionally, as the historically leading private employ-

er and tax payer to the Guyana Government, GTT has been a consistent and positive force in the local economy for economic development. Nedd said the company is a strong partner to the Government and the private sector, and is committed to “Do More” for its customers, so that they can do more in their businesses and personal lives.

GTT CEO, Justin Nedd

“Of note for the oil & gas companies attending GIPEX, the GTT subsea cable is an impressive example of this commitment. Built in 2010, the subsea cable currently carries 100 per cent of the nation’s business and private communications traffic that legally transits the nation’s borders, with plenty of additional capacity to spare. Since its inception, GTT has continued to invest in the cable to expand its initial capacity 50-fold (5000 per cent), and is committed to continuing to invest in and expand cable capacity to accommodate the nation’s growing communications traffic. Through access to other subsea and terrestrial cable holdings and partnerships, GTT also provides the diverse redundant fibre paths that ensure always-on connectivity,” he explained. For on-shore needs, he pos-

ited that GTT is also Guyana’s leading provider of advanced connectivity and information solutions. He posited that companies like Troy Resources have been partnering with GTT to receive much-needed telecommunication services. “As Troy Resources developed new gold fields, they needed a partner to invest alongside them in building infrastructure to support the new local operations. GTT made that commitment, building new towers, connect-

ing them to its advanced fibre network with high capacity microware links, and with ongoing network monitoring & management to ensure high availability. GTT moved with speed and strong technical competence, allowing Troy Resources to quickly realize its plans for new development,” he stated. Nedd added that “whether it is through the local technical experts that comprise its workforce, or drawing on the best global resources to which GTT

also has access, GTT has been steadfast in its commitment to its clients, and the company will bring this commitment to each and every one of its oil & gas partners.” He said GTT is also committed to Do More for the communities it serves. In recognition of the ongoing technical and investment leadership of GTT in the Guyanese information and communications technology sector, as well as the company’s extensive

philanthropic investment programme, GTT was awarded the 2017 “Large Business of the Year” honor by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry. GTT also received the 2017 “Corporate Citizenship Award of the Year” for the “Pinktober” initiative, which raised over GY$4 million to help raise Breast Cancer Awareness in association with the Guyana Cancer Foundation.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Main access road at Four Miles, Bartica almost complete - MPI THE rehabilitation of the main access road at Four Miles, Bartica, is almost complete, with one of the final stages, the paving works, wrapping up on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), to date, the road has been patched and workers also undertook the installation of kerbs and slipper drains. On Friday, workers

overlaid the road with 38mm thick asphalt and these works continued over the weekend. The rehabilitation of the stretch is being done to the tune of $30M. Works are also ongoing at Mabaruma in the North West District on the main public road passing through the town. The roadway is being capped with concrete and according to reports,

works are expected to be completed within the next two months on the roadway there. In the 2018 national budget, various sums of money were set aside for road projects across the country, including in the hinterland. The works are seen as pivotal by the government as they are expected to create a positive economic impact.

Works ongoing on the main access road in Bartica.

Barbados businesses for exploratory mission …10-member group comprising manufacturers and service exporters seeking to explore marketing opportunities

A GROUP of Barbadian manufacturers and services exporters will be in Guyana this week to explore trade and market opportunities here. The 10-member group which will be participating in the exploratory mission from February 11-14, are all recent graduates of the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation’s (BIDC) Export Readiness Training Programme, an initiative designed to equip new and potential exporters

with the knowledge, tools and strategies to successfully expand their businesses into new markets. The BIDC in a release stated that the companies are drawn from various sectors of the island’s economy including food and beverage; information technology services (particularly for medical services); building and construction; garments and fashion; footwear; media publishing and health and wellness sectors. The group comprises

AirtelCimTect Inc, Carepoint Solutions, Bibi’s Snacks Inc., Eve’s Creations, Locks Protector, Regal Elegance and Eastlanders Manufacturing (B’dos) Inc. The BIDC said that it has been working with the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) on the strength of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed between the two agencies and which speaks to the exploration of market opportunities, agency collaboration and exchange.

It stated that the 5 year period from 2013-2017, Guyana has received on average US$23 million in exports from Barbados every year, with exports growing by some 7% since 2013. On the other hand, Guyana exports approximatelyUS$13.7 million to Barbados, with export growth estimated at 44% over the corresponding five year period. The group will be accompanied by three BIDC Officers and they will be in Guyana for two full working

‘God don’t sleep’ By Clestine Juan

“GOD don’t sleep, I’ll get victory in the long run.” were the words of Regan Rodrigues, called ‘Grey Boy’, as he was committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. About 11:00am on Monday, Rodrigues walked into the courtroom of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dressed in a black pants and a grey jersey with the writing “Honor, Loyalty and Valor”. He held a Bible in his hands as he stepped in as a freedman. But he would soon be weeping, shaking his head as he muttered: “Why is it that I have to go through this over and over again?” he questioned Magistrate Latchman. The courtroom became silent as the Magistrate told Rodrigues that he was being committed to stand trial at the High Court for the capital offence of murder. “This court maintained that there was a sufficient case made out against you,” Magistrate Latchman said while

stating her three previous rulings discharging the said matter against Rodrigues. The magistrate further disclosed that based upon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealing her decision in the High Court, she was ordered by Justice Brassington Reynolds to comply with the direction of the DPP to commit him. Rodrigues was then taken to the prison where he will remain on remand until his trial before a judge and jury at the High Court. This decision came after the magistrate lost an appeal for a stay of execution (a delay in carrying out a court order) and was directed by Appeal Judge Dawn Gregory to comply with the directions of the DPP. However, with the matter still ongoing in the Appeal Court, Rodrigues’ committal will not affect the appeal by the Magistrate. In 2017, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed Latchman, via a letter, to commit Rodrigues to stand trial in the High Court. Magistrate Latchman had maintained that a prima facie

case was not made out against Rodrigues in relation to the murder, causing the DPP to issue a letter to the magistrate, instructing her to commit the matter to the High Court for trial.

When Rodrigues heard the contents of the letter, he broke down in tears and dropped to his knees while in the prisoners’ dock. “They want see me convicted for this murder na?” Rodrigues

Regan Rodrigues, called ‘Grey Boy’

Political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing.

“In accordance with section 72 (2) (ii) (a) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01, I hereby remit to your Worship the above-mentioned matter and direct you to comply with Sections 65 and 66 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01 with a view of committing the accused,” the letter stated.

said to the Magistrate. “I can’t take this thing no more… how much time I must be freed from this charge to prove to them that I’m innocent…Is best I kill myself and let these people feel nice,”Rodrigues said then. Despite the objection raised by the DPP, Rodrigues had the murder charge discharged against him again.

days.”It is hoped that useful networks will be forged, excellent working relationships will be borne and the foundation for new trade will be laid,” the BIDC said. In recent months, a number of business and manufacturing companies from various parts of CARICOM and the Caribbean region have been collaborating with their counterparts here. Trade links have been established between Guyanese and Cubans as well as Trinidadian firms in recent

months. As Guyana’s petroleum sector evolves, interest has grown among international entities in doing business here. A number of partnerships and discussions were undertaken between local and international firms at the just concluded Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) which saw participation from executives and personnel representing a large number of companies.

…says ‘Grey Boy’ after Crum-Ewing murder trial sent to High Court “There is absolutely no evidence,” the Magistrate had noted, as she dismissed the charge again and told Rodrigues that he was free to go. Latchman dismissed the case on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence against him. In her ruling, the magistrate said that while she was satisfied that the gun, which was used to shoot Crum-Ewing, was found at the home of the accused, the evidence offered by the prosecution did not implicate Rodrigues in the actual murder. Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes during that time had said that in one of Rodrigues’ oral statements, there was sufficient evidence that he has knowledge of the murder. According to Hughes, when Rodrigues was first arrested by the police at his home in River View, Ruimveldt, he had said to the ranks: “Officer, yuh can’t arrest me with this gun, this gun used to do nuff thing.” As such, Hughes emphasised that based on this statement by Rodrigues, it shows that the accused had knowledge of the crime and

what the gun was used to do. Additionally, Hughes had said that the fact that the murder weapon was found in the home of the accused showed that there was sufficient evidence for the matter to be committed to the High Court. The bullet-riddled body of Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, on March 10, 2015. The 40-year-old was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head and twice to the stomach. The police in a statement had stated that the political activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body. It was reported that the killer (s) used a .32 pistol to execute Crum-Ewing. The political activist was well-known for his one-man protest outside the office of former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall. Minutes before he was gunned down, he was reportedly heard via a bullhorn urging residents of the neighbourhood to vote against the then ruling PPP/C party.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 88 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Only offer to do the things you have time for. Luxury items will cost you more than you can truly afford. Control your temper by getting immersed in your work. Your competitive nature will enable you to win any contest you enter. Try to stay calm and do the best you can. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You are best not to nag or criticize. Take the time to help those less fortunate. You can make excellent investments if you are in the right place at the right time. You may find that someone you live with is not too happy, but you can’t really do anything about that right now. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Don’t second guess yourself, just go to it. Children may be difficult to handle. Investments that deal with property will pay off but could cause conflict with some family members. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value. Your lucky day next week will be Monday. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You could do extremely well in competitive sports events. Try to satisfy both of your needs. Children may be demanding, and entertainment could cost a lot more than you can really afford. Home improvement projects will run smoothly. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Someone around you may not be trustworthy. Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. Having your own business is a good idea. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You may find it difficult to communicate with someone at work. Think hard before going into business with friends or family. Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. You will meet new romantic partners if you get involved in seminars or travel. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Turn things around, make sure that others do their share. You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Don’t divulge secret information. You can make changes to your domestic scene that will benefit all who reside there. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) This period was meant for love. Make creative changes to your residence. Try not to take others for granted. Tempers could get out of hand this week. You will get along well with your colleagues this week. Get involved in creative projects that will enhance your earning power. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try not to spend too much on children or entertainment. Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe. Don’t let situations get out of control. You should put a little extra effort in at work. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) This is a great time to start that new health regimen you’ve been talking about. You can make money through your creative efforts. Your mate will be pushing you to do things that you really don’t want to do. You should be able to get a lot done. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack. Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards. You must be careful not to ignore the needs of the youngsters in your family. Be prepared to jump quickly if you wish to stay in the forefront of your industry this week. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You need some help this week. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time for yourself. You are likely to be left alone if you aren’t willing to bend just a little. Don’t ruffle the feathers of those you care about most. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

34. Train hopper 35. Lamp spirit 37. Tax letters 39. Home (abbr.) 40. Actor Lugosi 41. Rug 43. Trifle description 45. Actor Kilmer 46. Ram’s companion 48. Timber source 50. Grand in scale 54. Stimpy’s cartoon partner 55. Carnegie___ 56. Verdi opera 57. No longer working (abbr.) 58. Question 59. Stuck-up one DOWN 1. NY airport 2. Long time period 3. Edison’s initials

ACROSS 1. Fast airplanes 5. Corn center 8. “Don’t ___ stranger!” (2 wds.) 11. Baby horse 12. Jimmy Carter’s alma mater (abbr.) 13. “___ Yeller” 14. Leg joint 15. Loving caresses 16. Ghost ___ chance (2 wds.) 17. Final curtain 19. Pig sound 21. Short sleep 24. Expense 26. Ran into 27. Timetable abbr. 28. Replaced a regular (2 wds.) 30. Novel’s main story 32. High school subj.

W O R D F I N D

F A S H I O N

ANIMAL PRINT

T R E N D S MOD

BOHEMIAN

PREPPY

DISCO

RETRO

CASUAL

EIGHTIES

PUNK

ROCKER

EMO

SEASONAL

GLAM

SKINHEAD

FLARES

SKATER

GOTH

SPORTSWEAR

HIPPIE

URBAN

GRUNGE MILITARY

4. Driving hazard 5. Civil War side (abbr.) 6. Unfooled by 7. Fundamentals 8. Bestseller’s spot 9. Santa’s little helper 10. Toothpaste-accepting gp. 12. Modernize 18. Compass dir. 20. Genesis sailor 21. Autograph hound’s prey, for short 22. Amendment for wrongdoing 23. Unreasoning fear 25. Lama’s home 26. Fuel economy letters 29. Numerals (abbr.) 31. Bathroom floor piece 33. Rough road surface 34. Entertainer Kitt 38. Spanish married woman (abbr.) 42. Prayers 44. Significant periods 46. Make mistakes 47. Petite 49. Antlered animal 51. Bobby___ 52. Bride’s vow (2 wds.) 53. NYC transportation, often

TEDDY BOY VINTAGE

ISSUE 88 WORDFIND ANSWER

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

More Arrested in Alleged Plot To Disrupt Carnival — T&T PM Says Security Concerns Remain PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A total of 13 people have now been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to disrupt Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has insisted that the threat was “no joke” and there are still serious security concerns about the security of the state.

On February 8, police reported that they had uncovered and thwarted the threat, with four men being arrested that day. Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said yesterday that in addition to detaining several more suspects — none of whom has yet

been released — more raids were conducted. At a media briefing following a Cabinet retreat yesterday, Prime Minister Rowley said the country still had to stay on the alert. “As Chairman of the National Security Council, we did have and we still do have very serious concerns about the safety and security of the state, and when the government sees it necessary to indicate that we are dealing with credible threats I just hope that citizens take that phrase very seriously,” he said. Some Trinidad and Tobago nationals have gone overseas to train with and fight with terror group, ISIS, and Rowley said “some of

the training poses a threat to us” . “We would be putting our heads in the sand if we do not acknowledge and accept that we as a people are part of the scourge of internationally unacceptable developments,” he said. “This moreso in recent times when some of our citizens have taken positions that are alien to us as a people and are detrimental to the well-being of our nation if their teachings and actions are allowed to go unobserved or unchecked.” Asked if information showed there were further threats, the Prime Minister emphasized: “We must understand there are citizens in T&T who engaged themselves in and subscribe to ideologies and

T & T PM Dr. Keith Rowley activities, which, if taken to their logical conclusion, can cause detriment to the people of T&T. We’d be burying our heads in the sand if we don’t accept that.” (Caribbean360)

Jamaica Seeks Help From PAHO/WHO To Start National Insurance Scheme KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says the Government has engaged a team from the Pan American Health

Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to assist in the development of a national health insurance scheme.

— WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle, Inc.) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an established account list. The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean. It is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyana chronicle.com). Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you. EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: DENNIS NELSON @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

“We have consultants that, in another two to three months, will present a proposal, which we anticipate will move the country towards a national health insurance scheme,” he said, adding that the completed document will be examined and a determination made as to its implementation. Pointing out that very few Jamaicans have health insurance, the Minister explained that with the increasing health risks, it is essential that all citizens have access to quality services. “Only about 20 percent (of Jamaicans) are insured. Of that 20, about 10 per cent are government employees

Dr. Christopher Tufton

and eight percent are in the private sector,” he said. Dr. Tufton said the national health insurance scheme aims to provide coverage for all, and that it is in line with Government’s policy to ensure that all Jamaicans, particularly the vulnerable, have the most basic health insurance coverage. He further noted that a national health insurance scheme would ensure that the health sector has an effective model in place that enables people to make contributions over time. This, he said, will ensure that the system has sufficient resources to respond to the health needs of citizens. “We don’t want to charge people when they reach the point of access; rather, long before you require the doctor, we are saying that persons can make a contribution . . . in anticipation that, one day, you will need this service. That is why we are working on a national health insurance scheme,” he said. The National Health Fund (NHF) is overseeing the development of the national health insurance scheme. (Caribbean360)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Lindo Creek COI hearings on hold …Commissioner cites lack of prerequisite arrangements By Svetlana Marshall

THE first public hearing for the Lindo Creek Massacre Commission of Inquiry (COI) was postponed on Thursday over what the Chairman (Retd) Justice Donald Trotman described as absence of internal prerequisite arrangements. The first of a series of public hearings into the June 2008 massacre was scheduled to commence at 9:00hrs on Thursday at the Department of Public Service but after approximately one hour of waiting, Justice Trotman, notified reporters that the public hearing was postponed until further notice. “We had scheduled the commencement of public hearings from today but due to regrettable circumstances over which we had no control, the commission has no control whatsoever, because of certain important prerequisite arrangements for the functioning of the commission have not been put in place, we are unable to hold any

public hearings, and for that matter any other inquiries until these important perquisites have been put in place,” the Commissioner explained. A staff of the CoI Secretariat had earlier indicated to the press that four persons were scheduled to take the stand. The Commissioner confirmed that those persons are relatives of some of the eight miners whose burnt remains were found at Lindo Creek in the Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice District on June 21, 2008. “We have been expecting relatives of the deceased whose deaths are being inquired at Lindo Creek. Some of them have not been able to come and some may arrive late and the uncertainty of their presence is one of the factors,” Justice Trotman further explained. He, however, ruled out that the relatives maybe somewhat hesitant to appear before the Commission. “No, I think it is a matter of logistics, transportation, many of them live pretty

far out and while we have been in telephonic communication with them, we have not had, in many cases, direct communications with them,” he said. Justice Trotman said he remains hopeful that the outstanding issues would be addressed soon to allow for public hearings to commence on Monday February 19. Public hearings were scheduled for Thursday February 15, Monday February 19 and Thursday February 22, 2018. The CoI has been established to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry-Wong, on or about June 21, 2008 and to report its findings and recommendations to President David Granger. Leonard Arokium, the owner of the mining camp in which the eight miners were found dead, had long argued that the killings were committed by members of the Joint Ser-

vices but the police on the other hand had said that the men were murdered by the then Rondell Rawlins, alias ‘Fine Man’, gang. Arokium’s son, Dax, 29; his brother, Cedric called “Brother” were among those killed. Arokium was not among those who were scheduled to speak on Thursday Guyana Chronicle has confirmed. One of the key witnesses, Courtney Wong, in an interview with this newspaper earlier this month, had said that the “truth is out there.” Courtney Wong – the brother of Clifton Wong who was among the eight miners brutally killed– said news surrounding the massacre had been smeared with lies by political leaders and the security forces, but the CoI will give the world a chance to know the truth – “the full truth” about the incident. Close to 10 years later, Wong, who had worked along with Arokium at the mining camp as a mechanic, expressed

Justice (Retd) Trotman

the belief that the men had been killed by the Joint Services. “I am glad that the truth will be able to come out now,” he told this newspaper. Wong’s brother had journeyed to the Lindo Creek mining camp in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice Region to replace him after he had left for Georgetown to conduct business. He had said when the time comes, he will testify at the CoI to ensure that justice is served. Wong was among those who had journeyed with the police to Lindo Creek after the discovery was made by Arokium on June

21, 2008. The CoI Secretariat, in a notice, said all persons wishing to testify are asked to submit statements of their intended testimonies in writing to the commission prior to their appearing before it. Persons who wish to testify, but may need assistance in composing their witness statements will be assisted by the Commission’s Secretariat and are invited to contact the secretariat at the email address and/or telephone number lindocoi@dps.gov.gy or 227-2292. The CoI was established to investigate and make findings of fact on all matters in relation to the killings of the eight miners. It will also make recommendations on actions to be taken against all persons and/ or organisations that are deemed responsible for the deaths of those persons. The commission will be accepting original and follow-up statements from interested parties during its life and will be setting subsequent hearings to facilitate the attendance of witnesses.

Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan appointed Acting Justice of Appeal SENIOR Counsel Rafiq Khan was sworn in as Acting Justice of Appeal by President David Granger during a simple ceremony at State House on Wednesday. The six-month appointment, which is in accordance with Article 128 (2) (D) of the Constitution of Guyana, took immediate effect. President Granger, in delivering remarks, said the appointment was necessary to preserve and protect the rights of citizens to equal protection and benefit of the law. “The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is committed to ensuring equal protection and benefit of the law through its support for access by all to justice and the efficient and timely dispensation of justice by the courts. Equality before the law can exist only where there is access to the law. The absence of such access deprives citizens of equal protection and benefit of the law,” the President said. He said that an efficient and independent judiciary must include a full complement of legal officers, magistrates and judges, which enables judicial efficiency, to ensure that citizens’ cases are heard expeditiously. Such an effective judicial system would enhance public confidence in the rule of law. Justice Khan, who was elevated to the status of Senior Counsel in 2017, said that he was interviewed for the position by the Judicial Service Commission in July, 2017. “What I think I can bring to the table is

vast experience in civil procedures. When you come out of private practice and you go unto the Bench, you bring a different perspective,” Justice Khan told reporters. In giving a synopsis of life in the profession, the Senior Counsel noted that he has been practicing Civ-

George-Wiltshire and Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, were also present at the swearing-in ceremony. In a demonstration of its commitment to judicial independence and efficiency, the current Government passed the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015

Attorney General Basil Williams, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, President David Granger, Justice Rafiq Khan, Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hastings-Williams (DPI Photos)

Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan taking the Oath of Office as Acting Justice of Appeal

il Law for most of the 30 years he has been in the field. He also taught at the University of Guyana for about three years, served on the Rows Committee for 10 years and the Legal Practitioners Committee for 15 years. Last month, President Granger appointed Attorney-at-law Dr. Arif Bulkan as an acting Judge of the Court of Appeal. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Acting Chief Justice, Roxane

to pave the way for the financial autonomy of the judiciary. Additionally, an acting Chancellor and Chief Justice were appointed after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and several judges were appointed to both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Moreover, the Government has appropriated adequate resources for the establishment of new buildings for the Land and Commercial registries and a new wing for the High Court and has committed to continued compliance with decisions made by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and court rulings.

Seven trials, five convictions at new Sexual Offences Court LESS than three months after it opened its doors for operation, the Sexual Offences Court is reporting that it has heard some seven cases and has recorded five convictions. Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George told the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently that the operation of the court is moving ahead smoothly. Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall currently presides over the Sexual Offences Court. “We think the court is working fairly well, we are going to do an analysis of the stats of the court in the coming weeks to have a formal assessment of how it is working, but from all reports, it is going fairly smoothly,” Justice George told the DPI. The average length of a trial is approximately four days. The longest so far has been eight days and the shortest three days, the Chief Justice said.

Justice George noted that the courtroom is a purpose-built facility where judges are required to manuscript the evidence manually. It also has an audio-visual room for witnesses to testify. The Sexual Offences Court is housed in the Supreme Court. It represents the commitment of the judiciary to be responsive to the concerns raised in society about the conduct of trials of sexual offences cases. Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards at the opening of the court in November last year, said that victims and witnesses of sexual offences require specialist treatment. She added that if the process is not handled carefully, it can pose secondary trauma to them. As such, the idea of a special court dealing with everyone involved was birthed. A court that would provide justice for all, she noted.

The court has a panel of eminent judges including Justices Simone Morris-Ramlall, Jo Ann Barlow, Navindra Singh, James Bovell-Drakes and Brassington Reynolds whose functions are rotated. Witnesses also have a special room to give their testimony, while a panel of support staff is being overseen by the Chief Justice. Looking ahead, Justice Cummings Edwards has said the service will be taken to Berbice and Essequibo, the two-sub registries that have Supreme Courts. “They are also looking at training for the persons involved in dealing with the sexual offences matters. Training will be provided by two Trinidad and Tobago specialists with experience in sexual abuse and psychology and a judge who is a veteran in trying sexual abuse matters,” she said.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

SIR SHRIDATH RAMPHAL — GUYANA’S TRUMP CARD AGAINST VENEZUELA “Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man” — William Shakespeare "One of those men who have become famous because in their fight for human justice they have chosen the entire world as their theatre" — Nelson Mandela on Sir Shridath Ramphal “Everything is at stake for Guyana” — Sir Shridath Ramphal During my law school days, circa College, it was Lady Lois Ramphal 1979, two concerned alumni in the who did us the honors of presenting all same International law class, asked me prize winners, while her husband, afwhat was Guyana’s answer to fectionately called “Sonny,” gave the Venezuela’s recurring claim to three- feature address. My respect for this quarters of Guyana being illegally icon has only grown since then, as his seized by Venezuela. The name Sir global stellar achievements multiplied. Shridath "Sonny" Ramphal entered Coincidentally, through similar my mind almost reflexively. “He is our industry and application, Guyana’s trump card,” I reassured them, “He is present Ambassador to the U.S., S. R. a world renowned diplomat, and he D. Insanally, and Neville Bissember, will lead the way.” Jr., also received prizes for academic His son Mark Ramphal had sat in achievement. These alumni are now the same class with me when I at- two of Guyana’s leading international tended Queens College earlier in 1970. law scholars, and their inputs can only I later renewed my acquaintance with help Guyana’s cause. Retired diplohim at the UWI Law Faculty in Bar- mat, Odeen Ishmael’s contributions bados. When I made the list for aca- and experience will be invaluable to demic excellence in 1972 at Queens Guyana’s fortunes at this critical junc-

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

Sir “Sonny” Ramphal, Guyana’s international statesman, is the linchpin of Guyana’s success against Venezuela’s illegal claims to three-quarters of its territory. He is photographed at Buckingham Palace at an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth London Declaration on April 28, 2009 in London, England with the Queen, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma; Sir Shridath Ramphal and Sir Don McKinnon. © GPD AP

ture in its history and well-being. So too will Rashleigh Jackson’s, Rudolph “Rudy” Insanally, and others too numerous to mention. Eminent Guyanese jurist Mohamed Shahabuddeen, who served with distinction as a World Court Judge, can provide valuable input on the law and the inner workings of the Court. However, political differences must be put aside in favor of Guyana’s united, national interests. The UK’s cooperation and assistance is also essential to Guyana’s case, as a necessary party and facilitator to the controversy, and, at a minimum, is morally obliged to assist a former colony it benefited so much from. The UK was a witness to the “Geneva Agreement,” the basis of the UN Secretary General’s decision, which was finalized in negotiations on February 16-17, 1966, between Britain, Venezuela and British Guiana. It basically negated Venezuela’s claim from advancing. Moreover, this case is of paramount importance and international significance, and the future of world peace depends heavily on the way it is adjudicated. Now, decades later, my answer to the recurring question as to who Guyana has to lead such a monumental defense to the important claim of defending Guyana, and defeating Venezuela’s illegal and dangerous threats, remain the same. Sir S. S. Ramphal was, and remains, Guyana’s trump card. He would be the first to tell you that he owes a lot to his native Guyana for being his oyster toward becoming who he is widely considered — the Caribbean's leading interna-

tional statesman, and a world renowned diplomat and internationalist. However, he will soon be 90 years old, and by his own experienced estimations, the case will take “a matter of years” to be finally concluded. After all, it has dragged on for centuries, and Venezuela has advanced claim after claim, in an evil attempt to wrest Guyana’s territory from it, and most likely will continue to use such strategic tactics to thwart Guyana. All Guyana and the world wish that “Sonny” will live far beyond the coveted century mark. However, realism and legal strategy dictate that we record and preserve his testimonies, respected opinions and utterances on this matter for future use in this landmark case. He is the only person alive today who was there when the treaty was signed, intimately involved at the highest levels. Accordingly, Ramphal’s sworn deposition, thoughts, and arguments must be preserved in the sad event that Father Time calls time on him, or his faculties. This is done universally in legal matters to preserve testimony, and the importance of his is paramount to Guyana’s ultimate success in this case. To abdicate this responsibility and strategy would be tantamount to engaging in legal malpractice, and perhaps, handing victory to the Venezuelans. Moreover, such precedent has already been created in this case. Venezuela’s belated 1949 claims has its genesis in a dubious, posthumous memorandum allegedly written by

(continued on page 25)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

History of political parties in Guyana and expelled Forbes Burnham, Jainarine Singh, Dr. J. P. Latchmansingh, Jessie Burnham and Ulric Fingal. In April 1955, a Congress, chaired by Eusi Kwayana, was held at Buxton. He moved a motion to declare the February elections null and void and to expel all members of the splinter group from the Party. The motion passed. Because of the split, the electorate had the unenviable task of choosing between the two PPPs in the elections scheduled for 1957. They were to be held under a new constitution devised by Alan Lennox-Boyd, Secretary of State and Sir Patrick Renison, who succeeded Sir. Alfred Savage as Governor. Its main features were a single-chamber Legislative Council of 8 nominated, 12 elected and 4 ex-officio members and an Executive Council comprising one nominated, five elected and four ex-officio members The PPP scored a resounding victory in the 1957 elections, winning nine of the 14 elected seats PNC After its loss in the elections, Burnham’s faction changed its name to the People’s National Congress (PNC). MERGER OF PNC AND UDP

(continued from page 16)

In 1959, the United Democratic Party (formerly the New Democratic Party)

merged with the PNC. Forbes Burnham remained Leader. Its executives included Eusi Kwayana, Andrew Jackson, President of the POWU, John Carter, whom I greatly admired, despite our political differences; Eugene Correia and Neville Bissember, a Georgetown lawyer. UNITED FORCE On October 5, 1960, a new political party, the United Force (UF) entered the political arena. Peter D’Aguiar, whose business initiatives had made many ordinary Guyanese financially comfortable, was its founder/leader. He was Portuguese, and his new party attracted many Portuguese, middle class Africans and middle-class Indians. It received heavy backing from the CIA and its political rhetoric consisted of calling Jagan a communist and calling for his ouster. THE 1961 ELECTIONS Three parties contested the 1961 elections — PPP, PNC and UF. The PPP nominated candidates for 29 of the 35 constituencies. The party conceded North West District to Eugene Correia and New Amsterdam to Rudy Kendall. It also did not contest four Georgetown seats. The United Force fielded 34 candidates and the PNC contested all seats. The PPP won the elections by taking 20 of the 35 seats. The P.N.C. won 11 and the UF four. The Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, appointed Dr. Jagan Premier and asked him to form a Government. Dr. Jagan named a Council of Ministers, which replaced the Executive Council They Ministers were:

Dr, Cheddi Jagan (Development and Planning), Brindley Benn (Natural Resources) Boysie Ram Karran (Works and Hydraulics), Balram Singh Rai (Home Affairs), Cedric Nunes (Education) Jocelyn Hubbard (Trade and Industry), Ranji Chandisingh (Labour, Health and Housing), Dr. Charles Jacob, Jnr. (Finance), Earle Gladstone Wilson (Communications) and Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye, British Guiana’s first PhD in Law, (Attorney General). After the PPP victory, some African leaders began saying openly that the government was an Indian government and would only look after Indians’ interests. Two of the most prominent of these, Eusi Kwayana and H. H. Nicholson, formed the Society for Racial Equality (SRE), which claimed it aimed at protecting the African people. Earlier, Eusi had formed a proAfrican organization, which he named the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA). Despite its name, the SRE was disinterested in an integrated society based on racial equality and angrily opposed independence under the PPP. On January 31, 1962 the government introduced a budget to raise money to honour its pay increase to civil servants and other government employees with whom it was bargaining. The budget proposals were based on the recommendations of Nicholas Kaldor (later Baron), then professor of Economics at London University. He had been an economic adviser to the governments of India and Ghana. The PNC, UF, the Georgetown Cham-

ber of Commerce, big business and the church attacked the budget as “oppressive”. In a speech delivered in the Legislative Council on March1, 1962, Forbes Burnham said that the budget proposals “were unbearable, and interpreted by the workers to be an attempt on the part of the government to further lower their already low standards.” During February, 1962, opposition political parties and the Trades Union Council (TUC) mounted street demonstrations against the Budget. A TUC official had travelled to New York to meet with the AFL-CIO leaders, including Serafino Romualdi and George Meany, who were involved in operations to overthrow the PPP Government. The CSA had become the agent of the British Public Service International (BPSI) to defeat the PPP. After Jagan’s victory in 1957, the BPSI set to work to consolidate those unions that supported Forbes Burnham.’ In April 1962, the Government amended many provisions of the budget, in keeping with the earlier demands of the PNC and the TUC. However, the Opposition did not accept them. During the third reading of the budget bill, in the absence of seven PPP legislators, the Deputy Speaker, PNC Assemblyman, W. O. R. Kendall, used his casting vote to defeat it. The Government, as a result, withdrew the budget and presented a modified one the following month. NEXT WEEK: THE PNC

SIR SHRIDATH RAMPHAL — GUYANA’S TRUMP CARD AGAINST VENEZUELA Severo Mallet-Prevost, one of the lawyers who presented the Venezuelan case before the arbitral tribunal in 1899, and who claimed that the award which settled the boundary between Venezuela and Guyana in 1899 was a result of a “political deal” between Great Britain and Russia, where a Russian Judge was the Chairman of the five-member arbitral tribunal, and was somehow manipulated. Severo refused to make his memorandum public and instructed that it should not be published until after his death. Severo’s rantings, already bereft of reliability, accuracy, and compromised by the fact that the most senior lawyer who argued the Venezuelan case, former US President Benjamin Harrison, in none of his writings, mentioned any of the Severo allegations, have been allowed to survive and play a major role in the survival of Venezuela’s present claim-despite the fact that the 1899 agreement is corroborated by the ratification of the Treaty of Washington back in 1897 by the Venezuelan Congress, and Maduro’s present actions contravene his coun-

(from page 24)

try’s own legislative history. In contrast, the resume of Sir Sonny Ramphal is compelling in a case of this international magnitude. Few can match his credentials, credibility and experience on the world stage. He commands respect and charisma. Guyana must seize the moment. In 1975 he left the highest legal positions in Guyana to be Commonwealth Secretary-General, a post he served with distinction and innovation for 15 years, excelling on a succession of international commissions. He was a key player fighting institutional racism in Southern Rhodesia, he spent much of his final 5 years as SecretaryGeneral in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, and had the honor of playing major roles in Nelson Mandela's release from prison in February 1990, and Namibia's independence the following month. In the 1980s he served on five independent international commissions, the Brandt Commission on International Development, the Palme Commission on Disarmament and Security Issues, the Brundtland Commission on Environment and Development, the

Commission on Humanitarian Issues, and the South Commission. He was also co-chair with Sweden's Prime Minister, Ingvar Carlsson, of the Independent Commission on Global Governance. Following his tenure at the Commonwealth Secretariat, he was appointed by the heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as their Chief Negotiator for international economic negotiations, with Europe, the Americas and globally. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Warwick from 1989 to 2002, at the University of the West Indies until 2003, and as Chancellor of the University of Guyana. Sir Shridath was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in the 1966 Birthday Honors, and invested with his Knighthood by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in February 1970. He was also appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) in 1990. On February 26, 1982, he was appointed an honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), and on February 6, 1990, he became the 19th

appointee to the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand's highest civil honor. He was decorated as a Member of the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in the first conferment in 1992, and in May 2006 he was appointed an Honorary Fellow of Royal Society of Arts. He is a Vice-President of the Royal Commonwealth Society, while the Ramphal Building at the University of Warwick was named in his honor. Preserve his testimony and opinions. It will be a lasting legacy to his life’s work and pivotal to Guyana’s success before the World Court. Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate, and his political efforts placed previously ignored minority communities like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Queens 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: AlBaldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

10 families receive new homes -- compliments of St. Francis Community Developers and Food For The Poor

St. Francis Community Developers, through Food For The Poor Guyana Inc (FFTP) on Tuesday handed over homes to 10 families and approved contracts for the construction of six new houses for six families in East Berbice, Corentyne. Construction of the new homes began on Wednesday. Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the headquarters of St.Francis--Portuguese Quarters--FFTP Senior Project Manager, Andrea Benjamin said the housing programme brings comfort and security to poor families. She noted that 16 families, 34 adults and 91 children will have access to adequate housing and pointed out that in 2017, of the 100 houses built by FFTP, more than 30 were built in Region Six. The wooden houses are outfitted with two bedrooms, 20 by 15 spacing, coupled with internal sanitation facilities and a water component. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative, Reuben Robertson praised the work of FFTP in helping the poor to own their

own home. “Poverty is not a crime. It is sometimes caused by circumstances outside of our control and when that happens it is everyone’s re-

ensure that human beings who are our colleagues, who are our own, live a life of dignity by having their own home.” United Nations Develop-

community development is the foundation for a better society. Tanaka, during her visit, made stops to several notable places in the region, includ-

Philanthropist and President of St.Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster with the recipients who received keys to their new homes. Standing next to Foster is Abigail Archibald

sponsibility to ensure persons have access to housing and food. They are fundamental human rights and so I think it’s fitting to us to recognise the work FFTP is doing to

ment Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mikoko Tanaka, who was on her inaugural visit to the region and St.Francis Community Developers, said

ing the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, the New Amsterdam Prison, GuySuCo Apprenticeship College, the Felix Austin Police College and several partnering

agencies that fall under the umbrella of St.Francis. Each recipient has a different story and each family is well-deserving of their new home, Alex Foster, philanthropist and president of St.Francis, said. Among the families who received keys to their new homes was Abigail Archibald, mother of the late Leonard Archibald who was sodomised and murdered on September 17, 2017, on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB). The Archibald family moved into their new home and into a new community at Chesney Village, Corentyne, during the Christmas Holidays. Another beneficiary Caroline Ramsay of Light Town Village, EBB, offers temporary foster care for children and Satie Ramotar of Kilcoy Settlement, a single mother of seven, who also supports her daughter, along with three grandchildren. The recipients expressed profound appreciation to all, especially FFTP and St. Francis for allowing them the opportunity to lead a comfortable life in a new

home. Regional Chairman David Armogan said the region is prepared to work with St. Francis to bring help to the people of the region. “As you know, at this time, we facing a grave crisis when it comes to employment in our region. Two major sugar producing estates have now been closed which means that over 3000 workers are now on the breadline, so every activity that can contribute to the creation of employment in the region, we are prepared to work with any agency and any organisation to bring economic development in our region to ensure we can be able to take care of those 3000 workers who are now looking for employment,” Armogan said. Foster told the gathering that the FFTP is working to enhance the housing programme and he has been able to identify a land for the construction of a village of homes in Berbice. He also noted that several stakeholders have committed their resources to assist in the initial phase of construction.

Ithaca residents bemoan slow pace of D&I works aback village

RESIDENTS of Ithaca have been expressing deep concern about the “misguided priorities” and slow pace of work of the contractor for the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID) Project aback of the village since workmen arrived there in mid-January. Some of the residents are members of the Ithaca Agricultural Land Development Coop Society on the West Bank of Berbice. Chairman of the Society Mr Desmond Weekes said that shortly after the arrival of his workmen, the Contractor for the $148M project had gone into undertaking work that residents

deemed to be unnecessary at this stage of the project. “His workmen started off on cleaning the façade drain at the front of the village. There was no need for that drain to be cleaned now. We don’t have a drainage problem in the village. The work is in the backdam at the project site, not in front. He said that the Coop wanted the contractor to go to the project area and drain areas that needed to be drained and clean the bushes that needed to be removed as a priority, so that people can begin to cultivate these lands as quickly as possible. He said: “We had the devil’s own job pointing out to them that we don’t have a problem with drainage in

front of the village. And even though they eventually agreed to deploy a machine into the critical area over two weeks ago, there is still no machine there to date.” Weekes said that members of the Co-op were frustrated and annoyed by the attitude of the contractor, adding that some members feared that he might declare that he has run out money even before the most essential works had been done. His views were echoed by Secretary of the Society Mr. Cromwell Williams who stressed that the façade where the contractor is “frizbuzzing or wasting time” with a single machine is easily and quickly drained. “We told them we don’t

have a problem with this drain. Yet they insisted on this course of action. It is non-productive since while they are working on a non-issue, we cannot plant because the real area which is in the back-dam is still heavily vegetated and poorly drained. This is where they ought to be.” He said that during a meeting with the contractor’s representative and supervising consultants these officials had agreed to deploy a machine to the backdam. “That meeting was on February 4th; to date February 13th nothing has happened. We are totally dissatisfied. We plan to take our complaints to officials of

the Ministry of Agriculture and to take further action if we don’t see some serious positive movements on this project very soon,” he said. H. NAUTH and Sons General Engineering Contractors had won the $148M contract for constructing drains, canals, access dams and hydraulic structures for the Rural Agricultural Infrastructural Development project (RAID) aback Ithaca, West Bank Berbice. Residents of the community expect to benefit from new drainage and irrigation infrastructure, plus land-preparation equipment and technical advice which will help to boost agricultural production on 900 acres of hitherto unproductive

land and improve livelihoods in the village. The opening up of unused fertile lands aback Ithaca is being made possible under a loan granted to the Government of Guyana by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). Buxton, Triumph and Mocha villages are the three small-scale farming communities in Region Four which will benefit from similar D&I systems and agricultural support under the scheme. Efforts to make contact with the contractor, the Supervising Consultant and relevant officials of the Ministry of Agriculture for a comment on the developing controversy at Ithaca proved futile.

Closure of Central High put on hold THE Ministry of Education (MoE) said that the closure of Central High School has been put on hold following a meeting with key stakeholders. In a terse statement, the ministry said it is currently exploring other avenues to have the children of that institution housed comfortably. This position follows a meeting with the Central High School

Board, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and officials of the MoE. Last week, the Board of Directors of the school had called on the ministry to clear the air on the future of the school, since they were informed that the institution will soon be moved from its

location at Smyth Street, Georgetown. Officials of the school were informed that the ministry has plans to “phase out” the school but students and teachers were not told where they will be housed once the process commences. “We had several meetings with ministry officials… last year we met with the current Minister of Education but we

have not heard anything positive as to where they are going,” Chairperson of the school’s Board of Directors, Ruth Howard said on a picket line last Wednesday. On that day members of the school’s board and parents had conducted a peaceful protest in front of the Ministry of Education on Brickdam. Howard had said then that the protest

was their last recourse in an attempt to get the attention of the ministry and other relevant authorities. She said too, that the school’s performance at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exam has been exceptional for the past few years. “In addition, we have suggested to them to move us to the Enter-

prise Primary School which was built for 1000 students but only has 200 students… that idea was rejected,” she lamented. Howard said parents of the over 1000 students at the school are beginning to worry about the future of the school and their children. She urged the ministry to meet with them and talk about the plans for the future.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2018

Nappi reservoir handed over to region

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (extreme right) and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock (in striped shirt) with representatives of Cataleya Energy Limited at the dedication site of the reservoir

The water reservoir located on Nappi lands in the Rupununi which was completed in 2017, was officially dedicated and handed over to the Region Nine community on Saturday. Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman during the commissioning ceremony told the gathering that the reservoir, which was completed in approximately six months, should be used as a medium to enhance the livelihood of Rupununi residents. The reservoir was constructed after the Rupununi area suffered a severe drought back in 2015/2016, drastically affecting the livelihood of the residents. Minister Trotman emphasised that the catchment area is

part of government’s commitment to ensuring the residents are never so adversely affected by a drought again. The new reservoir has been professionally engineered and designed by JR Ranch Incorporated and is buttressed by a 450-metre dam and has the capacity to hold 4.5 million cubic meters of water. The Natural Resources Minister lauded the company for a phenomenal job and encouraged the residents to use the water available for drinking purposes, aquaculture processing, agriculture and assist nearby communities. “That water is clean and can be consumed not just by residents but by the animals also, it is meant to be used to transform your lives… it is

yours, you will decide how you will use it for your joint and equal benefits….Don’t see this as another project being handed over, it is time you stand up and start taking care of it,” Minister Trotman underlined. Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, who also echoed the sentiments of Minister Trotman, urged the residents, particularly young people, to take up the responsibility of managing the reservoir. He lauded the initiative that will provide much need relief to the residents, as he recalled the devastating 2015/2016 drought. “We now have water here… (two years) when there was the severe drought there was a call for the access of water to the village. And because water

Some of the residents at the dedication ceremony of the reservoir in Nappi

is life, we started drilling deep wells with limited financial resources and assistance from Brazil and today we have this reservoir.” The Minister encouraged the residents to draft their “Village Improvement Plan” which would enable them to better manage the reservoir. The water catchment area is a public-private partnership between the government and Cataleya Energy Limited. The project was proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and funding, $1.2M, was provided by Cataleya Energy Limited. JR Ranch Incorporated was hired to construct the reservoir while Conservation International designed the programmes for the usage, upkeep and maintenance of the water catchment area.

Conservation International’s (CI) Technical Director, Curtis Bernard, while addressing future plans, said there will be meetings over the next two months with residents and stakeholders to discuss management of the reservoir. He noted that the management design for the catchment area coincides with the plans for regional and by extension national development. “If by building the reservoir the village is worse off because other things in the environment are not working, then that’s not the plan. It must improve your livelihood, so the ministry is collaborating with CI to help you develop your management plan. We will also work to ensure that the

ecological aspects of the catchment area are fine.” Ryan Pereira from Cataleya Energy Limited, in brief remarks stated the reservoir will significantly reduce vulnerability to drought and other natural hazards, not only in Nappi but also surrounding communities. “My hope is that it achieves and even exceeds its purpose by also helping to build social and economic resilience in the villages. I hope it helps with agriculture and tourism industries,” Pereira said. Also in attendance at the event was Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe who presented books and sports gear to the residents. (DPI)

Public Health Ministry partnering with PAHO/WHO on safe medicines THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is partnering with the private sector, the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS) and PAHO/WHO to ensure that medication imported to Guyana is effective, safe and affordable. As such, representatives of the MoPH, PAHO/WHO, CARICOM and Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) met with suppliers and other stakeholders to address drug procurement guidelines and strategies for importation. The meeting was entitled, ‘Strengthening Function and Regulatory Capacity utilising the Caribbean Regulatory System in Guyana’ and was hosted at the Roraima Duke Lodge on Tuesday, 13 February. Presenting opening remarks on behalf of the Public Health Minister, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Karen Boyle said that even as the government encourages private sector investments it must ensure that the drugs provided to its citizens are tested and safe. “We recognise that we don’t have the capacity, the skills to do the drug testing ourselves and so we welcome the initiative of the

Caribbean Regulatory System that provides those services for us and other territories within the Caribbean because without that, it will become very difficult for us to ensure or guarantee that the meds that people are using are indeed safe,” she explained.

regulatory system, drugs could be imported by the private sector that are not standardised and not of a certain quality and that could indeed jeopardise the outcome of those patients,” Boyle said, adding: “This is our way of ensuring

that he was pleased to see that Guyana has positioned itself to benefit from the regulatory system through partnership with PAHO. “The system is very reinsuring in its objective, the system is very fair and transparent because ultimately what we want to ensure

A large turnout of drugs suppliers and other stakeholders at the Roraima Duke Lodge on Tuesday (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Boyle said, too, that if unregistered and untested drugs are let into the local market they can pose to be fatal when they misrepresent the right dosage or prove to be of poor quality. “If we’re importing substandard drugs, if we don’t have this

that we keep our population safe and that we ensure that whatever drugs are provided are good and wholesome.” Addressing the gathering, Director of the GA-FDD, Marlan Cole, spoke on the importance of drug registration and said

is that the drug that are on our local market are safe medications and are accessible to all,” he said. Companies must register with GA-FDD The meeting also served to advise suppliers on the procedures and new regulations for the ten-

dering process which will ensure that their products and companies they partner with are registered with the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department. Director for Materials Management Unit at the MoPH, Cecil Jacques, told those gathered that the Ministry of Public Health is working to win the battle against drug shortages as it aims to provide the best quality drugs to its citizens. The health ministry is responsible for forecasting quantifications of drugs for all 10 regions and has over 3.5 billion dollars worth in drugs stored to do business. The drug is supplied through the national budget and other programmes. With these available finances, the director says that cost takes the backbench while evaluation criteria such as quality, availability and responsiveness, which have been lacking in some suppliers, take the forefront. Jacques explained that in times past the MoPH has taken the blame when suppliers failed to fulfill on arrangements resulting in the country’s medicine demand surpassing its available supplies. “If your batch for some rea-

son has been recalled by the manufacturer, if your batch arrives out of ‘cold chain’ and we believe it has lost its integrity, you have to be responsive to replace them… cost is the least important to us at this time,” he stressed. The director also reminded suppliers to secure a copy of the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs); ensure that they register with the GA-FDD and cautioned that the ministry will only procure medicines on its Essential Medicine List. In-between sessions, ANSA McAl Pharmaceutical Manager, Sunesh Maikoo, told the newspaper that the information relayed at the meeting makes the job of suppliers easier and allows for equal opportunity. “I think it is an eye opener for many suppliers because I don’t think they were aware, and, to know that NPTA has everything on the website is even better,” Maikoo said, adding: “It’s the way forward for the procurement of cost effective and efficacious pharmaceuticals. As an importer I’m very happy about this that everyone is on a level playing field.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 16, 2016

Windies to play World XI in fund-raising T20I BARBADOS [West Indies]: West Indies will face a Rest of the World XI in a lone T20I match at Lord's later this year in their bid to raise funds for the Caribbean cricket grounds which were damaged by recent Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The reigning World Twenty20 champions will lock horns with the World XI on May 31 and the proceeds of the match will go towards the restoration of James Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla and Dominica's Windsor Park Stadium. It should be noted that the oneoff match has been granted international status, with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) President Giles Clarke and an ICC board member likely to help in coordinating the

match. "To have two category 5 hurricanes in the space of two weeks was unprecedented and everyone around

the world was shocked by the destruction which was caused. The ECB and CWI have always enjoyed a fantastic relationship and we are

keen to support them and the people of the Caribbean in this fundraising initiative," ESPNcricinfo quoted ECB chairman Colin Graves, as saying. Echoing similar views, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dave Cameron said that the Caribbean board is looking forward to help the parts hit by the Hurricanes in the most impactful way. "Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated parts of the Eastern Caribbean and we have been considering how CWI can best show support for our region in the most impactful way," Cameron added. While England will begin their international summer with a twomatch Test series from May 24 at Lord's, the IPL final is slated to be held on May 27, just four days prior to the fundraising T20I. (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana’s Archibald outruns Blake for new personal ... Wins Long Jump best in 100m event at King of the Ring track meet By Ravin Singh in Jamaica

GUYANA’S rising track and field star, Emanuel Archibald outran former World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Yohan Blake last Saturday to record a new personal best in the 100m, moments after copping gold in the long jump – his pet event at the Camperdown Classics in Kingston, Jamaica. Archibald, who studies at, and competes for the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, opened the day with a season best jump of 7.67m which was enough to secure the gold medal at the King of the Ring track meet in Kingston, Jamaica. “The event was a close one but I stuck to my plan and executed what I was taught during training,” he shared with the Guyana Chronicle. His personal best in that event is 7.88m and his goal for this year is to reset Guyana’s national record which is 8.07m.

But according to his coach, Kerry Lee Ricketts, the long-jumper actually cleared 8m at the event. “All his jumps would have been 8m but he jumped from way in front of the board and they only start measuring from the board. Also the conditions weren’t conducive; there was a lot of head wind and so on” he said. Coach Ricketts said that at present, ‘Amo’, as he is more popularly known, is doing well, adding, “He has been jumping 8m in training but it is just a matter of time before he gets that transition out from training to a track meet.” But that was not the end of the day for the young track and field superstar. Moments later, he laced up his sprinting spikes and headed to the starting blocks to compete in the 100m at another track meet – Camperdown Classics. Despite coming out of the blocks late, Archibald was able to find perfect form

halfway through the race and execute with great finesse. Running in lane six, the sprinter dipped to a new personal best of 10.22 seconds, finishing second behind United Kingdom’s (UK’s) Zarnel Hughes (10.18 seconds) and ahead of Olympic gold medalist Yohan Blake (10.32 seconds). According to Coach Ricketts, a lot of technical work has gone into his training for the 100m this year. He said that there were a lot of issues with Archibald coming out of the blocks, his drive phase, and his sprinting mechanics. “For now we are looking at the technical issues and working on those and have him break the long-jump and 100m records in Guyana. My plan is not for him to be the best for Guyana or the Caribbean but the best in the world” Coach Ricketts shared. Two weeks ago, Archibald opened his track season with an impressive time

Guyana’s track and field star, Emanuel Archibald and his coach, Kerry Lee Ricketts after winning gold in the long jump on Saturday. of 6.74 in the 60m dash – for this year were to record two more to accomplish – to ahead of Olympian Delano new personal bests in the reset his personal best in the 100m and 200m, and claim 200m which is 20.98 and Williams of Great Britain. Following that race, he the national record in the become Guyana’s national had shared that his goals long jump. Of these, he has long-jump record holder.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018