New york edition e paper 02 23 2018

www.guyanachronicle.com

ISSUE No. 90

PAGE 5

WEEK ENDING February 23, 2018

Pan-O-Rama

FREE DISTRIBUTION

$15B to reopen Monarch estates Droves of supporters of various steel bands on Sunday, February 18, swarmed the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, filling it to capacity for the annual Pan-O-Rama Steel Pan Competition. The crowd favourite, National School of Music’s Steel Orchestra captured first place in the large band category. Other winners included Bishops’ High School, Dolphin Secondary School, President’s College, Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra, Pan Wave Academy and ten-time winner Parkside Steel Orchestra.

Mashramani 2018 SUPPLEMENT

…Gov’t seeks funds to restart operations at Skeldon, Enmore

Following almost a month of competitions, three new Monarch were crowned. Onica Joseph the new calypso monarch, Brandon Harding took the Carib Soca Crown and Page Bunty Singh copped the Chutney King 2

-workers to be rehired, estates to operate until sold

Bring on the Mash music Carib Soca Champ, Brandon Harding during his performance

The big winner, the National School The night’s of Music’s Steel Orchestra

The Parkside Steel Orchestra performing

Page 14&15

Onicka Joseph, 2018 Calypso Monarch

King Perai, first runner-up, 2018 Calypso Monarch

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

$15B to reopen estates

By Navendra Seoraj

THE government through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is looking to secure a loan of $10-$15 billion to fund the operations of the Skeldon and Enmore sugar estates that will soon be reopened on a miniature level, said Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

NICIL through its Special Purpose Unit (SPU) took control of the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales estates when government decided to close operations early this year in order to maintain the viability of the sugar industry.

Since January 2018, the SPU was tasked with having the estates valued and preparing them for sale, but Minister Jordan believes that in order to add to the process of selling the estates or at least attracting a buyer(s), the two estates should be reopened.

“We cannot keep them closed and moth-balled, because when the buyers come they would probably not be as impressed if they were working… once in operation they [investors] could also see that they are valuable properties to acquire,” he explained during an interview with reporters on Wednesday.

In essence, their intent as explained by the minister is to open the estates until they could secure a buyer. He said they hope to conclude the buying process within sixnine months. Jordan went on to say that NICIL is looking to get financing from a commercial bank by mid-March,

…Gov’t seeks funds to restart operations at Skeldon, Enmore

so that the estates could be up and running again.

Government, he said, will use the revenue from sale of the estates and land to repay the loan within three to five years. “This will be a government debt, so that when we get a buyer we will service the debt,” he said, adding that the negotiations to secure the loan are ongoing at the level of the SPU. In the meantime, Jordan said the estates will be operated in a miniature way as a prelude to the sale. “Some workers will be rehired to work at these estates, which will be producing sugar but not high volumes, but will focus mainly on molasses,” the minister explained.

As opposed to the original model of operation, there will be a temporary model of operation for the Enmore estate prior to its diversification. The finance minister said Enmore will be supplying the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) with molasses, while there is a different arrangement for Skeldon. “Once DDL could take it off, the molasses from Enmore will be going to them, because we do not want them to import when it could be produced locally,” he said, referring to DDL’s announcement that they might have to import the product.

Government believes that the finance needed to fund the miniature operations is nothing compared to what they would have needed to keep the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s model opened in terms of staffing

-workers to be rehired, estates to operate until sold the view that reopening of the Skeldon and East Demerara estates was a “ray of sunshine between dark clouds” hovering over workers since the estates were closed.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

and so forth.

Jordan explained that the proposed model will send signals of what government wants from investors. “The original model of keeping these estates under GuySuCo, knowing they are not cost-efficient would not have been able to attract a buyer of the kind you are looking for…here [proposed model] will pull them [estates] away from GuySuCo and try to make them efficient and the balance sheets look better in order to attract investors,” said the minister.

Since NICIL took control of the estates, they became separate entities as opposed to being under the purview of GuySuCo. This, he said, means that equipment would not be moved from one estate to the next, as what had happened under the GuySuCo arrangement.

Once the assets remain within their respective estates, the United King-

dom-headquartered Price Waterhouse Coopers would be able to value the assets properly, so that investors would know what they are getting.

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, in a separate interview said government was informed that under the previous administration some big companies were interested in taking over the sugar industry. “Government then apparently didn’t go along with that and so these companies pulled out. Some of them are expressing interest,” he said, echoing the sentiments of Minister Jordan, who said that the SPU would get a better deal for the estates if they are operational.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that he supports this move and called on the administration to admit that it was wrong to initially close the estates.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) had also expressed

Sugar worker, Nazir Hussein speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday

“This was a matter we strongly stressed during our engagement with the administration on January 19, 2018 and we are heartened that it has accepted our suggestion, obviously recognising their grave misstep, and decided to resume operations at the estates in question,” a recent statement from the union read.

Sugar workers from the Enmore estate also expressed their happiness to hear that the estate will be reopened.

“Me still get a lil job hay, but I glad that my friends them might get back they job… people already start talk here that it gon open back,” said a sugar worker, Nazir Hussein during an interview with

the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had to lay off some 4,000 workers in order to keep the sugar industry viable, but government had forged ahead with training for those former employees, with support from the Small Business Bureau and other stakeholders.

Retrenched sugar workers had since called on the government to reopen the sugar estates on the basis of no job opportunities, worsening societal conditions and the daily shrinkage of severances as they struggle to support their families.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry had revealed that not a lot could be done on government’s part, since all of the corporation’s earnings were being spent on wages and salaries, a situation which could not be sustained by government bailouts. “When the government came to power in May 2015, it didn’t realise the extent to which GuySuCo was in trouble. GuySuCo was being bailed out by the previous administration for years.

We had to find, in the first six months, $16B just to keep GuySuCo going, paying wages and salaries,” said Minister Holder in a recent report.

The SPU was since established to manage divestment of the Skeldon Factory and other GuySuCo assets.

Transgender died as a result of vehicular accident –Autopsy

AN autopsy conducted on transgender sex worker, Donneikel Campbell, called “Mogo”, who died on Sunday after he reportedly jumped into the path of a vehicle at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), gave the man’s cause of death “as multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.”

Campbell, a security guard of Lot 23 Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was reportedly struck by motorcar PRR 5279, being driven by a 40-year-old resident of Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to information, the car was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the Vreed-en-Hoop Public Road when Campbell allegedly ran across the road from north to south and was struck by the vehicle.

Campbell who sustained injuries to his head and body, was picked up by public-spirited persons and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) in a conscious state. He died while receiving treatment at the hospital. The driver of the vehicle is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation. A breathalyzer test performed on the driver showed no evidence of alcohol.

However, relatives are of the opinion that Campbell’s demise was as a result of foul play.

An investigation has been launched into the accident.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

3

‘Have no fear’ President says frontline villages have nothing to fear -as GDF intensifies security at Kaikan Village

PRESIDENT David Granger said that Guyana depends on ‘frontline’ villages such as Kaikan, located in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), a stone’s throw from the border with Venezuela, to be the watchmen of Guyana's borders.

He said these villages must be strong, stable and their citizens, safe. “I have come here with a promise to ensure that Kaikan is fully integrated into this region and this region is fully integrated into Guyana. Have no fear, if we are united, we will prevail. We will be able to live in a strong, secure and stable country…Frontier communities are guardians of Guyana’s territorial integrity and national security.

They are our first line of defence against any attempt at incursions and invasions,” he told residents at a community meeting held at the Kaikan Primary School.

The residents, who have had a number of terrorising encounters with the notorious ‘Syndicatos’ gang, welcomed the Head of State’s visit as well as the boosting of security in the area by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The community now benefits from 24-hour security. This was necessitated by the situation in neighbouring Venezuela and aggravated by the age-old border controversy, which was recently referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the United Nations.

“Venezuela is claiming that the boundaries are wrong…but that is not true.

If you go to Mount Roraima you will see the markers; if you go in the Barima-Waini [region], you will see the markers; if you go along the Cuyuni-Mazaruni, you will see the markers. The markers were put down there 110 years ago. Venezuelans are wrong and Guyanese are right and the international court will decide…but believe me, you are safe,” President Granger assured.

Like the village of Whitewater in Region One, which the President visited last week, Kaikan too has been seeing an influx of

tiers of government, local, regional and central, to find solutions to some of the problems the community faces in terms of socio-economic development. He called on the regional chairman to work closely with the community to devise plans to add value to their food production through agro-processing, which will enhance their

Meanwhile, Mr Bradford in his remarks said that the regional administration has a vision for the CuyuniMazaruni region, which will see residents benefitting from all of the public services and programmes about which the President spoke.

He also assured the village of Kaikan that in 2019, he will make sure the needs of

President David Granger and Toshao of Kaikan, Mr Claude Anselmo, hold aloft the Golden Arrowhead

Venezuelans, particularly traders and persons seeking health care. During a briefing with GDF ranks deployed in the area, the President was told that Venezuelan civilians and even military personnel come over to the Kaikan health post to seek medical attention for malaria and other diseases, while the traders come over to sell or to barter their goods with villagers from communities such as Kaikan and Arau. Toshao of Kaikan, Mr. Claude Anselmo, said that while these might be seen as legitimate activities, a number of illegal activities are also taking

Turning to the residents, President Granger said that while the army and the police will intensify their efforts to ensure their safety, they have a significant role to play as they are the eyes and ears on the ground. “In weeks and months to come, I am asking you to join the People’s Militia, we are not making war with anyone, but I want you to be prepared…

My brothers and sisters, we have to protect ourselves…

People bring illegal guns into the country and they commit crimes with those illegal guns, unregistered

his 10-point improvement plan for frontier villages which aim at ensuring access to public services in the areas of citizenship, registration and immigration, education, human safety, information and communication technology, national defence, public health, public infrastructure, social cohesion and social protection. “You will be able to get the best public services and I assure you that as long as you respect the three levels of government, your local level through your Toshao Anselmo, the regional level through Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and your

President David Granger and his delegation received a briefing about the situation on the ground

President David Granger and Minister of Public Affairs Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams arrive at the Kaikan airstrip

President David Granger interacting with residents of Kaikan

place. He informed President Granger that he has received reports of smuggling of illegal substances such as marijuana and cocaine. This the GDF pledged to eradicate at all costs.

guns. These crimes make us feel very unsafe…We can’t only rely on the police; we have to look after our own families, our own communities,” the President said.

The President spoke of

central level, we will be able to resolve most of these issues,” he said.

Speaking of community development, the Head of State urged the residents to work closely with the three

competitiveness and boost their village economies.

Education was another major area on which the President focused. He noted that while Kaikan is far-flung, no effort should be spared to ensure that every child attends school. “We want to make sure that we improve your infrastructure…We will improve your ability to get children to school, improve the ability [of] farmers to get to market…Once children have to get to school, I will do everything that is possible,” he said.

the community are budgeted for. “Services should be easily accessible to frontline communities; you should be given the necessary service because you are our eyes and ears on the ground,” he said.

The President was accompanied to Kaikan by Minister of Public Affairs, Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams, Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West and other senior officers of the Force. This visit follows a similar outreach to Region One last week. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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

4

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

T

he genesis of the Arbitral Award of 1899 was the gradual emergence of the United States of America as an economic and military superpower at the end of the 19th century. By 1899 the Spanish Empire was in a death spiral as a colonial superpower, while the USA was engaged in extending its influence in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. As the insurgencies against Spain emerged in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The United States attempted to align itself with the leaders of these insurgencies, Jose Marti and Antonio Maceo in Cuba, Cesar Augusto Sandino in Nicaragua, and Simon Bolivar in Venezuela.

When William Scrubbs, a former United States Ambassador in Caracas lobbied the Grover Cleveland administration to intervene in the Venezuela Border Dispute with British Guiana. The Cleveland administration was willing to flex its military muscle to force the British Government to submit the dispute to arbitration. Richard Olney, the aggressive Secretary of State described the United States “as practically invincible against any or all powers.” He forced the British to submit the border dispute to international arbitration. In the British Guiana/Venezuela border dispute, Venezuela practically held all of the cards. The two arbitrators for Venezuela were Melvin Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States and David Brewer, Associate Justice of the United States. The Chief Counsel for Venezuela was Benjamin Harrison, a former President of the United States and one of the attorneys for Venezuela was Benjamin Tracey, a former US Secretary of Defense.

Venezuela and Great Britain ratified the Treaty of Washington, which stipulated in Article XIII that “the high contracting parties engaged to consider the results of the proceeds of the Tribunal of Arbitration as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the arbitrators.” The Venezuelan congress ratified the Treaty of Washington without dissent. That There were 54 sessions of the Tribunal, each session lasting for four hours. There was a presentation of evidence by each side, there were rebuttals by each side, oral arguments and summations. Finally, on October 3, 1899, the Tribunal presented a unani-

mous award which put an end to the border dispute that had lasted for 58 years — a controversy that nearly caused three countries to go to war. As a result of the Award, Great Britain lost control of the mouths of the Amakura and Barima Rivers, in addition to a large track of land in the upper Cuyuni Basin. However, the Award granted Britain two-thirds of the land territory demarcated by the Schambourgk Line. The response of the Venezuelan Government was at first positive.

• Marcus Baker an American cartographer who had worked for the United States Boundary Commission stated that the Award was a victory for Venezuela,

since it had retained control of the mouth of the Orinico River, which was “the very pith of the Award.”

• On October 7, 1899, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Great Britain, Jose Andrade, the brother of the Venezuelan President, stated exultantly, “we were given the exclusive dominion over the Orinico, which was the principal aim we sought to achieve through arbitration.”

• On May 7, 1900, Dr. Raphael Seijas, a former Venezuelan Foreign Minister, stated that “English newspapers endeavor to conceal their country’s losses, though not a few admit it.”

• On December 5, 1899, President William McKinley addressing the United States Congress, stated that “the decision appeared to be equally satisfactory to both sides.”

• In January 1896, President Grover Cleveland stated, “it is with

by Colin A. Moore great satisfaction that I find their Award agreeing substantially with the line which, after so much trouble, our own commission has worked out.”

• Between 1901 and 1905, a mixed boundary commission appointed jointly by Venezuela and Great Britain, carried out a survey and demarcation of the boundary line, and found that it was in agreement with the boundary line stipulated by the award.

• In 1941, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Estaban Gil Borges, stated that “Venezuela was definitely of the opinion that the boundary question was a chose jugee, a matter which was finally settled.”

The Arbitral Award remained a settled matter for 45 years after the award had been handed down. It was only resuscitated in February 1944, when Severo Mallet-Provost, one of the four lawyers who had represented Venezuela on the Arbitral Tribunal, wrote a Memorandum in which he alleged, for the first time, that the Award was the result of a “political deal” between Great Britain and Russia. However, he refused to make the memorandum public until after his death.

THE SO-CALLED PLOT BETWEEN RUSSIA AND GREAT BRITAIN In late August or early September of 1899 Severo Mallet-Prevost, one of the attorneys representing Venezuela claimed that he had been invited to the hotel room of Justice Brewer, where he was to hear a presentation by Frederic deMartens, the Russian President of the Arbitral Tribunal. De Martens claimed that he and the two British arbitrators wanted a unanimous decision in the Tribunal. They were proposing a line of compromise that will be drawn east of the Orinoco River and that will give Venezuela complete access to the Orinoco. They were also proposing to give to Venezuela over five thousand square miles of land around Port Barima. Chief Justice Melvin Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States, Justice David Brewer, and Ex-President Benjamin Harrison, Chief Counsel for Venezuela had a lively discussion in which they pointed out that the line of compromise would give Great Britain most of the land in the western Essequibo, but they felt that if they opposed it, Venezuela would lose access to the Orinoco, which was of commercial and strategic interest to Venezuela.

They reluctantly agreed to accept the line of compromise.

• The Mallet-Prevost memorandum was like a thermo-nuclear device that had been hurled into the international community. It radically transformed public opinion in Venezuela from the claim that the award was a diplomatic triumph for Venezuela to the contention that it was the result of a political deal between Russia and Great Britain, and, was therefore null and void.

• The political elites in Venezuela were to initiate a policy of military aggression, economic intimidation, diplomatic threats against the newly independent nation of Guyana.

• Under military strong men, such as Marco Perez Jiminez, Romulo Betancourt, Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela initiated a series of military aggression on the border, including the invasion of Ankoko, the assistance to the Rupununi rebels, the boarding of the Teknik Perdana in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone and Maduro’s executive order claiming

(continued on page 19)

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

The Carlyle

Harry Column

5

ONE GUYANA PLATFORM Let Us Also FollowThe Two Koreas

R

eaders, I was very encouraged and delighted to observe some of Prime Minister Nagamootoo's political opponents and mediacritics wishing him "the best" and offering to pray for him, as he recuperates from recent heart by-pass surgery. Those verbal and written outpourings display that all is not LOST, and that some elected-officials and critics are prepared to elevate PERSON over polarized politics. As the saying goes "a snail that walks one hundred yards, has achieved a lot".

Last week Friday, I recommended that like-minded elected officials from major political parties should follow the recent examples of American elected officials, and form caucuses that arrive at consensus and agreements on basic issues that are useful and helpful to the races that make up the Guyanese society.

In that piece, I emphasized that those American elected-officials had caucused independent of their respective party leaders and arrived at worthwhile and workable compromises.

In fact the party leaders did not vote for the legislative deals that were agreed upon (the bills however passed in the U.S. Senate and Congress.) {Please note that in making this suggestion, I am not for one moment encouraging intra-party discord or upheaval.} THE TWO KOREAS

ting just feet from Kim Yo-Jong, sister of North Korean despot, Kim Jong Un, refused to greet or to interact with her. {Natalie Musmeci reported "Pence sat stone-faced as South Korean President Moon Jae-In and North Korean officials stood together".} My point is that if South and

other allies of South Korea are really concerned about, the welfare of the Korean masses, or a retention of the status quo? (i) Because of the 'ONENESS' and Unity that were displayed by the two Koreas, I believe that the Opening Ceremony was appropriately titled "Peace

**********

THE U.S.

A similar thing happened recently, when the political leadership of South Korea defied the innuendos of the United States' government and other allies, and entered into a diplomatic compromise with the North Korean regime.

The South Korean government via its President Moone Jae-In in entering that diplomatic compromise was in fact putting the interests of its people FIRST. Thus on Friday, February 9, there was a joint Korean team on display when the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics kicked off in Pyeongchang, the South Korean capital .To show the disdain that the American Government has for the North Korean regime, Vice President Mike Pence sit-

Korea will become one for at least the next two weeks".

Readers, let me close by reminding you that "where there is a WILL . . . there is a WAY", and that: "The END justifies the MEANS".

In conclusion by calling on my birth-country's political and other community/societal leaders to follow the examples of the two Koreas to submerge their respective biases and prejudices, and seek ways and means to erect a unified platform upon which Guyana's multi-racial inhabitants can dance and perform.

I have long learnt and discovered that things do not happen by themselves, they occur as a result of intense and tremendous human WILL and effort.

The old people say

where there is a will there is a way.

If it could happen in Korea

North and South Korean athletes march under unified flag at Winter Games.

North Korea — two sworn enemies could 'bury the hatchet' and show a United Front at the Winter Olympics; why my birthland's competing political and race-based entities cannot do the same.

I have to be VERY CURIOUS, about whose interests the U.S. and

in Motion". (ii) I believe that the synchronized Korean Dancing Group used an appropriate song —.John Lennon's "IMAGINE" to jive to.

The 'ONENESS' and Unity may not endure, but as the Head of the Games declared "both North and South

It could occur in Guyana.

If it happened at the Olympics It could be in our own Republic.

If the two Koreas could agree

Boston Shipping Enterprises, Inc. What about our country ?

If the Koreans could be together For us,—what is the matter ?

Get well, soon . . . Mr. Prime Minister.

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cation, in the presence of these developments, the 6 Guyana Chronicle New Edition week ending February 23, 2018 6 Chronicle New York York Edition Week-ending January 19, 2018 contractor CourtneyGuyana Benn workforce at the ministry

New $228M annex for Finance Ministry

Contracting company. has grown beyond the caThe annex, which stands pacity of the building and at a cost of approximate- the building is somewhat ly $228M, will house the unsafe, structurally.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 18, 2018 19 ministry’s training room, a “You know it is unsafe THE Speaking at theadded simsportsMinistry complex,ofa Finance gym and because we have isthesetCamp to construct a new ple ceremony onthe Friday, Street valuation more features to existmultimillion-dollar an- Minister Jordan the office. ing building and said we have nexSpeaking at the at site the annex has always been a theof simple added more buildings withformer sports club ofMinthe project he wanted take ceremony on Friday, in the yard.

We havetoadded guyanachronicle.com Guyana National board. ister Jordan said theCoopannex on more electrical equipment erative Bankbeen (GNCB), on in the Following has always a project building his andappointwe have Winter Place and as finance minister, he wanted to take on Croal board. ment not changed the wiring.”

Street in Georgetown. his many plans said was Following his appoint- among Minister Jordan guyanachronicle.com Finance Minister Win- the modernisation the ment as finance minister, construction of the of annex For All Publishing and Advertising in ston onplans Friday amongJordan his many was ministry. is coming at an opportune turned the sod at the “This is a passion of the modernisation of lothe time.

New York consult our cation, in the presence of mine because all ministry.

Echoing thealmost minister’s For All Publishing and Advertising in contractor Courtney Benn life I worked at Secthe “This is a passion of my sentiments, Finance New York Representative: Contracting of Hector Finance,Butts with mine becausecompany. almost allThe my Ministry retary Dr New York consult our annex, which stands at short periods at the State life I worked at the Minissaid the construction of Dennis A. Nelson a cost of approximately Planning Secretariat.

I try of Finance, with short the building is most welNew York Representative: Finance Minister Winston Jordan turns the sod $228M, the know thesince Ministry Fiperiods atwill the house State Plancomed, it is of somedennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com for the new annex as Finance Secretary, Dr Hector ministry’s training room,the a nance ning Secretariat.

I know thing very thatwell.” the ministry DennisMinister A. Nelson of Finance Winston Jordan and the team at the building site Butts and Contractor Courtney Benn look on sports complex, a gymvery and hasAccording to Minister Ministry of Finance been pursuing for dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com Camp Street valuation Jordan, the Finance Minwell.” some time.

The building THE Ministry of Finance istry should be the premier the mier institution, and while ing building and we have office. istry should be the preAccording to Minister is set to be completed by is set to construct a new institution, and while his his travels abroad have added more buildings withmultimillion-dollar annex travels abroad have proven Jordan, the Finance Min- the end of this year. (DPI) proven this to be true, the in the yard. We have added at the site of the former this to be true, the situasituation is not quite the more electrical equipment sports club of the Guy- tion is not quite the same same in Guyana. It was in the building and we have ana National Cooperative in Guyana. It was further further explained that he not changed the wiring.”

Bank (GNCB), on Winter explained that he decided decided to put in place Minister Jordan said Place and Croal Street in to put in place the necesthe necessary human re- construction of the annex Georgetown. sary human resources and sources and systems to is coming at an opporFinance Minister Win- systems to improve the improve the conditions of tune time. Echoing the ston Jordan on Friday conditions of the ministry. the ministry. minister’s sentiments, turned the sod at the loThe minister said with The minister said with Finance Secretary Dr cation, in the presence of these developments, the these developments, the Hector Butts said the contractor Courtney Benn workforce at the ministry workforce at the ministry construction of the buildContracting company. has grown beyond the cahas grown beyond the caing is most welcomed, The annex, which stands pacity of the building and pacity of the building and since it is something that at a cost of approximate- the building is somewhat the building is somewhat the ministry has been ly $228M, will house the unsafe, structurally. unsafe, structurally. pursuing for some time. ministry’s training room, a “You know it is unsafe “You know it is unsafe The building is set to be sports complex, a gym and because we have added because we have added completed by the end of the Camp Street valuation more features to the existAn artist’s impression of the new annex more features to the exist- this year. (DPI) office. ing building and we have at theGuyana simplePolice AT theSpeaking recently held Force added moreOfficers buildings withConference, delivered ceremony President on Friday, David Min- Granger in the yard.

We have addedes, President Granger is very much conscious of his national ship positions of any police organisation, including the Guywhat can be described as a frank, and no ister Jordan said the annex moreopen electrical equipmentduties as they pertain to his executive responsibilities, one of ana Police Force, it is paramount they understand their posiholds on what he described as we havewhich is ensuring a well-trained police force that is led by tions as role models for those under their command. For that hasbarred alwaysassessment been a project in the building and corruption and equally corrupt policemen in the he wanted to take on board. not changed the wiring.” competent and committed officers for the task of protecting matter, senior officers in any service institution do influence Guyana Police Force. in many ways the organizational growth and development of Following his appointMinister Jordan saidcitizens and society from acts of criminality.

Few Guyanese, whether former military personnel, ment as finance minister, construction of the annex His observations towards this critical area of the nation’s their young ranks.” allied to, or academically qualified in any related field, law enforcement agency were both piercing and emphatic For the scale of corrupt practices that have seen so many his many plans was is coming at an opportune are among more qualified to bring a world view on security about the Force’s leadership content, reflecting disappoint- policemen over the years being dismissed from the Guyana the modernisation of the time. Commander matters than retired Brigadier and former ment, when he stated that a “fish rots from the head.’’

Police Force, such criminal activities could have only existed ministry.

Echoing the minister’s He left no stone unturned, as he exposed what the pres- with the connivance and involvement of seniors at various of the Guyana Defence Force, President David Grangis a passion of assentiments, Finance Sec-ence of the cancer of corruption has done to the effectiveness levels of the institution. Any rank, irrespective of seniority, er, can.“This Performing the duties national security minefor because almost allillustrious my retary Dr career, Hector Buttsof the Guyana Police Force, through sections of its general must be subjected to disciplinary action when warranted, and adviser a period in his military life I worked the Ministhehave construction ofleadership category and the less than salutary example this be removed from the Force if the infraction is serious enough.

President Grangeratmore than mostsaid would had a unique opportunity graphically and analyse try of Finance, towith short observe the building is most wel-has had on the junior ranks.

Unquestionably, the President’s observations and the periods daily functions the Joint especially at the of State Plan-services, comed, since ittheis some- Any legitimate state force, military or para military, is analyses about our police are factual, incontrovertible Guyana Defence Force and the ning Secretariat.

I know the Guyana thingPolice that Force. the ministrydefined by the quality of its leadership; for it is this important and profound, which point to a determination that steps We further posit, that as a product of the wellMinistry of Finance very has been pursuing forcategory that will determine how its ranks perform their sworn will be taken to rid the force of its corrupt members. known and respected British military brand of training well.” some time. The buildingduties, in accordance with laid down operational procedures. And contrary to the convenient PPP/C statements about and at According other distinguished militaryisschools andcompleted acadto Minister set to be byThis must be inclusive of the key input of discipline which witch-hunting and demoralizing of the Force’s senior echemies, President Granger would have been a seminal Jordan, the Finance Min- the end of this year. (DPI)must influence all actions, both in and out of the theatre of elons, such a direction of change, guided and influenced by part of the evolution of the joint services from being institutional operations. the Security Sector Reform Programme(SSRP), that the colonial oriented, to one that suited the relevant needs In our Editorial, “Bad examples,” of January 08, 2018, it latter opposition party had refused when in government, of a nation seeking to develop its own national creed was clearly stated that “No police force can hope to develop will ensure a better national police force, having the full of service to the people of the new nation, Guyana. that seminal input of integrity in its professional functions, confidence of citizens. Further, our police force does not We need not emphasise the personal premium if there are senior ranks who are themselves lawbreakers.” need officers and junior ranks within its fold whose aim is placed on discipline, and pride in service, displayed by We further stated “...that senior officers are in the leader- solely to make money out of the misdeeds of others. men in uniform in those early years. Particularly, the Guyana Defence Force which, apart from its principal duty of defending Guyana’s sovereignty, also became renowned for performing mercy flights, bringing critically ill persons from the hinterland to the City Theviews viewsand and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper The opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are are for medical attention; and the other key security institution, the Guyana Police Force which had continued thoseofofthe theauthors authors and necessarily reflect policies those and dodo notnot necessarily reflect the the policies and and to perform its national duty of Service and Protection towards upholding the laws of the land. viewsofofthe themanagement management New York Edition of the Guyana views of of thethe New York Edition of the Guyana As commander-in-chief of the nation’s armed forc-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

7

Work on Lindo Creek CoI ongoing Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 23, 2018

7

…commission says several persons interviewed, public hearing to begin soon

By Svetlana Marshall THOUGH public hearings have been postponed until forward notice, the Commission established to enquire into the 2008 Lindo Creek Massacre is working behind the scenes with relatives of the murdered victims, who have come forward.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI), led by Retired Justice Donald Trotman, was forced to postpone the public hearings which were scheduled to commence last Thursday, February 15, 2018. Hearings were also scheduled for Monday, February 19 and Thursday, February 22 but those were also postponed due to the absence of internal prerequisite arrangements, including transportation arrangements for witnesses or persons of interest.

On Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle pressed the Commission for answers. In response, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Melanie Morris said that the prerequisite issues are critical to the work of the CoI. These issues which were referred to by Commissioner Trotman are being addressed and public hearings are expected to reconvene shortly. “All other matters relevant and critical to the resumption of public hearings are also being addressed, including, logistical matters relating to witnesses etc,” Morris told this newspaper.

She noted that a number of interviews have been conducted with ‘Persons of Interest,’ and that the Commission has been working closely with family members of the deceased, who have come forward. “In keeping with its Terms of Reference, the Commission has also been examining available documents, interviewing persons and holding in-camera sessions,” Morris added.

In a public notice published in the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, the Commission’s Secretary and Legal Counsel, Keshia Chase said: “Pleased be advised that all Public Hearings by the Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong on or about 21ST day of June, 2008, have been postponed until further notice.”

Woman remanded, son on bail after cannabis raid

A 65-year-old woman was Monday remanded to prison while her 25-year-old son was granted bail when they both appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on separate drug charges.

Bernadette Robertson was first called to answer to the charge which alleged that on February 15 at Lot 90 North Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, she had 94.2 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Her son, Cosburn Robertson was charged with having 14.2 grams of cannabis in his possession on the same day in question.

The Robertsons denied the charges while their attor-

ney, Gordon Gilhuys made an application for bail.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, the police acting on information, made contact with Bernadette.

The woman reportedly took the police into the kitchen and handed over the parcel of cannabis and told the ranks: “I does sell weed to pay my bills".

Meanwhile, Cosburn was busted with the drugs in his bedroom.

The magistrate remanded the elderly woman to prison and released her son on $75,000 bail. The matter was also transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for March 13.

Justice Retired Donald Trotman

However, Chase noted that the Commission will be accepting original and follow-up statements from interested parties during the life of the Commission, and will be setting subsequent hearings to facilitate the attendance of witnesses.

Last Thursday, four persons were expected to appear before the Commission but one hour after the public hearings were expected to commence, they were a no-show. Commissioner Trotman explained to reporters that the uncertainty of the presence of the relatives of the deceased was among factors that influenced the decision to put the hearing on hold.

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 communication with them,” Justice Trotman explained.

The CoI has been established to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the murder of the eight miners at Lindo Creek, Upper Berbice on 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 Services 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 and his brother, Cecil called “Brother” were among those killed. Arokium was not among those who were scheduled to speak last Thursday, the 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 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 that 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.

8

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

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

REGION HITS 30 MILLION MARK IN STAY-OVER VISITORS — Tourism arrivals set new benchmark despite impact of devastating storms BRIDGETOWN, — The catastrophic hurricanes that devastated some Caribbean destinations last September slowed down tourism’s progress but did not stop it, according to figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the authority on regional tourism statistics.

Ryan Skeete, the CTO’s acting director of research announced at a news conference streamed to a global audience that the Caribbean reached the 30 million mark in stay-over arrivals for the first time ever last year, even as the region battled the effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as Hurricane Harvey, which lashed parts of the United States, the Caribbean’s primary market.

In addition there was record spending by visitors, who contributed US$37 billion to Caribbean economies during the 12-month period, up 2.6 per cent over 2016, Skeete reported.

The tourism researcher explained that stay-over arrivals were on track for a strong performance during the first-half of 2017, growing by an estimated 4.8 per cent, but growth was curtailed in the second half of the year by the storms, which

were largely responsible for a 1.7 percent drop between July and December.

“These outcomes resulted in an overall increase of 1.7 percent in 2017, making it the eighth consecutive year of growth, albeit slower than the average global growth rate of 6.7 per cent.

The CTO official explained that strong economic performance in the main markets helped spur the region’s performance, with some destinations recording strong double-digit growth, although the hurricane-affected countries were down between seven per cent and 18 per cent.

The United States continued to be the primary market, growing by about 0.5 per cent to reach an estimated 14.9 million visits to the region due mainly to solid economic growth, low unemployment and high consumer confidence; while the Canadian market rebounded strongly, recording a 4.3 per cent increase in arrivals, compared to a decline of 3.1 per cent in 2016.

However, it was the European market that recorded the strongest growth rate, increasing by 6.2 per cent to 5.8 million visitors, with the

United Kingdom up by 2.9 per cent to 1.3 million.

The increase in arrivals was not reflected in hotel occupancy, which fell by 1.2 per cent, according to STR (formerly Smith Travel Research), a U.S. company that tracks supply and demand data for the hotel industry.

However, both average daily rate and revenue per available room recorded increases, though slightly.

“Notably, the hotel performance indicators excluded most of the hurricane-impacted destinations at this time, due to the disruption in operations caused by the hurricanes,” Skeete said.

The cruise sector also set a new high of 27 million passengers, 2.4

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per cent higher than 2016, despite the hurricanes.

“The cruise passenger performance mirrors the performance of tourist arrivals, as it grew strongly by 4.6 per cent in the first half of 2017, but contracted marginally – by 0.4 per cent - in the second half of the year. Indeed, cruise passenger arrivals fell dramatically in September by some 20 per cent. However, growth resumed in October, which saw a two per cent increase,” the CTO official said.

The CTO said the economic conditions are expected to be favourable for further growth in 2018, therefore it predicts growth of two to three per cent in both stayover and cruise arrivals.

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

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

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

9

1

Law Reversing Gay Marriage Rights in Bermuda Faces First Legal Challenge HAMILTON, Bermuda — A gay Bermudian living in the United States is going to court to challenge the recently passed law that prevents gay marriage, in the hopes that he will be able to tie the knot in his homeland one day.

Rod Ferguson, through his attorneys, filed the lawsuit, claiming that the British overseas territory’s new Domestic Partnership Act is unconstitutional.

The Domestic Partnership Act reverses a Supreme Court ruling in May last year that enabled gay couples to marry in Bermuda. The law, which was passed in December last year but only took effect earlier this month when Governor John Rankin gave his assent, provides same-sex couples with a raft of legal rights but prevent them from tying the knot.

But Mark Pettingill, the lawyer

who represented Winston Godwin and Greg DeRoche in the lawsuit that led to the court ruling last year, says Ferguson is fighting the controversial legislation.

The 38-year-old man says he has always considered himself the marrying kind and wants to ensure that if he goes that route, he can have his nuptials performed in the land of his birth.

“I rejoiced when Bermuda finally established the right for same-sex couples to marry in 2017 and I had planned to exercise that right someday, but then it was taken away through the passage of the Domestic Partnerships Act,” he said in a statement.

“I strongly believe that this is a fundamental human rights issue, that everyone is entitled to the same protection of law which includes the service of a contractual marriage in Bermuda.

When the rest of the right-thinking world has accepted the position that marriage should be available to samesex and opposite-sex couples alike, it is

very disappointing that my own country has effectively moved backwards.

“I am grateful for what so many others have done to contribute to Bermuda’s movement toward marriage equality, and I’m privileged to be in a position, with the support of family, friends, and the LGBT community, where I can now stand up and do my part. I have taken the decision to make this legal application to protect my rights along with the rights of so many of my fellow Bermudians,” he added.

The aim of his civil claim is to have the Domestic Partnership Act declared void by the court, on the basis that it is inconsistent with his fundamental rights as set out in the Constitution, including protection of law, freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of association with other persons, creed, and certain property rights.

Pettingill, a former Attorney General, told the Royal Gazette newspaper

Attorney-at-Law Mark Pettingill is representing a Bermudian living in the US who is challenging the Domestic Partnerships Act. that he had been approached by other people interested in pursuing a similar legal challenge, but they wanted to remain anonymous, while Ferguson was willing to put his name on the lawsuit.

(Caribbean360)

The Bahamas to Get US$4.5 Billion Oil Refinery and Storage Facility NASSAU, The Bahamas – US-based Oban Energies is developing a US$4.5-billion oil refinery and oil storage facility off the southern tip of Grand Bahamas Island.

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis says the project is expected to create 600 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase.

The project will launch with an initial capacity of four million barrels, with plans to expand capacity to 20 million barrels by year four of facility operation. Oban Energies will construct a harbour and deep-sea loading docks to service large vessels, as well as a 50,000 barrel per day petroleum refinery, with plans to expand to 250,000 barrels per day by year four.

Representatives from the government and Oban Energies on Monday signed the Heads of Agreement (HOA) that paves the way for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

The EIA, which is already underway, will ensure that the project advances in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.

Prime Minister Minnis said the signing was “an important step in the approval process for Oban Energies.”

“In December of 2016, the Government of The Bahamas approved Oban Energies to proceed with the construction of an oil refinery and oil storage facility in Grand Bahama.

“My Government is pleased to have moved this project forward and has successfully completed negotiating the Heads of Agreement, which paves the way for the commencement of this important project,” he said.

Oban envisions that the terminal will play a key strategic role as one of only two facilities

close to the US Gulf and East Coasts for deep water marine terminal servicing of crude and other products that are unloaded from large tankers at the marine terminal and either stored or loaded onto smaller ships that can access the shallower water berths along the East Coast and the (Caribbean360) Caribbean.

10

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

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

2

Jamaican Tech Entrepreneur Working on Caribbean’s Answer to Amazon KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s leading information technology magnate has his sights set on starting the Caribbean’s first major Internet retailer business, like Amazon or Alibaba, focusing on products from the region.

Douglas Halsall, whose company Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) is still in the midst of an effort to fully digitalize operations at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), recently spoke to the Jamaica Observer newspaper about his latest passion.

“The assault on the mall, like Amazon’s, will happen right here,” Halsall said.

“I believe in George Bernard Shaw’s statement, that some men see things as they are and ask why. And I dream of things that never were and ask why not . . . I am saying, ‘let me make it happen. It’s going to happen. It must happen’.”

Halsall plans to combine his company’s wealth of knowledge about computer systems and various digital gadgets with the expertise that has become available to him through his partnerships in expanding the use of e-commerce technology with Indian and other e-commerce experts, to help Jamaica become the “poster child” for digital expansion in the Caribbean.

He had encountered a major obstacle, however, when he found that only about 14 percent of Jamaicans use credit cards, which are necessary to access the Internet retail systems. However, Halsall did not let that hinder him.

One of his earlier partnerships led to the introduction of a mobile money platform called Quisk, through which customers of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) are able to carry out cashless transactions using a system implemented by California-based mobile payments leader Quisk, in association with AIS. Quisk is a patent-pending cashless and cardless solution that enables any consumer with a cellphone to have a mobile wallet, allowing them to make everyday purchases safely and securely, using only their phone number and PIN. The Quisk platform confirmed AIS’ strength in transaction processing and financial systems, and created an ideal opportunity for financial institutions seeking to enter the mobile money operation by leveraging the platform which is interoperable with existing merchant and ABM infrastructure.

It allows mobile money operators to have access to end-to-end banking, accounting, e-commerce, bill and loan pay-

ments, and money transfer platform.

Halsall says that as things are, customers wishing to use the Internet retailing business he has in mind could go to NCB and a get a Quisk card to access the system.

However, he expects that at least three more commercial banks will come on board before year-end.

Asked how soon he expects the retail sales platform to come on board, Halsall explained that AIS is currently negotiating “with a large company operating in the Caribbean that is in the business of advertising Caribbean businesses”.

He hopes to use their portfolio, as a partner with AIS, to introduce the new ecommerce system.

“But that announcement will be made as early as the end of next month,” he said.

“The people I am discussing this with are very, very excited, especially start-ups and small businesses. All they will need to do is they rent a space and pretty much put their website up and advertise their goods on it, and we will have the logistics to cover the back end. And when you buy from them, it will be delivered to you anywhere you are in the island.”

Halsall says he wants local businesses, including small businesses, to benefit, in the same way that American businesses are

benefitting from Alibaba and Amazon.

“I mean, when you go to these shows (expos) and see products that people like the Jamaica Manufacturers Association members are displaying that are made in Jamaica, it is enlightening sometimes. All it needs is exposure,” he said.

“So we want to be like Amazon or Alibaba for Jamaican and Caribbean products by providing the virtual storefronts on our system.”

(Adapted from Jamaica Observer)

Douglas Halsall

(Caribbean360)

Australian sailor is charged with MURDERING his new wife on yachting honeymoon A

n Australian sailor has been charged with murdering his wife in the Caribbean on their honeymoon and staging a yacht accident to cover it up.

Lewis Bennett was charged with second degree murder in

Bennett has already been jailed in Florida on Tuesday, 10 months after Florida for smuggling $100,000 in gold he reported his wife Isabella Hellcoins into the US and will now face trial for mann missing from their crashed his wife's murder. catamaran off the coast off Cuba.

Bennett, 41, who lived in Poole, US Coast Guard rescuers found Bennett alone in his life raft on May 2017 after the supposed accident, and he claimed his wife had vanished overboard while alone at the helm.

Dorset, in the United Kingdom, was arrested on suspicion of second degree murder in a Miami court, where he was also sentenced to seven months in prison for

Lewis Bennett and wife Isabella Hellman

smuggling stolen coins.

In a court document, FBI Special Agent James Kelley said the Bureau believes Bennett 'knowingly and unlawfully killed' Isabella Hellmann, the mother of his child.

According to the FBI, Bennett told investigators he had gone below deck on their boat near the Bahamas and left Hellman above to keep watch.

The FBI says he falsely claimed she disappeared after the supposed accident.

He had previously admitted to smuggling up to $100,000 in stolen coins.

(Caribbeannews.net)

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

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh THE VALUE OF A GOOD VOCABULARY

sweetened liquid for two weeks.

YELLOW PLANTAIN WINE 6 lbs. yellow plantain 1 gallon water 3 inch slice of bread 4 lbs. sugar 1 oz. yeast

5. Strain, wash jar thoroughly and return wine to jar.

Ingredients:

6. Leave for one month, then restrain and bottle.

1. Wash and peel plantains.

Method:

2. Put plantains in water and bring to boil. Boil for about five minutes.

3. Strain the liquid, add sugar and stir until melted. Pour the sweetened liquid into a jar and leave to cool.

Set yeast in about 2 tbsps. of water.

4. Toast the slice of bread to a light brown; then spread both sides of the toast with the yeast and put into the

I called an old classmate and asked what he was doing. He replied that he was working on "Aqua-thermal treatment of ceramics, aluminum and steel under a constrained environment."

I was impressed.

Upon further inquiry, I learned he was washing dishes with hot water under his wife's supervision.

ELEVEN PEOPLE ON A ROPE

Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a helicopter; ten men and one woman.

The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one had to leave, otherwise they were all going to fall.

They weren’t able to name that person, until the woman gave a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because, as a woman, she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids or for men in general, and was used to always making sacrifices with little in return.

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE SALVATION ARMY

T

he Salvation Army is an extraordinary organization. There are very few countries of the world where it is not known and appreciated. Yet this worldwide organization began in unpromising circumstances.

In 1865, its founder, William Booth, was a young Methodist minister who walked the most depressing streets in London’s East End. While he was sometimes able to pray for the men and women who gathered around him, he also encountered mocking people who threw stones.

Booth persisted. Day after day, he found the courage to go out into the streets with his wife, Catherine, and a few followers. For those who responded to their invitation, they held meetings, in whatever available place they could find — a tent, an old warehouse, even a dance hall.

During these meetings they tried to attend to the spiritual and material needs of the poor and miserable. At first the group called themselves the

Christian Mission, but in 1878 they adopted a kind of military system and renamed themselves the Salvation Army.

William Booth had the rank of General, and both he and other staff wore uniforms. The Army grew with breathtaking speed. Today, it operates as a Christian church, a huge charity and a social services organization, it attempts to meet the physical and spir-

itual needs of the destitute and hungry.

It is concerned with the advancement of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable activities beneficial to any particular society or to mankind as a whole.

The Army is divided into territories, which are made up of divisions, which consist of corps and outposts or mission stations. The General and other international officers work out of the international headquarters in London.

The Salvation Army has set up thousands of posts throughout the world. At these locations its numerous social work activities include hotels with inexpensive food and lodging, orphanages, rescue homes, day nurseries, factories, farm colonies, insurance societies and so on.

The Salvation Army is a prominent non-governmental relief agency and is usually among the first to arrive with help after

As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping.

A minister decided to do something a little different one Sunday morning. He said, “Today, I am going to say a single word and you are going to help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn comes to your mind.

The pastor shouted out: “CROSS.” Immediately the congregation started singing in unison, “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS . . .”

The pastor hollered out: “GRACE” The congregation began to sing “AMAZING GRACE, how sweet the sound . . .”

The pastor said: “POWER” The congregation sang “THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD.” The Pastor said: “SEX” The congregation fell into total silence. Everyone was in shock. They all nervously began to look around at each other afraid to say anything.

Then all of a sudden, way from in the back of the church, a little old 87-year-old grandmother stood up and began to sing “PRECIOUS MEMORIES . . . unseen angels sent from somewhere to my soul. . .”

SINGING IN CHURCH

natural or man-made disasters. They work to alleviate suffering and help people rebuild their lives.

The Salvation Army is wellknown in the Caribbean. According to the international organization, “In 1887 The Salvation Army ‘opened fire’ in Kingston, and thence spread throughout the island of Jamaica and to Guyana (1895), Barbados (1898), Trinidad (1901), Grenada (1902), St. Lucia (1902), Antigua (1903), St. Kitts (1904), St Vincent (1905), Belize (1915), Suriname (1924), the Bahamas (1931), Haiti (1950), French Guiana (1980), and St Maarten (1999).

The General of The Salvation Army is a Corporation Sole in Jamaica (1914), Trinidad and Tobago (1915), Barbados (1917), Guyana (1930), the Bahamas (1936), Antigua (1981) and St Vincent (1993).”

In 2005 the Army was operating in 111 countries and providing services in 175 different languages. Its members met in 14,918 churches called “corps,” “halls“ or “citadels“ etc.

The Salvation Army, one of the world’s largest providers of social aid, spends billions every year providing needed relief to people. Even when the media fails to mention it, the Army is often there — in disaster relief or in refugee camps — faithfully and quietly serving.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

Brandon Harding is new ‘Soca King’ -- Vanilla, Diana Chapman and “Lil Colwyn” wrap up top four

Brandon Harding

HE came, he saw, he conquered! Linden’s Brandon Harding, a pre-competition favourite, lived up to his own expectations and easily walked away with the Carib Soca Monarch title and the $1.5M first-place prize when the winner was announced in the wee-hours of Sunday morning.

Mellissa “Vanilla” Roberts’ “We run things” track was good enough for second place, while Lin-

deners Diana Chapman and Colwin “Lil Colwyn” Blair finished third and fourth respectively.

Ten contestants took the stage at Durban Park, but at 23:00 hrs, when the competition started, no one else really mattered to the large crowd that had gathered, so rich was Harding’s performance.

Prior to the competition, Harding’s track, “Alive”, an infectious and euphonious song that speaks about positivity and rising above challenges, was probably the most played song on the local airwaves, with many declaring it a winner.

However, it was his performance that had everyone rocking (for just over seven minutes) as the Golden Arrowhead waved with the chorus being repeated word for word by the crowd.

Harding, who hails from Coomacka (a predominantly Amerindian community in Linden), enjoyed full support from his hometown, but his song was so well received, the entire Durban Park moved, even some of his stage rivals.

Well known for winning the 2011 GTT Jingle and Song Competition, Harding also threw some jabs at the other competitors, declaring himself the winner and based on the crowd’s response, they too agreed.

Meanwhile, up next was Jonathan “Lil Red” King with “Water Paint and Powder”, but maybe the crowd was

Colwyn Blair on stage at the CARIB Soca Monarch Competition (Adrian Narine photo)

still buzzing over Brandon’s performance and did not receive King’s time on stage.

Diana Chapman followed with “Get Ready” and the crowd responded favourably, but as good as her performance was it was nowhere close to Harding’s. To many, it was certainly way better than Vanilla’s performance of “We run Things”.

Just two points separated the two at the end of the evening, when the judges tabulated the scores. Chapman scored 403 points, compared to Vanilla’s score of 405 points.

Colwin “Lil Colwyn” Blair, who scored 371.5 points to take up the fourth spot was solid on stage and in the future, should be a force to be reckoned with. Though it was his first time in the competition, he seemed comfortable and enjoyed good crowd support, but, like the others before and after him, Harding’s opening act was too solid.

Alisha “Sasha Melody” Hamid and her “Love Off” track also enjoyed plenty airplay locally and overseas, but her delivery of the Groovy Soca song was not good enough to arouse the crowd or earn her a top spot.

Shellon “Fluffy” Gally, Roshanna Fraser, Samantha Grant and Young Bill Rogers also took the stage, but their showings were borderline boring and were not good enough to challenge for a position.

Melisa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts during her performance of “We Run Things” at the CARIB Soca Monarch Competition (Adrian Narine photo)

Speaking to reporters after being crowned local Soca King, Harding thanked Ansa McAl for restoring the Soca Monarch Competition, and pledged his continued support.

He also thanked those who supported him throughout his career, especially the people of Linden.

Brandon Harding on stage at the CARIB Soca Monarch Competition (Adrian Narine photo)

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

13

A TRIBUTE TO Dr. MOHAMED SHAHABUDDEEN — SCHOLAR, PUBLIC SERVANT, INTERNATIONAL JURIST . . . A LEGAL PHENOM

he heights by great men reached and kept were not wanted to illuminate every corri- provide us with this information.

It is well to remember that attained by sudden flight, but they, while their compan- dor in the Palace of Justice.

Shahab’s familiarity with the His death comes at an inopions slept were toiling upward in the night.

— Henry W. Longfellow portune time — this is not to say Guyana/Venezuela border contro-

T

Shakespeare observed that “sorrow when it comes, comes not as single spies, but in battalions.” It seems that death comes not in single file, but in threes.

By COLIN MOORE, Esq.

During the last month, Guyanese have lost three of its illustrious children: • Dr. Evelyn John, cultural icon and spiritual mentor; • Guliana Jacobs, entrepreneur, activist and humanitarian; and now • Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, scholar, public servant and international jurist.

Shahab was an elemental and irresistible force of nature.

He was what we, in the legal parlance would call sui generis — an original, one of a kind. Shabab was, in other words, a phenom, a wizard at his craft. This resident of Vreed-en-Hoop, enrolled at London University in 1950, and received not one, but five degrees — LLB, BS.c Hons. in Economics, LLM, PHD and LLD. He held not one, but three positions in the Crown Prosecutor’s office — Magistrate, Solicitor General and Attorney General.

He held not one, but three elected offices — Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

He held not one, but three positions on International Tribunals— Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Arbitrator on the Permanent Court of Arbitration. He published four books on the legal system of Guyana.

He received three national honors from the Government of Guyana — The Cacique Crown

of Honor in 1970, The Order of Roraima in 1980, and The Order of Excellence in 1988.

Shahab was what American jurists call a “grinder.” He would be the last employee to turn off

that death ever comes at an opportune time. Many of us in the Guyanese Diaspora wanted to consult with him about the Secretary General’s referral to the ICJ, and we wanted to call upon his

immense experience in International jurisprudence to help formulate a brief to the International Court of Justice, and to inquire about the best legal procedures to utilize in dealing with Venezuela’s bogus claim of nullity. But alas, this consultation did not take place in Canada, because of Shahab’s prolonged illness and untimely passing. But we expect to meet with his friend and colleague, Sir Shridat Ramphal to

THE LATE GREAT Dr. MOHAMED SHAHABUDDEEN

the lights at night, and the first person to arrive at the office in the morning. He had an insatiable passion to be the best at everything he did. He wanted to be the best Prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Office. He wanted to produce the best briefs, articulate the most lucid and compelling arguments, write the most informed and well-researched opinions on the bench. In order words, Shahab was a perfectionist who

versy was not only based on academic scholarship but was based on practical experience. He had two specific contacts with the politics of the border controversy.

In February 1966, Forbes Burnham and Sir Shridat Ramphal had helped to formulate the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which provided for the establishment of a Mixed Commission to formulate a practical settlement of the border controversy. The two distinguished Guyanese representatives on the Mixed Commission were Sir Donald Jackson and Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen.

In December 1981, when Dr. Shahabuddeen was functioning as the Acting Foreign Minister, he was approached by the Venezuelan Ambassador, Dr. Sadio Garavini, who sought an immediate audience with Dr. Shahabuddeen. The Venezuelan Ambassador abruptly informed Dr. Shahabuddeen that the Republic of Venezuela would forthwith terminate the Protocol of Port-of-Spain, effective June 18, 1982. The Ambassador had just hurled a hand grenade into the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Protocol of Port-ofSpain was a moratorium on military action imposed by Venezuela which was intended to keep the peace on the border for 12 years.

The immediate termination of the Protocol forced Dr. Shahabuddeen and Foreign Minister Rashley Jackson to cobble together a diplomatic solution to avoid a military conflagration on the border.

Thank you, Shahab. I salute you for your invaluable service to our beloved motherland. As Horatio said to Hamlet, “Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” (Hamlet 5: Scene 2)

PAGE 2 14

'

8 1 0 2 h s a M

The first

Mashramani 2018 SUPPLEMENT Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

Mashramani

famed mountaineer Adrian Thompson decided to change the event into a national celebration involving participation from across the country.

The first priority was to find a suitable name to replace the word Carnival. After exhausting all avenues of research and with time running out, the organisers’ sought the help of Alan Fiedtkou, an Amerindian who worked in the geological department of the bauxite company.

Following discussions with Mr. Fiedtkou, the organisers were told of an Amerindian cultural festivity called MASHRAMANI which was a celebration that usually ran for Several names may come into focus with days during a wedding, or after the end of hard the observance of the first Mashramani celelabour. It was then decided that the Republic brations. But James Blackman, Hernan Nobricelebration was to be called MASHRAMANI ga and Jimmy Hamilton will always stand out. meaning ‘celebration after hard work.

Indeed, the names of these three should be inThe first celebration indeed took the bauxgrained in our nation’s ite community by history for the carnival storm. From every Burnham wrote: “I congratulate type observances of nook and cranny, they the community of Mackenzie, the Republic Annivercame pouring in to the sary on February 23 Mackenzie township.

Wismar and Christianburg each year.

The people of Kwaknot only for having presented Mashramani has wani, Ituni and Everone of the most comprehensive its roots in Linden ton joined their coltoday. Following inleagues as they sought programmes for the first dependence in 1966, to occupy common anniversary celebrations but the Jaycees of Linden ground for the series of an organisation with nationalization events also for having provided the a mandate to promote to follow. title for the celebrations – community developThe Mackenzie ment came up with bacchanal was TriniMASHRAMANI.� the idea of an indedad-like in its outlook. pendence celebration For one thing the term, in the town of Mackenzie. The main attraction Shanto was subsidized, instead of Calypso as is being the crowning of an Independence Queen. known in Trinidad. The Mackenzie JAYCEES As the event grew in popularity it graduated also decided on the use of ‘fore-day’ morning from an ‘Independence Queen’, to an ‘Indepeninstead of J’ouvert or Jouvay as in Trinidad. dence Carnival’, which saw new features and parThe more than a thousand revellers who ticipants. The first such event was held in 1969. made up the band of the first Mash exceeded In 1970 with Guyana gearing for Republithe projected number within weeks of launchcan status a committee comprising ing the programme. national folklorist Wordsworth Mc Andrew, The buses coming to and fro could be heard acclaimed Guyanese poet A.J. Seymour and all hours at night and unto the wee hours of the

morning as the people from the bauxite communities wended their way to Mackenzie, all in the mood to celebrate the first Mash in Guyana.

Meanwhile, in Georgetown a candlelight march, a Joint Services parade and masquerade bands as well as fireworks highlighted the observance in the capital.

One year later, writing in the Foreword of the Souvenir Brochure of the Jaycees of Mackenzie, President Forbes Burnham acknowl-

edged “that the people of Wismar, Mackenzie and Christianburg had provided the title for the National Celebrations, Mashramani.�

Burnham wrote: “I congratulate the community of Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg not only for having presented one of the most comprehensive programmes for the first anniversary celebrations but also for having provided the title for the celebrations – MASHRAMANI.â€? ď ľ

Mashramani 2018 SUPPLEMENT Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

Monarch Monarchs

Following a month of competitions, threeMonarchs new Following almost almost a month of competitions, three new were

Monarch were crowned. Onica Joseph the new calypso crowned: Onica Joseph the new calypso Monarh, Brandon Harding took monarch, Brandon Harding took the Carib Soca Crown and the Carib Soca Crown andcopped Buntythe Singh copped the chutney King.

Bunty Singh Chutney King

PAGE 5

15

Pan-O-Rama Droves of supporters of various steel bands on Sunday, February 18, swarmed the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, filling it to capacity for the annual Pan-O-Rama Steel Pan Competition. The crowd favourite, National School of Music’s Steel Orchestra captured first place in the large band category. Other winners included Bishops’ High School, Dolphin Secondary School, President’s College, Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra, Pan Wave Academy and ten-time winner Parkside Steel Orchestra.

Carib Soca Champ, Brandon Harding during his performance

The night’s big winner, the National School of Music’s Steel Orchestra

The Parkside Steel Orchestra performing Onicka Joseph, 2018 Calypso Monarch

King Perai, first runner-up, 2018 Calypso Monarch

North Ruimveldt Secondary School’s conductor accompanied by two dancers

West Demerara Secondary School’s steel band performing

Continued on page 23

The top four finalists of the Carib Soca Monarch

16

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

The Handel Andrews Column

T

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

History of Guyana political parties

he 1964 general elections were held under the proportional representation system, by which a party was entitled to a proportion of the 53 seats in proportion to how it fared in the election.

The results of the election gave the PPP — 45.8% (24 seats), the PNC 40.5% — (22 seats) and the United Force (UF) 12.4% — (7 seats). The UF and PNC agreed to a coalition government, in which Forbes Burnham became Premier and Peter D’Aguiar, leader of the UF became Minister of Finance.

The new Government comprised Forbes Burnham, Premier and 12 Cabinet Ministers, 8 from the PNC and 4 from the UF. A. P. Alleyne, former Principal of Washington High School and, later, B. G. Education Trust, was elected Speaker.

The new House of Assembly met in early January 1965, but the PPP did not attend, because the Party had earlier announced that it would boycott as a form of protest over how the party had lost office.

INDEPENDENCE On May 26, 1966, British Guiana became an independent nation. The British flag (the Union Jack) was lowered for the last time at a ceremony held at the National Park in Georgetown. The name British Guiana was changed to Guyana.

The newly-independent nation remained within the British Commonwealth. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham became its first Prime Minister. Peter D’Aguiar, with whom he merged out of necessity, became Deputy Prime Minister.

The House of Assembly sat for the first time in early January 1965 and as mentioned earlier A. P. Alleyne, was elected Speaker.

The PNC-UF coalition worked well until the period leading to the 1968 elections. Peter D’Aguiar began attacking Forbes Burnham as an autocrat. Finally, on the eve of the 1968 elections, the UF leader dissolved the union by resigning from the Legislature.

achieving Co-operative Socialism was fundamentally dependent on the co-operation of the various segments and sectors of the population.

Its chief features were (1) ownership and control of the country’s natural resources through nationalization and (2) House, Feed and Clothe the nation (FCH) program and Co-operatives.

NATIONALIZATION The first industry nationalized was bauxite. On March 1, 1971, the “Bauxite Nationalization Act” was passed. Demerara Bauxite Co. (DEMBA) was nationalized on July 15, 1971 and renamed the Guyana Bauxite Co. (GUYBAU) Reynolds Guyana Mines Ltd. was nationalized January 1, 1975 and renamed BERMINE. Nationalization of the bauxite industry worked well at first. In the 1970s, Guyana was the world's leading supplier of calcined bauxite, a high grade of the mineral used for lining steel furnaces and other high-temperature applications. World demand and prices for Guyana’s bauxite rose and the PETER D’AGUIAR L. F. S. BURNHAM government received huge revenues from the bellion at Plantation Madgalenen- newly-nationalized enterprise, burg, up-per Canje River, which was Guyana Mining Enterprise Limited led by Cuffy (real name Kofi), one (Guymine) of Guyana’s national heroes.

However, things changed by The office of Governor Gen- the end of the 1980s. China replaced eral was abolished, and the office of Guyana as the leading calcined Presidency was instituted. The of- bauxite supplier. The state-owned fice-holder was appointed by the na- enterprise suffered repeated losses tional assembly for a 5-year period. because of inefficient management, Edward Luckhoo served as acting- declining world prices for bauxite President from February 23, 1970 and prolonged strikes. until March 17, 1970. Arthur Chung BOOKER BROTHERS, held the office from March 17, 1970 McCONNELL & CO until October 6, 1980.

Bookers Bros. McConnell & On February 14, 1980, The Co. played a prominent role in the Constitution of the Co-operative Re- economic development of Guy-ana. public of Guyana Act, 1980, was At various stages in the country’s passed in the National Assembly, re- history, it owned 90% of sugar planpealing The Independence Act, tations and led in import and export 1966. Linden Forbes Sampson On May 26h, 1976, the PNC Burnham became the Republic’s nationalized the comGovernment first Executive President. pany. At the time, Bookers Guyana ACHIEVING CO-OPERATIVE assets amounted to US$102.5 M and SOCIALISM the government agreed to pay the Forbes Burnham’s program for The dissolution was expected.

Burnham and D’aguiar held differing points of view with respect to the future of Guyana. D’Aguiar believed in benevolent capitalism, whereas Burnham subscribed to the tenets of socialism. The cord that tied them was fierce determination to prevent a PPP return to power.

After the party was defeated, it was cut in two parts.

Despite the UF’s split with the PNC, the latter gained a massive victory at the 1968 elections.

CO-OPERATIVE REBUBLIC The country became the world’s first Co-operative Republic on February 23, 1970 but remained within the British Commonwealth.

The date was chosen to coincide with the February 23, 1863 slave re-

CONCLUSION

company US$102M over 20 years.

The administration of the sugar industry fell to the Guyana Sugar Company (GUYSCO).

FCH PROGRAM Forbes Burnham’s Feed, House and Clothe (FCH) plan had the correct goals and was well- conceived. Dr. Kenneth King, Minister of Economic Development, announced it on May 8, 1973. He pointed out, “The Plan itself succinctly describes the society that we wish to mould. The Guyanese national must not consider himself an Indian, African, Chinese or European, but as Guyanese. Guyana must be selfreliant and, finally, it must be egalitarian. Furthermore, economic power would lie in the hands of the totality of Guy-anese.”

Whether the people were prepared to make the sacrifices required, would be discovered later.

HOUSE AND CLOTHE The “Housing Program” was aimed at building 65,000 housing units at a cost of G$250 million. The money would be raised from foreign borrowing and foreign exchange generated by exports. By the end of 1976, only 4,167 units had been built.

The “Clothing Program” involved cultivating cotton at Kimbia, mainly by the Guyana National Service (GNS) in the intermediate savannahs and processing it into cotton fabric at the textile factory built by the Chinese government at Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

However, the cotton fell short in both quantity and quality and failed to meet the requirements of the factory. Consequently, raw cotton was imported from the United States. Even using the imported cotton, the quality of cloth produced was not of very good standard and the amount produced was insufficient to meet the needs of the population. Thus, fabrics continued to be imported. Because of import restrictions, these as well as clothing were expensive.

FEED THE NATION The “Feed the Nation Program” was a step in the right direc(continued on page 25)

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

17

Guyana's Image in Southern Africa Expanding W

ith Guyana celebrating its 48th anniversary of Republican status, I decided to investigate the current image of our beautiful country within Southern Africa. That came about due to the recent resignation of the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, at the behest of his own political party, the ANC. President Zuma was accused of wide-spread corruption, and his own political party decided to instruct him to resign, which he did. Interesting, isn't that.

As would be recalled, I wrote an article in the Chronicle Pepperpot of August 27, 2017, which had the Headline, "The New Guyana/South Africa Connection". In that article, I reported the accreditation of Dr. Kenrick Hunte, as Guyana's first Resident Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. Over the past six months since Dr, Hunte has been in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, he has been making the image of Guyana better known in the former Land of Apartheid.

One example is the previous view

by South Africans that the International Guyanese Superstar, Eddy Grant, was Jamaican. That was something which Ambassador Hunte corrected. It must be recalled that Eddy Grant composed that powerful anti-apartheid rallying song, "Johanna Give me Hope". It may seem like a simple issue, but South Africa is very serious about culture and their cultural workers. Back in the 1970s, the internationally famous South African song bird, Miriam Makeba, also composed anti-apartheid songs such as "Mother Africa." At one time, the beautiful and charming Miriam Makeba also seemed to have been a candidate for the office of Guyana's First Lady. Do take note of that Miriam Makeba song, "Tell Me Mr Man, What you doing, Mr Man." The Lyrics of that Makeba song were specifically intended for Guyana's President Forbes Burnham, who was a bachelor at the time. Indeed, there was a romantic connection between Guyana and South Africa.

Something which is of importance, is the role which Guyana has played in the Liberation Struggle by Freedom

Fighters in South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Namibia, during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Guyana made financial contributions as well as tactical support to the Freedom Fighters, in the struggle to dismantle the brutal system of suppression by Europeans over the native African Peoples in Africa. Guyana also imposed a ban on any dealings with White minority South African government.

During the decades of apartheid in South Africa, the suppression of the In-

Guyana severed all relations with the White minority South African Government.

There was no political, economical, cultural or sporting activities with that country

by Guyana, until Apartheid was totally and permanently dismantled and Democracy restored.

With the many years of fighting for their Freedom from Colonial rule and the brutal oppressive system of President David Granger and Ambassaor Hunte.

Apartheid, countries in in Angola in September 2017, the 74Southern Africa, finally regained their in- year-old President, Jose Eduardo dos dependence from Colonial rule. Since Santos, who was in office for over 30 then, countries in Southern Africa, such years, stepped aside and handed over the as Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and Presidency to his selected 63-year-old Namibia, have all adhered to the demo- successor, Joao Lourenco, who is now cratic system, with General Elections the President of that oil-rich, African nabeing held as stipulated. There has been tion. Of special note for Guyana, is that

Guyana's Ambassador to South Africa, Dr. Kenrick Hunte on his way to present his letters of Credence to the President of NAMIBIA, on February 22, 2018.

digenous Africans by the Whites was brutal. The country's indigenous citizens were made to carry ID cards at all times, or risk being thrown into prison.

On March 21, 1960, 69 of a large group of demonstrating students, were shot dead by police; an incident known as The Sharpville Massacre. As such,

In the South African parliament, a thumbs up from the new President Cyril Ramaphose.

by Francis Quamina Farrier

no coup d'etat in those countries.

Following a recent General Election

with all its oil wealth, a high percentage of Angola's 13 million population, still live in poverty, something which the new President has vowed to address.

Guyana's Ambassador to South Africa, Dr. Kenrick Hunte, was in Angola this past week, where on February 22, 2018, he presented his Letters of Credentials as Guyana's Non-Resident Ambassador to Angola. Dr. Hunte will later this year, be accredited to a number of other southern and eastern African nations, including Kenya and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the Guyana Embassy in Pretoria, is a home away from home, for Guyanese residents in South Africa, as well as those visiting.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Dr. Kenrick Hunte, continues to meet with a wide range of Businessmen in South Africa, especially those who are expressing an interest in investing in Guyana.

Farrier at right with an Indian National and a South African National (center with make-up) during a Popular Theatre Exchange in Sydney Australia.

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

18

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

Tips on Buying Foreclosed Properties

T

his article is written basically to “throw caution to the wind” where the purchase of foreclosed properties are concerned.

At times we look blindly at opportunities without carefully weighing the pros and cons.

There are a lot of available houses that have recently been foreclosed. This trend will continue since individual circumstances change, such as husband and wife disagreements, broken partnerships, loss of jobs and empllyment is not easily available and many other scenarios. Nevertheless, if you’ve been thinking about buying a foreclosed property, as an investment or as a second home for your family, you may be on the right track.

However, buying a foreclosed home is a task that should not be taken lightly, so it is imperative that you do your homework.

You will need to do a lot of research before finding a suitable property. It will take you hours of careful research and planning to find a foreclosure property that fits your budget, a desired location and your needs.

GET PRE-QUALIFIED Securing financing early in the process is important because it will ensure that you are qualified, ready willing and able to purchase the property. Being pre-qualified will also give you greater bargaining power and leverage when the time comes to make a well calculated offer. Find a lender that has worked with a number of foreclosures and understands the foreclosure process in depth.

Experienced lenders will save you a lot of frustration and may also save you from losing out on a good deal.

KNOW THE PROCESS Knowing about the foreclosure buying process is an important part of purchasing such a property. You can buy a foreclosed property at an auction, by working directly with the seller of the property, or even by working with a real estate broker to bid on the property. Finding out the type of process being used for

the homes you will be considering gives you greater bargaining power, and may help you to better negotiate a price and any additional benefits such as reduced closing costs.

FORECLOSURE SEARCH Figure out what you want then put your early efforts into researching properties. You’ll need to find reliable resources for information, such as bank foreclosure listings. Spend time looking for other listings and make note of those that match your price range and your requirements for a property. If you’re looking for a three bedroom home, don’t settle for one that has two; keep searching until you find what you’re looking for so that you can be satisfied with your purchase.

RESEARCH THE AREA When you’ve put together a list of suitable properties, your research is not finished. You will need to start looking

into the benefits of the surrounding neighborhood, the availability of public and private schools, the population of the area, average property values, the rate of

property value growth in the area, and the availability of career and recreational opportunities. If you are working with a realtor, he/she can often provide additional property brochures and comparative market analysis reports of recent sales in the immediate neighborhood.

VIEW THE PROPERTIES Once you’ve compiled a list of potential purchases, you may be able to schedule an appointment to view the property or attend an open house. This is the time to find out how accurate the listing was. Carefully examine the home, checking for structural damage, rodents, termites, plumbing and heating issues, leaks in the roof and other common problems. Check to make sure that all features outlined in each listing are truly available with the purchase. Ask as many questions as you can think of before making a decision. Buying property is one of the biggest and most important decisions one can make, and one needs to have all the information available when one is considering all the factors involved in the purchase.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY? Once you’ve viewed the property, you need to consider the price, the condition of the property, and the surrounding neighborhood. Don’t make your purchasing decision based on price alone. A very low price can mean that the property was abandoned for many years or was not kept in good condition by the previous owner. It may need extensive renovations that can be expensive and time-consuming.

Buying a more expensive home that is in good condition rather than a bargain-basement home that has extensive damage will save you money in the long run. You will also need to find out if there are any liens on the property or if the property has been affected by a bankruptcy. This information is not something you want to find out after you have already progressed through most of the buying process and can be a legal hassle to resolve. Bear in mind that if the property is in a derelict condition, no bank will lend you money for a “fixer upper”; also no insurance company will insure such a property. There is a general feeling among people that they can buy a building of that nature at very low cost and acquire a loan from a bank to fix it.

This is not always possible. You can purchase such a building but you should have your own cash available to repair it to required building code standards.

Then and only then you will be able to refinance and acquire a good insurance policy.

BID ON THE PROPERTY? Once you’ve finished all of your research and decided on a property, it will be time to negotiate with the seller or make a bid on the property. Depending on the process being used, you will be working with a number of professionals, which may include bankers, attorneys, real estate agents, and other representatives of the home. During this negotiation process, you may be able to get yourself a deal on the total cost of purchasing the home. If you’re working with a bank, you may want to look into taking over the existing mortgage. Some banks will waive closing costs or reduce the interest rate on the mortgage if someone assumes it at closing.

Once you’ve wrapped up the closing process, the home is yours to enjoy.

You may now need to repair some of the structure or even make minor repairs.

When you finally look around at the end result, you will be glad you treaded carefully through the foreclosure/buying process and did your homework carefully. Look before you Leap.

“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 23, 2018

19

GUYANA WILL PREVAIL IN THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ)

ownership of Guyana’s maritime space, west of the Essequibo River.

• In October 1950, Dr. Clifton Child, a US historian who had consulted all the documents in the British foreign office, the verbatim reports of the Arbitral Tribunal, as well as the Diplomatic dispatches passing through London, St. Petersburg and Washington during the relevant period, concluded that “not a single document which, by the widest stretch of the imagination could be considered to indicate a deal between Great Britain and Russia of the sort suspected

by Mr. Mallet-Prevost.”

• In statements made to a Reuter’s correspondents on October 4, 1999, neither Ex-President Harrison nor Mr. Mallet-Prevost claimed that there was a deal between Russia and Great Britain.

• Perhaps the most fatal defect in Mallet-Prevost allegations was his claim that Lord Russell, one of the British arbitrators had invited Mr. Martens, the President of the Tribunal to accompany him on a trip to England during the recess between August 1625, 1899. The London Times of August 18, 1899, did indeed publish that Lord Russell had returned from Paris to his country house at Tadworth Court, near Epson. However, there was no mention that Mr. DeMartens had accompanied him, although Mr. De Martens was in the public eye as president of the Tribunal. There was a mention of the travel of other members of the Tribunal, such as Sir Robert Read, one of the counsel for the Tribunal and Sir Richard Webster, the Attorney General of Great Britain, but no mention of Mr. De Martens. It is clear that if Mr. De Martens had indeed accompanied Lord Russell, there would have been a mention of it in the London Times or in one of the diplomatic dispatches between London, Paris and St. Petersburg.

• One of the significant defects of the Mallet-Prevost memorandum, is the fact that it was not published until after his death in 1949. In other words, it took Mr. Mallet-Prevost 50 years to publish the report of a deal, 50 years after the award had been handed down.

By the time the memorandum was published, all of the protagonists and witnesses had passed away, including Mr. Mallet-Prevost, the author of the publication, the two arbitrators for Venezuela, Chief Justice Melvin Fuller, and Associate Justice David Brewer, Ex-President Benjamin Harrison, Chief Counsel for Venezuela and Benjamin Tracey, former Secretary for the Navy and Counsel for Venezuela.

• Mallet-Prevost’s allegations constituted self-serving declarations that were both uncorroborated and undocumented, and consisted of many factual in-

(from page 4)

accuracies and outright fabrications.

• The most significant defect was Mallet-Prevost failure to take any legal action until 50 years had elapsed, and all of the protagonists and material witnesses had passed away. If any of the allegations of a political deal were true, the two US arbitrators could have filed a minority report with a strong dissenting opinion, alleging undue influence, extortion, bias and prejudice on the part

of Mr. DeMartins.

• Alternatively, the entire delegation could have interposed a motion to annul the Arbitral Award before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), alleging significant improprieties — bias, prejudice, extortion and undue influence on the part of the President of the Tribunal.

• Given the social prominence and prestige of the American arbitrators

— a Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, a former President of the United States, and a former Secretary of the Navy. Given the political, economic and military power of the United States, and given the economic influence of Venezuela in South America, it is highly probable that the award would have been annulled, if the allegations were proven to be true.

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Guyana Chronicle NewNew YorkYork Edition Week-ending February 23, 23, 2018 Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending February 2018

In The Mail

Guyana Action Committee (GAC) sympathizes with the victims of Parkland, Florida Shooting Dear Editor, The Guyana Action Committee (GAC); a non-profit organization based in the United States, whose broad mission includes combating the scourge of gun-violence across communities within the United States and overseas, has raised its voice in sympathy with the victims of the recent indiscriminate shooting of high schoolers in Parkland, Florida.

As an ardent proponent of anti-gun-violence, GAC has been active within the New York City environs supporting gun violence victims and advocating on their behalf. A few cases that readily come to mind were the shootings of Police Officer Randolph Holder, Corrections Officer Bryan and 16-year-old Shemel Mecurius.

GAC extends its solidarity to all advocacy groups and their current efforts to stimulate discussion on the issue of gun violence with the hope that there can be consensus on ways to mitigate the current onslaught, brought about by the ease of access to guns and its deadly results.

Each occurrence of mass shooting across the United States reignites the important “off again, on again” debate on gun control. Most recently, the world learned of the horrendous extinguishing of 17 lives with 14 sustaining injuries at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This barbaric act was perpetuated by a fellow teenage student with an AR15 assault rifle.

Reports indicate the shooter had an extended history of mental and behavioral issues.

The debate on gun control is split between the conservatives—who believe that gun ownership is an undeniable right, while the progressives identifies gun ownership as a privilege that requires regulation. While the two sides squabble over it, the

FLASHBACK: The GAC demonstrating against gun violence IN 2016. magnitude of the problem continues unabated.

Over the past 11 years (2007-2018), there were five mass shooting incidents at institutions of learning (school) that resulted in 73 homicides and 89 injured. All the shooters had prior mental health issues and legally purchased their firearms.

Moreover, there were 19 mass shooting incidents within the past two years (2016-2018) resulting in 209 killed and 671 injured. nine of the shooters had prior mental health issues and three purchased their weapons legally.

The data suggest there may be a correlation between known mental health issues, gun ownership and mass shooting for males, nevertheless it would require greater levels of analyses of the associated variables to establish a clear picture of the situation.

This evidence-based approach would certain help to inform practitioners and policy makers on

the best and most suitable approach to background screening of weapon sales.

As the United States grabble with such unconscionable barbarity, some of us remain equally concerned whether children of the Diaspora are victims in these cases. Notwithstanding such a possibility, there is a dearth of information on whether there is a direct impact on the Caribbean Diaspora as a result. Caribbean nationals and their families are located across the length and breadth of the United States and attend many different institutions of learning. As a result, they can need various aspects of support.

The principal officers of the Guyana Action Committee are:-Errol Lewis— President Ismay Sam— Secretary Anitha Hicks —Treasurer

Guyana has to learn to play by the rules of international business Dear Editor, WHILE I too share the same anxieties as many compatriots over whether government's share of the revenues from the 2016 petroleum agreement will be the bonanza to finally launch the country into the economic stratosphere, the fact of the matter is we live in a world with established rules and expectations on how international business is conducted and how investment decisions are made by big corporations.

If Guyana would like to persistently attract large investors and to be seen as having comparative advantages over other investment destinations, we need to stop the current fretting and groveling over the 2016 agreement. Instead, we need to understand the rules of the game, unpalatable as some of them are, and adjust our mindset to the

hard realities. There is little to gain in following the footsteps of the late Dr. C h e d d i Jagan in campaigning in the wilderness for a new Global Human Order.

Not much in the 2016 oil agreement should surprise. Firstly, the financial regime (profit oil, cost oil, cost recovery, tax waivers, and royalty) is what our consecutive governments have long advertised in their hunt for oil investors. As long as memory serves, these terms have been written on the GGMC website and in promotional brochures, and touted at conferences for decades.

Secondly, many of the terms in the agreement are standard features worldwide for our circumstances.

For example, the much-criticised stability clause (Article 32) is, according to one World Bank study, included in over 100 oil contracts worldwide. As I explained in a pre-

vious letter, no company would make large long-term investments in the so-called Third World without a stability clause. Insurers, for one, would not touch such a project without it. That is a rule of the game.

Some have argued that because the 2016 agreement was negotiated after oil had been found (unlike the 1999 agreement), then Guyana should have used this fact to extract a better deal. But again, this is not how the game is played. Investments in the Stabroek Block were made under set upfront conditions. Had the company found nothing, it would have had to shoulder all the loss, with no cost to us. That's one rule I am sure we like. But now that the company's risk-taking has paid off with several oil finds, we cannot now demand that the conditions that lured the company in the first place be altered to our advantage. Any company could reasonably point out that had it known upfront

that Guyana would seek to change the terms of doing business, this circumstance may have changed the investment calculus and caused it to seek fortune elsewhere. It's akin to a landlord asking for more rent after a tenant has used his own money to upgrade the house. Is that a good image for Guyana to be projecting to foreign investors? One is reminded of the level-headed advice by Sir Shridath Ramphal and other thinkers in their 1978 report “South-South Dialogue” that the worst thing for a developing country than being exploited is not being exploited.

The 2016 deal is sealed. It is time for us to begin, in a more structured and sustained manner, to discuss how we can wisely use our God-given blessings to transform the lives of our citizens within the next five years.

Regards, Sherwood Lowe

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

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 89 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will be on the rampage this month. Don’t confide in any relatives who you know have a tendency to meddle in other people’s affairs. You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. Don’t let any small misunderstandings get in the way. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Take time to reevaluate your motives regarding friendships. You can certainly gain popularity; however, don’t do it by paying for everyone else.

Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge. Try looking into new ways to make extra money. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You may get some opposition. Personal changes will be to your benefit. You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home. Find out if they your partner has other commitments. You may want to make plans to take a vacation together. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You may find that your mate is well aware of the circumstances. Don’t let your partner get you going. This is the best time to travel or attend lectures or seminars. You’re likely to encounter new partners if you take short trips. You must look into your options. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You’ll be angry if those you live with aren’t pulling their weight. Try not to get involved in other people’s problems. You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do. Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You need to look into some private matters before you can proceed with your plans. Protect your interests legally if necessary. Focus, and concentrate on yourself and your future. Be careful not to overexert yourself. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Your questions will help you ferret out secret information. Try to accommodate others without infringing on your own responsibilities. You are best to avoid such unsavory circumstances, especially if you’re in a group situation.

Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your involvement in organizational events could open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship. You can discuss your intentions and ideas with your colleagues or friends this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You must be extremely careful not to let relatives or friends interfere in your personal life. Don’t let your personal partner hold you back. Take the time to sort out your personal papers and double-check your financial investments. You will find it easy finalizing personal papers if you make an effort. Your luckiest events this month will occur on Monday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Good friends will give you honest answers. Be sure to catch up on overdue correspondence and help those you love find solutions to their dilemmas.

Your partner will blow situations out of proportion. Try not to allow others to burden you with additional responsibilities. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Sunday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible.

Don’t go overboard; start small and work toward building it up slowly.

You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately. This could be the cause of a dispute that may result in estrangement. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You will easily capture the interest of those you talk to. Travel or short trips will probably be your best outlet. Your communication skills will bring you popularity and increased self esteem. Try to keep an open mind.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

ACROSS 1. Metal fasteners 6. Matted wool cloth 10. Some Hondas 12. Came to a stop 14. Movie house 15. Passes a law 16. Main and Sesame (abbr.)

17. Crooner Sinatra 19. Wool fabric 21. Armchair quarterback’s favorite channel 25. Reed instrument 27. “Eight ___ Out” 29. Charged particle 30. “ ___ Maria” 31. Love to pieces 33. Pull after 34. Golf goal

W O R D F I N D

S P Y

AFTER TONIGHT ARCTIC FLIGHT BODY OF LIES

BRITISH AGENT CAIRO

CHELSEAWALLS COMPANY MAN CONDORMAN

ENEMY GOLD FIT TO KILL GUNS

HARD CONTRACT HOPSCOTCH

35. Race the motor 36. U.S. native (abbr.)

38. Gymnast Korbut 40. Violin’s big brother 42. Actress Belafonte 44. Director Reiner 47. Breed of cattle 50. Hymn 53. Consents 54. Complainer 55. Rolling stone’s lack 56. Rain bits DOWN 1. Cul-de-___ 2. Mark Harmon series 3. Uncle’s wife 4. Magician’s word 5. “Cheers” bartender 6 Snow crystal 7. And so forth (abbr.)

8. Lease 9. Football tallies (abbr.)

11. Ump’s shout 12. Double-___ 13. Miller or Landers 18. Nail polish ___ 20. Dress in 22. Place 23. Without money 24. Wind dir.

25. Track shape 26. Floating ice mass 28. Actress Patricia 30. Military address abbr.

32. Rots 37. Pestle’s partner 39. Dolts 41. Neeson of films 43. Giggle sound 45. “This is terrible!” (2 wds.)

46. Horn sound 47. Traffic congestion 48. Conceit 49. Monopoly’s four (abbr.)

51. Silent gesture 52. “ ___ Doubtfire”

M O V I E S MAN ONASTRING MINISTRY OF FEAR

MUNICH

REALMEN RONIN

SAFE HOUSE SCORPIO

STEAL THE SKY TAGGET

THE NEXT MAN TRUE LIES

ISSUE 89 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

State Minister says GBA statement reckless and treading a dangerous path -President has never and will never act outside of the Constitution

Georgetown, Guyana – (February 19, 2018) The Ministry of the Presidency (MotP) questions the motives of the statement by the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), which was reported in various sections of the press this week.

Referencing the substantive appointments of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, the GBA, in its statement, warned that “any action outside of the said Article 127 is unconstitutional, void, of no legal effect and would have embarrassing consequences.” This perplexing statement, made without any indication from the administration of any intention to ever operate outside of the Constitution of Guyana, was described by the Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, as reckless.

On February 14, 2018, at the swearing in ceremony for Justice Rafiq Khan, when questioned by members of the media on the way forward on the two Constitutional appointments after the Opposition Leader rejected the names of Justices Kenneth Benjamin and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice respectively, President David Granger said explicitly said that he would be guided by the provisions of the Constitution of Guyana.

“I have to be advised by my Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General. We cannot be

without a Chancellor and a Chief Justice because right now two persons are acting and I had hoped that we could have moved forward by having a substantive or a full time appointment agreed, but this has not happened and the Constitution requires me to await the approval of the Leader of the Opposition and this hasn’t come so I will have to depend on legal advice and make sure that the Courts continue to function,” President Granger said.

Minister Harmon, in an invited comment, said that he is concerned at the dangerous path that the Association is treading with its insinuations and strong assertions, despite the public statements made by the Head of State with regard to upholding of the Constitution. He described as reckless the statement attributed to the Association, which states that the climate surrounding the appointment of the two offices is “repugnant and shakes the public confidence in the legal system. It further unfairly undermines the dignity of the offices and office holders”.

“This is a rash statement from a Bar Association… more importantly having regard for the recent actions of the administration in ensuring that at all material times that the appointments to the Judiciary were made in good time and based on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission. The President has been at pains to respect the

Constitution. Every action, which he takes is underpinned by the provisions of the Constitution and so it is quite surprising to me that the Bar Association having regard to what the President has actually said that he respects the Constitution and that he will act in accordance, that the Bar Association arrived at a conclusion that basically says that the current climate is repugnant and shakes the public confidence in the justice system. Never before in the history of this country have we had nearly all judicial appointments filled. We do not have positions now that are unfilled. Acting on advice from the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), the President has appointed Justices of Appeal for short terms to deal with backlog of cases,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister of State further said that it is under this administration that the Judiciary has been strengthened, with Government’s emphasis on integrity, impartiality and independence. He said that while the Leader of the Opposition would have rejected the nominations for the two posts, no explanations were provided to the Government or the Guyanese society on his disapproval with no public outcry. He note,d however, that when the Head of State had rejected the nominations for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the GBA was one of the many organisations, which

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voiced their discontent and called for explanations to be given.

“I don’t know what would have motivated them to take this position because the last consultation that was held between the Leader of the Opposition and the President, the Leader of the Opposition took a position that he was not in support of the nomination and he chose to give no reasons. Now when His Excellency, the President had to deal with the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM and the nominations by the Leader of the Opposition, he basically said that he did not give reasons for his decision because it is a small country and personalities and characters can be damaged in a certain way.

The Bar Association was among many that criticised the President on that and actually went to Court to get a ruling that the President must give reasons. Now Mr. Jagdeo has taken this same position and they make no statement about it. It is saying to me that the Bar Association is going down a very dangerous line. People should not be afraid that the President will act arbitrarily. The President will never act arbitrarily,” Minister Harmon said.

President Granger, in his address at Justice Khan’s swearing in ceremony made clear that Guyana is a state governed by laws and the Constitution of Guyana, which is the supreme law of the land, will, at all times,

be respected. The GBA’s statement, which can be interpreted as premature and potentially misleading follows closely on the heels of a repeated commitment by the Head of State to uphold the tenets of the Constitution of Guyana and ensure that the judicial system is one that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity.

“The supreme Law of the land is the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana which provides (at Article 149D (1), that: “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection and benefit of the law. An efficient and independent judiciary, therefore, supports citizens’ rights to the equal protection and benefit of the law. A full complement of legal officers, magistrates and judges enables judicial efficiency, ensures that citizens’ cases are heard expeditiously and enhances public confidence in the rule of law,” he said.

The Ministry of the Presidency uses this opportunity to assure the GBA and all Guyanese that this administration remains committed to upholding the Constitution of Guyana. Any suggestion that it is not or intends to do otherwise is not based in fact nor is there any evidence to suggest that this ominous warning from the GBA, which has to potential to create unwarranted fear, was required.

GFC still to recover $80M owed by BaiShanLin CHINESE company, BaiShanLin, owes the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in excess of $80M and the commission aims to recover the outstanding debt in collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

This is according to Chairperson of the GFC’s Board of Directors, Jocelyn Dow, at a press briefing on Monday, at the GFC multiplex building, Kingston Georgetown.

In September of 2016, the GFC had repossessed concessions held by BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc. (BIFDI), since the company failed to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the

Commission. The company was also given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear an approximately GY$80 million debt.

Earlier that same year, it was reported that the Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, a Chinese state-owned company, had acquired 55 per cent of the shares in BaiShanLin and had intended to fully take over the company in 2016.

According to the GFC, in an effort to conclude the matter representatives of BaiShanLin were invited to a meeting on April 8, 2016 to provide an update on its plans to clear the debt.

When the company started its operations locally in 2007, it had also committed

under its investment agreement, to establish a US$100 million wood processing plant in order to engage in value added exports – this too was never built.

The GFC said that during the meeting the company representatives had indicated that BaiShanLin suffered financial constraints, which affected the establishing of the wood processing facility, and that the company was engaging a new partner that would contribute significantly to its investment in Guyana.

The GFC Board said it was, at the time, assured of the financial strength of the new partner, who had committed to pay off the debt owed by the company to the Commission.

PAGE 4 Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018 Guyana

Band Launch As Februaury 23 got closer, the public was given a first-hand glimpse of what is to be expected come February 23 as the ministries, groups, entities and private individuals launched their various Mash band,s unveiling dazzling floats and road parade costumes.

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton with part of his ministry's contingent

Mashramani 2018 SUPPLEMENT

Mash Launch The 2018 Mashramani observances were officially launched in Linden, Region 10 on Saturday September 16, 2018 amidst lively cultural presentations and performance.s.A colourful mini Mashramani-like parade which culminated at Republic Avenue formed a spectacular prelude to the official launching, which took place on the tarmac of the LindenGeorgetown minibus park. The official theme coined by winner Harry Narine, “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48” was officially revealed.

Minister of Social Cohesion George Norton unvieling the Mash 2018 Theme

Minister David Patterson along with revelers of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Mash Band

A masquerade band entertaining the audience at the lanch of Mash 2018 in Linden

Ready for the road

Part of the mini Mashramani-like parade

A reveler showcasing the Ministry of Natural Resources Mash costume

A glimpse of the Ministry of Agriculture costume

Some revelers during lunch of Mash 2018 Some of of thethe relevellers duringthe the launch of Mash 2018

23

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

Surinamese brass band for Mash Day

Ricardo Yip, manager of the Parbo Brass Band, meets Director of Culture (ag), Ms Tamika Boatswain to discuss the Parbo Brass Band’s participation in the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade. At right is Assistant Manager Patrick Esejas

The brass section of the Parbo Brass Band during a performance in Paramaribo, Suriname

By Anthony Layne MESSRS RICARDO Yip and Patrick Esejas of Suriname will add a different dimension to the Costume and Float Parade when their band, the Parbo Brass Band, hits the road on Mash Day. The 35-member band comprises dancers, drummers and a six-piece brass section. According to Esejas, the ensemble grew out of a small “marching band” in a scout troupe, in which he and Yip are senior members.

The two Surinamese visited Guyana recently to finalise arrangements for their participation. They met Director of Culture (ag) Ms Tamika Boatswain, whom they said enthusiastically welcomed their proposal to participate in the event. All arrangements have therefore been completed and their participation is a certainty.

Yip, whose wife is Guyanese, is no stranger to this country, having already visited on numerous occasions. It will, however, be Esejas’s first visit, as it will be for other members of the contingent. Relating their reason for wanting to be part of the event, Esejas said the band has participated in events farther afield, including in Holland and Belgium. Additionally, they tour French Guiana every year, so why not Guyana, another neighbour?

So, having heard about Mashramani, they decided that it would be a great opportunity for the young members of the band in particular to experience Guyana’s premier cultural event. He said that they will also explore the possibility of conducting tours to Guyana. The contingent is due to arrive today and they are reportedly all agog with excitement.

Efforts to sell baby thwarted by relatives

AN alleged plan crafted a few months ago to sell a newborn was thwarted on Wednesday by concerned relatives of the child.

According to the relatives of the newborn baby girl, a deal was made to sell her to a Surinamese for $1.5M by her father. According to relatives, the parents of the infant have four other children, ranging from 2-12 and are experiencing financial difficulties supporting them, and the addition to the family will only make things worse.

The relatives continued that it was during one of the many rough days that the father, who operates a tractor, was approached at their No.68 Village home by someone from neighbouring Suriname and the father allegedly agreed to sell the child upon birth. This newspa-

per understands that on the 18th February, the 24-year-old mother gave birth to a baby girl and shortly after, the Surinamese showed up with documents that were signed with the intention to deliver payment upon the handing over of the baby which was scheduled on the day of her discharge, Wednesday.

However, relatives got wind of the story and invited the media who notified the relevant authorities. The discharge of the mother was subsequently delayed and an investigation was launched. The mother of the child is now saying they no longer wish to sell the infant and is blaming the father for accepting the deal. Relatives have since come forward and offered to support the infant and her family to avoid the sale.

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

25

History of political parties in Guyana tion. Its aim was to encourage Guyanese to produce more agricultural products and eat more locallyproduced goods. Cecilia McAlmont, “On Buying Local and Feeding, Clothing and Housing Ourselves”, (Guyana Under Siege, July 18, 2002, first published in Stabroek News as two pieces in July 2002) observes that Burnham: “conceded the difficulty some people may have in changing their taste but insisted that it was absolutely necessary if they were to survive and not have to face a crisis shortly. He posited that even if the local alternative was somewhat inferior, it was the price we had to pay for independence and economic progress."

People are reluctant to change habits, even if it is in their best interest. The government asked the Guyanese people to make sacrifices, which they did not make. It was they, not the Government, who failed in the Feeding program.

THE COOPERATIVES Much of the success of co-operative socialism, as envisioned by Forbes Burnham, depended on the success of co-operatives. His vision saw the common (small) man as the instrument by which it would be achieved. In a speech at Sophia (Declaration of Sophia) he stated: “It is essentially and by definition the little man's institution and instrument of liberation. So also is the fact that it is a most important mechanism in the development of the nation.”

In 1974, there were 315 school co-operative societies with a membership of over 40,000 and savings of over G$ 300,000. There were also fishermen’s, cane farming, pig rearers’ co-operatives, including the Guyana Co-operative Wholesale Society.

Forbes Burnham recognized that proper training was essential for the successful operating of the cooperatives and made it available. He set up the Co-operative College at Kuru Kuru and several Co- operative Institutes to provide orientation and training relevant to the management and running of the Co-operatives.

By 1976, the government had (continued from page 16)

neither clothed, housed nor fed the nation and co-operatives were declining.

The failure of Forbes Burnham’s plans was partially caused by inept management. Nevertheless, some of that failure was also due to forces beyond his government’s control. He outlined some of these in his “Address to the Nation” on December 14, 1976 on Radio Demerara. Among the reasons he gave for the housing failure were that (1) the original investment sum had to be increased to G$1.5 billion; (2) that inflation between 1970 and 1976 had affected building costs; (3) that prices for materials skyroceted;

Dr. Walter Rodney

primary school children (8-14 years); National Cadet Corps for secondary school children (12-18 years); New Opportunity Corps for juveniles committed to reform schools (up to 16 years); Pioneer Corps for persons who had already left the school system (18-25 years) and the Special Service and National Reserve Corps.

The Pioneer Corps received training at the Kimbia Centre on the Berbice River. They also received training at The Jaguar Centre on the New River and The Konawaruk Centre on the Potaro River, (opened in 1976), The Agriculture Complex at Tiger Creek (established in 1977),

Pres. David Granger and PM Moses Nagamootoo

(4) that there was a shortage of cement; (5) that there were not enough skilled workmen; (6) sugar prices fell on the world market; and (7) unusual floods and severe rainfall affected construction, sugar and rice production.

GUYANA NATIONAL SERVICE On December 20, 1973, The PNC Government created the Guyana National Service (GNS).

The “Guyana National Service State Paper”, “delivered by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, outlined its objectives and operating philosophy. It would prepare Guyanese to utilize their time and energies productively and equip them with the knowledge and experience to explore, develop and live on the rich lands available in the interior. It would mobilize and motivate support for the Guyanese people's effort to "Feed, Clothe, and House" themselves; inculcate the skills and attitudes necessary for nation-building and national development and transform individuals accustomed to depending upon external aid into self-reliant and productive citizens.

The Service was divided into six units ranging from ages 8 through 25—The Young Brigade for

the Boys’ School at Onderneeming, the Agricultural Institute at Arakaka, the Community School at Port Kaituma and the Koriri Centre on the Canje River.

PARTY PARAMOUNTCY On December 14, 1974, the 10th anniversary of the PNC Government, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham gave a speech, which enunciated the doctrine of Party Paramountcy or “The Declaration of Sophia,” named after the village of Sophia, where proceedings were held.

In the President’s words, “All organs of the state would be considered agencies of the ruling PNC and subject to its control. The state and the PNC became interchangeable and PNC objectives became public policy.”

THE WORKING PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE (WPA) The WPA was, arguably, the strongest critic of this and other PNC policies. It, was formed November 1973. Its leader was the distinguished historian Dr. Walter Rodney.

It was an alliance of the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA), headed by Eusi Kwayana;

the Indian Political Revolutionary Associates (IPRA), led by Moses Bhagwan; the Working Peoples Vanguard Party (WPVP), led by Brindley Benn; RATOON and intellectuals like Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Dr. Clive Thomas and Miles Fitzpatrick.

The PPP offered a 17-point proposal for a National Patriotic Front (NPF), which Dr. Jagan, fully and rightly, expected the WPA to accept. They did not. They felt that the PPP had become too Indian and the PNC too African. Alternately, they proposed a Government of National Reconstruction.

In July 1979. Drs. Clive Thomas, Rupert Roopnarine, leaders of the WPA, and five others were arrested after arsonists destroyed two government buildings and Dr. Rodney was charged with arson.

He was assassinated 14 February 14, 1980. in Georgetown. He was carrying a device when a bomb placed in it exploded. Gregory Smith, a retired member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), had given the device to him.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR NATIONAL UNITY The APNU was formed in July 2011 to contest the 2011 general elections. It was a partnership consisting of the Guyana Action Party, the Guyana Association of Local Authorities, the Guyana National Congress, the Guyana People's Partnership, the Guyana Youth Congress, the Justice for All Party, the National Democratic Front, the National Front Alliance, the People's National Congress (PNC) and the Working People's Alliance.

The APNU won 26 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly in the elections. Prior to the 2015 elections the APNU formed a joint electoral list with the Alliance for Change. The combined list won 33 seats, allowing PNC leader David A. Granger to become President.

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE The party was formed in 2005 by three MPs who left other parties: Raphael Trotman of PNC, Khemraj Ramjattan of the PPP and Shei,la Holder of the WPA. Trotman was its leader. The party won six seats in the 2006 elections and seven in 2011 elections. It is now part of the coalition government.

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

26

WHITHER, WEST INDIES CRICKET?

Enough Is Enough!

“WICB needs to take responsibility for the fall of WI cricket.”— Ramnaresh Sarwan, former WI captain “The West Indies Cricket Board is the most unprofessional in the world . . . Cameron is 'immature', 'arrogant' and 'not having West Indies cricket at heart' . . . a dictator . . . I think we had enough as players.” — Dwayne Bravo “When is the last time a critic paid one of your bills? Always remember that when you start to give them your energy.” — Dave Cameron, President of WICB, now CWI (Cricket West Indies)

A few years ago, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Viv Richards, Wes Hall and Andy Roberts, uniting under the umbrella banner of Cricket Legends, met with Grenada’s Premier Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the Prime Ministerial Committee on the Governance of West Indies Cricket, which had appointed the CARICOM cricket review panel in the wake of yet another crisis that emerged following the West Indies’ withdrawal from India’s tour in October 2014.

“During the last two decades, many different Presidents and CEOs have led the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and yet, its performance has declined steadily with each passing year,” the Legends said in a joint media release.

“The Board is an oligarchic structure that considers itself answerable to no one but itself. It is one of the few sporting institutions that have remained virtually unchanged in attitude and structure in the last 70 years or more.” Roger Harper, Charlie Griffith, Deryck Murray, (who were also members of the CARICOM review panel), leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine, (previous President of the West Indies Players Association) and opening batsman, Desmond Haynes were only a few former stars who concurred with CARICOM’s recommendation that the WICB become accountable to CARICOM authorities, and that the board should “undergo structural adjustment.”

Recently, a CWI press release recently confirmed that off-spinner Sunil Narine, batsman Darren Bravo and allrounders Kieron Powell and Andre Russell, all refused to proudly don their West Indies flannels, preferring to participate in the Pakistan Super league instead of taking part in the ICC World Cup quali-

fiers in Bangladesh in March. The World best summarized by the former Prime Cup is cricket’s biggest stage. Former Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, captains and star batsmen Chris Gayle, “The West Indies are Third World counRonnie Sarwan and the iconic Sir Viv tries, but we belong and are in the first Richards, Darren Sammy, and many World of Cricket.” Cricket is not only a other players have condemned similar religion in the Caribbean, but it best decomplaints about the Board’s callous fines the region in the highest context. treatment of players in the past.

Regional political integration has folNot only has the WICB/CWI lowed cricket as a unifying and defining shown serial disrespect for great players force. like Sobers, Hall, Kanhai, Gibbs, Lloyd, In a deeper psychological and hisChanderpaul and others over the years, torical context, a West Indian cricketer’s but their humiliation have become more artistry and flamboyance is the product pronounced with each succeeding gen- of the post-colonial era, where the psyeration of cricketers. Some quarters have che is the celebration and liberation from complained that “some players have too the bondages of imperialism and colomuch egos, and behave like mercenar- nialism. It is a celebration of freedom. ies.” The grievances on both sides must Our glorious successes lift marginalized be heard and addressed. people from our daily burdens, and takes The major complaint is that “the us to flights of pride over our collective Board has been utilizing the ‘big stick’ achievements, living in the ecstatic comapproach in dealing fort of the superlawith matters, and not tives that always having proper comfollow. munication with all What cricket stakeholders, includmeans to the typical ing the players.” SarCaribbean kid is best wan exposed his summarized by Nobel fallout with the WICB Laureate, Sir V. S. and Ottis Gibson, sayNaipaul, in The Miding that Gibson verdle Passage, pg. 44, bally attacked him “Cricket has always and dropped him, debeen more than a stroying him mengame in Trinidad. In a tally. This led to his society which denow famous quote, “I manded no skills and didn't know my front offered no rewards to DAVE CAMERON foot from my back merit, cricket was the foot,” a situation that caused him to flee only activity which permitted a man to from the game and not leave his house grow to his full stature and to be measor his room for days, until the point ured against international standards . . . when his father had an emotional break- The cricketer was our only hero-figure.” down over worry for his son. “I would Cricket is simply the lifeblood of not answer the call of the WICB if the Caribbean, and our greatest adhesive picked now,” is reflective of a seriously force. C. L. R. James, the renowned broken spirit. cricket scholar, in his work Cricket in Sarwan’s disgust that “The CWI or West Indian Culture, at pg. 119 aptly WICB whatever name y’all come under, noted, “From its beginning to this day all the administrators, from 1990 on- cricket in the West Indies has expressed wards should go and play now and help with astonishing fidelity the social relathe team qualify for the next World tions of the islands.” In his seminal Cup,” is symptomatic of the fact that work, Beyond a Boundary, James puts West Indies cricket is imploding, and not cricket in perspective when he wrote, keeping, consolidating, unifying and “Cricket is first and foremost a dramatic managing its individual talents. His spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, complaint that, “Now imagine the great ballet, opera and the dance.”

WICB asking players to play. I would Caribbean kids are still inspired to like to laugh but out of respect for the become world famous like Sir Garfield Caribbean people I won’t,” demands im- Sobers, Sir Learie Constantine, George mediate action by CARICOM govern- Headley, Sir Frank Worrell, Brian Lara, ments to address the problems in our Sir Viv Richards, Rohan Kanhai and cricket. other enduring West Indian icons so CARICOM will do well to remind revered around the cricketing globe. itself what cricket supremacy means in They are the very embodiment of the a global context to all Caribbean broth- West Indian dream, and inspirational figers and sisters, sons and daughters. It is ures.

The ALBERT BALDEO Column In fact, sportsmanship and professionalism were intrinsic parts of a cricketer’s development as his ability to flick the ball off the legs, late cut or hook a bouncer off the eyebrows. They prepared the Caribbean person to take his or her place amongst the best in the world, as so many have done academically, in sports, and in every facet of life and endeavor itself.

Sarwan has called on the administrators of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to “pad up” and take the field to help the West Indies qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup. While they may not take up that challenge, CARICOM must do so now to save West Indies cricket! We do not need another King Louis XIV, who, in tyrannical stupor, claimed, “the state is myself!” We must lower the curtains on this Shakespearian tragedy, or hit Cameron out of the ground, and usher in a new era, reminiscent of the golden years of West Indian cricket.

CWI has failed miserably to fulfill its Vision Statement “to establish and sustain West Indies cricket as the sporting symbol of the West Indies, and the West Indies team as the dominant team in international cricket,” and its Mission Statement, “to develop and promote West Indies cricket for the benefit and enjoyment of the West Indian people, its clients and other stakeholders by procuring a consistently high-quality, successful and international West Indian product.”

The criticisms against CWI Board President Dave Cameron have become overwhelming, and overbearing.

Dwayne Brave summarized it best: “Dave Cameron thinks he is the US President, he thinks he is President of the world, he thinks he is the most powerful man in the Caribbean, so he ignores CARICOM and controls a set of people who listen to him. It’s a team of individuals who do not have West Indies cricket at heart.”

TIME TO WALK, CAMERON! 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) 5292300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 23, 2018

27

Cabinet approves new command structure for police TWO years after the announcement by the government to implement a regional commander system to foster effective management of the country’s geographical location, the proposal has been approved.

On the sidelines of the opening of the Police Officers’ Conference on Thursday, Minister of Public security, Khemraj Ramjattan told the Guyana Chronicle that the National Security Committee and subsequently Cabinet have both approved the initiative.

The system, however, will not be rolled out just yet as there are several logistics which are expected to be put in place, according to the Minister of Public Security.

He pointed to the physical infrastructure for the functioning of the divisions and the establishment of headquarters for the respective divisions which will soon be brought on stream.

With the system from divisional to regional commanders, the police force is likely to see some major transformations as it relates to the establishment of commanders. The move is also expected to see some regions being headed by superintendents also. “The process is presently going on to ensure that all police divisions accord with the regional divisions so we are going to have one to ten divisions; that means places like what is currently known as ‘F’ Division would see Regions 7, 8, 9 etc, having their own commanders,” Ramjattan told the Guyana Chronicle.

The systems will also provide for better supervision of ranks and also for the administrative heads of the regions at the police level, having a better grasp of what is taking place under their noses as against what presently exists where some commanders are centrally

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

located but find it hard to get to the remote locations of their divisions due to terrain.

It is unclear if with the new structure, the Guyana

Police Force will again seek to increase its strength to ensure there is enough human resources to staff the various regional divisions, as some

ranks are expected to be pulled and transferred to other locations. “The mapping of boundaries in each of the administrative divisions will also have to be checked out; they have their townships already, so we will have a division for Region 9—Lethem--and that will be in Lethem. Bartica will have its headquarters and division too, so that is what we are trying to do” Ramjattan explained. The Regional Commanders system was first proposed in 2016, several months after President David Granger took office.

Speaking at the opening of the Guyana Police Force Officers’ conference last week, President Granger underscored that human safety is necessary to ensure the country’s stability. “Our country must be secured against trafficking in drugs, guns, and people.

Public security will signal to investors that this country

is a safe destination for their investments,” the President said. Noting that change must take place at the level of the country itself, President Granger said government cannot continue to ignore the Constitutional reality that the Government governs 10 administrative regions – not districts or divisions.

“There is only one Government. That Government’s policy is executed through its 10 regions.

Each region will be administered by a capital town.

Each region must provide its citizens with public services, including public security. Each region must have its own police division that is coterminous with the administrative region.

Security sector reform will reconfigure the police divisions, increasing them to 10 so as to correspond with Guyana’s administrative system,” the President said.

Eco Oil and Gas acquires stake in Guyana subsidiary

The Canada-based oil and gas exploration company, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. on Tuesday announced that Eco (Guyana) Oil and Gas (Barbados) Ltd. (Eco Barbados), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has agreed to acquire the remaining six percent interest in Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. (Eco Guyana), following which Eco Guyana will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

Eco Guyana holds a 40 percent working interest in the Orinduik

Block, offshore Guyana, with the remaining 60 percent held by Tullow Oil (Operator). Eco oil and gasWorldOil.com reports that the acquisition is being effected via share purchase agreements entered into between Eco Barbados and the minority shareholders of Eco Guyana (the minority shareholders).

The total consideration paid by the Group will be US$200,000 with US$100,000 payable upon closing, expected to be February 27 and US$100,000 payable 60 days thereafter, in addition to the issuing of a

total of 1,700,384 common shares of the Company (the Common Shares).

The Common Shares, which will be issued to the minority shareholders, represent approximately one percent of the company’s share capital on a fully diluted basis. Closing of the acquisition is conditional upon TSX regulatory approval and admission of the Common Shares to trading on AIM. In connection with the acquisition, each minority shareholder has agreed not to dispose of more than one-third of their Common Shares,

issued to them at closing of the acquisition, for a period of 90 days. An additional one-third of the Common Shares issued to each minority shareholder may be disposed of from day 91 after closing, with the remaining Common Shares held by the minority shareholders being eligible to be disposed of after 181 days following issuing.

Application will be made for the admission to trading on AIM of the 1,700,384 Common Shares issued to the minority shareholders in conjunction with the acquisition

of the Eco Guyana shares. Admission is expected to take place on the morning of March 5. Following admission, the issued share capital of the company will consist of 159,195,217 common shares. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. (CMC)

Hugo Chavez Centre catches Mash fever

THE beautification of buildings is an integral part of promoting the festive atmosphere for Mashramani celebrations and Region Five does not intend to be left behind.

It never has and never will, regional officials say.

Throughout the region, public officials are beautifying public buildings with the colours of Mashramani and the

administration of the Hugo Chavez Centre at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, is leading by example as seen in photo above.

Alfonso Thomas named West Indies bowling coach C

ricket West Indies has appointed former South African fast bowler Alfonso Thomas as the bowling coach of the senior men's team. The board made a number of changes to the coaching and support staff for the current squads keeping in mind the World Cup Qualifiers and the Women's World T20 scheduled for later this year.

Former West Indies legspinner Rawl Lewis, who previously worked with the side as team operations manager during their success-

ful World T20 campaign in 2016, was named the team manager.

Thomas, who represented South Africa in a sole T20I in 2007, has held specialist roles in Championship cricket in the UK. The former Somerset limited-overs captain, who is ninth on the list of most successful T20 bowlers, has also played in the IPL, BBL and the BPL, with 263 T20 wickets to his name.

"We are focused on improving team performance, as well as broadening and deepening the coaching expertise in the region," CWI director Jimmy Adams said. "We know we've got vital games and tournaments this year and we're confident that these appointments will strengthen the Windies squads for

ALPHONSO THOMAS

this year and our future plans."

The other new inclusions in head coach Stuart Law's crop are team physio David Kershaw and strength and conditioning coach Corey Bocking.

In relation to specific changes, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said, "Joel Garner has agreed to become an Ambassador, supporting the fundraising IT20 match at Lord's at the end of May and helping us launch the Windies Foundation planned for later this year. Ronald Rogers will remain in the region working with Alzarri Joseph on his rehabilitation programme following his stress fracture."

(ESPN)(

(Caribbeannews.net)

Smartt replaces injured Selman for New Zealand tour W

est Indies women have picked seamer Tremayne Smartt as a likefor-like replacement for the injured Shakera Selman, for the upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand. Smartt hasn't played international cricket since West Indies' tour of India in 2016.

Her inclusion is the only change from the squad that had been named for the home series against Sri Lanka.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chairman Courtney Browne said continuing the momentum from the series win against Sri Lanka would be crucial in the lead-up to the side's World T20 defence in November.

"We will be hosting the ICC Women's World T20 event later this year and as defending champions we will want to put on a good show

in front of home supporters and win again," Browne said. "This tour will help us assess where we are and tighten up on those areas that need close attention."

The squad will come together in Barbados for a preparatory camp before travelling to New Zealand where they will have another camp.

The three-match ODI series will get underway on March 4, followed by five T20Is. West Indies women squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt), Merissa Aguilleira, Britney Cooper, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Tremayne Smart (ESPN)

(Caribbeannews.net)

TREMAYNE SMARTT