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Oil above politics …Petroleum adviser says oil-and-gas policies must transcend election cycles

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Moving up and on...

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A passenger boarding bridge being installed at the CJIA (Photo courtesy of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson)

What inhascustody Famous Four Donald Trump Guyanese over teacher’s achieved in 12 death months in office Novelists Page 2

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Unity our only Security hope as a people boost from

-Minister Bulkan tells Den Amstel Village Day

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China

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

What has Donald Trump achieved in his 12 months in office WASHINGTON, U.S. — It has been 12 months since Donald Trump defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and became the President of the United States.

Since then, Trump has made global headlines almost every week, either for his claims to the

contribution he has made to the U.S. economy or a controversial probe against his alleged campaign ties with Russia that made him America’s Commander-in-Chief.

Trump has bragged several times about the U.S. stock market.

Last month, the U.S. President reportedly said that markets had

put on so much value since he won the election that he had wiped out much of the American national debt.

Experts have however argued that the claim makes no conceptual sense.

While it is true that market valuations have increased by $4

trillion, the increase in value cannot be completely attributed to Trump.

European markets have also been up since Trump’s election.

Meanwhile, Trump has also claimed an increase in jobs in the U.S. but there isn’t much proof of that in official data.

Since Trump became President, unemployment has dipped 4.1 percent.

During his campaign, Trump had said he would get growth up by 4 percent but as he was unable to implement any of his economic policies, the GDP growth rate this year will only represent what Obama left him with.

Further, during his campaign, Trump had made some unusual promises.

Some made sense while others were completely outrageous.

Some of the promises that he has broken since becoming President are: OBAMACARE Trump wanted to ‘repeal and replace’ Obamacare. He had even said he would repeal it on the first day of his presidency but he soon realized it was “complicated.” His office still has not found a way to replace Obamacare.

THE WALL Trump had said that he would build a wall at the U.S. border with Mexico, which would be paid for by the Mexicans. But that process of him building a wall got halted after budget negotiations with the Democrats.

PROSECUTING HILLARY CLINTON One of his promises during the campaign was that he would prosecute Hillary Clinton. He said during the campaign, “If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation.”

But soon after he won, he said that the country should be grateful to Hillary Clinton.

Some other promises that he has reportedly broken are no vaca(continued on page 3)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

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Oil above politics …Petroleum adviser says oil-and-gas policies must transcend election cycles

By Ariana Gordon

THERE is need for Guyana to enforce legislation, policies and regulations in the emerging oil-and-gas sector that cannot be easily influenced by politicians, presidential adviser on Petroleum Dr Jan Mangal told reporters on Wednesday.

Dr Mangal, who has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburg, said, “You need legislation that can transcend political cycles, that will protect the industry from coming to a standstill when there is a change of government.”

He pointed to Ghana as an example of a change of government which saw experts in the oil-and-gas sector aligned to the previous government being replaced. “That is not good for the industry. This industry is a long-term industry, it is a 20, 30, 50- year industry – we need regulations and management of the industry that transcends [sic] electoral cycles,” the petroleum expert added.

He pointed to the Petroleum Commission Bill 2017, which was sent to the Special Select Committee for bi-partisan deliberations in June. Dr Mangal, an expert

in offshore and civil engineering, told reporters that there has been some back and forth on the piece of legislation and noted that efforts are being made to change parts of it. The petroleum expert said it is within his remit to find that which is good for the long term and will prove beneficial to the Guyanese people and not for “short-term, political interests.”

Subject Minister Raphael Trotman had said repeatedly that there were extensive consultations on the legislation which seeks to provide a legal framework for regulating and monitoring of the sector. The legislation was drafted by the Oceanic and Natural Resources Advisory Commission of the Commonwealth Secretariat and then sent to the government for extensive consultations.

The bill, the minister said, provides a legal framework for an efficient, safe, effective and environmentally responsible exploration, development and production of petroleum in Guyana.

However, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said that the Bill must be properly scrutinised. That party’s Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, had said that the independence of the Petroleum Commission is being challenged in a number of provisions within the legislation. “… this will certainly affect its ability to operate

in a fair, open, objective, and non-discriminatory manner as envisioned in Section 6 subsection 1,” he told the National Assembly back in June.

Under Section 8 of the Bill, Ali said the power of the minister to give directions to the commission shows that the commission would be incapable of working without the intervention and control of the minister.

As such, Ali contended that Trotman would be empowered to dictate the number of persons the commission should employ, the terms and conditions of the employment of the staff of the commission, and how the commission should use its funds.

Transparency Meanwhile, Dr Mangal said since taking up his post as adviser, he has stressed the importance of transparency and reminded that without transparency, the oil-and-gas sector can quickly become unsuccessful.

He believes that the independence of the commission is to have a consensus-based approach to management as opposed to decision-making being overly concentrated.

The petroleum expert used Mexico as an example of an oil-and-gas nation that has gone through significant transformations recently. He told reporters that Mexico has learnt a lesson and noted that “they know

that politicians do not manage the industry well…because they think election to election; they don’t think 20, 30 years [down the line].”

“There is ample evidence out there to support the need for less concentrated political-type decision- making and that there is a need for more consensual, independent-type decision-making,” Dr Mangal declared. He believes that the entire legislative framework, which includes the Petroleum Commission Bill, the Sovereign Wealth Fund, and the Petroleum Act, needs to be addressed holistically. The expert stressed the importance of consensual-type decision-making, while stressing that boards need to have a longer life-span.

It is his opinion that boards ought to have a life of four to five years and board members ought to be free to “speak their minds.” “They can speak their minds… and add the value that they bring” and not be fearful of victimisation. Dr Mangal, who has worked in marine and oil-and-gas industries for the past 18 years globally, stressed that boards have to have security so that members “don’t feel if they go against someone they are going to get fired. You need boards that people will be there for four to five years or a long time.”

Moving up and on ONE of the passenger boarding bridges is being installed, as well as the platform to accommodate the new structures as expansion works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) progress.

The CJIA noted recently that the project will see a transformation of the Timehri facility. It will include a new arrival terminal building, two boarding bridges with the provision to install additional bridges at a later stage, increased duty-free shops,

improved parking facilities and a renovated departures’ terminal.

Eight passenger boarding bridges are expected to be installed at the airport overtime.

The CJIA noted this week that night operations will resume at the airport today Friday, November 3, 2017.

Operations were interrupted from October 13, 2017, on specific days to facilitate the amalgamation of the existing main

(from page 2) tion days and tax cuts for all.

But Trump has kept some promises like withdrawing from the Paris climate change accord, making the U.S. the only nation in the world that is not a part of the climate deal.

He has also kept the promise of reducing environmental regulations. He has followed on the promise of cracking down on immigration. He had said all undocumented immigrants would have to go. But he reduced his promise from deporting all 11.3 million undocumented immigrants to deporting only those with criminal records, which is closer to 800,000 people.

How has Trump fared in ratings?

Since World War II, Donald Trump is the only President to have had such bad ratings.

The only other President to have bad ratings one year on was Gerald Ford.

According to reports, American University professor Allan Lichtman, who has successfully predicted presidential outcomes over the past 30 years — including Trump's win — is now forecasting his impeachment.

He said, “Certainly the lack of any significant accomplishment at home and abroad — and scandals that seem to be piling up — would not bode well at all.”

(Caribbean News.Net)

runway to a new taxiway, which when completed will be able to accommodate parking positions for large aircraft.

“The critical part of the merger is completed, and aircraft flight operations will be able to resume nightly operations from 18:00hrs tomorrow,” said Andre Kellman, the airport’s acting Chief Executive Officer.

The project entails the extension of the primary runway at the airport from 7,500

to 10,800 feet. This is to accommodate the BOEING 747-400 model aircraft.

In addition, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems with approximately 300 cameras will be installed, as well as elevators and escalators - two of each.

Chinese firm China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is executing the expansion project. In photograph is the framework for the boarding bridge being set up. (CJIA photo)

What has Donald Trump achieved in his 12 months in office

President Donald Trump taking the Oath of Office.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

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THE GUYANA VENEZUELA BORDER CONTROVERSY THE ARBITRAL AWARD OF 1899

“A

full, perfect and final settlement of all questions referred to the arbitrators.” (Article XIII of the Treaty of Washington, 1897)

The genesis of the Arbitral Award of 1899 was the gradual emergence of the USA as an economic and military superpower at the end of the nineteenth 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 Guyana/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. 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 unanimous 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 Cartog-

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rapher 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 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 MalletProvost, 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. After his death in 1949, his friend, Dr. Otto Schoemrich, published a memorandum in the American Journal of International Law, Volume 43, No. 3 of July 1949. In addition to Severo MalletProvost’s contention about a political deal, Dr. Schoemrich argued that the Award was fatally defective because of the failure of the arbitrators to articulate any principles of international law in support of their decision to demarcate the boundary along the Schomborg Line. He contended that it was a line of compromise, not a line based on

international law.

Dr. Clifton Child, in October 1950, in Volume 44, No. 44, published an article which rebutted the uncorroborated hearsay declarations of Mallet-Provost. He stated 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 Malley-Provost.”

In the renewal of Venezuela’s claim submitted to the United Nations in February 1962, Sir Patrick Dean, the British representative to the United Nations stated that the border dispute had been settled by the 1899 Award, and that the question should not be reopened “on the posthumous word of an aged lawyer who had nursed grievances against the tribunal for the whole of his life.”

Dr. Child points to several factual inaccuracies in the Mallet-Provost memorandum. Mallet-Provost stated that he had met with one of the British arbitrators – Lord Russell at dinner in January 1899, and that Lord Russell had expressed some skepticism about the British position. The fact is however, that in January 1899, Lord Chief Justice Russell was in no way connected with the boundary dispute. The British arbitrators were Lord Justice Collins and Lord Herschell, and it was only after the death of Lord Herschell on March 1, 1899, that Lord Russell was appointed to replace him. Secondly, Mr. Mallet-Provost, had stated that Lord Collins gave the impression that he was leaning toward the side of Venezuela before the short two weeks recess of the tribunal, and that after the recess there was a noticeable change in his attitude. A reading of the transcript, however, showed that there was no noticeable change in the attitude of Lord Collin, either before or after the recess. Thirdly, Mr. MallotProvost’s most outrageous claim was the allegation that there was a political deal between the British arbitrators and the Russian President of the tribunal. MallotProvost stated that Lord Russell took Mr. Martens with him to England during the recess between August 16-25, 1899. The London Times of August 18, 1899 stated that Lord Russell had returned from Paris to his country house at Tadworth Court near Epson. There was no mention, however, that Mr. De Martens had accompanied Lord Russell, although Mr. De Martens was very much in the public eye as President of the Tribunal. There was a mention of the movement of Lord Collins, the other member of the Tribunal, and a mention of Sir Robert Read, one of the counsel for the Tribunal, and of Sir Richard Webster, the Attorney General of Great Britain, but no mention of Mr. De Martens. It is clear, that if Mr. De Martins had accompanied Lord Russell, there would have been mention of it in the London Times or in one of the diplomatic dispatches from London, Paris or St. Peters.

Hence, the factual inaccuracies articulated

by Mallet-Provost, completely discredit the Mallet-Provost memorandum.

By Colin A. Moore

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

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

Famous Guyanese novelists

M

y list does not necessarily represent every style, but doubtlessly includes stalwarts of Guyanese fiction. Edgar Mittleholzer, Jan Carew, Wilson Harris and David Dabydeen — they are the creme de la crème of Guyanese fiction.

EDGAR MITTELHOLZER Edgar Austin Mittleholzer was born December 16, 1909 at New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana. His father was of SwissGerman origin and his mother was a brown-skinned Black woman from Martinique. Mittleholzer’s family considered themselves European and he resented his Black heritage. He is the first professional novelist from the English-speaking Caribbean.

He was educated at Berbice High School. In 1941 he migrated to Trinidad and Tobago and in 1948 left for England where he died in 1965.

He began writing at 20 and in 1937 self-published ‘Creole Chips’, selling it from door to door. In 1941, he published ‘Corentyne Thunder’.

Edgar was prolific, publishing 21 novels between 1951 and 1965, including the autobiographical ‘A Swarthy Boy’, ‘Children of Kaywana’, ‘A morning at the office’, ‘Kaywana Heritage’ and ‘Kaywana Saga’.

His novels include characters and situations from a variety of places within the Caribbean and range in time from the early period of European settlement to the 20th century. Most of his novels also treat of race and racism and are shaped by contrasting and weak individuals. For example, ‘A Morning in the Office’, published in 1950, is a classic analysis of class and racial snobbery in a Trinidad colonial office.

‘A Swarthy Boy’ discusses the author’s first 18 years and paints a picture of colonial Guyana at the turn of the 19th century. The novel also shows Mittleholzer’s dislike of his Black heritage.

‘Children of Kaywana’, arguably his best-known novel, is a six-generation chromoly tracing the cycle of the children of Kaywana. The native girl Kaywana bore children for the governor of 17th century Guyana.

Her daughter Hendrickje drives her artist husband to self-destruction and “exerts a dreadful tyranny” over her two sons —Cornelus, who becomes homosexual and Adrian who marries a native girl and fathers many half-breed children.

From the late 50s, Edgar Mittleholzer was receiving hostile reviews. He felt persecuted and on May 5, 1965 burned himself to death at Farnham, Surrey, England.

Two years after death, A. J. Seymour inaugurated the Edgar Mittleholzer Lecture Series, which continues. He is recognized in his native New Amsterdam. But much more needs to be done in recognizing the man who paved the way for later greats like V. S. Naipaul, who is a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Edgar should be award-ed one posthumously and a monument should be erected in his honour in Guyana.

JAN CAREW Jan Rynveld Carew was a Guyanese

playwright, educator, poet and novelist. He was born September 20, 1920 at Agricola in Guyana. After completing studies at Berbice High School, he went to Howard University, Washington DC and Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He also attended Charles University in Prague and the Sorbonne in Paris.

Although most of his life was spent abroad, he would visit his mother Sister Carew, who lived in the house before ours.

EDGAR MITTELHOLZER

JAN CAREW

I considered him a gentleman and a scholar.

He is best known for the novel Black Midas (1938), but he wrote many others, including The Wild Coast (1958), The Lost Barbarian (1960), ‘Ghosts in Our Blood: With Malcolm X in England, Africa and the Caribbean’ and ‘The Guyanese Wanderer’.

‘Black Midas’, Carew’s first novel, was published by Longman Green (Lon-

don) in 1969. It explores themes of race and class. Jan was a light-skinned Black of the upper middle-class, but understood the struggles of the lower classes in Guyana.

Unlike many of their kind, the Carews and Dingwalls (Mrs. Dingwall was Jan’s maternal aunt) were not condescending.

The story revolves around the experiences of Aron “Shark” Smart, an orphan who works in road gangs building roads.

One day, he meets the overseer, a White man named Beauchamp. To Aron’s surprise, he knew his father “Gold King” Joe Smart.

When the overseer was told that Aron was Joe’s son, he financed his education

SIR WILSON HARRIS

DAVID DABYDEEN

and he became a pharmaceutical apprentice.

Aron was not satisfied with this position and became a pork-knocker. Through events in his life from pork-knocker to his effort to become a “big-wig” in the city, Aron confronts his inner conflicts and how his choices impact others.

‘Ghosts in our blood’. Despite its subtitle, Jan did not accompany Malcolm to

these countries. He met Malcolm in 1964 and the novel reports his conversations with the progressive Muslim and some of his friends. Malcolm’s speeches in London are also retold.

‘The Last Barbarian’ (1960) discusses the experiences of a Caribbean student during the civil rights era in the United States.

Jan was a Pan-Africanist, but he was conscious of the colony’s indebtedness to Europe. The times he lived and visited Guyana taught him the complex nature of a multi-racial society and he writes about it in a balanced and sensitive manner.

SIR WILSON HARRIS Sir Wilson Theodore Harris reminds me of George Lamming or George Lamming reminds me of Wilson Harris. My neighbor, I played with Nigel, his son, but never interacted with Mr. Harris, whom I thought was a bit withdrawn.

I enjoyed listening to him on my favourite discussion program on Radio Demerara — Things that Bother Me, anchored by the brilliant Robert “Bertie” Oclive Hart. Regular panelists included A. J. Seymour, Martin Carter and Colin Franker.

The great one was born March 21, 1921 at New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana, birthplace of Edgar Mittleholzer, another Guyanese literary icon.

Sir Wilson’s novels have been called abstractly complex and metaphysical. He draws upon Guyana’s cultural traditions — African, East Indian, Chinese, Indigenous people and European.

His novels include his first novel Palace of the Peacock (1960), first of a

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Editorial Beating back crime THAT crime is a challenge for almost every state within the international system is incontestable. What determines the levels of every police service’s success in being able to combat this daily threat to society and its citizens, are their levels of preparedness to respond to criminal activity wherever such is occurring.

For small developing states as Guyana, crime has grown four-fold in recent years and has been a pre-occupation for administrations in the past, and now for the current government.

For no longer is criminality in Guyana confined to the capital city; it has now extended its reach into every region, assuming very violent proportions within recent years.

Gone are the days of the common burglary – this has now largely been replaced by armed home invasions; or the once-simple choke and rob, which is now enforced by the gun. Coupled with these with the now organised crime, and its main components of drug trafficking and cartels and arms smuggling, one will understand that any response from the law enforcement agencies has to be not only proactive, but also emanating from a position of having the requisite, equal resources to such serious opposition.

Without any hint at pretence, the all-toocommon response from the various Guyana Police Force community stations, that they cannot send ranks or they do not have transportation to answer a particular emergency, while being well known, has caused many a criminal to escape, to offend again. And this has not been made any easier by an almost unresponsive 911 system, that has only recently been properly restored, after years of neglect.

Monday’s handing over of US$2.6M of what can be described as much-needed equipment

Guyana Chronicle NewNew YorkYork Edition Week-ending September Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending November29, 10,2017 2017

Foreign Ministry slams misleading ‘Peeping Tom’ article Dear Editor THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is appalled that the author of “Guyana has been outfoxed

by Venezuela”, (Kaieteur News, November 7, 2017), a subject of critical national interest, has taken shelter under the nom de plume “Peeping Tom,” betraying immediately a purpose that is unsavoury.

Since the style and grasp of the matter -- though tenuous in part -- are somewhat familiar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obliged to conclude that the mistakes and false assertions are essentially calculated misrepresentations. Whatever material gain accrues from such dastardly venture at this time of deliberation can only be ephemeral and unflattering. This statement will address the more serious mistakes and false assertions.

The first assertion is that Guyana is responsible for a “war of words” and failure to engage Venezuela at the diplomatic level to resolve the controversy that has arisen from Venezuela’s rejection of the 1899 Award that established the land boundary with what was then British Guiana. This is an astonishing statement, given that the two nations have engaged in the diplomatic procedures of the Geneva Agreement, including the United Nations Good Offices Process, since Guyana’s independence in 1966. In more than 50 years, there has not been any progress towards res-

olution. It is not clear why the author would blame this on Guyana’s vigorous defence of its sovereign rights rather than Venezuela’s baseless claim on twothirds of our land territory. Guyana has good bilateral relations with Venezuela, but will never surrender even an inch of its territory. The trade in rice and energy is solely an economic matter and has nothing to do with the politics of this long-standing controversy. The author is fundamentally misinformed in his understanding of the situation.

The second assertion is that Guyana is somehow isolated in CARICOM and Latin America as a result of “a Venezuelan diplomatic counter offensive.” Not only is this untrue (Guyana enjoys considerable support in the international community), it is also irrelevant to the United Nations Good Offices Process, which is currently the only forum where the controversy is being discussed. Again, the author seems to have no understanding of the nature of that process and is reckless in his speculation about what transpired at the recent meeting in New York.

The third assertion, that Guyana’s preference for a judicial settlement is unrealistic is also fundamentally misinformed. First, the author confuses the International Court of Justice (ICJ, which settles disputes between States) with the International Criminal Court (ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes). Second, the author

maintains that Venezuela’s approval is required for the controversy to be put before the ICJ. The author seems completely unaware that the United Nations Secretary-General decided in December 2016 that if there is no significant progress on resolution of the controversy by the end of 2017, he would refer the matter to the ICJ, based on the powers vested in him under the 1966 Geneva Agreement. The ICJ is the ultimate guarantor of international law and having waited for more than 50 years, it is the best hope for Guyana to once and for all establish the validity of the 1899 Award that established its land boundary.

To suggest that Guyana should not protect its fundamental rights because it will have to pay legal fees is absurd, not least because the land and sea resources in question are worth billions of dollars. Editorial collusion has denied the editor any claim to objectivity and fairness that a matter of such national interest demands at the present time. For its part, Guyana has confidence in the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General to give the Good Offices process one last chance before going to the ICJ, and will continue its vigorous efforts to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights under international law.

Regards Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. and machinery to the Guyana Police Force from the and Corentyne/Berbice, there is an urgent need People’s Republic of China could not have taken for increased police traffic patrols as a means of place at a more opportune time. The assets received better traffic supervision.

We would perceive that these pick-ups will be by the Guyana Police Force from the People’s Republic of China -- 56 pickups, 44 motorcycles, 35 distributed to especially police locations, where there ATVs, five motor buses, 550 protective gear items, are constant calls for assistance from the public, and 70 computers (desktops and laptops), 10 scanners, will be used to effect multiple conveyance of alleged 10 printers, 10 photocopying machines, 30 decibel suspects. Additionally, the buses and pickups can also take back up additional ranks for enforcement meters and five generator sets.

Some of these can be described as strategic, and to secure crime scenes where large crowds are such as the computers which will give more mus- wont to contaminate. There can be no more excuses cle to the Crime Observatory Unit, and the inte- for non-response.

Already, plans are in train for each region to grated network system; the all-terrain vehicles that will be able to traverse the hilly terrain of the have its own police division and commander. This, vast hinterland space, where there has been a hive we opine, will be very effective, particularly in of dangerous criminal activity of a transnational the hinterland regions, that have now become an The views and opinions expressed articles thisobservation. newspaper arewith intense area of in security Coupled nature, that involves local elements; the motor in cycles, that will give further impetus to the traf- the on-going training of law enforcement personthose of theWith authors and itdo not for necessarily reflectSector the policies and nel, and the Security Reform Programme, fic department. this donation is time the Guyana Police Force is now being positioned the policeof to consider creating a Highway views the management ofPatrol the New York Edition of the Guyana Unit. In fact, with vehicular accidents, with mul- to become a transformed agency with greater protiple fatalities now a regular feature on Guyana’s fessionalism, and modernity, as it seeks to offer a Chronicle. roadways, in regions such as West Bank Demerara better service to the public.

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

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American Racism: TheEconomy Of Slave Breeding Part II of Three Part Series

I

n the first part of this Three Part series I explored how White America, and in particular, White academia in collusion with White religious institutions, created the ideological groundings and basis for the justification of Black chattel slavery as an economic system. I also outlined the fact that this racist and dehumanizing ideology was ingrained and reinforced by pseudo-science promoted and publicized by some of America’s most prominent men of learning. Its this foundational basis for slavery that characterized Black African slaves as chattel, less than human, and therefore could be bought, sold, beaten, raped, brutalized and murdered by any White man or women who took umbrage to the slightest real or perceived slights.

The thing is that any discussion of slavery in America almost always centers on a sanitized version of events, due to the fact that Black people do not really know or understand the real horrors of the institution, partly because this history is not taught in schools and have been deliberately obfuscated from Black history books. The role played by institutions of higher learning, the White clergy in collusion with White political and thought leaders have not been thoroughly examined and exposed. But the enduring legacy of slavery and its big brother, racism, needs to be understood so that as Black people there is a thorough understanding of slavery and its historical impact.

Perhaps one of the most insidious and racist programs that are still little understood in the slave narrative was the slave breeding farms. Yes, you heard me right — SLAVE BREEDING FARMS. Let’s explore this practice in the life of a slave. Let’s start from the fact that Black African slaves on White American plantations had ABSO-LUTELY NO RIGHTS. It’s that old relationship of “Massa to slave” that still drives White behavior towards Black people. White people do not like “uppity” Blacks and feel that any Black man (or woman) that “talks back to them” is disrespecting them and need to be “put in their place.” They still believe that Blacks have no rights that White people need respect or acknowledge.

So it was that in 1808 when the United States outlawed the international trade in African slaves, two things happened simultaneously. One, cotton became a big moneymaking commodity and thus there was a need for more labor, specifically uncompensated Black slave labor. Remember now that even though the United States had banned the trading and kidnapping of Africans from Africa, American slavery was still the domi-

nant economic system in the country.

Slaves had to come from somewhere. So White plantation owners with the blessings of slave-holding state governments decided to breed their own slaves. On the surface this seems just about slave owners coupling slaves to procreate. But here’s the thing — White slave owners could care less if these couplings were between mother and son, son and daughter, brother and sister, aunt and uncle or between daughter and father and in some cases grandmothers and grandsons. Can you imagine the shame and humiliation of a son forced to have sex with his own mother? Next time you use the word “mother**ker” think twice because that actually happened during slavery.

The White slave-owning com-

Slave Auction in Richmond, Virginia. dence to suggest that most of America’s Black slaves were not kidnapped or stolen from Africa. Yes, over 12.7 million Africans were forced onto ships to the Western hemisphere.

However, it is estimated that this holocaust resulted in about 400,000500,000 landing in America. So, how then do we account for the 4 million Black slaves who were tilling fields in 1860? The South did not only produce tobacco, sugar and cotton as commodities for sale, the system produced people, Black people, also as a commodity, for sale.

Slave-owning White plutocrats and others called slave-breeding “natcontinued on page 20

munity and its enablers not only treated slavery as a source of unpaid labor but deepened and strengthened the ownership aspect: Black people as property, merchandise, collateral, traded on the local stock markets, and as capital. Fact is, slaves were often used as collateral for bank loans, as financial and numbers projections, since one Black male in his 20s was supposed to father a number of children for the “Massa” and Black women of child bearing age were expected to birth a child every year for up to 10 years. White slave owners calculated the value of a female slave, based on her fecundity.

In fact, there is sufficient evi-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

MORE THAN TWO DOZEN CRUISE SHIP CALLS CONFIRMED FOR ST. THOMAS IN NOVEMBER U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — More than 25 cruise ship calls are scheduled for St. Thomas in November.

The Ports of the Virgin Islands have confirmed that between November 3 and 30, 2017, thousands of cruise passengers are expected to arrive in the Territory.

Ships planning to dock in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor include Seabourn Odyssey, Norwegian Gem, Princess Cruises' Royal Princess, Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, and Celebrity Cruises' Silhouette.

"Welcoming cruise visitors back to the U.S. Virgin Islands is a key element of our plan to boost economic activity, generate employment and stimulate recovery efforts," stated Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism, underscoring that as the recovery and construction economy kicks into higher gear, including important work to enhance the islands' hotel product over the next year, it was important to get the cruise component of the economy moving forward.

Together with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies and organizations, the Territory has been working since the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September to ready itself for the phased return of tourism to the

destination.

The arrival of the Seabourn Odyssey in St. Thomas on Friday, November 3 marks the first non-relief vessel to berth in the Territory since September 17, when Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas arrived at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The ship brought passengers to the island just days before Hurricane Maria struck.

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty once again thanked Royal Caribbean International for committing resources to assist with the restoration of Magens Bay, one of St. Thomas' favorite attractions.

She also reported that the Territory is putting plans in place for traffic flow management on days of heavy cruise ship arrivals.

The detailed cruise ship schedule for the St. Thomas-St. John district, which is subject to change, can be found here: http://bit.ly/2ihjI9O.

ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Twitter (@USVITourism) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel - including on-line check-in — making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier

than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for nonU.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Source: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Contacts: Keisha Nelson Marketplace Excellence + 1 201 861-2056 keisha@marketplaceexcellence.com Alani Henneman-Todman U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism + 1 340 642-9789 ahenneman@usvitourism.vi

MINERVA TRAVEL CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED

ELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC Travel Consultant 1053 E 40th Street Tel: 718-377-2071 Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 email: minitravel@hotmail.com www.minervatravel.net

WHERE COURTESY AND PROFESSIONALISM MEET

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

9

Puerto Rico population to drop 14% after hurricane Miami - Puerto Rico's population is set to decrease by 14% to 2.9 million inhabitants by 2019 due to an exodus of residents fleeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in September, a study has found.

The Centre for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in New York estimated in a report released last month that about 114,000 to 213, 000 Puerto Rican residents will leave the island annually "as a result of Hurricane Maria".

Between 2017 and 2019, the US territory stands to lose 470,335 residents, it added.

"In the decade prior to Hurricane Maria, net migration from Puerto Rico to the United States amounted to approximately half a million, which represented a loss of 10% of the island's population", said report authors Edwin Melendez and Jennifer Hinojosa.

"In other words, Puerto Rico will lose the same population in a span of a couple of years after Hurricane Maria as the island lost during a prior decade of economic stagnation."

Tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans have fled to the mainland since Maria struck on September 20, devastating the island; just two weeks after Hurricane Irma tore through the Caribbean.

The vast majority went to Florida and New York, which already had around one

million Puerto Ricans each. Around 700,000 Puerto Ricans live in New York City.

Overall, there are five million Puerto

The cleanup continues in Puerto Rico.

Ricans on the US mainland, compared to 3.4 million on the island.

Melendez and Hinojosa estimate that between 40,000 and 82,000 people will migrate to Florida each year from Puerto Rico.

That figured has already been topped, with a Florida emergency management of-

ficial telling AFP that more than 134 000 Puerto Ricans have arrived in Florida since October 3 through the international airports of Tampa, Orlando and Miami.

But it's unclear how many are moving to Florida permanently compared to how many are simply visiting temporarily.

The move is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery for the island, which has been beset by financial hardship.

"The population decrease in Puerto Rico... has multiple economic repercussions for the island", Jorge Duany, an anthropologist at Florida International University who specialises in Puerto Rican migration, said in an interview.

As of November 6, only 42% of Puerto Rican customers had electricity on the island, which went dark after Maria.

At least 51 people died because of the storm, according to official figures, while the local press speaks of dozens of people who have disappeared.

Some 2 600 people still live in shelters.

Source: News24(Caribbeannews,net)

FIRST CRUISE SHIP RETURNS TO ST. CROIX ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (November 6, 2017) The Norwegian Dawn, with a capacity of 2,340 passengers and 1,032 crew members, will dock on the island of St. Croix on three occasions this month, beginning Saturday, November 11.

The ship's arrival will mark the return of leisure cruise travelers to the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands after nearly two months. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas docked on the island on September 17, just days before Hurricane Maria struck.

"St. Croix looks forward to welcoming the passengers and crew of the Norwegian Dawn this weekend, and sharing with them our warm, resilient Crucian spirit," said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

"We thank the countless Virgin Islanders and relief workers who have been working to restore power, clear roadways, prepare beaches and many of our key attractions so that visitors can experience our special Virgin Islands brand of Caribbean hospitality."

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty explained that taxis, tour operators and government agencies are working together to establish recommended routes for tours.

"Cruise ship passengers contribute important economic activity to the U.S. Virgin Islands," noted the Commissioner, adding that "the combination of cruise traffic, the recovery and construction economy, and the current reopening of hotels to leisure guests on St. Croix are key components of our recovery."

Based on confirmations received from the Virgin Islands Port Authority's Marine Division on St. Croix, the Norwegian Dawn's calls to St. Croix will take place on November 11, 18 and 25, while the smaller Viking Sea, with a capacity of 930 passengers and 550 crew, will arrive on November 15 and 28.

In December, both ships will return to St. Croix's Ann E. Abramson Pier, which will welcome additional calls from Norwegian Gem, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Odyssey.

The anticipated schedule for cruise ship calls to St. Croix follows: November 11 - Norwegian Dawn November 15 - Viking Sea

November 18 - Norwegian Dawn November 25 - Norwegian Dawn November 28 - Viking Sea December 2 - Norwegian Dawn December 8 - Viking Sea December 9 - Norwegian Dawn December 14 - Seabourn Sojourn December 16 - Norwegian Dawn December 25 - Seabourn Sojourn December 27 - Norwegian Gem December 30 - Seabourn Odyssey Source: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL ASSETS

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

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n 1776, Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith published the book "The Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" which is reported to be a fundamental work in classical economics and is rooted in broad topics such as the division of labour, productivity and free markets. This was around the time of the industrial revolution.

Since then, the world has rap- about whether T&T is a failed state. idly evolved through agricultural These conversations could be exrevolutions, a knowledge revolution, tended to the rest of the Caribbean the information age with prospects and beyond. for the entrepreneurial revolution and the food and nutrition (from the alleviation of starvation to the ultimate enjoyment in global food experiences) revolutions. Each revolution is postulated to enhance the chances of our sustainability.

Two weeks ago, Gregory Aboud, the President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association in Port of Spain, Trinidad addressed the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Central Port-ofSpain. He drew reference to the book "Why Nations Fail" by Daron AcemoÄ&#x;lu and James Robinson which highlights the characteristics of successful states as those that: (1) Guarantee the rights of all citizens, through contract law and justice; (2) Enable investment on the basis of confidence in policies, education and infrastructure; (3) Are controlled by all citizens and the leader is controlled by Parliament; and (4) Arbitrate to minimize violence amongst citizens. He encouraged those present to have an ongoing conversation

Given this background, today's column promotes the concept that the expert management of national assets is fundamental to the sustained holistic wealth of a nation.

Management is a cyclical process with the following five components: (1) delineating a plan with specific objectives; (2) selecting appropriate instruments for optimal or-

— Philippians 4:13

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

ganizational efficiency; (3) ensuring that the positions in the organizational charts are well staffed and molded into an effective team; (4) leaders motivating the team to achieve the planned objectives; and (5) monitoring the performance to determine what adjustments, if any, that have to be made to the plan.

Each nation has assets. All nations are blessed with land, sun, water, wind and people, albeit in varying quantities and quality. Land locked countries have been denied direct access to marine resources, beaches and ocean derived energy sources. Not all countries have access to significant valuable mining resources.

The success of a nation depends on how these assets are managed by the public and private sectors.

The public sector must focus on regulatory and service functions and the private sector must "Do business" in the myriad of sectors which can be developed from the mix of assets available to each country. These sectors will comprise of business activity which may include a mix of the technology, agricultural, financial service, knowledge based, cultural, renewable energy and tourism industries.

In the case of Trinidad and Tobago, Gregory Aboud further recommended, amongst other things, the decentralization of government, where revenue collection and distribution authority is given back to individual cities and boroughs. This would mean that they have a vested interest in improving the worth of their communities, through city and borough councils. This model has merit, in terms of greater efficiency, and may be applied in other countries.

Let us recognize that each one of us has a part to play and that we can do all things through the divine force that strengthens us as we accept the challenge of the management of our national assets towards our survival and sustainability.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant.

His email address is basilgf57@ gmail.com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www.facebook .com/basilgf)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh FAMOUS VERSES EXPLAINED

sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until whites are stiff.

2. Gently fold cheese mixture into egg whites. Pour into dish which has been well greased. Place in a pan of hot water and bake in a moderate oven (3500F) for about 50 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes until golden brown. Serve at once.

CHEESE SOUFFLE Ingredients: 8 ozs. grated cheese 3/4 pint milk 1/2 tsp. salt 1-1/2 tsps. dry mustard 1 tsp. grated onion 5 egg yolks 2 tbsps. flour 5 egg whites 1/4 tsp cream of tartar Method: 1. Place band of aluminium foil outside of 2-quart soufflé dish, extending 2 inches above it. Heat milk in double saucepan to just below boiling point (about 2 minutes). Add cheese, salt, mustard and onion and stir until cheese melts (about 1-2 minutes longer). Beat egg yolks and blend in flour. Add small amount of hot cheese sauce to egg yolks. Mix well.

Slowly return egg yolks mixture to cheese sauce. Cook over water until

◆ Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

◆ He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

◆ A day without sunshine is like, well, night.

◆ Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. ◆ Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t.

◆ Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

◆ Just remember . . . if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off.

◆ The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong. ◆ It is said that if you line up all the

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

THE BLUE WHALE LARGEST – AND LOUDEST TOO

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hat is the largest animal in the world? Without a doubt, the blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus. With lengths up to 100 feet (30 m) and weights up to 150 tons (136 metric tons), the blue whale is believed to be the largest animal that ever lived on this planet.

Blue-grey in color, and with whitish or light yellow undersides, it has a relatively long body and looks more tapered than other whales. It is believed that blue whales live to be about 110 years old.

The blue whale’s mouth is as large as a small garage and can accommodate 50 standing people. Its tongue is about the size of an elephant and it has the largest heart in the animal world — the dimensions of a small car. A human baby could manage to fit into the largest artery in the whale’s body, its aorta, which is about 9 inches in diameter.

At birth, a baby whale weighs about 6,000 lbs — the same as a fullygrown hippopotamus. It doubles its length in about six months. During this

period, it drinks approximately 100 gallons of milk every day, gaining 200 pounds of weight every 24 hours. This rate of growth is 1,000 times faster than that of a human baby in the womb.

Yet the blue whale’s throat is so small that it cannot swallow an object larger than a beach ball. The enormous blue whale feeds on tiny organisms called krill. However, it consumes four tons of krill a day - the same as eating an elephant. It strains sea water through comb-like structures in its mouth called

baleen. Baleen plates hang from the upper jaw and run back into the mouth, acting like a sieve. The plates are made of keratin — a substance also found in people’s fingernails and the hooves of horses and cows.

When surfacing to breathe, the blue whale raises its shoulder and blowhole region out of the water to a greater extent than other large whales. During breathing, the whale emits an impressive vertical single column blow that can reach 20 feet into the air and be seen

THE BLUE WHALE

cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them.

◆ If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.

◆ The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those who got there first.

◆ Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

◆ Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries. ◆ The shin bone is a device for finding furniture.

◆ A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

◆ When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty!

for many miles on a clear day.

Blue Whales can reach speeds of 30 mph in short bursts, but 12 mph is closer to their usual traveling speed.

When feeding, they move at about three mph.

They are found in all the oceans of the world, often feeding near the poles in spring and summer and migrating to the warmer waters of the equator in the fall. While in their wintering grounds, the whales fast, relying on the fat on their bodies to see them through. In the warm waters they give birth to their young.

The blue whale is not only the largest but also the loudest animal in the world and communicates with other whales over hundreds of miles. But the frequencies of the sound it emits are so low, between 10 and 40 Hz, that human ears won’t normally hear them.

Whales have been hunted for their bones, the oil in their blubber and also for their meat. By the 1960s they were near extinction. Hunting of the species was internationally outlawed in 1966.

Hunting ceased in 1967 and stocks in the Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific are currently recovering. In 2002 a report estimated there were 5,000 to 12,000 blue whales worldwide.

Man has been the blue whale’s greatest predator. Its only predator in the wild is the Orca or killer whale. One report says that as many as 25% of mature Blue Whales have scars resulting from Orca attack.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

‘Bridges Global Medical Missions’ hosts its first Luncheon Awards in New York

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n Sunday, November 5, ‘Bridges Global Medical Missions’ held a Luncheon Awards at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York, to recognize four hardworking stalwarts. The honorees recognized for making a difference in the lives of others in Guyana were — Dr. Joan Liverpool; Mr. Weygand Gardener; Assistant Professor, Sharon Armstead; and Dr. Donald Wallerson. Each honoree had previously significantly contributed to the mission of BGMM, and pledged to continue doing so in the future. In addition to the honorees who unselfishly gave of their time and resources, there were others in attendance who were also recognized for their contributions.

BGMM has been in existence since 2008. Its Mission Statement includes the provision to provide medical care in local practice settings, recognizing that the physical and mental health needs of the surrounding communities and regions are immense. The Mission emphasizes personalized, high quality, compassionate, and life enhancement services.

Since its existence, on an annual basis, and through collaborative efforts with institutions in Guyana, BGMM has provided medical care in numerous parts of Guyana. Their care has been far-reaching, especially to individuals who experience challenges in accessing available and appropriate levels of medical care.

Additionally, BGMM has been instrumental in providing continuing education and training for medical personnel in Guyana.

Some of the collaborative relationships are with the following institutions —Bartica Hospital, West Bank Essequibo; Chavez Center, Onderneming, West Coast Berbice; Faith Community Church, Parika,

Berbice; No. 28 Village, West Coast Berbice; Project Dawn. Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara; and Upper Demerara Hospital, Wismar, West Coast Demerara.

In May 2017, BGMM and The University of Guyana collaborated and hosted the conference, “Clinical Updates on Medical Delivery”. This conference was one of many forums previously held. Doctors, nurses, students, and other persons in the medical profession attended this one-day conference.

(From left) Dr. Donald Wallerson (Honoree), Dr. Joan Liverpool (Honoree), Dr. Claudette Thomas (Medical Director and President of BGMM), Dr. Kelwyn Thomas (accepted on behalf of Mr. Weygand Gardener), and Mr. Noel IsaacsHeyliger (accepted on behalf of Assistant Professor, Sharon Armstead).

East Bank Essequibo; Fort Wellington Hospital, West Coast Berbice; Georgetown Public Hospital; Lenora Cottage Hospital, East Coast Demerara; Linden Hospital Complex; Kwakwani Hospital, East Bank

Forthcoming is the first ever “Respiratory Study Abroad Program” hosted by Texas State University (TSU). This program planned to be held in Guyana from January 213, 2018, is historic as it is TSU’s (Picture by Dena Porter)

first time in South America. This conference promises to explore the interdisciplinary opportunities for international healthcare within and between colleges and developing countries. Guyana will benefit from this program because of the collaborative relationship between BGMM and TSU. Although the home of this notfor-profit organization is in Atlanta, Georgia, the hardworking committee of BGMM — Sandra Wallerson, Marcia Lashley, Claudette HeyligerThomas, Noel Isaacs-Heyliger, Lyndelle Isaacs-Heyliger, and Dr. Kelwyn Thomas — decided that by hosting its first Luncheon Awards in here would be a great way to introduce their organization and the work it is doing in Guyana to New York.

The elegant affair not only highlighted the honorees’ work, passion and commitment but also provided supporters with a luscious lunch, Many attendees were surprised to hear about BGMM and the work it is doing in Guyana. Mr. Issacs Heyliger also enlightened the gathering about plans for an upcoming mission.

There was a raffle and auction on hand to cap off The Awards Luncheon. The donated gifts for these activities included two painting

by Jonquille and Hadiya George, a pink leather tote by Tiffany Anisette, and a handmade dinner-set by Melisha Patterson of Unique Creations, New York. Dena Porter handled photography, DJ Flexx Royce and DFoundation Band, headed by Yonette Hooper, provided music, and the Mistress of Ceremonies was Dr. Rose October-Edun.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

13

UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES (UWI) HONORS PROF. CLEM SEECHARAN

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tion in the Making of the British James?’

West Indies’; and ‘Finding MyIn his acceptance speech at self: Essays on Race, Politics and the award ceremony, before the Culture’.

Chancellor of UWI, Mr Robert Clem is currently working Bermudez, the Vice-Chancellor of on a three-volume study called UWI Professor Hillary Beckles ‘Hand-in-Hand History of and the Principal of the St. AugusCricket in Guyana’, the first vol- tine Campus, Professor Brian ume of which was published in Copeland, Professor Seecharan 2016; the second will be pub- counselled the young graduates in the Humanities thus: “I rarely feel tural implications in Guyana. It lished at the end of this year. the compulsion to look over my bears comparison with C .L. R. Petamber Persaud (the Guyanese journalist) observes that Clem shoulders; I am not afraid to challenge sacred cows. Fortified by your learning and with experience, you, too, will build the confidence to fight your corner. Don’t let anyone intimidate you into abandoning any principle you consider worthy of defending.

And the time to do so is when you still have the freedom to do so”.

Among Professor Seecharan’s guests at the award ceremony were his Chris Vaughan; his friend of 60 years and his wife; Dr Tulsi Singh and his wife Claudette; Dr. Puran Singh and Mrs Savitree Singh; Professor Bridget Brereton; Professor Brinsley Samaroo; former West Indies wicket-keeper, Deryck Murray; Mr Seenath Jairam, SC; Dr Primnath Gooptar and Mr Ashraf Ali. .ABOUT THE INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non(From left:): Mr. Robert Bermudez, Chancellor of the UWI; Prof. Clem profit organization with global afSeecharan; Professor Brian Copeland, Principal of the UWI, St. filiates and membership in 21 Augustine Campus. countries with the objective to James’s classic, Beyond a Boundembrace, engage, and enhance the “came from a bookless world but ary”. shared heritage, aspirations, and . . . has become the most prolific interests of persons of Indian oriHis other books include writer on the Indian travails and gin with optimum inclusivity.

‘Tiger in the Stars: The triumphs in Guyana”. And one of Anatomy of Indian Achievement Clem’s publishers, Jeremy Poynt- Source:: in British Guiana’; ‘Bechu: ing, remarked recently: ‘Quietly Indian Diaspora Council InternaBound Coolie Radical in British (though this is not the immediate tional Guiana’; ‘Mother India word one thinks of with Clem Contact: Shadow over El Dorado: IndoSeecharan) he has become a very www.indiandiasporacouncil.org Guyanese Politics and Identity, significant Caribbean intellectual Tel: +1-347-494-1502 1890s-1930s’; ‘Muscular presence. Who has written better Post Office Box 650523 Learning: Cricket and Educaabout cricket since C. L. R. New York 11365 USA

he Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) congratulates Professor Clem Seecharan for having the honor of D.Litt (Doctor of Letters) bestowed on him by the University of the West Indies (St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago) on 28th October 2017. The honor was in recognition of Prof. Seecharan’s scholarship in IndoCaribbean history and the history of West Indies cricket, as well as for his teaching of Caribbean History, having been Head of Caribbean Studies at London Metropolitan University for nearly 20 years.

Born in the village of Palmyra in Berbice, Guyana, 67 years ago, he is being honoured for his prolific research and writings on Indo-Caribbean history and the history of West Indies cricket, as well as for his teaching of Caribbean history for over 25 years. Clem was the Head of Caribbean Studies for nearly 20 years at London Metropolitan University, where he is Emeritus Professor of History since 2012.

Professor Seecharan was educated at Berbice Educational Institute, Queen’s College, McMaster University (Canada) and the University of Warwick (England) — he is the first person to get a Ph.D from the Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies at the University of Warwick.

Professor Seecharan is the author of over 12 books, several of which have earned recognition in academia. His book, ‘Sweetening Bitter Sugar: Jock Campbell, the Booker Reformer in British Guiana,’ was awarded the prestigious Elsa Goveia Prize in 2005 by the Association of Caribbean Historians. They considered this book ‘a magisterial account that manoeuvres the reader through one of the most painfully fragmentary periods of Guyanese history . . . elegantly written . . . a genuinely majestic work’.

His book, ‘From Ranji to Rohan: Cricket and Indian Identity in Colonial Guyana’, the eminent Indian Professor of Columbia University, Partha Chatterjee, has written: “This is a serious book on cricket and its socio-cul-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

The magic of

No. 63 Beach

Folks on the beach socialising

By Michel Outridge THE journey is worth the hours travelling by road from the East Coast Demerara to No. 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice. That is because this destination is of pure tranquility and serves as a natural attraction for hundreds of persons who visit almost on an everyday basis.

Even foreigners who come from far and wide would take the time out to make No. 63 Beach a place they must visit.

The place has a magnetic pull to it where people would visit for swimming, picnicking, jet skiing or fun in the sun with family by playing games or simply sitting on the beach and soaking up the atmosphere.

Fishing: Lucky catch at No. 63 Beach

Children at play

Many persons, particularly Berbicians, would annually make their way t o the location in their numbers for the Digicel Curried Duck Competition.

The place would be transformed into an exciting destination filled with activities for children and adults.

However, over time, No. 63 Beach has become very untidy simply because some people just leave their garbage on the beach and do not clean up after themselves.

This has led to a build-up of refuse around the location where even the facilities are made unfit for use due to their deplorable condition. Some of the wooden benabs are also in disrepair and are badly in need of repairs.

With an extensive clean-up campaign, No. 63 Beach, a

Dad and son in their go-cart

major tourist attraction, could be made attractive once again and sanitised to give it an appeal. But even in this state, people continue to visit because they cannot help themselves. It is a place worth visiting at any given time.

Last Sunday, the Pepperpot Magazine visited the beach and spoke to several visitors, all of whom said they always visit the place whenever there is an event to socialise and meet new people as well as to bring out the children to ‘cut loose’.

One woman related that her children like the beach because it is a wide open space they can play games and she can finally get some time to read a book while keeping an eye on them.

On the beach on their horse

Father/son cricket

BBQ on the beach

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

Security boost

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…China donates US$2.6M in transportation, communications equipment

By Navendra Seoraj THE People’s Republic of China on Monday formally handed over US$2.6 million worth of vehicles and equipment to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of what Beijing called its commitment to assist in developing the security sector here.

Among the vehicles donated to improve the Force’s accessibility and efficiency were 56 pickups; 44 motorcycles; 35 All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATVs) and five big buses.

Additionally, 550 items of protective gear; 40 desktop and 30 laptop computers; 10 printers and 10 photocopy machines were donated.

China has over the years been a key contributor to Guyana’s development and President David Granger pointed out that they have once again recognised the need to assist Guyana in an area that needs to be boosted.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the Eve Leary Sports Club ground on Monday, the President said the equipment will alleviate the accessibility burden of the GPF to every region, every river and even grass and wet lands. The vehicles, in particular will be used by the technical and transportation branches of the Force, said the Guyanese leader.

“This will ensure that there is speedier movement in any weather or terrain, which will allow the law enforcement officers to reach crime scenes and continue their work of suppressing crime…constant evaluations will however be done to ensure that the vehicles are clean, efficient and serviceable,” said President Granger.

Commissioner of Police (ag), David Ramnarine said they owe China their gratitude and commitment to care the vehicles and equipment because the process of acquiring those items started in 2014. It was reported that in 2014, the police submitted a list of items to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which was later submitted to China. That year the Force received items, including radio sets, worth US$60,000.

Since then China has donated a number of items to various sectors locally and Ambassador of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun highlighted his country’s commitment to lending its support whenever the need arises.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who is performing duties of the Ministry of Public Security, said it was indeed a timely donation because it will help to boost the GPF’s capacity. He indicated that China’s donation is also in line with the five point security plan that was adumbrated by the President sometime

back when he spoke about strengthening the capacity and capability of the police force to make Guyana a safe place.

The five points that were listed include the improvement of the police administration; reorganised and enhanced training of officers and ranks; effective deployment of ranks throughout the country; improved communication and acquisition of assets and equipment.

President Granger said although one aspect of the strategy has been realised the Government is still focusing on ways to improve the efficiency of the GPF in order to counter crime.

“It is for this reason we restarted, with the British Government, the security sector reform project which will in a year be transformed into a formal department which will implement the recommendations which are being crafted and drafted,” said the President.

Reorganised divisions Meanwhile, one of the main areas of focus that was identified by the President was the restructuring of the police divisions to adopt the same structure as the ten administrative regions.

By doing this, President Granger believes that every divisional commander will be able to relate to a regional chairman and every Capital town will be the headquarters of a police division.

“This will ensure that we won’t have one person commanding three hinterland areas, like is happening now,” the Head-of-State affirmed.

The division of responsibilities is expected to improve the GPF’s ability to cover airspace, maritime resources, sea space and rivers. Access to 75 per cent of the country is difficult said President Granger, adding that the situation is compounded by inadequate infrastructure; not enough aerodromes; bridges; highways and stellings.

Although the new vehicles and equipment will help to address some of these issues, the President said it is still difficult for the GPF because there is limited communication and transportation which restrict the Force’s ability to effectively enforce the law everywhere in the country.

“It was evident recently in the Rupununi, where we discovered a foreign aircraft which penetrated our airspaces and landed on our territory…Along our coastland we have also discovered many submersible maritime vessels,” he said, pointing out that both are

likely to have brought contraband onto Guyana’s territory without being detected by law enforcement.

He was of the view that Guyana cannot be secure if the borders and territory are violated by criminals who commit transnational crimes such as trafficking in illegal weapons, persons and narcotics; money laundering and so forth. In order

to address these issues, President Granger said there is need for an efficient and well-equipped Police Force which will confront those threats in order to promote human safety and public security. He however believes that it can be accomplished with proper management; training and the provision of more and improved equipment.

Police Commissioner (ag), David Ramnarine (first right) along with President David Granger (second right), China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun (third right) and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo inspect the vehicles (Delano Williams photo)

Ready to roll out! Police ranks go on a test run with some of the new vehicles that were donated by the Government of China (Delano Williams photo)

Police ranks about to test these ATVs, which will be transferred to the hinterland to boost security patrols. The ATVs were part of the US$2.6M donation by the Chinese Government (Delano Williams photo)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

Cops deadly fight…

Domestic violence, infidelity reportedly spark shooting

DOMESTIC violence and allegations of infidelity resulted in the death of Police Constable, Clement Cockfield, and serious injuries to his lover, woman Police Constable, Shanice Fraser, Tuesday night at La Grange Police Station.

This is according to their colleagues at the West Bank Demerara station.

“He used to beat she up bad and thing; is not now this going on, is a long time and it end up building up to something that no one could have ever envisioned,” one police source said.

Police are investigating the circumstance under which Cockfield, 20, who was armed with a service

Critically injured: Shanice Fraser

Dead: Clement Cockfield

revolver and on duty, discharged several rounds at Constable Fraser, 21, of the said station and then turned the firearm on himself.

Woman Constable Fraser is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) nursing gunshot wounds to the upper body. Cockfield was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police said the two constables allegedly had an on and off relationship and performed duties on different shifts at the station.

Initial investigation further revealed that Constable Fraser had just completed a tour of duty while Constable

Cockfield had reported for anti-crime patrol duty. In the process, he uplifted a service revolver with six rounds.

A few minutes after, Fraser and Cockfield were seen on the stairway of the station and loud explosions were heard. Thereafter, Constable Fraser was seen running down the stairs and into the compound bleeding profusely. She was assisted by ranks on duty but Constable Cockfield pursued her and continued to discharge rounds at her to the point where she collapsed. He reportedly shot at his lover five times before using the last round of the .38 revolver on himself. Investigation is continuing.

Four in custody over teacher’s death

FOUR persons, including two police constables, are being questioned in relation to the death of Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher, Kescia Branche.

Branche died Tuesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital, two days after she was picked up in an unconscious state on a city street.

The two constables who are under close arrest are said to be cooperating.

Branche was severely beaten and

dumped Sunday last at the corner of Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown.

The victim’s father, Alfred Branche, relatives and friends said that they will not rest until justice is served. Her twin sister, who was at her bedside when she died, flew in from Barbados Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, surveillance footage led to the arrest of the police constable on Tuesday. The ranks are attached to the Impact

Base at the Brickdam Police Station.

Around 05:00 hrs on Sunday, the First Street, Cummings Lodge resident was found on the roadway, unconscious. Her left leg was broken and she sustained multiple head injuries. She was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where she succumbed.

Reports indicate that between Saturday night and Sunday morning, Branche was

seen in the company of two men at two different night spots. The identity of one of the men is known by her friends and his information was shared with the police. The mother of one was last seen in the company of a male at the Blue Martini Bar, located at Lamaha and De Abreu Street, Newtown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Persons also related that she was also seen at Seeta’s Bar, Station Street Kitty.

A post-mortem is expected to be done Friday.

Businesswoman robbed, car hijacked A WELL-KNOWN businesswoman was on Saturday afternoon held at gunpoint and relieved of her Toyota Allion motorcar and other valuables, along with money.

Ryhann Shaw, 66, who is also an Indian rights activist, was robbed at Irving Street, Georgetown.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 13:20hrs and involved three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The victim was reportedly on her way home when the suspects pounced on her, held her at gunpoint and demanded the keys of her vehicle which she had just exited.

Police said subsequently, one of the suspects snatched the keys, entered her silver-grey Toyota Allion bearing Registration Number PLL 1127 and made good his escape with other valuables, heading north of Irving Street along with his two other accomplices.

No arrests have17) yet been made. (continued on page

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

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Unity our only hope as a people -Minister Bulkan tells Den Amstel Village Day

By Lisa Hamilton MINISTER of Communities, Mr Ronald Bulkan feels it’s time Guyanese do away with the traditional winner-take-all type of politics and instead work towards achieving national unity.

He said as much on Wednesday at the hosting of the second annual National Day of Villages, which was held at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground at Den Amstel, West Demerara.

The event, which was hosted by the Regional Administration in collaboration with the Minister of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of the Presidency, saw support from residents of several villages within the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara district.

It also saw among government officials in attendance Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton; Minister of Business and Tourism, Mr Dominic Gaskin and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ms Annette Ferguson.

And amidst a groundswell of calls for national unity, some persons at the event seized the opportunity to pointedly ask Minister Bulkan whether there was any particular reason why the advancement of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is being accorded priority over the affairs of the other local democratic organs.

And, forever the diplomat he’s known to be, even before he entered politics, Minister Bulkan replied that contrary to popular opinion, it was not a matter of discrimination, but more about obligation.

“We should not be unmindful of the fact that Georgetown is our capital city,” he said, adding: “That’s a special status! And therefore it can be counted as a special obligation and responsibility; not to discriminate but to be appreciative of that fact.”

He also pointed out that regional councils and local democratic organs have the lawful authority to raise their own revenue so that they are not entirely dependent on Central Government for finances to discharge their responsibilities. Both Minister Bulkan and the PM expressed their disappointment at the absence of the Region Three Chairman from

The schoolchildren brought out their little flags to accord Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamootoo and his wife and other government officials a hearty welcome to Den Amstel on Wednesday

At the opening Wednesday of the National Day of Villages

Government officials and other visitors at the function

the activity, which, in their opinion, is an increasing attempt by regional leaders to boycott events to which the president is invited.

Recalling that both the chairman and vice-chairman of Region One (Barima-Waini) were conveniently unavailable when the president recently visited Mabaruma, Minister Bulkan said: “Our regional chairpersons are going in the wrong direction; they seem to be observing a pattern of follow-the-leader.

“But I’d like to urge and caution them that they bear responsibility; their responsibilities are to the residents of their regions, and if they choose not to engage and participate in official functions, then they are doing a disservice to the residents of their regions.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo observed that, events such as a National Day of Villages is not for a secluded or specific set of people but for all Guyanese, and called upon those whom he believes are deliberately trying to sow seeds of discord at events intended to unify to desist from doing so. “Nothing is more vulgar than trying to set people apart on the basis of ethnicity; on the basis of their culture; on the basis of geography,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

The scores of Guyanese who braved the inclement weather on Wednesday to celebrate with Den Amstel were entertained by an array of cultural music, dance and singing which all happened to coincide with the event’s theme, ‘Working in Harmony: Building Better Relationships for a Brighter Future’.

Following the conclusion of the event, the ministers, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, presented a total of 45 hampers to senior citizens of the various communities present at the event. The celebration of National Day of Villages was first proposed back in 2003 by President Granger, who was then opposition leader. The intention at the time was to help foster togetherness among communities and to commemorate the history of Guyana’s first village, Victoria, which celebrated its 178th Anniversary on Tuesday.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

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

Be An Entrepreneur: Failure Is Not An Option

D

o you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Learn what qualities entrepreneurs have in common--and whether you have what it takes to join their ranks. Entrepreneurship is like a yo-yo, it has plenty of downs along with the ups. Particularly, how do you stay optimistic when you are worried about losing money or going out of business?

In today’s world, entrepreneurs occupy a central position in our market economy.

They serve as the spark plug in our economy's engine, activating and stimulating all economic activity. The most dynamic societies in the world are the ones that have the most entrepreneurs, plus the economic and legal structure to encourage and motivate entrepreneurs to greater heights and activities.

NEGATIVE PATTERNS What are patterns and what do they have to do with me? In short, it has everything to do with you, everyone and me. Do you know of someone who is always late or always making up excuses? Do these statements sound familiar? “I couldn’t find the file,” “Business is terrible,” “I need more time,” “What you’re asking is impossible.”

Also, what about a friend who complains they are always broke? Yet, they make a fairly decent living. In other words their bark is much different from their bite.

Believe it or not, the reason why this friend is always late or broke is not because of some mystical force in the universe but because of the patterns they have recognized and copied over the years. How they feel? What they think and how they react are all elements and functions of patterns they have created and established during the course of their lives. These patterns operate

at the sub-conscious level and are constantly working to fulfill our friend’s expectations.

If you feel you’re going to be late, you will be. If you think you’re always broke, you tend to be. The trick to achieving your

life goals and being happy is to minimize the negative patterns and reinforce the positive ones. Focus on establishing the habits, which lead to, desired results and surround yourself with help-aids and assistance that encourage good positive behavioral patterns.

TRENDS Guess what makes you such an integral part of a prosperous economy? It is entrepreneurial energy, creativity and motivation that trigger the production and sale of new products and services. It's the

entrepreneur who seeks opportunities to profit by satisfying unsatisfied needs. It's the entrepreneur who seeks to find a gap between the wants and needs of the customers and would provide the products and services that are currently available, and finds a way to fill that gap.

Entrepreneurs are optimistic and future oriented; they believe that success is possible and are willing to risk their resources in the pursuit of profit. They are fast moving and flexible, willing to change quickly when they get new information. Entrepreneurs are persistent and determined to succeed, because their own money and their egos are at risk.

Entrepreneurs are skilled at selling against their competitors by creating perceptions of difference and uniqueness in their products and services. They have visions of grandeur and they continually seek ways to offer their products and services in such a way that they're more attractive than anything else available.

Entrepreneurs are capable of dealing effectively with the legal and governmental requirements of business. They're creative and determined in satisfying regulations and acquiring the licenses necessary to do business. They are excellent problem solvers and are continually seeking solutions to the obstacles that inevitably arise.

Good entrepreneurs are capable of setting up the internal business systems, processes, procedures and bookkeeping

necessary for operating a successful business. They have a natural instinct for the financial condition of their businesses. Above all they are intensely focused on sales, cash flow and revenue at all times.

Because entrepreneurs create all wealth, all jobs, all opportunities and all prosperity in the nation, they are the most important people in a market economy--and there are never enough of them. Are you ready to join their forces? Then get to work on these action exercises that will help you launch your own business.

Keep visualizing your dreams and believe that you will achieve them. Be realistic about your goals: avoid setting insane expectations you can't possibly meet. Create the best opportunities for you to profit, by bringing together people, money and other factors to create products and services people want. Turn disappointments and failures into positive opportunities and realize that most successful entrepreneurs built success from failure. Use your creativity, rather than your money, to find new, better, cheaper ways to sell your products or services or to reduce your costs of operation. Surround yourself with positive people – friends, family, partners and employees. Think about how you talk to yourself. Tone down the negative chatter and the "I told you so!"

Even the most optimistic people have times when they feel down. Don't expect happiness to be a constant companion. You will find this more difficult if you are married to, or living with or employing a very negative person. Defend yourself from other people's negativity.

POSITIVE PATTERNS So what do patterns have to do with anything? Everything! It’s not just about changing my environment or circumstances; it’s about changing me. In order to achieve my goal, I first have to change my patterns.

If you have a life goal you wish to accomplish or have something in your life you are unhappy about, think about the patterns that are negative and minimize them. If possible, establish, as many positive patterns as you can that would help you achieve your goals. Last but not least, exercise does make you feel better but it is centered on positive living. Tell yourself continually that "failure is not an option." Be willing to move out of your comfort zone, take risks if necessary to start building your business and you will be a successful entrepreneur. Welcome to the elite club.

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

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

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PPP vulgar conduct denounced - unparliamentary conduct draws wide condemnation

THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been roundly condemned for what has been described as their “despicable” behaviour in the Parliament chamber last week with President David Granger labelling them “vulgarians.”

The Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that government will likely make a formal complaint to the Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland, with a view to having the PPP Members of Parliament (MPs) sanctioned for the placard-bearing protest last week in the House that interrupted the President’s address.

The PPP has since tried to defend its behaviour, but

According to the report, President Granger, who is also the leader of the PNCR, said Thursday’s behaviour demonstrates clearly that “No other party at this time or in the future can give Guyana the quality of leadership…” it deserves.

“Another reason why we are here today is because more than ever I am convinced that the PPP does not deserve to run the government of Guyana. Its disdain for democracy, its contempt for culture…,” Demerara Waves quoted him as saying.

Additionally, the headof-state in passing referenced Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s placard which contained the word divide incor-

Former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo holds a placard while protesting during President David Granger’s address to the 71st sitting of the National Assembly last Thursday. The placard has the word “dividing” spelt incorrectly as “deviding” (Taken from Facebook)

only their supporters have sought to justify their actions.

Speaking over the weekend at the 5th Biennial Conference People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) North American Region held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, President Granger said, “Another good reason for me to be here, as I said last night, is that I need to take refuge from the vulgarians… the vulgarians can get you down and you come under severe attack. It’s good to be among friends. Look at here, no placards and I can speak without interruption.”

Online media entity, Demerara Waves, reported too that the President referred to last Thursday as “a day of infamy in the annals of the parliamentary record of Guyana.”

DISGUSTING EPISODES “It will go down as one of the most disgusting episodes of parliamentary misbehaviour,” Demerara Waves reported.

rectly spelled as “devide.”

“The PNC is the face of the future. We are what Guyana looks like, not the people that you saw on Thursday.

We can spell,” he stated, while declaring that his party is the “conscience of the country.”

On Thursday, at the opening ceremony of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament, the President outlined his administration’s plans while highlighting achievements over the past two years. However, his address was inaudible due to a vociferous protest by the opposition. The opposition MPs held placards which said, “Granger’s first attempt to rigging the elections”, “untrustworthy”, and “strangling democracy” to name a few.

The move by the PPP to protest in such a manner has been condemned by many.

On Sunday, Stabroek News in its editorial reminded that Parliament is no longer what it was in the past, noting that parliamentarians are ever more disrespectful within parliamentary confines.

“Of course, what happened on Thursday is also a reflection of the lack of communication and the polarisation in society at large.

It is too a reflection of an inability to understand the role certain institutions have to play if any meaningful society is to be built, and the respect they must of necessity be accorded.

“If such institutions -and Parliament is one -- are just treated like any old building where gang members, for example, gather to lime and shout at one another, then the nation can never evolve, because there will be no venerable traditions on which to found it,” the editorial titled ‘The President and Parliament’ stated.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly and attorney Ralph Ramkarran in his weekly column also published in the Stabroek News on Sunday described the PPP’s protest during the President’s speech as “unparliamentary behavior.”

Meanwhile, veteran trade unionist and columnist for the Guyana Chronicle, Lincoln Lewis, opined that the protest events, in and around the National Assembly confirms Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo’s threat to the Government of his party's “intent of engaging in non-cooperation and protests will be supported by actions.”

TURN OF TABLE “Those placards, including Jagdeo’s, that attracted the public’s attention and amusement with dividing spelt as ‘deviding,’ brought into sharp focus how the table has turned,” said Lewis, who noted that as President Jagdeo was intolerant of dissent.

“It is important to remind society as the current PPP leadership has the temerity to talk about democracy being under threat and the constitution violated, positioning itself on a moral perch as guardians of, this group has no moral leg to stand on. It was under this leadership [that] the constitution was stomped on, and citizens’ democratic rights and freedoms taken away or curtailed,” Lewis declared.

The opposition since the appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has maintained that it will not cooperate with the administration.

In fact, they see the appointment of Justice Patterson, as a move by the coalition government to rig the upcoming 2020 elections.

Patterson has since said he has no political affiliation.

The opposition had submitted 18 nominees for the said post but all were deemed rejected by President Granger.

On Sunday too, Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member and columnist, in the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. David Hinds in his column called for the scrapping of the CarterPrice formula which was in place prior to the 1992 general elections.

He reminded that the central tenet was that the two major parties, the PNC and the PPP, were afforded equal representation on the commission and that the chair enjoyed the confidence of both sides. The formula also broadened the selection of the chair to include inputs from the opposition leader.

Up until then, the selection was the sole power of the President.

“Critically, while the formula broadened the process, the ultimate power of the President to make the final choice was left intact,” said Dr Hinds, who noted that with the formula being placed in the constitution of Guyana, the provisions are subject to interpretation.

He opined that the constitution does not clearly state at what point the President can act unilaterally.

“I think he can only do so if the system breaks down, because the lists provided by the opposition leader violate the spirit of the constitution and that the electoral system is threatened by the absence of a GECOM chair.”

Additionally, Dr Hinds is of the strong view that the Carter formula does not say in expressed language where the ultimate power to choose lies, thereby leaving it up to interpretation.

“And in a politically volatile society like Guyana, that is a political liability,” he opined.

President David Granger

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

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American Racism: TheEconomy Of Slave Breeding (from page 7)

ural increase,” but there was nothing natural about producing slaves; it took scientific management. No less a person than Thomas Jefferson, bragged to George Washington, that the birth of Black children was increasing Virginia’s capital stock by four percent annually. According to research here is how the American slave-breeding industry worked: Some states (like Virginia) produced slaves as their main export domestic crop. The price of slaves was anchored by industry in other states that consumed slaves in the production of rice and sugar, and constant territorial expansion. As long as the slave economy continued to grow, slave breeders could literally bank on future demands and increasing prices. That made slaves not just a commodity, but also the closest thing to money that White breeders had.

It’s hard to quantify just how valuable Black people were as commodities, but by a conservative estimate, in 1860 the total value of American slaves was $4 billion ($1 in 1860 is US$27.19 in 2017), far more than the gold and silver then circulating nationally ($228.3 million, most of it in the North), total national currency ($435.4 million), and even the value of the South’s total farmland ($1.92 billion). Slaves were, to slave

breeders, worth more than everything else they could imagine combined.

Black slaves were property, Southern slave owners could, for example, mortgage them to banks and then the banks could package the mortgages into bonds and sell the bonds to anyone, anywhere in the world, even where slavery was illegal.

In this scenario slave families were routinely broken up by selling members to other plantations far away. Black male slaves were “studded” out – for a fee – to impregnate female slaves of child bearing ages, sometimes as young as 13 years old, on other nearby plantations. They were forced to have sex under the watchful eyes of the “Massa” and his children, as they would watch the mating of a pig, donkey or sheep. Can you imagine the deep trauma, dehumanization and feeling of worthlessness of these Black slaves?

This history of American slavery and racism has long been swept under the rug. That’s largely due because of white America’s hegemonic hold over the retelling of American history and of slavery’s place in that history.

Black history, as told by white historians, has been sanitized, scrubbed, and riddled with omissions, embellishments, and outright falsehoods packaged as Black History. We must get beyond this. Plain and simple, in

this context, slave breeding refers to the coercive, often violent, reproductive and sexual practices that prevented slaves from controlling their sexuality and families.

White Americans and professional many historians still cling to a romanticized antebellum South. Educational documentaries like Coronet’s 1950 The Plantation System in Southern Life pitched slavery as part of an “orderly agricultural society” in which, like the 1950s, “racial and class harmony” prevailed (p. 159). In contrast, black parents and schools taught that “no magnolias and mint juleps” could obscure the brutal truths of slavery or racism in modern life (p.

138). Civil rights challenged such views, as did works like Kyle Elihu Onstott’s novel Mandingo (1957).

Based on childhood memories of slave breeding farms in Kentucky, this novel (and later the film adaptation) highlighted the brutality of slavery, particularly sexual interference. (Gregory D. Smithers. Slave Breeding: Sex, Violence, and Memory in African American History.)

In essence then, slave Breeding was an easily manageable way of expanding the amount of slaves on a given plantation without having to buy them. This method was less expensive and guaranteed results. Therefore, white plantation owners could make

larger profits in their business. When Black male slaves turned 15 years old, they had their first routine inspection by the plantation master and slave owner.

Boys who were under-developed, had their testicles castrated and were sent to the market or used on the farm/plantation. Each male slave was expected to inseminate, “breed,” 12 females a year.

The men were used for breeding for 5 years. A particularly strong male slave could realistically produce up to 200 offspring.

Methods of slave breeding included: the coercion of sexual relations between male and female slaves, the promotion of pregnancies of female slaves, rape between master and slave with the aim of producing slave children (that subsequently were not acknowledged by the master), and favoring female slaves who produced a relatively large number of children.

Slave breeding is a very important topic because it has the potential to provide explanations for customs and practices that currently exist in the African- American community today.

This system was so successful and profitable that one “slave trader from Virginia boasted that his breeding policies enabled him to sell 6,000 slave children a year.” (Simkin).

[Part III – The Lingering and Lasting Effects of Slavery and Racism.]

Guyanese novelists of the past quartet of novels: The Guyana Quartet, which includes ‘The Far Journey of Oudin’ (1961), ‘The Whole Armour‘ (1962), and ‘The Secret Ladder/ (1963).

These deal with colonization of the Americas, slavery and the plantation system.

These were followed by the Carnival trilogy: ‘Carnival’ (1985), ‘The Infinite Rehearsal’ (1987), and ‘The Four Banks of the River of Space’ (1990).

In 1985, he published ‘Jonestown’ (1996), ‘Dark Jester’ (2001) and his semiautobiographical novel, ‘The Mask of the Beggar’ (2003). ‘Jonestown’ describes the mass suicide that occurred in the interior of Guyana.

Sir Wilson does not follow the normal conventional style of novel writing in which all aspects of a story are brought together in a logical conclusion.

‘Palace of the Peacock’. In this novel, Donne, a White colonist, leads a multiracial crew into the Guyana interior hoping to enlist cheap labour for his ranch. The crew and captain die one after the other during the journey.

Sir Wilson employs masterful symbolism. Donne symbolizes ruthless European

(from page 5)

presence in the Caribbean and the crew represents the various racial and ethnic groups in Guyana. The seven-day journey is a repudiation of the Genesis story. Instead of creation in seven days, there is destruction.

The journey represents a quest for recognition. Rather than being turned off by its thick metaphysics, I am drawn to it.

‘The Mask of the Beggar.’ The beggar is inspired by Ulysses’ disguise on his return home to Ithaca from the Trojan war in Homer’s Odyssey. The novelist longs for the return of his father who disappeared in the interior of Harourtown, a fictional location for Guyana. In the fiction, the beggar is the medium through which the past victims of history are resurrected in the artist’s consciousness. Characters like Van Gogh, Dorian Grey and Goethe form part of this meditation on the timelessness of art.

Sir Wilson Harris’s place in Caribbean literature is assured. He is a true original and careful study of his novels reveal a keen mind, fully conscious of a novelist’s role in describing Guyana’s evolution from colonization to Independence, among other things, and the extent to which man’s imagination creates reality. If a student studies Sir Wilson Harris and George Lamming alone, he/she has done full homework.

DAVID DABYDEEN David Horace Clarence Harilal Sookram was born in Berbice, Guyana, December 9, 1955. He is an Indo-born Guyanese academic, broadcaster, poet and novelist.

His parents divorced when he was young, and he was brought up by his mother and grandmother. At age 10, he won the Government County Scholarship to Queen’s College. Three years later, he moved to England and lived with his father David Harilal Sookram, an Attorney. He graduated from Cambridge with a BA (Hons.) in English and in 1982, gained a PhD in English from University College London Most collections of Caribbean novelists include David Dabydeen. He is praised as original and brilliant. His novels include: ‘The Intended’, ‘Disappearance’, ‘A Harlot’s Progress’ and ‘Molly and the Muslim Stick’.

‘The Intended’ is Dabydeen’s first novel. It is autobiographical and “the narrator, like Pip in Dickens’s Great Expectations, looks back at his life with remarkable candor and some embarrassment.” He discovers that he was summoned to England from Guyana by his father, who wishes to

secure more social security money with an added dependent. Like Dabydeen, the narrator is East Indian and studies hard, goes to Oxford, hoping to gain acceptance by British society.

His quest for upward mobility produces a struggle to maintain his cultural identity and attempts to reach equilibrium through memories of his childhood.

This novel is a work of deep thought by a man who loves his native country.

CONCLUSION As I said on commenting on my cricket lists, this list is, obviously, not exhaustive. Those, such as E. R. Braithwaite, Cyril Dabydeen, Sassenarine Persaud, Pauline Melville and many others, are left out because of the rigors of space.

CORRECTION In my last article on cricket captains of the West Indies, the printer’s devil prevailed and I wrote that Sir Richie Richardson’s only Test series loss was to Australia in 1985. I hope my readers realised that Richardson only became captain of the West Indies in 1991, so that loss had to be in 1995 and not 1985. I apologise for my slip of the fingers which caused this typo.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 74 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your charisma will no doubt attract a lot of attention. Quarrels will erupt if you get into philosophical debates with friends. Try to keep your opinions to yourself. Involvement in groups will be favorable. Business partnerships will prove lucrative.Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Added knowledge will give you the edge when dealing with peers. Someone you care about may let you down or criticize your methods. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures. You have to believe in yourself and your talents.

Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Mingle with those who can further your goals. Look into joining groups that can give you hands-on advice about business. New romantic ties can be made; however, you must make sure that your motives are not selfish before you make your move. It’s time to reevaluate your own motives and make changes to yourself first. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don’t be surprised if a job offer comes your way. You will need to work diligently in order to accomplish even the smallest amount. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. You will be able to close any deals successfully. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You’ll have amazing ideas, but superiors may try to block your attempts at implementing them. Don’t try to hide your true feelings from your mate. You will be able to get along well with colleagues. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. Be aware of any deception on the part of those you deal with. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience. You will do well if you mingle with the brass this week. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Don’t trust others with private information that could be used against you.

You will be best suited to doing things around the house or inviting friends over for a visit. Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance.

Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be emotional about family matters. Those close to your heart may be difficult to reason with. Go after your goals and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Spend time with friends or family. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. You could come into extra cash. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy.

Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Take a look at yourself and prepare to make those changes you’ve been contemplating. If you work in conjunction with someone else you may find they’re trying to steal your thunder. Creative pursuits should payoff.

Clear up domestic chores that have remained undone for some time. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Your mate may be distressed if you refuse to make a commitment. Later in the week your boss will pat you on the back for a job well done. Things aren’t as they appear. It’s doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass this week. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Your involvement with children will be most rewarding. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. Unexpected events may be upsetting. Help an older member with a problem that faces them.

Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

3. Me (Fr.) 4. Scare away (2 wds.)

5. Took action 6. Give the impression 7. Highway border 8. To be (Fr.) 9. Actor Wallace ___ 32. Honest nickname 11.

Twist 33. No ifs, ___, or buts 12. Not imaginary 35. Shortest mo.

15. ___ up (stay silent) 36. River mud 19. British fliers’ gp.

37. Lamont, to Sanford 20. Like Twiggy 39. Exclusively 21. Advantage (2 wds.)

41. Is allowed to enter 22. Defies (2 wds.)

24. Medical gp.

44. Understood 45. Gp. formerly headed 26. Large sled 28. With competence

by Heston 29. Fishing aid 46. Makes longer 34. “Mayday!”

51. Breathable stuff 52. Ferber et al.

36. Meyers or Rogen 53. Domino spot 38. Egypt’s river 54. Blaster’s substance 40. Oodles (abbr.)

41. Tiny pest 55. Lawmaker (abbr.)

42 Shamrock country 56. It follows Mar. 43. Actor Beatty et al.

47. Compass pt.

DOWN 48. Environmental org.

1. Disposable pen brand 49. Puppy’s bite 2. Expression of disgust 50. Warmer weather time (abbr.)

ACROSS 1. Handout seeker 4. Certain investments (abbr.)

7. Berlin’s country (abbr.)

10. “___ _to Pieces” (2 wds.)

11. More bashful 13. Colorado Indian 14. Black-capped bird 16. Tycoon Onassis 17. Bandleader Brown 18. Blemished 20. Unfroze 23. Young boy 24. Attention-getting sound 25. Cereal tidbit 27. Actress Drescher 30. Top soccer scorer Hamm 31. To’s partner

W O R D F I N D

M O V I E

ACTION ACTORS CANDY CARTOON COMEDY CONCESSIONS DOUBLE FEATURE DRAMA MATINEE MOVIES MULTIPLEX MYSTERY PLOT POPCORN

T H E A T E R

RATINGS ROWS SCI-FI SCREEN SEATS SHOWS SHOWTIME SODA SPECIAL EFFECTS STARS THRILLER TICKETS USHERS WESTERN

ISSUE 74 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

US restricts travel, trade with Cuba The restrictions took effect on Thursday Nov. 9 Washington [United States] November 9 (ANI): The United States Government has made it harder for its citizens to travel and do business in Cuba, following up on an announcement by President Donald Trump in June, this year.

The US State Department has said.

"We have strengthened our published a list of 180 entities, including hotels, stores, rum makers, Cuba policies to channel economic marinas and a economic develop- activity away from the Cuban miliment zone at the Port of Mariel, tary and to encourage the governwhich are believed to financially ment to move toward greater benefit the Cuban military, intelli- political and economic freedom for gence and security services and the Cuban people," Treasury Secrewhich the U.S. citizens will no tary Steven Mnu-chin said in a statelonger be permitted to frequent, re- ment.

The new regulations allow the ported CNN. However, it will be harder for The full list of 180 sanctioned U.S. travellers to be able to make them to travel solo.

Cuban businesses includes some fa- authorized trips to Cuba with a U.S.In June, Trump had announced mous hotels in Havana like Hotel based organization and accompaAmbos Mundos and Hotel Ar- nied by a U.S. representative of the that he would be rolling back some of the changes made by his predemadores de Santander, the report group.

cessor, Barack Obama, who sought in his second term to restore diplomatic relations with the island nation.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Venezuelan Crisis Spawns Boom in Gambling

CARACAS - Players line up beside a small kiosk in a poor neighborhood to choose animals in a lottery game that has become a craze in Venezuela even as the oil-rich country suffers a fourth year of brutal recession.

It seems more and more Venezuelans are turning to gambling in their desperation to make ends meet amid the country's unprecedented economic crisis.

Though more people lose than win overall, the illusion of a payday has become more alluring as Venezuelans endure the world's highest inflation, shortages of basics from flour to car batteries, and diminished real-term

wages.

Among multiple options from race courses to back-street betting parlors, the roulette-style 'Los Animalitos' (or the Little Animals) is currently by far the most popular game on the street.

Most people I see playing the lottery are unemployed, trying to make a bit extra this way because the payouts are good,' said Veruska Torres, 26, a nurse who recently lost her job in a pharmacy and now plays Animalitos every day.

Veruska Torres plays with her son on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. He is wearing a new t-shirt bought with

prize money won on 'Los Animalitos' (or the Little Animals) betting game.

Torres often plays more than a dozen times daily at the kiosk in Catia, spending between 5,000-10,000 bolivars, but sometimes making up to 50,000 or 60,000 bolivars in winnings - more than a quarter of the monthly minimum wage.

When that happens, she splits the money between buying food and diapers for her baby boy, and re-investing in the lottery.

The Animalitos game, whose results appear on YouTube at scheduled times, is hugely popular because it goes through various rounds, holding people's interest, and provides more chances to win than most traditional betting options.

The cheapest ticket costs just 100 bolivars - a quarter of a U.S. cent at the black market currency rate, and more than 10 times less than that at the official exchange level.

'It helped me a lot,' said Eduardo Liendo, 63, of a timely win. He recently lost his house and lives in a car in Caracas' Propatria neighborhood, but had a successful punt on the Animalitos, choosing the dog figure after his own had died.

Eduardo Liendo, 63, who lives inside an old car, holds his prize money which he won on 'Los Animal-

itos' (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017.

There is no hard data on betting figures, and the government's betting regulator did not answer requests from Reuters for information. But those behind Venezuela's gambling businesses, run by a mixture of private companies and local regional authorities, said trade was booming, with lines longer and busier than ever - because of, not despite, the hard times.

'In a crisis like the one we're going through, people drink and gamble more to escape from reality,' said psychologist Rosa Garcia from the rural state of Barinas.

People wager money on 'Los Animalitos' (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017.

The latest scarcity in Venezuela is cash - as authorities cannot produce enough notes to keep up with dizzying inflation - so many bars, shops and betting parlors have quickly switched from cash to electronic transactions to keep money flowing.

That has hit the Caracas hippodrome, where cash is still king. But thousands still go there at weekends, pushing against fences in front of the sand track to cheer their horse on as salsa music booms in the background.

VOA -(Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

23

Military exercise in Amazon joined by agents from several countries B

razil's federal government should give more attention to and strengthen surveillance efforts in the country's tri-border areas to bolster the fight against the traffic of guns and drugs. The statement was made by Saul Bemerguy, Mayor of the town of Tabatinga, 1.1 thousand km away from Manaus, capital of Amazonas, the biggest state in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. The town can only be reached by boat or plane.

The town, located on the triple frontier

shared by Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, has staged an international humanitarian aid simulation in the Amazon region — known as AmazonLog17 — which started with medical care services offered to the local population. The exercise is slated to end on November 13.

Some two thousand people are taking part in the simulation from the armies of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, in addition to agents from the US, Germany, Russia, Canada, Venezuela, France, the UK, and Japan.

Building safe houses, UN agency helping Dominica recover from disaster

S

even weeks since hurricane Maria made landfall in Dominica and left widespread destruction in its wake, the United Nations migration agency has been supporting local tradespeople with safe construction skills to repair the damage and create conditions for a full recovery.

One of the first beneficiaries to have her house repaired by local construction workers trained by the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) is 31-year-old Tessa Williams, a mother of three, whose eldest child is in a wheelchair and youngest still an infant.

"With this house, we have ensured that Tessa and her children have a safe home," said Jan-Willem Wegdam, IOM's team leader in Dominica.

"The community sees there is actually something happening and we have completed the training of our carpenters on safe construction skills," he added.

Tessa was chosen by her own community to be one of the first recipients of the IOM support.

According to the UN agency, 20 teams of trained local workforce are repairing the roofs of some 400 vulnerable households which were moderately to heavily damaged in the storm. They are deployed in Wesley, Calibishi and Woodford Hill, three of the hardesthit communities on the Caribbean island.

Furthermore, with funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and the Government of the United Kingdom, IOM procured building materials in the Dominican

Republic in record time and brought it to Dominica with the help of the Dutch Navy.

It's not only about having a roof over their heads but about creating the conditions for a full recovery after a huge disaster Rebuilding houses is also helping address some of the tensions in the community resulting from prolonged stay in makeshift dwellings or living in close coexistence with relatives or friends.

The work is also having another impact: it is keeping many people from migrating to neighbouring countries in search of better opportunities after losing their homes and means of livelihood in the aftermath of the hurricane.

"Housing projects are a great way to keep locals from leaving the island, but we need stronger funding to create as many employment opportunities as possible and to rebuild the lost dwellings," said Mr. Wegdam, adding, "It's not only about having a roof over their heads but about creating the conditions for a full recovery after a huge disaster."

Dominica was hit on 18 September by the Category Five Hurricane Maria that devastated the island with winds of nearly 250 km per hour. It has been estimated that 23 per cent of buildings were destroyed, 39 per cent of the houses sustained severe damage, and further 28 per cent were affected to some degree.

However, sustained support is needed in the island as almost 2,000 persons 8211 including the elderly, single-female heads of households and persons with chronic diseases 8211 are still living in shelters due to destruction or severe damage to their homes.

(UN-Caribbeannews.net),,

The event aims to promote more coordinated efforts by institutions in case of natural disasters and accidents, in addition to providing training for agents in the Armed Forces.

DRUG TRAFFICKING ROUTES The triple frontier area, comprising the towns of Tabatinga (Brazil), Leticia (Colombia), and Santa Rosa (Peru), is considered by the Brazilian government a key gateway for the trafficking of cocaine in the country's northern region.

If more attention were given to frontier areas, Mayor Bemerguy further argued, there would be less need for the deployment of the Armed Forces and the police in operations such as the one being conducted Tuesday (7) in Favelas in Sao Goncalo, outside the city of Rio de Janeiro.

"Congress members and the government should better regard the region and become more familiar with the frontier area, because police officers are dying in the state

capitals, but things come here first —guns, drugs, everything. If there's no infrastructure or security here, then it's over. We can't put an end to this by ourselves," he said.

Another concern expressed by the Mayor is the excessive demand in public services, as is the case with health care.

"This is a unified area encompassing nine municipalities in Amazonas state, but that's not all; they add up to 25 cities altogether, because there's also Peru and Colombia.

And when someone shows up at a health care station, nationality's not an issue. It's life that counts."

TRIPLE FRONTIER Brazil has a total of nine tri-border areas, most of which in the North, totaling 9,762 km including the country's frontiers with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. The advance of organized crime is among the authorities' main concerns, despite the 21 thousand military agents in the (Caribbeannews.net) region today.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

Councilman Jumaane Williams Giving Thanks

DEAR FRIENDS, I take the opportunity this morning to give thanks to 20,000-plus voters in the 45th District who went to the polls yesterday, participated in democracy and voted to re-elect me as the representative of the 45th City Council District for a third and final term. Over 97% of the electorate voted in my favor — the highest winning percentage in the entire City — and for this I am truly humbled.

Thousands of voters in our District sent the message on Tuesday night that we are headed in the right direction. I am honored by the faith you have placed in me and I rise each morning determined to work as hard as I can to deliver the resources our community needs.

Immediately returning to the people's work as I chair a housing

hearing this morning, it is clear that the last eight years have truly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Many years ago as a student government representative at Brooklyn College, I imagined

one day what it might be like to serve in elected office. Today I can honestly say that the opportunity to represent such a diverse collection of neighbors has been a dream come true. Helping to bring needed re-

sources to our community, while enacting progressive legislation that would provide opportunities for all New Yorkers.

These past few months campaigning across the 45th District to remind voters of what we accomplished together, have reminded me why I truly enjoy public service.

Helping to empower New Yorkers

to make change in their lives and the lives of their families is so rewarding. It also reminded me that I represent many individuals who are still in need of assistance — people in need of employment, housing and improved city services. That the struggle continues and the work needs to get done.

In addition, these past few months I've also had the opportunity to campaign for some of my colleagues in neighborhoods across the city. Talking to voters in Lefrak City, Queens and the Upper East Side on 93rd Street; joining in fellowship on Sundays with congregations at First Central Baptist and St. Phillips Baptist in Staten Island; interacting with NYCHA residents in the Baisley Park Houses, Bushwick Houses and LaGuardia Houses; engaging my fellow New Yorkers to discuss affordable housing, community policing, employment opportunities or the Knicks' chances of getting to the playoffs this season.

These conversations have strengthened my resolve to continue my career in public service. Not only as your City Council representative, but hopefully as the next Speaker of the City Council and continue raising my voice to bring attention to the issues and needs that New York's most vulnerable citizens are affected by, particularly in the face of the policies being pushed by President Trump and his enablers in the Republican Congress.

Now more than ever we need committed individuals with serious

voices to do this work. I hope that I can continue to count on your support in my campaign for Council Speaker. I look forward to seeing you all in the community to discuss the challenges that face the City and neighborhoods we love.

In Solidarity!

Jumaane

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

25

Cuban Opposition Falls at First Hurdle as Castro Handover Looms

H

AVANA — Cuban opposition leaders said they failed to get anyone nominated as a candidate for municipal elections, falling at the first hurdle as the Communist-run island embarks on a political cycle that will end 60 years of Castro brothers' rule.

This month's municipal elections are the first stage in a process that will conclude with a new national assembly voting in February for a President to replace 86-year-old Raul Castro, who has promised to step down after two fiveyear terms.

Some Cubans hope the handover of power from the leaders of the 1959 revolution to a new generation will bring more political openness.

Others neither expect nor want much to change, pointing out that Castro will remain head of the Communist Party, the only legal party in Cuba.

In the one part of Cuba's political cycle where dissidents stand a chance of winning, neighborhood nomination assemblies have in recent weeks chosen candidates for elections to 12,515 ward positions in towns across the nation of 11 million people.

Several hundred dissidents had sought nomination — an unprecedented number — although none made it through to the list of 27,221 candidates, according to opposition electoral platforms Otro18 and Candidates for Change.

Dissident leaders blamed their failure partly on repressive tactics by authorities, but said they had shown there were viable political

alternatives.

'The process of democratization from below has started,' said Manuel Cuesta Morua, spokesman for Otro18.

The government did not reply to a request for comment.

Reuters was unable to verify the opposition's figures and their efforts were not reported by state-run media, meaning most ordinary Cubans did not hear about them.

In Cuba's provincial and national votes, candidates are nominated by commissions composed of representatives of Communist Party-controlled organizations such as the trade union federation.

Cuba's leaders say the country's elections are more democratic than western models, which they say are characterized by big business and corruption. The fractured opposition has traditionally called Cuban elections a farce and boycotted them.

Even so, opposition electoral platforms have emerged over the past few years, saying the time is ripe to change Cuba from within the system.

'SECURITY THREATENED ME' The election comes at a delicate time, as

Cuba battles to keep a detente with the United States alive and its economy afloat as aid from key ally Venezuela dwindles.

Several dissidents told Reuters that authorities prevented them from attending or speaking at neighborhood nomination assemblies, shifting the dates or seeking to intimidate them.

'State security threatened me,' said Abdel Legra, who decided against nominating himself as he did not want to get his neighbors, most of whom work for the state, in trouble by backing him. 'The problem is that the vote is by hand count, it's public.'

The postponement of the electoral cycle by a month, which authorities said was due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma, put a spanner in the works for several dissidents, who had already planned trips abroad.

The Communist Party says it does not intervene in the elections. But in a leaked video, First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Castro's probable successor, said the party would seek to discredit 'counter-revolutionary' candidates.

Cuba brands all dissenters as mercenaries funded by foreign governments and exiles, out to topple the government.

In 2015, two dissidents managed to get nominated but said election officials altered their autobiographies to say they had ties to 'counter-revolutionaries' based or financed abroad.

One of those, Hildebrando Chaviano, said

Cuban President Raul Castro

he did not attend his assembly this year, saying he felt it would be a 'circus.'

Authorities visited his neighbors days before, he said, warning them not to vote for him.

That assembly ended up nominating the current municipal delegate, a party veteran.

Many dissidents said they would continue taking part in grassroots politics to get their voices heard. Chaviano said he was giving courses on leadership and economics.

'This is just the beginning,' he said.

VOA—(Caribbeannews.net)

Island Nations Fear 'Apocalyptic' Storms Will Overwhelm BONN, GERMANY - Unless emissions can be drastically and quickly curbed, efforts by small island nations to adapt to climate change may be in vain, a leader of a group of small island nations said Tuesday.

Hurricanes that hit the Caribbean this year were like nothing seen before, with Hurricane Irma so strong it was picked up by seismic machines that detect earthquake tremors, officials said.

National plans to curb planet-warming emissions, drawn up ahead of the Paris Agreement, currently add up to a projected temperature rise of three degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100 — well above the one degree Celsius rise already seen.

That may bring climate impacts that are impossible for small island nations to deal with, their leaders warned Tuesday at the U.N. climate talks in Bonn.

If ambition to curb climate remains modest, 'have we created a situation for small island developing states where resilience may not necessarily be achievable?' asked Janine Felson, Belize ambassador to the United Nations and vice chair of the Alliance of Small Island States.

This year, Hurricane Maria destroyed broad swaths of homes and infrastructure on the Caribbean island of Dominica and stripped its trees bare. Barbuda island was left temporarily uninhabitable when Irma whipped through the region.

'In the Caribbean we're used to hurricanes, but for the first time we've seen storms turbocharge and supersize in a matter of hours,' she said, speaking on the sidelines of the climate talks.

The storms' impact was 'quite apocalyptic,' and magnified the acute vulnerability of small island states, Felson said.

Even so, countries —which are now clear of the risks — can take steps to protect themselves by building structures better able to weather storms, and ensuring policies take into account the rapidly changing climate, she said.

'If we do not know the extent of our vulnerability, then we will not change,' Felson said.

BOUNCING BACK In Fiji, resilience to the rapidly changing climate is about communities being able to bounce back, rebuild together and become

stronger, said Inia Seruiratu, Fiji minister for agriculture, rural and maritime development, and national disaster management.

When Cyclone Winston struck Fiji last year, it caused $100 million in damage to infrastructure alone. Businesses and people's livelihoods suffered, women and girls became more vulnerable, and school records were lost, Seruiratu said.

'We need to put in place response measures that will allow vulnerable countries to cope with such severities,' he said.

Small island states also need to look at climate risk insurance schemes, and diversify their economies, he said.

'Our dependence on agriculture and tourism makes our economies particularly vulnerable,' he said.

Felson said that international climate funds - including the Green Climate Fund, the Least Developed Countries Fund and the SouthSouth Cooperation Fund on Climate Change - need to better serve the needs of the most vulnerable countries facing climate impacts now.

A traditionally dressed Fijian warrior with a weapon poses for a picture in front of a Fijian double-hulled sailing canoe during the COP23 U.N. Climate Change Conference 2017, hosted by Fiji but held in Bonn, at World Conference Center Bonn, Germany, Nov. 6, 2017.

Countries should also try to tap into the private sector, where much more financing is potentially available, she added.

NO FOSSIL FUEL Small island nation campaigners are pushing for countries to immediately phase out existing fossil fuel projects and ban new ones, alongside the overall Paris Agreement commitment to switch to renewable energy by the second half of the century as a way to keep planet-warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

'We are fighting for our future. We want our children to be able to live where we live, to learn about our traditions, our culture,' said Billy Cava, Pacific coordinator for 350.org, an activist group, as he described changes in his home territory of New Caledonia.

With new coal mines and coal-fired power plants opening in many parts of the world - including a huge new mine planned in Australia - rapidly phasing out all fossil fuels remains a challenge, experts say.

But the stakes are too high to not push for this change, one campaigner from Fiji said.

'We have to move our plantations inland; we have to build back better after storms,' said Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa, the Fiji program coordinator for the Coral Reef Alliance and a member of Pacific Island Represent campaign group.

'But that is not enough. We cannot keep adapting, moving farther and farther inland.

What can we do? Build on the top of the mountain, buildings in the sky? No, we need a phase-out of fossil fuels,' she said .

VOA—(Caribbeannews.net)

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017

A Look at Shiv’s Career Flashback: Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s Interview With Albert Baldeo “I have an immense skill and unique gift – concentration, a divine gift bestowed by Lord Shiva.”

—Shiv Chanderpaul

“I played several Test series with him, and have seen more esteemed team-mates shrink in the face of the fastest bowling, but never Chanderpaul . . . That no other West Indian managed a score of more than 60 in the Tests speaks of the yawning gap between his skill, commitment and experience — and theirs.” — Ian Bishop, in tribute to Chanderpaul, 2008 Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

Former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul has signed a new contract with Lancashire at the age of 43, after the Guyanese left-hander aggregated 819 runs at an average of over 50 in last year’s County Championship, including three centuries as Lancashire finished second in Division One, pushing the club to its highest position since the 2011 title triumph.

“Shiv,” or “Tiger,” as he is affectionately called, must be counted amongst the greatest batsmen. He retired from international cricket in 2016 with an average of 51.37. His total of 11,867 Test runs is the seventh highest of alltime. He was the sheet anchor when everyone was losing their wicket around him and he repelled the best bowling attacks in the worldon the worst pitches and conditions. He was the utmost pro for all seasons. He understood and relished challenges. He was also aggressive when the situation allowed, like when he scored his 69-ball century against Australia, the third fastest in Test cricket at that time in terms of balls faced at Bourda in 2003. However, this was a rare occasion when the responsibility of the batting did not fall on his shoulders.

When he batted, the crowds felt such a kinship and connection to him for his bravery and dedication that they felt they were batting with him, urging him on. So what was the formula for his success and longevity in maintaining the same focus, dedication and consistency for his cricket, the game that brought him international fame and immortality? He revealed this and many more in this interview with me a few years ago.

Albert Baldeo (AB): Welcome once again to New York. It's a pleasure and privilege to have you here especially at a time when you have clearly established yourself as one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game. You are a phenomenon in your own right. Many scribes have said that the West Indies do not do well when you are out of the team, as the stability you provide in the batting is missing.

How do you feel making it back to the top?

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (SC): I am pleased that my dedication, focus and commitment paid off. When I play for the West Indies, I overlook petty things and I focus completely on my game. I train hard, and I practice hard.

I am hoping that injuries do not hinder me, like in the past. I am more committed to my religion and my game, and I really want to be the

best batsman in the world. I am looking to achieve bigger goals.

AB: From your recent vintage performances, your goals and expectations are very realistic, and everyone is proud of you. But let us start from the beginning. Why did you pursue a career in cricket?

SC: I guess from watching my father and my uncle who introduced the game to me. I grew up with it, so I figured that with all the success I heard other Guyanese cricketers attained, that I should follow it seriously. Hence my father started to encourage and train me to become a cricketer.

AB: What age were you then?

SC: Very young, around the age of 8.

Sometimes the whole village would bowl, and I mean bowl to me as if I were a big man, and it was here that I learnt how to combat the opposing bowling. They never cut me any slack on account of my age. Sometimes, they would soak the ball and pelt it at me very hard, so I had to learn how to defend my body and my wicket, and play shots like the hook and pull.

Some afternoons, I would apply hot water to my skin whenever I was bruised. So I

Maurice Rajkumar, Leslie Lowe, Chris Charran and the late Neville Sarjoo and others I cannot remember right now, but who I didn't mean to forget.

I learnt a lot from looking at Alvin Kallicharran's technique. Rohan Kanhai corrected a few flaws I had earlier in my batting technique, and I will never forget the advice he gave me. He really knows the game, and can impart a lot of knowledge to many young cricketers. I also think he is a batting genius.

His batting average of around 50 shows what a great player he was.

AB: Tell us about your first Test innings, when you were still a teenager, and one of the few to represent your country at the Test level?

SC: I felt at home at Bourda, where I have played a lot of cricket. The crowd support took a lot of tension from me. I just went out there to do well for the West Indies, and got 62.

AB: You took some time to get your first Test hundred, although your average at that time was over 45 per Test innings. Tell us about that moment?

SC: That was back in 1997 against India, in Barbados. It was like a weight off my shoulders. I had been getting very close to a hundred all the time and every time I kept dropping short, so when I finally achieved it, I knew that I would get more Test hundreds.

AB: I remember that you provided the backbone for Brian Lara when he made the world's highest individual Test score of 375. I SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL saw that innings on tape learnt courage and consistency since then, and I saw you walking off the field on 75 not which has helped me against bowlers of the out. Tell us about that historic occasion with caliber of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, him, what conversations you had, and all that.

Shoaib Akhtar, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Were you hoping that you would have been alShane Bond. Because the pitch was shorter, lowed to reach that elusive Test hundred yourand the concrete wicket faster, the village self? bowling was equally challenging to the bowlSC: Cricket is an unbelievable game being I faced in Test cricket. cause no one knows what will happen. Brian AB: Who are some of the people who Lara just went out there, he had a shaky start played an important part in your career? I have and then he went on to two hundred odd on the been told that your father has always been at first day, and then he went on to establish the your side throughout your career. How imporworld record score of 375. There were many tant has his and others' presence and inspiratimes in his innings when he wasn't so sure and tion been to you in achieving your success?

I encouraged him and told him to keep on SC: My father's presence and guidance going. Although I was a junior player to him, has been very important because he was alI was his last hope, as the innings could have ways there helping me along. Having your folded up. I rebuked him, when he played a family by your side is always important. Alrash shot as if he was giving away the opporthough the West Indies team have a profestunity, and he was just so grateful when he got sional coach, I still take advice and to 375. encouragement from him and my uncle. Many I knew that I had to keep one end going for other people helped me, such as Nazir Mohammed, his brother Sheik Mohammed, who him, so I was not thinking about my hundred, played for Guyana, and may have made the until after the innings was declared, when I reWest Indies side had he been playing today, alized that I should have been given the chance Lester Armogan, my Trinidadian friend, Nasir ,since the wicket was dead, and the outcome Karim, Neil Singh, Mr. Harry Jodha and his seemed a draw. I have always been a team sons, Moses and Richard, Mr. Harold Dhanraj, player. Captaincy and stuff like that, I don't reGary Nascimento and the entire GCC Club, ally let it get to me, and I give of my best at all guys like Cecil Dhanraj and Paul Persaud’s fa- times to my team. A few players like Ambrose ther I used to stay at while in Georgetown, came up to me to sympathize with me that I

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

did not get a hundred too. I was happy to see Lara get there. I was proud of him. I walked through an arch of bats with Lara, and shared the spotlight in a motorcade with him. We shared a major partnership. But we had to give ourselves a shot at winning.

AB: As a spectator I was very disappointed also. The game did not seem to have much in it, in terms of the West Indies winning. With regard to those 25 runs, would you have gone for them had you been given a specific time in which to do so? I remember Alvin Kallicharran's debut Test hundred at Bourda, when he moved from 58 overnight to 100 not out in one hour's batting to facilitate Sobers' stated intention to declare the innings.

SC: I certainly would have gone for that hundred, because, as it turned out, it was always elusive. It has always been the goal of every batsman, a century is the benchmark you aim for, especially in your first series. No one considers you a Test batsman unless you have made a hundred.

AB: How did it feel to play Test cricket at 19-years-old, and with such illustrious players as the West Indies had then?

SC: I went out there with a lot of confidence, because the guys who I was playing with — Desmond Haynes, Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams, Richie Richardson, Phil Simmonds, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose — there were a lot of big names in the side. I got encouragement and respect from them and I have learnt a lot from all of them. I went out there and just played my cricket.

AB: What do you consider to be your greatest Test innings? Reminisce on your other favorite innings.

SC: I would say my recent 104 against Australia. I batted with a broken middle finger on my left hand, and was able to reach that landmark, and assist my team to create history.

Sarwan played magnificently also in that innings. After reaching my century, I didn't get anything much the next morning to help break down the 40 or so more runs we had to get, but

Albert Baldeo presented an award to Shiv Chanderpaul in recognition of his magnificent contribution to West Indian cricket.

we still got there in the end. I was sorry that I did not stay until the end, but every time I played a shot, a sharp pain radiated through my left hand and through my entire body, but I stuck it out.

The Aussies knew I was hurt, although we tried to keep it a secret, and they plugged away at me and my broken finger. I knew that I had to be there to the end and wasn’t able to do it, but in one way it happened for the best,

(continued on page 27)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 10, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 10, 2017

Court dumps Nandlall’s lawsuit against AG

HIGH Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday dismissed a $125M lawsuit filed by former Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, against current AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, for defamation of character earlier this year.

The High Court Judge dismissed the case on the grounds of non-compliance with the Civil Procedure Rules, failing to comply with the Case Management Conference timelines and wasting the court’s time. The AG was represented Monday by attorney, Patrice Henry. Attempts to contact Nandlall on Monday proved futile.

Meanwhile, two months ago, the said judge had denied an application filed in April

by Nandlall which sought to prevent Williams from stating that he (Nandlall) would be charged for stealing several law books, property of the state. Justice SewnarineBeharry found, among other things, that the injunction had no merit. In her ruling she noted that Nandlall was charged for the very offence the AG said he would be charged with.

She noted too that the application for

27

Couple put on self-bail --for seizure of raw gold at airport

injunction over the “defamatory” statement was made some 11 days after it was allegedly made by the AG. According to her, that suggests that there was no urgency from Nandlall to have the matter addressed.

The Court also observed that Nandlall, in his application, failed to mention that he had approached the very court before on the same matter and was refused. He was represented

by Attorney Manoj Narayan and was ordered to pay the standard $30,000, in September.

Nandlall has repeatedly confirmed that

while he was AG, law books were purchased for him by the State, using taxpayers’ money.

The missing books were bought from Lexis Nexis (U.K.), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, and are said to be worth over $2.5M. However, after the PPP was unseated in 2015, Nandlall took possession of the books which were bought for him as AG, by the state. Since then Williams has committed to taking legal action against Nandlall.

Williams has accused Nandlall of allegedly stealing the books, since they were not in possession of the AG’s chambers, despite the fact that they were bought for the then AG with state funds. He maintains that the law books were purchased with state funds and were intended to be used by the state and its officials. He said any arrangement that does not conform to the established Public Service Rules or Regulations can be deemed a breach of the Fiscal Management Accountability Act (FMAA).

Added to the injunction, Nandlall claimed in excess of $25M for libel published on March 24, 2017, at a press conference, hosted at the National Communications Network Inc (NCN); damages

of in excess of $25M for libel published in the Guyana Times newspaper on March 25, 2017; damages of in excess of $25M for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice on March 26, 2017; and damages of in excess of $25M for libel published by Demerara Waves on March 27, 2017.

unique gift — concentration, a divine gift bestowed by Lord Shiva.

AB: Which bowlers you consider to be the ones that gave you the most trouble?

SC: I would say Wasim Akram of Pakistan. Wasim is one of the very difficult bowlers to deal with, but I guess he is one of those guys who knows exactly what to do with the cricket ball and you know he could just go out there and work the batsman out. When he was younger, he was even more deadly, because his pace and his swing made him hard to play. He may be over the hill now, but he was the best in his heyday.

Shaun Pollock, Jason Gillespie and Shoaib Akhtar, when he is on the go, are also good bowlers. Of the spinners, I think Muralitharan and Shane Warne are the best. Both are crafty, and use a lot of tactics to add to their skill when bowling to any batsman.

AB: Which batsmen would you consider to be the best in the world today?

SC: I would say Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. It is hard to say who is better. Brian is more aggressive, and he takes more chances.

Sachin is solid, and will play his shots after he settles in. Both are great batsmen. I also admire Steve Waugh. He is very dependable, and puts everything aside when he is at the wicket. I admire his determination most of all.

AB: Do you feel comfortable opening the batting? You have shared in three of the highest partnerships for the West Indies in One day matches, which stands unequalled. What about bowling?

SC: I will open the batting if asked to do so in limited overs matches. Everyone has to remember that when I do well, the team does well also. I will also bowl if called upon, in both limited overs and Test matches. I have taken wickets in the past. I know that Pakistani Saeed Anwar's 194 is the highest One day score, and if anyone beats that, their team will do well.

AB: What about the "sledging" some teams implement, especially Australia? How do you focus or turn that out of your mind when they are right there upon you in the middle?

SC: I ignore it and focus on what I have to do. It then turns back on them in its own time because it would not get into you and once it does not get into you and you can keep your cool, it has a negative effect on the opposition instead.

AB: Your game is very similar to Steve Waugh's, where often you have been the backbone of the WI and rescued your team in many tight situations. Such a batsman is a most invaluable asset to a team, and yet, our people tend to go for the more flashy batsmen. Have you felt a bit shortchanged by the West Indian likeness for a more aggressive batsmen than for a batsman like yourself who is more dependable?

SC: On the whole people like to see cricket balls getting hit and bowlers getting wickets. This is a more exciting game, but you know, one has to adjust to whatever game you are going in to play. If you going to play a one day game you got to adjust to the one day game, if you going back to a Test match you got to be able to adjust to a Test match, so it all dependson what you have to adjust to. I think people are believing in me more these days.

AB: Is it a hard adjustment for you to make from a five-day Test match to the limited overs version?

SC: It can be, if you are not accustomed to it, because if you just came out of a One Day series and you are accustomed to playing shots at every ball, you may repeat that in a Test match and get into trouble.

AB: How did you feel that day when you made the third fastest century in Test cricket?

Did you go out that day and said, "Well, I am going to break this record — I'm going to really teach these Australians bowlers a lesson . . . " How did that innings develop in your

mind, how did it start, how did it come about?

SC: I had no plan. I just went out and it was just one of those days, you get into a zone where things are going your way. I was surprised to know that I got a world record. I wasn't going to let the Aussies dictate to me on my home ground. I once collared Warne the same way in Australia, but I did not get a hundred, but I used my feet a lot in that innings to hit him off his length.

AB: What suggestion do you have to improve WI cricket?

SC: I think we have some very good young fellows, and as long as we keep grooming them, and they are willing to take advice, the future of our cricket looks secure. I think we could be number one again in the world because we have some very good talent out there.

I think that if we channel them into the right track, so that they don't get off beat, and keep them focused, we will be world champions again.

AB: Are there any aspects of your game you have been working on?

SC: There are so many things I still feel I need to do a lot more work, such as my fielding and bowling. If I am given the opportunity, I probably would be able to do much better.

AB: How do you prepare for an innings?

How do you feel next up with the pads on, going out to face Akhtar, Lee or Murali?

SC: I pray a lot. I call upon my inner strength. I would look at the TV and analyze the bowlers and the conditions. I try not to get nervous, and tell myself that I must get a start, and carry on. I always have to be ready to bat for my team, whatever the state of the game.

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

Attorney General, Basil Williams S.C.

A MARRIED couple implicated in the $14.6M raw gold seizure at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, charged with having the items in their possession without having export licenses.

Shazan Khan, 47, and his wife Bibi Khan denied they had in their possession 1907.2 grams of raw gold, valued $14.6M, without having export licences.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers made no objection to bail, and the Khan's were released on self-bail.

The matter is adjourned until November 16.

A Look at Shiv’s Career (from page 26)

because the Aussies figured that they got me out and they came in attacking us a little more and it backfired on them and we actually ended up winning the game. My finger only recently healed, but I am fully fit and match ready once again. I also rate the innings I played with Lara's 375 as a great team innings. My 125 plus at Lords when Sachin and I made centuries, and Aravinda DaSilva a classy 80-odd at the Princess Diana Match gave me great satisfaction, because I received a standing ovation for my efforts there. In fact all my eight Test hundreds were made when runs were really needed, and others were out of sorts with the bowling. My 303 not out against Jamaica was an innings that showed that I can bat for long periods also.

AB: I must tell you that a lot of cricket experts have considered your last hundred against the mighty Aussies to be one of the greatest Test innings ever played, given your injury, your contribution to the victory, and the resolve and determination you showed in that match winning innings. I compliment you on that innings. It also seems that you are making it a congratulatory habit to score at least two (2) Test centuries per Test series, which augurs well for the West Indies cricket team, and which confirms your status as a leading batsman in the world today. I read that spirituralism has played a great role in your life. How has this helped your thought process, your focus on your game and your discipline?

SC: It is helping me in a big way to keep my mind and my concentration focused. It is not easy when you are playing out there in the middle, so much people around, players, and the opposite side, sledging, mental warfare etc.

One has to always concentrate and build one's character. But once you have belief in yourself and in God, and you are able to stay focused, you are able to ignore negatives, and perform your duties. I have an immense skill and

27

Guyana men pick up second win at CAC Hockey qualifiers … Women play to scoreless draw against Jamaica

IT was a day of mixed fortunes for Guyana’s men and women yesterday in Jamaica, where they are featuring in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Hockey qualifiers, being played at the hockey pitch, University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus.

The men’s side, playing in their second game of the tournament, defeated Guatemala 4-0 for their second win, while the women, facing Jamaica in their third match, played to a scoreless draw.

The result was identical as their previous game, and will see them sit third in the standings on five points (one win, two draws) behind table-leaders Jamaica (seven points) and Bermuda (seven points).

Meanwhile, having opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Puerto Rico, Guyana went into the game with confidence, especially after watching Panama hammer Guatemala 6-0 in their contest.

Jamarj Assanah opened the account eight minutes into the game, to give Guyana a 1-0 advantage and they held on until the second half, when Aroydy Brandford scored in the 47th minute to make it 2-0.

Robert France scored a field goal in the 54th minute to make it 3-0, and four minutes later (58th), Orlando Semple put the icing on the cake for the Guyanese men

The victorious Guyana Men’s hockey team in action

who still sit behind the Jamaica despite sharing six points apiece.

The Guyanese men will play their third game today against Panama from 15:30hrs, while the women will

face Bermuda from 11:30hrs in a game that they will want to win in order to remain in the hunt to finish in the top two and qualify for the 2018 CAC Hockey Championships in Colombia.

The unending cricket chaos has now infected Berbice Cricket … Veteran Berbice Sports Personality Mortimer George unfairly vilified

AS a former executive and a life member of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) from the late 1970s, I have never witnessed any elections of that Board conducted in such an unlawful manner as the one held on 8th October, 2017.

The deliberate violation of the court order was alarming. And noticeably Mr Anand Sanasie and Mr Anand Kalladeen, directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI), were present at those elections and interfered with the process by conducting the illegal method as self-appointed officials of Berbice cricket.

Is this the new dispensation of CWI or is it a part of Dave Cameron’s and CWI’s policy to keep them in power. I would agree that once there is a name change there may be amendments in some of the rules of the organisation but not to the extent of hijacking the domestic elections of Territorial Boards.

Mr Drubahadur, sitting at the head table and illegally performing the duties of Returning Officer, should have known better than to embarrassingly impose himself on

the proceedings. He seemed to be oblivious to the guidelines for the elections issued by the court. Or maybe Drubahadur was given instructions by those who used him to violate the court order on how the elections must be conducted. Is this the same Drubahadur who is the owner of a professional accounting business?

I have read a number of damning letters in the press condemning the rigged elections of the Berbice Cricket Board. I know that former executives and supporters of the BCB have condemned the madness that went on at the Berbice elections.

The system was illegal and could only have been adopted by persons who do not have basic fairness in their minds. Never in the 78-year history of the BCB have there been tainted elections.

The Berbice Cricket Board up to this time was the best-run cricket board in Guyana and the region and has produced talented male and female cricketers for the county, Guyana and the West Indies.

I am heartened that a stalwart of Berbice Cricket, Mr Mortimer George, has recorded his strong exception to the fraudulent BCB elections and has asked for a full investigation into that sordid matter.

Mr George, from the age of 22 years, served the BCB as Asst Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman and Secretary of the Competitions Committee, Secretary, Representative to the Guyana Cricket Board, Selector and Cricket Manager. He has been honoured with the Hero Award and is a Life Member of the Berbice Cricket Board, the Young Warriors Cricket Club and the Bermine Community Sports Club.

It is therefore extremely unkind and mischievous for letter-writer Persaud, in a clearly personal attack, to mention Mr George’s present ailment as part of his rebuff of Mr George’s critique of the BCB elections. Mr George, even though elderly, has an abiding affection for Berbice cricket on which he has written three books, a magazine and many articles. He continues to speak out and write

on the chaos that has enveloped Guyana’s cricket and which has now reached and infected Berbice cricket.

For Persaud or anyone else to personally vilify Mr Mortimer George because of the principled position he has taken on the illegal Berbice Board elections is most reprehensible.

I conclude by expressing a hope that the illegality of the Berbice Board is arrested, that fair and legal elections are urgently held and that the people of Berbice be allowed to have their own elections without representatives of the GCB and CWI hijacking the process. The Berbice Board will then once again be a pivotal organisation in Guyana and West Indies cricket.

Malcolm Peters Former President - Berbice Cricket Board Former Vice President - Guyana Cricket Board