New York Edition Epaper 11 23 2017

www.guyanachronicle.com

Justice Ingrid Joseph honored for outstanding service

ISSUE No. 77

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 24, 2017

FREE DISTRIBUTION

Page 12

happy

Thanksgiving President Mugabe facing impeachment Page 2

MISCONDUCT IN US POLITICS Page 4

GECOM Commissioner, Sandra Jones passes away Page 6

Elderly man brutalises young sales clerk Page 8

2

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

President Mugabe facing impeachment Main charge is 'allowing his wife to usurp government powers' HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s ruling party on Monday ordered impeachment proceedings to begin against longtime President, Robert Mugabe and expressed confidence that he could be voted out within two days, while the world’s oldest head of state ignored the party’s midday deadline to resign and instead summoned ministers to a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning.

The ruling ZANU-PF party’s Mugabe’s defiance during a naDeputy Secretary for Legal Affairs, tional address Sunday night in Paul Mangwana said lawmakers which the increasingly isolated would move a motion for impeach- President, put under military house ment on Tuesday and set up a Parlia- arrest last week, had been expected mentary committee, and on to step down. Mugabe did acknowlWednesday the comedge “a whole mittee would report range of concerns” back to all lawmakabout the chaotic ers and “we vote him state of the governout.” ment and the econThe main omy, which has charge against the collapsed since he 93-year-old Mutook power after ingabe is “allowing dependence from his wife to usurp White minority rule government powin 1980. ers” and that “he is A notice by President Robert Mugabe too old and cannot Mugabe’s Chief even walk without help,” Mang- Secretary announced Tuesday wana told reporters. morning’s Cabinet meeting at State He said the ruling party needs House and said all ministers the backing of the MDC opposition “should attend.” However, a tweet group to have enough votes in Par- by one minister, Jonathan Moyo, inliament but “we have talked to them dicated that several had left the and they are supporting us.” country.

Zimbabweans were stunned by The military appears to favour

a voluntary resignation for Mugabe, one of Africa’s last remaining liberation leaders, to maintain a veneer of legality in the political transition and avoid accusations of a coup.

Mugabe, in turn, is likely using whatever leverage he has left to try to preserve his legacy or even protect himself and his family from possible prosecution.

Amid the political confusion, the government on Monday urged Cabinet Ministers to pursue business as usual. Meanwhile, opposition activists and the influential Liberation War CHRISTOPHER MUTSVANGWA Veterans Association anLeader of Zimbabwe’s War nounced more demonstrations Veterans Association to pressure Mugabe to go.

“Your time is up,” Veterans he is officially their “commander in Association Leader Chris chief.”

The war veterans’ association Mutsvangwa said at a press conference. He suggested that the military will go to court to argue that Muwas still beholden to Mugabe and (continued on page 23) compelled to protect him because

10PM to MORN

ADM: $30 PER PERSON DINNERS by

MS. YVONNE BRITTON

People hold an anti-Grace Mugabe placard during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Zimbabwe’s president on November 18, 2017 in Harare.

TICKETS: OSSIE DAVID (TEACH) 718-693-6404 – 646-401-1426 – 718-241-7422 MEET OLD FRIENDS & MAKE NEW ONES — HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

3

US Ending Temporary Permits for At Least 50,000 Haitians A fter years of being shielded from deportation from the United States while their country recovers from a devastating 2010 earthquake, tens of thousands of Haitians will lose that security status.

“It was assessed overall that the extraordinary but temporary conditions that served as the basis of Haiti's most recent designation has sufficiently improved such that they no longer prevent nationals of Haiti from returning safely,” a senior Trump administration official said during a briefing.

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, will be revoked for at least 50,000 Haitians living and working in the U.S. The announcement came in advance of a Thursday deadline for the decision to be made regarding Haiti's TPS benefits.

The protection will expire July 22, 2019, giving Haitians living in the U.S. an 18-month window to go back to their homeland or legalize their status in the United States.

Haitians with TPS status have a 60day window to submit an application to renew their status until the 2019 deadline.

When that time comes, they will revert to their prior immigration status. Administration officials said Monday evening that Haitians with TPS would not be subject to deportation proceedings until the deadline.

In making the announcement, officials said that conditions on the ground in Haiti resulting from the 2010 earthquake that first led to the establishment of TPS no longer exist.

However, advocates argue that Haiti is in no condition to handle the influx, seven years after the 7.0-magnitude quake created billions of dollars in damages, and left 300,000 dead, 1.5 million injured and an equal number internally displaced.

The country was also recently hit by Hurricane Matthew, which created $2.8 billion in damages last year, followed by damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria. Haiti also is battling a deadly cholera epidemic.

Last week, the Office of Civil Protection confirmed that at least five people had died and 10,000 homes were flooded after days of rain.

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Democrat whose South Florida district is home to many Haitians, denounced the decision on Twitter.

“I traveled to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 and after hurricane Matthew in 2016,” she tweeted. “So I can personally attest that Haiti is not prepared to take back nearly 60,000 TPS recipients under these difficult and harsh conditions.”

In May, then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly extended TPS for Haitians for six months, not the one-year extension advocated by Haiti's government.

Kelly said at the time that the extension “should allow Haitian TPS recipients living in the United States time to attain travel documents and make other necessary arrangements for their ultimate departure from the United States, and should also provide the Haitian government with the time it needs to prepare for the future repatriation of all current TPS recipients.”

Haiti's ambassador to the United States, Paul Altidor, told VOA at the time

that the Caribbean country, while glad to welcome back our brothers and sisters, was not ready to absorb tens of thousands of returnees overnight.'

Fear of deportation sparked an exodus of at least several thousand Haitian immigrants this summer, who illegally crossed the Canadian border seeking asylum in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

According to a recent study by the Center for Migration Studies, most Haitians on TPS have been living in the United States for 13 years and have 27,000 U.S.citizen children among them. More than 80 percent are employed, while 6,200 have mortgages. Haitian immigrant communities primarily are in South Florida, New York, New Jersey and eastern Massachusetts.

TPS was ended for Sudan last month.

On January 8, the administration will have to make a decision about more than 130,000 TPS holders from El Salvador.

Earlier this month, in terminating the TPS program for thousands of Nicaraguans who fled to the U.S. after Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and deferring a decision on 57,000 similarly affected Hondurans until July, the acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Elaine Duke, acknowledged the difficulties families would face and called on Congress to find a permanent solution.

VOA Creole Service contributed to this report.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Haitians in Florida picketing to get an extension to their TPS status.

4

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

'New and better deal' needed for climate resilience in Caribbean – UN chief tells donor conference

C

aribbean countries need "a new and better deal, one that includes access to concessional finance and adequate insurance, if they are to build climate resilience�, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday at an international conference to mobilize support for the reconstruction of communities devastated by a series of powerful hurricanes.

"During my visits to Dominica, the number of annual climate-related Antigua and Barbuda, I saw a level disasters has nearly tripled and ecoof devastation that I have never wit- nomic losses have quintupled. nessed before in my life," Mr. GuterCountries in the Caribbean need res said, noting that in these islands a new generation of infrastructure alone, damage is estimated at $1.1 that is risk-informed, to underpin rebillion, and total economic losses at silient economies, communi$400 million. ties and livelihoods, and to achieve This year"s Atlantic hurricane the Sustainable Development Goals season was particularly active, with (SDGs), adopted in 2015 by 193 UN storms having been more frequent, Member States. and stronger. Of the 13 named But financing is a key challenge storms, eight were hurricanes and of for many Caribbean countries, which those, four were major hurricanes, have limited access to concessional including Irma and Maria. Across the finance because of their "middle inentire Caribbean region, there was come" classification. They also have tragic loss of life and widespread high levels of debt, much of it indevastation. curred through investment in recovThe pledging conference today ery and resilience. at UN Headquarters in New York, Caribbean countries are also was co-organized by the UN and the paying hundreds of millions of dolCaribbean Community (CARI- lars a year in remittance fees.

COM), which is a regional grouping Disaster insurance has also of 20 countries. proved inadequate to this unprece"Let"s not forget that these is- dented hurricane season. Debt instruland States are not only interlinked ments should be sensitive to the by geography, but also interlinked by ability to pay, and have catastrophe the economy, so when one country clauses built in. suffers, all countries suffer," Mr. "In short: we need a new and Guterres said. better deal for the Caribbean, if these He noted that extreme weather countries are to build climate reis becoming the new normal and sea silience and achieve the SDGs," Mr. levels have risen more than 10 inches Guterres said, urging international fisince 1870. Over the past 30 years, nancial institutions and donors to co-

ordinate risk sharing and concessional lending terms.

"Today must be about more than speeches and pledges," he said.

"It is an opportunity to forge a partnership for a better future, and to deepen a vision for recovery that brings together all actors and puts people at its centre, as active development agents."

Also addressing the conference was UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak, who highlighted three key steps the international community can take.

We should not let the people be punished once by nature and twice by outdated economic policies. General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak said.

First is commitment to support the rebuilding effort. Funding and technical assistance are urgently needed to help the affected countries

to get back on their feet. Housing, telecommunications, water and sanitation, healthcare services and education facilities are needed.

Second is to rebuild with greater resilience, he said, commending CARICOM"s goal of becoming the first climate-resilient region in the world.

Third, he continued, there is a need to recognize that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters and external shocks.

To compound this, middle income small island developing states face inadequate access to grant and concessional funding because of how their development is measured.

"We should not let the people be punished once by nature and twice by outdated economic policies," he reiterated.

(Caribbeannews.net)

251 immigrants missing before deportation PanARMENIAN.Net — The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has lost track of 251 Armenian immigrants who have been trusted to live in communities before they are deported, The Daily Mail reports.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement allows more than 73,000 foreigners to live in towns and cities

across the United States as part of the controversial Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program.

Instead of being locked up in detention centers, they are allowed to relocate before they are processed and sent back to their native countries.

Figures released recently show that ICE is losing track of more than 18% of the individuals chosen to be

part of the program - including suspected gang members and residents from President Trump's six travel ban countries.

The majority that are allowed into the program are from Central America.

The most (18,853) hail from El Salvador - a country that is struggling to deal with deadly gang violence.

Guatemala (18,280), Honduras

(15,362) and Mexico (8,343) follow closely behind.

Of those enrolled, 212 come from Trump's eight travel ban countries.

Immigrants from Romania (1,128) and Armenia (251) make up the highest proportion from Europe, while India (701), Haiti (5,238) and China (701) also feature in the top countries.

(Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

5

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

MISCONDUCT IN US POLITICS

abuse and assault. His diaries boasted of his sexual improprieties.

9. Bob Barr, Representative (R-GA Jan 3, 1995-Jan 3, 2003), the first lawmaker to call for Bill Clinton’s resignation over the Monica Lewinsky affair, admitted having a sexual affair while married to his second wife.

10. Donald J. Trump, current President of these United States of America, “has been accused of sexual assault and harassment, including non-consenLIST sual kissing or groping, My list of members of Conby at least 15 women gress or Presidents, who committed since the 1980s. In a sexual misconduct includes: 2005 audio recording leaked during the Pres1. Alexander Hamilton, first idential campaign, Secretary of the Treasury (Sept. 11, Trump boasted that a 1789-Jan. 31, 1795) and one of celebrity like himself America’s Founding fathers, had an “can do anything to extramarital affair with Marisa women.”

Truer words Reynolds, while Secretary of State have never been spoand while she was married. The afken He has gotten fair was kept secret during his away to the highest oftenure; but was publicised after he fice in the lane. left office. He apologized for his Several women adultery.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON – First Secretary of State have accused Roy 2. James Henry Hammond Moore (R-Alabama (Senator 1857-1860) had improper signed from the Senate under threat Senate nominee for 2017 election) sexual relationships with his teenage of expulsion, after 29 women acof making improper sexual adnieces and several female slaves, in- cused him of sexual harassment, cluding one aged 12.

T

here is nothing new under the sun. The recent accusations of sexual misconduct against Roy Moore, running for the Senate and Al Franken, are only the more recent in a long list of sexual scandals in US political history. In this discussion, the term “misconduct” means “improper conduct or behaviour.” Logically speaking, then, there need to be rules of proper conduct before one’s conduct can be recognized as improper or against the established rules of proper conduct.

Are there rules of conduct did not run for re-election in 1992. in political office?

8. Robert Packwood, Senator The rules of ethics for mem- R-OR Jan 3, 1969-Oct 1, 1995) rebers of Congress are enforced by two Committees — the House of Representatives Ethics Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee.

3. James Buchanan (President 1857-1861) had an ongoing homosexual relationship with William Rufus King (D-NC). Andrew Jackson used to refer to King as “Miss Nancy.”

4. John F. Kennedy, President US (Jan 21, 1961-Nov 22, 1963) had many extramarital affairs.

Among these were affairs with Marilyn Munroe and Mimi Alford, an intern during 1962-63.

5. John Schmitz (R-CA) had a second family; but did not support the two children of his outside family, who became wards of the state.

6. Edward (Ted) Kennedy (D-MA Nov 7, 1962-Aug 25, 2009) had numerous extra-marital affairs.

7. Brock Adams, Senator (DWA Jan 3, 1987-Jan 3, 1993), was accused by eight women of several acts of sexual misconduct, including rape. He denied the accusations; but

vances when he was 31 and they were teenagers. One of his accusers is Leigh Corfman, who says that in 1977, when she was 14, Moore introduced himself to her outside a local courthouse after a child custody hearing. He later asked her out on a date and took her to his house, where he attempted to have sex.

HOW SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS ARE HANDLED The first matter to resolve is the time within which a complaint can be handled. There is a time limit for suing in sexual harassment matters. This is known as the Statute of Limitation. The time limit depends on the state, not normally beyond one year.

THE UNITED STATES HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS Prior to the 112th Congress, it was known as The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. The overall function of the Committee is to enforce the laws of ethical conduct for House Members. It agrees on what is considered ethical behaviour, investigates violations and recommends what action, if any, should be taken (such as censure or expulsion). Most Representatives must

Boston Shipping Enterprises, Inc. (continued on page 20)

We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door TO WE SHIP GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES GRENADA, BARBADOS DOCUMENTS ST. VINCENT LUGGAGE ST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE CONTAINERS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE CARS & REASONABLE RATES

BOSTON SHIPPING ENTERPRISES, INC. 718.443. 8400

Fax: 718.443. 8403

506 Decatur Street (Corner of Ralph Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11233 Licensed and Bonded as Required By The Federal Maritime Commission — For Your Protection

6 6

GECOM commissioner, Sandra Jones passes away

guyanachronicle.com

For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative:

Dennis A. Nelson

dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Tel: 917-379-6590 guyanachronicle.com

Editorial For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative:

Dennis A. Nelson

dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Tel: 917-379-6590

Editorial Human frailties and the Guyana Police Force IN an Editorial on November 12, 2017, and captioned “Purge the police rogues”, we highlighted the frequency with which members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are involved in serious acts of criminality. We emphasised that from all that has been occurring for the last two decades, that there are too many young recruits who continue to join the force with the aim of making money out of the misdeeds of persons. Under the cover of the police uniform, these misfits continue to commit serious crimes.

That we are revisiting this very important institution so soon again, which is principally responsible for protecting the society and citizens from crime, is due to what we describe as the very shocking and alarming revelations emerging from the current investigation into the murder of a popular city businessman, particularly as to the alleged role of a standing member of the Guyana Police Force. We adhere to the principle that a man is innocent until found guilty.

These are indeed very serious allegations, and point to policemen operating outside of the law and infringing standard operating procedures. On display here, is the classic cunning of the dirty cop, such as pressuring a known defendant into committing crimes that benefit the handler dirty cop--supplying the tools, such as firearms for the commission of the crime, misleading colleagues with incorrect information, and tampering with crime scenes.

These are shocking details that cannot be of any comfort to citizens, who depend on policemen/women for their daily protection. Further, it reveals an institutional crisis that has long been in existence, since these accounts now emerging have perennially been discussed openly by

Guyana Chronicle NewNew YorkYork Edition Week-ending September Guyana Chronicle Edition week ending November29, 24,2017 2017

HUMAN Resources Management Consultant and Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Sandra Jones, died late Sunday evening after a period of illness.

Jones, a distinguished consultant in Human Resources Management was last year awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.), the country’s fourth highest award for her long and effective service in the field of management consultancy. In May 2012, President David Granger, then Leader of the Opposition, nominated Jones as Commissioner of GECOM following the death of former Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams. In a statement on Monday, President Granger said he was deeply saddened by the death of Jones, who also served as Commissioner on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service. Describing her as a ‘patriotic Guyanese’ who dedicated her life to service to her country, the President, in a statement to the media issued through the Ministry of the Presidency said, ‘In her distinguished career, Ms. Jones, who was born on July 15, 1946 served as an outstanding consultant in Human Resources Management.’

In 2015, upon the establishment of the COI into the Public Service by the President, Jones was appointed as a Commissioner given her skillset and long standing experience in the field.

As recent as October, she served on the Government’s negotiation team for talks between Government and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) for wages and salary increases for 2017.

‘His Excellency extends heartfelt sympathy to her siblings Mrs. Myrtle Jones-Carter, Mrs. Friedel JonesGlasgow, Mr. Errol Jones, Mr. Orrin Jones, Mr. Paul Jones, Mr. Ronald Jones, Mr. Andrew Jones, her nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends,’ the statement concluded.

Former GECOM Chairman Dr Steve

Surujbally was distraught. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he had visited Jones on Sunday, and did not know that she had died until the Guyana Chronicle broke the news to him. “I did not

GECOM Commissioner and Human Resources Management Consultant, Sandra Jones

know…I am shattered,” said the former GECOM chairman who was for the most part lost for words. “What a nice lady,” he said as he regained his composure, noting that Jones contributed meaningfully to the Commission in her area of expertise.

“She was a lady, her comments were always instructive. I found that she, to my mind, worked always towards what was best for the Commission and for country. She was a very pleasant person to have on the Commission; I am shattered,” an emotional Dr Surujbally stated.

Current Chairman of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson said ‘GECOM has lost a stalwart’ while noting that she was ‘highly esteemed’ by the community of workers who constituted GECOM, and said she was described as “polite, refined and empathetic.”

“Hers was a formidable intellect which she deployed with laser-like certitude in seeking solutions. Although I do not know her personally, she is my

friend by proxy and by reputation.

Her professional services and her years of wisdom have been amply demonstrated while serving as a commissioner. I have lost a presumptive friend and colleague,” Justice Patterson stated, while expressing condolences to the relatives and friends of Jones on behalf of the Commission.

Similarly, Commissioner Charles Corbin described Jones as the ‘ultimate professional’. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he knew Jones for a long time prior to her appointment as Commissioner at GECOM. “I knew her from the time she was at LINMINE (Linden Mining Enterprise)— she made a significant contribution in her professional area- one of her hallmarks was the level of professionalism,” said Corbin. This characteristic stood out throughout her life even as she pursued her career diligently. Corbin said too that her high level of professionalism continued while serving at GECOM. “That is the quality of contribution we will miss now that she has left us,” said Corbin of his colleague.

Likewise, longstanding Commissioner Vincent Alexander described Jones as ‘a very humble, professional person’ who was willing to learn in other areas she found herself involved. “She was willing to learn in all other areas…there was no arrogance or over confidence,” he said as he pointed to her appointment as GECOM Commissioner, an area she had limited expertise. That aside, Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle that Jones was ever-ready to volunteer her service given her love for country.

It is for that reason; he described her as ‘a humble professional, a true patriot’.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioner, Robeson Benn told the Guyana Chronicle that Jones’ death came as a shock, though it was known that she was unwell for some time. “We are very shocked and saddened by her passing.”

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. members of the public, and even by by other ranks in their midst. affecting the force’s morale. some police officers who have been Moreover, how is it possible for As proven, those Commissions of critical of the misconduct of their such a police corporal to have been Inquiry mandated by President David colleagues. It has always been said runner-up best cop, without his superi- Granger, have indeed supplied instrucby the general public that there are ors not having a complete profile of his tive answers to the serious incidents members of the local police force entire background, since entering law which they were asked to examine. who are involved in criminal acts. enforcement? But there was an alert–he As a result, government is in a better We believe that the police corporal had a charge of marijuana trafficking informed position as to what gave riseat the centre of these revelations, is against him.

- systemic weaknesses; culpability; not the only one of his brand–there are These are very troubling questions sanctions to be given; and, of course, many others whose acts have served that should be investigated, because future safeguards. to bring the Guyana police Force into it boggles the mind that such an anWhat is being publicised dedisrepute, apart from assisting in the ti-crime detection activity as crime mands not only the procedural fact of recidivism. scene tampering by this cop has been dismissal of such type of policemen, But what is even more amazing is occurring without any action taken but an in-depth examination as to the fact that these ranks have been op- against him. the activities of this nefarious group erating without the knowledge of their These questions and more should of enforcement officers: How large The views and opinions in articles superiors.

How is this possible?

That be expressed the focus of an inquiry and not an in arethis their newspaper numbers? How doare their this is pondered because, since there inter-departmental probe, as this would illegal actions affect crime detection of the authors do limit notthe necessarily policies and is those an intelligence driven system that and severely intent and scope.reflect and whythe no action had been taken aids in crime detection, and thwarting And this ought to be done, irrespective against those involved.

Such a proviews of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana its execution, it carries that the same of what the political opposition may cess should be able to shed light on methodology should be able to alert have to protest about undermining the the almost non-success solving rate Chronicle. superiors especially, as to criminalities public’s confidence in the force, or on “hit jobs.”

Disclaimer:

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

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

T

7

The Sex and Marriage Conundrum

he other day a Christian Missionary knocked on my door.

Usually, I just refuse to open the door after seeing them with their Literature in hand, brandishing it in my face. But this was a 30ish young woman and very attractive. Call it my animal primordial instincts kicking in, or something else if you will, but I opened the door and politely asked what she wanted. She showed me the magazine and its title about some religious argument about sex and marriage, particularly about how modern man was living in sin, and now risked the eternal damnation of his soul in Hell Fire because of this sex before marriage thing.

I wanted to ask her if she’d ever had sex but I resisted the urge, jerking myself back to listen to her religious sales spiel. Crap! She really, really believed this thing, I thought. So as politely as I could, I told her that sex had absolutely nothing to do with marriage, and that it’s coupling, pardon the pun, was a religious and social doctrine and construct promulgated by insecure males in male-dominated, sexist medieval societies. Her jaw dropped and she stammered a bit.

“What! You don’t believe in the sin of having sex before marriage?” She looked at me as if I’d just crawled out from under a mossy stone. She’d have done very well in the Spanish Inquisition; I a could see visions of her gleefully social institution started with adults water-boarding a male sinner for having fornicated with an “innocent virgin female.” Ah! Religious extremism and zealotry! It flourishes right under our very noses! No, I don’t, I told her, as calmly and measured as I could muster.

So, I sought to explain myself, telling my beautiful Inquisition member and a modern day advocate of the medieval chastity belt, that sex, coitus, copulation etc. are ALL NATURAL BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES designed for one, and one thing only — to multiply and reproduce the species. Only humans have sex for pleasure and recreation. On the other hand, marriage is a SOCIAL device that has gone though many metamorphoses over time. You see, sex is the traditional way to beget (I’m using a Biblical word here) children, but marriage is NOT a requirement to get that job done.

By this time I had the attention of my would-be religious converter.

I explained further that marriage as

arranging and pairing children as young as 10-years-old with mates.

These children had no say in the matter and usually got married when they became adults and sometimes had children. Sometimes they did not have children, proving conclusively that marriage has nothing to so with sex and procreation.

Until modern times, marriage was not about the sexual relationship between a man and a woman. It was a way of getting in-laws, of making alliances and expanding the family labor force. But as family plots of land gave way to market economies and Kings ceded power to democracies, the notion of marriage was transformed.

ibility but often were predicated on property and other material conside r a tions. In short, this kind of marriage was often about money, economics, and social standings in a given community. Sex, as coitus and copulation, had nothing to do with the marriage arrangement. But to “prove” that you, the husband, had not gotten a “raw deal” by another male having had sex with your bride before you, the sacredness of the female virginity became a bargaining chip.

Female virginity became the commodity that “proved” virtue, chastity and being “untouched.”

Males on the other hand, were held to no such standards. Again, this is the religious sexism that exists to this day. It is a hold over from our primitive selves and gives validity to the saying that “the mother KNOWS THE CHILD IS HERS, while the father THINKS the child is his.” Meaning that in a society where there is some degree of male and female promiscuity, the only male guarantee that his offspring is These arranged marriages had his own is that he’s the first and nothing to do with love or compat(continued on page 20)

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

8

Elderly man brutalises young sales clerk

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017

-allegedly threatened several times to kill her family DOCTORS of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) have managed to stabilise the condition of 23-year-old, Sangeeta Gopaul of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara after she was brutally chopped by 58-year-old Samuel Williams aka Pace, on Sunday last.

Gopaul’s mother, Babita, a shopkeeper, and other relatives were furious about what had occurred and called for swift justice.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of Babita, she was in tears but managed to say what had happened to her daughter.

She said her daughter, who is a sales clerk at a store in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, returned home from work around 22:00hrs on Sunday but was attacked by Williams who was allegedly hiding in Gopaul’s yard. “He de hiding behind a barrel in my daughter yard and when she went in the yard he came out and start chopping her up…he chopped her in her neck and her foot then when he done, he run away,” said Babita, who could not hold back her tears.

Gopaul reportedly lived alone in an apartment so no one was around to render assistance to her after the man had escaped.

Babita said she received a call from her daughter around 23:00hrs and rushed to assist her. She was rushed to the West Demerara Hospital and was later transferred to the GPH. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) managed to apprehend Williams at his house in MetenMeer-Zorg. He is expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court today.

According to Babita, the man had threatened to kill her family several times because they chased him from their shop. Williams was called a miscreant by several of Gopaul’s relatives and friends who were at Babita’s house when the Guyana Chronicle was there.

“He would come to the shop to buy beer

Injured: Sangeeta Gopaul and so then he gone cuss up and get on…we does can’t encourage them things here because we have a church right next door,” said Babita. Williams who reportedly did farming in the area, would usually boast about being rich and used those claims to belittle others who would be at the shop, villagers said.

Persons had accused Gopaul of being in a relationship with Williams but Babita debunked those claims. “He liked her but she never liked him…he would threaten me and my daughter because she don’t like him and because we chased him from the house because of his attitude,” she said, pointing out that the man had tried to attack her earlier this year but persons who were at the shop managed to stop him. Babita said she had lodged an official complaint at the Leonora Police Station but the police never enquired about the incident. The woman told the Chronicle she is afraid of the man, so she hopes that justice will be served.

New holding areas to be built at Lusignan Prison THE government has tendered for designs and supervision services for the construction of prisons at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Prison officials said that the new holding areas will be divided based on the severity of crimes. Under the Ministry of Public Security, in an advertisement placed in the local dailies, bidders are required to submit technical and financial proposals which must cover travelling expenses and reimbursement under the National Competitive Bidding procedure under the procurement Act 2003.

The prison population increased in the aftermath of a fire which gutted the Camp Street Prison on Sunday, July 09, 2017 leaving over 1000 inmates displaced. A new holding area had been tar-

macked and roofed to temporarily house approximately 450 prisoners who were transferred from the Georgetown Prison as a result of the conflagration.

Following the fire, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan had said that the government will need approximately half a billion dollars to rehabilitate the Georgetown Prison and pay for the services utilised.

In October last, Dellon Blake, 35, of Kamuni Creek, Demerara River, while an inmate at the Lusignan Prison , East Coast Demerara, escaped from holding bay two in which he was placed. Blake is charged with the offence of rape and was admitted to prison July 24, 2017.

Sources said Blake might have used a bed sheet to hoist himself, separate the barbed wire and scale the wall.

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 24, 2017

9

Press Statement

Commemoration of 157th Anniversary of Indian Arrival in South Africa

T

he Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) joins with its global affiliates and membership in paying honored tribute and expresses its gratitude to those who made the first journeys as indentured laborers from India to arriving in Natal, South Africa on 16th November 1860.

Year 2017 marks the 157th anniversary of arrival of the first indentured Indians, an event with far-reaching results for the Colony of Natal. The descendants of Indian Indentured labourers are now over 1,500,000 in South Africa and have progressed in all segments of society.

The first ships arrived in November 1860 having left Madras and Calcutta the previous month. The voyage, in a sailing ship or paddle-steamer in those days took an average of 45 days from Madras and 54 from Calcutta but a few decades later, when steamers were used, the journey considerably shorter and 600 passengers could be transported in comparison with the 300 or 350 that the Truro, Belvedere, Lord George Bentinck and Spirit of Trade carried in 1860.

We are always reminded of their pioneering spirit, determination, persistence and endurance under extremely harsh conditions.

While survival must have been the primary concern, they strived and persevered to maintain their sense of origin, traditions and culture. Their children, grandchildren and following generations will always take pride in this unique accomplishment, recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices and achievements made on their behalf. We also recognize the invaluable contributions they have made to the diverse culture and economic development of

South Africa.

enduring Indian traditions which served their forefathers so well.

We also wish to remind all the descendants of those early pioneers to recognize and reach out to others of Indian origin whose forebears also embarked on similar journeys.

Rita Abraham of South Africa Women’s Forte and Indian Diaspora Council states: “Today 16th November marks 157 years since Indians arrived in South Africa and sowed the seeds that marked the birth of a great comIndian Diaspora Council Inmunity that has progressed and prospered. We owe them a debt of ternational (IDC), established in gratitude and honour them in our 1997, is an international nonprofit organization with global afhearts and minds” IDC president Ashook Ram- filiates and membership in 21

saran states: “We pay homage and commemorate an historic event which took place 157 years ago and recognize the journeys, hardships, travails and perseverance of a people – while looking at today and tomorrow which can take lessons from that history of journeys not so long ago. While acknowledging that past, we can triumph by taking bold steps same as those who came to South Africa and other lands with just a promise, with lots of hope and determination. Their ancestors came here partially by choice, many forced but resolved and persevered under very difficult and harrowing conditions. That shared experience, that saga of shared history, fostered an unusual kindred spirit of resolve, togetherness and kinship – a triumph over obstacles and difficulties with dreams and aspirations of a destiny intertwined by history and fate”.

We extend Indian Diaspora Council’s congratulations to the Government and people of South Africa on the commemoration of this 157th anniversary of that historic day. We also extend our continued best wishes to all the descendants of those early pioneers for peaceful and prosperous co-existence both in South Africa and other lands where they have subsequently settled. We continue to encourage and support active promotion of the rich and

countries with the objective to embrace, engage and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

For more information contact: Ashook Ramsaran at Ashook Ramsaran, President, Indian Diaspora Council AshookRamsaran@gmail.com email:

Mobile (USA) +1 917 519 5783

— WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team selling print and online advertising to an established account list.

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is a weekl newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean and is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyanachronicle.com).

Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you.

Email your resume and references to Dennis Nelson @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

PATH TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SUCCESS success.

My experience would suggest that a young entrepreneur, who is at the core of any entrepreneurship policy, would be well advised to become familiar with the following guidelines, prior to contemplating a new business venture.

The first thing to note that in business sustainable success is measured by the triple bottom line – profitability,

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” — Psalms 37:4

T

he opening paragraph of an article in the Barbados Daily Nation newspaper on November 3, 2017, attributed to Sherrylyn Toppin, attracted my attention: “Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur has called for the Warrens to UWI corridor to be developed as the island’s first smart community, laying the foundation to transform the stagnant economy on pillars of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship”.

My first reaction was that at last we are getting some advice, albeit from an experienced and retired leader, which exhibits the lateral thinking needed to stimulate the revival of the stagnant economy in Barbados. This advice applies equally to other Caribbean countries and beyond.

The final paragraph also piqued my interest: “Arthur said the move to smart communities and focus on technology and innovation would create a new class of indigenous international businessmen who could sell their services on the global market and Barbados’ economy would not be foreign-driven or dependent on tax treaties.”

My observation is that, amazingly, in the space of a single report, the focus on “innovation, technology and entrepreneurship” has been shifted to “innovation and technology”. “Entrepre-neurship” has just disappeared.

Is this the printer’s devil, inaccurate reporting, a de-emphasis of a speaker’s belief in the importance of entrepreneurship in relation to innovation and technology or just coincidence? The reason does not really matter but it does, once again, provide me with a segway to promote entrepreneurship as

a means of reversing the trend of the economy and augmenting the recovery process towards sustainable business

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

happiness of people and protection of the planet. More specifically, I shall restrict my remarks to profitability.

Simply stated, profitability is revenue minus expenditure and the entrepreneur’s responsibility is the continual enhancement of profit. There are only three ways of doing this, firstly cost containment to keep your expenses within a given level, secondly productivity (human, technology and process) where the emphasis is on maximizing your output for a given quantum of input, and thirdly to expand the profit of an already profitable enterprise by accessing bigger and bigger markets or even diversifying the product range.

The guide to be followed by an entrepreneur from the outset, is to: (1) seek an individual to shepherd you in the management of business systems – this will help remove the obstacles along the journey; (2) get rid of any unnecessary expense – this allows you to operate a lean business; (3) select staff who are well trained and are fully conscious of the need for time management – this will increase efficiency; (4) embrace state-of-the-art technology – why try to reinvent the wheel; (5) continually review the way in which you do business – this enhances process flow.

Collectively, (3), (4) and (5) will enhance productivity. The final step of the guide, having developed a profitable business, is to: (6) expand that business within and without your initial market domain and then revisit and branch out with your product mix – this will increase your profits exponentially, since even though your direct expenses will increase, your overhead expenses will not. The success of this final step is only restricted by your vision for the business.

The creation of a user friendly enabling environment by government can only enhance the entrepreneur’s initiative. However, it is instructive to note that Rome was not built in a day and that patience is a virtue!

Let us remember, like the case of Singapore, that our people are our greatest asset and we must develop them to the fullest. Entrepreneurship is a natural way to mobilize our people.

Let us delight ourselves in the LORD and witness the deliverance of the desires of our hearts.

(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 24, 2017

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle.

She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her lungs, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car NOW!" The four men didn't wait for a second threat. They got out and ran like mad.

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat.

She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then she realized why.

It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a football, a Frisbee, and two 12-packs of beer in the front seat.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down.

She loaded her bags into her own car

A SENIOR MOMENT

with a layer of the fried egg plant, next add a layer of onions and peppers. Repeat until all is used. Add salt. Pour soup over all, Bake until a golden brown

EGGPLANT DELUXE

Ingredients: 2 medium-sized egg plants 2 eggs 2 large green peppers 3 tbsps. fat 1 onion 1-3⁄4 cups tomato soup 1 ⁄2 tsp. salt

Method: 1. Cut the egg plants in slices 1⁄2 inch thick and pare. Dip each slice in flour or beaten eggs and sauté. Remove seeds from peppers and dice. Sauté the onion and peppers to a light brown.

2. Arrange in casserole as follows: cover the bottom of casserole

IT’S A FACT TWO THANKSGIVING DAYS IN ONE YEAR?

by JAMES SYDNEY

T

hanksgiving Day has been described as “a day for giving thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the year” and “a day set apart for a public acknowledgement of God’s goodness and mercy.”

Such sentiments were behind the early national days of thanksgiving, including the two observed by Americans in 1815.

Thanksgiving Day was first observed by the Pilgrims in the fall of 1621 when Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony designated a time for feasting and thanksgiving. The participants were 50 Plymouth Pilgrims and their 90 Wampanoag neighbors. Over time Thanksgiving Day came to be celebrated traditionally throughout the United States.

However, thanksgiving celebrations were held locally, in a sporadic way, and at no set time. Governors determined the date each year.

After the American Revolution, however, President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day which was observed on Nov. 26, 1789.

Abraham Lincoln, urged by Sarah J. Hale, revived the custom in 1863, appointing as the date the last Thursday of November.

But let’s hark back to early 1815. The war between the United States and the United Kingdom had been going on for far too long, and people badly wanted peace.

They did not know that a treaty ending the war had already been signed in Ghent, Belgium on December 24, 1814. Communication in those days was very slow.

Fighting therefore continued for sev-

eral weeks after the treaty was signed. After learning of the signing, the U.S. Senate advised ratification on February 16, 1815. President James Madison quickly ratified it on February 17, and the treaty was proclaimed on February 18.

However, Thanksgiving Day, proclaimed for January 12 that year, had been observed at the appointed time. Americans were praying for peace in January not knowing that a treaty had already been signed. British and American troops, unaware that the war had ended, continued hostilities, including the Battle of New Orleans.

After the proclamation of the treaty and the cessation of hostilities, President Madison proclaimed April 13 a day of thanksgiving that the war had ended. It was the second day of thanksgiving that year.

Relatively recently, in 1941, Congress passed a joint resolution decreeing that Thanksgiving Day should fall on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

and drove to the police station to report her mistake.

The Sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a carjacking by a mad, elderly woman described as White, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun.

No charges were filed.

Moral of the story?

If you're going to have a senior moment . . . make it memorable.

The resolution was passed to solve a problem that arose when President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1939, 1940 and 1941 contradicted the proclamations of some state governors.

Two days of national thanksgiving are not likely to happen again in America. First of all, slow communication would not be a factor. The signing of a treaty would be known, not only in America but all over the world, immediately.

Secondly, there would be heated debates and resistance to a Thanksgiving Day that mentions God. In the proclamation of the first national Thanksgiving Day President George Washington mentioned God.

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for THEIR SAFETY and happiness:“Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted

by the ….”

For some Americans, Thanksgiving Day is for saying thanks to God. For others, it may be about family reunions or just holiday time.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

Justice Ingrid Joseph honored for outstanding service G

uyanese-born Ingrid Joseph, a Civil Court Justice, and acting Supreme Court Justice in Brooklyn, New York, was honored with an award plaque from Caribbean Life, and presented with Citations from the New York State Assembly and New York City Council, for her outstanding years of service to the New York Civil Court system, during the prestigious ‘2017 Caribbean Life Impact Awards’ gala, on November 16, 2017,

Justice Joseph, who was elected to the Civil Court in 2009, presides over trials, and supervises the Civil Court in Kings County, Brooklyn, said she is in a unique position to make sure people who come before her, are treated with dignity and respect.

“I have achieved many of my goals in life because of the contributions friends and family have made to help me along the way,” said Justice Joseph, thanking her deceased parents; brothers.

Wilfred and Michael; and sisters, Beulah and Lynette, for their support.

Surrounded by colleagues, Justices Hon. Harriet L. Thompson, Hon. Richard J. Montelione, Hon. Therese Cicccotto, and Attorney Sherveal Mimes, Joseph,

who has served nine years as a civil court justice, and recently nominated acting justice in the Kings County Supreme

By TANGERINE CLARKE

Court, will be running for re-election when her current term ends in 2018.

Joseph, who migrated to the United States forty years ago, earned her Jurist Doctor degree (JD) from the New York Law School, before beginning her career as an associate attorney in private practice. She then moved up the ladder to become a well-versed Justice, whose calm demeanor and respect for the law, allows her to worked effectively in family court,

(from left) Patricia Jordan-Langford, Claudette Powell and Consul General Hon. Barbara Atherly (extreme right) were on hand to support Justice Ingrid Joseph (second from right )

(from left) Tangerine Clarke, Helen Brizard, Justice Harriet Thompson, Justice Ingrid Joseph, Attorney Sherveal Mimes and Justice Richard J. Monteleone.

fighting for custody of children and visitation rights for parents. She has also presided over foreclosure and malpractice cases and has served in matrimonial court, while overseeing 11 judges.

The very soft-spoken, calm, Justice Joseph who quipped, she becomes angry when a motorist cuts her off on the road, but remembers she is being watched — is passionate and driven. Her extensive knowledge, experience and thoughtful manner for improving the justice system, are etched in her pursuit of excellence for the law, of which she is commitment to.

After her unsuccessful run for civil court judge in 2004, the small statured lady, with towering dreams, was fervent in her pursuit of higher office in the legal system, and according to her, whatever she puts her mind to she achieves.

“When I lost my bid for the civil court the first time, it was not a failure on my part, it was a life lesson. I learned whether I had the ability to persevere, or pack my bags and accept my loss. But I was doggedly persistent, so I put in the work and effort, and succeeded,” said the justice, adding “I have also learned that patience is a virtue, not everything comes to you right away in life.” “ I am stronger than I think I am,” said Joseph, whose mother Orma Samuel

was a strong role model, and mentor to her children. Instilling in them, the importance of attaining a good education.

“My mother taught me to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and she was a strong believer in God. My mother was a great source of comfort and know-ledge she was a strategist among her powerful generation. She nurtured all of her children’s dreams and thank God we all grew up to be good people who take care of ourselves and help the community at the same time.”

Joseph, while serving as a principal law clerk to Supreme Court justices earlier in her professional life, said she was influenced by the late Justice Nicholas Clemente, who she added, was very smart, and taught her how to deal with people and bring out the best in them, referring to the Justice as her mentor.

“Being a criminal judge in family court requires a lot of thoughtfulness, because your decisions affect children’s lives, and where they live. You must make the right decision that would be beneficial to all involved. I love what I do. I am one of those lucky people who gets up in the morning and does something I love to do,” said Justice Joseph, who is a warm, friendly person, ardent reader, and world traveler.

Home Chef Catering Inc. DBA Home Chef’s International Flavors 231-14 Merrick Blvd. Laurelton, NY 11413 7 1 8

749 GUYANESE FOOD 5745 takes you back home with every bite

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

13

‘Liminal Space’: A Guyanese art exhibition in Harlem — ends November 30 T

he Queens Collage Alumni Association of New York, last Friday November 17, hosted a reception in collaboration with the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), to celebrate — Liminal Space, an exquisite collection of artworks by Guyanese, created in varied mediums, such as painting, etching, photography, woodwork, video, and mixed media.

The exhibition, on display until November 30, on the second level of the CCCADI building, at 120 East 125th Street in Harlem, New York, explores migration, culture, displacement and immigration and showcases the extraordinary talents of Kwesi Abbensetts, Damali Abrams, Khadija Benn, Victor Davson, Stanley Greaves, Carl

by Tangerine Clarke

Hazelwood, Dominique Hunter Michael Lam, Donald Locke, Andrew Lyght, Suchitra Mattai, Christie Neptune, Mason Richards, Karen Sahadeo, Keisha Scarville, and Arlington Weithers.

Curator, Grace Aneiza Ali, a QC alumna, and member in the Department of Art and Public Policy at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, welcomed New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, along with benefactors, and art aficionados to the exhibition that began in June 2017.

Ms. Ali thanked Dr. Martha Vega, Puerto Rico-Caribbean, her faculty colleague at NYU, and founder of the 40-yearold CCCDAI, who is supportive of the work she is doing with Guyanese artists, and invited her as guest curator to showcase the 16 Guyanese artists based in Guyana and the United States.

“It is called ‘Liminal Space’ because it is the artists, who are examining this experience of migration, and what it means being in Guyana and America, maybe even physiologically, not physically. All of the works are their interpretations of being in that ’liminal space,” said Ali. She first curated Guyanese works at Aljira — a center for Contemporary Art in New Jersey, in her continued efforts to create more platforms for Guyanese artists, who are still not known, she added “even when people come to see this show (Liminal Space), they are in awe, at the great

works Guyanese are creating.”

“We need the Guyanese community to come out and view, support, and purchase the work of Guyanese artists, it takes a country. It is a sad thing that not many people know of this artistic Guyanese production,” said Ali, founder and editorial director of — “Of Note” — an online magazine focused on global artists using the arts as catalysts for activism and social change.

Ali called the event “a party with a cause”, to aid CCCADI’s Puerto Rico hurricane relief. Monies raised, would go towards the purchase of generators for citizens who are still without electricity, in the devastated island.

Award-winning painter, Victor Davson, co-founder of Aljira — a center for contemporary art in New Jersey said:

Grace Aneiza Ali, Curator and Victor Davson, world-renowned painter, against the backdrop of his Jhandi Flag glitter, sequins acrylic on canvas.

The Queen's College Alumni Association, New York executive, Shindy Johnson, Asst. Secretary-Treasurer; Clive English, Treasurer; Gordon Wilson, Secretary; Karen Wharton, President; Michael Jones, Vice President and Sherrilyn McPherson, Organizing Secretary — photographed in the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) gallery in Harlem, New York, at the’ Liminal Space’ exhibition by 16 Guyanese artists.

David Levine, Karen Wharton, Dr. Terrence Blackman, Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Lakshmee Singh at the Liminal Space exhibition at the CCCADI gallery.

“The temperature in those paintings, are how I relate to, or connect to the Hindu cultural expression. Bamboo flags were putup after a Puja, a cleaning ceremony, I am not literally trying to make jhandi flags, I translate that into a formal framework because I am a painter. I think those resonate with me personally, as I connect to my friends, the people I grew up with, my generation that were Indian, in a very special way.”

“This is an ongoing project for me, minding what I consider my experience as a Guyanese living very close to my Indian neighbors. I said to Grace, the Jhandi ritual and the Jhandi flags are mine too, I don’t have to be Indian. I have lived in that space, that’s what makes me, not African-Ameri-

can, that’s what makes me a Guyanese,” Dr. Terrence Blackman, Dean, Medgar Evers College wrote: “Migration is perhaps the defining movement of our time for both the ones who leave and the ones who are left. ‘Liminal Space’ brings together artists of Guyanese heritage, who bear witness to what drives one from one’s homeland as well as what keeps one psychically tethered to it,” noting that the artworks engage hard truths of a country defined by constant departure and deemed, "a disappearing nation."Yet, the works offer restorative narratives of why this homeland is loved.”

Karen Wharton, president of QCAANY, called on Guyanese to view the exhibition, and thanked Dr. Vibert Cambridge, for his introducing her to Grace Ali. “I love the space and the works from Guyanese artists and first generation Guyanese artists that speaks about migration,” said Wharton, who connected with Christine Neptune's painting that tells the story of an African-American nurse’s aide.

“So many of us were nurses’ aides, regardless if you were from Guyana, like my mother who worked as a nurse’s aide on weekends to send me to college.”

“I am glad that Guyanese and friends came out tonight to celebrate the amazing work the people of our country are doing,” lamented Wharton, who expressed gratitude to members of QCAANY for having the confidence in her, as President, to develop programs both in Guyana and the United States.

Wharton thanked actress Ingrid Griffith, for her one-woman act — ‘Demerara Gold’ performance, which resonated with the ‘Liminal Space’ exhibition, and acknowledged ‘Sister's Cuisine’ restaurant in Harlem, for the delicious food that was served.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017

Billions to be saved …as GRA rolls out excise stamps on imported alcohol, cigarettes

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is aiming to make a massive dent in the illicit trade of alcohol and tobacco products with the implementation of a secured digital excise stamp solution.

The anti-smuggling initiative currently being rolled out in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is expected to safeguard the billions of dollars in Excise Tax being lost to the illicit trade. Customs Officers, operating out of GRA Customs, Excise and Trade Operations (CE&TO), are currently visiting the premises of importers, businesses and persons selling alcohol (excluding beer) and tobacco products as they initiate the stamping process.

Only imported alcohol and tobacco products are being stamped at a fee of $16 and $8 respectively per product.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, GRA Deputy Commissioner–Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo said smuggling of illicit products continue to be a major problem for the revenue authority–confirming that billions of dollars in taxes are being lost to the illicit trade.

Recognising that it does not have the capacity to effectively monitor the country’s vast borders where

these products are being brought in illegally, Beekhoo said GRA in 2015 partnered with Canadian Bank Note – a Canadian security printing company to develop a secured digital excise stamp solution.

Approximately two years after, GRA is rolling out the anti-smuggling initiative using the Excise Stamp in accordance with Regulations 215 (3) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. “The level of compliance from the importers of these products has been relatively low.

So by starting this project, this stamping process, we will start to realise our true potential…But we can project that (our losses) it is in the billions,” he explained.

According to the deputy commissioner, the stamps, which will be placed on every product that falls within the two categories, cannot be easily forged. “These stamps are highly secured.

They have security features comparable to our bank notes, and so counterfeiting them would not be easy.

Counterfeiting them would be next to impossible,” he warned. Using a unique software system, the revenue authority is equipped to trace every stamp. “When the stamp is applied to a product either the alcohol or the tobacco, it is going to say to our customs officers that this product has paid the correct import duties, excise

tax and the correct VAT,” Beekhoo explained.

Currently, imported alcohol and tobacco products are being stamped but importers and retailers must be able to provide the required documents and supporting evidence to verify that the items were legally imported into Guyana. “So we are stamping imported hard liquor like the Johnny Walkers, the Vodkas, the wines, and so on, not beer or Shandy, and we are stamping the cigarettes, cigarettes per pack and hard liquor per bottle,” he noted.

The Deputy Commis-

stocks to customs for verification. Once we would have verified the inventory, we would supervise the placement of the stamps. The onus is on the importers or the suppliers or the retailers to have persons who we will show how to place the stamps and then that will be supervised by customs,” he further explained. He made it clear that the revenue authority will allow commercial entities to single-handedly stamp their products, although emphasising that the process will be supervised by the Customs.

As a follow-up mech-

A GRA Customs Officer placing the Excise Stamp on an imported bottle of Vodka during one of the revenue authority’s recent outreach (GRA Photo)

sioner added that Customs Officers have already started visiting the importers and suppliers of the targeted products. “By law they are required to provide their

anism, Monitoring and Compliance Officers will be armed with handheld scanners on the ground to determine if a product was stamped, if the stamp was

GRA Deputy Commissioner – Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy, Customs, Excise and Trade Operations, Rohan Beekhoo (Adrian Narine Photo)

genuine and if it was applied to the correct product.

“If it (the product) is not stamped, then we will basically deem it as illicit or illegal and they would have to prove to us that this product came in the country legally. That is why it is so important to get the current inventory stamped as well, once they were legitimately imported,” Beekhoo noted.

Failure to have the targeted imported products stamped could result in defaulters being fined in keeping with the Customs Act. “There are penalties ranging from $10, 000 up to three times the value of the goods. So as I said, it is tied to the Customs Act. The provisions of the Customs Act would be invoked for

those not complying.”

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the initiative is a welcomed one especially for legitimate importers and suppliers who have been shortchanged by smugglers.

“Under normal circumstances you may be correct, it’s a new initiative it comes at a cost but the legitimate importers, most of them, do actually welcome this measure because their products have been competing with the smuggled products, in many cases most of their products cannot sell, so by incurring that small cost for the stamps and reducing the size of the illicit market, then their products can now sell,” he explained.

Multi-pronged approach needed to tackle corruption

CORRUPTION in Guyana cannot be tackled by any one agency and there needs to be a multipronged approach to address the scourge, Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Professor Clive Thomas told the participants of an investigative training programme on Monday.

The training being held at the Felix Austin Training Centre is set to conclude on December 13, 2017. In attendance also were Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James; Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SARA, Aubrey Retmeyer.

Professor Thomas was at the time addressing officials from law enforcement and regulatory agencies on asset

At the opening of the SARA workshop on Monday. Seated at the head table are, from left, GRA Commissioner-General, Mr Godfrey Statia; SARA Director, Dr Clive Thomas; and CEO of SARA, Mr Aubrey Retmeyer

recovery and financial investigations, under the guidance of SARA and in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA).

The professor said it was mandated by law for persons to be properly trained and certified, as competent per-

sons are needed to execute the mandate of SARA. “The institutions selected are important in their own right, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is leading the charge,” he said.

He noted that the State Assets Recovery Bill is part of government’s arsenal in

the fight against corruption. It is also part of the President’s desire to have a professional and unbribable public service.

The legislation, divided into seven parts, deals with the establishment of SARA, the establishment of the Recovery of State As-

sets Fund, civil recovery and preservation of state property obtained through unlawful conduct and orders to assist investigation and international co-operation and several other issues.

According to Retmeyer, corruption in institutions makes countries poor, however, a vibrant and incorruptible institutions develops a country rapidly.

“We need to have the foundation established for SARA and we have no doubt your institutions are counting on you,” Retmeyer told the participants.

SOCU‘s head, James, told the participants that the training will be very professional and the course will cover all stages in an asset , from the beginning of an investigation to trial. For his part Statia said most of the audits completed in Guyana were actually lacking in its

forensic capacity.

He said the training will now empower participants to execute a proper forensic investigation which would lead to successful trials. “The information that will be shared means one particular agency would not have it, until we have a common database, you may have to ask your colleagues for information and sometimes laws would stymied that type of information you would need,” he explained.

Further, the GRA head said as such agencies can cooperate and use their resources to achieve the end result. Some of the participating agencies included: The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Bank of Guyana (BoG), Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Ministry of Finance.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017

15

Young teacher given moving send-off

The body of Teacher Kescia Branche being taken into the GTU compound for the Thanksgiving Service (Delano Williams photos)

Students of Teacher Kescia’s class at Richard Ishmael Secondary weep bitterly

By Shirley Thomas DEEP anguish pervaded the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) Headquarters on Saturday as mourners and sympathisers wept uncontrollably at a Thanksgiving Service for the life of fallen Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher, Kescia Branche.

Branche died on November 7, following a period of hospitalisation after being found in an unconscious state, battered and abandoned on the roadway at Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown, a few weeks ago.

The 22-year-old mother of one, despite doctors’ best efforts, remained in an unconscious state in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital until the time of her demise on November 7, at 17:00 hrs. She died with her twin-sister, Cassandra, at her bedside.

Meanwhile, it was consensual that whatever the circumstances leading up to her unfortunate encounter on the night she was assaulted, she had no right to have been treated in that

There is deep anguish as relatives and friends behold the body on its arrival at the GTU Hall

manner, and moreso, to die the way she did.

“She was a mother, a daughter, a school teacher who gave of herself for her students and was known to have been a young woman of dignity. We pray God brings the culprits to justice,” according to comments offered by concerned citizens.

Officiating minister was pastor Hanibol, who admonished the mourners and sympathisers: “Give your lives to God; Get your lives covered under the Blood of Jesus, for anytime He could show up at your door.”

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Sonaide Richmond, who admonished the gathering to live their lives in such a way that they will have no regrets.

There were many glowing tributes rendered in Branche’s favour by persons including the Headteacher of Richard Ishmael Secondary School; a past President of the School’s Parent-Teacher Association; Sherry Anne Balkarran, Miss Guyana Heritage Queen 2017; and GTU representatives.

There were also tributes in song as well

A section of the mourners and sympathisers

as a rendition by the Richard Ishmael School Choir and a strange tribute from one who never knew her, but had all the good things to say about her, against the backdrop of negative comments from some persons who also did not know her, but went on a negative speculation rampage.

The eulogy was delivered by Kereece Branche, sister of the deceased.

The young teacher was remembered as a youthful individual of courage, charm, charisma and loyalty.

“She was one who was the mainstay of her family, friends, students and colleagues in times of joy and sadness,” one GTU mourner said, adding: “The teaching fraternity mourns the loss of a resolute individual in education.

We salute her sterling contributions made in delivery of the curriculum to the many students she possibly impacted and the many students whose lives she’d touched.”

Another said, “She served with distinction. During her professional years, she was a candid staff member who always strove for

excellence and was always eager to complete whatever tasks devolved on her in a very diligent manner. Let us therefore celebrate our dear sister’s legacy left on earth. Condolences to the immediate family, friends and staff of the late Kescia from the Central Executive and Members of the Guyana Teachers Union and teachers at large. May her soul rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, tearfully delivering the eulogy, Kereece who lives abroad, relived the wonderful experience she shared with her sister when they last met five years ago.

“Even though we mourn, we must be thankful to God that we were able to spend quality time with her,” Kereece said.

She reflected on Kescia’s wonderful traits as a lady; her admirable bonding with her three-year-old son, and the joy she was in the home.

Touching on her attributes and pondering just why death had to engulf her sister so soon, Kereece went on: “She couldn’t live, she was too beautiful, so pure. There was no woman as beautiful as Kescia,”

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017

Chronixx delivers!

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

Chronixx during his `ecstacy-filled’ performance at the Guyana National Stadium

By Rawle Toney Jamar McNaughton Jr, more popularly known to the world as “Chronixx”, left thousands who gathered at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday, in awe and mesmerised by his ecstasy-filled performance.

And, some might still be ‘skankin sweet’ from one of the best reggae shows to ever hit the shores of Guyana.

Thanks to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), “Doing More” for customers and communities across Guyana,lovers of his music got the chance to be entertained by the man who is likened by many as the present day Bobb Marley and the leader of the ‘reggae revivers’.

After being kept in the groove by the Heat Wave Band, which turned in a powerful presentation of their own, especially through their lead

vocalists, Calvin Burnett and Mark Batson, the crowd was all `pumped up and ready’ for the man they came from near and far to see and hear.

Backed by his Zincfence Redemption Band, the 25-year-old, after being introduced by GTT’s Marketing and Communications Consultant, Samantha Gooden just after mid-night, used the opening track – Alpha & Omega – from his debut album, ‘Dread and Terrible’, for his stage entrance.

Amidst the thunderous applause and chants from the thousands in attendance, which almost caused a tremor at the Guyana National Stadium, Chronixx, truly kicked down riddim like “Sly Dunbar”, just as a part of the track states.

From then onwards, it was hits after chart-topping hits and the crowd sang along word-for-word.

Chronixx has released his debut LP, Chronology, a 16-track collection bringing together songs from

This young lady was deep into Chronixx’s music, as she sang along during his performance

across his musical career, some dating back to 2011. The album, as of Saturday, sits on the No. 8 spot on the iTunes Reggae Top 10, and has also held the No. 1 spot, receiving a 4.7 out of 5 ratings.

The National Stadium was treated with hits from his Chronology album; and why not? After all, his being in Guyana is part of

his Chronology Caribbean tour, where he told fans that his aim is to spread peace and love, using music and Rastafari.

“From here, we’re going to Trinidad, then Grenada, and back to Jamaica,” Chronixx melodiously stated from the centred stage mic where he stood and reached the hearts of the masses.

Chronixx showed his versatility when he went into the Dancehall genre, singing “Behind Curtains” and “Od Ras”, using variations of styles, much to the delight of the crowd.

He gave a little of incarcerated Grammy Award-winning star Buju Banton, touched on some verses of another Reggae star ‘Proteje’, and Jesse Royal music.

The crowd was certainly rocking when he delivered “Smile Guyana” and how they loved it when he invited them to be his choir. One of his most popular songs this year, “Likes”, was more than well-received.

Chronixx also gave some history lessons, with tracks such as “Black is Beautiful” from his Chronology Album, where he spoke about how we’re taught of black being associated with many things, except excellence and good.

In the track, he talked about Walter Rodney, Leonard Howell and Marcus Garvey and their mark on black history in the Caribbean and the wider world.

He also touched “Captured Land” from the Dread and Terrible album, which speaks about how King Ferdinand II of Aragon who sponsored the first trip of Christopher Columbus, which resulted in Columbus accidentally discovering the Americas and the Caribbean, which led to the genocide of the natives and enslavement Africans.

In his deliverance of “Captured Land”, Chronixx sang passionately to the Guyanese audience about Oliver Cromwell and Henry Morgan and how lands that were taken away from the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean used as slave plantations.

“Majesty”, and a number of love songs were also in his repertoire, much to the delight of the ladies in attendance. In all, Chronixx who is on his second trip to Guyana, delivered more than was expected and even though his performance lasted for nearly two hours, the fans kept begging for more.

Sisters guilty of ‘triple-banking’ man A West Berbice woman who hit her brother-in-law in the head with a piece of wood causing him to go blind in his right eye during an attack triggered by his alleged abuse of her younger sister, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Appearing before Magistrate Rhondell Weever, at Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, Bevon Bobb, 31, a mother of two was found guilty of feloniously wounding Lenny Wallerson on September 28.

Her two sisters, Onica, 22, and Rachel, 36, who also took part in the attack were also found guilty of felonious wounding but spared jail terms because the injuries they inflicted on the victim during the attack were less serious.

The two sisters were fined $50,000 each with an alternative of four months (continued on page 17)imprisonment.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

17

Doris Rodney – brings traditional Guyanese cooking to ‘The Hills’ Restaurant

D

oris Rodney, the proprietor of ‘The Hills’ Restaurant and Bar — a Guyanese American eatery that has become a staple on Church Avenue — continues a tradition of serving up tasty dishes, that started in her mother’s kitchen in the village of Soesdyke, on the East Bank of Demerara.

enue, oblique to ‘The Hills Restaurant and Bar.’ According to Doris, who has aspirations of creating franchises, she plans to expand her business, to include a snackette, to serve fast food options — like fish & chips, pastries, egg balls, and organic juices, at lot 4708, next to ‘The Hills Restaurant and Bar’ on Church Avenue, set to open soon.

With such brilliant business

By Tangerine Clarke savvy, one could describe this hardknown businesswoman, who after working woman as a ‘foodie’ migrating to the United States in mogul, since she would become the 1990, with dreams of one day own- first business owner to run a chain ing a food business, experienced tri- of eateries on the same block of the als and tribulations, many immi- busy Church Avenue thoroughfare.

Doris, who started helping in grants encounter when working to the kitchen at the tender age of realize that American dream.

However, the hurdles she had eight, after her older sister Patricia, to jump over to meet the success she migrated to the United States, enjoys today, did not daunt her. As a quickly acquired her mother’s cookmatter of fact, while working as a ing skills, and took over the kitchen, hotel maid, Doris cleaned rooms, after her mom left the house to work but her drive and passion for cook- downstairs of Ascension Anglican ing, inspired her to stay focused to School, in the village of Soesdyke. realize her dream, which she did in Additionally, she plied her famous 2004, when the doors of her first black pudding in a storefront in the village. restaurant opened.

“My mother was a big factor in Today, Doris is the proud owner of a second outlet — ‘The my life. Like me, she loved people, Hills Lounge, at 4703 Church Av- and she loved to see people eat. I Doris, as she is fondly called, is a passionate cook, whose claim to fame is delicious cook-up rice, roti/curry, black pudding, souse, and other dishes, that feed scores of returning customers, who crowd her establishment, at 4706 Church Avenue, one door from Schenectady Avenue in the borough of Brooklyn.

Opening a restaurant was no easy task, said Doris, a stylish, well-

DORIS RODNEY — The Entrepreneur. enjoy seeing people eat — this is in 2015 — A rally that was hailed by why I opened a restaurant. I am pas- the New York police as one the sionate about cooking,” said Rod- mostpeaceful rallies — there was ney, whose daughter Nola, is not a single incident of violence. following in her mother and grandThis astute industrialist sugmother’s footsteps. gested, that the parade, which Nola Rodney, is the owner of started at the corner of Bedford and ‘Sumptuous Bites’ — a catering Church Avenues, in May 2015, service (www.sumptuousBites.com) ended at the Hills Restaurant at Schthat is already very popular. Like her enectady and Church Avenues. One mother, Nola is driven to succeed, would say this was ingenious, since and carry on the family tradition of famished masses descended on the eatery, bringing much success to great cooking.

As for Doris, her vision is to The Hills.

And in her utmost desire to share ‘The Hills’ franchise with Guyana and the Caribbean, a vision give back to the community, Rodney that is not beyond the reach of this now holds the position of Vice Presgo-getter, who, along with her vil- ident of the Guyana Unity Movelage sister, Sherif Barker-Fraser, ment (GUM); an organization were the brains behind the Guyana formed after the 'movement' celeCoalition Government’s victory brated the new government of rally that attracted over 50 thousand Guyana, and continues to plan Guyanese on the streets of Brooklyn events here in the United States and Guyana.

The group is committed to fostering growth and development within Guyana for the betterment of Guyanese irrespective of their ethnic origin.

Rodney is just one of many Guyanese immigrants who are following in the footsteps of their parents, who took their love of food from the kitchen, to roadside stands, snackettes, and school cafeterias — a tradition that has translated into lucrative businesses for Guyanese, in many parts of the world.

Doris wishes all her customers and their respective families a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’.

Doris Rodney — The community worker (second from right) with some members of the Guyana Unity Movement (G.U.M.), she is the Vice President — to her left is Sherif Fraser-Barker President of G.U.M.

(reprinted from an article published in the Caribbean Life newspaper with a few changes.)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

18

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

BUYING A CONDOMINIUM

C

ondominiums with their maintenance costs and amenities are selling quicker than ever before. Why? Single family, duplex and four family home prices have sky rocketed in recent years.

However, this should not dissuade potential homeowners from pursuing their real estate dreams.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU’RE BUYING If you’re buying a house, it’s pretty clear that you are getting title — free and clear — to the home and its landscape, right? Well, with a condo things are a little more complicated. A condo buyer’s property line is the interior walls of their unit — that is everything inside your purchased apartment.

But that’s not all. You also own — in conjunction with all the other condo residents — the land your building sits on and the building itself. So that means that when the roof on your building gives out, you, along with your neighbors, will have to share the cost of repairs. This is done when you pay your monthly maintenance fee, which is placed in a reserve pool to handle such costs whenever needed. You can also deduct your mortgage interest and real estate taxes on your annual income tax returns in similar fashion as you would a one family house.

SCRUTINIZE THE BUILDING’S BUDGET Naturally, when considering to buy a condo you’ll want to do the same due diligence that you’d do in buying a house — you’ll hire an inspector and rigorously check both the unit and the building itself.

Just as important, though, will be a

thorough examination of the condo’s current operating budget. Make sure that it adequately covers basic costs like building maintenance, staff salaries, utilities, garbage collection and the like. There should also be

an adequate reserve fund to cover predictable expenditures like painting.

Normally, an adequate reserve fund would be in the neighborhood of 3 to 5 percent of the condo’s gross operating budget.

Of course this can vary depending on where you live, as expensive real estate markets may face higher costs.

KNOW THY NEIGHBOR People usually buy condos because they are so much easier to take care of than detached homes, and the typical condo dweller falls into one of two camps — either they are first time home buyers or empty nesters looking to simplify their

lifestyle.

You’ll want to buy into a building where the owners have a similar situation as your own for two reasons: 1) you’ll have less privacy than in a home. 2) You’ll likely have some sort of involvement with the condo’s homeowner’s association which essentially governs the building.

Ask what percentage of joint ownership you’ll have — it’ll determine how much you’ll pay on special assessments for unexpected repairs and how many votes you’ll have when big decisions are made.

Look for red flags.

Ask whether homeowners’ association dues have gone up frequently. Are new special assessments coming?

Why weren’t the projects anticipated?

YES, YOU’LL STILL NEED INSURANCE Many condo owners think insurance is not necessary. But when purchasing a condo you’ll actually have two policies.

The first is a form of insurance, which falls between a traditional homeowner’s policy and renter’s policy and provides coverage for your personal possessions such as jewelry, furniture or a home computer. It also covers any structural improvements made to your apartment as well as liability protection. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, in

2003 the average condo/co-op personal insurance policy was $230 per year. Today, you will pay between $1,500 and $2,000 annually. Believe you me; it is worth every penny, as we do not hold the future in our hands.

The condo board will also have a policy on the entire building, which you’ll help, pay through monthly dues. The Insurance Information Institute says to adequately insure your apartment, it is important to know which structural parts of your home the condo association covers and which are not.

Make sure to read the board’s bylaws and/or talk to the condo association, insurance agency or an attorney. You may also want to consider insuring your unit with the same company that provides the building’s insurance. This will ensure that all necessary bases are covered.

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS Before you buy, you’ll want to read all the condo documents — including the master deed and the declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions carefully. This is called a CC&R. It’s not likely you’ll be able to change any of the rules they have in place, whether it’s restrictions against having pets or a mandatory requirement that if you have children window guards are essential.

And, for goodness’ sake, make sure you understand the situation with parking.

If you are told you have a parking space, don’t just take the developer’s word for it or the real estate agent’s word for it. Go down and look at parking spaces because the way the parking spaces are dealt out may vary wildly and your Lexus may not fit comfortably in the allotted area.

There are lots of developments that induce people to buy a condo by making parking first come, first serve. As a result you’ll see some of the least expensive units with wonderful parking spaces and you’ll see some very expensive units that were the last to sell in the building with really awful parking spots.

Make your choice, if you are in the market for a condo, be sure you consult your realtor and put together a comprehensive feasibility study to include all possible scenarios mentioned above, and your investment purchase will be worth the while.

Do you still want to pay your landlord rent? Own your apartment, buy a condo, accumulate equity and have a guarantee resale value.

“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 24, 2017

19

The Thanksgiving Story: Genocide And Land Theft I

t is particularly exasperating and galling every time Thanks- peacefully coexist. At one time, the giving Day comes around in the United States. We see the san- Wampanoag and pilgrims shared in itized feel-good stories on television portraying deeply religious a meal of wildfowl, deer, and shellPilgrims and friendly, smiling Indians. Movies and post cards re- fish. After Massasoit's death, the flecting various versions of the Thanksgiving Story bombard us as Wampanoag nation became weak.

Americans gourmandize on thousands of pounds of turkey — the This was as a result of alien diseases culinary symbol of Thanksgiving Day. This fairy tale yarn perfected contracted from the English settlers. by year after year of propagandistic spin, and re-spinning, has And it wasn't long before the pilgrims began tormenting surrounding made Americans accepting of these stories without question.

In schools across America these instutionalized myths of the First Thanksgiving are drilled into the heads and imagination of gullible and impressionable children, deliberately created and designed to obfuscate the truth and erase the brutal tragedies visited on America’s Indigenous People.

The sanitized, fictitious Thanks-giving version goes like this: 1. Pilgrims came to America, in order to escape religious persecution in England.

2. Living conditions were very difficult in the so-called New World, Wampanoag Indians listening to a pilgrim preaching. but thanks to a friendly Indian, Squanto, the Pilgrims learned to at the end of the bloody Civil War, grow corn, and survive in America. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 3. The Indians and the Pilgrims 1863. Back then; a badly divided became good friends. To celebrate America was desperately in need of their friendship and abundant harunity and inspiration. Hence, the vest, Indians in feathered headbands myth of the First Thanksgiving was joined with the Pilgrims and shared born to inspire and unite. in a friendly feast of turkey and toSo what’s the real Thanksgivgetherness. That was the First ing Story? Let me posit another verThanksgiving. sion: Here’s the false takeaways One day, the Wampanoag peofrom the above narrative and story: ple of the Eastern coast of the Amer1. The Pilgrims innocently seticas noticed unfamiliar people on tled in the so-called New World. their land. These strange people 2. As a “persecuted people,” with pale skins were English pilthey arrived in America with pure grims, coming to a new land that hearts, honest principles and altruis- they called "America," in order to tic intentions. settle and create a new life.

3. Indians and pilgrims were At first, the Wampanoag Indigreat friends, and this friendship ans were uneasy and suspicious of created the foundation and frame- the settlers. However, they eventuwork for this "great American na- ally developed in a shaky relationtion." ship based on commerce and This revisionist and clean nar- exchange. Also, in observing that rative has been egregiously white- the pilgrims nearly died from a washed and Eurocentric on many harsh winter, the Wampanoag counts. Moreover, it is a bold-faced stepped in to help. and humungous lie. This often reThe Wampanoag chief, Masgurgitated lie was packaged solely sasoit, subsequently entered into for nationalistic consumption when, agreements with the pilgrims to

An Essay by MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS

tribes, burning entire villages to the ground, while indigenous men, women, and children lay sleeping.

Alarmed and angry over growing cruelty, greed, and arrogance of the new “white people” in their homelands, the Wampanoag began to distrust the pilgrims. The pilgrims then demanded that the Wampanoag submit to their “Christian rule,” and give up all their weapons. Shortly after, the pilgrims and Wam-panoag were at war, and in the end, the pilgrims were victorious.

At the end of the war, the Wampanoag were nearly exterminated. Infact, the son of Chief Massasoit, Metacom, was killed by the pilgrims, dismembered, beheaded, and his head impaled on a spear outside of Plymouth. These God-fearing Pilgrims, then sent Metacom's young son to the West Indies as a slave, along with numerous other Wam-panoag and people of nearby tribes. This ethnic cleansing and (continued on page 23)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

20

The Sex and Marriage Conundrum (from page 7)

ONLY sexual partner with a woman.

Until modern times, marriage was not about the sexual relationship between a man and a woman.

It was a way of getting in-laws, of making alliances and expanding the family labor force. But as family plots of land gave way to market economies and Kings ceded power to democracies, the notion of marriage was transformed. Now today, most Americans see marriage as a bond between equals that's all about love and companionship.

HERE ARE SOME THOUGHTS ON MARRIAGE: FAMILY TIES Keeping alliances within the family was also quite common. For example, in the Bible, the forefathers Isaac and Jacob married cousins and Abraham married his half-sister. Today, cousin marriages remain common throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East. In fact, Rutgers anthro-pologist Robin Fox has estimated that the majority of all marriages throughout history were between first and second cousins.

POLYGAMY PREFERRED Today monogamy (marriage to one person) may seem central to marriage, but in fact, polygamy was quite common throughout recorded history. From Jacob, to Kings

David and Solomon, Biblical men often had anywhere from two to thousands of wives. (Of course, though polygamy may have been an ideal that high-status men aspired to, for purely mathematical reasons most men likely had at most one wife). In a few cultures, one woman married multiple men, and there have even been some rare instances of group marriages.

BABIES OPTIONAL In many early cultures, men could dissolve a marriage or take another wife if she could not have children. However, the early Christian church was a trailblazer in arguing that marriage was not contingent on producing offspring.

My beautiful Missionary literally gasped at this historical fact! The church held the position that if you can procreate you must not refuse to procreate. But they always took the position that they would annul a marriage if a man could not have sex with his wife, but not if they could not conceive. There you have it! Marriage had little to do with children but with male or female ABILITY to have sex.

COMMON-LAW MARRIAGE This form of marriage, also known as sui juris marriage, informal marriage, marriage by habit and repute, or marriage in fact, is a legal framework in a limited number of United States jurisdictions, where a couple is legally considered married,

without that couple having formally registered their relationship as a civil or religious marriage. The original concept of a "common-law marriage" is a marriage that is considered valid by both partners, but has not been formally recorded with a state or religious registry, or celebrated in a formal religious service. In effect, the act of the couple representing themselves to others as being married, and organizing their relationship as if they were married, acts as the evidence that they are married.

Finally, I told the visitor that over time religious superstition, persecution, and ignorance made sex a dirty thing with women being the proverbial temptress, always horny sex fiends, whose only role was to lure men into the sin of fornication and lustfulness. But to me lust, which is really just a very strong sexual desire, is inherent in ALL animals, Homo Sapiens not excluded. But the way the Bible tells it this natural, normal biological urge is a sin, a dirty thing, alien and foreign to our species. I further explained that the first attraction between male and female IS biological and an overpowering urge, “to be with that individual.” To me nothing is wrong with that.

And yes, happy marriages are important and good since the strength of any community and its foundation is the family. I have no quarrel with that nor am I against

marriage. But to say that our species, and I know that I’m going to ruffle some feathers here, was designed to find an ideal mate in a sea of humanity and should remain “chaste” until that finding is just plain hogwash, is not practical, unrealistic, and is fundamentally illogical. This in no way sanctions infidelity or encourages it.

But we sure as hell need to understand it. Sex and sexual attraction are powerful things — as a man you do not see a woman and immediately think about humming “Here Comes The Bride.” You think with here comes a beauriful woman.” In case you missed it women do have similar thoughts — just ask them.

So in closing conversations with my beautiful visitor, after she smilingly concluded that I was an “interesting man,” I told her that she should question everything and always, always let logic be her guide in assessing things. Waxing a bit philosophical I told her that her preacher is not always right, in fact preachers tend to be ALWAYS wrong and fall back on what I call the science of victimhood — scaring people into believing doomsday scenarios without proof. If their premises are wrong, I said, then their conclusions MUST be wrong also. I left it at that.

She flashed me another million dollar smile and left. I don’t know if I convinced her but it sure was a great conversation.

POLITICS OF MISCONDUCT IN US POLITICS agree on any action.

(from page 5)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS The other Committee that monitors senatorial ethics is The Senate Committee on Ethics. Senate rules require that the Ethics Committee be divided evenly between the two main parties. Independents cast their votes with either party.

The Chairman is chosen from the majority party. Like the House Ethics committee, the Senate’s Committee investigates probable ethics violations and makes its recommendations to the full Senate, which, if required, holds a vote to

censure or expel any violator.

ETHICS VIOLATIONS BY A PRESIDENT A President must adhere to ethics standards and there are penalties for violating them. President Bill Clinton is an example. He was accused of sexual misconduct by three women — -Juanita Broadbrook accused him of raping her in 978, Kathleen Willey accused him of groping her without consent in 1993, Paula Jones accused him of exposing himself to her in 1991 and sexually harassing her. He denied these accusations and only admitted to sexual misconduct with Monica Lewinsky and Jennifer Flowers.

otherwise. Leaders are human and yield to their baser instincts. The fault does not lie with the wrongdoers; but with the electorate and the elected.

Both put party allegiance above morality. Despite his ethics violations, John Kennedy would have served two terms, his brother Ted always won re-election and Roy Moore will win in Alabama.

It is the nature of the beast in all of us. Thomas Hobbes (“Leviathan”) in arguing that man’s behaviour is based on his base naSHOULD WE BE ture, hits the nail on the head. Since SURPRISED? We expect our leaders to be per- our leaders are mostly base, we must sons of honour and good repute and impose harsher penalties for their are disappointed when they prove misconduct. This might mean abolishing the statute of limitations.

His sexual relationship with 22-year-old intern Monica Lewinsky was judged to be a violation of Congressional ethics and he was impeached by the House of Representatives, which has the power to bring charges against a President. However, the power to remove or not remove the office holder from the Presidency lies with the Senate.

In President Clinton’s case, the Senate voted against removing him from office.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 76 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Self-deception about relationships is a problem. Your self-esteem will come back if you take part in organizational functions that allow you to be in the limelight. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side. Try to curb your bad habits, and compromise if your partner gives you an ultimatum. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Travel will be fun, but expect it to cost you. You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction. Try to be there for someone if they need assistance. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight. Someone envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate. Don’t sign up for too many extra activities or you’ll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) A need to be in love may fool you. Make changes to your living quarters that will please the whole family. You will enjoy getting together with friends. You may meet that special person if you attend fundraising functions. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You may jump from the frying pan into the fire if you make a move next week. Throw yourself into your profession. You will need to take a look at the renovations that are necessary and try to find the cheapest way to get things done. Don’t hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Your ability to put things together will be appreciated by your comrades.

Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. You may not see your situation clearly. Don’t let others make you feel guilty or insecure.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. You don’t like confrontations at the best of times; however, you may find them difficult to avoid. Sudden romantic encounters are quite likely, but discretion will be a must. Your ability to help others will win you points. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. Property deals look good. Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. Get out and have some fun. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Joint ventures might prove to be unfavorable. Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively. You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers. Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile causes. Compromising could be on the agenda this month. Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. Do things that involve children. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Take time to find out all you can. Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse. Efforts made to improve yourself will turn out to your satisfaction. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You need some help this month. Opportunities to get ahead will be evident. Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely. Work quietly on your own. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

35. Strike 37. Between 38. Shakespeare’s river 39. Perlman of “Cheers” 40. Cranial covering 43. Born, in society pages 45. Clutched 46. Staff character (2 wds.)

51. Sit in neutral 52. Type 53. “Born ___” 54. Average 55. Compass letters 56. Plumber’s concern

ACROSS 1. Roster 5. Record players (abbr.)

8. “___ the Explorer” 12. Director Kazan 13. Poison ___ 14. Jewelry stone 15. Yankee Doodle’s flag (2 wds.)

17. Duct 18. Assoc.

19. Car insurance spokescritter 20. Farmer’s yield 23. Roberto’s cheers 25. Fodder 26. “___Island with You” (2 wds.)

27. TVA project 30. Recluses 32. Tomei of “The Wrestler” 34. Purpose

W O R D F I N D

G R E A S Y

BABY OIL

BRILLIANTINE BUTTER

CASTOR OIL

COLD CREAM CORN OIL FAT

FRENCH FRIES GRAVY

GREASE

GRIDDLE HAIR OIL

LANOLIN

DOWN 1. MGM’s lion 2. In need of chicken soup 3. Comedian Caesar 4. Label 5. Peephole’s place

6. Profession’s vocabulary 7. The limit, for some 8. Peaceful birds 9. Cartel initials 10. Social position 11. Choir singer 16. Cut off 19. Rowlands of film 20. Bus. bigwigs 21. Russo of “Outbreak” 22. Poem of praise 24. Bedside light 25. ___ shot 26. Norwegian capital 27. Thin coin 28. Afghanistan’s continent 29. “___ About You” 31. Invitation letters 33. College cheer 36. Historical records 38. Standish’s stand-in 39. B-ball official 40. Small wedge 41. Give up 42. “. . . ___ good night” 44. Sommer of “The Prize” 46. That lad’s 47. Sports association letters 48. Mined material 49. Boston ___ Party 50. Scared shout

S T U F F LARD

MARGARINE

MINERAL OIL OINTMENT OLEO

PETROLEUM POMADE

SALAD OIL SALVE

SARDINE SUET

TALLOW

ISSUE 76 WORDFIND ANSWER

22 XIV

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017 Chronicle Pepperpot November 19, 2017

The coconut industry in Guyana

One year after the impressive ‘coconut festival’

By M Margaret Burke

being undertaken in the coconut industry, Dr Homenauth said that coconut continues to be our major non-traditional export; exports which amount to US$5M annually.

JUST over one year ago the first ever Coconut Festival in Guyana was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (October 21 – 23, 2016 and it was a resounding success.

The idea for such a festival was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Business – Department of Tourism – and the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

As part of the activities, there was a two-day conference aimed at re-educating Guyanese about the diverse benefits of the coconut fruit focusing on its economic diversification and multipurpose use, while heightening awareness and boosting the local Agro-tourism sector.

ROADMAPS FOR THE COCONUT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT One of the significant aspects of the festival was a presentation on the major issues of the industry, which was identified

by Mr Tommaso Ferretti, Representative of the International Trade Centre.

Mr Ferretti explained that the International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation and that they implement projects and are developing value chains in multiple countries around the world. He said that currently, in the Caribbean, in nine countries, they are implementing a partnership with CARDI in the EU funded projects looking at the Coconut Sector/Industry.

Three countries were chosen from the nine as focus countries for implementation: Guyana, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.

The purpose of this programme, he said, was to analyse and conceive the main issues involved in the Coconut Industry within the countries involved in the programme and to propose a framework for implementation, addressing these issues in a holistic way by looking at the whole value chain.

“The main focus of ITC in developing and implementing this project is sustainability of the value chain, not just from the traditional perspective that is more on the buyer’s side but also at the interest of local producers and processors to bring benefits to all players in the Coconut Industry. Hence, the involvement of the government and all local institutions working in the project countries is crucial,” the ITC representative said.

He had then further underscored the point that the ITC should seek to ensure that the use of the EU funding in the programme is focused on sustainable development of value chains, while together with its partner CARDI, rely on the technical aspect and the most competent ways on the production side of the industry, in which the demand for coconuts is high.

“The potential of the Coconut Industry is huge and benefits are available for parties from all sectors. However, to exploit these opportunities there must be synergy created among private sector, public sector, research, technical actors and alignment of resources, objectives and targets,” Mr Ferretti had remarked in his roadmap presentation.

He said that it is with this philosophy that ITC is implementing work at the Regional and International levels through the facilitation of documents such as the Roadmap in Guyana.

This, he said, has a very powerful role, bringing at the same table all the actors to make the coconut sector better for all.

He had said that opportunities like the Coconut Festival are very important from ITC’s perspective, where knowledge,

COCONUT WATER He said that coconut water is now being exported in larger quantities to the Caribbean by Henvil farms and Afro Alfonso.

The rooster brand, hydrate and others are very popular locally; Rooster being a recent addition to the local market.

Dr Homenauth said that while it was projected that 5,000 acreages of coconuts would have been cultivated by 2020, it is now anticipated that that amount will be surpassed.

“There is an increasing demand for planting materials. As such nurseries have been established at Mon Repos, Wakenaam, Charity and Hope Estate. These have the capacity to produce 50, 000 seedlings annually. This will satisfy about 800 acres annually. Private farmers have also begun their own seedling production,” he said.

The CEO told the Pepperpot Magazine that a new company – Pomeroon Trading Inc. has taken over the abandoned Stoll estate in the Pomeroon. “I believe this is the largest single estate in the country. They are currently rehabilitating and replanting 3000 trees monthly,” he explained.

Dr Oudho Homenauth, CEO – NAREI

INTERCROPPING Intercropping is described by some as the ‘companion’ planting method of growing one crop alongside another – in this case, coconut along with one or more other plants. It is said that the purpose behind intercropping is to increase yields by doubling up on available growing space and at the same time being more economically sound, in that while waiting for the coconuts to grow, other crops can be grown, which would make farming more viable, while placing the livelihood of the farmer on more sound economic stability.

Dr Homenauth said intercropping is being promoted on new, as well as existing plantations. Some of the intercrops identified include cassava, bananas, blackpepper and ginger.

At the same time, “We continue to provide training and support to the management of the red palm mite; Demo farms are being established at Clonbrook, Hague, Wakenaam and Pomeroon,” he said

Coconut water production at Henvil farm passion to make change, and experiences about the Coconut Industry can be shared.

MOVING LEAPS AND BOUNDS In an invited comment, Dr Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and extension Institute (NAREI), who had also played a role in the coconut festival and continues to do significant work in this field, told the Guyana Chronicle: “The industry continues to make leaps and bounds as we continue to develop the roadmap which was officialized in 2016. The roadmap for the coconut industry was a joint effort of both the public and private sectors and has been adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture.”

In an effort to summarise some of the ongoing initiatives

FARMER CHARACTERISATION With regards to farmer characterisation, the ITC continues to provide meaningful support, Dr Homenauth said. He explained that they are currently involved in a study on this topic here in Guyana. He then described ‘farmer characterisation’ as a measurement tool developed to understand and monitor smallholder farmer production systems, constraints, decision-making models and priorities.

This survey, he said is focused on coconut farmers’ productive and commercialisation systems with particular attention to crops diversification and intercropping. Both agricultural and social aspects are being surveyed at the farmer and household levels.

A major facility will be operationalised at Marudi in 2018.

This emphasise value added products such as virgin coconut oil, activated carbon, coir, cocopeat and others...an estimated 100 000 nuts could be processed daily.

Dr Homenauth told the Pepperpot Magazine that NAREI is intimately involved in all of the activities mentioned. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

23

President Mugabe facing impeachment tion activists and the influential Liberation War Veterans Association announced more demonstrations to pressure Mugabe to go.

“Your time is up,” Veterans Association Leader Chris Mutsvangwa said at a press conference. He suggested that the military was still beholden to Mugabe and compelled to protect him because he is officially their “commander in chief.”

The war veterans’ association will go to court to argue that Mugabe is “derelict of his executive duty,” Mutsvangwa said.

Mugabe was stripped of his party leadership on Sunday by the ruling party’s Central Committee but said in his speech he would preside over a party congress next month.

That congress is expected to ratify his firing as party chief, the expulsion of the unpopular First Lady and the naming of Mugabe’s recently fired deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to succeed him.

The firing of Mnangagwa and the positioning of First Lady Grace Mugabe to succeed her husband as President led the military to step in last week. Mugabe has discussed his possible exit on two occasions with military commanders.

The military has said it was making progress against “criminals” close to the First Lady, who had been accused of harming the country’s economy. But on Monday a Cabinet Minister close to Grace Mugabe, who went silent after the military moved in last week reappeared on Twitter, saying he was “relatively fine outside the country.”

Minister of Higher Education Jonathan Moyo had been said to be detained along with a number of other ministers. But Moyo, the most outspoken of the First Lady’s allies, tweeted that he was outside Zimbabwe with “at least 50 oth(from page 2)

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe addresses party members and officials gathered at his party headquarters to show support to Grace Mugabe becoming the party’s next Vice President after the dismissal of Emerson Mnangagwa November 8, 2017.

The once-formidable Mugabe is now virtuers” who include lawmakers and ruling party ofally powerless, largely confined to his private ficials.

Amid the political chaos, some people in the home by the military.

Yet he sought to project authority in his capital, Harare, have become more cautious about talking to reporters. That contrasted with speech Sunday night, which he delivered after the jubilation and open condemnation of Mugabe shaking hands with security force commanders. over the weekend, when the bulk of Harare’s The army commander himself leaned over a coupopulation of roughly 1.6 million appeared to be ple of times to help the President find his place in the streets, dancing and taking selfies with sol- on the page he was reading.

“I, as the President of Zimbabwe, as their diers in an event backed by the military.

At the University of Zimbabwe, students Commander-in-chief, do acknowledge the issues protested and refused to sit for exams, demanding they have drawn my attention to, and do believe that Mugabe step down. The spokesman for the that these were raised in the spirit of honesty and Zimbabwe National Students Union, Zivai out of deep and patriotic concern for the stability Mhetu, said they want all universities shut down of our nation and for the welfare of our people,” Mugabe said.

(Caribbeannews.net) until he does.

The Thanksgiving Story: Genocide And Land Theft

(from page 19) genocide was designed and calculated to seize Indian lands for the growing white British settler population.

A day of Thanksgiving was declared, and to celebrate, the pilgrims kicked the heads of dead indigenous peoples around like soccer balls.

Today the REAL STORY OF THANKSGIVING is of Indigenous peoples throughout America systematically and continually betrayed

by European settlers, killed off by disease, germ warfare, hunted for bounties, kidnapped and forcibly shipped overseas as slaves, and ulti-

mately pushed out of their homelands and onto de facto prison camps (now euphemistically known as reservations), few survived these brutal conditions.

After centuries of trauma, oppression and systematically being eradicated American Indians today have staggering rates of depression, plagued by mental health disparities, suicide, and deaths due to alcohol and drug abuse. The American Indian people continue to struggle to cope with that historical trauma, and to heal deeply imbedded social wounds that stem directly from

American colonialism.

You cannot divorce the very real negative consequences of American homegrown colonialism from the mythical version of Thanksgiving Day. In its present form the narrative is a real, not imagined, ginned up and scrubbed version of events. It’s a sordid story of land theft, betrayal, brutality, and genocide. This habit of whitewashing, lying and outright erasure of American Indigenous people’s history is inhumane and oppressive. At its most insidious this told and retold mythical Thanksgiving Day story

shortchanges our children and most Americans who stand to learn from this very tragic story.

The effects of American colonization on the Indigenous people reduced their populations and left generational wounds that still linger today — stubborn and enduring. By propagating the mythical version of Thanksgiving, American children and adults become confused about history. Moreover, the Thanksgiving Day lie prevents and retards a genuine collective American understanding of the tragedy that is part of Native American history.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

HAITIANS AND OTHER REFUGEES DESERVE AMERICA’S HELP

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

the past with several other countries,

porary protected status, or TPS, may

economy, infrastructure and resources, Haiti is incapable of repatriating tens of thousands of people.

Conscious of, and humbled by, its people’s suffering, the Haitian government had asked the Trump administration to extend the protected status. After all, America has a conscience. Haitians are the second-largest group of foreigners with temporary status. The protection is extended to people already in the United States who have come from countries severely affected by natural disasters or armed conflict that prevents their citizens from returning or prevents their country from adequately receiving them.

Roughly 40,000 people who lost their homes in the earthquake still live in camps for the displaced, and a cholera epidemic killed thousands of people in the aftermath of the earthquake. Struggling to recover from the earthquake, they relied heavily on the money expatriates send to them back home to survive, but that lifeline will now be cut from them. Moreover, the decision to end the program will uproot the lives of Haitians who have been in the United States for years, most of whom live in Florida, home to roughly two-thirds of Haitian TPS enrollees. Haitians sent home will face dire conditions, including lack of housing, inadequate health services and unemployment. It will precipitate double hardship.

Indeed, a permanent legislative solution must be found within the 18-month grace period. The move means that the Haitians given tem-

date. This is unconscionable, and a more humane solution must be found.

El Salvador has the largest group of Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries in the United States, nearly 200,000 people. The Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to announce next month whether it will rescind or renew protection for that country, which is plagued with gang violence and high unemployment. The protection applies to Salvadorans who were in the United States without permission on February 13, 2001, and was granted after deadly earthquakes destroyed their home country. Protections for Nicaraguans ended last month, and similar protections for Hondurans loom large.

These countries’ citizens living in here need help and humanitarian consideration also.

Others who now benefit include people from Nepal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and the Trump administration must not continue to err on the side of cruelty and hostility to these nationals. That’s not the America we want, nor is that the America we have been!

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.

“Our country has been the leading provider of humani- after a destructive earthquake hit the remain until July 22, 2019, but island nation in 2010. With its poor could face deportation after that tarian aid for refugees”— Elizabeth Esty “I believe in the promise of America. Being a Cuban refugee, having come here when I was eight, I know that this is a shining city on the hill” -Ileana Ros-Lehtinen “I have been a foreigner all my life, first as a daughter of diplomats, then as a political refugee and now as an immigrant in the U.S. I have had to leave everything behind and start anew several times, and I have lost most of my extended family”-Isabel Allende The recent attack on immigrants and minorities by the Trump administration to end temporary protected status and send 60,000 Haitians back to suffering and pain in their country-the poorest country

in the Western Hemisphere, is the latest in an alarming trend. Haiti cannot provide for them, and this decision is inhumane and unconscionable. This status was extended to Haitians, as America has done in

Guyana Chronicle NewNovember York Edition week ending November 24, 2017 Chronicle Pepperpot 19, 2017

25 XIII

Become innovators -- UG Berbice valedictorian urges

experiences and we can now leave this University of Guyana Chancellor resources coming to Guyana perhaps in campus as a collective unit ready to Professor Nigel Harris during his short an abundance never seen in our history. transform our communities into a nation address, urged the graduating class to With imaginative, creative and daring we can be proud of.” make good of the opportunities that leadership, all of our people can benefit.

Budhram also encouraged the grad- will present itself with the discovery of You can be the instruments of change. I uates to put Guyana first, since this is oil here. hope you will summon your intellectual necessary to move the country forward.

“This is not the end or is it the and creative skills to capitalise on the “Our country needs our dedication, beginning of your educational jour- new opportunities that may come Guycommitment and diligence and our ney, but in the words of a well-known ana’s way,” he said. county deserves our time, investment statesmen, ‘this may be for you the end Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw and creativity. Our communities require of the beginning.’ If you are to prevail Griffith noted that of the 220 graduates, our expertise and wisdom. Let us own in your life’s journey, you will have to the largest batch came from the Faculty IT’S no secret that women are our mistakes and failures in the same expand in learning and knowledge many of Education and Humanities. under-represented in STEM way which heads we place successes and lies times over,you will likely need to reboot Kenisha Gopual, 20, who graduated Now, the 26-year-old the our Energy research in the application of agricultural fields. International studies have found achievements, because only then we can and remake yourselves many times to with an Associate Degree in Biology, Department at NAREI. materials to produce energy and the conthat women comprise just over 40 per- and Environment take up the rightful roles and allow Guysurvive a rapidly changing world.

You was the youngest graduating student her passion for environ- version of naturally-available resources for cent of graduate students in science and She said it was ana that to evolve.

Iher urgecareer you to believe in production are at a cusp ofsector. the moment that might while John Alexander, who graduated Best Graduating Student Treshan Budhram receiving mental protection led to in energy in the technology. yourself, give yourself the opportunity conceivably lead toallowed considerable chang- with a Diploma in Public Management, his Bachelor's Degree in Public Management from “My academic training me to However, women Professor with a Master’s De- agriculture. to press against the shoulders of medies in Guyana.

With the discovery Chancellor, Nigel Harris “I believe agriculture chose me. Even gain relevant knowledge and to furtherof oil was the oldest. gree or higher who are actually employed in ocrity – defeat it and press on toenhance, make and minerals, there is a possibility A couple, Jon and Nicolita Collins, though I grew up in an agriculturally-based my other technical, experimental and science220 or engineering occupations currentlydiplomas SOME were conferred with degrees, and this country great,” he said. of considerable increase in thewith financial were also among the graduates. region, much of my interest was focused analytical skills in energy production comprise only 30 percent of workers in certificates when the University ofthose Guyana Berbice on the exploration and utilisation of the emphasis on indigenous resources and small fields. For this reason alone, National ceremony Campus (UGBC) held its 16th the convocation on Agriculture Research and Extension Institute indigenous resources and its impact on the developing countries,” she commented.

Saturday. environment’s While at NAREI, Abrahim said that she (NAREI) thrilled to introduce Bibi Nariefa Berbiceisradio personality Treshan Budhram from the quality.”

According to the 26-year-old, her career worked on, “a study relating to the water Abrahim,Spice a Research “Morning Show”Scientist. was adjudged this Year’s valedicThe 26-year-old woman is being rec- began in 2014 when she met Dr.Clairmont quality effects due to the disposal of the torian. ognised as NAREI continues Addressing the gathering ontothehighlight university Clementson, tarmac, he who was heading NAREI’s De- effluent in the surrounding waterway and a partment of Bioenergy, to secure a project for connected study, aimed at the spatial variahow the of graduating women haveclass changed in the urged his roles fellow of 2017 to channel their the completion of her undergraduate studies. tion of the effluent discharge scheme.” local agriculture sector.

Manyinnovators. years ago, this achievementsw into becoming “With his guidance, I pursued a research She added, “Recognising the environfield mostly pursued by men. Today, it’s “Aswas graduates of the University of Guyana, we could relating to energy production from agriculmental concerns attached to the bioethknow nothing we genders. could do anything. We say not finding dominated byorboth tural waste the ideal job. Friends is the reality. may not find that and its impact on air quality and anol effluent disposal, I also conducted Abrahim gained this employment withWe NAI completed my studies, Dr. Clem- research relating to the use of the said job, career, we years hope for thatcompleting does not meanwhen we should REIthat almost three agobut after entson offered me an opportunity to work effluent, as a soil amendment in cash crop accept it – if we can’t find that job, create her degree in Environmental Studies at it, themake it happen, with him in the Department of Bioenergy,” production. In completing these projects, I use what we learn and do not allow external circumstances University of Guyana. She worked as a Resaid. developed various agronomic and farming tosearch defineAssistance who we are.

Letpursuing us use our degrees to Abrahim become inbefore a Master’s In the Energy and Environment Deskills and became even more intrigued by novators us believe that we can achieve Degree –inlet Energy and Environment at the anything. We A section of the graduateslivelihoods.” of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus on Saturday partment, she explained that much of the sustainable can enter this different backgrounds and life University of campus Leeds inwith the United Kingdom.

Women in Agriculture Part Seven

Using agricultural materials to produce energy Meet Bibi Nariefa Abrahim

Natural Black set to release album in May

By Michel Outridge THOUGH many of his fans may have been wondering what he has been up to, local artiste Natural Black assures that he has been hard at work behind the scenes working on his new album which is set to be released in May 2018.

His last singles were “Touch meh touch meh” with Poonam Singh and “Big Aunty” and Natural Black wants Guyanese to know he is here in Guyana although he continues to work with overseas artistes.

He told The Buzz that he has been working with Vizion Sounds Recording Studio and that all the songs for his new album“Eyes a look” have already been recorded.

Born Mortimer Softley, Natural Black is a member of the Heatwave Band and is noted for the positive vibes he promotes in his music and every aspect of his life.

He related that the album has a number of songs that will appeal to women, adding that much of his inspiration comes from women and that he needs to “bless them up” with good music as a result.

Natural Black grew up in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara with his mother and after she passed away he lived with his aunt in the city and has since lived in many places in the country as well as Suriname.

For Natural Black, his aim for his family is to be a role model for his children and instil good values in them which he expects will take them through their lives.

Apart from music, this singer’s dream is to go into large-scale farming and also rear cattle in a wide open land preferably, in the countryside of Guyana, be it on the West Coast or in Berbice where there is a lot of space.

He noted, though, that he cannot part ways with music as it is in his blood and said that he will continue to make strides in that regard to push forward with his singing dreams.

The 42-year-old said that for the past three years he only released singles and this time around he is aiming high with the upcoming release of his album. Following the launch of his album, he hopes to take his music on the road by touring internationally, particularly in London, where there is a large fan base for his genre of music.

Natural Black believes that simplicity is the key to a normal life, and he seeks to preserve that way of living by keeping a vegetarian diet and sticking to “clean” habits. “I prefer not to eat meat but if I have to for survival- meaning if I find myself in the jungle and I have to eat meat then so be it,” he said.

The singer stated that every man is different and people live however they choose but it is always wise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

He spends his spare time reading and praying which is essential for his self-growth and feels that if the youths of today follow similar patterns they would be able to lead productive and successful lives rather than engage in unsavoury things.

“The young people need to become spiritual because I feel it is lost among this generation... [they should] have some form of religious input in their lives at least once a week and read the books not only bury their heads in gadgets,” he said. He is a man who prefers to stay under the radar and ‘do his thing’ silently because he only likes to be seen on stage to satisfy the fans.

Natural Black is optimistic that his upcoming album will indeed be something that his fans will enjoy.

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending November 24, 2017

Four Grenada cops face 'unprecedented' manslaughter charges in beating death of Toronto man It's the first time on-duty officers are charged with manslaughter TORONTO – Four Grenadian police officers face what prosecutors call unprecedented criminal charges in the beating death of a visitor from Canada during the Christmas holidays six years ago, a case that sparked widespread anger and grief on the Caribbean island.

The manslaughter charges came after a coroner’s inquest jury last week returned manslaughter verdicts against the officers in the killing of Oscar Bartholomew on Boxing Day 2011.

Christopher Nelson, the country’s Director of Public Prosecution, said on Tuesday that the coroner committed the officers for trial at the country’s High Court as required by the inquest verdict, and the hearing would likely begin in January.

“Citizens were still looking out for justice to be done,” Nelson told The Canadian Press from Grenada.

“There was a perception that nothing was happening or nothing will happen, so this decision will reassure the public and the international community that our justice system is working, albeit the wheels are turning slowly.”

Bartholomew, 39, a native Grenadian who lived in Toronto, and his wife of 10 years, Dolette Cyr, of

Cascapedia-St. Jules, Quebec, were visiting the country when they stopped outside a police station in St. David’s, so she could use a washroom.

Witnesses have said Bartholomew gave a female officer he thought he recognized one of his trademark bear hugs, but she cried out for help and her colleagues attempted to arrest him.

Bartholomew’s behaviour “alarm-ed” the officers, Nelson said.

“It was a bit of outrage in relation to that conduct and the initial resistance of Mr. Bartholomew in submitting to arrest that led to the frenzied action of the police officers and their going overboard,” Nelson said.

Under the Grenadian system, the inquest, a civil hearing, is in effect treated as a preliminary inquiry and the evidence heard can be used at the criminal trial. Nelson said the criminal manslaughter charges were the first of their kind laid against on-duty officers in the country.

Cyr, who testified at the inquest a year ago, said she was glad about the charges but said she believed the officers had committed a more severe offence.

“It’s good for Grenada,” Cyr, 57, said from her home in Quebec. “(But) it’s not just manslaughter, it’s murder.”

Cyr also expressed disappointment that the officer in charge at the time has escaped any liability for what occurred, an issue that also concerned the inquest jury.

Although Grenada’s current penalty for manslaughter is life behind bars, the officers face the possibility of a maximum sentence of 15 years that was in place at the time of Bartholo-mew’s death.

The incident prompted protests against police brutality many said was widespread and hundreds of people turned out for Bartholomew’s funeral, including his distraught mother.

FLASHBACK: It was standing room only as mourners packed a church in St. Andrew’s, Grenada, to say goodbye to Oscar Bartholomew in January 2012. Bartholomew’s grieving widow, Dolette, is comforted during the service.

CHRIS DOUCETTE/TORONTO SUN

Public anger over the killing was further inflamed when the High Court quashed manslaughter charges initially laid against five officers in 2012, a decision overturned earlier this year on appeal. However, the inquest was so advanced, it made sense to await its outcome, Nelson said.

“It was always our intention to prosecute,” Nelson said. “We got what we wanted really.”

FLASHBACK: Oscar Bartholomew’s mother, Andrianna, is surrounded at the family home by friends and relatives, including two of her three remaining kids, Anthony (left) and Anastasia (right) in January 2012.

Andrianne Bartholomew ommitted suicide last year.

CHRIS DOUCETTE/TORONTO SUN

OSCAR BARTHOLOMEW had not decided how his client would plead but said he hoped the proceed-

The inquest also found a fifth officer originally charged — Shaun Ganness — bore no responsibility in the killing.

Anslem Clouden, a lawyer who represents one of the accused, said he

ings would move quickly.

The four constables, Edward Gibson, Roddy Felix, Kenton Hazzard and Wendell Sylvester, were on bail. Nelson said he hoped the Commissioner of Police would now suspend them.

In an interview in 2012, Bartholomew’s mother, Andrianne Bartholomew, expressed profound grief at her loss.

“They beat my child to death,” she had said at her home. “They killed my baby, my last baby. They killed him.”

Andrianne Bartholomew killed herself last year.

(Caribbeannew.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending November 24, 2017

27

Law school here still on cards --assures AG, despite feasibility study yet to be done

THE feasibility study for the establishment of the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School here is yet to be conducted even as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams S.C. reassures that the school will be opened here.

The APNU+AFC coalition government in January this year announced that the project for establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas was launched.

The project comes after some two decades of lobbying for an alternative to the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas.

The JOF Haynes Law School is being established through a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Guyana, the Law School of the Americas (LCA) and the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) and will add to the existing options available to holders of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and who intend to pursue their Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

A timeline of 2018 was set for establishment of the local institution and according to the attorney general, whether or not the time line is met, a local law school will be established.

“It is a complex issue…we have to have a law school and whether people are putting up obstacles and so, the obstacles will have to be broken down,” Williams told reporters recently.

He explained that Guyanese students are faced with hefty sums they have to pay and along with the small quota of students accepted into the Hugh Wooding Law School, are of concern to his administration.

Guyanese students have struggled with the system that allows them entry to the Hugh Wooding Law School and only late last year Williams was able to secure a collaborative agreement between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council for Legal Education (CLE) and UG, paving the way for the top 25 Guyanese law students to have automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School.

On the feasibility study, Williams said, “Well, we are working

on it. I have written the vice chancellor for him to identify the land that Chancellor Desiree Bernard had in early 2001, 2002 identified… the decision was made that we would have the building on the University of Guyana (UG) Campus.”

At the time that arrangement was put in place, current Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith had been just installed.

“He wasn’t there, so we are informing him…. we have that communication within the Council of LEC,” said the attorney general, who noted that the vice-chancellor has not yet responded to the missive.

“I must note that I see they have given out land to other people and Attorney General, Basil Williams

the deputy vice-chancellor is on our committee and they haven’t signed off yet on our land,” said Williams, who noted that progress is subject to the feasibility study that was catered for in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

A LOT OF WORK DONE “…that’s where we engage with the Jamaicans now. A lot of work

has been done. As you know, the Jamaicans sent in an accountant, the counterpart of Christopher Ram and they were engaged and really, that was the last fine-tuning.”

Currently, Dr Morris Odle who is also a member of an established task force looking into the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas has replaced Christopher Ram, since he (RAM) is no longer involved in the process.

“So the thing is we have to identify the land on the campus and move from there,” said Williams, who stressed that the plan to have the Joseph Haynes Law School has not been forgotten.

“We are still pursuing the feasibility study. It is not an easy thing; you have to ensure that we get everything right,” he said, noting that the original timelines remain effective.

Back in July, Williams along with the task force looking into the establishment of the Joseph Haynes Law School of the Americas met to examine the provisions in the Revised Business Plan of the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), one of the Jamaican

Partners in the Public/Private Partnership intended to establish the law school.

The business plan was submitted pursuant to a MoU entered into between the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), Law College of the Americas (LCA) and the Government of Guyana (GOG), which contained a provision for a feasibility study to be done to determine the viability of establishing the law school.

As a follow through to the discussions, the task force was required to submit a response to the proposals in the business plan, as well as the said task force would submit counter proposals to the joint venture partners.

The members of the task force present were Professor Harold Lutchman; Professor Rudolph James; Justice James Patterson; Justice Claudette Singh S.C.; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Barbara Reynolds; Economist, Dr. Morris Odle; Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram; Law Revision Consultant Justice Abdullahi Zuru; and Solicitor-General Kim Kyte.

HM ‘slack and loose’ comment draws protest

By Lisa Hamilton

A group of concerned citizens on Tuesday picketed Bishops’ High School calling attention to statements made by the school’s principal which sought to shield Economics Teacher, Coen Jackson who is accused of sexually molesting several female students.

Jackson has since denied the allegations.

On Tuesday the picketers called for the dismissal of the Principal, Mrs. Winifred Ellis.

Jackson stands accused by Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson, of allegedly sexually grooming and preying on female students from several high schools during his years of teaching.

Johnson has since compiled a list of victims of the teacher, who is now represented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Jerome Khan.

A recording surfaced of Ellis, berating students, during a General Assembly on Monday for failing to come to the defense of the accused teacher. Ellis referred to the female students as “slack” and “loose”, requesting those who felt uncomfortable around Jackson in the past, to publicly step out of the assembly line or make a show of hands. Identifying themselves as concerned citizens, activists and past students, the group in protest carried placards and chanted for legal action to be taken on the matter.

Newspaper columnist, Akola Thompson said that a significant portion of the reactions received thus far focused primarily on protecting the reputation of the school rather than that of the students. “I’ve been to several high schools and in all of them, I knew at least one teacher who liked little girls, who would go after them and molest them or harass them and it would always be swept under the rug because that’s just what happens,” Thompson

lamented.

“Everybody normalised it so much that we no longer see a big issue with teachers being with their students.”

Concurring was, playwright, Mosa Telford who said that she was not completely taken aback by the unfolding. “We got a culture of silence in this country. I listened to the re-

Rights Activist, Ms. Nicole Cole, called for the headmistress to be removed.

The activist, who identified herself as a survivor of child sexual abuse, said that after hearing the recording, it evoked unfavourable childhood memories, and she asserted that the headmistress had “victimised the victims twice”. “The child

A group of protesters outside the Bishops’ High School (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

cording last night and I couldn’t believe what this woman was saying, but then, can I say I’m completely surprised? No, because I find that [with] a lot of the older generation there’s always this thing about keeping up appearances...and keeping up the image of the school when all these nasty things are happening.”

Telford added, “I’m hoping that this doesn’t just come to light now and we talk about it for a few weeks and then as usual, with a lot of other things in this country, it just goes under the table.”

Holding a placard on which Articles 3 and 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, were written, Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission and Child

in me became so scared, even though I’m an adult and I’m an activist speaking for the rights of children, women and citizens in Guyana…What she has done is to make every child who would have gone through the heinous abuse, re-victimise them twice... and we wonder why Guyana has a burdening rape culture?”

She further added that Guyanese needed to “name and shame” those who abuse children instead of protecting them.

“It’s adults like her, here she is telling the students how ‘loose’ they are, I want to say to you Mrs. Winifred Ellis, you are loose, you are slack, you are running a ‘bloody horror school’. Because if you have a teacher in your

midst and information has come that you have girls who are subjected to abuse, then you have a right to intervene and to ensure that those students are given the best type of care.”

SILENT PROTEST However, unbeknownst to many, this was not the only protest ongoing. During the demonstration, a few students of the Bishops’ High School (BHS) were seen bearing placards of their own. It is understood that while many are concerned about the welfare of the students, some pupils objected to the call for the dismissal of Ms. Ellis and are now worried about how the absence of the teacher may affect them.

Two placards, one stating, ‘Think of our future, #This Affects Us’ and the other, ‘HM didn’t fail us’ were extended through the school’s window in silent protest for the visibility of public.

Jackson’s attorney has since accused Johnson of failing to follow procedure by “leaking information to the press”, therefore interrupting the work of the system.

On the topic, another protester, Mr. Don Singh, contended by saying that if persons saw something they should, “say something, do something”.

“If we wait on officials to see, do or act, we might wait for a long time. So if you see something, say something,” a frustrated Singh added. “We need to stop being predators on our kids, on our children. Everywhere you look, someone in authority, whether it be the police, whether it be the teachers...I’m outraged !”

Johnson has recommended the establishment of a School Sexual Predation Investigative Committee to further probe the matter.

Windies relishing NZ conditions after Zimbabwe labours: Law

Head coach Stuart Law conducts throw-downs to batsman Shai Hope during a training session yesterday.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – Head coach Stuart Law is expecting a tough challenge from the Black Caps in the upcoming two-Test series but believes the conditions here will still favour the West Indies brand of cricket, as they look to spring a surprise on the home side.

The Caribbean side are coming off a 1-0 win over minnows Zimbabwe in a similar two-Test series earlier this month in Bulawayo but nevertheless struggled on the low, slow wickets there.

With the bouncier pitches in the southwestern Pacific expected to provide better surfaces for stroke-makers and seamers, West Indies are confident of lifting their performances.

“The series win against Zimbabwe was in difficult conditions, really slow, low pitches.

Didn’t really suit our style of play but we’re

looking forward to the wickets we get here in New Zealand,” Law told reporters yesterday.

“They’re a very aggressive team, they love playing aggressive cricket. Our boys are really looking forward to that challenge.

It’s very similar to what we faced in the UK earlier in the year as well. We didn’t win the series but we won the second Test match and we made great strides, which is what we’re trying to do.”

Law said resurgent seam bowler Kemar Roach and speedster Shannon Gabriel had found life difficult on the flat pitches in Zimbabwe, with even leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo struggling with the slowness of the turn.

With the two Tests here scheduled for the Basin Reserve in Wellington from December 1 to 5 and at Seddon Park in Hamilton from December 9 to 13, Law said his bowlers

were relishing the chance to exploit these surfaces.

“They are looking forward to these conditions that will probably suit the way they want to play better,” he pointed.

“Normally in New Zealand, they back their quicks and their batters to play on wickets that have a bit in it. It’s a bit more of a contest between bat and ball which not only livens up the game of cricket but also promotes good skill and better learning.

“We’re not expecting them (pitches) to be flat roads; we’re expecting wickets that have a little bit of life in them. That’s what we’re looking forward to.” “(The pitches) are going to help our bowlers more than the ones in Zimbabwe did, playing in Bulawayo. Hopefully the ball does bounce above knee height and gets through to the wicketkeeper on the first

bounce,” Law laughed sarcastically.

“But we’re prepared for any sort of conditions. Traditionally here they do have a little bit more grass on the pitches than most places around the world and we look forward to that.”

West Indies touched down here Tuesday following a preparation camp in Australia and underwent their first training session yesterday in cool 20 degrees Celsius conditions.

The side are preparing for their only warm-up game of the series, a three-day fixture against New Zealand A in Hamilton starting Saturday, and Law said the Windies were in good spirits.

“We’re fully here and appreciative of the opportunity to come here and play New Zealand as well. We’re here fully fit, so looking forward to get cracking.”