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ISSUE NO. 45

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 14,2011

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

Assistance available for Guyanese amid IIS immigration fears ^ uyanese Ambassador to the United States of Amcr-

the laws of the land.

â&#x2013; -^ica, Dr. Riyad Insanally has called on all Guyanese

"We are advising them to do

to play their part in staying within the confines of

just that, and if we can help with paper work, we will do that." The

US law amid fears of deportation during the country's sweep of illegal immigrants. The Ambassador has also an-

Guyanese representative said that

nounced that services are available from the Embassy and

persons are also being advised to seek legal advice on any immigra-

the Consulate General's office in New York regarding im-

tion matter regarding their various

migration concerns.

The Ambassador, while in Guyana taking part in a five-day

concerns. He said that the Conthat, "There is a bit of uncertainty,

sulate General can help to some de-

and a bit of panic in certain quar-

gree.

Heads of Missions Conference, ex-

ters."

plained that he had not received any reports about unfair treatment

He said, "We have been advising our people to make sure their

Besides this. Ambassador Insanally has reported that his office

meted out to Guyanese since action

papers are in order. If they need to

has not received any complaints about unfair treatment meted out to

started against illegal immigrants living in the United States.

get anything regularized, they can

Guyanese. "What I can tell you

come into the Embassy or the Con-

ByZEm HENRY

sulate General in New Yprk and get their papers regularized."

quite safely is that the deportations that were taking place before, we

He noted however that there

That Ambassador Insanally

are concerns amongst some sec-

said for example, if someone is a

tions of the Diaspora about whether they are at risk or whether people

permanent resident and eligible for their citizenship, then they can go

would be rounde- up, and that there

ahead and get the process done.

would be mass deportation.

The Ambassador pointed out

The Ambassador said that citizens must remember to abide by

Who

some sections of the Guyanese Diaspora regarding the assistance it was promised by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change Coalition during their election campaigns ahead of the 2015 general elections.

However,

haven't seen a significant increase in deportation since then."

Insanally said too that

is expected that Guyanese will be

Guyanese agencies in the US are

"We expect that our people

also staying alert to any possible infringements on the rights of

are entitled to due process, that their rights will be respected as re-

Minister

of

Foreign

Affairs,

Carl

Greenidge has explained that while the government has seen some success with persons and groups overseas, they are still experiencing problems as to who the real representatives are.

The Diaspora challenge is a big one, Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle (NY) during an interview with reporters at the conclusion of the five-day heads of mission conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel last week.

Minister Greenidge indicated that in creating a bridge between Guyana and its countrymen abroad, it was noticed that some sort of representation must be made on behalf of the Diaspora since there are many individuals and groups presenting themselves on behalf of the people.

"Who are the Diaspora?"

Greenidge questioned. "Yes you have 70,000 Guyanese in the United Kingdom and thousands in the

United States, but who represents them? Is it just somebody who comes along and says I represent the Diaspora? So representation is an issue and everybody believes they are the legitimate representatives."

To tackle this issue, the Foreign Affairs Minister believes that there must be an inventory of the Guyanese arms abroad. He said that for now, interactions with the Diaspora is "reasonably random, unless we have an extensive database of all of them and maybe get them to vote to something."

What currently exists is too "ad hoc" the Minister notified.

Another issue Minister Greenidge raised was that persons

treated fairly.

Guyanese. Insanally said based on

spect must be shown for the laws

discussions with US authorities it

of the US."

represents

There have been expressions of disappointment by

Guyanese Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to theOrganisation of American States (OAS) Riyad Insanally.

the

Diaspora ?

from the Diaspora are seeking employment with the government, "but people want jobs running the Diaspora ... and that is our biggest problem."

t

Greenidge said that the Guyana government recognizes that the Diaspora is a priority, and continues to work on a way to strengthen relationships.

Greenidge said during the conference, discussion were held on public diplomacy, and this topic featured extensively on how the Diaspora could be incorporated in and contribute to all types of exercises in areas such as image building and skills management among others.

Greendige said too that the areas noted did not form part of the recommendations that came out of the Report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but the government must now incorporate this.

Outside of this, the Minister made it clear that his ministry is not always responsible whenever members of the Diaspora interact with government ministries. Greendige said that there are ministries dealing

V

VP and Foreign Affairs Minister CARL GREENIDGE with the Diaspora and the Diaspora assumes it is the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

"You have a set of ministries that deal with the Diaspora and out (foreign affairs) job is, at this point in time, is to coordinate it, but Cabinet has to endorse who it wants to do what."

When this is done, Greenidge said that government would be better able to interface with the Diaspora.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

3

President meets UNSG's Personal Representative on border controversy THE United Nations Secretary General's Personal Representative on the Guyana - Venezuela border controversy, Ambassador Dag Halvor Nylander has arrived here and met with President David Granger last evening at State House.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency confirmed that Mr Nylander and his delegation met with the President and other government officials; however details pertaining to the discussion were not revealed by the Ministry.

It was noted that other members of the high-level delegation were Mr. Guillermo Kendall of the UN Department of Political Affairs. Mr. David Hutchinson from the UN Olfice of Legal Affairs and Mr. Juan Jeannet-Acre from the Policy and Mediation Division in the Department of Political Affairs. They were accompanied by acting UN Resident Coordinator and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Director. Mr. Martin Odiit.

Accompanying the President at the meeting, were Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Carl Greenidge; Minister of State. Mr. Joseph Harmon; Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela Guyana's.

Ambassador Cheryl Miles;

Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Audrey Waddell; foreign policy expert. Sir Shridath Ramphall; in the role of Advisor and Legal Consultant. Professor Payam Akhavan.

Mr. Nylander. a Norwegian Diplomat, was ap-

spends to the first phase of that plan, which is basically to listen to the two parties."

But although Guyana had been calling for a settlement through the Netherlands-based International Court of Justice (ICJ). President David Granger had said that the appointment of

engage the UN through confidence-building measures, while at the same time, doing whatever is possible to advance the process to enable the SG to make a decision about the juridical course of action requested by the country.

Mr. Nylander will con-

k

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c' =/ i President David Granger (right) in discussion with UN representative in the Guyana - Venezuela border controversy, Ambassador Dag Halvor Nylander during a meeting at State House, as other officials look on pointed by the UN's Secretary-General (SG). Antonio Guterres in February of this year to facilitate the Good Officers Process in brokering a deal to settle the border controversy between the two neighboming states.

Last week. Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN. Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow disclosed

Exxon AMERICAN oil giant ExxonMobil is taking more of a backseat with exploration and is now gearing up to shift gears towards production.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Exxon will soon utilise the services of Rod Henson, currently based in Argentina and specialising in the production phase of the oil operation.

Henson is expected

that Mr. Nylander would visit Caracas before visiting Georgetown. Ambassador Ten-Pow had explained that this was because the UN envoys in previous missions would have visited Georgetown before going to Caracas. "I think in previous missions of the UN. they came

first to Guyana and then to Venezuela. Now this time it's going to be Venezuela first, followed by Guyana." he noted.

The Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN said too that the Nomegian Diplomat's visit forms part of his plan of action.

"He has a plan of action, and this first visit corre-

Ambassador Nylander is a positive move.

"We are confident that the appointee can do his job and we will abide by the Terms of Reference and the conditions that have been laid down by the United Nations' Secretary-General." the President had said.

The President noted too that Guyana will continue to

production

to take over from current Country Manager, Jeff Simons, who has been heading the local exploration. The company's Public and Government Affairs Senior Director, Kimberly Brassington, confirmed the new level of operation and change in management.

She explained that Henson would be the new country manager taking the oil giant into

the production phase.

According to Brassington, Henson would commence work, "on or around May 1," while Simons is expected to remain as part of the transition exercise.

Exxon has said oil production should commence by 2020. In the meantime, preparation for production will be on the way.

"We start production

duct the Good Offices Process on behalf of the UN Secretary-General. Antonio Guterres, and will actively engage the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela with a view to exploring and proposing options for a solution to the border controversy.

If. by the end of 2017. the Secretary-General concludes that no significant progress

team

in 2020, but leading up to that, there will be a lot of activities. Around 2019, we will see a lot of movement... people coming and going." ExxonMobil has already applied for production license from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and has submitted its production plan.

Only last month, the oil giant reported success drilling the Snoek

has been made toward arriving at a lull agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request of him to refrain from doing such.

Mr. Nylander was the Nomegian Special Envoy to the Colombia peace process (2012-2016) and served as Nonvay's Head of Mission in Bogota. Colombia (20062008). Mr. Nylander was a delegate of his country before the United Nations in New York (2001-2004). and at the Nonvegian Embassy in Buenos Aires. Argentina (1999-2001).

The border controversy, which dates back to the early 19th century, escalated in 2015 after a significant oil find was announced in an offshore concession granted by Guyana.

Venezuela claims that the area being drilled is in disputed waters, while that country has also laid claims to Essequibo - a county which constitutes two-thirds of Guyana.

A ruling had been made on the disputed territory in 1899 in favour of Guyana and although Venezuela had representatives at that meeting, the President of that country, Niolas Maduro, in 2015, declared the ruling null and void.

moving

well, confirming another discovery in the Stabroek Block.

Before that, they confirmed success at their Payara well; the second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, following the Liza discovery. Exxon has noted that the Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Lim-

in

ited holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

It was reported last year that exploratory wells off Guyana discovered a "world-class" reservoir with possibility of 1.4 billion barrels of oil.

4

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017 — k

k

m

-- «

0 Things

9^

in Things hard in Guyana. That is the cry of many back in the homeland. Some say the government is incompetent

and

hard

like

the

policies

and

measures they are introducing.

The government has tirelessly defended however that things are currently the way they are in the country because a legitimate economic environment is being created for sustainable growth. They have charged that a parallel economy, like an old man's walking stick, is what was bracing the country.

The charges of corruption, misappropriation of public funds and assets among others still stand against the former government. This has fueled an underground economy or what was described as a parallel economy.

A quick Google search highlighted a parallel economy as being based on the black money or unaccounted money made in a country. It can be defined as the money that is generated in an economy by activities that are kept secret, in the sense that these are not reported to the authorities. As such, this money is also not accounted to (the fiscal authorities i.e., taxes are not paid on this money).

It is also money that enters the economy undetected, so even if the country itself is not doing well, the fake economy is playing its part.

There are more cons to this economy because it means big loss in the taxrevenues for the government. On a moral ground, beneficiaries of the black economy benefit from all public

services and facilities like ordinary citizens, despite not paying their fair share.

The fake economy also promotes money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Guyana!

Agency (DEA) stationed themselves at the US embassy in Georgetown. No one also knew when and what types of contracts were being signed and the terms of same.

New businesses and more money was being made, but seemed to be going around in a particular circle, all the while secret money was being made. A parallel economy is the feature of a lawless state, so it is only nat-

t

In Guyana's economy no one knew when the drugs were making its way in and out until members of the United States' Drug Enforcement

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hard

ural that some persons holding positions would engage in lawless acts like the Ministry of Health Medication Distribution Unit being in collusion with suppliers to help them win bids.

The entire department had to be shaken up and the head removed.

Public servants still engage in a number of rackets in every sector, having their relatives bid for contracts, creating fake businesses and having a front bid on their behalf. A lot of persons were also dodging their responsibilities to pay taxes; individuals, organisations etc. The government had found for example, that Berbice was the least tax compliant in the entire country but refused to make that public for backlash from the PPP as an attack on their stronghold areas.

Currently, health officials, also in Berbice, Eire complaining that patients Eire cheating the health system by trying to attain more medication than

they need because of fear due to claims of drug shortages.

Outside of that, Central Bank Governor, Gobin Ganga had to call on business people to stop hoarding the US currency and costing Guyana's currency to depreciate. It was explained that amidst concerns of a slow economy, business people are not spending their US dollars, thus causing the exchange rate to increase.

A lot of once thriving clothing businesses, clubs and sports bars have gotten as we Guyanese say "soft".

Some have already closed down and have their buildings up for sale while others are on a visible decline. Those claiming to understanding the workings of the parallel economy say that all fake businesses, (that were washing money) will also die with the fake economy.

The statement has been said that the APNU+AFC government may be in government, but they are not in power. That is because the sectors have been infiltrated and government does not enjoy certain levels of influence.

There have also been some utterances from leading commentators that some of the activities such as the hoarding of US dollars may be a deliberate act by loyal businessmen who rose to success or increased success under the previous government.

They claim that even in the supply of medication, it could be considered to be a deliberate act in helping to fuel the shortage when suppliers fail on their contractual obligations and then government have to source the drugs locally at a higher cost. The double whammy is finding out that the pharmacy is owned by the same guy who failed to supply the medication initially.

It is easy to see therefore why Guyana is hard; new policies and its enforcement, the activation of existing laws and a recovering economy at a time when the nation longed for change and betterment. What is unfortunate with this situation is the strain citizens may face during the correction process.

Guyana Sprouts wishes all its readers both in Guyana and the Diaspora and its Internet Connection "A Happy and Fruitful Easter."

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

5

The Handel

Tilings

That

Botlisr

Ms

Andrews Column

Jesus9

Crucifixion

The most joyful significance of Easter is that Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection makes salvation possible. Which is more important, Jesus' death or his resurrection? Both are of equal importance and cannot be separated. Without Jesus' death, we have no hope of God's forgiveness and without his resurrection, there is no hope of eternal life.

CRUCIFIXION INCONSISTENCIES A careful reading of the canonical gospels' account of Jesus' death reveals inconsistencies.

The cross: The gospels disagree over who carried the cross. Matthew (27:32), Mark (15:21) and Luke (23:26) state that Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' cross.

However, John (19:17) says that Jesus carried his own cross to Golgotha.

The two thieves: Before proceeding, I wish to note that the Romans did not crucify thieves. However, the Gospels' narratives are not consistent in telling the story of the thieves on the cross. Matthew (27:39-44) says that the two thieves, who were crucified with Jesus, taunted him.

Luke says that the one who mocked him was rebuked by the other (Luke 23:3940).

Vinegar or Wine: Here again, the Gospel writers disagree. Mark (15:23) describes the drink given to Jesus on the cross as wine mixed with vinegar.

Matthew (27:48) and Luke (23:36) say it was vinegar. John (19:29) states that Jesus was given vinegar upon hyssop on a sponge. The gospel writers, except John, say that Jesus did not drink what was given to him.

Time of crucifixion: This aspect of the crucifixion meets with no general agreement among the Gospel writers. Mark (15:25) states that Jesus was crucified on the third hour. Matthew and Luke do not state a specific time. However, John (19:14-15) says that he was crucified on the sixth hour.

SYMBOL OF THE CRUCIFIXION A man has not always been the symbol of the crucifixion. At first, "Christian art represented a lamb, and not a man, as suffering on the cross for the salvation of the world. Neither the paintings in the Catacombs nor the sculptures on Christian tombs pictured a human figure on the cross. Everywhere a lamb was shown as the Christian symbol â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a lamb carrying a cross, a lamb at the foot of a cross, a lamb on a cross. Some figures showed the lamb with a human head, shoulders and arms, holding a cross in his hands."

It was Pope Hadrian 1 (772-795 ACE) who, at the close of the eighth century, "confirmed the decrees of the 6th Synod of Constantinople held almost a century earlier and commanded that thereafter "the figure of a man should take the place of a lamb on the cross."

This begs the question, if Jesus, a man, was crucified on a cross, why was a lamb depicted? Because he was also the lamb

and Resurrection

spect to who visited Jesus' tomb, when the visit occurred and what happened when Jesus appeared before his disciples.

VISITING THE TOMB Matthew states that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (no surname was given) visited the tomb "at the end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn" (Matthew 28:10). Mark adds Salome to the visiting party (Mark 16:1). Luke says that the women who visited the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary, the mother of James and other women." (Luke 24:10). John locates only Mary at the tomb (John 20:1).

JESUS' APPEARANCE Luke says that the disciples were frightened when Jesus appeared before them

God (John 1:29; John 1:36).

The sacrifice of lambs was important in the religious lives of Jews. In Exodus 12:29, God instructed the Israelites in Egypt to use a lamb as a sacrifice on the night that He struck down every firstborn child of every household. He said that when He saw the lamb's blood on the doorframe of a house, He would "pass over" that home and not permit "the destroyer" to enter.

Paul establishes a relationship between the Israelites' Passover lamb and Jesus. "For even Christ, our Passover is sacrificed for us." (1 Corinthians 5:7) It was, therefore, altogether fitting iWl for a lamb to have been the image on the cross for Jesus. m JESUS' RESURRECTION The glorious resurrection of Jesus tl JJ / CJ, is the basis of Christian faith. In St. Paul's words, "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain (1 Corinthians 15:14.) In this discussion, I will discuss certain inconsistencies in the Gospels' narrative of this event.

INCONSISTENCIES IN THE BIBLICAL RECORD There are glaring inconsistencies in the resurrection narrative with re- One of the earlier symbols of the crucifixion i \

(Luke 24:36); but John reports that they were happy (John 20:20).

Some apologists try explaining this discrepancy by saying that Luke omitted the disciples' happiness, because he was more concerned with their initial reaction, whereas John omitted the initial fright, because he was more interested in the disciples' reaction after they were convinced that it was indeed Jesus. Neither explanation is satisfactory and the reader must draw his/her own conclusion.

ANOTHER RISEN SAVIOR? Sceptics argue that Jesus' resurrection was patterned after other resurrected Deities. The writers of the Synoptic Gospels were doing so against a backdrop of Greco-Roman and other literature which described risen god-men.

If the gospel writers aimed to acclaim their Saviour as equal or superior to those deities, they should have had to present him with their "risen" quality, a sign of divinity. Was this the case?The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors (chapter 19),

by Kersey Graves, the controversially brilliant 19th Century American writer, asserts that Jesus' resurrection was one of many resurrections. "Quexalcote of Mexico, Chris of Chaldea, Quirinus of Rome, Prometheus of Caucasus, Osiris of Egypt, Atys of Phrygia, and "Mithra the Mediator" of Persia, according to their respective histories, rose from the dead after three days' burial."

Graves's examples are supported by history. However, the fact that other deities were resurrected does not prove that (continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017 ion Clamping' allects people 'psychologically'

I ditor In ( hiil Nigel Williams Fdilor Godfrey Wray Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com unigclKV hotmail.com gnnli-ditorial^ gniail.com For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our New York Representative: Dennis A. Nelson dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.coni Tel: 917-379-6590

(Etitodal

Tackling

street

crimes

THE euphoria of the media's headlines screaming of the Guyana Police Force capturing a mastermind of the myriad bank-related robberies seems to have subsided into a profoundly sad whisper of hope.

Every day the bandits get bolder. Every day they enter the barbarous arena at a younger age. And now young women are vying for their places in the conscious-less milieu.

They are all bound by the quest to join the nouveau riche without having to expend one iota of sweat. Families are aware of their relatives" way of life and they subliminally endorse same with entreaties such as: 'Try bring back a raise...! ain't got nothing to cook."

According to the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, a ringleader who was recently captured was deeply involved in robbing customers leaving commercial banks. He admitted to being a facilitator for his group, providing them with firearms and the ubiquitous CG motorcycles.

Since then the man has been charged, bail has been posted, and he is somewhere out there honing his craft to better his modus operandi.

It's frustrating. There must be a way of keeping repeat offenders behind bars. Although many bank-robbing groups have been dismantled, the robbers pompously taunt the cops with the refrain: "Shooting me is a waste Another Rasta gun take mi place."

There was a time when the belief was that bank tellers were co-operating with the robbers, but that theory went out of the window with the accuracy of victim-spotting inside the bank and the relentless pursuits afterwards.

A special police squad has to be set up along with

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;APNU councillor tells parking meter representatives

By Telesha Ramnarine A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) Councillor,Monica Thomas on Wednesday said she is against clamping vehicles found in breach of the parking meter regulations as this largely affects people negatively, even psychologically.

She was sharing her views on the parking meter project at a consultation meeting that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) called in response to Government's suspension of the project for three months, and its request to the M&CC to consider a number of questionable clauses in the contract.

"It (clamping) affects people psychologically because it's not something Guyanese are accustomed to.

It has a very negative effect on people and I think that's why a lot of people didn't support it. It is harsh. No one wants to be in chains if I can use that term figuratively," said Thomas, who then suggested that other means of enforcement be looked at.

Although supportive of the project, Thomas is of the view that the public needs to be more informed about it. In fact, she charged that there should be more public involvement in everything that City Hall is doing.

Councillor Ron Persaud called for a copy of the original contract to be produced and urged councillors to roll up their sleeves and take to the streets so that they can sell the project in a way that would result in more people being satisfied with the terms.

At yesterday's meeting, councillors were still not in

m W

D

Hg: f â&#x20AC;˘t _ 1 The parking meter discussion in full swing on Wednesday possession of the contract between M&CC and Smart City Solutions (SCS), the company that was granted the concession to install the meters.

People's Progressive Party (PPP) CouncillonBishram Kuppen similarly asked that the contract be produced and offered that a mere amended document, which was given to councillors, would not suffice.

Kuppen, who noted that the terms of the contract were "overwhelmingly" in favour of SCS, said councillors should have been afforded the opportunity to leisurely review the contract.

He pointed to the fact that parking meters do not necessarily have to be installed in the entire City, and that the City Council itself was contributing to congestion by allowing vendors to overcrowd the streets.

UNACCEPTABLE Kuppen said the aggressiveness of the enforcement aspect was unacceptable, the penalties were too harsh and the fees too high.

strengthened security in and around all the banks. The members must be trained as spotters and equipped with electronic gadgetry to relay precise information.

It is no longer guess work. The well-dressed man (and sometimes woman) enters the bank, joins a line and takes time to recce. As soon as a victim is spotted collecting a large amount of cash, the spotter exits the bank and gives a signal.

The sleek CG motor cycle moves to pick up the pillion rider and together they zero in on the victim.

Time and distance mean nothing. They have done this countless times. And the gun in the rider's waist has 'real" bullets. We cannot remain dinosaurs in this fastpaced world, out-paced and out-manoeuvred. Crime and violence are at a near crisis level in these parts. Mr Commissioner, while people must desist from travelling with large sums, the trained policemen could put a heavy dent in the bandits" operations.

Another PPP Councillor,Khame Sharma,voiced his disappointment that a copy of the original contract was not made available to councillors.

"I take umbrage to the fact that we have not seen the contract. Where is the contract? You (the mayor) yourself said there is nothing to hide. The due process was not followed and so how can we support and vote on a contract we have never seen and pemsed?"

Sharma was chided by Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King for making the statement that businesses have experienced a drop in sales and that the City is facing an economic downturn.

Chase-Green and King wanted to expunge Sharma" s remarks from the records because they said he produced no evidence to support his claims.

Councillor Welton Clarke stood up to say that if the Council allows this contract to go, anvlhing else it comes up with in future will be protested.

"We have to pay a price for improvement. If we are not firm, they will take advantage of City Hall," he stated.

Member of the Finance Committeejunior Garrett noted that the City Council cannot ask for a 50/50 share because it is not putting anything into the initiahve.

'This will have a serious impact on investors" confidence in Guyana if this contract is scrapped. For just a couple of days, we were able to collect over $600,000."

Garrett offered that the project reduces pollution, improves security on streets, and saves time and gas searching for parking.

Other councillors who contributed to the meeting included Heston Bostwick, Sophia Whyte, Oscar Clarke, and Ivelaw Henry.

The mayor ended the meeting by asking the town clerk to ensure that all councillors are given a copy of the original contract and she also did not object to a suggestion that a new team be formed to negotiate the contract.

Evidence has shown that crime has its genesis in the society and its growth and pattern need to be addressed not only through applying crime-solving methods, but also putting in place preventive measures, which take on board a scientific approach in gathering and analysing data. It is within this context that our approach to crime and crime-fighting can engender positive results and societal development. Crime speaks to a violation of the laws. Equally, crime cannot be fought by committing crimes and this is why it becomes important to recognise that the upholding of laws is hinged on crime-fighting and development.

When a nation accepts crime as destructive, regardless of the socio-economic and political standing of the perpetrators and is prepared to treat all equally before the law, it creates the desire to put systems in place to address crime in an holistic manner.

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.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

7

A view from New York The WITH MICHAEL DEREK ROBERTS robertsconsulting@gmx.com * (347) 279-6668

Death

And

Love

Fifty-nine Tomahawk missiles rained down on an obscure Syrian air- ian war machine in tact and did not debase ordered by an American President that just 30 days ago told the grade in any impactful degree Assad's world that helping Syrian refugees fleeing a deadly civil war and a ability to continue to prosecute this ruthless butcher named Assad, were of very little consequence to him. Then, nasty little war. the man had a change of heart after he saw photos of some dead children.

Then when people started to quesBombs away! And Senator John McCain reflex war drooling went into over- tion President Trump's reasons for this drive. While President Trump could not muster the crocodile tears thing, grandiose but nil effectiveness in the perfected by Bill Clinton, he did say, in a kind of Trumpian gibberish that scheme of things Syrian, the man then he was sorry for the children. Me? I don't believe that one whit.

You see the first casualty of the said this of Assad: "Do we In the aftermath of the much Trump Administration is truth. Today, think he's a hindrance? Yes. media promoted "message strike," there are "alternative facts," "fake Are we going to sit there and news" and other Orwellian doubles- focus on getting him out? the evidence is clear" apart from peach all designed and purposely No." Was she lying? What's the $60 million price for the missile crafted to stab truth in the gut. Lies are the policy here? blitz that the American people will the new truths, delivered glibly, easily In the aftermath of the pick up, nothing much was accomand often to a populace so manipulated much media promoted "mesand controlled as to be mindless zom- sage strike," the evidence is plished. That's because the Rusbies. Welcome to Trump's World 2017. clear" apart from the $60 sians moved their assets from the Its not that from the United States million price for the missile base after being warned of the atPresident on down continue to have an blitz that the American peotack by the United States and you adversarial relationship with truth and ple will pick up, nothing facts, but it is the nonchalance and un- much was accomplished. could bet your bottom dollar that caring way that they cavalierly just toss That's because the Russians they in turn tipped off the Syrians. around easily diserned falsehoods. moved their assets from the The attack did not target Syria's air Today, I'm convinced that the foetid base after being warned of defenses meaning that this public smell of truth's rigor mortis in Wash- the attack by the United ington seeps across the city until it has States and you could bet relations stunt carried out for now poisoned the political climate and your bottom dollar that they political reasons and to portray what's left of anyone's reputation. in turn tipped off the Syrians.

Trump as tough, left the Syrian From supine and sycophantic congres- The attack did not target war machine in tact and did not sional leaders, administration yes-men Syria's air defenses meaning (and women), ethics lawyers and that this public relations degrade in any impactfid degree America's hitherto moral leadership, stunt carried out for political Assad's ability to continue to prosTrump has taken less than three months reasons and to portray ecute this nasty little war.

Trump as tough, left the Syrto infect them all.

Trump's Syrian escapade is a study in falsehoods, political conmanism and how this administration continues to "play the American people."

Listen to the United States' erstwhile commander-in-chief: [I authorized] "a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched." Good so far.

No political fandango here. Ok, so why the attack in the first place? Because the President said he saw photos of dead children? Well, not really.

Trump's military people then explained the President's action by incredulously stating that the Tomahawk barrage was "to send a message."

Why am I surrounded by nuts, dolts and dunderheads? What unadulterated nonsense this is? Earth to Donald Bashar al-Assad will not cease his alleged murderous actions against his people because you just delivered "a message" via Tomahawk mail. How are sane people the world over supposed to believe there is any lucid strategy to Trump's actions? Here's where if gets really confusing. Only the week before the strike, Trump's zany UN ambassador, Nikki Haley,

r

#

c

Of War went off on blaming former President Barack Obama for the war with some very confusing, even for Trump, rhetoric. You see, Trump now finds himself in a real bind due to the cumulative effect of lying and spin. For American presidents it used to be that telling the truth (or versions of it) was easy and expected. It was what American power and influence was built on — the word of the President of the United States. It was on this truth-telling that the world's greatest armed forces and richest economy was built.

So in the case of Syria and throughout history, when a foreign tyrant engaged in mass murder using any kind of means, including those that threatened global security, it used to be a simple thing for any United States presidential staff: tell the truth, with moral clarity.

Not so today. What we now have is a Trump White House that witnesses the horror of a chemical attack on Syrian civilians and without taking action dishonestly issues a scurrilous meme attacking a former United States President. On the heads of over 100 dead and the smell of putrid chemical gas lingering in the air of northern Syria, Trump and his White House created a confuffle to lay the blame on Barack (continued on page 22)

ft

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

UNITED AIRLINES TO INCREASE HOUSTON SUMMER FLIGHTS TO U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS NEW YORK — United Airlines will boost air capacity to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USM) this sununer.

Following talks with United Airlines executives in Chicago this week, USVI Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty reported the carrier will increase its frequency of flights from Houston to St. Thomas during the summer season.

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty, who attended the meeting with Governor Kenneth Mapp and members of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, said the daily flights will operate from June 8 to August 14 this year, an increase from four weekly flights last summer, "United is reporting strong demand for the U.S. Virgin Islands and we look forward to the additional lift to the Territory, " she said, noting that the airhne thanked the destination for offering a product that appeals to its passengers. The goal for the Houston-St. Thomas service is year-round flights.

In addition to daily flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, United Airlines will once again serve Washington Dulles International Airport with daily service to St. Thomas this summer, and extend its weekly Saturday service from Newark, N.J., to St. Thomas beyond the summer months, through September and October.

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty and Governor Mapp were in Chicago this week to meet with United Airlines executives, and to promote the Territory through a series of strategic meetings with travel industry partners.

The Commissioner met with Chicago-based meetings and event planners, local elected officials and influencers, and was later joined by the Governor to address Chicago-area journalists and editors from outlets such as The Chicago SunTimes, Ebony and PBS. According to the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research (BER), stayover visitor arrivals to the Territory in 2016 were up 4.3 percent compared with 2015.

St. Croix registered a 6.5 percent increase and St. Thomas/St. John was up by 3.8 percent.

For the first two months of the year, stay-over arrivals were up by 4.5 percent over the same period last year, with St. Thomas/St. John reporting a 4,4 percent increase in arrivals while St. Croix was up by 5.3 percent.

The Governor and Commissioner are currently in New York for additional meetings to drive awareness and increase visitors to the Territory.

For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Twitter (@USVITourism) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel - including on-line check-in - making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for nonU.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any

< -

r \

I

r

3 L U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp (left) with Darren Scott, United Airlines' Senior Manager for Latin America Network Planning in Chicago this week. foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Source: United States Virgin Islands

Department of Tourism Contact; Keisha Nelson +12018612056 keisha® marketplaceexcellence .com

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017 Fl TO How

(Christ Was B(Grayed And Murd

A Narrative By Michael Derek Roberts

A Chief Priest Of Jerusalem Recounts The Sordid Details and Political Intrigue I his is an essential lesson of how individuals in power react when their privilege is threatened. It is about human fickleTness, ego, greed and pride — and it is applicable to the year 2017. Indeed, little has changed since Christ walked the earth over 2,000 years ago. In this narrative I go into the mind of one of the Chief Priests of Jerusalem and attempt to reconstruct what might have happened during this First Easter Period and what motivated the political murder of Jesus the Christ.

It is a story of political conspiracy, fear and opportunism by a group of privileged people who saw a new, attractive revolutionary '■ philosophy finding great favor with the poor and oppressed in society. This new "Doctrine of Life" was preached by a man whose words and deeds threatened to upset the existing status quo and % vflv IJii I' IW the balance of power in that clearly defined society. In a series of political moves and counter-moves these priests forged alliances fered to betray Him, we saw our chance to get rid of this with a common oppressor to get rid of a common enemy. Such ishind Wc dld 'U1t ^n llax, c to pay tor this deed. Nobody troublemaker and rabble-rouser. The traitor's name was the political Lesson of the Easter Story. — MDR could see our hand behind the Judas, a man of Cheroth, and he was tired of all the talk "I have to talk about this thing. It's been on my con- plot and so the people blamed everybody else for John's about love and forgiveness. It was evident he hated Jesus science since we conspired as a group to get rid of this man death but us. We thought that Jesus and his followers would — perhaps not as much as we did — but he hated Him who was causing us so much trouble. I guess you can say just lose steam, but those crowds swelled to hundreds, thou- nonetheless. So our enemy became his enemy. For just 30 that I'm ashamed now; but he brought it on himself, the sands in some cases. We had to stop that man. pieces of silver he would hand Him over to us. It was a rabble-rouser. The man had a big mouth and he just would So we plotted His death for months. Are you sur- bargain. The plot began in earnest. Judas came very not stop stirring up the people and causing them to rebel prised? Does it disturb you that the ministers of the house cheap; we were rich and we could afford it. Besides we against us, to question our authority. I got so angry with of God would plan the execution of a rival? Don't be sur- could always say afterwards that it was not our plan to him that I just wanted him dead. I and the other so-called prised. On the surface we may carry ourselves with a dig- kill Jesus and blame it on Judas. We could even shed crocholy men. Everyone had blood in his eyes for that cocky, nified air, but we are not immune to the vengeful and odile tears and say just how we loved the man. That confident man who preached this doctrine of liberation for pitiful attitudes that plague our hearts. Let me put it would show the stupid, ignorant people that we Chief the poor unwashed people in the streets. He embarrassed bluntly: we wanted Him dead. We thirsted for Jesus' Priests were really a forgiving lot and the ministers of God all of us and was a real wise guy. on earth. For me the plan was perfect and the price of beblood.

My name is Khalid. My friends and I are the Chief He healed a man with a withered hand on the Sab- trayal would be money well spent.

Priests in Jerusalem. We've taken over the functions of bath; how dare He claim to be Lord of the Sabbath!? He We had just finished our meal when Judas knocked the temple, and, together with the scribes, we are the most came to Jerusalem and drove those who changed money on the door. He came directly from a room where Jesus powerful religious leaders. As the worshiped leaders of out of the temple, something we should have done our- and His followers were gathered. Judas told us that soon Israel, our authority is unquestioned. Everyone knows of selves. He made fools out of us. He taught in parables not they would leave that room and likely go out the Eastern our lineage. From the time of Aaron until now, we are always understood by the crowds, but we knew He was Gate to the Garden of Gethsemane. The clock was ticking, God's chosen vessels. His official ministers. We, and we talking about us. The man was throwing words at us. and the details of our Passover plot began to take shape. alone, represent the people to God. There is no room for Yes, our plot to kill Him had been in the works for a (continued on page 22) discussion on this subject, and we have no time for inter- long time. When one of His followers came to us and oflopers.

That's why this situation with Jesus riled us so much. His teachings disrupted the people, not to mention our temple practices. The man was a radical; the people should have had nothing to do with Him. There CA$H PAID FOR OLD RECORDS have been others before Him of course, but none as dangerous. We dealt with them swiftly and effectively.

Those that we could not convince to stop their rabInterested in all kinds of ANYTHING ... Reggae, blerousing and move on, we paid off, and when that records from Guyana, Calypso (no Soca), Gospel, failed we just simply had them killed. Of course, the Panama, Peru, Haiti, Brazil, poor ignorant people never knew this. What would Doo Wop, Blues, Latin, they have thought about their holy and pious leaders and all Caribbean Islands.

Jazz, & R&B. EXCEPT POP having blood on their hands and sanctioning murder?

But this Jesus was different. He attracted people WE BUY OLD RECORDS and they were becoming bold and highly critical of us. They challenged the laws that we made and they HOUSE CALLS MADE were even refusing to pay us our taxes. So the man V was threatening our very way of life. His followers Call CHARLIE were growing in numbers and becoming more militant in their belief that He was our long-awaited Messiah.

•MWe could not tolerate this threat to our authority. anytime @ Something had to be done, and we were the people to do it.

(516) 612-2009 AM HAMILTON Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene rather or e-mail: groupsound@aol.com quickly. The crowds were small when He was baptized HE LORD RHABURN COMBO O in the Jordan River by John, that non-conformist. And as you very well know we dealt with John. Ha! No more preaching from him. His head was served up on a silver platter and nobody suspected that we were be-

10

VAT

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

on

education

to

— President Granger THE 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private school tuition fees will remain for now until reviewed by the next budget in 2018!

Speaking on his weekly televised programme 'The Public Interest'. President Granger said school operators have been given the assurance that VAT on private institutions will be reviewed in the next budget.

He said the Government needs the revenue and the tax-based needs to widen but it must not appear to be a punitive measure.

The President explained that Government has to find $30B for education and these funds are sourced from taxation.

"We are asking people to be more patient, more

19,000

tolerant, we have committed to reviewing it and I would like to see it lowered." the head of state said.

He explained: "We have explained that we had to widen the tax base, there was widespread tax evasion. we need to collect taxation and that is how Governments work, once you see there is massive evasion and non-compliance. it then means that the Government work will be hampered."

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other Government officials, including Education Minister.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Public Telecommunications Minister.Cathy Hughes .recently met with private schools officials at the National Culture Centre.

f>

President David Granger The prime minister made it clear in a recent column that VAT was introduced in 2007 by the Bharrat Jagdeo Government. with wide application at the rate of 16 per cent.

He said while the minimum wage was frozen and

remain

increases were contained to an average five per cent annually. there was justifiable agitation for reduction of VAT to bring down the cost of goods and services.

But the Government held on to the 16 per cent, and refused to compromise.

It had argued that for every one percentage point that VAT was reduced the Government would lose $2.5B in revenues.

The prime minister said that as part of the sweeping tax changes advised by a Tax Reform Committee, the income tax threshold was raised to $60,000. which removed several thousands of wage-earners from the tax net and the rate of income-tax deduction was reduced to 28 per cent for persons earning up to $100,000 and one-third for persons earning more than that.

Besides, the minimum

gallons of illegal fuel

-smusslers on the run INSPECTORS of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), with support from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), conducted an operation in the Mahaica, East Coast Demerara area, which resulted in the seizure of 38 drums of illegal fuel.

According to the GEA. during the course of the operation, officers observed two boats.

Iff

linked together, containing several drums in the area of Helena Number One. The occupants of the vessels refused to comply with instructions issued by the officers for them to come ashore.and initially started to sail away. However, shortly after, they abandoned the vessels by jumping into the river and making good their escape. Efforts to pursue them proved futile.

for

wage and old age pensions were increased and public servants wages went up by 38 per cent.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said there are some 86 private schools in Guyana, many of them making huge revenues.

Fees range from between $144,000 and $300,000 annually. which do not include extra lessons, uniforms, books, coaching fees. etc.

The top eight among these private schools rake in fees estimated at over $2B annually.

In spite of the spirited agitation for withdrawal of the 14 per cent tax. only about one-quarter of the private schools are registered for and are VAT-compliant. and prior to 2017. some of these entities were refunded some $150 million in VAT. It was expected that the refunds would have been

seized

in

■

r

now

ploughed back into the school system, and resulted in reduced tuition fees, the Prime Minister reasoned.

Several private schools and some students have been clamouring for Government to reverse the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private tuition fees.

Dr Brian O'Toole. head of Nations University had told a consultation last Friday that the solution to the issue is "not to punish who pay tax" but to go after those who are not compliant.

He said 12 per cent of students pursuing the American Business Executive (ABE) programme at Nations have already dropped out of the programme in light of the increased fees following implementation of the VAT measure.

Mahaica

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A One of the two boats seized by GEA

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Some of the drums of fuel seized by GEA

Public Communications Officer. Taiwo Williams said in a statement that public spirited citizens assisted by swimming and pulling the boats ashore. Upon retrieving the vessels, it was discovered that there were efforts by the occupants to sink the larger of the two vessels. Thirty eight drums containing fuel were also discovered which is estimated to be 1.900 gallons.

She explained that field tests carried out by GEA's Inspectors revealed that the fuel was illegal as the marker concentration was

below the legal level. As a result, all 38 drums of fuel were seized along with both vessels, an outboard engine and a gasoline powered pump. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

"The GEA lauds the efforts of its Inspectors and Field Operation Coordinator for their diligence and commitment in managing the operation.

Thanks are also extended to the GRA and GPF for their support and partnership which aided in making the operation a success," she explained.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

11

"V\ N\ * o

*

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N My

Favorite

Recipes

PINEAPPLE PARFAIT WITH NUTS Ingredients:

3. Fold in crushed pineapple and chopped nuts. Chill to serve in parfait glasses.

1 tin evaporated milk 1 pkt. pineapple jello 1 cup hot water 15 ozs. crushed pineapple, fresh or tinned

N.B.: If fresh pineapple is used it must first be cooked.

V.

2 tbsps. crushed nuts Method: 1. Chili milk for at least 2 hours.

Dissolve pineapple jeilo crystals in hot water, add juice from tin of crushed pineapple and chill until partially set.

/2

2. Whip milk until doubled in quantity. Add jello and whip until thoroughly mixed.

THE BEST CURE FOR CONSTIPATION Sister Mary Katherine lived in a nunnery, a block away from Jack's liquor store.? One day, in walked Sister Mary K. and said, "Oh, Jack give me a pint o' the brandy."?"Sister Mary Katherine," exclaimed Jack, "I could never do that!? I have never sold alcohol to a nun in my life!"?

Oh Jack", she responded, "it's only for the Mother Superior."? Her voice dropped, "It helps her constipation, you know."?

So Jack sold her the brandy.?Later that night Jack closed the store and walked home.? As he passed the nunnery, who should he see but Sister Mary Katherine and she looked snookered.? She was singing and dancing, whirling around and flapping her arms like a bird, right there on the sidewalk.?A crowd was gathering.? Jack pushed through and exclaimed, "Sister Mary Katherine!?

For crying out loud! You told me this was for the Mother Superior's constipation!"?

Sister Mary Katherine didn't miss a beat as she replied, "And so it is.? When she sees me, she's gonna keep going and going and going!"

GENDERS REVEALED You may not know that many non-living things have a gender; Here are a few examples:

ITS

A

FAIT

by JAMES SYDNEY SILK DOES NOT GROW ON TREES .

.

.

SOJV4E ^JWCIEJSTTS BEEIEVE

How is silk made? Because Europeans in the early days did not know the answer to that question, they paid enormous sums of money to obtain this most beautiful of fabrics from China.

Chinese legend has it that around 4000 BC, Lei Zu, wife of the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, accidentally dropped a silkworm cocoon into her cup while drinking tea. By the time she removed it, the cocoon had dissolved into a mass of long smooth strands. Instead of throwing the strands away, she experimented with spinning the fibers into a thread. The result was the discovery of the new luxury fabric, silk.

While we cannot be sure of the details of that story, it is generally accepted that silk was invented in China, and there is archeological evidence proving that it was being cultivated in China as long ago as 3200 BC. Chinese farmers then already un-

derstood the biology of silkworms, and bred them selectively. They also cultivated the best mulberry leaves, the only food source of the silk worm. But all the processes remained closely guarded secrets for centuries.

The demand for silk and the resulting activities led to the establishment of the Silk Road, the great 7,000-mile trade route that once extended from China in the East to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the West. The Silk The product was however traded Road affected more than silk. It allowed freely. The Chinese exchanged silk with the exchange of other goods and moved | people, ideas and even reliI gions over great distances.

The world now knows • ^ J how to make silk. The secret could not be kept forever. Eventually, silkworm cocoons were stolen from China and transported to | Japan and to Europe where ■ X the silk industry became -4 worldwide.

While silk is produced in the wild by a variety of The Silkworm making silk. insects, commercial production is dominated by the Mulberry the Indians for precious stones and metals. The Indians traded silk with Greek Silk Moth, Bombyx Mori, raised under and Jewish merchants, who sold it to the controlled conditions of environment and nutrition.

Romans.

1) Ziploc Bags — They are Male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.

2) Copiers — They are Female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm them up again.

It's an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can wreak havoc if the wrong buttons are pushed.

3) Tire — Male, because it goes bald & it's often over-inflated.

4) Hot Air Balloon — Male, because, to get it to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under it, and of course, there's the hot air part.

5) Sponges — Female, because they're soft, squeezable and retain water.

6) Web Page — Female, because it's always getting hit on.

7) Subway — Male, because it uses the same old lines to pick people up.

8) Hourglass — Female, because over time, the weight shifts to the bottom.

9) Hammer — Male, because it hasn't changed much over the last 5,000 years, but it's handy to have around.

10) Remote Control — Female . . . Ha! You thought it'd be male. But consider this — it gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know the right buttons to push, he keeps trying.

The life cycle that produces silk begins as tiny pinhead-sized moths' eggs that hatch into gluttonous baby caterpillars. The caterpillars stop eating and start the production of their cocoons using a clear, sticky liquid that is forced out through spinnerets and hardens on contact with the air to form a continuous filament. They then metamorphose from caterpillars into moths and start the cycle all over again.

For silk production, only the cocoons are needed. Most moths are killed before they emerge, and only a small proportion are allowed to survive and mate to produce the eggs for the next round of production.

Each silkworm's cocoon is composed of one very fine, very long filament. Filaments are combined on a spinning machine with the filaments from a number of other cocoons, depending on the thickness required for the final thread.

Over the years, silk has been made into thread, clothes, and even rope. But the once thriving silk industry is not as great as it used to be. Synthetics and the labor-intensive nature of production have taken their toll.

Although China is still the world's leading producer, countries such as Japan, India and Italy are significant producers of silk.

In ancient times, the secrecy of the Chinese paid off. The Romans, believed the Chinese harvested silk from trees and looked no further.

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

XGDF

NEW YORK HOSTED

SERVICE

AND

CHURCH

RECEPTION

Alumni Association of America; as well as delegaNew York hosted former soldiers of the Women's tions from the Guyana ExArmy Corps (WAC) of the Guyana Defence Force, Police Association of t as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of America and Guyana Extheir unit.

Prison Officers of America.

The day's events commenced Loraine Foster, presently serving as Ex-Capt. Gwen Fredwith a church service officiated by GSOl, resplendent in her No. 2 ericks, who was one of the the Reverends Calvin Clarke (Pastor Dress uniform. From the New York original members of the of the Canarsie Community Re- political establishment, we were first intake in 1967, and formed Church in Brooklyn and graced with the presence of Mr. and rose through the ranks to Chaplain of the XGDF Association Mrs. Lyndon D. Williams, Legisla- become the first female of New York) and Rev. Linda Juene, tor of Westchester County, and rep- NCO to be commissioned, both ex-soldiers of the GDF. resentatives of State Senator travelled from Georgia to Every seat in the church was Roxanne Persaud and State Assem- celebrate (as did Linda occupied. Along with the female blwoman Michele Titus. Notable Darrell from North Carsoldiers and their families there was among ex-soldiers paying their re- olina) and set the tone for also a turnout of a variety of notable spects to the WAC veterans were Lt what turned out to be a joypersons among whom were Guyana Cols Fabian and Hartley Liverpool, ous day of remembrance Government Ministers, Ms. Volda and Capt Aubrey Featherstone ac- and thanksgiving.

Capt. Fredericks gave a Lawrence and Ms. Amna Ally, who companied by his wife Hazeline. took time out from a heavily sched- Various representatives of sister and brief history of the WAC, uled official visit to New York to at- affiliate oiganizations were also in relaying events from her charlie paparazzo: 917-589-9431 tend the service. Also visiting as an attendance including Ingrid Ifill of perspective, only as a sol111 official representative of the Guyana the Ex-Soldiers of Canada; Patrick dier could do ... delivering Lt. Col. Lorraine Foster presenting a 50 Defence Force (GDF) was Lt. Col. Stephens of the Queens College a most hilarious account of Anniversary Commemoration Medal to the trials, tribula- Ex-W/Capt. Gwen Fredericks. >1 liiHI-l tions and triumphs of her- expressed appreciation for her visit self and her squad-mates and expressed the hope that sooner who later became her rather than later, a female soldier charges and subordinates. would achieve the honor of being 9 After the Church Serv- appointed Chief of Staff of the A ice, the congregation was Guyana Defence Force.

At the reception different geninvited to the Wally Griffith Hall of the XGDF As- erations of WAC members mingled, sociation for a reception. caught up with old comrades, all in Lt. Col. Lorraine Foster of an atmosphere of light banter and the GDF took the oppor- reminiscence — especially for those tunity to present some of who departed.

The large contingent of male the female ex-soldiers with 50th Anniversary ex-soldiers present also had a wonCommemoration Medals derful time, but this day was set kindly issued by the Chief aside predominantly for the celebra(From left): Loraine Glasgow of Staff Brigadier Patrick tion of the achievements of the Lennox Pyle (President XGD West. In return the XGDF members of the Women's Army Tappin (Immediate Past Pres Association of New York Corps.

On Sunday, March 12, the XGDF Association of

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

Guyana PRESIDENT David Granger has announced that his government will be launching the Guyana Youth Corps on the January 1, next year.

The programme aims to provide employment and other opportunities for youths, particularly those who have dropped out of school.

The President made this announcement on Saturday. while addressing residents of Friendship Village.

Pomeroon River. Region Two. where he and Social Protection Minister. Amna Ally launched a kite distribution exercise.

The President also distributed books and other gifts to the children of the Makaseema-Kabakaburi community in the Upper Pomeroon and Friendship Villages in the Lower Pomeroon.

The Head of State urged parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society bodies to assist the Government to identify youths, who are in need of jobs, particularly those who may not have completed school, so that they can be enrolled in the Youth Corps when it is rolled out next year.

"I will do everything possible to help you to get jobs, but you must also

Youth

want to help yourselves." he said.

Noting that the role of citizens in economic development will be complemented by government in its role to create the enabling environment for economic activity. President Granger spoke of the vast agricultural potential of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

However, the President explained that farmers must be moved into the realm of agro-processing and adding value to their produce so that they can be competitive in the market place.

Corps set for January 1, into jobs that your young people need," President Granger said.

He also spoke of the Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLED) initiative. which the Govem-

nities along the Pomeroon River depend heavily on gasoline-generated electricity and the President urged them to look at more sustainable ways to generate energy, such as solar ener-

2018 launch

step towards equality.

This means that when a child comes out of the Pomeroon he or she must have the best possible opportunities to get a secondary education so they

every child goes to school, so we will keep on working to satisfy your needs." the Head of State said.

In an effort to combat delinquent behaviour in the community at Friendship.

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MOST PRODUCTIVE "The Pomeroon-Supenaam is one of the most productive agricultural zones in the entire country and perhaps the entire Eastern Caribbean... You produce over 44 million coconuts every year, you produce nearly half of the rice that Guyana produces and a quarter of the fish that we produce. So there is no reason for anyone in the Pomeroon-Supenaam to go hungry or go without a job. What we have to do is convert your agricultural wealth into money that you can put in your pockets and

13

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iZXi I President David Granger and Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally, being escorted into Kabakaburi Village by these children ment plans to extend so that youths from all across the country can provide a much-needed head start in their journey towards becoming self-employed and financially independent.

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gy. particularly since there is no shortage of bright sunshine on any given day in the Pomeroon.

He also committed to giving the Makaseema-Kabakaburi community, a solar panel to provide power for their community centre or boat landing. '"Cheap energy will help you to build a strong economy and a strong economy will help you to get employment and employment will help you to prosper in life." the Head of State told the resident.

Turning to the children, who were the main reason for his visit, the President spoke of the importance of education in eradicating inequality in Guyana, particularly in rural, hinterland and riverine communities.

VALUE EDUCATION "Education is important because it is the first

can go to the University of Guyana... Education will open that door and it is our duty as a Government, to make sure that children in every part of the country get equal opportunity and equal access to education and that is part of my mission," President Granger said.

He reminded the residents of the Pomeroon that the plight they were facing in getting their children to school on the coast was the driving force behind the Government's Boats, buses. bicycles plus breakfast and books (Five Bs) programme. which to date, has seen nine boats. 13 buses and hundreds of bicycles handed over to children all across the country.

"I was able to find out how people are living and what their needs are and so a lot of what directs my thinking.... What I have is a desire to make sure that

the churches" youth groups have come up with an initiative to organise sport activities.

This was disclosed by young community member. Boaz Roberts, who added that the formation of the Pomeroon Sports Club has resulted in an active membership of some 132 persons. In response. President Granger said that by July 1. his office will provide sport gear and equipment to the club to support their efforts.

After the President addressed the residents at each village and listened to their concerns and responded to their questions, he was assisted by Minister Ally in the distribution of kites to the children.

Minister Ally has been playing an integral role in the organising of these activities of this nature, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release.

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

15

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Government EQUITY in the delivery of public services and access to the country's resources continues to be a key focus of the current administration. Government has also been keen to emphasise empowerment and education as the key means of ensuring the good life for all Guyanese.

From the revival of local democracy through the hosting of Local Government elections, which allows citizens to partake in the administrative decisions governing their communities.

to the introduction of several initiatives that encourage education and entreprenemship. to the completion of several infrastructural projects throughout the country to help improve the lives of citizens, this administration continues to work to ensure that metal Guyanese have an equal stake in the nation's development, regardless of their geographic location.

Now. as the Easter celebrations are upon us and Government has embarked on its annual countrywide kite distribution exercise.

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ACCESS TO EDUCATION President Granger reiterated Government policy designed to transform Guyana into an 'education nation' as he believes that it is through education that all Guyanese can have the good life.

The President's push toward ensuring equal access to education is clearly seen through his flagship Boats. Buses. Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (Five Bs) Initiative, which to date, has seen nine boats. 13 buses and hundreds of bicycles handed over to children all across the country. At the kite distribution exercise at Parika. the President encouraged students to stay in school, as a sound education will allow them to access many opportunities in the future. "We believe in equality and if people are to be equal, the gateway to equality must be education." he said.

Regional Councillor for Region Three. Ms. Kathleen

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President Granger interacts jovially with one of the younger children from Murataro Village, Upper Demerara River

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PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER IN HIS OWN WORDS A ^ Youths are the ones with the imagination to innovate, to initiate and to investigate. They are the ones with the interest to communicate, to network, to exchange ideas through the new media. They have the intuition, they have the energy, and they have the passion to propel change to pursue their personal goals. They have the independence to explore and travel.

access

(Region Three) as well as Buxton, Lusignan and the Demerara River in the Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four). Before the end of Easter, he will visit communities in CuyuniMazaruni and Mahaica-Berbice.

providing kites for children to partake in the festivities.

President Granger has taken the opportunity to reach out to citizens to encomage them to become involved in the development of their communities and by extension. the country, through education and entreprenemship.

The President made visits to the Pomeroon River in the Pomeroon-Supenaan (Region Two), Wakenaam, Leguan and Parika in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara

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"We have been doing visits to communities to ensure that all our children, who are on our register are in school and we have major shake down exercises from time to time.

So I think the Regional Education Department is doing a fantastic job in ensuring every child in our Region is in school," she said.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP One of the President's main messages as he visits these areas is his Government's policy position on employment.

During his visit to Friendship Village in the Pomeroon River, the President announced his intention to re-establish the Guyana Youth Corps on January 1.

2018; an organisation, which will seek to provide employment and other opportunities for youth, particularly those, who have dropped out of school. The President urged parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society

bodies to assist the Government in identifying youth, who are in need of jobs, particularly those who may not have completed school, so that they can be enrolled in the Youth Corps when it is rolled out next year.

The President had first made this announcement in February at a graduation ceremony for the Youth Leadership Training Programme at the Madewini Training Centre. There, the President noted that due to a weakened education system over the past two decades, over 4000 children drop out of school every year in Guyana with a large percentage of students failing core subjects such as English and Mathematics at the National Grade Six level. This leaves many young people disadvantaged and unable to fully develop their potential.

The government has also pushed entreprenemship as the key toward generating wealth and ensuring that people are able to provide an income for themselves using skills and resomces that are available around them.

Government's push toward entrepreneurship can be seen in the establishment of initiatives such as the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Initiative; the Hinterland Em-

ployment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme; and the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). These programmes, since their establishment, have sought to equip young people with the requisite skills, knowledge and finance needed to become entrepreneurs.

AGRO-PROCESSING President David Granger's vision for the country is one, which involves a sustainable economy that can be achieved, in part, through great-

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er value-added production. Agro-processing has, therefore, remained a key part of the President's mantra in his visits to various communities across the country.

The President reiterated this call during his visits to the islands of Leguan.

Wakenaam and in Parika.

The President reminded the residents of both islands of Guyana's potential in the agricultural sector. Despite the potential for ago-processing and industry, unemployment remains high.

However, the Head of State believes that if residents tap into the agricultural opportunities and use that potential to create self-employment they can contribute to the economic development of the region and ultimately the country. He encouraged the residents to use the produce available to them and to add value to meet the demand for such products in Guyana and the Caribbean. "You can produce enough to make a good living to be rich and to provide for your children and grandchildren. I'm not saying there is no unemployment. I am saying it is possible to get good employment if you grasp education and grasp the means of employing yourself," he said.

District Community Development Officer. Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul said that

dlslrlbullon much focus is being placed on ensuring that the residents of the Region are trained in agro-processing.

"The aim of the Regional Administration is to stay within the ambit of what the President wants for the country and that is a good life for all." he said.

Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin has said that Guyana holds great potential for agro-industrial development, given its abundance of agricultural raw materials. As such, the President's push for persons to strengthen their agro-processing production is a good one, as it can be an effective means of economic growth and ensure an improved standard of living.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT In order for residents to function effectively in their communities, it is important that each community is equipped with basic services.

These services include the required infrastructure to provide ease of access to and from the communities as well as access to health, education and other facilities that aid in improving one's quality of living.

In the two years since this administration has taken up Office, millions of dollars have been plugged into infrastructural development in an aim to provide equal

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Wakenaam. These alternative sources of energy are easily accessible, and are cheaper than traditional forms of energy currently being used. As part of the Government's sustainable development thrust, the President has said that the country will transition towards renewable sources of energy.

The tenets of equal access, education, green energy, agro-processing and entrepreneurship are all interlinked, and therefore remain a constant in the President's message. The Head of State believes that once these practices are adopted, the country will be well on its way toward becoming a nation where every citizen can indeed enjoy the good life.

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TRANSITION TO GREEN ENERGY As Guyana transitions toward a 'green' State, much of the President's message has been geared toward encouraging residents to convert to renewable energy.

During his visit to the Pomeroon River, the President urged the residents who depend heavily on gasoline-generated electricity to look at more sustainable ways to generate energy such as solar energy. The same message was given to residents of Leguan and

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access, particularly in previously overlooked areas.

The President has said that ensuring that residents have access to these facilities is part of ensuring that Guyanese enjoy the good life. "We do not believe that your roads should be inferior, [that] your transportation should be inferior, that your schools should be inferior. That is why we are spending millions of dollars on sea defence and improving transportation on this island so that you must be able to move about, so that you must be able to get your paddy from the farms. You must be able to sell your produce in other parts of the island, the Region and the country. And we will continue working for you because every Guyanese is

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16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

The XGDF Association of New York, with Headquarters on Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park Queens, used the occasion of its annual Breakfast Morning on Saturday, April 1, to once again engage with the community by inviting the young Guyanese candidate contesting the seat in the 28th District of the New York City Council, Mr. Richard David, to attend and address the gathering. This visit was facilitated by XGDF member Patrick

nity such as ours, represented at all levels of government by persons of its own choosing. r

To register the association's support for the victims of a devas-

1

tating fire which occurred on Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill, Queens in March, the President of the XGDF Association of New York presented a donation to assist the victims to community activist Ms. Faudia Baijnauth, who was part of Mr. David's delegation.

Everyone expressed the hope

Stephens who introduced the

that the victims, especially the

special guest.

Mr. David in his address to the group, stressed the importance of having a large immigrant commu-

young children involved, would charhe paparazzo:

soon recover from this tragedy and move on to a secure and comfort-

XGDF members with NYC Council candidate Richard David and Ms.

able life.

Faudia Baijnauth.

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...26 road deaths, over 30 firearms seized THE Guyana Police Force has recorded a three per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of March 2017, relative to the same period last year.

Statistics released by the

force on Wednesday revealed that there was a 43% decrease in murder, with an 87% clear up rate; a 7% increase in robberies where no instruments were used, with a 7% clear up rate;

a 9% increase in robbery under arms where firearms were used, with a 28% clear up rate; a 12% increase in robbery under arms where other instruments were used by the perpetrators, with

a clear up rate of 27%; a 48% increase in robbery with violence, with a 57% clear up rate; a 30% increase in robbery with aggravation, with a 38% clear up rate ; a 9% increase in lar-

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ceny from person, with a 29% clear up rate; a 14% increase in rape, with a 33% clear up rate; a 2% increase in burglary, with a 32% clear up rate; and an 18% decrease in break and entering and larceny with a 27% clear up rate.

According to the statistics, 37 unlicensed firearms were seized, compared with 16 for the corresponding period. The firearms included 18 pistols, four revolvers, seven shotguns and eight rifles.

"The reduction of serious crimes though not significant, coupled with the large amount of illegal weapons seized and the number of persons arrested and charged with indictable offences, are positive indicators that the Police Force is gaining the public's trust and support in the fight against crime," a police release stated.

26 ROAD FATALITIES As it relates to traffic management, there was a 21% decrease in fatal accidents. Twenty six fatalities were recorded at the end of March 2017, compared to 29 for the same period last year.

According to the statistics, serious, minor and damage accidents have been reduced by 23.3%, 36% and 37%, respectively.

"Enforcement is continuous countrywide with special

emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded mini-buses and use of cellular phones whilst driving," the release noted.

It was noted that 17, 846 persons have been charged so far for this year with traffic violations.

TRAINING According to the police force, at present 274 recruits are in training at the various colleges in the three Counties. From January to March of this year, 35 officers and other ranks benefitted from overseas training in all aspects of policing including: Maritime Intelligence, Border Security, Crime Observation, Extortion, Cyber Crime, Immigration, Witness Protection Practitioners, Intelligence Gathering and Analysis and Human Trafficking.

It was noted that the Cops and Faith Conununity Network continues to be of significant assistance to the Force in their mandate.

In terms of Juvenile Offenders, they have so far dealt with 236 males and 139 females who have been spared the indignity of the Criminal Justice System, due to their intervention between the Complainants/Reporters, Victims and Police.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

17

some findings offorensic audits to be used to establish High Court cases

By Svetlana Marshall THE State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) is expected to hit the ground running once the legislation governing its operation is passed in the National Assembly.

The National Assembly is expected to pass the State Assets Recovery Bill today, which when assented to by the President will allow for the establishment of SARA - an agency aimed at recovering illicitly obtained state property or any connected benefit derived from the criminal conduct of a public official.

Chief Executive Officer of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). Aubrey Retmeyer on Wednesday told reporters that SARA will be using some of the findings of the forensic audit reports conducted under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration to establish a number of cases in the High Court.

"We have information that points to a number of individuals and some of them are clearly in those audit reports that were conducted shortly after the change of administration. Some of those cases will certainly lend to asset recovery." Retmeyer

said.

Forensic audits were conducted into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). the National Communications Network (NCN). the Guyana Oil Company (GUY-

interest of development.

According to him. for far too long the country has been losing vast sums of monies.

Procmement fraud, he posited accounts for $28-$38B. while illicit capital flight totals $90B annually. The

Affairs Minister. Basil Williams. who addressed reporters on the State Asset Recovery Bill at the AG's Chamber.

Head of SARU. Dr. Clive Thomas and the unit's Legal Adviser. Brian Horn were

one will be prosecuted...

There is nothing criminal about this bill." he emphasized. while stating clearly that its primary purpose is to recover properties of the State.

Under the bill, only

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From right to left: Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, SARD'S Legal Adviser, Brian Horn, Dr. Clive Thomas - Head of SARU, and its CEO, Aubrey Retmeyer OIL), and Atlantic Hotels Inc/Guyana Marriott Hotel, among others.

Retmeyer noted that while many countries address the issue of corruption by simply dealing with the corrupted officials. Guyana will be placing added attention on recovery of state assets in the

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underground economy, he added accounts for approximately $188B. "Now this magnitude of loss for any state like ours could not be sustained." he stated.

Retmeyer was a part of a team led by the Attorney General (AG) and Legal

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also part of the team.

In light of criticism by the Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP). the Attorney General made it clear that the bill allows for civil recovery proceedings and not criminal proceedings.

"No one will be arrested, no one will be charged, no

a High Court Judge may make civil recovery order, hi making its case in the High Court. SARA will have to prove on a balance of probabilities (the civil standard), that there was unlawful conduct by a public official or other person to the tune of $10M or more.

new Demerara

River

-Houston location proposed THE preliminary findings for the first phase of the feasibility study for a new Demerara River bridge have indicated that a three-lane design is up for deliberation since it would ease traffic flow in the area.

Last November, the government had announced that Lievense CSO will conduct the feasibility study for the new Demerara River Bridge.

Traffic Expert, Lievense CSO, Jacqueline Mouws making her presentation on the new Demerara River bridge feasibility study on Wednesday explained that though a twolane option would be cheaper, it would result in similar traffic congestion currently faced with the existing bridge. If one of the lane becomes inoperable then there will be a heavy buildup of traffic in the area, Mouws stated.

The Traffic expert, speak-

ing at a consultation on the feasibility study at the Pegasus hotel, further explained that with a four-lane bridge, there would be two lanes in different directions, which would provide more capacity. However, the amount of traffic that would travel with the four-lane structure would be too much for the road network, which would also lead to traffic snags. Therefore, "on a three-lane bridge you would have the option to do the double lane opening that you do now, but still make it possible for people to do the counter flow so you would have the same system as now, you would have a double lane opening. It's just that because you don't have to stop the traffic on the other side they can still drive over in the morning from the East Bank to the West Bank and you wouldn't get the block up that you have

now at the entrance of the bridge," Mouws explained.

The estimated traffic flow on the three-lane bridge include two lanes going from West Bank Demerara (WBD) to East Bank Demerara (EBD) in the morning and one lane going from EBD to WBD. In the evening there will be two lanes going from EBD to WBD and one lane going back from WBD to EBD. In the event of emergencies, there would still be more capacity to facilitate the traffic flow, Mouws added.

Additionally, Mouws highlighted that during the study it was also discovered that traffic on the bridge has increased significantly, especially since the economy is growing. Though this is a good thing, she said, it would require another road network.

During the day, the route where the current bridge is

"So the court is the final determinant." Minister Williams assured, noting that there is also provisions in the bill for injunctions and appeals to be made.

Dr. Thomas, in making brief remarks, said some people are in the business of making mischief to create the impression that the bill will empower SARU/ SARA or the Government to penalise persons for crimes committed.

"The issue of constitutional right to property, we are protecting 100 per cent, but you can't have a constitutional right to stolen properly." he posited.

Dr. Thomas noted too that the bill is in accordance with UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which states that each State party must "consider taking such measures as may be necessary to allow confiscation of property without a criminal conviction." Guyana had signed unto the Convention in April 2008.

It was noted too that the bill would have received the strong backing of the Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative, StAR- a joint United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) and World Bank.

Traffic Expert, Lievense CSO, Jacqueline Mouws making her presentation on the new Demerara River Bridge feasibility study located is plagued with heavy people moving up and down, it traffic therefore the Houston to doesn't significantly differ the Versailles route is also under travel time if we put the bridge consideration for the con- more north or if we keep it at struction of the new bridge, its current location. It's balshe added. "If we are calcu- anced according to the amount lating the traffic time between of people using the bridge at a putting the bridge at Houston certain area," the traffic expert and the bridge at Peter's Hall, underlined.

In 2013, the Demerara and because of the amount of

bridge

Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), in collaboration with the Central Transport Planning Unit of the then Ministry of Public Works, conducted a pre-feasibility. That study concluded that a fixed high-level bridge was the best option to pursue. The Minister of Public Infrastmcture, David Patterson, said the new bridge would lead to some land acquisition, but consultations will be made.

Minister Patterson explained that, "at some point during the project there will have to be some land acquisition should we proceed with whichever option there is. It's unfortunate, but it is something that we have to do for the greater good. We will have consultation with those persons whose homes or property will be affected."

The study which commenced on January 15, also looked at whether the bridge should be a floating, fixed, low- level or fixed high-level bridge.

(GINA)

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate, Message

The Edgar Henry Column

Like everything else there are persons who have not yet filed thentax returns. Hopefully you filed an extension and sent some cash with your return. If not, take heed.

The filing deadline to submit 2016 tax returns is April 18,2017, rather than the traditional April 15 date. That's three whole extra days. Still, it leaves precious little time to trim your tax bill. Post offices across the U.S. will be swamped by thousands of lastminute tax filers. The complexity of the tax system, the amount of money some people have to pay and human procrastination are all to blame. When the tax filing deadline passes, and for those who filed an extension, you now have until October 16 to submit your extension return.

If you are not aware of the tax code you probably haven't kept up with the latest tax laws that Congress has passed for the 2017 filing season, so you may not be famihar with many of the tax changes.

EXTENSIONS If you're behind on getting your taxes done, one of the best things you can do is file an extension. But don't use that as an excuse to keep procrastinating. Use it just to give you more time so you're not hurrying to finish your taxes. Remember filing an extension only gives you more time to file the papers, not more time to pay if you owe money. So if you have a pretty good idea that you'll owe money to the IRS or the state, you should send that money with the extension. You can get a six month extension by filing Form 4868 by the tax deadline of April 18th this year.

Everyone had enough time to collect his

O.G.

Proerastinators

or her information in hand to have their 2017 taxes prepared, W-2 forms, 1099 et cd. Be sure that all your supporting documents are in place and the necessary records are as accurate as possible, so that in the event of an audit you will be ready to defend your insertions.

AUDITS ON THE INCREASE One tiny error on your tax returns can have the IRS knocking on your door. The best way to avoid an audit is simply to keep detailed records, such as receipts and bank statements that substantiate every claim, loss

and deduction on your returns.

On the other end of the spectrum, the IRS is also auditing more people with high incomes. Bad news for the self-employed and small-business owners: If you're showing a loss for the year, you run a high chance of being audited. A loss on your schedule "C" from $4,000 to $10,000 signals an audit red flag.

ACCURATE REPORTING Come what may, as a taxpayer you should always strive to file your taxes by the April deadline or by October extension and make sure you report all of your income. Proceeds from stocks and bonds that you've sold,

SHIPPING

&

dividend earnings, brokerage and bank accounts and any other interest-earnings investments must be reported. I found that in my tax preparation over the years, many individuals especially construction workers and nurses who had multiple employers often forget one or two and under report their income.

What they do not realize that a mere omission of $200 causes the IRS to take a closer look.

People who claim the earned income credit, a tax break for lower-income individuals are also likely to face an audit, because income requirements for this credit are very strict. Most individuals, who are not gainfully employed, concoct fictitious incomes to qualify. When the IRS request further information they are found wanting. Ultimately, this tax break can provide much needed relief to families that are in financial distress. The maximum credit is $4,716 for filers who qualify and have two or more children.

II YOU GET AUDITED You'll have to prove that your business, whether it's full-time or part-time is legitimate and that its goal is to make money.

You'll need detailed records, including all documentation related to income and expenses, a business plan, business bank accounts, and a business license, which you'd receive from your local municipality to establish legitimacy.

The question that the IRS will try to answer is whether you're engaged in a small business or a personal hobby. Some categories, especially if they're leisurely, like painting or writing, can raise many red flags.

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On the other hand, the chances of you getting audited because you lost money from, say, a demolition business are low. Generally, the activity is presumed to be a business, and not a hobby.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS If you want to claim a deduction for your 2017 charitable contributions, you'll need to show evidence of your donation. As of January 2007, you need a receipt or bank statement to get a deduction on a cash donation of less than $250. For $250 or more, you'll need a written letter or statement from the charitable organization.

You'll also need a letter for any used clothing or household items you donate to an organization. The letter must include a good description of the product (a photo of the item also helps), the date that you donated it and the method you used to value it. If they're worth more than $500, you'll need to fill out form 8283.

HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION Just filing for a home-office deduction causes the antennas of the IRS to be alert.

They are of the opinion that there's a lot of potential abuse for reporting personal expenses as business expenses, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take your deduction if you're entitled to it.

In order to qualify, you'll need to prove that your home office is your principal place of business that it's strictly for meeting with customers or clients, and used exclusively for business, a separate telephone, fax computers etc. You won't be eligible for a deduction if you use the office for business during the day and as a family room at night or if your employer is offering you work space at the company office.

There's nothing wrong with claiming deductions that you're entitled to as long as they're not outrageously high compared to your specific income brackets. If the IRS sees that your deductions are disproportionately high compared with your income, it will raise their eyebrows. One thing is for sure: If you're going to take deductions, make sure you have the documentation to back them up.

If you get audited, you'll have to prove that your business is legitimate and that its goal is to make a profit. I cannot over emphasize the fact that you'll need detailed records, including all documentation related to income and expenses, a business plan, business bank accounts, and a business license, to prove your loss.

The question that the IRS will try to answer is whether you're engaged in a small business or a personal past-time hobby. Beware. "/f 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 April 14, 2017

19

HARRIS @ LARGE (Ed Harris Column)

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FOR

REFLECTION

CELEBRATION!!!

t Happy Easter to my readers and their families everywhere 1 mony should be staged in the host country d. NGOs St. Lucians can do well with this period of rest and celebration.

The base of NGOs could be expanded to recognize those Representatives who It is a welcome distraction from the anxieties of our economic with new and innovative ones introduced got results from their efforts as an encourlife and the prospects of an austerity budget for 2017/2018. to the country. agement for their involvement.

The residents of Soufriere are in for a treat with Reggae Stars, Jah 6. Incentives 7. General Cure and Sizzla at the Soufriere Mini Stadium on Easter Sunday. (a) The Representatives should be We live in an age of networking, lobgiven Citations/Appointment Letters. All bying and aggressive marketing. The more In an earlier article, I promised to Local Appointments share with you a document which I preBusiness Executives and Profession- Representatives should be exposed to an persons assisting, with a single purpose, pared exactly 20 years ago. It is amazing als who travel extensively on business, and orientation programme designed for a du- i.e. to promote the host country, we can be how time flies. It will be very gratifying confirm to the qualification criteria should ration of at least two days. All visits must assured of a rewarding experience that will be beneficial in respect of Investments, for me if my readers will enter into a dia- be invited to participate and be appointed be at the Representative's expense. (b) An Annual Recognition Cere- Tourism Expansion and most importantly logue with me to review the document set Jobs. out hereunder.

This document can be expanded upon A SIMPLE RECOMMENDATION 1 but definitely shows a way forward in atFOR ESTABLISHING C ARICOM iif-a tracting FDIs if implemented properly. .A STATES AS MAJOR DI S I INAI IONS SrbS This is a very cost-effective plan to proFOR INVESTMENT & TOURISM! mote CARICOM member states and is Almost all of the countries in the ;; well suited to be promoted on the Internet.

CARICOM region depend on Investment My suggested website of the week is and Tourism, it is very clear that the Govwww.soufrierefoundation .org ernments are very conscious of the need Remember always to Keep the Faith, for investments in their economies. I feel knowing that God is in Charge - Dream that simple steps in mobilizing global partT. i Big and Expect Miracles! nerships to promote the Destinations for Business and Pleasure can be undertaken Edward Harris: Biblicist, Author/Publisher, V/ A with spectacular results. Please feel free to T Business Consultant, Real Esshare this article. tate Agent/Broker, Networker, It is in this regard that I ventilate a CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker. plan that will make it possible to achieve Email: jobfreelife72@yahoo.com. our most important economic goal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to Website: www.stluciasimplybeautiful .com attract FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTEaccbookPage: www.facebook.com/ed MENT and Tourists to our shores. I refer harrisbiz to the persons that would be engaged as International Investment & Tourism Repre- as International Trade & Investment Repsentatives resentative at Large.

1. The Persons: Male and Female.

5. Impact uotable 2. Vocational Background: Busi(i) The direct benefit of such appointa ness and Professional. ments will guarantee that the country is CARIBBEAN being promoted without cost to the Gov3. Qualifications: a) Highly commended for contribu- ernment in every major city of the World Do you want to capture the attention of thousands of readers who turn to Quotable Caribbean for quotes that resonate far beyond tions to society in general and to the im- by hundreds of individuals. the everyday, mundane news cycle? mediate community in which the (ii) As a direct result of the International Trade and Investment Representaindividuals reside/work. b) Must be of integrity and would tives activities. Industry, Commerce, Do you want to be associated with a timely, informative service that culls have established a track record of fair play Tourism and NGOs will benefit substanthe wittiest, most cogent quotes from movers, shakers and people you've never heard of? in their relationships with others. tially. a. Industry c) Must have a desire to promote their country as a destination worthy of considThe promotion of the country as a Do you want to partner with one of the most popular, eration for Trade, Investment and Co-op- destination, offering investors many benemost quoted features in the region? cration in the national development. fits, including Tax Incentives will cause d) Must undertake at their own ex- many enquiries to be directed to the NaHere's some good news! pense all necessary activities in keeping tional Development Corporation and imQuotable Caribbean is now accepting with the position of International Trade prove the possibility of Joint Ventures a small number of advertisers. between local and foreign Investors. and Investment Representative. e) Must be actively involved in Busib. Commerce Many Corporations, not currently ness/Community Associations.

Act quickly as there is limited space available and f) Must be able to seek out opportu- doing business in the region will be invited there will be lots of interest. nities to enhance the Goodwill of the na- to do so and opportunities for Regional tion he/she represents.

Representation could be made available to 4. Territories Entrepreneurs in the various countries. <(You can quote us on that Overseas Appointments c. Tourism Representatives should be appointed Increase in business and tourists arCall +1 201 861-2056 or email qc@marketplaceexcellence.com in each of the 50 States of the USA and rivals and the opening up of opportunities to get the inaugural Quotable Caribbean ad rates. wherever the area to be covered necessi- for Health, Incentive and Conference Quotable Caribbean is compiled by Marketplace Excellence Corporation, tates more than one individual, the Coor- Tourism. The Representatives will work a full-service, integrated marketing agency committed to excellence dinator of the Programme should be at directly with business and social groups, in the fields of public relations, marketing and media coaching. liberty to make such appointments. The including educational institutions and ex1812 Front Street same approach should be for all major tend invitations to visit the countries for Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, USA marketplace countries including, Japan, England, Spring Break, Annual Board Meetings, www.marketplaceexcellence.com EXCELLENCE France, etc.

Conferences, etc..

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

scores

By Zena Hendry MORE jobs and improvement in commerce are expected as Guyana Gold Fields/ Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) operationalise three gold mines going into 2018.

On a media tour of the

expected to be mined out by month-end.

Henderson said mining in that area will go deeper and will take as much as three tonnes of waste material to every tonne of ore produced -- the material containing the mineral.

At Aleck Hill and North

of jobs ounces of gold.

Their cost of sales (including production costs, royalty and depreciation) is expected to be between US$800 to US$850 per ounce; cash cost (before royalty) between US$500 to US$550 per ounce; and all-in sustaining cost be-

to

be

This. he said, will increase the capacity of the plant for greater recovery and production, while providing employment for 100 to 150 local contractors.

The mining company has also expanded and improved its maintenance workshop and is expected to receive

created As a company that prides itself on safety. Aurora has bragged about unmatched work hours without significant injury. The mine will soon attain three million man hours without loss of time, with no significant environmental impact and no significant health concerns.

men of St Cuthbert's Mission as part of the company's corporate social responsibility programme.

The project saw $5M injected into St Cuthbert's Mission and $2.5M to another village that provided the structure's troolie leaves.

Camp Violet has kitchen.

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w* — Rory's Knoll is drawing closer to phase two of its operation. The first phase is expected to be mined out by month-end. expansive mining operation deep within the forested Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, general manager of the Canadian-owned company. Thomas Henderson, said extraction operations are ongoing at a first deposit. Rory's Knoll.

Work is also taking place at a second and third location. namely Aleck Hill and Mad Kiss.

Rory's Knoll is drawing closer to phase two of its operation. The first phase is

West Aleck Hill. Henderson said miners are working with fairly easy soil deposits that do not require blasting or heavy drilling.

Aleck Hill will however see blasting by year-end. while exploration will continue on the North West extension. Mad Kiss will be developed during the course of this year.

This year. Aurora's production is expected to reach between 160.000 to 180.000

tween US$775 to US$825 per ounce.

Already for the year, the mining company has produced some 40.000 ounces of gold. Henderson said.

The operation is also "20 per cent ahead" of schedule in relation to the tonnes projected and mined so far.

As it relates to infrastructural expansion. Henderson said the mill will be expanded with the implementation of new leach tanks next year.

a number of new machines and equipment, some of which have already been delivered locally and from abroad.

"We are giving our people the best equipment money can buy for what we need here." Henderson said.

He highlighted that a number of trucks, bulldozers and some heavy equipment such as the Cat 390. are among the company's fleet additions.

Regular training and strict guidelines for staff are provided in every area of operation. even were domestic staffers are concerned.

Camp Violet is at the heart of Aurora's operations.

With a 'small-town' feel, it has all facilities and activities that upkeep the entire team.

Camp Violet recently received a 52-foot benab. the fourth largest in Guyana.

It was constructed by

housekeeping and medical staff and the company operates on a 24-hour basis.

The facility also has a gym. commissary for relaxation and entertainment and a games room.

The site has 288 domestic rooms with more than 40 currently under construction.

In addition, Aurora also follows strict guidelines pertaining to the natural environment and its biodiversity.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

Niw York Chroniclo Horoscope AMES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Disputes on the home front may be hard to avoid. You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. You will have the stamina and the know how to raise your earning power. Compromise will be necessary. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

21

2 '

1 16

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Be honest if you wish to solve the problem. Your emotions have been pulled out of shape and you need to do a little backtracking. You can gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you put a little heart into your speech or request. Business or pleasure trips will be knowledgeable as well as highly successful. Your lucky day this next will be Sunday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can avoid hassles by sticking to your work and refusing to get involved in gossip. Don't be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life. Be discreet about your feelings, and hold back until you find out a little more about the person who's coming on to you. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Too many opportunities and too many changes going on. Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. Money may slip through your fingers. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems. You could be emotional if you didn't take care of problems with loved ones. You will meet new friends and enjoy a multitude of new activities. Be sure to spend time helping children with projects that are too difficult for them to accomplish alone. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday, SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may make someone else look bad. Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves. Don't jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You may be in love this week, but who knows what tomorrow may bring.

Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition. Travel could be in order. You may have to explain your actions to your family. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

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CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. Try not to let your emotions interfere with the completion of your work.

Concentrate on your job. Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19 Try not to overspend on friends or family. You may want to make changes in your home environment. Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. Overstatement will be your downfall. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. You may be looking through rose colored glasses. Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down. Empty promises will cause confusion. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

' 2

19 21 28

22

29

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. Make sure you concentrate if operating machinery or vehicles. You will be well looked upon due to your compassionate and giving nature. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Family get-togethers will be interesting. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. Unexpected romantic connections can be made if you go out with friends or take a pleasure trip. Your lucky day next week will be Monday,

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60

ISSUE 44 CROSSWORD ANSWER 8 9 10 E L S c S u A P R ■■' N 1 L A L L 1 3 K R A ° «" H E 1 R L O O M LlJl M B A U D 1 T E D Y E D 1" 20 B E R N E V A A ACT D A R O S E A 23 24 25 26 P E A R L B A D H E S 31 B A R S O S SWE P T K Y L E A U G 34 35 D I S R O B E A R F 1 V E S H A TTE R A S 40 41 E RQ E L 1 D L 1 44 E N R 1. id 11 Gardner 47 48 49 50 6. Written reminder 55 7. Clock bird 8. Gl's address abbr.

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38. Rep.'s opponent 59. Lyric poems 40. Result of a bump 60. Compass pt.

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

How Christ Was Betrayed And Murdered... (from page 9) Judas led us to the garden, where he kissed Jesus in an act of betrayal. We commanded that Jesus be bound and taken to the house of the High Priest. There He received a pre-trial hearing by Annas and later stood before Caiaphas to answer the accusations we leveled against Him. My friends and I engineered this "trial" very carefully.

We knew we had no legitimate charge against Jesus, so we paid false witnesses to testify. They all condemned Him as deserving of death. Members of the Sanhedrin agreed. Well, all but a few — Joseph tried to say a few words in Jesus' defense, but only weakly. Our plan was working perfectly. This was a perfect kangaroo court and henceforth-evil men and

Jesus9

governments all over the world would use it to get rid of enemies and political opponents. The last part of the plot took place when we took Jesus to Pilate, the Governor, for sentencing and punishment. Pilate, for all his pretense and bombast, was really a very shallow and stupid man, who became Governor just because he was bom Roman. We knew that we could manipulate him and make him do our dirty work. We went along to add legitimacy to our trumped-up charges. Pilate would have to believe us. He had no other choice.

We knew he despised us, as we did him, but we hated Jesus even more.

It was daybreak when wc arrived at the Governor's residence. We clamored for a hearing. Sleepy-eyed and disinterested, Pilate nonetheless listened to our charges.

He repeatedly took the position that Jesus

Crucifixion

(from page 5)

had done nothing wrong. This would not do; we wanted Him dead. We had paid a disciple to betray Him. We had paid witnesses to lie about Him. We had come too far; we could not turn back now. So we sprinkled ourselves throughout the crowd waiting for Pilate's decision. When he appeared, we who raised our voices in deception now raised them in defiance.

"Crucify Him, crucify Him!" With those words we began a chant that rippled through the crowd. Jesus must die. We had spent too much time on our plot. We couldn't let Him get away now.

Our plan worked. Pilate released Jesus to the crowd. He was taken by Roman soldiers to the place of the skull, where they crucified Him as a common criminal. We felt a sense of accomplishment. Then something happened. Pilate

and

Resurrection

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Jesus's was patterned after them. I agree * Easier basket be full of that a degree of probability exists. How✓ ever, it could be equally probable that the resurrection of the deities mentioned (frCPcrice were patterned after deities preceding them.

I HI VISION OF GABRIEL Sfoday &fAlways Was Jesus life patterned after a Jewish leader from the first century BCE? A 30x90 cm tablet written in Hebrew from the first century BCE portrays describes the death of a leader of the Jews who will be resurrected in three days. Ethan Bronner (New York Times July 8, 2008) says £ that "If such a messianic description re- East e r ally is there, it will contribute to a devel1 Aw oping re-evaluation of both popular and scholarly views of Jesus, since it suggests counts can be attributed to the fact that ACE by an anonymous Roman. The that the story of his death and resurrection they were not written by his disciples or "Gospel according to Luke" was probably was not unique but part of a recognized other eye-witnesses, but by Greek and written by an anonymous Greek. John's other writers many years after his death. Gospel was also written by an anonymous Jewish tradition at the time."

Matthew's Gospel is attributed to a 1st Greek.

INCONSISTENCIES PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS Century anonymous Jewish Christian, EXPLAINED probably based in Palestine.

The "Gospel There is no historical evidence of the cruThe inconsistencies I have described according to Mark" was written around 70 cifixion or resurrection of a man named around the crucifixion and resurrection ac-

The

Death

(from page 7) Obama. Hear Trump in his first statement about the latest Syrian tragedy.

"These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration's weakness and irresolution," Trump declared in the second sentence of a brief written statement.

Lord, deliver us from the clutches of nincompoops. No, dear Donald. The heinous actions are the consequence and results of a brutal and ruthless leader. Period. And yes, this dictator is supported and coddled by you supposed friend Vladimir Putin. Ah, what

Of Truth

are friends for if we can't lie for them, eh? Implicit in Trump's statement is the fact that he really, I mean really, still dislike Barack Obama. Here is again: "I think the Obama administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand. And when he didn't cross that line after making the threat, I think that set us back a long ways, not only in Syria, but in many other parts of the world, because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not one of our better days as a country."

Come again? WTF! I'm just Lol! Dear, dear Donald, you ARE the President of the United States, the Com-

wrote a sign to place on the cross above the head of Jesus. The Governor wrote it in Aramaic, Latin and Greek so everyone could read it. The sign said, "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews."

We immediately objected. "Don't write, 'the King of the Jews.' Write instead that He said, 'I am King of the Jews.'" But Pilate stiffened his resolve and he refused . . . We got Jesus to the cross, but somehow I sensed that He had beaten us. We were gleeful; He was genuine. We were horrible; He was honorable. We were vicious; He was victorious. When we lifted Him up, we put ourselves down. There were many voices raised in Jerusalem that infamous day, but none so deceptive as ours. Sometimes I hate being a Chief Priest."

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Jesus. None of the ancient historians or other contemporary writers mention such an event. This has led many to dismiss the story as legend.

I am a Christian, that is, a Jesus' person.

By faith, I accept the crucifixion and resurrection events as described in the gospels. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I know that Jesus' resurrection is testimony of God's concern for us, his children. "As the first Passover marked the Hebrews' release from Egyptian slavery, so the death of Christ marks our release from the slavery of sin (Romans 8:2). The Old Testament Passover lamb, although a reality in that time, was a mere foreshadowing of the better and final Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life and sacrificial death, Jesus became the only One capable of giving people a way to escape death and a sure hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:20-21)."

Tovc

mander-in-Chief Dude! All this blaming Obama at every turn reeks of obsession and quite plainly suggests a kind of paranoia. Keep this up and that is also going to infect Washington. That and the constant erratic and jerky flipfloppery that now passes for diplomacy and foreign policy. Pardon me, but your foreign policy seems to rest on the notion that to end war the United States must make more war.

You see, an emotional response to anything is NOT A STRATEGY. The missile attack though drawing huge publicity and initial euphoria has now left the world with this question: why did the US bomb an empty airbase and

Of War

expend so much armaments without a clear sense of purpose? If it was to "send a message," what message it that? The way the attack was carried out also leaves me with a sense of impending dread that President Trump can be egged on and manipulated into military adventures easily and with little effort. His decision to send a US battleship near the North Korean border is another reckless and clearly not thought out move. These are troubling signs that the Commander-in-Chief believes that he can act with authoritarian impunity when any nation or anyone for that matter does something that he personally do not like.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

EMPHASIS

ON

23

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS)

THE H0N08ABIE BILIARY RODHAM CUNTON TO DELIVER

MEDGAREVERS COLLEGE BROOKLYN, N.Y.: Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the commencement address to graduates of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Secretary Clinton, the Democratic standard bearer in the November, 2016 election and the first woman ever to receive the Presidential nomination of a major political party, will also receive an Honorary Doctorate at the ceremony at Barclays Center. Medgar Evers is a senior college of the City University of New York.

"We are absolutely delighted and keynote speaker during the morning honored that Secretary Clinton will program to be held at the downtown grace our stage at our 46th commence- Brooklyn arena. The former U.S. Senment," said Rudolph F. Crew, the Pres- ator from New York and former First ident of Medgar Evers College. "She Lady of the United States will address has had an outstanding career as a pub- approximately 1500 graduates and over lic servant, breaker of barriers, and 5,000 guests. Secretary Clinton, a gradchampion of many good causes. We are uate of Wellesley College and of Yale eager to have her share with our MEC Law School, made a campaign stop at family and their families and friends the Medgar Evers College in 2016. wisdom gained during her remarkable Medgar Evers is the youngest senjourney." ior college in the City University of Secretary Clinton will be the New York (CUNY) system. Named for

COMMENCEMENT SPEECH the martyred civil rights leader, it was founded in 1970 to serve the needs of the Central Brooklyn community. It is a predominantly Black institution, with almost 7,000 students from around the world. The majority are women and many are first-generation college students who balance academics and employment.

The College offers Associate and Bachelor Degrees through a comprehensive core curriculum with measurable contributions to increasing the presence of minorities in the sciences, mathematics and technology. It is also the home of the Center for Black Literature, the only place of its kind for Black writers. One of its proudest innovations is the Pipeline program, a system that guides students from Central Brooklyn through a strong K-12 experience, transitions them into college,

HILARY RODHAM CLINTON and provides high-quality opportunities to enter the professional world.

Contact: Felicia R. Lee Director of News & Information Flee@mec .cuny.edu 718-270-5046

COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS WISHES JEWISH COMMUNITY A HAPPY PASSOVER BROOKLYN, NY - On April 7, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, released the following statement on the celebration of Passover, which is celebrated from April 10 - April 18.

STATEMENT "I would like to wish my Jewish brothers and sisters a 'Chag Kasher Y'Sameach,' or happy and Kosher holiday.

"Passover is a joyous celebration that reminds all of the power of redemption and hope. It gives us all

an opportunity to renew our faith in the unseen as the future remains uncertain.

"The Israelites' freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt is a reminder to reflect on modem injustices of the world, and how we can make sure we don't repeat historical evils.

11 V.

"While this is a time of celebration that involves many beautiful traditions, please be mindful of taking proper safety measures, particularly while searching and for and burning the chametz.

"Here is a list of fire safety tips to ensure a happy, peaceful and safe Passover."

Shalom, Council Jumaane D. Williams

It's that time of year again The Health & Education Relief Organization for Cancer, INC. (H.E.R.O.C.) Presents Our 4th Annual Tea Party Sunday April 23'h, 2017 St. Gabriel's Golden Banquet Hall 331 Hawthorne St, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (Between Nostrand Avenue & New York Avenue) Adults: $20

3:00PM-8:00PM Children under 12 years; $10

t

K. PJ

ii Host a table of 10 Guests; Bring Your Fancy Table Cloths, Center Pieces & Tea Sets! Compete For Best Table Setting & Best Fashion Hat!!

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24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

The JAGDEO MUST APOLOGISE TO SUGAR Peter Haynes Column WORKERS FOR MAKING THEM SUFFER: He is the person most responsible for the sorry state of the industry The sorry developments in the sugar industry continue to make national headlines almost daily, and if given a chance, Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo will try to make these headlines appear every day. From the outset, it must he acknowledged that Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and Komal Chand — individually and collectively — are patently responsible for the current state of the sugar industry.

Here are the facts: Jagdeo, served as silent on the topic of the fiasco that is the President and Minister of Finance; Ramo- unproductive Skeldon Factory, but we tar, following him as President, also func- have heard not a word from him except for tioned as a member of the Board of a passing claim that the current adminisDirectors of GUYSUCO; and Chand, op- tration is responsible for Sheldon's poor crating in multiple roles — was President performance. This is the same factory of the GASWU for more than three which Jagdeo had declared as the savior of decades, an elected Member of Parliament the industry when, with his chest pumped both when the PPP ran the Government up, he officiated at its opening ceremony. and currently in the opposition, and also an Indeed, it was only after the factory was appointed member of the Board of Direc- commissioned that Jagdeo realized that its tors of GUYSUCO. capacity for milling cane would not he met Given the number of caps that each by its fields, although he was giving out wore, it may be considered difficult to determine who bears the most blame, except • '' when we note that neither Ramotar nor Chand move without instructions from Srr. Jagdeo.

8..

Recently on social media Lloyd H sai Philipps made the following observation Rr about the sugar industry workers . . . "Dr. -mJagdeo needs to publicly apologize to Guyana's Indians whom he has essentially <>pauperized in service of his political agenda." "Guyanese Indians fail to grasp that this man is single-handedly responsible for the economic debauchery of sugar workers, as he sought to maintain them in Skeldon Cane Sugar Factory, a state of fear of African Guyanese."

Phillips also asked: "Which sugar worker land left and right to his friends to plant can claim to have achieved his dreams cane. As we know, none of these lands working in the sugar industry in the last 50 ever saw a stalk of cane planted, making years, of which Jagdeo was virtually re- the brand new Skeldon Factory a colossal sponsible for the last 23 years. Guyana's and expensive failure from Day One. Moreover, when we consider that if Indians are suffering because of Jagdeo.

He needs to remove himself from the po- the East Demerara Estates should close litical scene, but is unfortunately devoid of and cease producing cane, even if he presuch virtue, preferring to practice his per- tends otherwise, Komal Chand must know verse and discriminatory political econ- that these estates are poor performers, with omy at the expense of the people who capacities just slightly ahead of Wales, so support him." Phillips concluded. that the industry cannot survive without Nevertheless, although Jagdeo's more land dedicated to farming cane. agenda is responsible for the terrible state More than 30 years ago, GUYof the sugar industry, former President SUCO's leadership — headed by Harold Ramotar and Union President Komal Davis — moved to place the industry on Chand must he added to the list of individ- sound footing when the European counuals who contributed significantly to the tries signaled their intent to cut back on demise of this industry. They need to man- both prices and imports: he introduced a up and accept the blame, and more impor- wide-ranging diversification of the comtantly, stop running around continuing to pany. By 1990, the Diversification Protry to fool his PPP-Civic supporters that it gramme was well- grounded, with some of is the current coalition Government that is Guyana's best brains, armed with proven sinking the industry. When the truth is skills, leading the charge. Uitvlugt and Lilheld up to scrutiny, the Granger-led gov- liendal spearheaded the Livestock Proernment despite inheriting a complete so- gramme, and this aspect of the industry cioeconomic mess, has spent its less than was well supported by the Other Crops Ditwo years in office trying to salvage GUY- vision that produce soya beans, sorghum, SUCO by granting it more than 30 billion and other crops which, after milling, were dollars in bailouts. used as additives for feed.

It is very unJagdeo-like for him to be There was also the growing and

milling of 4,000 acres of paddy at Blairmont. Yes: should some of our memories have failed, it is a fact that Blairmont Estate — apart from being one of the top performing sugar factories — also managed its own rice mill! This mill supported the private rice farmers on the West Coast of Berbice, and broken rice and bran were also used in the creation of livestock feeds.

In addition, there was an unlimited supply of molasses to be added to further enrich the feed for the hybrid species of cows that were introduced to enhance meat and milk production.

Asking the question of why great emphasis was placed on highly nutritious feeding of these cows evoked a very simple answer: there was a successful cheese and butterp processing plant at Versailles that they serviced!

GUYSUCO did not stop there in the Diversification Programme. Aquaculture was a thriving concern at Blairmont and Enmore. I vividly recall the days when I was the Berbice Regional Industrial Manager, of having to deal with cases of workers being caught after throwing their cast nets in the ponds to harvest Tilapia for themselves, of course without permission.

Guyana.

Komal Chand's Field Representative, several weeks after these incidents, submitted that the workers should he reinstated because the estate had not produced compelling evidence: i.e. the fish with which the individual were caught red-handed was marked as the fish that the member had in his possession when apprehended.

It is not surprising that today the GUYSUCO C.E.O, Errol Hanoman, is

moving in the direction of diversifying the industry, for he was a senior member of that GUYSUCO team headed by Harold Davis and knows first hand of its benefits and strengths. And yet, the question that is left hanging for us is: What happened to the Diversification Programme? Well the answer is simple: the PPP government from 1992 divested all the factories that they could sell off; those for which they could find no buyers were left to rot.

Can you imagine what GUYSUCO would have been producing 30 years later for the nation and even exporting?

Cheese, butter, rice and a wide variety of farmed fish, while being able to continue producing sugar at a cheaper price! Such foresightedness would have meant that the PPP supporters in the sugar cane industry would now be fully employed, and GAWU would he collecting more revenue from their dues. But at the moment, the dues collection to even run the union is in trouble — and that's why Komal is concerned.

We recall that a short time ago Jagdeo was calling on the sugar workers to take to the streets in protest, and that more recently he has pulled back from this exhortation and said that he would not be leading the workers in such protests. If Jagdeo were really concerned — economically and socially — about those workers and their families, who have traditionally supported his party, he would sit down and have sensible conversations with Errol Hanoman and his team and stop mouthing off lies and untruths in an attempt to gain mileage or newspaper headlines.

And now, the facts of the situation bear reminding Jagdeo and his supporters that it was he who recalled Errol Hanoman from retirement to head GUYSUCO in order to produce a turnaround plan. The plan to turn around the company and rescue the industry already existed: was salvaging GUYSUCO ever really on Jagdeo's agenda?

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

25

Olympian Dillon Carew - 33 years of boxin gie In three years, I will be a world champion," a novice heavyweight declares after sparring with his trainer, Guyanese Dillon Carew, at the world famous Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, New York City. Carew responded: "It doesn't U

come easy. You gotta look past sparring in the gym, get some real fights nationally, and work beyond normal."

Carew could speak with authority, would get more trophies, medals, represent He's been in the game for more than three his country many more times than his decades and matched gloves with some of brother, and even win at the Olympics. the world's best at the Olympics and in the Carew was a classic boxer, boxing professional ring, and worked in the corner buffs would refer to him as a pretty south of champions. He's a decorated veteran paw. Some critics said he from Georgetown, Guyana. lacked punching power, but he It all started following an argument proved them wrong. He was with his brother Gordon, who represented training with Gordon Williams, Guyana in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. when he moved to the GDF Dillon declared then that he would be better Gym to ensure a place in the than his fast rising brother. At the time, it team for the forthcoming seemed impossible, and was treated as just Olympics. an outburst from an angry 14-year-old.

But for the first time "1 was so skinny that I was embar- AIBA, the world governing rassed to go in the gym. But I was deter- body for amateur boxing, immined to prove what I said and I started plemented box-offs to filter the training under Cliff Anderson," Carew re- numbers who would actually called. fight in the Olympics. The Dillon recreived his first trophies from South America Pre-Olympic his first competitive outing in 1984 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Box-off was staged in ArUnder-16 championships. He proved to be gentina. Carew considers it the so good that he was declared Best Boxer. He highlight of his boxing career. placed his trophies with those of his The Guyana team experibrother's, who immediately removed them. enced visa problems and were Then he made another declaration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that he stranded in Venezuela. They eventually

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made it to Argentina, and after a long bus ride, arrived at the boxing venue with just 10 minutes to make their weight. One boxer, Gairy St Clair, lost his fight while the team was still travelling. Manager of the team Francis Abraham requested that his charges be placed early on the card so the team could catch the return flight home.

Carew was the first to step into the ring and he convincingly beat the Argentine favourite, and went on to win Gold. He was declared the Best Boxer but could not col-

k

Wit

lect his trophy as the team left early. That first victory gave eventual world champion Andrew "Sixhead" Lewis, who was also a member of the team the confidence to also capture gold, thus securing their places in the 1992 Olympics. The duo stepped into the ring after it was announced that they had to leave. They hugged each other as they received a standing ovation from the crowd.

But what many people don't know, Carew was in better shape for the PreOlympic Box-off than the Olympiad. He developed a shin splint and his doctor stopped him from running, resorting to only walking in the National Park for endurance. Yet in his first fight in Barcelona he demolished the world's number one, Rafael Romero of the Dominican Republic, 19-4. Unfortunately, following some controversial decisions, both himself and Lewis did not medal. This year marks 25 years since that historic outing on the world's biggest sports stage.

Carew entered the professional ring that same year on the traditional Boxing Day promotion in Guyana, and was matched against the more seasoned Linden Harris. His debut fight was an unusual sixrounder, instead of four. But Carew declared the bout could be made longer if the promoters wanted because whatever was the number of rounds, he intended to put away his opponent in the fourth.

At the end of the third round his trainer Lennox Daniels told Carew that the fourth round was coming up and with a left uppercut, followed by a right hook, the fight was over in the fourth. He went on to fight two six-rounders, two eight-rounders and one ten-rounder before securing his first championship belt in 1994.

Carew faced the then reigning Lightweight Champion, Glen Forde, at short notice and had to come down from Junior Welterweight for the bout which he won on

The G. Isaiah Chappelle Column

points. The following year, he won the Junior Welterweight belt from the then reigning champion, Barrington Cambridge, a fight many thought he could not win. He again won the title in 1999, beating Keith Thomas.

But a world championship title was elusive. The closest he got was challenging Leonard Dorin for the WBC Continental Americas featherweight title in April of 1999 and the following month, fought Ricky Hatton for the vacant WBO Intercontinental title. Carew took the Hatton fight at short notice and had Patrick Forde, whom he never trained with, in his corner.

He protected himself as much as he could then retired in round six. He fought in six championship fights.

Dillon began campaigning in the USA from 1995 and since then has been at Gleason's Gym, training for his fights and from 2006 began training fighters. He was in the corner with former WBC Cruiserweight world champion Wayne "Big Truck" Braithwaite in a comeback fight in Germany against Yoan Pablo Hernandez to claim the WBC Fedelatin and WBC Latino cruiserweight titles in 2008. Also, he's worked with reigning WBC International Female Featherweight champion. Heather "The Heat" Harding and IBO World female Heavyweight Champion, Sonya Lamonaski.

At eight o'clock every day, Dillon Carew arrives at the renowned gym, whichmoved to a new home in Water Street in Brooklyn, last November, where he now earns his livelihood training boxers. He journeys from Connecticut for three hours, and closes his last session at 4 pm to once again make that three hour journey to Connecticut. It's a costly trip and he might soon take a break from that job, because the clientele has somewhat dried up, the sport hit by an economic down turn. Nowadays, his biggest payday comes from attending to cuts at ringside, an art he developed while in the sport and is now considered one of the best cut specialists in the business and has worked in seven championship fights.

In August 2009, he was in the corner of Rafael Concepcion in a title fight against Nonito Donaire. Concepcion was cut in the first round but Carew controlled the wound and the boxer went the full 12 rounds, but he eventually lost by a unanimous decision.

Boxing is not the only way Dillon could earn a living. During his amateur days, he worked in the interior of Guyana diving for gold, and had several other jobs while training in the USA. He's a skilled mason, a trade which enabled his father to support a family of four boys and one girl.

Like the senior Carew, Dillon already has four sons, two from a previous marriage and two with his present wife Genese, who is expecting a daughter shortly. After living in New York City, New Jersey and Georgia, Dillon has now made his home in Hamden.

Connecticut, and in March of this year, closed the purchase deal for his new home.

He's now busy upgrading the house to suit the taste of his family.

In 33 years of living in the gym, Dillon has experienced the highs and lows of boxing. He is now a baptized Christian, who has dedicated his life to God and his family. It's his firm belief that truly, "A family that prays together, stays together."

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

WatchiingttireeWestln dies "greats" at Bourda

Crick et

was

at its

tantalizing best.,.

.1

by SHAN RAZACK sportswnter, Rohan Kanhai, Garry Sobers and Lance Gibbs took West Indies represented the essence of West to the verge of victory in the fifth and final Test, West Indies v Indies cricket, a batsman apparMMtim England at Bourda in 1968. It produced a performance by ently improvising as he went Sobers that rates as possibly the greatest single-handed effort in all along but in fact applying relentcricket history. As if to atone for his (in) famous declaration error in less discipline and technique to ■i'.; v.'V; the fourth Test at Port-of-Spain allowing England to make 215 runs take the game into hitherto unexVW in 165 minutes, which he must have acknowledged in his heart but plored areas. Kanhai and Sobers, Vs f... okay have it your way.

Sobers and .ij, ' would not confess publicly, Sobers proceeded to do the near impossiKanhai made all except 112 of the ble. total, 414 and scored 250 together.

V.'V.'.V Sobers answered his critics in the stance leaning forward with bent knees.

Rohan made a belligerent 150 and best possible manner in the fourth Test at "It seemed contradictory almost irreGarry, equally devastating with Bourda. He poked his way to 152 adding sponsible not to observe the familiar, non152. It was a great day for cricket ■ ,^v-1 • V AAA* 250 for the fourth wicket with Rohan Kan- chalant loping jauntiness stoop forward, w fans at Bourda and one, which mSm wm hai in the first innings and was left high collar sticking up starched stiff under his would be remembered for a very and dry on 95 not out in the second and chin. These were the unique trademarks of m long time. What was obvious was was the first West Indies batsman to score genius. Sobers was joining Rohan Kanhai, when Kanhai reached 99, Sobers 6000 runs. He took six wickets in the the artist, already in full cry. It was firemoved down the pitch to give *»—"frVrV match but even this extra-ordinary per- works as the BHOLALALL, not Babulall, Kanhai, a word of advice. The formance failed to salvage the rubber. Ear- mind you, raced to 113 on the first day commentator Henry Blofeld said: lier, Sobers was to incur the wrath of the with his skipper on 50. It was not only "One genius (Sobers) walk down West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Kanhai's first Test century at Bourda, but to meet another (Kanhai) to 'coax' him to bowled his heart out, taking three wickets the Guyana Government, when he played for 72 runs in 37 overs of which 15 were cricket in white dominated Rhodesia. He maidens. Sobers was again the bulwark in later conveyed his "sincere regrets" for this the West Indies second innings, in which, action to the West Indies Cricket Board the others failed to capitalize on a dashing (WICB), a diplomatic statement, which start by Seymour Nurse who made 49. prevented a potential crisis in West Indies From 86 for three. Sobers steered his side cricket, after Guyana had said that he to 264, batting chancelessly from around would not be welcomed to lead the Test two o'clock until 5:30 when he ran out of side. West Indies were frustrated by the partners only five short of another century. same three English star batsmen of the WISDEN reports laconically: 'It was a — fourth Test, Cowdrey, Barrington and great innings.' Snow, once again proved a ' ■ Knott with this time unexpected assistance & perpetual thom in the flesh taking six for from Lock and Pocock. John Snow, too, 60 to finish with match-figures of ten for helped materially to pull England through 142. with a personal triumph by taking ten for England had to bat through the last 142 (match-analysis). day to get 385 for victory. In ninety-five It was a hot Match day when the ■ minutes, they plunged to 41 for five, shatspectators at the Georgetown Cricket Club tered by Gibbs and without any excuse to (GCC), Bourda had the chance in a lifebe found in the conditions for the spinners time to see two of the greatest post-war turned the ball only slowly and prodi\ batsmen in action. Batting first. West Ingiously. All seemed lost when Allan Knott GARFIELD SOBERS dies were 72 for three; Steve Camacho, joined Cowdrey, but he was there to stay Seymour Nurse and Basil Butcher were earned him the distinction of being the first get his first Test century at Bourda. Inter- until the end, nearly four hours later. Cowback in the pavilion. Next to come, accord- Guyanese to do the honor. Kanhai, who is estingly, Sobers and Kanhai made cen- drey and Knott scored 129 together, and ing to the eastern scoreboard was Clive referred to as the Corentyne Thunder, turies in the same innings of a Test match the Cowdrey's shrewd commanding inLloyd, but the West Indies skipper Garry square cut and drove with immaculate timon three other occasions; Calcutta 1958- nings of 82 ended, seventy minutes reSobers promoted himself. He walked to ing. It was amazing that a man so small a 59-Sobers 106, Kanhai 256; Sabina Park mained. Somehow, Knott loomed when the wicket gracefully and relaxed with his built could put so much power into his 1962-Sobers 153, Kanhai 138; Lord's Pocock was out to a fine catch, but Jones characteristic long stride, he took his strokes. By then he had established a rep1973- Sobers 150, Kanhai 157. managed to scramble through the final utation for charismatic strokeSobers then took the new ball and over from Gibbs. Gibbs bowled beautiplay and dazzling aggression. bowled 37 overs at pace, 15 of them were Kanhai is probably the least fully, for starting with four 12 in fourteen maidens to take three for 72. With all the appreciated batsman in West Inovers before lunch, but the honors lay easbowlers sticking to their tasks, England dies' history. He scored centuries were all out for 371 to give West Indies a ily with Knott on 73 not out. England were in both innings in Australia, first innings lead of 43. Until late in the on the ropes, indeed, almost on the apron matched Sobers stroke for stroke proceedings, England's innings was also a of the ring, at 206 for nine, 101 runs beon the triumphant tour to England two-man show. Boycott reached 100 in hind with the last pair Knott and Jones r and dazzled spectators with the four hours and a half and Cowdrey (59) hanging on for dear life, when time peextra grace of his stroke-play, inhelped him to add 172. England's middle- tered out. Jones stood between Gibbs, the cluding a sweep shot while lying order batting then broke down again, and world's finest off-spinner and a West Inon his back. His magic stems at 259 for eight, they were in grave danger. dies' victory in the final six deliveries of from a wonderful eye, lightening Tony Lock — known for his bowling — the match. Gibbs was the pick of the reflexes, footwork and perfect however, proceeded to bat with typical bowlers taking six for 60, in 40 overs of timing. He has the abihty to take belligerence and Pocock with such obsti- which 20 were maidens. Sobers was an attack apart with a savage, yet nacy that he spent nearly 90 minutes be- equally dominating, 31 overs of pace essentially cultured assault. For fore scoring his first run. Lock made 89 as bowling, 16 maidens, 53 runs and three C.L.R. James, the doyen of England reached 321 all out. Sobers wickets.

LANCE GIBBS

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending April 14, 2017

27

!

Caribbean

cricket

hijacked

I by

a

small

clique

Cricket in the Caribbean has been "hijacked by a small clique" of people. That is the assertion of Dr. Keith Rowley, the Prime

1

/

Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, which is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that has been highly critical of the West Int

dies Cricket Board (WICB). CARICOM has blamed the WICB for West Indies' slump in the ICC's Test and ODI rankings for more than a decade.

CARICOM's opposition to the WICB coincided with the rise of Dave Cameron, who was unanimously reelected for a third successive term as Board President.

Last year Cameron rejected CARTCOM's cricket re-

M view panel recommendation to dissolve the WICB. According to Cameron the CARICOM panel had ignored the "sweeping" changes brought in by the WICB since 2002 in its governance structure and had also failed to consult Ter-

ritorial Boards and WICB directors before listing its findings.

The defiant attitude of Cameron and the WICB, according to Rowley, had only distracted from the real question of who owns Caribbean

Jerome Taylor makes himself available again for Tests amaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor has informed the West Indies Cricket Board that he is ending his Test retirement to make himself available for selection with immediate effect. Taylor, 32, initially called time on his 46-match Test career ahead of India's tonr of the West Indies last July but may be in line to return against Pakistan for the threematch series beginning April 21.

"I believe I still have a lot of cricket left in me and I know I can still offer a lot to West Indies cricket in the Test arena," Taylor said in a WICB press release. "If selected, I will look to put my best foot forward and give my all for the team. We have some young players in the group at the moment and I believe with my experience, I can add to the team going forward."

Despite remaining available for selection in the T20 and ODI squads for West Indies, Taylor was not picked for either series

'

Jerome

■V-

against Pakistan that preceded the upcoming Test series. His last match in any format for West Indies came in a T20I against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last September when he took 0 for 19 in an eight-wicket loss.

Taylor's last Test match was more than a year ago against Australia in Sydney where he bowled just four overs in a heavily rain-affected draw. The Jamaican has 130 Test wickets at an average of 34.46 since making his debut against Sri Lanka in 2003, though his record at his home island ground of Sabina Park is outstanding with 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.58. Three of his four five-wicket hauls have come at Sabina Park, site of the upcoming first Test against Pakistan, including a careerbest 6 for 47 against Australia in June 2015.

West Indies selection chairman Courtney Browne welcomed Taylor's decision to make himself available once again for Tests.

ESPNCricInfo

Taylor

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1

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m.

'■ cricket. CARICOM, he said, believes cricket is a public product that belongs to the people and not to the WICB. "Caribbean cricket has been hijacked by a small clique of people who are hell bent on destroying Caribbean cricket," Rowley told the Trinidad-based TV station CNC3 TV on Wednesday.

"And this is my position that unless the question is answered as to who owns that asset we spinning top in mud."

The WICB, Rowley said, had told him the Board was not accountableto CARICOM anymore, considering it was now a business entity and had become West Indies Inc. In the media release it sent out following Cameron's re-election, the WICB had spoken of its efforts to rebrand itself.

"In moving forward, the President and the team will have the new strategic plan which will facilitate improved performances at the regional and international levels and explore a more robust governance system," the WICB said. "The strategy revolves around the rebranding of Cricket West Indies; the development of our commercial arm — Windies Inc.; and the creation of a development foundation to finance cricket development in the region".

Rowley has questioned

the basis for the change.

"I was told to my face, me and my colleague the Prime Minister of Grenada, that you all have no say in this. This is West Indies Cricket Inc. West Indies Cricket Incorporated. And it is their shareholders that they have to please. I don't know who the shareholders are, but what I do know [is] unless there are drastic changes to the current arrangements West Indies cricket will never get back to where it is expected to be."

For Rowley, in addition to the decline in West Indies cricket, the most "painful" thing was the fans moving away from the game. He gave the example of driving past Queen's Park Oval in Port-ofSpain and being bewildered by the silence inside when a match was on.

"You know how painful it is for me. In this country lining up outside the [Queen's Park] Oval from six o' clock in the morning to get in. That's how cricket used to be. Barbados is playing Trinidad & Tobago and the Oval is full because you got to beat them Bajans, ha! And now, you are passing outside the Oval and you ask, "what's happening in there?" You know how painful that is."

ESPNCricInfo

•A# York Ed lion

The Chronicle can also be read @ http://wm.guyanachronicle.coni

(Guyana's

first

QtyVAHA

football

By Rawle Toney

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AT LAST! (L-R) GFF president Wayne Forde, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry and FIFA's president Gianni Infantino at Tuesday's turning of the sod for Guyana's first football stadium.(Delano Williams photo)

It's

ID

better (for

IT was dubbed one of the best things to ever happen to football in Guyana, probably in the last decade, when Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino turned the sod yesterday for the country's first FIFA Forward Programme (formaily FIFA Goal Project).

In 2015. under the Clinton Urling-led Normalisation Committee, the GFF officially signed a 30-year lease agreement with the Eccles/Ramsberg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the Providence Community Centre ground which will be the site for the multi-million US dollars facility.

Infantino. in the presences of Hon. Nicolette Henry. Minister within the Ministry of Education and GFF president Wayne Forde. said the facility "will change the football landscape in Guyana and not only football but the society because we know the value of football and what football can do for the people."

The Italian, who was voted in as the ninth FIFA president in Febraary last year, lauded the Wayne Forde-GFF for what he (Infantino) said is 'thinking big".

home

"They are dreaming big and what's important is that they are putting it into practice and that's encouraging to FIFA." the FIFA boss noted.

Asked by Chronicle Sport what guarantee will be given to the people of Guyana who are wary of seeing and hearing about the possible first home for football here. Infantino responded. "The guarantee is Wayne (Forde). It's a new team; they work with the same principle like we do. Of course in the past, more things happened in FIFA more than anywhere else; just to have things done in a proper way."

In 1999. Guyana. Belize. The Bahamas.

Nicaragua and St Lucia were listed as countries to benefit from FIFA's new initiative, the 'Goal Project".

The year 2001 saw former FIFA president Blatter visit Guyana reportedly for the historic turning of the sod for what was thought to be this country's first football stadium on land under the control of the University of Guyana.

But Blatter had stated that the building of stadiums was the responsibility of governments and subsequently revealed that FIFA would contribute some US$400 000 once the GFF is able to acquire the necessarv land.

administrators

[slop

*

— Viv continues FORMER West Indies captain Viv Richards has continued his criticism of regional cricket administrators insisting that it is more beneficial to the game for officials to step down than players to be left out of the team.

In recent years, frequent disputes between the West Indies Cricket Board

LlMHED

(WICB) and numerous players. combined with various pieces of legislation, have left several players unavailable for selection. Richards, who recently chided the WICB for its role in what he believes to be the alienation of players, has continued the attack.

"We have issues with our administrators. We have

WICB

players defecting ... they don't want to represent their country anymore. They go for the easiest process ... all the leagues around the world. There is too much infighting in terms of players versus administration. So there must be a reason for individuals to divert their interests. There is a huge problem there." Richards

attack

said.

"There are personality issues at administrators' level which have gone to an all-time high in my opinion.

They should start governing the game properly for which they are elected. In our society there is no one who has respect, if he has failed to do something ... and so why not eliminate them from

the whole administrative process?

There has to be a change.

I don't know, if that's all because of money. But it's been going on for too long. No one is willing to say: 'Okay we have failed in this and that: let me resign." I guess sometimes. that it's too attractive and lucrative for individuals at that particular level to let

/ Viv Richards go."

Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard number among those missing for the West Indies at various points, often opting to take part in various T20 leagues around the world.

|| n bid

GPL

THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has confirmed that the biggest party in sport will return to the USA after the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved the staging of Twenty20 fixtures in 2017.

The Hero CPL has gained approval from the ICC to stage the event, who are the approving authority while USACA's membership of

re

the ICC remains suspended.

The fixtures will be played in Central Broward Stadium.

Lauderhill once more.

In all. six matches were staged in 2016 which generated $12 583 246 into the local Florida economy. The Hero CPL invested $1668 151 with the combined visitor spend of $4 751 872 being the highest in this year's tournament overall.

othe With a TV audience of 12.7 millioa in the region of 30 000 fans attended all six matches during the 2016 season and the CPL is confident that this number will increase even further.

"Onbehalf of Hero CPL. I am delighted that the biggest party in sport will return to the USA later this year." said Damien O'Donohoe. Chief Executive of the Hero CPL.

In excess of 30 000 fans packed our American leg of matches in 2016. with over half of those attendees travelling south from New York and as far west as Texas and Los Angeles.

According to O'Donohoe.

"Tourists who attended these matches also spent more than $4.75 million in the local economy. This indicates a huge appetite for the game

across North America and we welcome the opportunity to play our part in USA cricket's future plans. We have committed to a community outreach programme to ensure the impact of the Hero CPL goes beyond the field of play."

The CPL CEO said the USA matches provided many highlights last year and he believes the quality of cricket

on the field, coupled with the party off it. will generate even greater interest for the upcoming season.

The Hero CPL is scheduled to take place from August 4 to September 10. Several fixtures are scheduled to be played in America and ticket information for the coming season, as well as all Hero CPL fixtures, will be announced in due course.