No. 104560
3
MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016
Price: $80
JUNE 25, 2016
(VAT Inclusive)
$23B trade gap
Page 2
Guyana Gov’t, private sector urged to expand trade with Brazil
Guyana spruces up for 5 Caricom summit Page
Beloved 8 comedian needs help Page
Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge at Thursday’s committee meeting at the Public Buildings, Georgetown
U.S gets ready to bid Karran farewell 10 Page
$23B trade gap
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Guyana Gov’t, private sector urged to expand trade with Brazil By Derwayne Wills THROUGH an almost 15-year-old agreement with Brazil, Guyana purchased GYD$26.7B in products from the Portuguese industrialised nation from 2011 to June 2016, but sold only GYD$3.2B in products to that country for the same period. Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge presented himself before the National Assembly’s sectoral committee on Foreign Relations, where he updated the committee, chaired by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on the status of the trade agreement between Guyana and its Portuguese-speaking neighbour. Greenidge’s presentation focused on the notable imbalance between Guyana imports from and exports to Brazil, which show a difference of GYD$23.5B for the period 2011 to June 2016. As a means of closing this trade gap, Greenidge championed the need for increased trade promotion by his ministry as well as this country’s private sector. He similarly called for larger scale operations and greater collaboration between his
ministry and the private sector. The foreign minister explained that the agreement, which facilitates involvement with Guyana’s private sector, allows for a relaxation of taxes on particular prod-
Greenidge expounded. Products can be lumped under categories, called ‘tariff lines,’ as manufactured, agricultural products etc. This agreement gives Guyana an advantage over its immediate neigh-
countries so as to ensure countries are given fair access to Brazil’s market, Guyana exports 10,000 tonnes of sugar; 10,000 tonnes of rice; and 100 tonnes of red peppers. Greenidge said other than sugar, rice, and pep-
opment, but also a feature of “limited capacity of our exporters.” While Guyana exports 10,000 tonnes of rice to Brazil, there were questions from the committee as to whether more rice could not be exported to
Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson, Gail Teixeira ucts moving between the two countries, so that those specially selected products can flow easily. Products moving between the countries are classified in broad categories called “tariff lines,”
bours who also compete for space on the Brazilian market. As part of a quota system, which means Brazil will allow a specified quantity of products from Guyana and from other
pers, there are other agricultural products which can be exported to Brazil under the agreement, but the list of products must be drafted with inputs from Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry as well as from the private sector. Speaking directly to why there is an imbalance of imports to exports, Greenidge explained that Brazil has some 830 tariff lines coming into Guyana, while Guyana has some 127 tariff lines going to Brazil. “It is a reflection of our relative capacities,” Greenidge said in his defence. “Guyana has a relatively limited range of products that it can export.” The foreign minister sees this not only as a feature of underdevel-
that country, since the collapse of Venezuela’s agreement in 2015 to purchase Guyana’s rice in exchange for fossil fuels. Foreign relations committee members Zulficar Mustapha questioned the possibility of negotiating for Brazil to absorb Guyana’s rice which went to Venezuela up to 2015. Mustapha implored Greenidge to engage the administrative commission, a body made up of Guyanese and Brazilian officials, to expand Guyana’s quota of rice to Brazil from 10,000 tonnes. In his response, Greenidge noted part of the reason for the 10,000-tonne quota has to do with the close proximity of Santa Fe in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Up-
per Essequibo) to the Brazilian border. Rice coming from Guyana’s coast, on the other hand, would not be feasible considering the logistics of such an arrangement, but Greenidge said he will bear it in mind. Another challenge facing the movement of coastal goods from Guyana’s coast to the interior regions and closer to Brazil’s border is the condition of the Linden to Lethem Road. This concern was raised yesterday by Foreign Relations committee member, Nigel Dharamlall. Greenidge said Guyana had met with Brazilian officials, including President Dilma Roussef, some time ago, and that there was an agreement by both sides to have a feasibility study done on the road. Similarly, there were hopes that the study would be funded through the Chinese-Latin America agreement, but because of the current political situation in Brazil, where that country’s President is facing an impeachment trial, Greenidge said this is difficult. “Until such time as Brazil settles down at the political level, you are not likely to see such progress in that regard,” Greenidge continued. This situation also sees the proposed deep-water harbour in Guyana being placed in limbo, even as Brazil could benefit substantially from its construction. “The difference between exporting via the eastern ports [of Brazil] and coming through Guyana to the north is five or more days,” Greenidge told the committee.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
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Pushing maths as a career By Ariana Gordon
AN active table tennis player, Mathematician Dr Terrence Blackman (Amegah Blackman) is focused on increasing African American participation in Mathematics and Science. Dr Blackman who is serving as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Medgar Evers College in New York says it is his dream to “create transformative and innovative approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics that provide learners, particularly African American learners, at all levels of the learning spectrum, access to an area of deep and active mathematics research that resonates with their broader socio-cultural identities.” He has held the post of Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Medgar Evers College since July of 2015 but has been working at the College since the Mid 90s. However, notwithstanding his dream, Dr Blackman, a former Queens College student, said his challenge currently is to get more people to appreciate and do meaningful mathematics. “To get folk to understand what is mathematics? The point is African Americans constitute approximately 12% of the population of the United States. We earned 21(1.2%) of 1,653
PhDs granted in mathematics in 2011. The mathematical sciences understand the world by performing formal symbolic reasoning and computation on abstract structures.” These skills, he told Guyana Chronicle’s New York Edition, are inextrica-
Dr Terrence Blackman bly linked to the empowerment of the African American “and I would say the Guyanese community” in the 21st century. Dr Blackman who holds a PhD in Mathematics from the City of New York
Graduate Centre is of the opinion that a future that entails African Americans earning doctoral degrees in Mathematics at a rate consistent with their representation in the population “requires fundamentally transforming the teaching and learning environments which serve the majority of African American students.” Over the years, the Mathematician has been successful in reaching many students. Given his experience, he has also written some “interesting and high quality papers in mathematics and mathematics education.” Dr Blackman believes that efforts made by Guyanese authorities aimed at developing a “strong culture of science, technology, engineering and mathematics” will be most helpful for the 21st century Guyana. “To reiterate what I said earlier, these skills are inextricably linked to the empowerment of the Guyanese community in the 21st century. I should also add that affirming, refining and amplifying our unique Guyanese art and culture is vitally important too.” Though he doesn’t visit Guyana often, Dr Blackman says Guyana remains an integral part of his heart. He said he intends to visit more often even as he continues to push more young people towards a career in Mathematics. “I will continue to do mathematics,
number theory, (my interest is in hearing the shape of a drum-smile) and to investigate and write about ways to teach and do mathematics more effectively,” he told Guyana Chronicle’s New York edition. He said his legacy project is to “shepherd into existence an institution that rivals Brazil’s National Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics.” That Institute which was founded in Rio de Janiero in 1952 though much smaller than many universities is ranked among the best mathematics institutes in the developing world. PROUD OF GUYANA Dr Blackman said he is extremely proud of the achievements Guyana has made over the years as an independent nation and noted that being involved in the organisation of the National Symposia Series in observance of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary last month was “perhaps the most important thing that I have done.” Guyanese he noted have contributed much to the world and “we have much more to do”. The 48 year old Mathematician who hails from Georgetown, and migrated to the US in 1988 says he has fond memories of Guyana and often time misses his homeland.
Cocaine mule jailed for four years
-also fined $8.2M By Clestine Juan TWENTY-ONE-year-old Angelica Forde, a mother of two who was recently caught with more than seven pounds of cocaine strapped to her body, was on Tuesday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $8.2M by Sparendaam Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, before whom she appeared
“God will provide; these couple years guh go by like nothing…. My children will be well taken care of.” In handing down sentence, Magistrate Ally-Seepaul said she considered Forde’s guilty plea and the fact that this is her first conviction. She said she also took into account the seriousness of the offence and the quantity and value of the cocaine.
“God will provide; these couple years guh go by like nothing… My children will be well taken care of.” on Monday and pleaded guilty to trafficking 3.040 kilograms of cocaine on June 15 at the Eugene F. Correia (formerly Ogle) International Airport. Forde showed no remorse for her action, and was overheard saying,
At her initial court appearance, Forde told the court, “It’s my stuff; my husband and children were not involved.” Her husband, James Forde, was also charged on Monday with inciting her to traffic the substance
Angelica Forde being escorted by a policewoman to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where she was sentenced
between June 1 and 15 at their Lot 100 B Mora Street, Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara home. The 23-year-old taxi driver pleaded not guilty and was remanded until July 25. The couple was represented by Attorney-at-law Mark Conway, who begged the magistrate to impose a light sentence on the mother, since she admitted to the crime and did not waste the court’s time. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson contended that the woman showed no remorse as she attempted to traffic the drug while travelling with her two children. Sandiford-Thompson said that on June 15, at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Forde and her two children were on a flight to the United States via Barbados when CANU officers stationed there noticed that her clothing
was fitted in an unusual manner and became suspicious. A female rank took the woman into a room, conducted a body search, and found the cocaine strapped to her body in packets hidden underneath her clothing.
Duty-free deal
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
- Caribbean Airlines, gov’t reach agreement
PASSENGERS traveling out of Guyana who have had their duty-free items disposed of while in-transit can now breathe a sigh of relief. The management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) have reached an agreement, the two entities said in a joint press statement. Officials of CJIA, CAL and represen-
Trinidad-based airline explained that these security processes are governed
and again at the Caribbean Airlines checkin counter before making their way to the
Travellers through a secure process will now be allowed to place their duty free items into their checked luggage
issued to Caribbean Airlines, to cancel the Air Carrier Agreement, if the airline failed to comply with the procedure proposed by the CJIA,” the Ministry’s statement noted. Chairman of CAL, Phillip Marshall also underscored the fact that the issue is one of national and regional significance given that Guyana is an important destination for Caribbean Airlines.
Representatives from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Caribbean Airlines, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority following the meeting tatives from the Civil Aviation Authorities of both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago met here on Tuesday to explore solutions to the issue currently affecting transit passengers who purchase duty free-items. Just recently, CJIA in a strongly worded missive issued a 21-day ultimatum for CAL to honour a contractual agreement between the two, or have its operations at the airport terminated. It was reported that outgoing CJIA passengers were routinely complaining about not being allowed to take their duty-free items with them when boarding a connecting flight to travel to the United States. The airline subsequently defended these actions by noting that it must comply with restrictions that have been imposed through security processes. The
and regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which also conducts audits for all carriers flying into the US. These discussions, the statement said, provided a solution which would enable transit passengers to once again purchase duty free items, effective Wednesday June 22. “Travellers through a secure process will now be allowed to place their duty free items into their checked luggage,” the statement added. However, it was noted that this procedure will not apply to BW 526, which operates non-stop Georgetown to New York. According to the statement, passengers will be required to indicate their intention to purchase duty free items at the security checkpoint at the entrance to the airport
duty-free shops. Once the purchases are made, the purchaser will be escorted by security personnel to the baggage area in order to place the items in their checked luggage. However, this process will be closely supervised by security and airport personnel and will be conducted in the full view of cameras. Duty free purchases will also need to be completed one hour before scheduled departure to ensure sufficient time for the new procedure. Receptive of these terms, CJIA officials withdrew the ultimatum and expressed the view that over time the process will be refined. “Following the successful resolution of the duty free issue, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIA) has officially withdrawn the warning
“We remain committed to our loyal Guyanese customers whom we have consistently served with reliable service since our start in 2007. Today’s meeting has enabled the CJIA and Caribbean Airlines to achieve a solution to this issue which ensures that Caribbean Airlines remains compliant with the TSA regulations and continues to provide quality service to our valued customers,” he added. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authorities of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago also re-affirmed their commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two authorities. Under the MOU, passengers originating from Guyana and connecting on other Caribbean Airlines’ services will not be re-screened at Piarco International Airport.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
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Guyana spruces up to host Caricom summit
T
HE Government of Guyana (GOG) is currently rehabilitating roads in the vicinity of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle in time for the upcoming Caricom Heads of Government conference to be held here from July 4-6. Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters on Wednesday that it is Government’s intention to ensure the route from that airport “right up to the hotel” where delegates will be staying is of international standard. “You can be assured of that… the Minister of Public Infrastructure has clear directions as to what he has to do,” said Harmon. However, Minister Patterson has noted that the current road works is in keeping with the Ministry’s ongoing rehabilitation works. Meanwhile, the Minister of State said while Guyana is the host Country all preparations minus venue and transportation is the responsibility of the Caricom Secretariat located at Liliendaal. “The content of the conference, arrange-
ments are CARICOM arrangements. Guyana is just a venue for the conference. We are not taking over the conference all together. We have agreed to provide the venue for it, that is to say where it will take place, accommodation for heads of government, their transportation to and from the conference and things of that nature,” he explained. Minister Harmon noted that the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting will be held in Guyana next month as Dominica; whose turn it is to host the meeting is not in a position to do so. Last August, heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Erika caused widespread flooding and mudslides across the island and also resulted in the death of persons. The Tropical Storm has caused major infrastructural damage to the island. Harmon added that Guyanese are warm and hospitable people and “Guyana is prepared to step in when other Caricom brothers or sisters are unable to provide a service to the people region.”
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor-In-Chief Editor
Godfrey Wray Nigel Williams
Editor Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 Godfrey Wray guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 gnnleditorial@gmail.com guyanachronicle.com
Editorial Editorial
Dennis A Nelson –– dennis.nelson. wnigel10@hotmail.com nychronicle@yahoo.com –– 917-379-6590 gnnleditorial@gmail.com
The Trump factor ON the 3rd of May when Donald Trump won the Indiana primary, Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Congress, declared him the Republican presumptive nominee to face a Democratic challenger in the November presidential election. It is not an unfair assessment to say Trump blind-sighted opponents and dumbfounded those who saw him as a distraction and unsuited to be the nominee. Deploying a strategy which departed from the normal campaigning, Trump labelled and mocked rivals, held big rallies, some of which were characterised by violence, and attracted votes without any clear or consistent position on any policy issue. Jeb Bush, whom it was felt would have been the nominee, failed in repelling Trump who labelled him “low-energy Bush.” Having spent more than US$100 million and receiving poor showing in the first three races, he suspended his campaign after the third state weighed in. Not even the Bush brand and prestige of having a father and brother who were presidents could have saved his campaign. Macro Rubio, the young, fresh face of Hispanic heritage, who was thought to be ideal to attract this growing demographic to the Republican Party fell to Trump. He was caricatured and called “lil Marco” by Trump who dismissed him as unworthy to compete for the country’s highest office. And when in March his home state of Florida rejected him in favour of Trump, he left the race. Of the initial 17 candidates, in April that field comprised Trump, John Kasich and Ted Cruz. While Trump ignored Kasich for personal ridicule, his attention was turned on Cruz, who was receiving the second highest votes and delegates. In ‘trumpian’ style, Cruz was called “lyin’ Ted” and mocked at campaign rallies. The strategy by Kasich and Cruz to singularly concentrate on states and reduce the race to two contenders as against three in order to stop Trump backfired. On 3rd May Cruz left the race having
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Why the secrecy with the Parking Meters Dear Editor: Let me from the outset state categorically, I am in full support of the process in principle to institute parking meters in Georgetown, Guyana. My logic is very simple, if you can afford a car, you should be able to afford to pay for your parking in Central Georgetown. But what I cannot understand is why there is so much secrecy surrounding the now ill-famous “Parking Meter Contract”. Is history about to repeat itself in Guyana where financial skullduggery, fueled by arrogant politicians is about to kick off and take center stage again? I have been a strong supporter of Mayor Patricia Green for a long time since I think she brings a more “can do attitude” to the city than her predecessor, Cde Hammie, who clearly was out to lunch on the fundamental issues on more occasion than not. But clearly Mayor Patricia has stepped off the road on this “Parking Meter Contract” and is clearly now in the mud. I wish for her sake she comes out of the mud, back on to the road because I still think she has much value to add to the City of Georgetown. I have no problem with the fact that the Mayor intends to go full speed ahead to have parking meters installed in the City of Georgetown. But that position can only be supported after due process was followed by fully adhering
to the principle of accountability and transparency. The foundation principles in the procurement of any goods or services have to be the promotion of competition and securing the best value for money spent. I, like many others who I have spoken to, cannot with a clear conscious conclude that the people of Guyana are securing the best value for money as a result of this “Parking Meter Contract”. It smells and looks rotten. Answers to these three questions will expose that “something is rotten in the City of Georgetown” if I am permitted to borrow portions of a Shakespearean quote from Hamlet: 1. Is there anything unique about these goods and services being provided? The answer is NO! Every properly conceivable city of the world has parking meters and there are hundreds of contractors doing this kind of work, so why sole source? 2. Are the goods and services being offered of a highly complex nature? The answer is again NO! The technology is basic, the systemography is elementary and operation is easy to manage, so why are we sole sourcing again? 3. Is there a major disaster about to unfold if we do not procure from this preferred sole sourced contractor? The answer is again NO! This is not a broken sea defence structure that needs immediate attention be-
lost Indiana and the next day Kasich followed. With Trump in the field alone, he turned attention to those whom he felt were trying to deny him the nomination. He castigated his party and took swings at those he felt stood in his way, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (Republican-Wisconsin). Where there have been talks within the republican midst to field a third-party candidate to contest in November, Priebus came out and condemned the proposition calling it a “suicide mission.” Apparently, even Trump underestimated himself as seen in his lack of a campaign structure consistent with contests of such nature. On the ground, in respective states he failed to galvanise his own supporters to turn up at state conventions where delegates were identified and voted for, even losing delegates in states he won. Not one to be quiet, he accused the party of rigging the system even though he failed in doing what he had to do. Even as some called attention to what they consider chaos in Trump’s campaign, his unpreparedness and unfitness for the White House, he has secured the most votes in any republican presidential nomination run. To his credit, he has stockpiled almost 11 million and counting
fore the next high tide or else the villagers will be flooded at great loss to the economy. This contract can wait until it is figured out professionally by the technical experts. And where are the Transparency Advocates like Christopher Ram, Anand Goolsarran, and Ramon Gaskin? Where is the voice of Mr. Nigel Hinds, the accountant now when we need it? Why are they so silent all of a sudden in light of this mass act of procurement transgression which is directly contributing to a breakdown in public confidence in the M&CC? If one is to observe who went on this trip, none of them are technical experts in parking meters and at a minimum, the City Engineer and City Treasurer should have been on that trip with the Mayor and the Town Clerk rather Mr. Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the PNC and City Councillor. As I said something stinks on this contract and therefore I am calling on President Granger to engage his technicians to review this procurement deal since it appears as though a huge scandal is in the making here, especially in light of so much secrecy. Shame on those who are trying to hide public business from the members of the public! Sase Singh, M.Sc. - Finance, ACCA
with more states to weigh in. And as Trump turns attention to the Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton, he is referring to her as “crooked Hillary,” accusing her of playing the “woman card” and saying she was abusive to women who allegedly had affairs with her husband, former President Bill Clinton. It is yet to be seen how these attacks will play out. In the meantime, those outside the USA society and electorate expressing reservation of a Trump presidency their only hope rests on the electorate. Chris Kahn’s Reuters’ story (11th May 2016) offers a sobering thought. In this article, a Reuters/Ipsos poll on the “State of the Race” was reproduced. It shows Trump at 33.8 %, Clinton at 39.2%, and for ‘Other/won’t vote/refused’ at 27 %. These figures are reportedly within the margin of error +/- 4%. These statistics show Trump is gaining on Clinton. And whereas for both candidates polls show the majority of voters do not trust them, and the presidency is determined by the Electoral College (i.e. state by state), to be in a sane place is to not underestimate Trump. (Reprinted from the Guyana Chronicle May 20, 2016)
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
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Not picking youths Dear Editor Editor, President Granger made a controversial call when he decided not to have any young persons in his cabinet. When the news broke that he will not place any youths at the helm of any Ministry, there was a huge uproar and outcry. The drum beat was so loud that at his birthday bash a few weeks later, the President addressed the issue. I was there in Congress Place on the night of his birthday celebrations. I heard him say that he was 69 when he became President and that the young people need to learn to wait their turn.
He was on to something. Look what kind of trouble the young Sherod Duncan is causing the old PNC folk at the Georgetown Municipality. It is obvious that the old heads think that they are not answerable to young people, no matter their elected status. In fact, the comment by Councillor Oscar Clark – an old PNC staple - reflects the collective sentiments of many folks. Ask any old PNCite and they will tell you that the young people need to “know their place.” Mr. Clark knows full well that he will lose no stripes among his party stalwarts. He will be greeted at the next PNC function to the popping of champagne and loud
cheers and kisses. Editor, just imagine briefly if the President had put a Sherod-kind of person/s in his cabinet. Imagine the kind of administrative scandal that would have erupted when it was found out that Minister Joe Harmon was in China with BaiShan Lin and BK. All hell would have broken lose. A person with the mindset of Mr. Duncan would have wanted all the yet unanswered questions to be answered. Mr. Harmon and Mr. Granger would have gotten no rest. That person/s would have been a thorn in the President’s side, much like Sherod is a thorn in the side of the Mayor and her selected
team. So for whatever it is worth, like it or not, you would have to admit that the President was very visionary when he left the youthful thinkers out of his cabinet. As unpopular as it was, it was a calculated decision and the President is getting the last laugh. What these leaders know is that come 2020, all those who are now complaining and fussing. All of those who now do not deserve any apologies from their elected officials. All those who have been displaced and disenfranchised by their elected leaders. When the call is made at election time, all of them will don
their yellow and green jerseys and bandannas, and flock to the streets in syncopated gyrations in their numbers, and then to the voting booths. And if given a chance they would vote twice. These leaders know that. For 50 years Guyanese have been a masochistic (like being beaten) bunch of people. Just look at our country. We have the largest land mass and we are the richest in natural resources. We have the hardest working class, yet we are the poorest, sickest and most humiliated among our Caribbean counterparts. Trinidad and Barbados still have
benches where they put Guyanese to sit before deporting them. Citizens in no other country in the Caribbean are treated as we are. And to think that it is the same two parties that have ruled us for all these 50 years; PPP and PNC. Yet, come 2020 we will run to the voting booths and we will pick one of those two parties, again. Even the youths. So you are right comrade Oscar Clark; we do not deserve any apology! The beat will go on. Regards PASTOR WENDELL JEFFREY
Bisram still a PPP apologist Dear Editor, Mr. Vishnu Bisram’s letter which was published in Stabroek News on Saturday June 19, 2016, under the caption, “WPA does not hold itself accountable in its statement” provides evidence that Bisram, in spite of his recent attempts to distance himself from the former ruling party and government the PPPC, has in fact, not changed his colours. Throughout the 23years of the PPPC’s rule he has been an unapologetic defender of that regime. During that period he spent a lot of his time attacking and criticizing those who exposed the wrong doings of the PPPC gov-
ernment. Bisram’s criticism of WPA’s June 13‘s statement has confirmed that he has returned to his old job as a defender of the PPPC. It is clear that he is still hemorrhaging from the PPPC’s election defeat and loss of power. This is understandable given his political history as a PPPC activist. Bisram is not an ordinary citizen expressing an opinion on the political landscape in Guyana, but is in fact a propaganda agent of the PPPC who is dutifully belching out, verbatim, that party’s propaganda line as it relates to matters of the PCD and post 1992 elections negotiations. Let me just cite one ex-
ample from his letter, he accuses the WPA and Dr. Clive Thomas of refusing the offer of a ministerial position by the late President Jagan. Contrary to Bisram’s utterances, it was Jagan who had unceremoniously withdrawn the offer. The WPA delegation was told by Dr. Roger Luncheon, the then of the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, that the President had had a change of mind and the “offer is off the table”. That was the end of the matter. Dr. Luncheon is still alive and well enough to say if I have misrepresented the position on this issue. In attempting to justify his point that “WPA does not hold itself ac-
countable for some of the problems facing the nation” Bisram argues “that it takes a handsoff approach as though it were not part of the government when in fact it is part and parcel of the government”. Bisram’s logic, which I refuse to accept, is without foundation. The problems facing the nation cannot be laid at the door of the WPA and the APNU+AFC government, these are problems inherited from the previous regime. It is clear that Bisram’s mind is poisoned by his hate of the WPA for its role in contributing to the defeat of the PPPC regime. He sees that as WPA working against Indian interests.
For him and others like himself it was good for the WPA and Rodney to struggle against the PNC government, but not against the PPPC. For the benefit of Bisram and the wider public it should be known that the WPA, since it became part of the APNU+AFC government, has accepted the principle of “collective responsibility” for government policy. Nowhere in the statement Bisram alludes to is there any evidence of WPA’s alleged departure from this principle. An objective reading of WPA’s statement will not miss the fact that the party had engaged in “criticism and self-criticism”. Bisram
is an intellectual and is therefore capable of understanding every aspect of the WPA statement. He however prefers to deliberately ignore the message conveyed therein. Presumably, he wants the WPA to assume the posture of the PPPC and indulge in cussing down the incumbent government for everything under the sun. Editor, it is unfortunate that in today’s Guyana, civilized expressions of political differences have now become something not fitting of Guyanese polemics. Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE
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HENRY RODNEY
S
By Alva Solomon
OMETIME last year, popular actor/comedian Henry Rodney started to feel weak, and his ability to perform basic tasks around the house slowed considerably. As time progressed, he realised that he could not stand on his feet for long periods, even during his performances on stage. Rodney, who gained fame through his onscreen moniker “Franklyn”, from the popular 1990s local sitcom “Agree to Disagree”, sought medical treatment, and one doctor informed him that he is “suspected” to have Parkinson’s disease. “We ain’t know as yet,” he said, when asked what was the doctor’s diagnosis. Rodney told this publication on Monday that he is determined to find out what is the nature of his ailment. Noting that all his mental faculties are in working order, he said a CT scan was performed on him on Father’s Day, and the results are expected
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Beloved comedian needs help
sometime this week. When those results are in, he said, his next aim is to seek treatment overseas. Rodney said he has visited several doctors, and initially he was being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for the ailment. “And they couldn’t say what it was,” he explained. He said he described his condition to a doctor and she informed that he may be suffering from Parkinson’s disease. This disease, according to online definitions, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, mainly affecting the motor system. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related; these include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking and gait. Rodney said he has sought the opinion of another doctor, and according to him, the Cuban medical surgeon examined his medical chart and treated him for two months. He said he then visited two additional doctors, including Dr Doobay,
who informed that he may not be suffering from Parkinson’s disease. “As time goes by, I am getting weaker, and I started to slow down in movement consistently,” he said in his popular exclamatory tones. He said he remains worryingly unsure what is causing his degenerative condition, but while it is affecting his physicality, he still finds strength in what he is best known for -- the arts. Despite his ailment, he performed at the Theatre Guild Playhouse during the Golden Jubilee celebrations last month. “And last Thursday night I sat and performed at a queh-queh,” he noted. Managing a chuckle, he said that only his voice was required for his performance on Thursday evening at the queh-queh. Rodney‘s friends have been by his side over the years. They have come to his aid and have already begun raising funds to assist in the treatment he may require overseas. His onstage friend Linden “Jumbie” Jones has been appealing for as-
sistance for Rodney on his television programmes, while Desiree Edghill of Artistes in Direct Support is handling all information and requests on Rodney’s behalf. Rodney came to prominence as “Franklyn” on the popular “Agree to Disagree” 7pm sitcom of the 1990s. He has graced the National Cultural Centre stage on countless occasions, performing in many roles at shows such as Mori J’son Comedy Jam, to the delight of the audiences on hand. Rodney has also performed on the international stage alongside seasoned Caribbean performers. One of his most noted performances came on the big screen when he appeared alongside more than 300 actors in the Bollywood movie “Guiana 1838”, a love story based on the history of Guyana, starring Indian film actor Kumar Gaurav. Persons who may wish to assist Rodney can contact Ms Desiree Edghill on telephone number 2255112, or mobile number 624-8030 for more information.
Busy weekend for Caribbean diaspora By: Seaghaun Rawle Collins THE first weekend of summer awaits Guyanese in the D.C metro area with at least two events. On Saturday at the University of Maryland Campus in College Park Maryland, it’s the Karib Nation Inc 7th Annual Awards and fashion showcase. Wear All White with a Dash of Purple and get ready to celebrate Guyana’s and Barbados’ jubilee In-
dependence celebration in an evening of Style and Culture at the Samuel Riggs 1V Alumni Centre. That event will have cocktails at 7:30 and the show begins at 9. Tickets cost $40. 1950 M Street in Southeast Washington D.C . It’s where fashion music and culture of the Caribbean will collide. The venue is the Seafarers Yacht Club for Carnival on De Waterfront. It’s an opportunity for the Caribbean Diaspora to meet and enjoy fashion and music celebrating the
cultures and other things that make us uniquely Caribbean. The activity which will run until 9 in the evening will feature fashion showcases by Caribbean designers and a pop-up-shop according to the promotional flyer. Carnival on De Waterfront is being run off by Diaspora organization Karib Nation Inc. Headed by Cornel R. Jones. It will also feature performances by Guyanese songbirds Jackie Jaxx and Tonieka Thompson
. Popular, DJ Smally. DJ Pumpkin and DJ Fyah Oats will provide the hype for the eight hours of action. Karib Nation had a dress rehearsal last Friday at the Guyana Embassy Tracy Place location where a fashion show and tea party was held featuring Guyanese and Caribbean talent. That event was attended by some ambassadors of the Caribbean in Washington and other officials from the D.C metro area.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Real Estate and Business
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The Importance Of A Good Credit Score By Edgar Henry WITH today’s economy the way it is, there seems to be extreme difficulty in maintaining a good credit score in the United States, especially if you are on the unemployment list. Be that as it may, you must ensure your credit rating is in good shape, or else? Depending on where your score falls, it can have an enormous impact on not only your personal life, but your family’s opportunities as well. It’s critical to understand that
EDGAR HENRY your credit score can affect everything from your employment prospects, to your child’s education and to the ownership of basic tangible necessities such as real estate. Planning To Open Your Own Business? If you are unemployed, you may be planning to start your own business, or if you already own a business, you realize that because of the lack of capital, your chances for success and staying afloat often fall at the mercy of lenders. If you already own a business, you most likely have loans, revolving lines of credit at a local bank, or credit lines with various suppliers. Most of the time lenders require a personal guarantee from you and not the business, before they will extend any sort of credit. The discovery of poor credit translates into loan terms with very high interest rates, or perhaps no loans at all. LIVING FACILITIES
We all have to live some place. Whether it’s purchasing a home or renting, your credit score can dictate where you will be sleeping at nights. Most rent applications give the landlord the right to look at your credit report. Obviously a good credit would normally produce a good tenant. Whether you’re renting from a private landlord or searching for housing in an apartment complex, poor credit reflects on your potential to be perceived as a dependable pay person. JOB OPPORTUNITIES A signed job application may give your prospective employer the right to examine the state of your credit. Your potential employer may use your credit score to help determine your ability to be a responsible and trustworthy employee. If you have a major problem in managing your own finances, it can be a bit hard to earn the confidence of an employer, especially if the job requires the handling of substantial amounts of money such as in the banking industry where major financial decisions have to be made. WHAT THIS MEANS? No matter how you turn or twist it, your credit score affects much more than your ability to get approved for a mortgage or your landlord. Being smart about spending, responsible about bill-paying, and monitoring your credit score are valuable ways to secure your financial status now and also in the future. Working to maintain your good credit from the moment you apply for your first credit card is of paramount importance. Good credit is built over years and there are no short cuts. Contrary to what you might see in some advertisements, there is no magic way to raise your credit score. That doesn’t mean you can’t improve your score with good old-fashioned attention and effort. CREDIT REPORT AGENCY ERRORS
When you get your report, first, check your personal information name, addresses, and job history, to make sure your file hasn’t been compromised with someone else’s, who probably has your identical name. Then check the accounts listed. You may find one listed more than once or one that is not yours included in the report. If you discover any mistakes, send a written letter to all three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, listing what is wrong with the information on the credit report and demand a correction. AT TIMES IT’S SMART TO SIMPLY PAY THE BILL If the amount in question is small enough that you can pay it off without financial distress, you may be better off paying the bill and taking the vendor to small claims court for a refund. Why hurt your credit score over a $30 or $50 dispute? If the amount in question is much larger and you want to continue fighting, go ahead once you are sure you are in the
right. Use A Portion of Your Available Credit The ideal way to use credit is to use only 20% of your available credit and pay all your bills on time. That seems to get people the best credit scores. You may think you have to pay down all your credit cards to zero to get a good credit score. That’s not true. In fact, if you don’t buy on credit and pay everything with cash, you’ll likely have a lower credit score because you have no credit history for the credit scor-
ing agencies to use as a reference. Another mistake people make when they want to improve their credit score is to cancel credit cards. That can actually hurt your score since it reduces your available credit. This actually affects your debt utilization ratio, which may lower your credit score. There really aren’t many ways to give your credit score a quick boost. There are some major things you can kiss goodbye if you have a poor credit score. All you need
to do is pay your bills on time improve your payment history. See to it that errors are removed, deal with any disputes with your creditors that are resulting in a reduction in your score, and lower your debt. Easier said than done, right? Your score won’t jump overnight, but if you do this for a few months, you should see a fantastic improvement in your credit score. “It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
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BAYNEY KARRAN
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
U.S gets ready to bid Karran farewell AFTER almost thirteen (13) years as Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States and its Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States, Bayney Karran will be leaving to continue his exploits in the world’s most populous country, China. He will be going there having the distinction of being in a small group of Ambassadors to have served two different Administrations. A political appointee in 1997 under the PPP/Civic administration; Karran was sent to Venezuela where he spent almost seven years, before taking up his US post in December of 2003, replacing another political appointee Dr Odeen Ishmael. When the current administration came to office in May 2015 Karran tendered his resignation as convention demanded and availed his service to the new administration which accepted his overtures. So with nearly 19 years of Diplomatic experience under his belt Ambassador Karran moves to the Asian Giant with the hopes of
the David Granger led APNU/AFC coalition of fostering closer and increasing economic trade relations between the two countries, squarely on his shoulders. Relation with China is at a stage when the Asian country is trying to consolidate its influence in the Caribbean and further afield with its economic standing at an all-time high during the past several years. Ambassador Karran recently travelled to Guyana to get a feel of the Administration’s expectations and the issues that will be high on the bilateral agenda. One such is expected to be Agriculture and Alternative energy. The two countries already have cooperation in the fields of Education and Health with a batch of Chinese doctors recently making the trip to Guyana to serve in the Public Health system and several students pursuing studies at Chinese Universities. Guyana and China established Diplomatic Relations in 1972. Ambassador Karran is expected to leave for China within the next three weeks.
Dr Daniel Ram
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Dr Daniel Ram
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- Young Guyanese scientist researching cure for HIV/AIDS at Harvard
After gracing front pages as the top CXC student for Guyana and the Caribbean in 2003 and then pursuing a PhD in immunology, Daniel Ram is now at Harvard University carrying out research to stop the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. He told Alva Solomon how it all happened
D
By Alva Solomon
use of equipment which he will be seeing very often, given his new area of study. ”It’s basically aniel Ram has been in love with the equipment with tubes which costs millions of sciences ever since he was sevenUS dollars and it’s important to know what you years-old and is known in Guyana are doing” he said. for stellar academic achievements Daniel has also applied for professorial posts over the years. at Harvard, a process which carries a waiting Back in 2003, his face appeared on the front period of as long as 10 years. “It’s either 2 or pages when he was named the top student for the 10,” he said, nonchalantly. He is no stranger to CSEC Exams offered by the Caribbean ExaminaHarvard, since he had interned there and was tions Council in both Guyana and the Caribbean. tasked with undertaking research in virology and By 2009, he had already conquered a degree immunology while he read for his BA in Chemin Chemistry and Biology. That year, he left these istry and Biology at Concordia College in the shores in search of a PhD in immunology. US soon after he wrote the CXC examinations. That feat conquered, today he is pursuing He also studied viral mutation and the effect on research at Harvard University with the aim of HIV at the time. finding a possible cure for HIV/AIDS. He posited that his love for teaching may Like most scientists, when interviewing Danbring him home, as he noted that he is willing iel, originally from LBI, East Coast Demerara, to transfer his knowledge to those who have an one has to pay keen attention to his use of scieninterest in the science field here. tific language since he may unknowingly cover a According to him, Guyana’s secondary topic which is important in the world of science school system provides a concrete foundation and health. That was the case recently when the for those who are willing to advance their studGuyana Chronicle caught up with Daniel at his ies in the field. He said that this rich form of parents’ home. schooling ensures that a student can provide a Seated in the study of his father, Dr Chattermore elaborate answer to a question rather than paul Ram, a dentist, the young doctor said that a simple “yes” or “no” option. It is this rich vein the past seven years have been one of the more of knowledge which he said can advance the challenging periods of his academic life. He country’s development, given the ideal environDr Daniel Ram and his wife Alice Cao was based at Tufts University in Boston, Masment here for research. “I think the problem in sachusetts, the option he selected when he had to Guyana is funding,” he cautioned. He said that make a choice after he was also selected to study at the prominent Johns Hopkins to implement systems for research requires large sums, but he reiterated that the counUniversity. try provides the ideal hunting ground for research, especially in the field of biology. At Tufts University, the bulk of his studies focused on research, where he zoomed But academics aside, the young scholar has also eclipsed another achievement in in on a possible injected cure for surgical infections where blood flow is disrupted in his personal life. Several months ago, six to be exact, he married another academic a process known as sepsis. He explained that the studies focused on the development in Alice Cao, who is also pursuing studies in the medical field. The young doctor of a preventative cure wherein persons with injuries who require surgical procedures and his wife were painting another building which his father is completing near to can be injected with medicines to prevent the injury from becoming septic. the family’s home when this publication caught up with the family several days ago. His focus was on mice, and he spent long hours assessing the life of the animals Her clothes splattered in paint, the young lady smilingly hugged her husband when which were injected with proteins and tested for reactions to the various medicinal it was time to have their pictures taken. implants. Although he could not complete the particular area of study since his graduDaniel and his wife, along with his sister Rebeka and her partner came to Guyana ation happened this year, he plans to pursue the field. to visit his parents, to “relax” as the young doctor noted. Rebeka is also pursuing But something else of interest came into the fray for Daniel recently. Some two studies in medicine; she is currently reading for her masters in the field of medical weeks ago, he started working at Harvard University’s Centre for Virology and Vac- technology in the US. cine Research and research on HIV entered his area of focus. HIV has always been Daniel masked a broad smile when it was suggested that this weekend his on his mind and finding a possible cure is a definite focal point for him. former Queen’s College classmates and friends will read of his academic feats, He said that barely one week into the job, he was sent to New York to study the and of course his marriage.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Guyanese minister gets honorary doctorate from US university
Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, receives her honorary doctorate AT a recent Commencement Ceremony of the University of Science, Arts and Technology (USAT) of Montserrat in Miami, Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, was honoured by the university’s executive board with an Honorary Doctorate in Public Health. Minister Cummings was also made an Honorary Professor in Public Health. Her Citations read as follows. Citation (1): “Be it known by all men present that Karen Cummings has been admitted to the Degree of Doctor of Public health, Honoris Causea and to all the Honors, Rights, Privileges and Obligation pertaining thereof.
In testimony whereof, this Diploma is conferred under the authority of the Faculties and Board of Directors of the University of Science, Arts and Technology of Montserrat, British West Indies.” Citation (2): Be it known that the Board of Directors and the Academic Council of the University after examining, evaluating, assessing and verifying all concurrent merits and of the Candidate, recognize and acknowledge the proposed candidate for the following award and distinction from the University of Science Arts and Technology, Montserrat, British West Indies: In such recognition the University Board confers upon Honorable Karen Cummings, MP, MBBS,
MPH, the Honourable Venia Docendi of the University as Honorary Professor of Public Health Medicine, with all the rights, Privilege and Honours thereunto appertaining. In receiving the honours, Minister Cummings expressed her unreserved thanks towards the USAT community for recognizing and honouring her with these noble accolades. “I would like to thank the entire university community for identifying me as a worthy recipient of such honours. I am cognizant that Honorary Doctorate degrees are reserved for only the most distinguished scientists, intellectuals, artists, leaders, and humanitarians who have made significant contributions to civilization, and therefore
I am humbled by this gesture. As the future beckons, I promise to continue working diligently and conscientiously with a firm but humble confidence,” Minister Cummings said. The University of Science, Arts and Technology (USAT) of Montserrat is an offshore private medical school located near Olveston, Montserrat. It also consists of the College of Medicine, Colleges of Education, Arts & Sciences, College of Graduate Studies & the Einstein Institute. It was established and licensed in September 2003 by the Government of Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory, and is now the fastest-growing School in CARICOM.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
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Transforming Albouystown - new facilities to fill social needs By Telesha Ramnarine
BORN and raised on the corner of Cooper and James streets, Albouystown, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira has always entertained the thought of bettering his impoverished community, especially as there had been no facilities that catered for his social needs as a youth. Once elected a City Councillor following Local Government Elections held earlier this year, Ferreira spared no time and effort in informing fellow councillors of his plan to begin work on a sports facility and a play park in the Albouystown area. Ferreira has since teamed up with Councillor Heston Bostwick to set up a play park opposite the clinic at James and Bel Air streets, Albouystown, and a sports facility on Independence Boulevard. Although families are welcome at the facilities, they cater primarily for the youths in these and surrounding areas. The play park especially, in a bid to garner revenue for the cash-strapped City Council, will be equipped with electronic billboards to facilitate advertisements for companies. The boards will also be used to place notices for the community, for educational purposes, and even for a movie night. Iron bars will be installed so that children may be able to swing across the park, thus serving as an exercise mechanism for them. COST EFFECTIVE The intention is to make the facilities as cost effective as possible, so that they will be completed within a short time and will require less maintenance. “There are not many structures, and everything is being done in collaboration with the City Engineer’s Department,” Ferreira told the Chronicle in an invited comment recently. As for the sports facility, the idea of the councillors is to create certain access points for residents on Independence Boulevard, so they do not have to traverse the facility to reach their houses. “We’re looking at bringing non-traditional sports. The benabs will be a Wi-Fi zone that will hold Bar-B-Ques and so forth. Surrounding communities will be invited, and persons within the community will be able to hold their activities at these facilities,” Ferreira said. He said the various sports associations will be involved, as the intention is to establish something that can be a model to the wider Georgetown. “So our aim right now is to bring sports (lawn tennis, basketball, roller blades, cycling) that are wellloved in the community, and for families to be able to come together,” he added. THREE YEARS But Ferreira and Bostwick cannot see the completion of the projects for at least three years, unless the public steps up and generously provides what is needed. “I intend to beg for everything needed for these facilities,” Ferreira explained. He recently took his draft proposals to the City Council, and walked councillors through the layout of the projects by means of a projector. The Councillors already have some companies on board to help with funding, and they are in the process of approaching more firms for financial help.
The area intended for the play park
The play park billboards will serve as a means of garnering revenue
The new sports facility will cater for the well-loved sports in the community
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
GuySuCo is not getting out of sugar By Audreyanna Thomas THE GUYANA Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) is a widely discussed topic; and this is well understood. The Corporation is the largest employer in Guyana and perhaps the Caribbean; with its 17,000 employees, a reach of approximately 80,000 persons, this is around one ninth of the population; and its economic contribution to the Gross Domestic Product for the country is 4%, and 18% for the Agricultural sector. It means that GuySuCo’s contribution to the economies of communities and the society as a whole is very significant. Much of the history of Guyana is rooted in sugar. The dynamics include: culture, ethnicity, social development, community relations, education and medical services, among others. Therefore one can understand the magnitude of the impact of decisions, which have to be made by the Corporation and the need to bring the best minds together to find solutions to the challenges such a major player must address. CURRENT SITUATION Notwithstanding the above, GuySuCo at this point of its history is adapting to change. The issues the Corporation faces range from unfavourable market prices, low production, high production cost, an
unfriendly industrial relations climate, aged factories and equipment, reduced human capacity and capabilities, and a G$ 82 billion debt, among others. Currently the Corporation produces sugar at US42 cents per tonne and sells at US17 cents per tonne. This clearly does not make good economic sense. Significant capital investment is obviously needed to upgrade the estates to a level that would considerably increase production at an economic cost. Since sugar production is predominantly science–based, significant investment is also needed to upgrade the laboratories and other science –related facilities in order to improve the yields and the quality of crops generally. The government has given, and committed G$21 billion to GuySuCo for the past twelve months. The Corporation is well aware that the latter cannot continue to provide such bailouts annually; particularly without getting returns on its investment; and while business continues as usual. There is no question that profound change is needed. BUSINESS DECISIONS Nevertheless, like most business entities the size of GuySuCo, while the challenges might be enormous, very often they create the environment for tremendous opportunities to re-think, re-organise and re-engineer. However, this would
require some bold decisions to be made. The consequences of not taking these decisions at the right time can be even more detrimental. In examining the realities therefore, a fundamental question to consider is, whether sugar can continue to be the core business of GuySuCo? The answer from the Corporation’s perspective is no. Therefore serious consideration has to be given to diversifying its operations and products. DIVERSIFICATION As a matter of fact, important decisions have already been taken to diversify the Corporation from a mono crop and product entity to become involved in other ventures. Currently, feasibility studies are being conducted in aquaculture, fruit crops, livestock and dairy farming, among others. Amongst the tough business decisions to be made is the identification of locations to be utilised in the implementation of the diversification programme. It was against this background that the Wales Estate was selected as the location to be used for the pilot project of the programme. TRANSITIONING As GuySuCo transitions, it is logical that other components of the sugar industry will transition also; hence moving forward relevant stakeholders will be
involved in the decision-making process. Major shifts in thinking and behaviours are required. In the more immediate future, as the Corporation prepares for the second crop, it will have to strategise to improve the industrial relations climate which has been inhibiting the achievement of targets. Employees would be expected to improve performance, so that the business can be more productive. Basically if employees of the Corporation would like to receive more, then there has to be an understanding that they must give more, this is a basic business principle. It is just not rational for them to withdraw their labour with the frequency they have done in the past and still expect that the Corporation will be in a position to give more. They will simply continue to shoot themselves in the foot and hasten the demise of the Corporation. Employees will have to decide whether they will give their best to their employer or continue to be misled to their own detriment and that of the entire industry. One important point to note in these discussions is that GuySuCo is not getting out of sugar. Another fundamental point from the national perspective is that, in order for GuySuCo to successfully weather the storms ahead, much foresight and business acumen will be required. (Ms Audreyanna Thomas is a Senior Communications Officer at GuySuCo)
PPP Congress set for December THE opposition PPP will hold its Congress, which Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has suggested was inconsequential to him, from December 16-18 on the Essequibo Coast. The Congress is the highest decision making body of the party, which lost the seat of government at the May, 2015 general elections. The announcement was made by PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday. He noted the “urgency of the party to re-take political power within the shortest possible time…in order to arrest the downward trajectory in which the country is now heading”.
Jagdeo last month said he did not care when the Congress is held, saying nothing will change if the Congress is held “tomorrow or next year.” The PPP is seeking to diffuse suggestions that there is internal wrangling about who will lead the party into the next general elections. While there is yet no set theme for the upcoming Congress, Rohee said focus will be placed on the need for electoral reforms, inclusive of e-registration, a new voters’ list, electronic voting, and electronic tabulation of results. This comes even as the party continues to mount pressure for the resignation of Guyana Elections Commis-
sion Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally. Jagdeo was seen as the powerhouse of the PPP and fronted the campaign of the party in the last two elections, when Donald Ramotar ran as the Presidential candidate. In 2011, the PPP lost control of Parliament, and then in May, 2015, it lost the seat of government. “The congress is supposed to be held this year and it’s a Central Committee decision about when it’s held and the Central Committee has not met as yet and frankly speaking, if it’s held tomorrow or next year, I don’t care. It does not make a difference to me, whether it’s held tomorrow or next year. What will change?” the
Opposition Leader told reporters at a press conference held at the party’s Freedom House, Georgetown headquarters mid last month. The PPP’s last congress was held in Berbice in August 2013 and according to the party’s constitution, Congress is due to be held this year. Former PPP Executive Member Ralph Ramkarran had suggested that Rohee and Jagdeo may not be too keen on having the congress this year. However, Jagdeo chastised Ramkarran’s suggestion and described him as an “opportunist” who is still upset he was not given the opportunity to be the PPP’s presidential candidate.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Guyana becoming difficult transit point for drugs
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- US says DEA help could lead to capture of major traffickers
By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA is becoming a less lucrative transit point for the trafficking of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, as the cost to do “business” is on the increase, according to Bryan Hunt, outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission of
US Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt
“They will go somewhere else where the cost is not as high.” Because of its porous borders, Guyana is known to be a transit point for illicit drugs, guns and ammunition. In August 2014, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) seized a semi-submersible craft in a creek off the Waini River in the Northwest District. The US, at the time, had said that seizure of the vessel was an indication that the trafficking networks were “stepping-up” their modes of transportation, moving away from high-powered boats to semi-submersible vessels, which are even harder to detect in countries like Guyana. Compounding the local situation, the Control Tower at the main airport – CJIA - lacks the ability to detect planes entering or leaving the country outside of its radar. As such, planes can land on local interior airstrips, deliver their cargo, and take off without being detected by the law enforcement agencies. In December 2007, the GDF discovered an illegal airstrip -- some 80 miles upriver from Orealla in the Upper Corentyne -- reportedly constructed to facilitate trans-shipment of narcotics and commission of illegal activities. An aircraft found destroyed there,
“The DEA and CANU have established a very close working relationship, and I am confident that we are going to continue to see success; and most importantly, we will, in the coming months, begin to see people who are involved at a larger level in narcotics crimes being brought to justice.” – Bryan Hunt the US Embassy. Hunt said every time there is an interdiction of narcotics at local ports, the cost to transport the drugs through Guyana to the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe escalates. “…if we are effective at the ports of exit (where the drugs are transited out) it becomes far too costly for these trafficking networks to use Guyana as a transit point,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview.
a LET 410 turboprop, was determined by the GDF to have been manufactured in the Czech Republic, although it had been flying a Venezuelan flag. Cognizant of the situation, Mr Hunt said the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Container Control Programme, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are now placing greater emphasis on points of exit from Guyana. Hunt said the plan is to make it extremely difficult to move illicit
The cocaine in the frozen fish which was discovered recently drugs, in particular cocaine, from Guyana to the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and other destinations. As such, major attention is being given to the points of export, whether it is in the passenger terminal, cargo terminal or containerized terminal, even as the ‘metal sharks’ (aluminum boats) continue to man Guyana’s primary rivers. “The hope is that, by doing so, we will find out who is responsible for bringing the cocaine into Guyana; who is helping the drug networks to move the cocaine here. And we can take down those larger fish, because what we have, admittedly, are the end person who is doing the export,” Hunt reasoned. He said establishment of the US Drug Enforcement Agency here has helped CANU with “some very large seizures” as a result of the collaborative efforts of CANU, DEA, the Container Control Programme, the World Customs Organistion, the UK, and other local and international agencies -- which are helping Guyana to “make the end export cost much too high, as drugs are interdicted.” Earlier this month, ten persons were arrested in connection with the discovery of six
kilograms and forty- four grams of cocaine in a cargo shipment of frozen fish at CJIA. Several days after, a 21-year-old woman was caught trying to smuggle 3.040 kilograms of cocaine through the Eugene F. Correia International Airport. That woman – Angelica Forde – was on Tuesday sentenced to four years of imprisonment, along with a fine of $8.2M. Her husband, who was also implicated, has been remanded. “The number of interdictions which have started to take place is indicative of the fact that we have better information-sharing between these entities. The DEA and CANU have established a very close working relationship, and I am confident that we are going to continue to see success; and most importantly, we will, in the coming months, begin to see people who are involved at a larger level in narcotics crimes being brought to justice,” Hunt predicted. He added: “I am relatively optimistic that the legwork that is being done now by your law enforcement and our law enforcement will lead us back to the big fish that everyone talks about, and that we will be able to bring down the major traffickers who are using Guyana as a transit point.”
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
US had no interest in outcome of 2015 elections, says Hunt By Svetlana Marshall
THE United States (US) had no interest in the outcome of Guyana’s May 11, 2015 General Elections, and is urging the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to focus more on promoting its ideas instead of accusing the ABC countries -- US, UK and Canada -- of meddling in local affairs. Outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, Bryan Hunt, made the above disclosure and spared no words in offering advice to the PPP on how it can improve its relationship with the Guyanese people. Ahead of the 2015 Elections, the PPP had accused the US of meddling in Guyana’s internal affairs. It had alleged that the Leadership and Democracy Programme (LEAD) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was being used to influence voters’ choices one way or the other. “I am afraid that the reality would not support the allegation that the PPP has been making. The judgments that were made were no different from the judgments made from all of the other international bodies,” the Deputy Chief of Mission said. In an exclusive interview with the
Guyana Chronicle, Hunt maintained that the voting and tabulation processes in the
US Deputy Head of Mission, Bryan Hunt last elections were free, fair, and credible.
He pointed out that the US had close to 80 observers on the ground. “What you actually have is a very clean electoral process in Guyana,” he said. He said the judgments and recommendations made by the US, UK and Canada were similar to those offered by other domestic and international observers, including the Organization of American States (OAS), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Commonwealth, the Carter Centre and the Private Sector Commission (PSC). In addressing the contention that the US had colluded with GECOM and the APNU+AFC coalition to defeat the PPP, the Deputy Chief of Mission said not only did the US adhere to the International Code of Conduct, but it had no interest in the outcome of the elections. “The United States had no interest, going into the 2015 election, as to who won the process. It made no difference to my government whether it was the PPP/C that was re-elected or whether it was APNU+AFC that was elected,” Hunt said without any sign of uncertainty. He explained that the US was concerned only about the process and the need for the results to be respected by all parties involved.
“Our staff was clearly told that we didn’t care who won the elections; all we were concerned about was a free and fair process and, most importantly to the people of Guyana, a peaceful process,” he added. At a time when the PPP continues to be a stern critic of the US, Hunt has advised that the Opposition should use its time and resources to build a better relationship with the Guyanese people ahead of the 2020 Election. “I know there are those in the PPP/C who are disappointed by the outcome of the election, but I would argue that they need to focus on trying to do a better job of selling their platform, their proposals and ideas, to the Guyanese people,” Hunt said. He made it clear that had the results been the reverse, the US’ response would have been no different. “Had the results been reversed, we would have taken exactly the same position -- that the PPP/C should be allowed to continue in office, and that the APNU+AFC should have respected this.” Hunt will exit the post of Deputy Head of Mission of the United States Embassy in Georgetown next month, after serving in that position for three years.
Corentyne man sentenced to four years’ jail ––for causing Hughes matriarch’s death
TWENTY-eight-year-old Juliano Seunarine of Tain, Corentyne, Berbice was on Monday sentenced to four years in prison after he was found guilty of causing the death of Mrs Christobel Hughes due to his dangerous driving. Seunarine was convicted by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after she found him guilty at the end of a sevenmonth-long trial. On his first appearance, on August 18 last year, Seunarine had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on August 15, 2015 at Pike and Lamaha Streets, Kitty, in Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PPP 4641 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Mrs. Hughes, the mother of prominent attorney Nigel Hughes. He was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, but had pleaded guilty to that charge and was
JULIANO SEUNARINE
fined $7,500. The case against Seunarine was prosecuted by Inspector Neville Jeffers, while attorney Glenn Hanoman represented him. Several police and civilian witnesses testified. In making her ruling, the magistrate told the court that she was of the belief that, at time of the accident, the defendant was under the influence of alcohol; and she said that a life was lost due to his careless driving while failing to exercise the 5Cs (consideration, care, caution, common sense and courtesy). She then found him guilty as charged, and handed down the sentence, noting that she took into consideration his age and his being the sole provider for his family. According to reports, on August 15, 2015, at about 23:15 hours, the defendant
drove motor vehicle PPP 4641 on Pike Street and, as he approached Lamaha Street, failed to stop, thereby colliding with motor vehicle PMM 6763. As a result, the passenger of PMM 6763, this being Mrs. Hughes, received injuries to her body. According to information received, a test conducted on Seunarine by police officers revealed that his blood-alcohol level was 161 micrograms when the legal limit is 35. According to eyewitnesses, such was the impact of the collision that it resulted in the Hugheses’ car slamming into the nearby Natoo’s Bar, causing extensive damage to both vehicle and building. From all indications, Mrs. Hughes bore the brunt of the impact, since the pick-up hit the car on the passenger side, directly where she was sitting.
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Decentralise power, de-politicise national interest - Hunt’s farewell message to Guyana
THE outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Bryan Hunt, has called on Guyana’s leaders to brace themselves for this country’s unprecedented transformation through petroleum prospects. But Hunt similarly called for changes in Guyana’s social and political climate that challenge “social exclusion.” Offering five points of what he called “free advice” at a farewell gathering Friday evening in his honour at the US Ambassador ’s Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara residence, Hunt championed the need for the decentralisation of power as the first point of his five-point advice. Acknowledging notable divisions within the Guyanese society, Hunt said “Regardless of who sits in central government, about half the population feels completely excluded. This has to change.” Hunt not only called for a decentralisation of political power at the national level but also for an abolishing of the “winner-take-all system.” Hunt championed the need for more power to be given to local government bodies. His comment comes at a time when there are still questions surrounding the stalemate in the National Assembly to have the Local Government Commission fully established, thus stripping the Communities Minister of his grip over the nation’s local government system. “Remember that the parliament ultimately belongs to the people not the political parties,”
Hunt said in his address, adding that “Party interest must be subservient to national interest.” On Guyana’s anti-corruption measures, which have not fared well under international evaluations, the outgoing diplomat called for “conflict of interest legislation and enforceable asset disclosure requirements.”
of their public duties. Hunt called for political parties to adopt “zero-tolerance” against members who violate their responsibilities as public officials, thus asserting public interest over party interest. “Anyone who has stolen, is stealing, or in the future attempts to steal state resources must be criminal-
ana to “maintain a diversified economy and avoid the dangers that come with a dominant petroleum sector,” thus avoiding the “Dutch disease,” Hunt welcomed the role of civil society and the media even as government’s transparency could be bolstered once this country becomes part of the Extractive Industries Transparency Ini-
tural development as well as a need for liberalized telecommunications, lower energy and an improved climate for doing business in Guyana. He pin-pointed the floated ‘Linden to Lethem’ road, hydro-electricity, cellular and power grids as well as greater power sector management as some of the areas
Farewell Toast: Outgoing U.S Deputy Ambassador Bryan Hunt and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at Friday night’s farewell reception Just recently Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo received a reworked Code of Conduct for Ministers, Parliamentarians, and Public Officials, but even the Prime Minister is cognizant that this conduct must be included within the Integrity Commission Act, thus granting the Integrity Commission, a body which is yet to be revamped, power to enforce some level of integrity in the execution
ly charged and held accountable before a court of law,” Hunt continued. Even as the public procurement commission is still to be established, Hunt called for a regularised system of annual forensic audits, as well as an adoption of “regulations and legislation that fix the loopholes in the current system that allowed the issues identified in the recent forensic audits.” While calling for Guy-
tiative (EITI). “Revenues from the petroleum sector will transform this country… the money that will flow into state coffers will be unprecedented and the quantities… far exceed the comprehension of most Guyanese,” Hunt charged. Recognising that building close relations with the rest of South America would be beneficial to Guyana, Hunt underscored infrastruc-
which should be prioritised as part of infrastructural development. Turning his attention to the social scourges in the country, Hunt said violence against women and children must “not only be criminally prosecuted but [also] must become socially and politically unacceptable. On Guyana’s LGBT community who continue to sit on the margins of national conversations, Hunt called for anti-dis-
crimination legislation to protect the LGBT community and for a change of societal attitudes “to embrace all people as equal, regardless of who they love or how they express their gender.” “It is essential that social exclusion comes to an end,” Hunt noted, adding that “besides being the right thing to do, it guarantees that Guyana has the full availability of all productive members of its society.” DOMESTIC TERRORISM Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who also spoke at the farewell event, touched on the challenge of domestic terrorism in the country. The Prime Minister drew a nexus between Guyana’s domestic terrorism and the recent Orlando, Florida massacre that left 49 patrons of an LGBT bar dead in its wake. “In Guyana we have seen the ugly head of domestic terrorism which have been appearing on our streets and internet,” Mr Nagamootoo said as he called on Guyanese to be on guard and vigilant to “nip all attempts of domestic terrorism” before something as severe as the Orlando massacre happens in this country. Hunt served this country as the US Embassy’s second-in-command for three years, and will now be relocated to Mozambique, in Africa. Reflecting on his Guyana experience, Hunt told the gathering that this was memorable and expressed hopes for an opportunity to return to the “Land of Many Waters.”
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
Gov’t to review Parking Meters contract By Ariana Gordon GOVERNMENT through the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Finance will be reviewing the contract for the controversial parking meters project, which is being implemented by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon at a post cabinet press briefing Wednesday told reporters that Cabinet at its last meeting held on Tuesday decided to have the contract reviewed so as to ensure there are no illegalities based on the complaints made. The contract for the im-
plementation of the parking meters project was signed with National Parking Systems (NPS)/Smart City Solutions. But notwithstanding the ongoing row over the implementation of the parking meters, Minister Harmon assured that government’s decision to review the contract is by no means an attempt to interfere in the affairs of the City Council. “If they claim there is something wrong or there is something illegal then government has a responsibility to look at the contract itself to see whether there is anything in the contract that closely resembles the complaints by citizens.”
He said government supports the efforts of the City Council to garner revenue while reducing congestion on city streets but its intervention is necessary because Georgetown is the Capital City. According to Harmon, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan briefed Cabinet about the project, noting that whatever the outcome, it is the citizens who will be affected. Maintaining that City Hall is an independent body, Minister Harmon said, “It is a young Council and we believe it must operate independently.” When asked whether government would lend its voice to a conversation on
the rates to be implemented by the Town Council when the parking meter project comes on stream, Minister Harmon said, “The issue of rates, whether too high or low…are issues for the Council itself.” City Mayor ChaseGreen had said that the Council is currently reviewing the rate to be charged to citizens and initially, $500 per hour to park was touted. Parking meters are to be installed on every street between South Road and Church Street, Water Street and Camp Street. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has publicly declared that the parking meter project is a shady one. He
said the mere fact that the City Mayor has refused to reveal the details of the contract to city councillors and make the contract public, suggests that something sinister is taking place. “So much has been shady with regards to the contract and how it will be rolled out,” said Duncan who insists that something is amidst with the project. “What is so special about this contract that it cannot be shared with the public? Who would steal it? Another country? Another municipality? It doesn’t make sense,” Duncan opined. Chairman of City Hall’s Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke said
Minister of State Joseph Harmon the City Council does not need to seek permission from anyone to have the project implemented but “Out of courtesy, we think we have to speak to the minister. The minister doesn’t make a decision for the Council; the Cabinet does...”
Mexican oil, gas experts pay visit A TEAM of experts from the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) is in Guyana to initiate discussions in relation to providing technical support in developing Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector. The team, which comprises Deputy Director General Rafael Ramos Palmeros; Senior Advisor to the Director General, Gustavo Ramirez; Head of Innovation, Zurisadday Enrique Plata Calderon; and Manager Israel Alejandro Vigueras Gamas, is being hosted from June 20-22, 2016 in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy. The visitors will be working with a technical team from the Ministry of Natural Resources. The partnership will see Guyana receiving technical support in the development of a Petroleum Regulatory Agency and Institute, and tertiary and technical education and training in the mining, oil and gas and environment sectors.
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (fourth left), and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, pose with the visiting experts and ministry officials The team met on Monday with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and officers of the Ministry of Natural Resources. During the meeting with Minister Trotman, the team expanded on the work of the IMP and detailed a proposal for providing support while
emphasising a proposal for country ownership and developing an authentically Guyanese model. Minister Trotman expressed his gratitude for the presence of the team, noting Guyana’s willingness to work with a country that has a long history in the oil and gas sector. While here, the team of
experts will also meet with Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; heads of agencies under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources; University of Guyana Vice Chancellor Dr Ivelaw Griffith, and representatives from the university’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. On its return, the team
will develop three white papers for consideration by the Guyana Government in the areas of production and consumption; framework for a regulatory agency; and the development of elements for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute. The Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) has over 50 years of experi-
ence in Mexico’s petroleum industry, and is the country’s leading research centre, dedicated to technological research and development, provision of engineering and technical services, training, and awarding degrees, and participating in strategic and technological joint ventures.
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$100M Sophia facility to train at-risk youths
AT-RISK youths will benefit from a new $100M training facility currently under construction in Sophia, according to Assistant Director of Youth, Department of Culture Youth and Sport of the Ministry of Education, Leslyn Boyce. “We started phase one in our last budget; we are at phase two and that work would commence shortly, so we would be spending another $25M from this budget.” Phase one of the construction started in the last quarter of 2015 and cost $15M. Boyce said Sophia was chosen for this intervention because it “… is one of the National Service centres so they decided to turn it into a training centre for those persons who are more at risk and less fortunate, because most times you find persons who want to go to the Government Technical Institute (GTI) or whatever institutions. I think the genesis of the Youth Entrepreneurship Training (YEST) programme is to more or less capture those young people who are not so academically inclined.” The facility will be built to establish Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) standards and will be equipped with updated tools and equipment, Boyce said. When completed, the new facility will house youths being trained as part of the YEST programme, she added. The Assistant Director pointed out that the two- storeyed facility
will house classrooms for four skill areas, namely, catering, plumbing and sheet metal, masonry and welding and fabrication. Meanwhile, more than 100 youths are currently undergoing train-
Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce ing at the Sophia Training Centre in the areas of electrical installation, refrigeration, air conditioning, masonry, and catering and information technology. Boyce said the YEST programme serves as a safety net for high risk young people in Sophia and the nearby communities, and is of six months duration. “We found that the young people do not have the finance more or less to continue training or even to start even if they want to, so we at the Sophia institution, we provide $4000 per month stipend to help with their passage and we offer them a hot meal every day, to encourage them to stay on the programme for the six months,” Boyce stated. YEST aims to train at risk youths in several skills area to make them work ready for the job market. (GINA)
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 24, 2016
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS AND THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENT REGIONS
EFFORTS are being made by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government to decentralize political power and nurture independence in every region in Guyana. President David Granger has even proposed flags and emblems among other mechanisms of regional independence. As it would be recognized, each region and their elected representatives are responsible for their development and processes of advancement. With government subventions and other revenue collected through their own means of generation, regions are expected to fulfill their needs socially, economically and physically. Of course, it has been proven that sums of money generated by these regions are often inadequate to advance the minimal level of development that is actually desired. Maybe it is for this reason that the effort is being made to enable communities to genuinely rule themselves by being encouraged to generate their own wealth. Guyana is still very far away from regions actually generating the kind of wealth that is significant to attaining the physical environment and quality of life synonymous to a “First World” country. The simple maintenance of public spaces proves difficult for many communities; a clear cut case of an inability to make this simple, but vital impact on the social lives of citizens. However, as a major tool in the democratic process, decentralization of political power seems ideal, especially when the nation is openly divided on many fronts. It was one of President Granger’s sentiments to return much of the power to the communities, acknowledging that no local government election was held for more than two decades. Yet, the pace at which there will be real regional independence has to analyzed as conversations have been had about the changes voted for being immediate or through a time process. It is noted that short term and long term policies of positive change was the association to the “new Guyana” that had the country buzzing during the 2015 elections and later local polls. Our developing country is one filled with diversity, that same trait some say has been our curse through generations that have
GUYANA SPROUTS by ZENA HENRY failed to unify such a diverse nation. Guyana continues along race and political lines as its navigator to growth. And this, according to studies, is the country’s shackle of regression. A report by Keith L. Miller, renowned in the Jamaican local government framework and a consultant on such matters to international aid agencies, in a presentation on Caribbean local government and decentralization in
depend on governments to ensure their development. From the point of policy making and ensuring their families sleep comfortable at night, citizens should be involved, and if they are not called to the table then they should demand a seat; in whatever fashion that seat comes, they must nonetheless know what is happening with their communities and how it would impact them. The capital is expected to be the nation’s model region as it forges ahead with making
ruption, that the choice of some longstanding Council officials to not provide relevant information on the parking meter contract because of bad experiences in sharing documents is an inadequate defense. Popular columnist and political activist Fredrick Kissoon described young Duncan’s concern as being part of the new Guyana where the younger generation’s understanding of good governance and management is different from characters of past governance
Part of the new Guyana Guyana in 2002, stated that one of the developmental and governance challenges facing Caribbean states was that; “Most Caribbean societies are characterized by high levels of social stratification or divisions, whether based on class, race or political allegiance (which) results in a lack of social cohesion and low levels of social capital, making it difficult to mobilize the full potential of the society behind national goals and objectives.” While no particular finger is being pointed at Guyana, the nation can endorse this finding graciously. There must be a point when citizens say to themselves that they will no longer
Georgetown the “cleanest and greenest in the Caribbean” and compatible to any world over. However, already the nation is well aware that the city has financial problems; rates and taxes have not be paid for years, with billons owed to the Council, property valuation absent for years, transparency and accountability still not prominent at the inherited cash-strap municipality. Currently, the Municipal hierarchy, with public comments in the background, are bickering over the hiring of a company to install parking meters within the city. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan is almost convinced of cor-
strategies and culture. Kissoon hinted that the return of old minds and attitudes with new approaches will clash. This is clearly another challenge for local governments on their roads to becoming independent developed regions. Miller recognized in his report that the inability of powers to convince those that matter on policies and mechanisms will experience division and in-fighting that works against the overall purpose. After 50 years of independence, it will indeed be interesting to watch this diverse nation sprout, unfolding as it forges ahead.
this a long time; and thanks to this Government and to God, we finally getting it,” posited James Hunter, a resident of Bamia. He revealed that life was manageable but hard for residents, as they could not have purchased bulk perishables such as meat and vegetables. “We had to preserve our meat and make steady trips to the market, but now it will be different, with light coming to Bamia,” he said. The community, comprising mostly Amerindians, also houses a school, a multi-purpose centre, a church and a masjid. A creek on which work was recently
done runs through the community, and attracts many persons to Bamia. Mr. Avery Trim, Senior Maintenance Supervisor of the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LUSCSI), revealed that the project costs $12M and the residents will receive electricity in their homes in four or five weeks’ time. The project, he said, is fully funded by LUSCSI, and was included in the company’s 2016 budget. Electricity will be given to the school, the multi-purpose building and approximately 100 residents, according to Trim. Regional Chairman Renis Morian,
commenting on the issue, said: “The Government plans for a good life for all Guyanese, which is bringing electrification to the residents of Bamia. For a number of years, they have been asking for electrification, and the Government has held true to the promise,” he said. The Regional Chairman is also optimistic that, in the near future, communities located further up the highway, such as Moblissa, would also be recipients of electricity. Mr. Trim revealed that it is LUSCSI’s desire to provide electricity to one isolated community in Region 10 every year.
Electricity goes to Bamia
RESIDENTS of the small community of Bamia, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, are excited by the announcement that they will soon be getting electricity, after years of living without same. With the clearing of the area to commence installation of electrical cables, residents are more optimistic that this promise will come true. Several times in the past they were promised electricity, but those promises never materialised. “We are very happy that we will finally be given electricity now. (We are) very excited, even as we have been waiting for
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Music education in Guyana receives boost –– with acquisition of two Steinway pianos IN AN EFFORT to upgrade the inventory of musical instruments at the National School of music and to afford students access to a high quality of instruments, the Government of Guyana, in 2015, took a decision to purchase two Steinway Pianos. These two pianos have arrived in Guyana and were presented to the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry on Monday. The Steinway Model D Concert Grand piano will be used for public and national events at the National Cultural Centre, while the Steinway K52 Upright Piano will be used at the National School of Music for classical piano classes. In her remarks, Minister Henry recognised that while the presentation ceremony is simple it is symbolic. “This is in keeping with President Granger’s vision of ensuring that Guyana becomes a land of many opportunities,” she said. While reminiscing on her first days on the job as a Minister of Government, Minister Henry noted that the Ministry did not have a functioning concert piano. “This was a serious shortcoming on the part of the Ministry,” she highlighted. The Minister pointed out that once she understood the absence of any tool or equipment that is needed to get work done she worked towards ensuring that those items were provided. The existence of these pianos in Guyana will allow music students to access classical
piano music in their homeland instead of travelling overseas for such. These efforts are a part of the Government’s vision to ensure all Guyanese live a good life. The Steinway grand is considered as ‘the gold standard’ of musical instruments, representing over 160 years of dedication to craftsmanship and uncompromised expression. Each Steinway piano, consisting of more than 12,000 individual parts, has its own musical character and is as unique as the individual who plays it. The Steinway is positioned as the piano by which all others are judged. Administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall noted that in 2009 Dr Ray Lonke, the world renowned Guyanese pianist and educator hosted a piano pedagogy for advanced classical piano students and music teachers. He had also agreed to give a free piano recital to the general public at the end of each workshop; however, the poor quality of the piano at the National Cultural Centre and the unavailability of an upright piano owned by the Government forced Dr Lonke to discontinue the series of workshops. He then relocated to St Lucia. This now meant that Guyanese students were required to pay an additional cost to attend these valuable sessions in St Lucia. Tyndall emphasised that the existence of the new piano will allow for the resuscitation of the piano master class sessions. He added that the pianos arrived at the right
Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry showing her skills on one of the pianos on Monday time because the music school in now in the position to become the examination centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music practical examinations. It will also allow for the reintroduction of the Ray Lonke Piano Pedagogy Master Class Workshops.
The existence of these two instruments will definitely improve the quality of music education delivered in Guyana as the government seeks to reintroduce music as a mainstream subject within the education sector.
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THE INTRODUCTION OF ‘ADULT SUFFRAGE’ IN WEST INDIES CRICKET GOVERNANCE By Dr. Basil Springer UNIVERSAL adult suffrage, used exclusively in the political context, is the right to vote in elections of a state. Prior to the mid-20th Century only wealthy male Caribbean adults were enfranchised and the rest of adults were disenfranchised. This is not to say that the state was badly managed. However, what about the non-wealthy male adults, should they not have the vote? It was in answer to this question that the first state elections held in the Caribbean under adult suffrage, one man one vote, was introduced so that all adults would have a say in those elected to run the affairs of state. West Indies cricket is governed by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB - formerly the West Indies Cricket Board of Control). The six constituent closed private member associations which constitute the WICB are as follows: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and the United States
Virgin Islands), Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands (Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Only members of those associations have the right to vote for board members of the WICB, indirectly through board representatives from their associations. What about the non-members of these associations who patronize West Indies cricket, why should they be disenfranchised? This is not to say that the West Indies cricket is badly managed. However, it is in answer to this question that I propose that organizational change should be introduced so that future elections
eligible adults who patronize West Indies cricket would have a say in electing the members of the WICB. It is my view that the Caricom Heads of Government, collectively, must intervene, as the authentic voices of the people of the Caribbean who patronize West Indies cricket to rid the region of this despicable scourge of imbalance. Of course, I am not proposing that the Heads of Government run West Indies cricket, that is not the role of a government. Indeed, it may be argued that WICB already, on a day-to-day basis, runs West
“The LORD detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.” - Proverbs 11:1 in West Indies cricket governance should be held under “adult suffrage”. In this way,
Indies cricket with a certain high level of efficiency. My main concern is to introduce constructive change to enhance corporate governance so that we strengthen the structure of West Indies cricket for posterity. What I am proposing is that the Caricom Heads of Government meet with representatives of West Indies cricket stakeholders, including: (1) International Cricket Council; (2) WICB; (3) West Indies cricket Legends; and (4) current squad (managers, selectors, coaches and players) to redress this question of disenfranchisement.
DR. BASIL SPRINGER Let us use the weight of adult suffrage to redress the imbalance in the voting rights of eligible patrons of West Indies cricket. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail. com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.)
On T he Lighterside
Ease The Tension — Have a Laugh ONE year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift . The next year, I didn’t buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied, “Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!” And that’s how the fight started..... I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. “I’ll have the rump steak, rare, please.” He said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?” “Nah, she can order for herself.” And that’s when the fight started. My wife is at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunk swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table. I asked her, “Do you know him?” “Yes”, she sighed, he’s my old boyfriend. He began drinking right after we split up years ago, and hasn’t been sober since.” “My God!” I said, “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?” And then the fight started... When our lawn mower broke my wife kept nagging me to get it fixed. But, I always had something else to take care of. Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. I found her seated in the tall, unmowed grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.” The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
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Local athletes impress at AP Invitational By Tamica Garnett THOUGH no one was able to make any of the hoped-for Olympic qualifying standards, several of Guyana’s local athletes including Rupert Perry, Andrea Foster, Devaun Barrington and Cleveland Forde, gave stunning performances at Aliann Pompey Invitational which concluded last Saturday
at the National Track and Field Championships in Leonora. Not the least of the day’s more impressive performances was Barrington’s thrilling win in the men’s 800m, a performance that had spectators in the packed venue on their feet roaring as he made his way to the finish line. Barrington championed the event in fine style, touching down
Andrea Foster wins the women’s 800m at the AP Invitational.
in 1:52.48s. He won the race ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Sterlen Paul, who had a 1:53.30s finish. Third place was copped by fellow Guyanese, Anfernee Headecker in 1:57.86s. Police Quacy Morian was fourth with 2:01.20s. After the event, Barrington noted that winning the race meant a lot to him, because it was his opportunity to show many of those who believe otherwise, that his athletic career is far from over. “I just want to give God thanks for this victory, it means a lot for me. It will shut up the naysayers about my career, because a lot of rumours have been going around that my career is finished, my time is over, but God is in control and he will know when my time is over.” For Barrington this run marks his return to competition after a three-month hiatus that was due to injury. “This season was hectic for me, I was out for three months with an injury. I did 16 days training for this meet, and it came out successful, just outside of my personal best. I’m just excited that I did not disappoint fans.” In an all-Guyanese event, Foster clocked 2:22.74s for an easy win in the women’s 800m. finishing ahead of the 2:22.94s run by Kezra Murray. Foster was initially recorded as having finished second in this race. Third place
Guyana’s Devaun Barrington prevails in the men’s 800m at the AP Invitational. went to Assata Eastman in 2:38.46s. The three were the only participants in this event. Foster noted that while she always pushes herself to go after faster timings, she was somewhat disappointed that the race did not carry more competition to encourage her. “I was looking for many more international athletes and overseas-based Guyanese athletes to run, I’m pretty sure it would have been more competitive. Running with the time was just my aim because you have no kind of competition. It wasn’t the time that I expected but it was much faster than last week, so that’s nice.” Foster said. Rupert Perry can thank the AP Invitational for pushing him to a new personal
best in the men’s 100m. Competing in the packed race, which also included US-based Guyanese athletes Jeremy Bascom and Adam Harris, Perry was unable to make it to the medal podium after finishing fourth. However the Guyana Defence Force athlete celebrated a new 10.29 seconds PB in the race. This timing puts Perry that much closer to his hopeful 10.16 seconds Olympic qualifying mark. If Perry can do so much better when pushed in a race it’s left to be seen what great heights he could reach, with the right training and good quality competitors. Guyana’s 2012 Olympic representatives, Bascom and Harris, who also have 2016 Olympic Games aspirations
finished sixth and 15th, respectively, in this event. Bascom clocked 10.49 seconds for his efforts while Harris ended with a pedestrian 11.52 seconds. GDF’s Cleveland Forde remains Guyana’s distance champion, proving it with his win in of the men’s 5000m in a time of 15:53.62s. Guyana’s Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas were second (15:57.93s) and third (15:59.20s), respectively. Claudrice McKoy took the women’s 1500m win in 4:53.68s, while Natrena Hooper ruled the women’s triple jump, another all-Guyanese affair, with a distance of 12.70m. Natricia was second place with 12.69m, and Linden’s Chantoba Bright peaked at 12.51m.
Sport CHRONICLE
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Road Tennis being touted locally ... Barbadian team conducting training courses By Stephan Sookram
World Tennis Federation member McArthur Barrow
ROAD Tennis, a modified form of lawn tennis is being touted locally by the World Road Tennis Federation, whose representatives are conducting courses in Guyana. Credited with the initial idea of the sport, a Barbadian team of instructors and players are trying to get the support of their sister Caribbean islands, starting with Guyana. Sharing similarities with its table and lawn counterparts, road tennis is a smaller version that is played with two larger racquets and a compressed ball instead of the usual tennis balls while the net is replaced by a wooden shield. The World Road Tennis Federation, through its member McArthur Barrow, yesterday spoke to Chronicle Sport during one of the workshops at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). According to Barrow, who is also
the manager of the team, they believe that it would make more sense to introduce the sport at the level of training institutions. “We are here to introduce road tennis to Guyana. We feel that it’s very important to introduce it to the training college because in order for a sport to succeed, you have to have a number of trained persons and there’s no better person than the PE teacher,” Barrow said. The sport was dubbed cost-effective by Barrow who contended, “It really is one that is tailor-made for economies such as the Caribbean,” because of the low cost to set up and the fact that it was conceptualised for the older folk (35 and older) who still have an interest in racquet sports. “You’ll need some paint to paint the court; a piece of wood about eight inches tall and you need another piece of wood to cut into two racquets (table tennis
like) and a preferred lawn tennis ball. The most important thing is a willing body and mind,” he said. Meanwhile CPCE, Physical Education Lecturer Kurt Braithwaite contended that the introduction of a cost-effective sport at the facility can only help to grow its interest at a community level. “Since Guyana is so vast, I think it would be easier for the teachers in training to be able to get the opportunity to learn the sport and take it back to the various communities of the country,” he said. “I think this is one that will take well to the communities simply because there’s not a lot of money that has to be spent,” Braithwaite believes, adding that those far-flung communities will improvise with the materials. The number of willing persons in those communities was another factor why the CPCE PE teacher believes the sport will take off.
Road Tennis being demonstrated to trainee teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education, (Cullen Nelson photo)