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Issue No. 3210

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Saxacalli residents suffering silently at the hands of miners

… river pollution leads to rashes, diarrhoea Page 3 … GGMC ignoring complaints since 2015

Miner chopped Rice farmer dies to death while after crashing into guarding gold mats parked truck Page 18

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PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Sorry”: Govt takes blame P7 for ECD arch traffic chaos CANU P10 unearths cocaine in lumber

Health officials P11 have nowhere to hide – Dr Persaud … says executive interference hampering parliamentary committee’s work

Land rights CoI

Lack of P14 consultations breach UN declaration – NTC The Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence Ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel, saw Guyanese Winslow Craig (left) winning in the Arts and Letters category and Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan (right) winning in the Public and Civic Contributions catergory. Also in photo are winners: Shadel Nyack Compton of Grenada winning in the Entrepreneurship catergory; Chief Judge, Sir Shridath Ramphal; President David Granger; Chairman of ANSA McAL Group of Companies Norman Sabga and Kwame Ryan of Trinidad winning in the Arts and Letters category (See details in Monday's edition)

Much love to give:

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One and a half years later

Reg 10 RDC passes motion to reinstate employees P17 …rejects Communities Ministry PS's decision to move engineer

Farmer blazing through motherhood with 12 children Audrey Ramsay and her husband (right standing) of Lightown Village, East Bank Berbice, are warm selfless individuals who love and care for a family of 12 children

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SUnDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

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SunDAY, May 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 14 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, May 15 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

… river pollution leads to rashes, diarrhoea … GGMC ignoring complaints since 2015

Sunday, May 14 – 05:55h-07:25h and Monday, May 15 – 06:30h-08:00h.

By Shemuel Fanfair

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:12h and 18:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.62 metres and 2.47 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:13h reaching a minimum height of 0.60 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS 05

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02 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 06 07 13 15

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LUCKY 3 1 6 0

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W

eeks after its devastating and far-reaching impacts on the environment were reported, pollution from mining practices in the Mazaruni region are still affecting many of the area’s inhabitants, despite many initiatives over the years to curb the scourge. It was on a fact-finding mission last month that the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) unearthed “a ruinous mess of tailings and devastation” along the Puruni River for miles.

Saxacalli health worker, Helen Williams

SATURDAY, May 13, 2017

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Saxacalli residents suffering silently at the hands of miners

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

However, the community of Saxacalli, along the Essequibo River, has been suffering silently from this same plight. Saxacalli is originally an Arawak community located on the left bank of the Essequibo River, some 25 miles from Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

On Saturday when <<<Guyana Times>>> visited the small community,

residents were up in arms about the fact that gold miners in several inland areas are disrupting their lives. So disrupted, that residents of the riverine community are to the point where children as well as adults have been suffering skin rashes and diarrhoea as a result of pollution to their main water source.

Community Health Worker (CHW) and resident, Helen Williams, told this newspaper on Saturday that the polluted water is flowing down from upstream locations.

“We depend on the rain water; the river water very nasty, that’s with the gold mining that’s going on… at Gold Creek and Tiger Creek,” she explained.

This ongoing crisis has altered the very culture of the community, which traditionally saw inhabitants using the river water in nearly every aspect of their lives, including drinking, washing and cooking. But this has all changed as often times; patients are brought in with flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea and vomiting and skin rashes.

“When the rain falls, it usually wash down through the creeks and then come out in the river and sometimes we find small children, even adults coming down with skin infections,” Williams also noted.

The health worker further pointed out that often times, members of the community are compelled to purchase water when their rain water reserves become depleted. She said she spoke to

The community of Saxacalli, along the Essequibo River, remains threated by pollution from mining in inland communities

officials who visited the community and that she made a complaint in 2015 to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), adding that she never received a response since that year.

“The GGMC send up people to test the water but nothing else,” posited Williams, echoing the call for the relevant agency to look into the community’s concerns.

She noted that medical supplies are stored right at the medical centre, which caters to the 101 residents in the peaceful community.

In the Arawak language, the word Saxacalli means “Kingfisher” and the community was named after the many birds in the area.

Legend holds that the area’s origin dates back to the early days of the Dutch presence on the Essequibo River.

Anthropological studies suggest that Amerindians from the neighbouring Tiger, Groete and Bancari Creeks moved to Saxacalli, and the

settlement was in existence since the days of the Dutch, during the late 1600s, with the community at that time serving as trading partners with the Dutch settlements from Fort Island and KykOver-Al. Like Saxacalli, another Indigenous community facing its own share of challenges is Orealla. Residents there picketed the Skeldon Hospital on Friday, calling on the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Health services department to secure a doctor for the community.

Located in the Corentyne River, the Amerindian community expressed grave frustration that they have had to cope without a medical doctor being deployed since November 2016. The protesters had made the arduous journey, some travelling some 50 miles to Skeldon on Friday to stage the picketing exercise, with the hopes that their voices are heard.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Creating tragedy in cane

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he heart-wrenching images of wives of sugar workers in Berbice protesting the imminent closure of the Rose Hall factory without any alternative employment or source of employment provided to their soon-to-be unemployed spouses should be to the nation a wake-up call to be aware of the human tragedy that is being created by the Government in the sugar belt.

After appointing a commission of inquiry (CoI) into the admittedly troubled sugar industry, the Government rejected its recommendations and -- without warning -- plunged into a massive closure of more than half of the estates, which collectively employ more than 22,000 workers and affect the livelihood of more than four times that number.

The CoI had essentially made an eminently sensible suggestion: inject funds immediately into the industry to bring the estates into a state of readiness, and then privatise them in three years’ time, when an optimum price could be obtained.

The Chairman of GuySuCo, Dr Clive Thomas, was a member of the CoI, yet he participated in the immediate closure of Wales Estate on the West Bank of Demerara within months of the Report being submitted to the Government.

The fate of Wales and its 1700 workers illustrates what is in store for the more than 7000 workers in the other estates to be closed this year.

The infrastructure of the Wales factory and its 14,000 acres of arable land were described by the Government as “run down”, even though this was not the position of the CoI. The Government announced it was closing the factory, and the hundreds of employees that manned it were immediately made “redundant” and given “severance pay”.

By the end of 2016, this was also the fate of the field workers.

However, the Government played a very cynical game when it specified that some six hundred cane-cutters would have to be “transferred” to Uitvlugt Estate, where there was a shortage of labourers.

The Government in general, and the Labour Department in particular, could not have been oblivious to the fact that the labour agreement with the sugar union explicitly forbids workers being sent to work more than 10 miles from their homes. This was a right won after one hundred years of struggle by indentured workers; since, if the workers were to spend hours getting to and from the site of labour, their working day would extend long beyond their stipulated hours of labour. Not surprisingly, the cane-cutters of Wales rejected the order and demanded their severance payments. This the Government has denied them, and in effect has ironically taking those workers back to the days of indentureship, even though the cessation of that “bound labour” occurred exactly 100 years ago.

Wales also had the largest percentage of cane farmers contributing to the cane intake of the factory -- one-third -- and the Government promised their canes would be transported to Uitvlugt. However, there was no direct road for tractors to use in pulling the laden punts; and even though this was promised, a year later, nothing has been done. In the meantime, the farmers’ canes have been left standing in the fields and losing their sucrose content. The Government does not even mention the status of this road anymore.

The Government spoke glibly about “diversifying” the 14,000 acres at Wales by leasing land to the unemployed workers to cultivate “other” crops. In their recently released “White Paper” on the sugar industry, which was remarkable for its brevity and vagueness, the Government mandated: “crop types to be decided by GUYSUCO and the Ministry of Agriculture.” This is a most regressive step, since it unrealistically assumes that, without any coordination, cane workers with absolutely no farming experience will be able to successfully introduce new crops into the domestic and foreign markets.

At this time, there has been no attempt by the Government to engage the unemployed workers in going forward with their “diversification” panacea. Concerned Guyanese have been forced to start delivering “care packages” and “hampers” of food to the Wales residents.

The other estates to be closed should be forewarned.

A mother has her heart ever and forever with her children no matter how old they are. The mothers of TVG, Guyana Times and Radio Guyana took time off of work to pose for a Mother’s Day photo. The Media entity wishes not only these mothers but all the mothers and soon to be mothers an extraordinary day today (Carl Croker Photo)

APNU regime has become parasitic Dear Editor, The APNU regime recently made a proud announcement that it has greatly increased revenue collection. The figures released are impressive.At the end of February this year, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected $21.4B. This is 123% of the sum collected during the same period in 2016, which was $17.4B. Of that huge amount, tax revenue was 20.5B. This was an almost 29% increase from what it was in the same period in 2016. The amount collected in taxes then was $15.9B. What is appalling about these figures is the fact that this was achieved during this period of a shrinking economy.

It is well known that the regime has already sent home almost 2000 persons at GuySuCo. This is mainly from the closure of Wales Estate.

At other estates, they are greatly reducing operations, leading to a fall in production and loss of income by workers.

The private sector is also complaining bitterly of the slowdown in business generally. This is very noticeable in the city, as many commercial areas that were once hives of activity are now virtually empty.

A recent article in one of the dailies highlighted that container cargo fell 12% this year, compared to the same period last year. This clearly shows the drastic decline in disposable income that the masses of people are experiencing.

As a result of this slowdown, private sector employers are under great pressure. They are cutting back and are also forced to dismiss a large amount of their staff. Many working people are now unable to pay their mortgages.

One of the big problems with the commercial banks in Guyana is bad loans. A large part of this is loans to the housing sector and to agriculture. This is because the Government has failed to stimulate the economy and keep it growing.

The dire situation in the productive sector -- the real economy -- is extremely worrisome, as production continues to fall. The Bank of Guyana Report for March 2017 spoke about a fall in sugar production from 5,200 tonnes in 2016 to 3,700 tonnes in 2017, over the same period last year. During that period, bauxite production dropped from 281,000 tons in 2016 to 229,000 tons in 2017 -- a fall of nearly 20%. Lumber production went from 25,319

cubic metres to 21,900 cubic metres in the same period 2016 to 2017.

Despite the obvious fall in economic activities and the decline in wealth production, the increased revenue extracted from the population needs to be examined.

Where did the money come from?

It is obvious it did not come from increased value of importation, as the Government stated. It came from great pressure being put on the people.

Among the taxes that have brought in much revenue to the state is the Value Added Tax (VAT).

The regime has turned this tax into something that is very repressive and heartless.

It is now placed, not so much on value added to products, but more on essential items that people must use every day.

When the PPP/Civic Administration introduced VAT, it was careful not to make it oppressive on the people. It exempted more than one hundred items from the VAT. These included foodstuff, educational materials, medicines, etc.

All of these were reversed by the APNU regime. Worse is the taxing of education services. This is really criminal, since it can doom us to a condition

of backwardness and perpetual poverty.

It is also instructive to understand what the increased revenue is being spent on. Expenditure year on year at the end of February 2017 was $29 billion, compared with $18.6 billion in 2016 -- a 55.9% increase in spending, and clearly not anything productive.

If one were to examine Government’s public works, one cannot escape the fact that almost all are projects which the PPP/C had in-progress, and for which it had garnered funds already.

The East Coast highway, the West Coast highway, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, just to name a few, were all PPP/C projects. The additional expenses that this Government has are related to the bureaucracy, its administrative staff.

We have seen the huge salary increase it has given to itself just after taking power.

Clearly, the increased revenue has been, and is being, extracted from our people to maintain the lavish lifestyle of the elite.

Indeed, the APNU regime has become very parasitic.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

the Mother compares to God Answering public’s questions Dear Editor, In the West, mothers govern the home; in an Indian home, it is the mother who is the controller. Mothers are the very foundation of happiness.

The world is about to celebrate and observe another Mother’s Day, a day that is dedicated to all mothers, but it is my view that Mother’s Day is every day. As long as a mother is alive and well, she should be loved infinitely; for a mind cannot ever comprehend the affection and care of a mother, hence all mothers are seen as God on earth.

It is our duty as children to worship and adore our mothers, for this brings great victory in one’s life.

In the West, the woman is wife. In India, she is the mother. The mother is worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of prosperity) of the house.

Every mother has a moment in her life where she remembers every detail. She remembers, for the rest of her life, the date, time and place of birth of each child she has. It is the moment

when SHE gave birth to her child. At that moment, she would have made a promise to herself and her child that she would be a good mother.

A mother has many defining traits: unconditional love, support, and being a good role model. A mother has a never-ending supply of unconditional love. A child could destroy her most prized possession, but that mother would still have a smile on her face, because her child is safe.

Often, when a child gets upset, that child says and/or does hurtful things; and yet a mother forgives and forgets. A mother's child grows and becomes an adult, and might eventually make decisions she might not agree with; but she will still love her child and be there when needed. No matter what, a mother will always have unconditional love for her child.

A child needs support in a variety of ways, and a mother is there to offer all of the support needed. Of course, a mother is there to support her child financially as best she can; she will

always provide for her child to the best of her ability. A mother also provides the emotional support that her child needs; she is always there when her child may need a kiss on an injury, or simply an extra hug as they get off the bus. Without the support of a mother a child may wander through life never living up to his or her full potential.

Since children learn by example, it is important for a mother to be a good role model. A mother must show respect for her family, friends, and strangers; by showing all of them respect, she teaches her children to be respectful.

When a mother stands up for what she believes in, it gives her child strength and confidence to be an independent individual. A mother will always be responsible for her actions, and admit mistakes when she makes them. Every child needs a good role model to look up to, and a mother is just that.

Children learn what they live; so when they are exposed to unconditional love, support, and a good

role model, that is who they become. A mother can see her success of being a good mother in the product of her child. A mother creates loving, supportive, and standup people; that is what every mother wants her child to become.

No matter how much we hurt and irritate and don’t appreciate our mothers, they still love us, no matter what. They accept us for who we are, even though we aren’t necessarily the best people we could be. A mother is someone who would jump in a fire just to make sure her child has what is needed.

A mother would run a thousand miles just to get her child what he/she wants.

Once our mothers are gone, there is no shoulder left to cry on; no one to blame for our mistakes; no one to make us our favourite chocolate cake, and no one there to ask how our day was. And the only reward a mother wants at the end of the day is the simple words “I love you”. Happy Mother’s Day. Sincerely, Pt Surendra Tiwari

Pageantry is more important than academic degree Dear Editor, What happened on the East Coast Demerara Highway clearly illustrates that, in President Granger’s mind, pomp and ceremony and pageantry are more important than an academic degree. That is why students who had to write their final exams at the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education, CAPE and CSEC had to miss their

exams all because this Granger Government has a fatalistic obsession with parade: pomp and ceremony and pageantry.

Shame on ANSA McAL! Shame on the Granger Government! Shame on all the window blinds from the AFC and the WPA in that Granger cabinet, especially Ministers Roopnaraine and Patterson. They collectively did very little to help those children! The weight

of the tears of the parents of those students will forever weight on this operationally bankrupt Granger/ Nagamootoo Government.

What manner of evil old men will destroy the future of our Guyanese children so that they can build another idle monument that adds absolutely very little economic value to the nation?

Aesthetics will not feed the children of Guyana, but a well-trained and matricu-

lated class will. The parents -- who had spent thousands of dollars preparing their children for this day - and the affected students themselves will all be voters in 2020, and they ought to remember this day as their day of infamy, come 2020. How more incompetent can this Government be?

Sincerely, Sase Singh

Dear Editor, ExxonMobil’s affiliate in Guyana, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), wishes to respond to an article submitted by the University of Guyana’s Environmental Economics Class; that article was published on May 12.

EEPGL is pleased at the interest shown by the students of the University of Guyana on the oil and gas developments in our country, and we are committed to engaging with students and other stakeholders on the status and progress of our operations. The focus of the article, “many key oil and gas questions to be answered”, is what drives the many public engagements and one-on-one meetings that EEPGL has participated in around the country over the past year.

These engagements seek to share the elements of a comprehensive draft environmental impact assessment (EIA), important project updates, and capacity building material. A critical component of our work at ExxonMobil is engaging with the public to answer

questions on local content, technology, safety, potential and assessed impact, benefits, jobs, and other topics.

There are numerous means by which we engage with public requests and share information.

Information about our project, its overview and potential development plan, is hosted on the ExxonMobil Guyana website (www.exxonmobil.com/guyana).

In addition to the website, we operate a regularly updated and responsive Facebook page (ExxonMobil Guyana), where we welcome questions and recommendations.

The aforementioned draft EIA can be accessed on the EPA website. The EEPGL telephone number is 592-231-2866 and our address is 99 New Market St, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana.

We welcome any enquires concerning the exploration and development of this valuable resource.

Regards, Kimberly Johnson Brasington Public & Government Affairs, Guyana

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Foundation Fighting disease with antibiotics “Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow.”

– World Health Day 2011 theme

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Anu Dev

rowing up in Guyana, I now realise that our rather casual approach to antibiotics – in prescription and usage – has a serious downside risk.

Back in high school, we learnt about microbes like bacteria that cause so many diseases and illnesses. The discovery of these microbes after the invention of the microscope led to the search for an agent – an “anti-biotic” – that would destroy them and cure the diseases they caused.

Last week we had a class about ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’. During the class, we learnt that many of the antibiotics that used to be able to kill specific bacteria were no longer effective against those bacteria.

Physicians now have to prescribe newer, stronger antibiotics to fight the bacteria

that have developed resistance to the old antibiotics.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global concern: more and more bacterial species are becoming resistant to the antibiotics we used to use to treat them.

In fact, the theme for World Health Day way back in 2011 was “Antimicrobial resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow.” The theme was a call to action for us to start making changes now, or else we won’t be able to depend on antibiotics to be able to cure deadly diseases in the future. It’s terrifying to think about bacteria so resistant that we won’t have any drugs that are able to kill them.

So what are some of the actions that we as individuals could take? Well, first of all, we could make sure we’re using antibiotics correctly when we’re prescribed them.

Doctors don’t usually choose a random course of antibiot-

ics for you to use; there’s a method to their madness, I promise. So make sure you complete the entire course of antibiotics that you’ve been prescribed. Don’t stop the course three-quarters of the way just because you’re starting to feel better.

Finish the course to make sure you’ve zapped all of the bad bacteria out of your system.

There are all sorts of bugs out there that can cause disease -- bacteria, viruses, fungi. Not all disease are caused by bacteria. In fact, the flu that we all seem to get yearly is caused by a virus: the influenza virus. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, so they won’t do anything to cure your bout of influenza.

That’s why your doctor won’t give you antibiotics for your flu. Instead, they’ll tell you what to do to manage your symptoms -- things like taking Panadol for the fever, getting plenty of rest, and

using fluids.

The medical system isn’t the only reason for our problems with antimicrobial resistance though. The agricultural industry actually plays a major part as well.

There is a growing concern about the use of antibiotics in the rearing of livestock.

It is natural for bacteria to develop resistance; all living things adapt and evolve to survive in a changing world. But the problem we’re facing is how quickly the bacteria are becoming resistant, and that’s largely in part to the way we’ve been misusing and overusing antibiotics.

Antibiotics are a vital part of our fight against diseases. The discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic, was a revolutionary turning point. Let’s make sure we’re doing our part to make sure that the antibiotics we have are still effective for many more years to come!

Why parenthood often lowers wellbeing – especially for moms

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Autonomy

f the three basic psychological needs, autonomy is arguably affected the most. Any relationship restricts our choices in some way – for example, having a partner typically means we can't date other people, or always pick the shows we want to watch – and the loss of autonomy that comes with a child is profound.

Consider a simple trip to the convenience store to get some milk. Before children, we could grab a jacket, jump in the car, listen to the radio on the way there, and be in and out in five minutes. When a young child is involved there could be a struggle to find the child's shoes and jacket, not to mention the emotional drain of trying to get them on an uncooperative child. Then once you manage to get out the door – which can be its own private hell at times – there's the car seat, another potential battle.

Finally, you're both in your seats, exhausted and unhappy but ready to drive. (By this time the childless version of you is already back with the milk.) You turn on the radio and hear an intriguing snippet on the news, and then your child says she wants to listen to her music CD. You don't have the heart for another battle so you put her music on, reminding yourself to look up the news story later on, which you'll forget to do.

At the store, there's the inevitable 60 seconds that feel like forever as you wait for your child to get out of the car, which she

insists on doing herself.

Inside the store you grab the milk and hurry to the checkout because you've got to get home to get dinner started, and you realise you're on borrowed time as it's been a while since her snack, making a toddler meltdown nearly inevitable. Getting back into the car is a repeat of earlier, and once you're home and desperately needing to use the bathroom, your child is taking an unbelievably long time to get out of her car seat.

Finally, when you feel like you're about to wet your pants, you scoop her up and carry her inside, as she screams and flails in your arms.

When we have children our actions are no longer autonomous, as every decision and every activity is affected by them. Simple daily activities like eating, sleeping, exercising, and showering are not entirely in our hands anymore, and big decisions like where we live and what we do for a career may be changed by having children. Weekends and vacations that used to be for unwinding and recharging become family adventures that can make work seem like a nice break.

Effects for mothers vs fathers

A highly-publicised research study from 2013 declared that "children are associated with more joy than misery." However, the fine print of the article noted that "parenthood was associated with increased satisfaction and happiness only among fathers". (www.psychologytoday.com)

news

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sunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he saying “cheaper by the dozen” may be a lucrative motto for those in the trading industry; but for a mother of 12, “cheap” is a far cry from what she experiences with her children.

Audrey Ramsay takes care of seven children who were born to other women in addition to the five she has birthed; yet she would not mind taking in another child if the situation arises.

And her husband? He has no objection to increasing the size of their already large family. “My wife likes children, and if my wife wants to adopt another child, (I have) no problem,” he declared.

The couple lives at Light town Village, East Bank Berbice, and earn a living out of farming. But more importantly, Audrey is the reason six children are having a normal life, let alone being able to go to school, after being abandoned by their

birth-mothers.

Adopting children was not always in her life’s plan.

Explaining how the family acquired its size, this special mother said, “These children, their mother likes to sport and drink; she is an alcoholic. And a day she came

…ready to adopt more give away the children.”

Audrey said the troubled mother threatened to take the children’s lives; and with a big heart, she took in three of the four children and the other went to stay with another family. Shortly after that, the children’s mother

to nurture as her own. It all started a decade ago, when she took in the first set of three children.

“Their father is my cousin, and the mother go away and leave him with the children, and so he go in the bush to do gold work to get

Audrey and her husband in the garden

with them and said that her family (had) put her out and she wanted somewhere to stay, or she (would) have to

was murdered in 2014.

However, that was not the first time Audrey had taken in someone’s children

money to look after them.

He left them lock up in the house, and so police lock him up… That is how the chil-

dren end up at me,” she explained.

At the time when she took in her nieces and nephews, Audrey already had her five children. She explained that she has been mothering the trio siblings for 14 years now. “When the three of them were small, they weren’t going to school.

The big one was not going to nursery at the time, but now she is going to high school.”

The last lot of the seven adopted children is a threeyear-old from the village.

She took in this child as recent as April this year.

The ages of the seven children whom Audrey and her husband took in range from 25 years old to three years old. Her five biological children are between the ages of 25 years and 15 years.

Apart from their small vegetable garden, Audrey also makes pointer brooms to sell in order to earn money to support the needs of her children, which includes their schooling.

There is no secondary school on the East Bank of Berbice, and so the three siblings have to travel all the way to New Amsterdam to attend school; and this costs the family more than $600 per day.

Currently, 11 of the 12 children attend school. Come September, a further two are expected to commence their secondary schooling.

A regular day after school in the Ramsay household would entail the older ones assisting the younger ones with their school work.

But in the morning hours, it is Audrey who has to employ her ‘motherly’ skills to get all of them ready for school on time, while at the same time ensure breakfast is ready for the entire family and lunch is prepared for those going to schools in New Amsterdam.

This Mother’s Day, while most mothers would be pampered, Audrey will be preparing her very own cricket team for school tomorrow, since this day would be spent like any other Sunday.

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SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Keeping score… …on “Govt accomplishments”?

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tung by the tsunami of criticisms, especially from its “constituency” – that they were a “do-nothing government” – this administration’s not-so-welloiled PR machinery “sprang” into action. This took the form of centre-spread publications in three dailies (not this newspaper, of course) by the shill of the Information Minister, who it is claimed is also the Prime Minister! Harde-har-har!! Wasn’t much of a “spring”!!

The centre-spread publications purported to bring to the attention of the jaded Guyanese populace 125 “accomplishments” of the Government since it took office two years ago. Your Eyewitness mentioned a couple yesterday, and will continue examining the shill’s shrill screams to justify his $551,000 monthly salary plus “expenses”!!

Take, for instance, the “$61.5B spent in Public Health”.

The first thought that popped into your Eyewitness’s mind was “WT*!! And still no aspirins at the Big Hospital??” Up to now, we’ve been getting periodic revelations on a halfbillion here (to Larry for his bond!) and a half-billion there (to ANSA for their fridge and Arch!!) but $61.5B??? That’s REAL MONEY!! Coulda saved a score of suicides in the sugar belt after those factory closings.

The billion-dollar question, of course, is “How much of the $61.5B was public tendered??” After scouring the public notices, not much showed up. Obviously there was no soul searching for all this sole sourcing!! It was all about “friends with benefits”; or, as Trotman says, “political investments” delivering dividends!! Your Eyewitness had heard about the PPP govt “siphoning off billions, but this PNC-led government’s obviously using those 10” gravel pumps that’s used in the gold bush!! The ancillary question is: into whose pockets are all these billions being pumped??

Now if it so happens it’s a Trinidadian deep pocket that’s received the bulk of these funds, should anyone be surprised there’s a foreign currency shortage in Guyana??

Everyone knows what’s going on in TT after their LNG and petroleum operations ran aground. Are we now keeping them liquid?? Must be some sort of poetic justice. After all, Burnham literally broke their bank in the seventies with all his crazy borrowing!!

But something just struck your Eyewitness: Some years ago, when ANSA was threatening our local brewery – Banks – with their Carib beer, there was a big hue and cry from the chatterati about saving local jobs and all that.

Now that ANSA’s destroying the local Pharma Company – which was saved after private enterprise took it over from the Government in a bankrupt and moribund state – why isn’t there even a squeak from the “elite” movers and shakers now??

Is it a case of politics, or race? Or the politics of race?

…on “political victimisation”

Another “accomplishment”, the shill claimed, was “no more political victimisations”!! Now, that’s SOME chutzpah, isn’t it?? So all those firings from the Ministries was to get rid of contract workers and bring in “professional public servants, right? Excepting now there are even more contract workers!! But it’s good to know all those billions in pharma contracts to ANSA had nothing to do with politics. Just plain old graft!!

But what about the “Case of the Purchased Law Books”

by Anil Nandlall?? Even that staunch, prolix letter-writersupporter of the Government, GFK Lall, had to concede that persecution prosecution wasn’t necessary. It’s so PETTY and glaringly a case of victimisation. As the lawyers say, res ipsa loquitur = the thing speaks for itself! And “the thing” stinks to high heavens!!

Worse than the fact that they charged Nandlall for US$200 worth of books and spent ten times that much already is that they did so without even completing their investigation.

They had to beg the court for more time!!

…on towns

So we’re told there are now 3 new townships. But exactly what the heck was done, apart from issuing a proclamation? Has any infrastructure like parks, museums or libraries been added to make life a bit more urban”??

Is a lamp a lamp if it doesn’t give light??

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Sorry”: Govt takes blame for ECD arch traffic chaos A fter its installation caused huge inconveniences to commuters, the arch demarcating the eastern entrance into Georgetown has been commissioned at Cummings Lodge sea wall, East Coast Highway. However, Government on Saturday accepted full responsibility for the chaos caused to thousands of citizens.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, on Saturday at the commissioning said Government is taking blame for the chaos and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Commuters traversing the highway in the vicinity of the University of Guyana had complained of the traffic congestion on Thursday and Friday. Traffic was being diverted in order to facilitate works on the arch.

At the same time, however, traffic on the railway embankment is presently curtailed by repairs on the Liliendaal Bridge. This meant that there was no escape for many of the commuters trapped in the long lines.

According to Minister Patterson, as the subject Minister, he would accept responsibility for the mistakes made. “I’m a somewhat tech savvy person and I’ve read and seen the grumblings on social media. Persons complained about the traffic disruption on Thursday. And I would say publicly, being the subject Minister, I accept full responsibility for the traffic disruption. As the subject Minister, I would

was also at the commissioning ceremony but was quickly whisked away as the media following the official ceremony to have questions answered about the partnership between the Trinidadian company and Government.

ANSA McAL was under public scrutiny recently as a result of attempts by the Public Health Ministry to solesource some $605 million worth in pharmaceuticals from the company.

According to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, the decision to fast track the drugs was made because of

ANSA McAL Chairman A Norman Sabga, President David Granger and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson commissioning the arch at Cummings Lodge sea wall, East Coast Highway on Saturday

have okayed the plans.”

Patterson also sought to defend the project against questions and criticisms about its practicality. The arch costs some $19 million and was sponsored by ANSA

McAL Trading Limited, a Trinidad company. The company was also recently awarded a $605 million pharmaceutical contract from Government.

President David Granger

“emergency drug” shortages in the system.

In her statement to the media, Lawrence also said that the company donated four refrigerators to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

The installation of the arch had commenced on Thursday with little notice being given to the public, which caused great inconvenience to many.

Commuters traversing along the East Coast Demerara carriageway, more specifically in the vicinity of the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road,

complained on Friday as traffic congestion continued at the arch.

Traffic was again backed up for a considerable period as workers on the project worked to have the Arch completed. The chaos lasted from 08:00h on Friday until the bottleneck eased to facilitate works on the structure.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Friday, commuters for a second day were outraged and screams could be heard emanating from vehicles as insults were being hurled at the workers for causing the build-up of traffic.

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sunDAY, may 14, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Rice farmer dies after crashing into parked truck

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ne day after crashing into a parked lorry along the Golden Grove Public Road, West Coast Berbice, a rice farmer succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Michael Persaud reportedly sustained a fractured skull when he lost control of his motorcycle, bearing registration plates CH 7640, while negotiating a turn and slammed the motorcycle into a parked motor lorry.

Based on reports received, the 27-year-old man was heading home after imbibing with his friends when the accident occurred. He was reportedly speeding at the time of the accident.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was treated.

However, due to his condition, he was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remained

Dead: Michael Persaud

a patient until his demise.

Police are continuing their investigations into this acci-

dent.

Only recently, three persons lost their lives after slamming into parked vehicles. Meanwhile, the traffic department of the Guyana Police Force has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in fatal accidents.

Thirty-eight fatalities were recorded at the end of April when compared to 44 for the same period in 2016.

The Police added that a total of 22,896 cases were made against errant drivers between January 1 and April 30, 2017. Speeding and breach of conditions of road service licence/music accounted 6982 of the total amount.

CANU unearths cocaine in lumber

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everal workers at a lumber yard at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, were taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine in several pieces of lumber that were being prepared for export.

The bust was made by members of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit late on Friday afternoon, after receiving a tip about the operation.

Upon their arrival at the lumber yard, a consignment of lumber was being processed to be transported; and upon

inspection, the cocaine was found neatly packed among the lumber.

The ranks immediately shut down operations and began their investigations.

Further checks unearthed several other packets of the illegal substance.

The workers were questioned and based on reports gathered, the bust may be connected to persons linked to the local racing fraternity. Attempts to contact officials of CANU proved futile.

Investigations are ongoing.

East Coast Erection Dear Diary, Dis is Pato, Dear Diary. Ah cyaan tek it no mo’. Ah doan know when Ah guh hear de end of dis Arch business at the UG Road Jung-shun. An’ it was “business”, yuh know, Dear Diary. Everything was going good after Ah rescue de Jubilee Park from Nick A Let. Ah was a hero. An’ now dis Arch.

An is not that Ah doan have experience with arches.

Last year, was me who handle de one at Agricoluh. Yuh know Ah is a surveyuh; right, Dear Diary? An’ Ah survey de place real good! But dat one was done by Banks, and dem bais know how t’ings wuk in Guyanuh. Ah didn’t have to do much.

Suh when Ah hear Ansal doin’ dis arch fuh dis year, Ah think was goin’ to be de same t’ing! Even though dem is Trini, dem Big Bass is one awe, KFC gyurls. She an’ we new leaduh tight-tight. See how much drugs Ansal delivering nowadays, Dear Diary? De arch was payback.

But dat is de problem, Dear Diary. Just like how Ansal collect de money an’ cyaan deliver de drugs, was de same thing wid de Arch. Deh Just couldn’t get de thing erect in time. Maybe dey need a drug for dat!?

But is not funny, Dear Diary. As soon as Ah hear dem couldn’t erect de Arch over the weekend, Ah survey de place. Ah is a surveyuh; right, Dear Diary? Ah know was goin’ to be trouble. Big trouble. But we KFC party leaduh said we had to go through full steam ahead - Political Investment. Ansal had some party and had to show off de arch to impress people from foreign.

An’ now Ah getting’ stick right, left and centuh! Ah cyaan tek it no mo,’ Dear Diary. Dis is no job for a surveyuh.

We doan do errections. We cyaan get it up.

news

11

SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Health officials have nowhere to hide – Dr Persaud

…says interference hampering parliamentary committee’s work

Strengthening the banking supervision framework: Foreign Exchange Reserve Management - IMF revised guidelines, capital controls and macroprudential regulations

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uring last week, there were two new press releases on the foreign currency matter. It is therefore vital that I turn my attention to these new developments and seek to incorporate them in my analysis for today. In the context of these articles and my own workings over the past few weeks, my emphasis is on the need for capital controls and improved macroprudential regulations. At this point, I wish to make it crystal clear that my position on this is specific to foreign investments by commercial banks. It is crucial that I ensure clarity in this respect, because capital control covers a very broad spectrum.

I am of the strongly held view that the central bank should consider setting a ceiling limit on the amount of foreign currency commercial banks are allowed to invest in overseas markets.

In reference to my first article, published on April 23, 2017 to establish whether my findings and conclusion were correct, you would recall I provided evidence in support of this. The evidence showed that commercial banks’ foreign holdings at the end of 2015 were US$ 273.7M, and at the end of 2016, were US$278.1M, which gave rise to an increase of US$4.4M in 2016.

We also saw that commercial banks’ foreign investments for 2015 were US$204.3M, which in effect left US$69.4M available to accommodate foreign currency transactions in the domestic market. In 2016, foreign investments increased to US$247.9M from US$204.3M in 2015, which left a meagre US$30.2M available to accommodate foreign trade transactions in the domestic market. As you can see, demand did in fact remain constant, and therefore the reduction to US$30.2M in 2016 from US $69.4M in 2015 ultimately caused the distortion in the domestic market and the depreciation of the exchange rate. This is thus a classic illustration of financial arbitrage, to which I alluded last week.

With this in mind, how did the exchange rate stabilise?

And where did the excess US currency come from that has stabilised the rate? Noting that there was no substantial increase in export earnings recently, where did it find its way back into the system? Here’s where we could make a safe assumption as to where it came from: Up until February 2017, if you were to examine the statistical bulletin published by the Bank of Guyana for March 2017, you will find that total commercial banks’ foreign holdings stood at US$282M, which is virtually within the same range it had been as at December 2016.

In March 2017, however, commercial banks’ net foreign holdings decreased by US$29M (substantial) to US$256M. At this point, it would be difficult to ascertain definitively how much of this amount was utilised for investments abroad by the commercial banks. Normally, these figures can be extracted from the annual reports of the commercial banks, as they are not stated anywhere in the statistical bulletin published by the central bank. Restating the figures for the last two years, nonetheless, in order to draw a reasonable inference: in 2015, foreign investments stood at US$204.3M, and in 2016, it was a whopping US$247.9M. We can therefore safely assume that the commercial banks broke their investments abroad in the month of March 2017 and brought back US$29M into the local market, which also includes a US$7M injection by the Bank of Guyana, thereby stabilising the exchange rate.

In conclusion, if I were to suggest anything to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, I would quite frankly be an advocate to have the commercial banks bring back into the domestic market those sums of foreign currency invested in foreign markets, as there is where one important element of the problem lies. This validates my contention in regard to instituting controls on the amount of foreign assets commercial banks are allowed to invest in foreign markets.

Additionally, I wish to say this rather boldly, and perhaps in defence of the Central Bank Governor, whose professional stature one of the articles this week sought to discredit. The Governor is not the one to be penalised. It is the commercial banks that are employing financial arbitrage tactics at the cost of distressing the domestic economy. The task of regulating and supervising the financial sector, which is the heart of an economy, is indisputably challenging, especially when it is expected to be done within the framework of a rather deteriorating economy, which is miraculously being kept afloat on only one productive and export sector.

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hairperson of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services (PSCSS), Dr Vindhya Persaud, has complained bitterly that executive interference in the committee’s work is hampering its progress.

Dr Persaud has said that since the PSCSS was barred from entering the storage bond at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a recent incident, she is yet to receive a number of documents that had been requested. These documents include combined received-and-issued vouchers (CRIV) and the records that relate to the drug monitoring system. “(Aside from) speaking with persons who were in all of the pharmacies, we were not able to access the actual CRIV, (although) we wanted to see those. We wrote to all the heads of the hospital to ask if that information could be made available to the committee, (but) it has not been made (available),” Dr Persaud said.

As one of the standing committees in Guyana’s

The PSCSS on a visit to the GPHC

Parliament, the PSCSS is tasked with examining any aspect of national life and making, in Parliament, recommendations for improvement. It has been so mandated by Article 119 of the Constitution of Guyana.

The power of the PSCSS is reinforced by Standing Order 86 (4) of the Parliament of Guyana, which states that sectoral committees shall “in the exercise of their responsibilities, examine all policies and administration for each sector, to determine whether the execution of Government policy is in consonance with good governance and in the best interest of the people of

Guyana.”

Legislative powers

Dr Persaud has made it clear that, despite the recalcitrance thus far displayed, the administrators of the health sector have no chance of being able to to hide information from this committee.

She is aware that she certainly has at her disposal the tools to ensure that requested information is forthcoming.

She explained that, according to Standing Order 86, (5, B), the PSCSS can request the minister assigned responsibility for the sector to submit written or oral information, including

Government documents and records, about any specific area of Government policy and administration.

In addition, Standing Order 86, (5, B) gives the PSCSS the power to “summon persons to give evidence in accordance with the Legislative Bodies (Evidence) Act, Chapter 1:08 of the Laws of Guyana.”

Dr Persaud detailed that the PSCSS has gotten responses that are “very, very scanty”, but she promised that the PSCSS would pursue the matter.

“We do have a right, in terms of the committee, to access this information; but we’ve been asking for information, and it would seem as if we are asking for things that must be kept hidden,” she explained.

She further disclosed that “the committee also has a mandate to engage the Minister of (Public) Health, to call the Minister of (Public) Health, (and) to call other entities which fall within its mandate to answer on policies, operations and performance.

Turn to page 15

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SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

13 Respect for Leguan road remains all women in deplorable state T W news

SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

omen and girls the world over face many of the same issues: lack of access to education and employment; unequal pay for equal work; domestic and political violence; issues about reproductive rights; and a general bias and inequality in the workplace and society.

In Guyana, with our various ethnic and religious groups, there are even more political, cultural and religious values that have to be considered within the feminist whole.

The struggles of rural women, for instance, have different Ryhaan Shah emphases than those of urban or professional women. While there are connections and similarities because of the female commonality, the women’s movement cannot be conveniently packaged into a single unit or programme, since that would overlook our unique and different selves.

The propensity for violence against women in our society is very high, and while much is made of domestic violence, no one cares to include the bouts of racial/political violence that are directed at Indian Guyanese by African Guyanese protesters and rioters. The violence is not only men-to-men.

Indian Guyanese women are assaulted, robbed and raped by African Guyanese men, and African Guyanese women play their part in beating and humiliating Indian Guyanese women.

There is no sisterhood that provides empathy, support or protection, and the women’s movement continues to be secondary to the overarching issue of the country’s racial/ political divide.

Recent cases of abuse and murder of partners and wives by mostly their male counterparts are rooted in a culture that also accepts -- and even idolises -- macho behaviour. The chutney hit “Ramsingh Sharma” promotes a male promiscuity that is, as the lyrics reveal, actually encouraged by women.

That the song is very popular points up that the message about respect for women is lost in translation in a culture that views machismo behaviour as sexy, rather than sexist.

For this reason, the conversation about women and our place in society must include men and their commitment to the attitudinal changes needed for real progress. There is little point in training women for economic independence, or improving their feelings of self-worth, if they then return to homes where their spouses expect them to be subservient and submissive.

Empowering women requires empowering men to recognise that women are their equals, and should be respected as such. But, are parents – mothers and fathers alike -- making the shift to bring up their sons to appreciate that they, too, are nurturers and care-givers? Girls often top the country in academic achievement, yet most of the leading executives in the public and private sectors continue to be men.

Most often, women still put families before careers, and even if they do hold down a job while bringing up a family, the child care and household aspects of this responsibility still fall heavily on the mother’s shoulders. In a fast-paced world, women who put family first are often left behind on the career ladder, especially since their years of experience in the home are hardly ever recognised as being relevant or important to the workplace.

In developed countries, women have moved on to a postfeminist era and to an environment that is constantly changing to fit new circumstances. Women are world leaders in both the political and corporate spheres, and no longer have to prove themselves worthy for these positions.

The 1986 conference in Nairobi, to review the UN’s Decade for Women, is often described as the “birth of global feminism”. At that conference, it was declared that all issues are women’s issues. This has a nice ring to it, and the educated and professional women in developed countries enjoy this luxury, since they have access to education and opportunities that are still denied women in most underdeveloped countries, where they are still fighting for recognition as equals and for basic human rights.

Still, it would be a terrible disservice if women’s issues here are so compartmentalised that women cannot see the world and all its possibilities as being open and relevant to them also.

In a poor country, it is the women who are the poorest and who are more likely to be denied the opportunities to become educated, employed, and financially independent. This sets the stage for male aggression to thrive, and for the Ramsingh Sharmas to parade their power and prowess.

That the conversation on women’s place in society continues is important; and today, when we honour our mothers, that most sacred province of womanhood, it is timely to remember that the respect due to all women should be inbred enough in the national psyche to ensure that every girl and woman is treated with such respect always.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to shah@guyanatimesgy.com

his publication has recently been informed that, to date, no work has been done to repair the extensive damage done to the road main in Enterprise village -- in the Essequibo island of Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), -- incurred in rehabilitation of a koker in the area.

The impassable state of the road thus remains unchanged, although publically highlighted over a week ago; and residents, especially the elderly, have been encountering great difficulty traversing the area in periods of heavy rainfall. Additionally, some taxi operators are refusing to transport commuters to the hospital and to school. <<Guyana Times>> had, on May 4, reported on the damage done to the road after a contractor had been hired to repair a koker and to build up sections of the re-

The state of the road at Enterprise, Leguan

vetment in order to prevent flooding. The koker is situated in relatively close proximity to the Leguan Secondary School, which caters to the educational needs of some 300 students, many of whom are currently writing CXC examinations.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

(NDIA) project facilitated the works done by this contractor, which included improving access to drainage.

One mile of this road has allegedly been destroyed, and at least one resident had called on the contractor to fill the craters created on the road with sand. Many sections of the road have al-

legedly now been left virtually “impassable”. <<Guyana Times>> has been informed that an alternative access road had been constructed, but another resident explained that, with the recent rainfall, heavy-duty vehicles carrying paddy created “slush” in many sections of that access road, and intermittent rainfall has exacerbated the condition of the road. As such, motorcycles and low-riding vehicles have had difficulty traversing the area.

This publication had also reported that students attending the Leguan Secondary School had had to make their way to classes through mud, and a similar fate awaited many CXC candidates.

This newspaper understands that the koker works contract had been awarded sometime in 2016, but the stipulated works commenced earlier this year.

14 news

SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Land CoI

Lack of consultations breach UN declaration – NTC

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he National Toshaos Council (NTC) has observed that setting up the Land Rights Commission of Inquiry (CoI) without full and informed consent of the indigenous peoples constitutes a direct breach of the United Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Vice Chairman of the NTC, Lennox Shuman, has pointed out that Article 19 of this international agreement provides for indigenous people to be integrally involved in consultations before changes affecting their lives are made. “…if I were to go back a little bit further as it relates to the commission of inquiry, we don't have an issue with the President using his mandate to establish commissions and those things; but Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that indigenous people have a right to be consulted on everything that affects their lives and their livelihood”, Shuman declared.

Explaining that the CoI on lands with have a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of indigenous peoples, Shuman said, “We were nev-

the Government determining the ancestral lands of African Guyanese. According to Shuman, “We have no issue with repatriation; what we have issue with is lumping the two together.”

Consultations

President David Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; and Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, with elected officials of the National Toshaos Council and other members of the Cabinet

er consulted on the formation of the commission; the composition of the commissioners, or the commission itself; or the drafting of the ToR (terms of reference).”

He declared that according to Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, there must be consultation and cooperation in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned, through their own representative institutions, in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.

“So these are things we

take issue with. If we (have signed) on to the United Nations’ Declaration, we must respect the documents that we signed on to… The NTC has sought engagements with the Government, nothing came of that; so we are still open to dialogue with the Government,” Shuman explained.

“We are still open to dialogue, and resetting the park and (restarting) the process so that everything gets addressed.

But we must also make clear that these are two separate issues that need to be addressed,” he added.

Shuman stressed that the NTC has no qualms with

President David Granger had previously justified the existence of the CoI. He has said that any claim to the effect that there was no consultation in its setting up is inaccurate.

“The proposal to establish a body was announced by me in August last year at the National Toshaos Council meeting. I think there had to be some consultation, and persons who are on that commission are from a wide section of the community. There was consultation,” he has been quoted as saying.

To further support his claim that consultation had informed establishment of this CoI, the President has alluded to the presence of Attorney David James, a former Legal Adviser to the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), as a commissioner on this CoI. Nevertheless, the APA itself has come out in criticism of the Government’s land CoI.

Younge’s Take

Independent public procurement CoI needed

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ver the past 48 months, Guyana’s national system for procuring goods and services to meet public demands and complete a slew of projects has been in a state of crisis, chaos, and confusion under the governance of the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition Government.

The APNU/AFC Administration appears either incompetent or incapable of managing the system in a transparent manner.

It does not seem to understand that there will be a black-lash whenever there is deliberate political interference in the Michael Younge process.

As a result of its direct actions since assuming Executive responsibility for several national agencies and companies, including the ministries of Public Health, Communities, Public Infrastructure and Education, there has been scandal after scandal.

These scandals have no doubt exposed the unprecedented levels of interference that is taking place in the procurement, tendering process, and award of contracts. This interference, according to sources close to the APNU/AFC political directorate, is being sanctioned by high ranking ministerial officials in President David Granger’s Government, and they are ensuring that those who played an integral role in financing the coalition’s 2011 and 2015 elections’ campaigns are rewarded with concessions from the public purse.

It is therefore not strange that the Government has avoided every opportunity to commission an independent commission of inquiry into any of these recent scandals involving the procurement, tendering and awarding of some of the most controversial contracts; especially those concerning the Ministry of Public Health.

If what sources say is accurate -- and any decision made to have an independent CoI into the procurement of pharmaceuticals, drugs and medical supplies would reveal -- there have been strange and sinister relations between officials at the Public Health Ministry, suppliers of services and goods, and personnel planted with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. This would explain why companies that have absolutely no experience and business in the supply of these goods and services have managed to secure multi-million-dollar contracts after springing up overnight. They have also been given a clear advantage, even when the process is followed and another company is capable of providing the Government with the lowest and best rates, so that they can achieve value for company. The Sussex Street Bond fiasco is just one example, and the sole sourcing of emergency medical supplies from ANSA McAL is just another.

Changing the subject minister is just another attempt to quell public concern and create a diversion from the real issue at hand.

The current minister is doing just as badly as her predecessor.

Both ministers are aware of the Government’s policy on who should get the largest pie of the contracts to supply pharmaceuticals in Guyana. And any high school student could tell you that the APNU/AFC made a campaign promise to ensure that the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Inc remains under scrutiny because of its perceived and alleged link to a mainstream opposition politician.

Additionally, since assuming office, there has been a rush to rewrite the Government’s procurement policy, and ramrod legislative changes to effect system changes with the hope that the company is left isolated and incapable of competing. But this has been far from the case, because of the legitimacy of its operations and the professionalism as well as expertise of its staff.

There is no doubt that if there is a level playing field, internationally acclaimed local and regional companies could continue to supply services to the country’s health sector, which in turn would reduce shortages, the wastage of billions of taxpayers’ dollars, and ensure the delivery of better health care to the populace. This principle also applies to every other area in which the Government does business.

Local companies must not be afraid to challenge the public procurement system if there is any doubt about the outcome of various tendering processes, be it at a regional or national level.

They do not need to pledge alliance to the Government or display indifference to avoid victimization. The checks and balances which are given life by the Constitution must work to protect the citizenry and local businesses from Government victimization.

The Public Procurement Commission must work and publish its investigative reports. Those reports which the Government received after internal probes into various complaints and scandals must also be released for scrutiny. The official Private Sector Commission and the so-called transparency agencies must speak out against the misuse and abuse of the public tendering system by the Government and its agents to reward its financiers and supporters.

The public must sound the alarm for an independent CoI to investigate these flagrant breaches and the award of politically inspired contracts under the new, bold, semi-autocratic regime of President David Granger. It must not be headed by a former GDF officer, but by a highly qualified civilian.

NEWS

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sunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 RDC concerned about increase in road accidents … calls for removal of derelict vehicles from road shoulders

the committee to examine ways in which the issue can be dealt with.

PPP Councillor Basil Persaud said the Police need to also clamp down on the playing of loud music, heavily tinted vehicles and drunk driving.

He said minibus drivers are the ones that are carelessly driving on the roadways.

Head of the Traffic Department, Alfred Park speaking at the RDC statutory meeting

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ouncillors from the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) have called on Police from G Division (Essequibo Coast-Island) to be more vigilant and step up the Force’s driving under the influence (DUI) campaigns.

At the Council’s recent statutory meeting for the month of May, Councillors said Region Two is too small a region to have 13 road fatalities, as such, more needs to be done by the traffic department. These comments were made in connection to the recent deaths of two young motorcyclists who lost their lives

along the public road. Both motorcyclists died as a result of injuries sustained after crashing into parked derelict vehicles on the road shoulders.

Head of the RDC, Devanand Ramdatt suggested that a road safety council committee be formed as a positive approach towards dealing with road safety within the region.

At the same meeting, the Regional Chairman also suggested that People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Showkat Ali chair that committee. Speaking on road safety, Ramdatt said young people are losing their lives careless-

Police presence

ly on the road due to speeding and drunk driving. As such, he called on the traffic department to step up its DUI campaigns as a way of curbing the issue. He also called for a more collective effort from major stakeholders in dealing with the issue.

Derelict vehicles

Councillors have also called for the removal of all equipment and vehicles that are encroaching the road shoulders. According to Government Councillor Naithram, the derelict vehicles are impeding traffic and often lives are lost.

Naithram therefore called on

Health officials have nowhere...

From poage 11

So you can expect that from the committee going forward. So whatever is not being given freely, they will have to provide it there to the committee.”

Moreover, she promised that reports compiled by the PSCSS would have accompanying recommendations, and would be made public and tabled in Parliament. And importantly, they would be de-

bated in Parliament.

The PSCSS has been making visits to several hospitals.

During an impromptu visit it made to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on May 3rd, it had sought to vision the drugs’ bond to explore what was happening there, but was prevented from so doing by GPHC executives.

Dr Persaud had subse-

quently raised concerns that the paucity of drugs stored in the bond had resulted in GPHC executives preventing the PSCSS from carrying out its constitutional mandate.

She had also declared that the only areas that could be restricted from the PSCSS when on an official visit are areas under quarantine, or areas where there a medical emergency obtains.

Government Councillor Dacia Jones also calls for more

traffic Police to be placed in front of schools, especially in the Good Hope Pomona area. Jones said whenever the ferry arrives, vehicles disembarking would normally speed to get off, explaining there is a school nearby.

She therefore suggested that a Police Officer be placed in the area around peak hours to regulate traffic.

Another Councillor Samad Baksh also called for a review in the speed limit along the Essequibo coast.

Head of the Traffic

Department in Essequibo Coast, Alfred Park, who was allowed to speak after the standing order was amended, said it is the responsibility of the regional administration through the Regional Executive Officer, to address the issue of derelict vehicles. Park however said that the traffic department will work in close collaboration to have the issue of DUIs and speeding addressed. He also said Region Two recorded 13 road fatalities for 2016.

(Indrawattie Natram)

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One and a half years later

Reg 10 RDC passes motion Indigenous women, to reinstate employees custodians of our rainforest

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he advent of policies geared towards the fight against climate change in the 90s did not only birth new markets, but also, forced us to rethink development strategies and ways of life.

Climate change has become a problematic embroiled in the socioeconomic development of countries, some of which advance faster than others depending on their capacity and willingness to engage in Anna Correia promoting green economies.

In Guyana, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was the first initiative to have set the tone of the country’s commitment to fighting climate change. It is an exemplary stance in a region where the Amazon rainforest remains under threat, due to the immense reserve of natural resources sheathed under its green blanket. However, policies penned with climate change in mind often exclude the first victims of this global phenomenon who ironically, are the very people to hold a key role in preserving whatever green is left of the continent’s forest: indigenous peoples.

While the LCDS limits the destruction and degradation of Guyana’s forest, mining and logging are still permitted, and the impact on the environment is first felt by Amerindians.

Last year, the Toshao of Tasserene, Region 7, called out to the Government of Guyana to intervene in resolving the negative consequences of mining in his community, as it relates to the pollution by miners of his people’s main water source, the Tasserene Creek. The Akawaios of Tasserene are forced to use insalubrious water for cooking, drinking, washing and bathing.

This scenario is replicated in almost every other indigenous community encumbered by mining. But because they are the ones who carry out most of the household chores, indigenous women are forced first-hand to endure the environmental destruction of their habitations.

In addition to having to cope with the pollution which invades their homes, indigenous families must also put strenuous efforts into walling out the decadence which accompanies the establishment of mining camps. The rates of prostitution and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) are as elevated in mining districts as they are in Georgetown, if not higher.

In addition to constituting a thriving market for prostitution, mining districts have also become a hub for TIP. The case of Imbaimadai and its “Kaimu” (make-shift brothels generally operated by people from the city) exemplifies the increasing vulnerability of indigenous women, as families living in neighbouring villages cower under worry for the lives of their daughters. Former Toshao Alvin Joseph of Tasserene, in July 2015, had pointed out his concern that the hen shops established 20 minutes away from his community, were luring young girls away from their homes. He had described alcoholism to be rampant in the camps.

Alcoholism and substance abuse plague mining camps, and the victims of TIP and prostitution are the first to succumb. A visit to Port Kaituma in Region 1 or Bartica in Region 7, would reveal the same disturbing issues. Yet, the weak policies in place limit the capacity of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to enforce law and order and contain such illegalities in mining districts. Laxity of national institutions in this regard also bars from adequately addressing the issue.

Mining does not only affect the environment, it infiltrates the very social fabric of indigenous societies, irreversibly destroying centuries of accumulated heritage, culture and ways of life, vectored and pillared by women.

In an age where the fight for natural resources accelerates and opposes efforts to contain global warming, neglecting to factor in the importance of indigenous peoples does not only testify of the myopia of national policies, but also, of indifference regarding the empowerment of indigenous women.

Distributing “shoes that grow”, bicycles, buses and other momentary hand-outs for instance, remains a nonsensical concept, if indigenous societies continue to be destroyed by environmental degradation and destruction. What indigenous women need is the preservation of the environment in which their societies are anchored, so that their children may be able to develop and grow in pace with the rest of the country, in this regional race for development.

The indigenous daughters of Guyana are the first custodians of our rainforests, and as such, the policies we craft must alleviate the challenges thrown at them by mining.

Such policies which accentuate the importance of women in promoting a green economy, will be the materialisation of the Government’s genuine commitment to fighting global warming.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

… rejects Communities Ministry PS’s decision to move engineer

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he administration of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has strongly rejected a decision taken by Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarell, to rotate its lone civil engineer. Councillors lashed out at the decision, stating that the absence of four staff – who were sent on administrative leave a year and a half ago following fraud allegations – has already had damning effects on the Council’s works output.

As such, a motion was put forward by Councillors Charles Sampson and Denise Belgrave at the RDC statutory meeting, requesting among other things, that the staff be reinstated immediately and for the Communities Minister to engage various administrations across the region.

Prior to the motion, Region 10 Regional Chairman Renis Morian read to the Council, a letter sent to the administration, addressed to the

lone Civil Engineer of Upper Demerara, Clive Peters, for his reassignment to Region One (Barima-Waini). This comes into effect on May 22.

The letter stated that a decision was taken to have the engineers rotated.

In total disagreement, Morian alluded that there are still four staff members who were interdicted on allegations of malpractice and to date, although numerous letters were sent to the PS highlighting the plight of the RDC in delivering programmes on time due to staff shortage, those employees remain on administrative leave, with pay. Councillors argued that to now have the engineer transferred amid all the “confusion” is adding salt to the wound.

“You either fire them (employees) or retain them. If you fire them, it means you give us space to hire. If you keep them off the job, it means we don’t have the space, plus they continue to be paid.”

The Chairman added that he sent a letter to the

Permanent Secretary requesting additional staff but he is yet to receive a response.

In putting forward the motion, Councillor Sampson described the situation where the staff remain off the job a year and a half later with pay using taxpayer’s money as “a serious miscarriage of justice,” noting that it has severely affected the functioning of the regional system and its Works Programme, also referring to it as “sabotage”. He said it is clear that the investigating authorities have “lost their way” and called on the Council to reject the transfer of the engineer and to request that the Minister authorises the withdrawal of the “transfer letter” with immediate effect and that the staff be immediately asked to return to work.

Councillor Belgrave, who put forward an extension and conclusion of the motion, requested that the Communities Minister be invited for serious discussion with the RDC, Mayor and Town Council and Community Development

Councils on various concerns and issues. The motion was seconded by Councillor Stanley Collins, while no one abstained and all were in full support.

Furthermore, the Regional Chairman said the RDC cannot make a decision regarding employees, while Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke said it does not have the authority to hire or fire. He said so far, the Council is unaware of any decision being taken regarding the employees. “…the last thing that happened, the case was placed before a Disciplinary Committee, appointed by the Public Service Commission and that was about three weeks ago.

They would have had a hearing for those individuals and that Committee was to make a recommendation to PSC for their action. I haven’t gotten a report from them yet as it relates to what was the recommendation made to PSC, so there we are stuck,” Clarke explained.

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SunDAY, may 14, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Miner chopped to death Banks DIH celebrates while guarding gold mats mothers in Berbice

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miner, who was left to guard a sluice box containing two “gold mats” was chopped to death by a co-worker at 111 Miles Madhia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), who later removed the two mats and escaped. Dead is 56-year-old Damion Scipio, also called “Rasta man” of Moco Moco Village, Central Rupununi.

Reports are the chopping incident occurred between 23:00h on Friday evening and 06:00h on Saturday morning. However, the suspect was subsequently arrested at BK Old Road Backdam, Potaro River.

Police investigations have so far revealed that the victim was performing security duties at the camp belonging to a prominent mining company when he

was attacked and chopped three times to his head and once to his left wrist which was almost severed.

The suspect then removed the gold mats that the victim was protecting and fled the scene. As a result of a quick response from detectives in F Division (Interior locations), he was apprehended. It is unclear if the mats were recovered but the suspect was taken into Police custody and is being processed for court.

The body of Scipio was taken to the Madhia Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police are continuing their investigations.

The Police in a recent release stated that a total of 35 murders were recorded up to the end of April when compared to 53 during the

same period in 2016. This saw a 34 per cent decrease.

Of the 35 murders, 20 were as a result of disorderly behaviour, four as a result of domestic disputes, five stemmed from robberies under arms and three were as a result of execution-style killings.

The Police are yet to determine the circumstances surrounding the remaining three.

Fourteen of those murders were committed in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) followed by 10 in F Division (Interior locations); six in B Division (Berbice) and four in D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo). One of the heinous crimes was committed in C Division (East Coast Demerara).

B

anks DIH Limited in collaboration with ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force treated mothers in Berbice (Region-Six) to a pre-Mother’s Day Appreciation ceremony, hosted at the Banks DIH branch on Main Street, New Amsterdam.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) military band under the baton of the force’s first female director of music, Superintendent Charmaine Stuart, entertained guests with musical renditions, while gifts and hampers were presented to all mothers attending the event.

Addressing the gathering was Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam, who indicated that the aim of the programme was to express appreciation to mothers in the community

One of the mothers receiving a hamper from Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam

while promoting the band’s visits to divisions around the country.

“The military band has embarked on visits to police divisions around the country to organized concerts and we are happy that they are visiting us today,” the Commander stated.

Banks DIH Limited Berbice Branch Executive, Reginald Matthews, add-

ed that the ceremony was organized to demonstrate gratitude to mothers ahead of Mother’s Day which is set to be celebrated on Sunday. Matthews thanked the Guyana Police Force for partnering with their business enterprise in the successful execution of the ceremony, which was well attended despite the inclement weather.

Police sting operation leads GTT donates collection boxes to the Guyana Red Cross Society to arrest of Sophia man … attempted to pay cop $500,000 to release son

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-39-year-old man of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who attempted to bribe a Policeman to release his teenage son on Friday, was taken into Police custody.

His son was one of two men who allegedly disposed of an illegal .32 pistol along with five live rounds of ammunition on Tuesday last while riding a motorcycle at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the man contacted the Police Officer and offered him $500,000 to release his son. A sting operation was put into effect and

the Police Officer agreed to meet him at a neutral location.

However, as he turned up with the money, he was arrested and taken into Police custody. The money was lodged as Police continue their investigations.

On Tuesday last, ranks in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) noticed two suspects tossing an illegal firearm onto the roadway in a bid to escaped Police on patrol duty.

It was reported that sometime around 09:30h on the day in question; ranks on a motorcycle were patrolling on Vlissengen

Road, when they observed two men on a CG motorcycle without the rear registration plate. The ranks ordered the suspects to stop but instead of so doing so, the pillion rider quickly took out a firearm from his waist and tossed it onto the parapet and sped away.

The weapon was retrieved and was found to be a .32 pistol with five live rounds of ammunition. One of the men, who was arrested, is the son of a prominent Sophia businessman.

After his arrest, his father attempted to bribe the Police.

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ocal telephone giant GTT has donated 40 collection boxes to the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) on Friday.

These boxes will be placed at strategic locations across Georgetown to assist in bolstering the Society’s fundraising programmes, in fulfilment of their mission “to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity.”

Resource and Mobilisation Coordinator, Anna Lisa-Phang, who was present at the handing over ceremony, expressed the Society’s appreciation to GTT while using the opportunity to appeal to all other corporate entities to follow GTT’s lead in supporting the work of the GRCS. The boxes will be dispatched across the city from Monday, May 15, and persons are encouraged to donate generously. The funds

GTT’s PRO Allison Parker handing over the collection of boxes to GRCS representatives Anna Lisa-Phang and Dianne Deoraj

collected from the boxes will be specifically used in the delivery of service to the Children’s Convalescent Home, Meals on Wheels and the Wellness Clinic programmes.

The presentation of the boxes was done by GTT’s Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker, who said

the company is pleased to have contributed to the Society’s programme and highlighted that “GTT is committed to positively affecting the lives of citizens, not only through its core business, but by the many corporate social responsibility initiatives it continues to support.”

sunDAY, may 14, 2017

19

Saxacalli benefit from Paul, V-Net Communications benevolence cricket for the West Indies.

She ended her emotional address by telling the cricketer, “Must not let success get to your head nor let failure get to you heart” and “ rule one is Don’t quit and rule two is always remember rule one”.

Likewise, Managing Director of V Net Communication Safraz Sheriffudeen, one of the player’s faithful sponsors explained that his sup-

port of the 19 year-old stems from the fact that he sees a future world star.

Sheriffudeen commended Keemo for returning to his home and giving back to the community which he believes can become an area for eco-tourism.

The managing Director also pledged to continue supporting the player throughout all his endeavours.

Siddiq Mohamed ,who

ture was just the beginning as he has “bigger things planned for the community”.

The right-handed batsman is hoping to one day bring the entire community which has a total of 101 residents, to see him in play at the National Stadium, Providence while at the same time helping in any way possible to improve the livelihood of family and friends.

Keemo Paul making the donation to Karen Kippins, a teacher at the school and a cousin to him

By Akeem Greene

I

t was joyous occasion on Saturday morning in the small community of Saxacalli, located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River some 25 miles south of Parika, as a son of the soil, Keemo Paul along with the support of sponsor V-Net Communications brought bright smiles to community members by donat-

ing several sporting equipment.

Paul, who is a current Guyana Jaguars all-rounder and former West Indies under-19 World Cup vice-captain inspired his team to championship glory in 2016, spent his nursery years playing cricket in the community of his birth.

Former Head Mistress at the Saxacalli Primary School Pearline Woolford, told the gathering tales of

Paul’s childhood and his love for the sport and how as youngster his father, David Paul, would having him batting the entire day, to her bemusement she wondered if Keemo ever got out.

Woolford embraced Keemo for always remembering his roots and staying humble, remaining embedding in region and foresees that one day he will go unto play senior

Keemo Paul interacting with some of the students at the school

Sheltez/ Homesafe Independence Tennis…

Kalekyezi strolls into U-14- & U-18 finals

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oshua Kalekyezi on Saturday continued his supremacy on the court for a third successive day, qualifying for the finals in the boys under 14 and 18 categories of the Sheltez/ Homesafe Independence Tennis Tournament.

Not only was the 13 year-old outstanding on the court but he created quite a storm when he upset Mark McDonald in the u-18 semi-final which he won 6-3, 6-0 to get things started on a day that was mostly conducive for tennis at the National Racquet Centre.

Joshua followed up his qualification for the u-18 final with another win, this time, in the u-14 semi-final against Nigel Lowe, who was a much easier competitor to surpass. He won that match 6-0 6-1.

Apart from Joshua it was a good day for the Kalekyezi brothers until Jeremiah the younger of the sibling fell to Viraj Sharma 5-4, (7-3), 4-2 in the semifinal of the boys u-14 division. With the win Sharma march into the final, setting up a challenge with Joshua, who will be looking to revenge his brother’s loss next weekend.

Prior to the defeat Jeremiah won against Vadeanand Resaul 5-3 4-1 in the quarterfinals and at that time

took the Kalekyezis tally to three wins from as many games. However, he was not as fortunate in his final game of the day.

In the other boys u-18 semifinal Viraj Sharma triumphed over Tyrese Trim 6-0, 6-0 to set up match with Jeremiah in the final. Jeremiah and Viraj will meet in both the u-14 and

Klautky got past Alexis Hopkinson 4-1, 4-0 while Nathalie Ramdyhan beat Akilah Jones 5-3, 4-1.

In the under-10 orange ball category, Recky Ramiscendo defeated Wade Beckles and Raphael Shaw 10-3 and 10-4 respectively in group A. In group B Elwyn Levius was suc-

was also a part of the visiting contingent highlighting an important fact to the other students present.

He explained that Keemo was one who one loves reading and though they may be good sports they must remain focus with their education.

The man of the moment, Keemo, was in all smiles as he reminisced his days as a child in the community, revealing that this ges-

GCA Carib Beer T20

Rain continues to hamper crucial matches

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Action in the second boys u-14 semifinal between Jeremiah Kalekyezi and Viraj Sharma

18 finals next weekend.

Afruica Gentle and Kalyca Fraser will do battle in the girls’ u-18 final after successes in their respective games against Sarah Klautky and Ciara Pooran. Gentle, who is favoured to win the title defeated Klautky 6-3, 6-0 while Fraser dismissed any threat from Pooran with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.

In the girls u-14 round robin stage

cessful against Alex Johnson (102) and Joshua Sandy 10-5 while in groub D, Aakesh Panday trounced Anthony Klein and Max Mayo 10-0 and 10-4 respectively.

In the girls segment, Gabriella Felix lost to Keysha Hardin 10-3 and Malyah Rambarran defeated Ciara Bathija 10-2.

The tournament continues next weekend.

Keemo, who hit the winning run against India in the January 2016 under-19 World Cup made his Firstclass debut for Guyana in March this year against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval.

In his second match, he had a career-best match 9 for 64 against the Windward Island Volcanoes, while also making his highest score of 46.

he weather pattern in the city over the last two days has affected the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) from hosting the final group match of the GCA/ Carib Beer T20 Tournament between University of Guyana and Transport Sports Club for a second time.

The match which was initially set for April 29 and was postponed due to rain was once again postponed due to the effect the rain had on the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Ground where the match was to be played.

Chairman of GCA Competition Committee Shaun Massiah said the GCA will update teams of the new dates set for these matches in the upcoming week.

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guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, may 14, 2017

History of the Guyana National Rifle Association – Part 1

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he Guyana National Rifle Association (Guyana NRA) would be celebrating its 150th anniversary in October (9th -15th) this year with the hosting of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

This is part one in a series on the history of the association as compiled by Ms.Margaret Smith from the commencement of shooting in the 19th Century to 1992.

Subsequently, the history of the remaining years was put together by Mahendra Persaud (Fullbore Captain), Ransford Goodluck and Ryan Sampson (Secretary of the Association) with the assistance of a few members of the Guyana NRA.

stationed in British Guiana thereafter.

From the formation of the Rifle Club to Independence, the organisation responsible for the running of the club varied, namely: British Garrison (1878), British Guiana Militia Volunteer Force (1891), British Guiana Volunteer Force, and Guyana Defence Force (1966).

and fullbore competitions.

However, there was a lull in smallbore competition for several years, which resulted from a shortage of ammunition. Happily, in 1992, the smallbore competition was re-introduced.

Originally, shooters, depending on their shooting ability, were categorised as ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ class, with ‘A’ class being the highest. However, if

Part One – Introduction

Rifle shooting as a competitive sport is not new to Guyana. It dates back to the early 1790’s and was formalised in 1865, with the establishment of the Demerara Rifle Club. The latter became the British Guiana Rifle Association and today it is Guyana National Rifle Association.

The Demerara Rifle Club was formed by a Regiment of British Soldiers stationed in the then British Guiana, and, was coordinated by the succession of British Troops

Former President of Guyana LFS Burnham (center) with former Jamaican shooter Bobby Brent (right) and another Caribbean marksman

Membership, categorised under individual and block members was opened to all officers, non-commissioned officers and men on the active list of all local forces. Eventually, it expanded to all residents in Guyana over the age of fifteen (15), other than members of the active Force.

Initially, competitions were of two types- smallbore

a shooter is selected and participates in an international competition, he immediately becomes a senior shooter and attains an ‘X’ class rating.

In keeping with the other countries, the local association now uses two classes: ‘A’ class which identifies shooters who are selected and participate in an international competition. They are re-

ferred to as senior shooters.

‘B’ class identifies shooters who have not yet competed at international competitions.

They are also referred to as junior shooters.

At international competitions, shooters are categorized ‘O’ or ‘X’ class depending on their shooting ability. ‘X’ class is higher. The association is entirely responsible for the selection of teams competing in local and international meetings. As a result, teams competing, do so in the name of Guyana or the West Indies and not in the name of any particular club or organisation.

Interest in the sport is still a far cry from what is desired but from the inception of the sport, the Guyanese standard of Rifle Shooting has been exceptional. There have been outstanding performances in local and international competitions.

The association boosted by past greats and current shooters has maintained high standards, while a pool of talent is being developed to carry on the tradition.

The Guyana National Rifle Association has recorded wins for every trophy put up for competition among Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and effective 1 9 8 9 ,

Sangakkara believes it is an exciting time for CPL in USA S

ri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara believes that the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) can grow from strength to strength when the Florida leg of matches takes place on the weekend of August 5 and 6.

The Jamaica Tallawahs star, who helped the franchise lift last year’s title for the second time, believes that the Hero CPL has delighted fans within the Caribbean, and beyond through the quality of the cricket coupled with the electric supporter experience.

With crowds of over 30,000 attending the games in Central Broward Stadium, Lauderhill last year, Sangakkara believes that this year’s fifth edition of the biggest party in sport can satisfy the cricketing thirst and hunger of the vast diaspora of Caribbean, sub-Continent, African and British communities living across North America.

Since the launch of the Florida leg of tickets on sale last week ONLINE HERE, there has been strong interest in the weekend double-headers, which will see Sangakkara’s Jamaica Tallawahs face Barbados Tridents in back-toback games, while Chris Gayle’s Kumar Sangakkara St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots will square off against last year’s runners-up, Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The management of the Hero CPL continues to push the envelope and pioneer new venues, and it is hoped that the return of matches in Florida on the weekend of 5 and 6 August will see even greater interest across the USA, Caribbean and beyond.

An ICC World Twenty 20 champion in 2014, Sangakkara is one of the most decorated players in the history of international cricket and is also one of a select number of players to have lifted the coveted title more than once, having previously helped the Tallawahs in their 2013 success.

He said: “It was great to be a part of the USA leg in Florida. It was outstanding. The stadium was great, (there were) some high scoring games there and it is nice to see that the game is spreading beyond the confines of the usual traditional cricket playing nations.

“India played the West Indies there as well another high scoring game, and a very exciting cricket match, so that kind of excitement, that kind of marketing, that kind of build-up and hype is very important to hold the attention of the American audience so hopefully we can play more cricket.

“We had the ‘All-Stars’ with Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne couple of years ago and with a lot more tournaments and forages into the USA in the works, it will be an exciting time for all of us.” (CPL) HERO CPL FIXTURES IN LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA: Saturday, 5 August: Guyana Amazon Warriors v St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Lauderhill, 11am), Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs (Lauderhill, 3pm) Sunday, 6 August: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors (Lauderhill, 11am), Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents (Lauderhill, 3pm)

Bermuda.

These trophies include: Anchor Challenge Cup (Benson and Hedges Trophy), Martinez Shield and Swettenham Trophy to name a few.

The association also competed and recorded wins for the Duke of Gloucester Trophy, which is controlled by the National Rifle Association (NRA) Great Britain and competed for among nations at Bisley - the Mecca of rifle shooting in world.

Though female membership was still infrequent, Guyana boasted a few greats.

They not only made a name for themselves locally, competing among the males, but also managed to be members of teams which competed for the Anchor Challenge Cup and the Duke of Gloucester Cup at Bisley.

Members of the

Association won individual events and were awarded prizes, medal and cups.Initially, shooting took place at the Thomas Lands Range.

Veteran marksmen claimed the windy situation at the Thomas Land Range was responsible for the range being classified as the best in the Caribbean. Some even said that it was better than Bisley.

On the 7th July, 1964, rifle shooting was temporarily suspended because the rifle range was taken over by the Military and it is now part of Camp Ayanganna.

An ‘Arm Call-in-Order ‘ was subsequently issued by the Governor and ever since, when not in use, the rifles must be lodged at Police Stations or Military Armories for safe keeping.

Ruby Americas North 15s…

Green Machine overcome Barbados 34-26

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana’s Senior National Rugby team, the ‘Green Machine’ got their 2017 Rugby Americas North 15s (RAN) campaign off to a successful start by defeating Barbados 34-26 at the Garrison Savannah , Bridgetown on Saturday afternoon.

Green Machine have always been a dominant against the Bajans but they had to go the extra mile to ensure success after being down by 10 points in the first half without a point of their own on the board.

However, they began working as the usual well-oiled unit to take command of the match with Richard Staglon scoring three tries, Vallon Adams (two tries), new comer Ahmed Isaacs (one try) and Rickford Cummings with two conversions sealing the hard-fought victory.

When Guyana Times Sport contacted captain Ryan Gonslaves after the match, he expressed his elation over the victory given the fighting spirit the team showcased.

“Today was a tough, conditions were a bit heavy we had good sun throughout the game but I was pleased with the performance, the guys played their heart out; we started slowly, having to come from-behind 10-nil and eventually we started to ketch a riddim and get ourselves back in the game”.

Though the win, sends good signs for the team, the captain is of the opinion that there are some key areas that needs

The Green Machine got their 2019 World Cup qualifier campaign off to a positive start

improving.

“We have allot of areas to improve on, in our forward department and line so within the next month we will work on those technical areas; it didn’t totally fail us today it is just that we have not played 15s in such a long time and coming off 7s into the 15s is a bit different after not playing for almost a year and we were trying to use this game as a platform for the rest to come”, he explained.

Barbados will now travel to twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to play on May 27 after which the Trinidadians will visit Guyana on June 10, a match that the Gonslaves said his team will not be taking lightly.

“The fans can take it as a sign of great things to come, we have our work cut out against Trinidad who will be coming hard at us; we are very strong team at home but we are not taking that for granted since we want to defend our South Zone title”, he stated.

The team is expected to arrive home on Monday.

21

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FOR SALE CLAY ROOF TILES 2500 SQ FT. NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED. TELEPHONE: 686-7120 MX 2000, 1500, 1000 AMP, 4 BASS, 4 MID, 4 HORNS, 4 TWEETERS, MIXER, JUGGLER CABLES AND 1 JACCUZZI; ALL FOR SALE. CONTACT: 253-3070 OR 654-2732 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 6553105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-6901824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am3pm. Email; healthworldhc@ gmail.com FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Natural Choice Chai (Tea) & Moringa Powder, keep yourself healthy and beautiful from the inside out! Add Natural Choice products to your health foods today! Ask for it at your local supermarket. Now available at Flambouyant Supermarkets in Diamond and Eccles, all DSL Cash & Carry branches, The Guyana Shop (GMC) at Robb & Alexander Sts, Bourda, Medi Care Pharmacy in South Ruimveldt, (Royal Castle Building), Ram’s Supermarket at Vreed-En-Hoop and Sangeeta Supermarket in Linden.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

property for sale WOODEN BUILDING ONLY WITH ALL ACCESSORIES INCLUDING SLIDING DOORS AND GRILLS. IDEAL FOR VACANT HOUSE LOTS. CALL 227-4285 PROPERTY FOR SALE, COVENT GARDEN, E.B.D. LAND SIZE 120x40.

HOUSE SIZE 60X26. 4 BEDROOM, 1 SELF-CONTAINED ROOM, KITCHEN CUPBOARD, CONCRETE YARD AND FENCE. CONTACT: 612-4722/675-9093 TWO (2) PROPERTIES IN DOWDING STREET KITTY FRONT LOT – 2 STOREY 1 FAMILY WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER 3 BEDROOMS; LOWER - KITCHEN, DINING, LIVING, TOILET AND BATH, FULLY SECURED. BACKLOT – 2 STOREY 2 FAMILY CONCRETE AND WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER THREE BEDROOMS ( 1 FULLY SELF CONTAINED; LOWER – 3 BEDROOMS, FULLY SECURED, OPEN CONCEPT BATHS, OVERHEAD TANKS. VACANT POSSESSION GUARANTEED. CALL: 227-6769, SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY.

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

Property for sale at Patentia Housing Scheme Wales, West Bank Demerara.

A two flat building, well painted, upper flat 3 bedroom, 1 verandah, 1 inside step, 1 outside step, top flat greenheart, bottom flat concrete, 1 living room, dining room, kitchen, inside toilet and bathroom, inside sink with cupboard, place to sit, two tents outside, along with two black tanks.

Price Negotiable. Contact: 610-8963

LAND for sale

6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602

KEY CUTTing

HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE. LOCATED AT PARFAIT HARMONIE WEST BANK DEMERARA, 25X60 SQ FT. 6 ROOMS UPSTAIRS:4 BEDROOMS , 1 MASTER BEDROOM, 1 TOILET AND BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM UPSTAIRS AS WELL. HAS A BACK AND FRONT VERANDAH. 2 BEDROOMS DOWNSTAIRS, TOILET AND BATH, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM AND AN ACTIVE GROCERY BUSINESS. LOCATED 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE DEMERARA HARBOUR BRIDGE, 14.5 NEGOTIABLE, CONTACT: 656-7590 Eccles – 5.5 million, Providence – $5.5 million, Farm - $3.5 million, Serious contacts only: 697-6769.

1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115 Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 6251514

NOTICE APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ACT. I, CEDRIC JOEL WEEKS OF LOT 8 DEN AMSTEL, WEST COAST DEMERARA, GUYANA IS HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE THAT I HAVE APPLIED TO THE MAGISTRATE OF THE GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT FOR A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ACT, AUTHORIZING THE GRANT TO ME OF A MONEY LENDER’S LICENCE TO CARRY ON THE BUSINESS OF A MONEY LENDER UNDER THE TITLE OF CEDRIC’S PAWNSHOP AT LOT Y PUBLIC ROAD, BLANKENBURG, WEST COAST DEMERARA, GUYANA. NOTICE OF ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT FORTHWITH TO THE CLERK OF COURT GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT AND A COPY OF SUCH NOTICE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SUBSCRIBER. CEDRIC JOEL WEEKS (APPLICANT). DATED AT GEORGETOWN, DEMERARA, THIS DAY MAY 4, 2017.

Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668 Subryanville Property for Sale.

44 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. $45m or best offer.

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPewwP NAVIN: 1-347-517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

services Technician – specializes in repairing and servicing to washing machines, pressure pumps, refridgerators, exercising machines, treadmills, stove/ranges, dryers, ovens, pressure washers, solar systems, water heaters.

Tel: 673-9283 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH

PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: - 6305073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2.

PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: 6827439, 650-0700. ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE) WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist.

Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 3225738, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 6210552 now. Email: anew-life@ live.com SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE, ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

SALON / SPA “COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927”

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO LET 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN GROVE SECOND STREET, PRIVATE YARD. 648-5092, 669-9390 APARTMENT TO RENT. 2 BEDROOMS (APARTMENT B) LOCATED AT BEST LINE OPPOSITE THE BAKE SHOP. PRICE: - $ 40,000. 668-0032 – D.SINGH, 615-5646 NEVILLE OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 12x12 SQUARE FEET, WELL GRILLED WINDOWS AND DOORS, LIGHT, WATER, WASHROOM AND PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE. LOT 60 BRICKDAM TELE: 226-1836 1 TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT, FULLY AIR CONDITIONED, PARKING AVAILABLE LOCATED AT WILLIAM STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE , CONTACT 618-6623 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES. Two-bedroom back house upper flat situated at at 64 Seaforth St. Campbellville $50,000 per month.

Telephone: 227-1293. No pets Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605 UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 6930003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223103 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 COOK – 624-0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 624-0033 OR 680-3863

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale:- 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST TOYOTA DYNA CANTER 612-1085/680-3863

WANTED WANTED. WAITRESS TO WORK IN A BAR. TEL 697-6769 Applications are invited for One Evening Tutor for Grade • Must be a 9 Student.

CPCE Graduate or currently attending University of Guyana. • Experienced in Science Subjects.

• Two recent references required.

Interested persons are advised to send applications to: jobrecruiter7860@gmail.com

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF

VACANCIES Marketing firm seeking Content Writers. Excellent communication skills (great writers only please).

College diploma/degree/journalist.

Experience preferred. Virtual position - work from home via Skype, GoToMeeting, email, texting, etc.

Modern PC, good internet & power w/ UPC back-up and/or generator is mandatory. M-F 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST. Salary $100,000/ month.

Email resumes to careers@consultpr.net.

ONE ACCOUNTS CLERK, EMAIL CV TO info@digitaltechnology. gy or deliver to: Lot 20 Diamond Public Road, E.B.D addressed to ‘The Operations Manager’ - Able to prepare VAT returns, NIS and PAYE submissions (An Asset) - Proficient in the use of QuickBooks and Excel.

FAST

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Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, may 14, 2017

Caribbean Schoolboys/Juniors Boxing…

Trinidadian boxers dominate opening night

A

s was promised by Trinidad and Tobago Coach Jason Aqui, his boxers started off on the right track to “medalling in every category” as they won both of their fights on the opening night of the “Nuff Cuff” Caribbean School Boys/Juniors Boxing tournament being held at the National Gymnasium.

In the 57Kg Juniors’ Category, one of Trinidad’s top contenders Blessing Waldropt came up against Malichi Baker of Jamaica and gave a good account of his self as he walked away the victor of the first international bout.

Waldropt’s countryman Nickell

Joseph would also emerge the victor of a grueling encounter against Akeel Mounter of Guyana in the 75Kg Youth category.

In the other international bouts Tevin Brewster (Barbados) defeated Shemar Morrison (Guyana) in the 63Kg Juniors Category while in the 75Kg Youth Category; Jamaican Jerone Enniss overcame Jewel Matty of St Lucia via points in a split decision.

Earlier in the evening, Sean Graham defeated Moses Oxford in the local Schoolboys 32 Kg matchup, while Saquancy Wright won his matchup against Malachai Jones in the Schoolboys 37Kg category.

Travis Invarry came up against Jakeel Cadogan in the 42Kg Schoolboys Category and duly

Action in the Boys 75Kg Youth Category

emerged the victor after a strong showing while Dwane Baptiste edged out Dwayne Castello

via split decision in the 40Kg Schoolboys category.

Meanwhile, Director of Sports,

Christopher Jones who was present at the opening ceremony took time to congratulate President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle and his team on their work that they have been doing thus far in the boxing fraternity.

He pointed out that while Guyana’s only Olympic medal has come through boxing so there is potential for that feat to be replicated in the future. Jones also highlighted that the Government of Guyana and the National Sports Commission remain dedicated to improving and developing young talent in Guyana.

Today’s final day action will commence at 19:00 hrs with tickets to ringside seats costing $1000 while entry to the stands cost $500.

GFF/Stag Elite League…

Victoria Kings, Top XX seeking vital wins – league action concludes today at GDF

S

eason two of the Stag Elite League will come to an end today with an exciting triple header slated for the GDF Ground, Camp Ayanganna.

In the first matchup, Victoria Kings take on Monedderlust while Top XX clash with Buxton United in the second game of the night. Champions elect GDF take on second placed Fruta Conquerors in the feature match,

action begins at 16:00hrs.

With the outcome of the GDF and Fruta Conquerors game not likely to change the present standing of first and second place respectively, it bills for an interesting match nevertheless as the top two teams will play the game as a matter of pride with GDF wanting to extend their unbeaten run while Fruta Conquerors will want

GCA/ GDA/PAHO U-17 T20…

DCC to defend title against TSC today T

ransport Sports Club (TSC) and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) qualified for the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Guyana Diabetics Association (GDA)/ PAHO Under-17 T20 Tournament after convincing victories in Saturday’s the semifinals.

Played at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda, Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) quest to upset TSC in their semifinal clash met a horrendous end as they lost by eight wickets in the first semi-final dubbed ‘The Clash of the Neighbours’ while DCC defeated Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) by 34 runs in the other semifinal.

MSC were humiliated by strong contenders TSC, whose display throughout the tournament has been of high quality.

MSC’s decision to bat first after winning the toss on a pitch with plenty moisture did them no justice as they were limited to 38-9 from the allotment of 20 overs. They lost their first wicket with just eight runs on the board before slipping further into trouble at 28-5 and eventually finishing on a paltry score which was insufficient for a TSC side which remains unbeaten to date.

Talented off spinner Joel Spooner led the way for TSC with 2-5 from four economical overs which contained two maidens. Medium pacer Joshua Wilson and Berbice U-17 skipper Kevlon Anderson also grabbed two wickets as they finished on 2-7 apiece.

In reply, TSC raced to 39-2 in 7.4

overs, with Anderson leading the way with 19 not out and with him at the crease when victory was accomplished was Shamar Yearwood on three.

TSC lost the wickets of Adrian Hinds for six and Jamal Michael for four as Jeremiah Scott and Ray Seecharran captured a wicket apiece.

In the other semifinal national players Sachin Singh and Alphius Bookie secured a comfortable win for DCC. Singh hit three fours in a top score of 49 not out as DCC scored 115-2 in 20 overs while Bookie claimed 4-11 to limit GYO to 81-8 from their quota of 20 overs.

Singh was supported by Ghansham Premchand, who made 23 while Bookie chipped in with 16. Pradesh Balkishun took 2-20 for GYO. Mark Fredericks 16 not out, Phillip McTurk 15 and Novindra Persaud 12

Joel Spooner

Action in the stag elite league will come to a close this evening at the Guyana Defence Force Ground

Sachin Singh

were the batsmen that reached double figures but failed to guide their team to victory against the medium pace of Bookie and Nkosie Beaton 3-10.

The final is a rematch between the two sides which met in the group stage when TSC got the better of DCC. With a very strong unit comprising of several national players the Queenstown side will be aiming to turn things around as they seek consecutive titles.

Meanwhile, TSC will be banking once again on a complete team effort to get them across the line. Their unit might not be as powerful as their counterparts but their efforts have already provided positive results to get them to the final.

The first ball is expected to bowl off at 13:00h at the Bourda Ground.

to prove that GDF is beatable.

In games one and two, there is a lot to play for, since should Victoria Kings lose to Monedderlust and Top XX to Buxton United, there will be a change at the bottom of the table with Monedderlust moving to fifth place and Top XX to the bottom of the table.

However in the likely event that the “Kings” win against Monedderlust while Top XX should manage an upset against Buxton United, there will then be a mid-table change with Victoria Kings moving into third place while Buxton United go fourth.

The table will remain the same if both Victoria Kings and Buxton United FC wins their respective games.

In a statement to the media, Director of GFF, Ian Alves said; “The league was keenly contested especially with some of the matchups. The newly-added clubs demonstrated improved play as the league progressed. However, they were some challenges with the condition of venues which resulted in venue changes to at least two matches.”

The final matchup of the season will also mean that while the top four teams advance to the ‘Big Four’ tournament, the bottom two will find themselves in the relegation zone.

Action begins at 16:00hrs and entry costs $500, patrons will be given a chance to win prizes compliments of the various sponsors.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, may 14, 2017

23

Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile Test Series…

Late strikes leave series decider in balance

–Windies 7 for 1 chasing 304 for victory

O

n the first three days in Roseau, a total of 15 wickets fell. On the fourth, fourteen batsmen succumbed as the deciding Test between West Indies and Pakistan burst into life.

With the hosts needing 304 to win, all three results are just about possible, in the game, and by extension, the series.

The start of the evening saw West Indies strike the perfect notes, Alzarri Joseph getting rid of the last two recognised batsmen, Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq.

With Pakistan 90 for 7, the lead just over 200 but well below what would make Misbah-ul-Haq feel comfortable, Jason Holder's men might have sniffed the possibility of a sensational win.

But that was before Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah put together a gutsy 61-run stand that steered Pakistan out of troubled waters and could well have batted West Indies out of the contest. Yasir continued haunting his opposition as he picked up a wicket off what became the last ball of the day.

Misbah and Younis Khan would be quietly confident that they can retire from Test cricket with the honour spearheading Pakistan

to their first series win in the Caribbean. Finishing their careers with scores of 2 and 35 respectively in exchange for that seems like a pretty good trade off. Both men were welcomed back to the pavilion one last time by a set of grateful team-mates lined up in a guard of honour.

All that emotion had

the new ball. They hung in bravely right till the final over, but Yasir had one final blow to land and Shan Masood helped out by staying low at silly point and diving to his right to pull off a remarkable catch to dismiss Kieron Powell.

The day began with Pakistan skittling West

Misbah-ul-Haq is pulled into an embrace by team-mate Younis Khan after being dismissed in his final Test innings © AFP

to be kept aside, however, during the last hour and a half of play. Pakistan did so and as a result enjoyed complete domination. Yasir, who was caught off a no-ball, and Amir, who was drawn into a few verbal arguments, swung merrily during the final five overs of the innings to ransack 47 runs. Then came the declaration.

The West Indies openers were left with the unenviable task of batting out the day's last 25 minutes against

Indies' last five wickets out within the first hour.

Mohammad Abbas was chiefly responsible for the damage, taking his first five-wicket haul to give Pakistan a seemingly impregnable lead of 129. There was still time for Pakistan to bat seven overs before lunch would be taken but they were rather tentative during that period, scoring just eight runs, while losing two wickets.

The second session brought Misbah and Younis

- the most prolific batting partnership in Pakistan's Test history - together at the crease for one final time.

It wasn't the fairytale ending - 8 runs off 28 balls - and the team was back in trouble again but nothing could divert attention away from Misbah as he walked off the field one last time with bat in hand.

Younis appeared in good form, moving his feet adeptly, rotating the strike without any trouble even on a slow pitch. Aside from that, he ushered his protégé Shan Masood through some tough times early in the innings but after struggling to cope with his weakness outside the off stump, Masood was trapped lbw by Shannon Gabriel for 21 off 68 balls.

That brought Misbah to the crease and there was hope that the pair could combine for one last hurrah, a flourish to remember them.

Devendra Bishoo flighted one up to him, and he couldn't resist one final slog sweep over long-on. It was poorly miscued, flying straight up in the air. Younis fell off the last ball before tea, top-edging a full toss to Kieron Powell at short fine leg, who ran to his left and secured a tumbling, one-handed catch. And so ended a grand era. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st innings 376 West Indies 1st innings View dismissal K Brathwaite c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 29 View dismissal K Powell c Azhar Ali b Yasir Shah 31 S Hetmyer c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 17 S Hope c Misbah-ul-Haq b Azhar Ali 29 R Chase b Mohammad Abbas 69 V Singh lbw b Mohammad Abbas 8 S Dowrich† b Mohammad Ami r 20 J Holder* not out 30 D Bishoo c Younis Khan b Mohammad Abbas 0 A Joseph b Mohammad Abbas 0 S Gabriel c Babar Azam b Mohammad Abbas 0 Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 5, nb 3)14 Total (all out; 115 overs)247 Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Powell, 26.6 ov), 2-69 (Hetmyer, 30.6 ov), 3-97 (Brathwaite, 43.1 ov), 4-152 (Hope, 71.6 ov), 4-183* (Chase, retired not out, 83.3 ov), 5-189 (Singh, 86.2 ov), 6-218 (Dowrich, 100.4 ov), 7-239 (Chase, 110.2 ov), 8-239 (Bishoo, 110.3 ov), 9-241 (Joseph, 112.2 ov), 10-247 (Gabriel, 114.6 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 27-12-32-1 (1w), Mohammad Abbas 25-7-46-5 (2w), Yasir Shah 40-4-126-3, Hasan Ali 17-4-220 (3nb, 2w), Azhar Ali6-1-15-1 Pakistan 2nd innings Azhar Ali c sub (J Blackwood) b Gabriel 3 Shan Masood lbw b Gabriel 21 Babar Azam c Hetmyer b Chase 0

Younis Khan c Powell b Bishoo 35 Misbah-ul-Haq* c †Dowrich b Bishoo 2 Asad Shafiq c & b Joseph 13 Sarfraz Ahmed† c †Dowrich b Joseph 4 Mohammad Amir c Bishoo b Joseph 27 Yasir Shah not out 38 Hasan Ali not out 15 Extras (lb 5, w 7, nb 4)16 Total (8 wickets dec; 57 overs)174 Did not bat: Mohammad Abbas Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Azhar Ali, 2.5 ov), 2-8 (Babar Azam, 6.6 ov), 3-57 (Shan Masood, 22.2 ov), 4-65 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 26.6 ov), 5-72 (Younis Khan, 30.5 ov), 6-82 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 33.3 ov), 7-90 (Asad Shafiq, 37.4 ov), 8-151 (Mohammad Amir, 55.3 ov) Bowling: Gabriel 10-124-2 (2nb), Joseph 153-53-3 (3w), Chase 9-0-31-1, Holder 9-4-7-0, Bishoo 14-2-54-2 (2nb) West Indies 2nd innings (target: 304 runs) K Brathwaite not out 3 K Powell c Shan Masood b Yasir Shah423.52 Extras 0 Total (1 wicket; 6.3 overs) 7 To bat: SO Hetmyer, SD Hope, RL Chase, VA Singh, SO Dowrich†, JO Holder*, D Bishoo, AS Joseph, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets 1-7 (Powell, 6.3 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 1-02-0, Mohammad Abbas3-1-3-0, Yasir Shah 2.3-2-2-1

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Devendra Bishoo took out both Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in their final Test © WICB Media/Brooks LaTouche Photography Ltd

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 14, 2017

Times Feature

By Ashraf Dabie

T

he definition of a ‘mother’ is often limited to one who has given birth. But think about those women who go above and beyond the call of duty to care for others. Shouldn’t they be considered mothers too?

We ought to give due credit to all those ‘mother figures’ who have invested all their energies and resources in improving the lives of strangers.

One such individual is Joan Stephens Deveaux.

Joan is a caregiver at the Godchildren Convalescent Home in Durban Backlands, Georgetown. She began her tenure at the home in the year 1998 and was recently promoted to Supervisor/House Mother earlier this year.

The 56-year-old is the biological mother of one;

however, her motherly love is extended to so many more. Joan’s responsibilities include working 12 hours a day, sometimes more, caring for the children at Godchildren Convalescent Home.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, she recalled that upon her initiation at the Children’s Home, there were mostly sick infants and toddlers at the institution. This meant additional nurturing, special care and attention, as well as affection, were needed to nurse these ones back to health. Among the children in her care were patients of malnutrition, mental disorders, HIV and various forms of disabilities. Long days and sleepless nights were ‘normal’ for the House Mother. She mentioned that it is even more hectic when residents of the

home are admitted to the hospital as she would remain by their side, ensuring that they are sufficiently cared for.

With her help and the assistance of other caregivers attached to the Home, Joan was able to secure permanent homes for a majority of the children after they had regained health. Those remaining were sent to St. John’s Bosco and St. Ann’s Home, among other institutions, where they currently are able to attend school, securing a potentially successful future, all thanks to the dedication by Joan and her team.

The caregiver expressed delight in being afforded the opportunity to impact the lives of the children at the Home.

“You just love and care for them. You treat them like your own at home,”

she expressed.

Joan recalled she was inspired to work at the Home after a friend told her about the institution.

She remembered seeing the plight of the helpless children who were forced to seek refuge at the institution because of parental neglect. She simply could not turn her back on those who later became her very own.

The Children’s Convalescent Home is a community outreach programme of the Guyana Red Cross Society that provides residential care and support for children ages five and younger.

This facility provides refuge to those suffering from undernourishment, abuse, neglect and abandonment. With the assistance of dedicated personnel, the institution is able provide a home for a number of children,

Joan Stephens Deveaux

showering them with the love and support needed to create a conducive environment for development.

Even though Joan may not be the biological mother of the children at the Children’s Convalescent Home, for many she is their only

‘idea’ of a mother. The bond she has established over the years and the impact she has had on the lives of the many children passing through her supervision are enough to safely say that Joan Stephens Deveaux is not just the mother of one.

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Indentured mother of a President children), Janet Jagan wrote: “Great grandmother Bachoni was very small, very quiet, except when one of her children was bad; then she could talk to them hard. They learned early that size isn't what counts and they all behaved well and listened to her. Life wasn't easy for her. She had eleven children, six boys and five girls and brought them all up to be strong, healthy and hardworking… Grandpa Cheddi had to help in the kitchen garden, weeding and watering the plants. When there was enough for market, he used to go with great grandmother Bachoni and sell the greens and fruits at the Port Mourant

T

Dr. Jagan (third from right back row) with his mother, brothers and sisters (1965)

he late President of Guyana, Cheddi Jagan, was the son of indentured sugar workers. Of note is his hardworking mother, Bachoni. He wrote that he learned the elements of finance from his mother.

His parents, Bachoni and Jagan (father), had arrived in the then British Guiana as young infants with their mothers from the district of Basti in Uttar Pradesh, India. Both

his grandmothers came as indentured immigrants in 1901 and were "bound" by a fiveyear contract to different sugar plantations in the county of Berbice.

Life was very hard and both his parents had to start working in the canefields at a young age to supplement the family income.

In her piece, “When Grandpa Cheddi Was A Boy” (A story written for her grand-

With her mom (right)

By Janet Jagan

M

market place.”

Cheddi’s mother never went to school; however, she taught him important life lessons, which ultimately laid the foundation for him to become the President of Guyana.

In Janet’s “Cheddi - A Unique Leader”, she described her husband as the “Father of Independence” and a “man who was our brother, our father and who gave our country the unique leadership of a man who truly cared about the people” – qualities he inherited from his parents. (Photos and information from www.jagan.org and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre)

y mother died at the age of 95, some 5,000 miles away. She was very old and had lived a long and useful life. I remember her for what she gave me, rich gifts which I have cherished my lifetime.

She taught me hard work and honesty, honesty at all costs, no in-

betweens or half-ways. She taught me these qualities by her own conduct and what I suppose were disciplinary measures, which I can no longer recall.

What I recall of my childhood in Chicago, U.S.A., was a happy one; a quiet household of my mother, father, bother and myself; few conflicts; no shouting; no beatings, maybe an occasional spanking

Dr Cheddi Jagan and his mother, Bachaoni

and, above all, harmony between my parents.

Early in life I learned from my parents that life is not easy; that one has to work hard to achieve one's goals; that school is serious business and that there is a time for play and a time for work.

My mother, though with only a limited education, had skills which carried her right into her old age.

Her hands could do almost everything but most of all, sew, knit and crochet; she made beautiful and useful things.

During the terrible depression of the 1920s and 30s in America, when unemployment was excessively high, my father joined the ranks. Jobs were impossible to find. My mother took in sewing jobs at home and helped us survive, along with her frugal use of what we had. But even this does not show what kind of a mother I had and lost just recently. Maybe this example portrays her relationship with people, which was of an outstandingly warm quality.

Shortly before her own death, her friend of 80 years died.

Imagine, a friendship lasting 80 years! My mother told me how she sewed this friend's wedding dress sometime around World War 1.

Mothers, as women know so

Learning from her mother's example, Janet had also been a dedicated mother and wife(Jagan's family photo, 1958)

well, are mostly the centre of life in families; they set the standards of life and the qualities they expect in their children.

Those of us who have had the

good fortune to have good mothers can surely be called fortunate. (Copyright: Nadira JaganBrancier, 2009)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 14, 2017

Times Feature

A

special day in the honour of mothers, Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide in different ways, sometimes at different dates. However, no matter when or how it is celebrated, Mother’s Day is a time for telling ‘mom’, although it should not be only on this day, how special she is.

Brief history

The origin of Mother's Day dates all the way back to the traditions of the ancient Egyptians, who celebrated the Goddess Isis - the

mother of the Pharaohs. The Romans and Greeks shared similar traditions, rooted in praise of mother goddesses, but these all but disappeared.

‘Mothering Sunday’, dating back to the 1600s in England, was a more recent reincarnation of the holiday; the fourth Sunday of Lent was dedicated to mothers, with a prayer service in their honour and gifts given by children to mothers all across the country.

But what about a modern Mother's Day?

United Kingdom

Celebrations across the UK stay true to the Christian holiday of Lent, remaining independent of the US-borne holiday in May that has spread worldwide. Harking back to the temporary resurgence of the Mothering Sunday celebration of the 1600-1800s, the day originally celebrated Mother Mary (mother of Jesus Christ).

The end of World War II brought the celebration back, and the traditions combined - Simnel Cake (a

fruit cake flavoured with almonds) is still baked by some, which once represented a break from the fasting of lent as a treat for mothers on the special day.

United States

Anna Jarvis petitioned governments, churches and all manner of institution for six years (from 1908 -1914) to create a universal Mother's Day across America, in honour of her mother and the mothers of sons killed in the Civil War. Carnations, given to attendees of the first Mother's Day celebration in a church in West Virginia, are still used today to honour mothers who have passed (white) and to celebrate those still living (pink or red) all around the world.

Japan

After the Second World War, Mother's Day, or “haha no hi”, regained popularity after western traditions had initially been banned.

Starting in the 1950s, an art contest was held every four years, with young children entering pictures of their mothers - the winning drawings would tour across Japan and other countries as part of a celebratory exhibit.

Japanese mothers today can expect to receive homecooked dishes, often dishes she initially taught her children to make, along with red carnations and gifts of scarves or handbags.

MEXICO

Wonderfully, on the “Dia de las Madrese” it is customary for mothers to be serenaded with the song “Las Marianitas”, often with a mariachi band (though more commonly a cappella).

The celebration as a whole gained prominence in Mexico when newspaper Excelsior ran a promotion-

al campaign encouraging people nationwide to take Mother's Day under their wing. A modern Mexican Mother's Day sees gifts, celebratory meals and family gatherings celebrate the nation's mothers.

Thailand

Mother's Day only came to Thailand in force in the 1980s - bizarrely enough because the Prime Minister wanted to promote the royal family to the people of his country.

As a result, the day falls on the birthday of the Queen of Thailand (Queen Sirikit), August 12. Father's Day is, as you may predict, on the King's birthday. Public concerts and parades celebrate the day nationwide, alongside traditional personal celebrations between mother and child.

France

December 19 was declared “La Fete de Meres” in 1920, a day that celebrated mothers who had done a stellar job of helping to repopulate France in the wake of World War I. In fact, a mother with four children was awarded a bronze medal, six earned silver and eight or more children earned you a gold

medal.

By 1945, a more traditional Mother's Day celebration had grown popular, and modern gifts across France now include chocolates, flowers, perfumes, and a cake rather sweetly resembling a bouquet of flowers.

Argentina

The Argentinian Mother's Day is totally unique in its position throughout the year.

It was originally celebrated on October 11, alongside the old custom of celebrating the Virgin Mary Festivities - but this was moved to January, and tradition dictated the new October date.

In 2014, Argentina got its own Google Doodle - depicting a mother reading to her children - to celebrate Mother's Day, though moms can also expect traditional gifts and a trip to their favourite restaurant or destination.

In Guyana, Mother’s Day is celebrated the second Sunday in May. Though the history of Mother’s Day in Guyana is not known, people all across the country celebrate it by giving gifts to their mothers and women who are “mother figures” in their lives.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

‘Create opportunities for self-development’ Crystal is a designer and mother who believes with determination anything is possible

Sneak peek of designs from her bridal collection

By Utamu Belle

M

otherhood is nothing short of amazing, as proven by one of Linden’s top fashion designers and mother of two, Crystal Lam. At 24, Crystal, a young mother of two girls, is already a budding entrepreneur in the local fashion industry and the innovative mind behind Crystal Lam Designs. For her, mother-

Modelling one of her designs

hood is the driving force and motivation behind her success story.

Crystal started off with careers in banking and public sector, but sewing and designing have been her passion since the tender age of 12. She would sew school uniforms for her high school friends. Her first major opportunity came in 2008, when at age 15 she presented her inaugural line, Eye Candy, at ‘Linden Fashion

Night’. Lam admits that the exposure afforded by this event was a “superb one”.

The designer recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine that at the age of 19 she became pregnant with her first child.

Consequently, she decided to put a hold on fashion designing in order to take up her new role as a mother.

But after learning how to balance mother and work, she decided to pick up where she left off in her fashion career.

“I told myself that motherhood is more important.

But I learned to balance it,” she stated.

Having had her second child a few months ago, Lam explained that the experience has taught her how to manage her family while pursuing her dreams.

“I think sometimes people make a lot of excuses. I just had to work out a system. But I don't think being a mother is an excuse for you to put your dreams on hold. You have to find a way to incorporate it, to make it work.

“With my second pregnancy, I initially doubted I could make motherhood and a career work, but I was determined to do both and learned to be balanced. I participated in Guyana Fashion Week and acquired my work studio, all the while being pregnant. I think this pushed me further and caused me to be even more motivated,” Crystal expressed.

Crystal disclosed that working a “9 to 5 job was more stable”, however, after several years of juggling a fulltime job and a designing career, she decided to fully commit to fashion designing

in 2015.

“It was like a prison doing something that I wasn’t passionate about. I felt like I was being suffocated. So in 2015, I took the risk and decided to go fulltime as a fashion designer,” she recollected.

The designer admitted that balancing motherhood and a career in fashion designing is demanding, but she is positive that her efforts will pay off in the long run.

“If I tell you that it's easy, I'd be lying. There are times of doubt and wanting to go back to a ‘regular’ job. But I think when you're passionate about something that gives you the extra drive to keep pushing ahead,” she expressed.

Crystal also credits the “immense support” from her family for her drive. For instance, her younger sister assists with babysitting and also with designing.

The entrepreneur pointed out that it is important to allocate time for relaxation, despite having a hectic schedule. This, she said, contributes to being a rounded individual.

Crystal has produced five fashionable collections, participated in Style Mission and Guyana Fashion Week events. Other achievements include being awarded ‘Best Gown’ prizes for her designs in two Linden Town Week Pageants and ‘Best Professional Wear’ for her design at another fashion event.

Presently, the designer is planning to launch her male clothing collection next month; a bridal collection and to offer exclusive bridal services, such as hair and makeup.

Notably, through her bridal services, she is focused on creating employment for other young entrepreneurs.

Despite hectic schedules, Crystal always finds time for her children. She said she would like to set an example for her daughters and to provide “the kind of life that I would like to see my girls live”.

Additionally, Crystal teaches her children, by example, that anything is possible if you

With her two daughters

are determined. She is a firm believer that “children should be allowed to craft their own paths, as it relates to the profession they want to choose and that parents should assist in nurturing their dreams”.

Her advice to young mothers is “don’t just look for jobs, create them”. She added: “There's always something you can do. You don't have to neglect your

kids. I think everyone was created with some skill, so explore that creativity. Look for avenues to create employment for yourself. Also, stick to the plan, persevere and keep working towards your achievement, it will eventually pay off,” she encouraged.

For more information on the designer’s work, visit Crystal Lam Designs on Facebook.

Working in her studio

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 14, 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother - Abraham Lincoln

I

t is not without significance that ‘the mother’ finds herself a prominent presence in literature; if she is not on the cover as the author of a book with pen in hand, then she is present on the dedication page or in the acknowledgement page as the ink in the pen – the influence and source of the author’s product.

The dedication or acknowledgement is no easy consideration and ought not to be taken lightly. The mother is the mother of all creation, the mother of all creative work, especially of first published books. For a first time published writer the dedication may be an easy consideration, but for an internationally recognised author with a string of publications to his/her name, it is another matter.

Yet, it continues to happen for such well-known writers to dedicate a work to their mother. Whatever the case, the mother deserves a place.

When the mother appears on the cover of a book, she is there in her own right as the author, in full control, moving words and symbols and images about in order

Guyanese author Sasenarine Persaud

to create the optimum effect.

When the mother appears on the cover of a book as author, it is an assertion of her ability and craft. But that appearance on the cover of a book may be more than just a show of ability and craft.

The woman in a male dominated world - in a male dominated world of literature, in many cases - starts out at a disadvantage, denying herself the right to be on the cover by sacrificing herself

in order to elevate her male spouse, or having to inch her way into the ranks of writers, fighting off challenges, awaiting acknowledgement, acceptance and appreciation, standing shoulder-toshoulder with the dominant male before breaking the class ceiling.

Hats off to mothers who have made a name for themselves in the literary world: Rajkumari Singh, Jan Lowe Shinebourne, Sharon Maas,

Grace Nichols, Paloma Mohamed and Ryhaan Shah, among others.

As mentioned before, the dedication page or acknowledgement page is no trite consideration and ought not to be taken lightly. Here is a just completed book after many hours, days, weeks, months, or years of solitary toiling. Let’s say the book had taken years to produce and now the author looks back at this wonderful piece of creation and is satisfied that he/she is solely responsible for this creation. But the more he/she looks at the work, the more others seem to be staking a claim to the work. And the longer he/she looks, the more names appear as contributor. So the dedication/acknowledgement is a matter of great and grave consideration.

And when the mother appears there, it is not without due credit.

Here are some examples of mothers whose influence resulted in the production of books, books that helped in the shaping of Guyanese literature. It is said that the mother of Martin Carter (Violet Eugene Wylde) loved books and enjoyed reciting verses; while N. E. Cameron’s mother wonderful organising ability grounded in religious tenets was foisted on him.

Here are some examples of writers dedicating their books to their mothers and, generally, to mothers. Shammi Nohar dedicated his book “Saudia” to his mother; Gideon Cecil did the same in “Songs of my Soul”; Berkely Semple in “Lamplight Teller”; Julie K. Jailall in “Sharda”; Clive Sankardayal in “The Brown Curtains”. Imam Baksh in “Children of the Spider” dedicated it to his parents; Moses Nagamootoo (Guyana’s current Prime Minister) “Hendree’s Cure” is in memory of “Pa and Ma”. Harry T. Hergash dedicated his book “A Collection of Indian-Guyanese Words & Phrases” to his “paraajee, paternal great-grandmother”, while Donald Trotman dedicated his “Forest Leaves” to the memory of… and Rajkumari Singh, who was the surrogate mother to numerous writers, artists and dramatists.

This is how part of my dedication reads in “The Balgobin Saga”, Hansib Publications (2008) … “to my mother for burying my navel string in the library [National Library]. Thank you, Mom, I didn’t get the chance to say thank you – you died too young, you died before the books of your sons were published. My brother, Sasenarine Persaud, is the author of more than twelve books, many appearing on

One of Sasenarine's many published works

the shortlist of the Guyana Prize for Literature, while I have authored six books and edited numerous others.

The formal education of my mother didn’t go beyond ‘lil a, b, c’, but she managed and she also managed to execute part of her vision for her children. Thank you, Mom.” Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

What’s Happening: It is here – a new book, “Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry” commemorates the centennial end to indentureship and (Indian) Arrival Day. It is available at Austin’s Book Service and directly from the author. The book will soon be at other locations, including the National Library, hotels and airports.

Petamber Persaud

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

S

Amy Peberdy, who died Sept. 2, 2011, aged 100, played a critical supporting role to her husband, the explorer Philip Storer Peberdy, and spent much of the 1940s travelling with him into the far interior of British Guiana

he was born Amy Annie Barrow on September 29, 1910 in Leicester, and left school at 14. She met her future husband while he was working as an apprentice taxidermist at the Leicester Museum and they married when she was 19.

In 1936 a restlessness and desire for adventure led them to consider a museum post in Malta, only to decide against it because of the risk to their five-yearold son from “Malta fever” (brucellosis).

Yet when Philip Peberdy was offered a sixmonth contract to reorganise the Carnegie Library and Ethnological Museum in Georgetown, British Guiana, the threat from malaria and yellow fever was somehow overlooked.

Amy Peberdy and the child soon joined her husband, who had been asked to stay and reorganise the Natural History Museum, and entered a colonial life quite alien to her. Although a good bridge player, she forsook clubs and cocktail parties to help him prepare the many habitat displays and papier mâché models which were a feature of his work. More importantly,

Amy Peberdy with her son John on the summit of Mount Roraima

she also budgeted for, and provisioned, his collecting trips.

In early 1938 she completed most of the pre-departure planning, both financial and practical (preparing boxes and stores to be carried by porters, for example) for the September 1938 to March 1939, so-called Peberdy-Pinkus expedition, which her husband undertook with Albert Pinkus, a collector from New York, to

Mount Roraima.

Amy Peberdy did not accompany her husband on this trip, but in 1940, to the astonishment of her friends in Georgetown, she joined him on a two-month-long collecting expedition 90 miles up the Abary, a river in the colony’s north. There she learned bush cooking and to keep her toes away from her hammock’s protective netting in case they were nibbled at by vampire

Sea Wall, Kingston, Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana (circa 1924)

Typical Demerara houses, British Guiana, circa 1908

bats.

Meanwhile, the governor, Sir Gordon Lethem, asked Philip Peberdy to take on a five-year investigation into the welfare of Guyana’s native Amerindians – assessing their numbers, as well as health problems (notably with malaria and malnutrition) and lack of education. Lethem also asked him to keep an eye on any military activity along the northern border with Venezuela.

This mission required extensive travel in the interior for four to six months at a time. Most travel was arduous, conducted in dugout canoes along rapids and across falls, and depended entirely on the goodwill of the local people. Amy Peberdy’s role was pivotal, organising supplies for the expeditions before departure and afterwards, when far away from potential medical help, acting as an emergency nurse.

For much of the time between 1943 and 1947 she lived away from Georgetown. The couple’s adventures started with a year’s trek to the Pakaraima Mountains, which began inauspiciously when (for the second time) Amy Peberdy was forced to nurse her husband back from life-threatening malaria.

Snakes, spiders and scorpions posed other dangers. But the creatures did not fluster Amy Peberdy, who encouraged her son to collect insects, and she herself collected mosquitoes on behalf of American medical laboratories.

At Imbaimadai, more than 200 miles inland, they established a government station, built a wattle house and an airstrip (occasionally used in emergencies by American warplanes), and discovered rock paintings in the Ayangana mountains.

Their Amerindian neighbours gave Amy Peberdy a pet toucan that came and went freely.

The couple then travelled together to Mount Roraima, which she became only the fourth white wom-

an to climb. Looping back to Georgetown, they dropped in on every Amerindian village they passed.

In Georgetown in 1946 Amy Peberdy had a second child, but this did not reduce her travel – when Philip Peberdy was named District Commissioner in Rupununi late that year, she visited local ranches on horseback and carried her baby daughter in a sling to the top of the highest peak in the Kanuku Mountains, 350 miles south of Georgetown.

Her adventurous spirit was not always a boon, however, and she once nearly poisoned herself by trying out local mushrooms.

Amy Peberdy encouraged her husband to write a report on the administration and welfare of the Amerindian people, and Peberdy recommended the creation of several areas for

This last aspect of the report was influenced by the many visitors the couple attracted in the interior, who included CWW Greenidge, of the Anti-Slavery Society, and George Giglioli, the malaria expert.

The report eventually bore fruit in legislation that was passed in 1951 and reserved some areas of land for Amerindians, as well as establishing basic schools and mobile health clinics for their benefit; Giglioli, meanwhile, had launched a highly successful campaign to control malaria.

In 1948, having built up probably the finest Ethnological and Natural History Museums in South America, the Peberdys returned to England and a totally new life in post-war Cheltenham. After a period of readjustment Philip Peberdy became Curator

Amy Peberdy dimly visible making camp in the shadow of Mount Roraima

exclusive Amerindian use to safeguard their economic future. Measures were to include Amerindian administration of sawmills already established, as well as the purchase on their behalf of large tracts of land which had been taken over by ranchers. In particular, he was determined to improve their health and education.

of Southampton Museum; Amy had two more children.

On his retirement in 1975, the couple returned to Cheltenham, where Amy Peberdy developed a fine garden. After Philip’s death in 1990 she moved to north Wales. She is survived by her son and three daughters. (Excerpted from Amy Peberdy obituary published Oct 14, 2011 in The Telegraph)

Hauling boats upstream on expedition

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Travel & Tourism

Ireng twilight

Spectacular view of the Ireng (Photo by David Stanley)

T

he Ireng River, also known as Rio Mau, forms the border between Guyana and neighbouring Brazil. It is accessible from the Guyana side south of Lethem, located on the border with Brazil.

Boat trips along the Ireng River and its tributary, the Rio Takatu, are ideal for birding enthusiasts and even campers.

Ireng is considered the most picturesque of Guyana's many rivers. Orinduik Falls and Takagka Falls are some of the waterfalls along the Ireng River. Another spectacular waterfall on the river is the almost 100-metre (close to 330 feet tall) Kurutuik Falls. (Photos copyright to Michael C. Lam. TheMichaelLamCollection. com. Cover Photo: Striking blue skies over Ireng River)

Down river at Orinduik

Camping at Ireng

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

W

arm lemon water is the health trend of the moment. It's been touted for its magical benefits, each one seemingly more incredible than the last.

In The Food Pharmacy, Jean Carper expounds on the mythical reputation of the lemon: “In the third century A.D. the Romans believed that the lemon was an antidote for all poisons, as illustrated by the tale of two criminals thrown to venomous snakes; the one who had eaten a lemon beforehand survived snakebite, the other died. So great is the reputation of the lemon that, so the story goes, it became an accompaniment for fish in the belief that if a fishbone got stuck in the throat, the lemon juice would dissolve it.”

Folklore aside, many

claims about lemon juice have surfaced over time.

But is drinking warm lemon water really all it's cracked up to be?

Myths

Can lemon water speed up your metabolism? No. Any indirect effect it may have is negligible.

Can lemon water stimulate your liver? Probably not. There is no scientific data to support this.

Can lemon water keep your body pH in balance?

No. Nothing you eat can substantially change the pH of your blood.

Truths

Can lemon water keep you hydrated? Yes. It is water, after all.

Can lemon water boost your Vitamin C levels? A little. It depends on how much lemon you add to the water. Lemon also contains calcium, iron, and potassi-

um.

Can lemon water be a good replacement for juice or coffee? Absolutely. There is no sugar in lemon water, so it's a healthy substitute for juice or sugary coffees.

can have positive benefits for brain and body. Science has shown that the placebo effect can be a powerful phenomenon with real physical and emotional effects.

Reasons to drink warm lemon water

When to drink warm lemon water

The real magic of warm lemon water may be psychological. Adding lemon to water can be more interesting and flavourful than just drinking plain water. If the lemony flavour helps you to drink more water, that's good. If you're used to a hot coffee or tea in the morning, drinking your lemon water warm can offer that same bit of comfort, especially on a cold day.

Furthermore, simply feeling like you are making a healthier choice (if it's replacing sugary coffee or juice, you actually are)

First thing in the morning: Rehydrating upon waking up is a good idea, as you've just spent around eight hours not consuming any liquids. You can lose water through skin perspiration, but did you know you can even lose it through your breathing?

When you feel hungry: If you're feeling hungry, it could actually be that you're dehydrated.

Try drinking a tall glass of lemon water before deciding whether or not you need food. If you have a goal of eating less at meals,

drinking water right before a meal can be a good way to help you feel fuller so you won't be as tempted by those second helpings.

P o s t - w o r k o u t : Immediately after exercise is a crucial time to rehydrate. Try bringing a bottle of infused water with you to the gym. Try to drink small sips throughout your workout (to avoid getting cramps midway), and then

waste; and after touching garbage.

You must scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy

W

ashing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

You can help yourself and others stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during key times when germs are

likely to get on your hands and can easily spread to others. Examples of those “key times” are before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; before and after treating a cut or wound; after using the toilet; after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after touching an animal, animal feed, or animal

fully hydrate immediately after.

Alongside alcoholic drinks: Keeping a glass of water handy while you're enjoying a round of drinks is always a good idea.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it causes your body to lose more fluid than normal when you urinate.

Drinking water alongside your favourite libations can help to replenish that fluid.

Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.

Follow the instructions outlined in the images below.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 14, 2017

Times Fashion

I

n celebration of Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts recently collaborated with the New Thriving Restaurant to host a Tea Party and Fashion Show.

At the event, mothers

fashionably displayed on stage designer Sonia Noelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatile kaftan tops, which can be paired with jeans, slacks, shorts, skirts or leggings.

The designer pieces featured today are available at Makin' Style Boutique, Court Yard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown.

Gift certificates available; call 686-7712 for more information.

(Models: Mandy Isaacs, Veronica Murry, Noneika Daniels, Allana Pheonix, Simone Beckles and Lorane Sears.

Jewellery by Mag Elegance)

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

N

icholas John "Nick" Robinson, born March 22, 1995, is an American actor. He is known for his roles in “Jurassic World”, “The Kings of Summer”, “The 5th Wave”, and on the ABC Family sitcom “Melissa & Joey”.

In July 2016, he was cast as Olly in “Everything, Everything”, an upcoming film adaptation of the novel of the same name.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 14, 2017

Times Hollywood

Beyonce denies Calvin Harris album getting lip injections features ‘everyone’ B

C

eyonce's publicist has officially denied that the star's had lip fill-

ers.

The singer's representative Yvette NoelSchure released a strongly-worded statement saying that a story published in MediaTakeOut was false.

She says Beyonce's lips may appear fuller because of fluid retention during her pregnancy.

"What do you know about the effects of pregnancy on a woman's entire body? Please tell me," says the statement, sent to Gossip Cop. "Did you know that in addition to weight gain there is often a dramatic change in

the blood flow in the system and increased fluid causing swelling?

"Do you know that often women's gums get swollen?

Do you know that it sometimes affects our speech, our

ability to chew intently and a host of other things?"

The speculation started after fans started noticing that Beyonce's lips appeared puffier than usual.

(BBC)

Jay Z's fortune jumped by 30% in 2016

J

ay Z's fortune jumped 30% last year to give him an estimated net worth of US$810 million, ac-

cording to Forbes.

But it wasn't enough to dethrone Sean "Diddy" Combs from the top of the

magazine's annual list of the world's richest hip-hop artists.

Diddy retained his number one spot with an estimated net worth of US$820 million.

Forbes said that was helped by his deals with Diageo for Ciroc vodka and his Sean John clothing line.

But rapper and producer Jay Z moved into second place largely because of the US $200 million investment in his Tidal music streaming service from US mobile phone operator and communications company Sprint in January.

He also has a champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, and owns Roc Nation. (BBC)

Idris Elba open casting 'shut down' after too many people show up

A

n open casting for a new film, directed

by Idris Elba, has been "shut down".

The actor had advertised for people wanting work as "paid extras" to show up at a London location to learn a "bit more about the project".

Footage on Twitter seems to show massive crowds pushing to get in.

In a video posted on Instagram, Idris Elba thanks people for coming down but

says he's been advised to cancel "because of the numbers".

Idris Elba made his name in shows like The Wire and Luther.

As well as acting, he's also a DJ. The event was originally advertised as an opportunity to work on a film "set in the Afro-Caribbean community in Hackney, 1983".

But London's Metropolitan Police tells Newsbeat that officers were called at around 6pm to reports of trouble.

"Officers attended the location and spoke with staff," a spokesperson said.

"The planned event - an audition - has been cancelled by the organisers following discussion with police."

"The response for the open casting has been unbelievable.

Thank you so much for sharing the info and for coming down," the actor said.

"We've only got until nine o'clock and already I'm asked to shut it down because of the numbers."

He went on to say "for those guys who are standing in the cold, big up big up", and suggested people send in headshots instead of showing up in person. (BBC Newsbeat)

alvin Harris has announced his new album and, quite frankly, the guest list is ridiculous.

The album, titled Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1, is released on 30 June and features appearances from some of the biggest names in music.

Katy Perry, John Legend, Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott are among the stars to feature.

It's basically a red carpet's worth of US pop, R&B and hip-hop, marking a new direction for the Scottish producer.

He announced the album to his 10.2 million Twitter followers with an extract from an as yet unnamed new song.

Already in 2017 Calvin has ditched the hi-energy dance beats of his previous songs for a more laid back sound on singles Heatstroke and Slide.

These tracks feature appearances from Frank Ocean, Migos, Young Thug, Pharrell Williams and Ariana Grande.

Other names on the list include Big Sean, John Legend, Khalid, Schoolboy Q, D.R.A.M., Lil Yachty, Jessie Reyez, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Snoop Dogg.

Funk Wav Bounces will be Calvin's fifth studio album, coming three years after previous release Motion

in 2014.

In September, The Sun newspaper claimed Calvin Harris would never release another album.

But their "music source" has turned out to be incorrect.

The star has a history of working with the biggest names in music, having previously scored hits with Rihanna, Florence Welch, Ellie Goulding and Haim.

Katy Perry says her latest album not about ‘feud’ with Taylor Swift

K

aty Perry says her new album isn't about her "feud" with Taylor Swift.

Asked whether she'd respond to Taylor's track Bad Blood, Katy said there wasn't anything on her latest record that was "calling out any one person".

"This record is not about anyone else. This record is about me being seen and heard so that I can see and hear everyone else. It's not even about me," she told Entertainment Weekly.

"[But] you can't mistake kindness for weakness," she added.

"Don't come for me.

Anyone. Anyone. Anyone.

Anyone.

"And that's not to any one person, and don't quote me that it is, because it's not. It's not about that."

The celebrity grudge started when Taylor Swift said that her 2014 single Bad Blood was about an experience with "another female artist".

She told Rolling Stone:

"She basically tried to sabotage an entire arena tour.

She tried to hire a bunch of people out from under me."

Critics claimed she was talking about Katy Perry because they used some of the same dancers on their tours at the time.

Katy Perry hasn't said anything directly about their disagreement over the years but after “Bad Blood” was released Katy posted a cryptic tweet, referencing “Mean Girls”.

Asked directly whether her new album had a response to “Bad Blood”, Katy Perry said: "Well that's not my question to answer - if it's about me.

"I think [my new album is] a very empowered record.

There is no one thing that's calling out any one person.

"Honestly, when women come together and they decide to unite, this world is going to be a better place.

Period end of story." (BBC Newsbeat)

Nicki Minaj to pay college tuition fees for fans

N

icki Minaj says she'll pay college tuition fees for fans if they can prove they got straight A’s.

Responding to dozens of requests on Twitter asking for help with money, she said she'll do it again in the future.

People sent her screengrabs of report cards and stories of their financial troubles.

The majority of the pleas

were for less than US$1,000 but she seemed to agree to pay US$6,000 to one student if he could be prove what it was for.

The fan, called Josh, said it was for tuition fees, accommodation, food and books.

She joked that if she didn't stop with the donations she wouldn't have "any money left".

Around 30 fans were chosen. (BBC)

Sunday Times Magazine 13 MAY 14, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Bollywood

Nandita Swetha N andita Swetha is an Indian film actress, who mainly appears in Tamil films. Swetha began her acting career in the 2008 Kannada film “Nanda Loves Nanditha”.

Her character in the film was named Nanditha, which she later adopted as her screen name. Her first Tamil film was “Attakathi”. She also appeared in the comedy “Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara”. Through the film industry, the actress plans to effect change in her community, and the wider world.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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MAY 14, 2017

Times Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan rubbishes Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora divorce reports on Aryan’s ‘lovechild’ after 17 years of marriage

S

hah Rukh Khan has clarified that his three-year-old son Abram is not the “lovechild” of his first son, Aryan.

Delivering his first TED Talk in Vancouver, on April 28, the actor rubbished reports that surfaced four years ago, when AbRam was

born.

“Four years ago, my lovely wife Gauri and me decided to have a third child. It was claimed on the net that he was the love child of our first child, who was 15 years old. Apparently, he had sown his wild oats with a girl while driving her car in

Romania. And yeah, there was a fake video to go with it,” he said.

The 51-year-old actor said that he and the entire family were “disturbed” when the rumours first started circulating. “We were so disturbed as a family. My son, who is 19 now, even now when you say ‘hello’ to him, he just turns around and says, ‘But bro, I didn’t even have a European driving license,’” he said.

In the 17-minute talk, SRK reflected on his youth, growing up in Delhi, losing both his parents by the time he was in his 20s, and then, moving to the “sprawling metropolis of Mumbai”, to follow his dreams of becoming a movie star.

He will soon host the Hindi version of the popular international show.

(Hindustan Times)

Arjun Rampal addresses reports on daughters at a Justin Bieber concert

A

ctor Arjun Rampal attended the much touted Justin Bieber’s maiden Indian concert in Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, along with his two daughters Myra and Mahikaa. Soon after the gig was over, there were reports that his daughters were troubled and molested during the concert on May 10. Some of the reports suggested that Arjun’s daughters were uncomfortable when photographers came too close to them to click pictures and the actor even shouted out at them.

Miffed with these false reports, Arjun took to twitter and lashed out at those who started these rumours.

He posted a series of tweets and set the record straight with his side of the story.

“Just read now, photographers at the Bieber con-

cert were unruly with my daughters. Utter nonsense.

They infact helped us get thru. #fakenews,” he wrote.

The actor urged the media to report things right and not cook up stories.

Calling the reports “baseless”, Arjun also said that the instead of being rowdy, the photographers helped them instead.

Bieber’s Purpose Tour concert was attended by

Bollywood celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Anu Malik, Raveena Tandon, Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sonali Bendre, among others.

The Canadian popstar is reported to have left the country the same night without attending the Bollywood party planned for him or any photo opportunity. (Hindustan Times)

Amitabh Bachchan appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis

B

ollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed by the World Health Organisation as its Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East Asia Region to spread awareness about the disease.

“As someone who has suffered or is still suffering from Hepatitis due to a blood transfusion, and as someone who was detected with the disease many years later, I have realised that how disabling it can be if it is not detected in time and is not timely

cured.

“The message of how this can be detected and cured was unknown to me. When I did find out through various efficient people in this region connected with this campaign, I felt I must work towards not entirely eradicating it but atleast making people aware of what Hepatitis is,” stated the 74-year-old, who was hit with the virus after he was infused with the blood of about 200 donors post the accident on the sets of “Coolie”.

This is the first formal association between WHO and Bachchan, who served as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Polio in India. As WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in the region, the Pink star hopes for Hepatitis free India. “I wish the day would come when I would stand here along with the World Health Organisation and make a statement, just like we did at the time of Polio, that today India is Hepatitis free. That would be a great achievement of this campaign.” (ANI)

A

ctors Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan have been formally granted divorce by a family court in Bandra on Thursday. The two parted ways through mutual consent after 17 years of marriage.

The couple’s lawyers,

advocates Kranti Sathe and Amrita Sathe Pathak told HT that Malaika had not sought any alimony from Arbaaz Khan.

The actors announced their separation early this year and applied for divorce by mutual consent.

As per the law, six months

of counselling sessions are mandatory to decide if the couple wants to reconcile before the court grants a divorce.

Shortly before announcing their separation, Malaika moved out of the house she shared with Arbaaz and took her son, Arhaan, along with her.

But despite their differences, they have been spotted together at various occasions, the most recent one being their son’s birthday party, with Arbaaz’s entire family in attendance.

They had appeared for their first session of mandatory counselling before the family court judge.

(Hindustan Times)

Shraddha Kapoor sings for ‘Half Girlfriend’ T

he makers of “Half Girlfriend” have released a special track - Shraddha Kapoor’s version of “Main Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga”, one of the romantic tracks from the film. “Half Girlfriend” is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel by the same name.

Mithoon has composed the music for the song while Manoj Muntashir has re-purposed the lyrics for Shraddha’s rendition.

Directed by Mohit Suri, “Half Girlfriend” revolves around the journey of a man from Bihar who faces difficulty in getting accustomed to urban life and gets college admission due

to his lack of command over the English language.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor, “Half Girlfriend”,

which also features Arjun Kapoor, is releasing on May 19. (Hindustan Times)

patriotic in our own way, and we don’t need to prove that to anyone.”

Talking about his reasons for choosing a film, he says, “There are various reasons why one does a film.

The most important thing is

how I feel about it. Then I see who all are there in the film and who is directing it.

I have done over 500 films, so I don’t bother about how much time I will get on screen.” (Hindustan Times)

A

ctor Anupam Kher is quite impressed with the way Hollywood portrays the US military in films. He feels that Bollywood, too, should follow that example.

Kher said, “Abroad you have films like ‘Air Force One’ (1997), and you see the kind of response those films get. Why not here as well then?”

Talking about the recent response to “Baby” (2015) and “Naam Shabana”, he stated, “If the message is good, then it’s good that such films are getting made and the audience is getting to know the role of our armed forces and intelligence agencies in making our lives better. When a message gets projected, you feel the vibrations in the audience. In the past we have had films such as ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ (1970).

Having said that we are all

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

Times Trends

Trending Now

W

hether it's by juxtaposing buckles on the shoes, incorporating interchangeable straps or going for completely different colours, wearing mismatched shoes is the biggest trend right

Star of the week

now.

Check out these stylish ways to wear mismatched shoes the next time you get ready to put on a pair.

George Clooney's wife, Amal, on the go in mismatched pumps in a vibrant violet and poppy pink hue

J

onathan Chung, popularly known as DJ Monster, developed a love for music from an early age. The motivation to get into music, and ultimately becoming a DJ, stems from the years Jonathan has spent on “attending music festivals and clubs with special guest DJs”. His biggest inspirations are internationally renowned DJs, such as David Guetta and Tiesto. Being a DJ for six years now, Jonathan tries to differentiate himself from other DJs by creating unique sounds in his music, being able to change the tempo on a track while on stage and interacting with his audience. The DJ said his hype comes from going into the crowd and dancing with his fans; handing out giveaways at his shows; and never using headphones to DJ because he “loves to feel the music”. He explained that his DJ name was chosen based on the brand Monster Energy, his sponsor. “I have always seen myself being in the music industry from the moment I was able to understand music.

I've grown with music being a type of tradition in my family. So yes, music is my life now!” he declared. Via his DJ work, Jonathan is able to speak to people through the cadence of his music and to achieve one goal: for his fans to have the best time of their lives. “I love seeing the smiles and waving hands as I perform, and also being swarmed by the ladies,” he quipped.

16 Sunday Times Magazine Times

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MAY 14, 2017

Art

Artist Godlyn Lyte

G

odlyn Lyte, also known as ‘Ghodess’, is a 20-year-old Guyanese born clothing designer, visual artist and jewellery designer.

Growing up in a creative home with an artistic mother sparked Godlyn’s passion for all things artsy. However, Godlyn never thought about pursuing a career with her talents, until she migrated to the U.S. It was when Godlyn moved from Florida to New York and received a

"Ghodess"

surprising amount of support from her high school peers and teachers that she realised she had a chance of making it in the fashion world.

After becoming overwhelmed with the city life, Godlyn returned to Guyana to rebuild her foundation and pursue a career in art and fashion.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Godlyn said her paintings featured today are “inspired by mothers and the journey of motherhood”.

“You have to be a supreme being to be able to carry another human, endure the indescribable pain of bringing them into the world and still love them unconditionally. Without a doubt you also

"Sister's love"

have to be a supreme being to nurture and care for children you did not birth. Some of the greatest mothers I know aren't mothers by biology; they're mothers because of love. To me, those who are capable of that kind of love are supreme beings or ‘Ghodesses’,” the artist expressed.

Her piece, “Sister's love”, showcases her concept of “older sisters being second moms as some of them will go above and beyond to nurture and protect us just as a mother would”, which she believes is something that goes unnoticed.

“They too deserve appreciation on this day. When I think of mothers, not only do I think of those who gave birth, but I also think of

the sister, aunt, cousin, or random stranger who took it upon themselves to take responsibility of a child and give them unconditional love and protection. So to mothers of all kinds, thank you for your contribution to life, thank you for your love and for inspiring me and many others. Have a beautiful and appreciation filled Mother's Day!” she declared.

With an abundance of inspiration and determination, Godlyn pushes to make her mark among Guyana's best artists and designers.

Follow the designer on Instagram @ghodesswear or visit Ghodess Wear on Facebook for more information.

"Supreme"

"Innocence"

‘family, love, beauty’

T

he spirit of family, love and beauty is portrayed in soap stone, wood and paper by an extraordinary collection of artists and crafters.

The family theme is displayed on the exhibit stands of the artists and craftsmen of the Main Street Artist Association on a daily basis obliquely to Tower Hotel.

Sculptors such as Lewis, Ferreira, Sealey and Wilson carve “Mother & Child” and “Family Unity and Love” wooden sculptures giving meaning to

“motherly love” and “tender care”.

Award-winning artist Colin Nedd’s portrait of his grandson taking a bath in a plastic tub shows “everyday life” in Guyana.

Artistic designer Crystal Baptiste's ‘Papel’ (paper) jewellery collection was designed with mothers in mind.

These chic jewellery pieces can be worn casually or for elegant occasions. They are lightweight and vary in style.

Check out Dis Is De Place on Facebook for more information.

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Hidden Facebook Features Only Power Users Know a bunch of spammers.

To review these messages, click the "messages" icon at the top of your homescreen (a chat icon with the Messenger lightning icon in the middle). By default, you'll find yourself in the "Recent" tab of your inbox.

Directly to the right, you'll find the "Message Requests" tab. After you click this, you may see a link that says "See filtered requests." Click that and then you'll see all sorts of messages from strangers on the internet.

See Who's Snooping In Your Account

F

acebook has been around for a while, but there are probably a few tricks you don't know about.

The Inbox You Didn't Even Know You Had

If you've been a Facebook user for a while, then you probably have a folder full

Tech BYTE

of unread messages that you didn't even know you had: the "Message Requests" folder (formerly, the "Other" folder.) This is where Facebook sends all the messages from people you're not currently friends with. It could be filled with old high school flings reaching out or

T

F

:|] = a robot :poop: = well, you know <(") = a penguin You can use these in wall posts, chats, and comments, but they don't always render in mobile.

Emoji takes away some of the horrible pain of writing in plain language. Facebook will render all the usual face emoticons into pictorial representations. But there are a whole bunch you may not be using. (y) = thumbs-up 'like' symbol (^^^) = a great white shark

Sometimes you want to share something that is worth more than a few sentences or a single image. If you don't have your own blog you can take advantage of a Facebook "Note." This is a personal blog post that lives inside the Facebook ecosystem. Here you can share

There Are Lots of Secret Emoji

Create a Customisable Supersized Post

paragraphs of text and multiple images (no HTML coding knowledge required).

Just head on over to facebook.com/notes, where you'll find notes from people you follow. If you want to add your own, just click the "+ Write a Note" link in the top-right corner. Spill your thoughts using the easy post editor, add a cover image if you want, and share just like you would a regular Facebook post. If you can't finish your note in one sitting, save it and publish later. (Excerpted from PC Mag)

This smart pillow promises a better night's sleep

he company Startup Mode Modern is taking a different approach with its Sunrise Smart Pillow. The US$129 Sunrise promises to pack all of that sensor/tracking/white-noise tech into a single memory foam pillow.

Sunrise is currently in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign, but Mode Modern has already raised over US$350,000 (the original goal was just US$50,000).

Tech news

Want to know if someone is logged into your Facebook account without your permission? First, go to your settings page. Under the Security folder, you'll see the link "Where You're Logged In." Here you will find all your active Facebook log-ins from desktop or mobile. It will (usually) provide data on the location, browser, and device. If something seems fishy, you also have the ability to "end activity"

from individual or all devices.

This also comes in handy if you logged in to your friend's computer or on some public laptop, but forgot to log out.

Not only does the Sunrise Smart Pillow promise to track movement with built-in sensors, its color-changing LEDs are supposed to help you wake up in the morning. The speakers can play nature sounds or white noise to help you fall asleep -- and music to get you ready for your day.

Mode Modern's smart alarm is also designed to wake you "in your lightest phase of sleep."

Review your sleep score in the related app and listen to audio recordings taken during periods of interrupted sleep to help identify the disturbance.

Mode Modern's first production smart pillows are supposed to ship to Kickstarter backers worldwide in October. Expect Sunrise pillows to retail for US$299 each after the crowdfunding campaign ends.

(CNET)

Fitbit denies woman’s claim of device exploding

itbit is disputing a woman’s claim that her fitness tracker spontaneously exploded on her wrist earlier this month, in an incident that reportedly caused second-degree burns to her body.

Tests on the device owned by Dina Mitchell of Milwaukee found that “exter-

nal forces” caused the damage to her Flex 2 band, the company said in a statement on Friday.

“Based on our initial investigation, including testing of her device by a leading third-party failure analysis firm, we have concluded that Ms. Mitchell’s Fitbit Flex 2 did not malfunction. The testing shows that external forces caused the damage to the device,” they stated.

Fitbit went on to say that they have not received any similar complaints. They added, “we want to assure our customers that they can continue to enjoy their Flex 2 and all Fitbit products with confidence.”

A request for comment from Mitchell on Fitbit’s findings was not immediately returned. (Huffington Post)

Tech news

A

Apple breaks its own record, is worth over US$776 billion

pple's stock prices have hit records multiple times since the 2015 high, but since Apple keeps repurchasing its own shares (there are 5.21 billion shares outstanding) today marks the

Tech BYTE

T

first time the stock opened at a new market cap high.

This puts Apple in a prime spot in the runup to its tenth-anniversary iPhone, widely rumored to be called the iPhone 8, which is expected to be un-

veiled in September of this year. Although Apple sold slightly fewer iPhones than the year before (50.8 million versus 51.2 million units), it made more money on the back of the pricier iPhone 7 Plus.

Apple CEO Tim Cook went on the record to say he blames frequent iPhone 8 rumors for the slowdown in iPhone sales, which could mean that buyers are just holding out for the next iPhone's release. So all this iPhone 8 speculation could potentially help Apple's future stock if an even pricier iPhone 8 flies off the shelf.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

(CNET)

Smartphones that charge in five minutes 'could arrive next year'

he technology was first shown off in 2015, when Israeli start-up StoreDot demonstrated its FlashBattery at the CES tech show in Las Vegas.

Chief executive Doron Myersdorf told the BBC it is now expected to enter production in early 2018.

However, Ben Wood, a technology analyst at CCS Insight, said he had doubts about the claims.

Mr Myersdorf said he could not reveal which manufacturers were signed up to use the technology.

In 2015, he told the BBC his firm's battery contained materials that allowed for "non-traditional" reactions and the unusually fast transfer of ions from an anode to a

cathode - the electrical process that charges a battery.

The design involves nanomaterials, which feature extremely small structures, and - unnamed - organic compounds.

Some versions of the battery were thicker than most smartphone batteries at the time, but now Mr Myersdorf has claimed it is ready for the market.

"We will charge a smartphone in five minutes," he said.

He added that the technology was in pilot production at two Asian battery makers and that "mass production" was expected to commence in the first quarter of 2018. (Excerpted from BBC)

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Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

By Jehan Powell

Ingredients

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1 cup all pupose flour ¼ tsp cinnamon

id you know your and love life? Try these feng home's design can af- shui tips based on the ancient fect your bank account art of balancing energy.

Attracting Love: Put Furniture Legs on Rugs. Never put all your furniture against the walls, says a feng shui expert. Furniture should be arranged to support communication. Put at least the front legs of all furniture on the rug — not just around it — and people will sit there and talk

Method

In a small bowl, place flour, cinnamon, brown sugar and salt and mix to combine. Add warm water and stir until smooth. Add oil and vanilla and stir to mix in.

Prepare a griddle/pan with about 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.

When the oil is hot, add 1 tablespoon of the mixture in a circular motion, spreading it. (www.jehancancook.com)

T Attracting Money: Decorate in Red, Purple or Green. Red is considered auspicious and powerful. Purple and green are also key colours for attracting prosperity. You don’t have to paint walls in those colours, instead incorporate red, purple and green décor into your home. Then tune in to how your space feels. Decorating with mindfulness will enhance the vibration and power of your home Attracting Love: Arrange Kids' Beds for Better Harmony. Feng shui applies to all the occupants in the house.

Children can be even more susceptible to their surrounding energies, so it's very important to make sure their beds are placed in the commanding position. They will feel easily startled and vulnerable if their backs are to the door. Also, electronics should never be stored or charged near a child's bed

3 tbsp brown sugar ¼ tsp salt 1 cup warm water ¼ tsp vanilla 1 tbsp oil + more for frying

Greatest Cooking Tips

o easily remove burnt rice from the bottom of a pan, put five cm of clean water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and three tablespoons of bi-carb soda into the pan and bring to the boil.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes and the burnt rice will be easy to remove.

To test whether an egg is fresh, fill a bowl with cold water and add some salt. Place the egg in the water. If it sinks to the bottom, it is fresh. If the egg rises to the top, the egg is no good.

Read the entire recipe before you start cooking. Have all the ingredients gathered, prepped, and ready to go before you turn on the heat.

Resist making instant substitutions in baking. Follow recipe ingredients unless the substitute can be confirmed.

I

Home Help

f you have an aquarium, save the water each time you change it and water your houseplants with it. It’s full of nutrients and makes a great fertiliser.

To restore toilet bowls back to their shiny best, clean with old, flat Coke or Pepsi. To dissolve lime scale, leave the soda overnight to soak.

To remove rust from knives or other kitchen utensils, stick them in an onion for about an hour. Move the blade back and forth to help the onion juice do its work.

To stop weevils destroying flour in your cupboards, freeze the flour for 24 hours before placing it in an airtight canister.

Use nail varnish remover to remove melted plastic from appliances (such as toasters etc.).

If you have a smelly refrigerator, take two newspapers pages and roll them both up into a ball; put one on the top shelf and the second on the bottom shelf and the smell will be gone before you know it.

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Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

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JOKES Feline Friendly

woman walked into my aunt’s animal shelter wanting to have her cat and six kittens spayed and neutered. "Is the mother friendly?" my aunt asked. "Very," said the woman, casting an eye on all the pet carriers. "That’s how we got into this mess in the first place."

Family Restaurant

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he night we took our three young sons to an upscale restaurant for the first time, my husband ordered a bottle of wine.

The server brought it over, began the ritual uncorking, and poured a small amount for me to taste.

My six-year-old piped up, "Mom usually drinks a lot more than that."

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his Mother's Day, why not get the whole family together for some creative fun and games? Here are some ways to inject some laughter -- and love -- into your Mother's Day celebration.

Go to the movies

One good way to share family memories is to look at old photographs or home movies. If you live near Grandma or Grandpa, ask them to pull out old photos and movies of you as a child, and take a trip together down memory lane. Your kids will get a kick out of the styles of clothes you wore -not to mention the fact that you were once a baby, toddler, or teen.

Make a little music

Nothing brightens a family celebration quite like music. But if you want to really turn up the volume on fun, stage your own "lip-synch" contest. To begin, have each family member choose a favourite song from a CD, tape, or video that you currently own. Then turn on the music, and let each person lipsynch the words to the song, doing his or her best to mimic the performer. (Your toddler, for instance, can pretend he's Barney singing the "I Love You" song.)

Other family members can rate the performance from one (not at all like the performer) to five (exactly like the performer), and write down their score on a card. The person with the highest score wins the contest.

Get pampered

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Life Lessons

y mom taught me: Logic: “If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”

Humour: “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

Justice: “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you. Then you’ll see what it’s like!”

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Mom Say What

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Planedemonium

exting acronyms can stump even the best parents: Mom: Your great-aunt just passed away. LOL. Son: Why is that funny?

Mom: It’s not funny, David! What do you mean?

Son: Mom, LOL means Laughing Out Loud.

Mom: I thought it meant Lots of Love. I have to call everyone back. he first time my mother flew, she was a nervous wreck. During take-off, the roar from the engines proved reassuring - it meant they were working, she reasoned. But when the plane levelled off, so did the engines. Grabbing the armrests, she asked aloud, “Did we stop?”

I

Actual Texts from Moms to Their Kids

once got a text from my mom where “You’re amazing” autocorrected to “You’re adopted.”

My mom once texted me, “Can you come over, I want you to take a selfie of me.”

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Family Ties

y coworker at the hotel was miserable at his job and was desperately searching for a new one.

"Why don’t you work for your mother?" I suggested.

He shook his head. "I can’t," he said. "Her company has a very strict policy against hiring relatives."

"Who made up that ridiculous rule?"

"My mother."

At some point on Mother's Day, you may want some time alone or a chance for a little rest and relaxation. Make sure you get what you need -- and deserve -- by asking for it in advance. For instance, a few days before Mother's Day, give your husband and kids a list of five "services" you desire.

The list could include: An hour alone so I can call a friend or soak in the tub; a chance to sleep in until 9 a.m.; a manicure at my favourite nail salon; no sibling squabbles for an hour; whatever else you'd really love!

Take an exotic “vacation”

Even if you can't afford to go to Paris for the weekend, you can still enjoy a little taste of France (or any other destination that intrigues you). Get some croissants for breakfast, pack a picnic lunch of French bread, cheese, and fruit, or or- der a meal from your favourite deli or restaurant, and get into the flavour of the country. For an added touch, adorn your kitchen or dining room table with a red-andwhite-checkered tablecloth and fresh flowers, put on some French music, and teach your kids a few basic words in French, such as "bonjour" (good morning) and "merci" (thank you).

STORY TIME

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Schedule time for hugs

Finally, what would Mother's Day be like without hugs and kisses all around? One way to work them into your day is by setting up a silly “hugs and kisses” schedule and posting it on the refrigerator or other visible spot. For instance, you could write, “10:30 a.m.: Everyone run around the couch and give Mom a hug and kiss.” or “2:15 p.m.: Everyone hop around on one foot and assemble for a group hug.”

Make up your own directions and silly things to do -- but be sure to include lots of hugs, kisses, and laughter in your day.

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

here lived a mother crab with her baby in a pond. One day, the mother crab and her baby were walking together. The baby crab was walking a little ahead of the mother.

After some time, the mother crab said, “Oh my dear child, why do you bend towards one side when you walk?”

The baby crab turned back and looked at his mother and asked, “What is wrong with the way I walk? Do I not look good walking like this?”

The mother crab replied, “It does not look good to me.

You look much better when you walk straight and forward.” To which the young crab responded, “This might be pretty good and true my mother. But I do not know how to walk straight. So, if you will show me how to walk straight, I promise I will try to walk the exact way.”

His mother impatiently agreed and said, “Look at me carefully and you will do it later.”

When the mother crab tried to walk straight it was impossible for her. She kept trying, but she could not walk straight.

Tired, she said to her son, “I am sorry for scolding you. I myself cannot walk in a straight manner. How can I ask you to do so?” She then added, “You continue to walk the way you do!”

Moral: Example is more powerful than speech. (Aesop Fable)

Mother to Son

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare.

But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now— For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes, 1922

Mother o’ Mine If I were hanged on the highest hill, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

I know whose love would follow me still, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

If I were drowned in the deepest sea, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

I know whose tears would come down to me, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

If I were damned of body and soul, I know whose prayers would make me whole, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!

Rudyard Kipling, 1865 – 1936

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Times Sunday Puzzle

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lex and Ethan go shopping for their mother on Mother's Day. Alex buys something for $12 and Ethan buys something for $28. They want to share the price. How much does Alex have to pay Ethan to get an even price for both of them? see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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MAY 14, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

Red-knobbed Hornbills

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he Red-knobbed hornbill lives on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, where they utilise holes in trees as their nests. Their eggs are monitor lizardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favourite food, so to combat these predators, the hornbills narrow the entryway to their nests with a very special sealant â&#x20AC;&#x201D; their own faeces.

Mommy hornbill will stay in her hole for the entire two-month incubation period, ignoring any of her own hunger pains to her detriment. During incubation, the female depends entirely on the male to provide her with food. After hatching, the female remains in the nest, brooding the chicks for approximately another 90 days.

Hornbills are classified in the order Coraciiformes, which includes kingfishers, todies, motmots, bee-eaters, rollers, hoopoes and other related species. They

eat various fruits (especially figs). Redknobbed hornbills also eat small invertebrates as a small part of their diet.

Notably, while toucans and hornbills share many physical characteristics, they are two completely different families of birds. Toucans live only in Central and South America; hornbills live only in Africa and Asia. Toucans are more closely related to woodpeckers, while hornbills are more closely related to kingfishers.

GEOZONE

Please see solution on page 23

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

Los Glaciares National Park

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os Glaciares National Park is located in the Southwest of Santa Cruz Province in the Argentine part of Patagonia. Comprised of a National Park and a National Reserve it has a total surface area of 600,000 hectares.

Los Glaciares owes its name to the numerous glaciers covering roughly half of the World Heritage property. Many of these glaciers are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field, the most extensive South American relict of the glaciological processes of the Quaternary Period. In addition, there are impressive glaciers independent of the main ice field. The property therefore constitutes a massive freshwater reservoir.

At its farthest end, three glaciers meet to dump their effluvia into the milky grey glacial water, launching massive igloo icebergs into

the lake with thunderous splashes.

The Puma and the elusive Andean Cat, locally known as GuiĂąa, roam the landscape, as does the elusive Huemul, a rare native deer species of the Southern Andes. There is a rich bird fauna, including important breeding populations of the emblematic Andean Condor and Darwin's Rhea, sometimes called the "South American Ostrich" and locally known as Choique.

Despite its remoteness, Los Glaciares National Park is far from free of human impacts, such as domestic and feral livestock, forest fires and alien invasive species. Los Glaciares National Park attracts large numbers of national and international visitors requiring careful consideration and planning of tourism.

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Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

House hit by dozens Woman eats life savings to spite cheating husband of cars and trucks

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ozens of cars and trucks have crashed into a house in north-eastern China in the space of just one year.

According to an article in the Beijing Youth Daily, the house, in a town called Heilongjiang, is on a right angled junction.

Cars don't slow down quickly enough when taking the turn and end up careering into the front fence.

In 2016 the family who live there took 100 photos, recording the 48 cars and trucks that crashed into their home.

The yellow sign in front of the house displays the Chinese character for "slow." Sadly it seems their deterrent is not working.

Husband and wife He Haijun and Xu Renxiang were living on the 70 square metre plot of land before the main road was built seven years ago.

It now means the expressway from Daqing City to Qiqihar City runs close to

their house.

Xu told the Beijing Youth Daily the crashes started happening in 2010. She was 8 months pregnant and asleep when a car veered into their bedroom. Their daughter is now seven years old but she's not allowed to play in front of the house because of the risk of being hit by a vehicle.

The couple said everyone around them knows where they live as the 'car accident house' on the junction. So far, luckily, noone's been seriously injured.

Xu insisted that it has probably happened about 100 times, but they don't know the real number.

Most of the time she says they can negotiate with the perpetrators privately and get some compensation.

Officials are reportedly looking into the problem but no sign of any possible solution yet. (BBC)

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woman in Colombia has eaten her entire life savings to stop her cheating husband getting his hands on the money.

Sandra Milena Almeida wolfed down US$9,000 in cash after finding out her husband had been unfaithful.

The 30-year-old's actions were only discovered after she was taken to hospital suffering abdominal pains.

Doctors then found bundles of notes inside her stomach.

Almeida apparently hid the cash after finding out about her husband's infidelity.

She took the extreme steps of eating the US$100 bills after he discovered the hiding place and demanded half of it.

Relatives and doctors only discovered she'd eaten them after carrying out tests.

Director of Surgery at the University Hospital of Santander, Juan Paulo Serrano, told reporters: â&#x20AC;&#x153;57 $100 bills were found and extracted by the orifice opened in the stom-

ach.

"Some extra rolls (of money) were found in the intestine, which advanced to the colon."

"She ate rolls of bills, they were not wrapped up for any form of illicit transport," he added.

"It seems it was an act of desperation by this woman, due to the problem she was facing, to ingest these elements, and this of course affects the patient's normal intestinal functioning and life."

Almeida, from Piedecuesta in the northeast of the country, is expected to make a full recovery.

"The dollar notes were washed and are in good condition, but the rest of the money was lost because of the gastric fluids," said Serrano.

Following the successful procedure to remove the cash, Sandra Milena Almeida said she was now saving for a luxury holiday.

(BBC)

Egypt 'uncovers burial chamber of pharaoh's daughter' Brain Teaser Answer $8. That would make Ethan's price $20 and Alex's price $20.

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

T

he 3,700-year-old burial chamber of a pharaoh's daughter is believed to have been found near the remains of a recently discovered pyramid in Egypt.

The ministry of antiquities said the chamber at the Dahshur royal necropolis, south of Cairo, contained a wooden box engraved with hi-

eroglyphs.

Inside the box were four canopic jars filled with the organs of the deceased, likely a daughter of King Emnikamaw.

The ruler's pyramid is about 600m (1,970ft) from the chamber.

Last month, archaeologists investigating the remains of the structure found a relief with 10

lines of hieroglyphs bearing Emnikamaw's name.

They also uncovered the remnants of an anthropoid sarcophagus.

Dahshur is where King Sneferu of the 4th Dynasty built ancient Egypt's first true smoothsided pyramid, the 104mhigh (341ft) Red Pyramid, about 4,600 years ago.

He also construct-

ed an earlier version, the 105m-high Bent Pyramid, whose slopes change angle from 54 degrees to 43 degrees about halfway up.

Sneferu was succeeded by his son Khufu, renowned for the Great Pyramid at Giza, which - at 138m high - was a wonder of the ancient world. (BBC)

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Sunday Times Magazine

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Fun Times

Archie

Take it easy. Don’t let the little things get to you. An (March 21emotional slump could ruin April 19) your day and upset someone you love. Be willing to compromise to avoid discord.

ARIES

Your interest in differTAURUS ent cultures or lifestyles will (April 20- take you on a hunt for inner May 20) peace. Sign up for a retreat or take some time to figure out what makes you happy.

Truth is required if you GEMINI aren’t ready to move forward (May 21- with someone or something June 20) you’ve been toying with.

Denying responsibility will upset someone who feels you should be held accountable.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Emotions will intensify if you don’t deal with a toxic situation. Make a decision and follow through on it instead of complaining and carrying on. End whatever isn’t working for you.

Someone who is all talk and no action will take advantage of you. Don’t give in to someone’s flattery. You’ll feel used if you are left doing all the work.

Being a team player will make a difference in the way your day unfolds. Be willing to do your part and to take an interest in what others do as well.

LIBRA Don’t worry if someone op(Sept. 23- poses your plans. Emotions Oct. 23) will be difficult to deal with, but in the end, a detailed description of what you want to do will pay off.

Peanuts

Look back and talk to SCORPIO (Oct. 24- people from your past in orNov. 22) der to get a clear picture of your accomplishments and the goals you have yet to achieve.

Trouble will develop if you SAGITTARIUS can’t get along with others. A (Nov. 23child or a past rival will quesDec. 21) tion your motives if you aren’t clear about what you want.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take a secretive apCAPRICORN proach to how and when you (Dec. 22- execute your personal plans.

Jan. 19) Too much too fast will lead to a problem finishing what you start.

You’ll have good ideas AQUARIUS that should be shared. Offer (Jan. 20- your help to a group that can Feb. 19) use a fresh approach to dealing with an important cause.

Consider what you need PISCES (Feb. 20- to do to reach your dreams.

Mar. 20) A well-thought-out plan is a good place to begin. Call someone who can help you achieve your goal.