Guyana Times Daily - March 6, 2015

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2424

Page 6

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, March 6, 2015

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Neesa’s killers get 202 years

3 families homeless P7 following Retrieve fire

“Fight for your rights,” Ramotar urges P10 Guyanese women Presidential term limit motion:

1st hearing set for P23 March 16

... Jarvis Small – 96, Bibi Gopaul – 106 APNU’s infighting:

Selman details abuse, disrespect from APNU’s top brass Page 3

$80 vat included

PPP/C restates opposition to GECOM’s ties to IRI-funded youth group

Page 7

30 graduate from IT P24 programme in Berbice GRA admits unable to control P25 “bottom house” rum shops ...out of 200 defaulters only 60 regularised

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

news

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friday, March 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 6 – 05:30h-07:00h and Saturday, March 7 – 05:30h-07:00h

Selman details abuse, disrespect from APNU’s top brass

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 6 – 16:45h-18:15h and Saturday, March 7 – 05:20h-06:50h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 06:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with heavy rain showers in the early afternoon. Thundery showers will return in the late afternoon and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:56h and 17:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.70 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:47h and 23:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre at each scheduled low tide.

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APNU’s infighting, division:

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By Michael Younge

F

ormer People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive Africo Selman said she refused to be a rubberstamp parliamentarian and a young leader who was made to suffer constant verbal and emotional abuse, at the hands of the elders within her party whenever she expressed independent or dissenting views on political matters within what was supposed to be the comfort of her own party.

Selman, a trained schoolteacher, said that she choose to resign her post as a Member of Parliament (MP) for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) within the 10th Parliament and from its major constituent party, PNCR, of which she was a member after much thought and encouragement from her friends and family who knew the hardships she faced within the two political entities.

Speaking with the Guyana Times during an exclusive interview on Thursday, Selman denied that she was either enticed or coaxed by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to resign her post and membership within the main Opposition coalition, which recently entered into a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC). “Lots of things are being said about me. I want to say to everyone that I have never been offered any posting diplomatic or otherwise. I have never been made any offers by the PPP/C and the decision that I have made to leave the APNU was made in principle almost a year ago when some things that I consider to be important for Guyana’s development – bills and budgetary measures – were voted against by my party,” she explained during the interview.

Inclusionary democracy

Selman, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guyana (UG) in International Relations, said that she was made more “uncomfortable” in recent times as a result of the unwillingness of some of the elders within APNU and the PNCR to listen to the concerns of their youths and MPs. She said, “When leaders make their decisions without consulting you, they are unwilling to change those decisions”, even when there are persons

with strong opinions and positions that should be considered on a particular subject matter, bill or motion.

The former APNU MP admitted that she was in full support of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill (AML/CTF), the budgetary allocation of monies for the UG Student Loans Projects and other spending in relation to youths but these were axed and not supported by her party despite her expressing reservations about such a move.

“I felt this was not the way to go and I did tell them so,” she remarked.

Former APNU MP Africo Selman

At this point, Selman felt that she had betrayed the core reasons why she joined the coalition in the first place which was to promote equitable access to education and fight for the rights of youths.

The young politician said she became extremely worried when the practice of meeting, discussing and debating various items on the Order Paper for sittings of the National Assembly became diluted and watered down over the past year and a half moving from monthly meetings which would last a day or hours to a one-hour meeting or half an hour brief. “This, in my opinion, does not give the MPs the opportunity to make our input within the party. I am dissatisfied with that, because I believe in consultation and compromise,” she remarked as she listed the many developments that troubled her.

Chief Whip’s abuse

Selman recalled sending an email to Opposition Leader David Granger on another occasion stating her reasons why APNU should support the AntiMoney Laundering Bill in Parliament, but got the surprise response of her life an hour later. “I received a call from the Chief Whip, Amna Ally who basically lambasted me for an email with my reasons for supporting this bill. I mean she literally cursed me out. She said this is the APNU position – we are not supporting it and you have to go with that,” she said. The 33-year-old woman said that she “felt really hurt” and “should have not been berated or abused” for expressing her views internally.

She decried the way the other female youth MPs were treated by the Chief Whip and how other MPs were disrespected by seniors within the party. Asked why she would endure such treatment and the unwillingness to at least consider her contributions, Selman said: “I have never stood up to anyone. I have never said to her, this is not the way you should speak to me.

When she was finished I would say okay, because I did not want to become a person I am not,” she responded.

Asked to expound further, Selman said: “I was always taught to respect authority. My father said “your ears do not grow past your head” as she admitted that she preferred to comply and toe the party line rather than be further victimised and disrespected.

She said that she saw what happened to her colleague Vanessa Kissoon when she stood up against the seniors and Ally. “I did not want to become a Vanessa Kissoon and be demoted to the back bench and then disrespected.” Selman recalled complaining to both the party’s General Secretary and Leader David Granger to no avail about the excesses and disrespectful behaviour of Ally. She noted that even another MP, Rinta Williams, had formally written Granger complaining about Ally’s outburst and treatment of other young female MPs. Ally’s alleged treatment of Selman at the December Christmas at Congress Place function was the final straw.

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Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Wildlife management

O

n March 3, Guyana and the rest of the world observed World Wildlife Day (WWD) under the theme: “It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime.” The day is set aside by the UN every year for countries and international organisations to reflect on what is being done and plan for the future in terms of sustainable wildlife management and conservation.

The UN took the opportunity recently to renew its commitment in doing all that is necessary to protect wildlife and stop wildlife crimes, such as poaching and trafficking.

According to the UNDP, wildlife trafficking and poaching have ravaged key populations of endangered wildlife, driving many to the brink of extinction. Elephants, rhinos, tigers, lions, sharks and gorillas, among many others, are under serious threat.

The UNDP explains that poaching threatens local livelihoods, and undermines environmental health and ecological integrity, removing species that play important roles in maintaining a natural balance in their respective ecosystems.

All over the world, especially in countries with a huge wildlife population, the call is being repeated for the authorities to take more proactive steps in halting the illegal trade in wildlife and to manage wildlife in a more sustainable manner.

In Guyana, persons are still engaging in the illegal trade in wildlife. This is despite the fact that a number of critical steps were taken by the authorities to bring a halt to the practice. There are even allegations that the illegal trade in wildlife is being done sometimes with the knowledge of the law enforcement authorities who turn a blind eye to it.

Just recently, as part of observances to mark WWD in Guyana, the Government issued a passionate call for citizens here to push for tangible results in the area of sustainable wildlife management and conservation.

The subject Minister Robert Persaud expressed a similar view shared by this newspaper on a previous occasion that collaborative partnerships are crucial in the promotion of innovative initiatives that seek to conserve wildlife and combat illegal activities relating to wildlife management.

On the part of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, he said though the air was clear on all the technicalities of wildlife management such as the implementation of a licensing system for wildlife dealers, and the establishment of quotas for harvesting targeted wildlife species, it was also cognisant of the challenges that must be overcome before these are implemented.

“Some of those challenges include: building capacities of staff within the Wildlife Division and EPA for scientific research, the provision of the requisite training and equipment to detect, investigate and prosecute wildlife offences; and educating the general populace on the importance of wildlife resources and the need to conserve such resources,” he said.

Government has embarked on a number of initiatives that seek to address the issue of wildlife management and conservation. Central among these is the establishment of the Wildlife Management Steering Committee in November 2014.

The Ministry has collaborated with an international NGO – Panthera – to develop a project in the south of Guyana on sustainable hunting practices as a foundation for managing wildlife harvest. It should be stated that when completed, this project will be replicated in other regions of the country.

In an effort to strengthen the regulation and management of the international wildlife trade, a Wildlife Import and Export Bill was tabled in the National Assembly in 2014. This Bill seeks to repeal the Species Protection Regulations and establish the Wildlife Import and Export Authority to replace the Wildlife Division.

These regulations make provisions for among other things, penalising the harvesting of prohibited species of wildlife, exporting, re-exporting or importing wildlife without permits and the use of prohibited devices and methods to hunt wildlife.

Government must be commended for the serious attention it has shown in relation to the manner in which wildlife management is addressed in Guyana. Guyana can only be successful if all communities, NGOs and various State agencies enhance cooperation and work collaboratively in this regard.

Students of the Institute of Academic Excellence Thursday enjoyed what has become a Guyanese tradition in local schools, the prePhagwah Day celebration of Holi with their friends (Carl Croker photo)

Phagwah in the villages of India and Guyana Dear Editor, I experienced pre and post as well as Phagwah Day celebrations in several villages of India and also with distant relatives in a couple of my ancestral villages in the districts of Azamgarh and Ghazipur in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The celebration of Phagwah in Guyana is not very much different from in the villages of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and other north Indian states. The villages in these states and in Guyana as well as Trinidad, Suriname, Fiji and Mauritius, etc have common cuisine served for the festival and other festivals, as well as in how people play Phagwah.

The celebration of Holi in the villages of Guyana was an almost exact replica of how the festival was/ is still celebrated in the villages of India steeped in tradition. In Guyana, Holi has intrinsically become part of Guyanese culture in which every ethnic group participates.

Some individuals are intolerant of others in Guyana and in rejecting the celebration they pay the ultimate price with ostracism. People enjoy the festival together, not to mention the delicacies that go with it. There is no harm done in refusing to celebrate together.

When the indentured laborers came to the overseas territories, they celebrated Holi and other festivals the way they did in their home villages in India.

The celebration of Holi, the way it has been carried out in India, soon became institutionalized during early years of indenturedship in Guyana and the other societies where Indians migrat-

ed and settled.

The celebration of Holi, Diwali, Eid, and other Indian festivals is pretty much the same in Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname – suggesting the traditions were the same in the villages of India and transplanted accordingly in the new adopted homelands.

These traditions have been transplanted to the New York area, Orlando and Toronto, etc, in much the same way they are observed in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname, though it has been almost impossible to retain or transplant some aspects of the celebration in the developed temperate societies.

The weather and the streets, for example, does not permit for house to house playing of Phagwah or street displays of chowtaal singing that is common in Guyana.

The festival is not a public holiday in New York; people celebrate on weekends just prior to or after the holiday.

In India, the Holi festival is grand and transcends race, caste and religions, much the same way it is in Guyana. In India, social norms, like caste or religions, are ignored and people come together in one grand fraternity just like how the various racial and religious groups celebrate the festival in Guyana.

Politicians of the various parties or religions also play Phagwah with one another in much the same way it is done in Guyana. In India, groups of celebrants go village to village, street to street, house to house dousing each other with abeer (cow dung or mud water) or smearing faces with gulal – similar to how it is done in Guyana.

In fact, it looks like all the aspects of the celebration in India have been transplanted in Guyana.

Baby talc powder is also used in India, as in Guyana, to throw on each other. In the villages of India, as I observed in Guyana and on the Phagwah parade day in New York, the ground was red and the air was misty with varied colors of powered gulal.

Colorful abeer and gulal flew every which way just like in Guyana. No one escapes. A mix of red, pink, magenta, purple, red, yellow, green, blue and, well multi-coloured faces were seen everywhere in the villages in India similar to New York for the Phagwah Parade or at celebrations in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname. One difference I observed was that in India, it is a tradition to rip apart the shirt of celebrants.

Ramayan and chowtaal groups go around the villages in India, just like in Guyana, singing chowtaal with its fast moving rhythmic tempo. The beating of the dholak, tarapiti and daantaal and the clanging of the majeera are common in the villages in India as in Guyana.

People danced to the beat in India as they do in Guyana. Decades ago, trucks or tractor trailers would transport celebrants from village to village in Guyana as they sang chowtaals occasionally stopping to throw abeer on people in the villages or on the roads or stopping at peoples’ at a community leader’s home for snacks and drinks.

In India, as in Guyana, unsuspecting passersby are doused with abeer or gulal – people take the wetting in

stride accepting it is all part of the fun. Even tourist visitors in India partake in the festivities just as they do in Guyana.

In India the celebration ends mid-day and people go about their routine in the afternoon (some stores open for business) although some people engage in a softer celebration in the afternoon as we do in Guyana (dressed in fresh white clothing) – none of the frolicking revelry like dousing people with lots of abeer or gulal; just a light, gentle smothering of powder as we do in Guyana or Suriname.

As in Guyana, in India, families distribute delicacies to passing guests or those who stop by to celebrate the festival. Lunch and dinners are commonly served; food is strictly vegetarian as in Guyana.

In India, the common snacks served for holi are the usual as in Guyana: dhal, chawal, alou, gobi cauliflower (which is plentiful around this time of the year in India but not served in Guyana), channa, peas roti or regular naan or paratha, a variety of appetizers like bara, phulourie, samosa, sahena, kachowri,curried seasonal vegetables, mithai like goja, gulgula, gulab jamun, ras milai, among others.

In India, certain snacks are served only at the time of holi with ghoja being one of them. In India, ghoja is the most popular delicacy at Holi as in Guyana and each state has its own variety.

The Caribbean’s version is the best tasting. Dhal puri is not commonly served in UP and Bihar as in Guyana; like in Guyana, peas puri is rare dish served during special occasion or for visitors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

5 Caricom states still violate free movement obligations News

friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

― Guyanese immigration officers informed of protocols

L

egal Officer attached to the Caricom Secretariat, Oneil Francis has acknowledged that many member countries continue to violate free movement obligations under the Treaty of Chagaraumas.

Speaking at a workshop for Immigration Officer here, Francis outlined that the excuse of contradicting domestic laws is often employed. However, once a country ratifies a treaty, this supersedes domestic law – as was the case of Jamaican Shanique Myrie Versus the Government of Barbados.

Francis explained that Caricom member countries are obligated to amend their local laws to coincide with the Treaty and had approximately 5 years to do so, but many countries are yet to make such changes.

This, he noted is one of the many challenges immigration officers often face

in the execution of their duties.

It was also noted that many citizens are unaware of their rights under the Treaty.

Reflecting on the Shanique Myrie Case, Oneil explained that the woman was fully cognizant of her rights and therefore, made a smart and well-informed decision to sue the Government of Barbados- a case which she won.

As such, Caricom has embarked on a series of workshops aimed at educating the general public about their rights under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The CSME allows for the free movement of people and goods within Caricom member of states in order to facilitate a better standard of living for all citizens.

There should be no differentiation and no biased treatment influenced by nationalities.

But many times, citizens

are still being treated unfavourably at certain ports of entry. Guyanese and Jamaicans have often complained of the unjust treatment at certain airports in the Caribbean. Guyana has made the varying requi-

tection of public moral and human, animal or plant health.

Subsequently, these reasons must be submitted to the relevant authorities for scrutiny.

Francis noted that an

Some of the immigration officers paying keen attention to the presentation on CSME

site changes through acts of Parliament.

According to the legal affairs officer, citizens can only be denied entry once creditable reasons are provided, such as for security purposes or for the pro-

immigration officer must take into account a person’s past records before allowing entry, but must not let a stained past be the only basis for denying that person as that person may be reformed. He stressed that

once a citizen is not current threat to the country, he has a right to enter.

He also pointed out that an officer cannot deny a person entry on the basis of protecting moral values or laws if such laws are not strictly enforced within that country.

Francis used for example a situation concerning prostitution. He said if a country states in their laws that prostitution is illegal yet turns a blind eye to the situation, then to deny a person entry on those grounds would be considered discrimination.

Many other scenarios were explored to help immigration officers better understand what protocols to take to ensure all citizens within Caricom are faced with fair and just treatment upon entry to various members of state.

The workshop was held at the Police Training Center and saw 31 immigration officers in atten-

dance.

The presentation was also facilitated by Technical Coordinator of the Technical Action Services Unit of the Caricom Secretariat Melbour Phillip. The wider initiative was compiled by the Caricom Secretariat to improve the flow of information within six member states. It is being executed by Right Angle Imaging Consultancy; a St Lucian-based organisation, and forms part of component 300 of the Caricom Trade and Competitiveness Project.

Free Movement of Skills, Free Movement of Capital, the Caricom Complaints Procedure, Free Movement of Services, Free Movement of Goods and the Right of Establishment were among the areas.

The Guyana leg of the Canadian funded project is expected to conclude in March.

Holi – a reflection of harmony in Guyana Dear Editor, Holi/Phagwah is a Hindu Festival, which is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalgun (February/ March) that usually falls in the month of March or sometimes in late February.

This festival, which holds much significance, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year as well as thebeginning of spring.

Also, history teaches us that inthe 17th century, it was identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture and commemorated good spring harvests for the farmers and their families, as well as the fertile land.

Hindus believe that it is a time for enjoying spring's abundant colours and saying farewell to winter.

More importantly, the

beginning of a New Year is a perfect time to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and accumulated emotional impurities from thepast. This is represented by the bright, beautiful colours that form the celebrations around the world.

Hence, giving it the common name “festival of colours,” these colours overcome the barriers of language and convey true feelings. They also convey a message as the various colours all carry individual meanings.

These are: green – compassion and understanding and a symbol of prosperity; yellow – optimism and it is also regarded as an auspicious colour, and yellow is also associated with Mother Earth; red – the colour of fire, the source of energy

Phagwah in the...

FROM PAGE 4

Same was experienced during my visits to Mauritius, Durban (South Africa) and Fiji.

In New York, dhal puri is served. In India, people prefer channa or urad grain filled roti as opposed to dhal puri which is more popular in Guyana and the Caribbean; split peas or dal is among the cheapest of all the grains and the other grains (mong, urad, etc) were not readily available in Guyana long before the PNC Government banned them.

Urad and channa puri are quite tasty and nutritious. For drinks, hot sweet chai (tea with milk)

is common. Mohanbhog is not commonly served for Holi as in Guyana and in the Caribbean. And as in Guyana, people do make offerings at the mandirs playing Phagwah with the Gods and Goddesses and performing puja at home.

Holi is a marvelous celebration that has brought conflicting groups together and one has to be grateful and thankful to the Indian ancestors for introducing it in Guyana and other Caribbean societies and bringing their unique cuisine with them.

Holi Mubharak Ho! Vishnu Bisram

and security; blue – loyalty and trust; and pink – love and compassion.

In Guyana, thousands of Guyanese, from all walks of life, come together to observe this auspicious day, celebrating with colourful powders, abeer,abrack and water, spreading cheer and love throughout the land.

This is a representation of the diversity of the country’s people and the harmonious environment that has been created by those in authority.

If we are to look at the world at large, we will see many schisms within regions and between religions, and this cannot help

but make mewonder about the Guyanese reality.

Despite disagreements and challenges, the current administration has encouraged religious tolerance and promoted harmony among its population, irrespective of religion, creed, political differences, gender or ethnicity. These are the littlethings forwhich we should be grateful.

When I look at the television, and see thousands of people losing their lives because of their religious beliefs or differences, it saddens me; but, it makes me proud to be a citizen of this beautiful land, where six races live in harmony. Don’t

you feel the same way too?

I know we are in a politically crucial time, with the upcoming General and Regional Elections, but despite whom we support, let’s not forget, as our National Motto says, we are “One People, One Nation, One

Destiny.”

So for this reason, I urge you to get up! Grab your powder and colours, and get out and join the celebrations on March 6! This unity shall forever live on.

Shivanie Rampersaud

6news

friday, march 6, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Neesa’s killers get 202 years ... Jarvis Small 96, Bibi Gopaul 106 ple had stridently denied killing the teenager, but the explosive testimony of convicted fraudster, Simone De Nobrega last week, detailing the confession of Bibi while the two of them sat in the East La Penitence lockups back in 2010 nailed the Prosecution’s case against them.

Media trial

Neesa Gopaul

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

T

he sensational murder trial of teenager Neesa Lalita Gopaul came to a dramatic end Thursday afternoon with her killers; Bibi Sharima Gopaul and her lover Jarvis Small being sentenced to a combined 202 years in jail.

Jarvis was put away for 96 years and the teenager’s mother, Sharima Gopaul 102.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh who has developed a reputation for dishing out lengthy jail terms for murders. His decision also culminated with jubilation for many in and out of the courtroom and despair for the couple and their families.

The trial, one of the most high profile in recent history here, began on February 2 attracting widespread public attention given the manner in which Neesa, a former student of Queens College was viciously killed and her body placed in a suitcase and dumped in a creek at the Emerald Tower Resort, Madewini SoesdyleLinden Highway. The cou-

On Thursday after deliberating for about three hours, the 12-member mixed jury panel returned to the court at about 15:00h to deliver their verdict. Extra seating had to be arranged to accommodate the public, most of whom came out to show support for the dead teenager and to get a glimpse of her killers. Many also stood in the corridors awaiting the verdict.

When the foreman of the jury informed the court that they had arrived at unanimous verdicts of guilty for the two accused, a resounding gasp echoed throughout the courtroom. The 37-yearold father of three appeared shocked when he was told of the verdict and sentenced.

When asked if there is any reason why the court should not sentence him, Small opined that he did not get a fair trial. “I think I got a media trial,” he said while adding that “prejudicial evidence” was let into the trial. The man further mentioned that he believes the trial judge was “unfair and political in nature”, claiming that there may have been a political purpose behind the trial. “No evidence has been presented in this case against me to find me or anybody else guilty of murder,”

he said.

In response, lead Prosecutrix, State Counsel Diana Kaulesar, pointed out that the evidence presented speaks for itself, while adding that the jury had made its decision.

She along with Counsels Mercedes Thompson and Stacy Gooding presented the State’s case.

Small’s Attorney Glenn Hanoman, who appeared in association with Attorneys Zanna Frank, Lyndon Amsterdam and Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, made an application for a probation report be compiled before sentencing, however, the judge denied the request. Justice Singh then turned his attention to Small, telling the murder convict that he had no political ambitions, before handing down the 96-year sentence.

He began with a base of 60 years and added 10 years for premeditation; 10 because the victim was a child, 10 for brutality and another six more years since domestic violence was involved.

than that”.

Bibi Gopaul went on to tell the judge that she felt he could have done more in her favour when he directed the jury. “I thought I would have had justice here, Sir,” she told the Justice Singh. Her Attorney George Thomas had proffered mitigating factors in favour of his client. He said that the woman had no previous conflicts with the law and is in the process of rehabilitation.

The Attorney also asked for

By Gomatie Gangadin

U

ExxonMobil’s oil exploration ship, the Deep Water Champion

been no conflict or hiccups in that,” Persaud told the Guyana Times.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area to be explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American na-

September 23 and October 4, 2010, at the Emerald Tower Resort, in Madewini, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

The prosecution led

by State Counsel Diana Kaulesar said that the duo took the teen up to the Highway, where Small allegedly strangled her before bashing her head with a piece of wood.

They then returned to Leonora, WCD, with the body in the car truck.

Through its star witness

“There is more to it”

Meanwhile, the same question was put to the 42-year-old mother of the teenager who tearfully stated that she did not lie and everything she said to the court can be verified. The woman claimed that Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had visited her twice in prison. She said that while she was explaining to him about the case and the lack of evidence, the Minister reportedly told her “I know, I know about the case but there is more to it

Persons outside the court room after the sentencing of Jarvis Small and Bibi Gopaul on Thursday

custodial sentence to be imposed, while indicating that he would challenge the decision.

After hearing the lawyer, Justice Singh administered the same sentence to Gopaul but imposed an additional 10 years, making

No hiccups as Exxon begins drilling nited Statesbased oil company ExxonMobil’s oil exploration ship, the Deep Water Champion commenced its US$200 million oil exploration project on Thursday at the Stabroek Block off Guyana’s Essequibo Coast and according to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, the operations were off to a smooth start.

This is even as the company remained locked in what could be a possible showdown with Venezuelan authorities who have issued a warning for it not to proceed with the drilling, which was sanctioned by the Guyana Government.

“Exxon has begun its operations and so far there has

it a total of 106 years, since she was the mother of the dead teenager. The judge told the woman that he cannot imagine what moved her to commit such an act. “You lied about everything… this is your daughter… I can’t imagine what monster of a mother would kill their own child,” he said in disgust. In addition, Justice Singh told the woman that while she may not live to serve her entire sentence, he hopes she serves it wherever she

tions. With Venezuela’s insistence on its position, Guyana is considering judicial settlement of the boundary.

Following Venezuela’s warning, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, dispatched a diplomatic note to her Venezuelan counter-

part, warning against any action to prevent the oil rig from carrying out its work in an area of the Stabroek Block known as Liza.

The total area allotted to Exxon for exploration covers 26, 806 square kilometres.

The company intends to drill at a depth of 1750 metres. The project is expected to be executed over a 10-year period.

The Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland, according to the US Geological Survey. And there is much optimism that oil will be found in commercial quantities.

ExxonMobil joins other investors such as CGX Energy, Repsol, Anadarko Guyana Co, and Gas and Nabi Oil and Gas in exploring for oil in Guyana’s offshore.

goes. After the sentence was handed down, there were no tears from Small and Gopaul. The man appeared angry as he was escorted out of the court room clutching a Bible while Gopaul sobbed as she was being led away

by Police Officers. Both were immediately whisked away in separate prison vehicles.

Justice served

Out of the courtroom, onto the hallway of the High Court, it was a scene of high drama. The scores who had gathered to hear the verdict expressed openly their emotions. One man said happily, “Justice has been served!”

Another woman was emotional as she shouted “I have children, I’m pleased about it.

You gon kill yuh own child! I’m pleased”. Among persons pouring in the courtroom for the verdict were City Magistrates Ann McGusty and Renita Singh, along with several Police Officers attached to the Court Superintendent’s Office including Court Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent of Police Desiree Fowler-Goodman.

According to the State’s case, the duo killed the teen sometime between

who Gopaul had confessed the story to while at the East La Penitence lock-ups, the State further disclosed that the following night the two returned to the area where they wrapped the teenager’s body in a sheet before putting it in a suitcase. Small then took the bag into the creek and used a pair of dumbbells and a piece of red rope to anchor the suitcase under water.

The prosecution called some 27 witnesses to support its case, which it closed last Friday. Small and Gopaul were both called upon to lead their defences after the trial judge had over ruled no-case submission applications from their respective attorneys on Monday. The duo had proclaimed their innocence, denying that they killing the teenager.

Closing addresses were done by the defence attorneys on Tuesday and Prosecutrix Kaulesar did hers the following day.

On Wednesday before the jury panel retired to deliberate on a verdict, the trial judge summed up all the evidence presented in the case and gave directions as it related to the rules of law that they had to follow in arriving at a decision.

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FRiday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C restates opposition to GECOM’s ties to IRI-funded youth group

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he Progressive Youth Organisation has reiterated its call for GECOM to end ties with the Guyana National Youth Council even as A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) accuses the group of attempting to silence young people.

The PYO wants GECOM to break its engagement with the GNYC or to formally engage a wide cross section of other youth bodies and organisations to develop strategies for mobilizing and encouraging youth to participate in the electoral process on May

11, 2015 if was indeed serious about targeting the youth population.

According to the Youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), GECOM, if it is interested in its independent image and transparency, cannot afford to enter into piecemeal arrangements with selected groups, which purport to represent the interests of young people, to develop messages that are intended for the entire population of young people who are eligible to vote.

“We firmly believe that if GECOM is also seriously interested in boosting its critical

voter education programme, it must try harder to put mechanisms in place that will remove suspicions of political bias and covert political interference in its work,” the group said.

The APNU-AFC coalition addressing the media on Thursday said it found it ‘disturbing’ and ‘bizarre’ that the ruling party would attempt to condemn a process which was aimed at encouraging all, particularly, young people to exercise their right to vote noting that at no time, has the council indicated that it was biased or slanted in favour of

any one party.

“Guyana National Youth Council and their financiers have every right to execute a campaign to sensitize young people, who, in many instances, are first time voters. The campaign is designed to educate young voters of the need to vote and be part of the democratic process of selecting a government of their choice,” outlined APNU-AFC Campaign Manager Raphael Trotman.

He was supported by James Bond who noted that m, PYO’s call can only be interpreted as an attempt by

3 families homeless following Retrieve fire also burnt, along with computers (desktop and laptop), a brand new washing machine, refrigerator and other valuables were destroyed.

Firefighters were prompted on Wednesday to douse sections of neighbouring homes to prevent the fire from spreading. Destruction of utility poles also resulted in power outage to the neighbourhood. The affected families are now staying with relatives and friends.

By Utamu Belle

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hree families are now homeless, following a fire which completely destroyed a two storied home at Retreive, Mackenzie, Linden. The house which was located at lot 549 Retrieve went up in flames sometime after 22:00 hrs on Wednesday.

Home-owner, Faye Mc Lean who resided in the top wooden section was at home at the time of the incident.

The families, numbering 11 persons in total were unable to save anything from the blaze, escaping with just the clothing they were wearing.

Mc Lean was briefly hospitalized at the Linden Hospital Complex. The woman was left in shock following the fire; indicating that she had lost everything. Mc Lean lived with her husband and a child while the bottom flat was rented to two families.

Occupant Rhonda Morrison, who rented one of the apartments, explained that she was at church when the house went up in flames.

She related that her seventeen and five-year-old children were asleep at home.

The woman recounted that she received a message that the house was on fire from a friend.

The fire-ravaged house at Retrieve, Linden

“She just came up close to me and said ‘Rhonda, you need to go home now. Your house is on fire; don’t make no noise, scream or anything like that’.” Morrison related that her husband was away for work at an interior location. By the time she got to the house, the woman related, fire fighters were already trying to douse the flames. “…all I was looking for is my children. I didn’t really care about what was going on. They were all I was thinking about. I just kept asking for my children.”

Morrison added that on her way to her home she saw her daughter running

towards her and in that instant began to panic when she did not see her son. “I said, ‘I only see one (child), tell me where is my son?’.

The younger child was safe at a neighbour’s home.

According to Morrison based on the information she received, the fire appeared to be electrical in nature and had started from her section of the home.

The families have estimated their losses in the millions. Morrison said regardless of what was lost, she was grateful to God for sparing her children’s lives. She said $200,000 in cash which she kept inside the home was

the ruling party to silence the voice of young people since it was threatened by the voting power that the youth population holds.

“It has become obvious that the beleaguered PPP is afraid of the voice of young people who have had enough of their mismanagement and corruption. Young people have no confidence in another PPP government and Mr. Rohee and Freedom House are well aware of this and seem to be employing subversive means of intimidation in attempting to cow young voters from casting their ballot,” he said.

He noted that the coalition saw nothing wrong with the partnership stating explicitly that it supports the efforts of the GNYC and all other organizations and agencies engaged in sensitizing young people about the need to vote and stands ready to offer whatever support may be required in this regard.

However, the PYO said such suggestions were nothing but a disregard for truth, expressing that the coalition was only trying to protect the vested interests of the youth council.

“Bonds’ statements are far

from the truth and a sordid attempt by desperate youth leaders within the APNU’s fold to achieve cheap political mileage from peddling misleading propaganda.

The PYO has taken note of Bond and the APNU’s vested interest in safeguarding the political agendas of the Guyana National Youth Council which we believe is working on their behalf to craft subtle and partisan messages to be sent to the youth electorate,” the PYO said.

According to the PYO, while they were not necessarily against the partnership, it was sceptical about the reasons why other youth organisations were not approached and offered a similar agreement.

GECOM and GNYC last Thursday, in what they said was in the interest of increasing the voter turnout of youths in Guyana on Elections Day, agreed to work in consultation and collaboration with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the production of a number of strategic communication messages for dissemination countrywide.

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Cocaine trafficking taxi driver remanded

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33-year-old taxi driver was remanded on Wednesday when the charges of possession of 2.1 grams cocaine with intention to traffick were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Terry DeFreitas of 40 Fifth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (CayuniMazaruni) is alleged to have attempted to smug-

gle cocaine out of the country on March 4, through the Ogle International Airport. Reports state that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had been tipped off of a possible smuggling underway and had approached DeFreitas as he was acting in a suspicious manner. The cocaine was subsequently found on the defendant and he was

arrested.

The defendant’s Attorney Dexter Todd, told the court that his client has no prior trouble with law and urged Presiding Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine Beharry to release him on bail.

However, CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah, objected to this.

He said that the defendant had given a different ad-

dress to CANU when he was initially arrested. The prosecutor detailed that the defendant had told the CANU officials that he lived at 145 Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine Beharry remanded the defendant.

He is to return to court on March 19 for his trial to begin.

Selman details abuse...

Record, performance She criticised Granger’s leadership, opining that he “was not doing a good job” as far as protecting the rights of young girls and parliamentarians in the PNC/APNU grouping. It appeared as though Granger was using Ally to effect the abuse and was playing a game when approached by the women and youths claiming not to have knowledge of the

abuse whenever dissent occurred. “The records would speak for themselves. I have made my contribution. I never shied away from responsibility,” the politician said. She conceded that with her departure, APNU would lose more than one vote as she revealed the disrespect shown by some within the PNC/APNU leadership to her and the work she did for the party.

“I am convinced now that I made the right decision. I would make this decision all over again if I had the chance, but a little earlier,” she remarked.

The politician is open to joining any party or grouping that would share her vision for inclusionary democracy, education and youth development.

When pressed, Selman said this included the ruling PPP. Both APNU and

from page 3

the AFC have been accused of undermining the potential of youth within their fold, given Granger’s elitist style of party management. There continues to be a rift between those who hold posts, aspire to hold posts, and are in line to hold posts within the Opposition camp, with infighting, accounts of victimisation and discrimination reaching alarming levels since 2010.

Eyew tness

Snake oil salesmen...

D

...Granger

avid Granger strains mightily to present himself as a "serious" fella. And by and large he's succeeded so well, folks'd be shocked if a smile were to flit across his wizened visage. So he tends to get the benefit of the doubt even when he asserts patently ridiculous things.

But there's a limit to everything...and Granger's reached that limit - and beyond - in his speech at the APNU-AFC launch.

Imagine a man who wants to become President of Guyana actually opening his mouth and saying that the reason why we have such a high suicide rate in Guyana is because folks here aren't "happy"!!

Well if "happiness" and "suicide" had this one-toone relationship, how come the Scandinavian countries - Sweden, Norway and Finland - with their generous family-leave policies, low crime, free health care, rich economies - and routinely dubbed "the happiest places on earth" - also have some of the highest suicide rates in the world??

Suicide isn't a subject to be turned into political football, and it's really pathetic that Granger's chosen to go down this road. If economic and social breakdown factors were correlated with suicide as Granger's simplistically claiming, then all Guyanese would've swallowed Jim Jones' Kool Aid brew back in 1978.

By then, as Granger'd helped ensure, the PNC had plunged Guyana beyond the abyss - by any and every measure known to the social sciences.

The fact of the matter is that if Granger weren't so consumed with getting his hands on power, he would've remembered what he was taught in Guyanese history at UG. Guyana's high suicide rate started with the arrival of East Indians - and the anomie they experienced in being wrenched from the tight social relations of village India.

But if we accept Granger's opportunistic assertion, since African Guyanese kill themselves EIGHT TIMES LESS than Indian Guyanese - would he say that African Guyanese are eight times happier than Indian Guyanese???

As a Presidential Candidate, this Eyewitness would like to treat Mr Granger with some level of gravity - and respect - but this'll be impossible if he's going to descend to uttering such undiluted tripe. They say that those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad... and it does seem that Granger's going off his rocker.

Take for instance, another howler he committed at the launch when the claimed "the Cummingsburg Accord isn't a crass, short term office-sharing bargain"!!

Well, what the hell is it when it was preceded by Ramjattan insisting he'd be "dead meat" if he coalesced with APNU. And then recanting if his party was given the Presidency, and several specified positions and seats.

The Americans mock "horse trading" in politics. What about "ass trading"??

...Nagamootoo

On the other hand, no one's ever taken Nagamootoo seriously. How the heck do you take a man who has to down a "large" a day, seriously?? It's clear that contrary to the protestations of Granger, he has nothing but contempt for the man he passed over for Speaker of the House in favour of Trotman.

What part of Nagamootoo that Granger rejected then has changed in the last three years??

Nagamootoo, trying desperately to claim some common ground with Granger, cloyingly claimed that once upon a time in Whim, he and Granger had "fleetingly" crossed paths while in short pants.

Yup!! that's the best he could do!! Pathetic!! Granger didn't even bother to grace that whopper with a reply. But the anecdote does illustrate Nagamootoo's sick craving for acceptance from those he considers his "betters".

He's not one of the Three Musketeers as he claims they were nobility. He's one of the Three Stooges: Curly Joe, the dumb one!

...and teeth

How the heck do you spend such a bundle on just fixing teeth?? That must've been some persuasive dentist!! But then again there are consequences to eating that many sugar canes as a girl!

Wha sweeten mouth....!!

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friday, march 6, 2015

News

“Fight for your rights,” Ramotar urges Guyanese women

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resident Donald Ramotar on Wednesday evening called on women to support each other regardless of race, colour, creed or political persuasion in pursuit of their rights, as he delivered the feature address to a gathering at State House to commemorate International

President Ramotar urged women to remember the sacrifices of those who had gone before and their struggles for equality. He noted that the early leaders of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) awakened the consciousness of Guyanese to the need to mount a special struggle for

and printed in the Argosy Newspaper. He said that the article which focused on the need for adult suffrage for women and the obstacles they faced, “captured a vision that we still embrace today”.

The President lauded the achievements of Mrs Jagan and recalled her struggle for

first election of a woman to political office. “In 1951, three members of the PPP contested the Georgetown Council elections: Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan.

Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham lost. Janet Jagan won a seat on the Georgetown Town Council! This fact was

President Donald Ramotar (centre) with women honoured for their contributions at a State House ceremony to mark International Women’s Day

Women’s Day. Speaking to the hundreds of women, invited guests and a few men gathered at his official residence,

the rights of women. He read an article, which was written by the late Party co-founder and former President, Janet Jagan, on October 1, 1944

human rights for all. He added that he was proud to be part of a political party that has scored many firsts for local women, these included the

one of the many that saw Mrs Jagan being named one of the 100 most rebellious women, ever, in the world.”

The achievements of the first Chief Justice, Chancellor and first female Caribbean Court of Justice Judge, Desiree Bernard were also recalled by the President. The struggle for women’s rights is also one for justice and all must have equal opportunity to be educated, President Ramotar emphasised. He added that he was also proud of the fact that the country has attained universal nursery and primary education and was very close to achieving the same at the secondary level.

He said the time would come when all were judged not by gender, but by their ability. The rights of women, it was also noted, are enshrined in the Constitution and ratified by international conventions such as the “Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women”. Gender based violence must be stopped, the President stated, saying “I know we can do better as a country”.

The Domestic Violence Act enacted in 1996 was also mentioned by the Head of State as were the Women’s Affairs Bureau and the Men’s Affairs Bureau along with the revised Sexual Offences Act, all of which give females some of the protection they may need. Women, the President also reminded, are often at the forefront of community development and holding leadership positions, and these facts “must be celebrated”.

The Head of State spoke out against politicians who were aspiring to return to office and urging the public to

W-High-C-B payin fuh APNU-AFC campaign

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ld people seh don’t trouble trouble till trouble trouble yuh. But it got some trouble that does cause so mucha trouble that yuh does have to trouble it in order to once and for all stop all de trouble.

Cricket is a big trouble in Guyana that causin nuff trouble. Nuff people can’t wait fuh de cricket elections so that de pretenders, de wannabes and de lesbees can go home, stay home, and don’t come back. Only that gon end all de trouble.

People also can’t wait fuh de CPL, because that is de only ting good bout cricket in GT and de whole of de Waste Indies right now that don’t cause any trouble.

Thankfully, wid CPL right around de corner, dem ain’t got no trouble.

Hopefully de Sport Minister done sport from de Mash, which cause another set of trouble, and he gon call de elections soon. No name and no warrant, but as soon as dem cricket skalliwags read this, dem gon know people watchin dem, and all de trouble dem causin gon have to stop.

Is de same trouble wid de Waste Indies. A lotta trouble that no body can’t trouble. Big Bird wanna fly in and stop de trouble. But Cam Run and Im Run done run in and cause trouble, even as far as India. Lara shoulda tell Cam Rum he is a larwah and done all de trouble.

Im Run supposed to be doin de Waste Indies cricket wuk in Antigua. He wukkin and gettin pay by de W-High-C-B, but he definitely not wukkin fuh de Waste Indies. Instead, whole day Im Run writin press release fuh APNU-AFC. Wonder who payin he salary and if Cam Run lookin into that. Is no wonder dem players gettin all that trouble gettin paid. It musbe that de W-High-C-B payin fuh de APNU-AFC campaign if Cam Run still payin Im Run! Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Watch out fuh APNU-AFC trouble and don’t mek Cam Run and Im Run spoil yuh Phagwah! Happy Holi!

forget the past, when many of them trampled on the rights of Guyanese. He said, “I do not want to recall the past because I want to live in the past, but I want to recall our past so that we can understand our present, and we can appreciate our achievements, and we can plan our future and ensure that the same people who are refusing to apologise for wrongs that they did in this country must never, ever, again hold high office in this country.”

The women were also addressed by Home Affairs Minister and PPP General

Secretary Clement Rohee.

Following brief remarks by Chairperson of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Indra Chandarpal, PPP/Civic’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper reflected on the theme of the observance, “Make it happen” and commended the WPO and other women’s organisations, as well as some men, for their work in advancing women’s rights. Several women were also honoured and presented with tokens of appreciation for their contributions to the struggle for human and women’s rights.

Jamaican’s bid to be near ailing girlfriend gets him in trouble

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Jamaican national appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday for entering Guyana illegally.

Forty-two-year-old Mark Henry entered Guyana through the Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice (East Berbice-Corentyne) backtrack route on February 16, without reporting to an immigration officer.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. He explained that he is in Guyana

legally and works here as a Security Guard. However, he had gone to Suriname to assist a friend with some construction work. It was stated that the defendant had gotten word that his girlfriend was ill and he had taken the fastest route – backtrack – to get back to her in Guyana.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry fined the defendant $30,000 which she urged him to pay or spend one month in jail in default.

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

NBS appoints new CEO

NBS CEO Anil Kishun

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ew Building Society (NBS) Operations Manager Anil Kishun has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Kishun’s appointment took effect on March 1, the Society’s Chairman, Floyd Mc Donald stated, noting that he replaces Ahmad M Khan who have proceeded on retirement.

“Under his watch, the Society’s new chief office was erected. The Society also strengthened its financial position to better serve the housing needs of the Guyanese population,” Mc Donald said as he spoke of the yeoman service offered by Khan. He added that the Board of Directors,

Former NBS CEO Ahmad M Khan

Management and staff will forever be grateful to Khan for his overwhelming contribution.

However, Mc Donald said NBS is in safe hands, noting that Khan would have handed the mantle to a competent individual.

In addition to serving as the Operations Manager, Kishun served in other managerial capacities, working as the Branch Manager for the Rosignol NBS Branch Office, East Berbice.

He is the holder of a CPA (US Uniform Certified Public Accountant) and also an MBA (Master in Business Administration) from the Australia Institute of Business.

Gunmen arrested moments after committing robbery at Mahaica

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wo bandits were handed over to the police after they were nabbed following a robbery committed on a Mahaica, East Coast Demerara businessman on Wednesday evening.

The two men, along with two other accomplices, were at the time trying to escape from the scene but the vehicle in which they were travelling ended up in canal.

According to information received, at about 19:30h, Randolph Singh, 39, of Vereeniging, Mahaica, ECD, was about to enter his residence when he was confronted by four men armed with firearms. Two of the gunmen reportedly held Singh and his family along with a labourer at gunpoint.

During the ordeal, the bandits reportedly demanded money and jewellery, but Singh told them that he did not have any. It was at this time one of the men discharged a round hitting the businessman to his left thigh.

The perpetrators then

ransacked the house during which they found $600,000 and a quantity of jewellery and escaped in a waiting vehicle. By this time, the villagers were roused and rushed to assist the businessman.

As the men drove away, public-spirited citizens pursue them thus resulting in the driver losing control of the car they were travelling in lost control and ended up in a nearly canal. Two of the bandits were apprehended while the other two managed to escape. The men were handed over to the Police and the vehicle was impounded.

In addition, the Police claimed that an unlicensed .32 Taurus Revolver with two rounds and two spent shells were recovered. The injured Singh was treated at a private hospital.

When the Guyana Times contacted the businessman on Thursday, he refused to speak and used a number of expletives. Police are continuing their investigations.

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Hand-in-Hand rewards Faith Harding to be honoured on International loyal customers Women’s Day

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Hazel Moses collects her winnings from Hand-in-Hand’s Fire Manager/Director Howard Cox while staff from the Marketing Department, Andrea Khan and Chandranie Karran look on

I

n celebration of its 150th Anniversary this year, insurance giant Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited is rewarding policyholders who pay their Fire/Motor Insurance premiums with GT&T’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) or Scotiabank’s Scotia Online.

Every Friday from January 30 to June 26, 2015, policyholders who use any of these two mediums to pay their premiums are automatically entered into the competition to win $10,000.

All eligible policyholders are placed into a pool and a person is randomly selected. Once selected, the poli-

cyholder must answer their telephone with the tagline “Safeguarding your Family, Always Secure”.

The call is made every Friday between 12:00 and 12:30h. Last Friday, Hazel Moses was the first winner of an accumulated jackpot total of $40,000.

he Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) in collaboration with One Billion Rising (OBR) is set to host several activities in Guyana for International Women’s day on March 8.

Among those activities is the honoring of Psychologist and Politician, the late Dr Faith Harding.

Harding, who passed away on January 23 last, was said to be at the forefront in restoring the country to true democracy calling for the end to corruption, victimisation, discrimination, unemployment among a number of issues facing the people, particularly women in Guyana.

In her unwavering passion and commitment to national development, Dr Harding also worked on youth and women related is-

The late Dr Faith Harding

sues.

Harding’s husband Patrick and daughter-in-law Lisa will deliver remarks in honour.

According to CADVA’s Diane Madray, Guyana will “rise in March” with a Women Speaker Series ;Sister to Sister Circle on Sunday, March 8th, with a Luncheon to be held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown from 10:00h. On Monday, March 9, an artistic presentation of music, spoken words and drama honoring several local women in a red Revolution Gala event, will be held at the National Cultural Centre.

The event will be held under the Theme “Let the Women Speak- the Revolution Unveiled”.

“Guyana and all of our nation’s women will be embraced by some amazing women from the USA joining the Sister Circle Unity”, Madray said.

Founder of The Mother

Daughter Fund Project, Jodi Walters will deliver her presentation via SKYPE, Madray said “Together, these amazing women and men have accepted to join us at the beginning of March 2015 for our upcoming Global Rising in Guyana to honor our women who have struggled through Domestic Violence/Sexual Violence and to remember the women we have lost in this struggle and not forgetting the ones who vanish without a trace,” she noted.

According to the program director, CADVA continues to reach across the Caribbean and American demographics to ensure the message of hope and empowerment remains alive. “We may not be able to save the lives of all the victims but we may be able to give them all hope in a continuous awareness campaign”, she said.

She said together there will be a global transformation which has already begun with the Y3K group from Guyana which performed in the New York City Uprising event in February last.

“Caribbean Risings continue to take place with the rest of the Global Risers joined with our counterparts from Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Thomas Rising on Valentine’s Day-February 14th, 2015 and Haiti’s Rising with My Revolution festival on International Women’s Day”.

Vagrant found dead in front of Parliament

The body being removed by authorities

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uthorities were called upon to remove the body of a vagrant which was discovered in front of Parliament Building on Thursday afternoon.

The unpleasant scene attracted a large crowd, as passersby delayed their routine business just to get a glimpse of the motionless body covered in blood.

The cause of death is not immediately known, but based on observation, the man appeared to have been badly beaten as blood was

oozing from his mouth.

Information reaching the Guyana Times revealed that the deceased was commonly known as “Chris” and was a former resident of Pineapple Street, South Ruimveldt.

Witnesses who claim to be affiliated with the man also disclosed that he has a little daughter, whom he now leaves to mourn.

The pavements around Parliament Building are known to house many homeless persons and suspected drug addicts.

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friDay, March 6, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

W

ith the air filled with colours, the homes of many filled with the aroma of sweetmeats and everyone dripping wet with abeer, Hindus will be celebrating the festival of colours as they usher in the season of spring –the beginning of the Hindu New Year, today.

Holi, which was originally known as Holika (but commonly known as Phagwah in Guyana), is an ancient festival of India. It is a time to rejuvenate. The significance of the festival of Holi has crossed many pages in history to arrive here, as a time to celebrate renewal. Every festival has its own traditions in the backdrop, but what really matters is the spirit of festivity.

Colours speak louder than words at times. Holi goes beyond the custom of smearing colours on each other. It crosses the realm of traditional customs to reach new dimensions of the renewal of spirit. It is a time to create new bonds, reach out to others and forget the past worries.

Hence, the common meaning “good over evil” that is taught to children in schools.

Every year, this land of six races embrace the occasion with growing enthusiasm that bridges over their historical memories. Besides exchanging sweets, colours and wellwishes, there is something more to it; it is the spirit of unity and friendship.

Holi is one of the major Hindu festivals in Guyana which is the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi know no bounds. The festival is celebrated across Guyana. This festival is filled with so much fun and frolic

Submitted by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Guyana that the very mention of the word ‘Holi’ draws smile and enthusiasm

ing stories associated with the festival’s origin from each coordinate

fires. The ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil and has its root in the legend of demon king Hiranyakashipu who wished to end his blessed son, Prahalad’s life with the help of his sister, Holika.

Holika was granted with a boon whereby, she could enter the fire unscathed. Upon knowing this, her brother ordered that she made use of the magical power which she beheld. Treacherously, Holika coaxed young Prahalad to sit in her lap and she herself took her seat in a blazing fire.

The legend has it that Holika had to pay the price of her sinister desire with her life. Holika was not aware that the boon worked only when she entered the fire alone. Prahalad, who kept chanting the name of Lord

Narayana (Lord Vishnu) all this while, came out unharmed, as the lord blessed him for his extreme devotion.

Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika and is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil. As the legend depicts that anybody, howsoever strong, cannot harm a true devotee. And, those who dare torture a true devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes.

The tradition of burning ‘Holika” is practiced since it is seen as a significant ritual to this festival.

Effigies of Holika are burnt in the huge bonfires that are lit. Then everywhere one hears shouts of ‘Holihai! Holi-hai!’ as they dance and sing Holi songs and ‘Chowtals’ (Bhojpuri folk music genres). turn to page 15

The lighting of the Holika

among the people.

Many Hindus begin their preparations, for this auspicious day, months before as they welcome the season of joy and hope. Many observe fasting during this time as it is believed that it brings good luck to one’s life. The sounds of “Phagwah music” can be heard emerging from many homes as the festive day approaches. There is also a tradition of cleaning homes, removing all dirty articles from around the house and burning them.

Holi is one of the oldest festivals of India. There are many interest-

point in India. Paintings and scriptures depict the roots of the festival.

Mythology plays a very important part in narrating the festival of Holi.

There are many stories that are matted with this festival such as the legend of Kamadeva, the legend of Dhundi, and that of the Demoness Putana. However, the most popular stories of the origin of Holi relates to ‘Holika Dahan’ (known as the traditional story of Holika and Prahalad) and legend of Radha-Krishna.

Integrally entwined with Holi, is the tradition of ‘Holika Dahan’, which is actually lighting of bon-

Families and friends celebrate Phagwah by smearing abeer and coloured powder on each other

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friDay, March 6, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Essequibo Dharmic Sabha’s Phagwah Mela set for Saturday

By: Indrawattie Natram

T

he Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will come alive on Saturday when the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha stages its annual Phagwah Mela.

Thousands are expected to participate in the much anticipated event to mark the Hindu festival of colours.

The atmosphere is expected to be transformed into a “rainbow of colours” with an explosion of coloured power, abeer and abrack.

In the height of the celebration, the Sarawati Dance Group is expected to take centre stage, performing a series of traditional dances.

Other local dancers are expected to perform as well.

Chowtal singing will also be

done.

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant President Kaydar Persaud said the annual Phagwah Mela usually fosters the spirit of togetherness, laughter, love and brotherhood.

Persaud said he is usually moved by the crowd noting that persons from all ethnic background join in the exchange of colours on the day.

Persaud, who is a Pandit at the Affiance Vishnu Mandir, said that many persons usually look forward for the Mela as a way of celebrating the festival.

He said persons use the opportunity to socialize as well as smear each out with sweet smelling abeer, abrack and powder.

On the day of the Mela,

Hundreds take part in 2014 Phagwah celebrations

The Sarawati Dance Group performing a folk dance during last year’s celebration

sweet meats such as gulgula, gulab jamoon, bara, channa, poulourie and seven curry are usually served to the celebrants free of cost. The Guyana Hindu

Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant is hosting the Phagwah Mela in collaboration with a prominent overseas-based Guyanese, Parmaul Singh.

from page 13

Another legend is that of Hindus most beloved couple Radha and Krishna. These two celestial beings are closely linked with this tradition of colours on Holi. Young Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was jealous of his beloved Radha’s extremely fair skin.

The folktale narrated that one day, Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about the injustice of nature which made Radha so fair and he, so dark. To pacify the crying young Krishna, the doting mother asked him to go and colour Radha’s face in whichever colour he wanted.

In a mischievous mood, naughty Krishna heeded the advice of mother Yashoda and applied colour on Radha’s face; making her one like him. The beautiful scene of Krishna’s prank in which he played colour with Radha and other gopis has been made alive in myriad forms in a number of paintings and murals.

Somehow, the lovable prank of Krishna, where he applied colour on Radha and other gopis using water jets called ‘pichkaris,’ gained acceptance and popularity. So much so that it evolved as a tradition and later, a fullfledged festival.

To this day, the use of colours and pichkaris are rampant throughout Holi celebrations. Lovers long to apply colour on their beloved one’s face and express their affection for each other. This legend is wonderfully brought alive each year all over India.

In fact, that tradition of using ‘pichkaris’ have become very dominant in Guyana as well

as all around the world.

While there is much anticipation and patience on the actual day to arrive, the Hindu members would usually form groups and engage themselves in singing Chowtals. This type of melody and singing is only heard during these times.

Chowtal, originally a Bhojpuri Indian musical genre, is a form in which two rows of singers face each other. The group members sing a Chowtal based on various Hindu deities such as: Krishna, Shiva, Durga and Rama.

Chowtal undergoes a series of changes in tempo, voice modulation, and speed. The musical genre encompasses a variety of subgenres and is sung in a series of repetitions usually six to eight times.

The Chowtal musical form is a way to usher in the new season and Hindu year by removing all negative emotions and sentiments of the past and stepping into the fresh present. Chowtal is a way to “show strength in motion”. One must prove their strength and shout louder at times.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindus for Selfless Service) (HSS) team in Guyana has been performing at the homes of many Hindu members of society along the West Coast of Demerara for the past few years. This selfless service of theirs, grants them great pleasure as they prepare themselves for the festival.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh today extends “Shub Holi” to all Guyanese.

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friDay, march 6, 2015| guyan

Messages from across the co PPP/C calls on Guyanese to rally around IAC extends Holi greetings peace and prosperity T

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) extends Phagwah greetings to all Hindus on this special occasion.

Phagwah is a festival which depicts the triumph of good over evil. This is a universal message which resonates with mankind throughout the world.

Right here in our own country there are today dark forces hovering over us which are trying desperately to take our beloved country back to an evil past when the democratic rights and

President Donald Ramotar

freedoms of the Guyanese were taken away from them.

As the great Mahatma Gandhi reminded us, noncooperation with evil is a sacred duty. It is therefore incumbent on all Guyanese to rally around the concepts of peace, progress and prosperity and by so doing prevent evil forces from enveloping our land.

As we prepare for another General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C calls on all Guyanese to exercise their right to vote and to vote wisely so that progress and prosperity will continue to prevail.

he Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) extends Phagwah (Holi) greetings to all the citizens of Guyana, especially those who are guided by the philosophical teachings of Sanatan Dharma.

Phagwah or Holi is a festival of Bharat (India) that has its roots in antiquity and celebrates the coming of a new spring season, the drawing of a new year and the triumph of good over evil. The exuberance of this festival reflects the collective hope of people for progress, prosperity and the concomitant betterment of their lives.

This festival of renewal most likely pre-dated the Sarasvati Valley Civilisation, the world’s first significant civilisation which

flourished between 5000 BCE and 2600 BCE. Even though the culture landscape in Bharat had changed from time to time, from the introduction of the Negroids followed by the Proto-Australoids, Dravidians, Mongoloids, Caucasians, Persians, Greeks, Shakas, Kushanas, Huns, Arabs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and Europeans, the festival of Holi emerged, survived and flourished in Bharat, the world’s first melting pots.

Holi was brought to British Guiana by Hindus who arrived here as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations 177 years ago, and was sustained by the majority of approximately 239,000 Bharatiyas who arrived

on these shores between 1838 a 1917.

Phagwah was transplan from a large sub-continent, ch acterized by the four season spring, summer, autumn a winter, to Guyana a small Sou American land of dry and ra seasons, and even though glo warming is creating climatic h oc, the symbolism of Holi must be lost.

IAC, therefore, calls upon the citizens of this multi-cultu land of Guyana to regard the gr festival of Phagwah or Holi, wh celebrates life and hopes rega less of demography or geograp always as a focus for national u ty.

Happy Holi from the IAC!

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Let the true spirit of Phagwah prevail – Pandit Rudra Sharma

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the country

ngs

s between 1838 and

was transplanted ub-continent, charhe four season of mer, autumn and ana a small South d of dry and rainy even though global ating climatic havsm of Holi must not

ore, calls upon all this multi-cultural to regard the great gwah or Holi, which and hopes regardaphy or geography, us for national unifrom the IAC!

Phagwah is a celebration of unity, success, good over evil – PYO

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he Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana (PYO) extends best wishes to all Guyanese as they celebrate Phagwah 2015 or Holi.

We believe that there are many lessons to be learnt from the celebration of this national and religious festival, which strengthen our country’s multi-cultural resolve.

The PYO believes that the most fundamental lesson that could be learnt, however, stems from the triumph of Lord Vishnu over the demon King Hiranyakashipu who had repeatedly schemed to kill his own innocent son, Prahalad, who demonstrated a commitment to goodness, humility and the ideals of his faith.

This means that Holi is truly proletar-

ian and covers the spirit that good ultimately triumphs over evil As Guyanese celebrate the change of the season into spring, the PYO urges youths to adorn each other with love, respect and abeer until those things that separate them become invisible and overshadowed by the common causes that unite them. We urge youths to also celebrate the gains made in their personal and socio-economic lives that have paved the way for a brighter future in this great land of ours.

As we celebrate this colourful festival, the PYO also calls on youths to reject all forces that seek to divide them in the pursuant of their own selfish anti-development and anti-nationalistic agendas.

hagwah or Holi is the festival of spring.

The festival of Phagwah commemorates the regeneration of nature from her slumber. This unique festival found its way on these shores with the arrival of Hindus from India as Indentured Labourers. Hindus after traversing thousands of miles from India brought to Guyana their many festivals among which Phagwah has a special place.

The significance of Phagwah is manifold.

It is a time of gaiety, splendour and pomp when nature is converted into a beautiful garden full of colours.

The religious aspect of Phagwah gives to mankind the reassurance that evil doers, perpetrators of unholy acts, architects of injustices, and those associated with such actions are inevitably doomed to failure and extinction.

In the story of Phagwah, there is evidence that the dark forces of evil are eventually conquered by the forces of truth. The symbol of the burning of Holika serves to reinforce that no matter what, once our intentions and actions are malicious, the results will always remain destructive. Sowing evil will result in degeneracy and decay — wrong-doers will be punished in order to change.

This festival also commemorates the destruction of King Hiranyakashipu, the father

of Prahalad who spared no pain at torturing his subjects and his son, his conceit was unparalleled and was the cause of his death. Let us like Prahalad, be disciples of the virtues of righteousness, courage, faith, determination, forthrightness and leadership.

Prahalad stood for what was right, and in spite of the several tortures inflected upon him by his father, and the criminal attempts on his life, Prahalad rose triumphantly to be a living model of fearlessness and truth. Let us demonstrate love and cooperation. Let the true spirit of Phagwah prevail, let the beautiful coloured water be squirted on each other and let us not smear each other with mud and other prohibited things.

Let us allow this festival to be a binding force among us Guyanese and stamp out differences, and spread the message of peace and goodwill which Holi brings.

On behalf of Guyana Pandits’ Council, Hindu Parishad, Laxmi Sabha, Youth Organisation and the Management Committee of Radha Krishna Mandir, I Pandit Rudranauth Sharma extend Holi greetings to the entire nation. May this festival of Phagwah serve to enrich our own individual lives, strengthen our society and promote the happiness and well-being of our nation, happy Holi.

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friDay, March 6, 2015 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Happy Holi to all Guyanese

Viraat Sabha extends Phagwah greetings

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hagwah or Holi is dual in its significance. The occasion is rooted is Vedic and Puranic conclusion. The deep significance of this sacred festival should not be excluded from the celebration. The existence of any festival is sustained by its deep value. These values are emphasized to promote the well being and welfare of all man-

kind. The Vedic view of the celebration is associated with the welcoming of the spring season which brings joy and delight to all living being.

The celebrant must not ignore the freedom Mother Nature with all her compassion bestowed upon all created beings. This freedom is a testimony to a more celebrated life, a life of joy and satis-

faction. The period of winter indicate confinements and restrictions which impede mobility and freedom. Hindu injunctions express the sacred view freedom enhances both physical and spiritual progress. Progress is a product of higher intelligence which is depicted by Mother Nature.

The festival also provides a very useful opportunity to

give thanks to god for providing fertility and nutrients to Mother Earth, which enhances the yield and profits of all those who explore the soil in various regards.

A worship is included in this process as grains (Hola) is being offered to Agni in the form nowaneshti Yagna.

Puranic views establish a truly religious man who lives on the frontiers between the sacred and the secular, between religion and politics, being and non-being.

Prahalad, the Prince (son of the despotic king) did not escape history to get into the desert and dead lives of renunciation and resignation.

The young prince participated in the work of the world and pushed it forward. His every word was a prayer, ev-

ery deed a sacrifice. He is convinced that the line of activity he adopted there is always a road to fulfillment.

He is firm in his conviction that no institutional pattern, no sophisticated theology can atone for inward spiritual poverty. For him, self control is the quality which marks the great contemplative.

Prahalad give up things which are said to be precious according to worldly standards to gain something more precious. He freed himself from personal desires, ambitions and possessions, and bore witness to a world better than the one in which anger, jealousy, hate and greed rage. Prahalad demonstrated the pervasiveness of god. It is not possible to be completely cut off from the world. God

is everywhere and there is no place where God is not. If there is opposition between God and the world, a complete withdrawal of the world is the only way to escape. If one ascends into heaven, God is there, if one falls to hell, God is there too.

Prahalad encourages us to work in the world meekness and humility of heart, must live fully in the world and love deeply and ignore the propinquities of Hiranyakashipu.

For evil is an evolutionary by product, resulting from the resistance to the spiritual ascent inherent in matter. As we celebrate Phagwah never forget that the world is not only a manifestation of Gods’ being but also a veil behind which he is eternally concealed.

A Happy Phagwah to all Guyanese – Blue CAPS

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s we join in the celebration of Holi, the festival of colours and love. The Board of Directors and members of Blue CAPS extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially to our Hindu brothers and sisters.

During this spring festival, let this festivity of Holi bring vibrant colours of happiness into your lives as these colours mix in harmony. Holi symbolises the triumph of the good and righteous over evil with the burning of the wicked Holika.

The story of Prince Prahalad should be a source of strength for us all, especially his ability to confront challenges. This is a festival which brings together Guyanese from all

walks of life for a joyous and colourful celebration. As the celebrated Indian national, Kulapati Vani wrote many years ago, “... festivals are gatherings for refreshing the spirit and enjoying life.”

May you use this occasion to refresh your spirit and enjoy life and also the rich elements of our religious and cultural diversity. It is indeed a time for the sharing of joy, friendship and understanding.

This year, as we celebrate Phagwah by colouring each other in diverse colours, let us also celebrate the diversity of Guyana’s rich heritage and culture. A Happy Phagwah to all Guyanese.

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Chowtal singing the essence of

Phagwah

Chowtal singing at Gloden Fleece Mandir By: Indrawattie Natram

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howtal singing often takes centre stage during Phagwah celebrations across the world, complementing the traditional smearing of abeer and abrack.

In Guyana, it is a practice that is fondly done in the lead up to Phagwah, which ushers in the season of spring and promotes the concept of good over evil.

Chowtal, aside from being the name of a “taal” or meter in Hindustani classical music, is a form of folksong of North India’s Bhojpuri region, sung by religious leaders during the vernal Phagwah or Holi festival.

Before “Holika Dhan” is performed, it is customary to have Chowtal Samelan organised by various groups, organisations and temples to usher in the spring festival.

Some groups also compete for attractive prizes during this season as it gives them the opportunity to “clash their jaals the loudest” and beat their drums to the rhythmic tunes.

The high-pitch-songs are usually accompanied by drums (dholak) and manjeera, producing a rich cultural blend of talent and

skill.

Chowtal singing brings forth messages of love, peace, and cultural history. Each group also presents themselves by dressing in coloured uniforms, turbans, and an assortment of traditional garments symbolic of Indian Folk Culture.

In Chowtal, two rows of singers face each other (semi-circle) and with a “dholak” drummer at one end, they sing lines of Hindi text antiphonally.

While the melodies are relatively simple, the song undergoes various modulations of rhythm and tempo, alternating between subdued passages and exciting climaxes. Chowtal is generally sung by enthusiasts for their own pleasure, rather than for an audience.

Each group comprises of 15 to 20 members and performs for approximately 10 minutes. They show off their unique singing skills, drumming and jaal clashing techniques.

“Chowtal” is in fact an umbrella term for the format, which comprises various subgenres including chowtal proper, jhumar, ulaara, lej, baiswara, dhamar, rasiya, kabir, jogira and others.

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Happy Holi to all Guyanese

Let’s move forward in Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha the spirit of goodwill extends Phagwah greetings – First Lady

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irst Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar is calling on Guyanese to let peace prevail as they celebrate Phagwah once again. In a message to the nation she said, “it is once again my pleasure to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Phagwah. While Phagwah is a Hindu celebration, it is an inclusive festival.

The gaiety and spectacular colourfulness associated with Phagwah accords the festival universal appeal, and in Guyana Phagwah is enjoyed by persons of all religious and cultural persuasions.

This universality in celebrations is reinforced by the spiritual message of Phagwah as a time for people to count their bless-

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar

ing, to come together and to renew ties of family and friendship.

Phagwah is also a forward-looking time. It presents an opportunity for us to look towards a bright and hopeful future. We here in Guyana have much to be

thankful for. We are a nation forged out of diverse peoples and cultures, all seeking to carve out their individual and collective aspirations.

As we pursue these dreams, let us do so with optimism and hope in the future. Let us move forward in the spirit of goodwill. Let us not allow divisions, mistrust and hatred to impede our path towards greater prosperity and happiness.

It is my wish that we celebrate Phagwah this year with a fervor and joy born out of our passion for the good, kind, selfless life, caring life and happy life.

May Phagwah remind us of our need to banish negativities and bitterness and instead to inculcate a passion and zest for life.”

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hagwah, the loveliest of our festivals is proletarian in outlook. It transcends all barriers and there is absolute equality. The colours reflecting nature in its bloom which smear us and make us virtually unidentifiable removing every distinction, emphasize the oneness of humanity or the famous Hindu perception Vasudeva Kutumbakam – Humanity is one family.

The social content of Holi does not in any way obscure its rich spiritual values and message of resistance to evil, which were demonstrated in the life of the devotee Prince Prahalad.

Prahalad’s victory over his arrogant and ruthless father King Hiranyakashyap is an event which still inspires all those who strongly believe that tyranny, evil,

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud

injustice or Adharma all its names and forms will ultimately be destroyed.

Holika has been ceremonially burnt on the eve of Phagwah on Phagun Purnima or full moon.

Holika Dahan remains relevant since the burning is symbolic of Prahalad’s victory and in the fire it is expected that all our negative qualities will be consumed.

Holi is described in Sanskrit literature as Vasant Utsav or Spring Festival. It commemorates the advent of spring and the regeneration of nature from her slumber.

The word Holi comes from the Sanskrit word Hola meaning grains reminiscent of the practice of offering grains of a bountiful harvest in to the sacred fire. The word Phagwah is derived from Phalgun, the name of the last month on the Hindu calendar. Thus, Holi or Phagwah heralds the Hindu New Year, which is celebrated 15 days after Phagwah on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Chait and encourages reflections and resolutions which must lead to the construction of a better world.

Our celebration must match this beautiful season and all unhealthy practices which mar and pollute this unique and colourful festival must cease.

Drenching each other with water, dumping each other in trenches and dab-

bing mud must be stamped out. Phagwah must only be played with persons who are desirous of doing so with you and you must not give yourself the license to play with everyone even though they object.

Traditionally, the singing of chowtal continues to be the first Tuesday after Phagwah. All chowtal groups should meet in their respective Mandirs for a final session of chowtal. It is also conventional to do a Sumiran from the Ramayan on this day.

President of the Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud said “Holi or Phagwah is a unique and colourful Hindu festival. It is all embracing in its meaning and possesses an unparalleled social dimension which is conducive to reunion, exchanges and togetherness occurring in an atmosphere of absolute cordiality. The past is forgotten and a spirit of compromise and forgiveness fill the air. The festival allows us to give focus and attention to questions and matters of deeper, global interest so that together, mankind can construct an environment of peace and stability and build a world of abundance, plenty and bliss.

Let us sustain the feeling which permeates at Holi time, and syringe it through our veins so that hate, greed, deceit and injustice which manifestly exist in today’s world can be consumed in the pyre, which is kindled and reduced to ashes on the eve of this meaningful festival, which is a harbinger of love, unity, justice and peace.

May the significance of Holi influence and enrich your thoughts and inspire all to contribute to a fair and just system in which there exists not only equality but plenty and abundance for all. On behalf of the Sabha, I wish you and your family Shubh Holi and Bhagwan Krishna’s blessings.”

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Happy Holi to all Guyanese Messages from across the country

PNCR calls for change as GAWU remembers it extends Holi greetings Guyanese stalwarts in Phagwah greetings T

he People’s National Congress Reform extends sincere Holi greetings to the Hindu Community of Guyana in particular, and Guyanese in general, on the occasion of the celebration of the Festival of Phagwah in Guyana.

The significance of Phagwah is two-fold. Its secular significance lies in the advent of the season of spring, and its real and allegorical implications of fertility rebirth, renewal and regeneration. The religious significance of Holi lies in the conquest of good over evil, manifested by the destruction by Prahalad of his demonic father, King Hiranyakashipu.

As the celebrated Indian national, Kulapati Vani wrote many years ago, “… festivals are gatherings for refreshing the spirit and enjoying life,” we urge all Guyanese to use this occasion to refresh their spirit and enjoy life and to partici-

PNCR Leader David Granger

pate fully in this colorful festival and enjoy the rich elements of our religious and cultural diversity.

We are conscious, also that our spirits are becoming increasingly sullen and sour, in the brooding darkness that now engulfs our land. Violent crime, runaway cost of living, pervasive joblessness, creeping despotism, nay real despotism,

All Guyanese should reflect on the lessons of Phagwah – GTUC

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he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters.

As Guyanese celebrate this holy event, we are reminded its significance lies in success over wrong doings.

As the Hindu community uses this season to celebrate such triumph, all Guyanese in joining in this event are urged to remember triumph comes through hard work.

The Hindu festival of Phagwah has been made a national event where all Guyanese, regardless of race and religion, can celebrate the beginning of a period (spring) which characterizes new growth, development and new beginnings. It is a period where life proliferates and evil destroyed. The commemoration of the festival of Phagwah with water, bright colours and the burning of the Holika is an event that all Guyanese have grown to look forward to.

We must reflect even as we celebrate that making this a national event is a positive and progressive step in a multi-ethnic society such as ours. For it develops in each of us not only a sense of

ancestral, ethnic or religious identity, but a sense of tolerance and an ability to share with each other and appreciate diversity.

This is evident today when we see wide spread participation of all groups.

It is testimony to the earlier integration policies by the Government of the time in an effort to foster “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” as our motto signifies.

All Guyanese should reflect from the lessons of Phagwah, put aside differences and work towards progress and development.

There is no time more fruitful than the upcoming period of General and Regional Elections where we, the people, hold the future in our hands when we make an “X.” The key to success and a brighter future lies in our hands. Let us usher in a period of growth and abundance, of new beginnings, of prosperity, of development, of brightness, a mixing of colours and purification with water.

Let us use this period to battle all evil in our midst.

Happy Phagwah to all Guyanese.

societal disintegration and deepening poverty, stalk our land; partisanship, discrimination and executive lawlessness compound bad and vindictive governance; our economy and society are in tatters.

It is time for change, and on May 11th Guyanese have a chance to vote for change.

We urge all Guyanese to see some spiritual inspiration in this festival and to brace themselves against the many evils that are in our midst, and resolve, at this juncture, to take steps to end these calamities that now bedevil our country, and to restore equity, justice, peace and prosperity to our dear Motherland.

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e in the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) will personalise this brief message as we join Hindus and all of Guyana in celebrating the Festival of Holi.

The month of March holds deep, real and symbolic significance for us in GAWU as a trade union. Our former honorary President and National Hero, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan passed on in March, 1996. His dear wife in struggle, Janet also passed in March as did labour movement stalwart, Joseph H Pollydore.

March month also commemorates the passing of GAWU heroine Kowsilla known as “Alice” who sacrificed her life during a sugarworkers’ protest over scabs violating a legitimate strike.

And of course Phagwah - the Holi Festival is also located in March, sometimes.

This Indian-originated early spring festival celebrates the beginnings of agricultural harvest; it symbolises hope and it represents that bad, destructive forces - the wicked Holika - will be burnt or will burn themselves out leaving the ashes

of good and productive endeavours.

GAWU is also grounded in agriculture, its members, including thousands of Hindus, work in the sugar and rice industries and related areas of agriculture.

As we enjoy the various cultural meals and the gaiety of worship, let us all welcome non-Hindus who enjoy this festival of joy and love.

GAWU suggests that we put politics, the crime and any rancour aside for this week-end as we give thanks and celebrate Holi in a peaceful manner.

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FRIDAY, mARCH 6, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Lessening reliance on Venezuelan oil better for Region’s independence ― Jeffrey

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ormer Foreign Trade and International Cooperation minister Dr Henry Jeffrey has said that while the call by the United States for Caribbean countries to loosen ties with Venezuela is not the most reasonable one, if properly examined, could open avenues for regional independence.

The United States recently sought to persuade Caribbean countries, largely dependent on Venezuelan oil to produce their own fuels. It posited that governments of Caribbean nations should leverage existing market trends and embrace gas as a near-term bridge fuel to promote energy security and facilitate investment in regional interconnection infrastructure.

Jeffrey, in a telephone interview with this publication on Thursday said countries act according to their national interest, pointing out that Caribbean countries “need help in energy matters”.

According to him, the US’ interest at this point is primarily in security and energy. He said that is reasonable, but conveyed that the country, in its suggestion, did not offer to provide any energy services, as is provided under the PetroCaribe deal.

“Caribbean countries would love to depend on themselves and their regional counterparts and see this become a reality, but who would provide energy if we break off ,” Jeffrey questioned.

Currently, Venezuela

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro

provides oil to Caribbean countries through Petrocaribe, which began in 2005 under former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. These countries are allowed to defer payments on oil or trade other commodities for oil. However, due to the drop in oil prices, Venezuelan oil exports have begun to decline.

And despite assurances by President Nicolas Maduro that the alliance would continue, a drop in state revenue worries Petrocaribe members.

The US officials categorise Petrocaribe as a Venezuelan success in bolstering ties with Caribbean nations and suggest it is possible in increasing the role of the U.S. in the Caribbean.

Maduro had reportedly told Venezuelans in an address that $100 per barrel would not return and “God would provide.”

Oil provides 95 percent of the country’s export revenues and low oil prices only

fuel the prospects of a default.

US officials posit too that the region needs a USled multilateral response to set it on a new energy path, by providing assistance in conceiving, financing, and even supplying new energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Cabinet secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, in an invited comment on Wednesday said with the strength of Guyana’s economy, there is no need for the country to worry about the future of Petrocaribe.

“With the standing of the economy it could indeed cause us not to be too cautious about where Petrocaribe goes in the short to medium term.

Definitely a healthy economy contributes to trade and Petrocaribe has that component of trade, although it is facilitated trade and it does allow us a concessionary component to the trade.”

According to him, “the bottom-line is trade. You give something, you get something”.

Luncheon said should the economy in Venezuela continue to have the same type of problem; many other aspects of trade will be negatively influenced.

Asked how he sees Guyana being affected, should it pulls out of the deal, Luncheon said “it is all about markets”, pointing out that the successors of the rice industry have taken it to the point where it has gone beyond what Petrocaribe can offer.

“Every crop, we have consistently significant volumes of rice that cannot and will not be part of any deal under Petrocaribe. It’s all about market. If the deal runs into more difficulties, I suspect even greater will be the need for us to pursuing successfully other markets for rice, ” Luncheon said.

Man pleads guilty to stealing truck

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33-year-old man pleaded guilty on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to stealing a motor lorry from Virtual Complainant (VC) Wynnette Amsterdam worth $2.5 million.

Nicholai Wilson told the court that he did take the vehicle belonging to the VC on February 26. However, when asked his reason for stealing the item he said he did not steal it but he admitted to selling it.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru shone some light on the details of the case to the court. He stated that the defendant had an ongoing matter at the High Court with his in-laws who Amsterdam is a part of.

The VC had parked the truck near the court and when she came back, she found it was missing. She

reported it and an investigation was launched. Through this investigation Mark Braitwaite was found with the vehicle, having bought it from the defendant.

Presiding Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded the defendant until his sentencing on March 22. However, Braitwaite also was brought before the Magistrate for being fully aware that the truck he bought was stolen.

Braitwaite stated this was not the case. He pleaded not guilty. His Attorney Peter Hugh told the court that his client is a father and has no prior matters with the court that he is aware of.

He was granted $100,000 bail as the prosecution had no objections to bail being granted. The defendant was asked to return to Court 11 on March 19.

Abusive pork-knocker released on self bail

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50-year-old Porkknocker was released on his own recognisance on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where a case of assault was brought against him by his wife.

Winthrop Sampson told the court he is a Mason, grass cutter, nut seller, aside from a Pork-knocker when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh to answer to the charges of verbally abusing and unlawfully assaulting his wife, Yonnette Sampson, on March 3 at their residence

at North Sophia, Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor Adoni Inniss elaborated that the pair are married and have been so for 15 years. From all appearances, the defendant has made it a habit of verbally and physically abusing the Virtual Complainant (VC) for the simplest of things.

On March 3, the Prosecutor stated that the VC was washing dishes in the kitchen while the defendant was frying eggs.

He had taken a plate to put the eggs on to it but his wife had told him to put back the plate. This irritated the

defendant so he started to verbally abuse her about being “cross” early in the morning. The VC had also gotten upset and called him a host of names as well.

However, the prosecutor said that this got the defendant more upset as he took his wife by her face and pushed her into the wall where he cuffed her to the mouth while holding unto her throat.

The defendant reported the matter to the Police and an investigation was carried out. The defendant was arrested, cautioned and placed in custody.

The prosecution had no objection to bail.

Sampson pleaded not guilty to the charges. He asked the Magistrate to place his wife and himself in counselling. But Magistrate Singh was worried that the defendant lived in the same home with the VC. Nevertheless, the defendant promised the Magistrate to be on good behaviour and he was granted self bail. Both parties were also placed on a one year bond and told to seek counseling at Help and Shelter.

NEWS

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Presidential term limit motion:

1st hearing set for March 16 T

he motion which was filed by civilian Cedric Richardson challenging the two-term presidential limit will be heard on March 16 at the High Court.

The matter will be heard by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang. According to legal advocate Emily Dodson – who along with Attorneys Shawn Allicock, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, and Coleen Sparman, is representing Richardson — the Attorney General and the Speaker, who were listed at the defendants in the case, have both responded to the motion.

Dodson related that the Attorney General would be representing his own interests in the matter while the Speaker has appointed Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde as his legal representative.

On Monday, February 2, Richardson, 50, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, filed a motion in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney General had eight days to file a response to the motion. Justice Chang will, upon perusal of the document, then set a date for

hearing of the matter.

In his writ, Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a twothird majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President (Bharrat) Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.

Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration.

Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once. The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

Days after the motion was filed, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had flayed the sponsor of it, declaring that

the timing of the challenge and the identity of the plaintiff were suspicious.

The Party said: “Clearly, this new development is an attempt to throw a spanner in the works. The sponsors of the legal challenge appear to have a hidden agenda in the real sense of the term other than invoking or blocking the boogie of a “third term” for Bharrat Jagdeo.”

Jagdeo has repeatedly said that he was not interested in any constitutional position. According to the PPP/C, the interest of those behind the challenge lies in the “darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable to the galleries of Hades”.

The Party stated too that “Mr Bharrat Jagdeo had publicly affirmed time and again his respect for the Constitution and that he has no interest whatsoever in any so-called “thirdterm” Presidency”.

“It is now become obvious that Mr Jagdeo’s assertions fell on deaf ears and that his expression of disinterest in returning to the presidency notwithstanding, the modern-day Quislings working in close collaboration with the local satraps continue to generate and peddle this absolute nonsense, elevating it to useless legalistic twad-

dle.”

The PPP/C said since 2011, Jagdeo made clear his disinterest in this matter within the Party and beyond. “The Party wishes to state that while Mr Jagdeo remains a highly popular figure within and beyond the membership and supporters of the PPP/C, this popularity is in no way intended to be translated into a “third-term” candidature.

The PPP/C is aware of the fact that while many of its members and supporters hold the former President in high esteem and would have liked to see his return to the Presidency, they are very much aware that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our society who seek to sow discord and to engage in deceitful and artful fandangle aimed at misleading and confusing PPP/C supporters. While the other political parties are still dithering to name their Presidential Candidate, the PPP/C has already done so.”

The PPP/C said it has confronted much subterfuge in and out of elections season. “We fought off and overcame all of them. This new subterfuge will be fought off too and consigned to the dustbin of history,” the statement ended.

Let’s use Phagwah to promote peace – FITUG

T

he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins our Hindu community in celebrating Phagwah – the Spring Festival of Holi. FITUG is, however, fully aware that Holi can now be considered as “national” since thousands of non-Hindus join in celebratory aspects of the observance – whether the sprinkling of powder, abeer or water or going to the wonderful melas/fairs at this time.

Phagwah or Holi is a festival and season of productive fulfillment from the earth. It is also symbolic of

the beauty of nature’s colours and of a clean environment replete with both spiritual and practical development.

Evil is vanquished when the wicked Holika is destroyed by fire. Peace and goodness then flourish. So too, FITUG, hopes, should Guyanese use Phagwah to promote peaceful co-existence among all. Let not rains nor floods defeat our hopeful future. Let the dances, melas, chowtals, and other Holi music inform our collective spirit to be happy, united and progressive beyond any politics, jealousness or social injustices.

Mason refused bail for hiding cocaine in crotch

A

Mason was refused bail on Thursday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge read that he had been found with three grams of cocaine in his pants crotch.

Trevor Prince, 27, was caught on March 3 with the cocaine around North Road.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne, the Police was patrolling around Bourda Market around 23:00h when they received information and left to the stated area.

There, they saw the defendant take out something from his crotch and throw it over a nearby fence. The Police Officers picked up the item that was thrown away, opened it in the defendant’s presence and discovered it was cocaine.

Presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore told the defendant that the seriousness of the crime makes it impossible for her to release him on bail. She thus remanded him to prison and informed him that he needed to be in court on March 27.

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friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

30 graduate from IT programme in Berbice T

hirty Berbicians of various ages have successfully completed an IT training programme, under an initiative undertaken by the Government through the Basic Needs Trust Fund to the tune of $1 million.

The programme catered for Greater New Amsterdam residents from Overwinning to Glasgow, and ran from January 30 to February 14.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh delivered the feature address at the Glasgow Community Centre on the East Bank of Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Wednesday.

He said there was nothing that can substitute for the training of young people. “There can be no greater satisfaction than to see our young people get qualified, get jobs, earn an income and become profes-

there is a digital divide between the rich and the poor worlds and noted that Government is trying to bridge the domestic digital divide. “Every single Guyanese person no matter where they live, where they come from or their socio-economic circumstances, must enjoy the benefits of modern technology. No Guyanese person must be left behind. That is why we are implement-

Best graduating student Ester Jones receiving an award from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

sional and self-sustaining individuals.

According to the Minister computer literacy and related skills are assets in the job-seeking arena. “We want as

a Government to ensure that every single young Guyanese are equipped with the skills that are required of the modern world.”

He explained that

ing a programme called the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme to which 90,000 laptops will be distributed.” Already about 55,000 laptops have been distributed under the OLPF.” He said despite cuts in the national budget, Government continued to make resources available for all Guyanese to have access to Information Technology (IT) training.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in delivering an address at the graduation ceremony called for a repeat of the programme, but pointed out the need for more participating males. There was only one male in the 30 member graduating group.

The Prime Minister encouraged all to take up the challenge of building Guyana through Information Technology.

Ramsammy reaffirms commitment to PPP/C

A

g r i c u l t u r e Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has reaffirmed his commitment to serve the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on the upcoming campaign trail, rubbish-

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

ing claims that he would bow out of politics due to ill health.

In a statement the minister said, “I noticed that there is some speculation and mischievous attempt to misinform the public that I will not be returning to campaign for the PPP/C in the upcoming elections…I want to state categorically that I am a part of the PPP/C and I am and will be campaigning vigorously for the re election of Donald Ramotar as President and PPP/C for a majority Government.” He then went on to state that the, “report of my demise and my early departure is grossly exaggerated.”

On Wednesday Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon confirmed that Ramsammy’s failing health could impact his work as a Minister. Ramsammy, who was also Guyana’s Health Minister, has been suffering from a heart condition which saw a pacemaker being implanted.

Luncheon said the Minister has been absent from his office for close to a month and has indicated to his colleagues that he would be seeking medical assistance in the United States of America.

While there are no truth to rumours that the Health Minister may be resigning from politics due to his ill health, Luncheon agreed that his current condition will make a “decisive impact on his availability to carry out his functions as a Minister of Government”.

Ramsammy has a preexisting heart condition and, several years ago, had suffered an almost fatal attack and underwent triple bypass surgery overseas. Back in 2013, Ramsammy was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after complaining of feeling dizzy.

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news

friday, march 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

GRA admits unable to control “bottom house” rum shops ... out of 200 defaulters only 60 regularised

By Devina Samaroo

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has acknowledged that it was struggling to regularise the alarmingly high number of illegal rum shops in the country, disclosing that out of the 200 it was able to identify last year, only 60 have been regularised.

Earlier this week, this newspaper reported that the GRA had commenced the sale and renewal of liquor licences amid the flourishing of “bottom house” rum shops. However, the revenue body chided the newspaper for what it said was the publishing of “half truths” when this newspaper merely pointed out that while the sale of licences has commenced, the GRA was yet to clamp down on the mushrooming of illegal shops, which it acknowledged in its statement.

The GRA statement added that for the year 2014, alone it conducted a series of control visits throughout Guyana in an effort to ensure non-compliant businesses were regularised.

“These visits saw more than 200 business operatives being engaged over a 10-month period by staff of the agency and efforts were made to have them legalise their operations.

“However, given the vast expanse of Guyana and the limited human resources at the Agency’s disposal, most of these visits were conducted in central areas, or in areas where intelligence was received that illegal rum shops were in operation. It should be noted that in most instances the GRA only becomes aware of and take ac-

GRA head quarters

tion against these illegal operators when the public provides information.”

Further, the GRA wishes to remind holders of Restaurant Liquor, Off-Licence; Spirit Shop; Members’ Club; Hotel; Malt Liquor and Wine that they can purchase their licences in Georgetown at the GRA’s Headquarters which is located at 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, while persons residing in Anna Regina and New Amsterdam can purchase their licences from the GRA’s Branch Offices in those locations.

Licensing

Meanwhile, speaking with the Guyana Times, in a telephone interview on Thursday, Senior Manager and Licensing Officer Sean Richmond revealed that the GRA had only succeeded in getting just over 60 operators to legalise their business.

In fact, Richmond noted that the requirements for a liquor licence are not rigid, indicating that the average person would be able to easily acquire one once they meet the yielding requirements. Licences can

be approved by either the Commissioner General or by the Liquor Licensing Boards.

Licences approved by the Commissioner-General only allow for the sale of spirituous liquor, wine or malt liquor not to be consumed on the premises whereas licences approved by the Board – malt liquor and wine licences – authorise the sale in any licensed store, shop, floating shop, room, shed, stall or yard, of malt liquor and wine, whether to be consumed on the premises or not.

In either circumstance, some of the requirements to obtain a liquor licence include a police clearance, sanitary certificate, the applicant must not have committed a criminal offence in at least five years and the applicant must be above the age of 18. Richmond highlighted that while the GRA can do its part through public notices to clamp down on these lawbreakers, other stakeholders like the local Police need to do their part by monitoring the operations and reporting the illegalities. The GRA also justified why it has failed to

address this crucial issue by casting the blame on limited staff. Additionally, the GRA noted that in most instances it only became aware of and took action against these illegal operators when the public provided information.

When questioned about the penalties the perpetrators face when found guilty of operating without a licence, Richmond expressed that the GRA would opt to give them an opportunity to become legalised. This process, he explained, would require the operators to get their business and premises under the required conditions before the licence can be granted.

Nonetheless, Richmond noted that the penalties are very limited, considering the legislation was dated to a time when the currency exchange rate was lower.

Great nuisance

Meanwhile, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth expressed that the situation was a great nuisance in the district.

He said he instructed all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to identify the culprits and they in turn would contact the Police.

Bisnauth said he was unaware if the GRA was informed during the process, but he noted that the Police did do their job in trying to curb the issue. Police and other stakeholders have said in the past that the many illegal rum shops were contributing to the high incidence of road fatalities in the country. “Bottom house rum shops” are a feature in most rural communities, with patrons sometimes

spending hours imbibing before climbing into their vehicles to drive far distances to get home.

According to a GRA notice, licence holders are required to have their licences renewed with immediate effect. Further, in accordance with the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, Chapter 82:21, failure to obtain the relevant licences to operate can result in enforcement actions being taken and goods being forfeited.

Over the years, the GRA has threatened to crack down on illegal rum shops, but has failed in its bid.

Many of these illegal outlets trade in uncustomed liquor. Previously, a Marias Lodge, Essequibo businessman, Whithman George had complained about the unfair competition posed by some of the illegal shops. George, in a letter to the editor, had said that he was a licensed

owner of a liquor restaurant and provided employment for two persons on a daily basis. He said too that he subscribed to all the regulations and laws in relation to operating a liquor restaurant and bar.

“But my biggest problem is the constant unfair competition that I have to endure from the so-called bottom house rum shops that operate with impunity in my village.

While I am not afraid of competition I strongly believe that the playing field must be level at all times.

I am totally surprised and grossly dissatisfied that despite several reports to the Suddie Police Station and to the Customs Department, no effort to the best of my knowledge has been made to ensure these unlicensed places of business cease to operate.”

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friday, MARCH 6, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

GTA issues Operator Licence to Bushmasters A

ttaining 100 per cent conformity with tourism regulations and being issued with an operating licence should be an integral goal for all tourism operations.

This pronouncement was made by Bushmasters Managing Director Ian Craddock, as he was presented with the operating licence for his company from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

In accepting the certificate, Craddock underscored the importance of adhering to the highest standards that govern the industry, particularly when doing business with international companies.

The Tourism Ministry

and the GTA, in an effort to prepare local businesses to become more competitive, are striving to ensure that these establishments meet the necessary requirements expected by any tourist or visitor, whether overseas or local.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh urged all tourism businesses to follow the example set by the entities which have been licensed to date, and to commit to the process.

He said, “This is in no way a difficult process, but it is a process that requires commitment. We want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on this achievement and for following through with the pro-

Bushmasters Managing Director Ian Craddock is presented with the operating licence by Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh

cess. This is a significant achievement and should set the precedent for other businesses.”

Haralsingh acknowledged that with the growth in the tourism sector, conformity to standards and regulations should be the focus of tourism establishments, even as they employ the best marketing and promotional strategies.

The GTA Director urged those businesses that have not yet registered to recognise the importance of the exercise and the many benefits of compliance.

Haralsingh explained that the GTA will be differentiating businesses and providing a listing on its website, which will deter-

mine who gets support in terms of both local and international exposure.

“The GTA’s Act and these regulations say that you need a licence to operate any one of these businesses...,” the Director explained.

Bushmasters Tours is the third tour operator to receive certification; Roraima Tours and Wilderness Explorers already achieved this important milestone, while Rock View Lodge Eco Tourism Resort was presented with its licence under the Interior Lodges and Resort category and Princess Hotel and City Inn were granted licences under the Tourism Accommodation category.

Guyana positioned as a premier travel and adventure destination

G

uyana, South A m e r i c a Undiscovered, will cement its position as a premier travel and adventure destination at the 11th Annual Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show on March 7 and 8 at the Washington Convention Centre.

This marks the second

time that Guyana is participating in the event, known the world over as the place “travel lovers come for travel inspiration, expert information and fun, cultural interaction”.

The local delegation is headed by Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh and includes representatives

from private tour operators, Wilderness Explorers and Dagron Tours.

While at the Travel Show, individuals and groups will discover thousands of authentic travel experiences and speak directly to the travel experts who can plan their dream travel destination.

The Washington DC

Travel & Adventure Show is counted among the largest shows of the region and anticipates the presence of travel services and solutions, travel planning services, tourism related products and services and all that fall within the regime of travel and tourism.

Celebrity travellers share their opinions on vari-

ous tourist destinations and aspects surrounding travelling at the event, which fosters direct interaction and communication with the speakers and expert travellers.

The Tourism Ministry and the GTA are encouraging travellers the world over to put Guyana on their list of places to visit in 2015, to ex-

perience the uniqueness and authenticity of the country’s tourism product.

Last year, Guyana was featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine on its Best of the World list, which features 20 destinations to visit in 2014 and was ranked among the best destinations for extraordinary adventure.

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 6, 2015

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Massy Under-15 League football commences this weekend T

he inaugural Massy United Insurance Under-15 Football League kicked off this weekend with a total of 12 games at the Tucville Ground, the home venue of Fruta Conquerors.

The Club is collaborating with the sponsor, as well as with the Georgetown Football Association and the Guyana Football Federation to stage what is predicted to be a sneak peek into the future of Georgetown’s football.

The competition will feature youth teams of 12 affiliates of the Georgetown Football Association. There will be six games both days this weekend, starting at 09:00h.

On Saturday, Western Tigers will face Georgetown Football Club in the opening match-up, followed by Renaissance versus Riddim Squad. Santos and Houston Stars will clash in Match Three, with hosts Fruta Conquerors taking the field against Beacon immediately after.

Match Five will bring together Camptown and Pele, with Order and Discipline

facing up to Black Pearl in the final encounter of the opening day.

On Sunday, Santos will square off with Riddim Squad in the curtain raiser, immediately followed by a clash between Houston Stars and Georgetown Football Club. Western Tigers and Renaissance will contest Match Three, with Camptown and Beacon set to collide in Game Four.

The final two games of the first weekend of action will bring together Pele and Order and Discipline, followed by Fruta Conquerors against Black Pearl.

The competing teams have been divided into two groups and the top two from each group will advance to the knockout round. The final is fixed for April 4 at the Tucville Ground.

Fruta Conquerors President Wayne Forde, speaking at the launch of the tournament, expressed sincere gratitude to the sponsor for its support towards the development of football.

Forde pointed out that the Club’s intention was to develop youth football and this was one of the mechanisms.

Cameron must go; WI cricket needs competent, inspiring and dedicated leadership Dear Editor, In the best interest of our regional game, and having read the many scathing articles and the very recent one by former WICB Director Claude Raphael, we are convinced beyond a doubt that Dave Cameron has been pathetic as President of the WICB and has severely damaged the image of our regional game, and by extension our identity as a Caribbean.

In the best interest of our West Indies cricket, Cameron should do the decent thing and unconditionally withdraw from contesting the WICB Presidency.

Successive Presidents of the WICB, Dr Julian Hunte and Dave Cameron have selfservingly ignored the plight of Guyana’s cricket and aligned themselves directly and only to (name given) in order to secure the two votes from Guyana so as to remain in power and retain their stranglehold of West Indies cricket.

Cameron was so hell bent on keeping the faction led by this individual that he sent three well-programmed observers to the Guyana Cricket Board elections in January 2013.

Those observers, Imran Khan, Paul Slowe and Conde Riley, proclaimed that the elections were okay although only one of the three counties took part, a clear violation of

the GCB Constitution.

As head of the WICB, Cameron refused to investigate the sordid state into which Guyana cricket had sunk.

When Cameron attained the WICB Presidency, he openly pledged transparency and good governance, giving an undertaking that he would investigate the problems affecting the administration of cricket in Guyana, including charges of fraudulent elections, financial misappropriation and the wholesale transfer of all assets of Guyana Cricket (including bank accounts) to a small clique of individuals.

As he did with Hunte, this individual has formed an unholy alliance with Cameron so that each could support and protect the other in their piracy of West Indies cricket.

We trust that when Joel Garner gains the Presidency of the WICB, his first order of business would be to launch an investigation into the affairs of the Guyana Cricket Board especially the fraudulent elections and the welldocument corruption.

The Directors who will vote at the upcoming elections of the WICB must ensure that Cameron is voted out and that Joel Garner is given a muchdeserved chance to rescue West Indies cricket.

Stakeholders of Guyana Cricket

“Over the years, the Club has paid tremendous emphasis on youth football, so this tournament is definitely a timely one,” Forde said.

He further noted that the Club was known for producing some of the better local players, declaring that several of the nation’s stronger clubs currently field players that came through the establishment’s youth academy.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Claude Bolton pointed out that tournaments of such nature were definitely the future of the game. “While I am very impressed with the vision of Fruta Conquerors, this tournament is important towards youth football,” he revealed.

Bolton further declared league football is the best vehicle for youth development, while commending the Club for its continued emphasis on grassroot and youth football initiatives.

(Avenash Ramzan)

The aim of the competition is to unearth the next crop of Georgetown footballers

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guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 6, 2015

Banks DIH on board with national ruggers

By Treiston Joseph

B

anks DIH displayed its generosity by committing to ensuring that Guyana start their North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championship title defence on the right note by partnering with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to host Barbados on Thursday in their first game.

At the handing over ceremony held at Banks DIH headquarters at Thirst Park, GRFU President Peter Green thanked Banks DIH while noting that Guyana would be heading full steam ahead to challenge Barbados on Saturday at the National Park Rugby field.

“It’s a pleasure to be associated with Banks … After a period of 43 years, Guyana defeated USA South to win the title before going on to win the seven’s title in the same year. This year, we start our campaign against

Banks DIH PRO Troy Peters hands over the sponsorship cheque to GRFU President Peter Green in the presence of other GRFU executives at the press conference

Barbados.

“In the past, Barbados was taken as a joke, not anymore … we will not be taking them lightly, we are treating them as very serious foes … Banks DIH has answered our prayers and we should not be surprised because they have always been here,” Green stated.

Banks DIH Public Relations Officer (PRO) Troy Peters while urging the fans

to come out and support the team, related Banks’ commitment to rugby.

“Rugby lovers can expect quite an exciting match-up on Saturday, Banks DIH have always been supportive of rugby and we will continue to offer support to the development and growth of rugby.

“As a company, we would like to wish the GRFU well as they start their campaign

and also congratulate them on the exceptional 2014 year that they had,” Peters stated.

Meanwhile, Coach of the national side, Theodore Henry was confident of the team’s ability to do well, noting that while the team was basically the same as last year’s with a few added components that will better the team.

“We’ve added a few oth-

er guys, but I think the team is fitter than last year, because we have been preparing for both the 15’s and seven’s and because the seven’s is more intense, it has translated especially to our back line; those guys are fit and the team will be ready and rearing to go,” Henry highlighted.

In addition, Green noted that rain will not hamper proceedings, but also has contingency plans should it rain heavily.

“We have been working all week in conjunction with the National Park Commission to help drain the field with pumps … rain is not something that can hamper rugby but we have the Fire Service on standby if we should need help with heavy rainfall to pump the water out,” Green revealed.

The match is expected to start from 15:30h at the National Park Rugby Field on Saturday.

Seniors set up Bangladesh’s highest chase

B

angladesh tackled the pressure of a stiff target - they had to chase down 319 and losing their specialist opener to injury in the field to post their highest ODI chase to beat Scotland by six wickets and keep their chances of making the quarter-final alive.

Scotland, powered by Kyle Coetzer’s magnificent 156 towards their 318 for 8 in 50 overs, lost their best chance to win a World Cup match. They struggled to break partnerships and seize the momentum, as Bangladesh completed only their third 300-plus chase, the last one coming against New Zealand in November 2013.

To counter Coetzer, Bangladesh’s senior firm - Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan - struck fifties to complete the victory.

Bangladesh had gone into the innings break knowing they would be without Anamul Haque, who had hurt his right shoulder while fielding in the 31st over. Mashrafe had hobbled for much of the Scotland innings and unable to complete his 10

overs. And if that wasn’t enough, Soumya Sarkar was strangled down the leg-side off Josh Davey in the second over.

Tamim took his time, and with Mahmudullah, promoted to No. 3, laid out the required foundation.

He batted strongly, starting off with two one-legged pulls and a hook over long leg. A series of half-volleys outside off stump followed which were coolly placed through various gaps, reached 50 off 53 balls and appeared good for his first ODI hundred in two years.

But Davey trapped him legbefore for 95 and Tamim had to settle for going past Mohammad Ashraful’s 87 as Bangladesh’s best score in the World Cup. Mahmudullah coped well to his stint higher up the order, although he could have been runout twice - in the 10th and 15th overs. He did, however, make the most of his luck and produced crisp boundaries through the covers and a six over square leg during a runa-ball 62 that was part of a 139-run second wicket stand with Tamim, a record for Bangladesh in World Cups. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Scotland innings KJ Coetzer c Soumya Sarkar b Nasir Hossain 156 CS MacLeod c Mahmudullah b Mashrafe Mortaza 11 HJW Gardiner c Soumya Sarkar b Taskin Ahmed 19 MW Machan c & b Sabbir Rahman 35 PL Mommsen* c Soumya Sarkar b Nasir Hossain 39 RD Berrington c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Taskin Ahmed 26 MH Cross† c Sabbir Rahman b Taskin Ahmed 20 4 JH Davey not out RM Haq c Soumya Sarkar b Shakib Al Hasan 1 AC Evans not out 0 Extras: (lb 1, w 5, nb 1) 7 Total: (8 wickets; 50 overs) 318 Did not bat: I Wardlaw Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-38, 3-116, 4-257, 5-269, 6-308, 7-312, 8-315.

Bangladesh Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 8-0-60-1, Shakib Al

Hasan 10-0-46-1, Taskin Ahmed 7-0-43-3, Rubel Hossain 8-060-0, Mahmudullah 5-0-290, Sabbir Rahman 7-0-47-1, Nasir Hossain 5-0-32-2.

Bangladesh innings Tamim Iqbal lbw b Davey 95 Soumya Sarkar c †Cross b Davey 2 62 Mahmudullah b Wardlaw Mushfiqur Rahim† c MacLeod b Evans 60 Shakib Al Hasan not out 52 Sabbir Rahman not out 42 Extras: (w 8, nb 1) 9 Total (4 wickets; 48.1 overs) 322 Did not bat: Anamul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed.

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-144, 3-201, 4-247.

Scotland Bowling: I Wardlaw 9.1-0-75-1, JH Davey 10-068-2, AC Evans 10-1-67-1, MW Machan 7-0-45-0, RM Haq 10-0-49-0 , RD Berrington 2-0-18-0

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friday, march 6, 2015

DDL throws support behind Kashif and Shanghai Tournament D

emerara Distillers Limited (DDL) will ensure that the 25th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament is in full receipt of hydration drinks after renewing its partnership with the organising group on Thursday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) headquarters in Campbellville.

At the simple handing

over ceremony, Gatorade Brand Manager Larry Wills wished the tournament well.

“We have been in support of the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament over the years and we wanted to continue that trend … We will be supplying Gatorade and water to the players to ensure they are rehydrated and can perform at an optimum level … We also want to wish the tournament suc-

cess,” Wills stated.

Director of the organisation, Kashif Muhammad was grateful for DDL’s contribution and thanked the GFF Normalisation Committee as well for its role in ensuring that the Tournament is held successfully.

The Tournament is expected to kick off on March 20 at the Demerara Cricket Club (DDC) Ground.

(Treiston Joseph)

Larry Wills (centre) poses with the organisers of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation and members of the GFF’s Normalisation Committee

Crawford dominates Mashramani 40-mile road race R omello Crawford won the Courts Guyana Inc annual 40-mile Mashramani cycle road race in Berbice on Sunday in a time of one hour and 30 minutes.

The Trojan Cycle Club (TCC), along with teammate and cousin Juban Crawford, stole the show at the event which was only open to Berbice riders.

The Crawfords, along with veteran rider Wilber Benjamin and newcomer David Sampson, both of Flying Ace Cycle Club (FCC), broke away from the peloton as soon as the flag was down in front of Courts’ New Amsterdam Branch on Main Street, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

With just over quarter of the distance completed, a heavy shower of rain came as the riders were making their way to the turnback

Romello Crawford poses with his winning prize along with the top finishers of the race

point at Adventure Village, Corentyne.

The heavy drops made it difficult for Benjamin to keep up and Sampson did not venture out, but kept with his teammate.

After the cousins established a sizeable lead, it came down to the final 600 metres

and as the two cyclists got to the top of the Canje Bridge, they took each other on.

Romello proved that it was his day, while Benjamin and Sampson also took their sprint from the Canje Bridge with the former using his experience to cop third place.

Minutes later, Samuel

Mottoo rode in ahead of Steve Ramsuchit to round off the top places.

Romello Crawford received all of the six sprint point prizes that were up for grabs.

In the female category, Mercia Dick continued her dominance in female cycling

while Whitney Poyer was able to outride Deance Welch.

David Sampson was the first beginner to complete the distance ahead of Curtis Dey. The BMX riders, who rode from the New Amsterdam Technical Institute to the finish line in front of Courts, were topped by Jonathan Ramsuchit ahead of Shon Sue Hang.

At the presentation ceremony, Courts New Amsterdam Branch Manager Stanley McKenzie thanked all of the riders for their participation and committed the company to continued sponsorship of the Mashramani Race.

“At Courts we have challenges, so we need the support from you the athletes if we are going to continue our sponsorship. We need to have more persons involved and not just 12,” he said.

Organiser of the event

and FACC Treasurer, Randolph Roberts, in response noted that in the past the race started at 09:00h, but the new Traffic Chief gave permission for his ranks to be available only if the event was going to commence at 07:30h.

This was done to facilitate the Mash float parade in New Amsterdam where traffic ranks were needed.

Meanwhile, some athletes did not participate in the event because of an accident involving a car which was at the time taking several cyclists to the race.

The injured were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, treated and sent away, while others after hearing of the accident went to the hospital to get information and by the time they arrived at the starting point, the race was already on its way. (Andrew Carmichael)

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, march 6, 2015

31

BCB launches Hand-in-Hand 2nd-division competition

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently launched its second division Hand-in-Hand 40-over cricket competition with the aim of fulfilling its mandate of identifying every available talent to take Berbice cricket to the next level.

The knockout competition will start shortly and will feature teams from the West Berbice area.

Speaking at the launch of the competition at the board’s office, Supervisor attached to the New Amsterdam Branch of Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company, Zaleena Ramkishun, said the company was grateful for the opportunity to work with the BCB, adding that “the company recognises the importance of sports and culture to society”.

“The company is pleased to partner with the Board to keep people constructively occupied and live a healthy lifestyle,” Ramkishun said.

She added that the company was also impressed with the work of the BCB and wished them well in the future.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, President Anil Beharry said it was once again pleased to partner with Hand-inHand Insurance Company Limited.

He thanked the Insurance Company for coming on board once more and said that the tournament was well received over the years and was conducted in a very professional manner. He thanked Carl Moore and his Competition Committee for doing an excellent job.

Ambrose warns Windies bowlers about dangers of Perth

Sir Curtly Ambrose and Clive Lloyd in conversation

W

est Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has urged discipline from his pace attack when they face reigning world champions India on what is expected to be a lively pitch at the WACA in Perth.

Sir Curtly, the Windies bowling coach and threetime participant at the ICC Cricket World Cup, said it was important the Caribbean side’s seamers found the right lengths and resisted the temptation to bowl overly short at the Indian batsmen on the encouraging WACA strip.

“The pitches here in Perth are usually bouncy and supportive of fast bowling. However, the mistake I think most bowlers make is that they pitch the ball a bit too short because of the extra bounce,” Sir Curtly said.

“Here at Perth, you have to find that good length, that is the key to being successful here in Perth. Bowling short and all that stuff could be a waste. I’m not saying you shouldn’t bowl a short

ball or two, but more often than not, you have to pitch the ball into that good area which will force the batsman to play a lot more.

“Good batsmen usually leave the ball on length because, more often than not, the ball will go over the stumps anyway. So you have to get that length correct and that’s how you will get that success here. [You shouldn’t get] carried away with the extra bounce.”

Sir Curtley, who is also assistant coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, also warned the players about the strong breeze around Perth.

“It’s always difficult to bowl into a strong breeze. I [didn’t] do it a lot during my career but it’s a challenge bowling into a strong headwind,” Sir Curtly pointed out.

“It can put off your rhythm quite a bit, but as a professional you have to find ways and means of getting through that strong headwind and getting on with the job.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company New Amsterdam Branch Supervisor Zaleena Ramkishun hands over the sponsorship cheque to BCB President Anil Beharry in the presence of Surendra Shivrattan, an employee of the sponsor; and BCB Secretary Angela Haniff and Competitions Committee Chairman Carl Moore

Beharry pointed out that the Board was disappointed that the West Berbice

Cricket Association was unable to secure sponsorship for cricket for teams

in the area and as a result, the BCB had no choice but to intervene and make sure

the game was kept alive.

Competitions Committee Chairman and long-serving member Carl Moore said that although his workload has increased, he was happy to know that the lovely game of cricket could be played across the length and breadth of the Ancient County. He said from these competitions, new talent was unearthed.

BCB Secretary Angela Haniff also thanked the insurance provider for its continued confidence in the Board and urged the players to maintain discipline at all times.

D’Edward Sports Club are the defending champions.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

friday, march 6, 2015

Confident Jaguars ready for Jamaica franchise

By Rajiv Bisnauth

A

strong Guyana Jaguars squad, featuring veteran West Indies left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul, will look to maintain their

stranglehold over the Jamaica franchise when the two teams meet from today in round eight of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four-Day Competition

Veerasammy Permaul leads the wicket tally with 46 wickets so far

at the Guyana National Stadium.

Buoyed by the comprehensive four wickets win in their last game against Barbados Pride and six outright wins so far in the tournament, Guyana definitely have the advantage as the Jamaicans are at the other end of the confidence spectrum.

The Guyanese are at the top of the table with 107 points and have been the dominant force throughout the tournament, while the Jamaicans – despite being the four-day powerhouse over the last decade, have occupied the fourth position, with 60 points – will have an uphill task against the leaders.

While Chanderpaul is the headliner, the batting department also includes the captain and rookie West Indies left-handed batsman Leon Johnson; the experienced left-handers Narsingh Deonarine and Assad Fudadin, who returned to the squad after recovering from a finger injury; silky top-order player Rajendra Chandrika; the composed Vishual Singh; and swashbuckling allround players Christopher Barnwell and Raymon Reifer.

The bowling unit features long-limbed pace bowler Ronsford Beaton and Keon Joseph, left-armer Reifer, wily leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, slow

left-arm orthodox bowler Veerasammy Permaul, along with Barnwell.

On the other hand, Jamaica, the most successful team in the first-class game over the last decade, claiming six four-day trophies, have suffered three straight losses.

The most recent defeat was by 178 runs against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force inside three days at Sabina Park in the last round.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton is the only change to the Jamaica Franchise squad from their last game.

Walton, who represents the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), but features mostly for Combined Campuses and Colleges in the defunct four-day tournament, will replace Horace Miller.

With Jamaica usually dominant in the four-day format – now struggling in the wicketkeeper/batsman slot, the Jamaican selection committee made the last-ditch move for Walton.

The two wicketkeepers used so far in the PCL have both suffered from dismal form. The experienced Carlton Baugh Jr, the sidelined West Indies wicketkeeper, started the fourday season for Jamaica and was fair behind the stumps, but failed to make meaningful contributions

Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a fighting 77 in the Jaguars second innings against the Jamaicans in round five as they eventually won that game by 105 runs

with the bat. Miller, the replacement for Baugh Jr, endured a poor spell with both bat and glove.

Guyana Jaguars squad: Leon Johnson (Captain); Rajendra Chandrika; Assad Fudadin; Narsingh Deonarine; Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Vishaul Singh; Raymon Reifer; Christopher Barnwell; Anthony Bramble; Veerasammy Permaul;

Devendra Bishoo; Keon Joseph; and Ronsford Beaton.

Jamaica franchise squad: Tamar Lambert (Captain); John Campbell; Shacaya Thomas; Jermaine Blackwood; Brandon King; Chadwick Walton; David Bernard; Jason Dawes; Damion Jacobs; Marquino Mindley; Odean Brown; Cassius Burton; Gavon Brown.

St Lucia PM: Windies cricket problems mirror crisis in Caricom T

he problems hampering West Indies cricket mirror a crisis plaguing the Caribbean Community, the St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony has argued.

As such, Prime Minister Anthony is calling for an overhaul of the structure of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), the body which governs the sport in

the region.

However while insisting that change is needed, the St Lucian leader does not believe politicians should interfere with the administration of the sport.

“The WICB are not answerable to the people of the region,” Dr Anthony told the Express following his lecture at the CARICOM Leaders series

St Lucia Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony

Upcoming World Cup matches (with Guyana time) Friday: 29th Match, Pool B - Pakistan v South Africa, 21:00h Friday: 30th Match, Pool B - Ireland v Zimbabwe, 23:30h

on the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies.

Prime Minister Anthony was quoted as saying that once the board’s structure was changed, the politi-

cians should leave it alone.

The WICB has come under intense public scrutiny after the controversy surrounding the West Indies aborted tour of India late last year.

“For my part, I would have started with a new fresh team,” the Express quotes Prime Minister Anthony as saying in reference to the players.

The pull out, as a result of a pay dispute between the players and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with a 41 million dollar claim against WICB. The conduct of incumbent president Dave Cameron has also been the subject of raging debate in the cricket world particularly after he retweeted a fan’s tweet criticizing West Indies opener Chris Gayle recently.

“It is important that we remember that the cri-

sis of CARICOM and of integration, even in cricket, is not isolated,” the Prime Minister said during his lecture presentation.

“It is a crisis of our institutions, our societies, our economic models and our system of governance.

If truth be told, we have a huge task to restore hope and confidence in our people”.

The St Lucian Prime Minister was speaking on the topic “Delivered or Denied: The Dividends of Integration”.

“CARICOM is in crisis,” Prime Minister Anthony told the audience.

“It is a crisis of our institutions, our societies, our economic models, and our governance.” (CMC)

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