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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3183

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Agriculture sector contracted by 10.4 % – finance report guyanatimesgy.com

Major issues affecting Region 9 residents highlighted

…as Opposition Leader concludes hinterland visit

PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mahaica access P10 road, dams in poor condition

Page 7

Page 12

“Grey Boy” rearrested for CrumEwing’s P8 execution

UG fees

Education Minister opposes hike …calls for review

Page 2

Complaints of tardiness

Region 10 Council votes to extend P13 list of evaluators Nandlall P3 sues Basil Williams for $125M …over “stolen” law books allegation

Worshippers of the Sacred Heart Church reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during their staging of Stations of the Cross on Main Street, Georgetown on Good Friday as Christians around the world observe the Easter season (Carl Croker photo)

Shyam Nokta elected new GMSA President Page 9

…aims to capitalise on emerging sectors

Dynamic Airways fined $25M by US authority Page 5

Sheriff St/Mandela Ave road project

IDB reviewing project scope

…as tender P11 opening on hold

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news

SUnDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

UG fees

Education Minister opposes hike …calls for review

T

he University of Guyana (UG) Council has decided to hike student tuition fees at Guyana’s premier public education facility, but the Education Minister has signalled his opposition to the move.

In a recent interview with this publication, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine declared that he is not in favour of the hike. He indicated that there is need for the decision to be reviewed, and has promised that he would speak with the MoE’s representatives on the UG Council.

“Anything that makes life more difficult for children I'm not in favour of. So the fees’ hike, I will urge that they re-

view it. People have come to see me, parents and teachers. It needs serious review.

The Ministry of Education does not run UG. It is run by the Council, and from the Ministry, we have two people on the Council,” Dr Roopnaraine has said.

“UG has a special place in my heart, and I have to look and see what can be done. I will talk to (them), because life is hard, and the truth of the matter is people are not earning enough and education, of all things, is something we have to nurture,” Dr Roopnaraine declared.

Declaring himself adamantly opposed to anything which puts an impediment in the way of working people,

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

he warned that if the council should insist that increasing fees is the only way to address expenses, there is nothing

else he would be able to do.

“So it is something I will ask again (of) my people who are representing me on the Council. The issue has been raised with me, and I think it is something we should look at. If the Council says we have looked at everything and there are expenses and so on and there is very little we can do, I have to abide with what UG Council says. The Ministry doesn't run it.”

The University of Guyana (UG) Council has approved a 15 per cent increase in tuition fees. At a March 30 extraordinary meeting of the Council chaired by Chancellor Eon Nigel Harris, this decision was taken. It is the first step in the University’s move to

raise fees by an overall 35 per cent over a three-year period. According to UG, the Council’s decision will be applied to tuition fees for all programmes and for both continuing students and new students for the 2017-2018 academic year.

However, the Council has said input from the Student Society was considered, leading to an incremental rollout wherein continuing students will now pay an increase of 15 per cent (about $2500 a month), and new students will be required to pay 18 per cent (about $3000 a month).

This decision was not preceded by any consultations. It came to light only a few days before the meeting, when UG

Vice Chancellor Dr Ivelaw Griffith made the revelation during a town hall-style session with students.

The very day of the extraordinary meeting, there were student-organised protests on campus against the decision held outside of the Education Lecture Theatre.

Many have been dissatisfied at the sudden manner in which the increases were proposed and voted upon.

Expressing outrage at the proposed increases, the students are adamant that no one is doing them a favour by enhancing facilities on the Turkeyen campus, since they (students) are mandated to pay separate facilities fees.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 16 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, April 17 – 08:30h-10:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, April 16 – 06:50h-08:20h and Monday, April 17 – 07:35h-09:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Lightly cloudy skies in the early morning will be followed by heavy rain showers, with light rain showers to sunny skies in the afternoon hours and partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly to North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:14h and 19:43h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.38 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:15h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

SATURDAY, April 15, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

02

03 07

21

23

27

5 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 03 07 09 13

20

LUCKY 3 9 1 0

2

Afternoon Draw

4

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04

05 09

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Nandlall sues Basil Williams for $125M …over “stolen” law books allegation

F

ormer Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has filed a $125 million lawsuit against his successor, Basil Williams, for alleging that he had stolen a series of Commonwealth Law Books from the State while he occupied the office of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Attorney General Basil Williams declared last month that charges are looming against Nandlall, who admitted to having the books but has denied stealing them; but Nandlall has explained that the books were acquired under an arrangement with President Donald Ramotar and in regard to his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Nandlall is also contending that because he has critiqued the performance of Attorney General Basil Williams, he is being victimized; but the Attorney General is dismissing that contention.

Nandlall has now moved to the court, seeking damages in excess of $25 million each for slander and libel published on the March 24, 2017 at a press conference hosted at the National Communication Network Inc; another $25 million for libel published on page 11 of the Guyana Times newspaper on March 25, 2017; damages in excess of $25 million for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice on March 26, 2017; and another $25 million for libel published by Demerara Waves Online News on March 27, 2017. He is also seeking exemplary/aggravated damages and interest on all damages awarded pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chap 6:02.

Nandlall is further asking the court to issue an injunction restraining Williams by himself, his

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

servants and/or agents from publishing or causing to be published, or saying or causing to be said, or repeating concerning the claimant, defamatory words regarding the law books.

According to the court document seen by this newspaper, Nandlall commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (UK), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, sometime in 2003, and to date still does; with the arrangement that individual Law Reports are shipped to him along with an invoice, which he pays upon receipt of each Report. However, during discussions with the then President, Donald Ramotar, prior to his appointment as Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Nandlall requested that as a condition of his service, Government of Guyana take over payment arrangements with Lexis Nexis (UK) in relation to the said Commonwealth Law Reports for the period during his tenure in office.

“This was agreed upon as a condition of the claimant’s service as AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Legal Affairs. Lexis Nexis (UK) were accordingly informed, and sometime during the claimant’s tenure, the payment arrangement for these books was changed and the Ministry of

Legal Affairs began to pay for the said Law Reports.

When the claimant demitted office, he so informed Lexis Nexis (UK), and requested that the payment arrangement that existed hitherto be reactivated, and the same was done,” the legal document outlined.

Approximately 14 Commonwealth Law Reports were received under the aforesaid arrangement.

A few months later, the claimant learnt from press reports that the defendant had commissioned a special audit into the said Law Reports. During the probe, former President Donald Ramotar had written Auditor General Deodat Sharma, informing him that an arrangement was made with Nandlall, as part of his employment contract, to pay for the continuous subscription of the books while he occupied office.

Despite this explanation by the former President, and with no evidence of misconduct being found by the Auditor, Nandlall’s court documents say, Williams continued the scandalous allegation, accusing the claimant of dishonesty and legal impropriety.

To this end, the former AG is contending, unless the court puts a stop to Williams, the “malicious and unwarranted” attacks would continue; hence his decision to file the lawsuit

Attorney General Basil Williams

against his successor for his utterance of words which are false, malicious and defamatory.

“In the consequence, the claimant’s reputation and professional standing (have) been seriously injured, and he has suffered considerable distress, anxiety and public humiliation,” the court document outlines.

After hearing the submissions of the application last week, the High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining Williams, his servants and/ or agents from publishing or causing to be published, or saying or causing to be said, or repeating the allegations against Nandlall.

The defendant, Williams, has been given 28 days to file a defence to the claim filed, and the matter will next be heard on May 17.

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Editorial

Sorrow of SARA

T

he articulation of the essence of a democratic form of governance goes back to antiquity, and is summarised in the Latin phrase “audiatur et altera pars” -- the other side must be heard -- as a fundamental requisite for due process. It recognises the ineluctable challenge of “government for the people, by the people and of the people” lies in the need for governmental acts to be given legitimacy by “all” the people, even though the Government in question would never obtain the votes of all the people.

There will always be an “other side”.

When, as in Guyana, that “other side” is almost equal in size to the Government, the need for legitimisation of governmental actions becomes even more pressing.

On Thursday evening, one of the most contentious of bills ever to be presented before the National Assembly -the STATE ASSETS RECOVERY BILL 2017 -- was debated. This Bill had been criticised not only by the PPP in Opposition, but by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the Private Sector Commission, and a wide array of public commentators. Yet, the PNC-led APNU/AFC Administration shut down the debate before several major speakers of the Opposition had an opportunity to speak.

It was not surprising that the Opposition speakers walked out before the vote was taken, since to do otherwise would have been to be complicit in the decimation of democracy in Guyana. They signalled their intention to challenge the Bill in court -- as they very well should -- since the Government refused to take into consideration the aforementioned criticisms when they passed the Bill with only four innocuous changes to its 107 sections.

Each action must be considered within its particular context, and all of the criticisms centre around the Government’s refusal to address the fears of the people about the draconian powers given to named officers in the Bill in the context of our tragic experience with authoritarianism in Guyana. While most critics have honed in on the powers given to the Director of SARA, that last section -- which concerns the subject minister -- serves to illustrate the danger: “107(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act and for prescribing anything that needs to be prescribed under this Act. (2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may provide for offences for breach of the Regulations, and the penalty for any of the offences shall be a fine of one million dollars and imprisonment for three years; and in the case of a body corporate, a fine of ten million dollars.” The circularity of the certainty of abuse boggles the mind.

As mentioned above, the major source of objections has been the Director of SARA, who just happens to be Clive Thomas, co-leader of the WPA -- a party that has coalesced with the PNC to form APNU, the major player in the Government.

Just as pertinently, Thomas has spent the last decade developing an academic theory about Guyana having been transformed into a “criminalised state” by the PPP. There have been numerous studies proving that, in such cases, when given the opportunity to prove their theories, a process called “confirmation bias” kicks in. As described by Wikipedia, “Experiments have found repeatedly that people tend to test hypotheses in a one-sided way, by searching for evidence consistent with their current hypothesis.

Rather than searching through all the relevant evidence, they phrase questions to receive an affirmative answer that supports their theory. They look for the consequences that they would expect if their hypothesis were true, rather than what would happen if they were false.”

A further complication arises from one of Thomas’s advisors -- Eric Philips -- who, in addition to accepting his director’s thesis on the PPP’s “criminalised state”, is an executive of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), as is Thomas, and has insisted that mostly Indians have benefited from the “criminalised state”.

The GHRA has bemoaned SARA’s potential, as presently constituted, to inflame ethnic tensions. (to be continued)

Ready for the season: These children were seen downtown Georgetown on Saturday shopping for the perfect kite as Guyanese celebrate Easter 2017

Aksharananda not an ethnic articulator Dear Editor, I am advised not to respond to columnist Freddie Kissoon, because he would never accept he is wrong even when proven so with facts beyond a shadow of doubt. But his misinformation cannot go uncorrected, for people may well take his fake news for facts. His latest invective against Swami Aksharananda, Ravi Dev and Rhyaan Shah are replete with inaccuracies.

And they are debunked below. None of these scholars is an ethnic hegemonist; they all believe in ethnic equality, as I do.

It is literal ignorance for any scholar not to know the difference between a pandit and a swami. And if you don’t know, you ask in order to become enlightened, as blacks or whites do. It is also idiotic to refer to a pandit as a priest or a preacher.

One does not call a pastor, or priest, or bishop, or the Pope a pandit or a moulvi or imam or meiji or swami. So why disrespect a pandit or swami or Hindu leader by referring to him with a Christian title? Only an uninformed person would resort to such

ignorance.

Freddie misrepresents what took place in religious riots in India. He offers a simplistic, nonfactual comment of a religious conflict. According to judicial probes, pandits did not encourage anyone to take to violence in Gujarat.

And then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports, was denied a US visa at the request of then ruling Congress Party at the Centre. The visa was restored following the defeat of the Congress Party in general elections.

Ravi Dev has never advocated for ethnic hegemony. On the contrary, as I have done, he has called for power sharing among the ethnic groups, and decentralisation of power. This PNC-led coalition administration practises ethnic hegemony. Freddie supports it, including the firing of thousands of Indians and Amerindians.

Rhyaan Shah is an accomplished novelist and columnist. She is an outstanding writer whose works are praised, including by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. Her writings, unlike Freddie’s, are credible. She does not manufacture information. Her works, unlike Freddie’s, are cited by scholars. In addition, her novels are being considered for CXC and CAPE. She is a first rate novelist, while Freddie is a tenth rate columnist.

Swami Aksharananda does not own a school. He is principal of SVN, which is owned by the community. Swami does not own a Hindu “Church” -- it is called a temple or mandir -and he does not own it. It is a public place of worship that is open to all. There are affiliated pandits at the temple.

It is a total expression of ignorance to compare Pastor Steven with Swami-ji. The latter does not preach hatred, and does not attack other faiths.

Freddie’s interpretation of Swami’s letter of two years ago is incorrect.

It is misinformation to say Swami urged Indians how to vote. The letter made factual reference to the oppression of Indians during the ethnic PNC dictator-

ship.

Freddie claims there was no news coverage of Indians being beaten in Agricola in 2012. The media, including the paper Freddie writes for, has dozens of news items on the beating and robbing of Indians.

According to all the news reports, AFC was accused of organising a protest and inciting Africans to beat and rob Indians. Nagamootoo, Nigel Hughes, and Khemraj Ramjattan publicly denied that the AFC called the protest that led to the violent attacks on Indians. They accused the PNC of organising the protest and setting Africans on Indians. The PNC denied the accusation and redirected the allegation to the AFC. Freddie needs to read reports carefully in order to understand facts, and he needs to do proper investigative research to get his information right.

Otherwise, he will continue to peddle misinformation, lies and half-truths, as he did in his attack on Swami and others.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

M&CC consultations do not cater for regular working folks

Dear Editor, I have noted many advertisements put out by the M&CC regarding public consultations regarding the garbage situation.

While it good for the M&CC to do these consultations, I noticed that the consultations are at 10 am on the dates and

also they are at City Hall. I tried to get to one of the consultations for an area next to mine (my area was not included in the consultation list by the way), however, I had a work meeting clash that I could not get away from. This is my point. How serious can M&CC be about

talking with citizens if they put the meetings at a time that most cannot attend?

Why not hold meetings after work hours or on weekends.

Also why not have teams or the councilor representative for areas have meetings within the areas so you ensure a proper engagement. I

hope that this can be considered by the council especially for engagements on other issues, especially those that are directly community related, in the future.

Kind regards, Dr Raquel ThomasCaesar

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Expo and Trade Fair opens in Region 5 T

he Region Five 2nd annual Expo and Trade Fair, which opened on Saturday evening has great potential.

This was noted by Head of Sta5te, President President David Granger who declared the event open.

Promoted under the theme 'Building a diversified economy' the event was opened at the Bath Community Centre.

President Granger in declaring open the Expo highlighted the great potential of the region, which is a main rice producing region in Guyana.

West Bernice, he said is the food basket of the country's food security. "A region which has the potential and opportunity to become the country's rice bowl,” President Granger said.

Noting the that Region Five has a land mass of 4190 square kilometers, the President told the gathering that it is larger than six

President David Granger examining a piece of furniture at the opening of the second Region Five annual Expo and Trade Fair

Caribbean counties combined - Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and St Vincent – and that the region has 34000 heaters under cash crop cultivation and a further 42000

hectares under paddy cultivation. In addition to that 1600 hectares are under coconut cultivation in that region, Granger noted.

Zeroing in on the region's rice production last

year, the Head of State said it produced 242000 tons of rice which was 46 per cent of the country's rice production in 2016. The 28 million coconuts produced represents almost one third of what the

Dynamic Airways fined $25M by US authority

D

Captain Gerry Gouveia

y n a m ic International Airways has been fined US$120,000 by the United States Department of Transportation (DoT) in light of increased complaints of its flights being delayed and/or cancelled and its failure to refund affected passengers.

Nevertheless, the airline has said it remains committed to staying in the market.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, Dynamic’s Guyana representative, told Guyana Times on Saturday that the company will honour its obligations to the US Authority and will continue to improve its service with the aim of avoiding a recurrence of this situation. He emphasised that penalties enforced by DoT will not deter Dynamic Airways from continuing its operations.

Guyana’s regulatory arm, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), had earlier this year engaged the airline about its frequent flight delays and cancellations in light of back-to-back instances occurring during September, October and November, 2016, when hundreds of passengers, including Guyanese, were left strand-

ed for hours at the airports; and in one of the most popular cases, a bride allegedly missed her own wedding because of the delays/cancellations.

Dynamic has provided several explanations for these problems, and has constantly assured of delivering better services to its customers.

According to Captain Gouveia, Dynamic is now operating five flights weekly between New York and Guyana, with a 90 per cent on time departure rate.

“Between January 2017 and April 2017, we operated approximately 64 direct flights between New York and Guyana, moving approximately 9000 passengers out of Guyana. Our ticket cost remains below US$600 for a return ticket to New York,” he stated.

Penalties

DoT, in an order served on Dynamic on April 13, 2017, warned the airline

that further enforcement action would be taken if these problems persist. DoT said a probe was triggered after its Aviation Consumer Protection Division received

of their return flights.

Guyana Times understands that Dynamic will be required to pay half of the hefty fine in six instalments, the first of which is to be

a “significant increase” in the number of complaints against the carrier.

The regulatory agency observed that Dynamic had failed to provide refunds in a timely manner, as required, to passengers affected by cancelled flights, and failed to provide written notice to passengers after cancellations more than ten days out

paid within 30 days of the issuance of the order, and the remaining five to be paid in tranches of US$10,000 every 30 days.

The remaining US$60,000 will have to be paid if Dynamic violates the cease-and-desist order within one year from now, or fails to comply with the payment provisions.

Woman nabbed attempting to smuggle ganja, phone into prison

A

Sophia resident has been taken into custody after she was found in possession of 66 grams of cannabis and several pieces of electronic gadgets that were intended to be smuggled in to an inmate at the Timehri Prison.

Based on reports received, the 37-year-old woman was nabbed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service at a restaurant a short distance away from the penitentiary even as a plan was being hatched to smuggle the items into the penitentiary.

The suspect, who is cooperating with investigators, is being processed for court.

Items that were intended to be smuggled in to an inmate at the Timehri Prison

country produced last year.

Continuing on the potential of the region Granger pointed out that it also produced 1.6 million killograms of beef, 281000 killograms of pork and 60,000 killograms of mutton.

"No President can ignore such massive production," Granger said while noting that there is need for diversify since one of the pillars which the country has been sitting on for years; sugar, has not been as profitable as in the past.

Eco tourism is one direction head of State advised should be explored since the region has four rivers and one of those rivers: the Mahaicony River has 600 different species of birds.

He also encouraged the regional administration to work on a Regional Economic Action Plan (REAP).

Meanwhile, President of the West Bernice Chamber of Commerce, Imran Sakoor addressing the gathering at the opening notes that the region is of pivotal importance to Guyana’ development.

He said as the region repairs to under go changes there is much delight in the pronouncement that there is soon to be a town in the region. However there is need for more poor facilities and a branch of the university of Guyana in Region Five The Expo will conclude on Monday.

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017

Page

Foundation “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”

– CS Lewis

R

Anu Dev

ecently, the sixth graders of Guyana wrote their NGSA exams, and it got me thinking about what it was like writing those exams back when it was my time. Back then, it was still officially called SSEE, but more popularly the "Common Entrance". I was in the last batch (2006) to write the Common Entrance, which would have been initiated in the century before to allow children of ordinary folks an opportunity to enter the elite "grammar-type" schools of Queen’s, Bishops and Berbice High.

That was 11 years ago!

My memories of the exams themselves are pretty fuzzy, but I remember that, at the time, they seemed like the most important thing in the world. And I guess

guyanatimesgy.com

they were pretty important: they determined what high school you got into, and that sort of sets you on a trajectory for the future. It’s pretty heavy stuff for a bunch of 10- and 11-year olds to have to think about. I remember being VERY upset about a mark I realised I lost in maths, after the exam!

And now kids are having to think about those things from Grade 2, since there is now an "assessment" at that level, and another in Grade 4. In Grade 2, I was much more preoccupied with running to the canteen early enough to get the greenest mangoes to eat with salt and pepper than with thoughts of my future.

And I’ve heard that parents are sending their kids to lessons in Grade 2. It does seem like a bit much for ones so young. And psychologists do warn us that there are literally stages in cognitive development in children. Some kids literally

would not be able to "get it".

But, for the sixth graders who’ve just swotted through the NGSA, they’ve just survived the ordeal. They have months ahead of them before they even have to think about results and what to expect from high school.

Let them enjoy themselves.

They’ll go to high school, and have to adjust to doing 11 subjects, instead of 4.

It’s always a transition, moving up from one school to another; because, as sixth graders, they would’ve been the oldest kids in primary school -- the kings and queens of the playground, so to speak. Now, in secondary school, they’re back at square one, being called the "babies" of the school.

Sometimes I think about what it would be like to be back in high school. Like if I had a do-over, what would I have done differently then, knowing now the things I know. But just the thought of having to repeat

it all over again is exhausting. Me having to go back through the trauma of the 100s of group assignments and the 1000s of SBAs? I lie down and let the feeling pass!

Reminiscing about memories bathed in sepia-coloured nostalgia is enough for me. Besides, most of the things I’d change if I go back are related to cutting down on the amount of procrastinating I did in high school.

And that gets me thinking that, somewhere in the future, Future-Anu would be sitting around thinking that she should’ve procrastinated less in med school, and that’s when I figure I should do future-Anu a favour and get some work done.

So, back to the sixth graders. Congrats on getting through this hurdle.

Enjoy the well-deserved break, and good luck with high school!

Pele Football Club donates 8 laptops to National Library

Members of the Pele FC Alumni group handing over the laptop computers to staff of the National Library

T

he overseas Alumni group of the Pele Football Club has donated eight laptop computers to the Research Centre of the National Library.

The donation of computers to the Internet library is aimed at supporting the youths of Guyana as they pursue their long-term goals, using Education and sports as the conduit.

Handing over the computers to the Library staff was David Chan, an executive member of the Pele FC Alumni group. Chan expressed delight on the group’s behalf and explained the reason behind this generosity.

Chan highlighted: “It is to promote our commitment to the development of education in Guyana,” as he presented the computers to the Chief Librarian.

Also speaking at the handing over ceremony was the Chairman of the Alumni group, Patrick Barton, who pointed out that this initiative was birthed after the group had paid a visit to Guyana and recognised a lack in the education system.

The Chairman reflected on his childhood days of playing for the Albouystown football club, and noted that attending

school was a primary requirement. However, following the visit, the group realised that a great number of the current youths are not as engulfed in education as they should be.

As such, they hope that with this donation, many will benefit from the increased capacity that the addition of computers now allows.

Chief Librarian Emily King received the equipment on behalf of the National Library and thanked the group for its generosity. Indicating that such a donation was much needed, King pointed out: “They (the computers) will be a great enhancement to our Internet library. They (the users) always tell us about the need to acquire additional computers, and these are much welcomed additions to our Internet library.”

She added, “We are better able to serve this sector in terms of having technology available for our users, since the library is not only for reading books.”

The Pele Football Club Alumni is a non-profit organisation that serves Guyanese youths through the sponsorship of overseas-based donors, primarily in the United States

news

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sunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Agriculture sector contracted by 10.4% – finance report

T

he agriculture sector contracted by a massive 10.4% last year even though the overall economy grew by 3.3%, primarily on the back of production increases in the gold industry.

This was revealed in the Monthly Economic Bulletin (MEB) for the month of December produced by the Economic Policy Analysis Unit (EPAU) of the Office of the Budget at the Finance Ministry. The bulletins provide monthly updates on some of the important developments within Guyana’s economy.

Published on the Ministry’s website last week, the bulletin said the El Niño phenomenon was partly to be blamed for dismal performances registered in the rice and sugar industries during the first half of 2016. However, it noted that the late planting in both industries also hampered production for the second half of the year.

In addition, it blamed union strikes during the fourth quarter of the year for adversely affecting production in the sugar industry.

The Monthly Economic Bulletin for January 2017 has projected that the agricultural sector is expected to show improvement this year, with strong growth expected for the rice and fishing industries.

Meanwhile, the forestry industry performed poorly because of a halt in the awarding of concessions and sluggish global demand for timber products, which resulted in the

the 208,000 tonnes targeted for this year will be revised due to ongoing issues at the Skeldon factory.

As it relates to the Rice Industry, production for December 2016 reached 1,582 tonnes, down from 6,267 tonnes in December 2015.

This, the Bulletin outlined, resulted in production for 2016 totalling 534,766 tonnes compared to 687,784 tonnes produced in 2015, a reduction of 22.2 per cent.

“Similar to sugar, rice production for 2016 was lower than 2015, due to the El Niño phenomenon combined with late sowing for the second crop. The rice industry is expected to rebound in 2017 with production forecasted at 590,000 tonnes (provided that conditions remain favour-

contraction of operations of two companies. To this end, Government has said, it aims to reform the industry so as to benefit the nation over the medium–to– long term. Economic growth is projected at 3.8 per cent for 2017.

A review of the performance of the sugar industry revealed that in December last year, 28,184 tonnes of sugar were produced, which resulted in an end-of-year total of 183,491 tonnes for 2016, compared to 229,318 tonnes produced during 2015.

“Sugar production for 2016 was 20 per cent low-

er than 2015, due to the El Niño phenomenon which severely affected production of the first crop, combined with late planting and strikes during the second half of the year. Sugar production, though budgeted to increase in 2017, may decline due to reduced crop from the Skeldon Estate.

This will result in a contraction in the industry once again,” the December 2016 Bulletin projected.

Since production is not generated until February each year, there is no record of sugar production for January 2017, and the MEB for that month states that

able and new markets are found),” the December 2016 Bulletin has predicted.

Like in sugar, no production was also recorded for rice in January 2017, targeted at 590,000 tonnes, the MEB for that month has noted. Nevertheless, sowing reportedly continued during January and February.

The production of the forestry industry for December 2016 amounted to 39,091 cubic metres, compared with 96,026 cubic metres in December 2015. “This resulted in production reaching 327,781 cubic metres in 2016, compared to 427,351 cubic metres in 2015.

Lower production for 2016 resulted from the Government reorganising the sector in pursuit of better forestry management and greater value added,” the Bulletin states.

In addition, the downsizing of Barama during the fourth quarter of last year had a negative impact on production.

Going forward this year, forestry production for January 2017 amounted to 17,174 cubic metres, compared with 25,733 cubic metres in the corresponding period last year.

“Lower production is expected for this industry as reorganising of the industry by Government continues. Production for 2017 is targeted at 297,070 cubic metres,” the January 2017 MEB noted.

Despite, the industry’s expected continuity in decline in 2017, growth within the industry will, over the medium term, rebound as more value-added products are added, the MEB has noted.

8 news

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Grey Boy” rearrested for Crum-Ewing’s execution

T

he prime suspect in the case involving the execution of Courtney Crum-Ewing, Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues, was rearrested on Friday, weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions had ordered that the case be reopened.

Rodrigues, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody, had appealed the case and was granted bail. He had been in hiding since the DPP reopened the case, but following a tip-off received, police swooped down on a house at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown and arrested the suspect.

The accused was charged for the March 2015 murder of Crum-Ewing, but was subsequently acquitted. The matter was previously heard before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

On March 17, the DDP Chambers noted: “The sole purpose of this remit is to take further evidence from police witnesses and to rule on the

Courtney Crum-Ewing

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues

voluntariness of all oral statements of the accused.”

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has been retained by the state as special prosecutor in this case.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-yearold ex-soldier, was gunned down execution style on March 10, 2015, while urging residents of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, to go out and cast their ballots in the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections. An autopsy performed on Crum-Ewing re-

vealed that he had been shot five times. Several months later, Rodrigues, called “Grey Boy,” was arrested and charged after a gun that was found at his home matched the spent shells found at the crime scene where CrumEwing was gunned down.

The murder charge against Rodrigues was dismissed in September 2016 after Magistrate Latchman found that no case has been made against Rodrigues. The magistrate found that police had failed to prove that

Rodrigues was the one who had pulled the trigger on the night when Crum-Ewing was murdered.

The magistrate had stated that there was no evidence which suggested to the court that Rodrigues was the one who had pulled the trigger, and that throughout the case, neither the accused nor the evidence had implicated him in the murder. As such, he was discharged.

However, Rodrigues has been serving a three-year sentence for escaping from lawful custody, which was handed down in January 2016. He has since appealed that sentence. He was also found to be in possession of a Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of matching ammunition while he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Nevertheless, he was acquitted of charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after the prosecution had failed to prove that case as well.

SARA… W

…and betrayal

hile your Eyewitness won’t pretend to being a man of the cloth, he was yet taken aback when the Minister of Natural Resources gave, as the reason for shutting down the debate on the SARA Bill, the explanation that it was “Holy Thursday”.

No, your Eyewitness wasn’t upset about mixing religion and the state - even in this highest bastion of the state following the faux pas of the Headmistress of CHS. Your Eyewitness knows from whence the breeze blows in THIS administration!! Wasn’t David chosen to be King

by God Himself??

What surprised your Eyewitness was how Trotman let his dirty Freudian slip show with his invocation of Holy Thursday. As an old Altar Boy, your Eyewitness knows that that was the day Jesus held His last supper. Yep! The day that was supposed to be a happy occasion, with everyone gathered to do the right thing, but which would eventually end in betrayal by some at the feast. And this was what went down in Parliament on Thursday. Wasn’t it?

Now, everyone from both sides of the aisle agreed that recovering state assets was a good thing. This was unlike 1992, when Jagan, for reasons known only to him, decided he wouldn’t go after all those PNC types who’d grown fat off state assets during the PNC’s 28 years at the helm. The PNC’s hand was more often in the till than on the steering wheel of state. No wonder the ship of state crashed!! Remember that big one -who eventually became the biggest one -- who made a bundle on a barge from Texas that would solve our electricity woes??

Well, anyhow, the point about Holy Thursday in Parliament was the betrayal. And sure enough, even before the cock had crowed thrice – actually, it wasn’t even 10pm, and the cock probably hadn’t even settled down after servicing the hens – that the betrayal came; a betrayal of the foundation of parliamentary democracy. This was the truncation of the debate on the merits and demerits of the SARA Bill, right after a man of the cloth – Bishop Edghill – had delivered his homily.

And what a homily it was! He reminded the Pharisees across the aisles that if they were imitating the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and going after the recovery of state assets, then the least they could do was institute laws controlling campaign financing. After all, in this day and age, there are other ways to raid the treasury than dipping into the till, like the first PNC government had done.

Remember fellas who make “political investments” on which they expect a hefty return from the parties they invested in??

… PAYBACK

Oooops! Trotman DID say something about that a while back. Didn’t he? Think “Speciality Hospital”, or “Wind Farm”, or “Pharma Warehouse”, or “Jubilee Stadium”, “Parking Meters”, or “$604M Pharma sole sourced contract”, or…you get the point! Don’t you?

The way this lot is humping the treasury is to pass the hefty sums of money to their “business buddies,” who will then deposit their shares in secret bank accounts here and abroad. But this is where the AML/CFT Bill will kick in.

The point here is, of course, that time is longer than twine; and just as how the descendants of Burnham lived to rue the day in regard to the Constitution they used to cackle about, they will weep and wail and gnash their teeth about this SARA Bill. The examples just quoted will inevitably multiply by 2020 -- probably exponentially, from the way this lot is going on -- being augmented by the shysters from the AFC. And then the same SARA powers will decimate them!!

Payback is a bitch; and revenge is best served cold!!

…ITS OPTICS

The Chronic ran a very revealing pic of those running SARA. There sat Clive Thomas, the omnipotent Director; Retmeyer, CEO; Basil Williams, AG; and Brian Horn, Legal Advisor. Harmon, their subject Minister; and Eric Philips, advisor, were absent.

A pic is worth 1000 words!

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

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Shyam Nokta elected new GMSA President …aims to capitalise on emerging sectors

C

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta, has been elected the new President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for fiscal year 2017 – 2018.

During that association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Limited, was re-elected First Vice President; Yonette Jeffers of Laparkan Freight Forwarders was elected Second Vice President, and Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO retained the finance portfolio of that association by being elected 3rd vice president.

In responding to the Board’s confidence, Nokta indicated that his main objective over the year would be to consolidate and expand the organisation through strengthened relationships between the board and member companies. He indicated that an important area of focus will be facilitating the resolution of issues affecting members through closer collaboration with key stakeholders.

Nokta also said that emphasis will be placed on strengthening important

CEO of the Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta

sub-sector bodies covering agro-processing, services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, construction and engineering; forestry and wood products, fast foods, and minerals and related products.

The first-time president expressed strong interest in seeing the GMSA establish strategic partnerships with other business support organisations (BSO) to position the business community to maximise opportunities from new and emerging sectors, such as the imminent hydrocarbon industry.

Nokta is highly skilled in

the management of natural resources, the environment and climate change, and has over 15 years of experience working as a consultant. He previously served as Adviser and Head of Guyana’s Office of Climate Change, where he was instrumental in the development and implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and negotiating the REDD+ partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.

Nokta holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Assessment and Management from the University of OxfordBrookes, and was the recipient of several academic awards, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

His vice president, Ali, who had held the reins of the GMSA following the passing of its president, Eon Caesar, in December 2016, outlined in brief remarks some of the association’s recent achievements and interventions, which included the preparation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan for 2017-2020; strengthened relations with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and facilitating resolution of members’ key issues; the GMSA’s successful negotiations -- with the support

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CARICOM Secretariat -- to expand the range of items exempted from the Common External Tariff (CET); and securing Government’s support and intervention with the United Kingdom to lift the

UK Environmental Agency’s 2015 ban on Guyana’s Greenheart lumber.

The GMSA has over 100 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors. The Board of Directors for this fiscal year 2017–2018 includes

such companies as Sterling Products Ltd; Banks DIH Ltd; the Edward B Beharry Group; Swansea Associates; and Brass, Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF).

These companies have kept the GMSA strong and functional over many years.

10 news

sunDAY, april 16, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Mahaica access road, dams in poor condition

T

he main access road to the Region Five farming areas of the Mahaica Creek is currently in poor condition, and complaints are pouring in to the responsible authorities from residents and especially farmers of that community.

The road is presently in such a deplorable state that farmers are having great difficulty attempting to transport their goods and move machinery along it. This has resulted in farmers having to incur additional expense as a result of damages sustained to their vehicles.

When Guyana Times visited the area late last week, the Biaboo section of the road, about eight miles into the Mahaica Creek area, was almost impassable. Speaking with this publication, one farmer said no money is being allocated for the road to be fixed, and this situation is

A vehicle making its way through a section of the damaged road

“frustrating for many.”

This publication was told that the road has been in its present deteriorated condition for a number of months now, and residents have made continuous calls for it to be rehabilitated, but to no avail. Moreover, the access dams are also in deplorable condition.

This newspaper was told that, to alleviate their suffering and inconvenience,

farmers have had to do rehabilitative work on several access dams that lead from the roads to the fields. One rice farmer assisted with the rehabilitation works done to the dams by loaning his machinery. He said, “Now we, as farmers, are already trying to make ends meet because of the many issues that are facing us; now we have to build dams as well. Is that fair to us? That can never be

fair.”

He said the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), responsible for the state of drainage and irrigation in the area, is allegedly responsible for having those dams fixed, but the neglect to farmers continues with the neglect to fix the access road and dams. Another farmer said the MMA has thus far been negligent in its functions, and this issue should be looked into by those in higher authority. The farmer said, “They should have ensured that the dams in the area are fixed so that farmers could have easy access to their fields.” Region 5 Chairman Vickchand Ramphall confirmed that the area is being neglected. He noted that it is time someone in authority seek to assist persons living in those areas.

Fear of flying

S

atiricus always enjoyed the long Easter weekend.

He always thanked the Church Fathers who decided -- of all the days in the week -- to pick the day on which Jesus was crucified to be a Friday.

How could they know? The calendar hadn’t even been formed! Knowing that Jesus rose three days later, Easter then had to fall on a Monday. And voila!!

“Good Friday” to “Easter Monday” wrapped around the weekend to give the fellas ample time to bend their elbows at the Back Street Bar! “OK Sato! OK!” grinned Hari, as Satiricus explained the Easter weekend, “So the Church Fathers were ahead of the Americans on this ‘long weekend’ business!”

“Yeah!” enthused Bungi. “Leh abee drink to da!!”

Drinks duly downed, Satiricus asked, “Can you believe the way United treated that passenger they bumped off their flight?”

“Yes, I can believe it!” Hari immediately responded, as he signalled for another beer. “Have you even flown CaripAirlines?”

“Yeah, Sato!” said Bungi. “Dem a treat Guyanese like daag!”

“You hear that or you know that?” demanded Satiricus.

“Budday, yuh na rememba da time me bin fuh look wuk in St Lucia?” Bungi answered. “Dem CaripAirlines people na even gi’e abee wan pack nut!”

“I went with Bungi that time to show him the ropes,” revealed Hari. “The flight was delayed three hours here. We were starving!”

“An’ abee had fuh wait two hour fuh people come in a Trinidad,” continued Bungi, who was getting quite worked up. “An’ still na wan packet a nut!”

“You like nuts?” asked Satiricus.

“Na play de ass, Sato,” snapped Bungi. “Me bin hungry and de plane start fuh get hat and me start fuh cuss!”

“Bungi didn’t want people to know,” said Hari.

“But they dragged him off the plane.”

“So did they beat you?” asked Satiricus solicitously.

“Naah!” said Bungi. “Dem gi’e me some doubles an’ coc’nut wata an’ seh me a de fuss Guyanese wah complain!”

news

Sheriff St/Mandela Ave road project

11

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

IDB reviewing project scope …as tender opening on hold

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently revising the scope of works on the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road Project (Lots 6-7), putting it on hold and delaying the opening of tenders for the project.

According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, it is currently awaiting the ‘No Objection’ from the IDB for a revised scope of works.

“While the tender opening for this project was slated for April 11, 2017, this process was postponed, and bidders have been informed of the postponement while the go-ahead is awaited,” the Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

It was noted that tenders were returned unopened, and can be resubmitted on the newly identified tender opening date.

The project has been revised following discussions with the Finance Ministry with the aim of achieving completion before the loan deadline set out by the IDB. Loan-2741 was signed in 2012 to the tune of US$66 million, and it has a deadline of March 2018.

The revised scope, which is anticipated to cost US$35 million, will

include the relocation of utilities, for which the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) have been contracted.

Also among the works to be done are: pedestrian crossings; milling and new overlay of the surface; and repairs to bridges and structures.

While the revised scope was submitted to the Finance Ministry and subsequently forwarded to the IDB, the project must be green-lit before the tender opening can take place.

Otherwise, the process would not be recognised by the IDB. The initial project was tendered twice; first in 2014, and then again in 2015, both times under the previous administration.

On the second occasion, tenders were returned in May 2015, as none of the contractors was deemed responsive.

Back in January, at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s 2016 year-in-review exercise, it was noted that several of the internationally-funded projects were unable to get a start in 2016, but efforts are already apace to have them started.

This included the IDB-funded SheriffMandela project, which did not get off ground last year. It was explained that Government had decided to have a review of this project with it being nullified twice, once in 2015 and then in 2016.

“It was basically sent up for review, which has been completed, and that should be out for tendering at the end of this month, once we receive all the no-objections,” Geoffrey Vaughn of the Public Infrastructure Ministry had noted.

The review was conducted by the WSG Design Unit along with the consultant firm Egis, in association with SRK Engineering.

12 news Major issues affecting Region 9 residents highlighted SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

‌as Opposition Leader concludes hinterland visit

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has concluded his Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Over the past week, Jagdeo visited a number of communities in the Region where residents raised major issues affecting them and their liveli-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing residents during one of his community visits in Region Nine over the weekend

hood. Among the major issues raised are the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into land ownership, and the impact of the plummeting economy and the shortage of basic medical supplies on their communities. Over the weekend, the Opposition Leader visited Aishalton and Tabatinga

among other communities.

The Opposition Leader had been in the Region since last Tuesday when he, along with a team of parliamentarians, including Irfaan Ali, as well as a number of the Party’s regional officials, met with residents of Annai, Rupertee, Wowetta, Kwatamang, Apoteri, Crash Water, Massara, Kwaimatta, Yakarinta, Toka, Tiger Pond, Pipang and Taushida.

At the communities, they were treated to cultural presentations and held fruitful discussions with members.

The Opposition Leader shares a light moment with residents

Jagdeo had also addressed the Regional Toshaos Council in Lethem on Thursday.

Those discussions centred on national and regional development.

news

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The last ship

By Ryhaan Shah

T

he SS Ganges was the last ship to bring Indian indentured labourers to British Guiana. It arrived in Georgetown on April 18, 1917 with 437 men, women and children destined for various plantations.

The ship had left India just four days before the Abolition Act was signed in the Indian Parliament on March 12, 1917.

After sailing from Calcutta with 124 persons, or just over a third of the labour contingent, it then docked in Madras to pick up the rest of the indentured Ryhaan Shah workers before setting sail for the Caribbean.

Among the last arrivals there were 39 children, 22 of whom were boys; and of the adults, there were 268 men and 130 women.

The largest contingent of 218 (including their children) was contracted to 11 Demerara plantations stretching from Cane Grove to De Kinderen. The largest batch – 28 persons -- went to work at Non Pareil; and just two persons, most likely a married couple, were contracted to Diamond Estate.

Nine Berbice plantations received 150 of the last arrivals, with the majority -- a group of 26 -- being contracted to the Port Mourant Estate; and 69 of the labourers were assigned to four estates in Essequibo.

The SS Ganges sailed on to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where 389 adults and 32 children disembarked. With this final stop, the transportation of Indian indentured labourers to the British colonies ceased.

Interestingly, this last group of labourers served a shortened period of indentureship. An Act in the British Parliament brought the scheme to an official end, and all indenture contracts were cancelled on January 1, 1920.

However, the scheme’s contractual nature had always meant that each labourer had a personal contract to complete, after which their own indentureship would have come to an end.

By 1917, the country’s population had comprised 42% Indians. That percentage rose to as high as 51% before undergoing a steady decline over the past 50 years to drop to the 1917 census figure again.

The reasons for this decline are varied, but have much to do with the cultural and political hostility faced by the Indian population; hostility which erupted into episodes of ethnic violence over those 50 years. Within the Caribbean region, Indians comprise about 20% of the population, and this minority status gives impetus to the regional marginalisation of this community.

Indians in the Caribbean, as the late Professor Rex Nettleford of UWI once stated, had to “learn to be West Indian”. Though he later corrected his remark to be more politically correct vis`a-vis Caribbean diversity, his utterance does align closely to the truth of the region’s policy towards race and cultural relations pertaining to its Indian populations.

In the islands with smaller groups of Indians, like Jamaica, the Indian presence has largely been assimilated, reflecting Nettleford’s experience; but in Guyana and Trinidad, Indians, as large populations, continue the struggle for recognition and for their cultural and human rights.

Our presence in Guyana is being made invisible even by the reluctance of successive governments to digitise and preserve the Indian immigration and indentureship records, which languish and steadily deteriorate in the National Archives. Of the Indian diaspora communities, Guyana is the only one where this preservation project attracts little or no state support.

Marking the end of the indentureship programme is bittersweet. While many of the descendants of our fore-parents have made good lives here and in North America, the facts of the poverty and famine in India that drove them to board ships to seek a better life, and the facts of the brutality and hardships they faced on the sugar plantations can never be glossed over.

And that history is not yet over, as sugar estates face closure and the consequent loss of the traditional estate work on which many still depend. While some closures might be justified in a changed global economy, the Granger Administration’s lack of concern about the future of the retrenched workers is a grim reminder of the ruthlessness of the colonial era.

Except for the First Nations, we are all here because of sugar, and when the SS Whitby dropped anchor off Plantation Highbury on the Berbice River on May 5, 1838, it was an historic occasion. The labourers who stepped off that ship stepped into history. They were not only the first Indians to arrive in British Guiana, but were the first to arrive in the Western world.

Since President David Granger has declared days of special observances for the arrival of the Chinese and Portuguese to Guyana, perhaps he would now correct the official name of the May 5th holiday and give it its rightful title of “Indian Arrival Day”.

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

Complaints of tardiness

Region 10 Council votes to extend list of evaluators

C

ouncillors within the Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) have agreed unanimously to expand the list of evaluators, based on numerous issues being experienced by the present set. In light of several revelations of tardiness on the part of evaluators, members of the Council, during the most recent statutory meeting, voted for an expansion.

Councillor Sandra Adams expressed grave concern that the Council's Works Department had not spent any of its allocations; and Regional Chairman Renis Morian attributed this to tardiness on the part of evaluators. c"My concern is (that) we're in the month of April.

Councillor Sandra Adams

A new budget cycle will start just now. In fact, other Ministries are already preparing supplementary budgets from last year.

I haven't been seeing any visible contracts advertised (for) work being done in Region 10. Where are we in terms of our contracts for

Regional Chairman Renis Morian

this year?" Adams asked.

In response, Morian said he and members of the Works Department recently sat at Tender Board to look at the pre-qualification of contractors, but noted that 90 percent of what was received was in a con-

fused state. He explained that evaluators have been extremely tardy, much to the disadvantage of the Council moving forward with getting its projects off the ground. As such, he asked councillors to make a decision to either expand or seek new evaluators, but warned that the latter process may be time consuming. "We have now to utilise staff internally, to go back through them (contractor's documents), which will delay us maybe another 72 hours. And we're already late. The time has come for us to have either an extension of persons to do evaluation, or fresh evaluators.

We are not getting the best from our evaluators…what we saw coming here was confusion", the Regional Chairman asserted.

TURN TO PAGE 19

14 news

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parish Peak mining

Govt aware of other miners in area – Broomes

…says matter was referred to GFC for resolution

F

ollowing an imbroglio, Government has offered some clarity on the issue involving miners from the National Mining Syndicate who are contending that they are being prevented from mining in Parish Peak.

According to Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes in a recent interview with this publication, there are indeed other mining properties in the Parish Peak area, but the procedure to be followed in accessing those properties involves the miners having to complete a prospecting permit application.

She also said the process for applying for a prospecting licence, as set out by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), includes providing a Form five ‘A’ application as well as a map and cartographic description of the area.

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

“The syndicate that was formed wanted to go in that location, not necessarily to mine, because the procedure is that you go and do prospecting. So it is not even (evident) that they have an application. There

are other mining properties in the area, that’s a fact.

Before, they (GGMC) would have said that they were not giving out, but persons ended up getting properties in the area.

So they have mining properties in the area and the miners wanted to go in there and do prospecting.”

Broomes stated that when miners came to her, she referred the matter to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

“The process is first they go, identify and do the prospecting; then they come back with their coordinates to Land Management to say, okay, they have identified here, (and verify) if it is available. But they did not even meet to that stage, because when they went there, they could not have passed, (a) gate was across.

So they were not allowed to see the area, so the other

part of it was not followed,” she explained.

A statement issued earlier in the week from Renwick Solomon, head of the 14Mile Issano Syndicate, noted that the area actually had more than 90 mining operations that were allowed to work with oversight from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) .

He noted that since miners from the Syndicate just wanted an equal chance to mine, it was disheartening for the MNRE to say that the area was off-limits when it was aware of the other operators being there.

“In fact,” he contended, “there are over 90 active mining properties operating in the Parish Peak area; and moreover, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have full oversight of these operturn to page 17 ations.”

Younge’s Take Coalition, Third Party Politics

G

uyanese have, for decades, been locked in a heated debate about what form or type of government can deliver the populace from its shackles of poverty and inequity, while setting the institutional and infrastructural framework for the country’s overall development through a mixture of modern constitutional reforms and futuristic ideologies.

Since the pre-Independence era, some Guyanese scholars have believed that a national unity government, comprising of a number of erudite and principled political parties and actors under one umbrella, was the answer to the country’s political woes. They felt strongly that the national unity government should be patriotic in nature, and must have the Michael Younge political acumen to address race and ethnicity in order to build a more equal and unified Guyana, where every citizen could thrive personally, religiously and economically.

Others believed that shared governance amongst the various ethnic groups that occupied Guyana could result in a better situation politically, given the decades-long political and power conflicts which has retarded the country’s development and growth. They hold the view that there is massive distrust amongst the Indo- and Afro-Guyanese populace, given their colonial and post-Independence experiences.

Therefore, if a formula were worked out that saw them governing together side-by-side and in the interest of each other, the levels of distrust would eventually decline; growth in various constituencies would be almost equal, and the concept of racism would die a slow death.

But there is another set of intellectuals who have always believed that the two aforementioned forms of government would be disastrous for the country, because they would result in deeper divisions, racial inequality, discrimination amongst minorities, and a failed state. In fact, they believe that independent political figures, parties and groups should be allowed to compete against each other to form governments based on their own independent ideologies and economic beliefs -- which would have to be approved by a voting public.

It didn’t matter what they looked like or how drastic their plans were, what was important was the intent of their plans and the integrity of their leaders, as well as who would ultimately benefit from their ambitious reforms.

The concept of forming coalitions therefore sprang from the first group, while the notion of power of the third party was birthed through the ideology of the last group. Over time, Guyana would have experimented with both, but the results were not positive, and little political or socio-economic benefits were derived. It is true, however, that the independent parties have, over the past 50 years, achieved more in office than the coalitions of the United Force and PNC or the AFC and PNC put together.

In fact, more tangible development was derived under the tenure of the PPP, which had set up an informal civic non-political component, when compared to other governments, both colonial and independent. This may have been because the party, which is still predominantly Marxist in its political and economic thrust, infused characteristics from all three of the schools of thought put forward above.

The PPP also believed in national unity, as exemplified in its posture under Cheddi Jagan, who appeared to have always looked past the interests of his Indo-constituents in order to put country first, and who treated the welfare of all Guyanese as paramount.

This was very evident as he rallied against rigged elections and after rigged election which kept Forbes Burnham and the PNC at the helm of the State.

Also, following Jagan’s death, Bharrat Jagdeo should be credited for the work he did in addressing the lack of trust among competing political parties and ethnic groups during his tenure. He engineered meaningful constitutional reforms and various white papers on the way forward for Guyana’s development. Jagdeo even proposed terms and conditions for the PNC and PPP as well as other parties to consider if trust was to be rebuilt and national healing and reconciliation realized amongst those affected by the acts of his party and other PNC governments.

Robert Corbin and Desmond Hoyte, who were opposition leaders during the rulership of the PPP, appeared to understand the need to tread carefully and to put their presidential ambitions aside so that Guyana could remain first.

Unfortunately, the PPP’s overall success in advancing the right form and mixture of ideologies whilst in Government for 23 years has been undermined by accusations of corruption and discrimination against Afro-Guyanese. Equally, while some had hoped that David Granger and the AFC had the right formula, events that have unfolded over the past two and a half years are challenging the bedrock of their beliefs. It appears that the new coalition, premised on the first school of thought, is doing more harm than any of the other ideologies, because growth has slowed, corruption is up, ethnic tension is high, and policy confusion as well as double-standards abound at the highest levels of the Government and State. Guyana is in regression and on a steady path of decline.

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

NWD man busted with 11 lbs of cocaine

Last ship landing and land owed

T

uesday, April 18, will mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the last ship from India -- the SS Ganges which brought indentured labourers to Guyana. It slipped out of Calcutta a mere four days before GovernorGeneral Hardinge of the Indian Government had ordered the cessation of all recruitment and shipments, on March 12, 1917. The mere five weeks it took to make the journey across the seas, as compared to the sixteen weeks by the Whitby (Jan 13 - May 5th, 1838) would remind us of the changes wrought by the shift from Ravi Dev sailing ships to steam ships.

Steam ships made of iron, like the SS Ganges which was commissioned by the Nourse Line in 1906, were also much larger. On this “last voyage” it left with 858 men, women and children, compared to the 249 on board the Whitby.

One significant change was that the number of women in the Ganges was just about half that of the men -- a much higher ratio than the usual one out of three over the course of immigration. The Ganges also seemed to recapitulate the immigration experience by bringing immigrants from BOTH the major ports of Calcutta and Madras. Unlike the earlier immigrants, the “northern” and “southern” Indians would have begun to mix on board the ship or “jahaj”, rather than when they were on the plantations.

Another recapitulation was that the Ganges dropped off only 437 of her immigrants to Guiana, then proceeded to Trinidad, where the remaining 421 disembarked on April 22.

This is a reminder that each one of us in the Indian Diaspora are in a particular country only because of the luck of the draw. We could have just as easily been sent to Fiji, or Suriname, or South Africa etc.

The immigrants in that last shipment from the SS Ganges were sent to plantations in each of the three counties.

Twenty-four of them -- including 2 infants -- were sent to Uitvlugt, the plantation where I was born and raised. It is very possible that some of the half-dozen old immigrants who lived at one end of my street as bachelors were from that ship. I never did find out. The three cottages they lived in were replicas of those I would see later in the villages of Bihar: thatched roofs over mud walls with a framework of “wattle” without fences between them. They eked out lives of quiet misery.

But as part of the contract that was signed by the immigrants, they were entitled to a return passage to India, which was paid to a large extent by the Government.

As early as 1869, when 30,000 individuals qualified, the Government of British Guiana decided that this was getting too costly and that, additionally, the planters would rather retain the seasoned workers. From this time onwards, the Government began to encourage the immigrants to remain in Guiana by exchanging their “right of return” for land. Near the plantations, some marginal swampy land was accepted by immigrants, who cultivated rice to buttress their meagre wages. The old immigrants in my village had been bought off by two small lots.

In 1880, the Government purchased Huis’t Dieren, an abandoned estate in Essequibo, and divided it into lots which were offered to some Indian families in exchange for their return passages to India. Two years later, the Government took another tack by dividing up land it owned (Crown Land) at Cotton Tree (West Berbice), Brighton (Corentyne) and Maria’s Lodge (Essequibo), among other areas, and selling it to immigrants at reasonable rates But these immigrants still retained their ‘right to return” passages.

In 1894, still trying to encourage immigrants to remain, the Government reintroduced the programme of exchanging return passages for land, and thus Helena (Mahaica), Bush Lot (West Berbice) and Whim (Corentyne) were created in 1897. In the meantime, over 75,000 immigrants exercised their contractual right to be returned to India - even after the abolition of Indentureship in 1917.

The last return ship, the MS Resurgent, left for India on September 4, 1955 with 243 men, women and children.

But in this era of seeking justice for past exploitation of labour, might it be time for the descendants of Indian indentured labourers to Guyana to submit claims for all the land they were entitled to in exchange for their unused return passage?

T

hirty-year-old Andrew Kenneth of Port Kaituma, North West District is, along with a driver from Sans Souci, Wakenaam, expected to be charged on Tuesday after four parcels of cocaine were found in the car in which they were travelling.

According to information received, the men were on Thursday travelling from Charity in hire car HB 5809, which was stopped and searched at a road block exercise at

Aurora Village.

During that search, police ranks unearthed a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine in a black suitcase in the vehicle.

When questioned, Kenneth claimed ownership of the suitcase.

The men were taken to the Aurora police station, and the substance, when weighed, amounted to 11 pounds.

Investigations are ongoing.

Albouystown man jailed for illegal gun, ammo possession

T

he trial of Dexter Anthony Bharrat who was charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in 2016 came to an end late last week when he was found guilty by Magistrate Dylan Bess and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

The Albouystown, Georgetown man first appeared before the courts on March 22, 2016 after he was busted with a .45 pistol and six live rounds of .45 ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He was initially remanded, but was subse-

quently granted bail pending trial.

The prosecution’s case was that on the day in question, police, acting on information, swooped down on a popular fish shop located on Hadfield Street, Georgetown and found Bharrat imbibing alcohol. A search was con-

ducted on the premises and the said weapon was discovered on the person of the accused. He was thus arrested and charged with the offence.

Bharrat will serve a twoyear sentence for each offence.

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

Mabaruma men remanded for unlawful wounding

Granger’s green N Easter sky Anna Correia

I

t’s Easter – another occasion for a publicity campaign, which the Granger team desperately seized to increase Presi’s dwindling popularity (well, what’s left of it, at least!).

And so our President went on a kite distribution spree in Malali and Muritaro, located in Region 10.

One wonders if Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s current outreach in the Rupununi is what prompted the President’s destination choice (after all, Anna Correia the PPP did get the majority of Amerindian votes)! But while team Jagdeo distributed multi-coloured reusable kites with fun images printed specifically for children, President Granger opted for kites made in the Peoples National Congress Reform stern military green.

And while team Jagdeo handed out grammar and other textbooks to villages to support education, President Granger distributed “specially designed exercise books” (according to official communication on the President’s social media page).

Of course, this meant regular exercise books printed in the said suffocating military green, with APNU propaganda labelling the cover.

The last man to have done something similar was Forbes Burnham, but even the dictator, in all his megalomania, didn’t impose the PNC’s nauseating green on young children. He was simply contented to slap his face on Guyana’s legendary bluecovered exercise books. Perhaps Granger forgot that the colour most associated with indigenous culture is red? But, then again, what does the President care about indigenous culture and indigenous rights?

This Arrow echoes the fear of party paramountcy, expressed by growing sections of Guyanese society; party paramountcy by a PNC-dominated Coalition Government which cares not for national unity, as it is set out to obliterate any democracy whose contesting voices and freedom of expression become its enemies.

But while President Granger often invokes democracy as his ally in a poor attempt to demarcate himself from his idol, the late Burnham, the truth is that he is much less subtle in his demarche as an autocratic leader. This can be observed in his refusal to acknowledge the concerns of the Guyanese people through a long overdue live press conference, as well as his protection of PNC bullies across Guyana. It can be observed in his abhorrence for national dialogue expressed; his refusal to uphold the Coalition Manifesto promises; and his failure to acknowledge the economic crisis which has hit Guyana, resulting in the increasing precariousness of the Guyanese people. The President’s autocratic nature is also translated by his indifference to international best practices, including continuity in governance and UN guidelines.

But perhaps what the President has today that Burnham didn’t have in his dictatorial pursuit is a plethora of pseudointellectuals using civil organisations and titles as a front to defend causes that serve no other interests but the PNC’s. This is why men such as Eric Phillips of the now controversial ACDA, and PNC executive Vincent Alexander can now advance unsanctioned the claim that African land reparation claims equate to indigenous land rights. A more incoherent and menacing statement towards Guyana’s First Peoples could not be made, except by the PNC. But when the President of Guyana himself, and in person, opposes the authority of over 200 indigenous Chiefs who comprise the National Toshaos Council (NTC) (a legal body ordained by the Amerindian Act 6 – 2006 ), bypasses the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples, and imposes a Commission of Inquiry into indigenous land claims, we know that it is because minions like Eric Phillips were willing to do the dirty job and pave this abysmal regression of indigenous land rights.

When Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, last week dismissed a motion in Parliament to scrap the said CoI on the basis that it is not an “urgent matter”, indigenous peoples countrywide understood that the highest lieu of democracy no longer acts as a shield from the PNC’s caprices.

But the putrid green that the President distributed in Region 10 cannot compensate for more than a century of progress made in regard to Amerindian land rights, which were acquired through the persistence and self-determination of the free Amerindian peoples of Guyana. And it most certainly cannot buy the silence of Amerindians, for whom land rights are intrinsic to their global and UN-recognised status as indigenous peoples.

Nor can it mask the stench of a PNC agenda which hungers for a rewritten Guyanese history.

But thankfully for our multi-ethnic, multi-cultured and diverse country, all of Granger’s kites cannot make the sky green.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

aresh Robinson and Ricardo France of Mabaruma in the North West District of Region One were flown to the city to be arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of unlawful wounding, which allegedly occurred during a fight.

The prosecution’s case is that with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, the men wounded

Dwight Benjamin on April 9 at Wauna Village, Region One. The court was informed that Benjamin is still hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), undergoing treatment for his injuries.

The men have been remanded to prison, and the case is set to continue before the Mabaruma magistrate on May 23.

Govt aware of...

The Syndicate has said it believes that a principled and fair decision must be taken to ensure that anyone seeking mining opportunities is treated equally.

It stated that while the MNRE was reasoning that the area was designated as a GGMC reservation, officials still allowed miners to acquire land there.

“We find it unfair that

Naresh Robinson and Ricardo France from page 14

the Ministry would use the reasoning that the area is a GGMC-reserved area, one that was held

by Goldstone Resources Limited in 1999 and is important for biodiversity, given that the Upper Berbice River comprises pristine lowland forests containing diverse and abundant wildlife, but yet (the MNRE) allow persons to acquire land to mine in the area.”

18 News

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Keeping the art of kite-making alive

By Devina Samaroo

T

he skies will come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours and symphonious singing as fleets of aerial artistry soar above the clouds in a zigzag dance, heralding Easter in Guyana.

A unique tradition that has survived the test of time, kite-flying can be enjoyed throughout the year, but is most popular around this period, as it symbolises the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of the religious meaning, Guyanese from all walks of life flock popular open spaces, like waterfront areas and vast parks, to participate in this annual carnival-like activity. Adults and kids alike find immense happiness as they struggle to hoist their kites in friendly rivalries to see which ascends the fastest and the farthest. But the pleasures of the festivities begin long before the flying of the kites, at least for those who still find joy in kite-making.

Though the markets now are flooded with the imported plastic bird kites, many prefer to purchase the readymade handcrafted artforms which line the streets of major cities and villages in the lead-up to the fun-filled

One of Ishan Bacchus’s family members pasting a kite

weekend.

And for some, they prefer to dedicate their own time and unleash their creativities to design and develop their own kites from scratch.

“Good ole” days

Many of you may remember the good old days of making the caddy ole punch using book pages, palm fronds from your mom’s brooms, and strings from the cookie tin that always contains sewing materials. Some may even make it fancier by attaching a tail from old rags lying around the house.

Some of you may also remember your days of running to the nearest corner shop to buy cheap ‘kite paper’, taking your keen time to pick just the right colours before rushing back home in glee to start your kite making. This is where your creativity ran wild. Using palm fronds and watered down glue, you’d skillfully slap the coloured paper onto the makeshift frame you secured nicely with thread. You’d then proceed to assemble a number of coloured papers to make the frills; and of course, if you want your kite to sing lustily, you’ll dedicate enough time to make the perfect tongue.

Your grandparents might even tell you stories – or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself – of the time when razor blades were attached to kites before they were elevated to the skies, and thus began the war to see which kite would be the last one flying.

Full-blown

Kite-making remains a favoured pastime for many who have the patience, but for some, it has become a full-blown operation. Inshan Bacchus has been making kites for over 25 years, and one day he decided to turn his hobby into a seasonal career. Bringing his entire family on board in this enterprise, Bacchus is currently busy making all kinds of kites to satisfy the high demand, which will only increase as Easter Monday approaches.

His operation, which is located on Mandela Avenue by the Creative Barber Shop, opens until 9:00pm on Easter Sunday, in order to facilitate the last-minute

crowd.

Bacchus orders the wood from a lumber yard, and using an electrical machine, he cuts the wood into various slabs for the different sizes of kites he makes.

According to this veteran kite-maker, simarupa wood is the best wood to use because of its light density, which is perfect for ensur-

Bacchus’s son holding up a Guyana flag-themed kite

ing the kite takes to the sky with ease. He also makes the much-loved box kite, but because of its intricate nature, he does it only upon orders.

The box kite is usually rectangular and resembles a Japanese paper house.

Understanding the pride most persons take in owning their kite, Bacchus ensures each kite he makes is unique in its own way.

Bacchus says it is heartbreaking sometimes when he thinks about how the art and joy of kite-making has dwindled. “It grieves my heart to see, when I go on the seawall and other places in Guyana, people are flying so many bird kites,” he stated. Bacchus underscores that kite-making is a beautiful Guyanese tradition that should never die.

“I’d like to encourage all parents, even if you can’t make kites, get involved with your children and you both try and learn to make it. It’s really fun, and it’s a cultural thing for Guyana,” he stated.

Kite flying also has deep roots in the Asian cultures of India, China, Japan, and other cultures of that geographical area.

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news

sunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Easter

Messages

A time for renewal, compassion, goodwill – Govt

E

aster offers us, as a nation, an annual reminder that hardships and difficulties may endure, but are not permanent; that liberation and triumph are sure.

The culmination of the Holy Week preceding Easter affords us an opportunity to reflect on life and the need for preparation for a better tomorrow. On Sunday, we celebrate the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who bore the cross and died for the sins of His people. This lesson of the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good remains timeless.

Indeed, it is inescapable that this season is a time of reflecting, not only on sacrifice, but on renewal, revival and redemption. It is also

President David Granger

a time for brotherhood, compassion, charity and goodwill.

For all Guyanese who look to our future with optimism, Easter comes -- like the kites we will fly -- as a resurrection of our hope.

Easter’s lesson is a most apt reminder and message in

Reflect on the message of Easter – PNCR

O

n the occasion of the observance of the National Holiday to mark the Christian festival of Easter, the People’s National Congress Reform sends out Easter Greetings to all Guyanese, more especially to the Christian community.

As we raise our kites and watch them soar into the boundless blue sky, let us remember the message of Easter, which has remained the same over two thousand years. The message from the life, works and words of Jesus Christ -- which tells us to do good in the face of evil; to love each other as God loves us; and to forgive, so that we may be forgiven.

At this Eastertide, the PNCR urges each and every

citizen of Guyana to reflect on this message, and to begin the task of building a cohesive society. It is written in the Holy Bible that, “with love in our hearts and a willingness to forgive, everything is possible”. Let us consider this Easter as a time to begin the process of healing the wounds that all of us might have, in one way or another, helped to inflict upon our country. As our kites take to the sky, let us strengthen our determination to be united, to play our part towards building greater trust and cooperation between our communities, and to achieving social cohesion at all levels throughout our beautiful country.

Have a happy, safe and peaceful Eastertide.

Region 10 Council...

Adams, in turn, noted her frustration over the slow manner in which things were progressing.

"Sometimes I feel kind of embarrassed hearing what is happening.

Other regions (have) already spent how much money already, and Region 10 ain't even start. I can go further to say that our minister, who represented us at last budget, is concerned that after making strong arguments (she is afraid of) what she is going back to face If we don't spend what we have. We have a Minister of Finance (who), if you don't spend the money, he removes it from you, so you get less…Region 10 can't afford such a thing. So we have to make a decision to move forward," Adams noted.

Councillor Tracy Johnson also declared he would prefer the Council move in the direction of hiring newer and more efficient evaluators.

However, Morian stressed that if the Council were to make the choice to go down

from page 13

that road, it may not complete its works programme in time for this year. He therefore made a recommendation for RDC staff to be paid to work overtime to finish off the necessary documents in an effort to move forward, and councillors gave this recommendation their full support.

Councillor Gordon Callendar further stressed that sometimes tender documents take as long as months with the present evaluators, and he urged that recommendations be put forward to facilitate the hiring of fresh evaluators. The Regional Chairman highlighted that evaluators are paid based on the amount of work they do, but noted that based on what is being submitted by some, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke would have established that some evaluators "can't get paid".

Callendar said he agreed with Clarke’s decision, noting that it "made perfect sense."

this time of national preparation for better days ahead for all Guyanese.

As His Excellency, President Brig.

David Granger, implored in an address to the National Assembly, “Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past, but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of those who struggled and died inspire us today and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond.”

Traditionally, we gather as families, congregations and neighbourhoods for prayer, fellowship and celebration.

In Guyana, the highlight of the season is marked by the flying of kites in an unparalleled display of aerial dexterity and congested ebullient beauty all across our communities. Guyana’s enthusiastic celebration of Easter through

kite flying is a unique spectacle, which we must invite our CARICOM, Caribbean and global brothers and sisters to witness first hand. For them, it could very well be a oncein-a-lifetime experience. This is one aspect of Guyana’s radiant and vibrant culture which we, as a nation, often do not fully appreciate and give adequate recognition to, particularly with regard to its potential and social and cultural value.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes all Guyanese, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, an enjoyable Easter season. We implore all to celebrate responsibly, and engage in safe kite-flying, boat racing at the Bartica Regatta, and cattle wrangling at Lethem Rodeo.

Happy Easter, Guyana!

Easter presents a great expression of national, racial unity – PPP

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Easter greetings to every Guyanese; more particularly, our Christian brothers and sisters. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ remain two of the most inspiring phenomena of selfless sacrifice, hope and salvation in human history.

The significance of these events are well-known, not only to Christians but to Guyanese of all religions and ethnicities; hence the cele-

bration of Easter in our country presents a great expression of national and racial unity.

Events such an Easter, because of their significance, must be occasions when we renew our resolve to continue to struggle against those who view our freedoms as inconvenient obstacles; re-commit ourselves to regain our democratic rights and freedoms, and renew our pledge to work for a better life for all of our people.

20

sunDAY, april 16, 2017

Eastman eases to victory in Universal Supplies 35 lap Sponsors, winners and organisers all gather for a photo at the end of the 13th Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race cycling meet

By Romario Samaroo

R

eturning to circuit racing, Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman withstood the threat of rivals, Team Evolution’s Paul De Nobrega, Coco’s Jamual John and Linden Bauxite Flyer’s Shaquel Agard in a dash to the finish of the 35 lap featured school boys and invitational race as part of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.

With 17 riders taking to the starting line, the numbers trimmed down lap by lap as a small contingent of five riders quickly formed the lead pack with Pharmco Deep South’s Raynauth “Obeah man” Jeffrey leading at the end of the first lap.

Soon after it was a five man lead of Eastman, Agard, DeNobrega, team Alanis’ Alonzo Ambrose and Mark Harris but Harris suffered a mechanical problem that forced him out of contention.

Jeffrey was leading a big second pack with Coco’s duo, John and Junior Niles close on his wheels.

By the 20th lap, half the riders had dropped out and John moved into the first pack while Ambrose fell back with Enzo Mathews who trailed for the remainder of eight laps.

With the last burst and two turns to go, Eastman initiated the sprint with John and DeNobrega right on his tail, however the 21 year old maintained the win while a photo finish and the eagle-eye of racing official Joseph Britton deduced that DeNobrega had marginally piped John for second.

Eastman stopped the clock in a time of one hour, 17 minutes and four seconds while DeNobrega, John, Agard, Ambrose and Mathews finished the top six in that order. Eastman and John shared the prime prizes of four each.

Meanwhile, in the other races, David Hicks won the boys and girls three lap 12-14 year race in seven minutes 24 seconds as he was trailed

by Jonathan Ramsuchit and Brandon DeNobrega in second and third respective-

ly. Ajani Cutting copped the top spot of the boys BMX 6-9 years two lap race while Antone Vanderburg finished second and Johnathan Cox completed the race in third.

Ian Jackson conquered the veterans under 50 five lap affair in 11 minutes 58 seconds as Sybourne Fernandes took the second position and Lennox Jackman third.

Linden Blackman was the only over 50 rider in the mix.

Evolution’s Nigel Duguid defeated the competition in the juveniles 10 lap race in 22 minutes, seven seconds. Adealie Hodge finished second while Briton John rounded off the top three.

Over in the mountain bike class, Jaikaran Sookhai trailed Ryan Canterbury into the finishing line to see them finish second and first respectively in 13 minutes and 25 seconds.

After the race, Hassan Mohammed, who organized the event, thanked the sponsors for their dedication to sporting development after sponsoring the event for the past 13 years.

The cycling weekend continues today with the riders will take to the roadways for a 70 mile race.

This race will begin at the usual starting point, in front of the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue at 08:00h and see riders heading up the East Bank Demerara to the Linden/Soesdyke Highway where they will turn back at the Coca Cola sign and head to the city to finish just before Tank Street, Grove.

The event will be sponsored by Chin Chan Cycle Shop, Team Cocos (Ian Q-B Davis), Tony Chung’s Body Work Shop of New York and Mark Duke (McRae Body Work Shop of New York).

The winner will receive $50,000, there will be cash prizes for the top six finishers in the open category, top three veterans, top three juniors, top three mountain bikers and top two ladies.

There will 20 primes during the event which will be $5,000 per prime, so get set for lots of aggressive racing.

Entrance fee for the event is $2,000 and this includes after race meals and beverages.

21

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sundAY, april 16, 2017

WICB President’s XI in strong position

NSC on target with timely archery donation

– Hetmyer, Singh, Powell record fifties

H

alf centuries from Shimron Hetmyer, Vishaul Singh and Kieran Powell put West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI in a strong position at 311-5 at the close on day one of their First Class match against the touring Pakistan side on Saturday at the Trelawny Multiplex in Florence Hall, Jamaica.

Hetmyer (97) fell three short of a well-deserved century, Powell made 58 while Singh is insight of triple figures on unbeaten 81 and with him to resume day two is all-rounder Raymon Reifer on 36. Jahmar Hamilton chipped in with 26.

The President’s XI skipper, Shamarh Brooks won the toss and took first strike. They were not off to the best start, losing Kyle Hope for two with just two runs on the board as Mohammad Amir struck an early blow. However, a 148-run second wicket partnership between Hetmyer and Powell set a firm foundation for the other batsmen to build on, before the former was removed by Yasir Shah three runs short of another milestone.

From 150-2 they suffered a brief lapse in concentration as two wickets fell for 43 runs. However, that did much to hamper the President’s XI progress for the remaider of the day as they added another 118 runs for the loss of just one more wicket.

Amir (2-45) has been the visitors’ best bowler so far in the match while Shah and Muhammad Ashgar have claimed Shimron Hetmyer a wicket each.

NSC’s Deputy Director Brian Smith (second from right) makes the formal presentation to Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon while (from left) David Dharry, Dr Pravesh Harry and Nicholas Hing share the moment

A

rchery Guyana received some useful equipment to aid in the Training and Practice Sessions for the discipline from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The presentation was made by Deputy Director Brian Smith at the NSC’s Office on Homestretch Avenue to President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon in the presence of Chairman of the Archery Task Force, Nicholas Hing, and Directors Pravesh Harry and David Dharry.

Archery Guyana expressed gratitude to the NSC for its kind support to the National Archery Development Programme.

Hing commented that “this equipment will not only help boost training for our local archers, but will also prevent damage to archery equipment”.

The Backstop Safety Net is essential for any ar-

chery range to catch arrows that miss the target, hereby preventing lost and/or broken arrows. This particular model presented has metal grommets every 3 feet along the top band for easy hanging and can be mounted between any sturdy upright objects or trees thereby enabling safety for Archery Guyana’s Indoor and Outdoor shooting activities.

The 2 donated Bulldog Archery Targets are the recommended ones to stop arrows and built with an extra tough 10” of stopping power to hold up to the blisteringly fast arrows as the local archers develop skills. There is also the easy arrow removal.

Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis championship 2017

K

aysan Ninvalle helped Guyana team storm to a 3-0 win over Jamaica with a set point win over Jamaica’s Alessio Tulloch 13-11, 11-7, 11-6 in the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis championship on Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Guyana also topped a mixed group of St Lucia and Guyana with Jamal Nicholas and Terrence Rausch as the workhorses of the team as they both featured in the matches against Jamaica and Guyana/St Lucia, picking up set points in each match.

In the Under-18 Boys in their only match of the day, had a battle with Trinidad and Tobago, but pulled off a 3-2 win.

Both Kyle Edghill and Elishaba Johnson dropped winnable games to Trinidad’s Joshua Maxwell with Maxwell winning 3-2 against both the Guyanese players.

However, Guyana dominated the remaining players in Trinidad’s team to pull off the win with Miquel Wong also getting in on the action to help the team to victory.

The Under-15 girls category having one group, the Guyanese girls won their only match against Jamaica 3-1, but will have to play the highly rated Dominican Republic side on April 15 to determine the ‘top dog’ in the group.

Action will continue in the championship for the remainder of the Easter weekend with the final day being Tuesday.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 16, 2017

23

CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Fudadin, Paul cash in at Providence SCOREBOARD A

sensational spell of seam bowling from rookie Guyana Jaguars all-rounder, Keemo Paul broke the back of the Windward Islands Volcanoes batting before top order batsman Assad Fudadin compiled a stroke-filled century to put the host in the driver seat at stumps on day one of the tenth round clash in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament on Saturday at Providence.

The Volcanoes’ new captain, Sunil Ambris called correctly but batting first backfired when Devon Smith was sent back by Romario Shepherd’s second ball of the day before the visitors opened their account. It went downhill from there with Shepherd striking in his next over when Tyrone Theophile was caught behind at 3-2.

Keemo Paul who was bowling a nagging line from the players pavilion end then trapped Jerlani Robinson in front for his first victim.

Ambris then began to flow with a few shots alongside Andre Fletcher but Paul would hit back to send both batsmen back in the hut with just 19 on the board and the Volcanoes steering down the barrel.

With lunch approaching, there was an interruption for 11 minutes due to a drizzle at 11:40h and at the Jaguars were the happier team at the interval with the score at 78/7 after 24 overs. Shane

Shillingford was on 18 and Larry Edward was on 5.

After the resumption, the lower order only lasted four overs and one ball with Keemo Paul bagging his maiden five-wicket haul in only his second game at this level after his impressive debut in Trinidad in March. Steven Jacobs who is one of five players coming in the team picked up the other wicket to fall while debutant Sherfane Rutherford went wicketless after working up some pace on a placid Providence pitch, not the re-laid track that was used for the recent One Day International Series.

The points leaders then began their reply with Test batsmen, Rajendra Chandrika and Assad Fudadin in overcast conditions. With only 21 points needed from the final two matches for the Jaguars to secure their three-peat the openers batted the opponents out of the game. Tea was taken with the Jaguars just two runs behind with Fudadin on a shot filled 60 and Chandrika on 29.

Fudadin took 53 balls to bring up his 22nd FC half century with seven fours and a six off of the expensive Shillingford.

After laying the foundation for a big first innings total with an opening stand of 108, Chandrika was adjudged caught behind before Chandrapaul Hemraj joined forces with his fellow lefthander.

Presidential Guards win COP T20 Title P

residential Guards division of the Guyana Police Force won the Commissioner of Police (CoP) Inter- Division T20 tournament after defeating ‘A’ Division by six wickets on Saturday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Presidential Guards’ victory was spearheaded by Paul Tyndall, who enjoyed an all-round performance scoring 63 and taking two wickets to be adjudge player of the final.

‘A’ Division won the toss and opted to take first strike, registering 150-6 from 20 overs in the process, with Kelvin Leitch and Jayson Heyliger responsible for 37 and 29 respectively. Tyndall (2-14) and Z. London were outstanding with the ball for the Presidential Guards unit. In reply, Tyndal struck 10 boundaries in a top score of 63 from 54 deliveries as his side completed a suc-

Kelvin Leitch

cessful chase in 18.4 overs.

Tyndal added 112 in a productive first wicket stance with K. Allicock, who made 41 with two fours and a solitary six.

Kareem Naughton chipped in with 14 as PG finished on 152-4 to be declared champions. D. Larose was ‘A’ Division’s best bowler picking up 2-13 while Heyliger took one wicket.

Assad Fudadin celebrates reaching his sixth First Class century on Saturday

Hemraj, who wa splaying his first match since 2014 had a nervous start especially against left-arm pacer Delorn Johnson who was unlucky not to pick up more wickets. However, Hemraj the Everest Cricket Club player weathered the storm to carve out a maiden half century from 93 balls with

five fours and two sixes before giving Shillingford reward for hard work.

Along the way in the 92run stand Fudadin brought up his sixth century before closing the dominant day on 113 with night watchman Gudakesh Motie on 2.

Play on day two starts at 10:00h.

Windward Islands Volcanoes 1st Innings DS Smith lbw b R Shepherd 0 T Theophile+ c A Brambleb R Shepherd 1 J Robinson lbwb KM Paul 2 AD Fletcher c LR Johnsonb KM Pa ul 13 SW Ambris* lbwb KM Paul 29 KA Hodge c AB Fudadinb KM Pau l 0 KR Mayers c LR Johnsonb KM Pau l 6 S Shillingford run out (G Motie)24 LM Edward b KM Paul 12 DE Johnson b SA Jacobs 0 S Lewis not out 4 Extras (b-1, w-1, nb-2) 4 Total (All out, 28.1 overs) 95 FOW: 1-0, 2-3, 3-6, 4-19, 5-19, 6-29, 7-71, 8-90, 9-91, 10-95 Bowling R Shepherd 5-1-172, KM Paul 10.1-328-6 (nb-1), S Rutherford 5-024-0 (w-1, nb-1), V Permaul

7-3-20-0, SA Jacobs 1-0-5-1

Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings R Chandrika c SW Ambrisb DE Johnson 35 AB Fudadin not out 113 C Hemraj c SW Ambris b S Shillingford 54 G Motie not out 2 Extras (lb-1, nb-5) 6 Total (For 2 wickets, 59 overs) 210 FOW: 1-108, 2-200 Did not bat: LR Johnson*, S Rutherford, KM Paul, A Bramble+, SA Jacobs, V Permaul, R Shepherd Bowling DE Johnson 11-29-2-38-0 23-1, S Lewis (nb-3), KR Mayers 6-1-20-0 (nb2), S Shillingford 16-3-54-1, LM Edward 11-1-45-0, KA Hodge 2-0-15-0, T Theophile 4-0-14-0 Position: Guyana Jaguars lead by 115 runs with 8 wickets remaining

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Assad Fudadin flicks for one of his 12 fours on Saturday at Providence

Fudadin, Paul cash in at Providence

Pg 23 Keemo Paul sets off in wild celebration after picking up his maiden First Class five-wicket haul

Pg 20

Eastman eases to victory in Universal Supplies 35 lap

Hamzah Eastman (red shirt) enjoys success while Paul De Nobrega (white shirt) edges Jamual John (partially hidden) and Shaquel Agard (blue shirt) finishes the sprint

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3183

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Agriculture sector contracted by 10.4 % – finance report guyanatimesgy.com

Major issues affecting Region 9 residents highlighted

…as Opposition Leader concludes hinterland visit

PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mahaica access P10 road, dams in poor condition

Page 7

Page 12

“Grey Boy” rearrested for CrumEwing’s P8 execution

UG fees

Education Minister opposes hike …calls for review

Page 2

Complaints of tardiness

Region 10 Council votes to extend P13 list of evaluators Nandlall P3 sues Basil Williams for $125M …over “stolen” law books allegation

Worshippers of the Sacred Heart Church reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during their staging of Stations of the Cross on Main Street, Georgetown on Good Friday as Christians around the world observe the Easter season (Carl Croker photo)

Shyam Nokta elected new GMSA President Page 9

…aims to capitalise on emerging sectors

Dynamic Airways fined $25M by US authority Page 5

Sheriff St/Mandela Ave road project

IDB reviewing project scope

…as tender P11 opening on hold

2

news

SUnDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

UG fees

Education Minister opposes hike …calls for review

T

he University of Guyana (UG) Council has decided to hike student tuition fees at Guyana’s premier public education facility, but the Education Minister has signalled his opposition to the move.

In a recent interview with this publication, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine declared that he is not in favour of the hike. He indicated that there is need for the decision to be reviewed, and has promised that he would speak with the MoE’s representatives on the UG Council.

“Anything that makes life more difficult for children I'm not in favour of. So the fees’ hike, I will urge that they re-

view it. People have come to see me, parents and teachers. It needs serious review.

The Ministry of Education does not run UG. It is run by the Council, and from the Ministry, we have two people on the Council,” Dr Roopnaraine has said.

“UG has a special place in my heart, and I have to look and see what can be done. I will talk to (them), because life is hard, and the truth of the matter is people are not earning enough and education, of all things, is something we have to nurture,” Dr Roopnaraine declared.

Declaring himself adamantly opposed to anything which puts an impediment in the way of working people,

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

he warned that if the council should insist that increasing fees is the only way to address expenses, there is nothing

else he would be able to do.

“So it is something I will ask again (of) my people who are representing me on the Council. The issue has been raised with me, and I think it is something we should look at. If the Council says we have looked at everything and there are expenses and so on and there is very little we can do, I have to abide with what UG Council says. The Ministry doesn't run it.”

The University of Guyana (UG) Council has approved a 15 per cent increase in tuition fees. At a March 30 extraordinary meeting of the Council chaired by Chancellor Eon Nigel Harris, this decision was taken. It is the first step in the University’s move to

raise fees by an overall 35 per cent over a three-year period. According to UG, the Council’s decision will be applied to tuition fees for all programmes and for both continuing students and new students for the 2017-2018 academic year.

However, the Council has said input from the Student Society was considered, leading to an incremental rollout wherein continuing students will now pay an increase of 15 per cent (about $2500 a month), and new students will be required to pay 18 per cent (about $3000 a month).

This decision was not preceded by any consultations. It came to light only a few days before the meeting, when UG

Vice Chancellor Dr Ivelaw Griffith made the revelation during a town hall-style session with students.

The very day of the extraordinary meeting, there were student-organised protests on campus against the decision held outside of the Education Lecture Theatre.

Many have been dissatisfied at the sudden manner in which the increases were proposed and voted upon.

Expressing outrage at the proposed increases, the students are adamant that no one is doing them a favour by enhancing facilities on the Turkeyen campus, since they (students) are mandated to pay separate facilities fees.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 16 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, April 17 – 08:30h-10:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, April 16 – 06:50h-08:20h and Monday, April 17 – 07:35h-09:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Lightly cloudy skies in the early morning will be followed by heavy rain showers, with light rain showers to sunny skies in the afternoon hours and partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly to North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:14h and 19:43h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.38 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:15h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

SATURDAY, April 15, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

02

03 07

21

23

27

5 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 03 07 09 13

20

LUCKY 3 9 1 0

2

Afternoon Draw

4

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04

05 09

3

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

11 13 21

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

Nandlall sues Basil Williams for $125M …over “stolen” law books allegation

F

ormer Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has filed a $125 million lawsuit against his successor, Basil Williams, for alleging that he had stolen a series of Commonwealth Law Books from the State while he occupied the office of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Attorney General Basil Williams declared last month that charges are looming against Nandlall, who admitted to having the books but has denied stealing them; but Nandlall has explained that the books were acquired under an arrangement with President Donald Ramotar and in regard to his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

Nandlall is also contending that because he has critiqued the performance of Attorney General Basil Williams, he is being victimized; but the Attorney General is dismissing that contention.

Nandlall has now moved to the court, seeking damages in excess of $25 million each for slander and libel published on the March 24, 2017 at a press conference hosted at the National Communication Network Inc; another $25 million for libel published on page 11 of the Guyana Times newspaper on March 25, 2017; damages in excess of $25 million for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice on March 26, 2017; and another $25 million for libel published by Demerara Waves Online News on March 27, 2017. He is also seeking exemplary/aggravated damages and interest on all damages awarded pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Chap 6:02.

Nandlall is further asking the court to issue an injunction restraining Williams by himself, his

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

servants and/or agents from publishing or causing to be published, or saying or causing to be said, or repeating concerning the claimant, defamatory words regarding the law books.

According to the court document seen by this newspaper, Nandlall commenced subscribing to Lexis Nexis (UK), publishers of the Commonwealth Law Reports, sometime in 2003, and to date still does; with the arrangement that individual Law Reports are shipped to him along with an invoice, which he pays upon receipt of each Report. However, during discussions with the then President, Donald Ramotar, prior to his appointment as Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Nandlall requested that as a condition of his service, Government of Guyana take over payment arrangements with Lexis Nexis (UK) in relation to the said Commonwealth Law Reports for the period during his tenure in office.

“This was agreed upon as a condition of the claimant’s service as AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Legal Affairs. Lexis Nexis (UK) were accordingly informed, and sometime during the claimant’s tenure, the payment arrangement for these books was changed and the Ministry of

Legal Affairs began to pay for the said Law Reports.

When the claimant demitted office, he so informed Lexis Nexis (UK), and requested that the payment arrangement that existed hitherto be reactivated, and the same was done,” the legal document outlined.

Approximately 14 Commonwealth Law Reports were received under the aforesaid arrangement.

A few months later, the claimant learnt from press reports that the defendant had commissioned a special audit into the said Law Reports. During the probe, former President Donald Ramotar had written Auditor General Deodat Sharma, informing him that an arrangement was made with Nandlall, as part of his employment contract, to pay for the continuous subscription of the books while he occupied office.

Despite this explanation by the former President, and with no evidence of misconduct being found by the Auditor, Nandlall’s court documents say, Williams continued the scandalous allegation, accusing the claimant of dishonesty and legal impropriety.

To this end, the former AG is contending, unless the court puts a stop to Williams, the “malicious and unwarranted” attacks would continue; hence his decision to file the lawsuit

Attorney General Basil Williams

against his successor for his utterance of words which are false, malicious and defamatory.

“In the consequence, the claimant’s reputation and professional standing (have) been seriously injured, and he has suffered considerable distress, anxiety and public humiliation,” the court document outlines.

After hearing the submissions of the application last week, the High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining Williams, his servants and/ or agents from publishing or causing to be published, or saying or causing to be said, or repeating the allegations against Nandlall.

The defendant, Williams, has been given 28 days to file a defence to the claim filed, and the matter will next be heard on May 17.

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sunDAY, april 16, 2017

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Kite shopping

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

Editorial

Sorrow of SARA

T

he articulation of the essence of a democratic form of governance goes back to antiquity, and is summarised in the Latin phrase “audiatur et altera pars” -- the other side must be heard -- as a fundamental requisite for due process. It recognises the ineluctable challenge of “government for the people, by the people and of the people” lies in the need for governmental acts to be given legitimacy by “all” the people, even though the Government in question would never obtain the votes of all the people.

There will always be an “other side”.

When, as in Guyana, that “other side” is almost equal in size to the Government, the need for legitimisation of governmental actions becomes even more pressing.

On Thursday evening, one of the most contentious of bills ever to be presented before the National Assembly -the STATE ASSETS RECOVERY BILL 2017 -- was debated. This Bill had been criticised not only by the PPP in Opposition, but by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the Private Sector Commission, and a wide array of public commentators. Yet, the PNC-led APNU/AFC Administration shut down the debate before several major speakers of the Opposition had an opportunity to speak.

It was not surprising that the Opposition speakers walked out before the vote was taken, since to do otherwise would have been to be complicit in the decimation of democracy in Guyana. They signalled their intention to challenge the Bill in court -- as they very well should -- since the Government refused to take into consideration the aforementioned criticisms when they passed the Bill with only four innocuous changes to its 107 sections.

Each action must be considered within its particular context, and all of the criticisms centre around the Government’s refusal to address the fears of the people about the draconian powers given to named officers in the Bill in the context of our tragic experience with authoritarianism in Guyana. While most critics have honed in on the powers given to the Director of SARA, that last section -- which concerns the subject minister -- serves to illustrate the danger: “107(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of this Act and for prescribing anything that needs to be prescribed under this Act. (2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may provide for offences for breach of the Regulations, and the penalty for any of the offences shall be a fine of one million dollars and imprisonment for three years; and in the case of a body corporate, a fine of ten million dollars.” The circularity of the certainty of abuse boggles the mind.

As mentioned above, the major source of objections has been the Director of SARA, who just happens to be Clive Thomas, co-leader of the WPA -- a party that has coalesced with the PNC to form APNU, the major player in the Government.

Just as pertinently, Thomas has spent the last decade developing an academic theory about Guyana having been transformed into a “criminalised state” by the PPP. There have been numerous studies proving that, in such cases, when given the opportunity to prove their theories, a process called “confirmation bias” kicks in. As described by Wikipedia, “Experiments have found repeatedly that people tend to test hypotheses in a one-sided way, by searching for evidence consistent with their current hypothesis.

Rather than searching through all the relevant evidence, they phrase questions to receive an affirmative answer that supports their theory. They look for the consequences that they would expect if their hypothesis were true, rather than what would happen if they were false.”

A further complication arises from one of Thomas’s advisors -- Eric Philips -- who, in addition to accepting his director’s thesis on the PPP’s “criminalised state”, is an executive of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), as is Thomas, and has insisted that mostly Indians have benefited from the “criminalised state”.

The GHRA has bemoaned SARA’s potential, as presently constituted, to inflame ethnic tensions. (to be continued)

Ready for the season: These children were seen downtown Georgetown on Saturday shopping for the perfect kite as Guyanese celebrate Easter 2017

Aksharananda not an ethnic articulator Dear Editor, I am advised not to respond to columnist Freddie Kissoon, because he would never accept he is wrong even when proven so with facts beyond a shadow of doubt. But his misinformation cannot go uncorrected, for people may well take his fake news for facts. His latest invective against Swami Aksharananda, Ravi Dev and Rhyaan Shah are replete with inaccuracies.

And they are debunked below. None of these scholars is an ethnic hegemonist; they all believe in ethnic equality, as I do.

It is literal ignorance for any scholar not to know the difference between a pandit and a swami. And if you don’t know, you ask in order to become enlightened, as blacks or whites do. It is also idiotic to refer to a pandit as a priest or a preacher.

One does not call a pastor, or priest, or bishop, or the Pope a pandit or a moulvi or imam or meiji or swami. So why disrespect a pandit or swami or Hindu leader by referring to him with a Christian title? Only an uninformed person would resort to such

ignorance.

Freddie misrepresents what took place in religious riots in India. He offers a simplistic, nonfactual comment of a religious conflict. According to judicial probes, pandits did not encourage anyone to take to violence in Gujarat.

And then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports, was denied a US visa at the request of then ruling Congress Party at the Centre. The visa was restored following the defeat of the Congress Party in general elections.

Ravi Dev has never advocated for ethnic hegemony. On the contrary, as I have done, he has called for power sharing among the ethnic groups, and decentralisation of power. This PNC-led coalition administration practises ethnic hegemony. Freddie supports it, including the firing of thousands of Indians and Amerindians.

Rhyaan Shah is an accomplished novelist and columnist. She is an outstanding writer whose works are praised, including by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. Her writings, unlike Freddie’s, are credible. She does not manufacture information. Her works, unlike Freddie’s, are cited by scholars. In addition, her novels are being considered for CXC and CAPE. She is a first rate novelist, while Freddie is a tenth rate columnist.

Swami Aksharananda does not own a school. He is principal of SVN, which is owned by the community. Swami does not own a Hindu “Church” -- it is called a temple or mandir -and he does not own it. It is a public place of worship that is open to all. There are affiliated pandits at the temple.

It is a total expression of ignorance to compare Pastor Steven with Swami-ji. The latter does not preach hatred, and does not attack other faiths.

Freddie’s interpretation of Swami’s letter of two years ago is incorrect.

It is misinformation to say Swami urged Indians how to vote. The letter made factual reference to the oppression of Indians during the ethnic PNC dictator-

ship.

Freddie claims there was no news coverage of Indians being beaten in Agricola in 2012. The media, including the paper Freddie writes for, has dozens of news items on the beating and robbing of Indians.

According to all the news reports, AFC was accused of organising a protest and inciting Africans to beat and rob Indians. Nagamootoo, Nigel Hughes, and Khemraj Ramjattan publicly denied that the AFC called the protest that led to the violent attacks on Indians. They accused the PNC of organising the protest and setting Africans on Indians. The PNC denied the accusation and redirected the allegation to the AFC. Freddie needs to read reports carefully in order to understand facts, and he needs to do proper investigative research to get his information right.

Otherwise, he will continue to peddle misinformation, lies and half-truths, as he did in his attack on Swami and others.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

M&CC consultations do not cater for regular working folks

Dear Editor, I have noted many advertisements put out by the M&CC regarding public consultations regarding the garbage situation.

While it good for the M&CC to do these consultations, I noticed that the consultations are at 10 am on the dates and

also they are at City Hall. I tried to get to one of the consultations for an area next to mine (my area was not included in the consultation list by the way), however, I had a work meeting clash that I could not get away from. This is my point. How serious can M&CC be about

talking with citizens if they put the meetings at a time that most cannot attend?

Why not hold meetings after work hours or on weekends.

Also why not have teams or the councilor representative for areas have meetings within the areas so you ensure a proper engagement. I

hope that this can be considered by the council especially for engagements on other issues, especially those that are directly community related, in the future.

Kind regards, Dr Raquel ThomasCaesar

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Expo and Trade Fair opens in Region 5 T

he Region Five 2nd annual Expo and Trade Fair, which opened on Saturday evening has great potential.

This was noted by Head of Sta5te, President President David Granger who declared the event open.

Promoted under the theme 'Building a diversified economy' the event was opened at the Bath Community Centre.

President Granger in declaring open the Expo highlighted the great potential of the region, which is a main rice producing region in Guyana.

West Bernice, he said is the food basket of the country's food security. "A region which has the potential and opportunity to become the country's rice bowl,” President Granger said.

Noting the that Region Five has a land mass of 4190 square kilometers, the President told the gathering that it is larger than six

President David Granger examining a piece of furniture at the opening of the second Region Five annual Expo and Trade Fair

Caribbean counties combined - Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and St Vincent – and that the region has 34000 heaters under cash crop cultivation and a further 42000

hectares under paddy cultivation. In addition to that 1600 hectares are under coconut cultivation in that region, Granger noted.

Zeroing in on the region's rice production last

year, the Head of State said it produced 242000 tons of rice which was 46 per cent of the country's rice production in 2016. The 28 million coconuts produced represents almost one third of what the

Dynamic Airways fined $25M by US authority

D

Captain Gerry Gouveia

y n a m ic International Airways has been fined US$120,000 by the United States Department of Transportation (DoT) in light of increased complaints of its flights being delayed and/or cancelled and its failure to refund affected passengers.

Nevertheless, the airline has said it remains committed to staying in the market.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, Dynamic’s Guyana representative, told Guyana Times on Saturday that the company will honour its obligations to the US Authority and will continue to improve its service with the aim of avoiding a recurrence of this situation. He emphasised that penalties enforced by DoT will not deter Dynamic Airways from continuing its operations.

Guyana’s regulatory arm, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), had earlier this year engaged the airline about its frequent flight delays and cancellations in light of back-to-back instances occurring during September, October and November, 2016, when hundreds of passengers, including Guyanese, were left strand-

ed for hours at the airports; and in one of the most popular cases, a bride allegedly missed her own wedding because of the delays/cancellations.

Dynamic has provided several explanations for these problems, and has constantly assured of delivering better services to its customers.

According to Captain Gouveia, Dynamic is now operating five flights weekly between New York and Guyana, with a 90 per cent on time departure rate.

“Between January 2017 and April 2017, we operated approximately 64 direct flights between New York and Guyana, moving approximately 9000 passengers out of Guyana. Our ticket cost remains below US$600 for a return ticket to New York,” he stated.

Penalties

DoT, in an order served on Dynamic on April 13, 2017, warned the airline

that further enforcement action would be taken if these problems persist. DoT said a probe was triggered after its Aviation Consumer Protection Division received

of their return flights.

Guyana Times understands that Dynamic will be required to pay half of the hefty fine in six instalments, the first of which is to be

a “significant increase” in the number of complaints against the carrier.

The regulatory agency observed that Dynamic had failed to provide refunds in a timely manner, as required, to passengers affected by cancelled flights, and failed to provide written notice to passengers after cancellations more than ten days out

paid within 30 days of the issuance of the order, and the remaining five to be paid in tranches of US$10,000 every 30 days.

The remaining US$60,000 will have to be paid if Dynamic violates the cease-and-desist order within one year from now, or fails to comply with the payment provisions.

Woman nabbed attempting to smuggle ganja, phone into prison

A

Sophia resident has been taken into custody after she was found in possession of 66 grams of cannabis and several pieces of electronic gadgets that were intended to be smuggled in to an inmate at the Timehri Prison.

Based on reports received, the 37-year-old woman was nabbed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service at a restaurant a short distance away from the penitentiary even as a plan was being hatched to smuggle the items into the penitentiary.

The suspect, who is cooperating with investigators, is being processed for court.

Items that were intended to be smuggled in to an inmate at the Timehri Prison

country produced last year.

Continuing on the potential of the region Granger pointed out that it also produced 1.6 million killograms of beef, 281000 killograms of pork and 60,000 killograms of mutton.

"No President can ignore such massive production," Granger said while noting that there is need for diversify since one of the pillars which the country has been sitting on for years; sugar, has not been as profitable as in the past.

Eco tourism is one direction head of State advised should be explored since the region has four rivers and one of those rivers: the Mahaicony River has 600 different species of birds.

He also encouraged the regional administration to work on a Regional Economic Action Plan (REAP).

Meanwhile, President of the West Bernice Chamber of Commerce, Imran Sakoor addressing the gathering at the opening notes that the region is of pivotal importance to Guyana’ development.

He said as the region repairs to under go changes there is much delight in the pronouncement that there is soon to be a town in the region. However there is need for more poor facilities and a branch of the university of Guyana in Region Five The Expo will conclude on Monday.

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Foundation “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”

– CS Lewis

R

Anu Dev

ecently, the sixth graders of Guyana wrote their NGSA exams, and it got me thinking about what it was like writing those exams back when it was my time. Back then, it was still officially called SSEE, but more popularly the "Common Entrance". I was in the last batch (2006) to write the Common Entrance, which would have been initiated in the century before to allow children of ordinary folks an opportunity to enter the elite "grammar-type" schools of Queen’s, Bishops and Berbice High.

That was 11 years ago!

My memories of the exams themselves are pretty fuzzy, but I remember that, at the time, they seemed like the most important thing in the world. And I guess

guyanatimesgy.com

they were pretty important: they determined what high school you got into, and that sort of sets you on a trajectory for the future. It’s pretty heavy stuff for a bunch of 10- and 11-year olds to have to think about. I remember being VERY upset about a mark I realised I lost in maths, after the exam!

And now kids are having to think about those things from Grade 2, since there is now an "assessment" at that level, and another in Grade 4. In Grade 2, I was much more preoccupied with running to the canteen early enough to get the greenest mangoes to eat with salt and pepper than with thoughts of my future.

And I’ve heard that parents are sending their kids to lessons in Grade 2. It does seem like a bit much for ones so young. And psychologists do warn us that there are literally stages in cognitive development in children. Some kids literally

would not be able to "get it".

But, for the sixth graders who’ve just swotted through the NGSA, they’ve just survived the ordeal. They have months ahead of them before they even have to think about results and what to expect from high school.

Let them enjoy themselves.

They’ll go to high school, and have to adjust to doing 11 subjects, instead of 4.

It’s always a transition, moving up from one school to another; because, as sixth graders, they would’ve been the oldest kids in primary school -- the kings and queens of the playground, so to speak. Now, in secondary school, they’re back at square one, being called the "babies" of the school.

Sometimes I think about what it would be like to be back in high school. Like if I had a do-over, what would I have done differently then, knowing now the things I know. But just the thought of having to repeat

it all over again is exhausting. Me having to go back through the trauma of the 100s of group assignments and the 1000s of SBAs? I lie down and let the feeling pass!

Reminiscing about memories bathed in sepia-coloured nostalgia is enough for me. Besides, most of the things I’d change if I go back are related to cutting down on the amount of procrastinating I did in high school.

And that gets me thinking that, somewhere in the future, Future-Anu would be sitting around thinking that she should’ve procrastinated less in med school, and that’s when I figure I should do future-Anu a favour and get some work done.

So, back to the sixth graders. Congrats on getting through this hurdle.

Enjoy the well-deserved break, and good luck with high school!

Pele Football Club donates 8 laptops to National Library

Members of the Pele FC Alumni group handing over the laptop computers to staff of the National Library

T

he overseas Alumni group of the Pele Football Club has donated eight laptop computers to the Research Centre of the National Library.

The donation of computers to the Internet library is aimed at supporting the youths of Guyana as they pursue their long-term goals, using Education and sports as the conduit.

Handing over the computers to the Library staff was David Chan, an executive member of the Pele FC Alumni group. Chan expressed delight on the group’s behalf and explained the reason behind this generosity.

Chan highlighted: “It is to promote our commitment to the development of education in Guyana,” as he presented the computers to the Chief Librarian.

Also speaking at the handing over ceremony was the Chairman of the Alumni group, Patrick Barton, who pointed out that this initiative was birthed after the group had paid a visit to Guyana and recognised a lack in the education system.

The Chairman reflected on his childhood days of playing for the Albouystown football club, and noted that attending

school was a primary requirement. However, following the visit, the group realised that a great number of the current youths are not as engulfed in education as they should be.

As such, they hope that with this donation, many will benefit from the increased capacity that the addition of computers now allows.

Chief Librarian Emily King received the equipment on behalf of the National Library and thanked the group for its generosity. Indicating that such a donation was much needed, King pointed out: “They (the computers) will be a great enhancement to our Internet library. They (the users) always tell us about the need to acquire additional computers, and these are much welcomed additions to our Internet library.”

She added, “We are better able to serve this sector in terms of having technology available for our users, since the library is not only for reading books.”

The Pele Football Club Alumni is a non-profit organisation that serves Guyanese youths through the sponsorship of overseas-based donors, primarily in the United States

news

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sunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Agriculture sector contracted by 10.4% – finance report

T

he agriculture sector contracted by a massive 10.4% last year even though the overall economy grew by 3.3%, primarily on the back of production increases in the gold industry.

This was revealed in the Monthly Economic Bulletin (MEB) for the month of December produced by the Economic Policy Analysis Unit (EPAU) of the Office of the Budget at the Finance Ministry. The bulletins provide monthly updates on some of the important developments within Guyana’s economy.

Published on the Ministry’s website last week, the bulletin said the El Niño phenomenon was partly to be blamed for dismal performances registered in the rice and sugar industries during the first half of 2016. However, it noted that the late planting in both industries also hampered production for the second half of the year.

In addition, it blamed union strikes during the fourth quarter of the year for adversely affecting production in the sugar industry.

The Monthly Economic Bulletin for January 2017 has projected that the agricultural sector is expected to show improvement this year, with strong growth expected for the rice and fishing industries.

Meanwhile, the forestry industry performed poorly because of a halt in the awarding of concessions and sluggish global demand for timber products, which resulted in the

the 208,000 tonnes targeted for this year will be revised due to ongoing issues at the Skeldon factory.

As it relates to the Rice Industry, production for December 2016 reached 1,582 tonnes, down from 6,267 tonnes in December 2015.

This, the Bulletin outlined, resulted in production for 2016 totalling 534,766 tonnes compared to 687,784 tonnes produced in 2015, a reduction of 22.2 per cent.

“Similar to sugar, rice production for 2016 was lower than 2015, due to the El Niño phenomenon combined with late sowing for the second crop. The rice industry is expected to rebound in 2017 with production forecasted at 590,000 tonnes (provided that conditions remain favour-

contraction of operations of two companies. To this end, Government has said, it aims to reform the industry so as to benefit the nation over the medium–to– long term. Economic growth is projected at 3.8 per cent for 2017.

A review of the performance of the sugar industry revealed that in December last year, 28,184 tonnes of sugar were produced, which resulted in an end-of-year total of 183,491 tonnes for 2016, compared to 229,318 tonnes produced during 2015.

“Sugar production for 2016 was 20 per cent low-

er than 2015, due to the El Niño phenomenon which severely affected production of the first crop, combined with late planting and strikes during the second half of the year. Sugar production, though budgeted to increase in 2017, may decline due to reduced crop from the Skeldon Estate.

This will result in a contraction in the industry once again,” the December 2016 Bulletin projected.

Since production is not generated until February each year, there is no record of sugar production for January 2017, and the MEB for that month states that

able and new markets are found),” the December 2016 Bulletin has predicted.

Like in sugar, no production was also recorded for rice in January 2017, targeted at 590,000 tonnes, the MEB for that month has noted. Nevertheless, sowing reportedly continued during January and February.

The production of the forestry industry for December 2016 amounted to 39,091 cubic metres, compared with 96,026 cubic metres in December 2015. “This resulted in production reaching 327,781 cubic metres in 2016, compared to 427,351 cubic metres in 2015.

Lower production for 2016 resulted from the Government reorganising the sector in pursuit of better forestry management and greater value added,” the Bulletin states.

In addition, the downsizing of Barama during the fourth quarter of last year had a negative impact on production.

Going forward this year, forestry production for January 2017 amounted to 17,174 cubic metres, compared with 25,733 cubic metres in the corresponding period last year.

“Lower production is expected for this industry as reorganising of the industry by Government continues. Production for 2017 is targeted at 297,070 cubic metres,” the January 2017 MEB noted.

Despite, the industry’s expected continuity in decline in 2017, growth within the industry will, over the medium term, rebound as more value-added products are added, the MEB has noted.

8 news

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Grey Boy” rearrested for Crum-Ewing’s execution

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he prime suspect in the case involving the execution of Courtney Crum-Ewing, Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues, was rearrested on Friday, weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions had ordered that the case be reopened.

Rodrigues, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody, had appealed the case and was granted bail. He had been in hiding since the DPP reopened the case, but following a tip-off received, police swooped down on a house at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown and arrested the suspect.

The accused was charged for the March 2015 murder of Crum-Ewing, but was subsequently acquitted. The matter was previously heard before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

On March 17, the DDP Chambers noted: “The sole purpose of this remit is to take further evidence from police witnesses and to rule on the

Courtney Crum-Ewing

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues

voluntariness of all oral statements of the accused.”

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has been retained by the state as special prosecutor in this case.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-yearold ex-soldier, was gunned down execution style on March 10, 2015, while urging residents of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, to go out and cast their ballots in the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections. An autopsy performed on Crum-Ewing re-

vealed that he had been shot five times. Several months later, Rodrigues, called “Grey Boy,” was arrested and charged after a gun that was found at his home matched the spent shells found at the crime scene where CrumEwing was gunned down.

The murder charge against Rodrigues was dismissed in September 2016 after Magistrate Latchman found that no case has been made against Rodrigues. The magistrate found that police had failed to prove that

Rodrigues was the one who had pulled the trigger on the night when Crum-Ewing was murdered.

The magistrate had stated that there was no evidence which suggested to the court that Rodrigues was the one who had pulled the trigger, and that throughout the case, neither the accused nor the evidence had implicated him in the murder. As such, he was discharged.

However, Rodrigues has been serving a three-year sentence for escaping from lawful custody, which was handed down in January 2016. He has since appealed that sentence. He was also found to be in possession of a Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of matching ammunition while he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Nevertheless, he was acquitted of charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after the prosecution had failed to prove that case as well.

SARA… W

…and betrayal

hile your Eyewitness won’t pretend to being a man of the cloth, he was yet taken aback when the Minister of Natural Resources gave, as the reason for shutting down the debate on the SARA Bill, the explanation that it was “Holy Thursday”.

No, your Eyewitness wasn’t upset about mixing religion and the state - even in this highest bastion of the state following the faux pas of the Headmistress of CHS. Your Eyewitness knows from whence the breeze blows in THIS administration!! Wasn’t David chosen to be King

by God Himself??

What surprised your Eyewitness was how Trotman let his dirty Freudian slip show with his invocation of Holy Thursday. As an old Altar Boy, your Eyewitness knows that that was the day Jesus held His last supper. Yep! The day that was supposed to be a happy occasion, with everyone gathered to do the right thing, but which would eventually end in betrayal by some at the feast. And this was what went down in Parliament on Thursday. Wasn’t it?

Now, everyone from both sides of the aisle agreed that recovering state assets was a good thing. This was unlike 1992, when Jagan, for reasons known only to him, decided he wouldn’t go after all those PNC types who’d grown fat off state assets during the PNC’s 28 years at the helm. The PNC’s hand was more often in the till than on the steering wheel of state. No wonder the ship of state crashed!! Remember that big one -who eventually became the biggest one -- who made a bundle on a barge from Texas that would solve our electricity woes??

Well, anyhow, the point about Holy Thursday in Parliament was the betrayal. And sure enough, even before the cock had crowed thrice – actually, it wasn’t even 10pm, and the cock probably hadn’t even settled down after servicing the hens – that the betrayal came; a betrayal of the foundation of parliamentary democracy. This was the truncation of the debate on the merits and demerits of the SARA Bill, right after a man of the cloth – Bishop Edghill – had delivered his homily.

And what a homily it was! He reminded the Pharisees across the aisles that if they were imitating the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and going after the recovery of state assets, then the least they could do was institute laws controlling campaign financing. After all, in this day and age, there are other ways to raid the treasury than dipping into the till, like the first PNC government had done.

Remember fellas who make “political investments” on which they expect a hefty return from the parties they invested in??

… PAYBACK

Oooops! Trotman DID say something about that a while back. Didn’t he? Think “Speciality Hospital”, or “Wind Farm”, or “Pharma Warehouse”, or “Jubilee Stadium”, “Parking Meters”, or “$604M Pharma sole sourced contract”, or…you get the point! Don’t you?

The way this lot is humping the treasury is to pass the hefty sums of money to their “business buddies,” who will then deposit their shares in secret bank accounts here and abroad. But this is where the AML/CFT Bill will kick in.

The point here is, of course, that time is longer than twine; and just as how the descendants of Burnham lived to rue the day in regard to the Constitution they used to cackle about, they will weep and wail and gnash their teeth about this SARA Bill. The examples just quoted will inevitably multiply by 2020 -- probably exponentially, from the way this lot is going on -- being augmented by the shysters from the AFC. And then the same SARA powers will decimate them!!

Payback is a bitch; and revenge is best served cold!!

…ITS OPTICS

The Chronic ran a very revealing pic of those running SARA. There sat Clive Thomas, the omnipotent Director; Retmeyer, CEO; Basil Williams, AG; and Brian Horn, Legal Advisor. Harmon, their subject Minister; and Eric Philips, advisor, were absent.

A pic is worth 1000 words!

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

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Shyam Nokta elected new GMSA President …aims to capitalise on emerging sectors

C

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta, has been elected the new President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for fiscal year 2017 – 2018.

During that association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Limited, was re-elected First Vice President; Yonette Jeffers of Laparkan Freight Forwarders was elected Second Vice President, and Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO retained the finance portfolio of that association by being elected 3rd vice president.

In responding to the Board’s confidence, Nokta indicated that his main objective over the year would be to consolidate and expand the organisation through strengthened relationships between the board and member companies. He indicated that an important area of focus will be facilitating the resolution of issues affecting members through closer collaboration with key stakeholders.

Nokta also said that emphasis will be placed on strengthening important

CEO of the Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta

sub-sector bodies covering agro-processing, services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, construction and engineering; forestry and wood products, fast foods, and minerals and related products.

The first-time president expressed strong interest in seeing the GMSA establish strategic partnerships with other business support organisations (BSO) to position the business community to maximise opportunities from new and emerging sectors, such as the imminent hydrocarbon industry.

Nokta is highly skilled in

the management of natural resources, the environment and climate change, and has over 15 years of experience working as a consultant. He previously served as Adviser and Head of Guyana’s Office of Climate Change, where he was instrumental in the development and implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and negotiating the REDD+ partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.

Nokta holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Assessment and Management from the University of OxfordBrookes, and was the recipient of several academic awards, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

His vice president, Ali, who had held the reins of the GMSA following the passing of its president, Eon Caesar, in December 2016, outlined in brief remarks some of the association’s recent achievements and interventions, which included the preparation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan for 2017-2020; strengthened relations with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and facilitating resolution of members’ key issues; the GMSA’s successful negotiations -- with the support

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CARICOM Secretariat -- to expand the range of items exempted from the Common External Tariff (CET); and securing Government’s support and intervention with the United Kingdom to lift the

UK Environmental Agency’s 2015 ban on Guyana’s Greenheart lumber.

The GMSA has over 100 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors. The Board of Directors for this fiscal year 2017–2018 includes

such companies as Sterling Products Ltd; Banks DIH Ltd; the Edward B Beharry Group; Swansea Associates; and Brass, Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF).

These companies have kept the GMSA strong and functional over many years.

10 news

sunDAY, april 16, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Mahaica access road, dams in poor condition

T

he main access road to the Region Five farming areas of the Mahaica Creek is currently in poor condition, and complaints are pouring in to the responsible authorities from residents and especially farmers of that community.

The road is presently in such a deplorable state that farmers are having great difficulty attempting to transport their goods and move machinery along it. This has resulted in farmers having to incur additional expense as a result of damages sustained to their vehicles.

When Guyana Times visited the area late last week, the Biaboo section of the road, about eight miles into the Mahaica Creek area, was almost impassable. Speaking with this publication, one farmer said no money is being allocated for the road to be fixed, and this situation is

A vehicle making its way through a section of the damaged road

“frustrating for many.”

This publication was told that the road has been in its present deteriorated condition for a number of months now, and residents have made continuous calls for it to be rehabilitated, but to no avail. Moreover, the access dams are also in deplorable condition.

This newspaper was told that, to alleviate their suffering and inconvenience,

farmers have had to do rehabilitative work on several access dams that lead from the roads to the fields. One rice farmer assisted with the rehabilitation works done to the dams by loaning his machinery. He said, “Now we, as farmers, are already trying to make ends meet because of the many issues that are facing us; now we have to build dams as well. Is that fair to us? That can never be

fair.”

He said the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), responsible for the state of drainage and irrigation in the area, is allegedly responsible for having those dams fixed, but the neglect to farmers continues with the neglect to fix the access road and dams. Another farmer said the MMA has thus far been negligent in its functions, and this issue should be looked into by those in higher authority. The farmer said, “They should have ensured that the dams in the area are fixed so that farmers could have easy access to their fields.” Region 5 Chairman Vickchand Ramphall confirmed that the area is being neglected. He noted that it is time someone in authority seek to assist persons living in those areas.

Fear of flying

S

atiricus always enjoyed the long Easter weekend.

He always thanked the Church Fathers who decided -- of all the days in the week -- to pick the day on which Jesus was crucified to be a Friday.

How could they know? The calendar hadn’t even been formed! Knowing that Jesus rose three days later, Easter then had to fall on a Monday. And voila!!

“Good Friday” to “Easter Monday” wrapped around the weekend to give the fellas ample time to bend their elbows at the Back Street Bar! “OK Sato! OK!” grinned Hari, as Satiricus explained the Easter weekend, “So the Church Fathers were ahead of the Americans on this ‘long weekend’ business!”

“Yeah!” enthused Bungi. “Leh abee drink to da!!”

Drinks duly downed, Satiricus asked, “Can you believe the way United treated that passenger they bumped off their flight?”

“Yes, I can believe it!” Hari immediately responded, as he signalled for another beer. “Have you even flown CaripAirlines?”

“Yeah, Sato!” said Bungi. “Dem a treat Guyanese like daag!”

“You hear that or you know that?” demanded Satiricus.

“Budday, yuh na rememba da time me bin fuh look wuk in St Lucia?” Bungi answered. “Dem CaripAirlines people na even gi’e abee wan pack nut!”

“I went with Bungi that time to show him the ropes,” revealed Hari. “The flight was delayed three hours here. We were starving!”

“An’ abee had fuh wait two hour fuh people come in a Trinidad,” continued Bungi, who was getting quite worked up. “An’ still na wan packet a nut!”

“You like nuts?” asked Satiricus.

“Na play de ass, Sato,” snapped Bungi. “Me bin hungry and de plane start fuh get hat and me start fuh cuss!”

“Bungi didn’t want people to know,” said Hari.

“But they dragged him off the plane.”

“So did they beat you?” asked Satiricus solicitously.

“Naah!” said Bungi. “Dem gi’e me some doubles an’ coc’nut wata an’ seh me a de fuss Guyanese wah complain!”

news

Sheriff St/Mandela Ave road project

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IDB reviewing project scope …as tender opening on hold

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently revising the scope of works on the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road Project (Lots 6-7), putting it on hold and delaying the opening of tenders for the project.

According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, it is currently awaiting the ‘No Objection’ from the IDB for a revised scope of works.

“While the tender opening for this project was slated for April 11, 2017, this process was postponed, and bidders have been informed of the postponement while the go-ahead is awaited,” the Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

It was noted that tenders were returned unopened, and can be resubmitted on the newly identified tender opening date.

The project has been revised following discussions with the Finance Ministry with the aim of achieving completion before the loan deadline set out by the IDB. Loan-2741 was signed in 2012 to the tune of US$66 million, and it has a deadline of March 2018.

The revised scope, which is anticipated to cost US$35 million, will

include the relocation of utilities, for which the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) have been contracted.

Also among the works to be done are: pedestrian crossings; milling and new overlay of the surface; and repairs to bridges and structures.

While the revised scope was submitted to the Finance Ministry and subsequently forwarded to the IDB, the project must be green-lit before the tender opening can take place.

Otherwise, the process would not be recognised by the IDB. The initial project was tendered twice; first in 2014, and then again in 2015, both times under the previous administration.

On the second occasion, tenders were returned in May 2015, as none of the contractors was deemed responsive.

Back in January, at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s 2016 year-in-review exercise, it was noted that several of the internationally-funded projects were unable to get a start in 2016, but efforts are already apace to have them started.

This included the IDB-funded SheriffMandela project, which did not get off ground last year. It was explained that Government had decided to have a review of this project with it being nullified twice, once in 2015 and then in 2016.

“It was basically sent up for review, which has been completed, and that should be out for tendering at the end of this month, once we receive all the no-objections,” Geoffrey Vaughn of the Public Infrastructure Ministry had noted.

The review was conducted by the WSG Design Unit along with the consultant firm Egis, in association with SRK Engineering.

12 news Major issues affecting Region 9 residents highlighted SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

‌as Opposition Leader concludes hinterland visit

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has concluded his Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Over the past week, Jagdeo visited a number of communities in the Region where residents raised major issues affecting them and their liveli-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing residents during one of his community visits in Region Nine over the weekend

hood. Among the major issues raised are the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into land ownership, and the impact of the plummeting economy and the shortage of basic medical supplies on their communities. Over the weekend, the Opposition Leader visited Aishalton and Tabatinga

among other communities.

The Opposition Leader had been in the Region since last Tuesday when he, along with a team of parliamentarians, including Irfaan Ali, as well as a number of the Party’s regional officials, met with residents of Annai, Rupertee, Wowetta, Kwatamang, Apoteri, Crash Water, Massara, Kwaimatta, Yakarinta, Toka, Tiger Pond, Pipang and Taushida.

At the communities, they were treated to cultural presentations and held fruitful discussions with members.

The Opposition Leader shares a light moment with residents

Jagdeo had also addressed the Regional Toshaos Council in Lethem on Thursday.

Those discussions centred on national and regional development.

news

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The last ship

By Ryhaan Shah

T

he SS Ganges was the last ship to bring Indian indentured labourers to British Guiana. It arrived in Georgetown on April 18, 1917 with 437 men, women and children destined for various plantations.

The ship had left India just four days before the Abolition Act was signed in the Indian Parliament on March 12, 1917.

After sailing from Calcutta with 124 persons, or just over a third of the labour contingent, it then docked in Madras to pick up the rest of the indentured Ryhaan Shah workers before setting sail for the Caribbean.

Among the last arrivals there were 39 children, 22 of whom were boys; and of the adults, there were 268 men and 130 women.

The largest contingent of 218 (including their children) was contracted to 11 Demerara plantations stretching from Cane Grove to De Kinderen. The largest batch – 28 persons -- went to work at Non Pareil; and just two persons, most likely a married couple, were contracted to Diamond Estate.

Nine Berbice plantations received 150 of the last arrivals, with the majority -- a group of 26 -- being contracted to the Port Mourant Estate; and 69 of the labourers were assigned to four estates in Essequibo.

The SS Ganges sailed on to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where 389 adults and 32 children disembarked. With this final stop, the transportation of Indian indentured labourers to the British colonies ceased.

Interestingly, this last group of labourers served a shortened period of indentureship. An Act in the British Parliament brought the scheme to an official end, and all indenture contracts were cancelled on January 1, 1920.

However, the scheme’s contractual nature had always meant that each labourer had a personal contract to complete, after which their own indentureship would have come to an end.

By 1917, the country’s population had comprised 42% Indians. That percentage rose to as high as 51% before undergoing a steady decline over the past 50 years to drop to the 1917 census figure again.

The reasons for this decline are varied, but have much to do with the cultural and political hostility faced by the Indian population; hostility which erupted into episodes of ethnic violence over those 50 years. Within the Caribbean region, Indians comprise about 20% of the population, and this minority status gives impetus to the regional marginalisation of this community.

Indians in the Caribbean, as the late Professor Rex Nettleford of UWI once stated, had to “learn to be West Indian”. Though he later corrected his remark to be more politically correct vis`a-vis Caribbean diversity, his utterance does align closely to the truth of the region’s policy towards race and cultural relations pertaining to its Indian populations.

In the islands with smaller groups of Indians, like Jamaica, the Indian presence has largely been assimilated, reflecting Nettleford’s experience; but in Guyana and Trinidad, Indians, as large populations, continue the struggle for recognition and for their cultural and human rights.

Our presence in Guyana is being made invisible even by the reluctance of successive governments to digitise and preserve the Indian immigration and indentureship records, which languish and steadily deteriorate in the National Archives. Of the Indian diaspora communities, Guyana is the only one where this preservation project attracts little or no state support.

Marking the end of the indentureship programme is bittersweet. While many of the descendants of our fore-parents have made good lives here and in North America, the facts of the poverty and famine in India that drove them to board ships to seek a better life, and the facts of the brutality and hardships they faced on the sugar plantations can never be glossed over.

And that history is not yet over, as sugar estates face closure and the consequent loss of the traditional estate work on which many still depend. While some closures might be justified in a changed global economy, the Granger Administration’s lack of concern about the future of the retrenched workers is a grim reminder of the ruthlessness of the colonial era.

Except for the First Nations, we are all here because of sugar, and when the SS Whitby dropped anchor off Plantation Highbury on the Berbice River on May 5, 1838, it was an historic occasion. The labourers who stepped off that ship stepped into history. They were not only the first Indians to arrive in British Guiana, but were the first to arrive in the Western world.

Since President David Granger has declared days of special observances for the arrival of the Chinese and Portuguese to Guyana, perhaps he would now correct the official name of the May 5th holiday and give it its rightful title of “Indian Arrival Day”.

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

Complaints of tardiness

Region 10 Council votes to extend list of evaluators

C

ouncillors within the Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) have agreed unanimously to expand the list of evaluators, based on numerous issues being experienced by the present set. In light of several revelations of tardiness on the part of evaluators, members of the Council, during the most recent statutory meeting, voted for an expansion.

Councillor Sandra Adams expressed grave concern that the Council's Works Department had not spent any of its allocations; and Regional Chairman Renis Morian attributed this to tardiness on the part of evaluators. c"My concern is (that) we're in the month of April.

Councillor Sandra Adams

A new budget cycle will start just now. In fact, other Ministries are already preparing supplementary budgets from last year.

I haven't been seeing any visible contracts advertised (for) work being done in Region 10. Where are we in terms of our contracts for

Regional Chairman Renis Morian

this year?" Adams asked.

In response, Morian said he and members of the Works Department recently sat at Tender Board to look at the pre-qualification of contractors, but noted that 90 percent of what was received was in a con-

fused state. He explained that evaluators have been extremely tardy, much to the disadvantage of the Council moving forward with getting its projects off the ground. As such, he asked councillors to make a decision to either expand or seek new evaluators, but warned that the latter process may be time consuming. "We have now to utilise staff internally, to go back through them (contractor's documents), which will delay us maybe another 72 hours. And we're already late. The time has come for us to have either an extension of persons to do evaluation, or fresh evaluators.

We are not getting the best from our evaluators…what we saw coming here was confusion", the Regional Chairman asserted.

TURN TO PAGE 19

14 news

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parish Peak mining

Govt aware of other miners in area – Broomes

…says matter was referred to GFC for resolution

F

ollowing an imbroglio, Government has offered some clarity on the issue involving miners from the National Mining Syndicate who are contending that they are being prevented from mining in Parish Peak.

According to Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes in a recent interview with this publication, there are indeed other mining properties in the Parish Peak area, but the procedure to be followed in accessing those properties involves the miners having to complete a prospecting permit application.

She also said the process for applying for a prospecting licence, as set out by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), includes providing a Form five ‘A’ application as well as a map and cartographic description of the area.

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

“The syndicate that was formed wanted to go in that location, not necessarily to mine, because the procedure is that you go and do prospecting. So it is not even (evident) that they have an application. There

are other mining properties in the area, that’s a fact.

Before, they (GGMC) would have said that they were not giving out, but persons ended up getting properties in the area.

So they have mining properties in the area and the miners wanted to go in there and do prospecting.”

Broomes stated that when miners came to her, she referred the matter to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

“The process is first they go, identify and do the prospecting; then they come back with their coordinates to Land Management to say, okay, they have identified here, (and verify) if it is available. But they did not even meet to that stage, because when they went there, they could not have passed, (a) gate was across.

So they were not allowed to see the area, so the other

part of it was not followed,” she explained.

A statement issued earlier in the week from Renwick Solomon, head of the 14Mile Issano Syndicate, noted that the area actually had more than 90 mining operations that were allowed to work with oversight from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) .

He noted that since miners from the Syndicate just wanted an equal chance to mine, it was disheartening for the MNRE to say that the area was off-limits when it was aware of the other operators being there.

“In fact,” he contended, “there are over 90 active mining properties operating in the Parish Peak area; and moreover, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have full oversight of these operturn to page 17 ations.”

Younge’s Take Coalition, Third Party Politics

G

uyanese have, for decades, been locked in a heated debate about what form or type of government can deliver the populace from its shackles of poverty and inequity, while setting the institutional and infrastructural framework for the country’s overall development through a mixture of modern constitutional reforms and futuristic ideologies.

Since the pre-Independence era, some Guyanese scholars have believed that a national unity government, comprising of a number of erudite and principled political parties and actors under one umbrella, was the answer to the country’s political woes. They felt strongly that the national unity government should be patriotic in nature, and must have the Michael Younge political acumen to address race and ethnicity in order to build a more equal and unified Guyana, where every citizen could thrive personally, religiously and economically.

Others believed that shared governance amongst the various ethnic groups that occupied Guyana could result in a better situation politically, given the decades-long political and power conflicts which has retarded the country’s development and growth. They hold the view that there is massive distrust amongst the Indo- and Afro-Guyanese populace, given their colonial and post-Independence experiences.

Therefore, if a formula were worked out that saw them governing together side-by-side and in the interest of each other, the levels of distrust would eventually decline; growth in various constituencies would be almost equal, and the concept of racism would die a slow death.

But there is another set of intellectuals who have always believed that the two aforementioned forms of government would be disastrous for the country, because they would result in deeper divisions, racial inequality, discrimination amongst minorities, and a failed state. In fact, they believe that independent political figures, parties and groups should be allowed to compete against each other to form governments based on their own independent ideologies and economic beliefs -- which would have to be approved by a voting public.

It didn’t matter what they looked like or how drastic their plans were, what was important was the intent of their plans and the integrity of their leaders, as well as who would ultimately benefit from their ambitious reforms.

The concept of forming coalitions therefore sprang from the first group, while the notion of power of the third party was birthed through the ideology of the last group. Over time, Guyana would have experimented with both, but the results were not positive, and little political or socio-economic benefits were derived. It is true, however, that the independent parties have, over the past 50 years, achieved more in office than the coalitions of the United Force and PNC or the AFC and PNC put together.

In fact, more tangible development was derived under the tenure of the PPP, which had set up an informal civic non-political component, when compared to other governments, both colonial and independent. This may have been because the party, which is still predominantly Marxist in its political and economic thrust, infused characteristics from all three of the schools of thought put forward above.

The PPP also believed in national unity, as exemplified in its posture under Cheddi Jagan, who appeared to have always looked past the interests of his Indo-constituents in order to put country first, and who treated the welfare of all Guyanese as paramount.

This was very evident as he rallied against rigged elections and after rigged election which kept Forbes Burnham and the PNC at the helm of the State.

Also, following Jagan’s death, Bharrat Jagdeo should be credited for the work he did in addressing the lack of trust among competing political parties and ethnic groups during his tenure. He engineered meaningful constitutional reforms and various white papers on the way forward for Guyana’s development. Jagdeo even proposed terms and conditions for the PNC and PPP as well as other parties to consider if trust was to be rebuilt and national healing and reconciliation realized amongst those affected by the acts of his party and other PNC governments.

Robert Corbin and Desmond Hoyte, who were opposition leaders during the rulership of the PPP, appeared to understand the need to tread carefully and to put their presidential ambitions aside so that Guyana could remain first.

Unfortunately, the PPP’s overall success in advancing the right form and mixture of ideologies whilst in Government for 23 years has been undermined by accusations of corruption and discrimination against Afro-Guyanese. Equally, while some had hoped that David Granger and the AFC had the right formula, events that have unfolded over the past two and a half years are challenging the bedrock of their beliefs. It appears that the new coalition, premised on the first school of thought, is doing more harm than any of the other ideologies, because growth has slowed, corruption is up, ethnic tension is high, and policy confusion as well as double-standards abound at the highest levels of the Government and State. Guyana is in regression and on a steady path of decline.

NEWS

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NWD man busted with 11 lbs of cocaine

Last ship landing and land owed

T

uesday, April 18, will mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the last ship from India -- the SS Ganges which brought indentured labourers to Guyana. It slipped out of Calcutta a mere four days before GovernorGeneral Hardinge of the Indian Government had ordered the cessation of all recruitment and shipments, on March 12, 1917. The mere five weeks it took to make the journey across the seas, as compared to the sixteen weeks by the Whitby (Jan 13 - May 5th, 1838) would remind us of the changes wrought by the shift from Ravi Dev sailing ships to steam ships.

Steam ships made of iron, like the SS Ganges which was commissioned by the Nourse Line in 1906, were also much larger. On this “last voyage” it left with 858 men, women and children, compared to the 249 on board the Whitby.

One significant change was that the number of women in the Ganges was just about half that of the men -- a much higher ratio than the usual one out of three over the course of immigration. The Ganges also seemed to recapitulate the immigration experience by bringing immigrants from BOTH the major ports of Calcutta and Madras. Unlike the earlier immigrants, the “northern” and “southern” Indians would have begun to mix on board the ship or “jahaj”, rather than when they were on the plantations.

Another recapitulation was that the Ganges dropped off only 437 of her immigrants to Guiana, then proceeded to Trinidad, where the remaining 421 disembarked on April 22.

This is a reminder that each one of us in the Indian Diaspora are in a particular country only because of the luck of the draw. We could have just as easily been sent to Fiji, or Suriname, or South Africa etc.

The immigrants in that last shipment from the SS Ganges were sent to plantations in each of the three counties.

Twenty-four of them -- including 2 infants -- were sent to Uitvlugt, the plantation where I was born and raised. It is very possible that some of the half-dozen old immigrants who lived at one end of my street as bachelors were from that ship. I never did find out. The three cottages they lived in were replicas of those I would see later in the villages of Bihar: thatched roofs over mud walls with a framework of “wattle” without fences between them. They eked out lives of quiet misery.

But as part of the contract that was signed by the immigrants, they were entitled to a return passage to India, which was paid to a large extent by the Government.

As early as 1869, when 30,000 individuals qualified, the Government of British Guiana decided that this was getting too costly and that, additionally, the planters would rather retain the seasoned workers. From this time onwards, the Government began to encourage the immigrants to remain in Guiana by exchanging their “right of return” for land. Near the plantations, some marginal swampy land was accepted by immigrants, who cultivated rice to buttress their meagre wages. The old immigrants in my village had been bought off by two small lots.

In 1880, the Government purchased Huis’t Dieren, an abandoned estate in Essequibo, and divided it into lots which were offered to some Indian families in exchange for their return passages to India. Two years later, the Government took another tack by dividing up land it owned (Crown Land) at Cotton Tree (West Berbice), Brighton (Corentyne) and Maria’s Lodge (Essequibo), among other areas, and selling it to immigrants at reasonable rates But these immigrants still retained their ‘right to return” passages.

In 1894, still trying to encourage immigrants to remain, the Government reintroduced the programme of exchanging return passages for land, and thus Helena (Mahaica), Bush Lot (West Berbice) and Whim (Corentyne) were created in 1897. In the meantime, over 75,000 immigrants exercised their contractual right to be returned to India - even after the abolition of Indentureship in 1917.

The last return ship, the MS Resurgent, left for India on September 4, 1955 with 243 men, women and children.

But in this era of seeking justice for past exploitation of labour, might it be time for the descendants of Indian indentured labourers to Guyana to submit claims for all the land they were entitled to in exchange for their unused return passage?

T

hirty-year-old Andrew Kenneth of Port Kaituma, North West District is, along with a driver from Sans Souci, Wakenaam, expected to be charged on Tuesday after four parcels of cocaine were found in the car in which they were travelling.

According to information received, the men were on Thursday travelling from Charity in hire car HB 5809, which was stopped and searched at a road block exercise at

Aurora Village.

During that search, police ranks unearthed a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine in a black suitcase in the vehicle.

When questioned, Kenneth claimed ownership of the suitcase.

The men were taken to the Aurora police station, and the substance, when weighed, amounted to 11 pounds.

Investigations are ongoing.

Albouystown man jailed for illegal gun, ammo possession

T

he trial of Dexter Anthony Bharrat who was charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in 2016 came to an end late last week when he was found guilty by Magistrate Dylan Bess and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

The Albouystown, Georgetown man first appeared before the courts on March 22, 2016 after he was busted with a .45 pistol and six live rounds of .45 ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. He was initially remanded, but was subse-

quently granted bail pending trial.

The prosecution’s case was that on the day in question, police, acting on information, swooped down on a popular fish shop located on Hadfield Street, Georgetown and found Bharrat imbibing alcohol. A search was con-

ducted on the premises and the said weapon was discovered on the person of the accused. He was thus arrested and charged with the offence.

Bharrat will serve a twoyear sentence for each offence.

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NEWS

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SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

Mabaruma men remanded for unlawful wounding

Granger’s green N Easter sky Anna Correia

I

t’s Easter – another occasion for a publicity campaign, which the Granger team desperately seized to increase Presi’s dwindling popularity (well, what’s left of it, at least!).

And so our President went on a kite distribution spree in Malali and Muritaro, located in Region 10.

One wonders if Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s current outreach in the Rupununi is what prompted the President’s destination choice (after all, Anna Correia the PPP did get the majority of Amerindian votes)! But while team Jagdeo distributed multi-coloured reusable kites with fun images printed specifically for children, President Granger opted for kites made in the Peoples National Congress Reform stern military green.

And while team Jagdeo handed out grammar and other textbooks to villages to support education, President Granger distributed “specially designed exercise books” (according to official communication on the President’s social media page).

Of course, this meant regular exercise books printed in the said suffocating military green, with APNU propaganda labelling the cover.

The last man to have done something similar was Forbes Burnham, but even the dictator, in all his megalomania, didn’t impose the PNC’s nauseating green on young children. He was simply contented to slap his face on Guyana’s legendary bluecovered exercise books. Perhaps Granger forgot that the colour most associated with indigenous culture is red? But, then again, what does the President care about indigenous culture and indigenous rights?

This Arrow echoes the fear of party paramountcy, expressed by growing sections of Guyanese society; party paramountcy by a PNC-dominated Coalition Government which cares not for national unity, as it is set out to obliterate any democracy whose contesting voices and freedom of expression become its enemies.

But while President Granger often invokes democracy as his ally in a poor attempt to demarcate himself from his idol, the late Burnham, the truth is that he is much less subtle in his demarche as an autocratic leader. This can be observed in his refusal to acknowledge the concerns of the Guyanese people through a long overdue live press conference, as well as his protection of PNC bullies across Guyana. It can be observed in his abhorrence for national dialogue expressed; his refusal to uphold the Coalition Manifesto promises; and his failure to acknowledge the economic crisis which has hit Guyana, resulting in the increasing precariousness of the Guyanese people. The President’s autocratic nature is also translated by his indifference to international best practices, including continuity in governance and UN guidelines.

But perhaps what the President has today that Burnham didn’t have in his dictatorial pursuit is a plethora of pseudointellectuals using civil organisations and titles as a front to defend causes that serve no other interests but the PNC’s. This is why men such as Eric Phillips of the now controversial ACDA, and PNC executive Vincent Alexander can now advance unsanctioned the claim that African land reparation claims equate to indigenous land rights. A more incoherent and menacing statement towards Guyana’s First Peoples could not be made, except by the PNC. But when the President of Guyana himself, and in person, opposes the authority of over 200 indigenous Chiefs who comprise the National Toshaos Council (NTC) (a legal body ordained by the Amerindian Act 6 – 2006 ), bypasses the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples, and imposes a Commission of Inquiry into indigenous land claims, we know that it is because minions like Eric Phillips were willing to do the dirty job and pave this abysmal regression of indigenous land rights.

When Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, last week dismissed a motion in Parliament to scrap the said CoI on the basis that it is not an “urgent matter”, indigenous peoples countrywide understood that the highest lieu of democracy no longer acts as a shield from the PNC’s caprices.

But the putrid green that the President distributed in Region 10 cannot compensate for more than a century of progress made in regard to Amerindian land rights, which were acquired through the persistence and self-determination of the free Amerindian peoples of Guyana. And it most certainly cannot buy the silence of Amerindians, for whom land rights are intrinsic to their global and UN-recognised status as indigenous peoples.

Nor can it mask the stench of a PNC agenda which hungers for a rewritten Guyanese history.

But thankfully for our multi-ethnic, multi-cultured and diverse country, all of Granger’s kites cannot make the sky green.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

aresh Robinson and Ricardo France of Mabaruma in the North West District of Region One were flown to the city to be arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of unlawful wounding, which allegedly occurred during a fight.

The prosecution’s case is that with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, the men wounded

Dwight Benjamin on April 9 at Wauna Village, Region One. The court was informed that Benjamin is still hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), undergoing treatment for his injuries.

The men have been remanded to prison, and the case is set to continue before the Mabaruma magistrate on May 23.

Govt aware of...

The Syndicate has said it believes that a principled and fair decision must be taken to ensure that anyone seeking mining opportunities is treated equally.

It stated that while the MNRE was reasoning that the area was designated as a GGMC reservation, officials still allowed miners to acquire land there.

“We find it unfair that

Naresh Robinson and Ricardo France from page 14

the Ministry would use the reasoning that the area is a GGMC-reserved area, one that was held

by Goldstone Resources Limited in 1999 and is important for biodiversity, given that the Upper Berbice River comprises pristine lowland forests containing diverse and abundant wildlife, but yet (the MNRE) allow persons to acquire land to mine in the area.”

18 News

SunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Keeping the art of kite-making alive

By Devina Samaroo

T

he skies will come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours and symphonious singing as fleets of aerial artistry soar above the clouds in a zigzag dance, heralding Easter in Guyana.

A unique tradition that has survived the test of time, kite-flying can be enjoyed throughout the year, but is most popular around this period, as it symbolises the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of the religious meaning, Guyanese from all walks of life flock popular open spaces, like waterfront areas and vast parks, to participate in this annual carnival-like activity. Adults and kids alike find immense happiness as they struggle to hoist their kites in friendly rivalries to see which ascends the fastest and the farthest. But the pleasures of the festivities begin long before the flying of the kites, at least for those who still find joy in kite-making.

Though the markets now are flooded with the imported plastic bird kites, many prefer to purchase the readymade handcrafted artforms which line the streets of major cities and villages in the lead-up to the fun-filled

One of Ishan Bacchus’s family members pasting a kite

weekend.

And for some, they prefer to dedicate their own time and unleash their creativities to design and develop their own kites from scratch.

“Good ole” days

Many of you may remember the good old days of making the caddy ole punch using book pages, palm fronds from your mom’s brooms, and strings from the cookie tin that always contains sewing materials. Some may even make it fancier by attaching a tail from old rags lying around the house.

Some of you may also remember your days of running to the nearest corner shop to buy cheap ‘kite paper’, taking your keen time to pick just the right colours before rushing back home in glee to start your kite making. This is where your creativity ran wild. Using palm fronds and watered down glue, you’d skillfully slap the coloured paper onto the makeshift frame you secured nicely with thread. You’d then proceed to assemble a number of coloured papers to make the frills; and of course, if you want your kite to sing lustily, you’ll dedicate enough time to make the perfect tongue.

Your grandparents might even tell you stories – or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself – of the time when razor blades were attached to kites before they were elevated to the skies, and thus began the war to see which kite would be the last one flying.

Full-blown

Kite-making remains a favoured pastime for many who have the patience, but for some, it has become a full-blown operation. Inshan Bacchus has been making kites for over 25 years, and one day he decided to turn his hobby into a seasonal career. Bringing his entire family on board in this enterprise, Bacchus is currently busy making all kinds of kites to satisfy the high demand, which will only increase as Easter Monday approaches.

His operation, which is located on Mandela Avenue by the Creative Barber Shop, opens until 9:00pm on Easter Sunday, in order to facilitate the last-minute

crowd.

Bacchus orders the wood from a lumber yard, and using an electrical machine, he cuts the wood into various slabs for the different sizes of kites he makes.

According to this veteran kite-maker, simarupa wood is the best wood to use because of its light density, which is perfect for ensur-

Bacchus’s son holding up a Guyana flag-themed kite

ing the kite takes to the sky with ease. He also makes the much-loved box kite, but because of its intricate nature, he does it only upon orders.

The box kite is usually rectangular and resembles a Japanese paper house.

Understanding the pride most persons take in owning their kite, Bacchus ensures each kite he makes is unique in its own way.

Bacchus says it is heartbreaking sometimes when he thinks about how the art and joy of kite-making has dwindled. “It grieves my heart to see, when I go on the seawall and other places in Guyana, people are flying so many bird kites,” he stated. Bacchus underscores that kite-making is a beautiful Guyanese tradition that should never die.

“I’d like to encourage all parents, even if you can’t make kites, get involved with your children and you both try and learn to make it. It’s really fun, and it’s a cultural thing for Guyana,” he stated.

Kite flying also has deep roots in the Asian cultures of India, China, Japan, and other cultures of that geographical area.

19

news

sunDAY, april 16, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Easter

Messages

A time for renewal, compassion, goodwill – Govt

E

aster offers us, as a nation, an annual reminder that hardships and difficulties may endure, but are not permanent; that liberation and triumph are sure.

The culmination of the Holy Week preceding Easter affords us an opportunity to reflect on life and the need for preparation for a better tomorrow. On Sunday, we celebrate the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who bore the cross and died for the sins of His people. This lesson of the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good remains timeless.

Indeed, it is inescapable that this season is a time of reflecting, not only on sacrifice, but on renewal, revival and redemption. It is also

President David Granger

a time for brotherhood, compassion, charity and goodwill.

For all Guyanese who look to our future with optimism, Easter comes -- like the kites we will fly -- as a resurrection of our hope.

Easter’s lesson is a most apt reminder and message in

Reflect on the message of Easter – PNCR

O

n the occasion of the observance of the National Holiday to mark the Christian festival of Easter, the People’s National Congress Reform sends out Easter Greetings to all Guyanese, more especially to the Christian community.

As we raise our kites and watch them soar into the boundless blue sky, let us remember the message of Easter, which has remained the same over two thousand years. The message from the life, works and words of Jesus Christ -- which tells us to do good in the face of evil; to love each other as God loves us; and to forgive, so that we may be forgiven.

At this Eastertide, the PNCR urges each and every

citizen of Guyana to reflect on this message, and to begin the task of building a cohesive society. It is written in the Holy Bible that, “with love in our hearts and a willingness to forgive, everything is possible”. Let us consider this Easter as a time to begin the process of healing the wounds that all of us might have, in one way or another, helped to inflict upon our country. As our kites take to the sky, let us strengthen our determination to be united, to play our part towards building greater trust and cooperation between our communities, and to achieving social cohesion at all levels throughout our beautiful country.

Have a happy, safe and peaceful Eastertide.

Region 10 Council...

Adams, in turn, noted her frustration over the slow manner in which things were progressing.

"Sometimes I feel kind of embarrassed hearing what is happening.

Other regions (have) already spent how much money already, and Region 10 ain't even start. I can go further to say that our minister, who represented us at last budget, is concerned that after making strong arguments (she is afraid of) what she is going back to face If we don't spend what we have. We have a Minister of Finance (who), if you don't spend the money, he removes it from you, so you get less…Region 10 can't afford such a thing. So we have to make a decision to move forward," Adams noted.

Councillor Tracy Johnson also declared he would prefer the Council move in the direction of hiring newer and more efficient evaluators.

However, Morian stressed that if the Council were to make the choice to go down

from page 13

that road, it may not complete its works programme in time for this year. He therefore made a recommendation for RDC staff to be paid to work overtime to finish off the necessary documents in an effort to move forward, and councillors gave this recommendation their full support.

Councillor Gordon Callendar further stressed that sometimes tender documents take as long as months with the present evaluators, and he urged that recommendations be put forward to facilitate the hiring of fresh evaluators. The Regional Chairman highlighted that evaluators are paid based on the amount of work they do, but noted that based on what is being submitted by some, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke would have established that some evaluators "can't get paid".

Callendar said he agreed with Clarke’s decision, noting that it "made perfect sense."

this time of national preparation for better days ahead for all Guyanese.

As His Excellency, President Brig.

David Granger, implored in an address to the National Assembly, “Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past, but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of those who struggled and died inspire us today and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond.”

Traditionally, we gather as families, congregations and neighbourhoods for prayer, fellowship and celebration.

In Guyana, the highlight of the season is marked by the flying of kites in an unparalleled display of aerial dexterity and congested ebullient beauty all across our communities. Guyana’s enthusiastic celebration of Easter through

kite flying is a unique spectacle, which we must invite our CARICOM, Caribbean and global brothers and sisters to witness first hand. For them, it could very well be a oncein-a-lifetime experience. This is one aspect of Guyana’s radiant and vibrant culture which we, as a nation, often do not fully appreciate and give adequate recognition to, particularly with regard to its potential and social and cultural value.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana wishes all Guyanese, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, an enjoyable Easter season. We implore all to celebrate responsibly, and engage in safe kite-flying, boat racing at the Bartica Regatta, and cattle wrangling at Lethem Rodeo.

Happy Easter, Guyana!

Easter presents a great expression of national, racial unity – PPP

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Easter greetings to every Guyanese; more particularly, our Christian brothers and sisters. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ remain two of the most inspiring phenomena of selfless sacrifice, hope and salvation in human history.

The significance of these events are well-known, not only to Christians but to Guyanese of all religions and ethnicities; hence the cele-

bration of Easter in our country presents a great expression of national and racial unity.

Events such an Easter, because of their significance, must be occasions when we renew our resolve to continue to struggle against those who view our freedoms as inconvenient obstacles; re-commit ourselves to regain our democratic rights and freedoms, and renew our pledge to work for a better life for all of our people.

20

sunDAY, april 16, 2017

Eastman eases to victory in Universal Supplies 35 lap Sponsors, winners and organisers all gather for a photo at the end of the 13th Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race cycling meet

By Romario Samaroo

R

eturning to circuit racing, Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman withstood the threat of rivals, Team Evolution’s Paul De Nobrega, Coco’s Jamual John and Linden Bauxite Flyer’s Shaquel Agard in a dash to the finish of the 35 lap featured school boys and invitational race as part of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.

With 17 riders taking to the starting line, the numbers trimmed down lap by lap as a small contingent of five riders quickly formed the lead pack with Pharmco Deep South’s Raynauth “Obeah man” Jeffrey leading at the end of the first lap.

Soon after it was a five man lead of Eastman, Agard, DeNobrega, team Alanis’ Alonzo Ambrose and Mark Harris but Harris suffered a mechanical problem that forced him out of contention.

Jeffrey was leading a big second pack with Coco’s duo, John and Junior Niles close on his wheels.

By the 20th lap, half the riders had dropped out and John moved into the first pack while Ambrose fell back with Enzo Mathews who trailed for the remainder of eight laps.

With the last burst and two turns to go, Eastman initiated the sprint with John and DeNobrega right on his tail, however the 21 year old maintained the win while a photo finish and the eagle-eye of racing official Joseph Britton deduced that DeNobrega had marginally piped John for second.

Eastman stopped the clock in a time of one hour, 17 minutes and four seconds while DeNobrega, John, Agard, Ambrose and Mathews finished the top six in that order. Eastman and John shared the prime prizes of four each.

Meanwhile, in the other races, David Hicks won the boys and girls three lap 12-14 year race in seven minutes 24 seconds as he was trailed

by Jonathan Ramsuchit and Brandon DeNobrega in second and third respective-

ly. Ajani Cutting copped the top spot of the boys BMX 6-9 years two lap race while Antone Vanderburg finished second and Johnathan Cox completed the race in third.

Ian Jackson conquered the veterans under 50 five lap affair in 11 minutes 58 seconds as Sybourne Fernandes took the second position and Lennox Jackman third.

Linden Blackman was the only over 50 rider in the mix.

Evolution’s Nigel Duguid defeated the competition in the juveniles 10 lap race in 22 minutes, seven seconds. Adealie Hodge finished second while Briton John rounded off the top three.

Over in the mountain bike class, Jaikaran Sookhai trailed Ryan Canterbury into the finishing line to see them finish second and first respectively in 13 minutes and 25 seconds.

After the race, Hassan Mohammed, who organized the event, thanked the sponsors for their dedication to sporting development after sponsoring the event for the past 13 years.

The cycling weekend continues today with the riders will take to the roadways for a 70 mile race.

This race will begin at the usual starting point, in front of the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue at 08:00h and see riders heading up the East Bank Demerara to the Linden/Soesdyke Highway where they will turn back at the Coca Cola sign and head to the city to finish just before Tank Street, Grove.

The event will be sponsored by Chin Chan Cycle Shop, Team Cocos (Ian Q-B Davis), Tony Chung’s Body Work Shop of New York and Mark Duke (McRae Body Work Shop of New York).

The winner will receive $50,000, there will be cash prizes for the top six finishers in the open category, top three veterans, top three juniors, top three mountain bikers and top two ladies.

There will 20 primes during the event which will be $5,000 per prime, so get set for lots of aggressive racing.

Entrance fee for the event is $2,000 and this includes after race meals and beverages.

21

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sundAY, april 16, 2017

WICB President’s XI in strong position

NSC on target with timely archery donation

– Hetmyer, Singh, Powell record fifties

H

alf centuries from Shimron Hetmyer, Vishaul Singh and Kieran Powell put West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI in a strong position at 311-5 at the close on day one of their First Class match against the touring Pakistan side on Saturday at the Trelawny Multiplex in Florence Hall, Jamaica.

Hetmyer (97) fell three short of a well-deserved century, Powell made 58 while Singh is insight of triple figures on unbeaten 81 and with him to resume day two is all-rounder Raymon Reifer on 36. Jahmar Hamilton chipped in with 26.

The President’s XI skipper, Shamarh Brooks won the toss and took first strike. They were not off to the best start, losing Kyle Hope for two with just two runs on the board as Mohammad Amir struck an early blow. However, a 148-run second wicket partnership between Hetmyer and Powell set a firm foundation for the other batsmen to build on, before the former was removed by Yasir Shah three runs short of another milestone.

From 150-2 they suffered a brief lapse in concentration as two wickets fell for 43 runs. However, that did much to hamper the President’s XI progress for the remaider of the day as they added another 118 runs for the loss of just one more wicket.

Amir (2-45) has been the visitors’ best bowler so far in the match while Shah and Muhammad Ashgar have claimed Shimron Hetmyer a wicket each.

NSC’s Deputy Director Brian Smith (second from right) makes the formal presentation to Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon while (from left) David Dharry, Dr Pravesh Harry and Nicholas Hing share the moment

A

rchery Guyana received some useful equipment to aid in the Training and Practice Sessions for the discipline from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The presentation was made by Deputy Director Brian Smith at the NSC’s Office on Homestretch Avenue to President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon in the presence of Chairman of the Archery Task Force, Nicholas Hing, and Directors Pravesh Harry and David Dharry.

Archery Guyana expressed gratitude to the NSC for its kind support to the National Archery Development Programme.

Hing commented that “this equipment will not only help boost training for our local archers, but will also prevent damage to archery equipment”.

The Backstop Safety Net is essential for any ar-

chery range to catch arrows that miss the target, hereby preventing lost and/or broken arrows. This particular model presented has metal grommets every 3 feet along the top band for easy hanging and can be mounted between any sturdy upright objects or trees thereby enabling safety for Archery Guyana’s Indoor and Outdoor shooting activities.

The 2 donated Bulldog Archery Targets are the recommended ones to stop arrows and built with an extra tough 10” of stopping power to hold up to the blisteringly fast arrows as the local archers develop skills. There is also the easy arrow removal.

Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis championship 2017

K

aysan Ninvalle helped Guyana team storm to a 3-0 win over Jamaica with a set point win over Jamaica’s Alessio Tulloch 13-11, 11-7, 11-6 in the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis championship on Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Guyana also topped a mixed group of St Lucia and Guyana with Jamal Nicholas and Terrence Rausch as the workhorses of the team as they both featured in the matches against Jamaica and Guyana/St Lucia, picking up set points in each match.

In the Under-18 Boys in their only match of the day, had a battle with Trinidad and Tobago, but pulled off a 3-2 win.

Both Kyle Edghill and Elishaba Johnson dropped winnable games to Trinidad’s Joshua Maxwell with Maxwell winning 3-2 against both the Guyanese players.

However, Guyana dominated the remaining players in Trinidad’s team to pull off the win with Miquel Wong also getting in on the action to help the team to victory.

The Under-15 girls category having one group, the Guyanese girls won their only match against Jamaica 3-1, but will have to play the highly rated Dominican Republic side on April 15 to determine the ‘top dog’ in the group.

Action will continue in the championship for the remainder of the Easter weekend with the final day being Tuesday.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 16, 2017

23

CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Fudadin, Paul cash in at Providence SCOREBOARD A

sensational spell of seam bowling from rookie Guyana Jaguars all-rounder, Keemo Paul broke the back of the Windward Islands Volcanoes batting before top order batsman Assad Fudadin compiled a stroke-filled century to put the host in the driver seat at stumps on day one of the tenth round clash in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament on Saturday at Providence.

The Volcanoes’ new captain, Sunil Ambris called correctly but batting first backfired when Devon Smith was sent back by Romario Shepherd’s second ball of the day before the visitors opened their account. It went downhill from there with Shepherd striking in his next over when Tyrone Theophile was caught behind at 3-2.

Keemo Paul who was bowling a nagging line from the players pavilion end then trapped Jerlani Robinson in front for his first victim.

Ambris then began to flow with a few shots alongside Andre Fletcher but Paul would hit back to send both batsmen back in the hut with just 19 on the board and the Volcanoes steering down the barrel.

With lunch approaching, there was an interruption for 11 minutes due to a drizzle at 11:40h and at the Jaguars were the happier team at the interval with the score at 78/7 after 24 overs. Shane

Shillingford was on 18 and Larry Edward was on 5.

After the resumption, the lower order only lasted four overs and one ball with Keemo Paul bagging his maiden five-wicket haul in only his second game at this level after his impressive debut in Trinidad in March. Steven Jacobs who is one of five players coming in the team picked up the other wicket to fall while debutant Sherfane Rutherford went wicketless after working up some pace on a placid Providence pitch, not the re-laid track that was used for the recent One Day International Series.

The points leaders then began their reply with Test batsmen, Rajendra Chandrika and Assad Fudadin in overcast conditions. With only 21 points needed from the final two matches for the Jaguars to secure their three-peat the openers batted the opponents out of the game. Tea was taken with the Jaguars just two runs behind with Fudadin on a shot filled 60 and Chandrika on 29.

Fudadin took 53 balls to bring up his 22nd FC half century with seven fours and a six off of the expensive Shillingford.

After laying the foundation for a big first innings total with an opening stand of 108, Chandrika was adjudged caught behind before Chandrapaul Hemraj joined forces with his fellow lefthander.

Presidential Guards win COP T20 Title P

residential Guards division of the Guyana Police Force won the Commissioner of Police (CoP) Inter- Division T20 tournament after defeating ‘A’ Division by six wickets on Saturday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Presidential Guards’ victory was spearheaded by Paul Tyndall, who enjoyed an all-round performance scoring 63 and taking two wickets to be adjudge player of the final.

‘A’ Division won the toss and opted to take first strike, registering 150-6 from 20 overs in the process, with Kelvin Leitch and Jayson Heyliger responsible for 37 and 29 respectively. Tyndall (2-14) and Z. London were outstanding with the ball for the Presidential Guards unit. In reply, Tyndal struck 10 boundaries in a top score of 63 from 54 deliveries as his side completed a suc-

Kelvin Leitch

cessful chase in 18.4 overs.

Tyndal added 112 in a productive first wicket stance with K. Allicock, who made 41 with two fours and a solitary six.

Kareem Naughton chipped in with 14 as PG finished on 152-4 to be declared champions. D. Larose was ‘A’ Division’s best bowler picking up 2-13 while Heyliger took one wicket.

Assad Fudadin celebrates reaching his sixth First Class century on Saturday

Hemraj, who wa splaying his first match since 2014 had a nervous start especially against left-arm pacer Delorn Johnson who was unlucky not to pick up more wickets. However, Hemraj the Everest Cricket Club player weathered the storm to carve out a maiden half century from 93 balls with

five fours and two sixes before giving Shillingford reward for hard work.

Along the way in the 92run stand Fudadin brought up his sixth century before closing the dominant day on 113 with night watchman Gudakesh Motie on 2.

Play on day two starts at 10:00h.

Windward Islands Volcanoes 1st Innings DS Smith lbw b R Shepherd 0 T Theophile+ c A Brambleb R Shepherd 1 J Robinson lbwb KM Paul 2 AD Fletcher c LR Johnsonb KM Pa ul 13 SW Ambris* lbwb KM Paul 29 KA Hodge c AB Fudadinb KM Pau l 0 KR Mayers c LR Johnsonb KM Pau l 6 S Shillingford run out (G Motie)24 LM Edward b KM Paul 12 DE Johnson b SA Jacobs 0 S Lewis not out 4 Extras (b-1, w-1, nb-2) 4 Total (All out, 28.1 overs) 95 FOW: 1-0, 2-3, 3-6, 4-19, 5-19, 6-29, 7-71, 8-90, 9-91, 10-95 Bowling R Shepherd 5-1-172, KM Paul 10.1-328-6 (nb-1), S Rutherford 5-024-0 (w-1, nb-1), V Permaul

7-3-20-0, SA Jacobs 1-0-5-1

Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings R Chandrika c SW Ambrisb DE Johnson 35 AB Fudadin not out 113 C Hemraj c SW Ambris b S Shillingford 54 G Motie not out 2 Extras (lb-1, nb-5) 6 Total (For 2 wickets, 59 overs) 210 FOW: 1-108, 2-200 Did not bat: LR Johnson*, S Rutherford, KM Paul, A Bramble+, SA Jacobs, V Permaul, R Shepherd Bowling DE Johnson 11-29-2-38-0 23-1, S Lewis (nb-3), KR Mayers 6-1-20-0 (nb2), S Shillingford 16-3-54-1, LM Edward 11-1-45-0, KA Hodge 2-0-15-0, T Theophile 4-0-14-0 Position: Guyana Jaguars lead by 115 runs with 8 wickets remaining

SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Assad Fudadin flicks for one of his 12 fours on Saturday at Providence

Fudadin, Paul cash in at Providence

Pg 23 Keemo Paul sets off in wild celebration after picking up his maiden First Class five-wicket haul

Pg 20

Eastman eases to victory in Universal Supplies 35 lap

Hamzah Eastman (red shirt) enjoys success while Paul De Nobrega (white shirt) edges Jamual John (partially hidden) and Shaquel Agard (blue shirt) finishes the sprint

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April 16, 2017

Star Times Bollywood:

San Francisco International Film Festival pays tribute to

Shah Rukh Khan See story on page 14

FREE DISTRIBUTION

Origins and Legends of Hot Cross Buns Page 4

‘Hinglish’ at Easter Page 6

Easter Fashion

Easter on Stamps Page 3

Page 10

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 16, 2017

Times Feature

By Indrawattie Natram

I

n the sweltering heat at the Anna Regina market, Region Two, 33-year-old Andrew Leon Henry vends his kaleidoscope of kites. The craftsman’s belief is that anyone can make a hobby a lucrative business once they have the courage and determination to transform challenges into positive outcomes.

Henry, who lives in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and a kite-maker for more than 24 years, told Sunday Times Magazine that he has developed a passion for kite-mak-

Andrew's son assists his father with making the kites

ing. The father of three, who ventures from Georgetown to Essequibo Coast to sell kites, said he is a construction work-

E

er by profession, but takes his annual vacation around Easter to create and sell colourful kites.

The kite-maker mentioned that although he loves being in the construction industry, he will never trade his kite-making skills for anything.

Henry recalled inheriting his trade from his aunt, who currently resides in the United States.

“This business is a family thing. I used to help my aunt for years; however, since she left the country, I took it up and I haven't regretted since. I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces when they buy my kites, who would also commend me for my neatness. I take pride in making my kites,” expressed Henry.

Henry said his smallest kite is 6 inches and the largest is 4 feet with prices ranging from GYD$500 to GYD$4,000.

Adopting the business from his aunt six years ago, the kite-marker said he solely constructs the kites.

Henry would source raw materials from nearby sawmills. Other raw materials, such as bamboo and local ‘gamacherry’, are gathered from his environs. He noted that he would usually make 70 kites per day, but his biggest challenge is making the “stars” for the kites.

Henry’s son, Yhance Greenidg, also helps him with some features of kite-making, such as applying paste, putting on ‘ears’ and other kite parts. His son said he always look forward to Easter because he gets to venture to different regions to sell kites with his father.

Although Henry’s challenge is a reduction in sales, which is much lower this year as compared to last year, he remains optimistic that the 375 kites he brought to Region Two will be sold out.

He voiced his disappointment in President David Granger, who, he said, has not supported local businesses like his.

Andrew Henry with one of his bigger kites

“What you find is that people are purchasing those plastic kites, which is slowing down our creative market. I try to earn an honest business, but we need market,” Henry said.

Henry currently occupies a stall at Anna Regina market where he has his kites on display. He also makes kites on the spot for those who go to him with orders. The local kite-marker said he plans on “being bigger next year”.

Russian Government provides invaluable opportunities for Guyanese

very year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Guyana in 1970, the Russian Government provides scholarships to Guyanese for studies in Russia.

More than 100 Guyanese, including doctors, engineers, politicians and diplomats, have graduated from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).

In 2016, two Guyanese received Russian Government scholarship to study medicine in RUDN. This year another two scholarships were granted – one focused on oil and gas studies, a prospective Guyanese industrial field.

The Ministry of Natural Resources of Guyana will designate a group of Guyanese students for training as oil and gas tech-

Dr. Shivasram Itwaru

nicians in Russia as agreed during the 1st Meeting of the Working Group in the Field of Geology and Mining in October 2016 in Moscow.

The application for scholarship to study linguistics in Russia for 2017/2018 academic year can be made at Russia study website until May 1, 2017.

Russia is famous for its quality education and offers a wide range of technical and humanitarian studies. Twenty-four Russian Universities, including Moscow State University, are within 2016 Times Higher Education top ranking list. The detailed guide on Russian Universities is available online at www.znanie.info.

The Russian Embassy in Guyana believes that the friendly relations Russia and Guyana have been enjoying for decades will continue to develop through educational exchanges.

Below Dr. Shivasram Itwaru, a doctor who is benefiting from the scholarship programme, comments on his recent experience at Moscow University.

“I am Dr. Shivasram Itwaru, a medical doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and currently studying in Russia. I never thought I would be ever studying in Russia as the country seemed to be a very distant place. Nevertheless, I'm here in beautiful Russia. I'm very happy to be at RUDN pursuing a Residency in Cardiology/Internal Medicine.

I always supposed that Russia was a gloomy place, but this turned out to be wrong. Russia is a very lively and delightful place. It has a lot of different memorials, beautiful parks and it is definitely a place where anyone could find what he/she likes. Currently I live in Moscow on campus at RUDN. The University is very huge and scenic. The academic programs offered are demanding and challenging, thus students have to spend lots of time reading, which is a usual scene across campus, at study halls, library, in the park, and other places.

At RUDN there are students from more than 150 countries, as such you are given the wonderful opportunity to interact and learn not only about Russia, but other countries as well.

I have not been that long in Russia, however I have already visited several places.

Firstly, the famous Red Square is mesmerizing. It has lots of historic buildings, beautiful cathedral, old castle wall and much more. This usually attracts the attention of many tourists. My visit to the well-known Gorky Park and Sokolniki Park was breathtaking. The parks cover large areas where you can be at peace with nature.

It must be mentioned that the Russian people are very affable and polite, which definitely makes you feel at home in Russia. I have been to a lot of places across the world and I am happy to say that Russia is one of the best experiences I ever had.

Thanks to the Russian people and the Government for affording me this experience and the opportunity to study here.”

(Press release from Russian Embassy in Guyana)

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 16, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

By Ann Wood

C

ollecting postage stamps with a religious or related theme is a popular pastime enjoyed by individuals all over the world.

The scope of these commemorative stamps is surprisingly large. Many religious holidays, such as Christmas and

Since many Christians believe Easter to be the most important holy day of the year, it is not surprising that many different countries have issued postage stamps observing Easter. While most of the Easter stamps issued are overtly religious in nature and feature imagery associated with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, there are stamps

1970 Easter stamps

Easter, have been and continue to be popular postage stamps for collectors.

featuring the more secular customs associated with Easter, such as Easter eggs

1969 Easter stamps

and the Easter bunny.

Easter customs and food vary across the world and the traditions that have become associated with Easter are observed by both Christians and some nonChristians. Some of the traditions are decorating Easter eggs (symbols of the empty tomb), the Easter lily (a symbol of the resurrection), the Easter bunny and Easter parades.

In Guyana, flying kites is a tradition for Easter (symbolising Christ's ascent into heaven) and cross buns made with currants and spices (signifying the spices used to embalm him at his burial), marked with a cross on the top (representing the crucifixion of Jesus).

Guyana is among the many countries that have issued stamps commemorating Easter and its 1974 postage stamp (SC# 193 & 196) is a true representation of the Guyanese Easter culture.

Below is a listing of Guyana’s Easter stamps: 1968, Mar. 25, SC 54-55 - Christ of St. John of the Cross by Salvador Dali, denominations 5c, & 25c 1969, Mar. 10, SC 87-90 - The Last Supper by Salvador Dali, denominations 6c, 25c, 30c, & 40c 1970, Mar. 24, SC 110 -13 - Descent from the Cross by Rubens, denominations 5c, 6c, 15c, & 25c 1973, Apr. 19, SC 176-79 - Fertility

1968 Easter stamps

and Church Symbol & Map of Guyana and People Looking to the Cross, denominations 8c, 25c, 40c, & 50c 1974, Mar. 18, SC 193-96 - Crucifix Super-imposed on Eddy Bow Kite & Crucifix in Pre-Columbian Timehri Style, denominations 8c, 25c, 40c, & 50c 1992, SC 2558-67– Various details from paintings by Durer, denominations $6.40. $7.65, $12.80, $15.30, $50, $ 100, $130, $190 & 2 Mini sheets, $225.

Ann Wood is president of the Guyana Philatelic Society. The members of the Guyana Philatelic Society are people from all walks of life who collect new issues from Guyana to those who have only very limited stamp budgets. But above all, the stamp club offers the friendship, knowledge and experience of its members who are there to help stamp collectors with advice on all aspects of collecting. Visit www.guyanastamps.com for more information on stamp collection.(Cover photo: 1973 Easter stamps)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Feature

Origins and Legends of Hot Cross Buns

H

ot cross buns are traditionally baked for Good Friday in the Easter season. In the Christian tradition, Easter starts on Ash Wednesday, the day after Fat Tuesday. Good Friday is considered the only day when the buns are to be eaten. They are served to commemorate Christ's suffering on the cross.

The bun acquired mythical properties during the centuries, generally now forgotten.

Early literature reveals that the hot cross bun was better known as the Good Friday Bun. Samuel Pepys (1633-1703), an English Member of Parliament, referred to it in his diaries of 1666, and James Boswell (1740-1795), a Scottish lawyer and author, included it in his Diary for Good Friday in 1778.

The most famous story tells of a monk in the 12th century who wanted to do something special for Good Friday, and he had made special buns that day, so he put a cross on each one of them. That became a tradition and spread throughout the world. As time went along, some things got associated with hot cross buns: some of

them magical, some superstitious.

Throughout history, the bun has received credit for special virtues, among them that of ensuring friendship between two people sharing a bun.

Those w h o share a hot

cross b u n are supposed to enjoy a strong friendship and bond for the next year. A

line from an old rhyme captures this lore, says Irish Central: “Half for you and half for me, between us two, good luck shall be.”

Another tradition holds that a Good Friday bun should be kept hanging f r o m t h e kitche n ceiling f o r

one year to another to ward off evil spirits. Healing properties were also attributed to it. Gratings from a preserved bun were mixed with water to provide a cure for the common cold.

If you hang a hot cross bun from

your kitchen rafters on Good Friday, legend has it that the bread will remain fresh and mould-free throughout the entire year. This is likened to the body of Christ, which, according to the Bible, did not show any signs of decay after his crucifixion and prior to his resurrection. The bun should be replaced each year on Good Friday. Later in the year, the buns were sometimes broken up, mixed with water and treated as a medicine.

Due to the blessed cross on top, hot cross buns hung in the kitchen are supposed to protect from evil spirits.

They are also said to prevent kitchen fires from breaking out, and ensure that all breads baked that year will turn out perfectly delicious.

Likewise, taking hot cross buns on a voyage at sea endows the boat with some protection from shipwreck, according to legend.

In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I decreed that hot cross buns could no longer be sold on any day except for Good Friday, Christmas or for burials. They were simply too special to be eaten any other day. To get around this, FoodTimeline explains that people baked the buns in their own kitchens—although if they were caught they had to give up all of the illegal buns on their premises to the poor.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 16, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

B y I ndrawattie N atram

C

rafter Grace Edwards is a mother of three who works diligently to support her family despite challenges.

Grace, 41, resides with her husband and children in Capoey, Region Two. She has been in the craft business for over 26 years.

Grace makes cricket bats, boat paddles, spoons and other wood crafts for the local market – a skill she learned from her husband, Morris Edwards.

After obtaining lumber, mainly Simarupa, from the forest, Grace and her husband work collaboratively to create handmade crafts using a knife.

The process starts with carving, ‘sand-papering’, ‘spoke-shaving’ and moulding wood into beautiful and functional craft items. This is done manually using a cutlass or knife.

On a daily basis over

ten dozens of bats are crafted by the couple.

Grace said collectively she and her husband work to make ends meet for their family.

The business is located at the Edwards’s home.

“My products are sold to supermarkets and, whenever business is slow, I sell house-to-house. Right now business is slow because there is a lack of market. Despite this, we are determined to continue because this is the only source of income to support our children’s education,” Grace declared.

A softball bat costs GYD$1400 and GYD$1600. The bats are usually made in different sizes, based on people’s orders.

Every week Grace ventures to the coastland in a boat to sell her craft items. To contact Grace, call 651-4042.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

T

he hum of the first kites to take to the air(waves), days before Easter Monday, shuttles me back to decades earlier when the kite had first inflamed my imagination, investing in me the zeal and verve to claim the tradition as a creation of my ancestors.

Words and images associated with kiteflying flooded my mind, some words barely discernable, overlapping, and due to the passage of time becoming victims of misuse.

For instance, what was the word used when assisting someone to ‘raise’ a kite? Was it ‘ease’ the kite or ‘dheel’ – let go of the spool of string? The answers of some of my contemporaries were muddled, but those with knowledge of Hindi/Bhojpuri insisted that the word was indeed ‘dheel’ transliterated to sound like the word ‘ease’ – ‘to move carefully or gradually’. ‘Dheel’ was bastardised, like so many other Hindi words, and even proper Hindi names like Hari becoming Harry.

Let’s put an image to ‘ease’. The kite for various reasons would not go up. Two main reasons were faulty mechanics and lack of required amount of wind. Faulty mechanics can be remedied with on-the-spot trialand-error methods. But the wind - oh, for the wind –you need to call on the maker of winds, the lack of which was a challenge filled with ludicrous antics providing fun.

The kite is down, sort of spent, prostrated (as in prayer, in supplication) with lengths of twine leading to somewhere else on the ground or in the hands of a despairing kiteflyer/handler. To ‘ease’ the kite is for one to get a firm grip of the contraption at close range and carefully and gradually tease it to catch whatever wind is available, sometimes running a 60-meters dash and manoeuvring the kite until it is filled out with a life of its own, singing out its soul to the risen Lord.

Now the kite is up in the sky and rising, singing lustily for its handler also inviting

The late Dale Bisnauth

doomsayers. And before long, sure enough, there is trouble with the advent of troublesome words like ‘salt-bread’ and ‘kangkawah’. For explanation, I turned to a delightful or disagreeable book, depending on which angle the situation is been viewed.

Before sharing the explanation, it is necessary for me to introduce or reintroduce you to that book, perhaps long forgotten, forced into retirement with good riddance, ‘archival-dom’, or some other dumb state.

“In so many words” by Dale Bisnauth is a masterpiece of Guyanese satire. Hardly any other Guyanese writer has scaled such height in that particular genre of writing; suffice it to say however, there are many who are good at playing with word playing on words.

Now for the explanation of ‘salt-bread’ and ‘kangkawah’, according to Bisnauth in the following piece titled “Kite Flying”,

which was published on April 10 (same as today that I am writing this article) in the year 1983, the charm of both terms is found in their versatility for they could be used as nouns, adjectives and verbs. ‘Salt-bread’ is the movement of a kite flying high and mighty only to fall in water (pool, trench or the ocean) becoming a washup affair. Although it belongs to the world of kite-flying, it could be used ‘to describe the descent of almost anything into humiliating ignominy’.

‘Kangkawah’ is a hastily put together patch-work contraption in the name of kite usually placed in the hands of the fairer sex for it was perceived to be of a milder disposition.

Unfortunately, the ‘kangkawah’ is anything but mild; instead of ‘zagging’ it goes into a state of ‘zigging’, or according to Bisnauth, it “goes into a tizzy, a kind of midair ague-fever frenzy” as if hit by a Michael Holding bouncer causing confusion – becoming “too stupid to do anything constructive”.

So ‘kangkawah’ is the state of confusion resulting from that humiliation as the handler tries to extricate himself with “studied nonchalance”.

As mentioned earlier, this is satire and Bisnauth used the above in reference to state of the economy and its handlers in the 80s.

In this little green book, there are many other pieces on and about Easter and about Easter in Guyana found in “Judas’ Silver” – what happened to Jesus’s seamless robe, Pilate’s wash bowl, and Judas’s 30 pieces of silver; “Toothache on Good Friday” and the “Mis-trial” of Jesus even though He was placed before the street corner parliament, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the

'In so many words' by Dale Bisnauth

Caribbean Court of Justice.

Now if we turn the other cheek, no tongue in cheek business here and no talking out of both sides of the mouth, we would be treated to an enduring and endearing doze of poetry on Easter by A. J. Seymour.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: It’s here – “Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry”. There will be a few soft launch (no plans for a ‘hard’ launch); please make contact to get additional information.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 16, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

A

lgernon E. Aspinall in the 1914 edition of “The Pocket Guide to the British West Indies”, describes the “admirable” Georgetown service of electric tramcars provided by the Demerara Electric Company as plying four routes daily, through the city, at 15-minute intervals. They stopped, he noted, along the route at places marked by white poles, to pick up and drop off passengers.

The trams traversed along lines named the (1) Belt Line, which went from the company’s office, Water and Coal streets, crossing Camp Street, the cricket ground on New Garden Street, Middle Street and crossing Camp Street and Main Street into Water Street. (2) Sea Wall Line: From the sea wall (a place called the Platform) to Main Street, Bentinck Street, Water Street, Lombard and Broad streets, Croal and Camp streets and Camp Road. (3) La Penitence and Church Street Line: La Penitence, Stabroek Market, the company’s office, Church Street, Water Works, New North Road and New Garden Street before returning along the same route. The East Bank Line(4) went along

Main Street through Water Street; Lombard Street, Albouystown and La Penitence along the public road, running through the Ruimveldt and Houston plantations to the terminus at Peter’s Hall.

According to Allen Morrison in his article "The Tramways of Georgetown, British Guiana", on tramz.com website, a street railway began ferrying passengers in the city in 1877, which was acquired in 1880 by the Georgetown Tramways Company. In 1899, the Georgetown Tramways Company was itself acquired by the Demerara Electric Company, which had also purchased the British Guiana Electric Light and Power Company.

Demerara Electric Company then ordered 14 open electric trams from the St. Louis Car Company in Missouri, a tram maker in the US. The previous vehicles were provided for the Georgetown Tramways Company by the John Stephenson Company in New York.

The new tramway in Georgetown was declared opened February 25, 1901, and in the following year, two more trams were or-

The Brush Electrical Engineering Company tram

Georgetown Seawall, British Guiana n.d.

Vessels loading Greenheart from Sproston's Timber Flats at Demerara (Postcard, circa 1908)

A tramcar at the seawall, perhaps the area Aspinall called the ‘Platform’ in his guide

dered and installed along the city’s streets.

Another two more were added in 1909 though this time purchased from a British company.

The East Bank line was established by the Demerara Electric Company when it built a line south of the city to Peter’s Hall.

Single fare was 5 cents while tickets purchased in strips of three, were 12 cents.

There was also a children’s fare and a special fare for cars to be used for “trolley parties”. Transfer tickets from one line to another were free.

However, the July 2, 1929 Jamaica Gleaner newspaper would later report the Demerara Electric Company as informing the Georgetown Town Council in June the same year that due to the reduction in passengers on its tramcars, the company would

cease its service at the expiration of its licence in January 1930.

According to the report, in an interview with company manager G.B. Lomer, he stated that the company had performed its own investigations earlier in the year to determine the feasibility of keeping the lines running, and had concluded that the tramways “could only be operated with heavy annual deficit”.

The manager noted that the increase in the use of motor cars and bicycles – what he called modern conditions – had led to passenger decline. The tram service was discontinued in February 1930 and the lines dug up.

They were taken out of the city and used to ferry wood and fuel, while the rest was sold to an overseas buyer. (Photos from tramz.com)

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Times Travel & Tourism

Hamburg Beach

H

A section of Hamburg Beach

amburg Beach is located along the private island of Tiger Island, Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands).

It is a location where families and friends gather to enjoy music, games, fly a kite and even enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water. It is the ultimate destination for a fun family trip.

A quiet day of fishing at Hamburg (Photo by Michael Lam)

A relaxing spot on the beach (Photo by Michael Lam)

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Times Healthy Living

What to Eat to Avoid Common Health Woes

I

t might seem like there’s a pill on the market for just about every health issue you could imagine. But is there an easier way to try and stave off common health concerns? Food plays a central role in our lives and can facilitate good health as long as we eat the right things. Find out which common health conditions you could be fighting with dietary change.

Diabetes Get more vegetables into your diet.

Vegetables are high in fiber, which helps slow the release of sugars from food and helps moderate the effect of those sugars on blood levels. On top of that, fiber leaves you feeling full for longer so you’re less likely to fill up on sugary snacks. To top it all off, they’re full of a host of healthy vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are great candidates here.

High Cholesterol Diet has a lot to do with your risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels, which means there’s also a lot you can do to boost your heart health. Two big contributors to heart-disease risk are saturated fat and salt. Saturated fat

bumps up the levels of LDL cholesterol, which can stick to blood vessels and cause heart attacks. Stick to lean sources of protein like poultry or tofu, which have a lot less fat than beef or pork. Beans also pack a serious protein punch and also deliver a healthy dose of fiber.

High Blood Pressure Having high blood pressure can put stress on your heart and blood vessels, which can then lead to heart disease and stroke. Eating a diet high in salt has been shown to increase your blood pressure, which means getting your sodium under control should be high on the priority list. Herbs and spices can serve to give you food a flavorful kick and some even carry healthful nutrients that won’t damage your heart. Garlic is a great way to boost flavor while helping to lower inflammation and getting a host of essential minerals.

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis a serious problem in older women and men, and it can put you at risk for dangerous fractures. Boosting bone-friendly foods in your diet can help to slow the loss of bone as you age. In this case, natural sources of calcium and vitamin D can go a long way to strengthening your bones.

Bony fish like sardines can boost your calcium levels, while fatty varieties like salmon or tuna can also provide vitamin D. Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can also contribute to bone health.

Try adding broccoli for calcium, sweet potatoes for magnesium, and spinach for potassium.

Obesity Being overweight is hard on a variety of organs in your body. It contributes to diabetes and heart disease, while also causing arthritis. A good place to start in dropping a few pounds is switching to more filling foods, which means getting more protein and fiber into your diet. Nuts like almonds or

walnuts are great sources of both and also have the added benefit of being packed with healthy fats. They make a great snack that can help get you to your next meal without reaching for those unhealthy snacks.

Cancer Cancer comes in a close second behind heart disease for the number of people it kills. Fortunately, there are a variety of foods that can help lower your risk.

Whole grains in particular can help stave off colon cancer. Whole grain breads can help, but they’re not the only way to get grains into your diet. Try unsalted popcorn as a healthy snack or quinoa as a carbohydrate of choice to go with dinner. (www.oprah.com)

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Times Fashion

S

onia Noel Designs recently displayed a fashionable collection at the recently held ‘Afternoon Delight,Tea and Fashion’ show at New Thriving, Providence.

Locally, regionally and internationally, Sonia Noel is famous for her sophisticated, versatile designs that can be worn from the beach to the ball-

room.

As prom season approaches, Sonia will be releasing a collection that caters to the pre-adults who will be graduating soon and celebrating their prom in full glitz and glamour.

Recently, the designer celebrated 20 years in the fashion industry and will be releasing stylish designs in cel-

ebration of her milestone.

Visit Makin' Style Boutique by Sonia Noel at the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown, for outfits and jewellery or check out Sonia Noel Designs on Facebook for more information. (Photos by Carl Croker. Jewellery

by Fiona Graham North. Models are Meleesa, Liz, Ambiika, Oral and Peggy)

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Times Tech

Best online privacy tools 2017

A

chieving privacy requires finding a way to minimise the oversight of internet service providers (ISPs) as well as the profiling built into browsers, search engines and websites.

In theory, the traditional way of shielding internet use from ISPs can be achieved using a VPN provider.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from the user’s device and the service provider’s servers, which means that any websites visited after that becomes invisible to the user’s primary ISP. In turn, the user’s IP address is also hidden from those websites. Notice, however, that the VPN provider can still see which sites are being visited and will also know the user’s ISP IP. IPVanish is a well-regarded US-based service offering an unusually wide range of software clients, including for Windows, Mac and Ubuntu Linux, as well as mobile apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone.

Another multi-platform VPN, Romanian-

Tech BYTE

L

A

browsing easy, although it could slow down your browser.

Then there are privacy search engines. The best-known example of privacy search engines is DuckDuckGo, which protects searches by stopping 'search leakage' by default. This means visited sites will not know what other terms a user searched for and will not be sent a user’s IP address or browser user agent. It also offers an encrypted version that connects to the encrypted versions of major websites, preserving some privacy between the user and the site.

In addition, DuckDuckGo offers a neat password-protected 'cloud save' setting that makes it possible to create search policies and sync these across devices using the search engine.

To read more about privacy tools, visit www.techworld.com

LinkedIn adds 'smarter' messaging feature

inkedIn is making it easier for members to message each other.

The professional network is launched a "smarter" messaging feature on Thursday as part of its ongoing desktop redesign efforts.

With a new messaging tab, members can reach out to any of their connections regardless of whether they're on the site looking at jobs or updating their profile.

"We want to thread messaging across LinkedIn to make it so seamless you can start or resume conversations without having to go to another page to do it," said Sammy Shreibati, a senior product manager.

The messaging update is part of LinkedIn's goal to become more than the go-to place for job seekers and to keep its 467 million using the platform for longer stretches of time. The company said that it's seen a 40 percent increase in messaging in the past year and that about half its members now use messaging.

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn's upgrade

Tech BYTE

based Cyberghost goes to some lengths to advertise its security features, its main USP. These include multiprotocol support (OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP and PPTP), DNS leak prevention, IP sharing (essentially subnetting multiple users on one virtual IP) and IPv6 protection. It also says it doesn’t store user data.

Epic is a Chromium-based browser that takes a minimalistic approach to browsing in order to maximise privacy. It claims that both cookies and trackers are deleted after each session and that all browser searches are proxied through their own servers, meaning that there is no way to connect an IP address to a search.

This means your identity is hidden.

Epic also provides a fully encrypted connection and users can use its one-button proxying feature that makes quick private

Tech news

is part of a slew of changes, including Conversation Starters, which connects members with others through messaging, and Salary, which seeks to help people who want to earn more money.

As part of the new messaging feature, LinkedIn also provides "contextual suggestions" on the Jobs and Company pages. For example, a member looking at a job posting will instantly see which of their connections work at that company or who could possibly introduce them to someone there.

During tests of the new message feature, LinkedIn saw a 10 percent increase in members responding to messages within one minute, said Chris Szeto, LinkedIn's messaging product director.

The messaging feature is available worldwide. (CNET)

T

Tilting smartphones 'can give away passwords and pins'

he way you tilt your mobile while you're using it could allow hackers to work out your pin numbers and passwords, according to new research.

Experts at Newcastle University analysed the movement of a smartphone as the screen was used.

your phone or tablet which hosts one of these malicious codes and then open [another one], then they can spy on every personal detail you enter.

"And worse still, in some cases, unless you close them down completely, they can even spy on you when your phone is locked.

They say they cracked four-digit Android pins with 70% accuracy on the first guess and 100% by the fifth.

The team of cyber-experts claim tech companies know about the problem but can't figure out what to do about it.

Dr Maryam Mehrnezhad, from the university's school of computing science, said: "Most smartphones, tablets, and other wearables are now equipped with a multitude of sensors (gyroscope, rotation sensors, accelerometer, etc).

"But because mobile apps and websites don't need to ask permission to access most of them, malicious programmes can covertly 'listen in' on your sensor data."

The research suggests there's a problem in the tech industry because of the number of different sensors used by competing companies.

Dr Mehrnezhad said: "On some browsers we found that if you open a page on

"People were far more concerned about the camera and GPS than they were about the silent sensors."

The team said it was able to identify 25 different sensors which come as standard on most devices.

The researchers found that everything you do - from clicking, scrolling and holding to tapping - led to people holding their phone in a unique way.

So on a known webpage, the team was able to work out which part of the page the user was clicking on, and what they were typing, by the way it was tilted.

They said they'd told all the major tech companies, like Google and Apple, about the risks but no-one has been able to come up with an answer so far.

The team is now looking at the risks around personal fitness trackers linked to online profiles. (BBC Newsbeat)

Amazon improves hearing for off-brand Echos

mazon is releasing its seven-microphone design to outside companies that create voice assistant speakers using Alexa. Companies including Lenovo, LG and Ford have all taken a cut of Amazon's pie by equipping their own devices with Alexa, from speakers to refrigerators and cars.

Providing the technology behind Alexa's voice processing allows third-party companies to make voice assistants that can hear you from from across the room, even in loud environments.

Amazon is releasing its software for wake-word recognition, noise reduction and echo cancellation.

Third-party makers will also be able to use the same seven noise-canceling microphones that are found in the Amazon Echo, making it easier to pick up voice commands from long distances.

The development kit is only available so far to commercial manufacturers through an invite-only program, so DIY-Echos will have to wait. (CNET)

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Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Ingredients

Cake 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 2cups all-purpose flour 2tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp baking soda 1tsp vanilla essence ½ tsp salt 3cups shredded carrots

Capture a cool, contemporary look by adding grey into your favourite colour scheme.

Method

A tone-on-tone grey palette creates a soothing refuge in the home. You can add stainless steel accents and hints of wood and leather to keep the space welcoming

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of one 13x9-inch pan or two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans with shortening; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds or until blended. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the salt; beat on low speed 1 minute. Stir in carrots and nuts. Pour into pan(s).

Bake 13x9-inch pan 40 to 45 minutes, round pans 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick

R Often considered a conservative shade, when used in design, grey creates a cool, sophisticated look

inserted in center comes out clean. Cool rectangle in pan on cooling rack. Cool rounds 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack.

Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost 13x9-inch cake or fill and frost round layers with frosting.

Sprinkle nutmeg on frosted cake, if desired.

Store in refrigerator.

Greatest Cooking Tips

inse the pan with cold water before scalding milk to prevent sticking.

Line the bottom of your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with a paper towel to absorb liquids that make vegetables wilt.

Do not roast poultry in an oven temperature lower than 325 degrees (170 C). Poultry should be roasted at 325 degrees or higher to avoid potential food safety problems.

To find out if oil is the proper temperature for frying foods: For deep-fat frying, drop a cube of white bread into the hot oil. If it browns evenly in 60 seconds the oil is 350-365 degrees, in 40 seconds, 365-382 degree, 20 seconds – 382-390 degrees. For shallow frying, the oil is hot enough if it is shimmering and rippling along the bottom of the pan. The most reliable way to gauge the temperature is to use a deep-fat thermometer.

S For a bedroom with verdant views of the outdoors, a simple grey, white and blue palette keeps the emphasis on the room's connection to nature

(5 medium) 1cup coarsely chopped walnuts Cream Cheese Frosting 1package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened ¼ cup butter or margarine, softened 2to 3 tsp milk 1tsp vanilla 4cups powdered sugar Nutmeg, if desired

Home Help

ince the dirt rings in collars are oil stains, shampoo for oily hair will remove them. Rub it into the fabric before washing the garment.

If you have poured too much soap powder into the washing machine, sprinkle salt into the water to settle the soap suds.

Put candles in the freezer before using them. They will last much longer.

Remove musty and oily odours from the garage floor by spreading grass cuttings on their source for a few hours.

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Family Times

PARENTING

Is it OK for kids to eat eggs every day?

E

B

JOKES

ernard, who is noted for his gracious manners, was awakened one morning at 4:44 a.m. by his ringing telephone.

"Your dog's barking, and it's keeping me awake," said an angry voice.

Bernard thanked the caller and politely asked his name and number before hanging up.

The next morning at precisely 4:44 a.m., Bernard called his neighbour back.

"Good morning, Mr. Williams...Just called to say that I don't have a dog."

T

he Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the FBI, and the CIA are all trying to prove that they are the best at apprehending criminals. The president decides to give them a test. He releases a rabbit into a forest and each of them has to catch it.

The CIA goes in. They place animal informants throughout the forest. They question all plant and mineral witnesses. After three months of extensive investigations they conclude that rabbits do not exist.

The FBI goes in. After two weeks with no leads they burn the forest, killing everything in it, including the rabbit, and they make no apologies. The rabbit had it coming.

The LAPD goes in. They come out two hours later with a badly beaten bear. The bear is yelling: "Okay!

Okay! I'm a rabbit! I'm a rabbit!"

A

n artist asked the gallery owner if there had been any recent interest in his paintings which happened to be on display.

"I have good news and bad news," the gallery owner replied. “The good news is that a gentleman inquired about your work and wondered if it would increase in value after your death."

"What did you say?" questioned the artist.

"When I told him it would, he bought all 15 of your paintings."

"That's wonderful!" the artist exclaimed. "What's the bad news?"

"The gentleman was your doctor."

Easter Riddles

I

Q. What stories does the Easter Bunny like best?

A. The ones with happy eggings!

Q. What did the father Easter egg do when the mother Easter egg told him a joke?

A. He cracked up!

Q. What kind of music do bunnies like?

A. Hip Hop. Q. What did the Easter Bunny say to the carrot?

A. "It's been nice gnawing you!"

t was his daughter's birthday and a man driving home late one evening, realised that he hadn't bought her a present. He drove to the mall and ran to the toy store and asked the store manager, "How much is that new Barbie in the window?"

The manager replied, "Which one? We have, 'Barbie goes to the gym' for $19.95...'Barbie goes to the Ball' for $19.95... 'Barbie goes shopping for $19.95... 'Barbie goes to the beach' for $19.95...'Barbie goes to the Nightclub' for $19.95...and 'Divorced Barbie' for $375.00."

"Why is the Divorced Barbie $375.00, when all the others are $19.95?" Dad asked, surprised.

"Divorced Barbie comes with Ken's car, Ken's House, Ken's boat, Ken's dog, Ken's cat and Ken's furniture."

A

preacher was completing a temperance sermon; with great expression he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

And then finally, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

He sat down.

The song leader then stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn # 365: "Shall We Gather at the River."

ggs can be part of a nutritious meal, but the high cholesterol content of egg yolks makes it unwise to feed kids whole eggs every day.

According to the American Heart Association, the build-up of arterial plaque begins in childhood, so kids who take in too much cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing heart disease as adults. Egg whites are cholesterol-free and safe to eat daily, but yolks, though nutritious, should be served in moderation. Eating three or four eggs per week is safer than eating them every day.

The main hazard of eating eggs daily is their high cholesterol level. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that kids take in no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. A large cooked egg has 169 milligrams of cholesterol, so if your child eats two eggs for breakfast, he has already exceeded the recommended limit. One egg, combined with oth-

er cholesterol sources throughout the day, can also be unhealthy.

Additionally, an egg has 2 grams of saturated fat, which can also raise blood cholesterol levels.

Although eggs every day may be excessive, eating protein-rich eggs for breakfast a few times a week can give kids lasting energy and help them retain their focus throughout the school day.

Protein increases tyrosine levels in kids' blood and brains, prompting their neurons to produce neurotransmitters that keep them alert and active, according to the Franklin Institute. A large scrambled egg provides 6 grams of protein, a little less than the amount of protein in a cup of milk.

Eggs eaten in moderation are a valuable source of important nutrients, including B-complex vitamins that kids

need for strong metabolism. A large scrambled egg provides more than onethird of the riboflavin and nearly a third of the vitamin B-12 children need daily.

It also has about one-fifth of their recommended daily intake for vitamin A, a nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and helps them see in dim light. Although eggs are not particularly rich in minerals, one cooked egg has 101 milligrams of phosphorus, a nutrient that benefits the nervous system and bone health. The Institute of Medicine recommends that children aged 4 to 8 get 500 milligrams of phosphorus per day, but kids from ages 9 to 13 should get 1,250 milligrams a day.

The yolk of the egg contains all of its cholesterol. Without it, an egg has no cholesterol and only a trace amount of fat. If your child likes to eat eggs for breakfast, cooking egg whites may be a healthy solution. The white of one large egg has 3.6 grams of protein, lower than a whole egg, but still nutritious. However, most of the egg's vitamins and minerals are also in the yolk, so pair egg whites with nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits or fortified cereal.

STORY TIME

When the sky was near and low

ets or containers were filled. More oddly, no showering was allowed for the entire day either. It was said that disobeying these beliefs would bear serious consequences. If you took a shower, you would be turned into a fish that swam in the water. If you drank Good Friday’s water, it would turn into blood. Similarly, we did not handle cutlasses, knives, or any other sharp equipment otherwise it would cause danger. Fruits were not eaten for it would turn you into animals, like the monkey, who eat fruits. These things, we used to obey them in my early days and since the world was very young, the old people would say.

This is the truth because I experienced several stories. One year, on Good Friday, my uncle and some men decided to go to work and disobey the words of our fore parents. And so they went into the jungle. It happened that they decided to take a day of rest to go fishing and have a feast. They fished and started cooking by the fireside. At first, it was fine. The fish was boiling in the

pot and the men were getting ready to eat. But after a few minutes, my uncle went to check the pot and discovered something odd: there was no more fish in the pot and everything had disappeared!

It was also said that one Makushi tribe did not believe in this. One day, a group of people went to the river to wash and bathe despite the interdiction. Immediately after, they all changed into fish and disappeared.

They never returned.

Another year it was me who disobeyed. On the day of Good Friday my stepson visited me home and I had in my house some parakari. I knew it was not allowed, but I still did it! I strained the parakari and offered him some. Immediately after, when he was about to consume it, blood dripped into the bowl of parakari. He became very scared, but I wasn’t because I had done it to prove to him!

Today, I am still living and it doesn’t happen anymore. I remember my great, great grandparents telling me that it would change as the sky went higher, meaning as years would pass after the creation.

So today we have a lot of religious preaching going on and we continue to obey, but with spiritual prayers rather than through specific interdictions.

(Photo by Claudia Nuzzo. Story was published on April 27, 2015 on www. pantaniblog.org)

ing “same” and “word,” respectively.

Difference between Tautology and Repetition While some think that any instance of repetition instantly constitutes an example of tautology, this is not true. The two devices also have very different aims and aesthetics. Repetition means using the same word or a variation of the same word more than once in close proximity. Repetition is generally used to add emphasis and power to the word or phrase being repeated. Tautology, on the other hand, is often unintentional and can sound a bit foolish or humorous. Tautology is stating the same thing

twice in a redundant way, and thus actually takes away from the power of the word or argument being repeated.

Common Tautology Examples Any time you start a sentence with “In my opinion, I think…” this is a tautology, since it’s clear that if you “think” something it must be your opinion.

“It’s deja vu all over again.”

“You can observe a lot by watching.”

“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

Generally, authors try to avoid tautology examples in their works of literature because “it is especially absurd to explain one thing with its own definition”.

By Grace Albert

A

s I was sitting outside, meditating on this special Easter day, I noticed a 71-year-old Wapishana woman who appeared unoccupied. I then decided to question her about Easter. She had spent part of her life in the South Rupununi before moving to the North. She told me how she, and other people, spent Good Friday in years gone by. Below is her story.

In my early years we (Wapishanas in the South) believed in many things, such as Good Friday. This special day was very important and highly respected by our fore parents. Their experience was that many things would happen to people who were being disobedient on this day. It was said that things happened according to what we believed since the sky was very near and low, which means when the earth had just been created by the Almighty. In those days, there wasn’t much religious activity. However, we knew that the son of the Almighty had died for us and so he should be honoured on that day.

According to our beliefs, really scary things could happen if we did not respect certain interdictions. For instance, people would be involved in any activity on Good Friday. Cooking was not allowed so the food had to be prepared the day before and could not include any kind of meat. For drinking, water also had to be fetched the day before and buck-

Tautology

A

tautology states the same thing twice in slightly different wording, or adds redundant and unnecessary words.

Tautological reasoning is logic that uses the premise as the conclusions, or is too obvious as to be necessary. For example, saying, “When we get a pet we will either get a dog or some other animal” is tautological, as every pet is necessarily either a dog or not a dog. Other examples of tautologies based on redundancy are “new innovation,” “male widower,” and “added bonus.”

The word tautology is a compound of the Greek words tauto and logos, mean-

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Times Sunday Puzzle

What common mathematical symbol can you place between the numerals 4 and 5 which results in a number greater than four but less than six? see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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Times Kids

Creature Corner

GEOZONE

Canaima National Park

T

here are several species of cottontail rabbit, but the eastern cottontail is the most common. This ubiquitous animal can be found from Canada to South America and, in the United States, from the East Coast to the Great Plains.

Cottontails range from reddish brown to grey, but all feature the distinctive “cotton ball” tail for which they are named.

These rabbits seek out habitat on the fringes of open spaces, such as fields, meadows, and farms, but can adapt to other habitats—including those of humans.

They browse at night on grasses and herbs and are fond of garden fare such as peas and, of course, lettuce.

In winter, their diet becomes a bit coarse and consists of bark, twigs, and buds. During the day, cottontails often remain hidden in vegetation.

If spotted, they flee from prey with a zigzag pattern, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 18 miles an hour.

Females give birth in

shallow ground nests to young so helpless that perhaps only 15 percent survive their first year. Fortunately, rabbits breed three or four times every year and produce three to eight young each time. Young rabbits mature quickly and are self-sufficient after only four or five weeks.

Maze Daze

Please see solution on page 23

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

C

anaima National Park, located in southeastern Venezuela along the borders of Guyana and Brazil, has a stunning landscape of tabletop mountain formations known as tepuis. It is also home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls, whose highest point reaches a staggering 3,212 feet, or 979 meters.

The National Park was formed by the Venezuelan Government in 1962, with an area of a million hectares. This was increased to 3 million hectares in 1975, making it one of the largest national parks in the world.

By its very size and because of its spectacular scenery and vast natural resources, Canaima National Park is truly one of the world's greatest natural wonders.

The park protects significant populations

of five endangered mammal species: jaguars, giant anteaters, giant river otters, ocelots and giant armadillos. One third of the plants there are found nowhere else on the planet. Canaima harbours nearly half of the neotropical migratory birds that winter in South America; many are of conservation priority, including the osprey, American swallow-tailed kite and broad-winged hawk.

The park’s highlands provide habitat for nearly 100 bird species, including 29 species found nowhere else.

Canaima National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 because of the tepuis. The most famous Tepuis in the park are Monte Roraima, the tallest and easiest to climb, and Auyantepui, from which fall the Angel Falls - easily the most famous feature of the park.

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Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Boy learns to drive on YouTube for McDonald's joyride

A

n eight-year old boy in Ohio safely drove his little sister to McDonald's after learning to drive from YouTube, local news report.

Ohio's Morning Journal said police received calls from residents about a child driving through town.

Staff at the restaurant thought they were the victims of a prank when the underage pair stopped at the drivethrough window, the paper added.

The boy obeyed all traffic lights and laws, witnesses said.

"He didn't hit a single thing on the way there. It was unreal," police officer Jacob Koehler, from the village of East Palestine, said.

The child told police he had learned to drive by watching YouTube videos.

The boy drove 1.5 miles (2.4km), cover-

ing four intersections, railway tracks, and several turns, Mr Koehler told Cleveland news outlet Fox8.

The children's parents were asleep at home, reports said, when the siblings decided to take the vehicle keys.

The two children got cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets while they waited to be picked up by family. No charges were filed.

(BBC)

The Uruguayan prison where inmates set up shop

E

very weekday morning, Cesar Campo wakes up, eats a quick breakfast and heads to work in a converted warehouse where he builds tables, chairs, bookcases and anything else that clients request.

Close by, his neighbours make bricks, grow vegetables and run shops such as cafes, a bakery, a barber's salon and a tattoo studio.

All the workers are inmates living at Punta de Rieles, a progressive "open" prison just outside the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.

"We never imagined we would have something like this," said Campo, 50, who

has spent 23 years behind bars for bank robbery.

"It's a model prison which offers opportunities you don't find anywhere else."

With incidents of prison violence recently hitting the headlines around Latin America - particularly in Brazil where more than 100 people died in January alone in a series of riots - the liberal philosophy behind Punta de Rieles offers an alternative view of how correctional institutions can be operated.

Its director, Luis Parodi, is a former schoolteacher who believes that "if the context changes, the man changes" and who runs his prison based on three fundamental elements: work, education and culture.

At Punta de Rieles, prisoners can circulate freely within the prison boundaries until 19:00.

Many use mobile phones to stay in touch with the outside world, and some are allowed tablets or computers.

Inside the cells, which are typically shared between four people, they are allowed to have televisions, games consoles, refrigerators and musical instruments.

Families can visit three times per week, and overnight stays have been allowed since 2015.

In many cases, family members assist inmates who run businesses which sell their wares outside, like Cesar Campo's carpentry workshop. (Excerpted from BBC)

Brain Teaser Answer

A decimal point SUDOKU KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Free New Zealand house comes with a catch A housing developer is giving away one of his properties for free to a needy family in New Zealand's largest city, but they will have to find somewhere to put it.

Auckland businessman Dave Rennie has listed the three-bedroom property with a zero-dollar price tag, with the proviso that the buyers move it to their own plot of land, the Newshub website reports. Mr Rennie told Newshub that the house is one of 16 he owns, but it stands on land that's due to be

redeveloped.

"It seemed like a waste and it was a shame for it not to be utilised. It might be a good starting point for somebody," he said.

According to stuff.co.nz, the single-storey house might be reasonably valued at between NZ$75,000-100,000 (US$52,00069,000; ÂŁ42,000-56,000). The relocation could cost $24,000 on top of the price of a suitable plot of land.The offer comes after a report which names New Zealand the most unaffordable property market in the world.

Citing a study published by The Economist, Newshub says that the country has shown the highest rise in house prices, is the costliest in terms of average incomes, and has the biggest difference between house prices and renting prices.Despite interest in the free house, no-one has taken up the offer since it was listed in February, Mr Rennie said. (BBC)

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Fun Times

Archie

A day trip will clear up confusion and give you the (March 21- opportunity to see firsthand April 19) how your life can unfold if you make good choices. Ask questions, make assessments and bring about change.

ARIES

A financial gain will come TAURUS from an unexpected source.

(April 20- Protect against physical and May 20) emotional setbacks. Strength and courage will be required to stop someone from taking advantage of you.

Personal change will do GEMINI you good. Get rid of the bad in(May 21- fluences in your life. Change June 20) begins within, and following through on your decisions takes courage, strength and effort. Do what's best for yourself.

Follow through with your CANCER plans. How you proceed will (June 21- set an example for others. If July 22) you make a promise or say you are going to do something, don't renege. Make your word count.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Bypass anyone creating confusion. Make choices and changes that will encourage you to live life your way.

Much can be learned from experience or from the elders in your life.

Change can be good, but before you jump in and make things happen, be sure to get necessary approval in order to avoid future interference.

Do the work yourself and save money.

LIBRA Look at the big picture and (Sept. 23- be blatant about what you Oct. 23) want to see happen. You can resolve relationship issues if you speak openly and lay out a positive plan.

Peanuts

Don't hide your passion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24- If you love someone, express Nov. 22) your feelings and make plans that will bring you closer together. Now is the time to act and be heard.

Discipline, research, fair SAGITTARIUS play and upholding your end (Nov. 23- of a bargain will help you avoid Dec. 21) being criticized or treated poorly. Base your actions on truth and moral integrity.

Act on principle, not on CAPRICORN what others lead you to be(Dec. 22- lieve. Stick to basics and stay Jan. 19) focused on what you can do to improve your home life.

Calvin and Hobbes If you bring about a perAQUARIUS sonal change, you will en(Jan. 20- joy what transpires. Take a Feb. 19) chance when it comes to exploring new avenues and using your attributes in an unusual way.

Take better care of your PISCES (Feb. 20- health and emotional wellMar. 20) being. Be proactive and change your routine to include a nutritious diet and scheduled exercise. Share with someone you love.