Guyana Times Daily - April 2, 2017

LOOK INSIDE !

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

Issue No. 3171

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, April 2 , 2017

PRICE

VAT measures killing commerce – Jagdeo

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner dies after illegal mining pit collapses P12

Page 7

Fire erupts at P15 home of Housing Minister’s son Essequibo business community calls for small business breau

…as top PPP officials visit 3 ECD markets

…complains of slow economy P10

Region 8 residents call for end to mining in buffer zones P15 Drug Enforcement Unit unearths large ganja stash at wharf P15

2% withholding tax creates confusion P9 – Ali

The fun of reading! These boys of Silver Hill community along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway sit and enjoy a breezy afternoon of revision, keeping their young brains sharp (Marceano Narine photo)

Fisherman drowns following boat explosion

Govt looking to rehab Moco Moco Hydro Plant P12

– invites expressions of interest for consultancy

Page 15

Page 18

TERI helps local businesses cut energy costs significantly

$941M fraud

Bank manager still on the run – Police P8

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SUnDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 2 – 08:30h-10:00h and Monday, April 3 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 2 – 07:50h-09:20h and Monday, April 3 – 08:45h-10:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while sunny weather is expected in the late afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 4.47 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tides: 08:15h and 20:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.56 metres and 2.37 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 01:48h and 14:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.74 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, April 1, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS 03

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15

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09 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 09 13 16 20

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LUCKY 3 6 3 5

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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UG fee hike will retard growth of education – Jagdeo

…as UG Council votes to ratify 35% increase tuition

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

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SunDAY, april 2, 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

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he University of Guyana Council has voted to implement a 35 per cent increase in student tuition fees over the next three years; and this is causing open outrage at that tertiary learning institution.

Voting on the matter took place on Thursday, just two days after Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith had first proposed the hike.

According to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, the hike in UG tuition fees will do nothing to enhance education. Viewing it in conjunction with the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private tuition fees, which includes the fees at private universities, Jagdeo said this would negate opportunities for students to pursue higher education.

“You can’t say you want to achieve something and then pursue a policy that is totally opposed to those objectives! It’s the same with education. They said pre-election, ‘We want to expand education’, (Then) they introduced VAT on private education, then VAT on supplies for education services,” he pointed out.

“Now they’re going to increase the fees at the University of Guyana. This is not going to help with education,” said Jagdeo, an economist by training.

“In fact it would retard the growth of education.”

Outrage

Former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy also criticised the move. He said he was shocked to see a report that the University of Guyana is considering an increase of about 35 per cent in fees. “As a citizen of Guyana, I can say unequivocally that the Vice-Chancellor of UG and the Council cannot count on me for support for any increase of fess for students at UG. I am certain that many people in Guyana feel the same way. I am certain that students and their families also reject such a proposal,” he said.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

“At a time when the economy is clearly on a downward trajectory, and at a time when families have been forced to cut down on expenditures because their buying power has been under assault by a government that is looking for every way

lieve, that UG has played a tremendous role in providing essential human resources for the development of Guyana.”

According to the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) Public Relations Officer Christina Basil, there were over seven hours of deliberations and presentations.

Despite the physical protests from students which have already confronted the increases, the Council agreed to approve the motion of a tuition increase.

She said the Council, with the exception of UGSS President Ron Glasgow, agreed for an increase of 15, 10, and 10 per cent over the 2017 to 2018, 2018 to 2019, and 2019 to2020 academic years.

“UGSS President Mr (Ron) Glasgow was pre-

ifested itself in protest action. Students organised themselves outside of the Education Lecture Theatre and staged this protest.

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

Many of the students complained about issues such as poor and sometimes no internet connectivity, as well as poorly ventilated classrooms and inadequate equipment to do their school work. Expressing outrage at the proposed increase, the students were adamant that no one is doing students a favour by enhancing facilities on the Turkeyen campus, since the students are mandated to pay separate facilities fees.

At present, each student pays $60,000 in facility fees per annum. There are in

Students have already started protesting against the increases. It is expected that protests will continue if the measures are not reversed

to increase the tax burden on people, it is unconscionable for either the UG management or APNU+AFC to consider any increase in student fees,” Ramsammy declared.

According to Ramsammy, education is a public good, and is a necessary part of developing the human capital, which is necessary for development.

He also referred to the recent introduction of VAT on private education. “I would encourage the VC and Council to not pursue any increases of student fees at UG. This will add to the retrogressive policy on education by the APNU/AFC government. I have always believed, and continue to be-

sented with the actual UG Budget, which shows that we were operating at a projected deficit,” she said. “The Bursar made this staggering revelation via documentation which will be made public to all students shortly.

“Please be assured that the UGSS administration did not go down without a fight against the tuition increase.

At present, we are still wholly against the increase, but the reality is (that) it is now out of our jurisdiction,” Basil said, while adding that UGSS is aware of the economic hardships faced by the majority of students.

On Thursday, as the council meeting was getting underway, the dissatisfaction of students man-

excess of 5000 students at UG, spread out across the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, School of Education and Humanities, and the School of Earth and Environmental Science.

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sunDAY, april 2, 2017

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

Editorial

Constitutional fix

L

ast Friday, the Carter Center of USA, with support of the British High Commission, sponsored a symposium on “Perspectives on Guyana’s Constitutional Reform Process” at the University of Guyana. Most commentators see the event as a not-too-subtle nudge from two of the major architects of our present political stasis for the incumbent APNU/AFC political regime to follow through with its pre-elections promise to initiate Constitutional Reform to address that dilemma.

One of the panelists, in fact, went to great lengths to remind the Government − which did not field even a single representative in the audience − of its promises on the subject in its manifesto. To wit, “APNU/AFC is committed to ending ‘winner take all’ politics”; and more specifically, “…will immediately appoint a Constitutional Reform Commission consisting of representatives of all major stakeholders − trades unions, the Private Sector, religious and faith-based organisations, women, youths, professional organisations and the University.

“Its mandate will be to undertake the urgent task of fashioning comprehensive reforms for early implementation, designed to guarantee a democratic society free from the abuse of citizens by those in high office, fuelled by the exercise of arbitrary powers and behaviour by the Executive which is inconsistent with the spirit and provisions of the Constitution.”

Towards this end, the parties in Government specifically declared their commitment towards “re-balancing the powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister and the President in a manner meant to reduce abuse, avoid conflicts of interest, and facilitate the more efficient execution of state functions.” It is rather ironic that while the Government has dragged its feet on Constitutional Reform, the element it identified as needing “comprehensive reforms and early implementation” has reared its ugly head repeatedly over the last two years. This, of course, is “the abuse of citizens by those in high office, fuelled by the exercise of arbitrary powers and behaviour by the Executive which is inconsistent with the spirit and provisions of the Constitution”.

The most recent manifestation of Executive abuse is, ironically, the behaviour of the legal advisor to the Government, Attorney General Basil Williams. His abuse of a Judge − a member of the co-equal branch of Government, the Judiciary − in his own court was so outrageous that it precipitated an official complaint by the Judge to the heads of the Judiciary.

In Guyana, there is no need to undertake massive rootand-branch changes in the Constitution. The Constitution cannot be treated like ordinary statutes, which can be rewritten at the drop of a hat for every minor exigency.

Constitutions must display stability. Under the accepted tradition of Judicial Review, pioneered by the USA, our Judiciary has exhibited admirable wisdom in interpreting the constitutional strictures to address daily exigencies. The constitution has already been extensively revised in 2000, but it is widely conceded − not least in the Manifesto of the incumbent government − that the powers of the Executive were not pruned as extensively as was proposed by the more-than 4000 submissions.

The Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR), which was established by this Government in 2015, has already taken wide-ranging submissions after extensive hearings. The next step was to constitute the abovementioned broad-based “Constitutional Reform Commission” to review the submissions and make recommendations to the National Assembly, where they would have to be ratified in accordance with the amendment stipulations of Art 164. If, perchance, any of the changes requested the dilution of the basic structure of the Constitution, Guyanese have been enlightened by its erudite Judiciary, a referendum would be necessary.

The President, unfortunately exhibiting the same executive overreach that his manifesto castigates, summarily dismissed its Report and demanded more “widespread” consultations. Sums of money have already been budgeted towards this end. This newspaper believes that the requisite constitutional changes to trim the powers of the Executive are needed before the next elections, scheduled in 2020.

The Government needs to get on with its own programme, as defined in its Manifesto.

In observance of World Poetry Day, the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, hosted An Evening of International, Regional and Guyanese Poems at the Umana Yana in Kingston Georgetown. In photo, a dancer performs an interpretative piece to illustrate Dr Seeta Shah Roath’s poem, titled “Essence of the Past” (Carl Croker photo)

Jagdeo’s credibility rises, despite naysayers

Dear Editor, It is with recognition of the need for truth to triumph and for an improvement in the quality of our commentary in the political arena that I type this note to highlight the unwarranted and unrelenting attacks on the character and person of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

As the pendulum swings favourably across the many impressive achievements of Jagdeo, one encounters a sort of cognitive dissonance in trying to reconcile the hostile and disparaging pronouncements by an unsanctified group of Jagdeo-haters and propagandists versus the growth and development of Guyana’s economy while Jagdeo was President of Guyana.

My viewpoint is not intended to paint Jagdeo as a saint. However, it is an insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people to addictively depict in the media our most successful President − and certainly our most solutions-oriented and dynamic Executive President − in a constantly negative manner, primarily to discredit his achievements for Guyana and have him endure a barrage of

hate columns and letters.

A few of President Jagdeo’s accomplishments that come to mind are: 1) Jagdeo’s implorations and successful efforts allowed Guyana’s external debt to be reduced substantially by members of the Paris Club under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. 2) Jagdeo restored confidence in Guyana’s economy, as evidenced by the extraordinary increases in real estate values that have enriched thousands of Guyanese. 3) Jagdeo sealed the PetroCaribe fuel deal with a neighbour that has claims on our territory, allowing cheaper fuel to come to Guyana and significantly lowering annual United States Dollars’ expenditure to source fuel. 4) Jagdeo brought to fruition the PetroCaribe Rice-offset deal that significantly boosted the rice industry and foreign exchange demands. 5) The successful construction of the Berbice Bridge. 6) Initiating the building of the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. 7) Distributing land lots to approximately 100,000 Guyanese. 8) Revitalising and stabilising the Bauxite Industry with the sale of Linmine to BOSAI & Aroaima to

RUSAL. 9) Significant improvements in the reliability of power generation and delivery. 10) Sale of National Bank of Industry & Commerce and Guyana National Cooperative Bank to Republic Bank. 11) Guyana-Norway Agreement for the Low Carbon Development Strategy. 12) Tripling of External Foreign Exchange Reserves for 20062011. 13) Massive reduction in the potholes that plagued the capital city and the Georgetown/Timehri route.

14) Redistribution of earnings from prosperous industries to sustain other industries.

These measures were taken not to bolster Jagdeo’s image or some such fanciful endeavour, but to improve the living standards of Guyanese, maintain and create employment, and strengthen the Guyanese economy.

However, supposedly reputable columnists and letter writers have rendered seemingly interminable writings and rantings over the last decade with a bombardment-like focus on the perceived or fabricated negatives of President Jagdeo.

Their writings and rantings have generally been pub-

lished with the intent of undermining Jagdeo’s accomplishments and reputation.

In addition, some columnists and other writers seem unable to criticise the current coalition government without resorting to some purported or concocted terrible act of Jagdeo.

Of course President Jagdeo has stumbled and made errors. Show me a current or former President or Prime Minister in Guyana or across the world who has not made mistakes, and I will show you a tiger without any stripes.

The issue is really whether President Jagdeo’s time serving Guyana was a net benefit to the country’s growth, development, improvement in social services, and economic buoyancy. The answer is undoubtedly yes. And in my opinion, his performance in this regard places President Jagdeo at the head of the class. No other President or Prime Minister of Guyana has, in Guyana’s history, managed to strengthen Guyana’s economy in a manner that benefited so many the Guyanese.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, april 2, 2017

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News

Chinese medical team hosts Fisherman drowns following boat explosion medical outreach on EBD

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Dead: Bhairo Persaud

fisherman is now dead and a boat destroyed, following a mishap at Number 66 Village Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday.

Dead is Bhairo Persaud, 42, of Lot 138 Number 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

His body was recovered from the Number 66 Canal on Saturday afternoon.

Reports are Persaud, who was at the wharf, jumped overboard to assist the fishermen whose boat exploded.

Reports are that at about 11:45h, five fishermen were preparing to go out to sea in

ering the gasoline drums.

The swift action prevented any of the drums of gasoline from exploding. “We couldn’t take water to out the fire because of the gas. That Hymac man helps we a lot. The mud is what help we,” the boat owner said.

Harrypersaud said several boats were damaged, with losses estimated at $5 million for the boat and a further $330,000 in fuel.

It is believed that one of the gas drums may have overflowed, allowing several gallons of gasoline to run into the boat, ignited by the fumes when the match was struck.

According to reports, the men onboard plunged into the water and immediately began the operation of getting the boat away from the 30 other boats in the vicinity and also from the wharf.

Meanwhile, Persaud went into the water to offer his assistance. “He was drunk so we beg he to come out of the water, because everything done, the fire already out, but he say that he want to help. The water was pulling very hard and he

The boat SK 1202 which exploded

SK 1202 when one of them lit a stove to start cooking. As he ignited the match, there was an explosion and the boat went up in flames.

According to boat owner, Deonarine Harrypersaud, also called “Chona”, of Number 54 Village, Berbice, he was at the Number 66 Fishermen Co-op Complex as his workers were about to leave. He explained that he was called to the wharf and as he got closer, he noticed smoke.

The fisherman, who owns five boats, said everyone assisted and began cutting ropes to allow the boat on flame to be pushed away from the wharf and the other boats. The burning boat also contained five 45-gallon drums of gasoline.

As the boat was pushed further into the water by several persons risking their lives fully aware that at any moment the drums of gasoline could ignite and explode, an excavator operator working in the vicinity of the canal sprang into action and began digging mud and cov-

couldnt help himself and he go down.”

Persaud had been the captain for a boat which was docked and had gone to the Fisherman’s Co-op for repairs.

Speaking with this publication, the dead man’s wife, Bebi Frieda Aaron, said Persaud left home at about 06:00h. She told Guyana Times at about 12:00h, she received news about the incident at the Number 66 Co-op Complex.

“When me come, dem ah look fuh am. But dem nah find am. So abee wait and a drunk man ah pass and he say me gon go an fine he. An the man go in the water and go right by the boat and hold he hand and bring he out the water an awe bathe am an carry he to the mortuary,” the 38-year-old widow said.

The body was pulled from the water at about 14:00h.

In tears, the mother of four said for the past seven trips at sea, her husband returned home without money.

She explained that for several weeks she had no

H

undreds of residents from the Caledonia/ Good Success and the Soesdyke/Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) have benefited from a medical outreach held on Saturday at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

The 12th Chinese Medical Team, in collaboration with the two NDCs and the Fall Fuel Terminal, hosted the event, which saw persons being examined by a group of trained doctors

Residents of the two NDCs in queue to the doctors’ quarters

The dead fisherman’s wife, Bebi Frieda Aaron

money and was hoping to see her husband in about a week.

“The last time he go and spend 13 days and he come out last Thursday. Dem nah catch fish so he say he going look wan next boat.”

M e a n w h i l e , Harrypersaud said the destroyed boat had no insurance. “Most of the owners don’t take out insurance because you don’t get the kind of business.

Sometimes you go out and come back without anything,” he added.

A resident being questioned by doctors at the medical outreach on Saturday

for medical complaints including, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and pregnancy complications, among other ailments.

The initiative was welcomed by the two NDCs, whose representatives were very appreciative of the gesture. Kilouwattie Persaud of the Soesdyke/Coverden NDC expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of her catchment area, while noting that more than 125 people from her NDC were transported to the programme. She added that corporate Guyana should

follow suit and host such community-based events to benefit residents.

Also sharing similar sentiments was a councillor of the Caledonia/Good Success NDC, who explained that his catchment area has close to 12,000 people; and while all cannot be a part of the initiative, he is thankful for small mercies.

He also opined that other businesses should organise initiatives of this nature.

Also speaking with the Guyana Times was Sarah Quang, administrative manager of China Zanghao Inc, who explained that the

team of ten doctors is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital but took time out to be part of the initiative as the company fulfills its corporate obligations to the community.

She posited that after realizing the many challenges residents in the community face on a daily basis to get medical attention, her company took the opportunity to give back.

Overwhelmed with the turnout, Quang says that after the programme has been assessed, the hierarchy of the company she serves will make a decision whether or not to have the medical outreach on an annual basis. The young woman added that once someone is being diagnosed with a serious illness, that person would be referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital or to another medical institution.

Those who turned up at the outreach were processed as quickly as possible, after which they were examined by the team of specialised doctors.

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SunDAY, april 2, 2017

Page

Foundation

“The optimist pleasantly ponders how high his kite will fly; the pessimist woefully wonders how soon his kite will fall.” - William Arthur Ward

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Anu Dev

ven though Easter is still a little ways off, the skies are already dotted with kites dancing and singing in the wind above my village. Not so coincidentally, the vendors in the markets are already hocking their ready-made kites.

Depending on my mood, the incessant buzzing of the kites evokes either of two emotions: It’s either so rage-inducing that I pray for the archery skills of Arjun, or William Tell -- so that I could shoot all of the kites out of the sky! Or it makes me intensely nostalgic for my childhood past. For right now, being back in dear old Guyana for a month, I seem to be in a more nostalgic sort of mood.

And why not? Some of my fondest childhood memories are my memories of Easter.

As for many, Easter has become a secular holiday, with persons of all religions using the day for a fun day of relaxation with relatives and friends. It's the kind of happy syncretism that is also evident at Holi.

guyanatimesgy.com

So here I am, reminiscing about Easter during Nav Ratri, when my family and I have just concluded our grand annual Puja to Shiva, Hanuman and Saraswati.

For Guyanese, Easter means kite flying - which my dad assured us as kids is also very popular in North India, from whence my ancestors came -as I discovered after reading the 'Kite Runner'.

My dad used to make our kites from scratch. Half of the fun of Easter is assembling your kite and choosing the coolest colours of kite paper; and adding stars and sparkles to make your kite look better that your brother’s.

The other half was trying to add as much kite paper as possible to the frills of the kite to make it the most colourful kite ever. As babies, we all were always attracted to shiny or colourful objects, and we clearly haven’t gotten over that as yet!

My dad was always very particular about the “loop” and the tail. Many don’t appreciate that these dictate what the kite will do in the air later.

My Nani and Nana used to take me and my brother

out to the seawall to fly our kites. We’d sit out there for hours, enjoying the fresh air, our kites, and the snacks my mom had packed. Looking back at our pictures from previous Easters always make me smile: the four of us all ready to spend the day out, with my brother and I decked out in sunglasses and kites almost as tall as we were.

There was something just so wonderful about just sitting on the seawall watching my kite flutter as if it were reaching for the clouds.

Kites not only make you look upwards; they also make your imagination soar. Life stretched infinitely in front of me in a sun-drenched sky.

Since I'm home for Easter this year, perhaps I’ll get to recreate the Easters of my childhood, homemade kites and all. I hope! With testing matters like doing my elective in OB/GYN at Georgetown Hospital and dealing with public transport hopefully behind me, it’ll be nice to just relax and unwind.

So this Easter you might just find me lying in a field firmly clutching my kite-string, gazing at my kite soaring far above.

– the sixth Manifestation of Devi

D

ivine Goddess Katyayini is the sixth manifestation of Durga and one of the prominent deities among Navdurga.

She is grandly worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri pooja.

Her appearance is immensely majestic and divine.

She is represented with fourarms. Her upper left hand holds sword and lower left hand represents lotus-flower.

Her upper right hand and lower right hand are left open for actions and showering blessing on us. The lion is her pro-

cession. Her appearance is imagined with pink sari wearing white rosary on her neck.

Goddess Katyayani also represents divine power for demolishing tyranny and torments of demons and giants. To destroy the wick-

ed demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati. In this form Goddess Parvati is also known as “Warrior Goddess” According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that long time ago there was a renowned sage called ‘Maharashi Kat’. Rishi Katya was son of Maharshi Kat, and under clan of Katya a prominent rishi was born with name ‘Katyayan’.

Rishi Katyayan was a great devotee of Devi Durga and performed eras of hard penance to delight her. When Goddess Durga was pleased by his devotion, he prayed Goddess to take birth as his daughter. Devi Durga accepted and accomplished his wish.

At home of Rishi Katyayan, Devi was born as his daughter. After some eras, when tyranny of demon Mahisasur crossed the limitation, all deities including Brahma,

Vishnu and Mahesh requested Devi Durga to end the torment of Mahishashur. Devi Katyayani (manifestation of Durga) took this horn on her shoulder and destroyed devils. Being the daughter of her great devotee Rishi Katya, she became prominent with name ‘Katyayini’.

Delightful Devi Katyayini bestows copious fruitful results to her devotees. On the auspicious sixth day of Navratri Pooja, devotees perform pooja and offer customs, rituals to this divine Goddess.

Worshipping this Goddess on the sixth day of Navratri Puja bestows desired husband and accomplishes other true wishes.

It is also believed that while worshipping Devi Katyayini on the Shashti (sixth day) of Durga Pooja, devotees feel presence of Agya Chakra in their mind and soul.

Agya Chakra shows the light to devotees to completely sacrifice everything for Goddess Katyayini.

Through this Chakra, devotees get influenced for Sampurna Atmadan (Absolute self-sacrifice) at asylum of Devi Katyayini. The feeling of absolute self-sacrifice wins heart of this divine Devi and she accomplishes true desires of her devotees.

Her regular devotees certainly get eminent position on earth. Offer your devotion and dedication to majestic Devi Katyayini on sixth day of Durga Puja and get glorious fruits.

THE DURGA MANTRA:

KATYAYANI GAYATRI

Om Katya Yanaya Vidmahe, Kanya Kumari cha Dhimahi Tanno Durgih Prachodayat Meaning: The Devi who took birth in the abode of Rishi (Sage) Katya, we bow in reverence before You bless us with illumination and inspiration and give us strength.

Her grandeur is infinite. She is highly generous toward her worshippers and devotees.

Jai Katyayini Maa!

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sunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VAT measures killing commerce – Jagdeo

… as top PPP officials visit 3 ECD markets

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isits to the Mahaica, Annandale and Mon Repos municipal markets, on the East Coast of Demerara, on Saturday by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and other Members of Parliament, unearthed a number of problems being experienced by market vendors and residents of those communities.

The team, which also included Opposition Members of Parliament Irfaan Ali and Anil Nandlall, heard the concerns expressed by mar-

have collected net $21 billion more than people paid on VAT last year. That comes from people’s pockets.”

According to Jagdeo, this reduces demand for goods and services on a nationwide scale. The economist explained that this reflected in the reduced sales in the market, shops, the taxi drivers plying their trade and other enterprises.

“The fishermen, the meat and vegetable sellers, the farmers, it affects the whole country. Even the stores in

sloth in the economy. So I will continue going out and reaching out to people and talking to them.”

“And I wish more of them (Government) will come to the markets and go to people and listen to the concerns (of) ordinary people, of every political persuasion, race and religion in this country.

Other issues which were raised by market vendors included the prohibitive cost for fertiliser to grow crops.

In addition, some highlighted that enterprising in-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during his visit to Mahaica Market

ket vendors. A prevailing concern from stallholders of these East Coast markets was a decline in sales.

Speaking after the outreach, Jagdeo expressed the need for a more relaxed Value Added Tax (VAT) policy. He stated that what the current policy did was leave

the city, you can see this. So the Government needs to focus more on stimulating economic activities.”

Jagdeo urged that should the economy and consumer spending be stimulated, problems being experienced with unemployment and the exchange rate will be eradi-

dividuals who do not pay rent to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) would come and steal their sales.

During his visit to Annandale Market, sugar workers also used the opportunity to picket against the transfer of workers from

Jagdeo interacts with vendors during his market visits on Saturday

more and more people and by extension the economy, deprived of money.

“That’s the uniform concern expressed everywhere that I’ve gone. I was at Leonora, Mahaica, Annandale and Mon Repos; but I’ve also visited markets in Mabaruma and different parts of Berbice.”

“And this is precisely what we’re arguing, that if the Government takes so much money out of the system, it sucks all of these resources from people’s pockets through increased taxes.

Take VAT, we believe they

cated.

“Cause if they do that, then the economy will expand. There will be more jobs and we will also have more foreign currency so that we can keep the exchange rate stable.”

Jagdeo also lamented that despite bringing these things to the Government’s attention, there seems to be a casual attitude on the part of officials to the matter.

“We have pointed out these things ad nauseam to the Government, but they seem unconcerned. It’s affecting all Guyanese, the

LBI to Enmore. The workers have been protesting the merger, which they have insisted will be devastating to those who have to travel.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has staunchly been in the workers’ corner.

GAWU President Komal Chand had called on the Sugar Corporation to allow the much-needed dialogue that could see a remedy to the situation.

He said the Union will have to consider some “anomalies” between the rates workers at LBI re-

ceived and that which they are being offered should they have to go to Enmore.

Chand added that the situation is more than unfair since persons will be travelling from varying distances to get to Enmore, while the monies have been significantly slashed.

The visits to the markets along the East Coast of Demerara follow one which the Opposition Leader carried out on March 25, at the Leonora Market on the West Coast of Demerara.

At that outreach, Jagdeo also ascertained from both market vendors and customers about the problems that they are experiencing.

Jagdeo greets a greens vendor in his market walkabout as he listens to the concerns of vendors and consumers

8 news

SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

$941M fraud

Bank manager still on the run – Police Snake oil T salesman…

he bank manager of a local commercial bank who was implicated in the $941 million fraud is still been sought by members of the Major Crime Unit within the Criminal Investigation’s Department of the Guyana Defence Force.

The woman, who affected payments of cheques to the tune of $941 million in the name of Saddiqi Rasul of SSS Mineral Inc has not been seen or heard from since she was dismissed with immediate effect from the financial institution.

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that checks were made for the bank manager but Police ranks were unsuccessful in apprehending her.

He nevertheless stated that the Police will continue to make efforts to arrest her since she plays a major part in the ongoing investigations. However, the Police also conducted several searches at several other premises of the fraudster

Alleged fraudster Saddiqi Rasul

but did not find any of the money.

The Crime Chief further noted that the Police are making efforts to contact a number of individuals as they continue their investigations into the probe.

At this point, he noted that based on the sensitivity of the matter, no further infor-

mation will be divulged.

In the meantime, Rasul remains in Police custody and has chosen only to speak when his lawyer is present.

He was accused of robbing and conning several of his colleagues of hundreds of millions of dollars over the period of several years.

Rasul now has hanging over his head several pending lawsuits from businesses and gold dealers whom he had conned over the years.

A few years ago, Rasul allegedly collected close to $200 million from miners and gold dealers to purchase gold, but instead converted the money to his own use.

Rasul and his cousin had allegedly robbed Mohamed’s Enterprise of close to $1 billion during a gold trading (purchasing and selling) operation.

Meanwhile, following the revelation that Rasul had defrauded the local bank of $941 million, the Police were called in to investigate.

Hours later, the fraudster turned himself in at the CID

Headquarters in the company of his lawyer.

It was reported that the fraud was pulled off at the local bank’s office at Bartica.

Based on reports received, Rasul, a gold dealer of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), deposited $941 million in cheques into his bank account at the bank that is presently under investigation.

The cheques were, however, from another local bank, but the staff of the bank at which the cheques were deposited went ahead and effected payment without the cheques being cleared. Guyana Times was told that managers of the two banks had colluded with Rasul to withdraw millions of dollars.

It is believed that after the manager of one of the banks realised that Rasul had used up the money for his personal use and could not repay, he closed the account.

Rasul, however, was not aware that his account was closed, and with a few remaining cheques on his hand, he went to another bank to cash them. It was during this process that bank officials realised that the cheques bounced.

I

…for Crab Island

f America started out as a nation of hustlers when it opened up and expanded its “Wild West” frontiers, the “snake oil” salesman became its archetypical figure. They insisted that their “patent medicine”, snake oil - extracted from their rattlers - could cure any ailment under the sun, and then some!! But they did sell the stuff by tankloads! This confirmed the wisdom of another con man, PT Barnum, who said, “A sucker’s born every minute!!”

Well it’s clear we’ve got more than our fair share of snake oil salesmen here. Your Eyewitness is sure your mind flashed to the wily Mr Cush of Smart City (infamy). But when you compare him to some of the operators in the Government, he’s clearly minor league. And we’re not even mentioning the billion or so sunken into a pile of rotting hardwood over at Durban Park by the Minister of Infrastructure! That’s chicken feed.

Think about the US$500,000,000 Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, is promising to sink into an “oil support facility” on Crab Island on the western end of the Berbice Bridge. That’s GY$100,000,000,000 folks! We’re talking about real money here - even with our dollar floating like a helium balloon into the stratosphere! But let’s look a bit closer at what the Minister’s selling.

Right off the bat, remember after all the drilling and spudding that’s been going on since 1999, Exxon’s the only company that’s struck oil. And they’ve said again and again that they’re ordering a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) facility that will do just what the name says with their oil.

Meaning the FPSO will suck up that oil from more than one mile below the sea, extract the water and natural gas that it’ll be mixed with, pump back the gas under the sea, and store the oil, that it will load onto tankers berthed to it.

Not a gallon of oil will touch Guyana’s shore! Now here it is, as the economy implodes faster than a planet sucked into a Black Hole, what does the Government tell all those supporters whom they promised JOBS IN THE OIL INDUSTRY!! The FPSO will, at max, employ 300 workers - and those will be mostly skilled foreigners.

Well, for a while the snake oil salesman Trotman talked about an “oil refinery” -- until every expert on the planet told him he was smoking Jamaican Gold.

So now he spouts the US$500M “oil support” facility. A US$500M investment to service a 300-man operation?? What will be the return? Where will the Government get all that money -- 2 ½ times Skeldon!

Hoping for another strike??

Trotman thinks he’s the Guyanese PT Barnum! And Guyanese are all fools.

…from Trinidad

Now that it’s clear that Guyana has a world-class oil find, the snake oil salesmen are gonna be coming out of the woodwork. Ain’t it wonderful how a PRIVATE company cornered the marketing of the opportunities to service the exploitation of the find? So how the heck does the rest of the Guyanese companies get a piece of the action? They’ll have to get past the selfappointed gatekeepers. Big Bucks!!

Did you get a peek at the companies gathered at the Marriott for the first show-and-tell? You didn’t even have to get INSIDE the door. The sold-out parking lot said it all. Guyanese MAY get some crumbs - if they’re lucky. The Trinis are hoping to make hay while the sun shines - and the oil flows - because of their 40-year headstart and their plummeting oil fortunes.

And not to be left out in the snake oil salesman sweepstakes - look who just showed up: Lawrence Duprey of Clico (in) fame!!

Talk about “bad pennies”!! But don’t hold your breath on getting back our US$40M!

…at UG

The VC at UG -- a self-defined “Renaissance Man -- just made the UG Council drink Cool Aid. They approved a 35% hike in tuition fees!

And don’t ask him what he and his CABINET are making!!

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

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2% withholding tax creates confusion – Ali O

pposition Member of Parliament (MP), Irfaan Ali has condemned the imposition of the two per cent withholding tax on contractors, noting that this new measure has created a lot of confusion in the business sector.

“The confusion in the application of the taxes comes from the Government’s rush to implement new taxes, licences and measures without thinking through its implications, without thinking through its implementation and without thinking through tis application,” he told Guyana Times in an invited comment on Saturday.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan first made the announcement of the new tax during his budget presentation in January 2017.

“The two per cent shall be deducted from every payment made to contractors by contractees and shall be remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority [GRA].

The amounts deducted would be allowed as a credit against the final taxes payable by the contractors,” Jordan said.

Previously, contractors would wait to submit their annual returns before remitting payments. Not anymore. The client will have to take out that two per cent of the entire amount and send the payments to GRA. However, with the amendments to the Income Tax Act, some businessmen have interpreted that the word ‘contractor’ has been broadened to include just about anyone.

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

According to information published on the GRA’s website, the tax shall be applied on individuals and companies receiving more than $500,000 for the supply of services, goods, materials, equipment or personnel in the furtherance of services.

Guyana Times was told that the tax would be given as a tax credit when the individual or company filed the requisite Income/ Corporate Tax return.

This newspaper was told that while contractors typically meant those engaged in construction and similar activities, this new imposition seemed to expand on that definition to include just about anyone doing just about anything. The two per cent withheld for all contractors must be remitted to the GRA on a monthly basis or within 30 days of making the payment to the contractor.

This publication understands that some Ministries have already begun deducting the two per cent withholding tax on monies paid to suppliers.

According to one businessman, if that is the intended application, then individuals and companies will have to follow suit and deduct two per cent on all types of bills, including electricity, fuel purchases, salaries and wages, and purchases of raw materials once the amount is over $500,000 and if the supplier is a resident individual or corporation. “If this is what was intended, it will be a tax most bizarre and will spell further doom for entrepreneurs and businesses in Guyana,” one businessman expressed to this publication.

Responding to the concerns, the GRA in a statement said that “contractors”, as defined in Subsection 14 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01, referred to a person contracting with or employed directly by an owner or an agent of the owner to supply services, goods, materials, equipment, or personnel in the furtherance of the services.

It said the law which applies to payments to resident businesses, individuals and companies with written “contractual arrangements” is not applicable to regular day-to-day commercial activities involving the trade in goods and services.

Consequently, the GRA said payments such as those made by rice millers to rice farmers for paddy were not

GRA Head, Godfrey Statia

subject to the two per cent withholding tax.

“The two per cent with-

holding tax… must be remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority, and will be treated as an advance payment towards the quarterly taxes payable by the taxpayer (the person from whose payment the two per cent was deducted). This results in the reduction of the quarterly payment of the individual and companies from whom the tax was withheld.

Receipts will be issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority as proof that this payment was made on their behalf,” the financial unit explained.

According to the GRA, withholding tax is also applicable to non-resident disbursements and payments, noting that rates range from 10 per cent to 20 per cent depending on the country of

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

residence.

These new measures took effect February 1, 2017.

10 news

sunDAY, april 2, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo business community calls for small business bureau …complains of slow economy

M

Members of the Chambers engaging in discussions

embers of the business community in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling on the Government of Guyana to consider establishing a small business bureau (SBB) within the region.

This request was made at a meeting held between the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce (ECC) and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin on Friday in the boardroom of the RDC, where several business persons expressed that it was very expensive and time consuming for persons to travel to Georgetown to access and process grants and loans. They suggested that Government should consider establishing such an office to benefit businesses.

President of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce, Daleep Singh, said the meeting was organised to meet with the Business Minister to discuss measures to stimulate the Region’s economy.

Business activities have currently been reduced significantly, he said, even as he attributed this turn of events to inflation. As such, he said, Government, particularly the Ministry of Business, needs to formulate a plan or devise a strategy to assist the business community to jumpstart the economy.

Singh said that with es-

plained that once it happens in Region Two, other regions would request similar services, and it would be an expensive undertaking for the Ministry of Business.

Gaskin concurred that the business community needs to be viable and competitive, but asserted the Government cannot do everything, and the private sector should step in at some point.

Gaskin said his visit to the region was part of the Ministry’s outreach plan to

value-added sectors.

He said that in his team’s several interactions with market vendors, it was noted that businesses were not doing well and that money was not circulating as in previous years. He said the Ministry was not ignoring the situation facing the business community, but the situation would require time to be restructured and rebalanced; and he blamed the current morass on bureaucracy and the challenges that were in-

tablishment of a small business bureau, financial services can be accessed at one location, causing persons from the region to save. “It takes a lot (of time and money) to keep travelling to and from (Georgetown). If an office is here, then everything can be made easier and there can be a smooth flow,” Singh said.

Heavy taxation

Singh also blamed the slowdown of business on heavy taxation. He called on the Government to examine ways that can help cushion the heavy taxation that has been imposed on citizens. He said that currently, the situation with regard to inflation and taxation is having a negative effect on businesses, and he appealed to the Minister to implement policies that would be able to alleviate the suffering.

Singh also requested that duty-free concessions be granted to businesses, and that industrial estates should be established along the coast.

“The small bureau too expensive” Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, in response, said that establishing either a small business bureau or an industrial site requires review to examine the feasibility of such a venture. He ex-

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin (right), Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt (left) among those at the meeting

reach out to far-flung areas.

He said it is the Ministry’s desire to visit the Essequibo Coast twice per year; however, he accepted that last year the Ministry had made only one visit there.

He also congratulated the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce on its resuscitation after being dormant for over three years.

Decline in the economy

The Minister accepted that the economy is not at a place it should be, and noted that the Ministry is examining ways to boost the economy. He said the economy needs restructuring and rebalancing, and noted that more emphasis needs to be placed on manufacturing and

herited. He offered that to change the situation a comprehensive complex solution is needed, and he said the Ministry had introduced a “Green Business” action plan, working with all agencies, NGO and foreign embassies to further boost the economy.

Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, thanked the Minister for engaging the Region Two business community in discussion on the way forward for the economy, and for the participatory approach that was adopted in so doing. He, however, said that businesses are not doing well, and as such plans need to be put in place by the Government to assist same.

(Indrawattie Natram)

What constitutional change?

S

atiricus was exhausted, and his face showed it.

His editor had insisted he cover the discussion on Constitutional Change at the UNIVERSITY. And he had to drag himself back home past midnight.

He was happy he could unwind at the Back Street Bar with the boys in the Brain Trust. The brew had been flowing for a while now, and the tongues had been lubricated.

“Tell me again wha’ mek dem hol’ de gyaaf a’ de University fa?” asked Bungi. “Me na see none yute de!”

“From the pictures I saw, looks like Guyana is a country for, by, and of, old men!” grinned Hari.

“The youths were all outside playing dominoes and drinking beer in the parking lot,” confessed Satiricus. “I felt like joining them.”

“Da bad, eh?” commiserated Bungi.

“Worse!” confessed Satiricus. “I never knew a bunch of old men could spout so much hot air!”

“Why Sato!!” exclaimed Hari. “I didn’t know you felt so strongly about constitutional change!”

“De man leadah, Nagga man and Rum Jhaat na bin deh!” said Bungi slyly. “Da wha’ meh ‘e vex!”

“Not really,” said Satiricus. “One of the old men said the Pee-an-See should change the constitution to give Nagga Man more power.”

“So why you so glum, chum?” grinned Hari.

“I know I’m not the brightest bulb in the room, fellas,” Satiricus conceded, “But how they can change the constitution when no one from the government showed up? They just wasting my time.”

“Dem a waste yuh time, but fuh annada reason,” said Bungi quietly.

“What you mean?” asked Satiricus as he and Hari looked at Bungi.

“Rememba wha Burnt Ham bin seh ‘bout canstitushan?” Bungi asked them.

“What he said?” Satiricus asked. “’E na matta wha canstitu-shan ‘e get,” said Bungi.

“Wance ‘e get powah, canstitu-shan gat fuh bow to he!”

“And Pee-an-See got power again,” said Hari quietly. “And Nagga get larwah!

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SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

FATF monitoring list

IMF lauds Guyana’s efforts following reviewing visit

F

PSC officials meeting with the visiting IMF Mission

ollowing a recent visit to assess Guyana’s economic development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has lauded the country’s efforts in being removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) monitoring list.

This is according to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Friday. The Commission said that this was related in the Staff Statement from IMF, with which the Commission met on March 16, 2017 as part of the Fund’s Article IV Consultations.

“The Private Sector Commission fully endorses the IMF’s commendation of the Government of Guyana’s sterling efforts, which resulted in the country being released from the monitoring list of the international Financial Action Task Force,” the entity said.

It noted that the PSC worked closely with Government’s legal team to finalise the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. The passage of this Bill, the PSC noted, was a major factor considered in the release from FATF monitoring, and the efforts of the Attorney General’s Chambers should be applauded.

Nevertheless, the Commission noted that much remains to be done to strengthen Guyana’s AML/ CFT framework and bring it in line with global standards. The achievement of being released from the FATF’s monitoring list is a very significant accomplishment, which has taken other countries years to achieve.

“The entire private sector has benefited from this, with a reduction of the stringent controls which stymied their ability to conduct international transactions, and generally to conduct their business,” the PSC stated in the release.

The Private Sector added that the IMF Staff Statement was, on the whole, quite encouraging in its assessment of Guyana’s financial oversight framework, as evidenced by the Bank of Guyana’s supervisory framework and guidelines which contribute to the health of our financial system.

During its meeting with the IMF mission, the PSC raised a broad spectrum of issues which currently engage its attention, and expressed satisfaction with the current Government’s operationalising of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and facilitation of Local Government Elections

(LGE), which had not been held for many years.

However, at the same time, concerns were expressed over instances of sole sourcing of contracts, which have occurred despite the existence of the Procurement Commission.

Additionally, the decline in the value of the Guyana dollar was also discussed, with the IMF representatives suggesting that a flexible exchange rate was ideal because it would allow the currency to revalue itself in response to market forces.

Moreover, in response to questions from the Mission as to the cause of a loss of investor confidence, the Private Sector Commission pointed to increased taxation and a degree of uncertainty in regard to the direction in which the economy is moving.

Nevertheless, the representatives of the Private Sector Commission indicated their willingness to cooperate with Government in the national interest, and to assist in helping to right the economy.

During the meeting, with the PSC officials, the IMF team observed that the private sector is indeed the catalyst for growth, and plays a crucial role in job creation.

12 news

SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt looking to rehab Moco Moco Hydro Plant – invites expressions of interest for consultancy

A

s part of its Sustainable Energy Programme, Government is looking to rehabilitate the Moco Moco Hydro Plant. Accordingly, it is inviting expressions of interests (EoI) from both local and overseas firms for consultancy services.

An advertisement placed

by Project Coordinator of the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, Horace Williams, in today’s edition of the Guyana Times details that Government is looking to have geotechnical investigation of the Moco Moco Hydro Plant site done, and this will inform the designs for the rehabilitation of the plant, to reduce the likelihood of landslides and the associated risk of damage to the plant.

This project would in part be funded by finances received from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB)’s Global Environment Facility (GEF). Williams outlined that the main objective of the consultancy is to carry out the necessary site investigations to obtain the required geological and topographical information in order to facilitate rehabilitation design of the Moco-Moco Hydropower Plant, particularly as it relates to the penstock alignment which was destroyed by a mass soil landslide in 2003.

The services will include geological survey and engineering, geological mapping,

topographic mapping, geophysical surveys, and excavation of test pits. In order to be considered for shortlisting, interested consultancy firms from the Bank’s member countries that have the rele-

Applicants are also required to submit a description of the activities and the level of responsibility held by the company in each of its previous projects (technical, supervisory or administrative).

generators.

The Government of Guyana desires to have the plant rehabilitated and put back into operation. In this regard, consultancy services are being sought to provide a detailed geotechnical investigation of the site prior to the development of the Moco Moco Rehabilitation Project.

This project falls under the Sustainable Energy Programme of which the general objective is to improve institutional capacities of the Public Utility and Ministry

of Public Infrastructure through the training of said institutions’ staff and promotion of the use of nonconventional Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) in the urban areas and the Hinterlands, with the aim to: implement sustainable business models for operation and maintenance (O&M) of Renewable Energy (RE) projects; increase quality energy access in Guyana; reduce the long-term operational costs of on-grid and off-grid electricity service; and contribute to

sector sustainability and reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions.

The programme has three components: strengthening of the policy and institutional framework to implement RETs in Guyana; strengthening of the public utility’s capabilities to improve electricity supply and promote the use of RETs; and contribute to sector sustainability with the implementation of cost-effective RETs for on-grid and offgrid electricity generation.

Miner killed after illegal mining pit collapses A landslide damaged this penstock in 2003, causing a cessation of operations at the Moco-Moco Hydropower Station

vant resources, qualifications and experience are required to submit their Expressions of Interest. This document should carry no more than 15 pages, and must include: legal name of the consulting firm; name of legal representative of the firm; address; telephone numbers and fax; email address of contact person and website; information about the consulting firm as an entity and its principal areas of expertise and activities; description of general experience relevant to the assignment undertaken by the firm within the last ten years.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the IDB’s Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

The Moco-Moco Hydropower Station was developed as a run-of-the-river project in the mid- 1990s.

The penstock was damaged by a landslide in July 2003, resulting in a cessation of operations. The Lethem Power Company has since been providing power by way of Diesel

A

Brazilian miner was killed after the mining pit in which he was working collapsed at Micobie, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Friday.

The dead man has been identified as Sebastian Faries, 57, of Boa Vista, Brazil.

Reports are the now dead man and others were working in a small mining pit when one of the walls caved in on them.

The Brazilian was reportedly left under the earth for quite some time before he was pulled out and taken in an unconscious state to the Mahdia Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The other men who were in the mining pit when it collapsed, escaped unhurt.

An investigation has been launched into the mining industrial accident. Over the past years, a number of persons have lost their lives after the mining pits in which they were working collapsed.

On several occasions, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) found that the owners of the mining camps did not observe simple occupational health and safety practices. On a few instances, the GGMC also confirmed that the mining camp was illegal.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Ministry in a release stated that investigations thus far revealed that the miner was a worker connected to a six-inch dredge, which was said to be operat-

ing without permission from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Investigations revealed that the Micobie Village Council granted permission for the operation without informing or consulting with the GGMC prior to doing so.

Personnel from the GGMC, the release added, are presently on the ground conducting preliminary investigations. In light of the tragedy, the Natural Resources Ministry expresses its sorrow and regret at this latest mining fatality and recommits to working with miners, and Amerindian titled communities to make the industry safe, accident free and better regulated.

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SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police prosecutors better Activism equipped to handle TIP cases benefits society

By Ryhaan Shah

I

t is more than passing strange that President David Granger, in clarifying who he deems “fit and proper” for the GECOM chairmanship, does not only insist that the nominees be judges or be qualified to hold that position, but states that he would not consider anyone who is an activist for any cause, whether “gender, racial, religious, etc.”

This is indeed strange, since activism – political, social or cultural – is a cornerstone of the freedoms guaranteed Ryhaan Shah in a republic and democracy.

It is the proven, and often the only, way that the populace can persuade those in authority to improve policies that affect everything, from the nation’s education (as in the protest against VAT on private school fees) to health, housing and employment (as in the protest against sugar estate closures); or promote any bias or prejudice within society.

Activism is about identifying causes or sources of inequality and organising protest action to bring about improvements.

These can be small and localised, as in a village; or be as global as the green movement to reverse the world’s carbon footprint and ensure humankind’s survival on this planet.

Consider what the world would have been like had we not had the political activism of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jnr., and Nelson Mandela. Closer to home, where would Guyana be without the stalwart struggle against colonial rule led

by Dr Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham?

As an Indian rights activist, my activism focuses on the social injustices and cultural marginalisation directed at Guyana’s largest ethnic group – Indians; who are relegated to a minority status, are subjected to tokenism, are invisible in the national narrative of history, literature and culture, and are often the targets of brazen attempts to erase their very presence.

One way of discrediting a movement is to discredit its leaders, and my insistence on fairness and equality for Indian Guyanese at all policy and institutional levels of Government and society continues to draw public attacks, which do appear to be socially acceptable to most.

While most activism is peaceful, Guyana has experienced violent political protests from the 1960s through to the street demonstrations organised by the PNC post-1998 general elections -- with that disorder culminating in runaway crime and home-grown terrorism that was centred in Buxton. No one would disagree with the President for rejecting any nominee who organised and supported such violent racial/political action.

Guyana has, however, had a healthy history of activism for freedom and justice since the days of slavery and indentureship, and through to the historic formation of trade union movements, which continue to represent workers’ interests. The leaders of such movements are people with management and organisational skills, who display valour and commitment, sometimes against public and state hostility.

Since activists are often people of integrity who stand by a principled position for fairness and equality, and are passionate, energetic and committed to their cause, they have the very attributes most needed for the GECOM chair. But, as if disqualifying some of the most courageous and committed Guyanese from being contenders for this position is not enough, Granger further insists that the person must be a judge, or have such professional qualifications. This insistence does not hold up to any principled scrutiny either.

He could not possibly mean that no other profession produces people whose judgement can be fair, transparent and equitable.

And if so, is he, ipso facto, disqualifying himself and most of his Cabinet from their respective leadership positions?

Teachers, religious leaders, environmentalists, doctors, accountants, business executives and, yes, military men, can all be trustworthy and fair-minded.

This argument is purely academic, however, since the Constitution is clear on the qualifications and qualities required of the person selected for the GECOM chairmanship, and the validity of the first list of nominees presented by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and rejected by Granger is to be decided by the courts. Granger’s misrepresentation of the law, when he himself was nominated twice by the PNC while in Opposition, is the kind of brazen hypocrisy that Guyanese have come to expect from his Government. It is an unsettling lawlessness.

We all know what would have happened had the PPP/C Administration ever rejected any of the PNC’s list of nominees for the GECOM chair, and most people suspect that Granger’s quibbling over the selection is intended to frustrate the system and procedures to the point where he would justify the installation of his unilaterally selected chairperson and set the stage for unlawful general elections, as occurred under the previous PNC regime.

Hopefully, nationwide protests will prevent such a recurrence.

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

P

rosecutors of the Guyana Police Force are now better equipped with the necessary skills to successfully present a Trafficking In Person (TIP) case in court, following a training course by the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking In Persons.

The training will also enable prosecutors to use evidence effectively to prove perpetrators guilty, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. The training course was held at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre and is in line with the combating of Trafficking In Persons Act No. 2 of 2005, while taking international best practices into consideration.

The prosecutors received training in identification, prevention and prosecution as it relates to TIP. They also highlighted some of the challenges they faced when prosecuting a TIP case and shared several success stories.

Task Force Coordinator (ag) from the Public Security Ministry, Oliver Profit, said that the Task Force is aware of the challenges that Prosecutors face when building and prosecuting TIP cases.

However, he noted that these challenges can be solved with team work among the different agencies. Profit added that Task Force will also be assessing the needs of Police Prosecutors with regard to similar cases locally.

Additionally, the Task Force will be creating a network with prosecutors whereby they can review successes, failures and make recommendations to improve future TIP cases.

Presentations to the prosecutors highlighted definition, the act and means of Trafficking In Persons.

Additionally, Profit outlined the four

key areas that the Task Force is functioning by. These include prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships.

Additionally, Probation and Social Services Officer from the Social Protection Ministry CounterTrafficking In Persons (C-TIP) Denise Ralph said the Ministry has been working tirelessly to assist victims of TIP. She noted a number of victims, who are in the Ministry’s care, are en-

exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organ.

A number of Ministries, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders will be working together to combat TIP. Several awareness campaigns, which will target schools, are planned throughout the year to sensitise youths on human trafficking.

The Social Protection Ministry’s

Police prosecutors of the GPF along with facilitators of the one-day TIP training programme

rolled in number of courses. These include cosmetology, home management among other areas.

Trafficking In Persons mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use by force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving and receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.

Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual

Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) The C-TIP unit is also planning a local documentary on human trafficking.

This is aimed at eradicating the myth that trafficking only entails sex workers. The possibility of conducting street theatres is also explored.

The unit intends to develop and pilot test a TIP module that is to be implemented in primary and secondary schools by the end of next year.

The unit will continue to work with its partners including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation to conduct outreaches in the various regions.

14 news

SunDAY, april 2 | guyanatimesgy.com

Human rights issues affecting Guyanese youths discussed at Washington meeting

From left: The civil society delegation; Neketa Forde, Kobe Smith, Jairo Rodrigues and Twinkle Bissoon

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delegation of four young persons from various civil society member organisations of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) attended a thematic hearing of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in March in Washington, DC, to present on the human rights situation affecting young persons in Guyana.

First Secretary and Alternate Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), John ChesterInniss, attended on behalf of the Government as state representative.

The GEF delegation presented on rights abuses against young persons in Guyana, primarily on the lack of implementation of policies and laws that would develop youth in Guyana, protect young people’s rights and citizen security in the

state, with emphasis on the deficiencies of Guyana’s new National Youth Policy in addressing these rights abuses against young people.

Led by Social Change Coordinator of SASOD and Coordinator of the GEF, Jairo Rodrigues; the delegation comprised of Trans Rights activist, Twinkle Bissoon of Guyana Trans United (GTU) and SASOD; Kobe Smith, Vice President of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association’s Youth Advocacy Movement (GRPA-YAM); and Neketa Forde, Trustee of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC).

Margarette May Macaulay, First Vice President of the IACHR and Country Rapporteur for Guyana, along with Second Vice President of the IACHR and Rapporteur on the Rights of Children and Young Persons, Esmeralda

Arosemena de Troitiño, represented the Commission at the hearing.

Twinkle Bissoon addressed issues affecting youth due to discriminatory laws and open prejudice in society which encourages homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools; a cause for many LGBT students to drop out and end their education prematurely; these disadvantaged youth who may not necessarily receive the support from their families are driven into poverty to fend for themselves and some come into contact with the law, turn to sex work and suffer disproportionately to realise their right to work.

LGBT youth face marginalisation and challenges accessing health care due to expressive, non-conforming sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) and the lack of security and protection from the

State.

Kobe Smith spoke of the need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools due to the high rate of teenage pregnancy, sexual acts performed by teenagers and the general lack of knowledge on sexual health based on a 2015 survey conducted by the GRPA. He posited that the publicly-funded and implemented abstinence-only Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programme, ignores young people’s basic human rights to the highest attainable standard of health by denying them critical life-saving information and the fundamental public health principle of accurate, balanced sex education. He further called for the Government to implement policies to encourage adolescent mothers and teenage mothers to continue their secondary education.

Neketa Forde of the GNYC drew attention to cases of Police brutality, bullyism and State shortcomings against youth in the penal and judicial systems of Guyana; she called for an action-oriented youth policy and one revised with further consultations with stakeholders to bridge many of the gaps found. While the policy recognises that LGBT youth are underserved, it does not show how to address those issues. It goes on to reference equity for youth but does not discuss pregnant adolescent mothers and their reintegration into schools or non-discrimination against LGBT students. The document mentions sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) but there are no commitments to giving support and resources needed to alleviate the plights of LGBT youth. Also found in the policy, Priority 1 on Youth Identity and Empowerment is supportive of educating citizens about the differences in class, ethnicity and culture but does not include SOGI. While Education Reform is mentioned, this reference does not expressly include CSE. Commissioner Macaulay commended the delegation for a well-researched and thorough presentation.

Speaking of her pride for the young delegation, she responded to the issues stating that young persons are struggling to find their true identities and to live a life of proper dignity which can be difficult and it is the responsibility for the state to ensure protection of the rights for all its citizens especially in regards to CSE, the Education Ministry’s policies on the treatment of students by teachers, and the treatment by Police officers and State officials against vulnerable youth and youth in contact with the law.

In this regard she called for Guyana to sign on and ratify the OAS conventions against racism, racial discrimination and all forms of intolerance which will give some protection for points raised in the thematic submission by the petitioners.

Younge’s Take

Staying true to form

G

uyana’s Attorney General, Basil Williams, has again found himself embroiled in a scandal, after he allegedly threatened a High Court Judge whilst sending a clear signal to judicial officials that they either conform and comply with his expectations by handing down favourable rulings to the Government regardless of the merits or demerits of cases brought against the State, or face the detrimental consequences which could follow if they dissent.

The AG, who was recently promoted by his boss, President David Granger, to the coveted post of Senior Counsel, also sought, shortly after the drama which unfolded in the Judge’s chambers, to deny publicly that Michael Younge he had ever directly or indirectly threatened the Judge. He went further by attempting to discredit Anil Nandlall’s version of what actually took place in Court, with the help of two junior Attorneys from his chambers.

But just when the public was buying the arguments put forward by the AG, who appeared to be the victim of the nasty politics being played by Mr Nandlall, who is also a former AG, in steps the Judge with a full statement on the matter. In classic Shakespearian style, Justice Franklin Holder’s statement exposed the current AG’s apparent deceptive nature and the fact that he was deliberately misleading the public to shield his misconduct during the court case; as well as his apparent distasteful behavior, which bordered on contempt before the Courts.

Now uncertain about what next damage control device to kick into high gear, Mr Williams retreated from the public limelight, which he so often enjoys, but is soon confronted by Guyana’s ever vigilant media. Faced with a series of blistering questions from the media corps, the AG is forced to swallow his pride and demonstrate some sort of humility and regret or repentance.

The tone and mood were set by media operatives who appeared sympathetic to his Government, and were appropriate for him to do so, but the Senior Counsel refused, and instead chose to strike again.

When one examines the gravamen of his response, he, in essence, declined to offer an apology to the Judge and the Judiciary for the alleged disrespect he demonstrated. By doing so, Mr Williams again has shown disregard for his colleagues in the field of law and the Bar. He has also expressed indifference to mounting public dissatisfaction over the incident and his collective performance as the country’s AG. By his own actions, he has also proven that he is not answerable to the people, but to those who pay him, as he knows that his job in the coalition Government is secure, given Mr Granger’s track record on the subject of disciplining his ministers.

And as expected, the President, staying true to form, has already put on his scarce camera face. He claims that he has asked the AG for an explanation, but no one is fooled. As was the case when Ministers Nicolette Henry, Joseph Harmon, Volda Lawrence and George Norton found themselves in similar scandals, no direct disciplinary action will be taken. It will be business as usual until another scandal erupts, maybe in Mr Williams’s Ministry or some other part of the Government.

This is most unfortunate, because the Government’s popularity and creditability are sinking because of Ministers like Mr Williams. In fact, it is Mr Granger’s inherent refusal to take direct charge of his ship and crew that will see the coalition Government ultimately being defeated. The public is not likely to demonstrate indifference in 2020, because Mr Granger’s cabinet is demonstrating higher levels of incompetence and mismanagement of public funds that what was demonstrated by any PPP-led government in Guyana’s pre and post- independence history.

This Government has also become infamous for the adumbration of some of the poorest socio-economic policies, which threaten the livelihoods of the very same people it claims it wants to protect. It is clear that the coalition’s policies are failing.

From the decisions to hike the super salaries of the APNU/AFC Ministers, to VAT on private education, to the controversial parking meters’ project, to the hardship caused by the unbelievable spate of new tax measures, to the pharmaceutical scandals and corruption, to mishandling of probes by the Governmentcontrolled Special Organised Crime and State Assets Recovery units, to the looming increases on tuition fees for students of the University of Guyana, all of the coalition’s policies are failing.

The attitude demonstrated by Mr Williams is unforgiveable.

His appointment as both a Senior Counsel and AG should be revoked, because he has tarnished both offices and brought the legal profession into disrepute. Recall the scandals with the appointment of the Deputy Registrar; the cases the State lost because of the AG’s actions, as alleged publicly by the Deputy Solicitor General; and a host of other matters which remain unaddressed, including the diatribe of attacks launched on former Chancellor Carl Singh.

President Granger must stand on principle, or he will soon lose the moral and political rectitude, or acumen, to lecture the PPP, or anyone for that matter, on the notion of good governance.

NEWS

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Drug Enforcement Unit unearths Fire erupts at home of Housing Minister’s son large ganja stash at wharf F

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large amount of compressed marijuana was on Saturday morning unearthed in a container at John Fernandes Wharf at Water Street, Georgetown. The container originated from Jamaica.

The drug was discovered during a joint operation between the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.

Based on reports received, the drug was hidden among a quantity of perishable goods. The container had recently arrived in Georgetown and was being processed. It is believed that the container might have been tampered with while in Jamaica.

Guyana Times could not confirm the weight of the il-

legal substance. However, this newspaper was told the illegal substance was neatly wrapped in blocks and placed in several black travelling bags. An investigation has been launched, but no arrests have been made. Attempts to contact Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, proved futile.

Last June, 1276 pounds

Region 8 residents call for end to mining in buffer zones

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ining operations have been discovered within buffer zones (areas along the bank of a river where mining is prohibited) in various communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and according to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, Government is currently working to correct the situation.

The Minister was at the time addressing Toshaos and councillors of District One in Region Eight, where the residents complained of persons mining in buffer zones in Chenapau and other surrounding communities.

Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan were among other Government officials who were part of the outreach in Region Eight.

Chenapau resident Edward McGarrel said that, in 2016, a representative from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had engaged the residents and informed them that it was illegal to mine in buffer zones. The residents are concerned that there may be mining blocks in the buffer zones in the region.

McGarrel said the community does not have an issue with persons working in the mining areas, but it must be within the confines of the law, and must not infringe on their livelihoods.

Minister GarridoLowe said talks are ongoing between the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and the Natural Resources Ministry with the aim of finding a solution to the issue of illegal activities in buffer zones. “That matter is being address at the moment, because we had about two meetings already; and it is not only Chenapau, it is also happening in Micobie and other ar-

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, addressing residents of Region Eight during the ministerial outreach

eas… We wouldn’t take a year to iron that out, but we are working to see how we can give you positive results,” Minister Garrido-Lowe told the village leaders.

The minister noted that the activity has been ongoing for years, and is embedded within the miners, and so there is a process that has to be followed to stop it..

The many buffer zone requirements for mines, quarries and pits help minimize and prevent impacts on the environment, and nearby infrastructure such as roads and buildings. The general rule is that operations have to be at least 30 metres from property boundaries, infrastructure and environmentally significant features, such as watercourses.

Buffer zones help to maintain the integrity of the courses of the rivers, and prevent erosion, which in turn reduces instances of turbidity.

During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency, GGMC’s Acting Commissioner, Newell Dennison, stated firmly that the commission is adopting zero tolerance against miners who mine along the banks of rivers.

of marijuana were found in a container at this same wharf, and as in this case, the container in which the drugs were found originated from Jamaica.

It has been reported that agents from the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Container Control Programme (CCP) were inspecting the container, which was said to be carrying heavy-duty machinery when the marijuana was found in several packets.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was called in and several persons were arrested and charged.

ire fighters in Linden, Region 10, managed to save the Ameila’s Ward home of the son of Junior Communities Minister Valerie Patterson, after a fire believed to be electrical in nature erupted there.

The blaze started at about 20:00h at the concrete and wooden building when Lindy Sharpe was not at home. According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the fire started in the bottom flat of the house and completely damaged a room as it spread throughout the building.

However, quick response by the Fire Service saw firefighters preventing the blaze from completely gutting the building.

Contacted on Saturday evening by this newspaper, Sharpe was unaware that his home was on fire at the time, as he was in another part of the town.

Meanwhile, contact was made with Minister Patterson, who confirmed that a fire had damaged

her son’s home. She told this publication that it was electrical in nature. While she could not immediately give the extent of the dam-

ages, the Minister did note that part of the bottom flat had been destroyed.

16 news

SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Parking meter burden

Central Govt hopes M&CC renegotiates better contract – Bulkan

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ollowing Central Government’s move to have the highly controversial parking meter project suspended for three months, it is anticipated that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) would use this period to renegotiate the fees with Smart City Solutions.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that Central Government is not opposed to paid parking, but hopes that consultations will be held between the City Council and stakeholders to establish a common ground using the recommendations made by the ministries of Legal Affairs and Finance, said: “It is expected that the municipality and the councils will more meaningfully take into account the recommendations that were made; in essence, some of the major concerns, as made by the Central Government and the public, that relate to the duration of the contract, especially the disproportionate nature of the benefit that will accrue under this contract,” the minister said.

Persons had initially been charged $232 per hour of parking in the designated areas.

However in February, the city announced 50 per cent reduced rates to about $100 per hour, but the general populace holds out that the fees are too burdensome.

Nevertheless, Bulkan noted that he supports the idea of parking meters within the capital city, since they would regulate the traffic as well as parking.

The minister noted that the City Council’s efforts should also be directed to other violations of the city’s by-laws, including building violations, noise pollution, and other breaches of the municipal and local governance.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

Cabinet, earlier this month, suspended the parking meter project for a period of 90 days due to the exorbitant fees and lack of transparency surrounding the contract between Smart City Solutions and the Council; but members of the public are requesting the revocation of the project.

During a post-cabinet media briefing, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had said there were other concerns raised by Cabinet pertaining to the cost of parking in the jurisdiction of Georgetown, the provision for the parking of police, army and Fire Service vehicles and ambulances, the financial arrangement of the project, and the need for greater involvement of stakeholders in the process.

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

Fugro provides offshore training for Guyanese workers

Striking: a civil D right, even for doctors?

By Anna Correia

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hen I tell my friends that I miss Guyana, the response is almost always a bittersweet one -- there’s nothing to come back to: no jobs, no thriving economy nor prospects for investment, just a general societal malaise and a growing fear of free speech. The atmosphere is morose. Anywhere besides Anna Correia Guyana seems like a better alternative at the moment.

This is what Guyana has come to - a place where the essence of dreams of both the young and the old has been replaced by an apprehension for the future; and it is so dense that it permeates every layer of society, stopping only at the feet of those in power. This is what the Coalition has reduced Guyana to. And this era, reminiscent of the Burnhamite days, will be the disgraceful legacy of the PNC-dominated APNU/AFC. Yet, the most frightening part of this grim tale is not so much the pessimism of the people, but rather the air of dejection which seems to be progressively inhibiting them -- almost as if, little by little, they are resigning to a fate depicted by this dystopian tableau which, with each new day, transforms into reality.

Frightening; because a people who succumb to lassitude and fear, instead of channelling frustrations toward positive change, only make it easier for the Coalition to continue in its rampage against democracy and democratic institutions as it remains anchored in corruption, opacity, witch-hunting, and the use of State resources for political persecution. We now find ourselves in a scenario similar to the 1980s, when a cocktail of poor economic conditions and political tyranny were the driving factors for immigration. It was a period in our history where people preferred to flee Guyana, because they either had no leverage to act on the improvement of their own lives and against the dictatorship, or they preferred to opt for comfort in foreign lands, while they could.

Today, economic mismanagement and contractionary fiscal policies are driving Guyana right back into the wall, and one of the risks we face is the loss of the trained professionals who have, over the years, contributed to the human development of our country. The brain drain began from as early as 2015 with the mass firings in the Public Sector, and continues today, touching from Government-contracted workers to young business graduates looking for investment opportunities abroad.

Government workers, however, feel the strain more than others, because they’re well aware of the precariousness of their situation. They’re conscious of the fact that, at the snap of a finger, they could lose the jobs to which they’ve consecrated years of their lives, without any guarantees of finding a source of income in this halting economy. And these are the people with barely any leverage to act against the Government. These are the people who are bound by a fear on which the Government thrives.

The decision to place Government-contracted doctors on a pension plan and to tax their allowances will most likely initiate a new wave of brain drain of trained medical professionals.

However, while doctors are conscious of the life-saving nature of their profession, as well as the inadequacies of the Public Health Sector, some are building the courage to confront the Government on a level playfield. And they’re doing this knowing that they are putting their careers at risk under a vindictive, unrelenting Government. And while numbers do matter, it is this pocket of peaceful rebellion against injustice that we, the people, need to support. It is in the interest of the Guyanese people to defend our doctors, thereby defending our own right to decent health care.

There are talks of doctors striking in hospitals nationwide, but some dispute this possibility on the basis that doctors are emergency public servants who should not be allowed to strike, unionize, or form organisations of representation. Yet, in developed democracies, civil rights are considered to be intrinsic to citizenship, regardless of social and professional status.

If our doctors were to strike, the blame must be directly attributed to the Coalition. Doctors are public servants, but their mission is a life-saving one, for which the Government and the people must be grateful. But if the Coalition continues to persecute our doctors, then we must understand their need to retaliate by invoking their civil rights, including the possibility to strike.

And while the consequences will be borne by the nation, it would do us well to remember that solidarity and persistence form the cement of change in a country.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

utch offshore services provider has entered into a new alliance with Ground Structures Engineering Consultants Ltd in Guyana to boost its marine site characterisation services for the oil and gas industry in the Republic of Guyana.

According to Fugro, the alliance will facilitate training for Guyanese citizens and support local economic development.

“By working with agencies in the Republic of Guyana, Fugro fulfils its commitment to support local economic development and, through relationships with local companies such as Ground Structures, facilitates training and maximises job opportunities for Guyanese citizens. As part of this new working relationship, Fugro will provide onsite training at its state-ofthe-art accredited laboratory in Houston, Texas, USA to cross-train soil technicians to meet industry standards,”

Brian Hottman, Country Manager, FUGRO in Guyana

Fugro said.

What is more, Fugro also said it would provide essential offshore experience to Ground Structures’ certified soil technicians who will support a geotechnical campaign recently awarded to Fugro

by Exxon’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production, Guyana Limited.

The marine site characterisation project is scheduled to begin this month and the Ground Structures technicians will work alongside Fugro per-

sonnel onboard its deep-water geotechnical vessel, Fugro Explorer, Fugro said.

The Republic of Guyana has been placed on the offshore energy map after recent oil discoveries made by ExxonMobil.

The Department of the Environment (DoE), in January 2017, hosted a training workshop, in collaboration with Fugro aimed at ensuring that every sector in the country is adequately prepared to treat with Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector within the framework of the green economy.

The one-day workshop for the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), which is the Agency charged with overseeing the effective management, conservation and protection of the environment, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was hosted at the Marriott Hotel Guyana and is among several initiatives planned by the Department to prepare stakeholders to deal

with Guyana’s imminent oil and gas future and its emerging sectors and needs.

Fugro’s Country Manager in Guyana, Brian Hottman, said its role is to teach the participants about the “life of field” in the sector, that is, how it works and moves from the geophysical phase all the way to the decommissioning phase. “It’s… a basic course to open up information to them… What we’re doing is we’re helping them understand the way it’s worked in other countries and showing them different technologies to make sure that when something starts that it is left the same way when it’s finished,” he said.

With regard to Guyana’s preparedness to embark on sustainable development within the oil and gas sector, Hottman said that while infrastructure such as offshore to onshore pipelines and oil refineries would have to be built, “there’s a huge growth that will take place in Guyana”.

18 News

SunDAY, april 2, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

TERI helps local businesses cut energy costs significantly

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, met with a team from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), including Director General of TERI, Dr Ajay Mathur (right) TERI’s Director, Dr Rudra Narishma Rao (inner right), and Shyam Nokta, TERI’s Chief Representative for the Caribbean (left) By: Devina Samaroo

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or over five years, local businesses in the Private and Public sectors, as well as households, have been cutting their energy consumption significantly with help from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

As an international institute, based in India and working globally, TERI has spent the last 40 years working on issues regarding energy, environment, and sustainable development.

With a green revolu-

bulb. These energy-efficient stoves were designed to consume less fuel (wood), and aid in reducing indoor and outdoor pollution. More than one hundred of these inventions have been distributed in hinterland communities across the country through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

TERI is also involved in training GEA engineers in conducting assessments of energy management and being able to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

TERI has also been

The energy-efficient stove

tion sweeping this developing nation, TERI, through an MoU with both the Government and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), has been working with local entities to reduce energy costs and implement innovative efficient management practices with the overall aim to ensure that Guyana contributes greater to the global fight against climate change.

Work in Guyana

One of the most notable projects of the organisation is the development of the rice husk gasifier mill in Essequibo, which has managed to cut energy costs and consumption by nearly 50 per cent.

Another fascinating technology introduced by TERI is small solar-powered stoves that have the capacity to store energy for minute usage, like charging phones or illuminating a tiny kilowatt light

working with GuySuCo to assess the operations of sugar factories and identify measures that would improve energy efficiency.

According to TERI’s Chief Caribbean Representative, Shyam Nokta, energy efficient practices can include simple interventions like turning off the lights, as with the case of GuySuCo. TERI also worked with the GPL in providing support for a transmission and distribution loss reduction study with a focus on GPL’s large consumers.

TERI has also engaged several local manufacturing entities, including the Beharry Group and Sterling Products Limited, and has provided technical support on energy assessment and management measures

Future projects and challenges

Unlike most international organisations that visit for a few days and provide expert advice, TERI is here

to stay and work with partners in all aspects of energy-efficient management, including implementation and sustainability.

Associate Director of TERI, Dr Rudra Narsimha Rao, and his team has been in Guyana for lengthy periods, and has already familiarised themselves with the developments in the local energy sector from a technical standpoint.

Dr Rao told the Guyana Times that his goal is not only to bring expertise, but to introduce advanced technology at affordable prices in Guyana.

TERI is currently engaged in discussions with a number of local companies in regard to ways in which they can cut their energy costs.

Dr Rao explained that each situation is unique, and therefore distinctive solutions have to be designed for each project.

Discussions are ongoing with businesses in the commercial, agriculture and forestry sectors.

As a result of the successful gasifier project, more millers and persons in the woodworking sector have displayed great interest in developing similar apparatus. However, one of the prevailing challenges hindering the implementation of these energy-saving mechanisms is the unfavourable market.

According to Dr Rao, businesses, though excited about implementing cost-cutting measures, do not find it wise to make major investments at a time when the markets are unfavourable; their priority is to remain viable during these turbulent times of poor sector performances.

Global campaign

TERI has taken note of the strong commitment by Guyana to renewable energy and energy efficiency, as demonstrated by the high level of ambition in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) as part of the Paris Agreement and recent efforts towards promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

With the work covered in Guyana, TERI hopes to contribute significantly in helping the Government achieve its goal to achieve 100 per cent renewable power by 2025.

In December 2015, a landmark Global Agreement was reached in Paris at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change meeting. It was recognised that if the global community is to achieve the target of keeping global warming to under two degrees Celsius, renewable energy will have an important role to play, and developing countries would have to participate greater.

It was also recognised that achieving these ambitious targets has to be the responsibility of not only Government, but industries and businesses as well.

This is where TERI intends to provide assistance in, among other things, changing attitudes: creating a willingness to embrace new approaches and technologies, and importantly, giving incentives – financial and otherwise – to do so.

Finances

Through the MoU with the Government, most of the projects conducted by TERI in Guyana are heavily subsidised. Moreover, an important catalyst for TERI’s work in Guyana is the strategic partnership established in January 2017 be-

tween TERI and EESL (Energy Efficient Solutions Limited - a Government of India Energy Services Company.

The EESL – TERI model is attractive for several reasons, but especially because entities do not have to finance investments upfront,

component for local personnel.

In the years to come, TERI intends to work closely with all stakeholders, as the institute believes Guyana presents an ideal opportunity to support enhancing the use of renewable energy technologies

The rice husk gasifier in Essequibo

and it provides access to international expertise in energy through TERI. It also allows for the integration of best available technology at competitive prices, and there is a training and capacity-building

in a way that would realise economic and environmental benefits and also through a model that could be financially attractive and provide access to cutting-edge technology and expertise.

sunDAY, april 2, 2017

19

Miami Open 2017…

Konta beats Wozniacki

to claim title J

ohanna Konta took the biggest title of her career with victory over Caroline Wozniacki as she became the first British woman to win the Miami Open.

The 25-year-old British number one overpowered her Danish opponent - a former world number one - 6-4 6-3.

Konta, who in June 2015 was the world number 146, will climb to seventh from 11th in the rankings - her highest yet.

She also takes home £940,000 in prize money in claiming what was her third WTA Tour success from a fourth final.

Konta won her first WTA title in July 2016 at the Bank of the West Classic, was defeated in the China Open final in October 2016 and in January triumphed at the Sydney

Time is right for Olympic cricket bid – ICC Chief

International without dropping a set.

But this was her first success at a higher level - the top 'Premier Mandatory' rung of the WTA Tour.

Having beaten Wozniacki, 26, in their only previous meeting - in straight sets at the third round of this year's Australian Open - Konta was pre-match favourite.

And she held her nerve with a strong all-round performance to edge her opponent in a tight match.

"Thank you so much to the crowd," Konta said.

"You guys were incredible through the whole week.

Miami is such an energetic city and you guys really bring that to the court.

Wozniacki reached her career high ranking of world number one in October 2010, and victory in Miami would

have been her first at this level since Indian Wells in 2011.

But instead she suffered a third final defeat of 2017 - following losses to Elina Svitolina in the Dubai Championships and to Karolina Pliskova in the Qatar Open. (BBC Sport)

IRB Hong Kong Sevens…

New York training stint leaves Green Machine well-oiled our best on the field regardless who we are up against; We are in tough group since these are teams who are regularly invited to these big tournaments and beat big teams on the sevens circuit,” the captain confidently expressed.

With an outlook on the future and development of Guyana’s rugby, Gonsalves felt it is critical that the team gets regular international exposure.

By Akeem G reene

England would have to play under the Great Britain banner at the Olympics

T

he "time is right" for cricket to apply for a place at the Olympics, according to International Cricket Council chief Dave Richardson.

Cricket has not been played at the Summer Games since Great Britain beat France to win gold in 1900.

But the ICC believes an Olympic Twenty20 tournament is the key to growing the game.

"I think the majority of the members - and certainly myself - think the time is right," said Richardson.

"We've come to the conclusion that the overall benefit to the game, in terms of globalising and growing it, outweighs any negatives.

"We need to make a decision by July so we can make an application in time for September, when, as I understand it, the (International Olympic Committee) will consider new sports for 2024."

The 2024 Games will be hosted by either Paris or Los Angeles, with a decision due in September 2017.

With growing concerns about the cost of staging the Games, the IOC has been reluctant to go much beyond 11,000 athletes at an

Olympics, although it did add five new sports to the programme for Tokyo 2020 without removing any.

Richardson, who made 164 appearances for South Africa in Tests and one-day internationals, said preliminary talks with the IOC have already taken place and the discipline to be included for consideration must be a format played at international level.

"They haven't said [an existing] sport would have to go [to make room], but they said when taking any decision on a new sport they've got an overall limit on the number of athletes," he said.

"So as a team sport we would only fit six to eight teams. T20 is the ideal format and we'd say even better than rugby sevens as it's actually one of the mainstream formats of cricket."

He said that he did not think there would be any opposition from ICC members England or West Indies due to the fact that they would not be able to compete at a Games under those banners.

He suggested England would be relaxed about playing along with other home nations as Great Britain. (BBC

Sport)

Johanna Konta

G

uyana’s National Rugby team, commonly called ‘Green Machine’ left Guyana shores last Sunday en-route to the New York for a one week- training stint ahead of the IRB Hong Kong Seven tournament from April 7-9 and according to captain Ryan Gonsalves, training in the ‘Big Apple’ has given the squad even more confidence as they head into the tournament.

“The team is looking good we are able to get two training sessions a day outdoors and indoors which has been helpful for us to get our strategies and game plan in place; having the squad together for this training camp is a plus for the team because usually we just get together at least three days prior tournaments,” the captain stated in an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Saturday.

The aim of the stint in New York was to expose the team to top quality teams in a bid to develop areas such as speed and other strategies.

“We played Stony Brook University on Wednesday night they are a very good 7’s rugby side we won one game and lost one; the experience was great, we manage to try out our new strategies and patterns we are implementing for the Hong Kong sevens,” Gonsalves explained.

He added, “We are working on restarts from the kick offs, since we are a smaller team at that level and have been exploited especially in 2015 when we last played in Hong Kong.”

The experienced player outlined the areas where he has already seen an improvement and will look

(L-R) Avery Corbin, Rondell McArthur, Richard Staglon and Vallon Adams having a light moment after training

to better those with practice games against teams in Hong Kong.

“We are working on our line speed and speed to the breakdowns which has showed a lot of improvements so we are try to get a few practice games against teams not in our group but that can only confirm when we arrive in Hong Kong and once that is confirm we will really get to test ourselves,” he posited.

Guyana are in Pool G along with Spain, Papua New Guinea and Uruguay and the Gonslaves believes they have good chance of progressing.

“Our chances are good as any other team, we are going and give

“While Guyana have to win the Caribbean tournament to qualify for this Hong Kong 7’s which mean we have to wait a year to get to play against top flight teams; If we get financial support to attend invitational tournaments with top teams we can get up to speed with any team in the world,” he contended.

In closing, the player expressed great appreciation for the support of the Beharry Group, John Fernandes Ltd and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The squad will depart New York today at 10:00h and will arrive in Hong Kong Monday at 14:00h after a 16-hour flight that leaves them just three days to get acclimatized for their first game.

Guyana’s squad reads: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Rupert Giles, Vallon Adams, Richard Staglon, Rondell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Avery Corbin, Ronald Mayers, Dwayne Schroeder and Blaise Bailey.

The officials are Grant-Stuart (Coach), Robin Roberts (Manager) and Physiotherapist, Barrington Browne.

20

sundAY, april 2, 2017

De Viera satisfied with goalkeepers’ ethics

T

he competitive International Friendly between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Martinique senior national team on Tuesday March 28, ended in a nilall draw. However, there was no doubt that it was a game with a fair number of chances which required the Golden Jaguars’ defence, including the goalkeeper, being put to work.

The man responsible for the preparation of the goalkeepers for the match was Eon De Viera, the newly-appointed senior national goalkeeping coach. De Viera, is no stranger to football having begun his career in football as a player at the U-19 level.

In summarizing the keepers’ performance, De Viera said they had a successful stint: “I was very satisfied with the results of the game and the performance of the goalkeepers. Andrew Durant was selected to be the starting keeper and he had an excellent performance; he made some very timely and

important saves which kept us in the game.

He was injured, he hit his knee while making another excellent save and wasn’t able to continue which is why we made the substitution with the goalkeeper and brought in Mr. Akel Clarke who also held his fort and took us to the nil-all finish.”

The coach who also serves the national U-15 and U-17 squads was encouraged by the work ethic of the selected senior goalkeepers during training sessions – Durant, Clarke and young Jonathan Copeland: “Training sessions went really well because the guys have a very good work ethic, they were able to keep up with the high intensity of one of the sessions we did, which was the first session, to determine level of fitness and technical ability.”

Having worked with Copeland at the U-17 level, De Viera was happy about his inclusion in the senior squad: “It was a very good experience for him, he had a chance to

work with two very experienced goalkeepers with good technical ability and it was good for him to see the work ethic which is required of him to meet at the next level.”

Highlighting the qualities an effective goalkeeper should possess, De Viera said: “A goalkeeper needs to be always aware …they have to be committed… love for the game is (also) very important because in goalkeeping, it’s a cleanup of the mess; when everybody makes a mess, you have to clean it up and you have to be delighted to clean up the mess…”

He added that a goalkeeper should also have a strong character to handle negative pressures, converting same into something positive while being a team player. “Don’t look for the negatives in the players but always be willing to motivate them.”

The coach who once was selected for the senior team as a player but had to reluctantly abandon his playing career due to an

guyanatimesGY.com

Golden Jaguars goalkeeping coach, Eon De Viera during a session with the senior national team recently

injury said he was very happy about his appointment to the senior squad: “It is what you work for, you put the best into whatever you’re doing to meet to the highest level and this is the highest level in Guyana and I’m very delighted and honored to be part of the senior makeup. I will do my best to raise the standards of the goalkeepers in Guyana.”

“I see myself working with whichever team the Federation would prefer to have me work with. I don’t have preference in teams but I love to work with the youths. If I’m called to be with the seniors, I can step up to that level and work at that level too.

Wherever my expertise is needed, that’s where I’ll be,” De Viera concluded.

The Golden Jaguars competed against Martinique in front of a capacity crowd at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden signaling a return of international football to Linden after six years.

Petra/Milo School’s U-18 Football…

Morgan’s storm into semi-finals …after hammering Carmel 11-0

M

organ’s Learning Centre (MLC) sent a strong message of their title intentions as they crushed Carmel Secondary 11-0 to book their semi-final berth in the Petra Organised Milo School’s under-18 tournament which continued at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta on Saturday with two quarter-final matches.

David Coates led the route with a spectacular helmet-trick, netting in the 38th, 67th, 77th and 79th. Osafo Matheson had

a double when he scored in the 6th, 32nd.

Chrisy Macey (47th & 63rd), Adrian Adolph (1st), Daniel Clarke (43rd) and Orin Moore (49th). In the other match of the day, The Bishops’ High School lost 4-3 on penalty kicks to Sir Leon’s Lesson after the game ended in a goalless draw.

Today, Masters Academy will clash Buxton Youth Developers rom 13:00h followed by Chase Academy and Pure Masters from 15:00h.

Part of the action between Morgan’s Learning Centre and Carmel Secondary

Demerara Under 17 Inter-Association…

Georgetown thumps GNIC slightly East Bank by 149 runs ahead after day 1 A GCA/Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division

n instrumental 160run second wicket partnership between junior national players Sachin Singh 88 and Alphius Bookie 87 set up Georgetown for a mammoth victory over East Bank Demerara on Saturday at the Everest Cricket Club

Sachin Singh

ground.

East Bank won the toss and invited the host to take first strike. They reached 32 before they lost the wicket of Adrian Hinds for 21, but it was the only success for the visitors in the first half of the game.

Singh and Bookie batted responsibly during their substantial partnership which saw the former accounted for six fours while the latter belted 11 fours and a solitary six.

The partnership was broken when Bookie tried to up the tempo in the dying overs of the innings while Singh fell in the final over.

Ashmead Nedd scored 17.

Joel Craig and Kester Mc Allister claimed two wickets apiece for the visitors while Jeremiah Scott captured one

A

Joel Spooner

scalp.

East Bank folded for 100 in reply with Movindra Dindyal making 25 while Jamal Michael and Tuen Hicks scored 15 not out and 12 respectively. Joel Spooner claimed four wickets while Nedd grabbed three.

seesaw opening day of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Noble House Seafoods second division final ended with Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) holding the upper-hand against Transport Sports Club (TSC) at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

After being inserted, GNIC fell for 167 in 67 overs, with Stefan Campbell leading the way with 62 while receiving support from Mark Nicholson 33 and Premchand Sookdeo 28. Rafael Singh was outstanding with the ball for TSC, claiming 6-29.

In their turn at the crease, TSC reached 68-6 from 23 overs at the close. At the crease is Shawn Massiah and Azeem Azeez on four runs apiece.

Charwayne McPherson made 16 while Ryan Hemraj and Sunil Singh scored 11 each.

GNIC’s bowling has so far been spearheaded by Deswin Butts 2-20 and Gajanan Sukanandan 2-9.

Gajanan Suknanan

sports

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FIFA President to visit Guyana

IFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to visit Guyana between April 9 and 11, Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde said on Saturday, as international bodies focus on supporting the progress of national football associations in reforming and developing football around the world.

The visit by the leader of global football follows visits within the last six weeks by the CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani and FIFA Director for Africa and the Caribbean Veron Mosengo-Omba, in a further sign of the confidence regional and global bodies have in the direction of football in Guyana. “We are delighted that the FIFA President is visiting Guyana so soon after his election last year,” said GFF President Forde. “FIFA and CONCACAF have expressed their support and encouragement for the work of the Guyana Football Federation, and this visit will be a great honour for the whole of Guyana.”

“We are excited about the prospect of building for the future of Guyana’s football with FIFA and President Infantino, as well as showcasing some of the work we are doing here during his visit.” President Infantino was elected to lead FIFA, which governs and serves 211 member associations around the world, in February 2016 with a mandate to reform football governance, rebuild trust in the game, and increase investment in football development.

Under President Infantino, FIFA member associations now have access to at least USD 1.25 million per year to support running costs, training, infrastructure and facilities projects, and for development programmes and competitions such as youth leagues and women’s football.

“This level of funding has the power to transform football in Guyana for generations to come,” said President Forde.

“We are determined to reform and develop football for all in Guyana through sustainable, careful and transparent investment and strong, ethical leadership, in line with the international vision set by FIFA and CONCACAF. We look forward to discussing this further in person with President Infantino this month.”

Federer drops Kyrgios to set up final with Nadal

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Federer previously won the Miami title in 2005 and 2006

R

oger Federer won a thrilling three-hour contest against Nick Kyrgios to set up a final against Rafael Nadal at the Miami Open.

The Swiss, 35, won 7-6 (11-9) 6-7 (9-11) 7-6 (7-5) to take his 2017 record to 18 wins and one defeat.

Federer will take on Nadal for the 37th time on Sunday, and the second final this year after beating the Spaniard at January's Australian Open.

Nadal, 30, beat Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-1 7-5 in the first semi-final.

Fognini, 29, had become the first unseeded player in 10 years to make the last four but was no match for Nadal, who will try to win a first Miami title in his fifth final on Sunday.

"It's great to be in the final for me," said Nadal after winning the first of the semi-finals. "I am excited to play another final of an important event.

"If it's Roger, it's going to be another one for both of us, and that's it. Just another one."

Federer made sure that there will be another episode to his rivalry with Nadal, which began in Miami 13 years ago.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion maintained his spectacular run of results with victory over the in-form Kyrgios.

Despite playing in front of a heavily pro-Federer crowd, Kyrgios extended the former champion over three hours and 10 minutes, with the 21-year-old Australian showing his frustration by smashing his racquet after losing match point.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 2, 2017

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

GCA/ Carib Beer T20…

Jacobs steer King vs Jeffrey showdown promises to be mouthwatering Malteenoes to critical victory

In the absence of the might Vieira’s the stage is set for Kevin Persaud unleash his best performance

A

ll roads lead to the South Dakota circuit today as the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosts its National Race of Champions and arguably the biggest battle will see two of Guyana’s best group four drivers Kristian Jeffrey and Andrew King go bumper to bumper for the checkered flag.

Prior to last year, Jeffrey was the two-time Caribbean Motor Racing Champion (CMRC) but in the third outing seeking to cop the title a series of unfortunate events unfolded with his high powered Mitsubishi Evolution. However, at the last race meet in November he showed why he was the champion for two successive years by dominating the two races he entered.

On the other hand, the resurgence of the experience of King should offer some treat to fans in his upgraded Mazda RX7. The veteran’s absence from the circuit was a result to a spinal injury but in recent reports

he stated that he is fully fit and it is now just adapting to the improvements of his machine.

Jeffrey is known for his aggressive style of driving while the canny King will have to hope the saying “experience never fails” holds truth today.

Other seasoned campaigners such as Kevin Jeffrey and Rupie Shewjattan who also has an Evolution could make the group four category even more intriguing.

In group three, Nazim Gafoor and his gold-plated Mazada Miata, Motilall ‘Kevin’ Deodass with his turbo-charged Starlet should make the this category interesting as well. Both Gafoor and Persaud will also take part in the group 4 action.

Likewise, Reigning Group Two champion, Shan Seejatan and his Honda Civic K20 stand a very good chance of repeating but the likes of Mohamad Roshandin, Chet Singh and Rameez Mohamed could stand in his way.

The Sports Tuner class promises to have its attraction as current champion Daniel Deokie has to battle against Sharima Khan, teammates Paul Jiwanram, Assad Hassan and Troy Muir.

On the two-wheel side of the action, the talented Vieira trio of Matthew, Elliot and Stephen will not be participating which leaves Kevin Persaud as the front runner to cop the crown in his Kawasaki brand motor bike.

In addition, the fans will be treated to their first bit of professional Drifting exhibition as two cars out of Suriname, A Honda S2000 and a Toyota Verossa, both sponsored by KGM Security Services will be drifting between races.

The two drifters, Oliver Tjin Liep Shie who will pilot the Honda and Argill Wreed who will be at the helm of the Verossa, have both indicated their readiness for the event, adding that they are excited to participate in the event.

The National Race of Champions is expected to attract a large group of drivers and riders, while spectator turnout is also expected to be massive. There are also a number of sponsors such as Stag Beer, Exxon Mobil, Fly Jamaica, Seaboard Marine, Palm Court, Rohit Lumber Yard, Rohan Auto Sales, B.M Soat Auto Spares, Special Auto, National Hardware, Tony’s Auto Spares, Japarts, Carnival Casino, Caricom Auto Sales, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies, Jialing, Choke Gas Station, E-Networks, Truck Masters and Prem’s Electrical.

Admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults and $500 for children under 12 years old.

The day’s activities are set to get underway at 09:00h

LABA/Hamid Foundation Under 23 Basketball

Kwakwani meet Jets in do or die clash A

fter forfeiting their opening game which they had won, Kwakwani, with one win and one loss, finds themselves in a win or go home situation when they face Amelia's Ward Jets tonight in the final preliminary game of their group to finalize the semifinals of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association / Hamid Foundation Under 23 basketball championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

This evening’s clashes will wrap up the preliminary round action as already through from Group A are leaders Half Mile Bulls and Retrieve Raiders who they defeated to remain unbeaten after the first round of matches.

Group B is one that the Jets will top having already gotten four points from two wins and a loss tonight will find them on five points.

However, Kwakwani would be second to the Jets with a win, because they are currently on two points. Having played an ineligible player when they won their first game and then winning their next game meant they are still on two points due to losing all their points from that game they forfeited. A win therefore tonight means they will finish like the Falcons on four points, but will move through to the semifinals having beaten the Bankers Trust Falcons in their head to head clash earlier.

Falcons are on four points from one win and two losses. The Kwakwani team then on three points from one win, one loss and another defeat due to the forfeiture where they got no points. It is therefore a ding dong clash between the sub region side Kwakwani and the Jets at 18:30h in what will be the first game. The second game is of no importance apart for the records because neither the Christianburg Pistons nor their opponents Block 22 Flames can advance to the next round but they are after their first win after two previous losses.

That Pistons versus Flames game is set for 20:30h after the first game will be starting at 18:30h sharp.

Ashkaya Persaud facing up to off spinner Stephan Browne in his top score of 72* for Everest while Rajendra Chandrika is at the non-striker’s end

G

uyana Amazon Warriors player Steven Jacobs played an innings reminiscent to his hey days with the bat to the delight of the scores of spectators at Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) to witness an important clash between the hosts MSC and Everest Cricket Club on Saturday.

Jacobs 68 not out spearheaded MSC’s chase as they successfully 169 set by the visitors. They finished on 1705 in 19.5 overs replying to the 168-2 made by Everest.

Subsequent to Nichosie Barker’s dismissal for 25 by Chandrapaul Hemraj, Jacobs entered the crease with MSC placed at 58-2 in the eight over, joining Clinton Pestano, who enjoyed a successful first outing with MSC. He looked pretty in defence immediately and rotated the strike within the initial six deliveries to follow before he was formidable against anything in his zone.

In the 11th over he struck Hemraj for a glorious six that went towering over the roof of Tutorial High School situated to the southern straight boundary of the pitch.

Following that strike, Jacobs cut loose he accounted for five more sixes and three fours to seal the deal for the ‘Who Knows’ team.

In the process he added 59 in a significant partnership with Pestano, who was dismissed by Ashkaya Persaud for 34 and an unbroken 43 for the sixth wicket with Kellon Carmichael, who played the supporting role to score six.

But the most thrilling feat in his innings was to score 12 from the final over bowled by Troy Gonsalves who operated as a medium fast bowler in the match and did not bowl his usual ‘leggies.’

The first ball Jacobs got a single, then the second was a dot ball to Carmichael, who then got a single off the third before Jacobs hit the fourth for a six over midwicket, sending the home supporters into frenzy.

However, the standing umpire was unsure of where the ball landed and after a brief talk with the square leg umpire signaled four. The fans went into an uproar mode before long on fielder Hemraj informed the umpires it was indeed a six, playing in the spirit of the game.

The fifth ball was flicked past the short fine leg fielder and went racing to the boundary for four sparking wild celebration as the MSC players scampered unto the field to celebrate the win.

Like MSC, Everest batting was their standpoint but they probably fell short by some 20 odd runs after being well placed at 91 without loss at the start of the 12th over.

Rajendra Chandrika and Persaud started well, adding 92 for the first wickets before the former was brilliantly run out by Edwin Burnett for 52 attempting a quick single. Chandrika showed spark throughout his knock which included two huge sixes.

After Chandrika was removed, Persaud led batting to the end, finishing on 72 not out with sis sixes and four fours. Hemraj made a quickfire 20 while Gonsalves scored 11 not out.

When MSC bowled, Stephan Browne got 1-28 while Jacobs was economical throughout his four over spell as he gave away 17 runs.

Meanwhile, Persaud was Everest best bowler with 2-18 while Shaheed Mohamed, Gonsalves and Hemraj claimed a wicket apiece.

The result takes MSC to two wins from three matches, the same as Everest and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), who are in the same group. However, MSC is expected to go atop the point standing with one match to play against Guyana Defence Force t (GDF) today at MSC. The group is heading for a photo finish with MSC, GCC and Everest in the rush for semifinal spots.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 2, 2017

Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile Cup Series

23

Lewis’ master class keeps series alive –West Indies snap losing streak

Evin Lewis

his ting

T

was the batperform a n c e everyone was waiting for from the world champions.

West Indies had only 138 to chase down, but it was still five runs more than the target they couldn't get to two days ago. But, making sure those bad memories didn't well up, and more importantly that the series stayed alive, was opener Evin Lewis. The 25-yearold smashed his first T20I fifty - he already has a hundred - countering everything that was thrown at him. Perhaps the only thing he wasn't tested against was scoreboard pressure, because Pakistan didn't

have any to apply. Their batting underwhelmed so much that they lost two wickets in the first over and suffered five single-digit scores.

Where the was won

game

I n t h e chase, b e cause West Indies' batting seems like a chocolate eclair right now: solid on the outside, but gets all gooey in the middle. And when Chadwick Walton fell in the second over, Pakistan were starting to lick their fingers. Then came two successive fifty partnerships.

Lewis led both of them, putting on 56 runs in 40 balls with Marlon Samuels and 76 off 40 with debutant Jason Mohammed.

The men who won it

Man,

actually.

Lewis,

Ramirez-Merlano leads teams to victory

Sudesh Fitzgerald (right) and Luis Ramirez Merlano

L

uis Ramirez-Merlano was able to carry two teams to the finish line in both luck of the draw doubles and triples at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Pavillion on Friday March 24.

He teamed up with Terence Joseph and Shoundell Hyles in the triples and came out victorious against Sudesh Fitzgerald, Melisa Smartt and Mark Fenty, winning 2/1 in the finals.

Team Mary Correia, Bryan James and Fidel Hunter after being defeated by team Ramirez-Merlano

in the semifinals played against team Netisha Fordyce, Sherwyn Greene and Jamwant Bhupan securing third place with two wins to one.

In the second event, Ramirez-Merlano again came out number one; teaming up with Sudesh Fitzgerald they were able to defeat Sherwyn Greene and Shoundell Hyles 2/1 in the finals. Young Fidel Hunter again managed to secure third place; teaming up with Jamwant Bhupan they won against Natisha Fordyce and Terence Joseph 2/1.

standing tall and smashing sixes like the legends of old. There were nine in all - one of them brought up his half-century - and each of them was an event. The flourish of the bat, the arch of the back, the sheer power and the disdainful look. He finished with 91 off 51, the highest score by any batsman against Pakistan in T20Is and his lasting 14.4 overs in the chase completely nullified Shadab Khan's impact. Until this match, the 18-year old legspinner had taken seven wickets at an average of 3 and strikerate of 6.8. On Saturday, he went for 38 runs in 3.5 overs, 25 of which came off Lewis' bat.

Moment of the Match

It was the start of the 13th over of the Pakistan innings. Facing it was Kamran Akmal. He had helped steady the team after a dramatic wobble

and was on 48 off 36 balls.

The full toss that Marlon Samuels bowled should have been reward for all the good work he had done until then. But it ended up dismissing him, as he pulled straight to Lendl Simmons at deep midwicket. West Indies took control from that point on, picking up six wickets and conceding only 45 runs in the last eight overs. Kesrick Williams' slower offcutters - rather similar to Mustafizur Rahman's - were vital towards the end, having been set up by Samuel Badree's 2 for 22 earlier.

Where they stand

West Indies' seven-wicket victory, with 5.1 overs to spare, meant the fourth and final T20I on Sunday becomes a decider. If the hosts win it, they level the series. Otherwise, Pakistan get to take home the trophy.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings (20 overs maximum) Ahmed Shehzad b Badree 4 Kamran Akmal c Simmons b Samuels 48 Imad Wasim st †Walton b Badr ee 0 Babar Azam b Narine 43 Shoaib Malik c Lewis b Brathwa ite 2 Fakhar Zaman run out (Holder/ Narine) 21 Sarfraz Ahmed*† run out (Holder/†Walton) 3 Wahab Riaz c Pollard b Williams 1 Sohail Tanvir not out 2 Shadab Khan not out 3 Extras (b-1, lb-7, w-2)10 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs)137 Did not bat Hasan Ali Fall of wickets 1-4 (Ahmed Shehzad, 0.2 ov), 2-4 (Imad Wasim, 0.4 ov), 3-92 (Kamran Akmal, 12.1 ov), 4-95 (Shoaib Malik, 13.4 ov), 5-115 (Babar Azam, 15.4 ov), 6-124 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 17.2 ov), 7-130 (Wahab Riaz, 18.3 ov), 8-132 (Fakhar Zaman, 19.1 ov)

Bowling S Badree 4-0-22-2, JO Holder 4-0-26-0, KOK Williams 4-0-21-1 (w-1), CR Brathwaite 3-0-15-1, SP Narine 3-0-34-1 (w-1), MN Samuels 2-0-11-1 West Indies innings (target: 138 runs from 20 overs) E Lewis c Wahab Riaz b Shadab Khan 91 CAK Walton† c Fakhar Zaman b Sohail Tanvir 1 MN Samuels c Imad Wasim b Wahab Riaz 18 JN Mohammed not out 17 LMP Simmons not out 4 Extras (lb-3, w-3, nb-1) 7 Total (3 wickets; 14.5 overs)138 Did not bat KA Pollard, CR Brathwaite*, JO Holder, SP Narine, S Badree, KOK Williams Fall of wickets 1-2 (Walton, 1.2 ov), 2-58 (Samuels, 7.6 ov), 3-134 (Lewis, 14.4 ov) Bowling Imad Wasim 3-020-0 (w-1), Sohail Tanvir 3-040-1 (nb-1, w-1), Hasan Ali 2-0-20-0, Shadab Khan 3.50-38-1, Wahab Riaz 2-0-6-1 (w-1), Shoaib Malik 1-0-11-0

SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017

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

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Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile Cup Series

Lewis’ master class keeps series alive

–West Indies snap losing streak

Pg 23

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

King vs Jeffrey

showdown promises to be mouthwatering

Pg 22 Kristian Jeffrey and his Mitsubishi ‘Evo’ (right) will start as favorite for the checkered flag but upon return to the South Dakota Circuit Andrew King and his Mazda RX7 could create an upset

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Sunday April 2, 2017

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 2, 2017

Times Feature

By Isahak Basir CCH

S

upenaam, located on the mainland situated left of the Essequibo River and Wakenaam, is an island. Supenaam and Wakenaam are two Dutch words.

Originally, Supenaam

ries of social and economic needs. It is also a local port of entry for vessels plying Bartica, several populated islands along the Essequibo River and Parika, which is a hub to the capital city of Georgetown.

The Parika/Supenaam speed boat service was de-

Agriculture wharf in Supenaam

progressively farming area and very soon will have the facility of a plant breeding

station. It is a prime tourist destination, but its history and historic landmarks

need to be properly recognized. (Photos by Marco Basir)

Speed Boat leaving Supenaam for Parkia

was involved in agricultural production and subsidized the former sugar estates of Aurora and the 12 sugar plantations of Wakenaam.

It also served as a communication point for Fort Island.

On one occasion, a Dutch entourage had its vessel sunk in the vicinity of Troolie Island and several persons drowned. Their bodies were recovered from the river and entombed at Caria Caria, where their tombs are still visible.

Supenaam is a growing community with a population of 2,000 and falls under the purview of the Pomona/ Good Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council. It can be considered an essential point for all catego-

veloped in 1978 and today it is much more organized, with faster boats covering 30-odd miles in approximately 35 minutes, and operates under strict maritime regulations. A high level of courtesy is exhibited by boat operators and commuters as more than 3,000 passengers ply this route daily.

At any time, the car park is flooded with more than 40 taxis, routing between Charity and Supenaam.

The Supenaam community also has a recently built ferry stelling, a car park, community market, fuel station, hotels and police outpost.

Supenaam Creek leads to the large timber concessions, which supply several saw mills with a variety of

Supenaam vehicle park

species of wood – especially greenheart. The Dutch occupancy also had the first hydro-driven sawmill located in the Supenaam Creek.

Some relics of foundation are still visible. Five miles up the creek the Amerindian community of Bethany is located. That community has an airstrip since government policies did not exclude the area, which is consistent with Amerindian development.

Supenaam is poised for development with a proposed road link to Buck Hall, Caria Caria and later to Skull Point at the mouth of the Cuyuni River. When this road link it materialized, thousands of acres of farm land can be utilized.

The Supenaam Creek is a

Supenaam Creek

Sabanto at Supenaam stelling

Overlooking the Bethany community (Builders Beyond Borders photo)

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APRIL 2, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Sorsha Williams Foundation for Autism and Special Needs Education

From realization to reintegration

Karen and her daughter, Sorsha Williams

By Ashraf Dabie

I

t is often said that a mother knows best, but what if she is aware of the fact that something is out of the ordinary with her child and is unable to detect what exactly it is?

Imagine a mother who is forced to witness her child grows, but develop differently from what is expected. That is the story of Karen Williams before she discovered her daughter, Sorsha, is autistic.

Sorsha was just over three years old when the signs were obvious that she is not a neurotypical child.

Efforts to integrate her daughter into a nursery school proved futile as she ‘stood out’ (often in a negative light) when compared to her peers. Karen was then forced to homeschool her daughter after two institutions rejected her; not for the lack of trying, but for the want of an understanding as to why a threeyear-old is not functioning like those her age. It was

not until an Oprah Winfrey segment on autism in the year 2007 that Sorshawas diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum.

“Of course I was in shock. It’s like my whole world collapsed,” Karen revealed, as she revisited the moment her family received the life-changing news. “As we sat there, we were speechless. My husband and I were clueless about autism,” the mother recollected.

The next few weeks, leading into months, were life altering for the Williams family. Research led them to an overwhelming amount of information, which added to the confusion given that they were now thrown on a new path - parenting an autistic infant. The family migrated from Guyana in search of facilities to accommodate Sorsha, but found their way back when the need for kinship became more important than convenient. It was this search for suitable facilities for a child with

autism that led to the establishment of the Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society (GGAS),and then later the Sorsha Williams Foundation for Autism and Special Needs Education (SWF).

The GGAS was the brainchild of Karen through her advocacy for access to education and opportunities for autistic children in Guyana, which began since 2010, to fill the gap that has been in existence. With the support of the Ministry of Education, the not-for-profit organisation provided an educational institution for children on the autism spectrum.

Following a discontinuation with the partnership with the Education Ministry, Karen Williams was forced to branch off on her own, and the determination to adequately provide for her daughter gave birth to SWF. The Sorsha Williams Foundation for Autism and Special Needs Education now operates as a private institution that caters for the needs of autistic children at various points on the spectrum. It currently houses nine children, including 12-year-old Sorsha Williams.

The director of the organization, Karen Williams, explained that she is assisted by two teachers who are tasked with tending to the children on a more personal basis that generally required. She explained that while some may require minimal attention, other students are deeper in the spectrum, which requires special aids such as visual demonstrations and even assistance with their natural body functions.

One of the mothers of a student at SWF, Rukimi Ramrattan, explained her experience as a parent of an autistic child. She noted that enrolling her son into the education system also posed a great difficulty because of him not being able to stay in an institution

A section of a classroom in the Foundation

for more than a few hours.

After several attempts to locate a facility where she could take her son, she was directed to SWF where her son is well integrated and has begun to thrive.

“It is really challenging because you don’t know what you’re about,” Rukimi expressed, as she outlined the dire need for information and facilities for autism awareness in Guyana.

The mother pointed out that not knowing what to expect or how to assist her

son was the greatest hurdle, which was overcome with the assistance of SWF. Karen said there is a great need for more to be done for those who are autistic in Guyana, especially children. She is calling on the government and other organisations to reach out to SWF and similar entities to contribute to autism awareness and the provision of facilities for those living with the disorder.

Karen mentioned a need for more to be done to edu-

Informative posters on the wall

cate teachers from nursery to the tertiary level on autism.

From her personal calculations, Karen reported that approximately 11,000 persons in Guyana are autistic and only about 2 percent are diagnosed. As such, she calls on anyone with a passion for advocacy to lend a helping hand in the awareness, diagnosis and provision of facilities for Guyanese who are autistic.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 2, 2017

Times Feature

By Utamu Belle

L

ocal businesses and entrepreneurs were provided a window of opportunities via the Linden Trade and Investment Fair.

The event was held from March 24 to 26 at the Egbert Benjamin Centre in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Under the theme “Linden- The gateway for investment and opportunities, a window to future development”, the three days of exciting activities attracted a diverse group of participants from the local manufacturing, tourism, mining, construction, furniture, agro-processing and other indus-

tries.

The Linden Trade and Investment Fairwas organised by the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) and the Linden Chamber of Commerce. Staying true to a pledge made by organisers, the Linden Trade and Investment Fair, held as a separate event from the Linden Town Week of activities this year, was conceptualized to be more investment-oriented, while at the same time exhibiting the potentials of local manufacturers and business entities.

While the event attracted scores of industries from across the country, local businesses in the Linden

community grasped the opportunity to showcase their offerings to the local and international business communities.

Popular businesses in the Linden community, such as Everpure, Chanzar's Enterprise, Buttercups Diner and Cake decorating, and Monica's Designs, were among those on showcase, while other exhibitors took pride in showcasing their local arts and crafts.

President David Granger, who delivered the feature address at the opening of the event, applauded the collaboration between the two organisations and encouraged Linden to lead

Students were educated on the local offerings of various businesses at the event

Exhibitors at the event

the way towards becoming a significant commercial and industrial centre.

As coordinator of the event, Staydon Payne, had anticipated, onlookers at the exhibition appeared to be inspired, captivated and entertained. The event created an appealing environment, which offered both new and familiar experiences and opportunities presented through the many exhibits. Payne acknowledged that “it is the beginning of the community's renaissance”.

“The exhibits presented... are a true reflection of our commitment and support to drive manufacturing, agro-processing, entertainment, tourism, art and craft, trade industry, alternative energy and commerce...We are committed to the national position on doing business in Guyana,”Payne noted.

LEN’s Chairman,Klensil Grenville, said he was overwhelmed with the event as it showed Linden was moving forward economically. Additionally, the event set the stage for the launch of the very first batch of 100 sealed bottled water

from the Linden-based water purification company, Everpure, and signaled a possible start to similar future investments.

“Today I can stand here proud as a Lindener and hold a bottle of Everpure water in my hands,” Grenville expressed. “...We are in talks with investors as it relates to establishing a bottling plant...This very Trade Fair is showing that we still have the courage to move forward.”

Grenville said the Trade Fair has opened the opportunity to move from the level of primary to secondary production, where primary products can be processed and converted into valueadded, envisioning that Linden can create avenues for itself through industry linkages.

“This is what this Trade Fair is about: Taking our primary products, link it to the secondary products and have finished products put into our domestic markets and still have products where we can do export...if any other region can do it, Region Ten can also do it,” Grenville declared.

The Trade and

Investment Fair also provided a platform for the display of locally made clothing, television and print productions and for food and beverages manufacturers to showcase what they had to offer.

“Demand for primary entrepreneurs’ products will help enable them to establish themselves and in turn the secondary produce would bring in new money...I always say we can do it. This is just the stepping stone,” Grenville pointed out.

Regional Chairman RenisMorian described the event as a “powerful expression of confidence” and encouraged participants to move towards producing products that have an economic and social impact on the community and to advancefrom cottage industries.

Also present at the event were local entertainment and cuisine.

Over the course of the three-day event, the fusion of efforts presented by local businesses and entrepreneurs set the stage for a bright future of the local industry.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 2, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

G

lobal Technology recently hosted a ‘talk’ with Secondary School female students,providing career guidance and insight on working in information technology.

At the event, the tech company discussed ways it could help achieve the students’ career goals of working in information and communications technology (ICT).

The speakers at the event were George Melville – CEO of Global Technology &INet Communications; Keren Boyce – National Frequency Management Unit; and Kenisha Wills – Sales & Marketing Executive.

The 25 students participating in the event were from West Demerara Secondary School; Covent Garden Secondary School;

Some of the students who participated in the ICT workshop

Listening attentively to how they can benefit from a career in ICT

Campbellville Secondary School; and Queenstown Secondary School.

Global Technology will be providing the students who participated in the Girls in ICT workshop a free course of their choosing.

The courses offered by Global Technology start from GYD$9,000,

making the total value of this initiative no less than GYD$225,000.

Additionally, Global Technology will sponsor a prize of a gift certificate for training valued GYD$50,000 for the Girls in ICT Competition this year, along with its yearly contribution to the Girls in ICT day event.

volved within their neighborhoods, a project Faudia has personally overseen.

ICA has also created an IndoCaribbean Special Collection of literature and media materials housed at Queens Library and run only community center for Guyanese and Trinidadians in Queens – in Richmond Hill, where programs for young people and families are delivered on a daily basis.

Faudia’s hard work and service to her community has not gone unnoticed.

In 2010, she received the US Census Award of Excellence for her organization’s efforts in educating and assisting the community to participate in

F

Faudia Baijnauth

audia Baijnauth, co-founder and chairperson of Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Inc. (ICA), is a passionate advocate in creating programs and services for Indo-Caribbean residents in South Queens, US. Faudia was born in Berbice, Guyana and moved to New York in 1998.

She is responsible for the overall governance and direction of ICA, which has grown to become one of the leading Caribbean organizations in Queens.

Faudia holds a BA degree in Political Science from Baruch College and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker who, during the day, works as a unit supervisor for the August Aichhorn Center,

a Residential Treatment Facility that provides higher levels of care for adolescents and teenagers with severe emotional and behavioral problems.

As a unit supervisor, Faudia is responsible for all aspects of daily life for residents and for supervision of the Unit’s child care staff. She works alongside the facility’s clinical staff– psychiatrists, therapists, teachers and others to ensure youth reach a level of physical and mental stability.

With Faudia at the forefront of its operations, ICA has successfully advocated to re-draw the political boundaries of certain City Council districts to increase the voice of this community. The organization has helped hundreds of residents become new voters and have engaged them to be more in-

Global Technology has always supported women involved in IT. It has also provided training to the winners of the Amerindian Heritage Pageant and training scholarships to a number of promising young women around Guyana through a number of its other initiatives.

the US census. In 2015, she received the Queens Cancer Walk Community Impact Award and was the recipient of the 2016 Caribbean Business Connections Women of Power Award.

Faudia was also one of 30 individuals throughout the US who was selected for the “30 under 30” award by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC, recognized for her dedication to advocate for and represent the Indo-Caribbean Community in New York City.

To contact Faudia or to learn more about ICA, visit www.indocaribbean. org(http://guyanesegirlsrock.org)

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 2, 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

T

Ian Randle

his is an extract of an interview with Ian Randle of Ian Randle Publishers. Randle has been awarded the Order of Distinction [Jamaica] and has received the Prince Claus Award [the Netherlands] and an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) Degree from the University of the West Indies. Randle is in Guyana to set up a University of Guyana Press that will publish the scholarly work of faculty and student researchers.

PP: It is now accepted that you are a pioneer

in Caribbean publishing, which is no mean accomplishment. How do you feel to be responsible for opening a world of opportunities in the book industry and especially for the people of the Caribbean?

IR: You know I never consider myself a ‘pioneer’.

When you’ve been in something for so long and having produced so much, you take almost everything you’ve done for granted. And the excitement of a new book wears off quite quickly.

PP: I still want to get a sense of how it feels to be a pioneer – so let’s look back over the years, not forgetting that you’ve been honoured for this pioneeringship, for this achievement in Caribbean publishing.

IR: The greatest honour itself is the books themselves. But the greatest pleasure, of course, is to go to bookstores and see someone reading one of your books or even to see someone pulling out a book from the shelf and just looking at it, because at the end of the day, when you’re so involved in every aspect of the production of the book, it is as much as [the reader’s

Randle (left) and Ivelaw Griffith, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana, sign the agreement to establish the University of Guyana Press

book] as it is the author’s.

But getting back to your question: ‘How it feels to be a pioneer?’ I’ve been described as an ‘accidental publisher’.

PP: With all this work behind you?

IR: Well, that was some time ago.

I have said in other places for a very long time, I have never reconciled to the accidental career in which I found myself. I reckoned it took some 20 years to be reconciled to this ‘accidental career’ and it was not until I started my own business and came to the realization that I was stuck with it and I had to made it work that I finally accepted that maybe that career in journalism or law, which I always thought was in my DNA, that I maybe better or better at something else other than those two careers.

PP: Talking about DNA and origins, let’s go back to when and how it all started.

IR: Well, when I left university without thinking what career I wanted to pursue, I was offered a job as a local representative of a British publisher – in fact, that is the tradition in which most people get involved in publishing.

PP: Writing?

IR: No, no, no. We’re talking about the 70s; the British publishers were only interested in selling the books they produced.

The British publishers were not interested in passing on the skill of publishing to people in this part of the world; their only interest was selling the books they produced whether from the UK or from the Caribbean.

What was popular at the time was finding bright, young people who could market their books. But in the process of marketing their books, you made your own contacts, you saw the shortcomings, you began slowly over time to realize that you could do as well or even better. In fact,

the ideal people to be writing books for this part of the world are the people who live, teach, and have the experience.

After working for British publishers for about 20 years – more than one British publisher I started with – people who are old enough would have heard of GINN Publishing, which was producing primary school books.

PP: I heard of the name from Peter Kempadoo who was also involved in publishing and who had worked for British publishing house(s).

IR: I then moved on to Collins who was at the time very popular as publishers for the Caribbean, things like text books and dictionaries and stationeries. And finally I ended up with Heinemann; the experience with Heinemann was very different. In fact, I was headhunted by Heinemann while I was doing a graduate study for a degree in the UK. They wanted to establish in the Caribbean as they had done very successfully in East Africa, and they wanted to replicate what has worked in East Africa in the Caribbean.

I was headhunted and I came back to Jamaica and set up Heinemann for the Caribbean. We started publishing both literary and school text books and the rest, as they say, is history. In those years, between 1975 and 1990, when I gave up a part of my life, we produced… odd books.

PP: We’d take a walk down history with those books, but there is something you said about the British publishers not wanting to share the knowledge and skill in publishing.

Earlier today, I came across

an interesting article online about something very revolutionary in books business – in the mid-18th century London, there was this man named James Lackington who had the cheapest bookstore in London called the Temple of the Muses. He found ways to buy remaindered books and manuscripts and to resell them cheaply… and he also allowed patrons to browse, which was not happening elsewhere.

And that’s what made the book something we like – to touch, feel, smell – giving him the edge over other booksellers.

IR: And that’s one of the reasons why the ‘traditional book’, as we know it, printed on paper, is still surviving. With the onslaught of the internet and technology and EBooks and so on, people had been predicting the death of the book for over 25-30 years, saying that technology will kill everything. But the thing about books, one observer said people want to have an ‘immersive experience’ and that immersive experience means holding onto something, turning the pages although gadgets that exist now can do this for you. But they actually want to have the smell and feel of the book and to be able to curl up with one.

As publishers we have to adapt; not to see technology as a threat. Even in our own business, we have used technology to our advantage.

(Next week we’ll learn how Randle has used technology to his advantage.)

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 2, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

By Odeen Ishmael

G

uyana's development was seriously hampered by the prevalence of numerous tropical diseases, among which malaria was the worst. The Italian physician, Dr. George Giglioli, was, in great part, responsible for fighting this disease for more than four decades and drastically reducing its effects on the population.

Born in 1897 in Pisa, Italy, to an Italian father and an English mother, Giglioli grew up speaking both parents' languages, as well as French. In 1915, during his last year of high school in his hometown of Pisa, he was encouraged to study medicine by a physician friend of his father.

During his first year of medical training at the University of Pisa, World War I had already started, and he was called up for military duty in 1916. Shortly after, his squad was captured and he was imprisoned in an Austrian prison camp for the remaining 18 months of the war. He used his period of imprisonment to read all the medical textbooks he could find, and assisted at the prison hospital in the treatment of other prisoners. When the war ended, Giglioli returned to Italy and immediately resumed his studies. Through great determination, he was able to catch up on studies he had missed during the past two academic years.

He wrote his final examinations and received his medical degree in July 1921.

Giglioli then enrolled at the London School of Tropical Medicine, with the hope of eventually obtaining a job in one of the British colonies. Soon after completing his London studies, he learned that the Demerara Bauxite Company at Mackenzie, in the interior of Guyana, was looking for a medical officer. His application was accepted, and after agreeing to a three-year contract, he and his wife travelled by ship to Guyana in 1922.

The Demerara Bauxite Company offered medical services to its 1,000 employees and the population in the area through a hospital in Mackenzie. When Giglioli arrived, he found that the hospital facilities were grossly inadequate with an untrained staff, and was seriously in need of supplies and equipment. Improvements came about in May 1925, a new 60-bed hospital which opened.

It had x-ray and laboratory facilities, a sterile operating theater, and a trained staff that included professional nurses, and, later, a surgeon.

The health conditions of the people of Mackenzie challenged Giglioli to treat and study the diseases that were rampant.

Many patients were affected with malaria and hookworm, the latter affecting 80 percent of the population. He decided to treat the hookworm problem as his first priority, and instituted preventive measures.

These included improvements in sewage disposal methods and providing the miners with army surplus boots, purchased at cost.

Infection dropped to 6 percent and worker productivity increased dramatically.

Malaria proved a more serious problem.

Between 50 to 75 percent of all those who sought treatment at the hospital were suffering from this disease. The mosquitoes that carried the disease bred profusely following the rainy season in the large numbers of ponds formed in the bauxite mining areas. At that time, the only way to control the disease was through a prolonged course of quinine, an unpopular, bitter-tasting drug.

Dr. George Giglioli

This health situation at Mackenzie forced Giglioli to begin a study of the malaria problem, and as the country's first permanent medical research scientist, he discovered that the mosquito could not breed successfully in acidic waters. This finding would lay the foundation for his work in fighting the disease.

The period after 1929, which was marked by the "Great Depression" in the United States, saw a reduction in the demand for bauxite in North America. This resulted in a cut back on bauxite production, and the company laid off many of its workers, including Dr. Giglioli. He and his family returned to Italy in 1932, where he hoped to teach at a university. But he was not comfortable with the political situation, which was seeing the rapid growth of fascism. He yearned to return to the peace and comforts of Guyana.

His wishes were fulfilled when, shortly after the sugar company, Davson, which owned three sugar estates in Berbice, offered him the post of medical officer. The company was facing stiff competition from Bookers, which produced 90 percent of Guyana's sugar at that time. Davson felt that it had to modernize and improve public health conditions to prevent its workers from leaving to work on other estates.

Giglioli's first challenge was to rebuild the run-down estate hospitals. Most of his patients were suffering from malaria, anemia, and malnutrition. He therefore applied a programme to improve not just diet, but general living standards such as improved housing, water supply, and refuse and sewage disposal.

His work on the estates encouraged him to continue his studies on malaria that he had started at Mackenzie. He was able to identify the Anopheles darlingi mosquito as the main malaria carrier in Guyana.

This discovery, along with the information that this mosquito bred in rainwater collections, irrigation canals, trenches, and rice and sugarcane fields in flood fallow, enabled him to predict how widespread malaria would be in any given area.

In 1936, Booker's, the country's largest sugar producer, asked him to move to Georgetown to head the firm's laboratory, and to conduct systematic medical surveys aimed at improving health conditions on all the sugar estates in the country. Three years

later, he was placed in charge of a Malaria Research Unit which was established with funds from the Colonial Government, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the British Guiana Sugar Producers' Association. But the work of this Unit was interrupted in June 1940 when Italy entered World War II on the side of Germany.

As an Italian citizen, Dr. Giglioli was immediately placed under house arrest as an "enemy alien." He and other Italian and German residents of Guyana were kept as prisoners of war at the Mazaruni Penal Settlement.

But the Colonial Government of Guyana, faced with the increasing havoc caused by malaria, felt that Giglioli was too valuable as a scientist to be imprisoned. In August 1942, he was released and was given a job as a Government Malariologist.

The following year, three distinguished British scientists met with Giglioli in Guyana. One of the scientists, Dr. Alexander King, told him about the new insecticide, DDT, which the allies were using as a "secret weapon" to protect their troops from malaria. Unlike other insecticides, it was applied to the surfaces where adult

pal carrier, the Anopheles darlingi mosquito, had been completely eliminated from the coastal areas. The situation was more difficult in the interior because the disease bearing mosquitoes lived in the forest. In addition, settlements were far apart and it was not easy to get to them.

When there were intermittent outbreaks of malaria in the North-West District and the Rupununi savannahs, Giglioli applied a new technique. In 1961, with financial and technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF, he distributed salt treated with the antimalaria drug chloroquine to the populations of those remote areas. Despite the remoteness of many areas, this programme eliminated falciparum malaria (the most dangerous type) in the North-West District.

By the mid-1960s, most cases of malaria were wiped out.

As a result of Giglioli's achievements in fighting malaria, Guyana saw its overall health situation improve dramatically in the 1950s and 1960s. The most striking change, particularly on the sugar estates, was the reduction in deaths of women of child-bearing age and the increased surviv-

Anopheles darlingi mosquito

mosquitoes came to rest, and a single spraying continued to be fatal to the insects for months. Gigioli asked the scientists for assistance to obtain a quantity of DDT to conduct an experiment in malaria eradication, which would be the first in the Western Hemisphere. He was confident that this insecticide would be effective since his own research showed that the Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes were prevalent in people's houses. He believed it would be better to attack the adult mosquitoes by spraying the houses instead of trying to destroy the mosquito larvae.

Within a month, the first 500-pound consignment of DDT was on its way to Guyana.

The trial spraying of the insecticide began as soon as it arrived. A large-scale control programme commenced in 1946 on the sugar estates, and this became a countrywide campaign in 1947. It involved a house to house spraying of the insecticide by a Mosquito Control Service which was established for that purpose.So effective was the DDT that by 1951, malaria and its princi-

al of their children. Thus, a relatively rapid population growth was experienced during that period.

Giglioli's research on malaria in Guyana won him great respect internationally. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) sought his advice for anti-malaria work conducted in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Jamaica. He also worked with PAHO specialists in Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia and Afghanistan. Giglioli died in 1975.

Towards the end of the twentieth century, the use of DDT was discouraged by international health and environmental authorities. Unfortunately, with the reduction of the use of this insecticide, malaria began to make a comeback in the 1980s. In 1986 it reappeared in the North-West District and in the Rupununi. Since then, cases of malaria infection continue to be reported in the interior and also on the coastal districts of the country. (Text from “The Guyana Story: From Earliest Times to Independence� by Odeen Ishmael)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Travel & Tourism

Towering trees in the Iwokrama forest

G

uyana boasts an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty, pristine rainforests, immense waterfalls, and amazing wildlife blended with a vibrant indigenous culture and rich heritage.

Some are very honoured to see this natural beauty on a daily basis; one such person is Matt Hallett. Matt is a Wildlife Biologist, PhD candidate and Research Assistant at the University of Florida. He has been researching and exploring Guyana’s biodiversity for many years. He is also an affiliate of the Rupununi Learners Inc. and has been

Benab in Karasabai Village, Region Nine, with the Pakaraima Mountains in the background

volunteering his time and knowledge in giving back to indigenous villages.

His recent project is to document the number of jaguars that are in the Guyana’s Kanuku Mountains Protected Area. This he does by setting up remotely triggered cameras in Guyana’s deep jungle.

Matt has also been photographing breathtaking areas in the Rupununi region.

Sunday Times Magazine features a few of his scenic photos of the Rupununi region.

For more information on Matt’s projects in Guyana, visit Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook.

A South Rupununi sunrise in Shulinab Village, Region Nine

Beautiful sunset over the Rupununi River

North Rupununi savannah with the Pakaraima Mountains in the background

Small creek winds through a forested valley in the Kanuku Mountains near Kaicumbay Village

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Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

E

Lower risks of heart disease and strokes were linked to eating: apples; pears; citrus fruits; salads green leafy vegetables (such as lettuce); and cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage and broccoli).

The researchers do not know if eating even more fruit and vegetables would have even greater health benefits as there is little evidence out there to review.

Dr Dagfinn Aune, one of the researchers, said: "Fruit and vegetables have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and to boost the health of our blood vessels and immune system.

"This may be due to the complex network of nutrients they hold.

"For instance, they contain many antioxidants, which may reduce DNA damage and lead to a reduction in cancer risk."

However, many people struggle to even eat the five a day (400g) recommended by the World Health Organization. (BBC)

ating loads of fruit and vegetables 10 portions a day - may give us longer lives, say researchers.

The study, by Imperial College London, calculated such eating habits could prevent 7.8 million premature deaths each year.

The team also identified specific fruit and veg that reduced the risk of cancer and heart disease.

The analysis showed even small amounts had a health boon, but more is even better.

A portion counts as 80g (3oz) of fruit or vegetables - the equivalent of a small banana, a pear or three heaped tablespoons of spinach or peas.

The conclusions were made by pooling data on 95 separate studies, involving two million people's eating habits.

Lower risks of cancer were linked to eating: green vegetables (such as spinach); yellow vegetables (such as peppers); and cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower).

Y

our day could be off to an even better start with a few simple tweaks.

Mistake 1: You hit the ground running.

C

ell phones expose us to a form of electromagnetic radiation called radiofrequency (RF) energy, which, according to some scientific studies, can have dire effects on our bodies.

Here are some simple ways you and your family can limit exposure to the radiation:

Use a headset or speakerphone

No reliable data exist on the upper limit of safe talk time, but corded headsets can reduce any potential risk. These emit much less RF energy, and allow you to move the phone away from your body. One study shows that using a headset lowers radiation exposure eightfold.

Keep your phone out of your pocket

A study published last year in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery linked cell phone radiation to decreased bone density in the pelvis, and a 2008 study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found that it lowers fertility in men.

Limit children's use

Kids

have

a

thinner

skull, and their brains are still developing—which may make them more vulnerable to any potential harmful effects of RF radiation.

Stop talking while driving

In addition to creating a potentially deadly distraction, using your phone in the car forces your cell signal to jump between wireless towers. Since RF is highest when a connection with a tower is first established, talking while traveling can increase exposure.

Don't chat with a poor signal

The harder your phone has to work to get reception, the more radiation it emits. This is the reason you should avoid using socalled radiation shields (the shiny stickers that claim to block radiation); they actually force the phone to transmit at a higher power.

Don't wear wireless headsets as if they were jewellery

Earpieces don't emit as much radiation as a phone, but they release some— even after your call ends.

Remove the device between conversations. (www.oprah. com)

You jump out of bed ready to face the day head-on. The problem is that you may be demanding too much from your back muscles, which are often stiff from a long night of resting in one place, says Robert D. Oexman, MBA, DC, a sleep and chiropractic expert and director of the Sleep to Live Institute. Move too quickly and your muscles may spasm and put you at risk for lower back pain or even a slipped or ruptured disk. Another reason to get up slowly: When we stand after lying down for hours, the blood rushes to the legs, and this can cause a lightheaded feeling that puts us at risk for a stumble. This effect, called orthostatic hypotension, is especially common in women, says Alan Hilibrand, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Try this: Before jumping into the shower, Oexman recommends hugging the knees to the chest (one at a time, then together). This will not only help warm up the muscles, but it will also get blood flowing throughout the body so you'll feel more stable when you rise and shine.

Mistake 2: You keep the window curtains down while you get ready for work.

Blackout shades turn your room into a dark, cozy

cave that can help you fall sleep. But their benefits last only until it's time to get up. To help you start your day with a positive mood and to set your internal clock (so that you can wind down later at night), you need sunlight. Letting in those a.m. rays may also help you regulate your weight, found researchers at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Try this: The more light the better, so open the curtains all the way as soon as you get out of bed.

Mistake 3: You save your treat until the afternoon.

Most of us work hard, then take a break for personal time at lunch—or more likely around 3 p.m., when we begin to fade. But in a recent study from the University of Minnesota, when employees started the workday in a positive frame of mind, their mood got a bigger boost by pleasant

events than if they started out glum and grumpy. They were also less impacted by negative interactions with coworkers, found the researchers.

Try this: Splurge on that latte on your way into the office, or take a few minutes to call your sister or maybe even do a few sun salutations, if you're into that kind of thing—anything to perk up before the day really gets going.

Mistake 4: You set your alarm for 6:47 a.m.

You've figured out the snooze math: hitting that button equals 10 minutes of extra sleep plus three more minutes to untangle the sheets and get out of bed.

But sleeping in and dozing intermittently throws your body off schedule and will make it harder to fall asleep at night. This is why sleep experts curse the invention of that particular belland-whistle on most alarm clocks and beg you not to

use it.

Try this: Get up when your alarm goes off, not 10– 20 minutes later.

Mistake 5: The first thing you do after waking up is exercise.

You know you're supposed to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of getting up in order to jumpstart your metabolism, but that doesn't seem realistic when you're rushing to make an early-morning Zumba class.

Skipping the meal, though is a problem. You've been fasting all night and need some carbohydrates to top off your depleted energy stores—especially if you're about to deplete them further at the gym.

Try this: You don’t need a bowl of oatmeal with all the fixings. A handful of dry cereal or half a banana on your way to out the door is just fine (and a glass of water, of course, since the last time you drank anything was probably seven hours ago).

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Times Fashion

S

onia Noel Designs offers chic collections of styles for any occasion. One of the designer’s most applauded pieces is her versatile scarf.

Dubbed the “convertible scarf”, these bespoke designs can be transformed from simple styles to statement pieces. Locally, regionally and internationally, Noel is famous for her sophisticated, versatile designs that

can be worn from the beach to the ballroom.

Recently, the designer celebrated 20 years in the fashion industry and will be releasing stylish designs in celebration of her milestone.

Visit Makin' Style Boutique by Sonia Noel at the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown, or check out Sonia Noel Designs on Facebook.

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Sunday Times Magazine 11 APRIL 2, 2017

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Star Times Hollywood

C

oldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist and keyboardist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland.

After they formed under the name Pectoralz, Guy Berryman joined the group as bassist and they changed their name to Starfish. Will Champion joined as drummer and backing vocalist, completing the performing line-up. The band renamed themselves ‘Coldplay’ in 1998. They achieved worldwide fame with the release of the single "Yellow" in 2000. The band has won 62 awards from 209 nominations throughout their career, including nine Brit Awards - winning Best British Group four times five MTV Video Music Awards and seven Grammy Awards from 31 nominations. Coldplay has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists. The group has also performed at various charity projects such as Band Aid 20, Live 8, Sound Relief, Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief, The Secret Policeman's Ball, Sport Relief and the UK's Teenage Cancer Trust.

12 Sunday Times Magazine Times Hollywood

John Legend surprises commuters in London

M D

emi Lovato helped put smile on children's faces at Parker Hughes Hospital. The 24-year-old singer/ actress surprised the young patients at the children's hospital in Los Angeleson Thursday, March 30 as part of their second annual Make March Matter campaign.

Lovato also brought a special advanced screening of her upcoming animated movie "Smurfs: The Lost Village", which is set for an April 7 release in the U.S. In addition to getting to see the flick early, the children posed for selfies with the Smurfette voice ac-

tor alongside their family members.

The former Disney darling's not the only big name making a surprise visit to the children's hospital. "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star Kim Kardashian and "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" actor Jack Black also surprised kids at the hospital earlier this month.

More than 100 local L.A. businesses and corporate partners are said having committed to help CHLA exceed its US$1 million goal to support its patients for the month of March. (AceShowbiz)

Zac Efron apologizes to Paris Jackson for breaking her heart

P

aris Jackson finally has a chance to meet her longtime idol, ZacEfron. The "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising" actor is expressing his apology after he finds out that he's left the daughter of Michael Jackson heartbroken nearly a decade ago.

"I'm so sorry," the 29-year-old actor told E! News at CinemaCon. "I'll make sure I'm [there] next time if you come to visit."

The "17 Again" star then tried to make up for breaking Paris' heart by inviting her to the premiere of his latest film, "Baywatch".

"You should come to the 'Baywatch' premiere!" said the "Parkland" actor.

The "Dirty Grandpa" actor's apology came after Paris revealed during her appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" that she was once

depressed when attending "High School Musical Live", which was her first concert experience.

Paris told Jimmy Fallon that she was "so bummed" because she couldn't watch the "High School Musical" star live due to his busy schedule. "They had some guy replace him and that was the most depressing

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thing about it," said Paris, adding, "I was this heartbroken 10-year-old."

Right after hearing that her favorite idol was offering an apology, Paris took to Twitter to tell her fans that she was just kidding. "y'aaaaaaallll.it was a joke???? i was like a child. pls chill," the 18-year-old actress tweeted. (AceShowbiz)

inutes earlier he'd tweeted, 'Arriving at London @StPancrasInt on @EurostarUK. Do they still have that piano there?'

Wearing shades paired with a long camel coat, he sang his biggest hits 'Ordinary

People' and 'All of Me', as well as 'Surefire' from his 2016 album Darkness and Light.

After 15 minutes, he stood up on the piano bench to thank the crowd before being quickly ushered away by security. (Glamour)

Candace Cameron Bure: ‘Loving Jesus doesn’t mean I hate gay people’

C

andace Cameron Bure wants her fans to know that loving Jesus doesn’t mean hating gay people.

The 40-year-old Fuller House star recently came under attack after modeling a “Not Today Satan” T-shirt in a selfie on Instagram.

The phrase was made famous by RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Bianca Del Rio, who said the line during the hit show’s sixth season.

Del Rio (né Roy Haylock) — who sells “Not Today Satan” merchandise on her website and even named her latest tour after the phrase — noticed Bure’s post and regrammed it on social media.

“IF ONLY, THIS H O M O P H O B I C , R E P U B L I C A N KNEW………,” the 41-yearold drag queen wrote, adding a series of devil faces and hearts after it.

That move prompted Del Rio’s fans to flood Bure’s page with what she calls “horrible” comments, many pointing out that Bure should “look up where that quote comes from.”

“Didn’t know hypocrisy was in fashion,” wrote one.

“The irony is thick,” said another.

Bure then wrote Rio. “Why do you have to be nasty to me? You don’t know me or my heart.” she said.

“I’m not homophobic and [it’s] always sad when people think otherwise. Loving Jesus doesn’t mean I hate gay people or anyone. You sent a bunch of hateful people to my page writing horri-

ble things. I hope next time you’ll spread love and kindness, even when you disagree with people.”

She ended the comment — which Del Rio also Instagrammed — with a peaceful message: “Sending you love and wish you all the best. Truly.” (People)

Simple Life,” says Hilton.

“Plus, I just don’t really like the term ‘reality star.’ I feel

much more proud as a businesswoman.” (People)

Paris Hilton takes a stand against bottled water

I

n a new ad campaign for SodaStream, Paris Hilton plays a scientist at the Paris Hilton Institute for Plastic Pollution Solutions—clad in a pink leopard print lab coat, duh.

Her goal?To “invent a miracle that will cure the world” of plastic bottles.

“Think how stupid and how 2003 you look carrying your sparkling water home

from the store,” she says in the ad, harkening back to the debut year of her timeless and effortlessly funny reality show The Simple Life.

For Hilton, filming the commercial was not only “so fun,” but eye-opening. “I just learned so much that I never knew before,” she tells PEOPLE. “People don’t realize what they’re doing to our

planet and what’s going to happen one day if they don’t stop. It’s killing animals in the ocean, it’s polluting the earth, and it’s unnecessary.”

Beyond that, the heiress was thrilled to show off her comedic skills. “I think a lot of people might not know that I have that fun side to me,” she says. “I wanted to have fun with myself and make people laugh and en-

tertain people. Doing things like this really does raise awareness in a fun, positive way.”

And while many are thrilled about Hilton’s return to the screen, don’t expect a reality comeback any time soon. “I have production companies all around the world pitching me ideas to get back into reality, but I just feel like you can’t top

Sunday Times Magazine 13 APRIL 2, 2017

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Star Times Bollywood

S

eerat Kapoor is an Indian film actress.

She began her career as an Assistant Choreographer for the Ranbir Kapoor starrer film, “Rockstar” (2011).

She made her acting debut with “Run Raja Run” (Telugu) in 2014.

Seerat’s performance in the 2015 romantic comedy, “Columbus”, was applauded as she played the average girl next door, Neeraja. In addition to acting and dancing, Seerat is a trained Indian classical singer since the age of 12. She will next be seen in “Raju Gari Gadhi 2”, a Telugu horror/ comedy film.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Bollywood

Sridevi returns to the screen as a fierce mother

J

ust a day after Raveena Tandon introduced fans to a fierce mother in the trailer of “Maatr”, the makers of Sridevi’s “Mom” have unveiled the motion poster of the film.

“Mom” is a thriller directed by Ravi Udyawar and produced by Boney Kapoor, Sunil Manchanda & Zee Studios. The film stars Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.

AR Rahman has composed the music for the film.

With “Mom”, Sridevi returns to the Hindi cinema after five years - her last stint was the 2012 hit, “English Vinglish”.

(Hindustan Times)

B

ollywood actress Raveena Tandon, whose next film “Maatr” deals with crime against women in society, says the clear intention behind making the film is to create awareness among the audience.

Speaking in Mumbai at the trailer launch of the film, Raveena said: “Intention behind Maatr is not commercial success but to spread a message of crime against women. This is the need of the hour, where people should start changing their mindset about women and take action against such criminals instead of shaming the victims based on the length of their clothes.”

She was present at the trailer launch along with the film’s director Aster Sayed and producers Anjum Rizvi and Manoj Adhikari.

Raveena, who last appeared in a cameo role in

Anuraag Kashyap’s “Bombay Velvet”, said she does not like the word ‘comeback’ as she has become very choosy about her films.

“I used to work in 30 films in a year during the early stage of my career. But now I have reached a point where I will do films that I completely believe in and I have no idea what I am doing next after ‘Maatr’.

So how many times should I make my comeback? I really do not like using that word,” the Mohra actor said.

As there are many upcoming women-centric films like “Noor”, “Mom”, “Haseena” besides the latest “Naam Shabana”, according to Raveena, “it is a great time in Indian cinema where so many women-oriented films are being made”.

“I would say that this (phase) should continue,” she said.

“Maatr” is all set to release on April 21. (IANS)

F

ilmmaker Karan Johar, who recently became father to twins, has finally taken his children home from the hos-

pital.

Several pictures of him stepping outside the hospital and into the car have surfaced on the internet.

Karan was joined for the happy occasion with his friends and family and doctors from the hospital.

His babies, Roohi and Yash, spent over seven weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital.

Karan came to receive his children on Wednesday afternoon, a source from the Surya Mother and Child Hospital.

The children were under the care of Bhupendra Avasthi, the director of the hospital. “The children were admitted on February 7. They were born premature at 30 weeks. They are now 37 weeks old. Today was the 50th day of their admission to the hospital,” the source said.

The babies were born in February this year through surrogacy but the news was revealed to the world only on March 5. In a long post on Twitter, Johar revealed his excitement on being “enormously blessed to be a parent.”

He said his mother, Hiroo Johar, would

Rajkummar Rao: ‘I don’t Google myself or let things get to me’

A

ctor Rajkummar Rao says he is not alien to the pressure of expectations, yet he doesn’t let it get to him.

“I have made this really nice cocoon and I don’t let these things get inside it. I don’t google myself and I don’t let things get to me. The maximum happiness I get is when I give a good shot,” says Rao, who has worked in films such as “Shahid” ( 2 0 1 3 ) , “Queen” (2014), a n d

“Aligarh” (2016).

The National Award-winning actor explains, “I can’t work under pressure. As an actor, I have to be at peace with myself. If I’m stressed, then I can’t work well.”

About the pressure of delivering a good film every time, he adds, “The image of an actor changes with every film. I am grateful that people think that I do good films but God forbid, if I do two bad films in a row that will change everything.”

The actor has worked with several art houses and commercial directors such as Hansal Mehta, Vikas Bahl and Vikramaditya Motwane and if there is one quality he looks for in directors is passion for films.

“I want directors to be as passionate as I am for the projects. If somebody new comes up to me, I want to see how much they love the script, and if my understanding is the same as theirs, then there has to be a common thread.”

(Hindustan Times)

P

riyanka Chopra has lauded her cousin Parineeti Chopra for her maiden attempt at singing in her upcoming film, “Meri Pyaari Bindu”.

Parineeti, 28, took to Twitter to share the YouTube link of her first song titled “Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin”.

“My first attempt at singing! What do you think? #MaanaKeHumYaarNahin out now @MeriPyaariBindu,” tweeted Parineeti.

To this, proud sister Priyanka re-tweeted with, “Proud of you baby! Your daddy will be proud! So would mine! @ParineetiChopra.”

M

aster of awesome get-ups, Ranveer Singh has donned yet another eyebrow-raising look, this time for a new ‘Jack and Jones’ ad campaign. He tweeted a picture on Thursday, in which he is seen sporting some deadly dreadlocks.

“There’s chaos in the offing... #DontHoldBack @JackJonesIndia,”

be an integral part in raising the infants, a boy and a girl, who he has named Yash (after his father, late filmmaker Yash Johar), and Roohi (a rearrangement of his mother’s name). He also thanked the woman who gave birth to the babies.

Calling it a “well thought out decision,” he says he understands the responsibilities that come with becoming a parent and is prepared for them. He adds that he knows his work and travels will now take a back seat. Johar had always expressed his desire to father children. In his recently released autobiography, The Unsuitable Boy, he had written that he wanted to adopt a child or have a surrogate child.

Earlier this week, Karan said over social media that those who have premature babies should not get discouraged.

The “My Name is Khan” director shared that he wants to reach out to people about the virtues of neonatal intensive care for premature children.

“Millions of preemies are born every year... but babies are resilient. With the right kind of care, they stand just as good a chance of survival as anyone else,” Karan wrote.

“If your baby is a preemie, don’t be discouraged. Seek help... Don’t lose faith, don’t lose heart,” he added. (IANS)

The younger Chopra sister wrote back saying that she was only following the path shown by the “Quantico” actor.

“Thank you Mimi didi want to follow your footsteps!!! Papa is happy,” Parineeti said.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is paired opposite Parineeti in the YashRaj film, also heaped praise on his co-star.

He tweeted, “@ ParineetiChopra ki awaaz bilkul meri novel ki heroine jaisi hai (Her voice resembles my novel’s heroine) - smooth aur (and) sexy! #MaanaKeHumYaarNahin.”

(Press Trust of India)

the post read.

Ranveer is seen in sinister, white contact lenses and a sleek, dark suit.

He is holding on to a cane, striking a stern pose.

A lot of people have also compared his look to Aquaman from “Justice League”, played by Jason Momoa.

(Hindustan Times)

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Sunday Times Magazine

15

Times Feature

Star of the week

C

omedian Damian Jagroop, who hails from Corentyne, Berbice, enjoys “making people laugh”, which inspired him to start local comedy group Cool Boyz. The idea to create episodes of laughter based on local culture is credited to Damian. Cool Boyz debut video was posted on Facebook in July 2014 and was an instant hit.

Along with two of his childhood friends, Damian spreads laughter via videos made by the group. The Cool Boyzseries is based on “Guyanese jokes” told to its members by others, or from observing people. Damian plays ‘Practa’ on the comedy show, a character he connects with as the role allows him to pursue his passion for entertaining others.

The comedian describes himself as a “simple guy enjoying life”.

He said: “Making people laugh is my number one aim, so sit back, enjoy and have a laugh!”

Trending Now

Y

Cat eye sunglasses tend to be the most feminine and flattering shape and they add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any look, as proven by Miranda Kerr

our sunglasses are your number one accessory. They play double-duty helping to keep harmful sun rays out and be

seen as the individual you are.

Choosing the right frame can be a challenge. Should you go blue or green? Thin

or thick? Round or angular? From the right colour to choose, to the materials that are relevant, let the celebrities inspire you.

Geometric browline sunglasses are very cool as shown

by Kylie Jenner

Kris Jenner wearing square sunglasses, which tend to work best on oval and round shaped faces

Add a pop of colour and a little fun to your wardrobe by completing your look with a brightly coloured or bold printed pair of sunglasses like a pair Paris Hilton is wearing

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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APRIL 2, 2017

Times Art

From simple beginnings, the National Collection over the years has gathered and exhibited artwork of Guyana’s best artists

G

uyana’s national gallery of art, officially known as the National Collection, is housed at Castellani House, the name given to the build-

ment in 1992, it was realized that the then-disused residence would make a good home for the national collection, so on May 24, 1993, it was designated the home of

ly Guyanese masters such as E.R. Burrowes, Vivian Antrobus and Hubert Moshett, to the second generation that includes Denis Williams, Stanley Greaves, Castellani House located on Vlissengen Road

"Country Houses" by Jerry Barry (1985)

ing in honour of its designer and builder Cesar Castellani.

The art collection’s unofficial beginnings developed in the 1950s when public subscription was mustered to purchase a Denis Williams painting, “Human World”.

Its official start came in 1962, when the National History and Arts Council was established, which began to acquire works of art

by Guyanese artists. The council acquired important pieces for the fledgling collection, but since it had no actual gallery, many pieces were held in various government buildings and in Guyana’s foreign embassies.

After a change in govern-

the National Collection and renamed Castellani House.

With this move, the collection at last gained a permanent site and space in which its pieces could be displayed. Everley Austin was appointed first curator in 1994, who was then succeeded by Elfrieda Bissember in 1996. After Bissember’s departure, Ohene Koama was appointed Curator (ag).

The National Collection is now managed by the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, and has grown to over 1,200 pieces of fine art by major and lesserknown Guyanese artists.

The collection encompasses work from ear-

Ron Savory, Donald Locke and others who followed them.

It also includes other artists who contributed to the visual imagination of Guyana over the years – major names such as Aubrey Williams, Philip Moore, Gary Thomas, and others, including contemporary names such as Winslow Craig, Bernadette Persaud, George Simon, Oswald Hussein and many others.

Containing many artistic treasures, the National Collection is a symbol of Guyana, an invaluable resource, and a priceless national asset. (Text based on “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana. Images from

"Dance to Olukun" by Doris Rogers (1987)

the National Collection of Guyana”)

"Green Land of Guyana" by Cyril Kanhai n.d.

"Essequibo River, Ariputa" by Maggie Dookhun (1998)

"Loading Cane" by Gordon Welcome n.d.

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Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

i

Pad is transforming the way we teach and learn. Powerful creative tools, interactive textbooks, and a universe of apps and content make for endless learning possibilities. All on a device everyone already loves to use.

iPad in the classroom There’s a reason both teachers and students love iPad. It enables endless opportunities to create hands-on, customizable learning experiences. Reach more students with apps and books geared to any level or subject. Develop your own interactive materials with iBooks Author. Organize and deliver your lessons with iTunes U. Discover a world of possibilities with iPad.

Teaching with iPad See how teachers are using iPad and a breadth of content from iTunes to transform learning and build deep understanding in their classrooms. Get an inside look at inspiring lessons and find practical and effective tips from real teachers on how to harness the resources at your fingertips to take your lessons to the next level.(Apple)

Tech BYTE

T

Apps, books and more When it comes to finding content for your lessons, iPad has something for everything you teach. And for everything your students want to learn. There are hundreds of thousands of apps, interactive textbooks, videos and podcasts that cover every subject and grade level.

The App Store, iBooks and iTunes U make it simple to navigate and find what you need.

And new resources are added every day.

Tech news

Facebook launches Snapchat-style Stories

Samsung TV is literally wall art

oday's TVs can look nice enough hanging on the wall, but nobody would mistake one for an actual painting. Until now.

Samsung will soon begin selling TVs that try their damnedest to mimic real art.

Called ‘The Frame’, the new "TV" has a bezel that looks like a picture frame and displays images from its library of more than 100 art pieces, including landscape, architecture, wildlife, action scenes and draw-

ings. You can also display your own photos.

Instead of turning off like a standard TV, leaving a blank black rectangle on the wall, The Frame is designed to always show its picture when someone is in the room. It uses a motion sensor that keeps the image onscreen as long as it senses movement.

When there's no motion after a while, the screen goes blank, saving power.

The Frame has numerous options for art layouts and colors, as well as customizable accessory options including interchangeable bezels. An included ultraflush wall mount and "invisible" wiring approach of its OneConnect breakout box further up the design ante.

The Frame goes on sale later this year in 55- and 65-inch sizes. Its specifications as a TV will be roughly equivalent to 2017 Samsung sets in the MU series. Pricing was not announced. (CNET)

F

acebook has launched its own version of the Snapchat Story feature.

The company is encouraging users to take more pictures and add effects and filters like falling snow and rainbows.

With the update, users will be able to get to the new in-app Facebook Camera with one swipe and will be able to share a picture privately with a friend, or share it on their news feed.

As in Snapchat, users will be able to add a picture to a gallery but they'll disappear in 24 hours.

Facebook-owned Instagram, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp have all added similar features recently.

Snapchat says it wants to concentrate on building gadgets and has called itself a camera company rather than a social media network.

Facebook, which now has 1.86 billion users, denies it took its camera ideas from

Snapchat and says it got them from its own users.

"Our goal here is to give people more to do on Facebook, and that's really been the main inspiration," said Connor Hayes, a Facebook product manager.

One of the first camera effects will be the ability to morph someone in a photograph into a yellow, cartoon Minion.

The latest “Minion” movie, “Despicable Me 3”, is due out in a few months and Facebook has deals to licence content from six film studios, as well as from two artists.

Design director Kristen Spilman says another visual effect allows someone in a picture to "become a laser cat with super powers".

The effects will vary by location.

Kristen Spilman said that when Facebook tested the ability to add the phrase LOL, users in Ireland didn't know what it meant.(BBC)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

By Cindy Yanasha Angulo

Ingredients

T

ake a different approach to styling your homes with these top nature-inspired colour combinations.

with seeds removed 2-3 cloves garlic, sliced thin 4 large mangos (almost ripe, Salt/pepper to taste but still hard) 1 large handful cilantro Juice of half a lemon (celery), finely chopped 1 scotch bonnet pepper, sliced

Method Orange, Hot Pink, White - Hot pink can take a classic palette and instantly make it more modern. Add some fun to your home by mixing hot pink with orange and ultra-white

Peel and slice the mangos into chunks.

Put all ingredients in a large bowl (basin) and toss to coat the mango.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavours combine. (www. yanashaskitchen.com)

A

Aqua, Navy, Flamingo Pink - Layer different shades of blue such as aqua, blue-gray and navy, then add in hints of flamingo pink. This works great for a ‘summer’ look

void sticky rice: Wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear.

Remove all the water until no water remains. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

This will remove all the starch and help the rice to remain separate.Also adding a few drops of lemon juice to the rice while cooking, you will find that the grains of rice tend to remain separate.

Remedy for salty curry: Wash a potato. Cut into two. Place the two halves of the raw potato in the curry and it will absorb the extra salt.

Overripe tomatoes: Dip them in cold water, add some salt and leave overnight.

They will be fresh and firm to touch the next day.

Avoiding over-spilling milk when boiling: Before pouring milk into a pot for boiling rub butter along the top edge and inside lip of the pot. When the milk foams up, it will stop over spilling when it hits the butter.

The best way to thaw fish is in milk. The milk draws out the frozen taste and gives the fish a fresh flavour.

To prevent butter from over-browning in your pan, add a little bit of lemon juice.

Celery getting floppy? Try wrapping it in tin foil before storing in the refrigerator.

F

Raspberry, Stone Gray - Put a fresh spin on pink by opting for raspberry which has a mix of red and gray undertones. Pair it with stone gray, which is a beautiful new neutral

Greatest Cooking Tips

Home Help

or cleaning a glass-top stove, use lemon juice or vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with hot water, and add either lemon juice or vinegar. Spray the solution directly on the grimy stain, and wipe with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary.

For both methods, don't forget to rinse the clean spot again and wipe it completely dry with another cloth.

Baking soda's a great all-purpose cleaning solution for lots of things around the house. Mixed with water you can use it to remove tarnish from copper, juice and coffee stains from countertops, discoloration on stainless steel and hard-toremove grease.

For stubborn stains on granite countertops, try using a poultice, or extractor.

Make a paste using flour plus hydrogen peroxide. The thick, pasty mixture should be applied generously, then covered with a plastic sheet and taped around the edges with painter's tape. Let it stand for 24 hours or more, then scrape up the paste and rinse the countertop with water.

Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

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APRIL 2, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

I

T

JOKES

hese are actual excuse notes from parents excusing their children from missing school (includes original spelling): “Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.”

“Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days.

Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.”

“Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday.

We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.”

“Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.”

A A A

three-year old put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed the left was on the right foot. She said, "Son, your shoes are on the wrong feet."

He looked up at her with a raised brow and said, "Don't kid me, Mom. I KNOW they're my feet."

father was reading Bible stories to his young son.

He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt."

His son asked, "What happened to the flea?" city slicker came upon two country folk balancing a long piece of lumber vertically on the ground, while a third fellow with a measuring tape climbed up on the lumber.

“What are you doing?” asked the urbanite.

“We are trying to measure this piece of wood,” replied the country cousin.

“Why not lay it down and measure it?” asked the city fellow.

Nope,” replied the country boy. “That won’t do it!

We want the height, not the length!”

M

ax went into the doctor’s office for his annual check-up, and the doctor asked if there was anything unusual he should know about.

So Max told the doctor that his suit must have shrunk over the last year, because it didn’t fit when he went to get ready for a wedding recently.

The doctor said, “Suits don’t shrink just sitting in a closet. You probably put on a few pounds.”

“That’s just it, doctor, I know I haven’t gained a single pound since the last time I wore it.”

“Well, then,” said doctor, “You must have a case of Furniture Disease.”

“What in the world is Furniture Disease?” asked Max. “That’s when your chest starts sliding down into your drawers.”

t is indeed the best drink you can give your child. Water lubricates the joints, cools the system, and makes muscles work efficiently and organs function properly. It's the main fluid in blood, aiding the passage of nutrients throughout the body. It also aids in the relief of constipation.

If a child doesn't get enough water, the colon reabsorbs the water from the waste material, causing the bowel movements to be hard. The brain also needs water to function well: Children who aren't sufficiently hydrated may show impaired concentration in school. It's especially important for a child with a cold to drink lots of fluids as this keeps the membranes moist and the secretions thin and moving so they don't get more infected.

As a general guide, infants need to take in about 1.5 ounces of fluids per pound of weight per day.

Older children need around one ounce per pound per day. So, a 60-pound child should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day. If he's been running around a lot or participat-

water around your home, especially in the kitchen, the bedroom, and in the family room. This gives your children the message that when they're thirsty, they should reach for a

ing in some other intense activity, or it's a very hot day, he may need to drink a few more glasses. Here are some ways to hydrate your children: Make water easily accessible. Place bottles of

glass of water. Place a bottle of water on their nightstands to make it readily available should they wake up thirsty in the middle of the night or in the morning.

Serve water with meals instead of juice or soda. The

constant exposure to water will make a big difference.

Flavour or fizz it.

While you want your children to get in the habit of drinking plain water, they will always love juice. And they can still have their favourites - just dilute it. Mix three parts water to one part of 100 percent fruit juice for a healthier drink.

Or add a squirt of lemon juice or a wedge of lemon, lime, or orange to the water. For a fizzy treat, serve plain seltzer - it's a fantastic substitute for soda.

Take it to go. Always bring a bottle of water on car rides, family walks, and other outings.

Serve water-rich foods. Many good-for-you foods, such as soup, fruit, and milk, contain 80 to 90 percent water. Watermelon is a great water-logged fruit - and a kid-friendly favourite. Homemade juice popsicles and smoothies are another sweet treat that will fill your children with fluid.

STORY TIME

By Lakeram Haynes

U

ncle Fred Allicock, who comes from the Arawak tribe, once told me how the traditional way of life used to be similar across indigenous communities in Guyana. These common practices concerned hunting and fishing, of course, but also certain sports, which would be practiced by most communities.

One of these sports was the Bimitti, an important endurance run. This run tested the resistance of young men willing to prove to their community that they were tough and could handle running on a long distance. Only the toughest members of the community would win, but the Bimitti, as a social event, would also be a way of keeping the community togetherness, happiness and harmony.

To hold a Bimitti race, a community would dedicate a local building where plenty of parakari – a local drink similar to kasiri – would be stored.

Approximately 50 to 100 buckets of strained parakari containing 20 liters each would be stored in these buckets, while two sturdy men guarded the entrance of the building.

Many ambitious young participants coming from several communities took part in this race, which would go over seven miles before reaching the house.

Once a runner had reached the house, his objective was to get past the two strong men guarding the door. But if the two guards grabbed him and lifted him up, the runner would lose the competition and be put aside, while the

guards would wait for the next runner to test his toughness.

The runner, who successfully passed the guards after running seven miles, was then able to enter the house, where two old women would wait to congratulate him. These two women would then feed him with the husk of the parakari.

After that, having recognized the new winner, the two women would tell him that the house full of parakari is all his, and that as the new master of the house he now has the power to open it up to the rest of the participants and the wider community. And then the celebrations of the toughest runner would start with everyone having a great time dancing and drinking.

The Bimitti race was done in the past. Unfortunately, it does not happen these days and most young men are not challenged in this way anymore. But I suppose that they do other things, which keep them tough and strong. (Photo by Géraud; www.pantaniblog.org)

B

rother John entered the "Monastery of Silence" and the Abbott said, "Brother, this is a silent monastery; you are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so."

Brother John lived in the monastery for five years before the Abbott said to him, "Brother John, you have been here five years now; you may speak two words."

Brother John said, "Hard bed."

"I'm sorry to hear that," the Abbot said. "We will get you a better bed."

After another five years, Brother John was called by the Abbott. "You may say another two words, Brother John."

"Cold food," said Brother John, and the Abbott assured him that the food would be better in the future.

On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Abbott again called Brother John into his office. "Two words you may say today."

"I quit," said Brother John.

The Abbot replied, "It is probably best; you've done nothing but complain since you got here."

T

Portmanteaus

ake part of one word and its meaning, and combine it with another word and its meaning, and you have a portmanteau.

For example, the word “brunch” is a portmanteau that combines “breakfast” and “lunch” to create a word for a meal one has in between, and often instead of, breakfast and lunch.

Portmanteaus are very popular with tacky gossip magazines that use them to refer to celebrity couples, such as “Brangelina” for Brad

Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Portmanteaus were actually popularised by Lewis Carroll, who used the word “portmanteau” for the first time in “Alice Through the Looking Glass”. Alice asks Humpty Dumpty to explain words from the nonsense poem “Jabberwocky” and is told that slithy is “like a portmanteau-there are two meanings packed up into one word”. Although slithy hasn't caught on (it's made up of slimy and lithe, according to Humpty Dumpty). Another portman-

teau invented by Carroll has in fact found a place in the language: chortle (supposedly from chuckle and snort).

Common Portmanteaus

In modern times, portmanteau words have entered the English language regularly. We see their widespread coinage in different fields of life. No doubt, they are both useful and interesting. Below is a list of examples of portmanteau words that are popular: education + entertain-

ment = edutainment fan + magazine = fanzine cyberspace + magazine = cyberzine telephone + marathon = telethon medical + care = Medicare parachute + troops = paratroops motor + hotel = motel camera + recorder = camcorder web + log = blog iPod + broadcasting = podcasting

20 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 2, 2017

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Times Sunday Puzzle

W

hen you curtail a word, you remove the last letter and still have a valid word.

Example: Begin - Heavenly body.

Answer: Start - Star.

1. To look for - To perceive 2. Use the mind - Slender, narrow 3. Enclosed army vehicle - A colour; darkening of the skin 4. Tree covering - Metal rod 5. Timber; board – A scheme developed in advance see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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APRIL 2, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Creature Corner

S

GEOZONE

Sun Parakeet

un Parakeet (or Sun Conure; Aratinga solstitialis) is a stunning golden-orange bird with an orange-red face and belly, while the wings and tail represent a mix of yellow, green, and blue tones.

The photo featured this week was taken by the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit teams in Karasabai Village, Region Nine. According to the Unit, these Sun Parakeets living in the Pakaraima highlands are the last remnant of a population that once stretched across the Rupununi savannahs, but was driven nearly to extinction by bird trapping for the pet trade. However, this population is very special and closely watched by dedicated community members who are now benefiting from their stewardship, as birdwatchers who are flocking to Karasabai to view these rare birds in the wild and provide a sustainable source of income for village residents in the process.

Check out Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook for more information.

Please see solution on page 23

T

Breathtaking shot of the Rio Solimoes and the Rio Negro refusing to mix

he ‘Meeting of the Waters’ in Brazil is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

This is the point where two tributaries of the Amazon River, each of distinctly different hue, converge – only to stage a stand-off of sorts. One, the Rio Solimoes, is a light sandy colour. Its rival the Rio Negro may not be as black as its name suggests (it looks like tea without milk), but is the darker of the pair, owing to the leaves and dead foliage it picks up on its route down from the Andes.

The effect is akin to an oil slick (a film or layer of oil floating on an expanse of

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.

water) on the ocean, the two rivers visibly refusing to mix, the Rio Negro holding its ground as a dusky tide.

The sheer stubbornness of the Rios Solimoes and Negro mixing is as a result of the stark differences in temperature, speed and water density between the two. The Rio Negro is colder, heavier and slower-moving than its neighbour.

However, they eventually do mix.

After several kilometres, the two rivers converge thanks to a blast of fast-moving whitewater, and become part of the Lower Amazon River.

22 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 2, 2017

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APRIL 2, 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo gets airport named in his honour

C

ristiano Ronaldo now has an international airport named after him. The Real Madrid striker was joined on March 29 by dozens of guests and hundreds of fans in his native Madeira Islands for an official ceremony renaming the local airport as Aeroporto Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal’s president and the prime minister flew to the island and unveiled a commemorative plaque outside the terminal entrance, above a bust of Ronaldo.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo is a local hero in Madeira, where he is seen as a rags-toriches success. He already has a statue, a museum and a hotel named after him in Madeira. “You know how proud I am of my roots, my homeland,” Ronaldo, wearing a dark suit and tie, said in a speech.

The four-time player of the year has made a record 138 national team appearances for Portugal and is the team’s top scorer with 71 goals.

The change was decided by the Madeira

regional government after Portugal won the 2016 European Championship. Critics said a more distinguished historical figure would be more appropriate. Petitions were started for and against the change.

Ronaldo acknowledged that it was rare for a public figure to be honoured while still alive, saying he was aware that some people didn’t agree with the name change. However, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the tribute was legitimate because it was decided by an elected government.

Ronaldo, Rebelo de Sousa said in his speech, is “an example of excellence” and “projects Madeira and Portugal across the world far more than anybody else.”

Ronaldo is not the first football player with his name on an airport. In Northern Ireland, an airport was renamed George Best Belfast City Airport in 2006, a year after the local player and former Manchester United winger died. (The Guardian)

Brain Teaser Answer

1. Seek - See 2. Think - Thin 3. Tank - Tan

SUDOKU

4. Bark - Bar 5. Plank - Plan

KID SUDOKU

Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Deadly shark washes up after Cyclone Debbie

A

bull shark's been found washed up on a road in Australia following Cyclone Debbie.

Queensland Fire and Rescue tweeted the image, along with a warning.

"Think it's safe to go back in the water? Think again!

A bull shark washed up in Ayr. Stay out of floodwater."

The powerful cyclone brought widespread disruption to the area including flash flooding. Thousands of people had to flee their homes and some are still without power.

Bull sharks are common in the area, with many of them living in nearby creeks and rivers.

Garbage being cleared from Mount Everest

A

huge clear up is taking place on Mount Everest as the climbing season starts.

Tonnes of old equipment, rubbish and human waste litter the world's highest mountain.

Now climbers are being asked to help remove it.

Canvas bags have been left around the various camps. Since 2014, climbers have been fined if they don't bring enough rubbish back with them after scaling the peak.

Everest is sometimes described as the world's highest garbage dump.

The sharks can survive in both saltwater and freshwater and can travel far up rivers.

Alongside great whites and tiger sharks, bull sharks are aggressive in nature and are the most likely to attack humans. (Excerpted from BBC Newbeat)

The worst of the rubbish is found at Camp Two - 6,400m (21,000ft) above sea level. Helicopters are being used to bring down the trash, which includes oxygen tanks, tents, eating utensils and other camping

materials.

In the past, around 16 tonnes of rubbish has been removed from the mountain but it's not known how much is still up there.

As well as the normal rubbish left behind by

countries (and occasionally the happiest country) in the world.

Colombia’s population is 90% Catholic. The largest immigrant group is Middle Eastern Arabs – between 40,000 and 50,000 arrived here between 1880 and 1930, and today there are Arab communities throughout the country (one of South America’s largest mosques is located in Maicao, in Colombia’s Guajira Department). Despite this, there is very little religious tension. International terrorism has yet to reach this country, and crime statistics make no mention of anti-Muslim hate

crimes there.

To an outsider, it may seem naïve, but Colombians’ steadfast happiness has been their most effective weapon in the war against despair. It has seen them through civil wars

climbers, the situation was made worse by the deadly earthquakes in 2015 - which killed 9,000 people across Nepal - and left lots of abandoned camps on the mountain.

Sherpas are actually paid US$2 for each kilo of trash they pick up, but it's all volunteer work for the tourist climbers.

"This way we hope to bring down the trash without any extra cost," says the Tourism Department official Durga Dutta Dhakal.

But some of the things that won't be coming down the mountain are the dead climbers. At least 200 bodies are thought to still be on Mount Everest - a frozen reminder to the perils of tackling the summit. (BBC Newsbeat)

CROSSWORD

C

olombians live for the celebration. The South American country has more festivals than days of the year, and whether it’s the multiday revelry of Carnival in Barranquilla, the great kaleidoscopic displays of floral colours during Medellín’s Feria de las Flores or Caribbean coastal residents dressing their donkeys in drag and parading them down the streets during the Festival de Burro, there’s always a party to be had.

This is just one of many reasons an annual WIN/ Gallup International poll ranks Colombia as one of the happiest

and bombings and kidnappings, and has carried them to the cusp of the final victory, where dreams of the peaceful country they so richly deserve might finally become reality.

(BBC)

24

Sunday Times Magazine

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Fun Times

Archie

Avoid any person or situation that poses a threat.

(March 21Make personal changes that April 19) will ensure a healthy future.

Good nutrition and exercise should be implemented into your everyday routine.

ARIES

Trust in your knowledge, TAURUS experience and intelligence (April 20- to get ahead. Take action May 20) and make a point to become more aggressive in your pursuit of truth and justice.

Don’t limit what you can GEMINI do. Size up a situation and (May 21bring about the changes that June 20) will provide you with the platform you need to get things done your way. Celebrate your victory.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Behind-the-scenes activity will lead you astray. To find out what’s really going on, ask pertinent questions and make decisions based on facts. Avoid unpredictable and erratic individuals.

Size up whatever situation you face when dealing with children, elders or a group you belong to and make changes based on your findings. Your insight will help secure your position.

Listen attentively and show support and kindness when dealing with friends, relatives and those in need of your help. You can make a difference and gain loyalty, trust and favors in return.

LIBRA Problems will develop with (Sept. 23- someone you care about if you Oct. 23) let emotional matters spin out of control. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Honesty will help you avoid further complications.

Peanuts

You’ll be in a good posiSCORPIO (Oct. 24- tion to make a deal, but don’t Nov. 22) do so for the wrong reason.

Choose what suits you, not what someone else wants.

Romance is highlighted.

Don’t hold back when it SAGITTARIUS comes to expressing your feel(Nov. 23ings and engaging in discusDec. 21) sions that will help stabilize your home and family life.

Honest and open communication will be appreciated.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take care of personal CAPRICORN business, put common sense (Dec. 22- first and stabilize your fiJan. 19) nancial situation. Don’t be fooled by what others do.

Taking a risk will only cause you undue stress.

If you make time for chilAQUARIUS dren, elders and friends, you (Jan. 20- will be the recipient of unbiFeb. 19) ased opinions, suggestions and solutions that will make your life easier. A personal decision can be made.

An emotional confrontaPISCES (Feb. 20- tion will leave you in an awkMar. 20) ward position. Look for an alternative if you don’t feel comfortable with what someone wants you to do.