Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

ISSUE NO. 71

CANADA EDITION

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING October 10, 2013

Guyana Help The Kids charity holds very successful annual fund raising drive See story on Page 7

Page 16

TT and Panama to benefit from Partial Scope Trade Agreement PM in Panama: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, third from right with Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Dookeran, second from right, Roberto Henriquez, Minister of the Presidency of Panama, third from left, and Albert Ramdin, second from left, OAS Assistant Secretary General.

Page 2 Jamaican communities to benefit from Diaspora Youth project

Guyana, Barbados to implement student, teacher exchange programme Page 13

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Prominent Guyanese businessman Norman Sue passes on in Toronto

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NEWS

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Cost to transport agriculture produce still high in the Caribbean

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nternational Consultant John Lewis said transportation in the Caribbean is still a major problem and poses one of the biggest challenges to the movement of agricultural produce intra-regionally.

He made the remarks at a presentation at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) workshop on hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in the Caribbean on Monday.

The workshop, which focused on examining a strategy for eradication of these issues, was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. It was part of Caribbean Week of Agriculture activities being held there.

Lewis explained that the imbalance of trade has had an impact on transportation cost as there have been high im-

Challenges

Agriculture produce being transported by boat in Guyana (Annette Arjoon-Martins photo)

ports and low exports.

“So if you bring a transport enterprise, an aircraft or a ship or whatever, it comes in and you see what it comes in with, full, but you not seeing what going out, now who pays for the going out leg, it means therefore that your price

has to be at such a level to take account of the unused capacity for that vessel to operate.”

The consultant posited that low yield has not been encouraging to those in the transportation sector, adding that most carriers move away from the transport of car-

go because of low yield.

“Particularly in terms of agricultural produce, food… the cost of plantains per pound, an aircraft deals with weight, weight is a premium... it is costing more than it is costing you to produce,” he said.

Plans to export produce in the region have been affected by low supply, which can be a deterrent to continuing business, between producers and those in the transport sector.

He noted that consolidating cargo is an option, but this could see similar or different produce being prepared at a particular time for export. Low production and seasonal supply of some produce cannot pay for the costs related to tariffs and port charges.

“There are security charges and handling charges, insurance, issue of inspection to ensure that the cargo is in fact genuine stuff that is moving… that’s another reason the carriers have been shying away from particularly non-traditional shippers, because the difficultly you have with narcotics, every day you read about it,” he added.

The cost of fuel also

cannot be ignored, Lewis told the workshop.

“Transport like in any other industry has to operate both efficiently and has to have positive returns… now nothing in the transport sector, particularly the operators of vessels and aircraft are in fact produced in the region and the operators face the same kind of cost element which you complain about, fuel, and fuel of course, is a major component of transport.”

Transportation along with sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, trade liberalisation issues and rising costs of production continue to ensure the Caribbean depends on imports. Already the region’s import bill has been pegged at US$ 2 billion annually, while the Caribbean can do little to raise its export bill.

Exporting agriculture produce, which was seen as an engine of growth, has been struck by many forces. (Guyana Times)

Jamaican communities to benefit from Diaspora Youth project

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amaica’s Diaspora movement will on October 17 launch the Diaspora Youth Connect (DYC) Project, slated for the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), in Kingston.

The Jamaica Diaspora Institute, the operating arm of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation, is overseeing the DYC initiative, which seeks to leverage human and financial resources that are locat-

ed in the Diaspora to strengthen the capacity, the entrepreneurial and business management skills, community development skills, youth empowerment/mobilisation skills, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills in a number of inner-city communities.

Already, some eight communities have been earmarked to benefit from the project - August Town, Trench Town,

Mountain View, Flanker, Granville, Fletcher’s Land, Tower Hill and Parade Gardens.

Volunteers have done asset mapping exercise, which sought to gather information on the assets of the communities that will benefit from the initiative.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, on October 8, at the agency’s head office in Kingston, Executive

Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute, Professor Neville Ying, outlined that the DYC has sought to forge sustainable partnerships with community-based and youth empowerment organisations within the eight selected communities.

“We have laid the platform for a very exciting project going forward, and we want to maximise the use of partnerships that is very key to the success of the programme. We want to further test the models that we have come upon, and make sure

Executive Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute Professor Neville Ying

that we refine them, so that they can be replicated to be used in a

variety of communities across Jamaica,” he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Pretty maids all in a row!

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EDITORIAL

Global partnerships

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t a special event on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) last week in New York, member states expressed their determination to accelerate achievement of the MDGs and build on the foundations they set to craft a post- 2015 development agenda, which completes unfinished business and responds to new challenges. They agreed that the eradication of poverty and hunger worldwide should be at the core of the new agenda.

Leaders made it clear that the agenda should integrate “in a balanced manner, the three dimensions of sustainable development”, and agreed that this involved “working towards a single framework and set of goals – universal in nature and applicable to all countries”, while taking into account national contexts, policies, and priorities.

Member states have acknowledged that reducing poverty, protecting the planet, growing our economies, and achieving social justice are shared and inter- liked objectives. Green and inclusive economies and societies are needed to deliver on these multiple objectives, and so are strong and innovative partnerships.

Achieving these objectives set out by the various leaders will be no small task. In fact, it will take serious commitments by all development partners, governments and civil society actors to pool their talents and resources and work diligently to make this a reality.

During a recent presentation on global partnerships for development in a post- 2015 world, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark gave some very interesting and useful suggestions on the kind of action that is needed to ensure that a more sustainable future is created for citizens of the world.

Clark points to the fact that a number of global partnerships have emerged in recent years around specific goals and issues.

Examples which have attracted significant funding and helped the achievement of the health MDGs include the Global Alliance on Vaccination and Immunisation (GAVI), and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.

There was also some progress in access to affordable and essential drugs in developing countries, even though far more could be done to enable developing countries to extend vital treatment to the poor.

Clark mentions that while delivery on MDG Eight on partnership is often criticised, there have been some successes, noting that there are new opportunities which can be pursued.

For example, the rollout of new technologies, especially information and communication technologies is significant – with a great deal of private sector and social entrepreneur innovation. She cites the Broadband Commission, which has also brought a broad partnership together to promote broadband for development and urges that the reach of these technologies extend to those who are considered poor and disadvantaged.

Certainly, the global development assistance landscape has changed substantially – going far beyond North- South, donorrecipient relationships. The fast-moving emerging economies have lifted very large numbers of people out of poverty, and are establishing innovative social protection systems. They have many experiences to share with others seeking similar success and global partnerships of the future will be shaped by these significant trends.

There can be no doubt that our world’s sustainable development challenge requires all countries to act accordingly. In this regard, Clark notes that the shift to sustainable production and consumption patterns requires significant action from the developed world – to cut carbon emissions, address food waste, and adopt cleaner ways to generate energy and to farm, manufacture, and travel.

Further, innovative sources of financing for development could also play a bigger role. For example, levies on air tickets are now contributing to funds for the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis through the UNITAID initiative, which is supported by 28 countries and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Member states are currently discussing the possibility of convening a high-level meeting on financing the post-2015 development agenda. As suggested by Clark, such a meeting would be important and should take into consideration the full spectrum of financing for development and identify opportunities for new partnerships.

The eight delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe 2013 pageant held on Sunday 6th October, 2013 at the Pegasus Hotel Poolside, Georgetown, Guyana.

Caribbean govts urged to protect marine resources ... even as coastal systems continue to degrade

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aribbean governments have been urged to take stronger actions to combat threats to its marine resources and to network at all levels so that countries can learn from each other in identifying best practices to successfully manage their environment.

This call was made at the just concluded Second Global Conference on Land-Ocean Connections (GLOC-2) hosted last week in Montego Bay, Jamaica by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Jamaica government.

Attended by more than 200 delegates, including scientists and environmental experts, the conference made recommendations towards the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from land-based activities and also explored current and emerging environmental management challenges that result from land-based activities, with a priority focus on the management of marine litter, waste water and nutrients.

Speaking on the opening day of the summit held at the Hilton Hotel, UNEP Deputy Director Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said while the marine and coastal environment continues to degrade “there is need for countries and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Global Programme of Action and other commitments, such as what came out of the Rio+20 Conference in 2012”.

She said the growing pressures on marine and coastal ecosystems require more effective management approaches in light of the new challenges of the 21st century, noting that despite the economic values at-

tained as a result of land-based activities, a number of those activities cause great harm to the world’s oceans and seas.

“The major causes of damage or harm to the environment come from excessive nutrients, habitat destruction and wastewater,” she noted.

Mrema explained that excessive nutrients flowing into the sea are dangerous to human health, loss of biodiversity and reduced fishing.

Contribution

She said in terms of economic goods and services, coastal ecosystems contribute at least 38 percent of the world’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – as much as all terrestrial ecosystems, adding that open ocean areas alone provide another 25 percent.

“This is a substantial contribution, not to be underestimated,” she asserted.

The UNEP official said it is a common knowledge that the oceans of the world are interlinked, and as such, an action on one side of the ocean can have far-reaching repercussions on the other side.

“Therefore, the way we see marine litter scattered along many beaches across the globe clearly demonstrates the nature of the impacts we have to deal with under the GPA programme for which we need the concerted efforts of all of us if we are to succeed.

“In recent years, for instance, we’ve realised how coastal habitats such as mangrove forests, salt marshes and seagrass meadows have additional value due to their important carbon sink capacities,” Mrema said.

According to UNEP’s Blue Carbon Report, the improved management and restoration of the ocean’s blue carbon sinks would contribute significantly

to offsetting global emissions and mitigating climate change.

Terrestrial ecosystem

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister Robert Pickersgill said while previous studies have shown that the approach to protect the environment has separated terrestrial and marine ecosystems, “there is a growing recognition by many stakeholders… that the terrestrial and marine ecosystems are intimately connected”.

As such, he said any approach to successfully manage environments must “take into account the strong, yet complex, link between activities on land and the marine and coastal environments”.

He made reference to the third international conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which will be held in Samoa in September 2014, noting that the outcome document recognises that a common vision among SIDS that can only be realised through inclusive dialogue and “partnerships based on mutual trust, equality, respect and accountability”.

“The health of our coastal and marine environments is therefore paramount in ensuring food security and in ensuring… increased employment opportunities in key oceanbased sectors such as tourism and fisheries,” he said.

The minister outlined that pollution from land-based activities can have detrimental effects on the economic growth and development of the states and warned that there is an urgent need to strengthen the existing regional instruments that relate to land-based sources of pollution and institute such agreements where none exist. (Guyana Times)

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No rogues in SWAT team – Guyana’s top cop

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

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uyana’s Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell on Monday allayed the fears of citizens that the soonto-be-established Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit will not be another ‘Black Clothes’ squad, a disbanded unit that degraded the image of the Guyana Police Force.

Brumell gave the assurance moments after taking the oath of office as the substantive police commissioner, more than a year after taking over from the late Henry Greene who was sank in a controversy.

Brumell explained that specially identified ranks of the Guyana

Police Force are being recruited through a vigorous process.

“I can assure you that my Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement Seelall Persaud is one of the persons taking them through the process. We want to ensure that we get the right type of persons.”

SWAT unit

The announcement of the SWAT unit was made last week by the country’s Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who said then that such a unit was mooted since the beginning of the millennium when crimes became qualitatively different from what had prevailed when the Standard Operating

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

Procedures (SOPs) of the GPF would have been formulated.

It is envisaged that with a SWAT unit, the force would be more equipped to make specialised interventions,

thereby ensuring law and order is maintained and prospective threats are neutralised.

Rohee had said too that the Home Affairs Ministry has engaged the services of The Emergence Group (TEG), a Washington-based consultancy firm, to obtain the requisite assistance in this initiative.

He further disclosed that the process will commence shortly with an organisational needs assessment to be done by experts from the consultancy firm. According to him, curriculum development and training, including mentoring, will also be undertaken by the consultancy firm.

Crime reduction

Meanwhile, with his

confirmation as police commissioner, Brumell said he will be putting major emphasis on reducing the prevalence of crime in the country.

“Today, I recommit to the citizens living within our borders that I, Leroy Brumell, will do all in my power with consultations with key stakeholders to serve and protect and to take back our streets and communities from criminals.”

Simultaneously, with internal and external support, Brumell has also committed to the much needed modernisation of the Guyana Police Force.

Though it has been a long, hard road, Brumell said today he has no regrets. In his quest to

raise the standards of the Guyana Police Force and offer greater security, he said he would require the support of all.

“To my many critics of the force, we can never please everyone, but I will use the criticisms in a constructive way to assist the force in becoming a better institution.”

Meanwhile, President Ramotar, in his congratulatory remarks, said it was always his intention to confirm Brumell as the police commissioner after Henry Greene had demitted office in 2012.

As time elapsed, Brumell performed satisfactorily, Ramotar said, noting that the force has grown under his supervision. (Guyana Times)

Guyana Help The Kids charity holds very successful annual fund raising drive

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ast Saturday October 5, Guyana Help The Kids, (GHTK) held its third annual Dinner and Dance at The Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall in Toronto. The event was well attended with over 700 supporters of GHTK showing up to be informed and updated about the charitie's accomplishments over the last year and its plans for the coming year. The number of people attending this charitable event has more than doubled since its inception three years ago.

Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Mahendra Singh smoothly guided the evening's proceedings and as he looked around the elegant banquet hall at the supporters of the charity wondered aloud who was taking care of business at Humber River Hospital.

About 150 members of this hospital were in attendance at this very worthwhile cause.

President of Guyana Help The Kids charity and Chief of Pediatrics at Humber River Hospital, Dr. Narendra Singh then took the podium and reminded the audience that the overall objective of the GHTK is to reduce infant mortality in Guyana by implementing sustainable changes through education and technology.

Continuing, Dr. Singh said that the initial part of the project has been focused at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with the opening of a new Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), an innovative Pediatric Residency Program and a Neonatal Nursing Program. The shared vision between

GHTK and the Ministry of Health in Guyana is to expand the program to regional hospitals in New Amsterdam, Linden, Suddie and West Demerara. Two new Neonatal Intensive Care Units have since been commissioned at the New Amsterdam and Linden hospitals.

These were funded by a C$25,000 donation from the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), under the chairmanship of Mr. Winston Kassim, Order of Canada. Dr. Singh briefly outlined the goals for 2013-2014 which include expanding the Neonatal Intensive Care Units to West Demerara and Suddie hospitals, continue training of doctors and nurses and initiating a new Pediatric Cancer Program.

In an effort to evaluate the ongoing processes objectively to ensure that the various interventions have benefited infant mortality, GHTK has embarked on other specific research projects, the first to include “The impact of an infection control policy on the incidence of nosocomial infections and mortality at GPHC”. GHTK has already demonstrated a 40% drop in neonatal mortality and infections in the NICU at GPHC for the past year, Dr. Singh concluded.

In addition, Mr. Kelly Pearce, secretary of GTHK and medical equipment technology specialist, has been helping with the procurement of specialized equipment to elevate the level of neonatal care at the various hospitals in Guyana.

GHTK also provided biomedical and respiratory

Dr. Narendra Singh Chief of Pediatrics at Humber River Hospital

care support.

GHTK has been able to garner the help of Dr. Julie Johnstone of the world renowned SickKids hospital in Toronto and Curriculum Co-coordinator Pediatric Residency. In her address to the audience, Dr. Johnstone expressed what an absolute pleasure it is to work with the doctors and nurses in Guyana. She is particularly impressed with the level of motivation and the thirst for knowledge displayed by the doctors and nurses with whom she worked and continues to work. She went on to explain that the residency program is modeled after the existing program at SickKids and that there is no difference between the two programs.

Dr. Julie Johnstone also indicated that the model being developed in collaboration with The Ministry of Health and the University of Guyana can be used to develop similar programs in other developing countries.

Faculty members from the University of Toronto, McMasters University and other universities in North America have been trav-

Dr. Julie Johnstone Curriculum Co-coordinator Pediatric Residence at SickKids Hospital

elling monthly to provide didactic and bedside teaching in keeping with this uniquely developed curriculum. Two doctors graduated this year as consultant pediatricians and 10 doctors are in training.

Mr. Kelly Pearce Medical technology equipment specialist.

N a t i o n w i d e Children’s Hospital in collaboration with GHTK and the Ministry of Health in Guyana has developed a one-year neonatal nursing program at GPHC. The first year has been completed and 11

nurses have graduated from this program. This November 20 more nurses are expected to begin neonatal training. The program will run for at least 3 consecutive years to ensure a full complement of nurses for the entire country.

Travelling to Guyana to offer their invaluable help with regards to setting up a Pediatric Cancer Program at the GPHC were Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, a pediatric oncology and pediatric hematology specialist and Dr. Amanda Persaud, a Guyanese and also a pediatrician. They are both from Buffalo, New York. Dr. Fizpatrick and her team are expected to return to Guyana next week to continue providing her assistance to the GPHC.

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Guyanese police probing double murder at Venezuelan border

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ays after Orlando Fitzpatrick, 52, also called “Jim”, and his son, 17-year-old Jesse Fitzpatrick, also called “Jes”, of Lot 160 3rd Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara were brutally murdered close to the Venezuelan border, local law enforcement officers have left for the area to carry out their investigations.

The shooting incident is believed to have occurred last Thursday evening.

A team of police ranks left Georgetown on Sunday morning for a place called “Curisina”, located a few miles from the Venezuela/ Guyana border, but on the Guyanese side.

The bodies of the teenager and his father are still with Venezuelan authorities, but relatives are completing all necessary legal paper work to have the bodies return to Guyana.

Frustrated

Orlando Fitzpatrick and his son Jesse Fitzpatrick in happier times

Futile

Attempts to make contact with Janice Fitzpatrick, a sister of Orlando, who resides in Venezuela, proved futile.

Nevertheless, at the home of the dead man, his wife Marlyn Allick stated that she last spoke with him on Thursday evening about 18: 30h, when he telephoned to inform her that he and his son were on their way home.

The visibly shaken woman stated that she averaged that they would arrive in Georgetown

around midnight on Thursday, but this was not the case.

She said after she did not hear from him the following morning, she attempted to call, but the phone rang out.

She tried several times, but was unsuccessful, and decided to call her mother-in-law to inquire, but her phone rang out as well. Later in the day, she noted that her mother-in-law informed her via telephone that she heard of a shooting in the area where the men were last seen.

The frustrated woman stated that it did not cross her mind that it was her son and husband who were shot. She called back the same number that her husband called from the previous night and inquired about their whereabouts.

The person who answered, reportedly a shopkeeper, told her that her husband and son had left in a boat with the captain and another passenger, noting that he too heard about the shooting. By then, she added that her sister-inlaw called and informed her of the shooting.

News spread that the dead men were being brought out of the creek, so the sister- in-law waited and was confronted with her worst fears.

As the bodies were taken out of the boat, they were discovered to be Orlando and his son.

Allick went on to say

that the woman called back and related the horrific news.

She is still puzzled as to why the bodies were not brought to Georgetown, but rather went back to Venezuela, noting that this is a bit suspicious.

In addition, she noted that the two other men are in the custody of Venezuelan authorities and are assisting with investigations.

While she noted that information remains sketchy, she said she believes that the incident was a set up.

“When my husband called, he tell me that he had gold. Now they rob me of everything, especially meh son and husband, who was the main breadwinner in the family,” she told Guyana Time..

Aggrieved

The aggrieved widow stated that her family is renting a house and had

all intentions to get a plot of land to build their own home. “I got rent to pay… I got not one but two funerals to do… I got bills… I got a child still in school… what can I do now?” she asked.

The woman has no one else, except her three other children, who are still in a state of shock.

Her son “Jes” reportedly left school to get into the business with his father so that they can work together to make life better.

The last time the woman saw her son was in June, the day after Father’s Day, but she recently saw her husband in August after he came out of the interior to undergo medical treatment.

They were heading out and would have returned after the holiday.

The family is formerly of Wauna Village, North West District, but moved to the city a few years ago. (Guyana Times)

JLP leaders say challenge will strengthen party A ndrew Holness, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Karl Samuda are not fond of the leadership challenge now consuming the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). However, they are clear on one thing — the party will emerge stronger from the contest.

"The contest has had its advantages for the party. It has certainly stirred [the] interest of the worker base and specifically the delegates base of the party; there's no question about that," Holness said during last Thursday's sitting of the Jamaica Observer Press Club.

"I believe that there is going to be, as a result of this campaign, a delegates base which is more understanding of the issues, both the internal and the national issues, and that is a great advantage for the political party," added Holness, the JLP leader who is being challenged

by Audley Shaw, one of the Opposition party's four deputy leaders.

"It also gives us a chance to test our organisational machinery and to refine it. I certainly have been doing that, and I think that that will yield great benefits for the party when we come to national elections," Holness argued.

Grange, a veteran JLP parliamentarian and Cabinet minister in previous JLP administrations, concurred.

"This election is the most defining moment in the life of the Jamaica Labour Party," she said.

"I think the party will be strengthened."

Grange reiterated that she thought the timing of the challenge was wrong, "not because I feel that one should not have a challenge, I just feel that the timing was wrong because we should, at this time, spend our efforts in addressing the

problems of the country and the weakness of the present administration in governing the country".

Grange, however, was convinced that the election will bring together the people who are loyal to the party.

"It is going to be the settlement of the argument," she said.

Samuda, in reinforcing the point of the party's ability to treat wounds, pointed to his own experience of leaving the JLP for the People's National Party in the 1990s, only to return to the JLP, eventually became the party's general secretary and served as a Cabinet minister in the last JLP government.

But even as they are sure that the party will be able to unite after the vote, they highlighted the concern that the challenge has created inside the organisation.

"Delegates are concerned that we are burn-

Veteran Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) parliamentarian and former general secretary Karl Samuda (centre) speaking on the party’s ability to heal rifts during last Thursday’s Jamaica Observer Press Club. He is flanked by JLP Leader Andrew Holness and the party’s spokeswoman on culture and entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange. (PHOTO: KENYON HEMANS)

ing up too much of our energy in pursuing the internal contest, and that even though we might very well create a far more active and primed party base, we may deplete our resources coming to fight in a general or local government election," Holness said.

"So I have had to bear

that in mind and moderate what I do, because the ultimate goal is not just to be leader of the Opposition or leader of a political party. The ultimate goal is to be in a position where we can help the people of Jamaica," he added.

"I want to assure the delegates that as leader

now, and leader after the contest, that my hands are extended to everyone, and that I appeal to those who support me and to those who don't to be prepared to work together as one family to return the Jamaica Labour Party to the government of our great nation," he added.

(Jamaica Observer)

TT cops find body of newborn in garbage bag A three-day-old baby of Manzanilla, Trinidad, was found dead in a garbage bag by local police Sunday morning.

The baby boy was found after a close female relative reported that she had disposed of the baby after it died.

According to a police

report, the 21-year-old woman and a 25-yearold man went to the Manzanilla Police Post on Saturday and reported to police that the baby had died.

The woman told police that on Friday around 5 p.m. she fed the baby and placed him on a couch to sleep. She said she went

to take a bath and when she returned some ten minutes later, she found the baby motionless.

She reported that the baby was frothing from his mouth.

The woman told investigators she panicked and put the infant in a garbage bag and placed it at the side of John

Humphrey Road, James Smart Village - a few feet from her house.

She said she also placed some of the baby’s items in the bag.

A party of police officers of the Manzanilla Police Post, Mayaro and Sangre Grande CIDs and Homicide Division (Eastern) searched the

streets for several hours.

At around 5 a.m. Sunday, the police officers discovered the bag at John Anthony Road, in James Smart Village.

The body was examined by district medical officer Dr Ntudu and police have reported that the body did not bear marks of violence.

The woman was taken into custody for questioning at the Sangre Grande CID. She was later taken to Sangre Grande Hospital for examination.

The body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy on Monday and investigations will continue. (TT Express)

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TT EMAIL PROBE

Guyana’s finance minister signs Ex-security firm head order for mortgage interest relief ‘quizzed on wiretapping technology’

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persaud-Bissessar

T

he former head of a security company which is now owned by a government financier was grilled by police Tuesday about wire-tapping technology.

Investigators probing the contents of the 31 purported emails read by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament back in May, Tuesday interviewed former Executive Bodyguard Services Ltd (EBSL) owner Samuel Stafford.

Sources say Stafford was grilled about the capabilities, technology and tactical equipment of the security firm he once headed.

Questions were also posed as to who the official owner of EBSL is now, following its sale last year to a well-known People’s Partnership financier.

Following the sale to the financier, evidence of a laser beam used in spying was unearthed at the end of last year following a bug sweep in the conference room of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)’s Port-of-Spain office.

Sources said Stafford was asked questions pertaining to wire-tapping and whether his former company had such capabilities when he sold it to the financier.

The emails, read by Rowley on May 20 in Parliament, were purported to be from addresses belonging to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Works and Infrastructure Minister Suruj Rambachan and then national security adviser to the Prime Minster Minister Gary Griffith (now National Security Minister).

One of the emails, dated September 10, 2012, read: “We have a problem. Things are getting heated. Need access to taps in DPP office. I

want to know what his next move is. How soon can you arrange?”

The contents of the email addressed the Section 34 fiasco, offering the Director of Public Prosecutions a judgeship and the intimidation of a journalist.

Following the expose, sources say a sweep was done at the conference room of the DPP’s office, and evidence of a laser beam used in spying was found.

This claim was denied by then national security minister Emmanuel George and acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams earlier this year.

EBSL had been awarded the security contract for the Office of the DPP and the Office of the Attorney General.

The security contract was awarded to EBSL in November last year, by which time Stafford had already sold the company to the Partnership financier.

By the time it was sold, EBSL had replaced Innovative Security Technologies Ltd, which had previously provided security to both offices for several years.

Innovative Security Technologies’ contract was not renewed, but the firm was subsequently retained on a month-tomonth basis, which ended following the retention of EBSL last year.

Persad-Bissessar and her government have denied any knowledge of the emails.

The prime minister wrote to Williams, asking that it be probed.

Williams, in turn, mandated his deputy, Mervyn Richardson, to head the probe.

Richardson indicated he had written to Google and Microsoft last month, seeking information on the email exchanges. Both service providers are yet to respond, he said.

(Trinidad Express)

– calls for urgent implementation

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uyana’s Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Tuesday signed and sent for publication in the Official Gazette the Income Tax (Mortgage Interest Relief) Regulations 2013, thereby establishing the regulatory foundation for Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) to be granted pursuant to the introduction of this measure announced in the country’s Budget 2013.

According to a release, the Finance Ministry at the time of presenting the 2013 national budget, Minister Singh announced the introduction of MIR with effect from year of income 2013.

Under the newly-introduced relief, the minister stated that “first time homeowners who are holders of mortgage loans of up to Gy$30 million granted to them by commercial banks or the building society, will be permitted to deduct the interest they pay on such mortgages from their taxable income for the purposes of personal income tax. In other words, that portion of

taxable income used by a first time homeowner to pay interest on a housing loan of up to Gy$30 million from a commercial bank or building society will be exempt from personal income tax.”

In announcing the introduction of MIR at the time of Budget 2013, Minister Singh situated the new measure within the context of the outstanding success of the government’s housing programme.

He stated at the time that “this government’s housing programme has been a resounding success and has resulted in tens of thousands of Guyanese individuals and families graduating from being tenants of rented property to being homeowners in their own right.

“Armed with real property as an asset which can in turn be collateralised, the positive consequences for owner participation in the formal financial system, and capacity to borrow to finance asset acquisition or even small business establishment and

Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

expansion, have been immeasurable.

“In addition to our programmes to develop housing areas and distribute house lots, other policies have been adopted to promote homeownership.

“These include the special low income housing windows established at the commercial banks under which interest income earned by the banks is exempt from corporate taxes, allowing the banks to offer subsidised interest rates to borrowers of loans for

low income housing development.”

The introduction of MIR is expected to cost government approximately Gy$580 million annually, and will benefit tens of thousands of first time homeowners, low and middle income alike.

Having signed the necessary regulations, Minister Singh called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the participating financial institutions to proceed to implement the regulations as soon as possible to ensure that the intended relief is delivered to the beneficiary population.

The minister stated that “this relief is expected to make homeownership even more affordable and attractive, will increase disposable incomes in thousands of households, and will constitute a significant injection of cash into the economy for both saving and consumption, thereby generating and multiplying further business activity.” (Guyana Times)

Vector Control Unit stepping up campaign in Barbados T

here have been 604 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever in Barbados up to September 21. This compares to 233 cases for the same period in 2012.

The country’s Chief Environmental Health Officer, Tyrone Applewaite, considers this number of confirmed cases to be significantly high, and is assuring the public that the Ministry of Health Vector Control Unit (VCU) is intensifying its efforts to take control of the mosquito problem in Barbados.

He revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that the VCU is conducting significant inspections in high risk areas; working on weekends to ensure they are able to gain entry onto those premises whose owners work during the week; as well as developing a card system that will play a significant role in getting into contact with the owners of closed houses.

“We have said before that in certain locations, the closed houses rate can be as high as 60 per-

Barbados’ Chief Environmental Health Officer, Tyrone Applewaite

cent and on average when we go out on a daily basis it is about 30 percent.

We are hoping that these cards can be used to build a relationship between the department and those persons who own those houses. We must agree that if in a general area there is a high level of mosquito breeding, we would also assume that those closed houses would be breeding mosquitoes as well.”

The Chief Environmental Officer also indicated that from Wednesday until Friday, the Vector Control Unit is moving to institute

a ‘Vector Free School Programme’.

He said that the VCU will be holding a series of meetings with all public and private schools’ principals to introduce the need to have a framework in place for the control of mosquitoes.

According to Applewaite, a number of those persons who have dengue are of school age.

“We have trained many of the ancillary staff associated with the schools, so we are now bringing the principals on board to ensure that we have an effective vector control programme at all schools in Barbados.

“In addition, we are working with the University of the West Indies; we have just trained 45 persons to establish what we call an ‘Over Tracking Programme’ to monitor the mosquito activity there. Also, we are looking to establish a Facebook page which we hope will be operational by the end of this week that would provide communication to the general public,” he re-

vealed.

Dr. Joy St. John, Chief Medical Officer, added that in Barbados, the mosquito is developing and going through its cycle of maturity faster.

“The mosquitoes we believe are affected by climate change, and I have anecdotal reports that they are issues in some other countries in the Caribbean, as well as newspaper reports I have seen about issues in Miami. Therefore, the effect of the climate change on the mosquito is probably partly why we have seen some of this increase.

“This particular strain of the dengue virus has not been around in circulation, so there are several Barbadians who can now be affected by the strain No. 1, so that is why we are seeing so many cases.

We have a faster growing mosquito; we have rainfall and so many people who have not had dengue fever virus type 1. So that is why we are seeing this big increase in numbers of cases as compared to last year,” she reported.

(Barbados Advocate)

10 News Guyana has been significantly transformed since 1992 - President Ramotar H www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending October 10, 2013

u n d r e d s of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) supporters on Sunday flocked the Lusignan Market tarmac, East Coast Demerara to be part of a rally to celebrate the party’s 21st anniversary in government.

Addressing the gathering, President Donald Ramotar said the party is celebrating one of the most important victories of the Guyanese people.

“For a long time, our people struggle against all kinds of oppression and when we got independence, we thought that that was the time when we would move forward in our country but then again we had to start another struggle for freedom against the dictatorship that existed in Guyana, and therefore, we only had freedom in the last 21 years in this country, despite the fact that we have 47 years of independence,” said the president.

Massive developments

He said with the massive developments in the country, there is still a lot more to be done, but the party will need the

The gathering of PPP/C supporters at the Lusignan Market tarmac, East Coast Demerara on Sunday

support of all its supporters for this to happen.

“I want to ask you to stand with us because danger lurks at the door and we, therefore, we must stand together… we have to continue on the forward march to make Guyana a developed country, we need your support not only to win the elections, we need your support to build the country,” Ramotar urged.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo said the country has been sig-

nificantly transformed under the PPP/ C government, pointing to commendable strides in the education, health, public and economic sectors.

He described the People’s National Congress (PNC) tenure in government as woeful and said Guyana must not return to those “dark days”.

“In that period, the country was deteriorating but with US$ 4.1 billion that this government, the PPP/ C gov-

The Marriott Hotel is an asset for Guyana’s tourism sector, says Minister Ali

A

cting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali has slammed recent comments in the media linking the construction of the Marriott Hotel with that of the potential oil and gas industry in Guyana. Ali told this newspaper that he read a recent letter from a technician, which was published in the media and sought to link the two.

The minister said “it is utter nonsense” and takes away from the real picture that the project is being developed for, which is to help boost Guyana’s tourism capacity and not specifically for the potential oil sector.

According to him, while it will help with accommodating foreign nationals once such an industry is developed, that is not the main focus.

He said the Marriott has an integral and important role to play in the tourism sector and tourism is going to benefit tremendously from the project.

“We are going to work to ensure this occurs.

The Marriott is an asset for the tourism sector

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

and we see a lot of other developments taking place,” Ali added.

He reiterated the benefits that could be derived from the project, even though there continues to be much controversy surrounding the project in its entirety.

President Donald Ramotar also said the construction of the Marriott Hotel is necessary for the nation, given the country’s potential for tourism.

According to the president, there has been a concentrated effort by the opposition aligned media which have been trying continuously to mislead the nation about the benefits of the Marriott Hotel.

He stated that in Barbados and Trinidad, there are hotels which are being run by the state, and in both cases, the hotels are the classiest ones.

The Hyatt and Hilton hotels were pointed out as having been built by the governments in those countries and are attracting tourists, although none of the two countries have the tourism potential like Guyana.

Ramotar had also stated that once oil is discovered, Guyana may not even have the capacity to accommodate the number of persons who will flock the country.

He said the construction of the five star hotel will indeed help in this area, but noted that it is not being specifically built for that purpose.

The Marriott is set to be ready by August next year and will help to boost employment, creating about 250 jobs.

The hotel is part of the Marriott International which is a leading global hospitality company with over 3,500 hotels internationally. (Guyana Times)

ernment over the past 20 years had to pay back, we could have fixed every school in this country, every hospital, widen all the roads, build the hydro, built bridges not only across the Berbice River but the Essequibo too, fixed the cost of living issues, address information communication technology and still had money remaining,” Jagdeo said.

He called on the present generation to learn the country’s past and history so that they can

better understand the struggles of the current government for the development of Guyana.

“If we allow small things in our communities, the drainage, the roads, couple potholes, some neighbour you don’t like, the NDC man… the people who went to school with me couldn’t dream of a life here, about raising a family here, about prospering here; the mothers, fathers and grandparents, you have to ensure that your children have a future where they can live in freedom and dignity and only the PPP/ C can ensure that happens,” Jagdeo told the gathering.

Govt of the people

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who also addressed the gathering, said the party is proud to remain attuned to the needs of the people as it celebrates another year in government.

Sacrifice

The prime minister said Guyanese must not be oblivious of the developments in the country even as the opposition tries to paint a different picture.

“We gave them (our

people) hope when they did not have hope before so they could focus and they could save and they could work and they could realise their dreams; that is what we have been doing, that is how we have been running our country by making the best we could with what we have and with the people we have and as time has passed and we could do better, we did better,” said the prime minister.

Struggles

PPP/ C General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the party was persecuted in opposition, but remained united as he paid tribute to the victims of the struggles for a better Guyana.

“The battle was long and hard for us to arrive where we are today; how did we arrive where we are today? Many struggles, many fights, many of our comrades were jailed and imprisoned and we must pay homage to each and every one of those comrades that stood up in the past solidly behind this party,” he stated. (Guyana Times)

TT: PNM plans for regional corporations

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he People’s N a t i o n a l Movement (PNM) has put together individual manifestos for all 14 regional corporations ahead of the October 21 Local Government election in Trinidad and Tobago.

The benefits of this were presented to party supporters on Saturday evening by senior party member and Diego Martin North East MP, Colm Imbert, during a meeting at the intersection of Bournes Road and Church Street, St James, Trinidad.

“Each corporation would have an executive council, similar to Cabinet, to ensure goods and services are delivered to (burgesses) in a cost-effective manner. If we have to amend the law to give regional corporations more autonomy, we will do so.”

Noting that corporations often have to wait on the Ministry of Local Government to dispense funding for projects, Imbert said if the PNM wins the election, “the

PLANS: Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert holds a copy of one of the 14 PNM manifestos the party has prepared for the local government elections.

first thing we will do is give the corporations a dedicated source of funding. Similar to how the THA (Tobago House of Assembly) gets money in blocks every quarter from the ministry of finance, regional corporations would no longer have to beg for funding.”

Another way the PNM plans to provide

regional corporations with funding is by allowing them to “keep some of the money from taxes and revenues collected within their boundaries. This would allow them to start projects in the dry season, rather than waiting on central government to give them money,” Imbert told supporters. (TT Newsday)

news

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week ending October 10, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

‘Making Caribbean Water rates up in Jamaica Agriculture Climate Smart’ T book launched in Guyana

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wo leading agricultural organisations have launched a book on agriculture in a climatechange Caribbean environment, as a leading agriculturalist warned that global climate change is one of the most serious threats to sustainable development in the region.

The publication, “Making Caribbean Agriculture Climate Smart”, was launched during the Joint Technical Opening of Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) on Sunday.

The book was produced by the Europeanbased Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), two of the major partners in CWA. CARDI executive director, Dr. Arlington D. Chesney, who presented a copy of the publication to Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, said the book is “a fitting output of the work we have been doing over the last three years on improving policy framework for developing climate change resilient systems in the Caribbean”.

He said that the publication presents a detailed analysis of a new climate smart agriculture.

It also provides information on the working of global climate change systems, factors that are changing the global climate, and indication and impacts of climate change.

Dr. Arlington Chesney, Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

The book also shares information on how climate change is threatening agriculture and food production systems, the various solutions and response options to deal with climate change and agriculture and how CARDI is working with its partners to build a new climate smart agriculture.

Chesney thanked CTA for its support and member state for “walking with CARDI in this new and uncharted maze”.

Chesney explained that global climate change was one of the most serious threats to sustainable development facing CARICOM states.

He said that although CARICOM states contribute “negligible” to green house gas emissions, the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change has projected devastating impacts for the region.

The significance of climate change threat and the urgent need for

response were emphasised in the CARICOM heads of Government Liliendaal Declaration on Climate Change in 2009, Chesney said.

“If Caribbean countries fail to adapt, they are likely to take direct and substantial economic hits to their most important industrial sectors.

“One such important sector which is highly climate sensitive is agriculture. The region’s agriculture sector, already besieged by international economic threats, will find it difficult adapting to the impacts of climate change.

This emphasises the need and urgency for actions aimed at developing climate smart agriculture,” Chesney said, adding that agriculture was on the frontline of climate change impacts and solutions.

“Food production systems, in particular, are expected to face devastating impacts from increasing temperatures and variable rainfall patterns, more extreme weather events, rising sea levels with salt water intrusion and increased incidents of pests.

“Therefore, it is critical to have a better understanding of how such impacts will affect agricultural productivity and food production,” Chesney said.

He said that making the agricultural and food production system and practice more resilient is challenging the paradigm of climate change, which will be essential for food and nutrition security.

(Antigua Observer)

he Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) Monday revealed that it has granted the National Water Commission (NWC) increases of 18 percent on potable water and 13 percent on sewage water provided by the commission.

The new rates became effective last week Thursday, four days before the OUR made the announcement. The regulator said the new tariff regime will remain in effect until 2018. Water rates were last increased by 23 percent in 2008.

The OUR, in its release Monday, claimed that the increases were in response to a request from the NWC for a 19 percent increase. However, the NWC had requested only a 12 percent increase on its basic rate, although it also sought adjustments to its X-Factor efficiency gains calculations.

The X-Factor calculations are based on increased efficiency by the NWC after implementing projects finances by the K-Factor. The K-Factor is a charge on customers' bills to finance projects to improve efficiency, including reducing the NWC's 68 percent loss from nonrevenue water.

The OUR said that it has introduced new standards, with the new increases, to protect NWC customers, reduce the K-Factor charge on bills by 13 percent from the current 27 percent, while allowing for the increases in potable and sewage water rates.

The OUR noted that it has begun the process of separating rates for potable water and sewerage services. The bill impact of the adjustments will be overall increases of 13 percent on accounts which reflect water and sewerage charges and 18 percent on accounts which do not pay for sewerage services.

The K-Factor, which appears on customers' bills as a percentage charge, was reduced from 27 percent to 14 percent. The K-factor is an OURdetermined mechanism for the NWC to fund approved capital projects to improve service to customers.

"The OUR has expressed disappointment with the recorded gains from the K-Factor to date, and mandated the NWC to comply with a reporting regime on the gains achieved in respect of reductions in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and energy savings," the release said.

"The OUR has also indicated that it

will commission a comprehensive audit of the programme, and has reserved the right to amend the tariff mid-schedule, contingent on the result of said audit," the regulatory agency added.

In an effort to encourage the NWC to operate more efficiently in delivering quality service, new guaranteed standards were also applied and changes made to some existing ones.

The OUR has also decided to make the following changes: reduce the time

within which the NWC is allowed to verify, repair or replace faulty meters after the defect is identified, from 30 to 20 working days; separate the acknowledgement of customers' written complaints from the investigation of the complaints into two distinct standards.

This means that consumers can now get compensation when the NWC does not acknowledge their written complaints and does not complete the investigation within the specified 30 working days.

Additionally, the OUR said that the NWC is to provide the customer with an update within the specified 30 working days, should the investigation not be completed within that period.

There are also adjustments in regard to defining all the instances in which a disconnection is deemed to be wrongful.

In June, during the sectoral debate, Jamaica’s minister of water, land, environment, and climate change, Robert Pickersgill, said that the tariff submission was based mainly on the NWC's efforts to expand and improve the provision of potable water and sewerage services to the Jamaican people.

(Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending October 10, 2013

Prominent Guyanese businessman Norman Sue passes on in Toronto

By Ravendra Madholall

P

r o m i n e n t Guyanese businessman Norman Sue passed away on Monday morning at North York Hospital in Markham, Scarborough due to cancer.

He was 66 and according to his eldest daughter Kim Sue, he had been bed-ridden for a quite a while before he died.

Norman owned a Bakery Shop in Scarborough over the past two decades. He migrated to Canada in 1971. He had lived in

Georgetown before he moved across to Linden then North America.

Kim Sue in a statement expressed profound grief and also mentioned it was shocking news.

“We [are] saddened by his passing; we know he was ill but I think he has gone too early; however, he was a great father and a role model to many people and very helpful to communities and sports,” a tearful Kim related.

Born on August 5, 1947, Norman and his wife Lynette had five children namely

Kim, Natasha, Nadia, Nashenka and Norman Junior. Kim further revealed he will be sadly missed in the business and sporting fraternity, since he was always an ardent supporter.

M e a n w h i l e , Honourable Consul General to Toronto for Guyana Sattie Sawh in a press release expressed sadness of Norman’s passing.

“It is with deep sadness that we learnt of Norman Sue’s passing; he was a strong supporter of our community and of community events here in Toronto,

so please join us in expressing our deepest condolences to the Sue’s family on their loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this most difficult time,” Sawh related.

Viewing of the body of Norman Sue will take place on Wednesday and Friday from 18:00hrs to 21:00hrs at the Highland Funeral Home in Markham, while the funeral service is set for Saturday, October 12 at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church from 11 am and Repas at Twilight Restaurant in Scarborough.

Norman Sue and his wife Lynette Sue in happier times

Message from the High Commissioner for Guyana Ottawa, Canada

Message from the Consulate General of the Republic of Guyana

A profound sense of loss followed the news of the passing of a true Guyanese patriot, Mr. Norman Augustus Sue-Kam-Ling.

Norman Sue, as he was known to all, not only among the Guyanese diaspora In Canada, but throughout the Caribbean communities and even further afield, was indeed a pioneer in the bread and pastry business. Norman brought Guyana and the Caribbean to Toronto, and persons visiting Toronto from other parts of Canada, would often visit Norman's establishment before returning from wherever they came, to ensure that they stocked up on his distinct flavours.

Norman Sue was always visible in any activity with a Guyanese and/ or Caribbean touch, and my personal experience is that he readily contributed to all such causes, without reservations, and whenever asked.

On behalf of Guyanese in Canada, the Government and people of Guyana, sincere condolences are extended to his widow, children, grandchildren and the entire Sue family.

May Norman's soul rest in eternal peace.

It is with deep regret that the Consulate General of Guyana in Toronto marks the passing of Mr. Norman Sue, a stalwart of the Guyanese Community in Toronto and a prominent businessman in the West Indian community in the Greater Toronto Area. Mr. Sue's name has become synonymous with a high quality of service to the public, and has also become closely associated with communitybased measures to support and promote Guyana and Guyanese in Toronto.

The entire community has been affected by this loss, and joins his bereaved family in mourning at this sad time. While grief and sadness prevail at this moment, the legacy of Norman Sue is undoubtedly strong thanks to his business and exceptional family, in addition to the years of service he has given to the community through a spirit of generosity that touched all with whom he came into contact.

On behalf of the Government of Guyana, the people of Guyana, and generations of Guyanese Canadians that have come to know and appreciate the widespread influence of this late patriot, the Guyana Consulate in Toronto expresses its most profound sympathy to the family, friends and staff of Mr. Norman Sue. Our community is forever indebted to this pioneer of Guyanese culture and heritage.

Harry Narine Nawbatt, High Commissioner of Guyana Ottawa, Canada

Grand challenges Canada to provide C$250,000 to Guyana Help The Kids.

I

n her address to the gathering Ms. Dominique McMahon, Associate Program Officer, Grand Challenges Canada explained her role and participation

in Guyana Help The Kids. Acting as the liaison between GHTK and Grand Challenge Canada, Ms. McMahon said that she was extremely pleased to announce that Guyana

has successfully met and exceeded all of the conditions necessary to secure the grant of C$250,000 over a three years period. However there is one condition that has to be met and

From left: Mr. Dhaman Kissoon, Mr. Navin Kissoon, Dr. Julie Johnstone and Dr Narendra Singh.

that is matching funds has to be provided by GHTK. Fortunately for GHTK, Mr. Dax Sukraj Chairman of Keybase Financial Group, and Platinum Sponsor of the GHTK fundraising event volunteered his time to help organize fund raising events and along with Dr. Narendra Daljit and Dr. Narendra Singh will be calling on the

Guyanese Diaspora to for their support to help raise matching funds of C$85,000 annually for the next three years.

To help kick start the funds donation drive, prominent Toronto lawyer Dhaman Kissoon of Kissoon & Associates handed over a check for $15,000 to GHTK. The Brampton Flower City Rotary Club continued their traditional annual donation of C$2,500.

Also attending this very impressive fund raising event was the Hon. Sattie Sawh, Consul General of Guyana and High Commissioner Mr. Harry Narine Nawbatt.

In her brief address Ms. Sawh thanked the organizers and participants of the charity for the invaluable work they are doing to help elevate the level of pediatric health care in Guyana.

News

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week ending October 10, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana, Barbados to implement Chinese company to build student, teacher exchange programme thousands of middle-

G

uyana and Barbados are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of fisheries, education, investment, civil aviation, transport, tourism/ hospitality and agriculture in the next few months. One of the agreements being finalised by the two countries will see the issuance of a joint fisheries licence for fishers of the two countries operating in the area that overlap their maritime boundaries.

This was disclosed by Barbados Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Maxine McClean and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett after the completion of the second session of the Guyana-Barbados Joint Commission meeting last Friday.

Scholarships

With regard to education, five Barbadian students will benefit from scholarships to the Guyana School of Agriculture while Guyana will receive help from Barbados in pork production and rearing of Black Belly sheep.

Guyanese hydromet officers will be attached to the Barbados Hydromet Office since Rodrigues-

income houses in Grenada

S Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Barbados' Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Maxine McClean

Birkett noted that Barbados has more experience in this area.

The two countries will also move to twin schools in Barbados and Guyana by offering exchange programmes for both teachers and students.

“We will like from a very young age our student learning more about the Caribbean, Caricom, and their neighbours… within the next year, we are hoping to have our first visit,” she said.

Guyana will soon employ a flight operation inspector who will receive addition training in Barbados.

Meanwhile, with respect to tourism and hospitality, Senator Maxine McClean noted that given her country’s long involvement in the sector, there are a number of areas

where collaborations are possible.

“There is the intention to conclude a Memorandum of Understand ( MoU) which should give an indication of how we can collaborate between our countries,” McClean said.

She said too that the two countries will so be twinning their destinations for prospective and repeat visitors.

On this note, McClean stated that Barbados has air connections, and Guyana can tap into this area.

Barbados will be offering training in the tourism sector, and being aware that Guyana is seeking to establish a hospitality institute, McClean said her country can also share its experiences in this regard.

(Guyana Times)

T. GEORGE’S, Grenada– Grenada has signed an agreement with a Chinese company for the construction of over 2,000 middle-income housing units over the next five years.

Social Development and Housing Minister Delma Thomas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese real estate, construction and development company, Gao Zhen.

“Today’s signing signifies that we are taking a step in the next direction to assist middle-income earners in having their own homes,” Thomas said, adding “we are happy to sign this agreement and look forward to seeing the construction phase begin, as we strive to provide housing for persons in the middle-income bracket”.

Gao Zhen, which proposes to construct high quality, storm and earthquake-safe, affordable houses in Grenada on a build and transfer ba-

Chinese construction company Gao Zhen will construct over 2000 middle-income homes in Grenada without any capital input from the Grenada government

sis, commits to the construction of a minimum of 500 units in the first year and an additional 500 units for the next five years, without any capital input from the Grenada government or the Housing Authority of Grenada.

“We’ll do our best to support the government to providing the best quality, affordable houses possible. Our government supports us and I can assure you that we will do good things in Grenada. We have a great team to do this,” said the company’s chief

executive officer, Wuyan Shen.

Thomas said that the government is also holding talks with Gao Zhen regarding a collaboration for provision of housing units for lowerincome owners.

“We are committed to working with Gao Zhen to bring that benefit to people who are in need of housing assistance at this time.”

Construction work on the first 500 middleincome housing units are expected to begin by January 2014. (Antigua Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending October 10, 2013

Swine Flu vaccines distributed to TT hospitals

A

pproximately 15,000 Swine Flu vaccines have been already distributed to hospitals and health centres across Trinidad and Tobago.

Some 60,000 vaccinations were ordered by the Ministry of Health, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said on Sunday.

The minister said the majority of the population did not require vaccination and should instead practice standard infection control to curb the spread of the virus.

In a telephone interview with TT Newsday on Sunday, Khan reiterated that there was no need to panic, as the majority of vaccines were only needed by those persons who were

deemed to be “high risk” and pointed out that the patient who had died at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH), due to complications arising out of the Swine Flu infection had already been diagnosed with a chronic lung infection.

Khan said San Fernando possessed the highest incidence of cases and advised “those persons deemed to be high risk should visit the nearest health centre as the health officers are the ones who are giving the vaccines, not the actual hospital, the hospitals are there for emergency treatment if necessary.”

While there was “no rush” for vaccines, Khan

TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan

pointed out that “the best thing right now is social distancing” such as the washing hands

with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70 percent

alcohol, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Meanwhile, SFGH medical director, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, confirmed that the hospital had received a batch of vaccines on Friday evening and no new cases had been reported by medical staff.

“Everything is normal; I have not been informed of any new cases so there is no need to panic. Everything is under control,” Chatoorgoon said.

M e a n w h i l e , Education Minister, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, in a telephone interview on Sunday, said he had already assigned the ministry’s chief education officer, together with the permanent secre-

tary and other officers to meet with the Health Ministry’s officers to “make recommendations” regarding the nation’s school children and prevention awareness programmes.

Symptoms of the Influenza virus include a sudden high fever (over 38°C or 100°F), sore throat runny or stuffy nose, coughing, headache, body aches and fatigue.

The ministry stated that persons experiencing “Influenza-like symptoms and any signs of faintness, weakness or breathing difficulty should go immediately to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room for management.”

(TT Newsday)

Sliding Jamaican dollar will drive inflation, say experts

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evaluation of the Jamaican dollar will result in an increase in inflation for a number of reasons, says Dr Howard Haughton, managing director of Holistic Risk Solutions and adjunct professor of finance at the University of Technology.

The exchange rate hit US$1 to J$104.15 up to Monday, and Haughton said merchants would push up prices, adding, "So much of what we eat and use is in US dollars."

Haughton said the devaluation would also "contribute towards unemployment, which, at 16.3 percent, is at a 10year high." He said that a natural place for making cuts was the non-essential staff.

"We can speculate that, ultimately, the gov-

the banks have put restrictions on the amount of US dollars people can take out at any one time, saying that was, in effect, monetary control or exchange control.

What to export?

Financial analyst and CEO of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Dennis Chung

ernment strategy does not appear to be working, as (if it were working) the result would be a fall in unemployment," he argued. "Privatesector bodies are mistrustful of government, and people are looking to sell Jamaican dollars and buy US dollars."

He also noted that

On the argument of devaluation promoting exports, Haughton asked, "But what do we have to export?"

He said that Jamaica needs to have not only "a diversity of products to export, but also have products from Jamaica that other countries want to acquire".

Financial analyst and CEO of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Dennis Chung, said devaluation would drive inflation but may also lead to a contraction of the economy.

"If companies can't increase prices, then you can get a contraction in economic activity," Chung said.

While not speaking specifically to job losses, he said the economy would see a reduction in both services and manufacturing "because it makes no sense to produce at a loss".

Noting that "the government has had no choice but to reduce fis-

cal spending," he said there had been a reduction in confidence.

Government of Jamaica paper is no longer a "sought-after" investment, he said, adding, "People are now going more into US$ investments."

He noted that in August, the government received Ja$5 billion less in revenue than it had projected.

"This tells us what is

happening in the economy."

But even with the dollar hitting US$1 to J$104.15, there is some hope for improvement, particularly with tax reform, depending on "how it happens," Chung said.

He said that "business-friendly" reform could result in "people getting back into real investments". (Jamaica Gleaner)

Caribbean Airlines reviewing fare status for Guyana route

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aribbean Airline Limited (CAL) Airport Manager Carl Stuart said CAL is still in the process of reviewing its airfares to offer customers more choices.

“We have been reviewing fare status and we will be offering more choices and much more comparable fare than any other carriers that fly into this part of the region,” he added.

Meanwhile Stuart said the recent move by the Trinidad and Tobago government to cut the airline’s fuel subvention will not affect the company’s operations. He expressed the view in a recent interview with Guyana

Times, in which he pointed that the airline is striving for efficiency and effectiveness at all level of its operations.

According to Stuart, CAL’s chief executive officer and chairman recently met with officials in Guyana and one of the company’s plans is to come up with a strategy that can sustain the airline at all ends.

He also contended that the airline’s operations will not be affected by the recent decision taken by the U. S. Department of Transport to stop CAL’s local carries from having direct flights from Guyana to the U. S. The company also of-

fers flights twice daily to the Caribbean, London and Toronto.

“It’s not that they are not in favour, but pertaining to our operations, Caribbean Airlines schedule has not been affected and will continue to have regular flights out of Guyana,” Stuart said.

He said CAL is not threatened by new airlines operating in Guyana, but focuses on offering comparable fares to other airlines.

“CAL welcomes competition… We serve a common interest, our fare status is unique and one that most of our competition will attempt to match,” he said. (Guyana Times)

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Cuba, Barbados pay homage Shot down Amaila a lost opportunity for to 1976 bombing victims Guyana – Jagdeo

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RIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados and Cuba have paid homage to the victims of the 1976 bombing of a Cubana Airlines jet off the coast of Barbados that killed all 73 people on board, lamenting the fact that the masterminds of the attack were never convicted.

Cuba’s Ambassador to Barbados, Lisette Perez Perez, told the wreath laying ceremony on Sunday that what happened to the Cubana passenger plane on October 6, 1976 was not an isolated incident.

“The cruelty of a 50-year war of terror against Cuba is abhorrent. Since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, terrorists have murdered 3,478 Cubans and incapacitated 2,099 others.”

She said that the masterminds behind of the attack, Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles were never convicted for this criminal act.

“Bosch passed away peacefully in Miami, where he lived in complete freedom (and) impunity, after being granted presidential pardon by (President) George Bush, which was negotiated by the Cuban farright wing. A similar treatment was given to the other perpetrator of this abominable crime.

Carriles was neither charged nor prosecuted in the United States,” she said.

The Cuban diplomat thanked Barbados for its support saying “there is a history of injustice in the

F

Barbados’ Labour and Human Resource Development Minister Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo (third left) joins Cuban Ambassador Lisette Perez Perez (second left) at the Cubana monument.

waters of Paradise Beach in Barbados.

“The cold–blooded murder of the people on board that passenger plane was a crime against them, their families, and their countries. It was also a crime against Barbados and its people,” she added.

Barbados’ Labour and Human Resource Development Minister, Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, said that while 37 years have passed, the memory of the tragedy remains etched in everyone’s minds.

“We continue to remember those who were lost and we continue to call for justice. I reaffirm that the government of Barbados stands in solidarity with all of you and against acts of terrorism and injustice whenever and wherever they occur.

The monument remains a telling symbol that we who were touched by this tragedy will never forget it, as we remember those who we mourn today,” she said.

The Douglas DC-8 aircraft was brought

St. Lucia cops not worried about sanctions

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he St Lucia police say they are not overly perturbed at possible United States (US) sanctions over alleged humanrights abuses and have been focusing on reducing criminal activities on the island.

"I have generally said my piece on the US sanctions. This remains a very contentious issue, but we have been keen on doing our work notwithstanding the pressures.

"We have achieved a great degree of success and I want to thank them for their contribution in terms of making St Lucia a safer place,"

Police Commissioner Vernon Francois told a news conference.

Washington has suspended all assistance to the Royal St Lucia Police Force for reasons Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony said were connected to the 12 killings by police in 2011 during an anti-crime offensive code named ‘Operation Restore Confidence’.

Anthony said the sanctions had been applied under the Leahy Law which forbids US assistance to the security forces if the secretary of State has credible information of gross human right violations.

(CMC)

down on October 6, 1976 in a terrorist attack off the coast of Barbados, in what was then described as the deadliest terrorist airline attack in the Western Hemisphere.

The US Central Intelligence Agency, in documents released in 2005, indicated that it had “concrete advance intelligence, as early as June 1976, on plans by Cuban exile terrorist groups to bomb a Cubana airliner”.

In his book, “Caminos del Guerrero” (Way of the Warrior), Carriles, a former CIA operative provides much details about the bombing, even as he denied any involvement.

Four men were arrested in connection with the bombing, and a trial was held in Venezuela.

Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano were each sentenced to 20year prison terms.

Bosch was acquitted and Carriles fled to the US where he was held on charges of entering the country illegally, but was released on April 19, 2007. (Jamaica Observer)

ormer Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo said the Amaila Falls project is a lost opportunity that Guyana could regret, if it does not materialise.

Jagdeo expressed the sentiment while noting the economic benefits that would have been derived out of that major investment.

He was at the time addressing a forum at the International Conference Centre where stakeholders from the private sector gathered to discuss critical economic issues.

Jagdeo debunked claims that the project is not feasible, stating that the contingent liability for the project was just a guarantee, just in case the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) could not make their payments.

The move not to approve this, he said, killed the project.

When the project was promised in 1978, the decision was split on whether to approve a minimum wage of Gy$ 14 or to develop the hydro project.

Neither came through, but Guyana spent then US$ 300 million and had to pay it back.

The value of that money would have been over $ 2 billion in today’s Guyana dollars.

The former Guyanese leader said Guyana paid back the loan without getting a single kilowatt of power, but noted that Amaila was the closest to realising the hydro dream.

Former President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo stressed that this project would have been ideal for taking Guyana into the 21st century, as it tries to meet the challenges of the global economy and the rapid economic changes that are taking place.

He stated that money for investment will not always be available and government has recognised the need for foreign capital to create growth, income and employment, hence, the reason for foreign investment.

“What pains me is over the past weeks, we have made through ignorance and partisanship a decision that has impacted on the largest private investment in the country – hydro power,” he said.

On that note, Jagdeo said there is a need for a change in the nature of politics in Guyana and said economic development will never take

place in the hostile political environment that exists now.

The US$ 840 million hydro project involves the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of west central Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong rivers meet. Electricity produced at the plant would have been delivered to Georgetown, and Linden, by transmission lines.

The project, once completed, will result in significant foreign exchange savings and a regular supply of inexpensive, reliable electricity for Guyanese.

The project is a fundamental component of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, and will significantly lower the nation’s carbon footprint while reducing its long-term energy costs and exposure to imported oil price volatility. (Guyana Times)

16 News New road user campaign to reduce accidents in Jamaica T www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending October 10, 2013

he Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing in Jamaica is renewing efforts to influence behaviour change among road users islandwide, particularly motorists, through its current public education campaign.

Themed 'Walk, Ride and Drive for Life', the initiative -- which is being spearheaded by the ministry's Road Safety Unit -- aims to further heighten awareness among road users of the need to exercise greater caution and care when traversing the nation's thoroughfares, as the authorities endeavour to keep fatalities below the 300 mark.

Statistics show that upwards of 200 people have died from more than 190 traffic accidents since January.

Mindful of the significant losses, dislocation, and inconvenience resulting from these tragedies, the ministry, in partnership with a number of key private and State agencies and stakeholders, has moved to initiate the programme, which should not only be effective in capturing the public's attention, but will successfully curb errant behaviour on

A multi-vehicle crash in Jamaica

the roads, thus reducing crashes and fatalities.

Speaking at the recent campaign launch at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew, minister without portfolio in the Transport Ministry Dr Morais Guy stressed that the need for action to improve road safety is most critical and crucial at this time, as the spate of accidents only serve to hinder the country's growth and development.

"Billions are expended on police resources to deter bad road behaviour and to respond to, and

investigate cases after accidents. Billions are [also] used to equip hospitals to handle emergency cases and dispense medication, and it costs insurance companies billions in payouts resulting from many avoidable mishaps," the minister said.

Dr Guy pointed to World Bank statistics which indicate that over 1.3 million people die in road accidents globally, each year. Of significance, he noted, is that over 70 percent of those fatalities occur in developing countries, like Jamaica.

The minister explained that through the latest campaign, Jamaica is playing its role in the push to reduce road deaths and, by extension, protect the wellbeing of the nation.

In her remarks, permanent secretary in the ministry Audrey Sewell lamented the loss of lives, and voiced particular concern that children and the elderly comprise approximately 25 per-

cent of the fatalities recorded so far this year.

"This [campaign] might not be a panacea for all the ills of our road situation, but if we can [promote] road safety... through the positive messages we intend to send, then we will go a far way at curbing the negative behaviour out there," she said, adding that each person has a part to play.

M e a n w h i l e ,

Education Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites voiced concern about existing and potential perils facing the nearly 700,000 children commuting to school daily, and stressed that "any campaign to improve road safety must, in fact, begin with them and special care must be offered to them".

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds, pledged the Jamaica Constabulary Force's commitment to doubling their efforts to ensure that errant road users are brought to book. He also urged the public to play their part to reduce the carnage.

The ministry's campaign includes a series of road shows to be rolled out over the next three months and incorporates entertainment from several local popular entertainers.

This includes Voicemail, Tanya Stephens, Roy Rayon and media personality Jennifer 'Jenni Jenni' Small. (Jamaica Observer)

TT and Panama to benefit from Partial Scope Trade Agreement

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rinidad and Tobago stands to benefit from close to 250 products and commodities from Panama with this country’s signing of the Partial Scope Trade Agreement, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said Sunday.

Speaking during a news conference at the Piarco Internatioinal Airport shortly after her arrival from the Seventh Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) in Panama, Persad-Bissessar said the agreement would offer an alternative to the problem of high food prices.

“It is a way of exploring markets for food in Trinidad and Tobago,” she told reporters.

She said items up for consideration include chilled meats, salt, pepper and fresh meat. TT, in turn, would also export some 230 commodities to Panama.

The Partial Scope Trade Agreement provides the preferential treatment that TT exporters will enjoy in the Panamanian market and the reciprocal treatment that Panamanian exporters will receive in the Trinidadian market.

Flanked by ministers Winston Dookeran, Dr Roodal Moonilal and Ambassador Mervyn

Roberto Henriquez, Minister of the Presidency of Panama, presents a gift to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC,during the closing stages of the VII Americas Competitiveness Forum in Panama City

Assam, the Prime Minister said Trinidad’s delegation had also held talks on Friday with officials at COPA with a view to interlining with the Panamanian airline.

“Trinidad and Tobago could be used as hub for London and Latin America,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said they were also examining the possibility of COPA buying jet fuel from Trinidad, thus bringing in revenue for the country.

Saying that the next ACF will take place in October 2014, PersadBissessar said Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie has been appointed “lead entity”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran said the forum and the signing of the agreement demonstrated that competitiveness is the basis of real economic development.

“It created a more resilient economic platform in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said He said the forum also provided an opportunity for the private sector throughout the Caribbean to develop a strategy for competitiveness within the region.

“It was a new directional thrust in competitiveness and Caribbean economic convergence,” he said. (TT Newsday)

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Jamaican lawmakers give nod to decriminalisation of ganja

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awmakers on Tuesday gave the nod to a private member's motion calling for the decriminalisation of ganja in Jamaica, following two weeks of rigorous debate which saw members on the government side split on the issue.

Despite sharp divisions among members of parliament (MP) on the controversial issue, at the end of Tuesday's debate, the motion was passed without a voice of dissent.

Contributing to the debate, Central St James MP Lloyd B. Smith came down on the side of decriminalising the weed but cautioned about the implementation of any

such proposed legislation.

Smith suggested that an extensive public education exercise accompany the implementation of proposed ganja law.

"I don't know if members of this House are aware that there are different types of ‘spliffs’.

You have ‘sensi’, you have ‘low grade’, you have ‘high grade’, and you have ‘in-between

grade’," Smith shared with colleagues.

The MP, who is also Deputy Speaker, noted that anecdotal evidence suggests that "the seasoned spliff can have deleterious consequences on the mental acuity of an individual".

North East St Elizabeth MP Raymond Pryce, who moved the motion, said that if legislation is passed to decriminalise the use of a small portion of ganja, it would not give rise to a "free-for-all regime".

He suggested that the legislation governing a ban on smoking cigarettes in public spaces could be widened to also include ganja. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Commemorative coins launched in Guyana

Deputy Bank of Guyana Governor Dr Gobind Ganga; Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; coin designers Courtney Douglas and Adrian Juman; Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony; and junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill display the commemorative coins they were presented with on Friday at the launch

T

he Bank of Guyana, in collaboration with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, last Friday launched two commemorative coins in honour of the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion and the 175th anniversary of Indian Immigration to Guyana.

The ceremony took place at the Bank of Guyana with government ministers, bank stakeholders, and representatives of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) and the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT), among other dignitaries, in attendance.

‘The 1763 Slave Revolt’ and the ‘1838 Indian Arrival’ are the names of the two commemorative coins.

Commenting on the significance of the coins, the country’s Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the items serve as a good reminder for current and future generations of the importance of their past.

“The coin is a good reminder of the resistance that our ancestors put

up, they didn’t just accept the conditions under which they laboured, but they also tried to resist the horrors of the slavery system that was imposed upon them,” he said.

He added that the arrival of the Indian indentured immigrants is also “significant, because we would have seen over the period of indentureship that close to 500,000 persons would have come and some re-migrated back to India, but again the conditions of indentureship, while we cannot equate it with slavery, was one which was equally horrendous”.

Dr Anthony highlighted that the anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion was also recognised via a book launch, lecture series, and exhibitions at the National Museum, while the Indian immigration anniversary was observed with the construction of a stage at the Monument Gardens and the erection of a monument that is a replica of the Whitby.

He added that his ministry was pleased to have gained the assistance of the Bank of

Guyana, which acted upon its request to produce the coins.

The culture minister said the bank has collaborated with the ministry to produce coins in 2007 for the establishment of the Guyana National Stadium and for Carifesta X in 2008.

Vision and strength

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, while echoing similar sentiments, said such historic events go to the core of making the country into what it is currently.

“Those who struggled and gave their lives and those who demonstrated vision and strength and fortitude, those who, in whichever, contributed to the achievements in that we might take for granted today – their sacrifices must always be celebrated and saluted. To them, indeed, we owe immeasurable and eternal debts,” Dr Singh said.

He also stated that the coins were not only commissioned to mark significant events but to contribute to the documentation of the country’s history. (Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending October 10, 2013

Sookram named among ‘Famous People of Guyanese Heritage’ living abroad

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arine Dat Sookram, who was recently named one of the most “Famous People of Guyanese Heritage” living abroad, is a social activist, radio host, community builder and an author for the book, “The Teenage Years”. He is the recipient of over 100 awards/ recognitions, some of which include: World of Difference 100 Award, 2013; Who’s Who in the World, 2013; The Canadian Encyclopaedia Inclusion 2013; The Caring Canadian Award 2013; Canada’s Top 25 Immigrant Award, 2013 (the only Guyanese to receive this nationwide award this year) and many more.

He is now among some of the most famous faces like pop singer superstar Rihanna and Dr Deborah Persaud, who heads the research team that made headlines around the world with curing a baby of the

AIDS virus.

Narine gained fame through his community radio show “Caribbean Spice Radio”, the only programme on 100.3 Sound FM to win the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Caribbean Music and Favourite World Music. The show airs live every Sunday from 19: 30-20: 30h on 100.3 FM on the dial, 946 on Rogers TV and worldwide on www. soundfm.ca.

The Guyanese native who grew up in a small village close to the Number 63 Beach in Berbice, Guyana, is also known for producing the “Caribbean Dreams” concert in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, where new and young artistes get the opportunity to showcase their talent through the performing arts.

Since the inception of the show, many artistes have gone on to perform professionally,

Narine Dat Sookram

all because of Narine’s effort. He has become a cultural icon and has received the prestigious Denny Statue – A Waterloo Region Arts Award in the open category, making him the only Guyanese to date to win in that category.

Narine is more known for his philanthropic work through his non-profit organisation ACTIVE VISION Charity Association

Grenada to hold referendum

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he Grenada government says it intends to hold a national referendum for a new constitution next year.

Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenada, delivering the traditional Throne Speech at the start of a new session of Parliament, said Grenada, which obtained its political independence from Britain in 1974, would turn 40 next year.

“Forty years signify growing maturity and

Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenada

a coming of age. It is therefore right and proper that our nation considers the type of constitution that should guide our development for the next 40 years and be-

yond,” she told legislators.

“Accordingly, my government, in our Nation’s 40th anniversary of Independence, will put to the people, a referendum on a new Constitution for Grenada. The matters for contemplation and decision will include the structure and composition of our Parliament, accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice as Grenada’s final Appellate Court and other relevant issues,” she said. (CMC)

(www. activevisioncharity.com), where the purpose is to assist in providing schools in Guyana with textbooks and other school supplies, providing the opportunity for a better education.

Leader

Narine has a passion for social service work where he plays a lead role at Opportunities Waterloo Region as an education outreach coor-

dinator, mobilising solutions to poverty, specifically targeting families with children to empower them to take the first step of free funding available to them from the government of Canada for their postsecondary education.

Narine believes that the youths are the pillars of tomorrow.

His mentorship role includes mentoring internationally-trained professionals and empowering business women to become self-sufficient worldwide.

It was for that reason he received the World of Difference100 Award, 2013 by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), which will be presented to him in Washington DC, U. S. at the Canadian embassy.

Each year, the TIAW World of Difference 100 Award recognises women and men who have advanced the economic

empowerment of women, whether on a small scale in the developing world, or effecting change in the boardrooms of the business capitals of the world.

Established in 2008, the TIAW World of Difference 100 Award has garnered worldwide attention for the high calibre of achievement and change leadership demonstrated by its recipients.

The awards celebrate the inspiring, courageous, tenacious and creative achievements of the extraordinary champions of women’s economic advancement, and of course, Narine excels with those qualities.

He has become a role model both locally and internationally and has continued to make Guyana and his fans around the world proud.

He is very deserving of the “Famous People of Guyanese Heritage” inclusion. (Guyana Times)

Guyana’s City Hall among 67 world monuments at risk

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he rickety City Hall building in Guyana has been listed among 67 monument sites at risk from the forces of nature and the impact of social, political, and economic change.

World Monuments Fund (WMF) President Bonnie Burnham announced the 2014 World Monuments Watch, presenting a diverse group of cultural heritage sites. The 2014 Watch features 67 sites in 41 countries and territories, dating from prehistory to the twentieth century. It includes both the famous Venice, Italy and the little-known

Pokfulam Village, Hong Kong, China; the urban Yangon Historic Centre, Myanmar and the remote Gran Pajatén, in Peru; the ancient irrigated terraces of Battir, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the modern Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, in St Louis, Missouri, USA.

Restoration plan

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has been on a drive to get funding to restore the building, and back in April, a team of architects from North America and the Caribbean had visited to lend their expertise to aid in the restoration. The City Hall was

completed in 1889. Its architecture is described as Danube Gothic in timber, largely due to its stylised tower, with wrought iron crenellations at the very apex.

City Hall has been hosting consultations with national and international organisations since the commencement of the year to secure their support in the restoration process.

Spearheading the restoration project is a committee comprising members of the commercial sector and not the council. The committee is managing the financial affairs of the project to guarantee transparency.

(Guyana Times)

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TT govt needs more women in top positions – Warner I

ndependent Liberal Party (ILP) interim political leader Jack Warner Sunday donned his feminist cap, championing the promotion of women and criticising the government’s inability to appoint women to more positions of power.

“This government, which promised so much for our women, has become the greatest disappointment for female growth and development in our country…we find the presence of women less and less in positions of power in Trinidad and Tobago and this, under our first female Prime Minister (Kamla PersadBissessar). No female Prime Minister would stunt the growth of women the way in which this government has expelled them from seats of power,” Warner admonished during an ILP rally at the Arima Borough

Corporation car park, Arima.

He said the perception of the “cabal” was to see women as weak and to disrespect them.

“Some are known to have historically abused women and continue to do so at the work place, so I am not laying the disappearance of women from within our leadership structure at the feet of our Prime Minister but rather on the narrow shoulders of a patriarchal and chauvinistic cabal whose actions show the greatest of disrespect to our women,” Warner said.

He noted that out of the 12 senators appointed by the government, only one is a woman, Marlene Coudray.

Out of a Cabinet of 34, he said, only three, including PersadBissessar, are women.

He added that it was

Leader of the ILP Jack Warner

not only in Cabinet that women were marginalised, but also in ambassadorial appointments, with four out of 14 ambassadors being women.

“Tell me if there is not a concerted effort to keep women below the feet of men in positions of servanthood rather than leadership… I can

tell you without fear of contradiction that the only reason why women are being denied access to seats of power is because they are less corrupt than men. So I am begging the prime minister for once to stand up against the cabal and make women equal in our society,” Warner

said.

He then urged women to join the ILP, vote and “stand up in support of yourself”.

Warner said, like he did for the Chaguanas West by-election, that he had no intention of personally attacking PersadBissessar or her family.

“All I ask is that when she looks in the mirror on a morning, if she sees the same Kamla now in 2013 as in 2010. I will attack her cabal which has imprisoned her, but I will not attack her,” he said.

Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley, however, was fair game.

Warner slammed Rowley for criticising his ability as a leader, saying that Rowley “has not visited a quarter of the countries I visited; who has not met a quarter of the world leaders I met; who will never be revered among his stu-

dents as much as I have been revered”.

He then showed a video showcasing his many encounters with world leaders.

He noted the “legacy” he left behind as a history teacher and jibed Rowley, asking him what was his.

Warner also used his opportunity to let voters know some of his campaign promises if the ILP were to be elected into government, including ending the tenure stresses of contract workers, especially among young people, in government jobs, and will “take control of the spiralling costs of house rents”.

“The ILP will correct all of that and more when we get into central government, but before we do that we have to get into local government,” Warner said. (TT Guardian)

Barbuda attracts interest of cruise experts

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T JOHN’S, Antigua – Cruise tourism industry experts have reportedly shown keen interest in a proposal to invest in eco-tourism cruises in and around Barbuda.

In fact, Eli Fuller, one of the individuals contracted to represent Barbuda at the recent Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference in Catagena, Colombia, said all but one of the cruise lines targeted want to hear more about what the sister isle has to offer.

“They want to know about the staging facility – in other words, where we’re going to transport the guests from shore-

line and the area where we’ll have beach barbecue among other things … they want to know about distances and transportation … already one of the lines would like to send a contingent to look at the actual site, go out into the water to look at the depth…” Fuller said.

He noted that over the next two weeks he, along with Dennis Seon who is also contracted by the Barbuda Council, will send additional information requested by the cruise lines regarding the proposal.

Fuller declined to give specifics about which companies were targeted, adding that it was too ear-

ly and “these things take time before cruise lines choose a place as a destination.” He said during a meeting with various cruise groups last week, he boasted of Barbuda’s long beaches, “well managed” bird sanctuary, caves, areas for “excellent” snorkelling, scuba diving and “fantastic” sailing opportunities up and down the west coast, among other things.

“They want to come because they want excursion possibilities. They were astonished at the lengths of the beaches because they’ve passed Barbuda so many times and they didn’t know.”

“It doesn’t really make

sense for a cruise ship to go to another port just like St Thomas and St Marten for shopping, shopping, shopping … the eco side of touring is seeing huge growth and we should capitalise on it,” Fuller stressed.

The businessman and environmentalist said it

wouldn’t take as much money to get eco-tourism off the ground in Barbuda as it would to invest in building a port facility there.

Instead of building a huge dock, the proposal is that guests would be transported from ships to the ferry dock using their

tenders, thereby opening a window of opportunity for Barbudans to provide those tenders.

Fuller said such a project should not interfere with the cruise sector on the mainland, which primarily focuses on traditional tourism. (Antigua Observer)

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A

series of new paintings highlighting indigenous heritage done by local art veteran George Simon, is currently on

display at Castellani House on Vlissengen Road.

Simon was born April 23, 1947, at St Cuthbert’s Mission, located up the

''Petroglyph #1"

Mahaica River. He holds a degree in Fine Art from Portsmouth Polytechnic (1975-78) and a Masters in Field and Analytical Techniques in Archaeology from the University College, London (l994).

He served as a lecturer (1978) and assistant principal (1980) at the Burrowes School of Art (BSA). Additionally, he was once appointed as research assistant at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in 1985.

Simon’s archaeological background dates back since the early 80s. He was also instrumental in a recent archeological discovery in Guyana. Along with a team of archaeologists, Simon examined a field of man-made mounds stretching several miles between the Berbice and Corentyne rivers dating back 5000 years.

George Simon at the launching of 'Silent Witness' art exhibition at Castellani House

The Lokono Arawak

artist and archaeologist has won the Judges Prize for Painting at the National Visual Arts Exhibition in 1986.

Simon also received the National Award of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) in 1998. Additionally, he has received the Ansa McCal Caribbean Award for Excellence in the field of Arts and Letters in 2012.

Simon is a pioneer of visual art in Guyana.

Notably, his work is housed in private and public collections worldwide.

At the launching of ‘Silent Witness’, an ongoing art exhibition at Castellani House where Simon is exhibiting his most recent paintings, curator Elfrieda Bissember stated, “Though silent of words, the elegant, twisting forms of George Simon's ‘Tree Root #1’ and ‘Tree Root #2’ speak and sym-

bolize conditions of life; his leaping ‘Bimichi (Hummingbird)’ revered in myth as a powerful bird, used as a charm and an embodiment of a god, is a familiar yet magical creature with its glowing colour and ‘furiously reverberating wings and body: one of the thousands of miraculous manifestations of the natural world. Simon's ‘Jaguar’ similarly, one of a series of recent paintings, is a dominant creature in Amerindian life and myth, symbolizing strength and protection for hunters, as well as a powerful ally of the ‘Shaman’ (medicine man or healer) in his work.”

The artist is currently exhibiting his paintings, along with work done by Victor Captain and Oswald Hussein, at Castellani House Georgetown, Guyana until October 12.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

"Embrace #2"

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The story behind the Saffon monument in Guyana S

affon Street in C h a r l e s t o w n , Georgetown was named after Frenchman Louis Pierre De Saffon. The ward itself was built on the front lands of the former Plantation Le Repentir when the land was parcelled out and sold to cover his estate debts after his death in 1784 at 60; another account claims the lands were from the La Penitence estate.

Louis Pierre De Saffon was born in France – some researchers suggest Languedoc province in 1724 and became

murdered his brother during a duel (at the time outlawed in France) over a woman, and fled to the colony of Demerara seeking asylum.

In Demerara, he acquired much wealth, and became owner of plantations Le Repentir (Regret) and La Penitence (Remorse), which are said to have been named in repentance of his actions in France. There is also the suggestion of a Plantation Le Misère (Woe) being another De Saffon estate.

Although he never mar-

De Saffon is also known, though less spectacularly, for the De Saffon Trust; a fund he had stipulated in his will for the care and education of orphans until they reached the age of 16. After his estate debts were cleared, the remaining funds were allotted for 10 native Demerara orphans to receive his charity.

According to The British Guiana handbook, 1913, the will also stipulated that, “under the terms of the will preference must always be given to the most poor and indigent

The monument and church within the St Saviour’s Parish compound (side view)

a land surveyor. However, in an act that was to profoundly change his fortunes, he

ried, he is said to have had sired a daughter with his housekeeper.

and those born of white parents.”

It wasn’t until 1825, al-

most 40 years later, that the trust was put into existence with two beneficiaries. By 1834, 36 persons had benefitted from the trust fund, and in 1839 the Bishop of Guiana in his report on the Diocese declared the De Saffon Institution the only public school on the colony offering a grammar school education.

The grave site of De Saffon now lies at the corner of Broad and Saffon streets, in the church yard of St Saviour’s Church, once known as St Saviour’s Chinese Church since it was designated to provide a place of worship for the newly introduced Chinese population in

Georgetown.

(The word “Chinese” was omitted from the name in 1939, and the church is now known as St Saviour’s Parish Church). It was purchased in 1845 from the administrators of the Saffon estate.

The De Saffon Trust Act remains inscribed in Chapter 13:20 of the laws of Guyana, and is under ministerial authority.

A monument called The

Saffon monument, St Saviour’s Parish, Broad and Saffon streets, Charlestown, Georgetown

Saffon Monument was erected on his grave site in the church’s compound. Described as a granite monument, it reads in part, ‘Pierre Louis de Saffon: Born in France in the year 1724, and Died in Demerara in August 1784: The Revenue of his Estate, after other bequests, be bestowed in perpetuity, on the maintenance of ten poor destitute orphans, until attaining the age of 16 years.’ (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

‘Ramleela’ enactments begin across TT

I

t is that time again when the “ten-day” drama, ‘Ramleela’ will be staged in various parts of Trinidad in the lead up to the Hindu festival, Divali.

While many are preparing their grounds for the start of this daily show, the members of the Blue Bird Sports and Cultural Organisation started on Saturday and will continue until Friday. This is their eighth annual ‘Ramleela’ celebrations, being enacted at the residence of Bridglal Ramsubhag, Rochard Road, in Penal.

The drama which tells of the life and times of Lord Rama is being enacted by the members of the sports club from 7 pm to 9 pm nightly.

Meanwhile, members of the Param Dhaama Aashrama of Lachoos Road in Penal began their ‘Ramleela’ celebration on Wednesday, which will continue until October 12 from 4 pm. This is the seventh annual ‘Ramleela’ for the ashram and their theme this year is “Sacred Seven”. According to Shruti Narine of the ashram, workshops and rehearsals with the youths of Penal have been in progress since June this year.

“Our emphasis at Param Dhaama is to ensure that the noble virtues displayed

by Lord Rama throughout his life, is transferred to our children,” Narine said. This

‘Ramleela’ workshops at this venue were based on both theory and practical seminars. The actors were involved in reading and studying ‘Ramayan’ (text of Hindus).

to understand the religious and spiritual aspect of this drama,” Narine said, adding that she was amazed at the response to the Ramayan among the younger ones in

Actors portray characters Ram and Sita during Param Dhaama Aashrama's ‘Ramleela’ production.

event is being coordinated by the spiritual head of the ashram Ravi Bharati and his wife Radhika Bharati.

They then delivered their own theory on the various characters of the Ramayan.

“We wanted the actors

her village. The practical lessons dealt with make-up, costuming, acting, dancing, narrating, miming and props

design.

The ashram will showcase two new ‘kathas’ (stories) on each night. On the first night there will be the birth of the wicked king Ravan and the battle between brothers Bali and Sugriva, who lived in the forest.

While ‘Ramleela’ normally starts with the birth of Lord Rama, Param Dhaama is starting with the story of Ravan.

“Many do not know about the circumstances surrounding the birth of Ravan and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to sensitise the public,” Narine stated, adding that Ravan was the son of the great warrior Muni Vishrava.

As the story unfolds the audience will see Vishrava succumbing to the negative gossip and lies told to him by his grandfather Sumali.

The words of Sumali led to Ravan’s downfall.

The ‘Ramleela’ tradition continues in Palmiste Park, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Aranguez, Tarouba, Princes Town, Tunapuna, Fyzabad, Barrackpore, Rio Claro, Mayaro, and Couva. Divali will be celebrated on November 3. (TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending October 10, 2013

T

here are zero substitutes gineering, specialising in space craft for excellence, determina- and rocket systems designs. tion, perseverance and te“Six years after declaring my dream nacity but most importantly for be- to work in NASA, I was driving into lieving in yourself said Dr Camille the gates of Kennedy Space Centre Wardrop Alleyne, Trinidadian-born in Florida on the brink of starting an Assistant Programme Scientist for amazing, inspiring and fulfilling cathe International Space Station of reer. For the last 18 years, I have had the National Aeronautics and Space the ride of my life,” she said, detailing Administration (NASA). some of the work she has done that inAlleyne was the guest speaker at cludes the opportunity to work as a the Anglican Church Youth and Young flight systems test engineer on differAdult Department’s Career Day held ent space shuttles, work on designing, last Friday at the Bureau of Standards, developing, analysing and testing balTrincity Industrial Estate, Macoya. listic missiles and managing the tech“We were all created for greatness,” nical team responsible for the systems she told secondary school students who engineering and testing of the Orion were participating in the session. “You crew capsule, which is the next generaare the leaders the world is waiting tion of space travel with the ability to for. Most of you would not work in the send humans to explore beyond earth’s space industry, may not be interested orbit. in it, or may not pursue math, science “I get to play in a world on the cutand engineering as a career. I hope you ting edge of scientific discovery,” she do but I know life sometimes take us in said to students while briefly outlindifferent directions but each of you has ing the work done at the International something burning inside you. That Space Station. “The international passion for something that if you look space station serves as a unique plathard enough, you will find. There is a form that allows us to do inquiries, inlight within each of you that if you be- vestigations and experiments to adlieve in yourself, and allow to let shine, vance our understanding of our natural you can illuminate the world.” environment and world.”

Alleyne told the group her own stoAlleyne said she even tried out for ry while exher ultimate plaining that dream of being she, herself, an astronaut was an examand came close ple of what is in 2004 when possible when she was one of you dream 100 finalists to big dreams be interviewed and you learn for the position. to believe in “I was not yourself and one of the 12 sethe power to lected but even manifest your then, I knew dreams. about the powHer passion er of thoughts, for Science, dream and inMathe m a t ics tentions,” she and Additional said.

Mathe m a t ics Her life’s at her alma journey, she mater, St said, would not Dr Camille Alleyne, the Trinidadian-born Francois Girls’ have been posAssistant Programme Scientist for the College, unbesible without International Space Station of the National knownst to her, her solid founAeronautics and Space Administration laid the foundadation in math(NASA) speaking last Friday at the Anglican tion for her work ematics earned Church Youth and Young Adult Department's within the field at the secondary Career Day held at the Bureau of Standards, Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya, Trinidad of rocket and school level space craft en“Math is the gineering. During her stint at the St language of science and engineering.

James Polytechnic Institute, she decid- It is what we use to communicate the ed on studying aeronautical engineer- various chemical and physical concepts ing because of her love for math, sci- principles and processes that help us ence and planes. understand the natural world.

Her life goals changed however in “Sometimes as students we wonder 1986 when, as a second semester stu- how do these abstract math concepts dent at university in the Unites States, apply to real life. Math is critical to scithe space shuttle Challenger blew up entific and engineering applications,” on ascent from Kennedy Space Centre she explained. in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, killShe said it is urgent that serious ing seven astronauts. thought be given on how to transform “It was in that moment my life the current math and science curricuchanged forever. At the time I had no lum to engage students. This may go idea what a space shuttle was, what a long way in achieving her dream of NASA was or about a career being an creating a Caribbean space agency, a astronaut. We did not have cable tele- dream she believes would be achieved vision back then, not like today when within the generation of today’s youths. you have a consciousness of space exAlleyne told students they were ploration. I was clueless until that mo- very fortunate to be receiving lifelong ment and then I was hooked,” Alleyne education and they have a duty to give said. back to their community.

She decided then and there she “It does not have to be some day wanted to work at NASA designing when I am somebody, you could start space vehicles and within six years, to give back now. I challenge you to go she switched her major from aeronau- home and find two young persons to tical engineering to focus on aerospace, mentor. In that way, you can pay for received her Bachelor and Master de- what you have received on your jourgrees in mechanical and aerospace en- ney so far,” she said. (TT Newsday)

Guyana Fashion Week 2013

A

flurry of talented designers will hit the runway at the upcoming Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) gala

event.

GFW is used to showcase the creativity and style of Guyanese and Caribbean designers, and has been embraced by the Private Sector over the past few years. Fashion Week 2013 promises to be a week of non-stop activities and events.

Workshops, tours, styling sessions and catwalk training are a few of the features to be added as part of the show.

GFW CEO Sonia Noel, told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that participating designers are all busy getting their collections ready for the October 20-27event.

Today, Sunday Magazine features the artistic and colourful designs of Paula Evans, the brilliant use of the tie-dye technique of Tracey Douglas, and the creative work of Tobagobased Guyanese designer Juliet Bernard. These fashion designers are just a few who would be participating at GFW 2013.

For more information on the event call 226-3099 (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Designer Sonia Noel

feature

23

week ending October 10, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com Vybz Kartel

C 'Dancehall is in jail' - Vybz Kartel believes success of the genre tied to his fate

V

ybz Kartel, the Jamaican deejay, born Adidja Palmer, in a recent interview with ‘The Voice's Life & Style’, was keen to speak out about what he describes as the "injustice" of the Jamaican legal system and the "repetition" of life behind bars.

In addition, the star, famed for hits including ‘Clarks’, ‘Ramping Shop’, and ‘Pon Di Floor’, lambasted the current state of the genre in which he found fame.

Kartel, in the interview, says dancehall has suffered a huge decline since he's been behind bars and insists that there is no artiste in the market at present that can take his throne.

"Dancehall is in jail," Kartel firmly insists.

"And although the fact remains that if I die tomorrow, dancehall will continue, it's also a fact that the next artiste to bring the energy, panache, and 'vybz' to dancehall, isn't here yet."

Clearly unimpressed by any of the current deejays that have followed in his wake, the star, dubbed dancehall's 'worl' boss', feels the genre's demise is clear for all to see.

"Look for yourself. Since I've been in jail, reggae has taken over because it's a refreshing alternative to dancehall for the young kids who realise the artistes of dancehall are just recycling Kartel lyrics and flow.

It's pathetic."

Proving that incarceration hasn't dented his passion for his art, Kartel recently released the new album ‘Kartel Forever: Trilogy’; a three-disc, 60-track collection of both new and classic hits.

Life in prison

And though he says life in prison is somewhat of a Groundhog Day existence, the deejay, who also earned notoriety in recent years following his admission of bleaching his skin, says his spirit hasn't been broken.

"I'm in the highest spirit, thank you. In here, everything is a repetition wake, bathe, lock down again.

Eat, sleep, repeat. I feel like a robot. But in my cell, I have countless books to read and I also write, too.

That's how I pass my days, occasionally watching TV. I am always occupied, so that kinda keeps me focused."

Despite his seemingly positive outlook, Kartel is by no means happy about his current situation.

The entertainer, along with other men, was arrested and taken into custody in 2011, charged with the murder of businessman Barrington 'Bossy' Burton. He was subsequently charged with another murder, that of dancer Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

In July, Kartel was found not guilty of Burton's murder, but he remains in prison, awaiting trial for the murder of Williams, who the police allege, was beaten to death at the deejay's home in a dispute about a missing firearm.

Kartel's lengthy incarceration has sparked outrage among many in the dancehall fraternity who believe it is unjust that the entertainer has remained imprisoned for over two years without trial.

Although he declares that “injustice” has befallen him, still, the deejay is optimistic when looking to the future.

Asked what he intends to do first when he is released from prison, Kartel says: "Well, that goes without saying: Spend time with my family. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I put family over everything. Then after that, music!"

His new album “Kartel Forever: Trilogy” is out now on Tad's Records. (Jamaica Gleaner)

anada-based reggae singer Steele has chalked up yet another award – this time it’s for Top Male Reggae Performer for 2012-2013 courtesy of the Uprising Music Entertainment Production’s Youth in Progress Talent Awards, an organisation in Canada.

The award ceremony took place in September and for Steele, who is presently promoting his latest music video ‘She Believes in Me’, it’s a good feeling to be acknowledged.

“I’m always grateful for the love and support I receive and never do I take it for granted. Once again I thank the fans and all media for sticking with me on my journey,” he said of the award.

A multiple winner in the Canadian Reggae Music Awards, Steele says he is one day looking towards copping the “biggie”, the Grammy award.

The single ‘She Believes in Me’ has been receiving a lot of positive responses, spurring Steele to “bring it to life” with the music video.

“I truly wanted this video to be simple yet effective, making sure to incorporate some true aspects of my musical journey, while telling the story within the song,” he said.

The Rusea’s High School past student says he intends to maintain his foundation in Canada, but also has his sight set on Europe and other parts of the world.

Hailing from Lucea, Hanover in Jamaica, Steele’s inspiration comes from his parents who sang in the church choir, where he too began singing at the age of 10. (Jamaica Observer) Jamaican-born Canadabased reggae singer Steele on the cover of his CD

Jamaican Kai Newman strutting confidently in the fashion world T

he misguided notion that 'nothing good comes from the ghetto' was further debunked by Saint International's latest star, Kai Newman. The fast-rising star who hails from Allman Town, Jamaica, has been blazing the runways for some of the best designers in the fashion world.

The leggy teen was discovered by Saint CEO Deiwght Peters while walking home from the dentist with her mom.

Peters was heading downtown for a meeting with the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation for ‘Fashionblock’ when he noticed Newman.

He spoke briefly to the reserved youngster whose smile, he said, was a sure deal clincher. She won the prestigious 2013 Fashion Face of The Caribbean, earned a management contract from Saint International, and the rest is history.

Chaperoned by Peters, Newman was flown to Milan by ‘Why Not Models’, where the Jamaican beauty was ushered into a meeting with the global style-setting house of Gucci. She was promptly booked by some of the world's top design brands, including Gucci (her first European show), Alberta Ferretti, Tod's, Costume National, Philipp Plein, SportsMax, and the

piece de resistance - Jil Sander.

"The first client we saw was Gucci, as soon as we arrived," Peters recounted to Outlook.

"Then we got the callback for rehearsals the next morning and we knew something big was about to happen. We

casting directors and designers, who shortlisted her for every major show. Additionally, her appearance with the world's top models boosted her profile.

To top it off, even before hitting the runways in Paris, the respected website ‘models.com’

Bruno, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, and Acne Studios.

Living a dream

To say the Holy Trinity student from one of Jamaica's negatively branded innercity communities was living a dream would be an understatement.

Saint's current international model sensation, Kai Newman, is pictured here backstage with Acne studio designer Johnny Johannsen before she presented his spring-summer 2014 collection at Paris Fashion Week.

still prayed. When we returned to the agency afterwards, we got the confirmation that Kai was the only model of colour apart from current No. 1 model in the world and supermodel of the moment, Joan Smalls," said Peters.

It was all about Kai for the most selective

listed Kai among the Top 10 Best Newcomers of the season. The paparazzi moments outside the show venues were overwhelming.

After Milan, Newman arrived in Paris with much anticipation and selectively appeared for Dries Van Noten, Vanessa

An all-expense paid trip to the culturally rich fashion capitals of the world, meeting supermodels and industry veterans such as make-up maestro Pat McGrath or legendary hairstylist Guido, is nothing short of a model's dream world.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending October 10, 2013

Canadian ‘Paradise World Teachers’ Day Hunter’ heads to Jamaica

‘P

‘Paradise Hunter’ host Ryan Van Duze (left) speaks with a guest during filming

aradise Hunter’, a new Canadian television show, is scheduled to make a stop in Jamaica this month for filming.

According to Dennis Kambeitz, director of the reality leisure series,

filming will take place from October 23-30.

"We do our best to experience all that the destination has to offer. From regional activities to cultural events, to simply getting to know the locals.

We've got one week to try

to get to know the soul of Jamaica," Kambeitz told the Jamaica Observer.

Filming will be done on the north coast, from Ocho Rios to Negril.

According to Kambeitz, the production team plans to capture authen-

tic Jamaican scenes including roadside vendors, a trip to Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain in St Ann, and snorkelling and cliff-diving in Negril.

He spoke about the premise of ‘Paradise Hunter’, which debuts next year on Canada's OLN channel.

"From haggling with the local fishmonger on the beach to zipping through a lush green forest on a canopy tour, you will get the inside scoop on what life is like in different regions within each country. We also explore the local real estate market to help you compare prices from country to country, helping you plan your escape to paradise," he said.

Jamaica is one of several destinations on the calendar of the show's host Ryan Van Duze. In the season's final episode, he will receive a property worth US$150,000.

(Jamaica Observer)

A tribute to the Caribbean’s ‘Unsung Heroes’

C

I B C FirstCaribbean International Bank has published a coffee table book dedicated to the regional winners of its flagship volunteerism programme – ‘Unsung Heroes’. The book, titled ‘Unsung Heroes of the Caribbean 2003-2011’, is the first of its kind and features the stories of winners for the nine years of the programme.

‘Unsung Heroes’ is an effort aimed at recognising those in the community who give selflessly and without reward.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are ordinary people who generously give of their time and resources to improve the lives of the less fortunate in their communities.

Each year, entrants are judged locally by an in-country panel and are evaluated based on the impact of their service on their community, as well as the time and sacrifice committed to their efforts. Once the local winner is selected, he/she becomes eligible for the region-wide competition that includes countries in which CIBC FirstCaribbean operates.

The regional judging panel is led by prominent Caribbean personalities such as Sir Shridath

The cover of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ book published by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank

Ramphal, Sir George Alleyne and Sir Neville Nicholls.

Winners over the years hail from Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, BVI, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, St Lucia, St. Vincent. The story of 2010 winner, Trinidadian Stephen McClatchie, tells of the

unsung hero’s dedication and hard work to improve the Toco community.

“This coffee table book is a testament to the great community work that is being done by unsung heroes throughout the region,” said Debra King, CIBC FirstCaribbean director, Corporate

Communications. “They spend so much of their time and energy improving our countries and it is only fitting that we would create this publication in their honour,” King added.

The 105 page book is available for viewing at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Maraval office.

(TT Newsday)

O

By Anu Dev

ctober 5th, was set aside as World Teachers’ Day. Teachers are the persons who pass on knowledge, mould us and prepare us for the future. A teacher’s job is never easy, and it doesn’t end when they step out of the school compound.

There are exam scripts to be marked, assignments to be graded, lessons to be planned out. Like surgeons, teachers are always on-call because most of them give us their numbers or email addresses to contact them at anytime.

As a student, I can safely say that we’re not always the easiest group of people to deal with.

We complain about course-work, we gripe about difficult exams, we blame the teachers for not covering the material with us well. We talk in class, pass notes, applaud each other for ‘standing up’ to teachers, when sometimes all we’re really doing is mouthing off the teacher to look cool.

But we don’t do it because we’re malicious.

We do it because we’re thoughtless. We don’t really consider how our actions in the classroom might impact our teachers.

We don’t consider the teachers who actually care about what they’re doing – how’d you think they feel when we decide that their homework wasn’t as important as some other subject’s?

That’s what days like World Teachers’ Day are supposed to get us to consider.

They’re supposed to make us start thinking and step out of our own personal little bubbles for just a little while and put on someone else’s shoes for once.

Because it’s not easy trying to get 30 students to all understand the same concept.

Everyone learns at different paces – how do you strike that perfect pace? How do you get students to get enthusiastic about poultry and cattle when they have all of the entertainment of the Internet just a click away on their phones?

Students have to acknowledge Teacher’s Day and show their teachers that they appreciate the dedication of their teachers, in whatever big or small way that they can. I’m not a teacher, but I do know that for me personally, even a small compliment goes a very long way in making me feel better about myself and about what I’m doing.

At QC, we do things a bit differently – we have our teachers’ day in February. And the Prefect Body is usually in charge of getting the entire school involved in putting on a show in honour of our teachers. And in planning the show earlier this year, we had to do a lot of thinking about our teachers.

And we all did a lot of self-reflection and most of us were struck by the enormity of the impact our teachers have had on us.

Teaching truly is a noble profession. If knowledge is power, and one of the most precious things in life, then teachers are the ones who get to spread that knowledge to millions of schoolchildren every day.

Bollywood

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week ending October 10, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Govinda launches music album Jiah Khan’s death, a

G

ovinda's music album 'Gori Tere Naina', which has a Navratri number, was launched on Monday, according to IANS reports.

Govinda has penned the songs while the music has been composed

by Shamir Tandon.

"There is a Navratri song and also a party song. Navratri festival is on so it is the perfect time to launch the album," Govinda said in a statement.

The songs feature the actor along with television actress Puja Banerjee, who is currently seen as Parvati in ‘Devon Ka Dev Mahadev’.

"It was a dream come

murder: forensic report

true for me to shoot music videos with Govindaji who is greatest entertainer, dancer and actor.

He is one of my favourite actors. We completed two songs out of four

in two days," Puja said.

This was Puja's first music album and she added: "To shoot with Govinda has been a fantastic experience."

(Times of India)

Anupam Kher’s academy gets selected for Canadian documentary series

A

nupam Kher, who has proved his mettle with some stellar performances in the past feels that, though acting might come naturally to many, it is an art which needs to be ‘practiced’ and ‘learnt’.

Anupam Kher, whose acting academy has been included in a documentary series about incredible schools

around the world, argues that reproducing intense emotions in front of the public need hard work, which is something that acting schools can teach.

“Practice makes an actor excel. It is like cycling and motor driving. It is an art, which can be learnt and practiced,” Anupam Kher told.

“Our tag line says, ‘We bring out the actor in you’. In day-to-day life, our brain sends lots of signals. In acting, there are no signals. You have to believe in what you are trying to portray,” he said.

“Our school not only makes you an actor, it makes you understand who you actually are as well… it gives you discipline and punctuality. It also teaches you a way of life,” he added.

‘Actor Prepares’ has been selected to feature in a documentary series on the incredible schools around the world by a Montreal-based production company ‘Eurêka Productions’. The series titled ‘Schools Like No Others’ will broadcasted on TV5 in Canada next year.

(Excerpt from Bollywood Celebden)

India's 'The Good Road' vying for Oscar

J

iah Khan, the 25-year-old Bollywood actress, committed suicide a few months ago. This was the official report. But now, forensic reports have proven that the actress had been strangled with a belt. So the death of the actress, is a mur-

der; not a suicide.

Recently, her mother Rabiya Amin filed a fresh petition to investigate into the death of the actress and forensic experts have come up with new evidence that clearly tells that the woman was murdered.

“After analysing the

photos and other relevant material and from the medical experts, enough evidence has now been gathered, which clearly indicate that Jiah’s death is not a suicide as claimed

by Mumbai Police. The prominence of unexplained ligature marks on the neck and visible injury marks and other pieces of evidence clearly indicate foul play,” said Dinesh Tiwari, Rabiya Amin’s legal advisor.

“Forensic experts now deduced that a belt has been used to strangle her to death before she was actually hung from the ceiling fan to make it look like a suicide,” he added.

Jiah Khan’s mother also released photos of her dead body to show that she didn’t commit suicide. (Bollywood Celebden)

Book on Dilip Kumar to be launched this month

“T

he book is almost ready and we are planning to launch his biography in October.

The date is not yet fixed. As soon as Dilip saab is well enough to launch it, we shall do it. There is immense improvement in his health so we may soon launch the book,” said Uday Tara Nayar, the writer of the biography of the Bollywood Veteran Dilip Kumar.

Nayar is also a close family friend of the legendary actor.

Initially, it was supposed to be launched on Dilip Kumar’s 90th birthday December 11th 2012 but it is being launched this month. The two-part book focuses on the actor’s nine-decade long journey, his love story with Saira Banu, some untold stories, as well as rare pictures of the thespian and his family members.

October 11 is Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu’s wedding anniversary.

When asked if the book is being released on that day, Nayar says “No, not so soon as it’s not completely ready yet.

It will go further may be to the end of October. We also need somebody big to release it.” (Bollywood Celebden)

Shahid is ready to work with Kareena, again

'T

he Good Road', a Gujarati film by first-time director Gyan Correa, is among the 76 movies that will compete in the foreign language category at the 86th Academy Awards, reports PTI. 'The Good Road', a lost and found story of a boy in the desert of

Kutch, created some uproar in India after it was chosen over more popular and festivals winner 'The Lunchbox'.

Other notable entries this year include 'The Past', Iranian entry by Oscar-winner Asgar Farhadi, starring 'The Artist' star Berenice Bejo. Farhadi earlier won

the best foreign Oscar for his divorce drama 'A Separation'.

The 86th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on January 16, 2014 while the award ceremony will take place on March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. (Times of India)

I

n a recent interview with a popular tabloid, Shahid Kapoor revealed that he has no qualms with ex-lover Kareena Kapoor and

that he is now ready to share screen space with her.

Says the Kapoor lad, “The decision for Kareena Kapoor and

Shahid Kapoor to work together will never be mine. I have no issues or reservations in taking up a project that features Kareena. I have always maintained this.

Whichever actor my director feels is best for the role he has in mind, should be roped in.

Eventually, we all work on the same film. My socalled reservations and personal comfort zones can’t define my work.

That’s not being professional. I feel that even if an actor is cast for the lead role or for any other part in the film, it is my job to do the film and not create an issue.”

(Bollywood Celebden)

26

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending October 10, 2013

Dobrev goes topless Justin Bieber releases Nina to support ‘Obamacare’ ‘Heartbreaker’ C

J

ustin Bieber has released a new track about Selena Gomez called 'Heartbreaker'.

The pop star has given his first taste of new music since his 'Believe Acoustic' album at the beginning of the year, with the slow-paced R&B song on the 7th October, 2013.

Explaining the track, he said: ''It's a song for people going through heartbreak - like I was when I wrote it. It means so much to me to be able to share what I was, and still am going through, with my fans. I'm very proud of this song and I hope it gives my fans some insight into my heart.''

Justin, 19, split with Selena, 21, at the end of last year, and although he is thought to have tried to win her back, they remain apart.

'Heartbreaker' even features a spoken word section in the middle, where Justin says: ''So what I'm really trying to say is / and what I hope you understand / Is despite all the imperfections of who I am / I still wanna be your man.''

The 'Beauty and a Beat' star also says his new material will be more confessional than previous efforts, tweeting: ''These songs are different. These are my #journals.''

Justin will be releasing a new song each Monday for ten weeks, previewing his new album under the banner #MusicMondays. (Contactmusic)

Sean Penn set to sponsor NYC marathon runners

S

ean Penn's J/P Haitian Relief Organisation will be acting as a sponsor for 10 runners in the forthcoming New York City marathon.

The 53-year-old actor has recently revealed that the list of sponsored runners includes five Haitian runners to complete the 26 mile road race, Contactmusic re-

ported.

While commenting on the sponsorship, the 'Gangster Squad' star said that it was rewarding and he was really looking forward to the race.

Penn added that Haitians have great discipline and spirit and that they are excited to visit the ‘Big Apple’.

(Times of India)

Sexiest woman alive for 2013 - Scarlett Johansson

S

carlett Johansson has once again been crowned sexiest woman alive for 2013 by Esquire Magazine.

The blonde beauty had first received the coveted title by the men's magazine seven years back, Fox News reported.

While the publication's sexiest woman alive of 2012 was Mila Kunis, Kate Upton has been considered as one of the sexiest supermodels ever. (Times of India)

Naomi Campbell set to open gyms in London

N

aomi Campbell is reportedly looking at locations across London to open gyms with her personal trainer David Kirsch.

A source has revealed that the Brit supermodel, whose gyms aim at fitness enthusiasts, is going to be stringent on who should be accepted as the members, the Daily Star reported.

The insider said that each applicant would be asked to undergo a full health and fitness check to ensure that they meet the specific strict criteria.

The source added that the 43-yearold model's gym facilities are going to be state of the art. (Times of India)

anadian actress Nina Dobrev would rather go naked than pay for healthcare. The 24-yearold "Vampire Diaries" star has shed her clothes to support the United States' Affordable Healthcare Act -- also known as "Obamacare" -- which offers government subsidies to lower health insurance costs for Americans.

In a black-andwhite photo posted to her WhoSay account on Thursday, the Canadian actress stands topless, a board covering her chest with the words #GetCovered on it.

"Im Canadian. We have healthcare for all," Dobrev captioned the image, along with a link to help readers obtain healthcare coverage.

"Because w/o it, you’re naked," she added.

The link leads to the American government's healthcare page, which has been facing a num-

ber of glitches and reportedly went offline this weekend to fix them.

Canadian actress Emily VanCamp also posed with a #GetCovered sign on the same day, though the "Revenge" star opted to keep her clothes on.

Many other female (and male) celebrities called for support of the

act last week with the same handmade sign, including Amy Poehler, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde and Lady Gaga.

But, for obvious reasons, it was Dobrev's that really caught the world's attention. The image was retweeted more than 1,200 times.

(Yahoo! OMG)

Raising kids is tough: Chris O'Donnell

‘B

atman & Robin’ star Chris O'Donnell says raising his kids has made him realise that parenting is difficult and exhausting.

The 43-year-old actor, who has five kids with wife Caroline Fentress, stays with his family in LA and has established a successful TV career by starring in TV shows like 'NCIS: Los Angeles', reported Radar online.

"It is a chaos here. Saturday morning when I wake up. I'm just so exhausted. The kids are raring to go and there'll be a half-dozen sporting events on Saturday," O'Donnell said.

"It's a tough place to raise your kids and have them be grounded. I feel very fortunate to have been raised with Midwest values," he added. (Times of India)

Family is always the priority: Penelope Cruz

P

enelope Cruz, who will be seen next in Ridley Scott's star-studded drama 'The Counselor', is happy juggling work and motherhood.

The Spanish beauty gave birth to her daughter, Luna, three months ago with husband Javier Bardem and Cruz says family will always be a priority to her.

"I've always been a very family person, since I was a little girl, that’s the way I was raised. So that will always be a priority. But I have to work, like everyone else, so I will find a way to balance," the actress said.

The mother of two wore a red Nina Ricci suit for the London premiere of her film, which also stars Bardem, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz and Michael Fassbender.

Unfortunately for Bardem, the couple doesn’t have any scenes together in

the movie.

'The Counselor' is all set to release on October 25. (Times of India)

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BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

R

eigning Miss India/ Guyana Katherina Roshana was crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013 before a packed to capacity Pegasus poolside just before midnight on Sunday.

The 23-year-old sponsored by the NEW GPC INC under its Limacol brand will be representing Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant slated for November 9 in Moscow, Russia.

Roshana, who is a graduate from a New York University and hopes to become a doctor in oriental medicine, will be competing with 89 other delegates for the coveted title, with some optimism of bringing home Guyana’s first Miss Universe crown.

She captivated the judges with her smile, and was awarded the Best Smile Prize.

Coming in as first runner-up was 23-year-old Alicia Best, sponsored by AU Drilling Inc, while the second runner-up spot was awarded to Miss Rainbow Fashion, Ayana Whitehead. Rounding off the top four was Miss Nabi Construction, Carlea

Katherina Roshana waves to the audience moments after being crowned Miss Guyana Universe 2013

Chappell.

Chappell was also bestowed with the award of Miss Body Beautiful and Whitehead, Miss Congeniality.

The other contestants were were Kenwah Cho Quan Yi sponsored by the Muzik Club of Canada; Tiffanie Nieuenkirk, sponsored by Canadian Jason Schwars; Shyon Hoppie, sponsored by Shalinsky & Company and Carla Browne, sponsored

by Red Earth Crystal Clear Waters.

The pageant got underway just after 20:00h with a spectacular dance by members of the Classique Dance Group titled “Rock You” by Beyonce.

This was followed by the Introduction Segment where each of the eight delegates had to make their first impression.

During this segment, the delegates appeared in evening gowns that left the audience

mesmerised.

While the delegates changed for the Swimsuit Segment, the patrons were entertained by a fashion display mounted by Sonia Noel.

All eyes were then focused on the area where the delegates would make their grand entrance as the Swimsuit Segment was expected to be glamorous and full of steam and energy.

The eight delegates all appeared on stage in two piece red and yellow swim suits, complemented with red chiffon wraps.

Bess undoubtedly was the best in the segment, displaying a high degree of confidence and elegance.

Immediately after this segment, Jamaican artiste Alaine entertained the audience for close to an hour as the ladies got ready for the Evening Gown Segment.

This segment was the highlight of the evening as the delegates showed off their charm, style, eloquence and tastes to the judges and audience. Sweeping the judges and audience off their feet was Miss NABI Construction Ayana Whitehead, who sport-

ed a shimmering brown and gold outfit.

After this segment, the contestants were entertained

by Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, who even had even British Ambassador Andrew Ayre getting on stage.

Primo then returned after a 45 minutes intermission to serenade the eight contestants and soon after, the final four delegates were announced.

The finalists were asked questions based on their platform.

Katherina Roshana’s platform was ‘children living with autism’.

The scores from all aspects of the pageant were tabulated and the final results were determined.

Just before the final results were announced, reigning Miss Guyana Universe 2012 Ruqayyah Boyer took her final walk, thanking the many people who had made her year as queen memorable.

The pageant was judged by a panel including Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford, Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle and international fashion icon Sonia Noel. (Guyana Times)

Grammy greats for TT’s ‘Red Light’ concert next month I

nternational, Grammy-award winning, singing superstars, R Kelly and Ne-Yo will perform at one of the biggest shows in Trinidad for 2013, ‘The Red Light’ concert series.

The event is schedule to take place November 2 at Hasley Crawford

Asylum Vikings with Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons.

Abraham is the CEO and founder of Pollen Nations and P2 Productions which was formed earlier this year with the sole purpose to produce live concert events in the Caribbean.

He said, “This is a

Grammy winners R. Kelly and Ne-Yo

Stadium from 8pm. A first of many concerts for Collin Abraham and Chase Parsons, the men responsible for producing such an event. Despite Ne-Yo having had disagreements in the past with Rowe Entertainment, R Kelly’s tour promoter, Abraham says both artistes are professionals and more concerned about the music and their fans and the show will go on.

The Red Light concert will also feature Trinidadian artistes, Machel Montano and

collaborative venture between Chase Parsons and myself. This is the first time we are working together on such an event of this magnitude. We met this year through mutual friends who introduced us, we hit it off, we had some ideas we both shared and we thought it best to act on those ideas, hence, ‘P2 Productions’ was formed.”

No stranger to planning events, Abraham has had the distinct privilege of spearheading a number of major events including the 2008 and

2013 Inauguration of US President Barack Obama, the wedding of Hip Hop royalty Jay-Z and Beyoncé, the 40th birthday party of supermodel Naomi Campbell and the annual LIME Carnival fete held at Hyatt Regency Trinidad to name a few.

He said, “The message I want to send with this concert series is to show people that we really want to do something that everyone can enjoy because we are seeing a niche in an area where the population is being underserved – and we want to try and fill that void with top quality, live production.

Whether it be a concert with R&B acts; reggae concert or a comedy show with Kevin Hart or Cedric the Entertainer; all of that will come under the Red Light concert series.”

“We just want to create top quality entertainment where you could bring your wife or husband and come out in a safe, sexy, secure, fun, adult environment,” he added.

The Red Light concert series is being done under P2 Productions and is a combination of Parsons and Pollen Nations. It is a live music production company with over 36 years combined experience in stage, design and artist management.

Abraham noted that one of the key founda-

tions of P2 Productions is “Sustainable event man-

agement”.

Express)

(Trinidad

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending October 10, 2013

Guyana prize winner gets down to brass tacks R

uel Johnson made history in 2002 when at 22 he became the youngest winner of the prestigious Guyana Prize for Literature.

On September 15 he once again took the prize for his collection of stories, ‘Fictions’. Johnson says that he plans to use his recently-launched publishing company, ‘Janus Books’, “to move the centre of regional publishing back to the region”.

Here is an abstract from an interview with Ruel Johnson when he was in TT recently.

Q: Congratulations on receiving the Guyana Prize for Literature, twice!

What would you say has changed in your approach to writing since your first receipt of the award?

A: I received the Best First Book award back then, while this time I won the Best Book of Fiction, which is probably an indicator I suppose of the development of the quality of the writing. I think my writing has become a great deal more intellectualised— which is not necessarily a good thing— and certainly the range of my influence has grown. I’ve discovered the work of David Foster Wallace, for example, and the tremendous genius he possessed.

Q: Do you perceive the literary cultures of T&T and Guyana to be distinct entities?

A: Trinidad actually has a literary lar attitude to this dilemma of fiction culture, whereas Guyana simply has versus biography, one that basically a grand occasional literary prize and sees it as a false dilemma...If there is support for even that has been shaky anything that can be read as conin the past ten years. fessional in Fictions, it has to Q: Some of the best art is confesbe seen as a false confession, sional by nature: do you find it difan artistic construct, beficult to avoid autobiographical incause I am, as the title sugsertions in your writing? gests, writing fiction.

A: The greater difficulty isn’t in Q: To what extent do avoiding autobiographical elements; you think creative writthe greater difficulty is to consciousing ought to funcly craft the raw ore of your life into tion in an edfiction, to transmute the glaringucational ly real into a thing of (hopeenvironfully) accomplished artifice. ment, and Fiction is largely a blahow do tantly “autobiographical” you see work, yes, but your own peop l e work in tend this cont o text? conA : fuse auThe welltobiography with meaning “truth” in contradistinction suggesto “fiction,” and it isn’t that tion that simple. I consider myself a I get from student of [Argentine writa great er and poet Jorge Luis] m a n y Borges, and the title is people is Guyanese author partly in homage to his that I should Ruel Johnson work, ‘Ficciones’, but also perhaps aim a reflection of a particuto get my work

on the secondary schools curriculum, something I hope never happens because it would mean that a generation or two of our students would be asked to authoritatively pronounce on texts they can’t reasonably be expected to understand. I don’t believe creative writing should be produced to be studied, and I’ve seen how even tertiary level academia, particularly in Europe and North America, has skewed Caribbean writing towards these annoying and convenient areas of “scholarly analysis”, a self-reinforcing machinery that the writers themselves become part of. I think how we view and create Caribbean writing needs to be reconstructed, and if my work can be pedagogical in any way, it is in helping our people to unlearn much of what we have come to expect from ourselves as “regional literature” over the past 50 years.

Q: Have you any particular writing projects on the horizon?

A: With regard to literary work, I have a triptych of novellas that I hope to finish in about a year or two, as well as a play I should wrap up by year-end.

My grand personal projects that I am focused on currently, however, are two screenplays that I intend to submit for the Nicholl Fellowship next year. (TT Guardian)

Dominican Oriel shows ‘Confidence’ entering Jamaican market

D

Dominican singer Oriel

ominican singer Oriel has just released his debut Extended Play (EP), ‘Confidence’. The fivetrack project is a teaser for his album, scheduled to be out early next year.

"The EP was designed basically to give listeners a taste of what is going to be on my album. I just wanted to whet their appetites a bit," said Oriel.

The title song, ‘All

By Myself’, ‘Crazy Love’, ‘Down Where I Live’ and an acoustic version of ‘Down Where I Live’ are the tracks on ‘Confidence’ which is a mix of different sounds including reggae, jazz and Rhythm and Blues.

Oriel is new to the Jamaican music scene,

though he has been making music in his homeland for several years.

He has also collaborated with Jamaican acts, producing songs by Wayne Wonder, Bugle, Konshens, Christopher Martin, RDX and Raine Seville.

In the last two years, Oriel has recorded a number of singles including ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Scheme’ (Nah Stay Far).

‘Confidence’ is his biggest thrust to break in the Jamaican market.

"I believe that I have a role to play in the new reggae movement as a positive and uplifting young reggae singer and I am going to do my utmost best to do so," he said. (Jamaica Observer)

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Windies women fight back against NZ L

ed by a Player-of-theMatch performance from 17-year-old Shaquana Quintyne, West Indies Women levelled their three-match oneday international series at one a piece, following an 89-run win over New Zealand Women at Sabina Park Tuesday.

Quintyne, showing maturity beyond her age, made a top score of 29, batting at number eight to lead a West Indies revival and a below-par but fighting 148 off their allotted 50 overs.

Bowling with zest and accuracy, the Barbadian allrounder then returned to claim figures of two for nine off four overs with her sharp turning off-spin to help bowl out New Zealand in dramatic fashion for 59 off 28.5 overs.

West Indies won the toss and, on a surface that coach, Sherwin Campbell, said looked a good batting track, took first strike.

The decision yielded dividends in the opening stanza with openers Jamaican Natasha McLean and Barbadian Kycia Knight putting on an entertaining 52 for the opening wicket.

However, as soon as the partnership was broken when McLean was caught off the bowling of left-arm seamer Sian Ruck for 21, things went downhill for West Indies.

They lost their next seven wickets for just 43 runs, with Knight, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and captain Merissa Aguilleira, being among the victims.

This then brought to the crease Quintyne, who, along with returning fast bowler Shakera Selman put on 43 for

Stafanie Taylor (centre) is congratulated by her West Indies Women teammates after taking one of her three wickets in her team's series-levelling 89-run win over New Zealand Women at Sabina Park Tuesday. (Photo by: Ian Allen)

the ninth wicket, which took the score from a paltry 95 for eight to a level of respectability at 139 for nine.

Quintyne hit one four.

However, it was the manner of calmness and level-headedness in which she compiled her runs that drew kudos from the crowd, which, while not as big as the near-capacity North stand-only crowd on Sunday,

was better than a few regional men's games of the past.

Selman, who missed the first game after picking up a slight injury, made 22 before she was last woman out off the last delivery of the innings.

Outstanding left-arm slow bowler Morna Nielsen, who claimed the wickets of Dottin, leg before wicket; and Aguilleira, stumped; as well

as Shemaine Campbelle, who scored 10, was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers.

She ended with three for 12 off 10 overs, which also included four maidens. Leg-spinner Erin Bermingham, two for 15 off eight, and captain and pacer, Suzie Bates, two for 27 off seven, were the other leading wicket-takers.

When New Zealand bat-

ted, they were never allowed to settle, thanks to a combination of good fielding and tight bowling, especially from leftarm spinner Shanel Daley up front.

Off-spinner Taylor ended as the leading wicket-taker with three for 10 off eight overs with Daley, two for 14 off six, being next best. (Jamaica Gleaner)

TT sailor Andrew ‘Life Sport Cup’ begins on Friday in TT Lewis launches T website

T

rinidad and Tobago’s first ever Olympic Laser Class sailor, Andrew Lewis, officially launched his website this week.

Enthusiasts of the sport and fans alike can now connect with the sailor at www.andrewlewissailing.com.

This unique site contains detailed information on Lewis, which he has only now made available to the public via his webpage.

The 23-year-old has put on his website a detail history of his personal life as well as the Andrew Lewis Foundation, sailing camps in TT, sponsors and his coming competitive schedule.

Lewis’ Foundation was specifically set up to provide opportunities for youths who are willing to grow in the sport.

The Andrew Lewis Foundation is goalbound on enhancing the all-round development of TT’s youth through sport, education and where possible, culture.

The Foundation aims to expose young persons to opportunities they never knew existed.

Through this foundation, Lewis commits to using his talents and influence as a national sports ambassador, to drive programmes that will create opportunities for these youths. Lewis is the executive chairman, while David Lewis is president, Kairon Serrette vice-president and John Castagne treasurer.

Sponsoring Lewis’ site are his main contributors, Atlantic, Angostura LLB, Caribbean Airlines, SporTT and blink/ bmobile. (TT Newsday)

he inaugural Life Sport Cup will begin on Friday, with action across the length and breadth of Trinidad.

Action will take place, in the preliminary round, on a roundrobin basis - on Friday, as well as October 14, 16, 18 and 23, while the final is scheduled for October 27 at Constantine Park, Tunapuna, Trinidad.

The Life Sport Cup was launched Tuesday at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo with chairman Forbes Persaud stating, “one of the aims and objectives would be that we were going to use the medium of sport – basketball, cricket, football – in order to develop our young people, our young men in particular, in order to see them down the correct path.”

The participating communities are Sangre Grande, Valencia, Pinto, Malabar, Carapo, Samaroo Village (Region A), La Horquetta, Maloney, St Joseph, Mt’Dor, Barataria, Angostura (Region B), Morvant, St Paul Street, Belmont, Maraval, Carenage, Bagatelle (Region C), Tabaquite, Enterprise, Marabella, Pleasantville, La Romain (Region D), Fyzabad, Point Fortin, La Brea, Cedros, Santa Flora (Region E), Siparia,

Forbes Persaud

Morne Diablo, Penal, Marac and Mayaro (Region F).

Persaud noted, “The three sporting disciplines would be played on the same day. At the end of the preliminaries, the top two teams will move on to play in the grand final.” The football matches will be of 60-minute duration while the windball cricket

matches will be 12-over-per-team.

He continued, “The regional winners (basketball, football or cricket) will collect TT$2,000, a trophy and gold medals. The runners-up will get TT$1,000, silver medals and a trophy.”

In the grand final, the semifinalists in the football category will each be entitled to TT$3,000 and bronze medals; the runnersup will get TT$6,000 and silver medals; while the winner will walk away with TT$12,000, gold medals and a trophy.

For the cricketers, the winners will be guaranteed TT$8,000, gold medals and a trophy; with the runners-up getting TT$5,000 and silver medals; and the beaten semifinalists each taking TT$2,500 and bronze medals.

And, in basketball, the champion team will be claiming TT$6,000, gold medals and a trophy; the runners-up TT$4,000 and silver medals while the losing semi-finals TT$1,500 and bronze medals each.

“At the end of the tournament, we will be selecting three MVPs (Most Valuable Players) in football, basketball and cricket (each) and they’re going to receive TT$1,000 each, plus a trophy,” Persaud added. (TT Newsday)

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Former Guyana under-19 player leads Cricketers Cove to OSCL title again

By Ravendra Madholall

F

ormer Guyana under-19 cricketer Ejaz Mohamed put in an excellent allround performance to lead Cricketers Cove to the 2013 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) championships after beating East Coast Cricket Club by six wickets recently at the Lancaster ground.

Mohamed took two wickets for 11 runs from just a solitary over as East Coast only made 108-9 at the expiration of the 20 overs after they won the toss while Cricketers Cove, in reply, reached the target in 17th over with Mohamed hitting an unbeaten 27.

Mohamed, who copped the Most Valuable Player trophy, got great support from another former Guyana under-19 representative - Troy Gobin, who snatched four wickets for 14 runs from three stingy overs and Mike Mahadeo, also with two victims.

Ex-Guyana un-

Cricketers Cove team members display their trophies (Photo: Courtesy of Bobby Ramlagan)

der-19 batsman Krishna Deosaran top-scored for East Coast with 26 runs while 17 came from the experienced opener Mark Moosaie. Kumar Doodnauth was also in the wicket column for the hosts with two scalps.

Meanwhile, skipper Vijay Prashad declared that they were very con-

fident of winning the trophy again and was very thankful to the guys for making a steady contribution not only in the final encounter but over the years in the preliminary round.

“I think we played nicely as a team and we got our reward; it was a very challenging total

T&T Under-17 Women grouped with USA for CONCACAF tournament

H

ost country Jamaica has been drawn to open their account in the fourth edition of the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Football Championship with a tough assignment against Central

The groupings were announced at a news conference at the Hilton Hotel on Monday.

“This tournament, the Under-17 FIFA Women’s Championship, is a very important tournament for our confederation,” said CONCACAF presi-

Championship, qualified from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), while El Salvador and Guatemala represent the Central America Football Union.

“This tournament will no doubt help to further highlight the city of

given the fact of the other team’s bowling strength but we deserved the victory,” Prashad related.

His opposing skipper Rakesh Dyal was disappointed stating that the team tried very hard but in the end their efforts were not sufficient.

“We have a good bunch of guys; they played very

GOLF

TT’s Brian Lara for Bermuda Pro-Am West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara

N

At the Hilton Rose Hall Resort, CONCACAF Director of Competitions Horace Reid oversaw proceedings that determined the groupings and match schedule.

American side El Salvador on October 30.

The junior ‘Reggae Girls’ will also go up against Mexico and Haiti in Group A at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

Defending champions the United States of America will play in Group B alongside Canada, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago.

dent Jeffrey Webb. “And I want to congratulate the host country Jamaica and the other seven countries to have qualified.”

Mexico, Canada, and the United States made the list as automatic qualifiers, with Jamaica doing so by virtue of being the host nation.

T&T and Haiti, winners and runners-up of the Caribbean U-17

Montego Bay and place the country in the minds of the decision-makers in FIFA that we are capable of hosting big competitions,” Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Horace Burrell said.

The finalists will gain the two automatic qualification spots to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be staged in Costa Rica next year. (CMC)

well throughout the tournament but we just missed out again at the final stage; but I think we will come back next year and win the tournament,” the veteran Dyal mentioned.

President of the OSCL, Guyanese Albert Ramcharran, was on hand to witness the ac-

tion and made the bowl off prior to the commencement of the game.

He acknowledged the effort his other executives had put in to run off another successful tournament and also thanked the sponsors for coming on board.

“We at the OSCL will like to thank the sponsors for making the tournament a success and the players for their continued participation; we have worked very hard over the years and to keep up the high standard of softball cricket; the winning team must be congratulated,” Ramcharran remarked.

East Coast was crowned East Divisions Champions while Cricketers Cove copped the West Divisions trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

The presentation of trophies and plaques is set to be held on November 2 at a venue yet to be named and several prominent Guyanese businessmen and dignitaries are expected to be present.

ational Football League (NFL) Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas and West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara will be among the celebrities who will play in the Pro-Am golf tournament preceding next week's Grand Slam of Golf at picturesque Port Royal, the PGA of America announced Monday.

Trinidadian Lara, 44, a regular visitor to the island, has played in the Pro-Am before and is an honorary member of Port Royal, a government-run course that is hosting the televised event for the fifth straight year.

Thomas, 47, spent most of his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills be-

fore a knee injury ended his career in 2000.

This year's Slam, which takes place next Tuesday and Wednesday, features Masters champion Adam Scott from Australia, US Open winner Justin Rose from England, PGA champion Jason Dufner from the United States and defending champion Padraig Harrington from Ireland.

Harrington replaces British Open champion Phil Mickelson, who has told organisers he has other commitments.

Scott, Rose and Dufner will be playing in Bermuda for the first time.

The two-day, 36-hole Slam is considered the most difficult tourna-

ment to qualify for as every player has to have won a major.

This year's purse of US$1.35 million is the same as last year with the winner taking home $600,000. Second place is worth $300,000, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.

The ‘Slam’ first came to Bermuda in 2007 when it was held at the private Mid Ocean Club.

It also staged the event the following year before then-Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Ewart Brown moved it to Port Royal in 2009.

Port Royal, a par71 course, will host the Slam again next year after which it is expected to return to the United States. (CMC)

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TORONTO MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET

Barbadian, Guyanese perform well in exciting final

By Ravendra Madholall

B

arbadian fast bowler Jade Padmore produced a fine bowling performance to help Centurions Cricket Club humble arch-rivals and defending champion Brampton Master Tranzac Cricket Club by 20 runs on Saturday at the King City ground in the 2013 Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite 50-over final.

Former Guyana skipper and all-rounder Damodar Daesrath was also outstanding with the ball, nabbing four wickets for Brampton to help restrict Centurions for a challenging 150-

9 from the allocation of 50-overs.

While Padmore had figures of three for 26 from 6.5 overs as Brampton only made 130 all out off 35.5 overs.

The 24-year-old Padmore, in his debut season for the Centurions, got the final wicket of Guyanese Jeremy Gordon, to spark wild celebrations among his teammates and spectators.

Vijaj Kumar Singhan supported the energetic Padmore with two wickets for 18 runs from just four overs on a deceptive pitch under a grey sky.

Brampton, who defeated the same team last year, began their reply, shakily losing wick-

ets in quick succession as they struggled to 57-4 and never really recovered despite a combative 37 from Shilan Kamilee.

Talented Hiral Patel, an international Canadian batsman, mixed tight defense with brief aggression but only contributed 17, while Guyanese opener Mark Monfort chipped in with 14.

Earlier, Centurions won the toss and opted to take first strike.

They also struggled against the pace of former Guyana and now Canada fast bowler Gordon, who typically bowled with good control and pace.

He finished with two wickets for 26 runs from

his eight-over spell while Daesrath conceded 19 runs from eight economical and tidy overs.

Experienced middle-order batsman Dhanuka Pathirana led the way for Centurions with an impressive 58 which counted two sixes and four fours while he also featured in a solid sixth-wicket stand with Sanjay Thuraisingam who weighed in with 29 not out.

In an invited comment with man-of-thematch Padmore, following the completion of the game, he declared that it was a total team effort and also thanked the guys for making his trip to North America a reality.

“I think we played really great cricket today (Saturday) and the guys deserved the victory; the pitch was good for bowling while the opposition was a good team so we had to work hard and it paid off greatly,” Padmore, who lives in Barbados’ capital Bridgetown, related.

Meanwhile, in the Premier League final also on Saturday at the same venue, Brampton Masters Tranzac Cricket Club beat Victoria Park Cricket Club by eight runs.

Brampton batted first after winning the toss and made 127 all out in 45.3 overs while Victoria Park was dismissed for 119 in the 47th over.

Joel Olivery hit a top-score of 59 for the winners as Viren Patel grabbed three wickets for 28 runs from 9 overs while former Guyana under-19 captain Eugene LaFleur backed up with two wickets.

When Victoria Park batted, Kumar Erramilli hit an attractive 59 and Patel returned with the bat to make 19. Okevrra Moses and Ahmad Singhu picked up three wickets apiece for 21 and 22 respectively.

Manager of Victoria Park Shiv Persaud expressed disappointment with the result of the match, but stated that his players performed admirably to reach this far.

Senior powerlifting championships Guyanese Stoby storms to set for next month in Guyana victory in HLSCC series

Reuben Stoby clocked 11 minutes, 28 seconds to take victory over defending champion Maxford Pipe when the second race of the HLSCC/ Highland Spring Race Series was held in Virgin Gorda on Saturday

U

Vijai Rahim

nlike previous years when it was held for just a day, the National Senior Men’s and Women’s Open powerlifting championships in Guyana will be staged over two days at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, next month.

Billed for November 1617, the event will see all

G

Gumendra Shewdas

weight class lifters.

Special events, featuring push and pull competitions (bench press as well as deadlifts)

Randolph Morgan

divisions of female lifters, as well as the Men’s 59kg to 74kg categories doing battle on the first day. The final day will attract competition from the 83kg to 120+ kg

for monetary and other prizes, health and fitness products on display, as well as a grand fundraising barbecue ahead of the 2014 Caribbean Championships, will

form part of both days’ activities.

Leading lifters Gumendra Shewdas, Vijai Rahim and Randolph Morgan are expected to defend their top ranking against a plethora of up and coming athletes, while on the distaff side, Natoya Robinson and Chittra Ramlochan are expected to renew their rivalry, as well as challenge 2013 Caribbean champion, Kimberly Mars-Loncke.

The two-day event will serve as a qualifier for the 2014 Caribbean Championships to be held in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

According to a correspondence from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation, interested lifters are asked to contact PRO/ Organising Secretary Denroy Livan, Vice President Gordon Spencer or president Peter Green for registration, which closes on November 1. (Guyana Times)

uyanese Reuben J. A. Stoby clocked 11 minutes, 28 seconds (11: 28) to take victory over defending champion Maxford Pipe when the second race of the HLSCC/ Highland Spring Race Series was held in Virgin Gorda on Saturday last.

Stoby sprinted unchal lenged to the finish line ahead of Pipe (11: 59.97), while T. R. Robinson (12: 12.22) was

third, Emrol Amsterdam (12: 26.08) fourth, Jermain Abrams (12: 38.57) fifth and Corwin Andrew (12: 41.36) sixth.

Kathleen Brownsden won in the women’s divi sion in 12: 50.47 and was seventh overall. She was followed by Vivian Toro (15: 46.72) and Christina Yates (27: 08.29). Veteran distance runner Amsterdam suffered a hamstring injury early in the race as he attempted to go hard from the get go, but was still able to finish the race.

With Amsterdam having to fall behind early, the breakaway crew included Stoby, Robinson and Pipe with Robinson acting as a pace setter for Pipe. Stoby made his move at the turnaround with Pipe in hot pursuit, but the defending champion could not keep up with the pace as Stoby chopped off some 48 seconds off his two- mile time recorded at the last race at Paraquita Bay on September 21 this year.

The next race in the series on Virgin Gorda is October 19, while Race Two on Tortola is slated for October 12. (www. virginnewsonline.com)

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 10, 2013

TORONTO MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET

Barbadian, Guyanese perform well in exciting final

The victorious Centurions team strike a pose just after their win (Photo: Ravendra Madholall)

See story on page 31

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