Caribbean Times International

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ISSUE NO. 113

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Jamaica rethinks ganja laws - No more arrests for small amounts of weed

See story on page 2

See story & photos on pages 13 & 24

Guyana Festival ends on high note PM Kamla agrees to 3 amendments to controversial bill Page 5

Historic day in TT's Parliament as Prime Minister Kamla Persaud-Bissessar responds to the "Questions to the Prime Minister" segment under the New Standing Orders.

Guyana’s rich cultural heritage was on full display during the various events staged as part of the country's national festival. Some of the artistes who took part in one of the cultural shows took time-off to pose for a photo op.

St Vincent PM rejects Economic Citizenship Programme Page 2

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Jamaica rethinks ganja laws - No more arrests for small amounts of weed

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i n g s t o n , J a m a i c a : Security Minister Peter Bunting last night announced that cops can no longer arrest people for possession of a small amount of ganja but must, instead, serve them with summonses.

The announcement came just minutes after the constabulary announced that six cops had been suspended and interdicted for their role in the beating death of 31-year-old Mario Deane.

Bunting, in a release to the media, said he was in receipt of a memorandum from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and after discussions with Acting Police Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, it was determined that the constabulary will apply the following guidelines to people charged with minor offences, such as possession of small quantities of ganja: • Proceed by way of summons where a justice of the peace (JP) is available; • If a JP is not avail-

Security Minister Peter Bunting

able, or if the offender is unable to provide identification, or is unable to be identified by other means, he/she may be taken to a police station until identification can be verified. Once identification is verified, the person should be granted bail on his/her own recognisance; and • If the offender is being investigated for other serious offences, persons will be given bail with

conditions, or be remanded in custody.

Bunting said the Government was committed to making the necessary policy and legislative changes to avoid the recurrence of such a tragedy.

He said he was expecting a report from Hinds by Monday on new procedures for the care and protection of persons in police custody. Bunting had is-

sued a directive demanding the report from the Police High Command

last Thursday, hours after Deane had died in the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

The suspended cops were not named, but a release from the police force’s Corporate Communications Unit stated that they were two corporals, a constable and three district constables.

A cop is paid 75 per cent of his/her salary when he/she is interdicted.

Deane was arrested for possession of a ganja ‘spliff’ by cops in Montego Bay, St James last week Sunday, and was taken to the Barnett Street Police Station.

His bail was denied by a female cop after he

allegedly expressed his dislike for the police.

A friend who had gone to the police station to bail him was instructed to return at 5:00 pm but grew suspicious and returned to the station at 3:00 pm, only to be informed that Deane had been taken to hospital.

He fell into a coma, never regained consciousness, and succumbed to his injuries while the nation was celebrating 52 years of Independence. The police had reported that Deane was allegedly beaten by prisoners in his cell, but the dead man’s family and community members accused the cops of lying and changing their story.

(Jamaica Observer)

St Vincent PM rejects Economic Citizenship Programme

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INGSTOWN, St Vincent: Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, is adamant that his administration would not allow a citizenship by investment programme (CIP) in that country. He described the initiative as superficially attractive and expressed doubt about due diligence being conducted by countries offering that path to citizenship, according to a report published by CMC. Gonsalves told CMC that the downside outweighs whatever money collected as due diligence would be an issue, one OECS country has already taken the lead and others coming later are unlikely to get the same results.

St Kitts and Nevis has generated billions in investment through its CIP established in 1984 and amended in 2006 to include money paid into the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF). The country’s real estate investment option costs US$400,000 per single applicant while the SIDF requires US$250,000 per single applicant. Several local attorneys, accountants and businesspeople are accredited to offer a service under the CIP but the process is completed by the Citizenship

by Investment Unit (CIU) in the Office of the Prime

St Vincent PM Dr Ralph Gonsalves Minister.

Dominica has a decades-old CIP that requires US$100,000 per single applicant. Antigua and Barbuda recently issued its first passport under the CIP. The Antigua and Barbuda programme mirrors the St Kitts and Nevis CIP in some respects: There is a National Development Fund option for US$250,000; a real estate investment option of US$400,000 and then there is a minimum investment of US$1.5 million directly into an eligible business as a sole investor or a joint investment involving at least two persons in an eligible business totaling at least US$5,000,000 and each of those persons individually invest US$400,000.

Saint Lucia’s government is also exploring its options for a CIP. St Vincent and the

Grenadines faces the same persistent challenges as other countries in the OECS, including a highly indebted economy, low productivity, the constant threat of natural disasters and the need to attract direct foreign investment. But apart from expressing his disdain for the CIP, Gonsalves publicly cast doubts on existing due diligence practices in the region, according to the CMC report.

Caribbean countries are not the only ones offering CIPs. The United States and Canada also do the same. The US offers a path to citizenship for a US$1 million investment in a US business employing at least ten people or US$500,000 in designated economically depressed areas.

The investor can apply for residence in two years and citizenship in five.

(Caribbean News)

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EDITORIAL

Jamaica's Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Damion Crawford (second left), conversing with President, Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights, Coleen Lewis (second right), during a joint Rotary Club meeting of the Kingston East and Port Royal, and Trafalgar New Heights at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in Kingston, on August 11. Others (from left) are: President, Rotary Club of Kingston East and Port Royal, Winsome Gordon and Assistant Governor, Jamaica South East, Noel Osbourne.

When elephants fight A US Congresswoman's charge

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here is an old African saying that whether elephants fight or make love, the grass suffers. When applied to the international state system, fights or alliances between the “big” powers are usually to the detriment of smaller nations.

However, in the present face-off between the Western and Russian elephants, there might be an opportunity for some smaller nations to improve their condition.

It started with Russia taking sides with separatists in Ukraine seeking to resume their unification that was sundered only a couple of decades ago. In the larger scheme of global affairs, this was not surprising since during the long period of unity as the USSR, there had been a heavy influx of ethnic Russians into the Ukraine.

In the Eastern part of that country abutting Russia, as in the Crimea, they were actually the majority – hence the referendum during the Ukraine turmoil, which successfully reincorporated it back into Russia.

Even though, the Cold War between the US and the USSR was supposed to have ended with the dissolution of the latter; tensions had remained as Russia under Putin sought to reassert itself – at least with the countries along its borders. The US had pushed its allies in the European Union to take a harder line against Russia as the situation in the Ukraine “deteriorated”.

After Ukranian separatists downed a South Korean passenger jet last month, evidently using Russian-supplied surface-toair missiles, the EU decided to make amends and squeeze the Russians by cutting off Russian Banks’ access to their capital markets, trade in arms and technologies in deep-water and Arctic oil drilling. The US, in what was a clearly orchestrated move, “followed suit” by also denying the Russian banks access to its financial institutions. These sanctions were to last for “three months”.

From the onset of the imposition of these sanctions, there were questions about their blowback on the economies of the EU and the US, since their trade in the restricted areas with Russia was very significant.

However, what was unexpected was that Russia would in turn, impose its own sanctions – which it did last week by banning for 12 months, the importation of foodstuff such as beef, pork, fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, cheese, milk and dairy products, not only from the US and the EU but also some of their closest allies such as Canada and Australia. It also prohibited use of its airspace to flights from these countries.

Apart from the shock of the Russian move, the actual cut-off in imports has already began to bite the EU’s economy, especially its agriculturally dependent southern members, which never fully recovered from the 2009 financial meltdown that plunged them into a recession. But there will be three further damaging repercussions from the Russian gambit.

Firstly, the surplus created in the food-producing EU countries will soon drive down prices for the banned items and the rest of the world will benefit, while they will suffer.

Secondly and more significantly, most of the smaller and not so small countries that will pick up the slack to supply Russia with the banned items, should be able to maintain these markets and deepen their productive capacities. Latin America will definitely benefit and if Guyanese poultry producers had used their decadeold tariff-protected status to become more efficient rather than making monopoly profits, they could have also enjoyed this new opportunity.

Lastly, Russia will also be using the opportunity to incentivise its local producers which could not compete with the entrenched and more efficient producers in the west when its markets were “liberalised”. All of these moves will have profound effects in the evolving world order.

Take on mantle of national leadership and excellence, Yvette Clarke tells NCU graduates

President of Northern Caribbean University Dr Trevor Gardner (left) presents United States Congresswoman and speaker at Sunday's first commencement ceremony Yvette Clarke with her Honorary Doctor of Public Service. Looking on is NCU Vice President of Academic Administration Marilyn Anderson

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ANDEVILLE, Manchester: United States Congresswoman Yvette Diane Clarke delivered a clear message to over 900 graduates of the Mandeville-based Northern Caribbean University (NCU) on Sunday.

Clarke told those who will enter the job market soon, that the challenges of the new millennium were considerable, and suggested that they had a responsibility to make a difference to the development of the nation, as a path was paved for them to be able to access the opportunities.

"To the young scholars here present today, note that you have been uniquely educated and positioned to take on the mantle of the next generation of national leadership and excellence. This day, highly anticipated, never ever to be duplicated, worthy to be celebrated, was but a dream of our predecessors. Your presence here today was pre-determined by a people whose wealth was immaterial but whose faith was worth more than gold," she said.

Clarke was speaking at the

first of two commencement ceremonies at NCU where she was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Public Service.

Her understanding of national issues stems from her Jamaican and American heritage, and as such she identified herself as a "Jamerican".

Clarke's mother Una ST Clarke was born and raised in St Elizabeth and is a former City Council member in the United States.

"Prior to being elected to the US House of Representatives, Clarke served on the New York City Council representing the 40th District in Brooklyn. She succeeded her pioneering mother, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the Council," said her profile.

Sporadically interspersing her presentation with Jamaican creole, she urged the graduates to lend their expertise to impacting serious issues which remain unresolved not only in Jamaica but globally.

Clarke noted a system of injustice of income inequality within and between nations and the impact of global cli-

mate change on Small Island Developing States among the concerns that she felt needed to be addressed.

For her part, she said that as a leader of the Caribbean Congress in the United States House of Representatives she has worked to strengthen and build upon the connections and linkages that bind the United States and Jamaica.

She said that the persons in the Caribbean caucus also feel a special responsibility to reform the United States Immigration Laws.

Clarke said that there are millions of first and second generation immigrants and their descendants who are interested in investing in Jamaica and that interest should be developed into action.

Other honorees at the graduation at the Northern Caribbean University were businessman Antony Keith Edmund Hart who was the recipient for the Honorary Doctor of Commerce, and retired ministers Cecil Roy Perry and William A Kirlew; the Honorary Doctor of Religion and Theology Degree. (Jamaica Observer)

News WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

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PM Kamla agrees to 3 amendments to controversial bill

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espite the lack of support from Congress of the People (COP) M P s — W i n s t o n Dookeran and Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan— the Government’s controversial Constitution (Amendment) Bill was passed with amendments in the Lower House at 4.04 am yesterday and is expected to be debated in the Senate later this month.

The Government only requires one Independent senator’s vote for the bill to be passed in the Senate. This was indicated yesterday by government officials after marathon debate on the bill and its contentious runoff poll proposal. Debate began at 10.30 am Monday and ended early yesterday morning, with the two COP MPs breaking People’s Partnership (PP) ranks in voting against the bill.

Winding up debate around 3 am yesterday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Senate debate will provide a built-in delay on the bill and further consultation, including checks and balances.

“So it’s not all done to-

Regis added: “We trust the Independents will do their duty and vote in accordance with the people’s wishes.”

Amendments

St Augustine MP Winston Dookeran looks over to Congress of the People Leader Prakash Ramadhar while making his contribution in the debate in Parliament on Monday night. At left is Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh. (PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ)

day. Senate will take up the next step and the debate will continue. First the Lower House will decide on this, secondly the Senate will decide and thirdly the people will decide,” the PM added.

Persad-Bissessar added three amendments to the bills to cover concerns expressed in the debate. PP officials said the Senate debate may be around August 26, allowing time for more discussions, and the Senate will debate other bills next Tuesday. Speaking around

5 am yesterday, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said Government only required the vote of one Independent senator in the Senate to pass the bill, adding he believed Government will obtain the necessary support.

Yesterday, People’s National Movement (PNM) Senate leader Camille Robinson-Regis said: “We will continue to oppose the bill in the Senate.

We noticed one amendment was made—on the appointment of a leader

whose party has won 21 seats—which was what we had sought to prevent, any sleight of hand. “However, we are still concerned the Constitutional Reform Committee asked that nothing be done until public comment was received and this still needs to be done since people didn’t get to examine the bills.

“Also, we are concerned the CRC recommended T&T should retain the first-past-the-post system and Government has moved away from the report.” Robinson-

• Make it clear the President has power to appoint as prime minister the leader of the party with 21 and more seats after election.

• Allow a threeday timeframe for the Elections and Boundaries Commission to eliminate mischief and verify signatures in applications to recall MPs. • Limit the number of recalls in a constituency.

Former COP leader Dookeran, speaking around 9.30 pm on Monday, said he was “tormented” on his choice as he felt the runoff poll was troubling and if he voted for it, his major concern was he would be voting against proportional representation, which he favoured.

Dookeran said he could not wait for the Prime Minister’s promised PR bill, since he would be buying “cat in bag.” He felt the runoff would deny access to democratic rights and was the most dangerous part of the proposal. He said he

told Cabinet colleagues of his concerns in a five-page document suggesting joint select committee consultations but was “disappointed” and would seek an audience with the PM on it in the future.

PNM MPs encouraged, applauded and thumped their desks in approval as Dookeran spoke, urging him to “take back the COP.” Speaking after 2 am, Seepersad-Bachan, while congratulating the PM and Ramadhar for taking steps towards reform, said more consultations were necessary and the runoff poll would get rid of third parties. She said it was a direct counter to the PR system and asked what was wrong with saying the PP had erred and would return to consultation. She also received PNM support.

Douglas, at 2.30 am, congratulated the PM for allowing a conscience vote but proposed putting “the whole thing on hold” or removing the anxiety-causing runoff proposal. He too urged more consultation, saying people needed to understand the issues, or would become suspicious, and should be involved in lawmaking.

6 News Haitian gang leader on the run after prison breakout C www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

ROIX-DESBOUQUETS, HAITI: The Haitian government has launched an all-out effort recapture gang leader Clifford Brandt, responsible for many cases of kidnapping in Haiti, who escaped from prison on Sunday, along with other prisoners jailed in the Caribbean country for committing serious crimes.

Brandt, part of one of the richest families in Haiti, was arrested in October 2012 and held since then by court order on charges of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, among other accusations.

Brandt escaped on Sunday from the civil prison of Croix-desBouquets, outside the Haitian capital, during a mutiny that broke out in the detention centre, where four police officers and two nurses were taken hostage by angry prisoners, according to a spokesman for the Haitian police, Gary Desrosiers.

The hostages were all freed following a police intervention and no one was killed in these incidents, according to Desrosiers. He said, however, that two people, including a policeman, were injured.

A $22,000 reward is

Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe (right) and Minister of Interior Reginald Delva supervising search operations late Sunday night and early Monday morning

promised to any informant who helps the police to capture Brandt.

At least 13 escapees have already been captured by the police.

The spokesman for

JLP top brass meet with Mario Deane’s relatives

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T JAMES, JAMAICA: Highranking members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are now meeting with family members of Mario Deane who was killed recently while in police custody at the Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay The meeting with Deane's relatives at the Wexford Hotel in the sec-

ond city follows a tour of the Barnett Street station by the JLP members.

The touring party includes Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang, Opposition Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith, JLP Member of Parliament for East Central St.

James Edmund Bartlett, Former Mayor of Montego Bay Charles Sinclair, Deputy Spokesperson on Justice Harold Malcolm, and JLP Caretaker for Central St James Heroy Clarke.

The JLP will host a press conference following the private talks with Deane's relatives.

(Jamaica Observer)

the police denied reports that the escape took place as a result of an attack on the prison by heavily armed gunmen. Desrosiers said the escape was caused by an

act of rebellion by a number of prisoners.

The number of escapees has not yet been officially revealed by prison authorities. Escapees were seen in possession of firearms allegedly stolen from prison guards or provided by other sources.

An (internal) administrative investigation was immediately launched to identify and punish any offenders within the National Police. A criminal investigation was also initiated by relevant judicial authorities.

Haitian Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, who chairs

the High Council of the National Police (CSPN), alongside the Ministers of Justice, Jean Renel Sanon, and Interior, Reginald Delva; and Police Chief, Godson Orélus, were on the scene at Croix-des-Bouquets, where a meeting of the CSPN was urgently held in order to set up a strategy to capture the escapees.

The detention center in Croix-des-Bouquets is supposed to be the most secure in the country, according to experts who suggest that the mutineers would have benefited from the complicity of prison officials.

(Caribbean News)

Remigrating teachers want job back … Guyana Govt mulls how to deal with breached contracts

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

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eachers who would have breached their contracts with the Government to pursue lucrative offers overseas could be considered for re-employment, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has said.

She told this publication that with a number of trained teachers returning to Guyana, her Ministry is currently working around a system which could enable them to continue teaching.

Hundreds of Guyanese teachers had taken up lucrative offers in countries such as The Bahamas, Botswana, The Turks and Caicos Islands and other Caribbean countries.

However, a number of them have been returning in recent times and Government sees this as an opportunity to capitalise on their skills. The school system in Guyana is still short of qualified teachers and only recently Government has been considering hiring foreigners to teach Mathematics and Science.

Currently, the Education Ministry allows teachers who have breached their contracts, to make payments in the event they wish to return. “What we know is that teachers are remigrating. And what is under active consideration is how we are going to deal with their contracts,” Manickchand

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

said.

Speaking exclusively to this publication on Tuesday, the Education Minister said she is aware of close to 10 individuals who have indicated their interest in returning to the education system in the country.

These are teachers who had passed through the training offered by the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), and who had left the jurisdiction without permission from the Ministry or the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

“The rule is, you have to pay it off before you can begin teaching again”, she told this publication, while noting that the Ministry is also seeking out ways through which those rules could be relaxed, without jeopardising agreements in other service areas.

Many teachers, she said, are lobbying to honour this commitment while they teach. “They are asking for many things like, “please al-

low me to pay as I teach”, Manickchand reported.

Asked what is being done to prevent teachers from leaving the country, Manickchand explained that contracts are signed, while passports and other travel documents are stamped. She said however, that unlike previous years, fewer teachers are leaving the country.

She recalled that many Guyanese educators had left home when countries like Belize, The Bahamas and Botswana were in desperate need of teachers. That situation has improved, she noted.

Earlier in this year, questions were raised over the millions of dollars being spent on salaries for teachers, who in the past, were known to have left the teaching service.

Manickchand had told the National Assembly, that although the situation was obviously a huge issue in the past, her Ministry had put measures in place to address the problem.

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Guyana govt considering snap elections G

EORGETOWN G U Y A N A : P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday told the media that Government has “snap elections as one of its cards” while hinting that it might pull this card out before the debates on the Opposition’s no-confidence motion begins.

According to Rohee, in light of the no-confidence motion, the only option left with Government now is setting a date for snap elections. “(Snap elections) re-

main an option under active consideration… We have that card in our hands that we can pull out on the table at any given point in time,” he said.

Questioned about some of the factors that Government will consider in calling the elections, the General Secretary said they are looking at some political and other factors, which he refused to divulge.

On the other hand, the General Secretary noted that he has been working along with the Guyana Elections Commission to iron out whatever issues

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Antigua resident a semifinalist in world's largest speech contest

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T JOHNS, Antigua: Pearl Quinn Williams of Antigua outshone more than 13 regional participants to win the district-level competition of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest, representing 20 territories from Haiti in the north to Guyana in the south, with representation from the French, Spanish, Dutch and English Caribbean.

Williams has qualified to advance to the semifinal rounds of the contest. She is vying for one of nine spots in the World Championship of Public Speaking to be held at the Toastmasters International Convention on August 23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Williams, a member of The Antigua Toastmasters Club, in St John’s, Antigua, overcame fierce competition to win the hearts of the audience and judges alike with her speech, ‘Would You Kiss Me?’ The speech decried stig-

Pearl Quinn Williams

ma and discrimination of HIV positive persons, and had several members of the audience in tears.

When it comes to connecting with an audience, she said, “The key is to have a storyline that impacts the emotions of persons, and to which the majority can relate.”

Ninety-one winners from districts around the world advanced to the semifinal round after a six-month process of elimination through club, area and district speech competitions. Their fiveto seven-minute speeches were judged on content,

organization, gestures and style.

“Toastmasters speech contests are another way to build your confidence, because your speaking and writing skills are sharpened, and you speak to many diverse audiences,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to competing on the much larger international stage in Kuala Lumpur!”

Williams is a business banking officer for CIBC First Caribbean International Bank in St John’s, Antigua. She joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and leader, at work and in the community.

The Toastmasters International Speech Contest is the world’s largest speech contest, involving 30,000 participants from 122 countries.

It culminates with the popular World Championship of Public Speaking held annually at the organization’s 2014 International Convention. (Caribbean News)

Family of Jamaican who died in police custody to sue government

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The family of a 31-year-old construction worker who died while in police custody is to take legal action against the government, arguing that the state failed to protect him while he was in the custody of law enforcement authorities.

Mario Deane was arrested on August 3 when he was found with a marijuana cigarette.

But the family alleges that he was beaten while at the Barnett Street police station in the second capital of Montego Bay. He died a few days later.

The police said they should not be held responsible for his death, but attorney Miguel Lorne, who is representing the family, said the police officers who were on duty are also culpable in the incident.

Dean’s death has sparked widespread criticisms and several protests in Rosemount where he lived.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Patrick Atkinson will on Monday say whether he will be relaxing the bail conditions for persons arrested for small amounts of marijuana.

The Attorney General has been asked to decide whether summonses could be issued to persons to attend court instead of taking them into custody.

On Sunday, the Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association called on the government to immediately declare an amnesty on all arrests for uncompressed ganja under one pound.

Lorne, who is a member of the group, said the government must institute the amnesty until reforms of the ganja law are completed.

(Caribbean 360)

they have hanging in the air about the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) readiness and preparedness to host the elections.

He said that there has been an exchange of correspondence between himself and GECOM’s CEO Keith Lowenfield, noting that the relationship is likely to intensify over the next few days.

Rohee explained that given the dynamics of politics, GECOM’s involvement and the fact that PPP/C is the ruling party, they will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all preparations are

made in the event general election is called, given the party’s experience of witnessing the People’s National Congress’s (PNC) hand in rigging elections.

“We have a lot of experience on the role and place of GECOM in elections and we intend to invoke all the experiences, all the knowledge we have to ensure that these elections are above par,” he stated.

The General Secretary added that his party is also keeping watch on the reforms that GECOM is making, stating that they welcome any administra-

tive or internal measures that are aimed at enhancing the process of free and fair elections in Guyana.

Rohee, in his statement, disclosed that in light of the no-confidence motion, the party’s Central Executive Committee met last week and one of the main topics on the agenda was the strengthening of the party’s electoral machinery while at the same time ensuring that both the National Register of Registrants (NRR) and the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) are thoroughly checked by party activists. (Guyana Times)

‘No housing problem in Barbados’ – Chief Town Planner

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here is no housing problem in Barbados, says Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins.

During a lecture on Monday entitled Building Sustainable Urban Communities in Barbados, at the Urban Development Commission (UDC) on Bridge Street, The City, Cummins said there was a greater demand for building houses than there were people to actually live in them.

“We have a population growth rate that is very, very small . . . but when you look around Barbados and the amount of development applications that we see in the planning office, especially for res-

Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins (FP)

idential development, it begs the question where are we going to find the people to live in all of these residential spaces we are seeking to create.

“I continue to say there is no housing

problem in Barbados, there is no shortage of land. We have people who would go and buy a plot of land for a child three months old and the chances are no one will build on that land for 25 years,” he said.

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Johns Hopkins professor Dr Former MP says change Basil Morgan receives 2014 in Guyana’s foreign policy Marcus Garvey UNIA Award approach needed

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ASHINGTON DC, USA: Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University, Jamaican-born Dr Basil Morgan, is the recipient of the 2014 Marcus Garvey Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) Award.

The award was presented by the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM), at its annual Independence Ball commemorating the country’s 52nd year of independence, on Saturday, August 9, at the Martin West Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland.

Presenting the award, Maryland House of Delegates Representative and founding member of JAM, Shirley NathamPulliam, said Dr Morgan has given much to Jamaica and the Caribbean Diaspora in the areas of general health and eye care.

She noted that the award was presented for Dr Morgan’s outstanding achievement in medicine and that he was a welldeserved recipient.

Accepting the award, Dr Morgan, who hails from the parish of Clarendon, said he was honoured to be recognised in this way and was committed to serving the people of Jamaica as well as the Caribbean.

The late Marcus Garvey

The Marcus Garvey Award is presented annually by JAM to a Jamaican who has distinguished him or herself in his or her chosen career.

In his message, Lieutenant Governor for the state of Maryland, Anthony Brown, called on Jamaicans to take the opportunity to reflect on the struggles of independence and how that journey and the 52 years of freedom have shaped the story of the people.

“For so many of us, it is a reminder of our own family’s journey to the United States. It is a celebration of freedom that allows us to share our rich culture and heritage with our friends and neighbours, both here in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. It was this freedom along with the chance to obtain an education and pursue the

American dream that assured my father when he left Kingston and came to the USA so many years ago,” said Brown, who is of Jamaican heritage.

Meanwhile, President of JAM, Noel Godfrey, said that, “as we celebrate Jamaica’s independence this year, it is important for us to reflect on the past achievements while looking towards the future”.

He argued that if JAM is to survive as an association, it must now turn its attention to attracting the younger generation.

For his part, President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive O r g a n i s a t i o n s (NAJASO), Rick Nugent, commended the association for the deep commitment it continues to demonstrate in seeking to provide scholarships for needy students in the USA and Jamaica.

The final curtain will come down on Independence celebrations in Washington on Friday, August 16, when the Washington based Jamaica Nationals Association (JNA) will host its Annual Independence Ball, under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie.

(Jamaica Observer)

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EORGETOWN G U Y A N A : Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary and Cuffy 250 member Aubrey Norton is contending that the Government needs to embrace a new approach to foreign policy, making room for the inclusion of the political Opposition to improve the economic state of its people, especially those of African heritage.

The former Member of Parliament (MP) was at the time addressing members of the African community on the topic: “Foreign Policy and One Party Government since Independence”, at an event to mark the first anniversary of the establishment of the Cuffy 250, an organisation which seeks to address the state of Africans in Guyana.

To a packed audience at the Critchlow Labour College in Georgetown on Sunday, Norton, speaking alongside a number of African elites, told the gathering that for far too long the Governments under both the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) have failed to include the Opposition in the process. He spoke of the efforts of former Presidents Hugh Desmond Hoyte and Dr Cheddi Jagan to reform foreign policy during

Former PNCR General Secretary Aubrey Norton

APNU Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge

their tenure in office.

“Desmond Hoyte decided that he was going to change the foreign policy in Guyana. And in changing the foreign policy in Guyana, he did make the statement that the economy is an overriding challenge, and he brought to mind pursuing economic development. So in that idea, one saw essentially through foreign policy the country was pursuing economic development diplomacy, which at large had put Guyana’s economic interest first.”

Norton said it was with that concept in mind that it was again changed in1992. “The first is Dr Cheddi Jagan’s humanitarian order, which in his opinion, had some relevance but was rooted in the new international economic order in the 1970s,” Norton explained.

During the last cou-

ple of years, Norton posited that Guyana has failed to clearly define a foreign policy position.

According to him, Guyana needs to sit down and analyse the situation and come up with new proposals for its foreign policy.

Meanwhile, one-time Finance Minister under the PNC administration and current A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Carl Greenidge, spoke to the issue of economic policy in Guyana since independence.

He pointed out that Africans have had numerous challenges in areas of acquiring employment, among other things. He also made a call for AfricanGuyanese to make the best of their opportunities to rise above the economic challenges faced.

(Guyana Times)

Six years on, Vincentians await completion of Argyle International Airport

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INGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: Six years after the government announced plans to construct an international airport, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is getting ready to open the Argyle International Airport despite several missed completion dates.

However, the government is still in need of cash to finish the project, even though the Ralph Gonsalves government had secured the US$80 million that the International Airport Development Company (IADC) said last year it needed to complete the project.

The government says it is still awaiting the US$9.25 million from the sale of land to two developers in Canouan as well as the disbursement of the final EC$10 million of an EC$40 million loan from the

St Vincent’s Argyle International Airport under construction (File photo)

Venezuela-based ALBA bank.

But, despite the setbacks, the government is confident that the EC$700 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) airport expected to become operation by mid 2015, will help boost the local economy, particularly the tourism and agricultural sectors.

“We have had a prob-

lem where we have markets in the United States of American but we do not have the means of getting the fish to the U.S. markets in a timely manner when the fish is still fresh,” said Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Saboto Caesar, noting that the new airport, being build on St. Vincent’s east coast, will

help to solve that problem.

“We want the private sector to come on board with their part in tourism, with agriculture. I continue to mention that many of our farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be benefitting significantly from the Argyle International Airport,” he said, as Cabinet min-

isters toured the facility last week.

Tourism, Sports, and Culture Minister, Cecil “Ces” McKie, said the international airport will open up new possibilities “for persons throughout the length and breadth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, home and aboard.

“Possibilities in the sporting sector, in the tourism sector, in the agricultural sector, culture. The number of opportunities that are available, I want us to enhance our positioning to capitalise on these opportunities, not just within the facility itself but also in the surrounding communities,” McKie said.

At the same time, tourism officials, based on feedback from visitors, have been urging artisan to produce smaller craft items.

“But we have to encourage them to in-

crease their production quality and quantity so that we can have these items available to the visitors when they come in,” McKie said, noting that he is certain the hospitality industry will also benefit from the new facility.

“We are working steadfastly to complete this international airport — well I say substantial completion of this airport project —

by December this year,” said Rudolph Matthias, chief executive officer of the International Airport Development Company (IADC).

Bradley Francis, chief executive officer of Franco Construction, the firm constructing the terminal building, said work commenced in January and his firm has sought an extension of the completion deadline because some changes were made to the design.

News WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Antigua: Money woes blamed for lack of closure in murder cases

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T JOHN’S, ANTIGUA: A lack of finances to process forensic evidence is being blamed for the police’s inability to solve several of the killings on record for this and previous years.

This is according to Superintendent Nuffield Burnette, second in command at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

“We have a lot of challenges. Guess what one of our major problems is; it’s finance. We have a lot of forensic evidence that was meticulously collected, waiting to be sent away because we don’t have a lab here and we just do not have the finances,” Burnette said.

“So, those things are sitting here waiting to be sent away, and in the meantime, we have to

take the grind as the cases are not being solved,” the senior officer added.

Among the cases affected he said, is the February 2013 daylight shooting of Susan Powell, who was killed while at work at an electronics shop in Heritage Quay and the double murder of Dominican friends Dermouth “Alix” Rivere and Alwin “DJ Bullet”Robin. The men’s bullet riddled bodies were found in a house in Cedar Valley where cocaine was also discov-

ered in October 2012.

Another case identified was the probe into Anisha Millette’ death in July 2012. The girl’s body was found dumped at Devil’s Bridge and to date, no one has been charged.

This year alone, so far, there have been seven killings but police have only made an arrest in one matter. In 2013, there were no arrests in six of the 12 murders on record for the year. (Antigua Observer)

Barbados nursing students should be accommodated

Students for Duke University in the United States are once again in Barbados to gain and share within the local primary health care system

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RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: The Barbados Community College (BCC) continually opens its doors and facilities to visiting students, while the opposite is not always the case for Barbadian nursing students wishing to study abroad.

On Monday, in an interview with The Barbados Advocate, the Registrar, Sydney Arthur said that though Barbados makes the accommodation for foreign students, some international countries are using laws as a way to refrain from accepting nursing students from Barbados, but he is hopeful that in time, they, along with the countries of the region, would accept Barbados’ nursing students.

He told the newspaper that one “factor impacting our ability to send nurses abroad is the laws that you find

in those cosmopolitan countries”.

Making his comment at the BCC Division of Health Sciences Duke University Orientation Programme, he stated, “…It is relatively easy for Duke students to come here and go into the [Queen Elizabeth] Hospital (QEH); not only Duke students, but all through the year we get requests from students in the UK who want to come over and do a practicum in the QEH in obstetrics or Accident and Emergency or Intensive Care or whatever, and we accommodate them, our system accommodates them.”

He cried, “…Now for Barbados, for Barbadian students to achieve that overseas it is very problematic and it is not for the lack of trying. I have approached a number of universities in the UK and Canada and the US with a view of getting our students to spend

some time over there and the university itself usually is very willing to do but the law, because of the potential for liability, if anything happens to the patient and so.”

The Registrar asserted, “I think it is just a cop-out myself. I think we get persons coming here who do not do any hands on. They just observe.”

However, stressing that the exchange is a critical component of studying: “...I think it is very important for them to do so because this gaining all the experience in Barbados to me is very narrow,” he pledged, “…Anyway, I will continue to try and hopefully one of these days some of our students will be able to go overseas.”

And as such, he said that going forward, there are also looking into the region as an alternative for study abroad as well.

(Barbados Advocate)

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Ghana to import timber from Guyana G

hana’s Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, has indicated that her Government will soon commence the importation of timber from Guyana and Cameroon.

Serwaa Asamoah disclosed this at the Fifth Edition of National Forest Forum-Ghana (NFF-G) in Dodowa on Friday. She said timber products on the domestic market were not adequate. The forum, which was attended by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), policymakers and traditional leaders from the 10 regions under the theme: “Deepening Ghana’s Country Dialogue-Contribution to sustainable forest management” was organised

by NFF-G to grant stakeholders the platform to dialogue on ways of sustaining Ghana’s natural resources.

There is a high demand for timber products in the country, but the current timber production capacity is extremely low and if the Government fails to bring in additional supplies, illegal chainsaw activities could increase tremendously, according to the Deputy Minister.

“The trees we have in

There is a high demand for timber products in Ghana

our forest are just small.

Most of the mahogany and other tree species are gradually finishing, if we do not feed employers within the industry, they will lay off their employees,” she said.

According to her, Government was currently holding talks with countries such as Cameroon and Guyana to see how best they could reduce taxes on timber that might be imported from those countries. “We are also negotiating with the Finance Ministry for the goahead to start the importation.”

Serwaa Asamoah added that Government had adopted the implementation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), with

the introduction of the public procurement policy.

She said only legally acquired timber will now be used for all Government projects.

However, she mentioned that “Government is the lead developer in the timber industry and if it acquires all its timber from legal sources, it will go a long way to halt illegal lumbering and help the local timber industry”.

Speaking in an interview with BUSINESS GUIDE on the sidelines of the forum, she noted that the VPA will go a long way to halt the smuggling of timber from Ghana to its neighbouring countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso. (Ghanaweb.com)

Bankers Association of Saint Lucia announces compliance with FATCA

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ASTRIES, ST LUCIA: For the last few years financial institutions have been preparing for the new reporting requirements for United States clients which form part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The Act is intended to increase transparency for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to US persons that may be investing and earning income through non-US institutions.

As of July 1, 2014, financial institutions in Saint Lucia and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) member countries, now classed as Foreign Financial Institutions or FFIs, are required to adopt new account opening procedures in order to comply with FATCA rules.

The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia (BA) announced that local FFIs have for several months been pre-

paring and training employees for the changes and Saint Lucia's finance sector is ready to comply by the deadline date.

Individual institutions have also issued notifications and information about the new rules to customers.

The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia understands, however, that educating the public will be an ongoing exercise and encourages all financial institutions to ensure that employees and clients understand the new regulations. The Association also encourages the public to comply and be co-operative during the process.

The Association noted that the ECCU member governments have adopted the IGA Model 1, which requires financial institutions to submit all FATCA-related information to their respective Inland Revenue Department for onward submission to the IRS. According to FATCA, financial institutions must

provide all information on assets of US$50,000 or more held by US taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which US taxpayers hold substantial ownership interest.

Failure of an FFI to submit information could result in a 30 percent withholding tax levied on withholdable payments and may result in the potential loss of critical correspondent banking relationships and this would affect customers’ ability to transact business with the USA. The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia reiterated the commitment of Saint Lucia's financial institutions to ensuring regional compliance with FATCA and called on the public to assist financial partners in that regard. The BA encourages all clients and prospective clients to visit or call their respective branches for further clarity or details on this issue if they are affected by this new US legislation. (Caribbean News)

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Guyana’s private sector in “wait and see mode”

- as Opposition parties prepare to table no-confidence motion

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EORGETOWN G U Y A N A : Leading private sector officials said they are prepared to “wait and see” the outcome of a proposed no-confidence motion against the Donald Ramotar Administration, although warning that early elections would slow down economic growth.

Last week, the Alliance For Change (AFC) submitted the motion which was presented by Moses Nagamootoo to Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

No decision has been made as to whether the motion will be debated before the end of the parliamentary recess, which commenced on Sunday. The AFC has been promised support by the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU).

However, while the private sector officials remain adamant that elections will have a negative impact on the business sector, they said they are also aware that democracy must run its course.

“No-confidence motion and snap elections are a part of that course then the elections must be held,” Private Sector Commission Secretary Ramesh Dookhoo said.

PSC Secretary Ramesh Dookhoo

Speaking to this publication in an interview last Thursday, Dookhoo, who is also President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), said elections are an integral part of any democratic regime and therefore they must be held.

He said that if the proposed vote of no-confidence by the AFC is carried successfully in the National Assembly, then it is not for any private sector body to say elections cannot be held at any specific time.

“If it has to happen, it will happen, the process of democracy must take place… no one can stop it.”

Further, the CAIC President acknowledged the expected slump in business for the sector,

but noted that this must not be considered as a reason for elections not to be held.

He said that the process of democracy has to “prevail”. When initial talks of the no-confidence motion had surfaced, the PSC had expressed mixed emotions about the advent of elections in Guyana. The body had insisted that instead of the bickering between the political parties, Guyana’s interest should be paramount.

Unfortunate

“It will be very unfortunate if such a motion is passed as it would signal political instability to our foreign investors, financiers, customers and suppliers. This will further increase the political risk premium added to the cost of capital when overseas funding is sought by private entities and can negatively impact our economy,” the PSC said in a statement.

According to the PSC, for progress to be made in a dispensation where a minority Government and a majority Opposition exist, the political culture should consist of discourse and compromise on issues of national interest and development.

(Guyana Times)

ECLAC proposes strengthening of regional financial integration

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eputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Antonio Prado, called for countries to prioritise the strengthening of the region’s productive integration, during the 4th South American Economy and Finance Council (CSEF) held in Buenos Aires recently.

The senior United Nations official took part in the opening, along with the Argentine Minister of Economy and Finance, Axel Kicillof, and President of the Central Bank of Argentina, Juan Carlos Fábrega. The meeting brought together ministers of finance and economy, presidents of central banks and other authorities from member countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), who discussed the region’s efforts in terms of financial integration.

Antonio Prado highlighted the role of value chains in the world context, as a means of organising international trade and production. He declared that intensifying

the regional market is essential to gaining an international standing that will make it possible to consolidate a structural change with equality.

According to Mr. Prado “It is vital to begin with a modern notion of integration, based on the competitive creation of value chains”. He also stated that the region’s enterprises needed to have guaranteed full access to the broader market – not only through the removal of traditional trade barriers, but also through a regulatory rapprochement in the areas that have the most impact on trade and investment flows.

He affirmed “Promoting competitive regional and subregional value chains requires a free-flowing dialogue with business and labour sectors – the main actors in these chains”.

According to the Deputy Executive Secretary of ECLAC, deepening regional integration requires a Financial Security Network for Development to enable countries to tackle the adverse effects of exter-

nal volatility on the business cycle (as well as affecting long-term productive development and growth).

ECLAC proposes that this Network should be based on: countercyclical financial provision to fund the balance of payments; mobilisation of resources for productive development and investment; and support for intraregional trade.

Antonio Prado explained “We must progress towards a regional reserve fund, which would make a significant contribution to providing the public good that is financial stability”, while also underscoring the rapid-response capability of the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR) vis-à-vis countries’ liquidity requirements. At the meeting, the senior United Nations official referred to the United States Supreme Court decision to hear the case between Argentina and a minority of “holdouts”, and stressed the need to set up an international mechanism to resolve conflicts of interest arising from sovereign defaults.

JLP calls for boost to cruise shipping sector

LIAT reorganises commercial structure to increase revenue generation

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L

IAT has announced changes to its commercial structure in order to bring a much sharper focus on revenue generation.

Lloyd Carswell, an internationally experienced Chief Commercial Officer is being appointed in this role on an interim basis for three to four months.

Reporting to him will be an interim Director of Commercial Operations (DCO) with responsibility for

Revenue Management, Network Planning and Scheduling, Distribution, and Global Sales, and a Director of Commercial Delivery (DCD) with responsibility for Sales and Marketing, Customer Experience and Cargo.

The DCO will be based in Antigua and the DCD in Barbados.

These changes will entail the move of six positions from Barbados to Antigua, although only five of these positions are currently oc-

cupied by LIAT staff in Barbados.

The roles of Sales and Marketing, Customer Experience, and Cargo, under the leadership of Leesa Parris-Rudder, will remain in Barbados.

Total staff numbers in these roles are 275 who work throughout the Region.

In order to strengthen the airline’s airport delivery organisation, a new role of Customer Service Manager is being created. This role will be based in Barbados.

i n g s t o n J a m a i c a : Opposition spokesperson on tourism and cruise shipping, Shahine Robinson, has called for a stakeholders' team to be established to address the problems affecting Jamaica's cruise shipping sector.

Robinson urged Minister of Tourism Dr Wykeham McNeill, in a news release last Friday, to pull together a stakeholders' team to boost berthing capacity and cruise ship arrivals; balance the cruise ship traffic spread across the resort towns; and make the resort towns more attractive.

She suggested that the team should focus on aggressively courting major cruise lines; balance the cruise ship-

Cruise shipping sector

ping traffic to include Port Antonio, which has massive potential for exclusive boutique tourism, and make the resort towns too attractive to be ignored by visitors.

Robinson said that, currently, there is a "gross lack of direction" from the government on cruise shipping. She pointed out that her concerns have come on the heels of recent announcements by the world's largest cruise operator, Carnival Cruise Lines, of its intent to develop a US$70 million cruise ship port in Tortuga, Haiti, and its scheduled opening of a another port in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

She also expressed serious concern that as of May next year,

Carnival Breeze, one of the largest ships built for Carnival, will no longer call at Ocho Rios.

She said this will result in a fall-off of approximately 100,000 visitors per year, job losses and a decline in business.

Robinson also reiterated the point she had made in her recent sectoral debate contribution, that cruise shipping was being treated like the "stepchild" of the tourism sector, although it offers many opportunities for growth.

She noted that Jamaica's cruise ship arrivals last year were down by 4.2 per cent over 2012, with Ocho Rios down by 3.2 per cent and Montego Bay down by an "alarming" 29.8 per cent. (Jamaica Observer)

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UWI offers Degree in Sign Language K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Persons who are interested in learning sign language will be able to sign their way to a first degree next academic year at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Applications are now

open in the Department of Language, Linguistics and Philosophy for a Bachelor of Arts in Caribbean sign language, with classes set to start in September.

The programme will be offered on both a fulland part-time basis over three and five years, re-

spectively, and will see students from countries like Jamaica, where the government subsidises the costs of degree programmes, paying Ja$259,901 this academic year for fees. Students from non-sponsoring countries of the UWI will pay Ja$433,126 for fees this year.

Dr Keren Cumberbatch, lecturer in the department and the only person in the world with a linguistics PhD with focus on Caribbean sign language, said diploma and BA programmes were introduced in 2006, but it was only extended to a select group of people who were referred by the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

The first two members of the BA group will graduate in November.

She said the priority now is to prepare professionals who can communicate in sign language.

"We know that there is a gap in interpreters, so we decided to focus on preparing persons who would be working with the deaf rather than trying to prepare just a few interpreters," Cumberbatch said.

Rian Gayle (right), a deaf man, communicates with colleague Kevin McDonald using sign language.

She added: "So we said, let's continue to focus on preparing doctors, dentists, nurses and social workers and so on, so that when the deaf go to the dentist, the dentist can sign."

M e a n w h i l e , Cumberbatch has sought to justify the need for a Caribbean sign language degree programme.

ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE

"Signed English and signed language are two

very different things.

Signed English is an artificial language that follows English structure, and it was created for educational purposes to help teach the deaf English," she pointed out.

"Sign languages around the world all have their own grammars. When I use the term 'Caribbean sign language', I mean all the languages that are linked in the

Anglophone Caribbean that have all the same mother sign language, which is American sign language, that is, a deaf person from Trinidad can sign with a person from Jamaica and they will understand each other most of the time," she explained.

Cumberbatch said that 15 to 20 students would be an ideal number to kick off the academic year. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Economists say Browne’s trip to Italy could be fruitful

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T JOHN’S, A N T I G U A : According to a regional economist, Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s current trip to Italy to secure investors may yet yield positive results.

Browne is reportedly in Italy seeking investors for Antigua & Barbuda. However, multiple publications, including The New York Times and Reuters, have stated that the Italian economy is experiencing its third recession since 2008.

Economist McCarthy Marie of Dominica noted that while the Italian economy is in a state of recession, there may still be investors looking for financeable projects.

“Just because the country is in a recession doesn’t mean that every potential investor has no money, so the two things don’t really add up together,” he said.

“Point of fact, specifically because they are in a recession, the investors over there who have money to invest might want to invest elsewhere because the economy is not buoyant.”

He further noted

Prime Minister Gaston Browne. (OBSERVER media)

that it is too soon to say whether Browne’s move was a wise one as there are other factors to be considered.

“I’ll assume he didn’t just pack his bags and go over there looking for people,” he reasoned.

“He’d have had some preliminary contacts who said yes, there’s a possibility that we can do something; come over, let’s talk.

“So without more information about what kind of investment he’s seeking and what the Italian investors are interested in, it would be impossible to say whether that is wise or unwise.”

Marie said Antigua and the rest of the

Caribbean must look for new and creative ways to generate revenue, as it is now seeing serious competition in the tourism arena.

“The world is changing all the time and we have to refocus our attention on what kinds of usage we can offer … in terms of offering investment in particular areas that are better suited (here) than elsewhere,” he said.

Prime Minister Browne and his team are on a four-day expedition to Italy, where they will meet with potential investors in a number of areas, including highend hotel development and renewable energy.

(Antigua Observer)

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Antigua to produce new type of sweet potato

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T JOHN’S, A N T I G U A : Antigua & Barbuda is one step closer to producing sweet potato specifically for commercial purposes.

“We have taken it a bit further, so we have brought in a few more cultivars of sweet potato for tissue culture.

We have weaned and hardened them out in the field, we got slips to go out to the farmers through (the Extension Division) and we’ve got tubers so we have taken it through the entire process,” the CARDI Representative for Antigua & Barbuda and Technical Coordinator for the OECS, Dr Gregory Robin, said.

The orange skinned Beauregard sweet potato is packed with Vitamin A & E.

The variety was developed at Louisiana State University in 1987 and is considered the world’s most popular sweet potato. It is favoured for high yields of uniform, reddish-purple potatoes with tasty, deep-orange flesh that keeps well in storage.

It seems to have fewer problems with white grubs than some varieties and also resists cracking. The plant is resistant to wilt and soil rot.

“That type of potato is specifically for culinary and processing purposes. It is not a cooking potato we usually use. But, it is used for pies, fries and (chips),” Dr Robin said.

The next step is to get the slips onto the farms for planting. (Antigua Observer)

Guyana Festival ends on high note G

EORGETOWN GUYANA: The curtains came down Sunday night on the three-day Guyana Festival with a concert headlined by Guyana’s rising singing sensation Lisa Punch.

Meanwhile, during the course of Sunday, the excitement of the festival continued at the Guyana National Stadium with the successful staging of the Festival Cook Out Competition.

The event not only brought Guyanese love of food to life through a spectrum of local dishes, but it was also a celebration of the local culinary landscape by the chefs, who managed to defy the inclement weather to compete in the festival.

A variety of rice with black-eye, channa, pepper, peas corn and carrot, along with cook-up rice, white and black pudding and calalloo rice were among the dishes prepared by Team Bunny Home.

The Kings World team offered an assortment of curry, including duck, goat, labba, deer and chicken, and interestingly, a vegetarian oil-down, an enriched

Food preparation took over part of the Guyana National Stadium where the Festival Cook Out Competition was held

dish of breadfruit, pumpkin and herbs.

Demonstrating the talent of Essequibo was team Ramlakan and Son who prepared duck curry, aromatic rice, fried plantain and tilapia.

The competition also included in a funny and positive light the culinary talents of Team C & K Inc, and Team Everest among others.

The Guyana Festival showcased local food, talents and the cultural diversity of Guyana towards promoting tourism.

The inaugural festival, which lasted for three days (August 8-10) also featured a “Night of

Legends Concert” with renowned Guyanese artistes and a “Concert Next” which featured developing talents.

There were also Guyana Festival games, including a cricket and a football match.

Speaking at the opening of the festival, President Donald Ramotar commended the tourism sector and its staff and private sector stakeholders who have been working tirelessly for months to plan this one of a kind event.

The President emphasised the importance of the preservation of culture and traditions to national life. He said

that notwithstanding Guyana’s diversity; whereby its people hail from different continents of the world, this national festival brought out the true meaning of the country’s national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

“We have in our hands, the ability to fuse a unique Guyanese culture that when built on the riches of our foreparents, creates something new, different and even richer and that will help us. As our economy develops, we will also ensure that the arts and culture develop as well,” President Ramotar said.

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Mid-Year report…

Guyana’s export revenues pegged at Gy$109B G

EORGETOWN G U Y A N A : Guyana has earned over Gy$100 billion in exports so far for this year, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has announced in his Mid-Year Report.

The figure, however, reflects a 10.3 per cent decline.

Dr Singh said overall receipts from exports fell by 10.3 per cent to US$534.2 million (G$109,884,232,785) in the first half of 2014 compared to the corresponding period in 2013.

He said too that excluding gold, total exports grew by 4.3 per cent to US$307.5 million (G$63,252,342,907) in the first half of 2014.

Sugar exports returned US$34.4 million in earnings; a 26.4 per cent increase compared to the

in gold exports earnings to US$226.7 million, associated with a 10.1 per cent decline in export volume to 182,411 ounces, coupled with a 16.1 per cent contraction in average export prices to US$1,243 per ounce lower imports of consumption.

June 2013 level, attributed to an 80.3 per cent increase in export volume to 69,687 tonnes.

Rice

Rice export earnings increased to US$95.6 million, 14.9 per cent higher than at June 2013 due to a 30.7 per cent increase in export volume to 186,000 tonnes, outweighing the 12.1 percent contraction in export prices to US$514 per tonne.

Timber export earnings rose to US$21.3 million, a 31.3 per cent increase due to an increase in export volume, reflecting an expansion in plywood exports.

Bauxite

Bauxite export receipts declined marginally by 2.9 per cent to US$66.9 million due mainly to a 6.4 per cent contraction in export vol-

Capital goods

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

ume to 855,877 tonnes.

In addition, other exports contracted by 10 per cent to US$89.3 million, primarily on account of a decline in fish and shrimp exports.

However, the first half of 2014 also witnessed a 24.6 per cent contraction

Intermediate and capital goods led to a contraction in merchandise imports of 7.5 per cent to US$839 million.

Imports of consumption goods declined by 7.2 per cent to US$186.9 million. Under the intermediate category, imports contracted by 3.3 per cent to US$476.1 million, mainly due to a decline in chemicals and consumables for capital equipment, outweighing the increase in imports of fuel and lubricants, and other intermediate goods and food for intermediate use. Imports of capital goods declined by 17.7 per cent to US$171.9 million, with some moderation in the importation of agriculture, industrial and building machinery.

Fisheries

Meanwhile, amid persistent attacks on fishermen by armed sea

pirates, Dr Singh announced that there has been a significant decline in production for the first half of the year so far with no prospects of the sector achieving the target set out earlier this year.

The Minister said despite the introduction of improved management and monitoring techniques in the fishing industry, first-half production was 25.5 per cent below 2013 levels.

“Even with an improved performance in the second half, an overall decline in growth is expected and the budget target of 2.2 per cent growth has to be revised to a whole year contraction of eight per cent relative to 2013 output levels.”

Forestry

On the other hand, the forestry sector recorded robust growth of 38.1 per cent, supported by the introduction of new incentives to harvesters and sustained demand from the construction sector and furniture manufacturing sub-sector. As a consequence, the growth target has been revised upwards significantly from the budgeted 3.3

per cent to 15 per cent growth for 2014.

Mining, quarrying

The performance of the mining and quarrying sector in recent years has been significantly driven by the record performances of the gold industry and to a lesser extent that of bauxite. At the half-year, the sector had recorded a decline of 17.2 per cent in gold declarations and a three per cent decline in the contribution of bauxite.

Consequently, projected end-of-year gold declarations have been revised downwards to 450,000 ounces or a 6.5 per cent decline, while bauxite value- added production is projected to contract by 6.1 per cent.

With anticipated increased demand for quarry products in the second half of the year, the production of ‘other mining products’ is expected to rebound and return a marginally lower 5.5 per cent growth.

The overall sector performance for 2014 has been accordingly revised downwards from the budget target of 2.8 per cent growth to a contraction of 5.1 per cent.

(Guyana Times)

TT cops probe two murders

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A 24-year-old man from Tunapuna was shot dead on Sunday night, but his body was not found until Monday morning by commuters, who were on their way to work.

On Sunday night, residents of Achong Trace, Tunapuna, heard multiple loud explosions between the hours of 10 pm and midnight.

Reports were made to the police, but no signs of gunshots were found.

However, on Monday morning residents found the body of Rickey Ramlakhan lying face down in a pool of blood near an abandoned house.

Investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, at the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James,

the family of 41-yearold Simon Marryshow, were waiting to identify his body.

Marryshow was shot at about 3 am Saturday morning as he was leaving the New Image Pub at Cunapo Main Road. He succumbed to his injuries at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

Marryshow resided at Immortelle Avenue, Malabar Arima, and was a security officer.

He was a father of two daughters. One is 20 years old and lives in the US. He also had a six-month-old daughter who was fondly called “Memo” by her father.

Marryshow’s common-law wife, Stacy Mohammed described her husband as a loving, caring and giving man who adored his

family. Mohammed told Newsday she is trying to cope with her husband’s death, but she does not know how their six-month-old baby would survive without her father.

“I am concerned about my daughter.

They were so close. He really loved his daughter. He loved her more than anything. He would go out of his way for his child, and she loved him very much. I don’t know what she is going to do,” Mohammed said.

On Saturday morning Marryshow was approached by a lone gunman who opened fire.

Marryshow fell to the ground with wounds to the head, neck, chest and arms.

Investigations into Marryshow’s death are ongoing. (TT Newsday)

News

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Drought-hit south St Elizabeth thankful for small mercies

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ANTA CRUZ, ST ELIZABETH: In the context of extreme drought conditions in southern St Elizabeth, the Government's recent emergency allocation of Ja$5 million for trucking water could be exhausted very quickly.

However, political representatives are giving thanks. "Look at it this way, any help is good and this is Ja$5 million we didn't have before," said Member of Parliament for South East St Elizabeth, Richard Parchment.

Hugh Buchanan, MP for St Elizabeth South West, described the allocation as "very welcome and appreciated".

Buchanan was grateful that the pledge made

by Local Government Minister Noel Arscott during a recent tour has "already been made good" with cash flowing for trucking to communities most in need.

Rain over the last two weeks in the north, central and west of St Elizabeth has replenished many of the allimportant domestic rain

F

Tryall farmer Vern Sellers ruefully inspects dead or near-dead lettuce in his drought-ruined drip irrigation plot in July. Sellers told Jamaica Observer Central that trucked water to support his farm became too expensive for him to sustain. (PHOTO: GREGORY BENNETT)

water catchment tanks and has also eased the pressure on distressed farmers.

However, large swathes of South East St Elizabeth and communities at the eastern fringe of the parish's south-west have seen little or no rain since April/May. Not only have crops being devastated but increasingly residents in such areas are under pressure to find water to drink, bathe and cook.

Less than half of St Elizabeth's households receive piped water from

the NWC and the situation is at its worse in the south-east where only an estimated 10 per cent of households get piped NWC water.

Communities considered to be in greatest need for emergency trucking late last week included Todd Town, Nembhard Town, Comma Pen, Bull Savannah, Junction, Ballards Valley, Tryall, Southfield, Ridge, Flagaman, Round Hill, and further south through Pedro Plains to Treasure Beach.

(Jamaica Observer)

Jamaicans need to place more emphasis on financing education – Thwaites

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: E d u c a t i o n Minister Ronnie Thwaites says that education in Jamaica does not receive the level of priory it should from the general population.

The minister speaking at the Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange on funding for tertiary education said some 3,000 students last year could not get assistance from the Students' Loan Bureau (SLB) due to a lack of guarantors.

"State agencies cannot be expected to cover the full burden of tertiary education. People

Education Minister Ronnie Thwaites

have to start saving; we have to get into that culture, said the Education Minister.

He added that 15,000

Jamaicans have applied for loans through SLB this year with 9,000 being returning students.

(Jamaica Observer)

Brazilian diplomat dies in twovehicle collision in Guyana – three others injured

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EORGETOWN GUYANA: A Brazilian diplomat in Guyana was on Saturday morning killed while several others suffered injuries following a two-vehicle collision on the Takutu Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine.

The incident occurred about 07:20h.

The dead Brazilian diplomat was identified as Theotonio Santa Cruz Oliveria, 61. His assistant Grace Nicholson and a woman identified as

Former Guyanese diplomat launches book

Caslin Thakurdeen were also injured in the accident.

This newspaper understands that one other person who was driving the taxi that collided with the diplomat’s vehicle was also hospitalised.

A Police source told this publication that the diplomat was heading to Brazil while the taxi was travelling to Lethem.

Both vehicles were on the bridge and were severely damaged.

While information

is sketchy, it is believed that the diplomat’s vehicle came into contact with the taxi after the driver failed to change lanes.

He was reportedly the front-seat passenger and suffered lacerations to the head and other injuries to the body.

The diplomat, along with others, was taken to the Lethem Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The others were treated and immediately whisked away to Boa Vista.

ormer Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Rudolph “Rudy” Insanally launched his second book “Dancing between the Raindrops- a Dispatch from A Small State Diplomat” on Tuesday at the Pegasus Hotel.

In the presence of President Donald Ramotar, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, the Director of the Latin American-Caribbean Centre UWI Annette Insanally and Diplomats from across the Region, the retired diplomat disclosed that the book chronicles his life from the time he was recruited into the world of International Relations. With a strong background in French and Spanish, Insanally began his Diplomatic Career as a Counsellor at Guyana Embassy to the United States at a time when Guyana gained its Independence, a position he held until 1969 before becoming the Guyana’s charge d’affaires in Venezuela in 1970.

Although reading only three chapters of the book, President Ramotar said he was blown away by the series of events captured in the book. Before a small audience, the President said Insanally’s ability to articulate must be applauded, positing that the book is easy to read. According to the President, other distinguished citizens of Guyana should replicate the acts of the Former UN General Assembly President, not only in his writings but also in his diplomatic posture.

He recalled listening to Insanally addressing the

President Donald Ramotar shaking hands with Former President of the UN General Assembly Ruby Insanally in the presence of the Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn-Rodrigues-Birkett

National Assembly as the Foreign Affairs Minister, pointing out the fact as he was never heckled as he delivered eloquent presentations which spoke volume. “They were always in depth and to the point,” President Ramotar recalled.

Insanally who served Guyana in various capacities in the diplomatic arena, described the title as a reflection of the efforts of the local Foreign Service in the years after independence, which saw them doing a lot with limited resources. “We felt as if we were always under pressure and going from one thing to another”.

He then gave a short lecture on “Diplomacy, past, present and future” where he noted the changing protocols and move from Euro-centralism, to a more incorporated world view, with civil society and private sector representatives taking center stage amongst world leaders.

He noted that new technologies, terrorism, unconventional warfare and the possibility of a third world, meant that increased diplomacy that takes account of new and emerging technologies, such as social me-

dia, was essential to ensure world peace, in the future.

Minister RodriguesBirkett in her presentation during the launch described Insanally as one of Guyana’s finest diplomats. According to her, the book would now be used as a guide to the diplomatic community.

In his earlier diplomatic postings Insanally in 1972 served as Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations before being appointed Ambassador to Venezuela with additional accreditation for Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from 1972 to 1978. He also served as the Permanent Representative to the European Economic Community and Ambassador to Belgium and although he resided in Brussels, he was Ambassador to Austria, Norway and Sweden.

Additionally, he served as Guyana’s Political Division Head, Ambassador to Colombia, the President of the 48th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (1993-1994), Chancellor of the University of Guyana (1994-2001) and Guyana’ Foreign Affairs Minister (2001-2008).

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

TT monitoring ports to isolate Ebola virus

Guyana govt auctions 1000 mining blocks

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Body temperature scanners will be placed at ports of entry in Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to detect and isolate anyone arriving in the country carrying the Ebola virus.

The Health Ministry’s decision to introduce the scanners is a step being taken in some parts of West Africa where the outbreak started and is quickly spreading.

The outbreak, which started in March, is the most lethal recorded.

The Ministry of Health has advised against non-essential travel to Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

Travellers arriving from countries where Ebola was endemic are also under heightened surveillance.

The ministry said its public health emergency plans were being reviewed and updated in light of the public health concerns.

If a suspected case of Ebola were to be reported in T&T, the ministry would carry out its contingency plan ensuring

G TT Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan

that patients are cared for in a way that reduces the potential for the disease to spread.

Health care workers are to use special personal protective equipment and patients are to be sent to designated facilities for isolation, according to the ministry’s plan.

President of the Thoracic Society of T&T Professor Terrence Seemungal commended the ministry’s effort to ensure international best practices were followed at ports of entry.

In a statement on Monday, he referred to a new study which concluded that the Ebola virus was not “spread either by coughing or sneezing.”

Th study found that “Ebola is not an airborne virus but rather is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, stool, urine, semen, sweat and soiled linen used by a patient.”

Seemungal explained that Ebola viruses consisted of several different virus strains, some of which caused human disease.

“Those endemic to Africa cause fever with severe bleeding with frequent fatal outcome in humans, great apes and several species of primates.”

Fruit bats, he added, were considered to be the natural reservoir for Ebola virus in Africa.

(Trinidad Guardian)

A section of the gathering at the auction held in Georgetown

eorgetown: Guyana An auction to make more medium scale mining properties available to miners and new entrants to the mining sector saw an overwhelming turnout at the Guyana Girl Guides Association building, Upper Brickdam, Georgetown.

According to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), 1000 mining blocks went to auction.

“Due to the large attendance by miners, new entrants to the sector and other interested persons; the Commission anticipates that there will be a full allocation of the blocks listed for auctions.

“Additionally, due to the overwhelming response to the auction, it has been extended to accommodate all miners and other interested persons,” a release from the Natural Resources

and the Environment Ministry said.

Meanwhile, in an effort to make more mining properties available to small miners and new entrants, a lottery of medium scale mining parcels in each of the six mining districts will be held on August 18 at 10:00h.

Interested persons may consult the relevant maps which are on display at the GGMC Head Office and mining stations to ascertain their area and zone of interest.

Persons can acquire copies of the lottery maps at the cost of Gy$3000 per sheet. The closing date for receipt of applications is August 14.

According to the release, the auction on Monday was made possible following discussions with the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry,

the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the mining sector regulatory agency, the GGMC. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud had mandated the Closed Area Committee to identify mining properties for lottery/auction, thereby making more mining properties available to miners and new entrants to the mining sector.

The Committee is broad-based and its work is guided by statutes. The transparency and openness of the award of blocks for the auction was witnessed by the GGMC and the GGDMA, among other stakeholders.

Also present at the auction were GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams and GGDMA President Patrick Harding.

News

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Caricom hails Jamaica on 52nd Guyana Elections Commission Chairman dismisses Independence Anniversary accusations of bias

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aricom Secretary G e n e r a l Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has lauded Jamaica’s resilience and fortitude in addressing fiscal and economic challenges, as he extended congratulations on the country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

In his congratulatory message to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Ambassador LaRocque also praised the country’s wealth of high achievers whose contribution, he noted, gives great cause for the theme of this year’s celebrations “This is Jamaica, my Jamaica” to be celebrated with pride.

Jamaica observed its 52nd Independence Anniversary on Wednesday August 6.

This is the full text of the congratulatory message from Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque to SimpsonMiller.

“It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to extend to you and to the people of Jamaica, heartfelt congratulations on the cel-

Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

ebration of Jamaica’s 52nd Anniversary as an Independent nation.

“The theme chosen to commemorate Jamaica’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, ‘This is Jamaica, my Jamaica’, is fitting as it encourages and challenges the people of Jamaica to unite in pursuit of common goals for the benefit of the country they all share. Jamaica has a lot to be proud of on this 52nd Independence Anniversary.

Jamaica has produced many sons and daughters whose successes have left an indelible mark on Jamaica, the Region and the world.

These include poets, folklorists, writers, statesmen and stateswomen, educators, sportsmen and sportswomen, artistes and jurists. These

notable persons also have inspired countless aspirants in Jamaica and beyond its shores to pursue excellence. Indeed, Jamaica has a wealth of high achievers whose contribution to the nation gives great cause for the theme of ‘This is Jamaica, my Jamaica’ to be celebrated with great pride.

“Such a celebration is all the more laudatory in the particular developmental context, as Jamaica has displayed resilience and fortitude in addressing the fiscal and economic challenges currently permeating the international and regional environment.

It is to the credit of your Government that Jamaica has been able to continue on its path of economic transformation, notwithstanding these constraints to development. The community looks forward to the country’s further progress in the social and economic spheres as it proudly celebrates 52 years of triumphant freedom.

“I join with the Caribbean Community in extending best wishes for the continued advancement of Jamaica and the well-being of its people.”

Americas competitiveness forum to held in TT

T

he Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) last Wednesday received the Planning and Sustainable Development Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Bhoendradatt Tewarie, who spoke about preparations for the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum to be held in his country in October.

Also at the meeting, the delegation of Peru presented a report on the conclusion of the First Inter-American Meeting of Presidents of Legislative Powers of the region, held in Lima, Peru last month.

In his speech, Minister Tewarie referred to the preparations and logistics of the VIII Americas Competitiveness Forum which will have as its central theme “The Human Imagination at Work: Driving Competitiveness, Powering Innovation”, and will be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from October 8 to 10.

Minister Tewarie stressed that the forum

OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin

“gives representatives of Government an opportunity to engage each other on matters of common interest in the Americas, gives business leaders the opportunity not just to interact and to interface, but actually to create business opportunities, and more than that, it gives academics and NGOs an opportunity to lend their own perspectives on the big issues of the day”.

The OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin said the forum is an opportunity for dialogue with the private sector, which plays “a key role in sustainable development” and he in-

vited the countries of the region to strengthen collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Ambassador Ramdin also praised the preparatory work done by Trinidad and Tobago, a country which he described as one of the leading economies of the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere, and highlighted its leadership in promoting economic development policies, innovation and creativity.

For his part, the Minister, Alternate Representative of Peru, Raúl Salazar, presented a report on the results of the First Inter-American Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Branches of the region, which was held in Lima on July 18.

The Peruvian diplomat stressed that the event was attended by representatives of the highest level of the legislatures of 26 member countries and nine parliamentary networks, as well as the OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza and the former President of Costa Rica Laura Chinchilla, among others.

- challenges govt MP to show the evidence

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally has dismissed accusation of partiality made

by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Manzoor Nadir.

Nadir, who is a former Government Minister had accused the Chairman of GECOM of being in cahoots with the Opposition parties to have elections held at an early date. It was reported that Nadir during a radio interview had stated that the Chairman was being propelled by an Opposition agenda in his preparations for the hosting of elections in Guyana.

In adhering to that particular agenda, Nadir said Dr Surujbally had ignored legitimate concerns of the Commission that would have been brought to the fore by PPP/C Commissioners on the board. Nadir is quoted as saying “Surujbally and the Opposition are preparing for a national election because they feel that the no-confidence motion will succeed… all plans are for national elections and I would say to Steve directly: you are preparing for national elections because you are driven by Opposition agenda.”

When contacted by this publication last

GECOM chairman Dr Steve Surujbally

PPP/C MP Manzoor Nadir

Thursday, Dr Surjubally pointed out that GECOM was constitutionally mandated to prepare for elections and each year it has done so. He said that the accusations levelled against him are “interesting.”

He further explained that the statements made

by Nadir are somewhat disappointing, noting that he is unaware of the reasons that would lead the former Minister to make such a statement in the public domain.

The Chairman pointed out that over the last 13 years that he has held the portfolio as Chairman of GECOM, he has been accused at one time or another of being linked to either the Government or a political Opposition, but in each time his impartiality was proven. He opined that he has since seen such criticisms as a part of the job and do not make a big issue of

it. He said that “political elements should have over the years, because of track record, matured enough to cease such slander; they all know it’s not true. But I am not holding my breath on things to change; instead I’ve put on armour…”

On that note, Dr Surujbally challenged Nadir to produce evidence of the assertions that were made against him. He said that if Nadir can produce evidence of him voting in favour of any given political party at any time, then his accusations may have some validity.

In response to accusations that the entity was in fact making preparations for General and Regional Elections and not Local Government polls, as it would have the public believe, Dr Surujbally said that this was not the case. (Guyana Times)

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

EU to provide new funding to counter organised crime and drug trafficking in the Caribbean

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RUSSELS, BELGIUM: The European Commission will provide additional funding for the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP) to disrupt the illegal networks that are disseminating drugs and other illicit products through smarter, more effective, well-connected and intelligence led counter-narcotic activities of participating airports. Its purpose is to strengthen detection, interdiction and intelligence capacities in several countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

E u r o p e a n Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, said: "Organised crime, drug trafficking and the damage that they bring are a global problem that requires a strong and coordinated response.

Criminal organisations are responding to the success of coordinated law-enforcement agency efforts, with new smuggling methods.

Therefore it is important to continue our collective efforts to counter drug trafficking and protect people in the European Union and countries where illicit products are produced and transported.”

The AIRCOP programme has established Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITF) in participating

European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs

international airports and connected them to international law enforcement databases and communication networks to promote intelligence and information sharing between services at national and international level. This includes encouraging real time transmission of information when illicit shipments are intercepted, as well as an intelligence-led approach to countering drug trafficking. The project also organises national and regional trainings as well as joint operations.

So far, thanks to the AIRCOP project more than 355 kg of cocaine were seized, as well as 127 kg of methamphetamine, 1120 kg of cannabis, 4 kg of heroin, 1400 kg of counterfeit drugs and 450 kg of ivory; 112 people were arrested.

Trafficking in drugs is one of the major sources of revenue of organised crime. Not only is it a threat to public health, but it also poses a serious threat to peace and stability, undermines economic and social development, and contributes to crime and insecurity.

Along the so-called cocaine route, from the countries in the Andes through the transit countries in Central America, the Caribbean, West, South and North Africa, to Europe, the drug trade feeds into and supports organised crime in all its aspects; exacerbating extreme violence, instability and the chronic weakening of state institutions.

The AIRCOP project was launched in 2010 and so far the European Commission has contributed almost €8 million.

The newly announced funding of €3 million is for the third phase of the project, which will last until the end of 2016.

The programme is implemented by The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The Latin America and Caribbean countries currently participating are the Dominican Republic, and Panama.

(Caribbean News Now)

Open vending of pornography creating headache for Guyanese authorities

By Tajeram Mohabir

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: It has been described as “cancerous”, “a new form of crack cocaine” that helps stain the moral fabric of society.

From the open vending on the pavements of the busy Regent Street, Stabroek Market areas and Water Street in Guyana’s capital city – Georgetown - to mobile units on the Essequibo Coast, and “underground” shops in Linden and Berbice, pornographic DVDs can be had for any buyer who is willing to pay more for the “tempting” commodity.

According to some consumers, they have to “have a look” to feel comfortable – caught in the throes of an addiction more insidious than crack cocaine.

One vendor on the Essequibo Coast, when asked why he engages in the illegality, told this publication it is better than “thieving”, and all he does is supply the demand of consumers.

“I am in business and I want to have DVD in all areas and pornography is on the demand,” he said. This newspaper was told that while grown men and women and even young girls buy the DVDs, the majority of buyers are young males.

These DVDs are downloaded from the Internet or are bought from vendors in Georgetown by sellers in the different regions.

This publication observed that some vendors

Open vending of pornographic material in Georgetown

who did not have the obscene DVDs openly displayed on their stalls had them stashed in boxes nearby. This is to avoid being caught by Police openly vending pornographic material, as only recently several vendors who were busted were charged and placed before the court.

But the crackdown did not deter the Georgetown vendors, all it did was to force some of them to exercise greater caution when selling their goods: being on the lookout constantly and only selling the DVDs upon request, if they were convinced the person seeking porn was a genuine customer.

Not enough

From all indications, if the illegal trade is to stop, it will not be enough for the Police to charge the guilty vendors, they need to find the DVD suppliers and charge them as well.

Religious leaders, parents and teachers who spoke with this newspaper said the earnings from the illegal trade can be compared to “blood money” as the porn DVDs does more

harm than good to the consumer.

The vending of pornographic materials in Guyana is illegal under the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02 — Indecency and Obscenity.

That section of the act states, inter alia, that anyone, “Who for the purposes or by way of trade, or for distribution or public exhibition, makes, or produces, or has in his possession, or imports, conveys, or exports, or causes to be imported, conveyed, or exported, or in any manner whatsoever puts into circulation, any obscene writing, drawing, print, painting, printed matter, picture, poster, emblem, photograph, cinematograph film, or any other obscene object; or carries on or takes part in a business, whether public or private, concerned with any of those obscene matters or things, or deals in any of them in any manner whatsoever… shall be liable to a fine of not less than Gy$25,000 nor Gy$50,000 or to imprisonment for 12 months”.

(Guyana Times)

Dominica police questioned after prisoner found dead in cell

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O S E A U , DOMINICA: Four police officers are being questioned in relation to the death of Joshua Etienne, whose body was found in his cell at a police station in Portsmouth, north of here on August 5.

The four officers were detained last week after an autopsy was done on the body of Etienne, who had been arrested on August 4, for the alleged possession of ammunition.

Lawyers for the four unidentified police officers, who left the police station late on Sunday night, would not comment on the situation regarding their clients given the fact that the men had been in police custody for more than 72 hours.

Last week, Police Commissioner Daniel Carbon described the death of the man in police custody as a “very serious incident” and “a homicide”.

“This incident where Joshua Etienne was found dead has always been treated as a very serious incident. From the offset of the investigations, we’ve been treating it as a homicide,” he

said on the state-owned DBS radio, adding “I can assure the general public that there is going to be no cover up, the investigation is going to very transparent.”

“The investigation is well advanced and I have no doubt the officers, who the investigations have identified as the perpetrators of this crime, will face justice.”

(CMC)

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Five arrest warrants issued in Haiti corruption probe P

O R T - A U PRINCE, Haiti: The Haitian judge conducting an inquiry into corruption involving Haiti's former president, JeanBertrand Aristide, on Friday issued five arrest warrants against suspects who failed to comply with a summons sent to them a few days ago to appear at the magistrate's office for questioning.

Sources close to the case told HCNN that Judge Lamarre Belizaire on Friday ordered that Mirlande Libérus, Gustave Faubert, Rodnée Deschineau,

Jean-Robert Esther and Max Buteau be arrested and brought before him as he proceeds with a series of hearings of former allies of ex-president Aristide's alleged involvement in corruption, laundering of drug money and misappropriation of public funds, among other charges.

Mirlande Liberus was director of the Aristide Foundation for Democracy and reputed to have been Aristide's right-hand woman, Gustave Faubert was minister of finance under Aristide, while JeanRobert Esther was an influential police inspec-

Judge Lamarre Belizaire

tor-general, and Rodnée Deschineau was the former director-general of the Haitian Popular Bank, known as BPH, through which most of the fraudulent transactions were made.

The fifth suspect, Max Buteau, has allegedly received significant sums of money through the scheme set up by the Aristide administration to misappropriate public funds.

It is not clear, however, that all the suspects in the case still live in Haiti. It is believed, for instance, that Liberus has been living in Florida for several years now.

Belizaire last week banned Aristide and 34 other former allies from leaving the Caribbean country's territory.

Hundreds of millions of dollars were al-

legedly embezzled under Aristide's government from 2001 to 2004, according to official administrative reports.

Aristide was forced from power in February 2004 by a bloody rebellion led by former army officer and police commissioner, Guy Philippe.

Aristide went into exile in the Central African Republic, then South Africa, where he spent about seven years before returning to Haiti in 2011, under the presidency of René Préval.

The criminal investigation into Aristide's administration was initiated in 2005 under the

interim government, led by then president Boniface Alexandre and former prime minister Gérard Latortue.

A new anti-corruption law, pushed by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and promulgated by President Michel Martelly was passed earlier this year to toughen punitive measures against those in the public administration and others found guilty of corrupt practices.

Aristide has not yet publically commented on the restrictive measures taken against him and his former collaborators.

(HCNN)

Jamaica reports two new Guyana increasing rice exports - govt looking at securing new markets cases of Chikungunya

A

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson (right), makes a point at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Health downtown Kingston offices on August 7, to give an update on the Chikungunya disease. Seated beside the minister are Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse (centre), and Representative, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Tara lee Malcolm. (JIS Photo)

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Ministry of Health has confirmed earlier this week two additional cases of the Chikungunya virus in Jamaica.

This was revealed by Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, during a press briefing held at the Ministry’s downtown Kingston offices.

He said that the two new cases were from local transmission, as the persons involved had no history travelling outside of Jamaica.

“The samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency, which informed us of the positive results on August 5,” Ferguson said.

The two additional

cases bring to four the number of persons who have been confirmed as having Chikungunya.

“The affected parishes include St Thomas, St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew,” the minister noted.

On July 17, 2014, Jamaica confirmed its first imported case, and the second on July 28.

Ferguson said that, since the confirmation of local transmission, the ministry has implemented intense vector control activities, including fogging of the surrounding areas and communities in which the affected persons reside, in threeday cycles each week.

“This will continue for a period of three weeks.

Fever surveillance and contact investigation is

still taking place. We have also increased the capacity of the vector control teams across the island by providing additional equipment and supplies,” he noted.

In addition, Ferguson said the ministry’s public health team has put in place vector control measures at the commercial offices of one of the affected persons. Also, health educators have been conducting education sessions and distributing material in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, the health minister said with the start of the school year not very far away, this may present additional challenges with large school populations at risk from possible infected mosquitoes. (JIS)

g r i c u l t u r e Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said at the end of July, Guyana had exported close to 250,000 tonnes of rice, and if exports continue at this rate (as is expected), the month of August would be one of the largest export months.

At present, several shipments are being loaded. Last year was seen as the biggest export year ever with a total of 395,000 tonnes “We are sending to new destinations, and I expect that we will [reach] the 300,000 tonnes mark at the end of August,” Minister Ramsammy said.

Some of these destinations include: Panama, which is now buying a significant amount (in the 10s of thousands) instead of the traditional two containers. Haiti increased its imports from Guyana and so have

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

many other Caribbean countries.

Meanwhile, some of the European markets which Guyana had voluntarily given up in the past are now being recovered. In this regard, Spain, Portugal and Holland are buying more rice from Guyana, while Italy, which has always purchased a small amount, has increased its

imports as well.

In the meantime, the Agriculture Ministry is exploring possible markets in other countries.

Minister Ramsammy said that over the next several weeks, he will be visiting various places in Central America and Africa to further negotiations, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

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Sonia Godding-Togobo

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eet Sonia G o d d i n g T o g o b o , Guyanese-born documentarian, director and filmmaker, currently based in the UK. First migrating to Canada at age two, Sonia graduated from Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School in Ontario.

Sonia has worked in broadcast television for the last decade with broadcast credits in Canada and England. She has also produced short films in both Haiti and Ghana.

In 2001, after graduating from Humber’s Film and Television program, Sonia went on to work in numerous post production houses before settling at Nelvana - North America’s largest animation distributor. While at Nelvana, she inde-

Sonia Godding-Togobo

pendently worked on short films, music videos and documentaries.

Favouring the latter, Sonia worked her way up to associate editor on CBC’s A Deathly Silence and WTSN Profile series before moving on to Canada’s pioneering music channel – MuchMusic in 2003. There, she edited

a variety of the channel’s programs including an hour special on the crisis in Darfur with George Stroumboulopoulos and the Sri Lanka and Indonesia tsunamis.

In 2005, Sonia worked on SunTV’s Echo – the channel’s premiere multi-ethnic biography series that highlight-

ed diverse trailblazing Torontionians. In 2006, she crossed the big pond and moved to London where she worked in entertainment and factual programming for a variety of production companies and networks including Channel 4 and BBC. In 2007, she shot and edited her first documentary “We Had a Dream”, in Accra, Ghana. Later that year, she also shot her second film, Adopted ID, about a transracially adopted Canadian who returns to Haiti in search of her biological family.

This is Sonia’s first feature length documentary which was released in 2011. Sonia is also the co-founder of SunStar Worldwide – a media and personal development company. (www. guyanesegirlsrock.com)

Europe in the summer

Jamaican artistes flock festivals on the continent

BEENIE MAN... one on the few dancehall acts on the European festivals and JIMMY CLIFF... advertised for festivals in Spain, Slovakia, Germany and France

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Europe is the bubbling epicentre for reggae music this summer.

As Europeans take full advantage of the warmer weather, Jamaican acts are front and centre at many of the reggae festivals now underway on that continent.

Perhaps the busiest act this season is fastrising roots reggae act Chronixx, who has 17 stops in the European leg of his Dread and Terrible tour.

But Chronixx is not alone, as many other local acts are making it onto the roster for festivals not only being staged in the traditional European reggae markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom and France, but in Austria, The Netherlands, Slovakia, Poland and Denmark, which are welcoming reggae acts to their shore in increasing numbers.

This weekend, Germany plays host to two festivals featuring reggae artistes from Jamaica with Beenie Man, Cobra, Romain Virgo and Rootz Underground advertised for those gigs.

At the same time, a slew of locals are also on stage at Reggae Sundance over in The Netherlands. That stage will feature John Holt, Luciano, Shaggy Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Big Youth, Tanya Stephens, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr among others.

Next week is a strong week for the local acts with festivals in Germany, France, Austria, Poland and the UK. Among the acts billed for the Chiemsee Summer Festival in Germany are Shaggy, Jimmy Cliff, Max

Romeo, Luciano, Tanya Stephens, Chronixx and Gyptian. Cliff, Luciano, Anthony B and Droop Lion are also advertised to lead Jamaica's charge at the No Logo Festival in France from this coming Wednesday to Friday.

Busy Signal and Romain Virgo are among those on the Hill Vibes Reggae Festival in Austria on Thursday.

The four-day Ostrada Reggae Festival will see the likes of Chronixx, The Skatelites and Rootz Underground taking to the stage.

Over in the UK, Cocoa Tea, The Mighty Diamonds and Bushman are just a few of the local acts on the One Love Festival.

One of the most anticipated European Reggae festivals, Rototom Sunsplash in Spain has one of the biggest Jamaican contingents for the event which runs from August 16-23.

This bill sees acts such as The Jolly Boys, Dubtonic Kru, Sean Paul, Junior Kelly and Jah 9 joining Jimmy Cliff, Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Beenie Man, Kabaka Pyramid, Chronixx, Busy Signal and Mikey General set to take that stage.

Poland is the next stop for the majority of local acts for the Regalowisko, Bielawa Reggae Festival from August 21-23.

Anthony B, John Holt, Junior Kelly Jesse Royal and Jah 9 are among those down to perform.

Slovakia will play host to Dubtonic Kru, Jimmy Cliff, Chronixx and more that same weekend.

The major festivals wrap up at the end of August with the Scandinavia Reggae Festival from August 29-30, which should see local acts including Tanya Stephens and Busy Signal taking to the stage.

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Artist Merlene Ellis

uyanese artist Merlene Ellis brings to life rich slices of her Guyanese experience.

Practiced in various media such as pastels, acrylic and oils (brush and palette knife), her work shows maturity and depth of expression. The National Gallery of Art has acquired her work as one of Guyana’s noted female artists.

Ellis was born March 15, 1966 and obtained

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her GCE ‘O’ Level qualification in art in the early 1980s. She then served as an auto-electrician at the Guyana National Trading Corporation from 1984, and later on studied welding at the Guyana Technical Institute.

In 1988, she enrolled part-time at the Burrowes School of Art for four months, studying painting with local artist and tutor George Simon. In

'Metagee' 2001

1989, she joined the Guyana Women Artists’ Association and began exhibiting regularly with various art groups.

In 1996, Ellis held her first solo exhibition and represented Guyana at various regional art exhibitions. She won the gold and bronze medals for the National Watercolour competition in 1999. Her paintings are part of the National Collection of Guyana, in institutional collections

A still from the documentary Art Connect, directed by Miquel Galofré, T&T, 2014

he T&T Film Festival (TTFF) has announced the first section of its programme of films for its 2014 edition, the Caribbean features section. Twenty featurelength films—ten fiction films and ten documentaries—will screen in this section at this year’s festival, which runs from September 16–30.

A release from the TTFF said the 20 films come from eight Caribbean countries: Barbados, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and T&T. They reflect a range of genres and thematic concerns.

“Our Caribbean section this year seems stronger and more diverse in subject and style than ever,” said Annabelle Alcazar, TTFF programme director. “We feel it represents a true reflection of our region.”

Eleven of the films will be in official competition, for one or more of three awards: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best T&T Feature.

Several will also compete for the inaugural Amnesty International Human Rights Prize.

Still to be announced are the closing night film, the section of Caribbean short and medium-length films, the panorama section of feature-length films (films from world cinema), and the experimental films playing in the New Media section.

Already announced as the opening film is Pan! Our Music Odyssey, a T&T docudrama, which will have its world premiere.

Full line-up of Caribbean features Films marked with an asterisk (*) are in competition.

Go to www.ttfilmfestival.com/caribbean-fea-

tures for the synopses and trailers of all films.

Narrative selections

• 200 Cartas, directed by Bruno Irizarry, Puerto Rico, 2013, T&T premiere • Behaviour Ernesto, directed by Daranas Serrano, Cuba, 2014, T&T premiere* • Cows Wearing Glasses, directed by Alex Santiago Pérez, Puerto Rico, 2014, Caribbean premiere* • Giraffes, directed

by Kiki Álvarez, Cuba, 2013, T&T premiere* • Haiti Bride, directed

by Robert Yao Ramesar, T&T/Haiti, 2014, world premiere* • Keeping Up with the Joneses, directed by Rommel Hall, Barbados, 2014, T&T premiere • Sensei Redemption, directed by German Gruber, Curaçao, 2014, international premiere* • A Story About Wendy 2, directed by Sean Hodgkinson, T&T,

and private collections locally, regionally and internationally.

Castellani House’s curator Elfrieda Bissember described the artist as “accomplished, confident and delightful”.

“After years of producing accomplished paintings, pleasing and impressive in their wellcaptured detail, she is so confident that she can now be reductive, moving slowly on in a

journey towards minimalist renderings, along the way enjoying and exulting in the freedom to choose what she presents to her audience,” Bissember noted.

Additionally, Bissember said, enjoyment and freedom are transferred from the artist to audience through her work. She also stated that the artist’s im-

pressive and commendable career, unorthodox in its beginning, has been characterized by professionalism in her dedication, organisation and hard work which combined with undoubted talent, have produced prize winning work. (Photos courtesy: Castellani House) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

2014, Caribbean premiere • Two Smart, directed by Shakirah Bourne and Ricky Redman, Barbados, 2014, international premiere • Wake, directed

by José María Cabral, Dominican Republic, 2013, T&T premiere Documentary selections • The Abominable Crime, directed by Micah Fink, 2013, Jamaica/ USA* • Art Connect, directed by Miquel Galofré, 2014, T&T, world premiere*

• Blanco, directed by Melvin Durán, Dominican Republic, 2014, T&T premiere* • Hotel Nueva, Isla directed by Irene Gutiérrez Torres and Javier Labrador Deulofeu, Cuba, 2014, Caribbean premiere* • Legends of Ska: Cool & Copasetic, directed

by Brad Klein, Jamaica/ USA, 2014, Caribbean premiere • Mala Mala, directed by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini, Puerto Rico, 2014, Caribbean premiere* • The Mountain,

directed by Tabaré Blanchard and Iván Herrera, Dominican Republic, 2013, T&T premiere* • The Price of Memory, directed by Karen Marks Mafundikwa, Jamaica, 2014, T&T premiere* • They Are We, directed by Emma Christopher, Cuba/ Sierra Leone/Australia, 2014, Caribbean premiere* • You and Me, directed by Natalia Cabral and Oriol Estrada Dominican Republic, 2013, Caribbean premiere* (TT Guardian)

'Pumpkin Stew' 2001

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Tobago cooks ‘turn down d pot’ at Fort Granby This little boy tries his hand at blowing the conch shell

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he death of Oscarwinning actor Robin Williams shocked many persons the world over, and Jamaica is no different.

Since news of William's death broke on Monday, many Jamaicans have been offering glowing tributes to an actor whose illustrious career saw him venturing to the island for the movie, Club Paradise.

In an official statement sent to The Gleaner, The Jamaica Film Commission expressed sadness at the actor's death. "The Jamaican film industry is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of comic and actor, Robin Williams. Williams has worked with members of the Jamaican industry from as far back as 1985 when he, along with Peter O'Toole and Jimmy Cliff, co-starred in the movie, Club Paradise," the statement said. It went on to offer condolences to the Williams' family and friends.

Club Paradise is an American comedy shot in Jamaica and released in 1985. Its plot

One of the official posters for 'Club Paradise'

surrounds the adventures of a retired firefighter (Williams) who decides to live it up in the Caribbean. Williams crosses paths with a musician known as Ernest Reed (played by Cliff), and together, they form Club Paradise, which they market as an upscale resort location.

Much of the comedic value in the movie comes from the unsuspecting tourists who suffer various misfortunes during their stay at Club Paradise.

Premiere destination

The film showcases

Jamaica as a premiere location and also utilised a host of local talent. Jimmy Cliff not only co-starred in the film, but was also the man responsible for producing a number of songs on the soundtrack, including Club Paradise, American Plan, Third World People and You Can't Keep a Good Man Down.

Other Jamaican artistes whose work featured on the soundtrack include Bob Marley and Yellowman, with Trinidadian Mighty Sparrow making a contribution, as well.

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asketry has been practiced for thousands of years

by Amerindian communities, and provides a mean of income. Crafts produced from basketry serve as functional pieces, but the intricate processes are remarkable.

The most common materials used in basketry are tibisiri, from the Ité palm (scientific name Mauritia flexuosa), manicole (scientific name Prestoea tenuiramosa) and Kokerite (scientific name ,Attalea regia.).

The cassava squeezer or matapi (Karinya) is differentiated into component parts by the Arawaks (Lokono) - head, mouth, body and ankle.

A miniature form of the matapi is employed for squeezing oil from the crabwood nut (scientific name ,Carapa guianensis) and form kokerite seeds. In the preparation of the cassava sifter, two varies of sifters are usually made, one for personal use and one for sale or barter. The tibisiri strands are the ones employed in this manufacturing process. One set of three is plaited into another set of three, placed at right angles to

Making a matapi (Photo by James Broscombe)

form the foundation.

Fans are invariable plaited by the men, though only employed by the women for fanning fire and smoothing cassava cakes on the griddle. Some Lokono (Arawaks) believe that if a woman uses the fan to fan herself she will lose flesh and waste away.

Warishis (Knapsacks) or shoulder baskets are built on an open or close work rectangular foundation. It is subsequently attached to a light but strong flame, out of which the projecting strands are plaited together to form the sides.

The pattern of the mesh may or may not be iden-

Jamaicans Earl 'China' Smith, Cathy Levy, Louise Bennett-Coverley and Leonie Forbes were also part of the cast.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Forbes recalled Williams as "... such a charming, warm and open young gentleman who really made everyone feel welcome and comfortable."

"I was really shocked when I heard the news on Monday and, I'm sad to see him go at such a young age. The industry has lost a huge talent.

Condolences to his family," Forbes said.

Williams' Jamaican connections did not end with Club Paradise, as he returned to the island in 2007 for the film, License to Wed, starring Mandy Moore and John Krasinski.

He died on Monday at his residence in the San Franciso area of California, at 63 yearsold. Yesterday, the sheriff's office confirmed that he committed suicide by using his belt to hang himself. Williams' body was found by his personal assistant. (Jamaica Gleaner)

tical throughout the foundation.

Cover basketry refers to the plait-work built over and around certain vessels and other implements for the purpose of transportation, protection and decoration.

These types of basketry are rarely met with today.

The rectangle trays are with straight vertical rims are all plaited in close work, and are mainly employed for collecting cassava flour after passing through the sifter, but they can also be put to other uses when necessary. The strands are plaited in such a manner to form a vertical laminated edging.

The unenclosed oval base baskets include two series, on which the strands run parallel with the length of the basket in a twisted fashion and another in which the strands are crossed and form pentagons. These basket types are employed to catch fish in small streams; they consist of a more cylindrical body. The body and tail are manufactured by means of a ring on which the wraps are fixed.

(Information provided by Walter Roth Museum).

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s part of the Tobago House of Assembly’s Community Development and Culture Division’s promise to treat citizens and visitors to a yearround Tobago Heritage experience, a Heritage Food and Craft Fair was held last Sunday at Fort Granby, Tobago.

Hundreds made their way to the community in East Tobago including the Division’s Secretary, Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Assistant Secretary Ancil Dennis, food and craft artisans and cultural artistes.

Under the theme, “Turn Down D Pot,” members of the public invited to participate did just that as the smells of bhagi rice and coconut stewed pigtail, stewed pork and chicken, coocoo with callaloo, fish broth, steamed breadfruit, fried fish, cur-

ry crab and dumplin, coocoo and Conconteh, Susumber punch and dirt oven baked bread and pone, filled the air.

Chef Lecturer Sonia Phillip, Chef Lecturer Hugh Patrong and Food and Beverage Lecturer Deborah Joseph from the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, (THTI) judged participants in several food categories.

They noted an improvement in the presentation of food, as well as a growing awareness of a foodsafe environment.

Another highlight of the afternoon was a Conch Shell-Blowing competition, which had the audience screaming in delight, as competitors vied for winners’ circle. Sharing all the excitement was Chief Secretary Orville London, who sampled the food on display.

(TT Newsday)

Waiwai crab basket or quake exhibited at Walter Roth Museum

Makusi and Wapishana single leaf Ite basket

Patamona single funnelled fish trap

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Trini Carnival fever in Zimbabwe P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Twenty-five years after Brother Valentino’s Stay Up Zimbabwe was played on local airwaves, the people of Zimbabwe heard his song for the first time, in May. When apartheid controlled and stifled Rhodesia (as Zimbabwe was then called, after a Cecil Rhodes’ British South African Country), Valentino recorded the world event as his responsibility as the Griot—the storyteller.

But more importantly, when he wrote the song during the time of the strengthened awareness of black power, it was meant to uplift the downtrodden, as a lyrical threat to racial prejudice.

When Valentino performed the song before those who attended T&T night at the Harare International Festival organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, not only did it bring back memories of a time of challenge and struggle but an awe that someone in a country thousands of miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean, actually recorded the spirit of the people.

“They were touched to know someone understood the struggle, revered their freedom fighters,” said Tuco president and rapso pioneer Lutalo Masimba, also known as Brother Resistance, who was part of the T&T contingent that participated in the festival.

Through Brother Resistance’s eyes, he saw more than just a team of masqueraders and musicians showing off their talents in another country. “It was completing the circle of the African experience in T&T,” he said.

Carnival was welcomed in its traditional form—from moko jumbie to fancy sailor and there was a musical exchange for Republic Bank Exodus.

“It was also a personal fulfilment. All my life’s work has been powered and directed by Africa,” he said. “I had the opportunity to perform and share my vibration. The reaction was great. The way how they responded to the mas and the music, it was really amazing.”

“The Brazilians were also there,” Brother Resistance said. “They brought their samba but it didn’t match up what

Brother Resistance, second from left, Wendy Wiltshire, centre, Senor Gomez, second from right, and two other members of the T&T contingent in Zimbabwe.

we were doing. We were sold out on Trinidad night. Nothing compared to Exodus, Valentino and Senor Gomez dancing the mas on Trinidad night.”

About 18 nations— including Malawi, Botswana, Italy and Egypt—participated in the international festival, with each country hosting its own night of entertainment before the

actual Carnival parade which is now in its second year.

The T&T contingent was co-ordinated by Dare2discover which is led by Wendy Wiltshire.

With her working experience in the African continent, she has been able to combine her knowledge with her love for T&T culture (from a North Stand patron to seasoned masquerader)

to be the link between the two countries. She had done this in 2011 when she offered Bela Bela, South Africa a taste of what T&T had to offer.

Bela-Bela is a small township in South Africa’s Limpopo province and is a tourist attraction in its own right.

In 2012, the organisers Wiltshire with her Dare2Discover team tar-

geted 2,500 people to participate in the Carnival, with T&T bringing 1,000 costumes, a steel band and 100 international guests and officials.

For this trip, High Commissioner to South Africa Harry Partap contacted her, seeking her advice to prepare a team to visit for the Carnival. The contingent, who included Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas and National Carnival Commission CEO Michael Guyadeen, also spent time in South Africa in celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties with T&T. Still on a high from the visit, Brother Resistance said he was glad to be part of a mission to share T&T’s culture. Wiltshire said there are some immediate returns. For example, she said, a contingent from Zimbabwe and South Africa visited for the Emancipation celebrations looking at possible partnerships in marketing T&T as tourist destination – although not necessarily for Carnival season. The connection, she said, was one reward that was fulfilling.

Trini pop singer on MTV

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PINKNEY... will receive the Order of Distinction in October

INGSTON, JAMAICA: When guitarist Dwight Pinkney moved to Kingston from Mandeville in the late 1960s, there was plenty of work for musicians.

Pinkney, whose career started with The Sharks at Studio One, has been awarded the Order of Distinction for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

The 69-year-old will receive Jamaica's fifth highest honour on October 20 during the annual National Honours and Awards ceremony at

King's House.

In addition to The Sharks, Pinkney was a member of the influential Zap Pow and Roots Radics bands. The former was an eclectic unit that recorded the jazzy instrumental Mystic Mood and the rootsy This is Reggae Music.

Pinkney joined the 'Radics' in the early 1980s, played on songs and albums by numerous artistes including Gregory Isaacs (Night Nurse), Bunny Wailer (Rock 'N' Groove) and Israel Vibration (Rude Boy Shufflin').

He wrote How Could I

Live, a big hit for Dennis Brown. As an artiste, he has recorded several well-received instrumental albums such as Memories by The Score.

Singer Marcia Griffiths, musicians Bobby Ellis and Phil Chen, Carl Brady (a founding member of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires), Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell, founder of the Stone Love sound system, sculptor Laura Facey and theatre stalwart Douglas Bennett, have also been recognised in this year's list of honorees.

(Jamaica Observer)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidadian pop singer Richie Luna is being featured on the cable music channel MTV 2 with his song Celebrate (The Call To Light).

The video was posted on the MTV Website on Monday and has been shared via social networks Twitter and Facebook more than 6,000 times so far.

Luna is the alter ego of Richie Sabga, a musician and entrepreneur who started his roadlights company Luna Road in 2008, and his

musical career in 2010 as popstar-cum-superhero Richie Luna.

Sabga said in an interview in July that the idea for the Richie Luna character was developed over a three or four-year period.

“The original idea started off as a movie script, however, given my innate love and passion for music, I decided to tell the story of Richie Luna through writing songs and equivalent music videos. Each song and video representing a unique chapter of his story,” he said.

The character him-

self is a superhero with the power to generate moonlight energy, using it to bring light and love to a depressed world.

The video started getting international attention when it debuted on the Yahoo Music and Vevo sites on June 26. It was produced by Alan Ferreira and Nigel Celestine with cinematography by Ronald Lee. Some of the scenes feature Port-of-Spain as the backdrop and there is an appearance by masman Peter Minshall who plays one of the mid-level villains. (TT Guardian)

Edward Street, Port-of-Spain was the place for this scene from Richie Luna’s video Celebrate!

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These beautiful dancers stole the hearts of the mammoth crowd at the Providence Stadium

These beautiful young ladies were among the thousands of people who graced the Guyana National Stadium on Friday

These drummers entertaining the gathering at the Guyana National Stadium

We are proud Guyanese!

Patrons in the NEW GPC INC booth

This young man ensures that the curry is properly cooked

Patrons in the NEW GPC INC booth

A whole pig, anyone!

These young ladies tending to the pot

Bollywood

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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mitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday joined other Bollywood celebrities to mourn the untimely death of Oscarwinning actor Robin Williams.

The ‘Good Will Hunting’ star, 63, was found dead on Monday of an apparent suicide.

Hailing his stage performances as the best ones, Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “Lost in person Robin Williams… his versatility extraordinary, his best though to me was his stage standup solo performances!!”

Shah Rukh Khan called Williams ‘his captain, referring to the actor’s inspiring role in film ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989) while quoting Oscar Wilde.

Earlier in the day, other celebrities like Kamal Haasan, Arjun Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Abhay Deol, Farah Khan, Shekhar Kapur took to the micro-blogging site to express their sadness over Williams’ demise.

Haasan, whose ‘Chachi 420′ was said to be inspired by Williams

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ollywood actors Suniel Shetty and Sohail Khan have praised the beauty of Kashmir, terming it as ‘stunning’. The actors and said they would like to shoot their films here rather than “wasting” money anywhere in foreign countries.

“This place is most beautiful. It is undoubtedly stunning and unbelievable. We would want to come here and shoot our films,” Shetty,

B ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, said, “If the alleged story about his suicide is true then I dislike him for ending his life before his due date of expiry. That’s a cop out that I don’t expect of an artist of his calibre. Same applies to my Indian idol Guru Dutt”.

Abhishek remembered him for his funny antics in films and wrote, “Oh captain, my…

Terrible news about the passing of one of my favourite actors. Mr Robin Williams. This is the 1st time he made anyone cry.”

Azmi and Abhay call his death a major loss to the films.

“Robin Williams.

What a loss! You leave behind a vaccum difficult to fill but your remarkable body of work will continue to inspire. RIP,” Shabana tweeted.

Abhay said, “Philip

Seymour Hoffman, Zohra Sehgal, Robin Williams. The world’s a better place because they lived. RIP.” “RIP Robin Williams.

You will always remain in my memory as Mrs Doubtfire… Hope you find happiness up there you mad genius…,” Arjun posted.

“Robin Williams…

This seems like a personal loss… What a sad start to the day… So much to learn, much to mourn… #RIPRobinWilliams,” Richa Chadha tweeted.

Shekhar Kapur questions the alleged suicide committed by the actor.

“The man that brought us so much laughter and joy committed suicide? Who knows the internal conflicts of the creative mind #RIPRobinWilliams,” he tweeted.

(Indian Express)

flanked by Khan, told reporters here late last evening. Shetty said he believes there would be a long line of filmmakers wanting to shoot in Kashmir by the end of this year.

Khan said a lot of movies were shot in Kashmir in the recent past and the trend would continue.

Shetty said the people of Kashmir want to live a natural and peaceful life as they were doing in the past.

“The people of Kashmir do not expect anything from anyone.

They want to get back to a natural and peaceful life that they always lived,” he said.

“They can stand on their own and believe this can bring about a change. What we need to do is tell the country and express our feelings of what we saw here and bring Kashmir back to its glory,” he added. (Indian Express)

‘My wedding? Ask me after 10 years’ - Esha Gupta

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he made for a beautiful contemporary looking bride when she walked the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) ramp for designer Jyotsna Tiwari, but in real life, ‘Raaz 3′ actress Esha Gupta still needs a decade to decide when she’ll get married.

The model-turnedactress was in the capital last Sunday night; and when asked about her wedding plans, the 28-year-old said: “Oh my god! Ask me that about ten years from now. Get my elder sister married before me.”

Esha loved the contemporary yet traditional voluminous gown that

she wore as the showstopper but what would she want to wear for her own wedding day?

“Well, I’ll be able to know it ten years down the line. I like this creation by Jyotsna and something like this could definitely work for one of the functions, but for my wedding day, it will be

traditional Indian,” she said.

The actress, who is looking forward to working in an Indo-British production, did her share of work as a model in the capital before making it big in the film world.

Returning to the ramp in Delhi and that too as a showstopper turned out to be “special” for Esha.

“I’m thankful that Jyotsna took me as her showstopper. I look different and feel beautiful,” said the actress, who was glad to be presented in a “not sexy, but sweet, young and innocent” look. (Indian Express)

osco and Caesar, renowned Bollywood choreographers, have launched Bosco Caesar Dance Academy in Brampton, popularly known as ‘Mini India’, to promote Bollywood industry in Canada.

“The Academy will offer its top students an opportunity to work in Bollywood in India,” Bosco Martis and Caesar Gonsalves told PTI after the inauguration.

The Academy would organise crash courses in Bollywood, semi-classical, fusion and contemporary Western dance like hip-hop, jazz, funk, street, they said.

Susan Fennell, Brampton Mayor, who also participated in the maiden dance class along with others, said it was a great honour for the City of Brampton to have this Academy and it would go a long way in promoting Bollywood industry in Canada.

Bosco and Caesar have been a part of the Indian film industry for over 14 years and have choreographed more than 300 songs and music videos.

They have worked with Bollywood A-listers like Amitabh Bachchan,

Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh and Kareena Kapoor.

The duo have worked in films like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Paa’, ‘Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara’, ‘Rowdy Rathore’, ‘Partner’, ‘Desi Boyz’ and recently released films like ‘Gunday’, ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ and ‘Holiday’.

The academy is a joint venture of Bosco Caesar Dance Company (BCDC) and White Turtle Entertainment and would offer Indo-Canadians and others a career in performing arts by providing them a concrete dance base.

(Indian Express)

‘Proud to be 33, married and working with big stars’ - Kareena Kapoor

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arried actresses not getting good roles is a thing of past in Bollywood, according to Kareena Khan, who says her career did not suffer any setback after she tied the knot with Saif Ali Khan, and she still gets to work with top stars like Aamir, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn.

The 33-year-old actress married Saif in 2012, and right after the wedding she starred opposite Aamir Khan in ‘Talaash’, did an item number in Salmanstarrer ‘Dabangg 2′ and was part of Prakash Jha’s ‘Satyagraha’ with Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn.

Kareena will be next seen in ‘Singham Returns’ opposite Devgn and has also signed a film with Salman titled ‘Bajrangi Baijaan’.

“I am happy and proud that even after

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marriage I am working with Ajay and Salman… getting offered big-budget commercial films.

Being married is not a crime and it has nothing to do with my career.

Hindi movies are changing. Today it’s all about good actors, not about young and old. I am happy to be married and 33,” Kareena told PTI. The actress, whose upcoming film ‘Singham Returns’ will hit theatres this Friday, says she has been keeping so busy after marriage especially for the last few months that her husband has

ctress Priyanka Chopra says that “girls have the ability to transform their own lives and help grow India’s economy”. She feels that they should be given more opportunities to make a mark.

“Girls have the ability to transform

been complaining that he doesn’t get to spend enough time with her because of her tight schedule.

“I am busier after marriage. I have been so busy for the last five months that Saif is like ‘I am not getting enough time with my wife’. So, I have decided that after this I am going to take a break for one and half months and travel with him,” she said.

In her 14-year-long career, Kareena has worked in both commercial films like ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Kabhi Khushi abhi Gham’, ‘Jab We Met’, as well as off-beat movies including ‘Dev’, ‘Chameli’, ‘Omkara’ among others.

When asked which of films excite her more, Kareena said, “I am a commercial actress. It is a part of me. I am both a star and an actress” (Indian Express)

their own lives, develop their own enterprises and help grow India’s economy,” said Priyanka, the UNICEF India goodwill ambassador.

Building Young Futures aims to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged communities.

The 32-year-old, who had been supporting UNICEF’s adolescent work in the country for eight years, met young women Sunday in Chandrapur to mark International Youth Day – Aug 12 and to witness how their lives are being transformed through the Building Young Futures programme, which is run in partnership with Barclays, said a statement.

The actress-singer feels that it is giving the girls vital skills and support they need to shape their future.

(Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Gwyneth Paltrow living across street from Chris Martin

U

S President Barack Obama is calling Robin Williams ‘one of a kind’ who shared his talent ‘freely and generously with those who needed it most.’

Robin Williams was

pronounced dead at his home in California on Monday and officials said it appeared to be a suicide.

Obama said in a statement issued on Monday night that Robin Williams ‘arrived in our

lives as an alien but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit,’ referring to Williams’ late 1970s role in the TV show ‘Mork and Mindy.’

The President said the actor was generous with his comic talents for those who needed it, including troops abroad.

The statement said: “The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.” (Indian Express)

Courteney Cox to marry in Ireland

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ourteney Cox and fiance Johnny McDaid reportedly want to get married at the end of the year at Ashford Castle in Galway, Ireland.

The ‘Cougar Town’ actress has her heart set on tying the knot with McDaid at Ashford Castle in Lough Corrib, Galway, after falling in

love with the medieval building whilst visiting the Snow Patrol rocker’s family in Derry, Northern Ireland, recently, reported Contactmusic.

“Johnny took Courteney to Ireland to meet his family and they fell in love with Ashford Castle. They want to get married there at the end of the year and have a big

bash in LA on a Malibu beach afterwards,” a source said.

McDaid, 38, popped the question to the former ‘Friends’ star, 50 in June after just six months of dating.

Cox and McDaid were first spotted together in December when they attended the actress’ close friend Jennifer Aniston’s holiday party in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Cox finalised her divorce from her ex-husband David Arquette in May last year, but the exlovers remain on good terms and share custody of their 10-year-old daughter Coco. (Indian Express)

Kaley Cuoco feels she looks like Justin Bieber

‘B

ig Bang Theory’ star Kaley Cuoco feels that her pixie haircut is similar to Justin Bieber’s.

The 28-year-old actress, who chopped off her hair recently, feels blessed after getting the new look, reported Ace Showbiz.

“I was swishing my hair to the left so much, I was like, ‘Do I look like Justin Bieber?!’ I feel liberated. It’s like I needed to find myself again. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said. Asked about her pregnancy plan,

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the 28-year-old actress, who got married to professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting in 2013, said, “I can’t wait, he (Ryan) can’t wait. I feel like I’m meant to be a mom.”

aniel Radcliffe says he is not easily satisfied with his work although it earns him big bucks.

The ‘Harry Potter’ depicter in the hit wizard movie franchise recently criticised his own performance in the sixth movie, reported Ace Showbiz.

“The moments I’m not as proud of, mistakes other actors get to make in rehearsal rooms or at drama school,

Kaley will return to small screen in the eighth season of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ this fall.

She also will grace big screen in upcoming movie ‘The Wedding Ringer’.

(Indian Express)

are all on film for everyone to see.

“I never liked watching myself on film but I do make myself sit through it. I think it comes from not actually realising I didn’t have to go to my own premieres and watch the film – that’s something I’ve only just realised you don’t have to do. I always went along and sat with everyone else watching the movie,” he said. (Indian Express)

A

ctress Gwyneth Paltrow is reportedly living in an apartment near to her former husband’s house.

Martin has rented the mansion of Los

Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, who has a 4,000-square-foot place off Old Montauk Highway, while Paltrow’s home is just

a few blocks and a short walk away, reported the New York Post.

“Chris can often be seen strolling or jogging around the area on his own, or surfing in Montauk with his and Gwyneth’s kids Apple, 10, and Moses, 8,” a neighbour said.

Despite the separate addresses, they were spotted together many a times. The couple announced their split in March after 10 years of marriage. (Indian Express)

Marilyn Monroe biopic gets green light

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biopic on the life of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe is currently being developed by Lifetime.

Tentatively titled ‘Marilyn’, the film hails from Asylum Entertainment, the company behind ‘The Kennedys’ miniseries, which also touched upon Marilyn’s story, reported Deadline.

The bombshell, whose life was intertwined with those of John F Kennedy and Robert Kennedy,

was played in the mini

by Charlotte Sullivan.

‘Marilyn’ has been penned by ‘The Kennedys’ writer Stephen Kronish based on the book ‘The Secret

Life of Marilyn Monroe’

by J. Randy Taraborrelli.

Laurie Collyer is set to direct. Jonathan Koch, Steven Michaels, Keri Selig and Kronish will serve as executive producers.

‘Marilyn’ will follow last year’s ‘The Anna Nicole Story’ and two other biopics of female entertainers who faced an untimely death that are in productionfilms about Aaliyah and Whitney Houston.

(Indian Express)

Shooting ‘Scandal’ during pregnancy was tough: Kerry Washington

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ctress Kerry Washington has revealed that her pregnancy made working on the hit TV series ‘Scandal’ challenging.

The 37-year-old star, who gave birth to her first child with husband Nnamdi Asomugha in April, said she struggled to cope with the physical challenges of her role of Olivia Pope during the third season of the drama, said The Hollywood Reporter.

All of last season was a challenge for me, on a few levels. For one thing, I was going through this amazing physical transition, this physical journey of having a baby, that my character was not going through.

And I work very physically. What I do is often

grounded in the body.

“That meant I had to figure out how to be this woman while my instrument was changing and evolving every day. It was like seeing the keys on a piano jump around on a daily basis. It was

tough for me to even maintain Olivia’s walk because of the changes,” Washington said.

The actress, however, credits her pregnancy for making her a better actress.

“The season really broke me. I’m a Type A actor who likes to have it all figured out going in, but suddenly I had no idea where this woman was going to go next.

I had to jump in without everything being perfect.

“I felt like I had been in control playing the character, but it all got taken away from me last season. That meant my acting toolbox had to be upgraded. I had to trade in my screwdriver and hammer for a Black and Decker power tool,” she said. (Indian Express)

‘I don’t look back’ - Katies Holmes on divorce from Tom Cruise

‘T

he Giver’ star Katie Holmes has said her divorce from actor Tom Cruise is a thing of past and she does not think about it now.

Holmes, 35, who has a two-year-old daughter Suri with Cruise, 52, got divorced from him in 2012. The ‘Batman Begins’ actress says she is happy and comfortable with the space she is in right now, reported the Huffington Post.

“You know what? I never really look back. I just approach life (taking) it one day at a time. I’m really excited about where I am right now. I’ve had some

really wonderful creative experiences. I’m just really grateful,” she said.

(Indian Express)

feature WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

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| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana

Santa Mission's dock

Santa Mission's village office

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ocated in Region Three along the Kamuni Creek, a trip to Santa Mission in Guyana would help you reconnect with the colourful traditions of the indigenous people.

Santa Mission exudes calm and serenity. People move about quietly, there is no noise - even among the children. The sand is white and the water is black, perfectly chilled for a swim on a hot day. The people are friendly and appear to live in harmony with nature.

Other activities include fishing and caiman spotting, nature walks, bird watching, canoeing, wandering around the village observing the way of life there, and buying creative craft items from the craft centre.

Santa Mission is an Amerindian village founded since 1858. Macaws are seen flying overhead, and for those who want to take a nature walk into the jungle may be privileged to see the blue and gold macaws in flight or a howler monkey.

Residents of the community use solar panels to get energy for their generators. They have a centre that is used for community events. A craft shop, which resembles the Umana Yana, houses craft work from the women in the community.

Life is simple and relaxing in Santa Mission.

(Guyana Time Sunday Magazine)

Community library

Centre that houses events

Blue Halo is law in Barbuda

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RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Barbados’ sports tourism niche is reaping success for the island as a destination, and the country’s minister of tourism and international transport, Richard Sealy, is promising more developments in this area.

He gave this vote of confidence in the island’s tourism product while participating in the Cabinet Diaspora discussion on the final day of the Barbados Network Consultation 2014 - Third Diaspora Conference.

Acknowledging that the tendency was to appeal to tourists in the older demographic and project Barbados as a leisure destination, Sealy said that much had been done to change that concept through the development of niche areas.

“The sports tourism niche is quite active in Barbados with over 60 disciplines of sports being practiced here… and the sports tourism fusion has worked extremely well for us, and we think that we have only just begun.

Putting together the regulations has involved extensive research of the state of marine life around Barbuda’s coastal waters. (Photo by Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson)

S

The Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy (L), addresses attendees at the Barbados Network Consultation, on the state of the tourism industry in Barbados (C. Pitt/BGIS)

“Traditionally, cricket, golf, team hockey and master’s football have worked well, but we are also talking to some of the other sporting disciplines. So, I think the sports tourism fusion is huge and its connection with community tourism would obviously appeal to a younger demographic,” he underlined.

The Tourism Minister said the decision to make Barbados “the motors sports mecca” of the Caribbean, coupled with the further

expansion of the Bushy Park facility, would “take sports tourism to another level”.

Turning his attention to festivals, Sealy said beyond Crop Over, the island has a legitimate gospel festival, a very popular reggae festival, the Holders Season and the Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival.

The tourism minister said the Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival, now in its fifth year, was poised to become one of the most significant fes-

tivals of Barbados.

“The patrons, the foodies and the participants are convinced that we are on to something very special here, and we will continue to develop that. So, I think that the festivals and the sports tourism fusion are all aimed at diversifying our product offerings, [moving] away from this idea that we are simply a leisure spot for those who are in the evening years of their lives,” he emphasised.

(BGIS)

T JOHN’S, ANTIGUA: A sweeping new set of strict fishing regulations for Barbuda, including the introduction of five ‘no fishing’ zones, were, yesterday (Tuesday), signed into law. Once gazetted, the protocols will come into legal effect.

“This will definitely benefit the people of Barbuda, and Antigua as well,” Arthur Nibbs, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and Fisheries Minister said in a statement released by the Waitt Institute.

The guidelines introduced under the Blue Halo Initiative, which is a partnership between the non-profit Waitt Institute and the Barbuda Council, come after 17 months of

consultations and scientific research.

The Blue Halo plan has attracted criticism from fishermen in Barbuda, including by those who say more should be done to restrict foreign fishermen before placing limits on Barbudans.

Director of the Barbuda Research complex John Mussington criticised the initiative for being too narrowly focused on restricting fishing and ignoring other factors affecting marine life, such as climate change and rising sea temperatures. He also faulted the plan for failing to find avenues for alternative income for fishermen while the marine life rebounds. (Antigua Observer)

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Jennifer Bisram

J

ennifer Bisram is a TV Reporter for WSVN, CH7 in Miami, Fl. Before her move to Miami, she worked at WOFL, the FOX affiliate in Orlando, Fl. At FOX Orlando, the reporter was one of the station’s main journalists who covered the controversial Trayvon Martin/George

Jennifer reporting on TV

Zimmerman case. Her extensive and exclusive reporting, earned her a segment there called The 10 P.M. Interview.

During her stint at WOFL, Jennifer also covered sports, politics, featured events and the everyday news-makers.

The powerful storyteller has often been credited by viewers for telling people stories that

touched their lives.

Jennifer moved to Central Florida from the Big Apple. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Guyanese parents, Jennifer began her career when she was only 15 years-old, writing poetry in her bedroom and by the following year several of her poems were published in the Anthology of Poetry for

Young Americans. It was then that she decided to take her writing to higher heights. She started interning at local newspapers to get experience and exposure.

Her first newspaper internship was at The Chief Civil Service Newspaper at age 16 and by her freshman year at college she penned pieces at some of the city’s largest newspapers like NY Newsday and the NY Amsterdam News.

Jennifer, “nosy by nature”, as she often refers to why she opted for reporting, channelled into television right after graduating from the City University of New York’s Queens College. She began her reporting role at News55 on Long Island and quickly moved on to the News12 Network (Connecticut, New Jersey and Westchester) – where she reported for nearly five years.

Jennifer Bisram

The Emmynominated journalist also worked for the CW affiliate in NYC, PIX11 News, as a reporter and assignment editor; the

Food Network as a producer and NY1 News as a writer.

With more than a decade dedicated to news, in addition to covering the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard trade, the 2012 presidential election and polling problems in Central Florida, she has covered stories of sorts like the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Miracle on the Hudson, Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, NY Giants Super Bowl XLII victory and the MTV Video Music Awards.

Jennifer is always looking for a great story to tell. (www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

Star of the Week

Born to parents Patricia Bhagrat and Edward Bruce, Kevin Bhagrat is the youngest of four siblings. He sees himself as a sincere, genuine, compassionate, self-empowered and innovative individual with a passion for the fashion industry. A student and model, Kevin enjoys extracurricular activities such as indoor and outdoor sports, a good game of dominoes, playing video games as well as watching television shows and movies. Kevin is great at building harmonious and long lasting friendships with new individuals and is always willing to try new things and being adventurous. He is, and has always been, an advocate for self-empowerment and always tries to exemplify and radiate self-empowerment himself. He stated that the greatest discovery one can make is to find out that we, as mere human beings, can change and shape our future by merely changing our attitudes. The self-empowerment advocate has been modelling for several years now. His experiences include Guyana Fashion Week, which is hosted by Guyana's most iconic fashion designer Sonia Noel. He has also done several fashion shows in various parts of Guyana. He stated that his most memorable experience is when he was selected as Mr Guyana United Nations 2013 to represent Guyana at the United Nations Pageant, which was held in Miami, Florida, at the Sukee Resort and Casino. He said that his role model is his mother, since she has played both a mother and father figure to him throughout his life. His mother has taught him many valuable life lessons, which has made him a very strong, ambitious, positive, loving and compassionate individual.

Currently, Kevin is vying for the Mr Guyana International crown, which will be held on October 18, 2014, in Korea.

His expectation upon completion of the competition “is not only to have won the grand title but also to have become a better young man in every area of life”. Additionally, he hopes to have made an impact on spreading awareness about his platform, Suicide in Guyana, and letting his fellow young men know that there is an alternative to suicide being the way out. Kevin hopes to fulfil this by hosting seminars/ workshops where he will be able to educate young men about suicide and explore ways in which they can avoid it or get out of such a situation. His message to his fellow young men is to always remember that they are in charge of their future and can have a bright/successful one by always being positive. He wants to reiterate also that we must be the change we want to see. For more information on Kevin, other candidates and the competition, visit Mr Guyana International on Facebook.

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Gold for Jamaica seniors, “I hope to get West Indies juniors at CAREBACO Champs cricket back on top” - Lloyd

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Jamaica's winning senior and junior teams at the 2014 staging of the CAREBACO Championships at UTech on Saturday. (PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ROBERT RICHARDS)

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Both Jamaica's senior and junior teams won gold in the Team Event at the 2014 staging of the Caribbean Regional Badminton C o n f e d e r a t i o n ( C A R E B A C O ) Championships at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology (UTech) Papine campus on Saturday night.

The senior team, who lost to their opponents in the first round, returned on this occasion more focused and composed and defeated Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 in the final, while the junior team also had the same scoreline against T&T. The senior team started the celebrations when Jamaica's number one male player Gareth Henry crushed T&T's Kerwyn Pantin 21-5 and 21-18 in the men's singles to give the home team a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five games.

The Jamaicans then went ahead when the local queen Geordine Henry, Gareth's sister, showed her class and came from behind to beat Nikeisha Blake in two sets, 23-21 and 21-11, in the women's single to

put Jamaica at 2-0 heading into the crucial third game.

One could feel the tension rising inside the UTech auditorium as a victory in the men's doubles would seal the deal for Jamaica. The pair of Gareth Henry and Jamari Rose lost the first set 18-21 to T&T's pair of Kerwyn Pantin and Keston on Friday, but quickly regrouped and took the second set 2220 to send the game into the third and final deciding set.

With the Jamaican spectators cheering on the local boys, Henry and Rose responded well and crushed their opponents 21-11 to take the match which sent the Jamaican senior team into rapture.

With Jamaica having an unassailable lead of 3-0, the women's doubles and mixed doubles was not played.

"The feeling is good, it is good to be team champions, I am having a little trouble with injuries since the Commonwealth Games, but I have rested and now I am fit and I am glad that I could come out here and get the job done for my team," Gareth Henry said.

Geordine Henry, in the meantime, said she

was happy with her form.

Final score: Jamaica 3; T&T 0.

The junior team was as equally effective as the seniors. Katherine Wynter got Jamaica off to a flying start defeating T&T's Kristie RenoSingh 21-10 and 21-7 in the girls' singles, while Samuel Ricketts was equally focused as he crushed Will Lee 21-13 and 21-11 in the boys' equivalent to give Jamaica a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the crucial third game.

Needing to win the third set to secure victory for Jamaica, the pair of Christina Petri and Jade Clarke did not disappoint as they easily defeated T&T's pair of Jada Renales and Kristie Reno-Singh 21-10 and 21-13 in the girls' doubles and made sure that Jamaica took the double.

With Jamaica having an unassailable lead of 3-0, the boys' doubles and mixed doubles was not played.

Final Score: Jamaica 3; T&T 0.

The Junior team coach Howard Ranger said that he is happy with his team's performance.

(Jamaica Observer)

Asafa strikes first win since return

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ormer men's 100m World Record holder Asafa Powell won his first race since his return to competition this year following a drug ban after he topped a modest 100m field at an IAAF World Challenge meeting Grande Premio Brasil Caixa Governo do Pará on Sunday.

In only his third race since his return, Powell clocked a season's best 10.02 seconds (0.6m/s) to beat Americans Marvin Bracey (10.14 seconds) and Dentarius Locke (10.17 seconds).

Earlier in the season, after pulling out of the JAAA National Senior Championships in mid-June and an IAAF Diamond League meeting in Paris, Powell had run 10.30 seconds at a meeting in Switzerland, then ran 10.15 seconds a few days later at another meet in Europe, losing on both occasions.

Meanwhile, three-time National

Asafa Powell

Senior Champion Damar Forbes was fourth with a best jump of 7.55m behind three Brazilians as Mauro Vinicius daSilva won with 7.74m.

onvenor of the new West Indies selection panel, Clive Lloyd, believes the thinking of batsmen will need to improve if the regional team is to regain its place in world cricket.

Speaking days after it was officially announced that he would occupy the post of the six-member panel for the next two years, Lloyd said it's his belief that the region still has an abundance of talent.

However, he says unless players can properly study and analyse batting situations then positive results will continue to prove elusive.

"If you notice almost every time there is a close game we get beaten," said Lloyd.

"Our thinking has got to be a lot better and we are hoping to inject this into our play and into the young players that are coming through.

"We have some good

bowlers around the place, but our batting has not been up to par, especially in Test cricket," said Lloyd.

"I want to see people bat ugly. It's not every day that you are going to be able to drive it around.

"You've got to be able to battle your way out of situations."

Lloyd, who captained the West Indies to double-winning World Cup success in the late 1970s, also explained his mantra of getting batsmen to "love to bat" for long periods.

"We should not be bowled out in two sessions in a Test match, or be beaten in two and half days in a Test match. I think we are much better than that," he said.

The 69-year-old Lloyd, who will have Courtney Walsh, Eldine Baptiste, Courtney Browne and West Indies coach, Ottis Gibson, as

voting panel members, also hopes to leave a lasting impression in what could be his last role for the West Indies.

"This is probably my last innings and I hope to get West Indies cricket back on top," said Lloyd.

The selection panel is completed by captains of the respective West Indies Test, one-day and Twenty20 teams.

Lloyd, whose first job was to select the recent West Indies one-day team for the upcoming Bangladesh home series, said he wanted "to thank the outgoing selectors for what they did".

"It is not an easy job and I was chairman of cricket when they were selected," he said.

The outgoing selectors are Clyde Butts and Robert Haynes. The two were part of the previous three-man panel, with Browne being the other member. (Jamaica Gleaner)

‘Jamaicans will be among world's best in five years’ - TJ's Bailey

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: John Bailey, President of Tennis Jamaica (TJ), predicts that by 2019, Jamaicans will be featuring among the game's elites on the world stage.

"This is our equivalent to the US and French Open here in Jamaica. We hope that it will be the platform for moving tennis forward," said Bailey at yesterday's launch of the All Jamaica Tennis Championship.

The launch was held at Liguanea Club in New Kingston for the tournament that will serve off at 10 a.m. on August 16th (Saturday) and run until August 23.

"This marks a process that will put Jamaica on the map globally. Give us five years and we'll have top global players, like a Usain Bolt of tennis," he said of the premier local tennis tournament that will feature 41 males and 10 females, vying for Ja$500,000 in cash and prizes.

Jamaica's best will compete in the men's and ladies singles, men's and ladies doubles, juniors, Over 35 and Over 45.

Dayne Patterson, retail business and development manager of HiPro, said his organisation would like to make it a memorable one for players and spectators.

"We have committed a considerable amount of money to this tournament. Tennis Jamaica and our brand have a

Llockett McGregor (left), tournament director for the HiPro All Jamaica Tennis Championships, makes a point to (from left) Andrew Bicknell, top junior tennis player in Jamaica; Damian Johnson, Jamaica's top national tennis player; John Bailey, president of Tennis Jamaica; Aswad Morgan (partially hidden in the background), tournament chairman and VP, Tennis Jamaica; and Dayne Patterson, retail business development manager, Hi-Pro.

good relationship. Both are national brands so we want to encourage development of the sport and expose both locally," he outlined.

He added that the partnership is also geared towards the sport's long-term growth.

Other sponsors include Jamaica Money Market Brokers Merchant Bank, Reggae Jammin' and HiLyte.

Tournament director Llockett McGregor had high praises for the standard of the sport.

"Right now, our standing is very good.

We are on par with a few Caribbean countries, based on a number of wins in junior events," said McGregor, in reference to overseas junior tournaments in the United States that have

been won by Jamaicans.

Such competitions include some of the world's best juniors.

McGregor added that this All Jamaica Tennis Championship gives players an added incentive to work hard as it is a premier event for national selection, plus the prize money is more.

Meanwhile, championship favourite Damion Johnson is full of confidence.

"Of course, I will win.

Jamaica will see exciting things when I play," he remarked.

Junior player Andrew Bicknell noted he was looking forward to doing big things.

"I think I have a chance to do well and hopefully win. I will play well," he said. (Jamaica Gleaner)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014

Saint Lucian-born footballer Chanderpaul, Roach lose ground in ICC rankings signs two-year deal with English Premier League club D

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IRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Saint Lucianborn footballer Janoi Donacien, who turns 21 in November 2014, signed a new two-year deal in July with the Premier League club Aston Villa that he joined in 2009.

Donacien had moved to Luton in the United Kingdom with his parents in 2001 and, just two years ago, through the intervention of the Saint Lucian Overseas Mission in the UK, he was given the right to live and work in the country where he has grown up.

He is a central defender, and having followed the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry, and Gary Cahill through the AVFC’s highly acclaimed youth system at Bodymoor Heath, Janoi Donacien featured in Villa winning the Barclays Premier Reserve League South title in 2011-12.

Twelve months later, he was an integral part of the team that triumphed in the NextGen

Saint Lucian-born footballer Janoi Donacien

Series European competition, alongside the likes of Callum Robinson, Jack Grealish and Samir Carruthers.

He is now keen to follow the lead of Robinson, Grealish and Carruthers by earning a taste of first team football. In 2013-14, manager Paul Lambert named him on the bench for the FA Cup clash against Sheffield United, and the Barclays Premier League game against Sunderland.

“I am so happy that the club has given me an opportunity to sign for another two years,” said Janoi. “This is the right club for me to keep

on progressing. I had a discussion with the manager at the end of the season and he said that hopefully I would be looking to progress at the club.

“There are a lot of top players at this club who I am hoping to learn from. Hopefully I can get a good pre-season under my belt, get a good run-out and continue my progress. I have been on the fringes of the first team, which was good for my progression. All of the senior lads have been very helpful and it is good to have people encourage you.”

(Caribbean News)

UBAI, UNITED A R A B EMIRATES: Veteran West Indies left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul has slipped one place in the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings.

Chanderpaul, who turns 40 next Saturday, is now sixth but remains the highest ranked West Indies batsman and the only one in the top 20.

Left-handed strokemaker Darren Bravo lies 22nd while opener Chris Gayle, who recently played his 100th Test, is 27th.

Chanderpaul has the chance to improve his ranking when West Indies square off with Bangladesh in a two-Test series in the Caribbean starting next month.

He has already played 156 Tests and scored 11,414 runs with

Shiv Chanderpaul

29 centuries.

The batting rankings are headed by Sri Lanka left-hander Kumar Sangakkara who has regained the number-one spot following his double century in the first Test against Pakistan last week.

South African AB de Villiers, the previously top-ranked batsman, has fallen to second.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Kemar Roach – the highest ranked West Indies bowler – has also slipped one place to 11th

Blake, Stewart spike T&T to title

Jody Brown: The baby-faced assassin of ‘Young Girlz’

Jody Brown (#10) leaves the field after her team’s 9-0 demolition of Anguilla at the ongoing CONCACAF Female Under-15 Championship in the Cayman Islands

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EST BAY, G R A N D CAYMAN: She is the darling of the CONCACAF Female Under-15 tournament here in the Cayman Islands.

Despite being only 12 years old, she is a lethal goalscoring machine.

Jody Brown has been deemed the baby face assassin from Ocho Rios.

Standing at just five feet and weighing just 85 pounds, Jody's T-shirt can barely fit on her slender shoulders. She may be small in frame, but she sure has a big heart, speed to burn and a natural knack for scoring goals.

Having hit four goals in Jamaica's 9-0 hammering of Anguilla, Jody told the Jamaica

Observer that she is enjoying every moment of her experience here.

"I feel good. I am excited," said the shy 12-year-old Lime Hall Primary School student, who recently passed her G-Sat exams for Ocho Rios High School.

Brown, who scored the most goals in the Under-15 Parish League, is a big follower of Brazilian star Neymar and forced her way into coach Xavier Gilbert's starting line-up for the crucial game against Costa Rica on Monday night.

"Jody is a very promising player. She is very good in front of goal and just have a knack for finishing and is an important member of the team," Gilbert pointed

out.

"That's how good she is... but she is so young that I have to try and mould her so I don't want to pressure her at this tender age because I want her to enjoy the game as much as possible," he added.

Gilbert, the sports coordinator of Excelsior High School and coach of Waterhouse women's team, believes Jamaica has unearthed a gem.

"She knows when to take one or two touches and is not a player that goes for power. She always tries to place the ball just wide of the goalkeeper.

"When I saw her in the National Under-15 competition, I noticed that and she managed to score 20 goals and was the leading goalscorer," said Gilbert.

Naturally, comparisons are drawn. Gilbert claims Jody reminds him of a young Venecia Reid, who is now one of Jamaica's top women footballers.

"She is just a real good finisher. Once she gets the ball she will find the back of the net," Gilbert reiterated.

(Jamaica Observer)

in the bowling rankings.

The right-armer recently made a comeback to international cricket after being ruled out by a shoulder injury which required surgery.

He burst back onto the scene with a 15-wicket haul against New Zealand in the Black Caps’ three-Test tour of the Caribbean earlier this year.

Like Chanderpaul, he will have the chance to improve his standing when he suits up against Bangladesh. (CMC)

T&T duo Channon Thompson, left, and Simon Blake, right, show off their Most Valuable Player and other individual awards won after leading this country’s women and men teams to their respective titles in the 15th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (Cazova) Championship at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, on Sunday. Photo: Abraham Diaz

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utside-hitter Simon Blake and opposite Ryan Stewart showed the future of T&T was in safe hands as they tallied 18 points each in a 22-25, 2523, 25-18, 25-19 defeat of Barbados in the men’s final of the 15th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (Cazova) Championship at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo on Sunday night.

The win secured a second title in four years for the Gideon Dicksoncoached T&T after it lifted the crown for the first time four years ago in Suriname by beating Barbados as well before going under to Bahamas in the 2012 final in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Having beaten T&T in

four sets in their roundrobin Pool B decider earlier in the week, the Barbadians went into the contest as slight favourites, and took the first set.

However, Blake, the “Best Spiker”, “Best Scorer” and eventual tournament “Most Valuable Player” award recipient and Stewart, who had 17 and 12 kills respectively, rallied the host to a come-from-behind win in two hours and seven minutes.

Portugal-based middle-blocker MarcAnthony Honore and USA-based Mikheil Hoyte chipped in with 13 and 12 points respectively while captain, Nolan Tash who was playing in his final Cazova Championship after 20 years in the sport

added six.

The locals also outscored their rivals on all key aspects of the match, 47-43 on kills, 18-4 on blocks and 4-1 on aces.

In a very closely fought contest, T&T was also able to take full advantage of an injury to Barbadian captain and setter Alain London, who twisted his left ankle near to his team’s bench with the score 20-15 in the third set.

The lone disappointment for the home team on the night was its 37 errors committed to Barbados’ 28, however it still held firm to avenged the round-robin loss and claim the title, its first on home soil after placing fourth in 1993 and 2002 when its opponent were crowned champions.

The title triumph had a similar feel to 2010 as back then T&T was beaten by Barbados in the preliminary round, before ousting Bahamas in the semifinals and then exacting revenge on the Bajans in the title match.

Shawn Simpson had a team-high 12 points all on kills, Jabari Goodridge 11, and Fabian Cox, nine for the Barbadians who were after their first title since beating T&T in the 2006 decider for its last of its record ten-titles.

Barbados, the record 12-time finalists was also crowned champions from 1992-1996 as well as 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004 while they were also runners-up in 2008 to Martinique before ending third in 2012, its lowest finish ever. (TT Guardian)

sport

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WEEK ENDING August 14, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

WICB Regional U-19, 50-over cricket…

All-round Guyana storm to fifth straight victory

By Avenash Ramzan

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alf-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Kemo Paul, a cameo from Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed and a disciplined bowling effort were backed by excellent fielding as Guyana romped to a 114-run win over the Windward Islands in the penultimate round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19, 50over cricket competition on Tuesday at the Albion ground.

Batting first on a wicket conducive to strokeplay, the Guyanese racked up 276-5, the highest total of this year’s competition, with Hetymer leading the way with a solid 86 before Paul blasted 51 off 32 balls and AliMohamed 30 off 13.

In reply, the Windward Islands once again faltered to spin, being dismissed for 162 in 41.3 overs with off-spinners Balchand Baldeo and Sharaz Ramcharran claiming 3-35 and 2-26 respectively.

The win, Guyana’s fifth from as many

Balchand Baldeo

Kemo Paul

games, ensured the hosts stayed on the top of the table with an unassailable 30.3 points.

The islanders never recovered from losing two early wickets with just 14 runs on the board, and despite two half-century partnerships, they were always facing an uphill task against the Guyanese.

Kersaki Jno-Lewis (42) and Markeron Gordon (20) added 52 for the third wicket, while Roland Cato (38) and Ryan John (34) posted 66 for the fifth wicket, but that apart, the Windward Islands batsmen failed to stitch together any other meaningful partnerships.

Earlier, Guyana’s

skipper Brian Sattaur called correctly at the toss and not surprisingly opted to take first strike on a track tailor-made for batting.

West Indies Under-19 openers Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul justified the decision, racking up a century partnership that laid the foundation for the winning total.

The left-handers batted with ease, adding 129 in 31.2 overs before Chanderpaul was brilliantly caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Kersaki Jno-Lewis off the bowling of Derron Hypolite for 43. His knock spanned 98 balls and included four boundaries.

Hetmyer, who brought up his fifty off 49 balls with five boundaries, slowed his pace considerably after passing the mark and was the second wicket to fall at 144, skying a full toss to Roland Cato at mid-on off the bowling of Lewis. His 86, which took 114 balls and was punctuated with six fours, followed the 75 he made against Jamaica on Sunday at the GCC ground, Bourda.

Skipper Brian Sattaur made 16 and was dismissed at 167-3 before the competition’s leading run scorer Kemo Paul (269 runs) and Berbician Akshay Homraj entertained the small but vocal crowd with a quickfire partnership of 60 in 6.1 overs.

The right-handed Paul brought up his fourth half-century in five innings with his second six off just 30 balls, but was dismissed soon after for 51 (32 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s) at 227-4, caught by Cato at long-on off Ryan John.

Fourteen runs later, Homraj offered Cato his fourth catch of the innings off the bowling of

Lewis. His 28 off 20 balls included two fours.

Ronaldo AliMohamed then exhibited his prowess, clearing the large outfield twice in an unbeaten 30 from just 13 balls, while wicketkeeper Kemol Savory remained unbeaten on seven.

Bowling for the Windward Islands, John

and Lewis picked up two wickets each, but were expensive, conceding 56 and 72 runs respectively.

In the other games on Tuesday, the Leeward Islands (259-4) defeated ICC Americas (109) by 150 runs at the National Stadium, while Trinidad and Tobago (204-7) defeated Barbados (146) by 58 runs at Everest.

Shimron Hetmyer followed up his 75 at Bourda on Sunday with 86 on Tuesday at Albion

Appleton Estate South Africa beat has special prize Zimbabwe by nine wickets for Tallawahs S

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Joy Spence, Master Blender of J Wray & Nephew Limited, has promised that if the Jamaica Tallawahs retain their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title this season, she will craft a special blend of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum for each member of the 15-player team.

If Spence's wish comes to fruition, this would mean that each Jamaica Tallawahs player would have a special blend of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum that no other person in the world possesses.

Cecil Smith, Group Brand Manager for Rums at J Wray & Nephew Limited believes that the Jamaica Tallawahs have what it takes to rule the region as CPL champions once more.

"The Jamaica Tallawahs continue to make us proud game by game, so we decided to give the team an added incentive as the season comes to a close. An Appleton Estate special blend crafted by Joy

Spence contains rare and special marques of rum that only the respective blend contains.

This is a priceless gift that we know will make our Tallawahs work even harder to cop the coveted CPL title a second season in a row," Smith said.

Currently, the Jamaica Tallawahs must win two play-off matches in order to advance to the final. If they defeat the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel today (Wednesday), they will then go on to play the Guyana Amazon Warriors tomorrow (Thursday).

For the remainder of the CPL, J Wray & Nephew Limited has its ongoing Make It A Double promotional campaign for Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, where consumers can benefit from discounted product prices at select retail outlets. In addition to this, the company has launched a 200ml size for its Appleton Estate Reserve to coincide with its CPL activations.

(Jamaica Observer)

outh Africa beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets inside four days in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club yesterday to reinforce their position as the topranked team.

The South Africans easily knocked off the 41 runs they needed in their second innings, finishing on 44-1 to seal victory and follow up a series win over Sri Lanka last month under new captain Hashim Amla.

South Africa earlier bowled Zimbabwe out for 181 in their second innings after offspinner Dane Piedt took 4-62 to increase his match haul to eight wickets on debut. Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel picked up three wickets each in the second innings, as Zimbabwe's initial resistance was swept away and they slumped from 98-2, losing eight wickets for 83 runs on the final afternoon.

Steyn, the top-ranked bowler in Tests, finished with match figures of 8-84 and South Africa were seldom in trouble on a slow, lifeless pitch in Harare that the visiting batsmen and bowlers both took a little time to

South Africa's Dale Piedt (centre) and teammates appeal unsuccessfully for the wicket of Zimbabwean batsman Mark Vermeuelen (second left), during the cricket Test match at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday.

work out.

"Very satisfied with the win, we played well through the day," South Africa's AB de Villiers said. "Test cricket is all about playing well away from home."

Zimbabwe fought hard and had their own off-spinner making a successful debut. John Nyumbu took 5-157 in South Africa's telling first innings of 397 to give the strugglers a positive outlook despite their batting collapse on the last day.

"We were competitive for three days and were blown away after lunch today," Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor

said. "A lot of positives for us. Nyumbu has been in first-class form for a number of years. Full credit to him."

Playing their first Test in a year and first against South Africa in a decade, Zimbabwe made 256 batting first, relying heavily on Taylor's 93. South Africa's Piedt returned 4-90 in his first bowl in Tests and was an instant success when he removed Mark Vermeulen with his first ball, a delivery that turned sharply from outside the off stump on a pitch that helped the spinners more than anyone.

Steyn had enough

pace and skill to trouble the Zimbabweans despite the pitch to take 5-46 in the first innings, his 24th career five-wicket haul.

South Africa replied with 397, with Faf du Plessis making 98, Quinton de Kock 81 and JP Duminy 55.

Opener Vusi Sibanda gritted his way to 45 as Zimbabwe held off the South Africans at the start of the second innings, but he and Vermeulen fell in successive overs to start the collapse.

Steyn had 3-38 and Morkel 3-15 to back up Piedt, who won the Man of the Match prize.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING AUGUST 14, 2014

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points, so every ball will be important in these matches and an event in their own right. The team that comes out on top from the semi-finals will be the one that handles the pressure of the situations better.”

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel coach, Simon Helmot, said; “We are not going into this game in great form, but we are a good team, well led by Dwayne Bravo and I am confident we will demonstrate the type of form and attacking cricket we showed earlier in the tournament. The CPL has been a great thing for cricket in the Caribbean and stands up against any of the other T20 competitions in the world, and we have two of its most exciting cricketers in Nicholas Pooran and Evin Lewis so we will be looking to do well and reach the final.”

Looking forward to the second semi-final on Thursday, Roger Harper, coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said; “I do not mind which team we play – we are concentrating on playing the best cricket we can each day in our practice sessions and ensuring we are preparing well for the matches.

The quality of the cricket this year in the CPL has been very good and we are seeing real development from young players across the region which bodes well for the future of West Indies cricket”.

Denesh Ramdin, captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said; “We have had a good rest day this week and our minds are now turning to Thursday’s game. I am determined to win the game which would take us into the final in good shape”.

Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel coach, Simon Helmot is looking for his team to regain their form in the match against the Jamaica Tallawahs

Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, Denesh Ramdin, is feeling relaxed and confident ahead of the second semi-final match on Thursday

Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle and coach, Mickey Arthur are enjoying the challenge of the semi finals

he Jamaica Tallawahs and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel will both be looking to recapture their early tournament form as the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) reaches the semi-finals stage.

Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo will go head to head today (Wednesday) August 13 at Warner Park, St Kitts to decide which team will face the challenge of playing Denesh Ramdin’s Guyana Amazon Warriors on Thursday. The stakes are high as the prize for the winners will be to battle against the Barbados Tridents in the final on Saturday.

Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle, feels that the chance to go up against his friend Dwayne Bravo will be all the incentive he needs to play himself back into form and help his

team beat the Red Steel.

Chris Gayle said; “I actually blame (Dwayne) Bravo for us being in this position in the first place by losing to the Hawksbills at the weekend, and I always regain my form when I face him so I am looking forward to the challenge of playing the Red Steel. We have the quality to get the job done and I back my team to get the results and come out on top.”

Jamaica Tallawahs coach, Mickey Arthur, said; “In a tournament this long, you are always going to have a couple of hiccups along the way and we have had ours in the later stages, which is not ideal as it can affect confidence levels going forward. However, I think the remaining games are going to be very tight. All four teams left in the competition finished on the same

Taylor looks to soar at West Virginia

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Krista-Gay Taylor winning the Under-20 Girls' High Jump during the National Juniors Championships at the National Stadium in June. Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

INGSTON, JAMAICA: ALPHA Academy's outstanding high jumper, Krista-Gay Taylor, will leave Jamaica today to take up a four-year track and field scholarship at West Virginia University in the United States.

Taylor, the National Junior champion, won the Championships of Americas title at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

Taylor, who just completed sixth form, had her best season in the event this year, as at the National Championships, she put herself in the record books after clearing a personal best 1.82 metres, a mark she equalled at the World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where she reached the final of the event.

Taylor will be coached by former national junior representative, Shelly Ann Gallimore, who is in her sixth year at that institution and

who coaches both the horizontal and vertical jumps.

Taylor, who has 10 CXC passes, will be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

"I want to progress as much as possible in my high jump, and I also want to achieve a Bachelor's degree, and I am confident in achieving both goals. Although I got several other offers from other colleges, I chose West Virginia because I did my research and found out that Gallimore is an excellent coach and the school has a very good jumps programme," said Taylor.

She will be the second student-athlete from Alpha attending that institution on a track and field scholarship in recent times, following in the footsteps of sprint-hurdler Chene Townsend, who recently graduated with her Bachelor's degree. (Jamaica Gleaner)

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