Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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ISSUE NO. 131

CANADA EDITION

FREE DISTRIBUTION

WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

1.2 Million air seats secured in Jamaica for Winter Tourist Season

See story on page 18

Historic day for TT

Page 6

-on passage of procurement bill

Guyana's agri sector highest contributor to economy

Page 8

Guyana places in Top 10 of Miss World PM Kamla stepped in for Santa last weekend at a toy drive at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad (PM Kamla Persad Bissessar facebook photo)

…pageant’s favourite Miss South Africa takes crown Page 15

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

US couple may face jail because of Guyanese - remigrant Lexus scam… publisher G EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The USbased remigrant couple, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan caught up in the Guyana tax fraud case involving Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall may face charges in the United States if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) there finds out that funds for the two Lexus SUVs were transferred to their accounts to facilitate the purchase of the vehicles.

Such a probe has become necessary since, according to documentation submitted by the couple to the Guyana Revenue Authority

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

(GRA) for the tax exemption, Naroontandeo was a cleaner in the U.S. while his wife was a housewife. It is unclear how with their incomes they would have been able to raise over

US$186,000 to purchase two brand new Lexus SUVs. And since Gharbassi does not have a licence to drive either in the U.S. or Guyana, it would appear that if the money was the Brijnanans’ one of the Lexuses was being purchase as a “spare”.

The Brijananans on their application form indicated that they were returning with two 2013 Lexus Suburban L57 and listed the engine number along with the other prerequisites. One of the requirements for being allowed the duty free concession on import of vehicles is that the vehicle had to be owned

for at least six months prior to the application.

On the application the engine numbers for the vehicles were listed as JTJHY7AX7D4100270 a n d JTJHY7AX6D4094851 with the registration dates in the State of New York being September 25, 2012 and March 3, 2013 correspondingly.

However on the Bill of Laden for the prod-

ucts, the engine numbers were listed as JTJHY7AX6D4096745 a n d JTJHY7AX6D4094851 respectively. This clearly indicates that one of the serial numbers did not correspond with the serial number on the application.

Reports are that Lall or his wife, or both in some cases, reportedly owned, or used to

own, four properties in Liberty Avenue, Lefferts Boulevard, Hollis and Sutter Avenue in New York.

Lall also only recently sold the property on Lefferts Boulevard for close to US$500,000 in August in what appears to be an effort to get rid of some of the ‘assets’ in his or his wife’s name before any audit is conducted. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s Opposition demands sanctions for vote-buying

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), wants sanctions for people involved in vote-buying.

In a statement issued at a press conference on Monday at the JLP's headquarters on Belmont Road, Kingston, G2K noted that Section 91 of the Representation of the People's Act makes it illegal to use money or other valuable consideration to procure votes or have somebody refrain from voting.

"It is a crime that is punishable by a fine ranging from Ja$20,000 to Ja$80,000 and/or imprisonment from three to five years. But, in spite of this, anecdotally we have heard stories from many elections, of votes being bought by either political party in an attempt to secure political power," the G2K statement said.

G2K also claimed that there is a lack of political will to deal with the issue, based on the argument People's National Party General Secretary Paul Burke pushed after the recent Central Westmoreland by election. " Mr Burke roundly declared that he could

not deny that votes were bought by 'over-zealous PNP supporters in Central Westmoreland', who were worried about the outcome of the byelection. Mr Burke even went as far as to indicate possible number of voters influenced, which he placed at about 500 votes.

"Despite saying this practice was not sanctioned by the PNP, we got no sense of urgency from the PNP general secretary that steps would be taken to address the possibility that at least 500 Jamaicans were paid to vote for his party, an illegal act. This is unacceptable. We would have expected that a man of Mr. Burke's ilk would have gone on to outline what his party plans to do to prevent reoccurrence," G2K said.

G2K declared that the purchasing of votes is, by far, one of the gravest threats to Jamaica's democracy.

"It completely undermines the political process by seeking to unduly influence the outcome of election through personal financial reward, thus focusing on the short term gain of the individual instead of the long term gain of communities. It replaces the concept of representation with that of patronage,

an element that we must remove from our political process," the G2K statement said.

"We at G2K call upon all stakeholders, especially the Government and parliamentary Opposition and members of civil society to take urgent and immediate steps to eliminate the proactive," G2K added.

The JLP affiliate recommended that the Electoral Commisison of Jamaica (ECJ) launch a public education campaign to sensitise voters about the ills of selling their votes and the fact that it is illegal and that the ECJ, along with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and civil society groups like Citizens Action for Free and Fair Election establish a taskforce to examine ways to uncover and combat the practice.

Additionally, it called for a specialised team to be trained and deployed weeks leading up to an election and on election day, to investigate and apprehend those who may be involved in the practice; and that the political parties make specific provisions in their disciplinary code and establish clear sanctions for" any member who is found to be connected to vote-buying". (Jamaica Observer)

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EDITORIAL

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Limacol CPL: looking ahead

he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has agreed to review the rules and playing conditions for the 2015 tournament. We certainly cannot afford to allow what occurred last year to repeat itself in the future. When such things happen, cricket as a whole loses.

The entire region and in fact cricket fans from across the world who were following the CPL with much interest could well recall the contentious 2014 final between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents on August 16 at Warner Park, St Kitts.

But the final came to an abrupt end when rain interrupted the Guyana Amazon Warriors innings at 107 for 4 after 15.5 overs while they were in pursuit of 153 to win the game. After the rain had stopped and mop-up operations had been completed, the stumps went back up. Fans were eager to see the teams battle each other for supremacy to the end.

After some delay, the match officials inexplicably decided that the allotted time – including extra time – for the game had elapsed and the Barbados Tridents were declared winners on the Duckworth/ Lewis method. This, of course, left many Guyanese fans, both at home and in the Diaspora, very disappointed as they were rallying behind our boys throughout the tournament.

For us Guyanese, if there was any team that deserved to be crowned Champions it was the Warriors; for the simple reason, they played very competitive cricket throughout the series and they were arguably the best team of the tournament.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, in an attempt to ensure that the playing conditions and tournament rules were adhered to rigorously and to avoid such a recurrence in the future particularly in a final, sought legal advice on this matter.

Both parties have agreed that, in the interest of this great game of cricket and in order to maintain the excellent reputation of the CPL, the matter is now closed and all parties concerned can now move forward to the planning and implementing of a bigger, better and more exciting 2015 CPL. CPL officials, Franchise Owners/Partners and the Tournament Committee are currently reviewing the rules for the semi-finals and final with a view to using international umpires and match referees and extending the match playing time to midnight, if necessary. This is certainly a step in the right direction.

Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, Franchise Owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors said, “The game of Cricket should always be the winner and the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise remains steadfast in our commitment to make every contribution we can to bring enjoyment to the thousands of fans who support not only us, but West Indies Cricket on the whole.”

Caribbean people were beginning to lose interest in cricket mainly because of the dismal performance of the West Indies team over the years. Now the CPL has sparked renewed interest as persons all over the region, even those who were not avid cricket fans, are talking about the game.

That is the kind of impact CPL has had on the Caribbean and it would be to our own disadvantage if the authorities, meaning those responsible for the governance of cricket, did not take full advantage and capitalise on the many opportunities that have now been presented.

In addition to boosting the economies of the region, the League has provided the opportunity for new talent to emerge. Players like young Nicholas Pooran (Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel); Sheldon Cotterell (Antigua Hawksbills); and Steven Jacobs (Guyana Amazon Warriors), to name a few, are now given the opportunity to shine.

Certainly, CPL has opened many doors for these young athletes to achieve their dreams.

CPL has shown both the West Indian public’s enduring love for cricket and the endless potential for growth and success in the region.

We are, therefore, happy that the stakeholders are now looking ahead and the preparations for the 2015 tournament are in full gear.

Port Kaiser and Alligator Pond at sunrise...St Elizabeth, Jamaica (Our Jamaica file photo)

TT businesses divided on US $ shortage P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Amar Ramlogan, Manager — Economist at Republic Bank, said on Tueday there is a great deal of uncertainty in the business community and that uncertainty is leading the business sector to accumulate US dollars. Agreeing that “accumulating” was the same as “hoarding,” Ramlogan said it was a natural and legitimate reaction in the circumstances.

However, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Moonilal Lalchan said, “we have no evidence to support any allegation that the businessmen have been hoarding foreign currency. In fact, a number of our members continue to be hard-pressed to meet their every-day requirements in terms of purchasing foreign exchange to meet their obligations and we have had instances of persons being written to by their suppliers that they have not been able to pay on a timely basis.”

He said if the Governor of the Central Bank had information that business people were hoarding the huge amounts of US dollars released by the bank, the Chamber would like to share the evidence and would speak to its membership about it. “But we don’t have that kind of information.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association last week issued a release in which it rejected what it said were implications by Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran that business people were hoarding the foreign exchange supplied to them by the Central Bank and were dealing with companies which had terrorist links.

The TTMA said “our members do not associate them-

selves with terrorist groups.”

It added that “those in authority with the regulatory powers to investigate such matters should do so and the law should take the necessary course of action deemed fit. TTMA does not support or condone any such illegal activities.”

The organisation also rejected any suggestion that its members were hoarding US dollars, saying that its research did not support that claim, which was illogical anyway “since to do so will mean placing one’s business operation in jeopardy.

Manufactures need US dollars to conduct daily business not to save or hoard. Engaging in hoarding will curtail foreign supplies, which will result in a domino effect on production, output sales and growth of operations. It seems unrealistic that manufacturers would hoard foreign exchange at the expense of destroying their own operations.”

Ramlogan said,“Since April of this year, we have been having uncertainty because of the changes that were made to the foreign exchange interventions by the Central Bank and that has remained.” While he said the Central Bank had done a lot to allay the fears in the market, Ramlogan said, “I believe the market still remains uncertain because after the changes in the allocation system which were made (on April 1, 2014,) the energy companies failed to make timely conversions of their US funds and with the Christmas season which we are in right now which is usually a period of high demand for foreign exchange, it has created the current issue where now everyone is fighting for foreign exchange.’ ” He said the US$1.7 billion released into the financial system by

the Central Bank so far for the year had satisfied the demand, “but there is uncertainty in the market, there’s still uncertainty and it’s a confidence issue as well. So the Central Bank has done as much as it can in terms of allaying the uncertainty and trying to restore confidence with the injections that they have undertaken but I guess that the market right now is still uncertain what is going to happen.”

He dismissed any speculation that the business sector is financing terrorism or any such thing saying that because of the requirements of the new anti-money laundering legislation, the banks have been scrutinising requests for foreign exchange from their business customers, particularly in the case of unusually large requests. He said, “We have been mandated to follow this new legislation and we have to do background checks on all our customers to ensure that they are not doing any terrorism financing and that they are within the regulations of the anti-money laundering laws.”

Lalchan said it was easy to determine where the money released into the system was going, adding that both the commercial banks and the Central Bank should have information on what companies would need for their normal everyday business and therefore to determine if the money was being used for legitimate purposes.

“So that is squarely on the shoulders of the banks and the Central Bank to determine whether the request for foreign exchange is legitimate or not.”

He said companies could support their requests by showing the invoices they had to settle with their suppliers.

(TT Newsday)

News WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Civil Society umbrella group floated in Guyana – a new ‘Reform’ for PNC/R

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Billed as a forum to formalise the over “4000” registered civil society organisations in Guyana, the shadowy Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP) engagement on Wednesday is being seen in many circles as an attempt to create another group similar to that of the defunct ‘REFORM’ group, which joined up with the Desmond Hoyte-led PNC in 2001 in an effort to oust the PPP from office. From that time the PNC called itself PNC/R. From the names of the persons identified, it is quite clear that the new entity is meant to provide further cover of the PNC/R. The old “REFORM’ group had started out as a civil society organisation that spoke to improving Guyana from a non-partisan standpoint.

It included Stanley Ming, Eric Phillips, Jerome Khan, Peter Ramsaroop, Dr Mark Kirton and Supriya

Singh. All of them were later to depart the PNC/R even though the suffix was retained. The PNC/R then attempted to secure cover by inviting “coalition partners” from existing “parties” to form A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in time for the 2011 elections.

Of recent, the Alliance for Change has proposed that it can coalesce with the PNC/ APNU but has demanded the leadership. Not surprisingly, this has raised many eyebrows in the APNU including that of its leader David Granger and its deputy leader Rupert Roopnaraine, since the AFC is deemed too minuscule to make such demands.

For its part, the AFC appears to believe that it has leverage because its leader Khemraj Ramjattan has selected his Berbician friend Moses Nagamootoo as its Presidential candidate and will deliver Indian votes to the APNU.

In a studied imitation of the REFORM, Thomas appears to be putting together a group to camouflage the PNC/R in case the AFC offer is rejected. In some of the daily newspapers on Sunday, the barely known Thomas published a full page advertisement listing among other names of persons he said were nominated to Guyana National Civil Society Advisory Council Board and the Guyana National Civil Society Council.

Dr Thomas criticised civil society organisations for being too docile at a time when their voices need to be heard.

He said out of the over 4000 registered civil society organisations, only 22 per cent are active, but they are notably silent on matters of public concern. Some of these organisations heatedly denied this accusation.

Dr Thomas explained that the GNCPP has recognised the deficiencies in society and “has since been taking corrective steps”. (Guyana Times)

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Eight more STEM schools in Jamaica come September 2015

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The number of secondary institutions offering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes is to be increased to nine, come the 2015/16 academic year.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean, made the disclosure during the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) recent two-day labour market forum at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

She informed that the Ministry of Education has identified and shortlisted eight additional schools across the island that will either be transformed into full STEM academies, or have the subjects incorporated into their curricula.

Jamaica College in St. Andrew; Manchester High School, Manchester; and Belmont Academy, Westmoreland, will become full academies. These that will have a STEM focus are: Kingston Technical High School, St. Andrew Technical High School, and Dunoon Park Technical High School in Kingston; Vere Technical High School, Clarendon; and Herbert Morrison Technical High School, St. James.

They will join Sydney Pagon Agricultural High School in St. Elizabeth as the institutions that have STEM programmes incorporated into their curricula.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean (Jis file photo)

Sydney Pagon’s programme came on stream at the start of the 2014/15 academic year in September.

Dr. McLean said the Ministry has already commenced preparations for the transitions at the institutions. She said that the move is based on labour market information, which points to the need to “prepare our young people” for STEM-oriented jobs, and better position Jamaica to be globally competitive in these areas.

She noted that the Ministry is integrating STEM within the education system and “the national curriculum that is now being developed from grades one to nine will see the full infusion and integration of STEM (at these levels).”

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics will be fully infused in a practical way so that you develop the skills in a project-type problem-based environment (to ensure that what is being taught and learnt) …will become real and applicable,” she added.

Dr. McLean said the ministry is being assisted and guided, in this regard, by a “broadbased” STEM Committee, chaired

by Director General Emeritus of the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS), and former Principal, University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Mona Campus, St. Andrew, Professor Gerald Lalor.

The membership, she advised, comprises representatives from other tertiary institutions as well as the private sector.

The forum, which was held under the theme: ‘Promoting Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)’, was held to disseminate labour market information to a select group of participants to enable them to make informed career choices.

The PIOJ organised the event in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Labour Market Information Technical Advisory Committee (LMITAC); HEART Trust/NTA; and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). (Jis)

Historic day for TT

-on passage of procurement bill

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Tewarie said it was a historic day for this country with the passage of the procurement bill.

He said it was a learning experience with a lot of collaborative work, and he was thankful for the input of the private sector and civil society because they originally had many misgivings about the bill.

“I really enjoyed working with the Independent senators, who had strong views but who were willing to compromise; I find it difficult to understand the position of the Opposition who first supported the bill and then abstained from it,” he said.

Asked if he was confident with this legislation, corruption in TT would be a thing of the

past, Tewarie responded: “Corruption is a very complex and difficult thing to eradicate completely but there are things that you can do, and enlightened procurement legislation is one of them that can make it difficult to engage in corruption and that can make it easier to detect and to prosecute acts of corruption, and there is value in that...but the second side of the bill is that it is developmental in nature so it promotes local content, it promotes local industry, it promotes local labour laws and it promotes sustainable development, which can have an impact on greener practices on economic development.”

Tewarie also said when the bill is proclaimed, the law does not have a retroactive effect. (TT Express)

News WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

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Economist: 13% offer to J'can student has large PSA in TT is generous antivirus software

Head of the Trade and Economic Development Unit of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, Roger Hosein (Competitiveness Forum photo)

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: A UWI economist says the Chief Personnel Officer’s decision to offer a 13 per cent salary increase to the Public Services Association (PSA) is “generous” as outstanding wage negotiations continue for the period 2011 to 2014.

In a telephone interview on Tuesday, senior lecturer and head of the Trade and Economic Development Unit of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, Roger Hosein, described government’s latest offer as “reasonable,” in light of the global economy and local market factors.

The offer, made on December 10, outlined the revised terms of employment and conditions of service for civil servants and those employed at various statutory authorities. The CPO, Stephanie Lewis, has proposed a breakdown of two, four and seven per cent, along with a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of TT$160, $175 and TT$225 for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

At a press conference on Monday, PSA president Watson Duke said although they were thankful for the offer, they hoped the additional seven per

cent they were seeking could be found as negotiations continued. Officials have declined to say how much money was needed to pay public servants and how that would affect government’s expenditure.

Finance Minister Larry Howai has called on government ministries to reduce their expenditure by TT$1.3 billion as falling oil prices are expected to hit the amount of revenue the country collected in the current financial year. The initial projected deficit for 2015 was 2.3 per cent or TT$4.3 billion. Howai made the statement in Parliament last month as he addressed the impact of falling oil prices on government’s fiscal operations.

He shared the negative report, including government’s expectation that oil prices would decrease to around US$60 a barrel before levelling off at US$65 a barrel. The West Texas Intermediate closed yesterday at US$56.02 a barrel Referring to the CPO’s offer, Hosein questioned if employee productivity had increased more or less than 13 per cent. He explained that if the output of a worker was not greater than 13 per cent, it would mean that the cost a unit would have increased.

However, if it proved to be more than 13 per cent, that would mean government benefitted and that although it would be paying higher salaries, it meant that output had also increased, he added. Hosein warned that there was the possibility that Baumol Cost Disease problem could occur.

Hosein said: “The services sector tends to be associated with lower productivity increases than the booming sector, that when wage demands in the services sector try to match that of wage demands in the booming sector, it could lead to a long- term drag on the growth of the economy.”

“Thirteen per cent at this juncture in the economic cycle is reasonable and some may even say generous as the medium-term growth prospects of the economy seem unlikely to cross two per cent, given the trends in the key hydrocarbon output and price indicators.”

(TT Guardian)

HIV among leading causes of maternal mortality – UNAIDS

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: HIV/ AIDS continues to be among the leading causes of death among pregnant women across the world, United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Representative (Guyana), Dr Roberto Campos has said.

But despite the growing incidence of this, Guyana has been able to keep the situation at bay, eradicating every instance of Mother to Child Transmission.

At the launching of the Guyana Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) acceleration framework and campaign to improve maternal health recently, the UNAIDS representative said that there was no doubt that the HIV epidemic is linked to maternal mortality.

Outside of Guyana, the mortality rate in South Africa and other parts of Africa is very high.

“In recent years, Guyana has made significant progress in HIV response. The country has also been awarded recently among six other Caribbean countries to have eliminated the mother to child transmission [via the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Programme (PMTCT)].

The UNAIDS representative said although the rising number of HIV cases had been a reality in past years, Guyana has made “commendable” progress in its HIV response.

The Plan of Action in the continued fight against HIV includes capacity building, integrat-

ed service and the integration of the PMTCT Programme, among others, Campos said.

The improvement of maternal health is identified as MDG Five, a declaration adopted by Guyana’s government along with 188 others some 14 years ago.

The strengthening of HIV services for pregnant women, especially in countries with a high burden of HIV infection, will reduce HIV-related and un-related maternal mortality rates.

Despite an increase in knowledge of the HIV status of pregnant women and the initiation of antiretroviral treatment, reversals in trends towards increased maternal deaths are not being observed, according to reports.(Guyana Times)

firms in his cross hairs

Sheldon Duncombe (left) and software engineer at Google, Mennouchi Azeddine Islam, during their stay at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Marrakech, Morocco

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: S h e l d o n Duncombe reckons that he can compete with some of the world's largest antivirus software companies when he launches his company, HurteX, next March.

Duncombe, a finalist in the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Tech-I competition, has teamed with a software engineer at Google, Mennouchi Azeddine Islam, to provide information technology services that eliminate software vulnerabilities caused by web-based applications and server hackers.

The idea, which was developed during his stay at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Marrakech, Morocco, earlier this year, has resulted in the 20-year-old holding a 45 per cent stake in the new company. The operational codes of HurteX are now being developed by Islam and another three

individuals, who will share the remaining 55 per cent of the company.

"I believe we can compete with big companies like McAfee and Norton because those companies perform routine checks, but they don't provide software against hackers," Duncombe told the Jamaican media.

"We will be changing the codes every day to strengthen our customers' systems against potential hackers."

Prior to his visit to Morocco, the University of the West Indies student had entered the GIST Tech-I competition after developing a Type 1 diabetes correction device that would replace the insulin pump used in the care of diabetes.

"I'm not throwing the idea out, but I'm holding off on it for now," he told the Jamaican media. "I was told by an investor that I needed something more scalable in terms of funding, as the software I had in mind was too expensive to start out with."

He added that one of the pieces of equipment needed to create the correction device would cost US$6,000 (Ja$678,000).

However, he is confident that his new area of interest will give him the return he desires at little or no start-up cost.

HurteX is designed to cover network-related issues including the building of IT infrastructure, applications and devices, through integrated solutions that build a defence system against vulnerabilities. The company will also perform routine forensic analysis, audit checks, cloud protection and virtual network security as part of the service.

The company will be targeting financial institutions, the US Embassy and corporate businesses. Acknowledging that the local competitive market is relatively small, Duncombe hopes the company will gain enough recognition to expand the services regionally by 2016. (Jamaica Observer)

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Guyana's agri sector highest contributor to economy

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: For the first time in years, the agriculture sector which was allocated Gyd$23.8 Billion is on track to set more records. With almost every sub-sector showing expansion, agriculture is on target to be this year’s highest average contributor to Gross Domestic Product.

Agriculture has regained its prominence after several years of being the number two GDP contributor, behind the extractive sector.

This year, saw the operationalisation of a number of infrastructure support structures, including the installation of drainage pumps in key areas, the commissioning of three laboratories to service the needs of several agriculture subsectors and the opening of new markets for exports for products such as rice, which again boomed in 2014.

This year witnessed the country’s drainage capacity more than doubling with the ministry adding about 1650 cubic feet per second (cuft/sec).

This represented a 16 percent expansion of the pumped drainage capacity and the ability to pump 40 million gallons per day. It also represents the largest increase in pump capacity in any single year and brings

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy harvests locally grown carrots

Guyana’s total drainage capacity to 10163 cuft/sec.

For 2014, pumps stations were operationalised in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, namely at : Three Friends in Region Two, Windsor Forest, Patentia, and Canal Polder One in Region Three, Paradise in Region Four, Pine Ground in Region Five, and Number 19 Village, Rose Hall, Number 56 Village and Canje in Region Six. Meanwhile there was also the continued push for alternative energy as the Agriculture Ministry launched Guyana’s first bio-gas demonstration fa-

cility.

Furthering investment in infrastructure support for the agriculture sector, this year saw the ministry building its capacity in GIS/GPS and for the first time using its own human and capital resources to complete soil mapping for Region Five. Whilst Guyana has completed soil testing for different parts of the country, it has never completed a soil mapping for the more than three million hectares of agriculture land Guyana possesses, and in the past such works would have had to be supported by interna-

tional partners both from a financial and technical perspectives.

Guyanese rice farmers, for the first time produced in excess of 600,000 tonnes of rice, eclipsing significantly the 2013 production figures. In fact, to date with 99 percent of the 2014 harvest completed, the industry has thus far recorded a production of 633,000 tonnes, which is about 100,000 more than 2013 production of 530,000.

By the end of the year, Guyana is also set to achieve record, export of 500,000 tonnes. This would mean that the paddy sale by farmers would exceed Gyd$45.M, and export earnings, US$250M. It helped significantly that this year; Guyana was able to secure a new rice agreement with Panama to supply approximately 5,000 tonnes of rice per month to the country.

The only concern, for the industry has been that whilst there have been many successes, some millers have not yet paid off the farmers and as of December 14, outstanding payment from millers to farmers was about Gyd$3.5B. The ministry however, has already commenced a number of interventions to ensure farmers are paid. This includes a special-

ly convened meeting with the millers and working out an arrangement whereby the ministry through the errant millers can supply 700,000 tonnes of fertilisers to farmers charging Gyd$5,000 per bag. The latter is part of ensuring some of what the millers owe to farmers is discounted through the process.

Meanwhile, the sugar industry continues to show its resilience and is set to achieve its 2014 target of 216,000 tonnes.

At the moment, the industry has already surpassed the 2013 production by more than 10 percent, meeting the first of 2014 objectives- to pass the 2013 production. Sugar production was 212,000 tonnes as of December 14.

If successful, agriculture will then emerge as an even stronger vehicle for sustained economic and social prosperity in Guyana. To this end, 2014 also saw the Ministry of Agriculture introducing a 20132020 National Agriculture Strategy that sets out an overarching goals of achieving this growth for the sector, the main one being food and nutrition security in an environmentally sustainable manner, whilst at the same time generating economic growth and opportunities.(Gina)

TT judge appears before Jamaican govt beefs up cybermagistrate on charge of failing security after website attacks to submit to breathalyser test

Stood in silence: Industrial Court vice-president Ramchand Lutchmedial

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Industrial Court vice president Ramchand Lutchmedial on Tuesday pleaded not guilty on a charge of failing to submit a specimen of breath for a breathalyser test last Friday.

The charge falls under section 70B(5) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (amended).

Apart from pleading not guilty, Lutchmedial otherwise stood in silence when he appeared before Magistrate Bramanand Dubey in the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Third Court.

The judge was represented by a team of attorneys which included his daughter Jayanti Lutchmedial, Yaseen

Ali and Nicholas Rampersadsingh.

According to the police report read out in court, Lutchmedial was stopped last Friday night along Derrick Road, Chase Village, Chaguanas, during a routine police exercise by officers of the Central Division.

It was said in court that Lutchmedial was asked by the officers at the scene to present a specimen of breath but he failed to do so without reasonable cause.

As a result, he was charged under the relevant legislation by PC Sammy.

In his submissions to the court, attorney Yaseen Ali noted that his client had a “well published” job in the legal fraternity as an Industrial Court judge and had been a long standing member of the bar as he had been practising for the past 36 years.

Ali also noted that because of this, his client had no previous matters before the courts nor convictions, and therefore he asked that the judge be granted bail and be “allowed to leave on his own cognisance”.

Ali also noted that Lutchmedial’s driver’s permit had been taken away from him on Friday night by officers at the scene, an act which is contrary to regulations. However, he did submit that it had been returned to his client earlier that evening.

The attorney also asked for disclosure and for a “speedy trial date”.

After further submissions from both Ali and police prosecutor Sgt Ken Ali, the matter was then adjourned to January 12.

Lutchmedial was then granted continued bail at TT$5,000. (TT Express)

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) says it is implementing a raft of measures to address the issue of cyber-security, following an attack on more than 10 government websites three weeks ago.

“Upon becoming aware of the attacks, the ministry immediately moved to implement several measures to safeguard against further attacks,” Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson said.

The measures he outlined include: • Engaging the security forces, and in particular, the Communications, Forensics Cybercrimes Unit (CFCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), for a formal criminal investigation to commence; • Seeking technical assistance from our international agencies; in particular the Organization of American States (OAS).

Cyber-security experts have commenced an investigation into the at-

Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson

tacks and will report accordingly. They will also outline measures required to bolster Jamaica’s cyber-security.

In addition, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) along with the OAS Government have provided technical assistance for the implementation of the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT).

Last week, the ministry met with information technology (IT) personnel from the government entities that have been affected, and outlined measures and guidelines to address

the issues in the short term.

The Minister also noted that the government’s response to these cyber attacks form a part of the wider approach, which is being implemented by the GOJ. The Cyber Security Strategy will be presented to Cabinet shortly for final approval.

Robinson reiterated the importance of cybersecurity systems to all countries, which is a priority for the Ministry.

“Jamaica must remain committed to bolstering our cyber-security efforts,” he said. (Jamaica Observer) .

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Jamaica’s education ministry welcomes positive response to new CXC subjects K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Chief Education Officer, Dr Grace McLean, says the Ministry of Education is “heartened” by the positive feedback to the new suite of subjects incorporated into the national secondary schools’ curriculum, which students are currently taking in external examinations.

These include Tourism, Digital Animation, and Entrepreneurship, which she said, are

Chief Education Officer, Dr Grace McLean

among a set of “new generation” subjects introduced by the Caribbean

Examinations Council (CXC).

The Chief Education

Officer added that these courses, which are being offered at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) levels, “are subjects that are trending and…leading to advancing (students) to tertiary level education or (their progress in) the world of work.”

Dr McLean informed that 17 students successfully sat the Digital Animation examination at the CSEC level at the

end of the 2013/14 academic year, which they were taking for the first time.

“All 17 of those students received Grades One and Two. That verifies the point that our young people are just eagerly awaiting…opportunities… to maximise (their) potential in the right areas,” she argued.

She said the undertaking forms part of the Ministry’s commitment to develop a “customised education” system.

“Gone are the days

when we can only focus on the (traditional academic subjects)…and expect that our students can be properly prepared to take the jobs that are available within the society. So, in focusing on a customised education system, what it simply means is we have to ensure that we stay (attuned) to…labour market information … and utilise this…to determine the programmes that we offer within our schools,” she contended.

(Jis)

Acting CoP Williams gets TT PM’s nod of approval

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams may have more support than he thinks. In the wake of a media report that government was considering amending the Police Service Commission Act to allow a junior to be considered for the substantive post of commissioner before it was shelved due to a lack of support, Williams had suggested he would quit the service if he did not have the support of his colleagues.

But on Monday, even as talks continued to mount that

Superintendent Johnny Abraham, head of the Central Division, was being looked at as Williams’ replacement, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar gave the incumbent her vote, saying she was happy with his performance. “The Commissioner of Police is entitled to his opinion. I think he is doing a great job, serious crimes are going down,” PersadBissessar told the media during her toy distribution drive at the Cedros Secondary School.

“Commissioner Williams is doing the best that he can in all of the circumstances. Like him, if people are not

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams

happy with the job I am doing I will have to walk too or they will have to kick me out,” she added.

She recalled that a note was brought to Cabinet to expand the

selection process to allow for other people to aspire to the top position but the Police Service Social (PSC) and Welfare Association was not in favour of it and

Guyana govt has seven days to respond to Granger’s injunction

By Erica Williams

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E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang on Monday granted the government seven days to file an affidavit-in-answer following the move by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to the courts over what it terms unauthorised spending by the government.

APNU is accusing the members of the government of spending billions of dollars that were disapproved in the National Budget earlier this year.

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman were the defendants in the matter brought to the court on behalf of Opposition Leader David Granger.

Following the in-Chambers proceedings, Nandlall said he was baffled by APNU’s move to the courts.

Nandlall was not sure what the issue was since funding through the national budget has been cut and legally restored in the past. He noted that past restorations have been approved by the Opposition.

“Those were monies that were restored by the Minister of Finance pursuant to a ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice, the very judge before whom this matter is being held,” Nandlall said in response to the Opposition’s claims of Gyd$4.5 billion of unapproved funds being spent up to June, following this year’s budget.

He further explained that in the ruling, the Chief Justice pointed to the Constitutional provisions which allowed Singh to restore the monies that were removed unlawfully and unconstitutionally from the budget.

“So I don’t know what the issue is, but the identical thing was done in 2012 when monies were excised from the budget. Those monies were restored and the very Opposition Leader and Opposition Parties in the National Assembly supported the government’s restoration on all of the monies.”

This sequence of events repeated itself during 2013, while in 2014, some of the monies were restored with the Opposition’s approval.

Minister Nandlall then reiterated his uncertainty about the cause for the current court matter. He sought to point out the lack of mer-

it in the Opposition’s case by stating that “the restoration of monies is supported by the Constitution, the Chief Justice judgment sanctioned it and the Opposition also supported it in the past.”

In the past, Chang had ruled that the Opposition has no right to cut the government’s budget.

Nevertheless, Attorney-atLaw, Basil Williams, an executive of APNU, filled for an ex parte application for an interim/conservatory order to stay all spending and/or any further spending by the Finance Minister or other Ministers of Government until the conclusion of the matter.

But, Nandlall and Chief Counsel Ashton Chase, who represented Singh, asked for the matter to be inter-partes. They then filed for leave to bring forth an affidavitin- answer.

This request was granted and they were given seven days to produce and submit the document, while Williams was given five days to respond if necessary.

The matter will return to the Chief Justice’s Chambers on December 29 for reports, and a date will be fixed for arguments.

(Guyana Times)

it was shelved. But she said her government had no intention of selecting or handpicking anyone.

Williams, who has been given five extensions over the past two years after taking over from outgoing Canadian Dwayne Gibbs, had told the TT media over the weekend he was happy with his tenure as acting CoP. However, he said if his colleagues were unhappy with his performance he would be willing to quit the service.

Denying on Monday there was political interference by her government in the appointment of the CoP, the Prime Minister said:

“That cannot be because the government does not appoint a commissioner of police. It is the PSC. “There are 6,500 police officers in the service and the pool to choose from as CoP is narrowed down to three officers.”

She admitted, however, that Williams would have to consider whether he would walk away or face the boot if his colleagues were not happy with his performance.

With elections due next year, Persad-Bissessar said she too would have to make a similar decision if people were not happy with her performance.(TT Guardian)

Haiti prime minister, Laurent Lamothe, resigns

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O R T - A U P R I N C E , HAITI: Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe has resigned less than a week after President Michel Martelly had received a report from an 11-member presidential commission established to help deal with Haiti’s worsening political crisis.

The Commission had also recommended the resignation of the members of the Electoral Council.

Haiti has seen several violent street demonstrations led by opposition figures in recent weeks and in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Saturday night, Lamothe said “I am leaving the post of prime minister this evening with a feeling of accomplishment”.

Martelly said earlier that he had accepted the commission’s findings, and would meet government officials on Monday

to discuss them.

In addition, the commission also wants several people detained arbitrarily to be released. In the report, the Commission is also calling for a truce by the opposition, noting that the truce is necessary to achieve a political agreement for the country’s long-delayed local and legislative elections to occur.

“The deterioration of the political and social environment requires several calming measures and recovery before Christmas. It is therefore imperative to find a political compromise before January, 12,” the report stated, calling on the public and opposition parties to do their part, including ending calls for Martelly’s resignation.

“Respect the constitutional legitimacy of the President of the Republic,” it added.

(Caribbean News Now)

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Jamaican gov't urged to treat copyright industry as a priority

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Government is being urged to treat as a priority, efforts to capitalise on the copyright industry, which is believed to have as much economic potential as the country's agricultural sector.

Carol Newman, general manager of Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency (JamCopy), told the Jamaican media during last week's royalty pay out to affiliates that there appears to be insufficient knowledge about the significance of the industry among policymakers.

"I am not convinced that there is sufficient level of understanding among our policymakers of the importance of intellectual rights generally and copyright in particular the impression that makers are not serious," Newman said.

In terms of regulations, she said that she is satisfied with the work being carried out by Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and that the amended Copyrights Act will address a number of issues, including extending the copyright duration beyond 50 years such as what obtains in other jurisdictions. She, however, said that JIPO is in need of greater financial support.

As it relates to publishing, Newman said that it is most important for Jamaica to have an 'indigenous' publishing industry.

"We now have people

Carol Newman

who write our history for us who are not from us.

Nobody can write about us the way we do. We need to have a sustainable publishing industry and that cannot happen without inputs from government," she emphasised.

An important place to start, she said, is to include local books in the 'buy Jamaican' campaign.

"One of the things that I've often talked about is how we encourage people to buy Jamaican and that in our head means Jamaican food and clothes but it does not resonate with us that buying Jamaican means buying Jamaican books. That connection has not been made," Newman said, noting that local books must be a part of the local school curriculum.

"It is important as a mother myself that when the students looks into a textbook they see someone who looks like them," Newman stressed.

"In the same way that there are some kind of protection for local farmers so that we don't import certain foods or there is a higher tariff if we im-

port certain types of food, I think that we should see the same protection being offered to our publishers and indigenous writers," she said. "We can't exclude foreign content because we are a part of a global market and we learn from each other so we can't ban foreign books, that's not the objective.

The aim, according to Newman, is to foster a better creative environment for the local book industry to thrive and to be placed in a better position to record Jamaica's history and heritage.

Another issue facing the industry, she pointed out, is the delay by government with regards to regulating photocopy in primary and high schools.

"Despite 10 years of negotiations with Ministry of Education for the copying done in schools ,we have not been able to secure a license so the copying continues unabatedly and that is illegal," she disclosed, stating that JamCopy will continue to work to resolve the issue.(Jamaica Observer)

TT PM: No apology for TT$55M church grant

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reiterated that she will not apologise for the TT$55 million donation to Christian churches saying that without the religious fabric of this nation and the work the religious community does the society will “fall apart”.

“My friends over the past few days there may have been some concerns about government’s decision to make a donation to the Christian community of our country...I say again I make no apologies for this gift to you which recognises and appreciates the tremendous work which your churches and your congregations continue to do in our communities,” she said.

She was speaking on Sunday night at the Prime Minister’s Christmas Concert at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. The Prime Minister distributed cheques to representatives of the Evangelical, Methodist, Spiritual Baptists, Presbyterian, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. She had made the announcement about the donation at a media appre-

CHRISTMAS CHEER: These members of the Love Movement Junior Choir entertain their audience at their concert at Adam Smith Square, Port-of-Spain, on Saturday

ciation function at the Diplomatic Centre on December 4th. PersadBissessar on Sunday reported that she asked the 41 members of Parliament to provide a list of churches in their constituency for separate disbursements this week.

She said there were concerns government had approved to give grants to every church in this country.

“Without the religious fabric, without the work the religious community does, my brothers and sisters, our nation will fall apart, our society will fall apart,” she said.

She told the gathering that, similar to Hindu-run organisations, Christian churches run organisations and

manage programmes which assist young people, the elderly, the disabled, and with family life. She noted that they work at the heart of communities and can reach people before they “fall through the cracks”. She expressed her heartfelt thanks and expressed respect and gratitude for their accomplishments.

Persad-Bissessar said they provide a very valuable service to communities and expressed hope that the grants will enable them to continue their work. She noted in the new year there will be challenges and asked the churches to continue to partner with government to make the country a better place. (TT Newsday)

TT $300,000 bail for TT pastor on rape charges

P Guyana inches towards sugar production target

-Minister confident of achieving objective

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has once again expressed confidence the Sugar Industry would achieve the 2014 production target of 216,000 tonnes.

As of Friday, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) recorded production of 212,000 tonnes. “When we add in the weekend production, we would move closer to the 216,000 target,” he told reporters on Monday.

Questioned about the adjusted target of 219,000 tonnes, which was touted by GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rajendra Singh some months into the year, Minister Ramsammy said the revised target was never approved by the Ministry; hence, the initial target remains in effect.

“They are confident that they will surpass the 216,000 tonnes target, but I just want them to meet the 216,000 target,” he said.

The first crop production target of 75,000 tonnes was surpassed by some 5000 tonnes, prompting the Corporation to revise the 2014 target

and raising hopes that the industry was beginning to turn the corner after a dismal 2013. Last year, sugar production came in at 186,500 tonnes – the worst performance in 22 years according to the sugar union. Guyana has been taking steps to turn the tide of the industry’s fortunes and meet a production target of 300,000 tonnes soon, and is projected to reach its 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.

Recognising the high cost of production, he assured the Committee that mechanisms were in place in the 20132017 Strategic Plan to reduce the figure to US$0.26 per pound. Singh had said that the industry has a history of poor profitability. With the exception of 2006 and 2007, GuySuCo has operated at a loss for the past 10 years.

After investing approximately Gyd$9 billion into the industry in 2005, GuySuCo recorded a profit of Gyd$476 million in 2006. In that same year, an additional $12.5 billion was pumped into the industry, leading to a profit of Gyd$630 million in 2007. (Guyana Times)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Pastor Bernard Andrews of the Dow Village Open Bible Church was granted TT$300,000 bail on Monday on two rape charges. The 47-year-old Siparia father of one appeared in the Siparia Magistrate’s Court hours after he gave himself up to the police. Andrews is accused of raping a teenager twice four years ago.

The charges alleged that on a date unknown between August 10, 2010 and October 1, 2010 in Siparia he had sexual intercourse with the teenager without her consent.

It is alleged he also had sex with the girl on a date unknown between July 31, 2010 and September 1, 2010. Andrews told Senior Magistrate Armina Deonarinesingh a friend was trying to reach his attorney but he asked if attorney Ramnarine Soorjansingh, who was in the other court, could represent him. Soorjansingh was asked by the magistrate to make a bail application for Andrews but

Bernard Andrews, a pastor from the Dow Village Open Bible Church, leaves the Siparia Magistrates Court after appearing on two charges of rape on Monday.

during the application Andrews’s attorney Earl Martin James arrived.

Soorjansingh, however, had said that James worked as a farm assistant at the Siparia school for many years and had no convictions or pending matters. Asking for reasonable bail, James said Andrews was the father of one adult female and had given himself up after learning a warrant was out for his arrest. Confirming he was a first-time offender, court prosecutor Sgt Sheldon Ablacksingh did not object to bail but asked he be

ordered to stay away from the victim.

James said Andrews and the victim did not live close to each other.

Granting him TT$300,000 bail with a clerk of the peace approval, the magistrate warned him to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim. James, however, appealed to the magistrate to reduce the bail, particularly since it’s the Yuletide season.

However, the magistrate rejected his request and ordered Andrews to return to court on January 12. (TT Guardian)

WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Gyd $11B cement factory opens in Berbice

By Andrew Carmichael

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : C a r i c o m Cement Company Inc on Saturday commissioned its new Gyd$11 billion cement plant at Everton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The new facility will allow the company to produce 500,000 metric tonnes of cement annually. This is double the requirement for Guyana. Chairman of the company, Dr Joshua Safeek speaking with this publication said the plant is a gift from Berbice to the rest of Caricom.

The facility, the first complete cement plant in Guyana was built

by Guyanese and employs in excess of 250 persons from Berbice, Georgetown, Essequibo and Suriname.

“Caricom Cement Company Inc has been in operation for the past four years and during that period we were bagging cement under the brand names West Indies Cement and

Titan Cement,” the company said in a release.

The plant was built in three phases and started in August 2010 at the abundant old bauxite plant (Bermine), which was developed in phase one.

The first part of the current operations saw a bagging system being purchased and installed at the Everton plant. Phase two saw a Portland plant being added to the system while the machinery was being built for phase three, which commenced in December 2013 with the installation of the new plant.

The plant was then upgraded with a kiln and cooling system and a grinding capacity of 50 per cent.

The kiln will be working at 1700 degrees before the cement is sent to the cooling system.

Meanwhile, Dr Safeek said the company was able to take advantage of the billions of dollars which government has been investing in the education sys-

tem.

“There are a lot of youngsters who are being trained at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and GuySuCo Training School and at the end; many of them don’t get jobs. We were able to find jobs for many of them by the transferring of technology from engineers and chemist.”

Meanwhile, the facility will add greatly to the development of Berbice and moreso the East Bank where most of the employees are from.

“When we started operations, there it was a depressed community with jobs only being available at GuySuCo, which is seasonal. We inject about Gyd1$ billion annually into Berbice. You know in a few years what that will do for the community?”

Meanwhile, the Everton plant is to start operating on a 24-hour basis as from next year.

This, the Chairman said will require the services of about a 100 more employers. (Guyana Times)

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Guyana Govt talks up “transformation” in energy sector

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E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: Government said it has since 1992 invested billions of dollars in the rehabilitation and modernisation of the country’s energy sector, aimed at reducing power outages and providing a more reliable supply of energy, while reducing losses.

Electricity supply has drastically increased over the past decades, coming from a place where 10 megawatts of generation were available to meet a demand of 33 megawatts, to one where 140 megawatts of Wartsila units are available to meet a demand of 108 megawatts.

Over the last eight years, over US$150M was injected into the Guyana Power and Light Inc., (GPL) itself, with more than half of that amount being spent on enhancing its distribution systems. “We are much better off than we ever were,” said Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during a special programme on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Friday, along with GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington, Chief Executive Officer, Bharrat Dindyal, and Head of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, Horace Williams.

From 1992-1997, all focus of the then Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC) was on improving generation. In 1993, 11 megawatts were commissioned in Garden of Eden, 11 in 1995, 22 at Kingston in 1997, and in 2009 a further 20.7 and 15.6 in 2011. The recent addition has been the 26 mega-

watt plant at Vreed-en-Hoop.

“It was always recognised that there was need to upgrade the transmission system, and we have been able to do that over the past three years. We have had the transmission upgrade programme which was financed with the assistance of the Chinese, and now we have some seven sub-stations across the network, and three of the generators were upgraded at the power station… so we have made a great step in transmission. We have from the power stations, feeds running out up to 40 miles,” the Prime Minister explained.

He added that it was a great challenge for government to acquire the amount of resources needed for this huge transformation. However, along the way there was assistance, especially from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) and other partners to make these investments possible.

The US$30M power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop is another great investment that will increase the capacity from a current 87 megawatts to 106 megawatts in Demerara.

“The transmission project is not completed, so we have one interconnected grid between Demerara and Berbice, in fact a lot of power is now going up from Demerara to feed Berbice using that link… we have expanded the infrastructure to connect customers, the infrastructure is being built to connect over 45,000 customers and most of those persons have already

come onto the grid, so today we have about 175,000 customers,” Brassington said.

There are also new sub-stations at Edinburgh, Good Hope, Georgetown and Columbia (Mahaicony), one expanded substation at Kingston, the central control center and 80 km of interconnecting transmission lines and fibre optic cable. The Golden Grove and North Ruimveldt substations are currently under construction, and the expansion at the Onverwagt power plant.

A new generator was also installed at the Leguan Power Station and GPL is working on the setting up of a third unit, while a new power plant will also be installed in Anna Regina and another in Bartica. All of these projects will be completed within two years. Other initiatives include the upgrading of the company’s customer information systems, and it is seeking to improve the overall infrastructure, expand generation and install transmission systems.

According to Brassington, this will see an improvement in the overall distribution system, metering, and a drastic improvement in GPL’s ability to execute its duties.

Further, the company will expand on its pilot project of smart metering where it can measure and track consumption in real time. The target is to reduce technical losses to 5 percent and non-technical losses to 3 percent within the next five years. (Guyana Times)

Barbados selected to pilot diabetes reversal study

B

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Barbados has been selected to pilot a diabetes reversal study based on the use of a nutrition-specific diet as a means of reversing glucose intolerance in persons living with Type 2 diabetes.

The study, which is set to commence during the week of January 25, 2015, will focus on Barbadians between the ages of 20 and 70 who were diagnosed within the last six years.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Joy St John, speaking at the launch of the Diabetes Reversal, said diabetes remained a significant public health challenge in the country despite the efforts of the Diabetes Association of Barbados and the Diabetes Foundation of Barbados over the years.

“Diabetes has a prevalence rate in the adult population in excess of 18 per cent, and current evidence indicates that the prevalence has increased over the last five to six years by two percentage points.”

The Chief Medical Officer was pleased that this new study focused on nutrition, and she revealed that “in Barbados, nutrition is one of the most challenging areas associated with risk for the development of non-communicable diseases”.

“The Barbadian diet is frequently too high in salt, sugar and fat; with a high percentage of calories coming from carbohydrate sources. Furthermore, fruit and vegetable consumption, although showing some slight improvement, remains low. It is believed that these factors may be contributing to the heavy chronic disease burden, including diabetes, hypertension and some cancers,” she said.

Officials here say that one of the main drivers of the high prevalence of diabetes in Barbados was the level of obesity in the population, with an estimated two-thirds of all adult Barbadians and 30 per cent of boys and girls attending secondary schools either overweight and/or obese.

The Diabetes Reversal Study will be funded by the Virgin Unite Group, which is a non-profit organisation founded by Sir Richard Branson. (CMC)

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Raw food business takes Guyana working hard to achieve Universal Secondary Education off in Mandeville - three new schools to be built under Education Improvement Project

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ANDEVILLE, JAMAICA: Any entrepreneur would be pleased.

Just nine months in, Yahya El, proprietior of Mandeville-based raw or 'live' food business Fancy Fruits, says there is a growing customer base.

However, encouraging though that is, he says the focus of his venture, which came about because of his own "spiritual awakening" is more than to swiftly make a profit.

El, who was named Marcus St John Reece at birth, told the Jamaican media that he has been a vegetarian for over 14 years.

His name change and his transformation to a'fruitarian' (eating only fruits, vegetables and nuts) and using the dehydration method in preparing meals, as opposed to cooking, followed a visit to the Sun Pyramid during a vacation in Mexico in 2006.

"Something just (came) alive in me," he said of the impact of the trip to Mexico. He told how ideas started coming to him and he developed a different outlook on life.

"It wasn't about material (things) anymore. It was just really caring about humans (and) how mi can contribute," said El. Fancy Fruits, described as a "healthstaurant", is the platform from which he now strives to make that contribution.

For customers interested in having meals done based on their blood type he said that service is offered.

On a recent visit to Fancy Fruits location on 33 Ward Avenue in Mandeville, El was in the process of making a Chikungunya (ChikV) remedy for a client using the herbs astragalus, neem and cat's claw. He later claimed his mix had proven effective.

"Mother Nature give us everything," he said. "What's killing us as a people is that we want everything done fast. This whole establishment is not about fast and it's not about mass production. It's about sacredness, it's about quality, substance," El told the Jamaican Media.

El said that some of the items that are served at Fancy Fruits can take up to 12 hours in the preparation to "wake up the enzymes and minerals" and that often keeps him busy after the business is closed to the public.

Including himself, El said there are

G

Customers awaiting their orders in the health-staurant.

four full-time workers in the business. In addition to preparing meals and juices he is constantly reading and researching to find additional ways to meet the needs of customers.

He said that fruits and vegetables such as carrots, bananas, plantains, naseberries, sweet peppers, sorrel and cucumbers are sometimes sourced from a farm that he operates in Mandeville and another in North West Manchester.

Papaya, zucchini, ackee, coconut, watermelon, pineapple, mango, lime, jackfruit, lemon, soursop, escallion, basil and turmeric are among the items converted into interesting healthy drinks and dishes on a daily basis.

Waste from the business goes back to nurturing the farm in Mandeville, he said.

El said he also gets some of the herbs that he uses in Kingston and from the United States where he lived prior to starting the business in Jamaica.

Among his clients are students who not only purchase his creations but ask for related advice. That search for knowledge he describes as encouraging.

While everyone will not practise a similar diet to him, he believes that everybody can take steps to eat in a healthier manner.

According to him, he is not daunted by competition as he wants to see more of the kind of business in which he is engaged.

"In every way we can get it (health message) out there, we going to get it out there. If your food is your medicine you are constantly healing yourself. Eat to live, not to die," he said. (Jamaica Observer)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Three new schools will be built under the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP) as the Education Ministry seeks to achieve Universal Secondary Education by 2015.

The ministry has noted its dissatisfaction with not being able to meet the important goal this year, but said it is optimistic of reaching the target next year.

GSEIP is a US$10 million World Bank funded project geared to improve access to secondary education.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand said a total of US$7.15 million of the mentioned amount will go towards physical development of secondary schools and the construction of three new schools, namely at Parfait Harmony, Yarakabra and Good Hope.

“We have not as yet attained Universal Secondary Education in every region, although we have attained

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Universal Secondary Education in most of our regions, the Minister said, but noted that “we will not rest until Universal Secondary Education is available to all our secondary-age students.”

Construction of the schools is slated to begin in the New Year.

She assured that the locations of the schools were chosen based on assessments done by the Ministry and feedback from residents.

The schools are expected to provide access to some 3600 new secondary school students when completed next year.

According to the Ministry’s website, “an estimated 1800 students

would’ve otherwise been excluded from secondary education”.

Of the 3600 students to be housed in the new schools, 56 per cent of them are expected to be females, a big boost to education and development of young girls.

Furniture and other essentials for the new schools have been budgeted for under the GSEIP Project.

A component of the project also focuses on capacity-building and project management skills. Some US$1.05 million has been allocated for this aspect of the project, which seeks to strengthen the Education Management Information System (EMIS). (Guyana Times)

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Canadian consultant Guyana places in Top 10 of Miss World to examine …pageant’s favourite Miss South Africa takes crown Greyfriars in TT

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The National Diversity Ministry is engaging the services of a Canadian consultant to examine the Greyfriars building to see if it should be listed with the National Trust before any further discussions on whether it could be demolished or not, says Communication Minister Vasant Bharath. He responded to questions on the issue on Sunday in the absence of Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie whose ministry is also monitoring the issue, along with the Diversity Ministry.

This followed widespread public outcry when businessman Alfred Galy moved to demolish the building last month. Galy bought the building from the Greyfriars board of the Presbyterian church and began demolition.

After partial demolition, this is on hold after protests and while the issue is being ex-

amined.

“It was agreed to await the arrival of the consultant to determine the authenticity of the building to see if it should be listed before any further discussions on whether it should be demolished or not.” Samuel had said the buildings were demolished even as talks were underway to list the site as a heritage site, which would have given it legal protection.

Contacted on Sunday Samuel said he was not sure of the date of the consultant’s arrival, but knew they were coming before year end.

On whether the ministry was paying for their services and if so, how much, he said they were coming on the invitation of the Citizens for Conservation.

Samuel’s phone then clicked off before the TT media could ask further questions. There was no reply after that.

Tewarie was expected back from the ACP meeting in Brussels.

(TT Guardian)

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E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: Guyana’s Rafieya Husain has made many Guyanese proud by putting the country back in the pageantry limelight after she earned a spot in the Top 10 at the Miss WorldGuyana’s Rafieya Husain along with the other winners of the Miss World’s “Beauty With A Purpose” competition including Miss World winner Rolene Strauss after the pageantPageant 2014 on Sunday held in London.

Husain had done exceptionally well throughout the pageant – the best performance seen by a Guyanese contestant since the 1970s. She even copped several coveted awards including the Beauty with a Purpose Award. For this competition, contestants are judged on the basis of the value they have added to society and for the first time ever, there was not one but many winners declared for the competition. Husain was also named Miss Caribbean after being the only contestant from a Caribbean Country to be placed in the Top 10. Additionally, she placed second in the Multimedia Award contest.

Husain’s platform was domestic violence and she has been working to highlight and make people aware about domestic violence faced by young married women.

She revealed that she was once a victim of domestic violence, which motivated her to take an active stand against the societal scourge.

In her commentary, she related

Guyana’s Rafieya Husain along with the other winners of the Miss World’s “Beauty With A Purpose” competition including Miss World winner Rolene Strauss after the pageant

the story of a brave 21-year-old girl called ‘Natasha’, whose two children were killed by her husband in a drunken stupor. “My personal mission is to bring more awareness through education on recognising the early signs of Domestic Violence. I am passionate about the things set before me and ambitious enough to accomplish the task at hand,” her profile on the Miss World Website states.

Meanwhile, the Miss World 2014 pageant favourite, Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss took away the coveted title. The 22-year-old beauty queen was

crowned onstage at the competition’s grand finale at the Excel London ICC Auditorium.

Strauss outshone her 121 contestants from around the world.

The first runner up was Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsár while the third-place winner was Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit.

During the ceremony, contestants wore colourful costumes representing their countries and territories and several also took part in a group performance of the hit ballad “You Raise Me Up” made famous by singer Josh Groban.

(Guyana Times)

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1.2 Million air seats secured in Jamaica for Winter Tourist Season

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Well over one million air seats have been secured to accomodate the influx of tourists who are expected to visit Jamaica during the highly anticipated Winter Tourist Season, which officially starts on Monday, December 15.

A total of 1.2 million seats are proposed for the season, which represents an increase of 15% over the same period in 2013/2014. The USA will see an increase of 58,000 seats and there is an overall increase of approximately 163,000 seats to Jamaica.

Concurrently, the Winter Season is expected to record 611,515 cruise passengers, or a 5.6% increase over last winter. This follows an expected 10% increase in

cruise arrivals for 2014.

Growth has been recorded in all three main ports in Falmouth, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

These figures were disclosed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr Wykeham McNeill as he gave the keynote address at a luncheon hosted recently by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and sponsored by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The event was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre to mark the official start of the Winter Tourist Season.

Dr. McNeill stressed that the tourism sector continues to be a major player in boosting the national economy, with gross foreign exchange earnings of over US$1.7

billion between January to October 2014. This represents an increase of 5.1% over the same period last year.

Meanwhile, pointing to continued growth in arrivals, Dr. McNeill underscored that “we are set, once again this year, to top the two million mark for stop-over visitors.”

Minister McNeill said “the successes that we have had are due to the hard work of tourism partners on every front – our marketers and those funding and executing product development; our hoteliers and attraction owners, restauranteurs and every participant in this industry which has to be driven by a spirit of collaboration and inclusion.” (Jamaica Min. of Tourism)

Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers will again see a reduction in their electricity bills in December

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: "The JPS continues to pass on lower fuel costs to customers, as a result of continuing decreases in the cost of the oil used to generate electricity.

The drop in the cost of oil is reflected in the Fuel & IPP Charge on customers' bills," the light and power company said on Sunday.

According to the JPS, the Fuel & IPP Charge on electricity bills has seen a 16 per cent reduction in the last three months, moving from

Ja$26.881 per kilowatthour on September's bills to Ja$22.514 per kWh on December bills.

This charge, the company said, makes up more than 60 per cent of customers' electricity bills, and changes from one month to the next, depending on how much JPS pays Petrojam for the oil used to produce electricity.

The fuel rate that appears on bills each month is based on the cost of the fuel used to generate electricity in the previous month. The Fuel &

IPP Charge on December bills are, therefore, based on what JPS paid for the oil used to generate electricity in November.

Customers will see a two per cent reduction in their December bills, compared to November.

This follows an eight per cent reduction in last month's bill," the light and power company said.

However, the company said that despite the drop in the Fuel Charge on bills, customers should continue their conservation efforts.

(Jamaica Observer)

CAL’s new luggage fee:

US$25 for second bag

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: State carrier Caribbean Airlines on Sunday announced a new baggage policy of charging customers for their second checked bag.

The first checked bag continues to be free – together with one carryon bag – while a fee for the second bag will be US$25 plus taxes.

“Caribbean Airlines has resisted moving to this policy, but in light of most of its competitors charging passengers for all their checked bags, it is left with no choice but to match industry practice to remain competitive. While our competitors continue to showcase low fares, they conveniently fail to mention that bag fees – some in excess of US$100– are charged to customers.

Caribbean Airlines assures its passengers that our fee of US$25 for the second bag is the lowest in the industry,” the airline said in a statement.

Last year, international airlines, including Delta, United and

US Airways collected US$3.35 billion in baggage revenue.

International airlines charge between US$25 and US$50 for checked bags with higher fees for overweight bags.

CAL’s new baggage fees are: • One free carry-on at 7 kg/15 lb (new) • 1st checked-bag free at 23 kg/50 lb (no change) • 2nd checked-bag at 23 kg/50 lb charged at US$25 • For travel to/from London, England, the second and third bag fee will be 50 pounds sterling.

Customers travelling within the Caribbean will see a reduction in the present second bag fee from US$50 to US$25, the airline said, adding that it improved its international baggage policy for business class customers whose free checked baggage allotment will be increased to three pieces.

The new policy will be implemented in two phases. Phase one

takes effect on tickets purchased on or after December 18 for travel from January 15, 2015, on all flights between the Caribbean and Toronto.

Phase two takes effect on tickets purchased on or after February 1, 2015 for travel from April 15, 2015, on all flights throughout the rest of the network.

“This two-phase introduction allows our customers to adjust and plan ahead,” the airline stated.

Customers exempt from paying the second bag fee are: • Those who have purchased fully flexible fares in W, Y and K categories • Caribbean Miles members in Executive Gold, Gold and Silver Tier levels • 7th Heaven Rewards Executive Gold, Gold and Silver Tier levels.

Last month, CAL said it had passed on the effect of lower oil prices and eliminated the fuel surcharge for travellers on 98 per cent of its routes. (TT Express)

Amerindian Song Festival wows audience in Guyana

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Saturday evening for many ended with strange melodies in unknown dialects, spellbound dances and images of art ranging from costume to body paintings.

Many took home visions of forest and hunters with face paintings.

It all happened at the first ever Indigenous Song Festival hosted by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry at the National Culture Centre (NCC).

The Indigenous Song Festival was awaited by many in their bid to see the Amerindian culture being portrayed through songs and dances.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said the festival is geared towards reviving the dying Amerindian languages.

He said it has been a goal of his to ensure the survival of the various Amerindian dialects, and in order to do this, everyone needs to recognise and accept the Amerindian culture as an integral part of the Guyanese culture.

He was a bit concerned that residents, particularly on the coastland, never heard an Amerindian dialect.

A linguist and scholar, Williams suggested to the Ministry that steps be taken to train Amerindians in their singing as some truly had talent.

The minister said his ministry has been working tirelessly to ensure Amerindians use their dialects more in their daily lives and to ensure their children remain knowledgeable of it.

Persons who are not Amerindians can also learn an Amerindian dialect or two as the ministry has published dictionaries of the dialects of the various Amerindian tribes in Guyana.

Similar publications for the Carib and WaiWai will be completed in 2015, the Minister said.

Also on the agen-

da for the promulgation of the Amerindian languages is the publication of Amerindian stories by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry.

Speaking on the Song Festival, the Minister suggested that CDs of the event be made available to others so as to popularise the occasion.

Festival Co-ordinator Ovid Williams was able to guide the audience rather successfully in understanding the dances and the songs that were belted out by quite a few talented tribesmen. (Guyana Times)

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Bank of Guyana to miners:

Cut production costs to stay afloat G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: There is a glimmer of hope for gold miners, particularly small operators as the price for the precious metal is expected to hit US$1400 within the next 18 months given current trends.

But in the meantime, players in the industry are urged to invest in cost effective measures and more productive equipment to keep their operations afloat.

According to Goldprice.org, the current price for gold stands at US$1221, an increase from US$1136 about two weeks ago, but a significant dip from US$1800 a few years back.

Bank of Guyana

(BoG) Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, speaking to Guyana Times in a recent interview, said it was widely expected that the price for gold would fall, but not to the level it has declined.

He said given the current state of affairs in the industry, miners will have to adjust the way they manage their operations, pointing out that the focus should be on lowering production costs.

Some small miners have complained that the meltdown in price has put their business under severe strain, while others say it has forced them to close up shop.

Recently, Private

“West Indian Man” who describes himself as “Trinidadian by birth, Guyanese by adoption and West Indian by conviction.”

- Ian Mc Donald - Ian McDonald donates works to UWI Library

Ian Mc Donald (TT Guardian file photo)

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The University of the West Indies (UWI) is now the proud owner of close to 50 years of work by celebrated Caribbean writer, Ian McDonald.

McDonald, renowned for his 1969 novel The Humming-Bird Tree and numerous collections of poetry, donated a collection comprised of his research, publication and professional activities to The UWI’s Alma Jordan Library on November 27.

McDonald is the quintessential “West Indian Man” who describes himself as “Trinidadian by birth, Guyanese by adoption and West Indian by conviction.” The donated works highlight his literary activities, sport writing and his involvement in the Guyanese

sugar industry. Among the papers are correspondence, manuscripts of his work and those of other Caribbean writers, critical works, and files relevant to various aspects of his research. He also handed over 100 of his unpublished poems to the library.

McDonald express his deep appreciation that the collection was acquired by UWI. He said, “As a child I knew every corner of the grounds of the old Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture. As a boy this ground was where I played and the surrounding countryside was where I wandered with my friends. Where the university has now risen I remember doing so many things that became important in my life later on. I watched from under the College trees my first games of cricket. I played some of my first games of tennis on the College courts.

And I remember so well sitting on the steps of what I believe is now the Administration building reading Derek Walcott’s first book of poems, a very slim volume called 25 Poems and, reading on those steps, I remember beginning to hunger to write.”

McDonald is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from The UWI. (TT Newsday)

Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud and Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding in separate interviews had told Guyana Times that even if calls were realised for value-added production of gold in Guyana, it would not be enough to save the gold mining industry from its current problem as is hoped by the government and other stakeholders. The gold mining sector has been a catalyst for economic growth, contributing to improvements in the well-being of citizen.

This has been achieved because of the consistently rising lev-

els of gold declarations and prices over the last decade. The importance of the gold mining sector to the economy cannot be overemphasised since gold has been the largest earner of foreign revenue for the last seven years.

The fluctuation in gold prices has left miners scared and contemplating the way forward, since they are of the opinion that the industry will be unable to survive, given all that is happening.

“There is no ifs and buts of the problem the gold sector is experiencing, because of declining prices. You have to understand that expectations are as such that

when prices are reduced by that level, everyone would say hey’, it is not profitable’.

“We know that for some miners, it is not profitable as it was before, but as I said, we need the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association to also participate in working with the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to provide the wherewithal for more efficient ways of producing gold or mining the gold.

Miners have a concession on fuel whereby it only attracts 10 per cent CIF (cost, insurance and freight) excise tax. They also have access to 10 per cent of

their gold sales available in US dollars to assist in retooling, capital acquisition and diversification of investments.

The Association had also agreed to submit a proposal recommending the rates for royalty and rental payments which will be reviewed by the Ministry and the Commission.

“We are hoping though that these trajectories will change and you will have an increase in prices, let us say within the next year or 18 months you should have an increase to a level about US$1400, as expected by most analysts,” the Central Bank Governor said. (Guyana Times)

'Butch' Stewart launches third call centre in Grenada

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T GEORGE'S, G R E N A D A : Gordon 'Butch' Stewart last week launched his third Caribbean call centre - after Jamaica and St Lucia - in this Grenadian capital, promising technological sophistication and high-quality customer service.

Stewart also announced that his Sandals Resorts International (SRI) would be building an 8,000 square-foot conference centre that would serve the entire island, noting that both the call centre - or Sales and Marketing Centre - and the conference centre would bring additional employment to Grenada, following the opening last year of the Sandals LaSource Grenada hotel.

"At the start of the operations in April 2015, the centre will employ 105 persons. Training has to begin immediately to ensure that we maximise employment for Grenadians.

We have contracts with all the commercial airlines that fly to Grenada and we have the technology that will ensure the success of this call centre," Stewart said at a launch luncheon at the Sandals LaSource.

He added that during the winter tourist season Sandals sold up to 8,000 air seats a week and it was critical for the call centre to be up and running as quickly as possible.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell applauded Stewart for adding the island to his Sandals empire and noted that Grenada was poised for

Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell (third from left) listens to Sandals boss Gordon 'Butch' Stewart at the launch of a third call centre by Sandals in St George's last week. Others at the head table from left are: E Ferrin, president of Air Canada Vacations; Sebastian Tickle, head of call centre operations; Elvin Nimrod, deputy prime minister of Grenada; Yolande Bain Hosford, tourism minister and Andre Dhanpaul, eastern Caribbean regional director for Sandals.

substantial take-off.

"Jobs are being created and more will be created by the call centre and the conference centre. This is music to my ears," said Mitchell who also lauded the previous administration which had negotiated with Stewart to establish LaSource.

Former Tourism Minister Alexandra Otway Noel said Sandals had "catapulted Grenada

into a new sphere" and had brought 13 widebodied aircraft and over 2,000 travel agents from North America who had never been to the island before. Her successor Yolande Bain Hosford, only three days in the job, also commended Stewart and the former minister.

Among those witnessing the launch were: Minister of Culture Senator Brenda

Hood; Senator Nazim Burke; President of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association Jerry Rappaport; Chamber of Commerce President Ruel Edwards; Employers Federation President Dorset Cromwell and Bankers Association President Champer RampersadBarnes.

Master of Ceremonies was Jimmy Bristol, attorney-at-law.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Visually impaired saxophonist Roy Stewart speaks about his debut album, ‘Miracle’

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: His abundance in faith and undying perseverance has afforded Roy “Sweet Sax” Stewart, a visually impaired saxophonist, a chance to create a ‘Miracle’ - an inspirational gospel album.

“The way the album started was actually a miracle,” Stewart said, explaining the events that led to the composition of the album in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine. Stewart, who has macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that causes vision loss in the centre of his field of vision, began his quest with no capital, immense talent and a substantial amount of faith.

Seeking sponsorship, Stewart approached a friend who recommended

he contact Bonny Alves of Signal Productions.

Alves later invited Stewart to a meeting where he would then agree to record Stewart’s album free of cost.

“I played for him and he immediately said lets record,” Stewart recalled.

According to Stewart, he has been surrounded by miracles all his life.

“My birth was a miracle,” he disclosed, referring to a complication at birth which resulted in his mother’s caesarean section. Playing the saxophone so expertly, life’s journey, and the fact that he is visually impaired, for Stewart these are all miracles in his life.

“God has blessed me remarkably with this gift, through this instrument… [and now] here we have this album, ‘Miracle’,” Stewart said.

‘Miracle’ is a pre-recorded album (meaning the songs belong to others), with 10 inspirational and gospel songs.

Always interested in music, even from a tender age, when he would strip coconut branches with a friend to use as a flute, Stewart inherited a love for music from his family. “My mother’s family were all musicians; keyboardist, guitarist, singers…”

However, his love for wind instruments came from his father who was a trumpeter.

As a young musician Stewart started playing the recorder in church, until he met Lawrence Dutch, his friend who plays “an excellent saxophone”. Never thinking he would become a saxophonist himself, Stewart would later wash dishes to purchase a second-

hand saxophone.

For the last six years, Stewart has played the saxophone, mesmerising his audience with the sweet melody of an alto saxophone. He has played at numerous functions: at the National Cultural Centre, in Linden, Berbice and Essequibo.

It was his fans who would then convince him to launch an album, after Stewart constantly received inquiries for recorded copies of him playing.

A motivated young man, even in times of trouble Stewart is determined to press forward.

“Don’t let the dream die…whatever you are dreaming, positively of course, seek advice, help and pursue it with your all,” he encouraged his fans.

Amid all the challeng-

Stewart performing on the saxophone

es in his life, including his disability and recent eviction, Roy Anthony Stewart persevered and was able to launch his album, ‘Miracle’.

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“When something great is about to happen, challenges are always expected,” he pointed out. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond is pleased with public response to her gospel-flavoured song Prayer.

"I have been getting a lot of encouragement on social media from my fans and from ordinary Jamaicans in the streets.

They say 'Macka keep it up, we love the new song', and I am getting a different kind of response in the streets and on radio," she said.

She shot a video for the single in St Elizabeth last week. It was directed by Super K studios/ BOJ TV. "The shoot really went well, it was extraordinary...very professional. We had nice beach scenes and a couple of other exciting scenes the public will love. I don't

want to give the plot away, but people are going to be very surprised," Macka Diamond said.

This is the second gospel-inspired track in weeks. Last month, she recorded the Danny Brownie-produced Answer My Prayer.

"I just feel blessed because I am getting a lot of calls for shows, my career is sailing along, my family is great, my son is doing wonderfully in school. I am in a good place right now because of God and I want to tell him thanks and this is my covenant with Him," she said.

Macka Diamond, whose given name is Charmaine Munroe, is known for a number of hit songs including Hoola Hoop, Washing Money Machine and Dye Dye. (Jamaica Observer)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The magazine was caught off guard Saturday morning when we turned on the Liguanea Club slip road and happened upon Sweetwood Farmers’ Market, located at 78 Knutsford Boulevard, which is adjacent to Sweetwood Jerk Joint.

We had no idea that there was a market, but would later learn from the owner that this was Day 2.

Naturally we were eager to learn more… “I started the market,” explained managing director Marleen Campbell, “because I realised that there is a huge disconnect between the prices that people pay for fruits and vegetables in supermarkets and what they pay at Coronation Market.

And, despite the tight economy, most people do

not want to go downtown.

I have brought Coronation Market to New Kingston in a safe, secure environment where patrons can shop for the freshest fruits and vegetables as well as organic produce.” The most important feature of the market, she continued, “is that the prices are the same as Coronation Market.

Prices are displayed on a board in the market and published on our Facebook page. We are promoting fresh and healthy foods at affordable prices.”

There’s more Life noticed — like the bar, run

by Ossie Osman of the Wine Shoppe; the celebrated curry joint from Spanish Town, Sharmz; Aunt Merl’s Fish Place from Hellshire Beach; organic food vendors catering to the whole-food lovers; hand-picked vendors from the Coronation

Market downtown; and naturally, Sweetwood Jerk.

Convenience was without a doubt the early- morning buzzword, starting from the parking lot, neatly tucked behind the establishment that

offered ease of access to the relaxing environs.

We weren’t the only ones impressed with the ample parking arrangements. Event planner Grace Henry, who was shopping at a market for the very first time, ref-

erenced the challenges Escoveitch fish with sides of bammy and festival cooked to order from Aunt Merl’s. associated with finding parking at other established markets.

“I’ll definitely be

back… there’s parking!” The vendors, many of whom are well-established — although eager for word to get out — see their decision to expand as a strategic move. “It’s early days yet, but we are eager to see more shoppers,” shared vendor Sheverett Morgan.

It’s certainly early days yet — with more to come in the next few weeks like pastries, coffee, juices, breakfast and fresh meats — but there’s huge potential and we certainly enjoyed our lunch of lobster and escoveitch fish.

Effective December 19, the market will be open daily straight through to Christmas Eve. To keep up-to-date with Sweetwood Market, like them on Facebook, follow on Twitter or Instagram, @sweetwoodmarket. (Jamaica Observer)

richment programmes that increase its members’ perspective, awareness and appreciation for others, as well as positive and collaborative ventures.

YFG’s members have worked on numerous programmes and projects on youth empowerment and volunteerism, most of which are continuous. These activities include YFG’s Annual Summer Programme (where a camp is hosted for 90 children ages 5 to 17) and Christmas Day for Kids (where YFG volunteers spend Christmas with orphans giving gifts and playing games the entire day).

“We’ve recently concluded our 1000 Books project where we were able to get a donation of 1,400 books which were donated to various organisations and initiatives.

The most recent was 200 books donated to Global Shapers Georgetown’s Save the Libraries initiative,” noted Phillips.

Following the book drive, the next 1000 Project will be focused

on clothing. YFG has an ongoing project, the Guyana Shines Project in collaboration with the United States Embassy, with partners such as ExxonMobil, Caribbean Containers and Republic

Bank.

The Youths For Guyana was formed by Tony Lindo and Orin Phillips, among others, after the last general elections with the realisation that “youths are

devoted to being change agents” in their communities.

For more information, visit Youths For Guyana on Facebook.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Fruit vendor Orlando Walters readies to carefully slice the watermelon for patron Merlena Walker as her daughter Karen Walker and granddaughter look on.

Empowering Guyanese youths to be role models

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Some of Youths For Guyana members

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: A youth organisation that aims to improve the quality of life across Guyana by enhancing educational and economic opportunities, Youths For Guyana (YFG) mentor, educate and advocate for health, the environment, and economic development.

YFG’s members and volunteers serve as a strong role model for youths in today’s society. According to the organisation’s executive director, Orin Phillips, through volunteerism YFG enhances and sustains a spirit of aiding others.

“Through volunteerism we can enhance and sustain the spirit of [aid] in Guyana by fostering collaboration and networking; promoting professional development through volunteerism,” Phillips told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

With the fundamental principle that “youths could make a difference no matter how small”, YFG seeks to significantly impact the development of youths in Guyana, identify, engage and sustain youths in positive activities, while maintaining close links and collaborating with organisations that seek to do the same.

Reaching over 80 members, YFG mainly engages in cultural en-

Children engrossed in painting at YFG's camp

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Recently, designer Andy Cummings aptly represented Guyana on the regional runway at the prestigious fashion event Mission Catwalk in Jamaica.

“I was very honoured when I was called by Mission Catwalk to be a part of Season 4 of the high fashion edition in Jamaica, and most of all to represent my country. I must say thanks to god for my creativeness, which I credit for sending me into the top three.

The other two designers were from Jamaica and Barbados. Throughout the entire Season 4 there were eight episodes, of

Designer Andy Cummings

which I won one of them – Episode 4. To be in the line-up with super talented designers was one of my dreams. I believe there is something special about how artists perceive the world and we should let others see us for who we truly are. I must say thanks

to everyone who supported me from Guyana throughout the entire season,” expressed the designer in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Cummings graduated from the Burrowes School of Art in 2012 with a major in Ceramics and minor in Textiles.

He was awarded best graduating student and best ceramic student for his year.

In that same year, he won the Guyana Model Search/Designers Portfolio, which gave him the opportunity to be fashion partner with veteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel.

In 2013, Cummings

12 chefs of Christmas promotion in Jamaica makes the holidays delicious

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Best Dressed Chicken wraps up the 12 Chefs of Christmas tour with tasting experiences featuring Chef Celeste Gordon at Hi-Lo Manor Park on Saturday, December 13, and Chef Brian Lumley at MegaMart Kingston on Sunday, December 14.

"There's been a lot of excitement from our customers about the 12 Chefs of Christmas promotion. People really want to celebrate what we all love about Christmas, that's family and friends coming together. We're making it even more special this year for 12 winners, with dinners by some of the best chefs in the country," said Joan ForrestHenry, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager, Best Dressed Chicken.

With the purchase of The Best Dressed Chicken at participating stores, consumers who enter the promotion have the chance to make their holiday delicious, with a Ja$100,000 gourmet

dinner from one of the 12 celebrity chefsDennis McIntosh, Celeste Gordon, Collin Brown, Steve Sowa, Brian Lumley, Rochelle Grindley, Jacqui Tyson, Ravi Anne, Michelle Williams, Theo Smith, Débè-Ann Chen and Lorraine Fung.

Ravi Anne, Executive Chef at The Jewel hotel, is ready for the challenge to create a personalised dinner for one family. "I did the supermarket tour at General Food, Ocho Rios, and it was great to see the interest from shoppers about new ways to cook for the holidays.

I made my Double Cooked Best Dressed Chicken Wings and Rum Cream Stew with Escallion Puffs and the shoppers loved it. I can't wait to work with my winning family to come up with a stylish and innovative menu for their Christmas dinner." The Best Dressed Chicken 12 Chefs of Christmas promotion ends December 15, and prize dinners can be redeemed from Christmas Eve through to January 31, 2015. (Jamaica Observer)

was voted most promising young designer.

The designer’s dreams, which he is working feverishly to make a reality, are to pursue a fashion degree from an accredited university and to work for an international fashion company with the aim of one day operating his own establishment.

The designs featured this week are some of Cumming’s chic pieces he created as part of his fashion assignments for Mission Catwalk.

To contact the designer, email a.acummings68@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Chocolate-centred dreams for TT chocolatier

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Ten years ago when his father was about to retire from Petrotrin, a dismal reality faced James Burns: he and his father would have to move out of the compound—a place they called home for most of their lives.

“It meant that we had to find somewhere soon.”

Accustomed to the

excited.”

With the help of the estate’s previous owners, Burns and his father learned about running the estate. They also did their own research about cocoa.

“It took us a little while, but with the guidance of the previous owners, we were able to bring the estate back.

Burns, who used to

JB Chocolates by James Burns (JB Chocolates photo)

quiet country life, moving to Port of Spain was definitely not an option, neither was deep south.

It’s funny though that when Burns’s father started house hunting, it was an advertisement for a cocoa estate at Gran Couva that caught his eye. Gran Couva was not quiet and also struck a happy medium of being non-country and non-city.

Sure, father and son were both outdoorsy types, but a cocoa estate was virgin territory for the Burns men.

“My dad felt it would be interesting to own the estate and bring it back to life.

“He didn’t know much about it, but we were still

work at Tucker Energy Services, stumbled upon an unplanned career this past year—that of a chocolatier. And why not? The resources are just a door and window away.

Burns researched all he could on chocolate and did a chocolate-making course at the Cocoa Research Centre under the direction of Dr Darin Sukha, research fellow and food technologist at the centre. He then bought some of the equipment needed to make chocolate and went to work on his line of fine flavoured artisan chocolates.

The first batch of chocolate Burns made went to his close friends for tasting.

The response was so good that he was encouraged to take his milk, smooth dark and dark chocolates to UpMarket (a market featuring artisans selling food and crafts) in Woodbrook just a few months ago.

Burns also got the opportunity to retail his 50-gramme JB chocolate bars at Nichossa Restaurant and Bakery, at Gulf View Link Road, and Vintage Imports, Woodbrook.

Asked how his chocolates differ from others on the market, Burns said it’s the chocolate’s buttery texture and the way he breaks down the cacao so that it is not that overpowering.

Burns is such a perfectionist when it comes to his chocolate line that if he is mixing up a batch and the taste is off, he will either start over or tweak until he gets the taste right.

The Pointe-a-Pierreborn Burns also wraps the chocolate bars he makes.

Buyers have also suggested flavours he could try—from orange liqueur to ginger, the 25-year-old said.

A morning at the Burns’s Gran Couva estate usually begins at seven o’clock, when he roasts beans for his chocolate bars. In 12 to 15 hours, a batch of chocolate bars is complete.

Burns, who has the support of his family on his business venture, wants to add more flavours eventually to his line of chocolate starting as early as next year, he said.

He also wants to make truffles and bonbons. JB Chocolates is on Facebook. (TT Express)

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WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Shirley James Belmont’s own ‘Madame Gloria’

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: One sip may have had Scrunter singing a different tune all those years ago when he told the tale of Madame Gloria and her homemade wine.

Shirl’s Sorrel Liqueur is one of Belmont’s best kept secrets. Residents in the know have likened its creator, Shirley James, to Granny in the television show and subsequent movie, Beverly Hillbillies. Much like that family’s matriarch, she creates her own potent concoction at home,

but unlike Granny’s moonshine, Shirl’s liqueur is easy on the palate. Its dark red hue, heady aroma and distinct sorrel taste can lull many into a false sense of security.

“A Boxing night when we were younger, our friends came to meet us at home to go out. They were in the gallery sitting down and we offered the sorrel liqueur to them. They told us, ‘that sweet, that ain’t strong, that is nothing’. Next thing you know we ended up not going to the party because everybody knock

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Graeme Goodall, the Australian who played a pivotal role as engineer and producer in the early years of Jamaican music, has died.

Goodall was a cofounder of Island Records, the company that had a significant role in exposing Jamaican music to an international audience during the 1960s and 1970s.

His wife, Fay, told the Jamaica media that Goodall died of natural causes at home in Atlanta, Georgia on December 3. He was 82.

She said her husband of 52 years had been “ill for a few months".

Fay Goodall noted that he “was a good man.

He loved Jamaica and Jamaican music".

Born in Melbourne, Goodall first came to Jamaica in 1955 after working with

out in the gallery,” she said with a laugh during a recent interview.

The retiree has been making the liqueur since her secondary school days, but it is not the only thing she is good at.

“I make wine: pommecythere, rice, beet root, five fingers, ceres, aloes, potato and all those things,” she explained.

Throughout the interview, she mentioned other items she would make including, pastelles, pumpella, rum punch, puffs, Irish cream, her version of Alize and even

guava and cherry liqueur.

“It’s because I love to cook, I love to make things,” she explained.

She began making her delicacies after being inspired by her mother who was also interested in that area.

Shirley began making delicacies for family and friends, but word spread and neighbours and other members of the community knew where to go, come Christmas time, to get their favourite specialty items.

“When people have their little parties they

Rediffusion in England.

He helped set up Radio Jamaica’s broadcast system and worked there for several years before moving on to the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as chief engineer.

He also developed a close friendship with Kingston businessman Ken Khouri, one of Jamaica’s early music producers. Goodall was engineer at Khouri’s first studio, a hastily assembled room at the latter’s Kingston Street furniture store.

They started out producing songs by Jamaican Calypsonians like Lord Flea. Eventually, Goodall worked on sessions for various producers including arch-rivals Clement Dodd and Duke Reid.

Along with Chris Blackwell, producer Leslie Kong (Goodall’s brother-in-law) and businessman Lee Gopthal,

would ask, ‘Shirley you have any so and so?’ Or for anything else, they would say what they want and I would make it for them,” she explained. This is especially true about her liqueur because any true Trini would know sorrel is synonymous with Christmas. Her sorrel liqueur has even made its way out of the country as her sister puts in requests for bottles of the beverage to take with her on her return home after she visits Trinidad.

“She calls me and say ‘make sure and make liqueur for me to take back’. When they have their limes, people always want to have it,” Shirley explained. It is necessary to order in advance because the liqueur making process taxes 21 days. This is so that the cleaned and prepped sorrel flowers have the time necessary to become infused with the base alcohol and other ingredients.

While many prefer to drink it as is, the liqueur can be used in cocktail recipes and even in baking.

“You can use it in your black cake recipe as a substitute for cherry brandy or in black forest cake. Instead of a cherry filling, you can make your own filling with sorrel liqueur,” she said.

However it is used, she said, Shirl’s sorrel liqueur is sure to enhance whatever or wherever it is included. (TT Newsday)

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: There are many sites, monuments and structures in Guyana that tell us of our rich history.

One of these is the bandstand at the Promenade Gardens.

In 1851, after funding was obtained, steps began to transform the site into a garden which was completed in 1853; seats were constructed for the public in 1859.

Occupying one city block, with its main entrance located on Middle Street in Cummingsburg, the Promenade Gardens was designed by a Trinidadian botanist.

The Bandstand situated within the Gardens was erected in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Completed in 1897, it is considered the oldest bandstand of three in the city.

A well-known monument in the Garden is the Mahatma Ghandi monument in honour of the in-

Photo taken in 2010 of the Bandstand (Photo by Raval Seojattan)

ternational icon of peace and advocator of non-violence.

Along with several fountains and an arched walkway, a recent construction in the Gardens is the Arya Samaj Monument erected in 2011. It has been suggested that the

Promenade Gardens bandstand early 1900s

Australian Graeme Goodall (left) collects a Pioneer Award from Lisa Hanna, minister of youth and culture, at ‘Tribute to the Greats’ at Curphey Place in St Andrew in 2012. The event, which recognises the contributions of pioneers of Jamaican popular music, was organised by music aficionado Kingsley Goodison

Goodall helped set up Island and Trojan Records in the United Kingdom.

Those companies fed

the UK’s growing West Indian community with Jamaican ska and rocksteady music, which also found favour with white,

working-class British youth.

Goodall moved to the UK in 1965, where he launched his Doctor

Promenade Gardens at one time boasted the largest range of wild orchids in the Caribbean before it fell into disrepair during the 80s and 90s. The site was rehabilitated in 2006 and the Bandstand refurbished by Republic Bank in 2009.

In its earlier years the Promenade Gardens was used for several civic functions including entertainment from music bands; today, after refurbishment, it remains the site of many public and private events including the popular annual Inner Wheel Club’s Easter Hat Show, weddings, and fashion photo shoots to name a few. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Bird and Pyramid labels.

Those imprints helped break several Jamaican artistes, and songs, in that country.

His greatest success in the UK came with Desmond Dekker’s The Israelites in 1969. It was released on Pyramid.

Though he sat in select sessions at Byron Lee’s Dynamic Sounds in the early 1970s, Goodall left the music business during that decade. He worked as an engineer with Sony until his retirement in 1998.

In 2012, Goodall and The Caribs (a band that included Australians Dennis Sindrey, Peter Stoddart and Lowell Morris) was honoured at Tribute To The Greats, in Kingston, for their contribution to Jamaican music.

Graeme Goodall is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren. (Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Some of pieces which will be sold at the pop up market (MMGoddardPhotography)

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Christmas is the time of year when you find the best bargains almost anywhere. And one of those places is the Propaganda Space, 24 Erthig Road, Belmont.

The Cloth Caribbean designer, Robert Young, presents the pop-up market, Desperate Gifts: Things You May Appreciate VIII. He tells the TT media from December 18 to January 3, the public will have the opportunity to purchase some of the finest products and designs from some of this country’s leading designers, artists and craftsmen.

Designers like Mark Eastman, batik designer Lisa Sarjeant-Gonzales, Shaun Griffith Perez, Lori Antoinette and Gregory Young, to name a few, will all be at the pop-up market selling pieces from their collec-

tions.

Jewelry lovers can get unique and one-of-a kind pieces from digital photographer and jewelry designer Arnaldo James who will be selling pieces from his Colour Therapy collection—made from

buttons. Or if you prefer understated ethnic jewelry, then Akilah Jaramogi will be there with her designs.

There is also something for the art lovers as visual artist Brianna Mc Carthy would be there

ready to sell you some of her best and latest work.

Natural soaps from Ai Naturals and male underwear courtesy Chizl designer Ivaek Archer, will be also be available.

And get original print material from Studio Lafoncette, among other items.

Young has been hosting the pop-up market since 1991. The first was showcased at a restaurant called Wazo Dezil in St Ann’s. He then moved the market to various venues. It is now held on three occasions annually, at Propaganda Space.

He explained that a portion of the money made from the sales go to designers and a percentage goes towards the training of ten young people within the Belmont community in craft and design.

For more information visit Facebook.com/ theclothcaribbean. (TT Guardian)

Kingsley cops a big one!

Jamaican Kingsley Blake of Round Hill is the Concierge Of The Year…

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: SOooooooo, not surprised really that the Caribbean Travel Awards deemed it fit to affix the title Concierge of the Year to Kingsley Blake of Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica.

The inimitable Blake, who has been the concierge at the cashmere-chic Round Hill since 1974, makes each guest feel superspecial. Indeed, according to Caribbean Journal which launched its inaugural Caribbean

Travel Awards, honouring the best in travel and tourism across the region. "You'd be hardpressed to find a former guest who didn't have wonderful things to say about him... Blake is a quintessential hotel concierge, concerned with one overarching philosophy: making guests happy. It's an art he's honed over a marvellous four-decade career, and one he continues to practise today".

We would like to applaud, and lustily, too,

Kingsley Cops

our beloved Kingsley.

Yet another reason to

vacay at The Round.

(Jamaica Observer)

A balanced life

By Narine Dat Sookram

L

ife balance is a challenge these days, because many people feel pressured to be the first one to arrive at work and the last one to leave. In other words, this means those of us who are parents are most likely to say goodbye to our children in the morning and say hello to them in the night.

I know of many people who don’t use up their vacation time and when on vacation still feel compelled to check texts and emails. A lot of this has to do with our managers these days, meaning that many of them treat employees more like ‘working horses’ and don’t take into consideration personal and family obligations outside of work.

One of the major problems too is that many organizations have not built a process for leaders to discuss personal and professional goals with employees into their culture and they don’t realize that without this important process, many managers have a natural tendency to demand much and listen little.

One thing to keep in mind is that experience has shown that if we take care of our employees, they’ll take care of our customers.

There are many ways for us to know when our life is not balanced. For example, when we have little time for our important relationships, such as family and friends. One very big and common one is that people often work overtime and engage in regular work-away-from work and take few or no breaks while working.

And this even gets worse when we have no interests or hobbies for a break from our busy schedule. Let’s not forget too that the simplest things are usually the most important It could be that we are exercising little, or in some cases not at all.

Some of us may not consider these, but some other ways to know when our life is not balanced would also be things like us having difficulties falling asleep or in some cases not having enough sleep, and even eat too much or too little.

The thing to understand is that life balance is when we are successfully and joyfully managing and living our lives to the fullest. In others words, it is about balancing work, leisure and family time.

The best way to explain this is to be able know when to shift from one task to the next and being able to do so.

There is an old saying that all relationships, whether it is a friendship or a relationship, are all essential for our wellbeing and a balanced life.

The thing that makes it challenging is when we live our life without a purpose, because life without purpose can be stressful. Though we may be successful at our work and have achieved a lot at work, that could put us close to reaching a point of burnout. I think that it’s important to realize that balance starts with our relationship to our own minds, keeping in mind though that just thinking about it will not do the trick.

For questions, comments or feedback, please email them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Bollywood

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WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Ayesha Shroff tells court she couldn't have been involved with Sahil because he is gay

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ackie Shroff's wife claims her one-time partner had been caught having sex with a male staff member.

Countering actor Sahil Khan's allegations that he was in a relationship with her, which prompted her to spend enormous quantities of money on him, Jackie Shroff's wife Ayesha has told a sessions court that such a romantic affair could not possibly have existed between the two as "Sahil is gay".

Ayesha has claimed that Sahil's wife Nigar "divorced him because he was gay" and that she walked in on him having sex with a male staff member.

Ayesha, represented by advocate Anjali Patil, has levelled these allegations against Sahil, her one-time business associate and friend, and his sister Shaistawhile opposing their anticipatory bail.

In his application Sahil had claimed that Ayesha set up the film studio Karma Productions with the sole intention of using her family's wealth to fund her extravagant lifestyle under the garb

Abbas Mustan: comedy is in Kapil Sharma's blood

W

of running a business.

This was in response to Ayesha's allegation that Sahil cheated her of Rs 5 crore.

In her response to this charge, Ayesha has said that the Khans demanded money from her on several occasions and she obliged them, dipping into her personal as well as company accounts.

Ayesha has also said she bought the gifts that were lavished on the Khans - her contention is that she did not transfer money into her erstwhile partner's account to enable purchase of the gifts, as he has claimed.

She has added that all trips the two took together, which according to

Sahil, were romantic getaways, were all work related.

Previously, Sahil had claimed that Ayesha virtually controlled his life and even forced him to quit his Rs 60,000-amonth IT job so that he could spend time with her. He alleged that Ayesha used him in a phase of her life when she needed emotional support and dumped him after her son Tiger made a successful debut in a film and her domestic life improved.

"My client take will make the decision to take appropriate legal action for all the outrageous allegations levied against him," Sahil's lawyer, M A Khan, said. (TOI)

ell! Kapil Sharma's big Bollywood debut in Venus and Abbas Mustan's Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon has commenced.

The film, which is directed by AbbasMustan will see the acclaimed director duo venture into the comedy genre after a long time.

Kapil, who was the directors' first choice for the film, are mighty impressed with the actor's performance.

Talking about his talent, AbbasMustan said, "Comedy is in Kapil Sharma's blood, in one scene he can come up with 6-7 variations to it, Kapil is quite impromptu & spontaneous with his acting and has a very professional approach. He understands every scene and its a delight to direct him."

We hear Kapil keeps the atmo-

How Janvi got lucky after a bad marriage

J

anvi Vora, currently seen as Karuna in 'Sasural Simar Ka', recently celebrated five years of togetherness with husband Ritesh Vora.

Not many know that Ritesh is Janvi's second husband. At 21, Janvi had an arranged married with a guy from New Delhi. She put up with a bad marriage for eight years before she walked out of it.

"After that I met Ritesh Vora, who used to be in my college. Things were not easy for both of us, but Ritesh took care of everything and we got married with the consent of our families in 2009 and now when I look back in time, I feel blessed to have Ritesh in my life."

Janvi has a daughter Niharika from her first marriage, who is in her teens, and today Janvi feels Niharika and Ritesh share the best relationship in this world. "They are more close than I am to either of them and that gives me ultimate happiness," she smiles (TOI)

Pakistan’s Mahira Khan with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees

T

alent from across the border continues to be sought after in Bollywood. After Fawad Khan (Khoobsurat) and Humaima Malick (Raja Natwarlal), yet another attractive Pakistani actress, Mahira Khan is slated to make her debut in Hindi cinema.

This Pak import won notices worldwide for her performance in Shoaib Mansoor's 'Bol' (2011), just like Humaima did.

She visited Mumbai last month after her television serial Humsafar gained popularity and dropped subtle hints of the Hindi filmmakers whom she may consider working with.

Major goof up in Rajinikanth's Lingaa

W

Obviously, the ones who were the quickest to move in were producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, who finalised the VJ-turnedactress for 'Raees' being directed by Rahul Dholakia. The film has Shah Rukh Khan playing a don and is likely to have Nawazuddin Siddiqui playing a cop.

A source said that SRK had dropped in at the audition to meet Mahira.

The actress is married to her college sweetheart Ali Askari. And though she is based out of Karachi, the articulate girl with the porcelain complexion travels extensively. India will be a long haul destination for now, we guess. (TOI)

Gautam breaks down after his fight with Upen Patel

A

s the Bigg Boss 8 finale inches closer, the atmosphere in the house heats up. Upen Patel has been seen snapping and giving a cold shoulder to Gautam Gulati. The two then end up getting into an ugly fight over their ego and continuous cold War. Things turn ugly when Upen provokes him and stands close to

sphere on the sets quite light and is always cracking some joke or the other!

Well we are sure this is going to be one laughter riot, which we eagerly await!!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon is all set to release in summer 2015.(TOI)

Gautam's face. After the fight, Gautam speaks to Dimpy that he doesn't understand why this is happening to him. He tells Dimpy that he is fed up of all these games and he doesn't intend to hurt anyone. He breaks down and says that he doesn't want to be in a place like this where people are so negative.

Gautam also says that no one supports him in

the house just like no one supported him in his career of 7 years. He has done everything on his own and he will stay in this house on his own as well. Gautam then walks around the garden area to calm himself down and control his emotions.Will Upen and Gautam mend their ways and end the fight or will this brawl continue? (TOI)

hile superstar Rajinikanth's much awaited 'Lingaa' directed by KS Ravaikumar hit the screens on thalaivar's birthday (12th December), the director has committed a major goof up in the film. The flashback sequence in the film which has Rajinikanth as Raja Lingeshwaran is set in the pre independence era in 1939.

But when Lingeshwaran is first introduced in the film, he is shown reading Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces, which interestingly was first published in 1949. Looks like the director was carried away by

the title of the book which could give mean about the superstar himself in film. (TOI)

Rangeela to PK: Aamir's look decoded

A

amir Khan is not known as the perfectionist for nothing. The actor ensures that he picks the right script and once he is convinced of its potential he goes all out to mould himself into the character he is playing. He is quite the master of disguise and doesn't shy away from tweaking his physique to get into the skin of a character. He also goes out of his way to don different garbs for TV commercials, making every ad unique with a distinct recall value. It hence comes as no surprise that the actor is piling on the pounds to play a wrestler in his next film, tentatively titled ‘Dangal’.

(TOI)

26

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Amal Clooney tops Barbara Melanie Brown's husband denies assault rumours Walters' list of 2014's most fascinating people S

I

ts George Clooney's newly wedded bride Amal Clooney who is Barbara Walters' most fascinating person of 2014.

During her show, Walters introduced the 36-year-old Oxfordeducated UK based barrister, who had married the Hollywood mega star in September, implying that that she definitely had something "to fascinate the most fascinating man," adding that though they may not know much about her, her husband was well known, the CNN reported.

Back in a 1995 interview, the actor, 53, had famously told Walters

that "I'm never going to get married again" and Amal being able to break that vow was what got her the "most fascinating" title.

Walters said that the beauty hadn't been the subject of jealousy that much, possibly because it was "impossible to resist perfection" or maybe people found it touching that "no mat-

ter how long it may take the perfect someone is out there for everyone."

Other stars who made Walter's fascinating people list were Taylor Swift, Michael Strahan, Chelsea Handler, Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson, Elon Musk, Neil Patrick Harris, George R.R. Martin and David Koch. (TOI)

ported.

The Victoria's Secret beauty, who recent-

ly graced the cover of InStyle Australia's January issue in a plunging white one-piece, added that it was important that she didn't confuse her son with her relationships unless it was really serious.

Bloom had recently revealed on 'The Ellen Show' that he would be spending Christmas with Kerr and the rest of their families for the sake of little Flynn, saying that her family was his family as well. (TOI)

'Happily single' Miranda Kerr shuns romance rumours

M

iranda Kerr has denied being involved in any romantic relationship saying that she's happy to be single.

The 31-year-old Aussie beauty, who had separated from her husband Orlando Bloom last year, has been linked to various celebrities ever since like Tom Cruise and Justin Bieber, said that she found it difficult to date because of her and Bloom's 3-year-old son Flynn, the Mirror re-

Jennifer Aniston fed up with pressure to have children

A

ctress Jennifer Aniston has lashed out at constant speculation sug-

gesting she chose her career over motherhood, insisting the unfounded reports are "rude, insulting and ignorant".

The former 'Friends' star, 45, said the pressure placed on women, particularly those in the spotlight, to settle down and start a family is unfair.

"I don't like (the pressure) that people put on me, on women - that you've failed yourself as

a female because you haven't procreated.

"I don't think it's fair. You may not have a child..., but that doesn't mean you aren't mothering - dogs, friends, friends' children. This continually is said about me: that I was so careerdriven and focused on myself that I don't want to be a mother, and how selfish that is... It's quite rude, insulting and ignorant," she said. (TOI)

Seth Macfarlane hosts star-studded holiday party

A

ctor Seth Macfarlane played host when stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron and Sean Penn attended his winter wonderland-themed party.

The 'Family Guy' star turned his private residence in Beverly Hills into a snow-covered Christmas paradise for his annual bash,

and some of Hollywood's most famous faces came out to spread holiday cheer.

The guests also included Zac Efron, Kate Beckinsale, Martin Scorsese, Matt Bomer, Ashley Greene, Camilla Belle, Emile Hirsch, and Robert Pattinson and his singer girlfriend FKA Twigs.

MacFarlane even took to the stage to perform some holiday songs off his new Christmas album. (TOI)

inger Mel B's husband Stephen Belafonte has denied allegations that he hit his wife.

The former Spice Girl's appearance on Sunday night's "X Factor" live finale sparked concerns amongst viewers that something is wrongs between the couple. Even, the 39-year-old was forced to miss Saturday's show after being taken to hospital following a mystery illness.

Belafonte responded to the allegations over social media on Monday, by calling them disgust-

ing and untrue, reports mirror.co.uk.

Writing on his official Twitter account, he said: "I don't usually respond to Twitter msgs (messages) but I will respond to comments of hitting my wife, which I think are

quite disgusting and untrue."

"Mel was very ill, a bunch of doctors helped her get better if fans can't just relax B4 being negative they (are) r not real fans of @ OfficialMelB." (TOI)

Andrew Garfield may be replaced for future Spider-Man film

A

ctor Andrew Garfield may reportedly not feature in the Spider-Man movie franchise.

Sony leaked emails reveal more details about the planned 'Spider-Man' and 'Captain America' crossover, but it doesn't include Garfield, reported Ace Showbiz.

31-year-old Garfield's performance as the web slinger was praised by fans, but he may have upset the wrong person. His strong remarks that seemed to blame the studio for the box office failure of 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' was reportedly one of factors of him being fired from the franchise.

Moreover, his absence with less than an hour of notice at a Sony corporate dinner in July, in which he was supposed to meet Sony CEO Kaz Hirai and other Sony executives, "was seen as an affront and slight by the company's Tokyo bosses."

Latino Review con-

firmed the possibility of Garfield being replaced in the next Spider-Man movie, but noted that such thing would only happen if Marvel and Sony agreed to a deal to share the rights to Spider-Man at a 60/40 split.

The deal itself could be jump-started if Sony Pictures continues to stumble in their handling of the Spider-Man franchise. Marvel also allegedly planned to shift the focus of the SpiderMan reboot to make it a Spider-Man romance movie. Thus, new movies under this deal would begin with Peter Parker already leading a dual life.

(TOI)

Scarlett Johansson: Filming intimate scenes liberating

A

ctress Scarlett Johansson finds shooting intimate scenes both "challeng-

ing" and "liberating".

The actress thinks love-making on screen is challenging because it requires so much focus and energy and she likes how she has to shed her inhibitions for raunchy roles.

"You have to be totally without judgment, and it's sort of liberating. It's challenging. You have to stay in the moment," contactmusic.com quoted

Johansson as saying.

Despite her stunning looks and enviable physique, the actress, who has two-month-old daughter Rose with husband Romain Dauriac, doesn't consider herself sexy.

"It's an OK body. I wouldn't say it's particularly remarkable though.

I don't like my thighs, my mid section," she said. (TOI)

Kourtney Kardashian welcomes third child with Scott Disick

K

ourtney Kardashian and her long-time partner Scott Disick welcomed their third child, a baby boy, on Sunday.

The special day is even more dear to the family, as it is the same day that Kardashian and Disick's older son Mason turns five.

The baby also joins sister Penelope, two. A source told a website, "The family is freaking out with joy. What an amazing coincidence."

(TOI)

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WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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eorgetown, Guyana: Guyana Times Sunday Magazine features this week breathtaking views of Chiung Falls, located in Kato, Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), by Guyanese photographer Michael C Lam. To see more of Lam’s scenic photos of Guyana visit www.TheMichaelLamCollection.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Distant view of Chiung Falls

Cascading Chiung Falls

Vista of the gorge

Chiung Falls' rapids

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: In the latest exhibition by Dr Shalini Singh, Solar, the artist made the sun the focal point of her creative pursuit. Singh conveyed the subject matter not only as light rays, which she described with thread-like brushstrokes on canvas, but as energy and vibrations. These could manifest in diverse forms: as music in the painting Sunsong, as the vitality and life to be found in human breath as suggested in the piece Resplendent Conversationalist or the fire to be found in the soul as implied in The Sun Resides in the Recesses of the Heart.

In some instances, the sun was rendered by means of her deliberate use of circular or oval canvas shapes and her incorporation of such painted forms as eyes. The influence of visual approaches by Pat Bishop and Carlisle

mism that are in keeping with the subject matter.

A number of paintings, however, appeared overworked. Such pieces as Movements to the Realm of the Sun and Sweet Vibrations were overburdened by the artist’s excessive hand. In the painting Light Through the Cracks there was no sign of luminosity. The intensity of hues did not find its way through dark pigments.

In contrast, several pieces showed Singh’s

Harris were evident and there were strong echoes of the work of Pablo Picasso, particularly his images with musical instruments. Singh maintained her engagement with a Cubist style.

Some paintings felt like they belonged in her 2013 show Gems with

Dr Shalini Singh, Solar, the artist

their dense arrangement of small facets of colour and shapes, as though she were treating the sun as a precious stone.

Yet, such paintings as The Sun Ushers In and Encounter: Solar and Lunar, demonstrated the artist’s understanding that the sun cannot be

constrained.

Several paintings were constructed with generous, open spaces; large surface planes with porous edges so that they slid into each other. This technical move is new for Singh and it appropriately communicated a power and dyna-

sensitive consideration of colour combinations.

Blues, oranges, reds, purples and yellows pulsated in their interaction with each other and gave a degree of exuberance.

In chasing the sun with her presentation of 32 acrylic and mixed media works, Singh sometimes could not catch up while the sunbeams raced ahead but there were visual moments where it was clear that she had grasped shafts of light.

(TT Guardian)

UTech transforming Ja's schools 'one project at a time'

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The University of Technology, Jamaica, has been making significant contributions to the positive transformation of schools across Jamaica, through its Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS) students' practicum projects.

This year's projects range from the construction of comfortable and proper flush toilets in two primary schools, one in Kingston and the other in St Catherine; the implementation of computer training workshops to help rid teachers of technophobia in an inner-city high school; improved security measures in a tertiary institution and a primary school; the construction of a level car park in one rural school; and the creation of murals showcasing the national symbols and emblems for reinforcement in one inner-city primary school, among others.

Dr Barrington Reid, programme director of the Master of Education (MEd) and PhD programmes in FELS is the chief conceptualiser of these projects started in 2009 as FELS Secondary Schools Improvement Project. He explained that,"back then the mandate was for students of the faculty to organise and conduct workshops and seminars for teachers in high schools to help them provide more effective classroom experiences for improving students' academic performances".

However, the needs within schools were varied, sometimes extended beyond workshop intervention and had their own bearing on the teaching and learning process.

Consequently, Dr Reid had to change the FELS practicum mandate for

Dr Barrington Reid, programme director of the Master of Education and PhD programmes in (FELS), at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

the students' projects to yield outcomes to include "growth for or among members of the school/ institution or members of the external community associated with the school/institution and for them to make a meaningful contribution to the school programme or environment".

The 2014 MEd Leadership and Management graduating class captured the spirit of the practicum project and yielded outcomes with far-reaching national impact. "The improved motor vehicle and pedestrian security system at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is a project born out of this class," Dr Reid stated.

"The student who conducted the CASE project is a success story.

She stayed the course in the face of adversity and today that institution is benefiting," Dr Reid added.

To date, the FELS has conducted 76 seminars and workshops in 56 secondary schools all over Jamaica. (Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana Junior Men’s Hockey Team Road to 2016

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana’s national junior men’s hockey programme will take its first step on the road to the 2016 Junior Pan American Championships in Canada, this week when they take on their counterparts from Trinidad & Tobago.

A team of 18 players has been selected from the 35 member training squad to represent Guyana in a three match series against the Trinidad & Tobago ju-

nior squad.

This developmental tour will exposed the majority of the team to playing on artificial turf for the first time and will be a good gauge of where the team is in comparison to one of the best hockey playing nations in the Pan American region.

Described as a work in progress by their coaching staff, the squad features 14 players who will be making their international debuts. In spite of the side’s inexperience as a unit, indi-

Paramanand Dindial

vidual standouts such as Captain Mark Sargeant, Jamarj Assanah, Andrew Stewart and Aroydy Branford have all tasted

success as part of the senior national team.

The quartet were instrumental in helping Guyana win their first ever medal at the Indoor Pan American Cup in Uruguay earlier this year, when Guyana defeated Argentina in the bronze medal match.

The team is scheduled to arrive in the twin island republic early Monday morning and will have their first training session on the artificial pitch at 10:00h, followed by a warm up match against Paragon

Hockey Club in the evening.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the team will have training sessions on the turf from 08:00h then compete against Trinidad’s national side in the evenings. The players will also be exposed to specialty skill sessions run by some of Trinidad’s top senior national players during the 5 day trip.

National Junior Men’s Hockey Team 2014 Mark Sargeant

(Capt), Medroy Scotland, Daniel Hooper, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Shaquille Leung, Rosario Ramsammy, Jamarj Assanah, Andrew Stewart, Aroydy Branford, Leon Bacchus, Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson, Omar Hopkinson, Ato Greene, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial and Shemar Boston.

Coaches – Dwayne Alleyne & Robert Fernandes, Manager – Hubert Forrester.

(Guyana Times)

Lloyd laments lack of preparation games, congested itineraries

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ENTURION, S O U T H AFRICA: West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd has criticised the shortage of warmup games on the current tour of South Africa, and says modern-day itineraries left little room for player development.

Lloyd, the outstanding former captain of the 1970s and 80s, was speaking ahead of Wednesday's start of the opening Test, following the only warm-up match of the three-Test series.

"I've always wanted two four-day games in

the tour. I've said that to the West Indies and the ICC. I think one game is not enough," Lloyd told reporters here.

West Indies last week faced a South Africa Invitational XI in a three-day game, their only chance at match preparation for the series. Even then, rain washed out Friday's final day, leaving the tourists with just two days of cricket.

In the time allowed, Marlon Samuels slammed an up tempo double hundred and opener Devon Smith,

174, as West Indies piled up 508 all out.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cotterell picked up a five-wicket haul as the hosts were shot out for 125.

But with the last day washout, several Windies batsmen and bowlers will now enter the first Test short of work.

"I think we should've had at least three games surrounding this Test match," said Lloyd, credited for moulding the Windies side of the 70s and 80s into a winning unit.

LLOYD... I've always wanted two four-day games in the tour

"That way if someone is out of form they can go into a four-day game

and get back into it. You can't tell if a player is doing well in the nets."

Lloyd, who has served as chairman of ICC's cricket committee, was appointed chief selector in August, in a shake-up of the selection committee.

An experienced administrator, Lloyd said the way current tours were constituted left no room for focus on player development.

"Most of the tours are crammed. You're playing 50 over games, T20s, it's a lot of cricket and your body can only take so

much. That's why we're seeing so many injuries.

Nicely spaced out tours would be best for me," he pointed out.

"It's also about young players, because you want them to have a game and see what they have. We just jump into a country and then we're gone.

"You can't groom players anymore. You want to try out a few youngsters. I'm not saying you have to have 10 games, but just enough that young players will get a chance." (Jamaica Observer)

TT Badminton boss calls for building blocks

It’s not just about sport! The TTBA recognises the academic achievement of its members, too. Here Ashisha Persad, winner of the president’s Medal (Gold) for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council O’Levels 2013 accepts a token from the organisation president Derwin Renales

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Derwin Renales, president of the TT Badminton Association, has called on his membership to serve as “building blocks” and not “sledge hammers,” as his executive works

to earn the sport pride of place in the national spotlight.

In an interview at his organisation’s annual awards and recognition ceremony held at the Central Indoor Sporting Arena at Saith Park in Chaguanas on Friday, the head of the

national sporting organisation said his team pledged to address issues related to funding and the absence of a home, but the fraternity must know the issues to be tackle had to be expertly managed.

“In every organisation you have some people that want to build and some people that wants to break. Luckily in badminton, the breakers are in the minority. But I am trying to foster better relationships for those people who don’t have that vision for us to move; that they will join on. I was happy to see the turnout that we got. It shows that people are thinking along that line–that we should move on–and it felt good. It really felt good,” he said.

Renales added, “Things will get better.

People get frustrated.

Our board will be a year in March. It’s a two-year term. We have done tremendous changes already. We have a website. We have a Facebook page. We are doing a lot of things to try and motive the players.”

The TTBA head related a scenario leading up to the team’s participation at this year’s

Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC). The athletes were challenged to get time at sporting facilities to train. Many days the players were turned away.

On one occasion, the players in frustration turn up at Renales’ home to train.

“They said there is no place to train, so we came here to train. They did complete circuit. I had them doing drills in my back yard. It really touched me. This happened about two or three times before they left. It means they saw something that I am doing that may be posi-

tive, and they are motivated to train. It’s just that we really need a place to train. It’s hard!

It’s really, really hard at times. It’s giving me some greys, but I’ll try my best to make a dent; changes that will benefit not just this group, but the group to come,” he said. (TT Guardian)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014

Guyanese shooting champ cops major prizes at GNRA awards ceremony

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana and West Indies individual fullbore shooting champion Lennox Braithwaite secured the major prizes when the Guyana National Rifle Association held its 2014 Presentation ceremony Saturday at Olympic House on Main Street.

Ryan Mc Kinnon, National smallbore captain Dale Hing, and Peter Persaud were also among the leading awardees.

Braithwaite captured the National senior championship Trophy, the Sigmund Douglas Trophy for winning the Grand Aggregate, the Neville Denny Club Championship Trophy as well as the prestigious Wood Davis Cup,

the Lushington Trophy among others.

Ransford Goodluck who was dethroned by Braithwaite was also among the top awardees.

Peter Persaud was named top Junior shooter following his success at the National Championships while Leo Romalho was voted most improved shooter for 2014.

There were also prizes for National fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Terrance Stuart and Dane Blair.

In the smallbore section, Mc Kinnon was in top form winning the senior division of the .22 Pistol shoot as well as the Standard Division in the Practical Pistol championships.

Hing won the

The awardees pose with their trophies

Production division at the championships and finished second to Mc Kinnon in the .22 shoot while Ray Beharry was third.

In junior catego-

ry of the .22 match, Ray Amjad was first followed

by Surujbali Persaud and Ray Amjad second and third respectively.

Hand Qualification Certificates were pre-

sented to the following (Expert Rating) Colin Merriman, Shawn Smith and Compton Serabo, (Sharp Shooter Rating) – Annbelle Sharma and Ray Beharry (Marksman First

Class) Totaram Bisundat, Azaad Hassan, Surujabali Persaud, Randy Sarjoo, Joshua Ramlakhan, Rajiv Lashana and Sekani Fredericks.(Guyana Times)

Another triple for Barbican in Jamaica -Powerhouse slam three goals past Arnett to sweep season

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: B a r b i c a n Football Club's unprecedented triple-crown defence in the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Sherwin Williams Women's Premier League has been hailed as one of the greatest of its kind by coach Charles Edwards.

The high-riding team rewrote the history books on Saturday when they defeated first-time finalists Arnett Gardens 3-0 at Drewsland Ministadium. The goals came courtesy of Davia Smith in the 50th minute, Annakay Richards' 78th minute own goal and captain Alicia James in

the 87th minute.

With the win, Barbican moved their overall tally to 21 titles, and the latest is their seventh consecutive league win.

A very pleased Edwards recalled some of the struggles his team had to withstand in order to remain unbeaten triple-crown winners for three years successively.

"We started out with a lot of problems; we couldn't train at the field because it was being refurbished for premier league's men and we ended up training at JC (Jamaica College) behind a goal area for most of the season," he told reporters.

He continued: "It was very tedious (as) the surface was course, but I am happy JC allowed us to train there. We had to tailor our training sessions [and] we had to do a lot of little things different, but at the end of the day these girls are true champions.

The fair-sized crowd turned up expecting a thriller, but the encounter was nowhere close to a spectacle. The first-half was the closest it went to being competitive as Arnett Gardens started out very promisingly.

The 'Junglists' gave as well as they got, and did manage to force Barbican on the back foot on a number of occa-

Barbican FC captain Alicia James (right foreground) hoists the trophy after it was presented to her by managing director of Sherwin Williams Ian Forbes (left) after her team blanked first-time finalists Arnett Gardens FC 3-0 in the Women’s Premier League final at Drewsland Mini-stadium on Saturday.

sions. But when the daylight faded, the champions came alive and stole the ascendancy late in the half.

However, they went to the break goal-less after a glancing header from Tashana Vincent came back off the crossbar and was scrambled clear by Arnett Gardens.

Any chance of an Arnett Gardens victory went up in smoke five-minutes after the resumption, as poor defending allowed an unmarked Smith to neatly head home a well-taken free kick by James.

From then, Barbican went at their opponents rapidly, but Arnett responded efficiently enough to withstand the onslaught.

The introduction o f Trudian Mills injected more tempo to the attacking prowess of

Barbican. The diminutive player went straight to work as she used her speed and dexterity to telling effect and maintained the intensity on the right side of the park.

The slippery player picked up a rebound at the top of the18-yard box, but failed to make amends as her crunching right-footed shot rattled the crossbar.

A second goal was inevitable and it came via the own-goal route when the hapless Annakay Richards misjudged an attempted cross by Vincent and fell to the ground in despair as the ball raced into the back of her own net.

And Arnett Gardens' dream of a fairy tale end to the season was over when goalkeeper Kadiann Edwards allowed the ball to burst through her grasp from

James' left-footed free kick from about 25 yards. The shot lacked pace, but still it proved too much for the hapless 'keeper.

Meanwhile, Edwards said his team did their pre-game assessment and stuck to the game plan.

Meanwhile, Arnett coach Jerome Waite hailed his team's gutsy performance.

"We were up against the number one team, we had played them twice, and they played with more purpose. Our girls are a young bunch and this is also a good experience for them and you still have to commend them for the fact that they have reached the major final. So overall, we still have to give them credit," he told the Jamaica Observer.

(Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING December 18, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

West Indies must aim to compete – Caribbean side to battle tough conditions, statistics and a rampant South Africa side

By Avenash Ramzan

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Mere months after curtailing what was gearing up to be a tough Test series against hosts India, a West Indies team missing several key players find themselves in familiar territory: staring down the barrel of heavy defeat in an away series.

It does not inspire much confidence that the Caribbean side, plagued by the India tour pullout and the apparent division following Marlon Samuels’ subsequent public utterances, is faced with a situation that connotes a simple case of battle of survival, rather than realistic hopes of victory.

The first of three Tests against the ICC number one ranked nation South Africa starts on Wednesday morning; a series that quite frank-

ly promises to be a gross mismatch given the West Indies sorry state at number eight in the rankings.

It does not help the situation that the final day of the only threeday warm-up game against the South Africa Invitation XI was washed out, despite Samuels and Devon Smith helping themselves to huge hundreds and Sheldon Cotterell bagging a fivewicket haul.

As Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd mentioned, one warm-up game is never enough for a touring team.

“I think it’s wrong.

I think we should have had at least three games surrounding this Test series,” he said. “If somebody is out of form, they can go into a four-day game and get back into it, but we don’t have that.

You can’t tell if a player is doing well in the nets.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Marlon Samuels

It’s not the right place.

Match situation is what it’s about.”

In this season of goodwill it would be dim-witted to think the Proteas would be Santa Claus during the series; after all they have a ranking to protect and a World Cup in less than two months, in which they are pipped as one of the favourites, to get fully prepared for.

It’s a situation that has become all the more bleak for the West

Indies with the absence of a supposedly injured Chris Gayle, the promising Darren Bravo due to ‘personal reasons’ and the mystery spinner Sunil Narine, currently rectifying his bowling action.

Since gaining re-admission to the Test fold in 1992, South Africa have met the West Indies in seven series, the first of which was a one-off Test in Barbados, which the visitors lost by

52 runs.

Since then, the Proteas haven’t lost a series to the Caribbean side, and unless something seriously dramatic happens, that record is set to remain intact. In 25 Tests between the two teams in just over two decades, South Africa have won 16; West Indies three.

With five Tests less overall, South Africa have eight more centuries, 51, as compared to West Indies’ 43, a staggering 30 of which is by Chanderpaul, followed

by Samuels on five.

For South Africa, Amla (22) and deVilliers (19) account for the bulk of the centuries, with Alviro Petersen (5), Faf duPlessis (3) and Dean Elgar (2) being the others with hundreds, but it’s the bowling numbers that really demonstrate the disparity between the teams.

Stunningly, Steyn’s 383 wickets is 22 more than all the West Indies players combined. He is followed by Morkel’s 204 and Vernon Philander’s 115 in a combined haul of 758 wickets.

By contrast, West Indies have 361 altogether, led by Kemar Roach’s 111, Jerome Taylor’s 100 and Benn’s 79. Samuels is the next highest with 34.

With all the numbers stalked in their favour and familiar home condition being an added advantage, the Proteas are sure favourites to not just win, but win convincingly.

Miracles do happen; cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, but for die-hard West Indies fans, hope might be the only real form of optimism over the next three weeks. For starters, the West Indies must aim to compete. (Guyana Times)

Lara headlines Legends XI in exhibition T20 Crucial Appeal outsprints rivals to steal spotlight

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ELBOURNE: AUSTRALIA: Legendary former West Indies batsman Brian Lara will join Adam Gilchrist, Dean Jones, Justin Langer and other Australian legends in the Western Australia Festival of Cricket Twenty20 exhibition match which bowls off on Tuesday.

The Western Australia Festival of Cricket, held at Aquinas College in Perth's southern suburbs, has revived the famous Lilac Hill Festival match that finished in 2008.

Lara and the starstudded Legends XI will play a T20 exhibition match against KFC T20 Big Bash League side the Perth Scorchers.

"The Festival of Cricket presents the public and corporates

Brian Lara

with a unique opportunity to not only watch a high-quality T20 match in a relaxed, social environment, but also to mix and mingle with many current and past greats of the game,” Gilchrist said.

“The chance to run around with a bunch of old mates and pit ourselves against the current BBL Champions is exciting and sure to be

entertaining for all.”

The 45-year-old Lara, the most dominant West Indies batsman of his era, will take to the field alongside several Aussie players he faced during his illustrious career, with the likes of former all-rounder Andrew Symonds, Andy Bichel, Michael Kasprowicz and Jimmy Maher already confirmed by organisers.

Lara featured in 131 Tests for West Indies, scoring a record 11 953 runs with 34 100s.

The reshuffle of the Australian cricket schedule in the wake of the death of Phillip Hughes also affected the match.

The date change has ruled out Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, and left Matthew Hayden juggling commitments in an attempt to make it.

(CMC)

..."Herecomesthebreeze'" cops feature

'Crucial Appeal' is being eased down by apprentice rider O'Brien White. 'Crucial Appeal' is trained by Patrick Lynch

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The speedy chestnut gelding 'Crucial Appeal' produced what can be described as a 'super sprinting display' to take the seventh race, an Open Allowance event with an electrifying run at Caymanas Park on Tuesday.

Trained by Patrick Lynch, 'Crucial Appeal', who ran a blinder to finish third by a length in the Caribbean Sprint, broke well and was held off the pace by Paul Francis

behind Rio Cobre (Shamaree Muir up), Step It Up (Robert Halledeen astride) and Fortuneonehundred (Shane Ellis aboard) for the first 150 metres of the 1,100-metre race for three-year-olds and upward.

When asked to go by Francis, Crucial Appeal responded well and began to surround horses before he drew away from the field approaching the home bend.

Owned by Hamark Farms and bred

by Edison Chai, 'Crucial Appeal' covered the distance in a career best of 1:04:3 minutes behind splits 22:2 and 45:0 seconds on a fast racing surface that brought the curtains down on the final Sunday race meet at Caymanas Park for the 2014 season.

Meanwhile, ‘Herecomesthebreeze’ easily romped the feature, the Joseph Armond Memorial Trophy going over the spectator's trip of 1,820 metres.

Racing continues next Saturday.

(Jamaica Observer)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 18, 2014

By Ravendra Madholall

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O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Caribbean cricketers continued to dominate in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite and Premier Division competitions as the 2014 season recently concluded.

Established player Devon Smith, who is currently in South Africa with the West Indies senior team for the test and limited-over series, was part of the action registering over 400 runs from eight matches representing Limers Lords Cricket Club.

The Grenadian has so far featured in 33 tests and 47 one-day internationals and according to reports, the elegant lefthander is expected to visit North America on an annual basis.

He ended the season with a satisfactory average of 55.14 having

chalked up five half-centuries and grabbed 11 wickets from the same amount of matches during his inaugural stint.

Other players who would have donned the prestigious colours were Guyanese Royston Crandon and his fellow compatriot Keith Semple, a batsman with steady consistency for Civics Sports Club.

Crandon, who has been plying his trade in Canada for the past five years, struck two centuries to be among the outstanding batsmen in this year’s edition.

Barbadian firstclass skipper Shemark Brooks, who in two successive years created a great impact with 10 centuries from 21 games for Centurions Cricket Club while he proved his allround capability snatching over 20 wickets with his leg-break.

His countryman Javon Searles, turned out to be a good asset

Devon Smith is currently in South Africa with the West Indies team for the test and limited-over series

for emerging and eventual champion club, Brampton Masters Transzac Cricket Club.

He was very instrumental with both bat and ball.

Islanders Cricket Club benefitted nicely from Trinidadian Mahadeo Moonasar who again showed magnificent form with his leftarm spin churning out several terrific bowling performances.

Moonasar was also very brilliant this year having played for

Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club in the Scarborough Cricket Association Premier 50-over tournament.

He was their leading bowler finishing with 28 wickets to be a pivotal member in this year’s success with five consecutive championships.

Former Guyana Under-19 skipper Eugene LaFluer made excellent use of the opportunity as the 22-yearold is still ambitious of representing his country at the highest level.

J’can organisers happy with 12th staging of Wesley Powell meet

St Jago’s Kimone Shaw powers to victory in the girls’ Class Three 150- metre race at the Wesley Powell/Heart Institute of the Caribbean Invitational Track and Field Meet at Exclesior High School on Saturday.

She clocked 19.19 seconds to win her race, but was second overall as her time was bettered by St Mary High’s Shanio Powell

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The 12th Staging of the Wesley Powell/Heart Institute of the Caribbean Invitational Track and Field Meet, which took place at Excelsior High School last Saturday, was deemed a huge success by organisers.

The meet saw over 1,700 ath-

letes representing 53 teams, participating in 40 track events and 29 field events in various age groups for schools, colleges, clubs and unattached individuals.

There were approximately 100 officials and 40 volunteers, thus providing good entertainment for hundreds of spectators,

including Racers Track Club head coach Glen Mills, who gave the proceedings high marks for its organisation and quality.

Also in attendance were two prominent Excelsior High past students in Ruby HarroldClaesson from Sweden and Donna Myrie from New Jersey, USA. The highlight of the meet, from a spectator's perspective, was the running of the 150-metre races simultaneously from different ends of the track. This was possible as the organisers employed two finish lines, two automatic timing systems, and two sets of starters. Before one race was completed another was on its way and this enabled the meet to be completed on time.

The meet honoured three persons in Frank Brown, former national football captain and manytime winning coach of Excelsior's Manning Cup and softball teams;Vinton Powell, former national track and field representative and current JAAA starter; and Lorna Vernon, national junior track and field coach and coach at Convent of Mercy Alpha. (Jamaica Observer)

In two straight years, the Berbician represented Victoria Park Cricket Club and his contributions were admirable having performed with bat and ball.

The club also had the services of ex-Guyana first-class quickie Trevon Garraway and another youth player Harrienarine Chattergoon.

Vikings Cricket Club, one of the most dominant teams over the past two decades, did not make a big impression this season but was still indebted to Crandon for his sterling efforts while former West Indies opening batsman and Guyanese Ryan Ramdass and senior Guyana player Rajindra Chandrika wore the club’s attires on this occasion.

The experienced campaigners came out with several attractive scores.

Jamaican and former West Indies under-19 skipper Andre Creary

made his debut two years ago for Brampton Masters Tranzac but with some unimpressive performances.

This season, the tidy right-hander represented Limers and produced few big scores. Before his departure, Creary was very optimistic of making his native country side in the West Indies Cricket Board four-day tournament.

He said his purpose and goal to play regularly in North America is to enhance his game in all aspects and indeed capitalised on the chance by being an essential batsman in his team.

Meanwhile, Krishna Arjune who made his first appearance since 2002 playing for Vikings and Hawaiian Arctic stated that he continued to enjoy his game in North America. The ex-Guyana opener also showed fine form by scoring a huge century for the latter club.

New Generation win Talparo 7-a-sidefootball in TT

Maxie Cuffie, right, presents the trophy to Talparo 7-a-side champs New Generation FC on Sunday.

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: New Generation Football Club of Talparo emerged overall winners of the inaugural Talparo sevena-side football tournament held at the Talparo Recreation Ground on Sunday.

The two-month long competition which attracted teams from as far as Valencia culminated in an exciting fi-

nal which saw the home team crushing Valencia FC 3-0 in a one-sided finish to take the competition’s top prize.

PNM candidate for La Horquetta/Talparo, Maxie Cuffie was a sponsor of the competition, and was on-hand to present the challenge trophy to the New Generation team and join in the celebration at the league’s conclusion. (TT Newsday)

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