Caribbean Times International

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ISSUE NO. 135

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING february 5, 2015

Industry Minister welcomes Ja$400m investment by Toyota Jamaica See story on page 8

Guyana gets Canadian funding to boost security sector Page 6

Guyana's Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Monday

TT PM reshuffles Cabinet Page 18

Guyana: Sase Gunraj sworn-in as new PPP commissioner at GECOM Page 7

Leprosy cases in Caribbean declined 37% over a decade Page 12 – PAHO

2 NEWS CAL suffers US$60m loss P www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Caribbean Airlines’ (CAL) unaudited accounts for 2014 show a loss of US$60 million although the airline plans to achieve breakeven by 2017, Finance Minister Larry Howai said on Tuesday. Replying to an Opposition question in the Senate, Howai said CAL’s accounts for 2014 haven’t been completed.

“We estimated though that the company would have lost about US$60 million in 2014. The audited accounts for 2014 are not scheduled for completion until the second half of this year.

“When the new board took office, a number of audits were outstanding.

By the end of this year all audits will be up to date.

The unaudited accounts for 2014 show a loss of US$60m in 2014,” he said. The minister said the figure was for the entire operation, including Jamaica. Howai said the transformation of a company like CAL will take three to four years of following a consistent company strategy to achieve identified objectives with major milestones targeted in this period.

He said: “In their first year of operation, the current board addressed a number of organisational gaps including the implementation of a new management structure, the filling of vacancies in key posts, improvements internal control systems and accounting processes and annual financial and statutory reporting.

A new strategic plan was

TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai.

also developed which aims to achieve breakeven by 2017.

“There’s new improved leadership and accountability and significant improvements in the business planning cycles, deployment of performance management measures and pursuit of business opportunities are also in progress. CAL is working towards con-

tinuous improvement in the shared goals of customer service and people development, competitiveness and financial sustainability and operations performance.”

A five year strategic plan has been completed and currently is being approved for implementation. It outlines the transformation

of the business model through reassessment of the product—including fleet and network planning, revenue management, pricing and customer service.

It also involves sales and distribution efficiencies, marketing and loyalty enhancements, organisational redesign and targeted partner-

ships, major enhancements in technology and process infrastructure to match competitive market standards of on-line customer products and services. “The quality of financial data is significantly improved. By year end CAL should be completing audited accounts on a timely basis,” he said. (TT Guardian)

Guyana Gov’t slams UG shutdown

…urges students, staff to await outcome of negotiations BY: ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Labour Ministry said that Tuesday’s shutdown of the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus was an illegal act and urges that all sides work together to hammer out a sensible settlement of their issues.

The unions representing workers backed by students have launched a series of protests aimed at forcing the University’s Administration to pay increases in wages and allowances and also lift the standard of teaching and other services at the tertiary institution. Tuesday was billed as a day for a shutdown of the campus and the protesters lived up to their threats, closing the gates as early as 06:00h in a defiant move.

In the midst of the chaos, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University, Professor Jacob Opadeyi also showed up to hold a picket of his own, calling on lecturers to resume classes.

Dr Opadeyi, who was only a day ago a patient of the Caribbean Heart Institute, showed up with his daughter, who is also a medical student at the University, and a University official with placards protesting the sit-in exercise being executed by members of the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU).

Professor Opadeyi’s placard read: “UG staff, I beg you for the sake of my students. Please go back to class.

Salaries will be increased. Just allow me to reduce expenses. You deserve more.”

He indicated that the students’ education is important and appealed to the lecturers for some patience while he tries to negotiate for higher fees from the Administration.

The VC showed tenacity as he pushed his way through the throng of students that had placed themselves as human barricades in front

of the gates of the tertiary institution.

Both entrances to the University were blocked, preventing students and staff alike from entering the compound.

Lecturers and students had joined together to say “no” to the resumption of classes until their demands for improved conditions and better salaries have been reached.

On behalf of Dr Opadeyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Ramlall on Monday indicated that the University is in deficit for several years.

Due to the lack of funds, Ramlall said there is not much that can be done to improve the standards of the University and increase the salaries of lecturers and other staff. It was stated that increases will be considered when all expenses have been cleared.

Meanwhile, UGWU President Bruce Haynes told Guyana Times that the unions understand the University’s situation. He said that they are not asking for the 60 per cent increase in their salaries immediately but an increase “(they) can work with.”

Contacted on the issue Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle said his Department has been monitoring the situation for some time now.

He told this publication that the UG Council had informed him that it made provision for the negotiating team to meet with the unions to discuss their demands.

However, his office will not be intervening until there has been “a breakdown in talks between the unions and the Administration.”

Another top official of the Ministry called the protest illegal, noting that it is quite an “undesirable feature”.

The official indicated that the students and the unions’ actions of blocking the entrance to the University were illegal as they prevented staff and students from attending work or class. He stated that the Labour Ministry is giving the UG Administration a chance to quell the situation before it intervenes.

(Guyana Times)

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EDITORIAL

India-US ties I Domestic violence and Bora’s birthday. Bora is in season in Guyana and one shopper capitalised on the abundance at a city corner (Carl Croker photo)

n what has been dubbed a “bromance”, the bonhomie displayed between President Barrack Obama and PM Narendra Modi of India, during the latter country’s Republic Day celebrations, marks a remarkable quickening of the relationship of the leaders of the two largest democracies in the world.

When Obama first acceded to office back in 2008, he made a conscious decision to improve India-US ties, but for various reasons – including the lacklustre chemistry between Obama and the then PM Manohan Singh – relations flagged.

When it comes to relations between a superpower like the US and any other country, too much cannot be read into personal relations. But the evident respect displayed between the two leaders has to have a positive impact on a relationship that is quite vital to US strategic interests.

It was very significant that, for the first time in any meeting between Indian and American officials, Pakistan did not figure on their agenda. It indicates that the US is prepared to engage India into a wider framework that is global in its reach. This is the second summit between the two leaders in six months.

From the reaction of the elephant in the room – China – to the closer ties implied by Obama’s historic observation of the India Republic Day Parade – “superficial”, wider ripples have already been made. It was the first observation by a US President.

It was certainly not a coincidence that while Obama was delivering a Town Hall address to an Indian audience, reflecting the democratic traditions of the two countries, the non-elected Chinese Government was hosting the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the power behind the scenes in that troubled neighbouring state.

Apart from the remarkable turnaround in the status of Mr Modi who up to last year was persona non grata in the US, the visit will most definitely improve some critical matters that had been left hanging for some time.

The first one, which should have some impact on our own concerns in the area has to do with nuclear power and climate change. The Indians were pressed to involve US nuclear power generating companies in their drive to move away from the carbon-generating fossil fuel coal, which is their energy generating mainstay.

But they balked at the insistence of the US Government to control the nuclear by products that could be used to create nuclear weapons and their moves to avoid liability for mishaps.

In a deal that is not fully fleshed out, it was announced that agreement has been reached to break the logjam. Guyana can benefit if relations between the US and India are less tense on environmental issues, since India plays a crucial role, along with China, in the global negotiations to get the new Climate Change Protocol we all need in place.

The second area is on weapons system procurement and this must have been brought home to Obama when be observed first hand that almost all of India’s military hardware was from Russia.

From the 1960s onwards, when Pakistan and India fought the first of three wars, the US chose to interpret India’s “nonalignment” stance as anti-US and in siding with Pakistan in those conflicts, emerged as the main supplier of arms to that country.

India had to turn to Russia, but is interested in manufacturing advanced weapons under US license.

Combating global terrorism would be the third issue that the US and India can find common ground. However, India is home to the second largest population of Muslims in the world and will have to be careful not to fall into the simplistic “clash of civilisations” thesis that appears to have grabbed some influential power centres in the west – including the US. In the end, President Obama might have offered the best advice to India when he said the latter should avoid a religious schism in its populace.

the professional woman P

O R T - O F SPAIN,TRINIDAD: The murder of veteran journalist and television presenter Marcia Henville has left an entire nation but more specifically the population of professional women, advocates for women and activists for the at-risk and vulnerable, deeply disturbed by this tragedy. If in fact her death proves to be an act of domestic violence then what resonates with many members of the public is the apparent paradox of her life.

How can women who are educated, respected and well-networked (a) end up in an abusive relationship (b) stay in an abusive relationship and (c) fall victim to such horrendous acts of violence?

The Rape Crisis Society and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence continuously strive to debunk the erroneous perceptions of who fits the profile of victim and perpetrator of the scourge of domestic violence.

While the population at large is fed a diet of pamphlets, articles, documentaries, billboards and radio shows about domestic violence, there are some undeniable facts that are frequently swept under the proverbial carpet.

More often than not, it is the unwillingness of the public to accept that being a trained professional, being an advocate for the downtrodden, being a member of a respected, wellto-do family does not preclude persons from being victim or perpetrator, and this denial helps to reinforce the misinformation that victims are uneducated and poverty-stricken and perpetrators likewise.

In fact an example of this occurred during a series of radio programmes about sexual and domestic violence in which the Rape Crisis Society participated a few years ago.

The discussion centred on the predicament that professional

women face when they encounter domestic violence and the host appeared incredulous at this scenario. In his perplexed state, the discussion quickly morphed into debate, with the therapist trying to paint a picture which he just could not/ would not entertain. The series came to a foreshortened, abrupt end.

The ugly truth is that all women are potential victims of domestic violence—be it physical, mental, financial or sexual.

This is fact. While many perpetrators of domestic violence fit a particular profile of being possessive, unreasonable, distrusting with stalker-like behaviour and the tendency to isolate the victim, others simply do not, at first glance, exhibit these traits which makes it difficult for the untrained eye to see the warning signs and recognise the fatal danger to which victims become ensnared.

Both victims and perpetrators can be of any social class, any educational background and any ethnicity. Hence being a judge, lawyer, doctor or CEO does not exclude one from encountering difficult and abusive situations or perpetrating them.

So you ask, ‘how can some women be bold, logical and well-connected in one sphere and in their private lives… be willing to tolerate abuse?”

Victims of abuse often have factors which make them feel tied to the abuser. Quite often children, debt, love, co-dependency and the stability of routines keep a victim in the deadly limbo of staying versus leaving. In fact, some believe that staying is the only way of remaining alive, as the threat of death is real and even the most efficient justice system can offer little protection. This is often better understood by those who have either personally experienced such violence or those

who have intimate knowledge of it. For others on the periphery, uninformed judgments are not only unhelpful but more so, dangerous to the already traumatised and abused woman.

So victims make choices.

Some chose to report to the police and withstand the rigours of the justice system in addition to secondary victimisation by family and friends.

Others chose to risk the shame and confide in others—a mother, a friend, a priest, a therapist. This may or may not help.

An ultimatum by a seemingly helpful friend to leave him or help will no longer be offered only further isolates the victim. With regard to professional women who may be encountering abuse, we emphasise the need to seek intervention.

If not in-person, then at least by phone, at first. Seek help secretly as far as is possible without increasing the risk of harm to oneself or loved ones.

For even the fearless deserve a space to cry, even the educated need to be reminded about the patterns of abuse, even the analytical need someone to render a different perspective, even the well-networked need a confidential, listening ear. At the end of the day, victims, like the rest of us, just want to keep a family together, develop a career and survive the challenges that life brings.

As women working together for a common cause, we cover our heads and mourn the loss of a champion. Marcia’s death must never be considered a defeat, but rather her life must be remembered as a symbol of the very spirit that it takes to persevere. Whatever her personal battles, she served a nation. She dared to cross borders, she brought comfort to suffering people and spoke out fearlessly. May God rest her soul and may justice prevail.

(TT Express)

News WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Guyana’s ruling party PPP’s Civic alliance remains strong …amid Opposition’s scramble to form coalition

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: At a time when the Opposition parties are scrambling to put together a coalition to contest the upcoming elections, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is solidifying its long-standing alliance with the Civic – a group of professional individuals who were brought together by the party from various ideological, ethnic and other backgrounds.

Formed to contest the 1992 elections, which saw the PPP unseating the then Desmond Hoyteled People’s National Congress, the Civic has been a consistent and strong partner for the ruling party for five unbroken terms in Government.

Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira recently underscored in a general way how significant the PPP/ Civic alliance was, given the history of coalition politics in Guyana.

She made specific reference to the pre-1992 attempt to form an alliance to contest the 1992 elections. “I know from my own experience that an attempt to do that (form a coalition) in the Patriotic

Coalition for Democracy, in the best of times where we worked five years on this, wasn’t able to be achieved,” Teixeira said on a programme aired on the National Communications Network. With their varied backgrounds, members of the Civic have, over the years, held key ministerial posts in Government, including five terms as Prime Minister in the person of Samuel Hinds. Now as elections are high upon us questions are again being raised as to the viability of the Civic component and whether it has a formal structure.

1992 United Republican Party (URP) Presidential Candidate Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who later joined the Civic in 1997, told the Guyana Times in an interview that the grouping continued to play an important role in Government policies today. While insisting that he could not speak on the Civic’s behalf, Ramsammy, as a member, was adamant that it remained an “integral part of the PPP’s elections architecture.”(Guyana Times)

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Quisk electronic payment system to launch in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: QUISK, a new electronic payment system, is set to launch in Jamaica with the assistance of its local partner Advanced Integrated Services (AIS) — after more than five years of research and US$1 million in investment.

"Our platform caters to the unbanked, the underbanked and those who now have a regular bank account," Douglas Halsall, chairman and chief executive of AIS, told the Jamaican media on Monday. "We are a much more comprehensive solution than mobile money."

Halsall explained that Quisk account holders will be able to make most payments -- utilities, instalment loans, premiums, mortgages, taxes -directly from their phone.

"Like cash, there should be no payment too small to make with Quisk," he said.

The first bank to get Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) approval for the product was NCB in August 2014, but more financial institutions are in the pipeline.

"We are in the pilot

A customer makes a purchase at a Disney Store in the USA using Apple Pay technology, which brings an easy, secure and private way to make payments.

Quisk, a new electronic payment system set to launch in Jamaica, is said to be not as complex as Apple Pay.

phase with NCB and will commence with VMBS, First Heritage, Lasco Financial and others, as soon as their applications have been approved by BOJ," he said. The four institutions "have two million accounts between them. We can start with those and it will give us a running head start".

The company has also increased its employment. "We have added five additional, highly skilled professionals, and anticipate another 10 over the next three years," Halsall said.

AIS is already planning for its expansion into the Caribbean.

AIS plans to take Quisk to "21 countries in the Caribbean... English, Spanish, French and Dutch", Halsall said.

And the investment for those markets should be at least as large as in Jamaica. "We expect a similar or larger investment for roll-out over the Caribbean."

"Quisk is cash without a wallet," Novak said.

"Banks are our customers."

A Quisk account "is likened to a chequing or savings account", according to Novak.

Customers will be able to basically withdraw or pay cash using

a PIN and a unique numerical identifier which will be their own mobile phone number.

"Our system is totally agnostic -- it doesn't matter if the phone is smart or not. It just needs SMS messaging," Novak said.

The high rate of mobile penetration along with a large percentage of unbanked persons were key factors in choosing Jamaica as a prime market for the new product.

There are more than 200 mobile payment systems around the globe, Novak said, 51 per cent of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Jamaica is the first major market for the new platform, but Quisk currently has a presence in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East, and is also looking to launch in Jordan and other markets. "A number of other things are cooking."

Prior to setting up Quisk, Halsall and others were involved with another Silicon Valley start-up called CyberSource. That company was recently sold to Visa for US$2 billion. "CyberSource is part of our DNA," Novak said.

(Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Guyana gets Canadian funding Razia elected as TT to boost security sector Senate President

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Canadian High Commission on Monday handed over a cheque valued C$7296 (over Gy$1.7 million) to the Home Affairs Ministry for the purchase of equipment to improve Guyana’s ability to fight crime.

The funding is being provided by the Canadian Government through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for the purchasing of two-way radios and video cameras for Guyanese law enforcement to implement best practices in crime fighting.

This is according to the Canadian High Commissioner Dr Nicole Giles during the singing of the CFLI 20142015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Guyana through the Home Affairs Ministry at the Ministry on Monday.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee expressed gratitude to the Canadian Government for the donation and assured that Guyana’s law enforcement agencies would use the equipment when purchased to its fullest capacity.

He said the gesture by the Canadian Government was another manifestation

of international cooperation to fight against illegal activities.

He added that over the years, Guyana has been the recipient of support from Canada for law enforcement locally. The Minister stated for the fight against illegal activities to take place effectively, the necessary tools were needed and these Guyana could not provide alone.

The pieces of equipment to be purchased will complement a two-week training course held from November 25 to December 5, 2014, Giles said.

The course was facilitated by the Royal Canada Mounted Police (RCMP) and targeted members of the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). It was the brainchild of the Government of Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Programme (ACCBP).

Giles said the training course was the first-ever ACCBP-funded project in Guyana and was a demonstration of Canada’s security cooperation with Guyana.

She reported excellent results from law enforcement officials who participated in the course.

She also cited the March 2014 Jetway programme

conducted in Guyana for Guyana Police Force (GPF) and CANU officers, which focused on the interdicting the transport of contraband and illicit drugs from airports as well as detecting the other crimes being committed or were about to be committed.

For this programme, the participants also received the equipment necessary to carry out their duties, Giles stated.

This programme has been an immense success and as such, Giles said: “I am confident the radios and videos provided by CFLI will ensure the investigative skills learned in 2014 will continue to deliver results in 2015 and beyond.”

The High Commissioner also expressed hope that the knowledge gained by the trained officers would be passed on to their colleagues.

This investment by the Canadian Government into Guyana’s justice system follows the most recent visit of the Canadian Justice Society, which provided a six-day training programme for Police Officers, Judges and Magistrates.

This and other initiatives are being done with the aim of strengthening Guyana’s crime fighting and justice system.(Guyana Times)

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O R T - O F SPAIN,TRINIDAD: Raziah Ahmed, who was a temporary Senator in the TT government and in the former Basdeo Panday Government, was on Tuesday elected unopposed as Senate President to replace Timothy Hamel-Smith.

The sitting began with Senate Vice President James Lambert in the chair announcing the revocation of the appointments of outgoing Government Senators former speaker Hamel-Smith; former attorney general, Anand Ramlogan; former minister of national security, Gary Griffith; former justice minister, Emmanuel George; and former senator Embau Moheni. Five new Government Senators were sworn in: Attorney General, Garvin Nicholas; Minister of National Security, Brigadier General Carlton Alphonso; Minister of Sport, Brent Sancho; Minister in the Ministry of Works, Kwasi Mutema; and Minister of the People and social Development, Christine NewalloHosein. A temporary Opposition Senator, Stuart Young, named to act for Senator Shamfa Cudjoe, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar watched from the sidelines as the new quintet was led to around to be introduced to the leader of each of the three Senate benches - Government, Opposition and Independent.

After that however Opposition Senator Camille Robinson-Regis interjected to ask if standing order 3(2) suggests that the election of president should have actually taken place before the swearing in of new senators.

Lambert, apparently after a word from the Clerk of the Senate, said he is advised that the election of a new president need not take place immediately after the prayers but sometime after.

After some more exchange, Robinson-Regis said, “You have given your ruling and I think we can move on now.”

In her wrap up of the sitting, Ahmed thanked Hamel-Smith for his service in the Senate, welcomed all new Senators and recognised Gender Minister, Clifton De Coteau, earlier piloting a motion, in whose ministry she had just served as minister of state.

The Senate ended by paying tribute to Hamel-Smith.

Opposition Senator Stuart Young on Tuesday read out from a parliamentary invitation for a function occurring in the next few days and signed by Hamel-Smith to deduce that the former Senate President was caught totally unawares by his sudden removal last Monday by PersadBissessar.

Spokesmen from all sides of the Upper House each rose to pay tribute to Hamel-Smith who was remembered as fair.

Opposition Senator Camille Robinson-Regis, summed up the mood, saying, “He was a fair presiding office. We thank him for his service to the people of TT.” Noting Trinidad is on the cusp of a general election, she said the handful of new senators just sworn-in have very little time to make their contribution to the country. (TT Newsday)

News WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

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Guyana: Sase Gunraj sworn-in as new PPP commissioner at GECOM

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E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: The People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) nominee to the post of Elections Commissioner, Attorney-at-Law Sase Rabindranauth Gunraj was formally sworn in at the Office of the President on Tuesday by President Donald Ramotar.

The Head of State, in brief remarks said that Gunraj fills a post vacated as a result of the resignation of former appointee Dr Keshav ‘Bud’ Mangal due to ill-health. “It is important that this vacancy be filled quickly because of the fact that we are going towards an elections. This job has now been completed”.

The president added that the

new commissioner will make a valuable contribution at this point in time, and wished him well.

The PPP representative on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) acknowledged that he was joining the organisation at a crucial time, particularly since elections are due in a few months.

“I am prepared to, proverbially, hit the ground running and make my contribution in the best way possible to the holding of successful elections in May and thereafter, as the need arises at the commission”. He also promised to adhere to his oath of office. (GINA)

Newly appointed PPP GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj receiving his formal appointment letter from President Donald Ramotar

UTech gets machine for ganja research in Jamaica

K Burchell Whiteman

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica on last Thursday received a machine that will advance its research of the scientific and medicinal properties of the cannabis (marijuana) plant.

UTech, in a release Tuesday, said they received the first QuantaCann2 analytical machine, which was donated by

Steep Hill Labs Inc USA – a Californiabased medical cannabis laboratory with which the University last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

It is the first such analytical machine in Jamaica.

Acting president, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman, in receiving the QuantaCann2 Machine, said that it will break frontiers and place UTech at the

forefront of research on cannabis.

“This will be of particular national relevance as Jamaica moves forward with legislation for the decriminalisation of marijuana for medicinal and industrial purposes,” he said.

The machine is located in the pharmaceutics research laboratory within the School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences.(Jamaica Observer)

New platform for diversification in TT P O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFIC) CEO Varun Maharaj is confident that the 2015 Caribbean Finance and Investment Forum, scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain from March 4 to 5 will provide a platform for economic growth in Trinidad. Maharaj views this as particularly important as TT seeks to develop strategies to help it not only weather the economic storm brought about by falling global oil prices but to emerge stronger, with an economy that is less reliant on the energy sector and the volatility it is prone to.

In an interview with the TT media at the TTIFIC’s offices, Maharaj expressed his belief that the full potential of the country’s financial services sector is yet to be tapped. He also expressed the view that with a suite of “unique IFC legislation, it would be possible to increase the contributions of the financial services sector from 15 to 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). On how TTIFC came to partner with Latin Finance in bringing the conference to TT, Maharaj said, “This con-

ference or this venture is the culmination of a strategy that we have been pursuing over the last 12 months.”“It’s all part of a capital market awareness strategy to position Trinidad as an emerging international financial centre (IFC),” he explained.

Maharaj indicated that prior to the conference, the TTIFC has participated in round table discussions in New York and interacted with key IFC players in Toronto, London, Beijing and in Dubai.

Asked if the choice to host the conference in TT was easy or if Trinidad beat out other countries for the right to host it, Maharaj replied, “The conference used to be held in the Caribbean, not exclusively Trinidad, that is the Caribbean Finance and Investment Forum from the years 2000 to 2008.”

However he indicated that when the world financial crisis occurred in 2008, Latin Finance decided they would no longer have the Caribbean Finance and Investment Forum.. “It probably was not feasible, given the interest that was out there,” Maharaj explained.

The conference will take the format of keynote addresses, important round table discussions and workshops

Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFIC) CEO Varun Maharaj

and presentations.

Reiterating that this will showcase TT as an IFC, Maharaj said,” We’ve interacted with all these investment bankers in New York, London, across the world. They have listened to the message that we have and they have a keen interest.”

He explained this will give them “a proof of concept” to actually see what happens in Trinidad.

Stating this was the first benefit, Maharaj continued, “The second benefit is that coming out of the conference, we expect to develop a road map, in terms of finance and capital investment into the region but more particularly in Trinidad.”

Noting that Latin

Finance’s conferences “take a unique style” because when participants register, they indicate their area of interest, and this results in one-on-one meetings being set with key people, “depending on your domain,” Maharaj this provided an opportunity for local business persons “to take advantage of that.

Stressing that “we can’t stop there,” Maharaj stated, “There is a lot of work to be done and diversification of any economy, must be seen as a long term process.”

Observing Trinidad has been largely an oil and gas economy for the last century, Maharaj said, “It is really within the last two to three

years that we have finally started to talk about diversification and do things about diversification.

“I think that despite the downturn in oil prices, we must continue the trend of diversifying the economy.” Maharaj said the TTIFC hoped that some time in the next two years, financial services would be contributing to 20 percent of GDP. “I know that is a significant task but if we don’t try, we won’t get there.”

On how this goal will be achieved, Maharaj explained, “The TTIFIC is pursuing a two pronged strategy.” The first part of that strategy is developing the country’s capital markets, more with an outward focus.

He said an important part of that, “is the legislation that we have recently completed drafting.” Maharaj hoped this legislation will “go to Cabinet shortly and make its way to Parliament.”

He explained that it currently takes “somewhere close to 1,200 days” to resolve these matters. However under the proposed legislation, Maharaj said the resolution of these issues would occur in 90 days and all the other things with the ease of doing business and best practices, will occur within these suite of laws.

Maharaj said the legislation is currently with the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

He expected it would be Finance Minister Larry Howai bringing the note for this legislation to Cabinet. Maharaj added it would take five to ten years to implement this legislation if government took the route of merely amending existing legislation.

He said a potential investor, under this legislation, would be able to operate a system which compared to a jurisdiction such as Singapore.

Saying the TTIFIC is also developing “a new industry in Trinidad which is focussing on middle and back end processing,” Maharaj stated TTIFC was recently able to encourage an Indian company named Quatro to come to TT. He indicated RBC also has a similar facility, where it is doing work for other parts of the Caribbean and not TT. Maharaj envisioned that through this strategy, financial and consulting services can be provided to the energy industry, the aviation industry. He further indicated the financial services sector offers a talent pool of 1,200 to 1,500 persons in this sector and many of these persons are underemployed. (TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

GT&T says eager to give up monopoly …disappointed with prolonged liberalisation talks

By Bhisham Mohamed

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), Radha Krishna Sharma has reconfirmed his company’s position for a liberalised telecommunication sector, noting that it will continue to push for the passage of such legislation.

He noted that his company recognises that deepening the telecommunication sector with the resultant market and technological dynamics will benefit all.

Sharma was at the time addressing media operatives at the company’s appreciation dinner at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara on Saturday evening. The Telecommunication Bill was one of the casualties

of the 10th Parliament after President Donald Ramotar prorogued it.

It is one of 12 Bills that will have to be recalled in Parliament in the 11th session. The others include the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), the Customs amendment, the Broadcast amendment and Education Bills, among others. The Telecoms Bill was awaiting debate and assent, which would have freed up the over 20 year monopoly enjoyed by GT&T. GT&T is Guyana’s premier telecommunications provider, coming into existence some 23 years ago. Sharma had stated prior to the prorogation that the company was prepared for government’s plans to liberalise the sector, pointing out that the company was looking forward to con-

tributing to the refinement of the legislation.

His counterpart, CEO of Digicel, Gregory Dean had said the liberalisation of the sector would lay the base for the company becoming fully competitive with GT&T. He also said that liberalisation would draw other companies into the Guyana market. Since coming to Guyana in 2007, Digicel Guyana Inc said it has invested close to US$80 million, providing coverage to close to 96 per cent of the population, including persons residing off Guyana’s coastland.

Sharma said to date they have made both written and oral submissions to the Special Select Committee on Telecommunication Reform on specific aspect of the legislation.

However, he pointed out that fundamental to the liberalisation of the sec-

GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer, Radha Krishna Sharma addressing media operatives on Saturday evening at Grand Coastal Hotel

tor is the treatment of its contractual rights and government’s obligation as enshrined in a legal, lawful agreement between the Government of Guyana and GT&T’s parent company Atlantic Telecommunication Network (ATN). “It is disappointing that notwithstanding our numerous meetings and offer of a negotiated settlement this issue remains unresolved”, the chief stated.

He disclosed that they have repeatedly reiterated their willingness to engage the government, and have shown tremendous efforts to address the company’s contractual rights that can pave the way to implement a far reaching reform of the Guyana Telecoms sector.

Since 2008, he related that they have reached out during numerous dialogues to bring about a settlement. “GT&T has made many overtures or proposals and frequently made itself available yet the state of negotiations is stalled through no fault of GT&T. This crucial issue of our contract has not been conclusively addressed and the legislation is now before the Select Committee”.

In addition, Sharma noted that there are those who construe their vigorous defense of the rights enshrined in its

current operating license to mean that “we are afraid of competition”.

In the new dispensation, he explained that they will continue to ask for policy certainty, predictable regulation and even handed treatment and more importantly, an obvious bonus for them would be a knowledgeable and objective press corps. On this note, he urged that the market should determine the winners and losers.

The executive went on to say that his company will continue to insist on the rule of law and to conduct business ethically. “As is our custom, we will continue to welcome constructive criticism and customer feedback and to use these to improve our service delivery efforts. We are here for the long haul… of that you can be sure”, Sharma added. (Guyana Times)

TT Speaker may face criminal charges P ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Speaker of the House of Representative Wade Mark, who last week faced a battery of criticism for mistaking a High Court stamp as the official letterhead of the Judiciary, may be facing yet another hurdle— a criminal charge of misconduct in office.

This from former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC

who is now researching whether Mark could be investigated for such a charge.

Mark on Friday apologised for his error in Parliament and to the Judiciary for his mistake during a motion of censure against Finance Minister Larry Howai filed by Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner.

At a press conference on Sunday, Maharaj said Mark failed in his duty to

protect Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union president general Ancel Roget, a private citizen, when Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made defamatory remarks about him in Parliament last December.

He was speaking at the OWTU’s headquarters where Roget announced that the union had retained Maharaj’s legal services.

Roget said Persad-

Bissessar made defamatory comments about him during her contribution on the Public Prosecution and Disposal of Public Property Bill in December.

The head of the Joint Trade Union Movement (Jtum) recalled that he wrote two letters to Mark on December 11 and January 19, asking that his response to the Prime Minister’s attack on his character be read into the

Hansard record since the PM’s allegations were unfounded.

However, Roget said he received a reply from the Clerk of the House on January 20, stating that Mark denied his request.

Maharaj said no civil action could be taken against either the Prime Minister or the Speaker of the House because the PM’s statement was protected by parliamentary privilege.

“The Speaker of the House of Representatives does not only have the power, he has the duty to prevent a Member of Parliament from defaming a private individual, who is not a member of the House.”

He said the Prime Minister’s comments coincided with a public march led by Roget against the government calling for an end to corruption.(TT Guardian)

Industry Minister welcomes Ja$400m investment by Toyota Jamaica

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I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has welcomed Toyota Jamaica Limited’s Ja$400 million investment in its new branch, which is expected to create 140 new jobs for Jamaicans.

“That this investment should be made now in Jamaica, I think, supports and underpins the… growing confidence of investors in the Jamaican economy and the opportunity for Jamaica to grow its economy through Foreign Direct Investments, (and) job creation,” he said.

The Minister was speaking on Wednesday at the ground breaking ceremony for the company’s new branch at 91a Old Hope Road in St. Andrew.

Minister Hylton said that through the continued expansion of its business/investment portfolio, Toyota Jamaica is demonstrating the level of confidence it has placed in the future of the

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton (third right), breaks ground at the site of Toyota Jamaica Limited's new branch at 91a Old Hope Road in St. Andrew during a ceremony on Wednesday. Also participating (from second left) are: General Manager, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., Hiroshi Kitahara; Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuo Takase; Managing Director of Toyota Jamaica, Tom Conner; and Managing Director of Matalon Homes, Peter Matalon. Looking on (at left) is Member of Parliament for Eastern St. Andrew, Andre Hylton. The facility, which represents a Ja$400 million investment, will be constructed by Matalon Homes over a period of one year.

country.

“So, in their assessment, the market is here, and will be growing and… like the government and others, they are confident about the growth in

the Jamaican economy,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuo Takase, said the undertaking is a reaffirmation of

the high priority the Japanese private sector places on improving the automobile industry in Jamaica.

Mr. Takase further noted that the Government of Japan

is committed to continuing its support for private sector initiatives to expand its economic relations with Jamaica.

Managing Director, Toyota Jamaica, Tom Conner, assured that “Toyota is in Jamaica for the long haul.”

The facility, he said, will provide new vehicle sales, parts and service, with focus placed on after sales and providing better quality service overall.

The construction of the 26,000-square foot facility is expected to be completed in one year. During this phase, 100 jobs will be generated. An initial staff of 40 will be employed when the branch opens in 2016.

A subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Jamaica is the sole authorised distributor for Toyota and Hino vehicles in Jamaica.

This new location will be the company’s third branch in Jamaica. The second is located in Ironshore, Montego Bay. (JIS)

News WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

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New system to reduce number of power cuts in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says its customers across the island are to benefit from reduced outages and shorter outage times following the company’s recent installment of a distribution automation system.

The light and power company said the new automation system allows faults on distribution main lines to be isolated, while the power is routed around trouble spots, frequently with minimised service disruption to customers, which the JPS

said is part of the company’s efforts to improve service reliability.

According to the JPS, the project, to date, represents an investment of more than Ja$65 million.

“The system involves the installation of switches, which are able to automatically carry out the isolation of problems, and re-route power supply.

Automation will improve the response to faults from 70 minutes and more to approximately five minutes for those circuits that have this technology,” said the JPS. The company said

JPS building

41 of the switches have been installed, mainly in the Corporate Area, but also in Clarendon, St Elizabeth, St Catherine, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland.

Said the JPS: “By the end of 2015, the company will be installing another 30 switches across the network, bringing more reliability and improvements to customers. Research and analysis are also being carried out to increase the capabilities of the switches towards the development of a smarter grid.” (Jamaica Observer)

TT Central Guyana’s President, political Bank promises to pump parties call for peaceful polls more US$ …as UN launches Interfaith Harmony Week into system

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Central Bank has promised to make larger and more frequent foreign exchange interventions to help the business community access US currency.

“We’ve said that we plan to basically clear the unsatisfied demands and clear some of the precautionary demand that has been brought forward and therefore you could look forward to further easing over the coming months,” Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran said during a press conference at the bank in Port of Spain on Tuesday.

“Based on data we’ve seen coming in over the last month, substantial businesses have been receiving foreign exchange. You may not have received all that you’ve wanted but the process has started and the tensions are beginning to ease,” he added.

Noting Monday’s largest injection of US$400 million by the Central Bank, Rambarran urged the business community to give the new distribution system set up by the Central Bank some time to work.

Just last week, businessmen present at an economic forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce complained that despite recent promises they are still experiencing problems accessing the US dollars.

Some claimed that they were told the Central Bank had created an allocation list and if they were not on the list, they could not receive the currency.

But in response, Rambarran said: “The relationship that exists between a commercial bank and its clients, the Central Bank does not get involved in that. It is up to the commercial banks to decide how much, when and why it will provide foreign exchange to its client. That is not the business of the Central Bank. We remain at the system level in terms of our operations.”(TT Express)

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: As Guyanese gear up for Regional and General Elections on May 11, President Donald Ramotar and members of the Opposition have collectively called for peaceful elections.

Their calls were heard during the launch of the United Nations World Interfaith Week at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Monday.

During his feature address, the Head of State urged religious leaders to pray for peace in Guyana.

“Religious leaders and faith organisations have a critical role to play in the promotion of interfaith dialogue in Guyana and I urge religious leaders to pray for peace and tolerance in Guyana as we move toward the elections,” President Ramotar said.

The President reiterated that the focal point of the government was to promote equality in Guyana.

He explained that Guyanese should reach a stage where they were able to accept diversity in its entirety since Guyana was a diverse nation.

“We are a nation of different races, religions and cultures and we must embrace that,” Ramotar said.

He then pointed out that no religion or faith is superior and as such, the promotion of interfaith dialogue in Guyana should be predicated on the acceptance of diversity.

The President was also elated that Guyana, despite being a multi-cultural and religious society, has been spared the atrocities of religious and cultural extremists. “Guyana has gone a far way when it comes to accepting each other for what they are.”President Ramotar was

President Donald Ramotar with stakeholders at the launch of the Interfaith Harmony Week

adamant that as a result, Guyanese have a lot to be proud of that they can teach other countries.

Referring directly to the upcoming elections, the Head of State said it was anticipated that the environment would become competitive.

He urged Guyanese to find ways to unite as one during this time.

President Ramotar stated that elections were very important and necessary to ensure a democratic society.

“You cannot have sustained social and economic development without political democracy. Free and fair elections are what we stand for,” President Ramotar stated.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who spoke on the behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) along with A Partnership for National Unity’s Annette Ferguson and Pastor Sewnauth Punalall of the Alliance For Change, reiterated the President’s statements.

Rohee said it was only through harmony that Guyanese can obtain the goal of Guyana’s motto, “One People, One Nation,

One Destiny”. He added that Guyana has progressed from the 1960s when the country was torn apart by disharmony.

The Minister further urged peaceful election campaigning and called on members of the media to promote the cohesion of harmony in their writing as Guyana moves closer to elections.

On a similar note, Ferguson called for peace to live in the hearts of Guyanese as the country approaches elections. She said for far too long Guyanese have seen confusion and chaos during elections and called for an ultimate end. As a young member of her party, she also called on the mature politicians to promote peace and harmony to move Guyana forward.

Punalall said the mission of his party is to work towards achieving a just society where all Guyanese can work in harmony. He then took the same stance as President Ramotar in saying that Guyana has made some progress.

Punalall was adamant that like its neighbours, Guyana too can have a peaceful society. He urged that competitiveness among poli-

ticians during the upcoming elections not to be consumed with hate and destruction.

Guyana has, over the years, struggled with the hosting of peaceful elections.

Hence, of more recent years, particularly the 2011 elections, the promotion of peaceful elections with the elimination of riots and violent protest has been a stance all political parties have taken.

The UN’s event is scheduled to last from February 1 through 7 and includes a series of exercises such as the School Essay Competition, which was also launched on Monday. Ten schools are expected to compete in the competition including: Lodge Secondary School and St Winifred’s Primary.

UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa urged the spreading of the message of interfaith harmony in accordance with the various religions to promote peace and harmony. Religious leaders from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Bahai religions and the Rastafarian faith turned out to share their views at the event and joined the calls for the promotion of a peaceful and united country. (Guyana Times)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Medical Disposables Judge adjourns case makes Ja$230m until February 13 investment in Jamaica -Former Guyana President — doubles warehouse capacity Jagdeo v Kissoon libel case:

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Listed company Medical Disposables & Supplies Ltd (MDS) doubled its warehouse capacity with the purchase of a Ja$230-million property on Hagley Park Road.

The purchase will consolidate activities under one roof.

"It's definitely a move to facilitate further growth," stated general manager Kurt Boothe in a interview with the Jamaican media on Wednesday. "You have to have the infrastructure in place to support any further growth.

It’s an investment in the company."

MDS currently occupies six units at The Domes on Hagley Park Road which total 12,000 square feet. The purchased property, about one block away, spans 27,000 sq ft.

"This will more than double our present capacity," he said adding that

General manager Kurt Boothe

it was not immediately clear whether any of the six units (three of which are owned by MDS) will be offloaded. "Right now we have options. We are still evaluating that direction depending on certain developments on the horizon."

The new property was acquired with a mixture of debt and equity from another listed company -- Kingston Properties Ltd. "At our current facility we are situated in a number of buildings spread out ....so what we are doing is consolidating the operations under one roof, which gives far greater efficiency and control," he said.

MDS made Ja$22 million in net profit on revenues of Ja$283 million for its September second-quarter 2014, or two-thirds higher profit year-on-year.

"Over the last five years we have experienced approximately 280 per cent growth in rev-

enues and we are still on that path. And if we are protecting further growth we must facilitate that growth. In this line of business it means space is of paramount importance," he said.

Boothe also defended the view to purchase, rather than lease the property, based on prohibitive lease costs.

"We had to capitalise on that. We thought it was a very good opportunity. The building is approximately 27,000 sq ft, and used by another distributor. So we thought it was a wonderful fit for our operation," he added.

In 2013 the company, which distributes pharmaceutical products and disposable medical supplies, listed on the junior arm of the Jamaica Stock Exchange raising $115 million through the offer of 63.2 million shares, or a 24 per cent stake in the company. Funds raised paid off bank debt, directors' loans and balances.

(Jamaican Observer)

LaRocque: Critical role for ICT in Caricom

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD; ICT is the new frontier for regional integration, Caricom SecretaryGeneral Irwin LaRocque said on Monday as he underscored the critical role of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in the integration architecture.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the CTU’s 25th anniversary conference and ICT week at the Hyatt Regency in Port-ofSpain, LaRocque said ICT was a “crucial el-

ement in not only resolving our present challenges, but also in building the platform for our growth and development.”

LaRocque said creation of a single ICT space is at the heart of Caricom’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, 20152019 which was approved by the Heads of Government last July.

He said the plan identifies technological resilience as one of eight strategic priorities.

The SecretaryGeneral said there will have to be an adjust-

ment in Caricom’s methods of operation since the plan requires an increased level of co-ordination and collaboration among member states, institutions and the Caricom Secretariat.

“It has always been my view that the specialized institutions established by this community, of which the CTU is one, must use their unique skills to serve a common purpose— namely the integration of our region to improve the quality of life of our people,” he concluded.

(TT Guardian)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds on Monday adjourned the libel case brought by former President Bharrat Jagdeo against Freddie Kissoon until February 13.

Senior Counsel Sase Gunraj representing the interests of the former President told Justice Reynolds that a motion had been filed with the Full Court to appeal his previous decision to allow new evidence in the libel suit filed by Jagdeo against the Kaieteur News columnist.

When the matter was called for deliberations at 13:15h, Gunraj said that the motion to appeal the decision was filed on December 19; however, no date had been set for arguments on the matter before the acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang.

He noted that the hearing for the application made was assigned to two judges by the Chief Justice, but it was unclear who they were.

Gunraj then told the court that he would like the adjournment so that the judges can be identified.

As such, he told the court that the defence needed time to determine the status of the application of that matter and whether a Full Court will be convened to try the matter before it could be proceeded with.

Kissoon’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes objected to the request for additional time, noting that Gunraj was only prolonging the matter and that they had taken nine months before they filed

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

for additional time for their application.

Reynolds, in March, granted the application for the defence in the libel case to amend its case to include additional evidence. Subsequently, the plaintiff had indicated that he would be filing an appeal to have the decision nullified.

However, this was not done by the defence until December 19, 2014.

After considering both parties’ arguments made on Monday morning, Justice Reynolds set February 13, as the date when they will return to present a report on whether there will be a hearing of the motion to appeal his decision in the Full Court.

Last year, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos had objected to evidence given by defence witness, trade unionist Lincoln Lewis.

The Senior Counsel had told the court that there were no particulars of the allegations that his client had practised “ideological racism” during his tenure as President.

De Santos had further stated that there

were no particulars of general assertions which give the defence the right to lead specific evidence, adding that if they proceeded to do so, then the evidence should be inadmissible.

In response, Hughes had stated that the defence’s case is one of a plea of justification; as such, witnesses were being called to testify on areas of public and social services where “ideological racism” was practised.

The Senior Counsel had then pointed out that the defence did not have the right to produce witnesses, but to prove that the justification relies on particulars and not assertions.

Following arguments on the matter, Justice Reynolds allowed the evidence to be included in the defence’s case; as such, the plaintiff’s attorneys indicated that they would be appealing the judge’s decision.

This was in March and Justice Reynolds had stayed the trial to allow the appeal to be heard and completed before he continued with the case.

(Guyana Times)

Missing man in Canada once involved in plot to overthrow Dominica government

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OSEAU, DOMINICA: A piece of Dominica’s past is rearing its head in Canada with a man, who was once involved in a failed plot to overthrow the government of Dominica in the early 1980’s, being reported missing after a farmhouse fire.

Urmas Aarni Polli, 59, was involved with a group of U.S. and Canadian mercenaries who tried to overthrow the government of the island in 1981.

The plan failed when the FBI was tipped off and the ship hired to transport the men never left the dock in New Orleans.

Media reports indicate that Polli and a woman was in a house near Annan, Ontario which was destroyed by fire last Friday evening.

One body was found and the search continues for a second. The identity of the victim has not been confirmed by police.

It has been confirmed that Polli was part of the plot to takeover Dominica about 35 years ago.

John was forced to resign in 1979 after a popular uprising against his Administration.

The group was led by an American Mike Perdue, along with GermanCanadian neo-Nazi Wolfgang Droege and a Barbadian weapons smuggler.

U.S. officials learned of the plan, infiltrated the group and arrested those involved at the dock in New Orleans where they had planned to board a ship for Dominica. (Dominicanewsonline)

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

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Banks DIH Chairman KSAC implements Ja$2m economic development programme happy tax issue being -partnership between the Governments of Jamaica and Canada

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Persons between 18 and 29 years old who live or have business interests in Kingston and St. Andrew, can now benefit from a Ja$2 million economic development programme being implemented by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

Dubbed the ‘Enterprise Assistance Programme’, the initiative, which is aimed at facilitating financial growth within the Municipality, includes three components: financial assistance; training and development; and mentoring/technical support.

Speaking at the official launching ceremony, on February 2, at the KSAC, downtown Kingston, Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, said the initiative is critical as it will provide employment opportunities for persons within the municipality as well as boost the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.

“It is a known fact that entrepreneurs at the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise level have a history of innovation and credit worthiness, which makes the development of this sector even more worthwhile,” he said.

Mr. Fagan lauded the KSAC for implementing the initiative

which, he said, will address the creation of business standards; issue grants to start-up and existing businesses; as well as teach people how to be successful entrepreneurs.

In the meantime, he said a total of 12 Local Economic Development projects are at various stages of implementation island wide, providing opportunities for over 500 persons.

The projects cover a range of interests, including recycling, banana cultivation, juice production, irrigation systems and crop storage.

“Local Economic Development is, of course, dependent on and critical to, community development, and it is from this mutually dependent relationship that national economic growth and development will ultimately come,” he said.

The State Minister said the projects result from a partnership between the Governments of Jamaica and Canada and is aimed at transforming the lives of individuals and communities through entrepreneurship.

Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said the programme will create sustainable economic activities that will benefit the residents of the Municipality.

“One of the aims of this programme, is to provide training

and financial assistance towards business development for persons wanting to start a business, those expanding, and those wanting to diversify existing micro and small businesses in the KSAC,” he said.

The Deputy Mayor added that it is keeping with the strategic objective of the KSAC, which aims at keeping the municipality clean, safe and thriving; serving the citizens, and other stakeholders; and attracting and increasing the flow of cash, and cultivating a culture of effectiveness in the Council.

Programme Manager, Jenni Headlam, said at least 22 businesses will benefit directly from the initiative. “The benefit however does not stop there as another 10 or 15 local businesses may be contracted by successful applicants in the supply of goods and services,” she said.

The Enterprise Assistance Programme is intended to nurture and develop Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and is a critical component of the Local Economic Development Programme of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development Further information can be found on the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation’s website at: www.ksac.gov.jm. Persons may also send queries to ksac.led.programme@gmail.com (JIS)

addressed in Guyana

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banks DIH Clifford Reis has expressed satisfaction that government has started to address the issue of the way in which consumption tax is being calculated.

At the company’s 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Thirst Park, on January 24, Reis said that the current system under which consumption tax is calculated was not a fair one. He noted that because of the system, the beverage company has had to pay more taxes than they should pay in his opinion.

However, on Sunday speaking to Berbicians at the company’s AGM in New Amsterdam, the Chairman said that he was pleased that government was beginning to look into the issue.

Meanwhile, Reis told Berbicians that the company has embarked on a new series of ice cream and dairy products which will soon be introduced to the New Amsterdam market at the Demico outlet.

Reis also told shareholders in Berbice that the

Berbice Branch made a total of Gy$2.2 billion during the last financial year.

The newly opened Citizens Bank, at New Amsterdam, the Chairman said, has already Gy$35 million in deposits. He went on to say that the beverage giant has recorded a Gy$270 million decrease in profits for 2014, with profit before tax recorded at Gy$3.473 billion and profit after tax at Gy$2.265 billion, when compared to the Gy$2.538 billion after tax recorded in 2013.

The Chairman emphasised that the company’s 2014 economic performance was negatively affected by crime and a series of flash floods that affected the nation.

The company offered shareholders a payment of Gy$0.64 per share with the overall cost being Gy$640.0 million.

The company while in the Ancient County presented Vrymen’s Erven Secondary and Edinburg Primary schools with Gy$100,000 each. The money is to be used meaningfully to enhance some aspect of the educational development at each school.(Guyana Times)

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Leprosy cases in Blink bmobile is Technology Caribbean declined 37% partner for TIC in TT over a decade – PAHO P

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The number of new leprosy cases in the Americas fell by 36.9 per cent between 2003 and 2013 – from 52,435 to 33,084 – according to the latest data of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Nearly 94 per cent of these cases were reported from Brazil. The proportion of people with leprosy declined 54.2 per cent at the regional level during the same period, from 0.72 to 0.33 cases per 10,000 inhabitants.

Leprosy is present in 24 of 35 countries of the Americas. But all countries except Brazil have eliminated the disease as public health problem at the national level (less than 1 case per 10,000 inhabitants). Eighteen countries have also reached that goal at the subnational level, that is, in all their states, departments or provinces.

Five countries still have states, departments or provinces where the rate exceeds 1 case in 10,000.

“The countries have achieved major reductions in leprosy, but protecting these achievements and advancing even more is a major challenge,” said Marcos Espinal, Director of PAHO/ WHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis.

“We need to make sure leprosy remains on countries’ public health agendas until it is eliminat-

Director of PAHO/WHO’s Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis Marcos Espinal

ed.”

With support from PAHO/WHO, countries have been implementing a leprosy strategy that seeks to expand access to early diagnosis by integrating leprosy services into primary health care. The strategy also includes active case-finding to ensure early detection, and cost-free treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT). MDT is donated by Novartis laboratories, through PAHO/WHO, to countries’ national leprosy control programs.

Leprosy is chronic bacterial infection that affects mainly the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Early detection dramatically reduces the risks of deformities and disability in patients. “To advance even more toward elimination, we also need to eliminate stigma and discrimination, following the principles and guidelines of the United Nations Human Rights

Council,” said Santiago Nicholls, PAHO/WHO’s top expert on leprosy.

Reducing stigma makes it less likely that patients will avoid seeking medical care. Countries have continued to work toward achieving or to consolidating their elimination of leprosy. In 2013 and 2014, Brazil stepped up its efforts by implementing an innovative strategy that integrates active leprosy case-finding into deworming efforts for school children.

World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday in January to raise awareness of the disease and reduce stigma against those who suffer from it.

PAHO, founded in 1902, is the oldest international public health organisation in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO. (Guyana Times)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Trinidad and Tobago’s and arguable the Caribbean’s largest Trade show the TTMA’s Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) will take place from July 8th – 11th, 2015 at the Centre of excellence, Macoya, and TSTT will continue to be a major sponsor.

TIC 2015 was launched on Thursday January 22nd at the Courtyard by the Marriot, under the theme — Building Bridges, Connecting the World- builds on a 16-year legacy the TTMA has steadfastly nurtured. This theme is interestingly aligned to the global telecommunications revolution of the “connectedness of everything” where there are more than 3 billion internet subscriptions around the world today.

Given changes in the global sphere which are set to have local repercussions on our economy, TSTT sees the sponsorship as extremely critical, and the outcome of the Convention as valuable for a continued vibrant economy.

The TIC objective like that of TSTT is predicated upon playing a role in driving diversification and facilitating business transactions of all possible kinds which in the long-run will make Trinidad and Tobago’s economy more resilient and capable of withstanding global fluctuations in the energy sector which sustain our economy.

Ronald Walcott, CEO of TSTT addressed the opening ceremony which included, Mr. Norris Herbert, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, Mr Nicholas Lok Jack, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, Mr Ramesh Ramdeen, Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association.

Mr Courtenay Williams, Member of the Board of the First Citizens Group and Mr Ravi Tewari, Chief Executive Officer of the Guardian Group, the Convention’s newest sponsor.

Walcott informed the audience that “This year, TSTT is celebrating twentyfive years of operations – truly a milestone. As a technology leader, TSTT remains keenly focused on the role ICT must play in providing tools to support stakeholders such as the TTMA and events like TIC. We have set aggressive targets for creating stronger local and international communications networks for Trinidad and Tobago, to benefit the lives of citizens and the operations of businesses and state agencies” TSTT’s investments in telecommu-

Ronald Walcott, CEO of TSTT

nications and related technology over the past 25 years and its newly expanded fibre network has positioned the company to create more robust corporate solutions for businesses that include everything from video conferencing to metro Ethernet, International MPLS, Network Solutions from technology giants like Avaya, Juniper and Cisco, IP-PBX Business systems, Google Apps for Business and cloud computing.

Walcott noted that “In these subtle, but powerful ways TSTT is walking the talk of the theme “Building bridges.

Connecting the world”. We are helping hundreds of thousands of business and residential customers realise their potential, desires and aspirations along with supporting their social agenda.

TSTT is keen on supporting the efforts of TIC to continue to grow and expand the local economy by helping local businesses develop and exploit reciprocal opportunities with foreign companies. Like us, the TIC pursues continuous improvement so we are honoured to therefore be your technology partner for TIC 2015 and we congratulate you on the occasion of the 16th anniversary. We are confident that the collective will and abilities of all stakeholders, working together for the good of the country, will ensure the continued success of this trade and business development initiative.” (TT Newsday)

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Lethem reports increased economic activity with Takutu River Bridge - influx of visitors from neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela to Guyana’s shores

By Erica Williams

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : R u p u n u n i Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Alfred Ramsaran says the border community of Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) has seen tremendous economic growth since the opening of the Takutu River Bridge. He told the Guyana Times that they were unprepared for the influx of visitors from neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela and could not match the accompanying demand for goods and services.

“It was like we suddenly had an overwhelm-

ing influx of persons coming from both Brazil and Venezuela coming to purchase our items,” Ramsaran said. This void has since been filled by other locals as well as Chinese and Brazilian investors. “At present, we have about 15 Chinese stores across Lethem and they sell all sorts of items,” Ramsaran, himself a businessman, added.

According to him, businesses in the small border community are forced to open doors every day. “The Brazilians usually come over on the weekends and they purchase all sorts of stuff.

Electronics, clothes, shoes etc, because all

Takutu Bridge was completed in 2009 joining Brazil and Guyana

these things are cheaper in Guyana as opposed to in Brazil. We normally check to see how they buy and we are then able to determine what they

want,” Ramsaran explained.

He stated that there are times when as many as 1200 vehicles cross the Takutu Bridge per day.

This influx, he said, was not only beneficial to investors and tourism but has implications for the general income of residents in the community.

Consequently, rental costs in prime locations and the cost of land have increased, with a plot of land on the Main Street being sold for as much as Gy$15 to Gy$20 million.

One businessman in the area said he welcomed the construction of the Takutu River Bridge, as he has watched his business grow tremendously over the years. “A lot of people say Lethem is where it’s at and they are right!” the businessman said.. It is intended to increase trade between the two nations and along with a road to Linden make Guyana the gateway to the Caribbean for the rest of South America.(Guyana Times)

Trini in Kazakhstan designs new game app I was awarded an engraved Nokia X7 for qualifying and participating.

He said developing the game took two years, from design to testing.

Saleem said he is currently working on a fantasy novel about a

P

Programmer Saleem Khan, his wife Yelena and their daughter in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (Photo courtesy Saleem Khan)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Martenn, Trixy and Plex save the Buccoo Reef is the name of a new game designed by Saleem Khan, a Trinidadian currently living in the faraway city of Almaty in Kazakhstan.

Released last November and now available on Amazon, the game is about aquatic aliens called Martenn, Trixy and their robot Plex, who flee their aquatic home world after an invasion, and end up in the Milky Way, on planet Earth, crash landing into the Buccoo Reef waters off Tobago.

The aliens make Buccoo Reef their new home. In the game, the trio fights various threats—barrels of radioactive waste, and inter-dimensional monsters—in order to save the sea creatures.

It is an adventure-type fantasy game for casual gamers (teens and adults), which involves shooting bad guys, some education on endangered species, and even some singing.

Saleem Khan talked in an interview with the TT media about himself, and how he came to design the game.

Now 43, Khan is a San Juan boy who went to Queen’s Royal College, studied Natural Sciences at UWI, and later worked in the banking industry. Through Niherst, he studied information technology management, which he said, “opened my mind to new possibilities… .I taught myself Web site programming. Back in those days it was all straight html code language, not like today’s software packages. I discovered I had a knack for building and maintaining computers, and writing programmes was quite enjoyable.”

But inventing computer games was the furthest thing on his mind at that time. From 1999 to 2000, Saleem’s pet project was the idea of a global forum called Real People, Real News, which would enable anyone in any country to raise and discuss issues, discover and share solu-

tions, and exercise free speech on an online forum. Lack of support killed this project—but not Khan’s enthusiasm or determination.

“Life takes you from one strength-building situation to the next,” he said, explaining: “In 2005, the most unexpected thing happened. I met the girl who would become my wife, while doing research online into the actual appeal that Real People, Real News would have in unlikely places like China and former Soviet nations.”

So in 2011, Khan entered a Nokia developers competition for the best game/app. He said: “After a fast three months of work, I published my first mobile game on Nokia’s store.

It was a small memory game that used steelpan notes, played in patterns that the player had to repeat, to progress. The game featured an image of Store Bay that I took on my trip there the year before. The game was called ‘Oh! Oh! Baby!’ and even though I did not win a major prize,

Trinidadian young man who visits family in England and is drawn into a magical world, with fantasy characters inspired by Tolkein and TT folklore. “It will be published on Amazon Kindle when completed,” he said. The game

Martenn, Trixy and Plex save the Buccoo Reef is available on Amazon: http://www.amazon. com/Martenn-TrixyPlex-save-Buccoo/dp/ B00P5FQ2O8 Minimum operating system: Android 2.2 (TT Guardian)

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Experiencing the Thomson Dream at the Jamaican Port

From left: Glen Mutel of Abta Magazine in a jovial mood with Jamaica Tourist Board's cruise liason officer, Sharon Williams, and vice-president of cruise shipping, William Tatham, at a reception on-board the Thomson Dream.

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Six weeks after making its maiden call on the Montego Freeport Cruise Ship Port, the United Kingdom's (UK) Thomson Dream, hosted officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and media on-board its luxury liner, Tuesday night.

Thomson Dream, which is owned by the world's largest tour operator, TUI, the holding company of Thomson and

First Choice, is the first UK cruise ship to homeport in Montego Bay. The ship's captain, Terje Ulset, staff captain, Egil Aune and the cruise line's managing director, Helen Caron, were on hand to welcome Jamaica's deputy directors, Sandra Scott and Jason Hall, new regional director, Janice Allen, and vice-president of cruise shipping at the PAJ, William Tatham, at a special cocktail reception and presentation ceremony.

Complementing this team were Elizabeth Fox, Jamaica Tourist Board's regional director, UK and Europe, and the affable cruise liaison officer, Sharon Williams, as well as Thomson's Fiona Jenning.

Thomson had onboard eight UK journalists who will travel to its next ports of call, Cuba, Costa Rica and Colombia, before it returns to the tourism capital to pick up another group of passengers.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Guyanese promoter escapes rape conviction G EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Popular party promoter Colin Mack, was on Monday freed of a rape charge that was brought against him after he was found not guilty by the mixed jury panel following some four hours of deliberations.Mack was indicted with the rape, assault and forcible abduction of a 19-year-old female in April 2009. The man had pleaded not guilty to the indictment on January 26, when the trial began almost six years after he was first charged.

The case was presented by State Counsels Mercedes Thompson in association with Stacy Gooding and Diana Kaulesar. Mack, who was on bail, was represented by Attorney Peter Hugh.

On Monday, presiding judge, Justice Navindra Singh, summed up all the evidence presented in court to the jury before the panel retired to deliberate on a verdict.

Some three hours later, they emerged to seek further instructions from the judge after which they went back into the

jury room and returned with the verdicts about an hour later.

The panel informed the court that they found Mack unanimously not guilty of the charges.

The judge subsequently informed the man that he was free to go and he walked out of the court room with his relatives.

On Tuesday last, the Virtual Complaint (VC) took the stand and testified that Mack had taken her against her will to his home and raped her. The VC told the court that she knew the accused for several years and two days prior to the incident, he asked her out but she refused. However, they exchanged phone numbers and on April 12, 2009, they went to a show at the National Park.

The alleged victim said that there was another woman in the house who then performed oral sex on her.

She noted that she was trying to find a way out of the house but the doors were locked, noting that she was about to jump through a window when a taxi arrived.

The taxi driver,

Charles Mars, also testified the following day that he picked the young woman up from Mack’s home and took her to the East La Penitence Police Station. The man said that he received a call from the young woman, who sounded as though she was crying. She reportedly told him that she wanted to make a report to the Police.

The prosecution also called several Police witnesses to testify against the accused including Policewoman Dawn Baker who testified that she took the young woman for a medical examination. The officer noted that the doctor handed her a paper bag which contained the pair of white pants the young woman was wearing when she was assaulted.

After the prosecution closed its case on Thursday, the accused was called upon to lead his defence and opted to do so by giving a lengthy unsworn statement. He denied having raped the young woman and told the court that they had consensual sexual intercourse that night.

(Guyana Times)

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45,000 land titles to be Canada offers to help GECOM with upcoming polls issued over next three years in Jamaica

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The Canadian Government has offered to assist the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in any way needed as it approaches the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

The offer was made when Director of the Central America and Caribbean Relations Division of the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Department, Johanne Forest, accompanied by the Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles, recently made a courtesy call on GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, to discuss a number of issues pertaining to the Commission’s current situation as it relates to the approaching General and Regional Elections.

During the discussion, Forest was comprehensively briefed by Dr Surujbally on the Commission’s current state of preparedness for the successful management of the upcoming elections, as well as those particular areas

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GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally meets Canada’s Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Department Central America and Caribbean Relations Division Director, Johanne Forest, along with Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles

of importance currently being addressed by the Commission, as it enters full elections mode.

The Chairman disclosed that GECOM has since begun to put in place a variety of logistical and administrative arrangements for the effective management of the forthcoming elections. The training of Polling Day staff, printing of manuals,

as well as the roll-out of GECOM’s Civic and Voter Education programme, are activities currently in progress.

Also emerging from the discussion were the ways in which the Canadian Government can be of assistance to GECOM as the Commission assiduously endeavours to effectively and efficiently manage the upcoming General

and Regional Elections in a transparent, free and fair manner.

GECOM’s Chairman carefully noted that, as an elections management body, the Commission would continue to work within its power in collaboration with its various partners, to ensure continuous credibility in all electoral activities in Guyana.(Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s Minister with responsibility for Housing Dr Morais Guy (JIS file photo)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Government will be embarking on a programme to distribute 45,000 land titles over the next three years, under its land titling programme.

Minister with responsibility for Housing Dr Morais Guy made the announcement at the handing over of 48 certificates of title at a ceremony in Flanker, St James, last Friday.

The presentation of the titles brought legitimacy and security of tenure to occupants and legatees, some of whom have lived for more than 50 years in Flanker, one of St James's oldest informal settlements.

Dr Guy noted that the 45,000 titles are currently located in various ministries and government

agencies.

He further commented that "if we release 15,000 titles per year, based on the economic activity of people.... we can generate Gross Domestic Product growth of between 0.5 to 1.0 per cent in the economy each year".

Meanwhile, Dr Guy stated that government desires a partnership with land owners, as "we have assets in this country (Jamaica) that we want to unlock and land is one of the greatest ones, and you the citizens of this country... can be part of this growth and development (process)."

Dr Guy further urged the titleholders not to hide their titles under their mattresses, but to become engaged in economic activities.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Less speaking time for backbenchers for new budget format in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: "So, basically, we are saying that the backbenchers will not have an opportunity to speak!"

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Michael Peart, exclaimed when confronted with the new proposals for the annual sectoral debate in the House of Representatives, at a recent meeting of the House's Standing Orders committee.

"Even if the Opposition member or government backbencher has a particular interest in the theme (of the debate) there is no way?" he asked.

Peart, whose maturity as Speaker has certainly grown leaps and bounds over the past parliamentary year, was concerned about the treatment of the backbenchers and Opposition

MPs who are not spokespersons.

"No way. Not at all," Leader of the House, Phillip Paulwell, responded. "Not everyone can speak, and it can only be restricted to the ministers and their Opposition counterparts."

Paulwell's dictate might sound a bit harsh but, at least, he had given the signal when he led the sectoral debate this year, warning that it would not be business as usual as of 2015/16.

The House Leader's strongest supporter was Opposition MP, Everald Warmington.

"If we extend it to everyone, as before, we would be going back to the old system, where we have a situation which is an effort in futility, where everybody is speaking, speaking, speaking. The intent

Speaker of the House of Representatives in Jamaica, Michael Peart

here is to restrict all of that," Warmington said.

Well, the fact is that MPs do "speak, speak, speak", but what else does parliamentarians do when Parliament meets but "speak, speak, speak" he added.

According to the interim report from the standing orders committee tabled last Tuesday, the budget debate will take on a new format

this year. It will be reduced from six to four speakers and the time period reduced, so that it will be concluded by March 31, to ensure that the budget is in place by the first of April.

Both the Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue, as well as the Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP), the Debt Management Strategy and the Tax Expenditure

Report will all be tabled on February 19, when the House resumes for the 2015/16 parliamentary year.

As we reported last week, the Committee on Tax Measures is to be dissolved and its work absorbed into the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) which includes all 63 MPs. The report added that concerns have been expressed that "the sectoral debate had become tedious and lengthy" and should be restructured to focus mainly on national issues and limited to six weeks.

Two days per week --Tuesdays and Wednesdays -- will be allotted to this debate, and it will be restricted to cabinet ministers and Opposition spokespersons. Three or four themes will be decided for the debate, and the

speakers will be grouped according to the theme they address. They will be confined to speaking specifically on those themes. Each minister will have 45 minutes and the Opposition spokesperson will have 30 minutes.

That leaves out the Ministers of State, government backbenchers and Opposition MPs who are not spokespersons.

So, the committee is recommending a new debate be introduced, the State of the Constituency Debate. The aim should have been that this debate gives MPs omitted from the other debates a chance to speak.

However, the committee is suggesting that all 63 MPs, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker be allowed to participate in this debate for 15 minutes each.

(Jamaica Observer)

TT Security Ministry changes hands for fourth time

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: In less than five years the post of National Security Minister in Trinidad has changed hands four times.

Gary Griffith on Monday became the latest person to have his appointment revoked as National Security

Minister.

On September 6, 2013 Griffith, a former captain in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), was appointed National Security Minister by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar during a Cabinet reshuffle.

Griffith had previ-

ously served as PersadBissessar’s national security adviser when she became prime minister in May 2010.

Brigadier John Sandy was the first national security minister to named by Persad-Bissessar during the People’s Partnership administration.

Guyana leads public procurement in the Caribbean – Minister Edghill

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana’s mechanism for public procurement and financial accountability is ranked highly in the Caribbean, according to Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, Edghill was speaking on the National Communications Network’s “Political Scope” Programme on Saturday. The Minister recalled that it was under former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s tenure that the Public Procurement Act, the only such legislation in the Region, was passed, and a National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) set up.

The process of public procurement is open to all, he explained.

“Everything that needs to be done where the government’s money, taxpayers’ money, or investment money needs to be spent is advertised openly … there is no backroom

Guyana’s Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill

wheeling and dealing like what obtained under the PNC [People’s National Congress] Administration in the past where the Permanent Secretary or the head of an agency could call a friend and say, ‘I have a job to give to you’.”

He praised the evaluators and other stakeholders such as Regional Executive Officers, engineers, and technical staffers, for having done a tremendous job. Cabinet has, as a result, had very few objections to contracts tendered.

Claims of discrimination were dismissed by

the Minister who said that “politics must be taken out of procurement”.

He referred to the bidding

by Fedders Lloyd which submitted two prices for the Specialty Hospital. He noted that the company’s legal counsel Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Khemraj Ramjattan took the government to task when his client did not get the winning bid, which was won by Surendra Engineering. Government later moved to suspend the contract, which was, as a result of due diligence and the efforts to put the country first, the Minister said. He opined that government should be commended for the steps taken and the fact that upon taking the company to court, won its multi-million US dollar case for compensation.

Edghill noted that as government continued its efforts to make the process even more transparent, events such as the Procurement Symposium will be held to bring more information to potential contractors.(Guyana Times)

Sandy was stripped of his portfolio during a Cabinet reshuffle.

On June 21, 2012 Jack Warner replaced Sandy as national security minister during a Cabinet reshuffle by Persad-Bissessar.

Exactly ten months later on April 21, 2013, Persad-Bissessar announced that she had accepted Warner’s resignation from the position.

Warner’s resignation came amid calls for him to step down as a government minister following a damning report into his tenure as president of the Confederation of North, Central American and

Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).

That same night Emmanuel George was named Minister of National Security to replace Warner.

George lasted just over four months on the job.

Apart from the national security ministers, the ministers in the national security ministry have also been changed several times during this administration.

Subhas Panday was the first Minister in the Ministry of National Security to be appointed

by Persad-Bissessar in May 2010.

In June 2011 Panday was removed as both Minister in the Ministry of National Security and as Leader of Government Business in the Senate during a realignment of portfolios.

In August 2012 Collin Partap was stripped of his portfolio as Minister in the National Security Ministry following an incident where he was detained by police after leaving the Zen Nightclub in Port of Spain when he refused to take a breathalyser test.

He was found guilty and ordered to pay a TT$5,000 fine.(TT Express)

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Motion filed in Guyana to challenge presidential term limits

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: A West Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident on Monday filed a motion in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the two-term limit imposed on Presidents in Guyana – a move which is bound to create a whirlwind as Guyana heads into elections.

At the moment former President Bharrat Jadeo is the only one to whom the constitutional provisions apply, since all other former Presidents have passed away.

Filed by Cedric Richardson, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown the motion names, Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman as respondents. Nandlall confirmed to Guyana Times being served with the writ, but declined to comment on the issue.

Attorneys Shawn Allicock, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Emily Dodson and Coleen Sparman are appearing for Richardson.

In his writ, Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001 passed by a two-thirds majority of members of the National Assembly that purportedly altered Article 90 of the Constitution “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President Bharrat Jagdeo as the Executive

President of Guyana.

He argues that Act No 17 of 2001 has the consequence (advertent or inadvertent) of restricting and curtailing the democratic rights and freedom of the electorate by purporting to eliminate from the Executive Presidential Candidate a person who has been re-elected as Executive President, for example former President Jagdeo.

Richardson again, contended that Act No 17 of 2001 has the effect of restricting or curtailing the democratic rights and freedom of the electorate providing for the non-eligibility of a person who has been re-elected as Executive President for presidential elections candidate, required for its legal validity the holding of a referendum of the people diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the purported alteration and therefore required the holding of a referendum for such alteration.

G u y a n a ’ s Constitution states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for reelection only once.

The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less that such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

(Guyana Times)

TT PM reshuffles Cabinet P O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday announced to the nation that Anand Ramlogan had resigned as Attorney General and that she had also requested the resignation of National Security Minister Gary Griffith over allegations of witness tampering, involving both men as well as Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Director David West.

In the address she also announced a Cabinet reshuffle which saw several Ministers and Ministers of State being dropped and new persons coming into the Cabinet.

She requested to revoke the appointments of the following as Minister of the People and Social Development; Senator Timothy Hamel Smith, Senator Embau Mohini and Senator Emmanuel George, the Minister of Sport Rupert Griffith, Minister Stacy Roopnarine...

Still smiling: Oropouche West MP Stacy Roopnarine leaves the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's after her reassignment to the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development

Minister Roopnarine has been transferred to the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development.

She also advised His Excellency the President to appoint the following: 1. The Honourable Prakash Ramadhar currently the Minister of Legal Affairs to also serve as the Minister of Justice.

2.

Ms Christine Newallo-Hosein, as Minister of the People and Social Development.

3. Mr Brent Sancho as Minister of Sport.

4. Mr Kwasi Mutema as Minister in the Ministry of National Security.

5. Brigadier General (retired) Carlton Alfred Alfonso as Minister of National Security.

6.

Mr Garvin Nicholas, as Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago.

PM Kamla added “Gone are the days when a government may feel it does not need to give account for its actions or would undermine public confidence bestowed on their officials. Some would have us return to these old ways but that will not stand as long as I am your Prime Minister.

The changes being brought today in ensuring accountability are of greater importance now than ever before. The old standards have changed and given way to new demands and expectations.

The shift in conscience and consciousness is not without its shock waves as the public sees decisions being taken that are unusually bold and strident in upholding the ideals for which they voted so overwhelmingly.

May God continue to guide my deliberations on the nation’s behalf and may God bless us all.” (TT Newsday)

Rainforest to export live J'can lobsters to Asia

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Rainforest Seafoods will begin exporting live Jamaican lobsters to Asian markets

by July. Markets are to include China, Japan and South Korea.

The company, which has been incrementally expanding its product line over the years, is now in the process of constructing a Ja$100million lobster facility at its plant in Montego Bay to accommodate the

Rainforest employees processing lobster tail for export to the US market.

250,000 pounds of lobster it plans to export this year.

What's more, the new venture will see an additional 20 people employed to manage plant operations and should create a large stimulus for the fishing communities on the south coast.

"There are opportunities out there," chief executive officer of Rainforest Seafoods, Brian Jardim told the Jamaican meida in an interview on Thursday. "The word Jamaica, and of course something premium like a lobster from Jamaica, is a big deal. You can't have a wedding or any celebration in China and not serve Caribbean lobster."

China, one of the world's largest importers and consumers of seafood dishes, has substantially increased its demand for live lobsters since about 2009. Prior to that there was minimal interest by the Chinese in live lobster imports. The com-

bined dollar value of all US lobster sold to China totalled just US$74,651 in 2008. However, by 2010 live lobster demand had grown by 400 per cent to US$1.3 million and then to approximately US$3 million in 2011, according to Global Trade Atlas.

Rainforest's plan to push its export earnings to 50 per cent of revenue by 2016 is now a step closer. Live lobsters will be shipped to the company's Montego Bay plant and will be placed in water with a temperature of roughly 60 degrees - down from the usual 80 degrees - to slow down their heart rate, ultimately putting the lobsters to sleep.

Rainforest currently produces the highest quantity of lobster tail to popular American seafood restaurant, Red Lobster. The company is now working with the Fisheries Department and Vet Services as well as trainers from Florida

who will assist with the shipping and handling techniques of the sea creature.

Jardim stated that the seasonality of the product makes it a little difficult to predict the prices that the lobsters will be sold for as well. Price is also dependent on Brazil's lobster production.

Rainforest currently exports a number of its products to several markets in the Caribbean including the Cayman Islands, Martinique and Barbados, and the company continues to do well with its lobster tail export in the United States.

Jardim hopes to benefit from the efficiencies provided with the close proximity of its Montego Bay plant to the Sangster International Airport and plans on tapping into other seafood opportunities such as crabs and sea cucumbers, which he said are also big in the Asian markets. (Jamaica Observer)

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Guyana poised for further growth – BoG Governor G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Despite financial tribulations on the Global market, Guyana is poised to significantly improve its economic growth, stability and development in the coming years. This is according to Governor General of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga. Dr Ganga was at the time speaking at the launch of the Bank’s logo and celebratory ceremony to commemorate its Golden Jubilee or 50th anniversary on Wednesday.

According to the newly appointed Governor General, since it came into existence on October

16, 1965, the bank has been playing a major role in advancing the growth of the economy and will play an even greater role in the coming days.

“Fifty years is a major milestone for any institution but more so, the Bank of Guyana given its historical significance and the important role it plays in guiding monetary policies, regulating and supervising the financial sector and maintaining monetary and economic stability.

Since then, the Bank of Guyana has quietly discharged its duties, laying the foundation for financial development, price stability and economic

The newly launched Bank of Guyana logo

growth”, he said.

He noted that this

growth and development is due to the fact that the

bank has advanced significantly in its functions and has moved from a position of being highly regulated to becoming one with a high level of independence.

He also disclosed that that the bank has recently concluded preparations on a strategic plan which is aimed at shuttling the economy’s growth in about three years’ time.

According to him, the bank will be recommitting itself to preserving the integrity of the preeminent institution and will be working closer with other stakeholders especially in the licensed financial institutions, the

Finance Ministry and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) so that the aim is not only achieved but its regulatory and supervisory framework of ensuring its financial safety and stability will be progressively and efficiently fostered.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who gave brief remarks told the audience that the importance of the Bank of Guyana can never be underestimated since it would have played a role in the country’s independence and has since persevered in serving the needs of the country’s financial sector. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica Education Ministry seeks climate change material

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Ministry of Education is now sourcing material on climate change and environmental awareness, which it is seeking to include in the virtual education programme set to come on stream later this year.

Addressing the Jamaican media, education minister Ronald Thwaites said the decision to include the new content as part of the virtual education curriculum was due to the deficit in public awareness

Jamaica’s Education Minister Ronald Thwaites

on the issues of climate change and protection.

"There is a scarcity of material and/or content

in the area of environment and climate change in the curriculum. The ministry is therefore welcoming material especially from local authors.

The proposed date for the roll out of the virtual education programme is in September and writers and teachers' are being encouraged to produce materials on environmental issues that can be incorporated in the curriculum, and we're in the market to buy such material where necessary," Thwaites said Thwaites added that

part of the roll out is to provide age- appropriate material that will be largely incorporated in existing subject areas, but exploring areas of environment and climate change.

Moreover, the minister noted that earlier this month, he had written to his colleague Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Robert Pickersgill to develop a collaboration between both ministries for content for the virtual education curriculum.

According to Thwaites, part of the letter stated, "... the Ministry of Education wishes to converse with your ministry regarding material and strategy to be included in the school's curriculum to do with environment and climate change."

He added that the ministry has set a tentative deadline for September 2015 and appreciates any interest from Pickersgill's ministry, as he considers this work to be very crucial.

(Jamaica Observer)

CAL director feared dead P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The joint team of police officers probing the disappearance of Caribbean Airlines director Azad Niamat, 69, now believe he may have been killed and his body dumped in the San Raphael area.

Police sources said on Sunday due to the fact they have no proof of life and no one has demanded a ransom they have concluded Niamat may have been killed in a planned robbery.

Niamat, who was in possession of a large sum of cash, left his home at 70 Chaguanas Main Road, Chaguanas last Thursday at about 10.45 am telling relatives he was going into Port-of-Spain to purchase items for his woodwork shop.

The father of two reportedly sent a distress call to his daughter who lives in Miami prompting her to alert relatives. Officers of

Caribbean Airlines director Azad Niamat

the Chaguanas Police Station were called in and a party of officers led by Snr Supt Johnny Abraham along with Inspector Terrence Williams, Sgt Jitindra Toolaram carried out enquiries and Niamat’s vehicle was discovered in San Raphael early Friday.

On Sunday officers of the National Operation Centre using Viper One unsuccessfully combed several areas in San Rapheal in search of Niamat.

TT media understands Niamat’s son, a

doctor who resides in England, is expected in the country shortly.

Niamat separated from his wife 12 years ago and resided at his mother’s home.

Police sources told the TT media relatives now remain convinced that he may have been murdered but they want closure as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA) has expressed concern over Niamat’s disappearance.

TTALPA’s spokesperson and industrial relations consultant, Gerard Pinard, on Sunday said the association’s “entire membership is concerned over the disappearance of former pilot and current CAL director Azad Niamat.” “(We) remain hopeful that he will be found unharmed. In the meantime, our prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Calls to the mobile phone of CAL chairman, Philip Marshall, went unanswered on Sunday but TT media was able to contact the airline’s chief execu-

tive officer, Michael DiLollo.

“At this stage, I can’t make any comments to the story.

However I encourage you to stay in touch

with our communications people and they will be issuing statements when it’s an appropriate time to do so,” DiLollo stated.

(TT Newsday)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Willi Williams had never been outside of Jamaica until 1974 when wanderlust drew him to Toronto, Canada.

The singer, best known for the 1977 hit song 'Armagideon Time', liked it so much he stayed.

Though it has been 40 years since his first time there, Williams vividly recalls his initial impression of Canada.

"Obviously, it was different from Jamaica in many ways: a sleepy country, had a small Jamaican community," he said. "Back then, when yuh si a Jamaican yuh glad 'cause there was a lotta discrimination."

The St Ann-born Williams had been recording since 1968, cutting his first song at Studio One. He also did a number of self-produced songs at Randy's, Harry J and Dynamic Sounds.

In mid-1970s Canada, he found a growing reg-

Willi Williams

gae colony headed by trumpeter Jo Jo Bennett, Studio One stalwarts Jackie Mittoo and Leroy Sibbles, singer Leroy Brown and Trinidadian guitarist Lynn Taitt, the most prolific musician in the rocksteady era.

"Wi played mainly in clubs, small night clubs in Toronto. But if yuh had links like a good agent yuh would get shows in Winnipeg and Vancouver," said Williams.

While he record-

ed what some consider some of his best work in Canada (including the 1980 album, Messenger Man), Williams travelled regularly to Jamaica for sessions at Studio One and with visionary producer Yabby You. One of those Studio One sessions resulted in 'Armagideon Time', his signature song.

Arranged by Mittoo, the song was an instant hit and has been sampled by big-name acts such as The Clash, The Fugees and Sublime.

Williams still splits his time between Kingston and Toronto, where his family lives.

He believes the appreciation reggae enjoys in Canada today is credit to trailblazers like Bennett and Brown.

"If we didn't put in the work back then to launch the thing, I don't think the people would be that exposed as now. It's not overwhelming but the music is well-supported."

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyanese-born Richard Bailey (lastfm.com photo)

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O R T- O F - S PA I N , TRINIDAD: Jazz enthusiasts are not completely bereft this year for Carnival as musician Chantal Esdelle and her band, Moyenne are expected to host Pan Jazz Nights on February 6, 8 and 10.

The event takes place at the home of her independent production company, Ethnic Jazz Club (EJC) at 51 Cornelio Street in Woodbrook and will feature pannist Earl Rodney and drummer Richard Bailey as special guests.

A media release on the event stated, will also highlight performances of commissioned works by well-known calypso jazz exponent, Clive “Zanda” Alexander. Esdelle intends on placing the spotlight on the steelpan, while celebrating the music elders who devoted energy, time and talent to the development of the hybrid kaiso and pan jazz.

Patrons are invited to come and experience three nights of scintillating pan jazz music, with two shows being staged each night.

Reservations are strongly advised as space is limited.

Richard Bailey appears on February 6 at 7 pm and 8.30 pm, with Earl Rodney on February 8 at 6pm and 7.30 pm where an interpretation of Zanda’s works would be presented on February 10 at 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

EJC, the release stated also celebrates 15 years in operation this year. Through the company, Esdelle - a Berklee College graduate has successfully produced recordings, radio and jazz education programmes and jazz concert series.

Pannist, bassist, composer and arranger Earl Rodney was a central figure back in the developmental stages of the hybrid music of pan jazz. In 1972 the Point Fortin-born muscician composed and produced the first ever solo album by a Trinidadian pannist – Friends and Countrymen. Prior to that he had been arranging and playing bass for several famed calypsonians such as Sparrow, Kitchener, Short Shirt (Antigua), Arrow

(Montserrat), Explainer, Lord Melody and Black Stalin. In past years Rodney also worked closely with Solo Harmonites steel orchestra, taking them to Panorama victory on a few occasions.

Guyanese-born Richard Bailey began his drumming career in Trinidad when he was nine years old.

By the age of 16, he was recording and touring the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) with Johnny Nash and reggae icon, Bob Marley.

Playing from rock to reggae, jazz, pop and Latin, Bailey has been an indemand drummer for the better part of 40 years.

While he has performed internationally with fusion band Incognito, many still remember him as part of the Phase II Pan Groove “old guard”, drumming with them to their first two Panorama wins in 1987 and ’88. Although he moved to the UK many years ago, he never stopped paying regular visits to Trinidad and Tobago.

Clive Zanda has a passion for music and is committed to passing on knowledge to the youth. As a largely selftaught pianist, composer and improviser, Zanda, as he is called, is highly respected for his pioneering role in fusing calypso and jazz elements back in the late 60s, to create what he terms extempo/kaiso jazz.

He has performed at most of the major Caribbean jazz festivals as well as in noted night clubs and concert halls in the UK and US. Musicians such as Raf Robertson, Luther François (St Lucia) and more recently Vaughnette Bigford have helped to keep his compositions alive through interpretations of his works such as 'Chip Down' and 'Fancy Sailor'.

For Pan Jazz Nights Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne will be doing the same, as well as showcasing newer pieces by the pianist. Along with Esdelle, Moyenne comprises Douglas Redon, Glenford Sobers, Darren Sheppard, Donald Noel, Natasha Joseph and Joshema McIntosh. (TT Newsday)

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Farley Flex, in the decades he’s been in the entertainment industry, has taken on and overcome many challenges.

He may currently be in the midst of his biggest challenge yet.

Flex was born Farley Fridal to Trinidadian parents in England. They moved back to Trinidad shortly after, and then moved to Canada when he was six. His uncle was Austin Fridal, the engineer known for his work on the first airport at Piarco and other historic buildings in TT. Flex may be best known for being a judge on Canadian Idol, which—like its American counterpart—was hugely successful from its inception in 2003 until its final show in 2008.

But it was behind the scenes in entertainment that Flex really made his mark. “One could recall every single milestone made by the urban music industry in Canada, and Flex was probably a part of it,” wrote one journalist.

Flex was also part of the team behind the launch of Canada’s first black-owned and -operated radio station in 2000. It took 12 years to get the license for FLOW 93.5 FM. “The CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), the governing body for communications, has historically licensed on language not culture.

Unfortunately, because the lion’s share of people of African descent speak English, we fell into a larger group of [Englishspeakers],” Flex explained.

He and his partners thought differently.

“The governing body should license by culture, because our culture is distinctly different than other English-speaking communities,” he said.

It took three attempts, led by Flex, to convince the CRTC. Now Flex is promoting a new venture, a television network called FEVA TV (First Entertainment Voice of Africa Television). Like FLOW 93.5, FEVA is a

Canadian mogul Farley Flex has TT heritage and is seeking Caribbean content for his new TV station.

first for Canada. FEVA shows black television programming and films from Africa, the US, the UK, Canada and the Caribbean.

Now it’s on cable reaching audiences in select regions of Canada.

The team plans to extend their reach to other parts of Canada, the U.S., the UK, Africa and the Caribbean. This is why Flex was in TT recently. He’s in talks with cable provider Columbus Communications and

is pushing to have FEVA TV available to Caribbean audiences by April. He’s hoping to get some TT content.

Right now TT representation on FEVA is in the form of music videos from Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and other soca stars. But FEVA TV is looking for more television shows and films from the Caribbean.

They’re currently showing the Jamaican comedy-drama series Me and Mi Kru. But much of their content is from Africa, particularly the prodigiously productive Nigeria.

FEVA TV presents a rare opportunity for Caribbean television and film producers.

Africans and the African diaspora are an audience with still untapped potential. There are one billion Africans and counting, 45 million African Americans, almost 4.5 million people of African descent in the English-speaking Caribbean, almost two million in the UK and almost one million in Canada. FEVA TV sees this potential.

For Flex, connecting black programme producers and filmmakers with black audiences around the world would have an impact that goes beyond making money.

“It’s showing us each other and talking about each other and with each other,” he said. “I think this is a critical part of the evolution of black people on this planet.

It would eventually “enhance the opportunity for commerce and for trade,” he said.

Nollywood films have become as popular as they are in the Caribbean and other areas with people of African descent because they see the similarities and identify with the actors.

Likewise, he believes Africans would appreciate Caribbean shows and may even be interested in filming here.

Said Flex: “I can drop my Nigerian and my Ghanaian friends in the Croisee and they will feel like they’re home.”

More info and to pitch ideas: E-mail Farley Flex at flex@fevatv.com (TT Guardian)

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Hubert Moshett was one of the pioneers of Guyanese art in the 1930s. In the recently published “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana”, Moshett is said to have “enjoyed a long and productive career, painting numerous depictions of the ordinary life of Guyana people, including sugar estates, sawmilling, balata bleeding, market scenes, cabinetmaking...”

The artist was born Sept 28, 1901. When

member and later secretary. In 1966 he was elected secretary of the Guyana Art Association.

When the Malcara Gallery opened in 1969, the first of its kind in Georgetown where artists’ work were framed, glazed and exhibited, Moshett served on the committee that selected and hung artists’ work.

There were sketching classes not only attended but organised by Moshett for the artists’ community, in the days long before formal art training was available

"Shrimping" 1972

the first generation of Guyanese artists formed the British Guiana Arts and Crafts Society in 1931, Moshett was elected committee member, along with his close friend E. R. Burrowes. In the Guianese Art Group, founded in 1944, he was elected first committee

in Georgetown. Moshett himself never received any formal training.

From 1941 to 1962, he worked with the British Guiana Lithographic Company as co-director of the Art department with his friend Reginald Phang, with whom he collaborated in two ma-

jor art series.

The British Guiana Lithographic, the predecessor of the Guyana National Printers Limited, was in Moshett’s words the “first colourprinting and photo-lithographic business in British Guiana and the entire West Indies”.

The Lithographic produced the majority of the monthly and annual magazines, such as the ‘Caribia’ and the Booker Group’s ‘Pepperpot’, which, apart from newspapers, were the only mass-circulation media in the days before the expansion of radio or the arrival of television. The look and style of the magazines were of vital importance, and Moshett was a key figure responsible for the high and sustained quality of work through those years.

At the end of Moshett’s working career, he had compiled a list of more than 160 paintings, most of which are no longer in Guyana.

The National Collection has relatively few of his works. Banks DIH has a series of 24 paintings of “Guyanese Industry” and the National Library has 11 prints of “The Legend of Kaieteur”. Both were executed by Moshett and his friend Reginald Phang.

"Port Georgetown from Vreed-en-hoop"

“Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana” stated that Moshett’s ‘Waterfront’ (1977) “artistically and seriously records an ordinary piece of Guyana life.

Through this exercise, Moshett ennobles this simple facet of Guyana and creates a great piece of art. The point of view from the water looking inland is unusual. So too is the composition, which includes a large body of water and a diagonal leading in from the right hand side. The distribution of light and dark, the serrated roofline, the mingling of colours in the water, the strong drawing on the right

hand side, contrasted to the more impressionistic left hand side, all create rhythms and tensions in the painting and help to make it an excellent work of art”.

In Moshett’s “Shrimping” (1972), the publication pointed out that “the life of poverty is starkly presented in this painting of two women searching for shrimp in a canal to make a meal for their families. The land is painted as dark greenish masses, and the women are painted in the same dark tonality.

Only the canal is a bright area across the canvas, reflecting the blue sky.

The women, backs to

TT Panorama pots K

P

Trinidadian pelau (trinigourmet.com photo)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The Carnival season is well under way and it’s time for the big Panorama showdown at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

North Stand! Grand Stand! The Greens!

Wherever you are based, it is one of the most anticipated events on the Carnival calendar.

There is always a big buzz as mass-

es of Trinbagonians get organised for the Panorama lime.

Who’s bringing what?

What drinks are in the cooler and, most importantly, what’s on the menu?

There are certain favourites you are bound to see every year on a Panorama plate, such as a good pelau.

Visit trinicooks.com for recipes—we get you cooking! (TT Express)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Singer Gavinchi Brown debuted at number two on the Billboard Reggae Album chart last week with the EP, The Gavinchi Code.

The six-song project has production work from hip-hop producer Nyceboy (best known for his work with Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Dru Hill and Lana Del Ray), Phillip McFarlane, DJ Young Trip, Germany's Armageddon Crew and Hawaiian producer Bubz.

Though he is largely unknown in Jamaica, Gavinchi (real name Gavin Brown) has quietly made a reputation on the United States West Coast.

The Jamaican media caught up with Gavinchi in Hawaii last Thursday while he was in the middle of a 27-date tour. He took his first Billboard entry in stride.

"I'm not surprised, because I did what I was supposed to do. These things are great, but being happy and making music is more 'it' for me.

Cracking the Gavinchi Code

I have many people who love and support me and they came through for me. I just did what I was supposed to do," he said.

Ini Kamoze, Andre Palmer, Noel Willis Jr and Dubtonic Kru are guests on The Gavinchi Code. Musicians who worked on it include saxophonist Conrad Pinnock, singer Stevie G, drummer Grub Cooper and Richard Small.

Now in his early 30s, Gavinchi made his recording debut in 1995.

The former Kingston College and University of Technology student grew up in Rollington Town and Harbour View. He is the son of veteran radio broadcaster Owen 'OB' Brown and singer Shirley McLean.

In 2005, he started his own label Phenix Records and has released numerous mix tapes as well as an album, 2010's Release Di Truth.

Prior to his EP, he did songs such as ‘War’ (featuring Luciano

each other, are intent on their work, which is a means of their survival. Moshett manages to capture these women in a moment of their life – they appear to be totally oblivious of the artist. While this painting makes a strong social statement, it was not painted as part of a social movement. However, it was painted fairly late in Moshett’s career, since he was among the early Guyanese artists of the 1930s”.

Moshett died in 2003 at the age of 101.

(Additional information on the artist and photos provided by Castellani House)

and rapper Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs and Harmony), ‘Can I, Love We a Bring’ (with Yellowman) and ‘Cry for Me’.

The Gavinchi Code includes the songs ‘One for Me’, ‘4ever My Lady’, ‘Mr Brown’, ‘Don't Try Me’, ‘Respek and Swing Easy’.

"These songs are from a project I've been meaning to put out for a while.

I was actually speaking with a dude at a Grammy party in November last year and he really wanted to hear some new stuff from me," Gavinchi recalled. "He was super zealous actually, which was cool. I was already going to be touring so I just coincided a release to make something new for the tour. And it worked out well. The day after I decided to do it, I linked my 'bredrin' Bassie to get the artwork and within minutes that was done too. So it was real easy."

Gavinchi says his biggest markets are the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and Canada. His tour ends February 18. (Jamaica Observer)

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The melodic mermaid of TT Tamu Aguillera is a lead vocalist with Mayaro the Band and possibly one of the finest voices on the island.

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Life’s challenges will either break you or strengthen your resolve, leading you to accomplish what you never expected to or even thought possible for anyone, let alone yourself. Tamu Aguillera is one who can testify to having been through fire and come out that much more resilient and with the will to survive and succeed. She is a lead vocalist with the band known as, Mayaro the Band (MtB) and possesses one of the most captivating voices on the island.

Aguillera is originally from Wallerfield, Arima and she started singing publicly while attending the Cumuto Government Primary School, encouraged by a teacher at the school. When she transferred to the Grosvenor Primary School in Sangre Grande, Aguillera continued performing there and through secondary school until she suddenly stopped for a while, for no clear reason.

“My music teacher at Cumuto Government recognised that I had a good voice and she started to enter me in different competitions on my own and with the school choir.

She is now the principal of the school. I competed in the school calypso competitions, placing first, second or third most times. When we moved to Sangre Grande and I had to transfer schools, I continued to perform, but I stopped singing for a long while,” Aguillera said.

In the year 2000 Aguillera started singing again and competed in a talent show titled, “Promenade Summer”.

She had also auditioned for the Scouting for Talent competition performing, “Hero” by Mariah Carey, blowing the judging panel away. When the producers found out her age they told her she was too young to compete. This was very disappointing for the young Aguillera who took the seeming rejection to heart for a long time.

Aguillera fits in well with MtB as the band not only performs soca and chutney-soca, but is also quite proficient with R&B, pop, reggae, jazz, parang and other genres. The versatile singer found herself at home with the fledgling band founded by guitarist, Joel Ali who put MtB together shortly after returning home to Trinidad

with his family after having lived in Canada for many years.

The mother of two is very health conscious and owns her own natural health and healing business, which she runs alongside her mother.

This interest in health consciousness and health from a natural perspective came about as a result of a scare Aguillera had some years ago when she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. A brush with death led her to make some dramatic life changes and to also develop a concern for the health and well-being of others.

“I am a herbal consultant and have a naturalised herbs business with my mother. I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when I was 18 years old and when I was 21 years old, I ended up in hospital because I fell into a coma.”

“I realised that it was all the chemical medications in my system and that was when I decided to try herbal treatment.

That made a great difference and I was eventually back to being myself.

Aguillera is a devoted mother and credits her parents with helping her work towards the goals she has set for herself as an artiste, entrepreneur and also to one day be a plant process manager. She intends to begin pursuing studies in that field come September this year. As for her music and MtB, Aguillera is interested in one day performing in Broadway type musicals and she also wants to be play her part in seeing MtB become the premier band out of the Caribbean. (TT Express)

Guyana: History of Parade Ground Parade Ground circa 1850

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Parade Ground on Middle Street in Georgetown was in the past kept up entirely for use by the Militia. In 1823, it was the scene of a shocking series of executions relating to the East Coast insurrection.

For several days, at the latter end of August, processions with condemned prisoners to be hanged at Parade Ground passed every afternoon from the Court House.

There was no Promenade Gardens then, and Middle Street was only a walk across the middle of the ground, hence its name.

After the Militia laws were suspended, the ground was neglected.

It was described in “The story of Georgetown” by James Rodway as a “wilderness”.

In February 1843 it was reported that a Mr Hackett had proposed to the Town Council a plan for converting the Parade

Ground into ornamental public walks.

The “Gazette” did not particularly admire his plan and reported it was too much of a “supper-tray pattern”. There were to be two temples north and south, reminding them of two giant tea canisters, a barbarism which could not have been expected from Mr Hackett. They were to be named Victoria and Albert. (Information from “The story of Georgetown”

by James Rodway)

A section of the ground today which includes a basketball court

Jamaican Jazz closes on a high note

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The 2015 staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival came to an exciting climax in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

The final of the threenight festival could have been dubbed the Charlie Wilson show, as the electrifying performance of the lanky American 'soulster' was on everyone's lips. However, truth be told, all the five acts on the night's bill performed amazing sets, but Wilson was the clear standout.

Following the previous night's performance

by American superstar Mariah Carey, which did not live up to expec-

tations the night before, the jazz audience was looking for that memorable performance for the festival and found it in Wilson, the former lead singer for the 70s R&B aggregation, The Gap Band. His set, which lasted for well over an hour, saw patrons singing and dancing to his past and current hits.

From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it seemed as if Wilson was in beast mode and willing to make amends for the failings of his fellow American the night before. Those who doubted the ability of The Pointer Sisters to close the night, and indeed the festival, in fine style were left eating their words at 3:00 am on Sunday.

The trio -- which comprises original singer Ruth Pointer and her daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako -had patrons singing and dancing to the hits that the sisters made popular during the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

They too possibly got word that the festival was in need of a showstopping moment and, therefore, came out with guns blazing from the opening note.

They held their audience, engaging in lively banter and eliciting that signature warm Jamaican response from the thousands in attendance... exactly what the audience deserved.

Following Charlie Wilson, and prior to

The Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters, the audience was treated to the mastery of former Chicago lead singer Peter Cetera.

He too, although not as high energy as the acts between which he was sandwiched, had the patrons loving every min-

ute of his performance.

His smooth vocals have not faded with the years, and he gave many that 'I know that song' moment.

For those who came into the stadium early, they were treated to the music of Canadian group Magic!.The band from

the Land of the Maple Leaf were making their local debut and did their best to make a good impression. Bolstered by their global hit 'Rude', they were able to weave their way into hearts of their Jamaican fans.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Women shaking up the TT pan industry

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: In the last three decades of the pan movement, women have risen out of the shadows of vociferous criticisms about their presence in the pan yard to shake up the industry. From leading steelbands, arranging music and dominating play at Panorama, women in pan are dismantling barriers once firmly held in place.

During “Pan on the Avenue 3” last year, Michelle Huggins-Watts was the lone female arranger to be honoured by the Woodbrook/St James Community Association in a group of 16. She also became the first female arranger to win a National Panorama Competition (Medium Category) in 2011 with an arrangement of Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s “Do Something for Pan”, played by Valley Harps.

The significance of what she has achieved is not lost on her. “I teach senior citizens who come into the panyard every Saturday eager to play, many of them women, who never had the oppor-

tunity because in their time a woman in the panyard was unheard of,” Watts tells the TT media.

Her own journey started at age 11 when she joined the St Francois Girls College steelband and fell in love with the instrument.

She climbed in the industry largely due to a strong passion for music and a dedication to the artform – a dedication which led her to lead Phase II Pan Groove in 1998. When she was appointed Captain of Phase II, no other woman in the industry was leading a major band.

But Huggins-Watts did more than lead the band. She arranged music, taught music, served as an adjudicator and commentator. But more importantly, she has worked extensively as a composer within the last decade. Some of her more notable compositions include “Music in We Blood” (2003); “Celebration Time” (2008); “Battle Zone” (2010); and “More Love” (2013).

In 2010, she led Sforzata to victory at Pan in the 21st Century.

Remy, a native of Wisconsin in the United States, entered her first panyard in 1989 while visiting TT as a doctoral student. She was one of five women out of 120 members in the Invaders Panyard, Woodbrook, that year.

“We were a minority in the panyard when I first arrived, but in the 1990s the numbers increased by around ten percent and now there are more female pan players than men,” she says with a smile.

Since moving to TT and taking up a teaching position at UWI, Remy has worked as an adjudicator, educator and commentator. She also teaches a class on how to arrange music and women, more than men, usually show keen interest in lessons.

Women like the instrument, she says, but, she observes, responsibilities often affect their relationship with pan as they grow and move on to balancing families and a career. She also stressed that girls in her classes are more disciplined than the boys,

adding that women now outnumber men in the panyard.

“I see more women my age in the panyard now, and that’s probably because the guys are liming on the corner and using the time to smoke, among other things,” another pannist, Keisha Codrington opines, lamenting that a lot of young men are involved in nefarious activities.

The responsibility she holds as a young woman rising in the pan industry and its impact on younger girls now coming into the field is something her father would emphasise, she says. But she is beginning to understand why he often talks about her role in helping to shape a new industry where female pannists are dominant.

Though she views Panaroma as an important event in the industry, Codrington believes the pan needs to go further than the festival.

“Panaroma should be streaming internationally and apart from this event, we need other competitions for steelpan players. (TT Newsday)

More than a visit for sun, sea and sand in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: German national Axel Meier has been 'adopted' by residents of Long Bay as one of their own as the visitor to the island has been working to improve the lives of community members through offering scholarships to early childhood and primary school students.

Meier was inspired to start the programme after his first visit to Jamaica in 1994 where he stayed in the home of a Jamaican family. " One day the family's little child wanted to go to school and they asked me if I could take her to school and I did. The first school I saw on the inside was Seaview Basic School and I saw some things that made me want to help some children. I started to help the children and now there are eight schools in our programme from Manchioneal to Commodore," he told the Jamaican media.

He explained that he finds persons in Germany to sponsor children in the programme which has been dubbed 'Godfather'.

Meier said he currently has 60 sponsors, some of whom are re-

Axel Meier shares a light moment with residents.

sponsible for as many as five children, who they donate approximately 30 euros (Ja$3,400) per month to each. That money, he said, goes towards purchasing school supplies for the children.

In addition, Meier has funded the construction of a computer centre at the school which was built with the help of the parents.

Principal at Seaview Basic School Claudia Smith is grateful for the assistance.

The parents, she said, are also kept abreast about the programme during the regular Parent Teachers' Association meetings.

She noted that the demand for assistance from parents is even greater than the current programme can address.

"Some parents will come and want their children to be on the programme but we have

a limit and so it is only for the needy ones, as we can't put on everybody" she disclosed.

Parent, Trudy Ann White, was elated as her child was the 100th to be on the 'Godfather' programme.

"I feel happy that my child is the 100th and I am very thankful," she said, adding, "The principal told me and I was grateful for that as it pays school fees and help with lunch money."

Dr John Blackwood, a returned resident and retired professor of psychology at California University, said he is impressed with Meier's contribution.

He pointed to the benefits of Meier's contribution to a community which has been impacted by the loss of the banana industry and high unemployment.

Acting principal at Windsor Forrest Primary

School Paulette Donegan said Meier's programme is very helpful to the schools.

"The parents are grateful and they speak about it...The nutritional benefit helps the students to perform better in class and we have seen the progress and success.

Students get their textbooks, hot breakfast and lunch and a snack that is nutritious," she explained.

"The entire school and community are thankful to Axel for this programme as it has brought great changes in this school. Our literacy and numeracy rate is up in this school and we are very thankful" she said beaming.

Jean Watson, a retired teacher, was equally elated.

"He is doing an excellent job. I met him when I was at Windsor Forrest Primary when Mrs Verona Valentine was the principal and we had a meeting and he asked for five needy students and that is where we started after consultation with other teachers," she recalled.

She noted that the number of students benefiting has gradually increased over the years.

(Jamaica Observer)

Exam stress

By Narine Dat Sookram

S

tress is a normal part of life. I don’t’ know of anyone who doesn’t have some sort of a stress or have experienced stress in the past.

The reality is as human beings we will respond to the changes in the world around us, because it changes how our body works and puts our mind into different moods.

For example, when are getting stressed about an exam, in a sense it means that we really care about the end result. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it might push us to work so that we can get the result we want.

However on the other hand it can be a bad thing if we get over worried to a point where it affects us from doing our very best.

Study shows that there are different signs people show when they are stressed. For example, when someone is feeling tired, they may ache all over, cry and feel sad, have panic attacks, have broken sleep, suffer from stomach upsets, etc are all signs of stress.

The key is to develop a positive mindset about it. We as humans, have the tendency to be negative about things at times. So by developing a positive attitude will help us do our very best.

I remember when I was at university I used to imagine myself getting an ‘A’ and I try my best to focus on that though, because I strongly believe that when we maintain a positive attitude, our stress can turn into a positive energy, which can then enhance our performance.

I even remember saying to myself that it’s just an exam and that I am not going to die, because in reality an exam is just an opportunity for us to show what we know. When we really think about it, the whole idea of an exam is to help us and provide our teachers/professors with feedback so they can help us along where we are not so strong.

The thing I knew for sure is that I will be the same person before and after all the exams.

People will be amazed to know the kinds of things some people do to calm themselves in an exam. For example, some people including myself will chant all the mantras they can think of constantly and I found that it worked.

I find that keeping the mind busy as much as possible to be very helpful. Sometimes it’s even helpful to carrying an object that we believe to be a ‘spiritual’ type of object. It could be a religious object or something we really believe in that when we touch it; it will bring some sort of a comfort.

The key is to relax and concentrate, because an exam can’t harm us. Staying positive is key so we can’t let those negative thoughts hold us back from doing well. We must try our very best to replace all negative thoughts we get from our exams knowing that it will soon be over.

For question, comments or feedback, email to mcnarine@rogers.com.

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Bombay Velvet: First Arjun Rampal summoned for 'unauthorised' meeting with gangster look of Anushka Sharma from Anurag M Kashyap’s film umbai police have summoned Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal in connection with his alleged 'unauthorised' meeting with jailed gangsterturned-politician Arun Gawli at a government-run hospital. The letter asking the actor to appear for questioning was delivered at his residence last week but he is yet to respond, police sources said.

"We recently learnt about the meeting and are inquiring into the matter. We sent a letter to the actor last week directing him to appear before us at the earliest so that we can question him to ascertain the reason for the meeting. The letter was hand-delivered at the actor's Bandra residence and his wife received it," Senior

Inspector at J J Marg police station Anil Madvi said.

The 42-year-old actor, who is playing the role of Gawli in an under-production film Daddy, report-

edly met the gangster convicted in a murder case at J J Hospital on December 28 last year. "We would wait for some more days and, in case there is reply from him, we will send him a reminder," said another officer, adding nobody is allowed to meet a convicted prisoner without permission from the concerned authorities.

Sources said the actor had met Gawli for a closer understanding of his personality and mannerisms for essaying the role tailored after the former underworld don, who had been brought to the hospital for a routine medical check up. Gawli is currently serving life term for the 2007 murder of a corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar.

(TOI)

Dilip Kumar once refused Why did Farhan Akhtar's mom ask him to leave the house to work with Nargis

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ilip Kumar was one of the finest actors of his time. And it seems like he was very choosy about his onscreen appearances. According to report on indiatoday.in, Dilip Kumar had refused to work with Nargis in Mother India. While the film became one of the most memorable ones in the history of Indian cinema, the actor had his own reasons to not be a part of the film.(TOI)

oya also revealed that Farhan was so good at lying and acting that she thought he will become an actor.

And we are glad he did not just try his luck in Bollywood, but has also carved his own niche in several aspects of cinema. Also, Farhan Akhtar wrote 'Dil Chahta Hai' only when his mother warned him to throw him out of the house if he did not figure out his career.

It is evident now why Akhtar named his production company Excel Entertainment with Ritesh Sidhwani. (TOI)

2015 a make or break year for me: Varun Dhawa

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ith his upcoming revenge drama Badlapur, Varun Dhawan is all set to shed his lover boy image in Bollywood and making a mark in the industry as an intense actor. The 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania' star hopes 2015 will establish himself as bankable star.

"It will be a make or break year for me. I know we are underdogs but if Badlapur works then it will be entering to a Rs 100 crore club.

I just want the audience to like the film," Varun told.

Badlapur, a dark multi-starrer film, is directed by Sriram Raghavan and stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, Divya Dutta and Radhika Apte besides Varun. It will hit the-

atres on February 20. Varun, 27, said he is not in a signing spree

and does not get bothered when he is often compared with his Student of the Year co-stars Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra.

"I don't believe in rat race and try to keep away from it but somehow media keeps on comparing. I believe we all are working here for the betterment of Indian movies and taking the industry ahead," he said. The young actor, who is the son of filmmaker David Dhawan, wants to create his own identity in the industry. "People often compare me with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and call me young Govinda. But I just want to be next me. While growing yes I have seen these actors work and somehow they have an influence on me," Varun said. (TOI)

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irst look of Anushka Sharma from Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet.

She plays the character of Rosie, who is a prized singer in the 'Bombay Velvet Club' and is the love interest of Johnny Balraj, played by Ranbir Kapoor. (TOI)

Abhishek and Aaradhya got their ears pierced on the same day

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bhishek Bachchan, who sports diamond studs in his ears, got his ears pierced at the same time when his daughter Aaradhya Bachchan got it done. The father wanted to experience the same feeling that his little one did when she got her piercing done. While Abhishek started out with wearing smaller studs, he later graduated to slightly bigger diamonds. (TOI)

‘Baby’ box office: Akshay Kumar's film makes Rs 68 crore nett in two weeks

Will talk when it happens: Geeta Basra on marriage

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ctress Geeta Basra, reportedly in a relationship with cricketer Harbhajan Singh, prefers to keep mum about her personal life. She says when she decides to get married, everyone will know.

Asked when she is planning to settle down with Harbhajan, Geeta told IANS, "Whenever it happens, you all will definitely get to know. I don't like to talk about my personal life. Anyway, I get to read 20 stories daily about me marrying Harbhajan, but I'll talk about it only whenever it happens."

Meanwhile, the actress is 'super excited' about playing a Punjabi character in her new film 'Second Hand Husband'.

"It's fun to be part of this film and it's amazing to play a Punjabi woman. The Punjabi touch in this film is great," she added. Directed by Smeep Kang, the film also features Dharmendra and Gippy Grewal. (TOI)

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eeraj Pandey's 'Baby,' starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, has collected a total of Rs 68 crore nett in two weeks. The film struggled at the box-office on its opening day but picked up during the extended weekend.

According to a report on Boxofficeindia.com, Baby's first collections are in line with much smaller releases like ‘Ragini MMS 2’ and ‘Yaariyan’.

The film is doing better business than Sonam Kapoor's ‘Dolly Ki Doli’.

The movie has fared poorly in Rajasthan but has done well in the Mysore and Mumbai circuit.(TOI)

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Whitney Houston's daughter Robin Williams' wife, kids fight over his estate struggling for life in hospital

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ate Robin Williams' wife Susan Schneider Williams and kids are allegedly involved in a contentious legal dispute over his estate.

In their court papers, both sides display keen interest in such memorabilia i.e. everything from actor's bicycles to his collections of fossils and toys as tangible, deeply personal reminders of the irrepressible, manic imagination, the New York Times reported.

Allan Mayer, a spokesman for the Williams children, said in an email that notwithstanding Schneider's insinuations, the fact is that neither the Williams' children nor any representative of theirs has been in the house or had anything taken from it since Robin's tragic death. The papers filed by Schneider showed that, since she lost her husband through a shocking and emotionally charged event, she has not been given time to grieve her loss free from the frenetic efforts to interfere with her domestic tranquility.

Schneider acknowledged in her legal papers that she had no claim to items like the distinctive suspenders her husband wore on 'Mork and Mindy,' because they are related to the actor's acting career in the entertainment industry but she said that she should be entitled to other items, like the tuxedo that he wore at their wedding, as well as his personal collections of knickknacks and other items that are not associated with his famous persona.

Robin's kids on the other hand said in their filing that they are 'heartbroken' that Schneider, who they note was married to their father for less than three

years, has acted against his wishes by challenging the plans he so carefully made for late American actor's estate. The children countered that Schneider has continued to block their access to the Tiburon home, even as she has allowed others inside. Those others included appraisers who estimated the value of items that the children contend are rightfully theirs and workers who helped design and complete a US$30,000 renovation, the court papers contend.

The dispute is mainly focused on how the estate should distribute Robin's personal effects, both from his days as an entertainer and as a family man. (TOI)

Taylor Swift opts to hit the road instead of performing at 2015 Grammys

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aylor Swift has confirmed that she will not be performing at 2015 Grammys as she has some tour plans.

The 'Shake It Off' singer said that she has been planning for her

'1989' World Tour from so long and she needs some time to focus on that and therefore, she will be skipping performing at Grammy's this year, E! Online reported.

The American singer added that she won't

be singing any of her hit songs, but will surely try out her two feet on in the aisles.

The 25-year-old singing sensation told her fans by tweeting that she was excited to be nominate for 3 Grammys this year and told that she will be presenting the award for 'Best New Artist' in the show.

Swift's upcoming tour will be joined by Haim on some selected dates as a special guest, and thereafter, the show will hit North America and Europe before heading to Australia in December.

(TOI)

Suge Knight charged with murder in hit-and-run case

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merican rap mogul Suge Knight has been charged with a murder in the death of his friend Terry Carter after Knight ran him over in Compton, it has been revealed.

According to TMZ.com, a videotape will be a key piece of evidence after the L.A. County D.A. filed the charges in connection with the death.

Suge ran over an adversary Cle "Bone' Sloan and Carter was accidentally struck and killed.

The 49-year-old founder of Death Rows Records has also been charged with attempted premeditated murder, hit and run resulting in death, and hit and run resulting in injury.(TOI)

ate singer Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown is fighting for her life after she was found unconscious, as revealed by her family.

In a statement, Brown's family said that Kristina is struggling for her life and is surrounded by immediate family and they are asking to honour their request for privacy during this difficult time, the BBC reported.

The 21-year-old was rushed to hospital recently after being found unconscious in the bath at her home in Atlanta.

Whitney was found

dead in February 2012, aged 48, in a bath in a

hotel in Los Angeles.

(TOI)

Bill Clinton attends DiCaprio's film screening

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ormer US President Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance at a screening of Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscarnominated Netflix doc-

umentary, 'Virunga', at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.

'Virunga' is executiveproduced by DiCaprio and follows a team of park rangers in Virunga

National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo who risk their lives to protect the home of endangered mountain gorillas.

Ann Curry moderated a Q&A following the screening with 'Virunga' director Orlando von Einsiedel and producer Joanna Natasegara, which discussed the message behind the film. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Wright, Jeff Gordon, Beau Willimon and Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos also attended the screening. 'Virunga' is Oscar-nominated for best documentary feature. (TOI)

Angelina Jolie named ‘world's most admired woman’

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ctress-director Angelina Jolie has been named the most admired woman in the world, leaving behind Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II and even India's Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

According to a new poll of 25,000 people, the mother-of-six and United Nations special envoy was most worthy of respect internationally, reports dailymail.co.uk.

However, the internet-based market research firm YouGov study found that Britons still voted Queen Elizabeth II into the top spot nationally, pushing actress Judi Dench into second place.

Jolie, 39, last directed the critically acclaimed film 'Unbroken', which was about the Second World War, and has been travelling around the world visiting war zones since

2001.

In second place was 17-year-old Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot by the Talban and won this year's Nobel Peace Prize.Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, rounded out the top three. The poll was conducted across 23 countries, with each nation producing different results.

The Queen was widely admired along with First Lady Michelle Obama, who came in fifth and surprisingly singer Celine Dion who took the sixth spot, ahead of

Oprah Winfrey at seven and Julia Roberts who was eighth most admired woman.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi came in at nine, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel was tenth most admired globally. Close behind Merkel are singers Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles at 11th and 12th place. Sonia Gandhi is on the 13th spot, just ahead of actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton comes in 15th in the worldwide results. (TOI)

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Katherine's canvas Taking the Trail to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway in Guyana

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Silvera-Sunley, alongside a section of her Jamaica Biennial 2014 entry John Crow Sisters at the opening reception held in December 2014

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: You Get The Look glam squad ran into the lovely visual artist Katherine SilveraSunley last month at the opening reception of the 2014 Jamaica Biennial where we were immediately taken with her bohemian coif. The varietyloving Silvera-Sunley, who specialises in installations, mixed media and drawing, and describes her idiosyncratic style as Expressive Afropunk, breaks down the textural palette that makes up her fun, oxymoronic mane.

RELAXED BANGS “I straighten my fringe because it’s the easiest way to make a statement and change my style up, as with dreads you can’t change the form too much.

However, with a fringe I can colour it, cut and/

or curl it at a moment’s notice, which gives me a fresh look.”

UNDERCUT “I shave the side because aesthetically speaking, I think my face looks more clear and clean.”

DREADS “I’ve had dreads for seven to eight years.

I love the texture and feel of having dreads, it makes me feel in tune with my natural roots.”

F O U N D EMBELLISHMENTS “Throughout the years of having dreads, every time I come across a bead or a tiny trinket I add it to my dreads.

Some more significant pieces are one of an elephant, a lady bug and a knot that a close friend made for me from pink, black and white wool, also some crystal beads from a broken bracelet.”

(Jamaica Observer)

E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: The Canopy Walkway is located about an hour’s drive south from the main Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre.

As you enter the trail that takes you to the Canopy Walkway, you will experience what is termed as “mixed forest”, one of the many forest types you can see in Guyana.

This forest grows on lateritic soil and is typically found on ridges and hills.

Some of the trees to see are the endemic Greenheart and Wamara species, Crabwood and Bulletwood, the latter from which we get the non-timber forest product called balata. Balata was the first forest product exported from Guyana as a substitute for natural rubber, and this occurred during the First World War. It was later used in the manufacture of golf balls.

It is rare to find a Bulletwood tree in Guyana that has never been ‘tapped’ for the balata gum, which is now most often used to make beautiful figurines of animals and plants.

The Makushi village of Nappi in the Rupununi boasts the best balata artisans.

Other than the great plants you can experience on the Canopy Trail, the opportunity to see a number of birds and other animals presents itself. It is not uncommon to see deer and powis (Black Curassow) birds, also known as Bush Turkey, around the Atta Lodge.

Visitors are also welcomed to spend time at the Atta Lodge.

‘Atta’ is Makushi for hammock,

Canopy Walkway

as in the earlier days this was more of a camp style place to stay.

The Atta Lodge and Canopy Walkway are managed by a consortium of strategic partners called Community and Tourism Services (CATS).

The partners comprise the

Iwokrama International Centre, Wilderness Explorers, Surama Village and Rock View Lodge.

To find out more about Iwokrama, visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com, www.iwokrama.org or Iwokrama Canopy Walkway on Facebook. (Photos

by Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar)

-from Black Indians to First Peoples, Unconquered explores the potential of mas

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: “We miss the point if we see ancestry only in terms of blood,” said Sunity Maharaj speaking at The Cloth Propaganda Space at the event Unconquered, part of a series of informal talks on mas and TT Carnival traditions as expressions of identity.

Ancestry, ethnic heritage and race are major shapers of our culture in the islands, especially in TT which is so ethnically mixed. Yet apparently, there haven’t been too many open, tolerant talks about all of this, talks which help us to connect rather than divide. Yet many generations ago, the language of love found a way to unite Africans and Amerindians, giving birth to the first of many mixed races in Trinidad. It was a mixing of cultures as well as blood that’s a part of much change in the wave of new blends of people,

influences, beliefs and ideas in our common island space.

The Unconquered talk session reminded us of some of our earlier peoples and traditions, notably the Amerindians, and later, the so-called “Black Indians”, offspring of Africans and Amerindians.

Unconquered began last year, led by writer Attilah Springer and fashion designer Robert Young. Springer said her research into mas band leader George Bailey inspired her to explore other masquerade traditions. George Bailey (1935 -1970) was the man whose magnificent African costumes gave a sense of pride to many TT citizens who had never before seen such realistic historical mas applied to African heritage.

The actual session was like an open mike night of improvised talk mixed with a little philosophy, cultural history and some J’ouvert

Nari Approo playing a Black Indian mas. Photo courtesy NCC

play. It meandered in parts. Maybe that was the point: to just start us talking to each other.

Speakers at Unconquered 2015 included Christo Adonis, the peyai or shaman for the Santa Rosa First Peoples community; Anderson Patrick, leader of the Warriors of Huracan mas band; journalist and Jouvay Ayiti

convener Sunity Maharaj and Nari Approo, a veteran 87-year-old mas player.

Peyai Christo Adonis said true spirituality knows no boundaries across different cultures, and that in his own traditions, indigenous people would use masks of birds and other animals for certain rituals. He said he saw J’ouvert as a form

of play and good humour.

On how he felt about the historical brutalities of colonisers against first peoples, he said: “…

We have to heal….and if white people want to hold us around dey throat, or we want to hold white people like an albatross, I ent toting that load!”

Journalist Sunity Maharaj spoke of the idea of mas as present in our lives, not just at Carnival; it can be a potent form of expression, she said. Through the Jouvay Ayiti mas camp, started in 2011, she’s been involved with J’ouvert as a tool for education, protest art and transformation. Jouvay Ayiti won the small band J’ouvert category in 2012 and 2013. This year, it’s playing a mas called Arandara Ponahara— Land of the First Peoples; it is the first part of a trilogy about reparations.

“What we have mastered is masquerade,” said Maharaj, “where there is a space in which

we are all talking and we believe we are sharing with each other and that we can get along with each other—and then we go behind the walls where we really live, nobody (else) is inside of that.

Maharaj then spoke of the network of indigenous knowledge from all cultures here that we can learn from, in folk medicine and other areas. And she commented on the divisive nature of state funding for ethnic/ cultural events, where money is given to Divali Nagar, for instance, or to Emancipation, without any requirement that the celebration embrace the national community, and have a component that expands understanding for those not directly involved in the celebrations. She said recognising different cultures is not enough, because you’re then just recognising separateness.

Now dat is mas. (TT Guardian)

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Beach-goers may be familiar with Sargassum, as the brown seaweed with the small berries that washes up along the shore that they like to pop between their fingers. Also known as Gulfweed, this marine plant has air bladders that help keep it afloat, and occurs both as attached coastal plants and free-floating forms.

The coastal plants common to our coasts are submerged and attached to small stones and hard substrate. They can be seen cast ashore when they undergo seasonal cycles of growth and decay.

The free-floating form consists of only two species, Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans, that up until 2011 were not a part of the marine flora of Trinidad and Tobago.

These drifting plants

form extensive mats in the open ocean and provide a major food source for herbivorous animals which in turn attracts the carnivores. Besides being a food source, this seaweed community supports a diverse ecosystem and provides critical habitat for a wide variety of sea life including crabs, shrimp, molluscs, fish such as mahi mahi, and sea turtles, and is a nursery and spawning area for others. The Sargassum Fish, Histrio histrio, spends its entire life in free-floating Sargassum seaweed and has fleshy weed-like appendages that help it blend in with its background.

During 2011, massive quantities of drifting Sargassum washed up throughout the Caribbean, from The Bahamas, throughout the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and Trinidad

Floating sargassum seaweed

and Tobago.

A similar event occurred this year. On the windward side of Tobago, mats up to 0.6m thick washed ashore at Pinfold Bay, King’s Bay, Hope Beach, Kilgwyn, and Little Rockley Bay. In Trinidad, east coast beaches from Cumana to Guayaguayare were affected.

Coastal residents concerns ranged from effects

to fisher livelihoods and difficulty in launching boats and accessing fishery resources, to tourism, with the incessant incursion of the seaweed into bays and onto shorelines, and ensuing decomposition of the plants requiring assistance with disposal.

Many questions surrounded this event which negatively impacted shorelines, local fishing,

tourism and coastal activities. What was the source of the Sargassum?

What transported it to the region? Why is it affecting such a large area in the Caribbean? Are currents in the region changing?

Scientists at the University of Southern Mississippi — Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) and their regional collaborators are assessing critical aspects of this year’s Sargassum strandings event and that of 2011, including the source and causes.

Dr Donald Johnson, senior scientist in Physical Oceanography at GCRL, visited the Institute of Marine Affairs in October and shared preliminary findings of the research.

Passive transport via ocean currents was tracked from the eastern Caribbean southward toward Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. Massive accumulations of pelagic Sargassum even extended eastward across the Atlantic to the coast-

al region of Sierra Leone in 2011, a highly unusual and previously undocumented occurrence for that region.

The scientists proposed that a new source of Sargassum associated with the 2011 event was located in the tropical Atlantic Ocean eastward of Brazil. The Gulfweed was transported into the eastern Caribbean via the North Brazil Current, Guyana Current and Antilles Current.

Once it arrived in the region, local oceanographic and meteorological conditions facilitated its spread. What was shown is the connectivity across the tropical Atlantic Ocean via currents. There was no obvious linkage between this event and the Sargasso Sea. The Institute of Marine Affairs is an agency of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Lori Lee Lum is the community education officer, Information Centre, Institute of Marine Affairs (TT Express)

Star of the week

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t all started when, at the age of six, Vick Sarran, popularly known as Selector Andy, started playing around with the radio during the days of audio cassettes. The radio was his instrument of fun, and he would spend almost every playtime discovering the classical hits of the days and mixing them into recordings, all the while developing a love for music. As the years went by, the only change was that Vick’s love for music grew into a passion. He took this passion to another level when the DJ software was introduced in Guyana. Vick began mixing music digitally, practising everyday to perfect his skills. A desire to share the cadence of music, Vick decided to seek the opportunity to entertain, becoming a DJ. He was given the opportunity to share his passion while working with Fusion Sound Company, a great experience that lasted for nine months. Vick then teamed up with popular entertainer WR Reaz, and formed Mega Mix Reload (MMR), now one of the most popular local radio programmes. With the MMR team, Vick was afforded opportunities to entertain at various events. Apart from being a music selector, Vick holds a degree from the University of Guyana and works in accountancy. Vick advises all aspiring DJs/music selectors that success does not come without effort. “It is about analyzing your audience and playing the type of music that they would want to hear in order to keep them on the dance floor,” he shared.

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TT’s Horse of the year is ‘Bigman In Town’

CPL teams announce retained players

− Antigua Hawksbills will not field a team for 2015

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: There was absolutely no surprise when master of ceremonies Tony Harford announced — Horse of the Year — ‘Bigman In Town!’

The Jamaican-bred five-year-old chestnut son of Cowtown Cat/My Morning Prayer was winning the honour for the second straight year following his four triumphs in six outings and breaking two track records.

And it was a morethan-proud owner, the very popular Baskaran Bassawh who received one of the prestigious trophy together with trainer Gary Subratie.

‘Bigman In Town’ was voted top horse in two other categories, but it was a wonderful sight when the Bassawh family strode up to the podium to fetch the Horse of the Year trophy.

The annual Jetsam Award ceremony was

held at the Century Ballroom, Queen’s Park Oval on Friday night.

But there were other champions in their respective categories also, none more than 'Momentup' who won the local Triple Crown, the first horse in 11 years to achieve the feat and first for his perennial champion trainer John O’Brien.

This Dr Rupert Indar Jnr-owned star performer also took the Champion West Indianbred three-year-old title.

Fleet-footed Blue Taquila won raves from the guests as they watched the video of her smashing the track record for 1000 metres on debut, winning by 14 3/4 lengths and returning to win the St Ann’s Stakes in equally awesome style. Both victories earned the daughter of 'Blue Pepsi Lodge/Three Shot' which is owned by Tasram Maharaj, the title of Champion West

Indian-bred two-yearold.

'War Maker', a Jamaican-bred son of War Marshall/Money Maker which is also owned by Bassawh, was voted Champion West Indian-bred two-year-old colt, and the Newsday trophy.

At the ceremony, guest speaker, American Tom Durkin, a legendary race caller had guests in stitches when the video of a race he called was screened with a horse called ‘Doremefasolateedo’, and he actually sang the name as the horse crossed the winning post.

The first ever Eclipse Award winner for race calling noted, calling horse racing was a lifelong dream of his from a very early age, but he warned would-be race callers he had to wait 16 years to get his first chance. He did it for 43 years. (TT Guardian)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: With the CPL Draft 2015 fast approaching, each of the six franchises participating in this year’s tournament has retained the maximum number of four players from the 2014 squads.

The newly-formed St. Kitts and Nevis franchise will be taking over the players from the Antigua Hawksbills franchise, which will not be fielding a team for the 2015 season.

The selections of the six teams have been much anticipated, further adding to the excitement of the upcoming Draft, which takes place this Thursday 5th February in Kingston, Jamaica. Of the 24 retained players, 22 come from the Caribbean, with the big guns, Gayle, Pollard, Narine, Bravo and Sammy all retained. The two re-

tained international players are England’s Kevin Pietersen, and Pakistan’s, Shoaib Malik.

The St. Kitts and Nevis team will take over responsibility for the players from the Leeward Islands and has been permitted to retain any player who played for the Antigua Hawksbills during the 2014 season. Whilst it is disappointing that the Antigua Hawksbills will not be part of CPL 2015, it is hoped that the team will return for future tournaments.

CPL Operations

Director, Michael Hall, said; “Looking at the list of retained players, you will see the strategy has been to retain the local stars. It will make for an absorbing draft as the heavyweight international players become available for selection. We are all excited to see how the squads shape up and no doubt there will be a few surprises when the coaches choose their picks on Thursday evening in Kingston.”

The full list of retained players for CPL 2015 is as follows: (Guyana Times)

Jamaica on the verge of blood testing athletes

James breaks Guyana 400m indoor record By: Treiston Joseph

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: USA-based Guyanese Stephan James had an outstanding start to his 2015 season when he broke Guyana’s indoor 400 metres record on Friday at the Armory Track Invitational in New York.

James clocked 47.15s to erase the old record of 47.36s in the event.

Speaking with James’ local coach, an elated Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Athletics Club, he pointed out that breaking the record was always on James’ to do list.

“Well during his holiday here in December, he told me that he was going to be focused and go after the 200 and 400 metres indoor record as well as the 400 metres outdoor record, so it’s really good to see,” Edmonds stated.

The talented 400 metres specialist who is also a South American Under-23 bronze medallist will be in action during the course of the next couple of weeks in an effort to realise his goal of breaking the 200 metres indoor record.

(Guyana Times)

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USA-based Guyanese Stephan James

(L)POWELL... banned for 18 months after testing positive for the drug oxilofrine & (R)CAMPBELL-BROWN... cleared after originally suspended for testing positive for diuretics

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica is on the verge of introducing blood testing for its athletes as the country continues its effort to recover from a doping scandal which rocked the sport of track and field in Jamaica nearly two years ago.

Executive director of the Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (JADCO), Carey Brown, says blood testing will be introduced by the end of the 2014/15 fiscal year.

“We are putting the systems and protocols in place… we’re a good way down the track in terms of where we need to go,”

said Brown at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ Friday at the agency’s head office in Kingston.

“We are targeting before the end of the financial year”. Several persons, including blood collection and doping control officers, were trained last November under a UNESCO programme, as part of preparation for the new sampling procedure.

“We are in the process of [finalising] contracts with them, because we’re using phlebotomy companies, so that we will be able to start blood collection as part of our programme,” said Brown.

“We have trained additional sample collection personnel, doping control officers and chaperones… and we are in the process of having the fieldwork done, so that we can certify persons”.

A number of Jamaican athletes, including former 100-metre worldrecord holder Asafa Powell, Olympic medallist Sherone Simpson and Olympic champion Veronica CampbellBrown have tested positive for banned substances in recent years.

Currently, JADCO only uses urine samples to test athletes for prohibited substances.(Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Arm wrestling to hit Guyana again

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Viv names Lara, Gayle among top 10 ODI batsmen of all time

From left: Irzad Zamal, Dustanni Barrow and PRO John Ramsingh during the press conference

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Southland International along with 704 Sports Bar launched the second edition of their Arm Wrestling Championship on Friday at the 704 Sports Bar in Alberttown, Georgetown.

With the top prize of Gy$100,000 up for grabs in two categories, Project Manager of 704 Dustanni Barrow noted that it was a pleasure to once again produce the

competition.

“We did not envision how successful it would have been in the first year, the public has been asking for it so we decided to do it again,” Barrow highlighted.

Chief Executive Officer of Southland International Irzad Zamal who is the chief sponsor of the tournament outlined why the company is lining up to support the event.

“Last year’s success has encouraged us

to come onboard again with such a unique tournament and we believe that it will be bigger and better,” Zamal stated.

Meanwhile, Barrow who noted that the tournament is slated for a March 28 start, outlined that the 704 Sports Bar will be hoping to grow the sport.

“Handing out tables to organisations such as the GDF [Guyana Defence Force] and the Police Force will help us grow the sport and not

just that but ensuring that we have referees for these events is crucial as well,” Barrow noted.

The event is expected to have all of its previous champions with 704 aiming to provide insurance for all players in case of any mishaps.

The top prize will be Gy$100,000 in each category which includes the under-200lbs and over 250lbs.

The tournament final is expected to happen on April 4. (Guyana Times)

Jamaicans to carry torch at Special Olympics Opening Ceremony

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica will be among 10 countries entrusted with taking the Flame of Hope inside the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in the United States.

The Games, set to feature over 170 countries, will be held in Los Angeles, California from July 25 to August 2.

Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) law enforcement officer and Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay and decorated athlete Nigel Davis will represent Jamaica by taking the final run with the famed Olympic Games symbol.

"The entire country must be proud as the Opening Ceremony is the flagship of these games, and the Flame of Hope is what encourages us not to give up," said the SOJ executive director Lorna Bell.

"The Opening Ceremony, for the first time, will be aired live on ESPN/ABC [networks] and for Jamaica to be asked to take in the Flame, I consider it an honour. I am encouraging every Jamaican to support these athletes, let us show the world we

Athlete Nigel Davis (left) and law enforcement officer Stephanie Lindsay will carry the Olympic Torch during the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles

know the true meaning of inclusion and acceptance," added Bell, who represented Jamaica at the Head of Delegation Conference in Los Angeles late last month.

Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect across the world. The programme aims to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

Jamaica's contingent

at the Summer Games is expected to include 69 athletes, 17 coaches and two officials. The team will compete in aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, football, female futsal, volleyball and bocce.

Bocce is a sport in which players use an underarm action to bowl a ball at a target. Points are gained by the ball's proximity to the target.

Davis, who has won numerous World Games gold medals in events such as track & field and speed skating, and the other Jamaican athletes are likely to be among

the main attractions in Los Angeles, which hosted the 1984 Olympic Games.

Jamaica won global recognition due to historic achievements at the Special Olympics 2013 World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea.

The tropical country won silver medals in two figure skating categories to go with their second place finish in floor hockey.

Davis and Tamra Mitchell were the island's two representatives who danced on ice in the Asian country.

(Jamaica Observer)

Legendary former West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Legendary former West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards has named three West Indians in his top 10 One-day International batsmen of all time.

Writing in his ICC World Cup column on Sunday, Richards named Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and his former captain Clive Lloyd as three men whom he believes should be in the best ever top 10 ODI batsmen.

India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli, as well as Australians Ricky Ponting, Mathew Hayden and Mike Hussey as well as South Africa’s AB de Villiers, make up Richard’s best ever 10.

“The first name that comes to mind is Sachin Tendulkar. In a single word, I would describe him as a legend.

The player he was until very recently, if ever there is a team picked without including him, it would be a great shame.

He has always been one of my favourite batsmen and I would pay money to watch him bat. He wasn’t the biggest in size amongst other cricketers of the world, but all good things come in small packages. And he was a fantastic batsman.”

Richards said he rated Lara the same as Sachin. “I would pay to watch him bat too, and then pay again and again, and keep paying, however, many times it needs to be done. There is no other batsman in world cricket I can remember who picked gaps more easily than Lara and he did that at a rapid rate, almost as soon as he arrived at the crease.

It is difficult to leave him out of any batting side.”

In selecting Gayle, Richards described him as a bowlers’ nightmare.

“On his day, he can be

very destructive. He can be a match-winner in any environment and in any match conditions. If he is on song, then the opposition can lose the match in the blink of an eye, that’s how destructive he can be.”

Richards also found space for Lloyd, his former captain and the man who led West Indies to victory in the first two World Cups in 1989 and 1993. “Today’s generation of cricket fans may not have seen him bat, but I do remember watching him play. To get a century in the final of an ICC Cricket World Cup is a great achievement. He may not have as many ODI centuries as others but scoring in a World Cup final counts a lot more. Not many batsmen have done that, not to mention he did it while also leading the side.”

He noted that Ponting also got a century in a World Cup final, but suggested that it was not the only reason to pick him.

“He was able to play all the shots in the book but the more remarkable thing about Ponting was that he was a wonderful worker of the ball.

When he was not hitting fours or sixes, he could rotate the strike easily.

He could pick singles and doubles at will, and that is remarkable for a batsman especially coming in at number three. It becomes very difficult to contain such batsmen.”

He said Hayden at the top of the order was a fearsome prospect who set things up for the middle-order with his ferocious and powerful hitting.

Richards’ Top 10 Sachin Tendulklar, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli (India), Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Clive Lloyd (West Indies), Ricky Ponting, Mathew Hayden , Mike Hussey (Australia), AB de Villiers (South Africa).

(TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

“Fair result for a hard Jamaica’s Yohan Blake game” – Shabazz to appear in Portmore

By Avenash Ramzan

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz believes the 2-2 draw in the international friendly against Barbados on Sunday evening at the Barbados National Stadium was a “fair result.”

Shabazz made the disclosure during postmatch comments, after the Jaguars allowed a 2-0 advantage in the opening half to slip out of their hands, as Barbados stormed back with two goals in the space of a minute before the halftime break.

Sheldon Holder gave the Jaguars the perfect start with a goal in the 12th minute, before debutant Emery Welshman of Canada etched his names in the record books with a goal in the 33rd minute to double the scoreline.

However, the Bajans wiped out that lead through a double strike,

when Jomo Harris’ 36th minute goal was followed by another by Mario Harte a minute later.

The two teams tried valiantly for the deciding goal for the remainder of the game, but to no avail.

“I thought it was a fair result for a hard game,” Shabazz reckoned. “We went to front on two occasions, but always I knew we just had about 32 minutes of high intensity with them in this game. Our fitness was just not able to hold and keep the intensity and after 32 minutes we were just dragging in the first half. All in all we saw some quality play by these boys and I think as we get fitter we’ll certainly see the resurgence of Guyana in Caribbean and CONCACAF football.”

As he had stated in pre-match interviews, Shabazz reiterated that the game offered a clear indication of Guyana’s current status as a football nation, and what is required to better the

product.

“It’s always not the ideal to give up two goals and draw a match 2-2, but this is the truth. We see now where we are as a footballing country and we played against a younger, fitter Bajan team, and it shows the truth that without fitness, without playing week in, week out you will never have the legs to compete at a higher level. So I think now we can see where we are.

We certainly have seen that tonight [Sunday night] and it’s only now to plot the course where we want to go,” Shabazz concluded.

While both teams were hunting a victory, the result would be of immense satisfaction as they embark on bigger engagements this year, key among them the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

As part of a reciprocal arrangement, the teams will play a return encounter later this year in Guyana. (Guyana Times)

Guyanese Beaton excited to play at Limacol CPL 2015 again

By Ravendra Madholall

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O R O N T O , CANADA: Lively Guyanese fastbowler Ronsford Beaton stated that he is very excited to feature again in the third edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament beginning in June.

In an exclusive interview with this publication from Trinidad and Tobago where Beaton represented Guyana Jaguars in the recently concluded Nagico regional one-day competition, said he will cherish the opportunity if selected to play for the Amazon Warriors.

“I (am) really excited and anxious to come again for my country in the CPL T20 tournament this year; last year we lost in the final but I think we can complete the task now so I really looking forward to it,” the 22-year-old former West Indies youth player reasoned.

In both years, the promising quickie related that it was very exciting and fortunate to be part of the action and more privileged to play among a bunch of international stars.

“Obviously, it was very fascinating cricket over the past two years and I enjoyed it thor-

T20 cricket league

Blake... sprint star will appear for YB Afraid

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The 2015 edition of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum/ Portmore Cricket Association (PCA) T20 cricket championship bowls on Thursday with a full slate of matches across four venues.

A total of 15 teams will vie for the title over four rounds in a knockout format with the exception of Reid's Pen, who withdrew from the competition.

Defending champion Portmore Pines CC will take on Gregory Park CC in the opening match at the Bridgeport cricket field, while last year's runners-up GC

Foster College will battle Passage Fort in the second game at the same venue.

Waterford CC will face Greater Portmore CC in the first game and the second game will see former champions Kens Wildflower squaring off with newcomers YB Afraid, which will feature top sprinter Yohan Blake at the Portsmonth Cricket Field.

At GC Foster College, Colours International will battle Portsmonth in the curtain-raiser, while Washington CC will meet rivals Braeton Red Caps in the second game.

Hamilton Gardens will take on Belmont CC in the lone game at the

Waterford High School.

With the withdrawal of Reid's Pen, 2012 champion Bridgeview automatically advance to the second round.

The first games begin at 10:00 am and the second set of matches will start at 2:00 pm.

The competition will run to Sunday, March 8.

The competition will feature noted past national and past West Indies players as well.

Last season, Darren Powell, Tamar Lambert, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Horace Miller and Andre Russell, to name a few, took part in the community-based league.

Title sponsor Wray & Nephew White Overproof White Rum, in its seventh consecutive year sponsoring the tournament, has committed sponsorship valued at Ja$1 million.

The champions will walk away with Ja$70,000, while the runner-up will pocket Ja$30,000 for their effort.

President of the PCA, Courtney Francis, urged stakeholders within Portmore to climb on board in order to assist with the development of PCA as it seeks to employ and empower young people from communities in and around Portmore.

(Jamaica Observer)

International badminton Tournament in Trinidad

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Guyanese talented fast-bowler Ronsford Beaton in action for Guyana Amazon Warriors last year

oughly; T20 cricket obviously is very entertaining and to be in the dressing room with some stars was also an honour for me,” the rightarm bowler, who has far donned his native country colours in 21 firstclass matches, declared.

Meanwhile, the tournament will start from June 21 to July 26 and over 20 famous cricketing players are expected to represent the Various

Caribbean teams.

England’s batsman Kevin Pietersen, Australian Ricky Ponting, Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakarathne Dilshan, Guptil, Pakistani Sohaib Malik, South African Fernon Phillander and West Indians Chris Gayle, Dyane Bravo, Kieron Pollard to name a few will be on show again.

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Trinidad and Tobago Badminton Association (TTBA) will be hosting its first ever Trinidad and Tobago International Tournament at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena, Tacarigua, from May 2124.

The inaugural hosting will attract several top competitors from the Pan American region and also from around the globe. Many players will be seeking points that would allow them an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

TT will have representation from some of their top names in local badminton such as multiple time National singles champion Kerwyn Pantin and one of the top female players in the

Pan American region, Solangel Guzman.

TTBA officials expect that hosting this tournament will accomplish much for the country with regards to the development of the sport and the players, who definitely need the international exposure in order to improve their level of competitiveness.

And making a timely intervention for the coming tourney, Newsday has agreed to become the Official Sponsor for the much anticipated tournament. President of the TTBA, Derwin Renales expressed his jubilation at such a collaboration and stated that, “Players have been asking us for many years when we would be hosting an international tournament so that they may come to Trinidad, I am truly elated that the opportunity has finally come and we are receiving such great

support for this venture.”

Renales also noted that though there is much to be done when planning and hosting this International event. He said his Association is up for the challenge and knows that there are several benefits to be derived from the tournament not just for TT badminton, but sport on the whole.

Both local and international athletes will be vying for a piece of the US$5,000 pot.

Registration for the tournament has already opened and the deadline for entries is set for April 21.

Interested persons who may have any additional inquiries are encouraged to contact the TTBA via email atttba. association@gmail.com or check out the facebook page - Trinidad and Tobago Badminton Association.

(TT Newsday)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2015

-President Albert Ramcharran vows more excitement…

By Ravendra Madholall

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O R O N T O , C A N A D A : President of the Restoration Warriors Cricket Club Naresh Bodo expressed strong optimism of his team making a huge impact in this year’s Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 20-over tournament.

They are ready to step out in their debut season and will be vying for supremacy in the East End Conference B 20-over Division.

The former Victoria Park Premier Division player Bodo commented that the team is also very excited to come out and compete since the formation of the club few weeks ago.

“We [are] very excited and pumped-up to take

the field; we have some very young, talented & experienced players who have played for different teams over the year at the OSCL, so that gives us confidence of doing well,” Bodo related.

Ravi Bodo, the son of Naresh, and who plays Premier Division 50-over competition for the victorious Hawaiian Arctic Cricket in the annual Scarborough Cricket Association, was named captain and the team will include former Guyana Under-19 opening batsman Harrienarine Chattergoon among other reputable players.

“Having looked at the combination of the side so far, I have a great reason to be very enthusiastic that this bunch of players should create a good impression; they are familiar with

President of the OSCL, Albert Ramcharran, left, presents a plaque to Caribbean Times’ Reporter Ravendra Madholall in appreciation of his services to the league as a PRO

the conditions and they are young and energetic to churn out positive results,” Bodo divulged.

He continued to state that the players will get into action early February with several

scheduled practice sessions to prepare for the tournament.

He feels that once his team can put in the extra work and commitment, they are destined to championship glory.

Meanwhile, owner of Naipaul Contractive Services Inc, Naipaul Shevcharran is in an ecstatic mood to come on board as a sponsor of the team for their initial participation.

The Guyanese mentioned that he always wants to give back to sports and by extension the community.

“I am indeed delighted to come on board by bringing out a team to take part in the OSCL competition; I think we have a young and good team to perform; I know it will be the first outing but it will be fun and excitement as well,” Shevcharran explained.

The tournament is expected to commence early May with over 25 sides competing inclusive of the East End Conference A Division

and West End Category.

Bellevue Sports Club is the defending Conference B champion and will elevate to Conference A in the upcoming season.

East Coast Cricket Club won the East End A Division while Dant Cricket Club of the West was crowned the Grand Champion in the 20-over category.

M e a n w h i l e , President of OSCL Albert Ramcharran, is promising more excitement not only in the 20over version but also in the two other formats, 15 and 10-over competitions. “ We are definitely delighted to have more teams coming on board and can promise fans there will be lots of excitement at this year’s tournament."

J'can swimmers in qualification mode for upcoming int'l meets

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: With a busy calendar year ahead of them, a number of Jamaica's young swimmers are working assiduously to move up the ranks.

The young sensations will commence the qualifying process for the 29th Carifta Swimming Championships and the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) championships at the Karl Dalhouse Memorial Meet, which will take place over the weekend at the National Aquatics Centre.

The Carifta Championships, which is the first major swim meet for the season, will be staged in Barbados in April, while the CCCAN will take place in San Salvador, El Salvador in June.

And while most should establish the qualifying mark for Carifta, getting to the mark for CCCAN and the Pan American (Pan Am) Games will be even more difficult.

Coach Gillian Millwood explained that Nicholas Haughton and Kevaughn Campbell, who will both be swimming their last year in the 15-17 age group, should headline the medal prospects.

"These guys know that it's their last year at this level, so they are really pushing to go forward and represent the country and do best times," Millwood told the Jamaican media.

"Kevaughn is looking to get on the Pan Am relay team, so he needs to do under a minute and 10 seconds in his 100 breaststroke. He is competing against Xavier Phillips, who is currently in Florida for that spot to go and represent at Pan Am," she added.

Joseph Black, Bryce Butler and Sean-Douglas Gooden have also been maintaining good forms ahead of their transition to 15-17 age group.

"Bryce has been doing some good work and SeanDouglas has been recov-

Anastasia Chin (left) and Angara Sinclair, two young outstanding swimmers and medal prospects for Carifta Championships

ering from last year. He (Sean) didn't have a great performance at Carifta last year, but he is working this year and he is looking forward to it. Joseph is our main representative now with the 50-metre free (freestyle) and with his talent and the hard work this year, he has really stepped up since the expe-

rience he has got from being in Doha," Millwood revealed.

Alex Mignott, who has excelled at the 200-metre butterfly and the 1,500 and 400-metre freestyle, along with Jordane Payne, has done some excellent work and is hoping to progress even further. Payne and Joel Wilkinson will make a transition to 1314 this year.

Jonathan Lyn, Kyle Sinclair and Rajiv Redhi have all made a move up from the junior squad and are also aiming to outdo themselves to book a spot on the Carifta team.

Angara Sinclair, who has the opportunity to be the first local 15-17 young lady to go under one minute and 10 seconds for the 100-metre backstroke, and under two minutes and 30 seconds for the 200-metre backstroke, is the headliner among the female swimmers.

Naomi Eaton, who just missed out on the opportunity to represent at Carifta last year, is currently under the radar, and if she remains in form, will be a medal contender at Carifta and CCCAN. Britney Williams, Sage Sinclair, Llori Sharpe and Anastasia Chin, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, are also among the local-based up-andcoming talents. (Jamaica Observer)

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