Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

ISSUE NO. 120

CANADA EDITION

FREE DISTRIBUTION

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready

Page 14

Big companies in Guyana pump millions into GuyExpo 2014 Page 6

Dr Wayne Kublalsingh

Trinidad’s controversial highway…

Page 9

ANSA McAL PRO Darshanie Yusuf handing over the cheque to Guyana's acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in Georgetown on Tuesday

Canada assisting Caribbean in bigger ways than before Page 4

2

NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Barbados seeing greater Canadian investments B

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: In the aftermath of the financial crisis, investment into Barbados continues to grow at rates that are much higher than Canadian investments in any other jurisdiction.

This was the word coming from Dr. Walid Hejazi, an Associate Professor of International Business at the Rothman School of Management, University of Toronto, at a recent-

ly held conference at Hilton, Barbados. His areas of research include Global Competitiveness, Foreign Investment, International Trade, Financial Markets and Monetary Policy.

The conference dealt with the role of International Financial Centres in the global economy. “Of the 30 or so offshore financial centres that are relevant for Canada, Barbados is the most important,” he said.

“A full eight per cent

Dr. Walid Hejazi

of all of Canadian foreign investment abroad comes

through Barbados; that is a number which is

League: No TT Muslims with ISIS

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The Trinidad Muslim League (TML) says it does not know of any local muslims fighting with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis), as it distances itself from the international terror group.

TML public relations officer Faisal Mohammed, in a telephone interview, made the statement as he responded to reports alleging that some 50 Trinis were fighting with the terror group.

M o h a m m e d said, “There are no Trinidadians that I know of fighting with Isis. We

TML president general Dr Nasser Mustapha (TT Guardian file photo)

(TML) are not affiliated with that group in any way. We do not support

them and do not know of any Trini Muslim Isis fighters. The league fully supports Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s co-sponsoring the UN (United Nations) resolution on foreign terrorist fighters.”

TML president general Dr Nasser Mustapha, in a media release issued by Mohammed, said the league “strongly condemns extremism, fanaticism and intolerance.” He indicated: “We (TML) condemn all acts of aggression by individuals and groups against innocent people worldwide, under the guise of Islam.”

Mustapha, in the release, stated that TML supported “any action to eradicate such activities and restore peace to the world.”

The league is the third Islamic group in TT to distance itself from Isis which has been described as a global terror threat. Last week, the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (Asja) and Islamic Missionaries Guild expressed their support for Persad-Bissessar in her stance on terrorism, adding that they did not support Isis in any way. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

around Bds$62 billion for 2013,” he pointed out.

The professor maintained that when one looks at the top eight or nine offshore financial centres relevant for Canada, “you look at Barbados and Barbados is much further ahead than the next closest jurisdiction, which would be the Cayman Islands, which would be a half of what Barbados receives”.

Explaining why Barbados, Professor

Hejazi stated that while the island has an extensive array of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), the key feature is that Barbados is a jurisdiction that allows Canadian companies to open up an affiliate to leverage all of the bilateral tax treaties, bilateral investment treaties, and double taxation agreements, set up in Barbados and use the island as a hub to expand globally.

(Barbados Advocate)

Jamaican man accused of infecting Canadian women with HIV fights extradition

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The hearing into the case of an HIV positive Jamaican man fighting his extradition to Canada has been pushed back to December 17 for case management.

Tuesday, the matter could not proceed when it was called up in the Supreme Court.

Canadian authorities want the Jamaican man to stand trial on charges of aggravated sexual assault.

He has been accused of infecting five women in Canada with HIV.

The authorities contend that while the Jamaican man was living in Canada in the late 1990’s he had sexual intercourse with the women knowing that he was HIV positive.

Last month, the man was ordered to be extradited following a hearing in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.

However, he later took the matter to the Supreme Court seeking a writ of habeas corpus for his immediate release. (Jamaica Gleaner)

3

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

4

Views

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

To contact: Caribbean Times International Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5 Advertising: 647 990 7438/416 450 1672 Email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com caribtimes@gmail.com

EDITORIAL A view of Jamaica’s Highway 2000 East West leg-Portmore/ Spanish Town interchange in the foreground and Portmore housing settlement in the background (JIS photo)

Violence against Canada assisting children

T

he saga in Guyana of a young man who claims he was sexually abused by Speaker of the country’s National Assembly and, who is also the former co-leader of a political party, illustrates perfectly the recent UNICEF report, “Hidden in Plain Sight”, which collated reports from 190 countries on the abuse of children.

As the release from UNICEF noted, the effects of this violence are “lasting, often inter-generational (and) exposed children are more likely to become unemployed, live in poverty, and be violent towards others”. And it is in “plain sight” if we would only open our eyes.

The report focused on sexual violence, homicide, bullying, and violent discipline. Pointing out that the data is only what was reported, the authors cautioned that their findings are almost certainly understated.

The summary on sexual violence– “About 120 million girls under the age of 20 worldwide (about 1 in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts, and one in three ever-married adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 (84 million) have been victims of emotional, physical or sexual violence committed by their husbands or partners”, is, therefore, mind boggling.

While the incidence of violence against children is higher in the undeveloped world, most of the reports are centred on girls. But this is a lacuna of information that must be filled, because even in the developed countries sexual violence against boys is quite extensive.

For instance, according to the report, “In Switzerland, a 2009 national survey of girls and boys aged 15 to 17 found that 22 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively, had experienced at least one incident of sexual violence involving physical contact.” And this is where the recent report by the young Guyanese man as to how he was introduced into the pattern of sexual violence is a useful starting point for us to begin to address this scourge.

From what other reports on individualised acts of sexual violence on boys show, most often it is a relative or close family friend who commits the act.

In the Caribbean, individuals are much more protective of their female children, but permit opportunities for molestation against boys: parents are just not socialised into accepting sexual violence against boys. Adult males are allowed much freedom with male children. For instance when relatives visit and “sleep over”, very frequently, older males are allowed to sleep with boys of the host family.

Because of the closeness between the victim and the paedophile, the former is often “groomed” by the latter to win their trust. The young boys would be plied with gifts, taken on trips, introduced to influential persons to impress on the intended victim that the perpetrator of the violation is an “important” person.

This serves another purpose–after the act is perpetrated, the young victim is more easily persuaded that if they speak out, no one would believe them. In addition, the threats by the paedophile that they would hurt the victim become more credible, since their access to power was made so transparent.

On account of the fact that they are violated by relatives or close family friends who are presented as authority figures, the sexual violence is doubly damaging. It is a violation of trust and of body. These violated individuals almost inevitably have problems in dealing with societal authority figures and symbols.

The violated boys grow up to become “troubled and disturbed” youths and men who we see with increasing frequency. Because the act is often interpreted by the child as having “taken away their manhood”, suicidal behaviour often results.

We can do worse than heed the advice of UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake: “Violence against children occurs every day, everywhere. And while it harms individual children the most, it also tears at the fabric of society–undermining stability and progress.

But violence against children is not inevitable. It is preventable–if we refuse to let violence remain in the shadows.”

Caribbean in bigger ways than before K

I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: Much like a covert philanthropist, Canada has been providing vital assistance to Jamaica and the Caribbean for decades.

This was highlighted by Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready last week at a sitting of the Jamaica Observer Press Club.

The records show that Canada has consistently provided help to the Region in the form of aid, debt relief, preferential trade arrangements, and advocacy in international fora where the Caribbean does not have a seat.

In February 1982, Canada established the CaribbeanCanada (CaribCan) Trade Agreement to promote trade and investment through duty-free, quota-free access of goods from Commonwealth Caribbean countries to the Canadian market.

The programme has been renewed periodically since its establishment in 1986, even when it required a waiver at the World Trade Organisation.

But even as that waiver expired in December 2013, and Caricom governments are yet to finalise a new agreement with Canada, it is obvious that Ottawa is deeply committed to continue assisting the Region.

High Commissioner Ready pointed to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement in 2007 of a Cdn$600-million development programme for the Caribbean as proof of that commitment.

lars around which the regional programme is organised," he said, adding that there are 30 projects being implemented under the programme.

They include assistance in establishing accountable public institutions by enhancing the management of state finances in an effort to increase the effectiveness of revenue systems; improving revenue generation and fiscal policies in order to fashion budgets for more effective and efficient programmes; strengthening the next generation of Caribbean leaders through the sharing of best practices in governance reforms; strengthening management systems, data collection, research, analysis, and public awareness activities at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Secretariat; economic development of local governments and agencies, which Ottawa estimates will benefit as many as 500 micro, small and medium-sized businesses in six countries; capacity-building of Caribbean institutions through partnerships with Canadian colleges to develop technical and vocational education and training in order to provide a labour market equipped with the skills that are in demand; and strengthening distance education to help build the University of the West Indies' Open Campus capacity, giving up to 42 learning sites across the Caribbean access to post-secondary education.

Assistance

Also among the projects is the provision of short-term assistance after major natural disasters, a community disaster risk reduction initiative that provides training and information on best practices, and the Caribbean Disaster Risk Management

That assistance, Ready said, runs for 12 years and promotes sustainable economic growth, security--both in the context of the rule of law and justice reform--and disaster preparation and mitigation.

"Those are the broad pil-

Projects

Programme, which increases the capacity of regional organisations, governments and communities to respond to and manage natural disasters and reduce the impact on people.

Easily one of the biggest programmes being implemented by the Canadians in Jamaica is the Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation (JUST), a five-year bilateral initiative into which the Harper Administration is pumping Cdn$20 million in cash and technical assistance.

Last week, High Commissioner Ready said his government was satisfied with the pace of the reform process.

"We recognise two things-it's a tremendously complex area, just technically the justice system has so many facets; it's also one that requires a lot of consultation and consensus and that takes a little bit of time. But what we are quite impressed with is the commitment of the Jamaican authorities and the Jamaican participants in the justice system," Ready said.

According to the diplomat, one of the reasons for Canada's focus on regional development is his country's recognition "that there are development needs, many of which are fiscal that we can help with".

He said that when he first arrived in Jamaica two years ago he met people, "out and about" who would tell him that they used to see a lot of Canadian involvement in Jamaica.

His answer: "We are very present, not just in big flagship projects like JUST, but we are doing little, mediumsized and large initiatives all over the island...We're here bigger than we were in the past." (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

5

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

6

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Big companies in Guyana pump millions into GuyExpo 2014

Preparations are well advanced for this year’s GuyExpo in Georgetown, Guyana

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : During a symbolic handing over ceremony at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in Guyana, ANSA McAL Limited; Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T); E-Networks; Digicel Guyana; Corum Distribution; Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL); Shangri-La; and Global Technology pledged more than Gy$15 million to the hosting of the Guyana Trade Fair and Exposition (GuyExpo).

Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali applauded the longstanding supporters and even those such as Corum Distribution and Shangri-La that are contributing for the very

first time. The funds will be used to ensure the successful hosting of GuyExpo 2014.

Though their contributions varied in amount, the contributors had one thing in common, they all praised GuyExpo, as one of the most successful trade fairs in the Caribbean.

According to the corporate donors, the annual event creates the perfect opening for the business community to have firsthand interaction with the masses.

ANSA McAL Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yusuf said the Trinidadian conglomerate is once again capitalising on a great opportunity to pro-

mote its wide collection of products to the Guyanese populace. “We see GuyExpo as an excellent opportunity to meet old and new customers who are often times eager to learn about what we have to offer. It allows for that one-on-one interaction,” Yusuf told reporters minutes after handing over the symbolic cheque of Gy$2.6 million to Minister Ali. During the four-day exposition, which is set to commence on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony, ANSA McAL will have on show its “House” in which all of its products will be highlighted.

Additionally, there will be an ANSA McAL Beverage sector.

In addition to the Gy$2.6 million, given to the ministry, ANSA McAL is utilising some Gy$3 million to get ready for the grand fair.

GT&T pledged Gy$3 million to the exposition.

During this year’s trade fair, GT&T will be promoting its DSL Services.

Global Technology contributed Gy$1 million. According to the Chief Executive Officer George Melville, Global Technology would be participating in GuyExpo for the fifth time. “The response encourages us to come back every year,” Melville told reporters during a brief interview. He pointed out that during this year’s exposition, Global Technology would be promoting Satellite Technology while simultaneously promoting its goods and services.

Banks DIH; Courts Guyana Inc; Continental Group of Companies; the National Communications Network (NCN); Impressions and Party Rentals are among other sponsors of this year’s exposition.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

More money for drought mitigation in Jamaica

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Jamaican government has approved Ja$95 million to continue drought mitigation efforts in the agricultural sector, the acting Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier announced Tuesday.

Kellier made the announcement while addressing industry stakeholders at his Hope Gardens offices in St Andrew.

The Ja$95 million is in addition to the Ja$33 million which was initially allocated for drought-mitigation activities by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), in the April to June period and represented the ministry's immediate response to the drought.

Minister Kellier explained that the additional allocation is part of government's effort to ensure the full recovery of the agricultural sector and to maintain the growth momentum.

He said that Ja$50 mil-

Jamaica’s acting Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier

lion will be expended immediately and another Ja$45 million in the first quarter of 2015.

Of the Ja$50 million to be spent in 2014, Ja$30 million will be spent on the resuscitation of farms that suffered losses resulting from the drought in the north-eastern parishes of St Andrew, St Thomas, Portland, St Mary, St Ann, Clarendon and St Catherine and the western parishes of Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James and Trelawny.

This project will be administered by RADA and some 5,000 farmers have already been identified. (Jamaica Observer)

News WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

7

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Canada investing heavily to boost Caribbean’s skilled labour force

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Canadian government, through the Caricom Education for Employment project and its implementing partner Colleges and Institutes Canada, has been actively working with different educational institutions in Jamaica to create a well-equipped labour force for the future.

One of the 30 projects currently being funded under the Cdn$600million, 12-year regional project, the education for employment programme, essentially links Jamaican vocational and technical institutions with Canadian colleges of their choice, in an effort to build the capacity of Jamaican institutions to develop technical and vocational education and training policy, occu-

Jamaica’s National Technology and Engineering Institute is one of several Caribbean institutions benefiting from Canada’s skill training aid (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

pational standards and curriculums in key economic sectors. This particular programme is a region-wide one, and is therefore present in other Caribbean islands.

"The regional programme that we have

supports sustainable economic growth, it supports security, both in the context of rule of law and justice reform, and also disaster preparation and disaster mitigation," Canadian High Commissioner Robert

Ready told Jamaican media last week.

The education for employment project comes under the broad pillar of sustainable economic growth.

"Essentially, how we implement this particu-

lar programme, for example, is to partner with local institutions so there is Excelsior Community College, there is the National Technology and Engineering Institute, Garmex Heart Academy, three sort of sub streams of these projects being delivered in Jamaica," the Canadian High Commissioner explained.

"This vocational training programme will take on perhaps different forms in Barbados or Guyana. Not every member of Caricom, or the English-speaking Caribbean, need participate in every regional programme, but nearly all of the programmes have a presence in Jamaica because Jamaica is the largest of the countries in the Region," he said.

Once schools are

paired with Canadian educational institutions, this facilitates the delivery of training on specific areas.

The High Commissioner highlighted that there is also a regional partner, Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), which helps in determining the regional standard for technical and vocational training, so as to facilitate, for example, correct accreditation if there is a job in demand in another country.

He highlighted that the education and employment project is just one of the programmes for which the Canadian government has pumped some Cdn$65 million into Jamaica over the last five years. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

mation that there was going to be an in-depth audit of the company’s finances and its resources.

The entity may have also hacked into

the email belonging to Sattaur to create public mischief and add credence to its claims that a plot was being rolled out against it. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Glenn Lall charged with tax fraud in Guyana - AG wants U.S. probe of alleged email leak

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : G u y a n a ’ s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall says he welcomes a decision by the Kaieteur News to share the alleged emails, supposedly sent to him

by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur, with the diplomatic community and more specifically, the local United States Embassy.

Over the last few days, the Kaieteur News’s Publisher Glenn Lall alleged that the Guyana government was plotting to shut down his newspaper operations because of its continuous reporting on corruption and the misuse of State resources.

The newspaper made these allegations after the GRA began probing an incident, which saw the abuse and misuse of government’s Remigrant

Scheme Project to avoid paying over Gy$100 million in taxes on the importation of two luxury Lexus vehicles.

Two pensioners who are in their seventies are at the centre of the scam after they were allegedly used as fronts to import the vehicles under the Scheme by Lall and his wife, Bhena. The latter two have admitted publicly to utilising the vehicles after they were brought into the country.

It is the GRA’s contention that the Lalls provided the funds for the purchase of these vehicles by the two pensioners in the U.S. Lall, through the Kaieteur News, launched a brutish attack on the Commissioner-General, the government, and former President Bharrat Jagdeo as he alleged that a plot was being executed to silence his media house because of the probe, which had wid-

ened after more anomalies were discovered.

Tax fraud charges

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner-General Sattaur has confirmed that the GRA has filed criminal charges against the Kaieteur News owners and all those linked to the alleged case of tax fraud and evasion.

In fact, Sattaur also expressed concern about what appears to be a breach of confidentiality within the GRA as the Kaieteur News appears to have access to the tax records of businesses and other citizens. The Commissioner-General would also be involving the police, to determine the extent to which the Kaieteur News has a mole in the tax entity that is feeding its publisher with privileged information.

This newspaper was reliably informed that the emails were fabricated and concocted

by Lall to create a di-

Husband, wife burnt to death in Suriname

P

ARAMARIBO, SURINAME: A 51-year-old man and wife were killed last week in Suriname after burglar bars on the windows prevented them from escaping a fire that ravaged their house in the capital, fire officials have said.

Police have identified them as Ashokkoemar

Dahoe, 51, and his wife Soemintra, whose age was not disclosed.

It was not clear what ignited the fire that struck just after 1:00 am (local time) official said, with neighbours reported hearing "a loud bang and within no times the entire house being engulfed in flames".

One neighbour said

that they tried to force the burglar bars off, but the flames were leaping out of the window.

"All windows were protected. They placed the burglars for their own protection but the things became their downfall.

Such nice people, such a horrific way to die," he added.

(Caribbean News)

Guyana's Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

version from the probe launched by the GRA. It is widely believed that the Kaieteur News, via its mole with the tax body, got wind of infor-

8

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Cardi director says Guyanese solider charged for Caribbean importing causing death of colleague too much food G

P

Cardi’s executive director Arlington Chesney (TT Guardian photo)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The Caribbean has achieved ten per cent food security and self-sufficiency, according to Arlington Chesney, executive director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Cardi). The target for the Region is 25 per cent, he told TT media.

Speaking in a recent interview after the opening ceremony of a regional workshop at the Carlton Savannah, St Ann’s, Chesney said the Region is importing too much food. “We are strategically trying to iden-

tify those commodities that we can do away with easily. We’ve identified about 12 commodities where the Region can make a relatively rapid impact on the food import bill,” he indicated.

Chesney added that Cardi is looking at commodities to reduce imports but there are challenges in achieving that goal. “One of the challenges that we have is that a lot of the food import is processed products,” he stated, although he expressed confidence that Caricom is doing its part in promoting the idea of food security to the member states.

“In the last two or

three years they have put a lot of the policies in place. In one instance, I understand, there are three investors from TT in Guyana.

Remember Caricom is not a ‘doing’ institution, the activities (investment) has to take place at the national level.

What Caricom has to do is try to facilitate those activities at the national level along with the member states,” he said.

Chesney highlighted that not all the food on the import bill can be eliminated but items such as poultry, roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables, sheep and goat can be eliminated to achieve an acceptable level of food security. Asked whether there was enough political will by the leaders of the Caricom member states, he added there is need for a greater percentage of national budgets to be allocated to agricultures. Chesney said Cardi plans to pilot a project on coconuts in 2015. (TT Guardian)

Chikungunya outbreak in Jamaica takes toll on education system

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Jamaica government has acknowledged that the outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus is taking a toll on the country’s education system with reports of a significant increase in student and teacher absenteeism.

While unable to give exact figures, Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, said schools in the Corporate Area and eastern parishes were the most affected.

“There have been significant absences from schools. We encourage schools to give as much information to students on how they should react to symptoms. And that schools should join in national cleanup efforts to ensure that breeding spaces for mosquitoes are all curtailed,” Thwaites stated.

He noted that individual schools will have to put measures in place to prevent any major fallout in the administering of classes due to the outbreak.

Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson in a nationwide radio and television address on Sunday night called for a nation-

Jamaica’s Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

al response to efforts to tackle the outbreak of the virus spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito and with the telltale signs of the illness, including joint pain so severe it can be hard to walk.

He indicated that whole scale support is needed as the authorities fine-tune strategies to destroy mosquito breeding sites.

The Health Minister also expressed concern about the impact the disease is having on productivity.

“We ask employers to be compassionate and assist their staff through this difficult period. We expect that the health workforce will also be impacted and so we are putting in place an emergency response plan to

ensure that we can continue to provide care to the population.”

Ferguson added that Chikungunya cases are expected to spike.

“It is important to note that the expectation is for Chikungunya cases to spike and then trend down as persons begin to build immunity to this new disease.”

He said the spread of the virus was expected and that it was “normal” for new diseases.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has said the Chikunguyna virus has reached epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and that many more cases will be recorded in the coming months. (Caribbean News)

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Twenty-six-yearold Antonio Eastman of Guyana was granted Gy$200,000 bail after being arraigned on a charge of causing of death by dangerous driving.

The Army Lieutenant stationed at Camp Ayanganna appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.

It is alleged that on November 1, 2013, he drove motor vehicle PPP 2210 along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves, 31.

Eastman was represented by defence counsel, who told the court that his client is not a fight risk and requested reasonable bail. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant had no objections to bail.

L i e u t e n a n t Gonsalves, a father of

The deceased: Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves

The accused: Lieutenant Antonio Eastman

two of Linden, was killed after the car he was travelling in crashed in to a utility pole on Mandela Avenue in the vicinity of the Rubis Gas Station, last November.

According to persons on the scene, the car was heading along Mandela Avenue at a fast pace when it suddenly slammed into the utility pole splitting it in two, with splinters plunging through the car window and fatally injuring the officer.

Three other Army

officers: Lieutenant John Flores, Lieutenant Eastman (the driver) and Lieutenant Rickford Warden were also injured in the accident.

They were listed as stable at the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were rushed for medical attention.

Gonsalves is survived by his two children and his wife. Eastman will make his second court appearance on October 21 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

(Guyana Times)

Security for MPs offices in Trinidad

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Armed security will now be provided to constituency offices in crime “hot spots” in Trinidad in light of concerns expressed by MPs, Finance and Economy Minister Larry Howai confirmed last Friday afternoon.

The minister did so during the proceedings of the Standing Finance Committee as the House of Representatives scrutinised the 2015 Budget allocation for the Parliament, an independent department which funds the MPs offices. Howai stated there will have to be a midyear increase in allocation for the acquisition of goods and services in light of the request for armed security which, he said, had been approved

by Cabinet, but not in time to make it into the

TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai (TT Newsday file photo)

Budget 2015 presentation.

He was responding to concerns voiced by Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert who stated some MPs had reported being under threat from “criminal elements”. “My understanding is that the Parliament requires

TT$39 million for operation of constituency offices and then we have some constituency offices in hot spots,” Imbert said.

“My understanding is that the Parliament has agreed to provide security, armed security and so on, at these offices. So I am told this head of expenditure requires TT$42 million.

Only TT$28 million has been allocated and, if the Parliament is to properly cater for Members of Parliament and their constituency offices and their staff, they will have to take money from other areas, such as medical expenses and things like that, which I think would be a tragedy.”

Laventille East/ Morvant MP Donna Cox also raised concern, stating she had requested security. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaican sentenced in Florida for trafficking women

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A Jamaican man was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment in a Florida court on Monday.

Thirty-seven-yearold Damion St Patrick Baston was convicted on 21 charges for trafficking women from the Gold Coast of Australia to Miami.

Damion St Patrick Baston

Baston has been accused of running a sex trade business, fraud, coercion, importation of an alien for prostitution, transportation for

prostitution, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.

He knowingly recruited and enticed his victims, knowing that brutal force and coercion would be used to make them engage in prostitution, UK media reports said.

He is appealing his conviction and sentence.

(Jamaica Observer)

News WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

9

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sodomy accusations in Guyana…

Police still probing National Assembly Speaker G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Just over a week after Johnny Welshman Jnr accused Speaker of Guyana’s National Assembly Raphael Trotman, his father and a close family friend of sexually molestation, a Yarrowkabra businessman was arrested on Monday and is being interrogated.

A Division Commander Clifton Hicken confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect is being questioned by members of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID).

He said that since the report was lodged, an investigation has been launched while disclosing that there are no eyewitnesses to support

the young man’s claims.

As such, charges are not likely to be instituted at this stage. There have been reports circulating that the Speaker of the National Assembly will be charged in the same matter.

House, creek

This newspaper understands that the accuser, Welshman, would have accompanied a detective from the CID to Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway where he pointed out the house and creek where he was molested.

The suspect reportedly refused to corporate with the police and allegedly told Welshman “you could have come to me first”.

Recently, Crime

Speaker of Guyana's National Assembly Raphael Trotman

Rape accuser, Johnny Welshman Jnr

Chief Leslie James told Guyanese media that the Guyana Police Force has launched a formal investigation into alleged molestation of a 13-yearold boy by Trotman, who is an Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member and former

Presidential Candidate.

He said the police have already contacted Trotman to obtain a statement with the aim of completing the preliminary round of investigations.

When asked when the report was lodged by

Welshman with the police, the Crime Chief did not give details.

James' comments come at a time when there is growing public outrage and unease following Welshman’s decision to go public about the sexual molestation he allegedly endured while he was a boy at the hands of Trotman.

A senior police officer, who is close to the probe, told Guyanese media that the Force is treating the case with the same level of urgency and attention as any other case involving paedophile allegations.

“We will not be intimidated. We will do our work professionally and responsibly. We are not looking at the office that Trotman holds, we

are looking at him in his personal capacity.

We are only concerned about ensuring that we do our part to ensure that justice is served,” the officer said.

He insisted that the police will not be sidetracked or distracted by the comments made by the AFC and its leadership.

“They have work to do and we have our own work to do. We will resist any attempt by the party or its members to interfere with our probe,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack has already confirmed receiving a complaint from Welshman.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Canada seeking Jamaican ‘I will not relent’ - vows professionals for 'Express Entry' environmentalist on hunger strike Trinidad’s controversial highway…

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Highly skilled Jamaican professionals in industries such as health care, financial services and construction are being encouraged to send applications to Tenn-K Consultants Ltd, as come January 2015, Canada is set to launch its active re-

lations officer, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, noted.

"Canadian employers will be able to consider Express Entry candidates when they are unable to find Canadians or permanent residents to fill job vacancies," she continued.

Express Entry will allow Canada to actively

tion programmes subject to Express Entry will be placed in a pool of candidates.

"To prepare for the launch of Express Entry in 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has been accepting applications under new caps for the FSWP, FSTP and CEC since May 1. These

Highway Re-route Movement leader Dr Wayne Kublalsingh is embraced by an unidentified woman outside the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair, on Day 13 of his hunger strike. At left is MSJ political leader David Abdulah (TT Guardian photo)

P

Canada is set to launch its active recruitment model known as 'Express Entry' in January 2015

cruitment model known as 'Express Entry'.

This recruitment model is set to manage applications for permanent residence in certain economic programmes. The model is being launched to meet current and future labourmarket needs in Canada.

"Express Entry will be labour-market driven by identifying people who have the skills and experience required to meet Canada's economic needs and bring them to Canada in months, not years," Remi Lariviere, media re-

recruit, assess and select skilled immigrants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Potential candidates will complete an online Express Entry profile where they will provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details. Those who meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigra-

measures will ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who are settling in Canada permanently and helping to supplement the Canadian workforce in areas where there are skills shortages," she noted.

Since 2006, Canada has welcomed the highest sustained levels of immigration in Canadian history with an average of 257,000 newcomers each year, in all economic, family and humanitarian classes combined. (Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidadian environmental activist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh has mobilised several civil society groups to sign a petition in support of the proposed new route for the Debe to Mon Desir segment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway extension.

This petition was expected to be delivered to the Office of the Prime Minister Wednesday.

Kublalsingh spent Tuesday, day 14 of his second hunger strike, outside of the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, with his mother and several Mon Desir residents under umbrellas as they waited for a response on the new proposal. Government has not yet responded to the Highway Re-route Movement’s (HRM) proposal which was announced by leader of the Movement for Social

Justice (MSJ) David Abdulah, last week.

“I feel that the Prime Minister has before her a very excellent way out of this. It is a way that if she wishes, she can implement it and claim victory for her government and victory for the people,” Kublalsingh said in an interview.

“We (the HRM) don’t have any inclinations about declaring victory in this matter. We want to give all victory to the Prime Minister and the government of TT. I think this is a victorious plan. I think she needs to get together with her scientists and do a very close scrutiny of it.”

The plan includes the use of parts of the highway already constructed by the government, along with connector roads already existing in the Southern communities. “If she has any questions we have a technical team waiting to present her

with details,” he said, adding that a few organisations had signed on.

Kublalsingh seemed to be in high spirits Tuesday and said he felt good, despite not having consumed food or water for the past 14 days.

“This (Tuesday) morning when I left home I felt bad but my spirits are buoyed. I feel good that there is so much media here and so many supporters.”

However, the activist maintained that he will not relent and also underscored the important role the press has played in keeping the issue alive.

“The media is an extraordinary institution in a country and they have been here almost every day talking to me, asking about my condition and also about this important issue of the highway,” he stressed.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

10

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Jamaica, Guyana and TT nationals More Canadian help for Guyana’s mining industry shortlisted for ACP top post

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Canadian High Commissioner Dr Nicole Giles said the Guyana Mining Information Toolkit will be relaunched within weeks.

According to Dr Giles, the toolkit which was launched back in 2012 is being upgraded based on legislative changes. The mining Toolkit was launched in collaboration with the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry, the Canadian High Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

“Canada has partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Mining Communities, Canadian and local mining companies, mining and mining related associations to create a mining toolkit which is a guide for communities to aid in the understanding of the extractive sector operations.”

It included clarifications on the mining cycle which contains four

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Nicole Giles (Guyana Times file photo)

critical sections; mineral exploration, mine development, mine operation and mine closure.

In addition to the Mining Toolkit, Dr Giles said Canada continues to work closely with the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry in building capacities that are needed in education to support development in the extractive sector.

“Both the College of the North Atlantic and the Marine Institute of Newfoundland Canada have been active in the delivery of courses for the Guyana mining school,” the High Commissioner

disclosed.

The Mining School has been offering skills training since it were formally launched in May 2012. The school’s curriculum has been designed to foster growth within the sector. It was explained that the Guyana government in its venture with investors in the oil and gas sector has been ensuring that a proviso of their operation is that Guyanese must be involved in these projects, hence the need to train the workforce.

In June this year, subject Minister Robert Persaud led a Guyanese delegation to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, participating in sessions which were designed to enhance Guyana’s technical capacity in the area of Natural Resources Development.

Accompanied by the Canadian High Commission, the Natural Resources and the Environment Minister spoke to issues relating to applied science and technology for partnership with the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc and the University of Guyana.

(Guyana Times)

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Three candidates from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have been short listed for the post of secretary general of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) grouping.

Informed sources said Guyana’s Brussels-based ambassador to the ACP, Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes, Jamaica’s Patricia Francis, the former executive director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Dr Hamid Ghany, a political scientist and senior lecturer at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) have been shortlisted for the post.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti and Suriname had also named candidates for the top ACP post.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn

Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes

Rodrigues-Birkett is quoted by a local website as saying she is “happy that the process has advanced for selecting the Secretary General of the ACP”.

The website also quoted Suriname’s candidate Rabin Parmessar as saying the Dutchspeaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country would have pre-

ferred just one candidate named for the post.

“It's time for the Caribbean Region to show their teeth. It is our term to appoint a SG for the ACP, and we have opposed to the idea to name three candidates for the ACP ministerial council to vote on, instead of just present one candidate,” he told the website.

Caribbean leaders are yet to publicly confirm the names of the shortlisted candidates, keeping the matter as a very closely guarded secret.

Caricom had up to September 30 to present three final candidates for the position and Caricom Secretary General Irwin La Rocque, speaking at the end of the summit of regional leaders in Antigua in July, noted that a process was being led by the ACP with regards to the selection of a candidate.

Antigua PM holds talks with U.S. on gaming dispute

Jamaica mangoes get nod for US$500 million American market

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica will be able to export mangoes to the U.S. come January.

The conditional approval, which was granted by the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, opens up a US$500 million market to local farmers.

But the country has just been able to export US$1.2 million to US$1.6 million worth of mangoes annually over the past decade, even though global demand (around US$1.9 billion last year) has more than tripled since 2003.

What's more, ministry officials figure that Jamaica has the capacity to export just about 261,000 kilogrammes of mangoes to the U.S. each year, or less than 0.1 per cent of total demand in the North American country.

And while U.S. imports of mangoes have more than doubled from US$180 million in 2003, growth in demand for the fruit has been faster elsewhere. The U.S. market's share of global mango demand fell from 30 per cent a decade ago to 26 per cent last year.

All of Jamaica's

Jamaica has just been able to export US$1.2 million to US$1.6 million worth of mangoes annually over the past decade

mangoes currently are shipped to Canada and the UK. Last year, local farmers exported 670,000 kg of the fruit, valued at just over US$1.5 million.

There has been a comparative increase in the volume of exports so far this year, with figures up to June showing that just over 500,000 kg of mangoes have been exported.

Those fruits came from the 14 mango orchards in Jamaica, ranging from two to 150 acres in size, which predominantly grow Julie and East Indian mangoes and which are largely located in St Thomas, with two of them being in St James.

But more orchards would have to be established for Jamaica to take a meaningful share of the global market.

In the meantime, the Agriculture Ministry is looking to partner with the private sector to set

up facilities which will allow farmers to get their mangoes into the U.S., according to Sheila Harvey, chief plant quarantine and produce inspector at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Before being accepted into the U.S., Jamaican mangoes must either be subjected to a 'hot water immersion bath' or 'irradiation' treatment designed to kill all imbedded pests. The equipment to do this is expected to cost just under Ja$20 million.

Jamaican mangoes have been locked out of the U.S. market for the last 30 years due to concerns about the prevalence of tropical fruit flies, namely the West Indian Fruit Fly (Anastrepha obliqua) and the Caribbean Fruit Fly (Anastrepha suspensa).

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

N

Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and officials meeting senior U.S. officials on WTO Gaming issue (FB photo)

EW YORK, U N I T E D S T A T E S : Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has held talks with senior United States officials in a move aimed at ending their long standing Internet gaming dispute.

The meeting followed Browne’s criticism of Washington during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week.

A statement by the Antigua and Barbuda government stated Prime Minister Browne met U.S. Trade Representative, Michael Froman, last Friday “where both men sat down to open dialogue about the stalled trade dispute and discussed practical ways in which the matter could be brought to a conclusion”.

Browne was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Charles Fernandez and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Colin Murdoch.

“Both sides agreed to put a team together to work out the details of their discussion, and PM Browne undertook to name his team within a week,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Browne later indicated that he was “courage” that his administration has been able to secure a meeting with Ambassador Froman “so early”.

He reported that the U.S. official is a Cabinetlevel officer and that “this should facilitate decisionmaking on policy matters”.

In his meeting with Froman, Prime Minister Browne outlined the economic losses suffered by Antigua and Barbuda as a result of U.S. non-compliance with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling, according

to the statement.

It said both parties are expected to resume discussions in the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, Antigua and Barbuda said it was seeking US$100 million to settle the dispute.

Prime Minister Browne told a news conference then that while the figure represents a reduction on what St John’s had originally been demanding, it is negotiable and could be a mixture of cash and kind.

Antigua and Barbuda has submitted new proposals to Washington to end the dispute.

St. John’s has criticised the United States since 1998 of breaching its commitments to members of the WTO under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) by enacting laws that prevented foreignbased operators from offering gambling and betting services to its citizens. (Caribbean News)

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

News

11

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Decriminalisation of Caribbean MPs fearful of Ebola, refuse trip to Cameroon homosexuality in TT still off the cards - PM Kamla

Guyana's Deputy Speaker Basil Williams

Guyana’s Transport Minister Robeson Benn

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : G u y a n e s e and other Caribbean Members of Parliament have refused to travel to the West African country of Cameroon for a conference owing to the growing threat of the Ebola Virus, which has now entered the United States.

Speaker, Raphael Trotman told a news conference on Tuesday that a delegation from the Guyana Parliament was due to travel to the country. The delegation included:

Guyana’s Transport Minister, Robeson Benn, Deputy Speaker, Basil Williams and Alliance For Change MP, Trevor Williams. The conference is being sponsored by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

“Because of obvious public health issues with Ebola, the decision was taken not to send that delegation and all members will remain in Guyana,” Trotman told reporters.

According to him several other Caribbean countries that are part of the CPA

G

have also opted to skip the conference.

“Even though Cameroon is said not to be a part of Africa it is said to be close to Liberia and Sierra Leone to cause concerns.

It was not considered to be in the best interest to send a delegation to Cameroon.”

Trotman said the concerns were not only with travelling to the Region but the hassle anticipated when returning.

“Coming back persons may be taken into room and examined and probably kept for a few days.”

The Ebola virus disease is a serious infectious disease spread between humans from person to person.

Infection is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the blood, body fluids or secretions (stool, urine, saliva, semen) of infected people, but only when they show symptoms. Ebola cannot be transmitted by air.

The disease usually has a high mortality rate but in the current Ebola outbreak the rate ranges between 55 per cent and 60 per cent. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidad and Tobago’s criminalisation of men who have sex with men (MSM) will remain in legal force for the foreseeable future of the People’s Partnership government.

Word of this came from Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, who insists that the question of decriminalisation should be considered by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and not her government.

Her remarks came in response to a question posed by Lakshmi Singh, an NPR journalist, at a Trinidad and Tobago Investment Conference in Manhattan, New York. Singh pressed Persad-Bissessar for a response on the issue in light of an increased gay-rights lobby for the decriminalisation of same-sex relations in the Caribbean.

“I think this is an issue that is not for the government to decide at this time in our coun-

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Caribbean News photo)

try. It is an issue that the people must decide and…therefore may require a referendum to get the views of the people. Our personal views are not good enough”, the Prime Minister responded.

She noted that proposals to decriminalise MSM had previously been included in a draft national gender policy by the former Patrick Manning-led government, but that the policy “failed to see the light of day” due to rife opposition. Persad-Bissessar

indicated that she was met with even further opposition when her government later picked up the same policy to disseminate for discussion–particularly from the islands’ Roman Catholic groups.

Despite affirming that her government will not decriminalise homosexuality without a mandate from citizens, the Prime Minister further claims that her government cannot instigate a referendum process either.

“It’s not legally possible”, Persad-Bissessar related in response to questions from journalists on the legality of a national vote.

The Prime Minister, herself a Senior Counsel, did not clarify her views on the legal impediments to a referendum, but further told journalists that it would not be “prudent” for the government to head in that direction at this time.

“There’s no consensus on an issue as sensitive as that”, she concluded. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

12

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Jamaica’s new top cop to host President Ramotar urges diaspora to return islandwide community meetings and invest in Guyana K - at New York, Washington meetings

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : P r e s i d e n t Donald Ramotar has called on Guyanese living in the United States of America (USA) to return home and invest in the country’s booming economy.

The President, who travelled to the USA to attend and address the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, used the opportunity to meet Guyanese living there. He met the Guyanese community in Queens, New York last Friday evening and those in Washington last Saturday evening.

President Ramotar updated the several hundreds of Guyanese on developments taking place in the current and prevailing political uncertainty. He spoke of the eight successive years of economic growth in the Guyanese economy, infrastructural advancements and Guyana’s success stories in the social sector, particularly housing, education, and health.

The President said his government remains

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar meeting the diaspora in Washington

committed to continuing the transformation of Guyana, but needs the help of all Guyanese, since he does not have a development partner in the Opposition, pointing to their anti-developmental stance since they won a one-seat majority in the National Assembly which they used to cut critical budgetary allocations, defeat important legislation like the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill and block transformational projects like the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Amaila

Falls Hydro Power project, and the Specialty Hospital, among others.

The President, meanwhile, said his government has never denied there is corruption in the country, but pointed to the various efforts successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic administrations have been making to tackle this issue.

Many Guyanese living abroad responded positively and requested that they be informed of how they can work with the government to set up their businesses in Guyana. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Jamaica, Dr Carl Williams, says he will be embarking on a series of islandwide forums to help improve the relationship between the police and citizens.

Williams said members of the force will be going out to town hall meetings to engage the people in their communities.

However, he emphasised that the police alone cannot tackle crime and violence and is calling for Jamaicans to partner with the police.

The police commissioner added that he wants Jamaicans to interact with a Force that engenders trust, respect and confidence.

Jamaica’s newly appointed Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

Williams was speaking in a local televised interview.

Meanwhile, Williams explained that there will be greater emphasis on respecting human rights under his leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

He stressed that he will not tolerate any violation of the rights of citizens by any member of the Force.

The JCF has been facing strong condemnation

in recent weeks arising for incidents of brutality and misconduct.

The death of Mario Deane, who was beaten in police custody, has drawn the most public outcry.

While not commenting directly on the Mario Deane case, the police commissioner assured that all personnel found to be involved in wrongdoing will be held accountable.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Antigua projects US$100 million fiscal deficit

S

T JOHN’s, ANTIGUA: The Antigua and Barbuda government is projecting a fiscal deficit of more than US$100 million for this year.

Addressing a town hall meeting over the weekend, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the deficit of about

US$130 million is due to overspending by the previous administration.

During the presentation of the last fiscal package, the former Baldwin Spencer government had projected a surplus of EC$10 million for 2014.

However, Prime Minister Browne told Antigua and Barbuda nationals at a town hall meeting in New York that the country’s borrowing surpasses what it earns annually.

He said based on the debt that has been built up the government has estimated that the country’s debt to gross domestic product is in the region of 125 to 130 per

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne (File photo)

cent.

The Prime Minister said that the figure is extremely high when compared to the global benchmark estimated at no more than 60 per cent. (Jamaica Gleaner)

13

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

14

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Canada commits to supporting justice reforms in Jamaica

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready has pledged the continued commitment of the Canadian government to Jamaica’s justice reform goals.

He gave the commitment, while addressing the Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation (JUST) programme partnership breakfast meeting held last Wednesday in Kingston.

The Canadian government currently provides support to the government of Jamaica for the implementation of a comprehensive justice reform agenda under the JUST programme.

The five-year initiative, which commenced in 2011, is slated to end in 2016.

Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding, expressed gratitude to the Canadian government on behalf of the government of Jamaica, for its support for justice reform.

“It is clear that our development partners have recognised justice

Jamaica’s Justice Minister Mark Golding (centre), shares a light moment with (from left): Chief Justice Zalia McCalla; Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready; Senior Director for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), Dr. Gail Miller; and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Carol Palmer (JIS photo)

as a key sector for intervention. The reform agenda of the ministry and the government would be much more difficult, if not insurmountable…to execute without their support,” he stated.

Golding said the ministry intends to deliver tangible benefits through the JUST programme that would be apparent to all users of the courts.

Partnership

Ready indicated that the Canadian government is “very honoured

to be associated with justice reform in Jamaica,” while commending the Ministry of Justice, the Jamaican Bar Association, the courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and all partners engaged in the process.

He noted that the work to be undertaken through the JUST programme is revolutionary, because it aims to change the way business is done in the justice sector, noting that some initiatives will have direct

impact on the way members of the legal profession operate.

The Canadian High Commissioner hailed the social order component of the programme, which has the objective of ensuring that Jamaicans are aware of legal processes and procedures and the kinds of changes needed to make the system more efficient.

“This component will also focus on twining Canadian institutions such as the Canadian Bar Association with the Jamaican Bar Association to help the

Jamaican Bar undertake initiatives that will improve its functioning and ability to proactively participate in reform efforts,” he pointed out.

Awareness

Other key activities through the programme include legal education and awareness; engagement of citizens on legal issues and justice reform; social context training, including gender equality and human rights; as well as study visits to Canada to observe best practices.

The JUST programme will assist some

critical justice sector institutions in Jamaica to implement new processes to boost their capacity to manage and implement their core business, including the courts, the office of the DPP, Office of the Parliamentary Council (OPC), The Law Reform Department, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Ready also highlighted that the programme is assisting the Justice Ministry to transition towards a more policyfocused agenda, while the courts will be provided with new technologies, tools and processes that will reduce case backlogs, improve case management, and help make the resolution of cases more efficient.

The programme will also work with the OPC and ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), in order to improve the legislative drafting and policy development processes.

Miller, along with deputy director, planning, Gwen Walmsley, were part of a two-member Canadian delegation that visited Jamaica from the DFATD. (JIS)

Guyana, China ink agreement for House of Medical Science

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana government and the People’s Republic of China last Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the China/Guyana House of Medical Science, which would allow for training of local doctors by members of the Chinese medical team.

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran who signed on Guyana’s behalf, said the MOU is a continuation of a bilateral agreement between Guyana and China, which sets the foundation for more powerful interaction between the two countries.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, China’s Health Minister Li Bin said the two countries enjoy a long-stand-

ing relationship and the Chinese government is working on collaborating with Guyana to aid in other areas of development, such as infrastructure.

Minister Bin said since 1993, some 147 Chinese medical practitioners have come to Guyana and since then have been rotating their visits.

It was further stated that since 2001, China established a medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and over 5000 patients have been looked after.

Ophthalmologists have looked after hundreds of patients through advanced systems for eye surgeries.

Minister Ramsaran said Guyana and China have enjoyed strong diplomatic and people-to-

people relations.

“So far they have only worked at GPHC and the Linden Hospital but the government is anticipating an expansion to the Lethem and Mabaruma hospitals with the signing of the MOU.” He added that over the years, the Chinese government has assisted with the training of local doctors and further, graduates from the Chinese medical schools are starting to enter into local post-graduate programmes.

“The government will explore the possibility of inviting the Chinese to come and teach at the University of Guyana medical classes, which will allow for a more cost effective manner of production of more local doctors,” Dr Ramsaran said.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

News

15

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Regional countries urged to collaborate on improving health care

W

ASHINGTON, U N I T E D S T A T E S : Health ministers from the Caribbean are joining their counterparts from other member countries of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in the United States this week to debate universal coverage and other regional health challenges.

The PAHO 53rd Directing Council meeting has been told that collective action by the regional countries is needed to expand affordable access to health care and to address other hemispheric health challenges.

The five-day meeting will discuss a wide range of issues including childhood obesity, blood safety, disabilities and rehabilitation, mental health, prevention of blindness and visual impairment, health-related law, coordination of humanitarian assistance, and universal access and universal health coverage.

Dominican-born PAHO Director Carissa F Etienne reminded delegates that many key public health achievements in the Americas

have been made possible by the collective action of PAHO member countries.

“Our Region is on track to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis. More than 75 per cent of people living with HIV in the Americas have access to antiretroviral treatment. Our Region was the first to eradicate polio, smallpox, measles, and congenital rubella syndrome,” she said.

“This Region has always been, and will continue to be, a trail blazer as a result of your collective and committed leadership and your tireless hard work in improving the social conditions and health systems within your countries.”

Etienne urged similar collaboration to advance universal access and universal health coverage, top agenda items for this week’s meeting.

“It is hoped that the decisions and resolutions that emanate from our discussions this week will result in major health benefits for all, and especially those people in most need.” (Jamaica Observer)

PM Kamla at NY Republic Day dinner…

TT on threshold of major achievement

P

ORT-Of-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Sustainability must be underlined by social and economic freedom and can only be achieved by education which must be accessible, equitable and modern, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said last Saturday night in her address a Republic Day gala dinner in Queens, New York.

“When we combine the progress on all fronts, we can feel sure saying that our Republic stands great for today’s people, and shall stand as the beacon for tomorrow’s people,” she added.

“As a people, this is another opportunity we have to ensure that, not even for the shortest moment, we allow ourselves to forget how much our nation has grown because of us, and indeed how much we have grown, as a people, because of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Persad-Bissessar noted that where education thrived, social inclusion also flourished which resulted in communities becoming stronger and people more confident in

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressing last Saturday’s Republic Day gala dinner in Queens, New York (FB photo)

their own country.

“When all of these factors come together, we have people and communities less inclined to protecting, fostering or condoning crime, criminals and anti-social behaviour,” she related.

Commenting on the many hurdles the country faced, she said TT had walked through them with dignity.

“Our advance in the face of challenges, continues with determination.

We are now at the thresh-

old of a very significant achievement in the area of education, which has come as a result of vision, commitment and keeping promises,” PersadBissessar expressed.

Last Friday, the Prime Minister, who participated in United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan, said she had pleasure of speaking directly with leaders around the world and also listened to how some had been able to emerge from the proverbial ash-

es.

She said as a country that stood strongly on the side of social justice and equity, TT continued to be a supportive force in the Region for justice and reconciliation. “We continue to advocate, support and participate at any level where we can secure sustainable development by honouring the fundamental rights of all people to live free of fear and instability,” she stressed. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

16

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Guyana gets Centre for Laparoscopic Surgery in Linden

China’s Health Minister, Li Bin (centre); Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin (her left) and LHC Chairman Mortimer Mingo (her right) after unveiling the plaque

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Healthcare services in Guyana continue to expand and improve at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), with the most recent addition of a Centre for Laparoscopic Surgery, now located inside the health facility.

The centre is sponsored by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China.

An official inauguration ceremony held at the health institution on Sunday marked the commissioning of the centre, although it has been in use for some time.

Laparoscopic sur-

gery, also referred to as keyhole surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) or bandaid surgery is a new and advanced surgical technique whereby operations are started a far distance from the site, through small incisions in the body.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin; Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud; Chinese Health Minister Li Bin; LHC Chairman Mortimer Mingo; a Chinese medical team, and other healthcare professionals within the Health Ministry were present to witness the simple yet significant ceremony.

In her remarks, Minister Li said the event represents the advancement of medical techniques at the LHC and represents the traditional friendship between Guyana and China.

“On behalf of the Chinese Health and Family Planning Commission, I would like to formally congratulate the inauguration of this centre. In the health area, we have conducted in-depth, concrete operations for the past many years. Twenty-one years ago, China deployed the first of the China medical teams to Guyana, and so far has already sent altogether, 124

medical workers. For many years, the Chinese medical teams have devoted themselves to provide good services to the local people and patients….” she noted.

Li said the fundamental change marked by the transitioning from the former LHC building to the newer, more modern hospital complex, where the laparoscopic facility is being housed, will inspire better services to the local people. She added that the commissioning of the centre represents a new starting point of many more achievements for the LHC. Dr Persaud in his remarks noted that the LHC is a very important medical institution which serves a significant proportion of the Guyanese populace. He emphasised that the collaborative knowledge of medical staff deployed to the laparoscopic centre will help to address some of the major health issues, in the institution’s quest to achieve the ultimate Millenium Development Goal.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Mother of Jamaican killed in Trinidad wants answers

Bridgette Johnson (Jamaica Observer photo)

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The mother of Jamaican actor Tremaine Thomas, who was shot dead in a volatile community in Portof-Spain, Trinidad, last Thursday night, is demanding the truth about his killing.

“I know my child, he was no gunman,” Bridgette Johnson told Jamaican media on Monday. “He had a clean police record in Jamaica.

And it is upon that premise that I am seeking justice. In my heart I know my child is not a criminal; he was not a gunman.”

Trinidad media reported that five men were in the Laventille

area when occupants of a black vehicle fired gunshots on the group, hitting all of them.

One of the dead men, Dillon Skeete, was reported to be a gang leader.

“The newspaper in Trinidad is saying that it was gunmen who murdered my child, but yet eyewitness is saying that it is police; so I don’t know,” Johnson said. “I am not going to sit here and speculate, but I am in search of justice because I don’t know, and I have to make that clear.”

Twenty-five-yearold Thomas was in Trinidad to shoot a movie. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

News

17

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

76 per cent of Guyanese children victims of “violent discipline” – UNICEF

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: As Child Protection Week activities in Guyana ended, it is important to note that children are still very much vulnerable and open to violence with much of it going unreported.

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’, a September 2014 report by UNICEF shows that some 76 per cent of Guyana’s children are victims of “violent discipline” at the hands of their parents, teachers or caregivers.

“Violent discipline” primarily takes the form of physical abuse and has been categorically reject-

ed by sections of society.

However, corporal punishment continues to be a major issue in the country, leaving children, emotionally and physically scarred.

To add to the emotional damage and trauma, the report also indicated that in 2005 to 2013, 66 per cent of Guyana’s children were victims of psychological aggression.

In psychology, the term aggression refers to a range of behaviours that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself or others. The expression of aggression can occur in a number of ways, includ-

“Violent discipline” primarily takes the form of physical abuse

ing verbally, mentally and physically.

Further, it was also

noted that for the same period of 2005 to 2013, 63 per cent of children

in Guyana were victims of some form of physical punishment.

According to the report, “physical violence against children includes all corporal punishment and all other forms of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment as well as physical bullying and hazing by adults or by other children. ‘Corporal’ (or physical) punishment is defined as any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. Most involves hitting (smacking, slapping), children with the

hands or with any weapon be it a whip, a stick, belt, shoe, wooden spoon, among others.

Further to that, it can also involve kicking, shaking or throwing children, scratching, pinching, biting, pulling hair or caning (forcing children to stay in uncomfortable positions), burning, scalding or forced ingestion.

Jeffrey O’Malley, Director of UNICEF’s Division of Data, Research and Policy said that violence against children occurs every day, everywhere cutting across all sections of society.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

PNM begins election screening in Trinidad

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Opposition People’s National Movement in Trinidad and Tobago began screening candidates last Friday for next year’s general election, constitutionally due by September.

General secretary of the 58-year-old party Ashton Ford said the process was expected to take place at the party’s headquarters, Balisier House

Opposition Chief Whip Marlene Mc Donald and acting general secretary Ashton Ford (TT Guardian photo)

on Tranquillity Street, Port-of-Spain, from 5 pm.

The screening committee will look at prospective candidates for only four constituencies—Diego Martin West, St Joseph, Pointe-a-Pierre and Mayaro.

Party leader Dr Keith Rowley is the incumbent MP for Diego Martin West and the party represents St Joseph in Parliament after Terrence

Jamaica looks to export pork

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Chief Technical Director in Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dervan Spence, has lauded local pig farmers for creating a “self-sufficient pork industry”.

Spence, who was speaking at the 12th an-

nual general meeting of the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) held in Mandeville last Thursday, said Jamaica produces nearly 10 million kilograms of pork annually, which is more than enough to satisfy local consumption.

He noted that this independence from im-

porting pork and pork products, exemplifies, in several ways, the goal of the government to achieve food and nutrition security.

“We are seeking to ensure sustainable food security and the aim is to attain self-sufficiency in many areas. We are now looking at that

EU, Spain, IDB to help Caribbean develop renewable energy

N

EW YORK, U N I T E D S T A T E S : The Inter America Development Bank (IDB) says it is prepared to work with donor organisations and countries to avoid duplication on projects as the Caribbean seeks to reinforce collaboration in the field of renewable energy.

“Our long and close relationship with the Caribbean has allowed us to gain extensive knowledge of the region’s current conditions and future needs and of what it will take to achieve its en-

ergy targets,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno following the signing of a joint declaration involving the European Union, Spain and the IDB on energy efficiency in the Caribbean.

The IDB noted that renewable energy and energy efficiency can help the Caribbean accelerate its development, mitigate the impacts of climate change and achieve greater energy security.

“By renewing its commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, the partnership will work to foster

conditions for attracting more investments in sustainable energy; identifying, replicating and scaling up best practices, and coordinating policies and activities among Caribbean states,” the IDB said.

It added that the renewed collaboration will also explore opportunities such as involving the private sector and civil society in energy-related efforts, and promoting the use of sustainable energy technologies and solutions to limit the negative consequences of energy generation, among other issues. (Caribbean News)

in Irish potato and several other crops coming on stream, and the plan is to target the expansion of the export sector, once we have satisfied the local market,” Spence indicated.

He noted that having

Deyalsingh won the seat in the November 4, 2013, by-election. Rowley and Deyalsingh are expected to be approved as the candidates for their respective seats. A post on Dr Rowley’s Facebook page on July 23 said, “Clarence Rambharat will be representing the People’s National Movement in the next General Elections.”

The Mayaro and Pointe-a-Pierre seats

are now represented by Community Development Minister Winston Peters and Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod, who is also the acting prime minister.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told legislators weeks ago that the Parliament will be prorogued by June next year and the polls will be held as constitutionally due

by September 2015. (TT Guardian)

- as local industry booms successfully increased production to sustainable levels, the pork industry can now lead the way in terms of expansion into export markets and diversification of product lines.

The chief technical director gave the pig farmers the assurance, that the government has every intention to build on and preserve the gains that have been made. (JIS)

18

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

- to help with missing persons’ cases

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Citing several cases of unsolved murders and unconfirmed identities, the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) group on Sunday announced that in partnership with global activist group One Billion Rising, it will be looking at strengthening the Missing Persons Act in Guyana.

This is according to CADVA Founder Sukree Boodram who made the announcement during a press conference in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus International

Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown. Boodram remarked that for too long, Guyanese parents and families have buried persons without any sort of confirmation of their identity and too many bodies have been found and have remained unidentified.

She contended that proper systems need to be put in place to ensure that families get some sort of closure when their loved ones go missing and are not positively identified.

The CADVA Founder also pointed out that although Guyana’s government has been able to establish a Forensic

CADVA Founder Sukree Boodram

Laboratory, the facility does not have the required capabilities to

conduct DNA testing.

It was against that backdrop that Eureka

Medical Laboratory will be partnering with CADVA, Boodram said, in hopes of making DNA testing available locally.

Boodram pointed to the recent disappearance of Nygozi Goodman, a St Stanislaus High School teacher, noting that no confirmation has been given on the identity of the discovered body.

“Her family doesn’t even know if it’s her body that was found, or what became of the DNA testing…what we need to do is find a way and liaison and put systems in place,” said Boodram.

“You have families who are burying their

daughters, their wives, their children and don’t even know who they are burying,” the social activist declared.

Domestic violence

It was also explained that the two groups will be facilitating a “grassroots” consultation process, with Dr Faith Harding and Dr Dawn Stewart.

The consultation is geared at hearing from the everyday woman on suggestions to tackle the scourge of domestic violence that has been affecting not only Guyana’s society but the world over from time immemorial. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Trinidad police station comes under attack after suspected gang leader killed

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The summary execution of three men—one of them a Jamaican—and a gun attack on a police station pushed Trinidad and Tobago’s murder toll to 299, and put Laventille once again on the front burner as a crime “hot spot.”

The incident un-

folded at Desperlie Crescent, Laventille, last Thursday night at about 10 pm, when the three men were lined up against a wall and showered with bullets, mowed down as if by a firing squad, using high calibre weapons. Reports are that a group of men identified as Christian Huggins, Atiba Lewis, Joel Tash, Dillon Skeete

and Tremin Thomas were liming at Desperlie Crescent, Laventille when a black Nissan Xtrail approached them.

Five occupants are said to have alighted from the vehicle, dressed in black clothing, armed with high calibre weapons, ordered the men to kneel down and face forward, and then shot them. Tash, Skeete and

Joel David Tash

Tremin, a Jamaican, were killed.

Following the killings, the Besson Street Police Station just under the Laventille hills came under attack by gunmen, seemingly in retaliation, the attackers apparently using the same type of arms and ammunition.

Last Thursday night, at about 11 o’clock, seven police officers, both male and female, were on duty at the police station when they heard rapid gunfire on the northern side of the station. The officers alerted the Inter Agency Task Force and other agencies, switched off all the

lights in the station, and armed themselves with heavy weapons before taking cover under desks and other areas of the station. An officer, who spoke with TT media on the condition of anonymity, said, “Those explosions lasted for three to four minutes.

There was a break for about ten minutes, and more explosions were heard, this time on the eastern side of the station. Officers scampered and ran for safety.”

IATF officers, with support from police divisions, responded and the streets around the station were cordoned off. The Viper 2 from

the National Operations Centre was dispatched to provide air support for several hours.

Residents of Desperlie Crescent, some of them witnesses to the execution, claimed members of the Protective Services were responsible for the killings, but while they demanded justice, clearly distressed and stunned over the killings, they remained calm and staged no protest as they have done on previous occasions.

National Security Minister Gary Griffith visiting the officers, assured them steps were being taken to provide police officers with resources to protect themselves and to reclaim the country from the hands of criminal elements.

Last Friday, President of the Police Social Welfare Association, Anand Ramesar, who met with the officers who were on duty when the police station was attacked, called for a limited state of emergency in Laventille.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Trinidad police and soldiers patrol Desperlie Crescent, Laventille last Friday, hours after three men were gunned down last Thursday night (TT Newsday photos)

news

19

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaica denies rumours of suspected Ebola case

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican health authorities are denying rumours of a suspected case of the deadly Ebola virus on the island.

The virus has been blamed for over 3,000 deaths in West Africa.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Kevin Harvey, said no suspected case of the disease is being investigated.

“We are not investigating a suspected case and we have no reason to consider that anyone in the country at this time is suspected of having

The Ebola virus has been blamed for over 3,000 deaths in West Africa

Ebola,” he reported over the weekend.

The rumours started when a doctor, who had

recently returned to the island from Trinidad and Tobago, was admitted to the University Hospital

of the West Indies (UHWI), with a reported case of bleeding.

But Dr. Harvey said the 65-year old senior physician has fully recovered and “there is no consideration of a diagnosis of Ebola.

“He has been comprehensively investigated by our medical team, has recovered, has had investigations including a computerised tomography (CT) scan, which shows that the person had a fracture to the skull due to a fall, which resulted in the bleeding,” he related, noting that the doctor had not

travelled to any Ebolaaffected country and there was no possibility of contact with any infected person.

At the time that the doctor was admitted to UHWI, an Ebola planning meeting and training for medical officers was underway at the facility, and this, Dr. Harvey surmised, may have led to the rumours.

Meanwhile, Dr. Harvey said sensitisation briefings have been undertaken for all senior members of the island’s medical teams as well as discussions and joint meetings with other

Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, and partners, such as the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO).

He said there is a surveillance system in place to identify and isolate persons should the need arise.

The acting Permanent Secretary has, however, reminded Jamaicans to avoid nonessential travel to countries where the virus has been confirmed.

These include: Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s main Opposition calls for free school buses

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : P e o p l e ’ s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Opposition Leader in Guyana, Brigadier (retired) David Granger has repeated his call for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration to provide road and riverine transportation for schoolchildren, particularly those

in rural and hinterland communities.

This call comes in the wake of demands made to Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill when he met residents of Coomaka, Elizabeth Maria, Three Friends, Old England and Nothinghamshire.

According to an APNU press release, residents complained about poor transporta-

tion service for schoolage children. According to a GINA report, residents “implored the minister to intervene as they complained that during the rainy season, children are forced to stay at home because no transportation is available. However, in instances where children decide to brave the harsh condition and walk to central Linden

to attend school, their parents worry about their safety.

They said: “These children does walk for miles to go to school and they come home late at nights. If we get a minibus to collect all the school children in the mines, it would encourage the children to go to school more.”

Another resident noted that the children in

the communities are eager to go to school, but because of bad weather, they are forced to stay at home and in some instances miss end-ofterm examinations.

The residents indicated to the minister their willingness to ensure that the bus once provided is maintained and used for the purposes intended. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Guyana’s Opposition Leader Brigadier (retired) David Granger (Guyana Times file photo)

TT to help Antigua with skills training

Antigua and Barbuda’s Education Minister, Michael Browne greets his TT counterpart Fazal Karim during a meeting to Trinidad over the weekend

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: T e r t i a r y Education and Skills Training Minister Fazal Karim says TT will initiate discussions with the Antigua and Barbuda government to establish a National Energy and

Skills Centre (NESC) in that country. Karim and Antigua and Barbuda Education, Science and Technology Minister, Michael Browne, made the announcement over the weekend. The minister lauded NESC for achieving its highest in-

take of 1,800 students in its 17 years of existence.

He said NESC’s success continued to be commendable and was something that should be shared with the region.

It was in that vein Karim offered Browne the opportunity to collaborate with NESC chairman Feroze Khan to have an NESC centre established in Antigua and Barbuda.

While he noted that there had been no formal discussion on the establishment of the centre, Karim indicated that he was prepared to collaborate with the Antigua and Barbuda government entirely.

Karim added: “We will also be happy to receive students from Antigua

St. Vincent, St. Lucia to receive EU funds for devastating 2013 floods

B

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: The European Union has agreed to allocate approximately EC$45.5 million grants for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia after both countries were affected by a devastating weather system in December 2013.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which suffered the heaviest damage, is earmarked to receive EC$23.5 million and St. Lucia EC$22.4 million.

This long-term reconstruction support will be in addition to the EC$1.4 million of emergency humanitarian assistance provided by the European Union to

the affected populations in the two countries immediately after the storm.

The floods, which accompanied the severe weather system, created flash flooding and resulted in the deaths of more than 15 people. It also significantly impacted infrastructures in both countries with substantial damages to roads and bridges, with impact concentrated in areas with the highest levels of poverty.

The funds will be dedicated to the reconstruction of key infrastructure damaged by the floods and to build resilience by improving river protection and slope stabilisation in major areas of the countries. (Caribbean News)

and Barbuda and in some cases to consider one or two scholarships to assist students from (Antigua and Barbuda) at NESC. It is really the collaboration and co-operation and to make our resources available.”

He said he invited Browne, who is in TT for the Caricom and the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) launch of the Caricom

Regional Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy, to NESC’s orientation ceremony so he could have a first hand view of one of the ministry’s training institutions.

Browne, who also addressed students at the ceremony, welcomed the minister’s initiative and said “not only do we want to learn, we want to sample the experience, the minds, the best skills and

create a network.”

He stated that the Antigua and Barbuda government was looking forward to sending students in TT to study.

Browne said he would be awarding scholarships from his government to make sure their students come to TT. “I want that we can have a minimum of five students a year coming to do these programmes,” he added. (TT Guardian)

20

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

T

O R O N T O , CANADA: The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica proves that emancipation is the genesis of creativity. This creative force, birthed in 1962—the year Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain— will grace Toronto with one performance only on November 4th at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

According to the organisers, NDTC's "Tribute to Rex" is an ode to its co-founder, Ralston Milton "Rex" Nettleford, OM, FIJ, OCC, who died in 2010. Nettleford was a Jamaican scholar, activist, dance aficionado, Professor and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West

The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica performs a piece (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

Indies. NDTC has been lauded for its ability to fuse "The lore, music

and dance traditions of Jamaica, Africa and the American South, with

ary and seasoned leadership of artistic director Barry Moncrieffe, NDTC has taken its belief that "dance, music and song," are of themselves tools to deepen and stretch the cultural imagination to new levels,” a release from the organisers stated.

With a well-honed international reputation, the company has moved audiences from Sydney to Kiev, New York to London and is poised to do the same for its long-awaited return to Toronto's diverse audiences.

The company's legendary co-founder Nettleford said, "The

power to create and innovate remains the greatest guarantee of respect and recognition."

Nettleford's vision carried NDTC to the vanguard, and the November 4 soiree is a fitting end to its 52nd season that will summon the greatness of Nettleford's signature, seminal choreography with works like "Dialogue for Three" and Kumina.

Supported by the NDTC singers and a group of musicians the company will deliver a show stopping performance on November 4th.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and the Sony Centre Box Office.

both modern and classical ballet."

“Under the legend-

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica ranked second in the category of attractiveness in the 2014 Medical Tourism Index (MTI) released last week.

However, the island's overall rank in the study stood at 14th or midway among 30 nations led by Canada.

The findings, while not exhaustive, places the island among some of the top nations that woo overseas patients.

"The most attractive countries in terms of 'destination attractiveness Index' are Costa Rica, Jamaica, Italy, Brazil and France," stated the sub-index findings of the report published through the U.S. based non-profit, International Healthcare Research Centre.

The MTI was developed over the last few years in collaboration with Professor Dr Marc Fetscherin and Renee-Marie Stephano, the President of the Medical Tourism Association.

The index consists of three pillars including country environment, medical tourism industry, facility and services.

Country environment seeks to grade countries based on economy, safety, image and culture.

Medical tourism industry grades countries on destination attractiveness and medical tourism costs; facility and services are graded on quality care, reputation, internationalisation and accreditation and patients' experience.

"This instrument makes a significant contribution so far as providing unbiased information about medical tourism across the globe," stated Stephano on the findings in a release.

"This information provides not only what patients need to know when planning a medical journey overseas, but serves as a valuable tool for governments, employers and insurance companies, hospitals and doctors, facilitators and related travel and hospitality industries throughout the world."

Jamaica tourism arrivals by air and sea totalled 2.4 million between January and August, latest Jamaica Tourist Board data indicates.

This reflected a 2.6 per cent rise in stopover arrivals at 1.44 million and a 10 per cent rise in cruise arrivals at some 938,800 compared with year earlier levels.

Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) the government's marketing arm last year reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with a US developer to build a 'five-star' medical tourism facility costing over US$170 million.

It forms part of efforts to tap into the global medical tourism industry valued at over US$40 billion.

(Jamaica Observer)

21 Guyanese designer impresses at Belizean fashion show G feature

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyanese fashion designer Sonia Noel reportedly impressed fans at a recent fashion show in Belize which was part of activities to mark that country’s 33rd Independence Anniversary.

The fashion show was organised by the National Institute of Culture and History.

Noel was invited to the premiere event as a Guest Designer, and according to many media officials, she did not disappoint.

During CARIFESTA, Diane Haylock, the President of the institute was formally introduced to Noel and was very impressed with her work and contribution to Caribbean fashion and the creative industry in general. It is against this background that he invited her to the show last week.

Friday last, the House of Culture played host to the fashion showcase in a beautiful garden setting. Veteran designer Dana Brown as well as Julie McCord, Maureen Navarette and Babriella Barrera, all from Belize, displayed their pieces to a very receptive audience.

But it was Noel, who once again stole the show. Closing the showcase, displaying pieces from her First Resort collection, Noel proved why she is regarded as one of the region’s best.

She recalled that the response from the other designers and the pub-

A model displaying Noel’s creativity

lic was nothing short of amazing. And it was not just ‘lip service’, many patrons purchased and ordered pieces as the show was over.

On one of the many TV and Radio programmes she was invit-

ed to; host of the popular morning show “Open Your Eyes”, William Neal, commented “OMG! The creativity and originality in your work…we have never seen anything like it”.

On the other part

A model in a Sonia Noel design

of the visit, the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts collaborated with the National Institute of Culture and History of Belize to host a Fashion Talk Shop as part of the official programme where Noel

functioned as facilitator.

There were interactive sessions with young designers on design and development with specific references to culture, storytelling, traditional techniques and

socio-historical linkage that influence their individual style concept.

The participants were very receptive and overjoyed to be part of the informative fashion talk shop. Noel responded that “there is lots of talent here in Belize and I feel overwhelmed to share my knowledge and to be able to contribute to the wider fashion industry in the region”.

Noel also challenged Belizeans to support local fashion and make it a duty to add a local designer piece to their wardrobe.

The Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts is dedicated to facilitating and creating opportunities for young people to display and realise their creative potential, while contributing to the awareness and eradication of social issues. The last venture was a fundraiser for the Guyana Sickle Cell Association dubbed “Style Mission”.

On her trip to Belize, Noel said: “It was an honour to be invited by the Cultural Department for such an important occasion. I feel so much love from officials, local designers, and the public, and I have a distinct feeling that this will be the first of many trips, God’s willing.”

During her tour to the island, her magazine “Makin Styles” was also introduced and it has already created some spark among the locals. (Guyana Times)

Atlantic Records severs ties with Sean Paul K INGSTON, JAMAICA: After a decade-long relationship that produced a string of hit singles and two platinum albums, Atlantic Records has parted ways with deejay Sean Paul.

Rumours that the label had dropped the Grammy-winning artiste have made the rounds in recent weeks. Craig Kallman, chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, confirmed the split via email on the weekend.

Asked by Jamaican media if Sean Paul was still with the label, Kallman responded: "No longer." He did not elaborate about what caused the split.

Sean Paul signed with Atlantic Records in a joint deal with the independent VP Records in late 2002 following the success of his song ‘Gimme the Light’.

Atlantic released the deejay's major label debut album, Dutty Rock, in November that year. It scored five Top 10 United Kingdom singles and five Top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ‘Gimme the Light’, ‘Baby Boy’ (with Beyonce), ‘Like Glue’, ‘Get

Sean Paul (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

Busy’, and ‘I'm Still in Love With You’ (featuring Sasha).

Dutty Rock opened with first-week sales of 65,000 copies and peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200. In

the UK, it debuted at number two and has sold over six million copies worldwide.

The follow-up album, The Trinity, was released in September, 2005 and

set a record for first-week sales by a Jamaican reggae act in the U.S. with 107,000 copies. It debuted at number six on the UK Album chart and number six on the Billboard 200 Album chart.

The Trinity has U.S. sales of 1.3 million copies and worldwide sales of over 4.3 million.

Imperial Blaze, Sean Paul's third album did not do as well in the U.S. although it was certified gold in France.

In the U.S., it hit number one on Billboard's Rap Album and Reggae Album charts and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and number three on the R&B/Hip Hop album chart.

His next album, Tomahawk Technique, was released in January 2012, reaching number two on the Billboard Reggae Album chart and number 30 on the UK Album chart. It went gold in Switzerland where it sold over 20,000 copies.

Full Frequency, Sean Paul's latest album, was released in February.

(Jamaica Observer)

22

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Travel industry veteran to receive Caribbean’s leadership award

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana National Museum is now modernised to meet the demands of a 21st Century society as the government continues investing in keeping with the thrust to transform and update.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, said that the museum recognised the need to improve itself in light of the current era of computers and digital technology; hence, the decision was taken to bring it into the 21st century.

“We started to talk about it; instead of perhaps trying to read the sign, they can have a headphone and listen to the narration of what they are seeing. Or maybe if you want more in-depth information, you will be able to access that,” Minister Anthony said, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA). “We want to make the exhibits more interactive,” the minister added.

Nadia Madho, the Museum’s Administrator, explained that the “Modernisation and Digitisation Project” was awarded to a contractor, Digital Technology, and work commenced late November 2013 and was completed on August 5, 2014.

She said the project is the database of the National Museum’s collection of artefacts and displays with a website format, and provides expanded history on artefacts. Madho added that the project is expected to continue to provide learning experiences for everyone who visits the museum using modern technology.

The project includes three 21-inch interactive touchscreens and one 84inch customised interactive touchscreen

M

Guyana's Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Rojeria McWatt, Bishop’s High School student; and Nadia Madho, Administrator at the National Museum unveiling the Digitisation Project

with necessary individual wiring, server and attachments. Two screens are on the upper floor of the museum and the other on the lower floor.

The National Museum’s Library is currently being rehabilitated and soon all collections will be accessible to the public.

Further, museum staff members are being trained in digital technology to be able to properly carry out their duties. At present, a small amount of data from the National Museum can be accessed online via the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s website.

Minister Anthony said a process has been started to digitise holdings at the museum, and “that’s where we want to go and today we are taking a step in that direction. It will be much more appealing to the young people

to be able to interact with on-screen displays. It is a first step on the long road of making the museum a 21st Century museum and eventually we hope that a lot of our holdings can be accessed online.”

A few galleries have been added to the museum over the past few years, in its thrust to make the museum an educational place where people can learn about their country.

The museum also provides a bus that will enable movement of exhibits to assist in the learning progress of schoolchildren. Schools are encouraged to become a part of the museum’s loan programme.

Minister Anthony said workshops and camps for young people, especially during the summer holidays are also held at the museum. Persons are also urged to explore other museums across Guyana to continue to learn about Guyana’s rich heritage among others.

The museum will also work with teachers to facilitate the schools’ curriculum and provide relevant exhibits. “We want to be a partner to our learning institutions and schools,” Minister Anthony indicated. (Guyana Times)

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica strong literary tradition was on show in London last Saturday, at an event hosted by the Jamaican High Commission in London.

The event, held at the Waterlow Park in Camden, featured some of the country’s best authors and poets including Kei Miller, Kerry Young, and Deanne Heron.

High Commissioner Aloun NdombetAssamba, told the audience that the event was organised to showcase the rich diversity of the Jamaican culture.

“Everyone knows that Jamaicans can sing, everyone knows that we are good runners and athletes, but this event was to show and remind people that Jamaica also had a rich tradition in literature and the spoken

IAMI, UNITED STATES: Travel and tourism industry veteran Horace Hord will receive the 2014 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Award next month in Miami.

Organisers announced that Hord will receive the honor at an awards presentation during the second annual Evenings of Excellence series, sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.

The empowering event will be held at the Miramar Cultural Center/ArtsPark (2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida), a venue created to celebrate creativity and diversity within the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.

CMEx selected Hord in recognition of his sterling commitment to the development and promotion of tourism in the Caribbean region. Another recipient will soon be announced for the Miami event.

Hord, President of HCH Marketing & Consulting Associates, also serves as Senior Vice President with ICABA (Identify | Connect | Activate | the Black Accomplished) Media Holdings where he develops impactful partner relationships with major corporations that add value to ICABA in increased revenue and/or strategic promotional value.

The award winner has the unique distinction of having held top executive positions in the airline, hotel, and cruise line industries.

Hord’s career in the burgeoning travel and tourism sector began with American Airlines in New York, where he served as the Director of Marketing for the Atlantic/ Caribbean Region.

Essential in launching the first cooperative advertising campaign for the Caribbean Region, Hord later transferred to Miami, where he helped introduce air transportation to new Caribbean destinations.

In 2000, he was recruited to serve as President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association. He subsequently lived and worked in Aruba for more than four years. (Caribbean News)

word,” she stated.

The literary event was described as a ‘mini Calabash’ in reference to the international literary festival that is held biennially in St. Elizabeth.

Last Saturday’s function started with a special tribute to Jamaicanborn theatre producer and writer, Peter ‘Flip’ Fraser who died recently.

He was best known for the ‘Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame’ showcase, which toured Jamaica in the late 1990s. The tribute was done by Fraser’s close friend and colleague, theatre producer Junior Douglas.

This was followed by readings by award winning author and poet, Kerry Young from her books ‘Pao’ and ‘Gloria’; while writer Deanne Heron read from her book ‘Partner Money Stories’.

Jamaican entrepreneur and singer Levi

Roots, thrilled the audience with a performance of his new single ‘Rice and Peas’.

The highlight of the afternoon was special guest Kei Miller’s reading from two of his books including his latest, ‘The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion’.

Also featured were performances from Artistry Youth, and traditional Jamaican folk and mento music and songs by the Koromanti Art drummers. The Kalabash Hut Restaurant from Mitchum Surrey provided Jamaican dishes.

The Literary Event was supported by National Commercial Bank, Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel and Hansib Publishers.

High Commissioner Ndombet-Assamba said that efforts will be made to stage the event every year. (JIS)

feature

23

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Since she was a child, Gloria Reuben has been intrigued by her surname. The Canadian actress knew her parents were Jamaican but the question surrounding her Jewish last name lingered.

That mystery was solved recently by Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates who confirmed her JamaicanJewish heritage in his acclaimed genealogy se-

ries, ‘Finding Your Roots’, which aired last Tuesday in the United States on PBS. Through visits to the Institute of Jamaica and English and German Synagogue in Kingston, Gates discovered Reuben’s father, Cyril George Reuben, was indeed Jewish.

It did not surprise the Toronto-born Reuben who said her black mother always spoke about her husband’s Jewish background. “That’s what I’ve

been told,” she said. An engineer, Cyril Reuben was born in Jamaica in 1890 and moved to Canada during the 1920s. He died in 1976.

Gates’ research showed that his parents were Henry Emanuel Reuben and Florence Gabay.

Henry was one of four sons for Isaac Reuben.

Documents found the Reuben family having a presence in Jamaica as far back as 1817. Ms Gabay died in a Kingston asylum in 1917. Reuben,

who has appeared in the hit television series ER and Oscar-winning film Lincoln, told Gates being a biracial child in Toronto was challenging.

She remembers being taunted by children, black and white.

Jamaican film-maker Lennie Little-White recognised Reuben’s work with a Doctor Bird Award several years ago.

Actor Courtney B Vance, novelist/screenwriter Stephen King and CNN anchor Anderson

Gloria Reuben

Cooper are also subjects of this season’s ‘Finding

Your Roots.’

Observer)

(Jamaica

U.S.-based Guyanese entrepreneur inspired by heritage

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Soyini George is the designer/founder of the Washington, DC, handmade baby brand, Yinibini Baby. As a little girl growing up in Guyana, Soyini learned to sew from watching her great aunt Jean cut, pin and put fabrics together to create stylish clothing.

That was just the beginning of Soyini’s love for art, design and colour. One year after graduating from college, and with US$100, a dining room table and tons of motivation, she started the Yinibini brand of clothing and jewellery for women.

The origin of the name ‘Yinibini’ came from the last four letters of Soyini’s name (Yini) plus ‘bini’, which means ‘good girl’ in Guyanese Creole.

In 2010 the brand’s focus was switched from women’s clothing to accessories and clothing for babies.

Yinibini Baby clothing and accessories are all hand-sewn and made of cotton, organic cotton, cotton blend and bamboo blend fab-

Cute Yinibini baby booties

rics. The collection includes blankets, onesies, booties, bibs, burp cloths, dresses and more! Her original illustrations are based on childhood stories and memories, and the great selection of colours, patterns and tex-

tures are perfect for babies.

Soyini draws inspiration for colour, texture and patterns from memories of her uncle Reggie’s garden.

“He took pride in his garden, and the vibrant colours, textures and patterns of the

US-based Guyanese designer Soyini George

fruits, flowers and vegetables still lingers in my mind,” Soyini shared. Soyini applies Soyini showcasing one of her designs in her studio

the same meticulous care and love to all of her delicate her pieces.

Soyini’s work has not gone unnoticed in her hometown of Washington, DC. In 2011, Yinibini Baby was voted the 2nd Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2012 – Yinibini Baby was voted Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2013 – Yinibini Baby was voted Runner Up Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC; 2014 – Yinibini Baby was voted Best Local Crafter, Washington City Paper Best of DC. In 2014, Yinibini Baby was also named a finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards.

American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The programme is made up of people and communities that have turned their passion for quality craftsmanship and well-designed goods into a way of life.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

24

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

Pay cheque to pay cheque

I G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Internationally acclaimed Indian singer Indira Naik is set to make her first performances in the Caribbean during October.

The great classical singer, together with her troupe, is expected to visit Guyana during October 27-30 as part of a tour which takes her to Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Barbados and St. Vincent.

Naik’s visit is being organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, India, and the Indian High Commission in Guyana (IHC) is coordinating the Guyana leg of the tour with the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA).

Indira Naik and her band during a performance

Two shows are slated for October 28 at a venue to be announced in the city and another on the lawns of the famed ACIC, West Coast Demerara on October 29.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam is spearheading the organising of the visit himself, together with the Director of the Indian Cultural Centre, AK Chaterjee.

The local Muslim community is being represented by a committee led by ACIC’s President General Hakeem Khan.

In a genre dominated by soul-stirring greats like Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, late Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas, she is a true female counterpart–one whose ‘dard’ and ‘ehsaas’ are comparable to the greats.

Naik’s the singer whose voice is an instrument of beauty and power, of earthy sweetness and stark sensuality, evoking images of modern grace and old world mysticism.

Classically trained in the Patiala Gayaki, Niak’s music is a tribute to age old traditions set against the backdrop of our times.

She comes from a family of artistes with a Bharat Natyam exponent mother and a sitarplaying father. Growing up in such a rich environment certainly helped her to discover her talent, although her ability to apply it to an unexpected genre was very much her own doing.

Having toured widely across the globe, Naik has built a reputation for herself, enthralling audiences

with live renditions the world over including in the U.S., the UK, Portugal and Brunei as well as across the length and breadth of India with performances at Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chittorgarh, Rajkot, and Jodphur.

Each year, Naik tours the UK and the U.S. extensively, taking her music to foreign shores.

Across the last three decades, she has been educating herself on the intricacies of Indian music, learning from Guru Satyanarayan Singh, Pandit Dayal Thakur and Pandit Vithal Rao. The talented singer will be accompanied by Ustad Rashid Khan on violin, Amar Sangam Das on guitar, Janaab Samar Khan on tabla and Suprit Gaikwad on keyboard. (Guyana Times)

Jamaican dad puts family house up for sale to send daughter to medical school

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A Manchester father in Jamaica, desperate to raise Ja$1 million to send his daughter to medical school in China, has put his family house up for sale, saying that he would do anything to prevent her from experiencing the hardships he endured growing up.

"Is because it never sell at the time why you come here and see it now," George Lindsay told Jamaican media last Friday.

"I put up the sign out at the front of the road and quite a few people came and look at it. But I never had the registered title. If I had the registered title, I would be a happy man, because it would have been sold and her schooling taken care of," he said.

"When I told people I was selling my house

Georgia and her proud dad George Lindsay at their New Forest home in Manchester last Friday (Jamaica Observer photo)

and sending her to school they told me they would not do it, because pickney may not turn 'roun and look back on them.

But I said 'how would you know? I will run the risk'. And it is still up for sale," he insisted.

Lindsay admitted that he got to this point after trying to earn enough money from farming, butchery, chick-

en-rearing, and operating a small grocery shop.

His daughter, Georgia, graduated from Hampton School this year armed with 12 CSEC subjects and eight CAPE units. But the 19-year-old, who hopes to leave the island next Saturday for China to study medicine, does not yet have enough money to cover the cost of her

travel and first-year tuition.

"I have been accepted to start the six-year course at Anhui Medical School in China in the upcoming school year," Georgia explained.

She said she was accepted to other universities but opted for Anhui because the tuition fee there was the lowest quoted to her.

"I believe studying in China will yield great opportunities," she indicated.

"Since grade six, when I was doing GSAT, I knew I wanted to become a doctor, but I just didn't know what kind," expressed Georgia, who also attended New Forest Primary and Junior High in Manchester. "And after I started Hampton and I did all the sciences the passion just came,” she related. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

By Narine Dat Sookram

n most c a s e s w h e n someone loses their job, their life requires them to find a replacement j o b immediately.

In a case of such, they are completely dependent on their current job, and cannot sustain even a few days without that regular pay cheque coming in.

If their boss is aware of this, he/she will surely take advantage of it, because they know functioning without that job is just not sustainable and some might even make our jobs miserable.

When people live pay cheque to pay cheque, they can’t plan ahead for disasters. For example, whenever something goes wrong, like a car breakdown or a child needing emergency dental work, their only choice is to borrow and then sweat it over the next several months as they pay it off.

If they are relying on each weekly cheque to manage their day-to-day life, they wouldn’t be able to plan ahead for these kinds of unfortunate situations. It makes it hard to plan ahead for bigger things in life, like dreaming of having a family vacation or a new car.

In fact, when someone is living pay cheque to pay cheque, it is a problem of their own creation.

But they are not the only ones in that situation, and if we put our nose to the grindstone, we can get out of it and start moving towards financial success. The Internet is a good resource to use to find out about the experiences of others who turned similar situations.

Trimming some of the monthly expenses will be the thing to do. For example, considering the reduction of cellphone bills and start cooking at home more and eating out less. These simple things can surely ease financial pressure on our wallet and allow us to start getting ahead a little and stop feeling like we are falling behind.

Never shop for the sake of entertainment.

Sometimes when hanging out with friends, it can be tempting to go shopping for clothes and electronic gadgets. Instead of all of this, it is much better to find something else to do.

When shopping for fun, it can be costly even if we don’t buy anything right away, because when we feel tempted in wanting something that we don’t really need, the potential is there to purchase it at a later time. So the best thing to do is to stay away.

Interest rate is a common thing that many people living pay cheque to pay cheque waste money on. One of the best ways is to start paying bills as soon as they come in, so that there would be no late fees penalty. We all have been in situations where we spend money on things, we don’t really need. For this reason, it is important to put a limit on spending for each month. The bottom line is to live within our means and monitor our spending, so that we can get out of living from pay cheque to pay cheque and move toward financial freedom.

For questions, comment and feedback, email them to mcnairne@rogers.com.

Bollywood

Hema Malini starts shooting for Ramesh Sippy's next

A

ctress-politician Hema Malini started filming for RameshSippy's light-hearted comedy "ShimlaMirchi” on Sunday.

"The first day of shooting for Shimla Mirchi- with my Director Ramesh Sippy who is also doing a cameo in the movie (sic)," she tweeted on Sunday.

The duo together gave hits like "Andaz", "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay".(TOI)

S

hraddha Kapoor is an actress with back to back hits to her credit but she is extremely new in the music world.

Besides her acting abilities, people are also talking about her singing abilities thanks to her second musical outing.

Sharddha made her singing debut with the unplugged version of the song 'Galliyan' in ‘Ek Villain’. And now she has taken her singing career further by crooning 'Do Jahaan' for her upcoming film ‘Haider’.

The actress has sung both songs with renowned singers. While she shared audio space with Ankit Tiwari in the unplugged version of 'Galliyan', she sang 'Do Jahan' with veteran singer Suresh Wadkar.

While 'Galliyan' is a love ballad, 'Do Jahaan' is a Kashmiri folk song.

Shraddha has sung two completely different kinds of songs equally well.

The response Shraddha's voice has received is phenomenal. She is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has been receiving from all quarters for 'Do Jahaan'.

Most importantly, the positive feed-

K

apoor scion and the heartthrob of the nation, Ranbir Kapoor, turned a year older on Sunday.

The actor, known for his stellar performances in films like ‘Barfi!’ and ‘Rockstar’ turned

25

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

H

rithik Roshan, who battled brain injury and split from wife Sussanne while shooting for 'Bang Bang', says the action-romance is special for him as it helped him overcome the "personal challenges" that he was going through in his life.

The film was delayed as Hrithik underwent a brain surgery following an injury that he had sustained while doing a stunt in the Siddharth Anand-directed movie.

His injury was followed by the end of his 13-yearold marriage. He also had to walk out of Karan Johar's Shuddhi. "’Bang Bang’ was a dream of mine. It is a different matter that it took so much time to complete because of my personal challenges--both

emotional and physical.

But I got through. I kept myself very very strong.

This is why I call ‘Bang Bang’ my biggest victory. Just completing the film has been a victory," Hrithik related.

The 40-year-old actor said the gruelling shoot of the film helped him forget his personal set-

backs.

"I think the solution to every problem lies in moving forward. If you sit and think 'why this is happening to me' then you are wasting the life within you. Spreading more smiles frees you up and fills you up in best possible ways," he added. (TOI)

Alia Bhatt turns designer, says Karan Johar influences her fashion sense

T

he young and versatile actress Alia Bhatt has turned designer for a line titled 'Alia' for an online shopping portal. She says her love for fashion is courtesy filmmaker Karan Johar. Alia says she was not much of a fashionista initially, but during the shooting for "Student of The Year", which saw her in the role of a brand-conscious style diva, she started loving the world of fashion.

"I didn't really understand clothes while I was overweight. When I was auditioning for 'Student...', I lost weight and because my character Shanaya was so into dressing up and fashion... because of that I kind of got into loving fashion," the 21-year-old said recently.

"Basically, Karan (Johar) has a great influence on that and he has a great fashion sense. He tells me when I am wrongly dressed and when I am doing good," added the actress, whose line will be available on Jabong. (TOI)

back and praise coming in from her co-singers Ankit Tiwari and Suresh Wadkar, who are themselves so phenomenal, gives the actress a different high.(TOI)

32 and it seems Ranbir was in for a surprise.

A report in mid-day states that Katrina apparently teamed up with Ranbir's best friend and noted director Ayan Mukerji of 'Yeh Jawaani Hai

Deewani' fame.

A source was quoted telling mid-day that Katrina had this surprise party on her mind and was planning it with Ayan for a long time. The source further told mid-day that Katrina was in touch with Ranbir's close friends including director Rohit Dhawan and a few of his school friends.

A source close to Katrina quoted that she took time out to plan this party and roped in common friend Ayan Mukerji to host the party on Sunday which was held at Ayan's residence. (TOI)

Shilpa Shetty in accident

S

hilpa Shetty's car was involved in a minor accident with another car in Kapurthala, Punjab last Thursday eve-

ning.

The incident took place at Dhilwan toll plaza when Shilpa was on her way to Jalandhar from Amritsar to inaugurate a store. According to sources, her bouncers clashed with the other car's driver, while Shilpa left the spot.(TOI)

S

ince last November, the rumour mills have been buzzing about the new jodi in B-town-Sonam Kapoor's ex, director Punit Malhotra, and 'Raaz 3' actress Esha Gupta. In fact, at a promotional event of Punit's last film 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein', the film's lead actress Kareena Kapoor had commented that the two look great together.

Not surprisingly, the couple vociferously denied the link-up even though they have been spotted together many times.

Last Friday, Punit's silver-hued car zoomed out of the Andheri building where Esha stays. An eyewit-

ness told MIRROR, "He arrived and they drove out in three minutes.

Apparently, she was waiting for him."

The source added, "Esha sat beside him.

Both looked comfortable in each other's company even though Punit was driving the car rather

fast." Punit and Esha's 'friendship' began on the sets of 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein'. Esha made a special appearance in the film, gyrating to a club song. Repeated calls and texts over the weekend failed to evoke any response from Punit and Esha. (TOI)

26

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

P

regnant Mila Kunis wants her first child with fiance Ashton Kutcher to "come out already," it has been revealed.

According to an insider, the 31-yearold actress, who has been waiting patiently by attending prenatal yoga classes, going for walks and spending time with her fiance, seems to have a lot of energy as she "hasn't slowed down at all," People Magazine reported.

The 'Friends with Benefits' star is due to give birth to her baby any day now.

(TOI)

A

lamuddin looked incredibly chic in a pair of cream wide leg trousers and matching top with navy waist band.

She teamed it with a wide brim cream hat which also had a navy band, reports

mirror.co.uk the media Clooney looked suave in a charcoal grey suit.

The couple was seen grinning at the venue with Clooney waving at fans who were out in their droves to see the happy

duo.

The two also had their wedding bands on show, which they had exchanged during a private ceremony held at the seven-star Aman Canal Grande hotel last Saturday. (TOI)

Brad Pitt believes in institution of marriage

'The Equalizer' tops weekend box office with $32.5 million earnings

D

e n z e l Washington's 'The Equalizer' has topped the North American weekend box office with 32.5 million dollars, it has been re-

ported.

It knocked down the Fox production's sciencefiction the 'Maze Runner' to second place, as the film raked in 17.5 million dollars in its second

weekend, News 24.com.

Meanwhile ‘The Boxtrolls’, an animated film about an orphaned human boy who was raised underground by friendly monsters, came in third with 17.3 million dollars, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

Whereas, comedydrama 'This Is Where I Leave You,' landed on fourth position in its second week out, by taking in 7 million dollars, followed by ‘Dolphin Tale 2’ at the fifth place, which earned 4.8 million dollars. (TOI)

'Horns' character my most emotionally intense: Daniel Radcliffe

A

ctor Daniel Radcliffe has described his role in 'Horns' as the most 'emotionally intense' character he has ever played.

Based on the novel

by Joe Hill, 'Horns' revolves around a man named Ig who is suspected of murdering his girlfriend, reported Digital Spy. "He's a good person

who has something inexplicable and terrifying happen to him. Ig's anger is a lot more on display than any character I've played. The way he lashes out at the world is much more overt than I've done before. And I think, frankly, it's one of the most emotionally intense characters I've ever played," Radcliffe said. (TOI)

R

obert Downey Jr. has penned a touching tribute to his mother Elsie who passed away recently.

In the tribute that he posted on Facebook, the 'Iron Man' star urged fans to express their love for their mothers and admitted that his mother ultimately inspired him to get sober.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he praised both his parents

A

ctor Brad Pitt, who exchanged vows with his long-term partner and actress Angelina Jolie in August, says marriage is more than just a title.

The 50-year-old actor shared his

views on marriage in an interview with the media.

"I wouldn't say (marriage is) just a title. There's more to it than that," said the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" star.

He also addressed the subject of his good friend and actor George Clooney, who called him "unreachable" recently.

Reacting to the comment Pitt said: "Well, you know, George is extremely accessible. He's one of our best representatives. He's funny as sh**. He's a joy to be around. I guess may be I'm more of a miserable b***ard. [laughs]."

"I'm a bit of a loner you know? I'm more quiet by nature. And coming from, you know, hillbilly country, I'm probably more reserved," he said.

The actor also said he is purposefully slowing down his career in order to spend more time at home.(TOI)

E

mma Watson and Daniel Bruhl will be starring in Oscar-winning director Florian Gallenberger helmed project 'Colonia.'

According to a media report, principal photography on the project, which would be a South American political thriller, had already begun and the movie would be filmed in Luxemburg, Germany and South America.

The drama, which is set during the Chilean military coup of 1973, would follow a young German couple, Lena and Daniel, who become entwined in the violence which led to the overthrowing of the democratically elected president Salvador Allende.

The film would be produced by

Majestic Filmproduktion, with co-delegate producer Iris Productions, and coproduced by Rat Pack Filmproduktion.

(TOI)

Kelly Brook sends abusive texts to former fiance's ex

M

for the work they did together and recalled how a call she made to him at his lowest ebb made him overcome his addictions.

The 'Sherlock Homes' actor chronicled her struggle and also wrote about the last few years when she moved to Los Angeles to be with him and his family.

His mother, Elsie Ford, died on September 22 aged 80. (TOI)

odel-actress Kelly Brook has reportedly sent vile text messages to her former fiance David McIntosh's ex-girlfriend.

Sarah Harper has alleged that the 34-yearold model, who announced her split from former McIntosh earlier this week, has sent her foul-mouthed messages, reported in the media.

"This has gone on for months and I have never said a word. David originally cheated on me with Kelly and I've kept my mouth shut. But some of the things she has said to me are just disgusting. I have never heard these words come out

of a woman's mouth, let alone that of a so-called English lady," Harper said.

She added that McIntosh wanted to be with her. "David begs and begs to see me. At the same time I get the most vile abuse from

Kelly. Their relationship was an absolute mess and I want nothing to do with either of them," Harper said.

Brook apparently sent her a couple of messages like, "Just go away you annoying desperate woman. Leave us alone. (sic)...Your like a bad lingering smell. Just a stench. That needs to go.

So hopefully. It's gone now. It's gone on long enough. Draw a line. (sic)" "I don't care if I look mental. But I have your address. And if you ever try it with him. I will come to you. Ok. (sic)" another message read.

(TOI)

feature

27

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com Trees jostle for space in this dense jungle

G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Kanuku mountain range lies in the southern half of Guyana, and runs east to west and divides the north and south Rupununi. These mountains are internationally recognised as being extremely rich in biodiversity.

The Kanukus contain habitats as diverse as gallery forests, lowland forests and montane evergreen forests and savannah, and is home to 70% of all mammals and 53% of all birds known to exist in Guyana. At least five of the South American giants live in the Kanuku Mountains - the Harpy Eagle, Black Caiman, Giant River Otter, Arapaima fish and the Giant Anteater. The Macushi and Wapishana peoples make up the population that live in communities in or near to the Kanuku Mountains, caring and wisely using the resources in the traditional way.

The Kanuku Mountain Community Representative Group (KMCRG) has responded to the call to be guardians of that area, protecting and preserving ancient indigenous traditions and the environment. KMCRG aims to support and uphold activities that encourage and ensure the participation of community members in the management of natural resource and social development of their own societies. Members of the group work closely with a number of national and international, government and non-governmental organisations, all of which share the group’s commitment to conservation of natural resources and social development of indigenous communities. (Excerpted from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine) Termite mound taller than a person

Scenic view of the Kanuku Mountains from Maparri River

View of the mountains from Shea Rock (James Broscombe photo)

B

Chef/Patron Kirk Henry laughing late into the evening

ERLIN, GERMANY: Berlin is the shameless city of deviance and decadence. There is no such thing as a closed door. The art scene is original, courageous and edgy.

Living amidst this hyper-energetic pace is one short ‘windgy’ Jamaican man named Kirk Henry, who through sheer force of personality has become one of Berlin's energiser bunnies.

To walk down the streets of Berlin with Kirk is like walking into the Regency Bar & Lounge at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel with fellow Food Awards judge Patrick Smith. Kirk knows everyone. Kirk knows everything.

Henry grew up in Jamaica with chicken dinner Sundays and Moreland Camp summers.

A year of high school in Belgium gave him his first real taste and hunger for foreign lands. He did

The restaurant's outdoor view (Jamaica Observer photos)

a long stint in New York, then graduate school in Paris, then back to New York working for United Airlines and Dolce & Gabbana. He took it all in, honing his eye, his mind and his business acumen, all the while building out a global Rolodex.

He took some pretty nasty knocks as all entrepreneurs do, but it made him savvier and more focused. When New York got to be a drag, he moved back to Europe, starting first in London, which proved expensive and professionally cliquish, and so he moved on to Berlin because it is the last affordable cosmopolitan city in the world. Through it all he kept his roots and yardie attachments alive, as no matter where he laid his head he returned to Jamaica every year, and often, several times a year.

He wanted to make his mark in a sophisticated

global centre and decided that the restaurant business was where he would try something new and innovative. He began with his friend Troy Lopez, who had learnt how to cook at the feet of his grandmother Rosa. Kirk, too, had also studied food and life at the feet of his now 80-year-old grandmother Caleta, who lives in Kingston. Out of their mutual brainstorming, and as homage to these grand Jamaican ladies, the restaurant partnership of RosaCaleta was born.

RosaCaleta is the only fine-dining Jamaican restaurant in Berlin. It opened in Feb 2009, making it now almost six years old.

It is currently ranked the 50th best restaurant in a city that boasts over 5,800 eating establishments, according to Trip Advisor. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

28

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Nestor Basurto, an iconic Argentine musical composer and tango legend, is set to arrive in Guyana this Sunday as part of a cultural exchange between Guyana and Argentina.

Basurto has to his credit a large number of compositions, both in the field of folklore and tango. Many of them have been performed and recorded over the years by major artistes.

He has also made compositional pairs with Hamlet Lima Quintana, Alejandro Szwarcman, Gustavo Machado, Mariano Pini, Juan Carlos Muñiz, Julio Olivera Chazarreta, Ramiro Gonzales, Marcelo Robles, Raul Aguirre, Sergio Zabala, Raul Luzzi, Mario Rodriguez, Alberto Urquiza and

Iconic Argentine musician Nestor Basurto

Cecilia Stanzione.

For the past 12 years, he has been running his own recording studio, where he works as an arranger, producer, and director–recording and editing for the likes of Daniel Maza, Enrique Llopis, Quintet Gale, Omar Moreno Palacios, Teresa Parodi, Omar Cerasuolo, Oscar Alem, Manolo Juarez, Claudio Sosa, Eduardo

Guajardo, Santaires, Roxana Fontan, Martin Alvarado, Luis Baetti, Pablo Agri, Ernesto Baffa, and Franco Luciani, all of whom are Latin music superstars.

A r g e n t i n e Ambassador to Guyana Luis Alberto Martina pointed out that the tour was the second part of a cultural exchange that started this year. He pointed out

that the exchange provides an excellent opportunity for schools and young students to interact with an internationally acclaimed music producer.

Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony noted that Guyanese students and music enthusiasts would interact with the guitarist. He noted that there will be workshops and training seminars at several locations throughout the country, including New Amsterdam, Linden, West Demerara, and in Georgetown.

Dr Anthony said “by introducing these types of performances, slowly, we are getting to understand more about Argentina’s culture”.

He urged teachers in schools and interested persons to contact the ministry for more information. (Guyana Times)

K

Diane Edwards, JAMPRO president

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is planning to host a film festival in Kingston in July of next year.

The plans were revealed by Diane Edwards, JAMPRO president, during a press briefing last Tuesday.

"We will seek to stage this festival in partnership with all the key stakeholders in the film and entertainment industry. We see the Entertainment Advisory Board and the ministries of tourism and entertain-

ment and culture as critical collaborators on this project," said Edwards.

Carole Beckford, film commissioner and creative industries manager, explained that the festival seeks to showcase all the talent and creativity that Jamaica has to offer.

"Jamaican content is still one of the most sought-after cultural contents across the world," Beckford stated.

She added that for the festival, JAMPRO is hoping to screen a film and that her organisation is opened to proposals. (Jamaica Observer)

Star of the Week

R

Ryan Washington

yan Washington was born on 11 December 1994. He is the last of four children and a former student of East La Penitence Primary School and Lodge Secondary School. He lost his mother at the tender age of three and was sent to live with his father where he was faced with many challenges growing up. During his teenage years, life's challenges grew larger and added to his already “hard” life as his father had died just as Washington was about to celebrate his 15th birthday. This deterred him a bit as he felt “alone and worthless” in such a big world. However, resilient to never give up on his goals, he ventured into the world of work.

Washington joined the fashion industry in 2008 as a model and participated in numerous fashion events, such as Guyana Fashion Week, Guyana Model Search and many others. His hobbies include dancing, singing and, of course, modelling. Employed as a Customer Service Representative at one of Digicel's agents, Washington is determined to continue working hard towards making his future a brighter one. Notably, he was a participant in the SKII training provided by the U.S. Embassy/USAID, where he learnt life skills on providing quality service through the positive attributes he possesses. Presently, Washington is a contestant in the Mr Guyana International 2014 competition.

sport

29

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaica appoints FraserPryce as special envoy

Trinidadian bikers gear up for Beacon Cycling meet

P

K

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and husband, Jason, receiving their diplomatic passports from Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller last week (JIS photo)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Jamaican government has appointed two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as an Ambassador Special Envoy to the world.

Fraser-Pryce, who has five World Championships gold medals to her credit, received the instruments of appointment during a brief ceremony at the office of the Prime Minister last week.

Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, described Fraser-Pryce as the

perfect role model for young Jamaicans.

“Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is, of course, an excellent athlete who has done tremendously well, winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals and, of course, being recognised as the top female athlete in the world by the IAAF,” Neita-Headley told Jamaican media.

“In addition, she is well grounded and has displayed honesty and integrity in character.”

The Jamaican sprinter has also developed a local charity known as the Pocket Rocket Foundation, which has been

raising funds and contributing to student athletes and less fortunate children.

Fraser-Pryce and her husband Jason Pryce have received diplomatic passports.

“I believe Shelly-Ann [FraserPryce] has added significantly to Brand Jamaica and we are very proud to have her serve as Ambassador Special Envoy to the world,” said Neita-Headley.

“She would have received official passports; herself and her husband and will be treated with the courtesies that go with those,” the minister added.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The number one ranked criterium rider Daniel Holloway and bikes from Specialized, one of the most successful brands of bicycles will be two of the highlights at the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue 3 which pedals off next week Tuesday on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain.

At the event’s media conference on Monday at SOHO Restuarant on Ariapita Avenue, race director Michael Phillips wanted to keep some of the top riders carded to compete a secret but did confirm that Holloway will be present. Phillips said: “We have coming out of the USA Daniel Holloway, who is number one ranked criterium rider, it is the second time he will be coming to Trinidad to race.” Other top international, regional and local cyclists who will compete at the Tobago International Cycling Classic from Tuesday until Sunday will also participate.

Phillips added that quality bikes would be on display next week. Cyclists using Specialized bikes won both the Tour of Spain and Tour de France events held recently making the brand one of the most successful brands in the world this year. “The important thing to note here is what we are able to do is to get the Specialized Bicycle Company to bring a team of riders. They are actually bringing bicycles to test on the terrain.” The Specialized team wants to see what punishment the bikes can endure on the TT terrain. Phillips said that this high end equipment will help with sport tourism in the country.

The feature race of the night will be the 36-lap (1.2 km per lap) main event with top riders. Eleven races will speed off on the night, also featuring juvenile, senior ladies, juniors and masters. The first race will be a 200-metre sprint featuring invitational and international riders. All races will begin and end outside Mike’s Bikes on Ariapita Avenue. There will also be a minute silence for last year’s champion Euris Vidal who died last December.

Vidal of the Dominican Republic was shot attempting to prevent a robbery in Santiago.

Beacon representative Christian Hadeed stated the company is committed to TT sport. “It is indeed a pleasure again to be here representing Beacon as the title sponsor of the biggest cycling event in the Caribbean.” (TT Guardian)

30 sport Flex Night Int’l set for December in Guyana G www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Flex Night International 2014 is set for December 7 at the National Cultural Centre.

Flex Night Inc, headed by Donald Sinclair, on Tuesday launched the 2014 Flex Night International at the Hermandston Lodge in Georgetown, Guyana.

The event will feature muscle men and women from the Dutch Island of Aruba, Suriname, Barbados and Brazil, clashing on stage with some of Guyana’s finest and for the first time, inmates from the Camp Street

Members of the Flex Night Inc in Guyana at the launch (Guyana Times photo)

Prison and representatives from the Guyana Prison Service will be participating at a body building competition.

Reigning Mr Flex Night International Koese Soepe of Suriname is expected to make a return to Guyana to defend his title, while Sinclair noted that two females are expected from Brazil; one based in the South American country and the other from the northeastern state of Amapa.

Meanwhile, for the first time in Guyana, Flex Night will have a Men’s Physique competition.

The mission of Flex Night Inc is to propagate, through the planning and execution of appropriate bodybuilding, fitness and related promotional events, the attractiveness of the health, fitness and bodybuilding lifestyle.

The company has pledged its full support and cooperation to the GABBFF and the Sport and Health Ministries, as those entities pursue strategies aimed at raising awareness of the contribution of sport, especially bodybuilding and fitness, to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

(Guyana Times)

Late Trinidadian boxer honoured at Mexico convention

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Former TT national women’s boxer Giselle Salandy was paid a moving tribute at the historic first Women’s Boxing Convention, which opened at the luxurious Grand Princess Riviera Resort in Cancun, Mexico, recently.

Salandy tragically died in the prime of her career at age 21, when she was killed in a single car vehicular accident under the Beetham Flyover in January 2009.

More than 500 boxing officials from the

World Boxing Council (WBC) family attended the opening ceremony including boxing promoters Don King and Oscar De La Hoya. Leaders of the three main world boxing organisations, Mauricio Suliaman (WBC), Gilbert Mendoza (World Boxing Association) and Daryl Peoples (International Boxing Federation) were also in attendance.

Leading the tribute was world bantamweight contender Alicia Ashley of Jamaica who spoke of Salandy’s accomplishments which she said was yet to be replicated by any female boxer.

Also taking the podium to acknowledge and honour the memory of TT’s most successful professional boxer was her former trainer, manager and mentor Boxu Potts, Special Advisor to the TT Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC). Potts was part of a four-member TTBBC contingent including deputy chairman Zaid Mohammed, Dr Keven Antoine and Colin Mills, the Tobago representative on the board who travelled to Mexico.

In relating the success and eventual demise of his talented boxer,

Former TT national women’s boxer Giselle Salandy

who held 11 internationally recogniseable belts at one time, Potts was moved to tears. He said she was the youngest female on record to win a world title.

And he also issued a stern and heartfelt warning to young female boxers on the cusp of making a name for themselves in the sport.

“I want to tell you today that you must not drink and drive. At the top of your game you will have admirers, hangerson just for the ride. Be careful with what you do with your life,” said Potts. (TT Guardian)

Ashante Smith wins Jamaica’s Guyana Karate Federation hosts Liguanea Squash tournament successful senior championships

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Former national and regional junior champion Ashante Smith signalled his intention at the senior level with a decisive win at the 2014 Liguanea Club Open which wrapped up over last weekend.

The in-form teenager delivered Ashante Smith (right), gets a high five and handshake from an authoritative Gerry Wight, chief operating officer of BCW Group Limited, performance, conafter receiving the BCW Group trophy for his win in the final vincingly beating of the 2014 Liguanea Club Open (Jamaica Observer photo) his training partner, the reigning All rights when Jamaica and Caribbean Caribbean titles and ging contributing strongshe beat 12-time All Under-19 champion ly to the University of Jamaica Ladies chamJulian Morrison, to win Technology's successful pion Karen Anderson, his first senior title.

After losing the first defence of their KPMG 21/9, 21/14, 21/15.

"However, what was game, Smith turned the Squash League trophy.

In the play-off for most significant about tide on Morrison and third place, Adam the 2014 Liguanea rallied to post a 16/21, Ardito prevailed in an Club Open is that we 21/17, 21/7, 21/7 win. exciting match-up to saw a definitive changThe victory put a pause beat Yasser Wright ing of the guard as we on Morrison's year21/15, 21/19, 21/16. had some of our younglong winning streak which saw him taking Then, in the consola- est players finishing in the All Jamaica and tion round, Nathalee the top four," he added.

Boreland earned brag- (Jamaica Observer)

G

All of the champions pose for a photo after the championship on Sunday (Guyana Times photo)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) held their annual senior championship on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where a number of champions were crowned.

Theresa Sampat was outstanding at the event winning both the 14-17 years female Kata and Kumite events.

Shane Wilkinson won the male 14-17 years Kata while Nixon Cheeks won the 14-17 over 55kg Kumite event.

Avinash Ramgolan was

the winner of the under 55kg 14-17 years Kumite category.

Patrick Cheeks won the male 18 years and over Kata event while Navindra Soodoo won the under 60kg 18 years and over Kumite category.

The male Kumite under 75kg event went to Rodwell Alleyne while Ryan Alleyne took the under 67kg.

The male under 84kg Kumite went to Dellon Hyman while Keith Beaton won the over 84kg Kumite event.

The one other female

event went to Kristina Cheeks who won the over 55kg 14-17 years Kata event to bring the exciting day of Karate to an end.

Association do Shotokan Karate Guyana took the first place prize in the male team Kata as well as first place in the male team Kumite.

Guyana Karate College was second in Kata while finishing third in Kumite as the National Martial Arts Association was third in Kata and second in Kumite.(Guyana Times)

sport

31

WEEK ENDING October 2, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sunil Narine reported for suspect action

Guyana Hockey Board names squad for Pan Am Cup in Toronto

G

H

Sunil Narine (TT Guardian photo)

YDERBAD, INDIA: Kolkata Knight Riders offspinner Sunil Narine has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action following his side’s 36-run win over Dolphins in the Champions League Twenty20 Group A match Monday in Hyderabad.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Anil Chaudhary and Chettihody Shamshuddin along with third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and specifically relates to Narine’s quicker ball.

Under CLT20 guidelines, Narine may request for an official assessment from the BCCI’s suspect bowling action committee. Narine has been placed on the tournament’s ‘warning list’, but will still be able to play.

However, if he is reported again while still on the warning list, he will be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the tournament.

Narine carried his tournament tally of wickets to 11 as Kolkata Knight Riders finished their group phase of the Champions League Twenty20 unbeaten.

The TT and West Indies player was again instrumental, taking three for 33 from his complement of four overs as Dophins were held to 151 for eight, in pursuit of 188 for victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

The victory was the 13th consecutive for KKR in all competitions and a record for an Indian T20 side.

Narine is the fourth bowler to be reported during the tournament, joining Mohammed Hafeez and Adnan Rasool of Lahore Lions and Prenelan Subrayen of Dolphins. Being reported in the CLT20 has no impact on a bowler’s participation in international cricket. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has named its national boys under-19 squad to begin preparations for the 2016 Junior Pan American Cup in Toronto, Canada.

The programme will be run by a coaching staff which includes experienced coaches Andrew Xavier and Dwayne Alleyne, as well as national senior men’s coach Robert Fernandes.

The squad of 32 players is expected to be developed into a formidable force over the next two years, with their first assignment being a tour to Trinidad in December of this year to have their first taste of the artificial surface on which all international hockey matches are played.

During the four-day tour the team will train and compete against club teams from the twin island republic, in addition to playing against the country’s under-19 national development squad.

Although the majority of players are new-

Hilton Chester (left) and Mark Sargeant are included in the Guyana squad (Guyana Times file photo)

comers to the national programme, standouts such as Mark Sargeant, Andrew Stewart and Aroydy Branford have already tasted success at the senior level, having been part of the men’s team that won Bronze at the Indoor Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay earlier this year.

Squad: Mark

Sergeant, Medroy Scotland, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Sammar DeFreitas, Rosario Ramsammy, Lorenzo Vanzo, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Robert Brumell, Joshua Carew, Omar Hopkinson, Stephon Sprosta, Shaquille

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz win practice match in U.S. - as preparations heat up for CONCACAF Women's Championship

TT’s Candice Scott to be inducted into Florida Hall of Fame

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Former TT and University of Flordia field athlete Candice Scott was among a list of seven past school greats, who earned a spot in the induction class of UF’s 2015 Hall of Fame, last Tuesday.

The announcement was made by the University last week.

Scott joins Beth Farmer (track), Camilo Beneditti (golf), Matt Bonner (basketball), Nicole McCray Thorn (volleyball), Camilo Villegas (golf) and Stephanie Zunich Donley (swimming and diving).

Both Farmer and Scott left their marks on the Florida track and field programme. Scott won five national championships in the weight and hammer throw while donning the Orange and Blue.

School record-holder in both the weight throw and hammer throw, Scott picked up the 2002, 2004 and 2005 indoor national titles in the weight throw, and was also crowned the 2003 and 2004 hammer throw champion outdoors. Throughout her collegiate career, Scott eclipsed the NCAA’s best mark in the weight throw numerous times.

Scott, 34, still stands on UF’s all-time top10 lists in four events, the shot put and weight throw indoors, and the shot and hammer throw outdoors. Her personal best throw is 71.45m, which she achieved at Marietta, Georgia, in 2005. On the international front, Scott, won gold twice at the Junior Carifta Games (1998, 1999), a Pan American bronze in 2003 and two CAC gold medals in 2005 and 2008. (TT Guardian)

Thomas, Onasis Fraser, Deheron Wilkinson, Richard Thomas, Akeem Wilson, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Shemar Boston, Nicholas Nervais, Gordon Trotman, Troy Hodge, Ezekiel Springer, Delmar Ng, Ato Greene, Edmund Chinian, Myron Phllips and Meshach Williams.

(Guyana Times)

F

(From left) Jamaica’s goal scorers Jodi-Ann McGregor, Donna- Kay Henry and Christina Murray after a 4-2 win over Florida Kraze Krush in last Saturday’s practice game in Orlando, Florida (Jamaica Observer photo)

L O R I D A , U N I T E D S T A T E S : Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz head coach Merron Gordon praised the depth of his squad after they recovered to outscore Florida Kraze Krush 4-2 in last Saturday's practice game in the United States .

The Jamaicans, who are camping in

Orlando ahead of the CONCACAF Women's Championship to be staged in the U.S. from October 15 to 26, were led by a double from Jodi-Ann McGregor and one goal each from Donna-Kay Henry and Christina Murray.

Several usual starting players including captain and defender Alicia Wilson, strikers Shakira Duncan

and Alexa Allen, as well as goalkeeper Nicole McClure, did not feature.

"It was a very good win and we played without six or seven of our regular starters," Gordon told Jamaican media, while adding that the academy is ranked fourth in the country.

"Scoring those goals showed the depth of our squad, especially to

score four goals in the second half after trailing 0-2 at half-time. We have some depth and quality and we are very happy for that."

Despite playing a number of practice matches against U.S. colleges and academies in a few overseas preparation camps since June, the Reggae Girlz have been unable to tie down any international friendly games.

Jamaica, drawn in Group B, open their account at the CONCACAF tournament versus Martinique at the Sporting Park in Kansas on October 16.

They then face Costa Rica at the Toyota Park in Illinois on October 18. The Girlz complete their preliminary round games against Mexico at the RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, DC on October 21.

The top three teams at the Championship will automatically qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. The fourthplaced team will enter a play-off against a South American country for a World Cup spot.

(Jamaica Observer)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 2, 2014

Ontario Softball Cricket League tournament…

Dant dominates 2014 season

By Ravendra Madholall

T

ORONTO, CANADA: Dant emphatically defeated East Coast by five wickets with 7 balls to spare on Sunday at Ashtonbee Park as the 2014 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) regular 20-over season culminated.

In their debut year, Dant won the 10-10 and 15-over competitions while they added the last two trophies by winning the West End’s and now the aforementioned tournament with ease.

East Coast took first strike at the invitation of Dant and only made 117-7 from the allotted 20-overs while Dant, in reply, reached the target in the penultimate over.

Openers Muniram Karran and Shaun Deonandan started the chase rather slowly, but later progressed. Despite losing his partner for 7, Karran scored 32 with just a solitary boundary. The innings however gathered momentum halfway through a quick 12 from Looknauth Ramsuchit.

East Coast, featured in their third consecutive grand

The victorious Dant Cricket Club team strikes a pose just after the game at Ashtonbee Park (Photo: Courtesy of Bobby Ramlagan)

champion final, also bowled steadily, compliments of Rakesh Dyal’s penetrative opening spell.

However, Riaz Kadir and Aftab Shamsudeen, linked up together and brought home victory with an entertaining 31-run fifth-wicket stand when Kadir hit the winning boundary with a towering six over mid-wicket.

He made 13 while Shamsudeen anchored things during his occupation at the crease with 21.

Dyal ended with 3-17 from his 3 overs while Andy Persaud supported him by claiming two wickets conceding 23 runs from his maximum 4 overs.

Earlier, East Coast began their innings perilously losing two of their chief batsmen.

TV audiences double for 2014 CPL

K

Pete Russell

INGSTON, JAMAICA: New figures published this week indicate a significant growth

in fans for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with over 65 million people across the globe tuning in to see the likes of Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine entertain in the 2014 edition of the Biggest Party in Sport.

The stand-out figures show remarkable growth in the Indian fan base, with 21m fans, a seven-fold increase on 2013, following the tournament.

Viewing figures in the Caribbean showed a strong rise, from 31m to 39m, while there were 1.6m viewers in Pakistan and 600,000 in South Africa–a ten-fold year on year increase.

There was a 174 per cent rise in British fans following the tournament, while viewing numbers in Australia (65 per cent), New Zealand (192 per cent) and the USA (10 per cent) also jumped markedly.

Pete Russell, Chief Operating Officer of the CPL, said; “The Biggest Party in Sport just keeps getting bigger, and for that we would like to

Eion Katchay opened the batting with Surujpaul Deosaran but felt cheaply while skipper Krishna Deosaran also went back without a batting impression.

Surujpaul though found a willing ally Dyal and the two prospered in an impressive 84run third-wicket stand that helped the score.

Surujpaul played several

exquisite drives and finished with a responsible 43 which included a six and a four while Dyal proved his all-round capability with a steady 23.

Bholonauth Sukhu emerged as the most successful bowler for Dant by snaring 3-30 from 4-overs and Shamsundeen rounded off a fine all-round performance with 2-11 from 4-overs.

At the presentation, the winning and runners-up teams received a trophy each while Dant’s Most Valuable Player Shamsudeen and East Coast’s MVP Surujpaul Deosaran also took home awards for their outstanding performances.

President of the OSCL Albert Ramcharran, congratulated Dant on their success and thanked all the participating teams.

Captain of Dant Yadram Bogh attributed the triumphant efforts to great dedication and commitment.

The players and teams will now be recognised at the League’s annual presentation, dinner and dance at Eastown Banquet Hall in Scarborough on October 25.

– remarkable success continues offfield with release of outstanding broadcasting figures

The Caribbean Premier League has a growing fan base worldwide

thank our fans and broadcast partners. A unique blend of sport and entertainment has helped to establish the CPL as one of the key highlights in the cricketing calendar, and we can’t wait for next year, where our fans will be able to see even more global stars

competing in the most exciting T20 tournament around.”

The Barbados Tridents were handed victory by CPL officials in the 2014 edition in a highly controversial final which the Guyana Amazon Warriors have since challenged.(Guyana Times)

Caribbean Times International - (Canada Office) Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5 email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com, marketing@caribbeantimesinternational.com, caribtimes@gmail.com