Caribbean times international

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ISSUE NO. 137

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING february 19, 2015

Small, medium bands shine at TT Carnival See story on page 6

A section of Mas Passion revelers on Carnival Tuesday in TT (Mas Passion photo)

Wide support for National Cyber Security Strategy in Jamaica Page 8

Guyana’s Page 2 President proud of gains in education sector - several new secondary schools on cards to be built

Guyana’s Head of State Donald Ramotar

Several Page 10 Caribbean territories seek associate membership in CARICOM

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

McMaster Association of West Indian Students (MACaws) guardians of TCCF Angels

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O R O N T O , CANADA: Loyal supporters braved last Saturday’s winter storm to attend the TCCF’s first annual fundraiser Be My Valentine “Roses, Chocolates & Diamonds” at Elite Banquet Halls & Conference Centre, Toronto.

To date 68-Angels (as we lovingly call the children) have received life altering and life-saving care with over Cdn1.3 million dollars being raised. Treating facilities have included Toronto's own SickKids Hospital and other locations in the USA and the Caribbean.

McMaster Association of West Indian Students (MACAws) of Hamilton

McMaster Association of West Indian Students (MACAws) of Hamilton presented a Cdn$,3000 cheque raised from initiatives on campus.

presented a Cdn$,3000 cheque raised from initiatives on campus.

Dhadkan Musicians Tassa Crew, rooted in Indo-Caribbean drum-

ming with MACaws membership and friends livened the winter doldrums.

Songstress Jeniffer Sohan, who graced the entertain-

ment stage for Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the late President of Guyana pro-

vided Valentine melodies.

Malachi, an Angel

from Jamaica with congenital heart disease will be the recipient of the fundraising. He received care at a Fort Lauderdale Hospital, USA and is to return to Jamaica shortly. The medical files from two others are currently under review by SickKids.

Additional information about the TCCF and to view the Angels (as we lovingly call the children) please visit tccfangels.com. or please contact:Sayeeda Hosein-Silochan (Ms.) Community Liaison TCCF on Email: 93atcm@ gmail.com.

Guyana’s President proud of gains in education sector - several new secondary schools on cards to be built

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: President Donald Ramotar said that given the gains achieved in the education sector, he is indeed proud of what has been accomplished under the People's Progressive Party/ Civic administration.

During his inaugural interview on the programme “At Home with the President”, aired on National television, the Head of State indicated that attaining full nursery and primary education in Guyana was just one of many goals achieved over the last two decades in office, with universal secondary education soon to follow.

Recapping the gains made in the education sector, President Ramotar noted that the achievements at the nursery level are not often highlighted. “I think it is extremely important in the competitive world that we live today where we have science and technology, and education playing a bigger and bigger role in the country’s economic development. It seems to me that if we give our children an early start, we give them an advantage to get along in their own personal lives and it is an investment in our country's future as we know they will be the driving force for our development in the future”.

The 85% enrollment level at the nursery level is one of the best in the developing world, and not just the Caribbean, he added.

The Head of State pointed out, “we are aiming to have full literacy by Grade Four”.

There has been international recognition of government’s efforts in this regard and among those offering assistance is the Global Partnership for Education which has given a grant to

help in the sector’s development.

The invitation by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General for President Ramotar to sit on the UN Commission for Education was another indication of the recognition of the Guyana Government’s efforts in the sector, the president explained.

Projecting forward, President Ramotar was asked what would be among his first priorities, upon his reelection to office. He said that it was to ensure that Guyana is able to achieve universal secondary education. This, he said, was in keeping with a promise made during the 2011 General Elections to reach this goal within five years, “and we were going to do it were it not for the fact that the opposition tried to close down the Parliament, and now forced us into General Elections.”

He added that with some 90% of primary level students going into secondary school, the aim is to ensure that, at a minimum, there is a secondary level of education, attained across the board, locally.

The fact that human capital is the most important factor for any nation’s development was reiterated by President Ramotar. “Therefore, achieving universal secondary education is extremely important for the future development of our country, as it is for the individuals”. To this end, he said, there are plans in train for three new secondary schools, one at Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara to house at least 1,000 students, one at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara and another at Soesdyke for similar number of students. Others are scheduled also to be constructed in various Hinterland communities. (GINA)

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A view from the Marriott in Guyana 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

Confidence in Guyana

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uring the launch of its Guyana operations, a top level official of customer services giant, Teleperformance, was quoted in this newspaper as saying that his company has a high level of confidence in Guyana’s economy, hence the millions of US dollars it is investing in setting up a world-class call centre here.

Executive Vice President Mike Corrigan said his company sought out Guyana as the location for the company’s newest branch because it finds the country attractive for business and the fact that it was fast becoming a business hub.

He said Guyana was chosen for several reasons: it is the only native English speaking country in South America, it has very high literacy and proficiency rates and it is ideal in terms of its geographic location – outside the hurricane zone with hardly any natural disasters. Guyana’s time zone location and accessibility to services in the US market are also major advantages.

Mr Corrigan’s statement debunks certain claims being made by the Opposition and sections of the media that everything is ‘bad’ about Guyana. He has no political connections to Government or the ruling party; so there can be no accusations against him that he has an axe to grind.

Opposition parties and sections of the media often go into overdrive mode as it relates to investment possibilities in this country. One can expect that with elections due in a few months time, the level of negativity with respect to the general direction the country is going will reach boiling point.

Even though the facts say something different altogether, these naysayers will do all they can to portray Guyana in a negative light. They do so without putting into context the difficult road the country has travelled over the past two decades or so.

There was a time when hardly anyone was willing to do business with Guyana, be it a country, investors, or international lending agencies. Guyana was not respected in any way and others looked at the country as a rogue state.

That situation has now changed. Guyana’s economy bounced back and today is regarded as strong, buoyant and resilient by many well respected economists and financial institutions, both regionally and internationally.

Once labeled as one of the poorest and most indebted in the region largely due to mismanagement and corruption, Guyana is now regarded as a model for others to follow in this part of the world.

Caribbean Development Bank President Dr William Warren Smith was quoted as saying that there were some very good lessons to be learnt for the Caribbean states and the rest of the world, from the Guyanese experience.

He said although the country’s economic development has followed a very tough road, the economy has shown resilience, and alluded to the fact that this is due to responsible and prudent management. “Guyana is a good example of a country that has done some of the right things … you can almost see the country changing in front of your eyes, and so that is just a casual indication of the extent to which economic activity is vibrant and buoyant in that country,” he said.

The views of Corrigan and Smith, and many others who have no political interest in Guyana, must continue to be publicized so that those desirous of investing in the country or even those Guyanese in the diaspora who are willing to return home to retire or invest their resources will benefit from an objective analysis of the situation here.

There have been quite a number of companies pumping millions of US dollars in investments in Guyana in various sectors – mining, oil, construction, services etc.

Government, private sector and other development partners must continue to open up more opportunities for investments in the country. Long-term commitments and investments made in Guyana will not only have a tremendous impact on the local economy, but will improve the quality of life of Guyanese citizens.

Georgetown as seen from a room in the spanking new Marriott Hotel (Carl Croker photo)

‘Head Start’ to boost sea turtles’ survival in TT P O R T - O F SPAIN,TRINIDAD: After 20 years of protecting the critically endangered leatherback turtle species, the Grande Riviere community has partnered with the Turtle Village Trust and LNG producer Atlantic on the Head Start Programme, a new initiative that aims to increase the survival rates of green and hawksbill turtles.

The initiative began in the 2014 turtle nesting season.

Under the programme, volunteers of the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association (GRNTGA) manage a turtle hatchery in the community, with support and research assistance from the Turtle Village Trust and sponsorship from Atlantic.

The turtle hatchery helps to protect small hard shell species whose nests are destroyed when the larger leatherbacks come on shore to nest during the annual turtle season.

Eggs laid by green and hawksbill turtles at Grande Riviere are relocated to a safe, incubated environment within the hatchery. After a “head start” period of nine-12 months, the hatchlings are then re-introduced into their natural environment.

The Head Start programme also facilitates the rare opportunity for marine biologists to better observe and understand the early life stages of these turtles.

Derek Daniel, Atlantic’s manager of branding and communications described the programme as the evolutionary next step in local turtle conservation.

“Grande Riviere is the beach with the highest density of leatherback turtle nests in the world, so the community is the perfect location for a turtle hatchery,” Daniel said.

“The Head Start Programme creates so many opportunities for conservation of a vulnerable species; for research into bio-

diversity and the marine ecosystem; and very importantly, for the sustainability of the Grande Riviere community.”

Len Peters, chairman of the GRNTGA, explained that the Head Start Programme helps to expand Grande Riviere’s conservation focus and strengthens the community’s model of sustainable economic growth.

“We recognised that while we were doing a good project to manage the leatherbacks, the other species were severely impacted upon,” Peters said.

“What you find happening on a nightly basis, when the greens and hawkbills come ashore, because you have 400 leatherbacks nesting, and just one or two hawksbills, those nests will get dug up...it’s called nest disturbance. We recognised that if we could create a project where we can collect the eggs that would be doomed to destruction, incubate them off site, and then give them a head start of at least nine months, not only would we increase the numbers of juvenile turtles that would probably survive, but we would could add a new page to the conservation dilemma.” Kathryn Audroing, research manager of the Turtle Village Trust’s National Sea Turtle Conservation Project, explained that an important component of the programme is the nest relocations, a necessary first phase that facilitates the incubation of the green and hawksbill hatchlings.

“In the nest relocations, we remove nests laid by the mother turtles in the sand and place them into a safe incubated environment where we have full control of what is happening,” Audroing said. “We have control in terms of monitoring levels of humidity, rainfall and temperature in the nests. Then after the incubation period, we remove the hatchlings into the Head Start Programme, where they are kept in confined tanks with sea water circulating.

There they are fed and their

physiology is monitored routinely.”

Audroing explained that after the nine to 12-month period, the hatchlings grow to about 12 inches in diameter, a size that makes them less vulnerable to predators in the ocean.

“They will still be vulnerable, but a lot less vulnerable than when they first emerge as hatchlings,” Audroing said.

In June last year, the Turtle Village Trust and GRNTGA members undertook the first nest relocations, then in September placed some of the hatchlings into the hatchery’s sea water tanks. In March this year, those first Head Start turtles will be re-introduced to their natural habitat.

Daniel said that this was a great opportunity for turtle conservation enthusiasts and the general public to see green and hawksbill turtles at the juvenile stage.

“It’s rare in Trinidad and Tobago to see green and hawksbill turtles, much less at the stage of development that the hatchery will allow,” Daniel said. “This is precisely the kind of experience that Atlantic believes in creating as part of our commitment to help build Sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago, creating opportunities that expand the thinking and outlook of the next generation.”

Atlantic is the sole sponsor of the National Sea Turtle Tagging and Monitoring Programme, an initiative of the Turtle Village Trust which gathers information about the population of nesting leatherbacks, hawksbill and green turtles in Trinidad and Tobago; and about the resident population of hawksbill and green turtles foraging on the reefs and sea grass beds around Tobago. The data gathered by the Turtle Village Trust and its partner turtle communities contributes to the overall management of sea turtles locally, regionally and globally. (TT Newsday)

News WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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ACS to help build TT tourism sector Five Public Health

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) has agreed to assist Trinidad and Tobago in developing its tourism sector. So said Julio Orozco, the Association’s Director of Sustainable Tourism.

This comes out of a recent meeting held at the ACS Headquarters in Port-of-Spain “to facilitate dialogue on co-operation activities between the ACS and the local Tourism Authorities in their approach to sustainable tourism development.”

Speaking to TT media following the meeting, Orozco said there were two important areas in which it was necessary for the fullest cooperation. They are: 1) to strengthen the sector by eliminating duplicity (different organisations connected to tourism doing the same thing), 2) to create an awareness that the sector is working together to develop activities together.

At the meeting Orozco

emphasised the willingness of the ACS to foster closer collaboration with the National Tourism Authorities of Trinidad and Tobago as partners in the strengthening of the Sustainable Tourism Zone in the Caribbean (STZC) and to support the efforts of the respective tourism agencies at the national level.

He said, “In this regard as an immediate next step, activities suggested for joint collaboration in this area, included the selection of Trinidad and Tobago as a STZC destination would be prioritised. Additionally, a number of activities were identified for joint implementation.”

It was also agreed that a representative from the ACS and the National Tourism Agencies respectively would be appointed to work towards formalisation of proposals in a meeting of stakeholders relating to the STZC destinations to generate interest and awareness and also to inform of the STZC criteria.

Brian Gift, Tourism Advisor II in the Ministry of Tourism in outlining the ministry’s priorities for the current fiscal year, spoke about the collaborative efforts between the ministry and the Tourism Development Company (TDC) to implement initiatives to ensure growth of the industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

Some of the initiatives highlighted by Gift include the recent award of the ‘Blue Flag Certification’ for Las Cuevas Beach; ongoing refurbishment projects of beach facilities at Maracas Bay; restoration of cultural heritage sites and multi-purpose trails and the expansion of airlift to Tobago.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Donna Ferraz told the meeting the ministry’s staff recognised the importance of the meeting and by extension, the dialogue on sustainable tourism.

Chief Executive Officer of the TDC, Keith Chin gave an overview of

the work of the company and highlighted the work his organisation was doing as regards the promotion of tourism, as well as plans to boost the Sports and Business sectors of tourism.

As far as co-operative activities between the ACS and the local tourism authorities, Orozco and Amanda Charles, Sustainable Tourism Advisor of the ACS both emphasise the importance of the STZC, the very first of its kind in the Caribbean.

The STZC is a pro-active and innovative initiative of the ACS and its Member States, which incorporates the principles of sustainable development in integrated tourism planning which offers a unique tool to coordinate regional efforts in tourism development.

At the meeting the work programmes of the various tourism agencies (Ministry of Tourism; TDC; and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), were presented at the meeting. (TT Newsday)

Guyana: AFC betrayed Berbicians - Minister Edghill

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Alliance for Change (AFC) has committed what can be described as the greatest act of political betrayal to the people of Berbice from whom they received the most support, by agreeing to enter into an alliance with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“The AFC deliberately deceived the people of Berbice, by telling them that they will never join with the PNC, ‘give us your votes’, ‘we will be that independent party’, ‘we will be that group that will weigh the balance of power of parliament’, and low and behold, contrary to what they promised Berbicians, they sold their votes to the APNU so that they can have this relationship of convenience, to be able to destabilise the PPP/C Government,”

Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill

said Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill who was at the time speaking on a special television programme in Corriverton, Region Six over the weekend.

The AFC has proved to be the most uncooperative and has shown their ‘true colours’, and that is, they are really an extension of the People’s National Congress (PNC), obstructing

Guyana’s development for three years, even seeking to pass a noconfidence against the Government.

Minister Edghill reminded Berbicians that it was the AFC which sided with the APNU to cut more than Gy$100 billion in development three years in a row, robbing the people of Guyana and the people of Berbice in particular of development. He was

referring to the annual budget cuts during the period 2012-2014.

During the November 2011 elections, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) won the Presidency, however, when the Parliament was convened, Government was robbed the speakership of the National Assembly, and according to Minister Edghill, that was the “beginning of sorrows”, as the parliament was hijacked and controlled by a dictatorship of a one-seat.

The Opposition refused dialogue to move Guyana forward and the President had no alternative, but to call an early election, having faced three years of obstructionist behaviour by the one-seat majority.

“You have given the AFC a chance and they have turned it over to the PNC,” Minister Edghill opined. (GINA)

Institutions to be upgraded in Jamaca

Jamaica’s Health Minister, Hon. Dr Fenton Ferguson (left), outlining plans for the earmarked upgrading of the Negril Health Centre in Westmoreland, to a world class Urgent Care Centre, under the Government’s proposed North to West Trauma Plan implementation, following a tour of the institution on February 13.

Listening is Tourism and Entertainment Minister and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, where the centre is located , Hon Dr Wykeham McNeill.

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Five public health institutions are to be upgraded as part of the Ministry of Health’s North to West Trauma Plan, the centrepiece of the Government’s thrust to become the Caribbean’s leader in Health Tourism.

The earmarked institutions are: the Negril Health Centre, Westmoreland; Noel Holmes Hospital, Hanover; Cornwall Regional Hospital, St. James; Falmouth Hospital, Trelawny; and St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, St. Ann. Under the Plan, the institutions’ capacity will be improved, thereby positioning them to effectively manage trauma cases and accept local and international referrals, where necessary.

This undertaking is expected to bridge major gaps in emergency healthcare delivery in that region.

Funding for the North-West Corridor Trauma Plan will be provided by the National Health Fund (NHF), Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Culture, Health, Arts, Sports, and Education (CHASE) Fund, and private interests.

Project details are being developed and will be provided by the Ministry at a later date.

The Negril Health Centre is the first slated for renovation and upgrading to a world-class Urgent Care facility, un-

der the initiative.

The upgrade will, among other things, improve the institution’s technology and human resources to better position it treat with life threatening trauma cases.

Making the announcement during a tour of the facility on February 13, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr Fenton Ferguson said the institution was considered for this engagement as it was deemed ideal for referrals of the type of cases, likely to emerge, requiring emergency healthcare delivery, based on the nature and extent of Negril’s tourism-related recreational activities.

“The nature of your tourism product in this area (such as) the biking that takes place, (results in) trauma cases that emerge so often,” he said.

Currently, trauma patients in Negril are stabilized then transported to Savanna-lamar General Hospital in Westmoreland or Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, both of which are several miles away.

In his remarks, Tourism and Entertainment Minister and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, where the health centre is located, Hon Dr Wykeham McNeill, also underscored the importance of establishing an emergency “first stop” point in Negril for trauma patients and others in need of such care. (JIS)

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News

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Thousands observe Shivraatri across Guyana G EORGETOWN, GUYANA: “Om Namah Shivaya” was chanted throughout the day Tuesday, as Hindus across Guyana and around the world observed Maha Shiv Ratri (the Great Night of Lord Shiva). This sixsyllable mantra is considered to be one of the most powerful mantras and is sung by devotees in prayers and meditation with divine love, grace, truth and blissfulness to the supreme Lord Shiva. Shiva is known as the Destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Lord Vishnu (the Preserver).

Known by many names – Mahadeva, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhole Nath – Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities.

The Trishul (Trident)

Worshippers chanting as they wait their turn to receive blessings from Goddess Latchmi

in his right hand represents the three powers of knowledge, desire and implementation.

- Maa Ganga on his head represents the Ganges (the holy river) signifying the flow of scriptural teachings passing wisdom from one generation to the next.The crescent moon, tucked into his hair, symbolises

that the Lord is the master of time and is himself timeless.

- He is often referred to as Tryambaka Deva, because of his third eye of knowledge which, if opened, reduces to ashes the person in its vision.

It is the symbol of the destroyer of evil and ignorance. He wears the tiger skin, as he is said to

be fearless. Rudraksha beads denote purity. The mala in the right hand symbolises concentration.

- The serpent on his neck signifies the ego which once mastered can be worn as an ornament.

- The Damroo (Drum) symbolises sound, which represents the words of the Vedas, the Holy Scriptures given by the

Lord to guide us through life.

- Nandi is the Bull of Lord Shiva and is said to be his vehicle. The bull is a symbol of both power and ignorance, which suggests that Lord Shiva removes ignorance of his devotees and gives them the power of wisdom.

It is believed that on the day of Maha Shiv Ratri, Lord Shiva revealed his Lingam form.

- Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married on this day.

- He drank the poison Halahal that emerged during the churning of Kshir Sagar (the milky ocean) and saved the world from humanity on this day. As an effect of the poison, his throat turned blue.

- Also, on this day Maa Parvati performed strict penance for Lord Shiva.

Shivratri is considered auspicious especially for women. Married women pray for the well-

being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Maa Parvati.

Devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give sacred baths to the Shiva Lingam with honey, milk, and water, etc. But generally it is believed that anyone who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with true and pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

May the blessings of Lord Shiva be with you on this auspicious occasion and always, and may his glorious and divine power and attributes remind us of our own abilities as we strive to lift ourselves to greater heights.

“Om Namah Shivaya” (Guyana Times)

Jamaican Teas boasts export sales of Ja$102m

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Chief Executive Officer John Mahfood

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican Teas' appointment of a new distributor for the northeast U.S. market has resulted in a 91 per cent increase in export sales for its first quarter ending December, financials in-

dicate.

The company boasted export sales of Ja$102.7 million, up from Ja$53.8 million it made a year earlier. The strong increase in export sales led to overall increases in sales, which moved from Ja$274.9 million by

Ja$44 million or 16 per cent over a comparable period last year.

Profit grew by 28 per cent to reach Ja$27.5 million from increased revenues of Ja$319 million. However, the tea company reported negative cash flows at the end of the quarter.

"Despite a tight domestic economy, our group completed a successful first quarter to December, driven by strong exports," Chief Executive Officer John Mahfood said in his address to shareholders in the unaudited accounts released last week. "The increase in exports re-

lates mainly to increases in the US market. We appointed a new distributor for the north-east US and expect that this will result in further improvement in sales."

About half of Jamaican Teas' export sales are to the Caribbean market, while the remainder is shipped to North America. The major growth areas are Trinidad and Florida.

Jamaican Teas now

owns 100 per cent of JRG Shoppers' Delite Limited, having purchased the remaining shares held by the former manager of the company. Sales from the company's two supermarkets in Westmoreland are up nine per cent compared to the comparative quarter; however, profits were flat, according to the CEO. During the year, Jamaican Teas bought Orchid Estates in St

Thomas for Ja$63 million, and is targeting 71 two-bedroom houses and the related infrastructure at the location. The company plans on having 29 units on the market by the end of the first quarter of next year.H Mahfood and Sons Limited, a subsidiary of the company, should begin construction of the remaining 42 houses in March 2016. (Jamaica Observer)

Small, medium bands shine at TT Carnival

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ORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Crack went the whip of the lead whipmaster, furiously pelting lash at the stage.

Dressed like a mad bumblebee in red and yellow stripes, satin pantaloons and long sleeves, he was part of the small mas band Whip War presented by The Original Jab Jab, A section of Mas Passion on Carnival Tuesday (Mas Passion photo) led by Ronald decorated skin that pa- change in arrangement Alfred. At one point, it seemed all the raded across the Queen's of feathers, beads or inSavannah on cidental parts. jab jabs were pelting Park The flow of the bands lash, either at each other Carnival Tuesday. With in mock battles, or at the most of the large bands was smooth for most audience, and the whole enjoying the street fete of the day, with excelair resounded with a experience, many did lit- lent security, and sound tle to vary their success- systems at top volume. crackling like fire.

The performances of ful formula of bikini or Sound systems competed tiny bands like this one surf-shorts-type costume with the loud music from gave life and variety to designs, except chang- other music trucks nearthe relentless river of es of colour or a nominal continued on page 7

News WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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Ja$1.6 billion upgrade for Martha Brae Water Systems in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Water supplied to approximately 200,000 residents served by the National Water Commission’s (NWC) facilities at Martha Brae, Trelawny, will be significantly boosted to 11 million gallons per day, following the completion of two major projects, valued approximately Ja$1.6 billion, at that location.

The projects, which were carried out by the NWC under the Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP) over 18 months, entailed rehabilitation of the existing six million gallons of water per day treatment plant, and construction of a sup-

ly.

Jamaica’s Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill (3rd left), turns a switch to officially commission into service the rehabilitated six-million gallons per day, and new five-million gallons per day National Water Commission (NWC) water treatment plants at Martha Brae, Trelawny, on Friday.

porting facility that will

TT woman in court in fishnet stockings ...for cursing cop on Jouvert morning

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: A woman was taken to court in her Jouvert costume on Monday after she cursed a police officer.

Tenicia Norton, 21, pleaded guilty to using obscene language around 1 a.m. on Monday.

The court heard that the officer was on duty along Lord Street, San Fernando when he saw Norton standing with another person.

The officer was having a conversation with the other person when Norton cursed him. She was arrested.

Hours later, Norton who was dressed in a fitted black top, navy blue tights and fishnet stockings faced San Fernando Magistrate Taramatie Ramdass.

The police officer who escorted her to the courtroom adjusted Norton's clothing during the court proceedings. Norton who said she had no previous convictions was placed on a TT$1,000 bond to keep the peace for a year.

Should she breach the order, she will return to court to be sentenced.

Ramdass told the unemployed woman that this was a chance for her to examine her behaviour. (TT Express)

from page 6

Small, medium bands shine at...

by, sometimes creating a cacophony of mechanical, raucous, ear-shattering noise rather than anything melodious. One of the most popular songs for the day at the Savannah stage was easily Machel Montano's song Like Ah Boss.

This year, there were 11 large bands, 11 medium bands, 13 small ones and 23 mini bands. And the smaller bands generally outshone the larger bands in the creativity of costumes.

The smell of talcum powder filled the air as the sounds of the pan, for once, resounded above the surrounding electronica. A Trini flag, a twirling rainbow umbrella, and a smiling Barack Obama mas player were part of the mas, which included sections of sailors, special forces, and medical marines. The stage was white after they left. (TT Newsday)

provide

an

additional

five million gallons, dai-

Both facilities, on which work commenced in 2013, will serve residents of Martha Brae and adjoining communities, as well as districts in St. James and St. Ann, which are situated close to Trelawny’s borders.

The plants were commissioned into service by Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, during a brief ceremony on Friday.

In delivering remarks, Mr. Pickersgill said the facilities are pivotal to the NWC’s quest to maintain potable water supplies to over 70 per cent of Trelwany.

“While the NWC is not the only water pro-

vider, it is estimated that it now provides water to more than 70 per cent of the population of Trelawny. This is indeed a significant improvement over the previous decade,” he noted.

Mr. Pickersgill also welcomed the prospect of the facilities strengthening the water corridor serving other communities between Negril, Westmoreland, and Runaway Bay, St. Ann, and boosting supplies to residents and other beneficiaries.

“This project…will go a far way in providing the infrastructure to further improving our water supply service and, in general, our nation’s developmental needs,” he stated. (JIS)

Guyanese Jumo rules with 'Unruly' at Soca Monarch G EORGETOWN,GUYANA: Thirty-nine-year-old Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo has proven that he is the best in the local soca industry when the 11th Edition of the Carib Soca Monarch was held at the National Park on Saturday evening.

Primo who performed 'Unruly' outshone his 14 other rivals thus taking over the monarchy from Kwasi Ace Edmondson who reigned for one year. This is the third time Primo will rule the monarchy with Edmondson in second command.

Former junior calypsonian, Ernesta Nelson has joined the kingdom for the first time as third in command and Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Robertson settled for 4th in command. The best new comer’s award was given to the ‘fireman’, Jory Hector who performed 'Whistle'.

Primo walked away with Gy$1.5 million in cash while Edmonson will receive Gy$500,000, Nelson pockets Gy$250,000 and Vanilla will uplift Gy$100,000. The new comer is expected to receive Gy$100,000.

One of the high points of his energetic performance was the fact that he did not respond to the other performers’ “bad mouthing” and thought that playing it cool and simply would have won the audience and the judges’ hearts.

The newly crown king also believes that those who wish to participate in the 2016 Carib Soca Monarch should submit their entries in September. This, he noted will give the selection committee enough time to review the songs and give positive criticisms.

The artistes were judged on a number of criteria, including clean diction and originality; timings also played a critical role.

The night started with a usually hyped performance by members of the Heatwaves Band comprising Tenecia De Freitas, Calvin Burnette and Mark Batson. Their energetic performance set the tone for the evening.

Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo being carried by his supporters after being crowned king on Sunday morning in Guyana

First to take to the stage was the then defending champion, Edmondson who set the bar for the other contestants to follow. At that point in time, persons thought that the only contestants that could have better him were Primo, Bonesman and Vanilla.

As the competition went full steam ahead, some performers sang off key, their stage presentations were outrageous and their vocals were not up to standard. Some of the artistes also politicised the monarchy as though it was a calypso competition.

President Donald Ramotar was featured in a few of the songs which were described as distasteful.

George Anthony Abrams had a fantastic stage presentation but for some reason, he did not garner the crowd’s support with his tune titled 'Mirror'. The crowd also booed off Levar Gittens who was a wreck on stage. NCN’s Avalanche did not do justice to his performance and as such, some of his fans thought that it is time he steps up his game.

Nelson joined the flock of ‘talkers’ to bash media reports about her performance at the semi finals of the competition held in Berbice, which was totally uncalled for, claiming

that the reports were inaccurate and bias.

Lady ‘T’ on the other hand performed satisfactorily to the audience but the crowd was paying more attention to one of her dancers, who was slinging from the beams of the stage.

Another performer who would have performed credibly was ‘Bonesman’ with his tune ‘Ebola’ but coming down to the end of his performance; he took time to freestyle hitting back at the previous performers, especially Edmondson.

While Jory Hector is a new comer to the competition and has performed satisfactorily, there is room for a lot of improvement. His performance mirrors a clash between him and Magnum. His dancehall skills were evident and the soca hardly came over to the audience.

Vanilla’s performance was very creative from the beginning to the ending. She is indeed a veteran in the game but for some reason the judges always score her less than her rivals as was seen in Saturday’s competition. She, however, has her eyes on becoming the Road March Competition come February 23.

The event came to an end just after 4:45h without any recorded incidents. (Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

support for Tobago J'ouvert Wide National Cyber Security Strategy in Jamaica incident free

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O R T - O F SPAIN,TRINIDAD: The mecca of Tobago Carnival now seems to be the village of Roxborough, with some 2,500 persons coming out to enjoy themselves, followed by the village of Crown Point.

There was a massive crowd in Roxborough, as revellers came out in their numbers to celebrate J'ouvert.

Police officials were also out in their numbers to ensure law and order, in addition to the sky patrols of the air guard.

In Crown Point, hundreds also came out to enjoy J'ouvert celebrations, which, Tobago police said, was incident free, despite over 14 persons being arrested.

There were similar celebrations in the Scarborough capital.

Grenadian soca artiste Tallpree added some excitement for the limited revellers on the streets.

But while there were more music trucks than revellers on Sunday, there were many ole mas displays.

Culture secretary Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus told journalist she was pleased with the number of bands.

“We had a good police presence on the road and we had not seen any incidents. The mud mas had their queen competition a bit earlier at about 4 a.m. and they were able to successfully complete their activity, and so we look forward to the rest of activities,” TsoiafattAngus said.

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London was happy with the number of visitors participating in

Crown Point’s J'ouvert celebrations.

“The presentations have been interesting. So I think from a level of participation I am very satisfied.

What I found particularly encouraging about Crown Point is the visitors who are here, there and both foreign and from Trinidad,” London said. Visitors from as far as Denmark, and England enjoyed the festivities.

And of course where would J'ouvert celebrations be without the usual J'ouvert characters, such as those that poked fun at former justice minister Herbert Volney; “Who is King of Shaw Park”; House Speaker Wade Mark; “Ring Bang and the PNM”, and of course since this is an election year, “Whose back pocket the date is in”. (TT Express)

Caribbean to benefit from new ACP study G

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States last week launched a new study that offers a comprehensive view of the various risks faced across its member countries, as well as valuable efforts to reduce them. The ACP Compendium of Risk Knowledge, financed by the 10th European Development Fund under the Intra-ACP Cooperation envelope for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), revealed that disaster risk in ACP countries is considerably higher than in other regions, with 12 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa and one country from the Caribbean among the 20 most-at-risk from disasters in the world. The report also notes that over a long period of time, ACP countries on average will lose US$6.9 billion per year from disasters, representing 2.3 per cent of their total GDP.“This compendium is telling us that disaster risk management is not the same thing as disaster management. While countries in the ACP have had good experience in managing disaster events in the past, it is now time that we start to proactively reduce the underlying drivers of these risks, to stem this growth of human and economic losses. I believe that political leaders, policy makers and practitioners should use this com-

ACP Secretary General Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni

pendium to understand their risks so that they can judge wisely how best to address them,” said ACP Secretary General Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni.“The study helps in a practical manner to understand the real nature of risks that countries in the ACP regions face. Reducing disaster risks is at the heart of what we need to do to build the resilience of vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development and address climate change,” said Susanne Mallaum, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid

and Civil Protection.

Faced with these growing risks, the report also highlights innovative actions by ACP member countries and communities to reduce these risks, and the benefits of this proactive approach to managing risks, instead of managing disaster events. For example, Vilankulos, a tourist city in Mozambique, Africa, despite being struck by a 200 kph Cyclone Flavio in 2007, had zero casualties due to successful pre-emptive evacuation that was led by former Mayor of Suleimade Esep Amuji. Mindful of the possibility of rebuilding back risks, he then

proceeded in rebuilding better homes.“Building back better after the cyclone had many benefits. Not only did we get stronger homes for the next cyclone, but also when we started giving these resilient homes to homeless women, we saw displaced families coming back together. When you start to reduce risks, even disasters sometimes can bring good news,” he said.Veronica Gordon, President of the Jerry Town Farmers’ Association in Jamaica, had the same observation. “In our view it is better to invest in risk reduction than disaster recovery,” she said.

The report, co-authored

by Lezlie C. Morinière and Luis Sanchez Zimmerman, uses cutting edge science and case studies to map overall risk in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.

The report is released to inform the main agendas of 2015 of what it would take to protect sustainable development in ACP countries, starting with the next disaster risk reduction framework, which will be adopted in March at the 3rd UN World Conference on DRR, in Sendai Japan, the Sustainable Development Goals that will be adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015 in New York, and the new climate change agreement that will be adopted in Paris France later in 2015. (Guyana Times)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s implementation of a National Cyber Security Strategy to make Jamaica safe for business operation, and to provide security for persons using the Internet, has received international commendation.

Lauding the move, United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno, says cyber crime is a global challenge, and the fact that Jamaica was able to garner the skills from the private sector, and internationally, to establish its own preventative mechanisms, shows the seriousness with which it values safety for the business community, and the wider online users.

“It (cyber crime) is an enormous toll on global resources, and Jamaica is not spared from that risk.

So, I commend the government for its foresight and initiative in reassuring foreign and domestic companies that Jamaica takes economic espionage seriously,” the Ambassador said, while addressing the recent launch of the Strategy, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in New Kingston.

Outlining the importance of cyber security, he notes that the Strategy is “providing infrastructure to help business, individuals and the government to protect against cyber security breaches.”

Part of the National Cyber Security Strategy is making sure that legal and law enforcement professionals have the necessary training to tackle cyber crimes effectively; promoting the exchange of information, intelligence and expertise with respect to cyber crimes; and encouraging cooperation with national, regional and international entities.

Giving his support to Jamaica’s efforts to tackle cyber crimes, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency David Fitton, said his country is “determined” to help the country in the fight.

For his part, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Robert Ready, argued that a secure reliable Internet is a necessary element to advance competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“It also gives our citizens the confidence to use the Internet to share information and ideas to organize themselves in the pursuit of shared social and economic goals,” he

Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, addressing the recent launch of the National Cyber Security Strategy, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in New Kingston.

added.

Mr. Ready pointed out that Canada has provided resources to the Organization of American States (OAS), from which Jamaica received support to develop its cyber crime resistant capability, so that the region will be safe from online fraudsters.

“Canada is committed to working with states in the hemisphere to ensure we have a common approach, and able to prevent, monitor and respond to the threat of cyber attacks in the entire hemisphere. Through efforts such as these, we will be able to identify innovative ways to tackle complex challenges, and reduce cyber threats,” he said.

Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin, said that other countries can learn from Jamaica in fighting online fraud.

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, said Jamaica could not have developed a strategy without the cooperation and assistance of its development partners.

“I thank them, because no country is immune from cyber criminal activities,” the State Minister emphasized.

The National Cyber Security Strategy was developed with technical support from the OAS, through financial contributions from the Governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and organizations such as the Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative, the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization, and the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre of the University of Oxford.

(JIS)

9 Guyana’s ruling party facing consequences of passing him over in 2011 – Nagamootoo G News

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Newly-selected Prime Ministerial candidate of the new Opposition coalition, Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday said if the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had not rejected him as their Presidential Candidate in 2011, he would not have been running against them today.

Nagamootoo made the comments in an attempt to defend himself against accusations that he was “power drunk” and his thirst for power had begun in the PPP/C. Observers said that his utterance confirmed the long-held view that he was still a PPP man at heart, but his lust for power might have forced him to join the Opposition ranks.

Under the newly formed A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition agreement, David Granger will be the

Opposition Leader David Granger flanked by AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and the newly-appointed Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Presidential Candidate, while Nagamootoo will be the Prime Ministerial Candidate.

Faced with questions about his quest for power on Saturday, the former long-time PPP/C member told the media that the PPP/C had an opportunity to select him as the Presidential Candidate back in 2011, but it fell short, hence, the Party was facing the consequences. “We would have not been here, if I didn’t table a motion of

no confidence, we would have not been here discussing a new election,” Nagamootoo explained.

However, in what observers described as “tremendous concessions”, the AFC was able to have APNU agree for the President to delegate a large chunk of his responsibilities, which hands the Prime Minister enormous power should the new coalition win.

Should the coalition win, Nagamootoo would be responsible for the domes-

tic affairs of the country; chair the Cabinet; recommend ministerial appointments and provide the organisational structures of ministries for the approval of the President.

Nagamootoo said too that if he had been “power drunk”, he would have never allowed APNU’s Leader, David Granger, to become the Presidential Candidate for the newly formed alliance. His denial comes less than five years after he walked out of the PPP/C af-

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

ter not being selected as Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General Elections. The PPP/C had decided to go to the polls with current President, Donald Ramotar, passing up Nagamootoo, Clement Rohee and Ralph Ramkarran. While Ramkarran stuck with the Party for nearly two years before resigning, Nagamootoo jumped to the AFC mere days after he was rejected as the PPP/C candidate.

Controversy had also erupted some years ago when Nagamootoo had claimed that Dr Cheddi Jagan had selected him as his successor. He said that Dr Jagan had him in mind a long time before he took ill. However, Mrs Janet Jagan reportedly produced a letter by Cheddi, purportedly written on his death bed, selecting his wife as his successor. Nagamootoo disputed this.

Critics said Nagamootoo was not the only “power drunk” indi-

vidual within the AFC, as they alluded to the Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, and General Secretary, David Patterson, who, on numerous occasions, told their supporters that the AFC would win the elections on its own.

Just days before the announcement of the Cummingsburg Accord, Ramjattan reiterated his initial position that the AFC would not take a back seat in any coalition, although aware that the fairly new party barely managed to secure seven seats in the National Assembly after the 2011 Elections. He had even denied having discussions with the APNU in the initial stages, although the coalition had announced talks during one of its many press conferences. But when asked about this position, he said “that was our maximum position, but during the process of the negotiations we could not have obtained it”. (Guyana Times)

Grenada to explore geothermal potential in partnership with New Zealand S T GEORGE’S, GRENADA: In September 2014, the governments of Grenada and New Zealand, signed a geothermal support partnership framework aimed at facilitating the exploration and eventual use of geothermal energy, leading to a reduction in Grenada’s carbon footprint and ultimately lower electricity prices.

In this regard, it was agreed that several ac-

tivities, including the following will be conducted: • the review of existing studies and the undertaking of additional studies as necessary; • geophysics survey of potential geothermal sites; • analysis of the scientific data; • the completion of a stored heat assessment and quantification of power generation potential.

To this end, the firm, Jacobs New Zealand Limited was contracted by the government of New Zealand to undertake the required studies and technical analyses.

The firm estimated that the initial phase of the assignment will cover a 30-week period, commencing with desktop reviews, technical and logistical planning, which they started in December 2014, and

concluding with the submission of the technical reports and a presentation of the way forward, in June 2015.

In this regard, a team of scientists from New Zealand and Australia will be conducting technical and geoscience analyses in February and March 2015.

This will occur at sites closer to the center and northern parts of Grenada, in the general vicinity of Mt St

Catherine, where a number of potential geothermal sites will be investigated. The study seeks to define where the geothermal resource is located and identify possible sites for subsequent exploration efforts.

The government of Grenada is committed in its efforts to enabling the provision of more sustainable energy to the citizens of Grenada, and a reduction in the

reliance of imported fossil fuel.

To this end, the government of Grenada is hereby soliciting the collaboration and assistance of the requested government ministries/ departments, land owners within the field research areas and the general public to guarantee the smooth implementation and the successful completion of the above-mentioned field work.(Caribbeannews)

TT racks up 70,000 traffic offences in 2014

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Even as millions continue to be spent on programmes to help curb delinquent driving, the Police Service has recorded an estimated 70,000 traffic violations nationwide for 2014.

And not even the hefty fines seem to have made a dent in driver delinquency. As of February 11, some 5,000 people were charged for various offences. Assistant Commissioner of Police Deodat Dulalchan, who is in charge of Mobile, expressed displeasure over the startling fig-

ures during an interview with the TT media.

While Dulalchan stopped short of saying TT motorists are lawless, he did concede that although the TTPS has engaged in education drives “we still find motorists are not obliging with our regulations and the laws.”

The most prevalent offence, he said, was using mobile devices while driving. Some 2,329 drivers were ticketed

by Traffic Branch for the offence which carries a TT$1,500 fine or imprisonment for three months. Breach of traffic lights, he said, came in

second with 1,377 tickets being issued, while 1,345 motorists were ticketed for not wearing seatbelts. Added to this, he said, “We have a lot of drivers who still have a lot of defective devices on their vehicles.”

He said two years ago, the Iroadsafe programme and, more recently, the education drive by the TTPS were started. He said 10,000 booklets on ticketable offences were distributed to motorists at major thoroughfares and highways.

He said the TTPS was “doubling” efforts on the road and using

scientific approaches to address driver delinquency.

As party-goers embark on two days of merriment for Carnival, ACP Dulalchan issued a strong warning to would-be drunk drivers that the TTPS will be tripling its detection efforts. “Whilst we understand there is a time of merriment and so on, but in order for us to ensure safety of our road users we would be exercising zero tolerance,” Dulalchan said. He said between January 1 and February 10, 200 drivers were charged for driving under the influ-

ence.

For Carnival, he said, the TTPS expected a greater volume of motorists going to events and carnival locations or opting to go on hikes, so “we would be doubling and tripling our patrols on all of our highways and major roads.”

He said he was expecting the general public to give police officers their support and “to drive and carry about themselves in such a manner so that they will be around for a long time.”

Dulalchan revealed that on Tuesday morning after Machel Montano’s Monk Monte concert,

2,694 people were tested along Ariapita Avenue and 14 people were arrested for being over the limit. “I suspect that people run the risk; they tell themselves that there may not be any checks at all,” he said.

The TTPS, he said, was trying to change the culture of driving in TT and establishing sober zones where party-goers can voluntarily test their alcohol limit.

Sober Zones, he said, would be set up at Maracas and Caura River on Ash Wednesday where annual Carnival cool-down fetes are held.

(TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

AFC could be wiped out 20 electrocuted during Carnival if coalition in Guyana street parade in Haiti loses – Ramkarran

By Janelle Persaud

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : F o r m e r Speaker of the National Assembly and Political Commentator Ralph Ramkarran says the Alliance For Change (AFC) is taking a major gamble with its existence by joining forces with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the May 11 Regional and General Elections.

In an interview with Guyana Times two days after the agreement to coalesce was signed, Ramkarran opined that the party, once considered a “third force”, stands the risk of being “wiped out” if the outcome of the elections is unfavourable.

He reasoned that APNU will maintain its support base and has nothing to lose as a consequence of the coalition but noted that the AFC could lose everything.

“One of the big problems would be, if the Indians would say well this is the PNC back in power and while we were prepared in 2011 to give the AFC our vote, with the expectation that the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] will win …we are not prepared to give you our vote if it means the PPP/C would lose the election,” Ramkarran reasoned.

Ramkarran is not the only person who has expressed fears for the AFC and also the chances of the alliance ousting the PPP/C. APNU Member Dr David Hinds has been quoted in a commentary saying that while he welcomes the coalition since it has created history, he also remains skeptical of its strategy to oust the governing PPP/C from power noting that while some may see the coalition as a breakthrough, it is a gamble.

Former Government Minister and Columnist Dr Henry Jeffrey weighing in on the subject also related that he remains skeptical that the approach taken by the two parties was the best one yet.

“I think what they want to do is to get rid of the PPP/C. I am not certain that that is the best option for doing so but I am not convinced that it’s the best option,” said Jeffrey.According to Jeffrey, now that the AFC has coalesced with the APNU, whose major

Political commentator in Guyana Ralph Ramkarran

partner is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), voters who would have seen AFC as a middle-ground party away from the two larger political organisations would stay away from the polls.

“They have removed the possibility of a middle-ground that people run to. If there is no middle-ground, people have an option they can stay home or they go back and vote for whom they were voting and that is a great possibility that exists at the moment because the AFC joining with the PNC does not offer that middle-ground any longer,” he said.

PNCR member Aubrey Norton said he does not support the move by the AFC to form any deal with APNU in establishing a broad national alliance for the upcoming elections.

According to him, the APNU is already doing its work in its constituency while the AFC would have had to continue working to garner more supporters which were traditionally PPP/C and to break the PPP/C’s stronghold.

He however noted that this would now become a difficult task since those who may have been prepared to back the AFC will now return to the PPP/C, due to the alliance with the APNU, which is still referred to

by Indo Guyanese as the PNC. AFC’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan had been previously quoted as saying that joining forces with APNU would severely impact the AFC’s constituency, especially supporters who are dissatisfied with both the PPP/C and PNCR/APNU. But the minority party’s Vice Chairman and now Prime Ministerial Candidate for the new alliance, Moses Nagamootoo is on record telling a public meeting at New Amsterdam

recently that “APNU is like a large umbrella that has attracted large numbers of people, particularly Afro Guyanese.

But APNU cannot win an election alone, APNU needs to have a strategic alliance with the church and the trade unions and other groups and the AFC could bring in the eleven per cent.” At the last elections, the AFC under an Indian Guyanese leader Khemraj Ramjattan won 10.3 per cent of the votes mainly from the Indian dominated Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) votes.

Ramkarran a former PPP/C Executive noted that many IndoGuyanese are still concerned about the history of “rigging and food shortage” that accompany the PNC, now the largest party in APNU. As such, the AFC would have to convince its supporters many of whom are originally PPP/C supporters.

He speculated that the commitment to shift some of the powers of the President to the Prime Minister and others might be a move to concretise the aforementioned.

Under the Cummingsburg Accord, APNU gets the Presidential Candidate and AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate; the latter party has been assured 12 seats in the 65 seat Parliament.

This would be approximately 36 per cent of the combined seats by the two parties in the 10th Parliament.

In the construct of a new Government, APNU will be allocated one Vice President while AFC will be allocated two Vice Presidents, both of whom will be members of the Cabinet.

Under this arrangement, the President will delegate several responsibilities to the Prime Minister including the chairmanship of the Cabinet and matters supporting the Domestic National Affairs.

The former Speaker noted that while this decision would be an indication of the parties’ commitment to reducing the powers of the President, it is deeply political. Asked whether this would require constitutional change, Senior Counsel Ramkarran pointed that this could very well work under an informal arrangement.

(Guyana Times)

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ORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: At least 20 people were killed during a Carnival parade in Haiti's capital early Tuesday when a music group's float hit a low-hanging power line, causing them to be electrocuted, officials said.

The accident occurred as thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Port-au-Prince for the raucous annual celebration. People at the scene said someone on the float touched an overhead power line with a pole or stick as the float passed underneath it.

There were conflicting reports on the number of casualties. Nadia Lochard, a coordinator for the Department of Civil Protection, said at least 20 people were killed and 46 were injured.

The float, one of 16 in the downtown Carnival parade, was sponsored by the Haitian hip-hop group Barikad Crew.

Some of the victims were instantly electrocuted in a flash of sparks, according to witnesses. Others managed to jump

off, causing panic in the crowd.

"I saw the wire falling and sparks and I started running for my life," said Natacha Saint Fleur, a 22-year-old who was near the float at the time.

Hundreds of people thronged the General Hospital, where many of the victims were taken, some carrying victims and others searching for family members brought by ambulance.

Haitian officials were expected to announce later Tuesday whether they would cancel a second day of Carnival events. Communications Minister Rothchild Francis said the government was working to assist victims.

It is a common practice in Haiti and elsewhere to have someone at the top of a parade float who moves low-hanging power lines. In Brazil, officials said three people were killed when they were electrocuted while standing atop a Carnival float that hit a power line early Tuesday on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. (Jamaica Observer)

Late charges to be applied to 2014/15 property tax balance for Jamaicans

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) advised on Monday that the 10 per cent penalty is to be applied to late payments for the 2014/15 property tax assessments on March 1, 2015.

Property owners who make payments by February 28 will, however, avoid the penalty. The TAJ said it had delayed applying the penalty, which by law could have been charged as of May 1, 2014.

However, following discussions with the Ministry of Local Government the period was extended to give persons a longer period to settle their obligations for the 2014/15 period.

“The public is reminded that they

can conveniently pay their property tax online using a credit card.

Persons may, however, continue to pay their property tax at any of the 29 tax offices across the island.

Individuals paying by cheque may also pay using the electronic drop boxes located in select main tax offices,” the TAJ said in a release.

It said property owners who are not sure how much property tax is owed should check using the Property Tax Query Online service, which allows persons to log on to the TAJ’s website and enter their valuation number and get the status of their property tax, going back seven years. (Jamaica Observer)

Several Caribbean territories seek associate membership in CARICOM

A delegation from Guadeloupe visited the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat on Wednesday, for discussions with CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Associate Membership of the Community. In photograph with the visiting delegation are (left) Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, Ambassador Colin Granderson, (second from left) CARICOM General Counsel, Safiya Ali, (fifth from left) CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, and (sixth from left) Advisor to the Secretary-General, Neville Bissember

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque met on Wednesday with a delegation from Guadeloupe, which is one of five Caribbean territories that have applied for associate membership of CARICOM. The delegation from the Regional Council of Guadeloupe comprised Thérèse Marianne-Pepin, president of the Commission on Cooperation; Olivier Soret, director general, Europe and Cooperation; and Lionel Sarotte, cooperation officer.

The secretary-general held broad discussions with the delegation, focusing on the structure and operations of CARICOM, the role of associate members in the Community and the terms and conditions of associate membership.

This meeting with the secretary-general follows meetings with delegations from Curacao, Martinique and French Guiana, which have also applied for associate membership in CARICOM. A meeting is also planned with St Maarten, the fifth territory which has applied to CARICOM for associate membership.

(Caribbeannews)

Prestige Holdings in TT records TT$50.3m aftertax profit

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Prestige Holdings, operator of KFC, Subway and TGIF restaurants, has posted a profit after tax of TT$50.3 million for its financial year ended November 30, 2014.

This was a 13 per cent increase, up from TT$44.3 million in 2013, the company said in published audited results on Monday.

Group sales improved by two per cent to TT$922 million last year, compared to TT$902 million in 2013.

But Prestige said in its report that while overall financial results were positive, the “severe labour problems endemic in the Trinidad and Tobago economy” continue to seriously impact revenue and profitability. This was especially in the company’s KFC and Subway brands, Prestige said.

“It is impossible to overstate the impact that labour shortages and high absenteeism are having on our operations,” Prestige stated. Conversely, the company said, it would have enjoyed substantially higher revenues and profitability in recent years had it been able to meet required staffing levels. The Prestige board of directors has recommended a final dividend of 17 cents per share, payable on May 8, which will bring dividends payable for 2014 to 32 cents per share.

Prestige said it expected improved results in 2015 but could not ignore the expected negative impact that lower energy prices will have on the economy.

Prestige operated 111 restaurants at the end of 2014. Its stock closed at TT$9.66 per share on the stock exchange on Monday. (TT Express)

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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EU marks 40 years of development assistance to Jamaica

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I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: Over the last 40 years the European Union has contributed an estimated 1.2 billion euros or J$170 billion in development assistance, according to a Jamaica Information Service news release.

But the EU's contribution to the many facets of Jamaica's development goes beyond activities under the European Development Fund programme, as it also involves helping Jamaica to navigate and cushion the drastic changes in the global trade environment, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said on Thursday.

"I view our ongoing partnership with the EU as critical support for Jamaica's social transformation and economic growth agenda," she said. She was speaking at the launch of the 40th anniversary of Jamaica-EU partnership celebrations at Jamaica House.

The launch also saw the unveiling of the Partnership Plaque, which gives a pictorial representation of the Jamaica-EU relationship.

Simpson Miller said the EU's contributions to Jamaica over the last four decades have been significant, spanning a number

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) converses with Head of Delegation, European Union to Jamaica, Paola Amadei, at the launch of the 40th anniversary of Jamaica-EU partnership celebrations, at Jamaica House on Thursday

of sectors, including education, security, agriculture and rural development, public financial management and private sector enhancement.

"The special framework of assistance for the banana support programme has been a major source of help to banana farmers and former banana growers, as we diversify our agricultural product in light of changing international realities," she said.

Sugar was another area where the EU has also been a significant partner in the government's ongoing efforts to transform the industry, Simpson Miller said.

"I remain thankful for the EU's support of the Sugar Estates Barracks Relocation Project to move families, including some 900 persons, from deplorable living conditions in old plantation barracks to their own modern houses," she said.

Simpson Miller said the Sugar Transformation Programme has been important in the overall goal of poverty reduction, Simpson Miller added. Under the programme, more than 5,000 sugar workers and small cane farmers who were displaced as a result of the sugar cane sector divestment have been provided with assistance.

Meanwhile, the EU remains committed to strengthening its relationship with Jamaica, as it strives to assist in poverty reduction and the creation of equal opportunities for all, Paola Amadei, head of the EU delegation said.

Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance and Planning noted he is particularly pleased that of the 1.2 billion euros allocated by the EU over the last 40 years to support programmes in Jamaica, some 80 per cent has been grant resources.

"There is no other development partner that has made such a contribution. And I think it is very appropriate for me to say how appreciated this contribution is, especially in the context of our current economic reform programme and our Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund," he added.

Phillips said over the years, Jamaica has also benefited tremendously from the trade component of its partnership with the EU, which has seen the country taking advantage of the many opportunities provided under several cooperation agreements. (Jamaica Observer)

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Largest Children’s Costume and Float Parade staged in Guyana

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Amidst lively soca music and a fusion of colours, the Children’s Costume and Float parade made its way from Parade Ground, Middle Street, traversing through the streets of Georgetown on Saturday.

Mashramani fever consumed the hearts of the young revellers as they gyrated to the beat of popular soca music.

Scores of patrons lined the streets to behold the spectacular scene, as children of all ages, covered in glitter and decked out in colourful costumes, danced through the town.

The floats depicted Guyana’s history and culture under the theme

West Ruimveldt Secondary performing their piece

“One People One Culture One Celebration” which saw over 48 school bands participating.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who was at the forefront of the parade, said that this year’s event was the largest, and that it saw the full participation of schools. “As usual it is

very colourful and well represented; in fact this is our largest parade. In Education we aim not only to develop our children academically, but to make sure whatever is their view, we encourage them that they can pursue those views through arts, language, dance, masquerade and this is just the culmination of

many weeks of competition across the country”.

She added that the ministry ensures that every national activity that is held, children are fully integrated with a view to developing a patriotic stance. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony expressed pleasure with the event, and noted that

the Mash bands are increasing every year. “I am extremely pleased with the work that has gone into this event, and as usual the Ministry of Education has not disappointed us, so what we have seen is a really great effort, lots of creativity and colours, and it has made the children’s competition a great one, it’s really beautiful”. He further noted that preparations are well underway for the much anticipated Costume and Float Parade that will be held on February 23.

This event will showcase over 30 large Bands with thousands of revellers.

Prior to the Children’s Parade, there were competitions held in every region with students per-

forming in the categories of Dramatic Poetry, Calypso, Dance and Masquerade.

The first place winners in the categories were eligible to enter the National Finals of the competition which was held on February 12 to 13 at the National Cultural Centre.

Children's Mash were organised by the Ministry of Education with the aim of promoting expressive arts through a national event and to encourage schools, parents and communities to work together in a creative, artistic manner to provide an opportunity for the display of talents among students and to foster a sense of pride.

(GINA)

Jamaica Tourism Ministry committed to upgrading public beaches

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O N T E G O B A Y , JAMAICA: The Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill announced at a recently held forum in Montego Bay, St James, that 14 beaches across the island are being targeted for initial development under the ministry’s programme to create recreational public spaces.

The project aims to develop and provide public beaches with recreational facilities, to which locals and visitors alike will have unrestricted access, free of cost.

The upgraded beach facilities are expected to provide the following: children’s play areas; seating with tables; picnic areas and gazebos; restrooms and changing rooms; adequate park-

ing; lifeguard towers; and utilities, inclusive of running water and electricity.

The programme is being undertaken, jointly, with the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Minister McNeil, when announcing the

project during his 2014/15 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament last May, advised that just over Ja$250 million was earmarked for expenditure during the period on the first six beaches identified.

These include: Burwood Beach in Trelawny, where he said work was “most advanced”; Providence Park Beach, Montego Bay, which he indicated was at the tendering stage; while design work was being “completed” for Norman Manley Beach Park in Negril, Westmoreland.

He advised that Treasure beach in

St Elizabeth, as well as beaches at Salem, St Ann, and Boston, Portland, had also been identified for similar upgrading.

Speaking at the Montego Bay stakeholders meeting, Dr McNeill, in highlighting the ministry’s “longstanding concerns” regarding challenges which persons, particularly locals, experienced in accessing several of the island’s beaches, reiterated that the endeavour aims to facilitate them on “some of the finest beaches in the island”.

“Years ago…you would be driving along and decide you want to

stop at a beach…(and) there were (many) more areas (then, compared to now) where you could just go and swim. It is our feeling that there must be places across the length and breadth of this island where people can go…and have access to the best beaches in the country,” the minister stated.

He re-stated his commitment made during the Sectoral Debate to work with NEPA, along with members of Parliament, and other key stakeholders, “in identifying more (beaches) as we go along (implementing this) continuous programme.”

(Jamaica Observer)

St Kitts-Nevis voters deny Douglas historic fifth consecutive term

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ASSETERRE, ST KITTS: St Kitts-Nevis voters denied Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas an opportunity of becoming the first regional leader to win five consecutive general elections and instead voted Team Unity, an amalgam of three opposition parties to form the next government in St. Kitts-Nevis.

While the Electoral Commission has not officially released the results of Monday’s poll, Douglas’s St. KittsNevis Labour Party (SKNLP) appeared willing to concede the victory on Tuesday.

The outgoing Information Minister Nigel Carty said while the entire country is awaiting the results of the elections, the Supervisor of Elections, Wingrove George “does have a serious obligation to address the

country on what is the country’s most critical event that is the election of members to the National Assembly.

“Therefore we want to say to the general public that we would really like for this matter to be over as quickly as possible. We are calling on the supervisor to do what is required to ensure that the results are announced as quickly as possible.”

He said the SKNLP was calling upon George “to appear as quickly as possible to make the requisite announcement to St Kitts-Nevis so that they can move on, less this be seen as something that it is not meant to be,” said Carty, who is also the SKNLP deputy chairman.

The Electoral Commission is expected to issue a statement later on Tuesday.

But Team Unity

led by economist Dr Timothy Harris, 51, a one-time senior cabinet minister in a Douglas administration, said it had won at least seven of the 11 seats that were at stake in Monday’s poll.

Team Unity comprises the main opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM), the People’s Labour Party (PLP) and the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) and Timothy said he was going to hold talks with Governor General Sir Edmund Lawrence on Tuesday on a number of issues.

The 15-member National Assembly is made up of 11 elected members and four others, two of whom are government senators and one opposition senator. The attorney general is the ex-offico member of the legislative body. (Caribbean360)

13 2015 Calypso Monarch seals place in TT history P News

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: When he won the 2015 National Calypso Monarch title on Carnival Sunday night, 'Chucky' (Roderick Gordon) joined an elite group of only five calypsonians to have registered back-to-back wins in the competition since its establishment in 1939.

They are Atilla the Hun (Raymond Quevedo), Striker (Percy Oblington), Duke (Kelvin Pope), Sparrow (Dr Slinger Francisco) and Chalkdust (Dr Hollis Liverpool).

The first to do so was Atilla The Hun. He won the contest in 1946 singing ‘Daily Mail Report’, and successfully defended the title in 1947 with ‘Million Dollar Jail’. Eleven years later, in 1958, Striker won with ‘Don’t Blame the PNM’ and ‘Can’t Find A Job To Suit Me’, and repeated the win in 1959 with ‘Ban The Hula Hoop’ and ‘Comparison’.

Then came Sparrow to lift the titles in 1962 with ‘Model Nation’ and ‘Sparrow Come Back Home’ and 1963’s ‘Dan Is The Man In The Van’ and 'Kennedy'. Duke established a record of four straight wins in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971. Sparrow returned to winner’s row with consecutive victories in 1972, 1973 and 1974.

Chalkdust claimed his first title in 1976 with ‘Three Blind Mice’ and ‘Ah Put On Mih Guns Again’ and retained it in 1977 with Juba Dubai and Shango Vision. Twenty-seven years later he repeated the double, winning in 2004 and 2005.

Ten years later it was 'Chucky', who won the title last year with 'Wey Yuh Think' and 'Wedding of De Century', and repeated this year with 'The Rose' and 'I Believe'.

The young, two-time National Calypso Monarch participated in a number of junior calypso competitions, including the National Junior Calypso Monarch and NACC Pathfinders competitions while at secondary school concluding his A-level study.

In 2004, he placed fourth in the National Junior Calypso Monarch, won the Pathfinders competition and a number of other smaller competitions.

Also, in that year, 'Chucky' took part in the Schools Parang Festival, where he won the Best Male Vocalist title.

In 2005, he entered the senior calypso realm, where he succeeded in qualifying for the semifinals of the National Calypso Monarch. In this same year he was a Young King final-

Roderick 'Chucky' Gordon performs his calypso ‘I Believe’

ist, won the Tunapuna and Laventille Calypso Monarch competitions, and placed fourth in the Stars of Tomorrow

competition. Heavily involved in culture, 'Chucky' took part in the Prime Minister’s Best Village Competition in 2005 with the Barataria Community Council, where he won the Best Male Vocalist title and the Best All-round Performer award in the folk theatre category.

The calypso fraternity began to take special notice of 'Chucky' in 2006.

He proved that he was here to stay, making history by becoming the second youngest person, at age 19, to become a National Calypso Monarch finalist. He also placed fifth in the Young Kings competition, fourth in the Stars of Tomorrow competition, and won the Tunapuna Monarch title for a second consecutive time.

'Chucky' also made his first venture into the soca arena with his debut hit ,’See You’, which allowed him to place third in the International Groovy Soca Monarch competition and gave him the opportunity to perform in a number of parties and fetes.

As a result of such an outstanding season, 'Chucky' was nominated as a Best New Male Artiste at the International Soca Awards in New York. (TT Guardian)

Former Jamaican MP Vaz Freed K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Daryl Vaz walked out of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday a free man after the prosecution's main witness, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, told the court that he gave a statement in the Opposition MP's corruption case under duress, saying that he had never been more "stressed in my life".

He said also that he was told by then Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Felice that he would not be allowed to leave his (Felice's) office at Oxford Road in Kingston until he gave a statement.

"We were there from 7:30 to midnight," he said, speaking of himself and Sergeant Delon Lewis.

"Sergeant Lewis and myself, on arrival at the office [South Tower], met Inspector Reid, assistant commissioner of police, and Assistant Commissioner Haye," Llewellyn said. "We were cajoled, compelled, forced, coerced, and bounded. We were told to provide statements."

He added: "I have never been as stressed my entire life," he said.

Llewellyn said he thought that he had no option but to give the statement.

He told the court that, based on what he was told by then Commissioner Owen Ellington, he and Lewis were both allowed to leave and return the following morning -April 28, 2012 -- with the

ment because the director of public prosecution had called to say the file was being recompiled and that it was needed.

On Monday, Vaz, in an interview with journalist, said that the deci-

Daryl Vaz

statements.

The prosecution was depending on Llewellyn to make its case against Vaz, but things fell apart when Llewellyn said he could not assist the court.

Llewellyn had testified on Monday that he was unable to recollect the content of the statement he gave in the case.

But prosecutor Broderick Smith asked him how he could refresh his memory.

The prosecution later offered no further evidence against Vaz. Vaz was charged in 2012, along with Senior Superintendent of Police James Forbes and businessman Bruce Bicknell, for breaching the Corruption Prevention Act. The charges stemmed from a speeding ticket Bicknell had picked up on April 9, 2012. Vaz and Forbes had reportedly intervened in the matter on Bicknell's behalf when he was charged with trying to bribe an officer.

Forbes was convicted last year on a charge of attempting to per-

vert the course of justice. He's now appealing the conviction and sentence, an Ja$800,000 fine. Bicknell, who was tried along with Forbes, was freed on a no-case submission.

In June 2013, during Bicknell and Forbes' trial, Llewellyn admitted under cross-examination from Queen's Counsel Jacqueline SamuelsBrown that he had "jumped to the wrong conclusion" in assuming that Bicknell was trying to bribe him and that he made an error in having him arrested.

During that trial he also abandoned a second statement that he gave to the police in the matter on August 22, 2012 because it clashed with a first statement and contained a misleading chronology of the events of April 9.

He told SamuelsBrown then that the circumstances under which he gave that statement were more akin to duress.

He said his superior, Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, directed him to give the state-

sion showed what he had been saying all along -that he was innocent.

"Who God bless, no man curse," he said, while thanking his family and supporters.

Peter Champagnie,

who represented Vaz, said that the MP will now be able to make "meaningful contribution" to his West Portland constituency and in Parliament.

(Jamaica Observer)

14 News Caribbean’s different gender gap: Women rise, men stagnate P www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: When the young woman was preparing to open a business in Jamaica selling pipes, vapourisers and other smoking paraphernalia, some acquaintances suggested she would have difficulty succeeding in a niche trade dominated by men.

Now, about a year-and-ahalf after its launch at a hotel complex in Jamaica’s capital, Ravn Rae’s smoking supplies store is growing and she’s proving doubters wrong in a Caribbean country where women have made such big advances in professions once dominated by men that a new UN study says it has the world’s highest proportion of female bosses.

“Women are the ones who are the main breadwinners.

We push harder to earn,” says Rae at her smoke shop, which she hopes to soon expand into a medical marijuana dispensary if lawmakers pass a decriminalisation bill and allow a regulated cannabis industry. For now, she manages one saleswoman.

According to data analysed by the International Labor Organisation, nearly 60 per cent of managers in Jamaica are women, including those who work for large companies and those, like Rae, who own their own businesses. That’s the globe’s highest percentage and way ahead of developed countries.

Colombia, at 53 per cent, and St Lucia, at 52 per cent,

In this photo, Ravn Rae sits behind the counter of her smoking supplies store, Mez, located in a hotel complex in Kingston, Jamaica. Some of Rae's acquaintances suggested she would have difficulty succeeding in a niche trade dominated by men, but about a year-and-a-half after launching her store, her company is growing and she’s proving doubters wrong in a Caribbean country where women have made such big advances in professions once dominated by men that a new UN study says it has the world’s highest proportion of female bosses

are the only other nations in the world where women are more likely than men to be the boss, according to the ILO’s global list. The highest ranking first world nation is the United States, with almost 43 per cent, and the lowest is Japan, at 11 per cent.

Overall, women in the Caribbean and parts of Latin America make up the managerial ranks to a greater extent than in the developed world.

Experts say the gain is due in part to improvements in the level of female education, but also because men have failed to keep pace and have in some

cases gone backward.

The Caribbean and Latin America have seen such big improvements in the economic and social status of women that gender gaps in education, labor force participation, access to health systems and political engagement “have narrowed, closed and sometimes even reversed direction,” according to a World Bank study that analysed women’s economic empowerment in the region. More women are receiving advanced degrees even as a number also juggle household and childrearing responsibilities.

But, while government of-

ficials and educators celebrate that fact they also have serious worries about stagnating men, who have lower levels of academic achievement and are at increased risk of falling into criminality, trends that undermine the gains by females.

Wayne Campbell—a Jamaican high school teacher who blogs about the problem of male underachievement— believes toxic notions about masculinity permeate entire communities, reinforced by a popular music culture that often celebrates law-breaking.

Boys who display school smarts are often ridiculed as effeminate by peers and even adults in areas where academic excellence by males is typically devalued, he says.

Regional educators say the scale of academic underachievement by boys, a trend which is mirrored in other parts of the world including the US, points to the need for systemic changes in the way that lessons are planned and delivered. Many schools in the Caribbean have experimented with approaches large and small to better engage boys, but results have typically been mixed when they haven’t been considered outright failures.

In 2010, TT transformed about a fifth of its co-educational secondary schools into single-sex institutions to address underperformance. But the pilot program was scrapped after officials found students did not improve in single-sex class-

rooms.

But educators in Jamaica say the research they have conducted has shown that boys in single-sex schools do better than those in co-educational ones. In one co-ed Kingston primary school, the principal is now experimenting with single-sex classrooms and she says the results are promising.

Not everyone is convinced regional women are close to pulling ahead of men in Caribbean societies. Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, an associate professor of sociology at Canada’s Ryerson University who researches Caribbean cultures, said the majority of top positions are still dominated by men, even if countries like Jamaica and Trinidad have female heads of state.

She says women in the Caribbean still “have to contend with old-boy networks, male privilege, and males dominating in the justice, social, political and religious systems.”

But with far more women pursuing higher education compared to men, the gender gap could grow lopsided. For years, there’s been a steady 70-30 ratio in favour of women at the University of the West Indies, a public university system serving 18 Caribbean countries and territories.

“Caribbean culture has a laidback, slow-paced vibe. But generally, Caribbean men are a lot more relaxed than the women,” Rae says, checking inventory at her smoke shop. (AP)

Sanders back in running for Commonwealth secretary-general

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T JOHN'S, ANTIGUA : Some two months after withdrawing his government’s nominee for the post of Commonwealth secretary-gener-

al, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has now written to fellow heads of government of the Commonwealth Caribbean to reinstate

his nomination of Sir Ronald Sanders for the post.

In a letter dated February 12, 2015, Browne said that, since writing on December 10,

2014, regarding his withdrawal of Antigua and Barbuda's nomination of Sir Ronald Sanders for the upcoming position of Commonwealth secretary-general, he has been overwhelmed by messages of regret and requests for reconsideration from within and beyond the Caribbean, including from some heads of government.

The burden of those messages, Browne said, was that the Commonwealth has been deprived, at a time of crisis, of the candidate manifestly most suitable and most likely to be chosen, given his Commonwealth-wide network and diplomatic experience.

“It has been impressed on me that Sir Ronald had the declared support of 9 of the 12 Commonwealth Caribbean governments at our December 8th meeting, and that it is still open to me to put him forward as the candidate of Antigua and Barbuda for the post of Commonwealth secretary-general,” he said.

“Nonetheless, in the interest of Caribbean unity among ourselves and in the projection of our unity to the Commonwealth, I am still anxious that we proceed by consensus if we possibly can. I have, therefore, strongly urged Sir Ronald to withdraw his intimation of standing down his candidacy despite his earlier decision in what he considered to be the interest of our region. He, too, would still prefer the region to go forward as one, and has told me of the great sense of honour he felt at receiving the backing of so many heads of government,” he said.

One of three initial candidates as the Caribbean Commonwealth's nominee, Sanders has the broadest Commonwealth experience and background, having played a key role in Commonwealth affairs over many years including in the Eminent Persons Group that reported in 2011 on the future direction and re-

form of the organisation.

The other two candidates, Baroness Patricia Scotland, a sitting member of the British House of Lords, nominated by Dominica and supported only by Dominica and Barbados, and Senator Bhoe Tewarie, Trinidad and Tobago’s candidate and minister of planning and sustainable development, both have serious question marks against their candidacy.

Tewarie is little known within the Commonwealth and has little relevant experience and Scotland has already created some controversy and consternation amongst foreign ministers from both CARICOM and the Commonwealth by unexpectedly appearing as Dominica's representative at ministerial meetings in New York recently, where there was reportedly considerable reluctance and even downright refusal to discuss sensitive regional issues in the presence of a sitting member of the British parliament.

(Caribbeannews)

News Former JCDC head, principal Denham Town High and Primary, Dr Clover Thompson Gordon dies in Florida

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I N G S T O N , J A M A I C A : Former principal of the Denham Town High School and member of the executive of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA), Dr Clover Thompson Gordon, died at her home in Florida on Sunday.

Dr. Thompson Gordon was also a past Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), vicepresident of the lay magistrates association, electoral returning officer for Western Kingston, director of the Mel Nathan Institute and was the 2002 Lasco/Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) Teacher of the Year.

Thompson Gordon was principal of the Content Gap Primary School 196870; acting Managing Director, Metropolitan Parks & Garden in 1986; and Executive Director, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, 1984-89.

She was principal of the Denham Town Primary School, 1971-90 and principal of the Denham Town High School 1990-94 and held various positions in the JTA between 1968 and 1993.

She was founder of the Association of Friends and Families Against Substance Abusers - AFAFOSA, which was launched in Jamaica in 2002.

Opposition spokesperson on Information, Culture, Sports and Gender Affairs, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, on Monday expressed sorrow at the death of Thompson Gordon, whom she recalled as a pioneer in the education of youths from the West Kingston community.

She recalled that Dr Thompson Gordon was the fourth teacher to be awarded the Lasco/JTA Teacher of the Year award, in 2002.

“As a principal, she was a disciplinarian who demanded that her teachers set examples for the students to follow. She always felt that teachers should be role models and mentors to the children they teach,” Grange said.

She added that Dr Thompson Gordon not only set very high standards for the teachers and students at Denham Town High, but during her 20-odd years at the school it emerged as one of the top high schools in the Jamaica Festival, excelling in dance, music, singing, speech and drama.

(Jamaica Observer)

15

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Police, others trained to address child sexual abuse in Guyana

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E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: The police and other stakeholders are being exposed to the dynamics of child sexual violence as the Childcare and Protection Agency seeks to address the scourge.

A five-day workshop, of which 40 persons attended, opened Monday at the Police Training Center, Kingston, Georgetown.

It is being held in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Childlink Inc. and the Blossom and Forward Guyana on MultiDisciplinary Teams (MDT)/Forensic Interviewing (FI).

The workshop focuses on what is child sexual abuse, the dynamics of it, the reasons for the act, the reason for silence from the victims, introduction to MDTs and FI, how to ask questions about multiple incidents, recantations, false and fantastic accusations, considerations for court, internet crimes against children, and other related issues.

The sessions are being facilitated by Dr. Lisa Fontes, Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts who expressed that the sessions will entail videos, role playing and even skyping with other professors and experienced individuals, in the field of child sexual abuse, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Teresa Gaime, Deputy Director of Policy, Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA), pointed out that it is the willingness of their partners that motivates and strengthens their approach in dealing with this

A section of the representatives from the various organisations participating in the Ministry of Human Service’s workshop

delicate issue.

She added that in 2014, the country’s first ever Child Advocacy Center (CAC) was established, providing training for some 60 children. Gaime also acknowledged that there are plans for the expansion of the CAC in Regions Two, Three, and Five.

Paul Williams, Senior Superintendent, said that he was very grateful for this initiative, which would bring several benefits, not only to the GPF, but to all the participating agencies.

He noted that the force is currently undergoing a modernization process, and this will aid in providing clarity to investigations and creating greater collaboration among organisations, which are interlinked and necessary, during the interviewing process, as well as the establishment of integrity and trust.

Also present were Omattie

Madray, Programme Director, Childlink and Ayo Dalgety-Dean, Programme Director, Blossom Inc. This is the second workshop of its kind in two years and it is slated to culminate on February 20.

Child sexual abuse or child molestation is a form of child abuse, in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation.

There are several forms of child sexual abuse: these include asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities, regardless of the outcome; indecent exposure to a child-such as the genitals, female nipples, etc. with the intention to gratify sexual desires or to intimidate or groom the child; physical sexual contact with a child; or using a child to produce a child.

This type of abuse can be accompanied by domestic violence and other forms of abuse including verbal, emotional, physical and mental abuse. (Guyana Times)

16 News TT whistleblowers enter the digital age with launch of 'Disclosure Today!'

P www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Anticorruption advocate Margaret Rose has taken her passion for transparency and accountability in public procurement straight to cyberspace with the creation of an online platform—Disclosure Today! The platform, which will become operational on Tuesday when it is launched on the Web site www.disclosure.today, is taking whistleblowing in TT into the digital age.

It will offer citizens a secure place to relay information on corruption at state bodies and state projects, as well as facilitate linkages between public interest attorneys and likeminded citizens.

Rose, a lawyer, is currently in the United Kingdom where she is working on putting the final touches on the platform with her technical team from the Lisbon Innovation Kluster (www.linnk.us), an

MIT Portugal spin-off headed

by CEO Vasco Portugal.

Portugal is also part of the Disclosure Today! team which includes lawyers Justin Phelps, Yelena Hewitt and Tanya Alexis. Rose, the founding director of Disclosure Today! and co-founder of the Caribbean Procurement Institute, told the TT media that the Disclosure Today! organisation is “built on the foundation of transparency.”

The Disclosure Today! platform, which had a soft launch in December with the creation of a Facebook community page, also provides citizens with guidance for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applications to inquire into public procurement projects.

She added the platform was a critical asset for ensuring there was accountability and transparency in public procurement. The platform is also timely since the long-

Attorney Margaret Rose, founding director of Disclosure Today! and co-founder of the Caribbean Procurement Institute.

awaited Public Procurement Bill was passed in Parliament last December. The Disclosure Today! platform, she said, “allows public bodies to interact with citizens early on in

a project cycle and to report on project commissioning and management.”

It is built around the principles of the new Open Contracting Movement worldwide, she added. The platform allows citizens to automate requests for information under the FOIA, propose a solution to community problems and make a Public Interest Disclosure (PID) anonymously or confidentially. The platform will also contain resources and links to public bodies.

Rose assured that “public bodies should not feel threatened by the platform as it also encourages proactive disclosure by bodies which will mitigate and in some cases eradicate opportunities for protracted, time and resource intensive responses to requests for information under the act.” She believes that if Disclosure Today! is embraced by citizens it can be a game changer for TT.

“We could be an example to the rest of the world of how to create bottom-up solutions to create changes on public governance issues. Also, it is really a tremendous opportunity, internally for citizens who are frustrated but disillusioned, citizen activists, NGOs and Media to collaborate around initiatives, gain support and engage in public decision-making issues,” she added.

Rose said her mantra has become one of “stop looking to our ‘leaders’ to save us, let us look to the leaders within ourselves.” Disclosure Today! gives every citizen the opportunity to become a political game changer, “if they want to be and have the courage to follow through,” she said. “Disclosure Today! will be what we the citizens of TT make it. What it means to the country, will depend on how we in TT respond to and engage with it.” (TT Guardian)

Corilla cancer research in Guyana UWI student on coming along well – Dr Cummings assault charges

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The bitter-tasting vegetable, Corilla which is a popular Guyanese dish could become the leading fighter against cancer, as it is showing good prospects under laboratory experiments.

According to Head of Research, Dr Emmanuel Cummings, while there are high hopes of success, it is much too early to determine the outcome.“The research is a good opportunity for us to investigate some of the natural remedies and we are particularly looking at cancer because according to the data in Guyana; several Amerindian communities in Guyana, cancer is a major cause of death, but this is just the preliminary stage; the experimental stage, and this will be lasting for 18 months,” the researcher said.

He noted that he will be making a disclosure on the findings and progress between October and November of this year. “The investigative process will entail the growing of a variety of cancer cells including that of the breast, brain and prostate, and then testing these with known anti-cancer drugs that are well established and accepted. The effectiveness of these drugs will then be compared to the anti-cancer properties of the Momordica Charantia [Corilla]. This will be after we would have isolated and purified the active ingredient so that we can compare its effect on cancer cells in relation to other known anti-cancer drugs,” he said.

The local scientist had

Dr Emmanuel Cummings

in April last year, received a US$329,000 academic grant which falls under the University of Guyana Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP), to examine the Momordica Charantia, which is popularly known as Corilla in Guyana , to ascertain its capability in combating cancer.

The UGSTSP is being fuelled by a US$10 million loan from the World Bank to the Government of Guyana. It is being executed by the Education Ministry and is intended to encourage the generation of knowledge products which will directly contribute to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and support the development of a broader research and knowledge generation.

Dr Cummings, who formerly held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Guyana (UG), noted that the focus on cancer is crucial, since it is currently the third leading cause of death in Guyana.

He has already done a number of research projects on Corilla and has been able to establish the notion that Corilla has anti-diabetic properties. It is slowly being recognised as having anti-cancer properties as well.

The research is currently being carried out at the University of Central Lancashire in England with Dr Cummings as the principal investigator. A young lecturer, Karishma Jeboo, who heads the Pharmacy Department at UG, will be acting in the capacity as coinvestigator.

The external collaborator to the investigation is Professor Jaipaul Singh of the University of Central Lancashire, who has agreed to have the investigations conducted in his laboratory.

Dr Cummings expressed that he has high expectations from the project.

“We are hoping that this project will give us the opportunity to research the Momordica Charantia to look at its anti-cancer properties and hopefully, Guyana, the University of Guyana can come up with an anti-cancer drug that can also be accepted in conventional medicine. We are in for the long haul; this is not just an experiment we are doing and then close the book. We are looking to have it patented and then move on to clinical trials and then eventually accepted”, said an optimistic Dr Cummings.

The experimental aspect of the project is expected to be completed by February 2016. (Guyana Times)

returns to court April

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University of the West Indies

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Stetson Rodney, the University of the West Indies (UWI) student who allegedly battered a female student and fractured her skull when she rejected his advances, is scheduled to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on April 7.

It is alleged that Rodney threw the female to the ground causing her to suffer a fractured skull and large cut above the eye.

Twenty-year-old Rodney, a resident of Maggotty in St Elizabeth, is also accused of assaulting a second female, and is charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning bodily harm. He is out on bail.

The incident occurred last Tuesday near Chancellor Hall on the UWI Mona Campus about 11:00 pm.

According to reports, the female students left the hall to make a purchase at a shop on the campus and on their way passed a group

of males whose advances they ignored.

On their return, the males allegedly started stoning the two females with one female receiving a blow to her foot.

The injured student reportedly asked who had thrown the stone and Rodney indicated that he had, and approached the females.

It is further reported that the same female then turned to Rodney and said: "You can a look woman and a throw stone after woman."

An argument reportedly developed between the two, and it is alleged that Rodney grabbed the female by her throat, threw her to the ground, causing injuries to her skull and face.

It is also reported that when the other female went to the assistance of her friend, Rodney also attacked her, shoved her to the ground, and grabbed her by the throat.

Other students reportedly rescued the two females.(Jamaica Observer)

17 Exxon Mobil to invest US$600M into oil exploration in Guyana G News

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: U.S. giant oil company Exxon will be venturing into the waters of Guyana for the exploration of oil at the cost of some US$600 million. A 118-foot wide vessel, with over 200 people onboard, will depart the Gulf of Mexico to the designated area over 100 miles offshore Guyana, to dredge the unexplored areas in the coming months.

The area, known as the Liza Area or the Stabroek Block Area measuring some 26,806 square kilometres is said to be the target area and the company intends

to drill 1750 metres in depths that reach up to 3000 metres.

Officials from the company explained that while they are not yet sure if prospect will be successful, they are still prepared to invest the money into the venture.

Jeff Simons, Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) stated that it may take them seven or more years to find oil in the country, explaining that the specialists just know the layout of the underwater area, such as where rocks and various obstacles are located, based on

Exxon is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company

the seismic data gathered.

The project is expected to be a 10-year exploration with three periods including two phases in each period while each period lasts for one to two years, with the strictest safety procedures expected to be followed throughout the project.

Erik Oswalk, Vice

President of the Americas mentioned that they already trained a fleet of drivers they will be using for the venture while every other staff member has been trained with basic first aid procedure and contractors were encouraged to wear appropriate attire on the job.

Exxon is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas

company that has existed for 130 years. Exxon replaced the Esso, Enco, and Humble brands in the United States on January 1, 1973.

Guyana has a history of petroleum exploration. Guyana’s offshore Guyana Basin and the inland Takatu Basin have attracted companies such as Shell, Total and Mobil since the

1940s that have done much geological surveyance of the area and have drilled a number of wells.

As of 2008, there were four companies undertaking exploration work in Guyana.

These were ExxonMobil, Repsol, Century Guyana Ltd and CGX. The Petroleum Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has the responsibility of monitoring surveyance in Guyana.

The venture is expected to provide job opportunities to Guyanese in several areas when operations commence.

(Guyana Times)

Jamaican Opposition wants timelines for energy projects

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Opposition Spokesman on Mining and Energy Senator Robert Montague says it is not enough for the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET) to announce proposals for improving the energy sector, without providing timelines and implementation plans for the projects.

Senator Montague was responding to the recent announcement

by ESET, chaired by Dr Vincent Lawrence, that Cabinet has approved proposals from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to construct a 190-megawatt gas tur-

bine in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

He said that while the Opposition welcomed any decision that is aimed at improving the electricity service and reducing energy costs, it has become necessary for these announcements to be accompanied by timelines He added: "While the Opposition commends members of the ESET for their public service and work, we are demanding the publication of the country's Integrated Resource Plan for the energy sector, immediately. It is the provisions of this plan that should guide the timelines of the announced projects.

Montaque… we need these timelines so that we can monitor, on behalf of the people, the progress of the projects

"We need these timelines so that as a responsible Opposition we can monitor, on behalf of the people, the progress of the projects. This administration came in to power on a commitment to lower electricity rates and we wish to hold them to that."

According to the Opposition senator, the public is tired of announcements from the Government and its agencies and teams about plans and projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, which fail to materialise.

"The situation is so bad now that it is hard to keep track of these

announcements until we learn that the projects are either still evolving or has been abandoned for some reason or the other," said Montague.

The Opposition spokesman said that since the announcement on February 3, at Jamaica House, there has been no update from the ESET whether it has fulfilled its commitment to send a letter to the JPS, within a week, authorising them to proceed with the 190-megawatt generating plant, adding that there has been no indication from the JPS that they have received such correspondence.

(Jamaica Observer)

Tobago’s Magdalena expands to new markets

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is celebrating its fourth successful year in a row with a steady history of double-digit growth since reopening under the management and direction of efm Hospitality Solutions in 2011. efm uses marketing to propel the brand and generate business and the steady growth that has punctuated the success of the resort over the past four years.

The TT government contracted efm Hospitality Solutions in June 2011 to renovate, refurbish, reposition, reopen and manage the resort that had originally been operated as a Hilton, but had been closed for several years.

The initial scope of work was to completely refurbish the resort to be ready to receive guests and to provide 4-star international quality service within 120 days. efm Hospitality Solutions

was successful in meeting the extremely tight timeline to complete the hotel refurbishment on time and within budget.

“We bring a total commitment to success using our experience coupled with practical knowledge," said Nikolas Eastwick-Field, principal, efm Hospitality Solutions, the operator and manager of Magdalena Grand, adding: “And we live by our slogan that the difference is in the delivery.”

Creating business where none existed before such as golf charters from Scandinavia and accolades from Trip Advisor as well as three golf awards in 2014 are just some of the indications of the underlying success of the resort.

Just recently, the sales and marketing team met with 48 companies among the elite tour operators and wholesalers from around the world at the annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace held this year in Puerto

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago

Rico. Interest in sending visitors came from companies based in the USA, Canada, UK, Russia, Brazil, Portugal, Germany and many others. Renewed interest in bringing passengers back to Tobago came from both British Airways and Virgin Holidays which is another indication of a trend in the growth of the mid-range business.

This came shortly after a successful trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil together with officials from Tobago’s Division of Tourism and Transportation to solicit business from the major tour operators and Scuba Dive wholesalers in South America in support of the new weekly air service from Sao Paulo to Tobago that commenced

on January 31.

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has been recently honoured with the Tobago Chief Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Sphere of Tourism, which was given by Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London.

Magdalena Grand was recognized

for the resort's significant contributions to the growth of tourism in Tobago.

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has also been named TT’s Best Golf Hotel at the inaugural World Golf Awards held recently in Portugal. The World Golf Awards serve to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Magdalena Grand manages the 18-hole Championship Tobago Plantations Golf Course, which is located on the resort’s grounds. efm Hospitality Solutions is led by Nikolas Eastwick-Field, who brings more than 40 years of international hospitality experience, and John Murphy, specializing in product positioning and team building. Both of these hospitality industry veterans acquired high-profile, international experience with Renaissance and Marriott hotels. (TT Guardian)

18 News Japan pumps additional funds into Guyana’s development G www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Government of Japan signed three new contracts with Habitat for Humanity Guyana, Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre and Special Needs for Life Incorporation, totalling US$290,199.

The contracts were signed on Friday, shortly after the curtains closed in on two projects funded under the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Habitat for Humanity will receive financial support totalling US$100,684 to assist with the construction of its resource centre in Linden, Region 10.

The Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre will receive US$90,373 to fund an initiative entitled “The

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn-Rodrigues-Birkett and First Secretary of the Japan Embassy Takaaki Kato among various representatives from the NGOs, Japan Embassy and Foreign Affairs Ministry

Project for Renovating Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre” in Region Six while the Special Needs for Life will get US$99,142 for the construction of Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skills Training Centre in the North Rupununi District.

“Through the grant assistance received, these three organisations will now be able to develop

‘Like a Boss’ takes Road March lead in TT

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, T R I N I D A D : Newly crowned International Power Soca Monarch and reigning Road March king Machel Montano took an early lead on Monday as the first large band to cross the South Quay judging point, Paparazzi, had his hit ‘Like ah Boss’ on repeat.

After the J’ouvert bands had cleared out and the street was washed Paparazzi, which won second place in Band of the Year in 2014, crossed the stage at about 11.24a.m.

Their presentation ‘Wonderland into the Rabbit Hole’ was led off by their two kings - Ted Eustace in a blue dragon costume with silver and red wings and Mario Caballeros a mad hatter costume with playing cards - and their queen, Raevon Atherton, in an aquamarine, shell like costume.

The bands music trucks played nothing but ‘Like ah Boss’, which won Montano the Power Soca Monarch on Friday night - for the masqueraders as they passed the judging point.

One female masquerader was in a wheelchair and holding crutches and was being pushed by a fellow masquerader.

For much the other day at other venues, Montano’s: ‘Like a Boss’ continued to outpace the other contenders. (TT Newsday)

their infrastructural capacity and enhance the training skill set offered to the communities throughout various Regions within the Republic of Guyana,” First Secretary of the Japan Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago Takaaki Kato said.

He further noted that his Government recognises the importance of developmental growth and educational stability, and

is therefore proud to contribute to the betterment of individuals through the GGP. Guyana has been benefiting from the GGP since 1998 when the first Information Technology laboratory in Corentyne was erected using funds from Japan.

Meanwhile, Rawle Small from Habitat for Humanity; Yetrawatee Katryan from Roadside

Baptist Church Skills Training Centre; and Mark Adams from Special Needs for Life, voiced their utmost appreciation for the grant.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett also expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for continuing to develop the bilateral relations between the two nations.

“Indeed the relations between the two countries have borne fruit in many different ways, the construction of the Caricom Headquarters… the construction of the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Corriverton Water Supply Projects. We also received assistance with Japanese volunteers in many different areas… and we are also receiving assistance from the Japanese Government with the East Demerara Water Conservancy Project, which is ongoing,” the Minister said.

The simple ceremony, commemorating the signing of the contracts by First Secretary of the Japan Embassy and the representatives from the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(Guyana Times)

Jamaica Ministry targets 195,000 kids for measles immunisation

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion BullockDuCasse moved to reassure the president of the Paediatric Association of Jamaica that children in the four to six age group will not be excluded from the national Measles Prevention Campaign that is set to run from February 16 to May 8, 2015.

The Ja$54.4-million mass immunisation campaign, which was launched at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston on Monday, will target 195,000 children from ages one to six for vaccination. The three-phase campaign will run concurrently in all parishes.

President of the association, Tracia JamesPowell, on Monday questioned whether the ministry's push to offer the booster dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 18 months, instead of the original four to six years, will affect the immunisation coverage for that age group.

She raised the concern in relation to the disclosure made by Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson that there is a gap, as current immunisation statistics reveal that measles vaccination has fluctuated from a low of 81 per cent in

Jamaica’s Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson makes a point during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Monday to announce the Ja$54.4-million Measles Prevention Campaign, which will run from February 16 to May 8, 2015.

Looking on is Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse

2011 to a high of 94 per cent in 2013, with the coverage for the second dose being even lower.

The health minister said that, based on the data, while parents make it a priority to ensure that children under two years are vaccinated, the level of interest to immunise children two years and older is lacking and trending downwards.

"We are moving the MMR forward to close the gap; are we then going to lose focus on that four-to six-year group of children who would receive other immunisation?" the paediatric association president questioned.

"On the contrary, the focus remains on

ensuring that all of our children are appropriately immunised. Since January 1, the Ministry of Health has actually amended the immunisation schedule to ensure that all of our children have their first MMR dose at 12 weeks; the second dose is now done at 18 months, instead of four to six years, in an effort to ensure that our children receive that dose," Bullock-DuCasse explained. "...With the recent (measles) outbreak in the USA, what is happening now is that this campaign will ensure that all the children between one to six are appropriately immunised.

"It means that the children who are two to

six years, who would've passed that 18-month age group, we want to immunise that group as well as those who are already four to six years," Bullock-DuCasse continued. "...So the ministry has created the focus on this age group now for MMR and other vaccines and will retain the immunisation schedule for the fourto six-year-old group as well."

In launching the campaign, Dr Ferguson said immunisation has led to a substantial reduction of illness and death from vaccinepreventable diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and newborn tetanus, with Jamaica

seeing its last case of polio in 1982, the last case of locally transmitted measles in 1991, the last case of diphtheria in 1995, and the last case of rubella in 2000, and newborn tetanus in 2001.

Ferguson said, in addition to offering the booster dose at 18 months for children born July 2013 and after to close the existing gap, it is also being done to get children immunised during the active vaccination period when other vaccines are being offered and the uptake greater.

He explained that the first phase of the campaign will target children attending clinics at the health centres for routine immunisation services such as the 18-month booster, while phase two will seek to capture children at the basic, infant, and primary schools as well as day-care centres, and phase three will focus on targeted community outreach for those not immunised in phases one and two.

Dr Ferguson also made a strong appeal to teachers, paediatricians, private family practitioners, and parents and guardians to cooperate with the ministry in getting all children in the target group vaccinated.

(Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

AFC, PNC/APNU consummate union for Guyana’s Elections 2015 - Granger number 1; Nagamootoo number 2

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Months of speculation was ended on Saturday, with the signing of the “Cummingsburg Accord” which resulted in the coalition of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), ahead of the much anticipated May 11 General and Regional Elections. It was not evident that a new name was proposed for the entity, but this will be necessary for them to contest the election jointly.

Shortly after signing the Accord, the announcement was made at the Georgetown Club, while supplying some details hammered out during the negotiations. Leader of the Opposition David Granger will lead the coalition as the Presidential Candidate, while former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo, who jumped ship to be-

come Vice Chairman of the AFC in the lead up to the 2011 Elections, will represent the AFC as the Prime Ministerial Candidate.

Addressing a packed media corps, APNU’s Leader, in the presence of his new partners, said the agreement followed weeks of intense highlevel negotiations, noting that it is a direct response to demands that have been made by a vast majority of Guyanese.

Contesting the upcoming election as a coalition, Granger explained, that in addition to APNU nominating the Presidential Candidate and AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate, the latter party has been assured 12 seats in the 65 seat Parliament.

This would be approximately 36 per cent of the combined seats by the two parties in the 10th Parliament.

In the construct of a new Government, APNU will be allocated one Vice President while AFC will

Leader of the Opposition David Granger greets his new counterpart Moses Nagamootoo minutes before the announcement

be allocated two Vice Presidents, both of whom will be members of the Cabinet, the Opposition Leader further detailed.

Taking into consideration the possibility of constitutional reform in the future, Granger said both APNU and AFC have agreed that the President as

“Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces” will be responsible for the appointment of constitutional agencies and commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultations.

Additionally, the

President will be directly in charge of foreign affairs, international relations and international non-commercial treaties, national security policy, the Defense Board, the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Guyana Defence Force.

According to the Opposition Leader, the

President will delegate several responsibilities to the Prime Minister, including the chairmanship of the Cabinet and matters supporting the Domestic National Affairs.

“This is a historic and water shed development for our country as this new electro alliance moves to put Guyana on the correct path where all Guyanese regardless of ethnicity, can be fully motivated to be proud of his/her nation,” Granger added after give a synopsis of the agreement.

Nagamootoo who was among AFC representatives sitting at the head table, alleged that in like of the coalition talks, former and current members of the PPP/C has expressed interest in being a part of this new movement. But the political leader felt short in buttressing his credibility by failing to disclose the names of those he said as now longing to be a part of this coalition. (Guyana Times)

Medical marijuana not ECC gets Ja$4 million to assist early on TT Gov’t agenda childhood institutions in Jamaica

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O R T - O F SPAIN,TRINIDAD: The People’s Partnership Government should be careful not to pursue the same course as Jamaica which recently legalised the use of marijuana for medical purposes, says political analyst Dr Bishnu Ragoonath.

He believes such a move will not receive public support.

In an interview last Tuesday, Ragoonath said the Government would be treading on shaky ground if it pursued a policy to decriminalise marijuana.

“At this time, the Government has to be wary of societal needs and demands. The Government is preparing to go into a general election and should be careful as to what policies they will bring to the fore at this point in time,” he said.

He said that drug use had been linked to crime.

He also added the policy on same-sex marriages would be on the backburner.

Analyst Dr Maukesh Basdeo also agreed that pursuing decriminalisation of marijuana was not the best option for the government.

“The Government has not given a concrete position on it. Now that Jamaica has passed the law other Caribbean states may look at it,” Basdeo said.

He said it might be better, however, to see how Jamaica dealt with the issue before embarking on similar policies.

Basdeo said that even if such laws were passed, proper systems must be put in place to regulate

the production and sale of the narcotic.

With regard to same-sex marriages, Basdeo said greater public consultation was needed before legislation could be drafted.

Contacted for comment, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives and deputy political leader of the United National Congress, Dr Roodal Moonilal, said the Government had no clear policy on legislation aimed at decriminalising the use of marijuana.

“That matter is one for public debate and consultation,” Moonilal said.

Attorney General Garvin Nicholas said the legalising of marijuana was not currently on the government’s agenda.

“That matter will have to be discussed and we have not done so formally,” Nicholas said.

He also said since he assumed office, last Tuesday, he had not participated in any meeting where same-sex marriages were discussed.

Last Friday, Jamaica legislators approved the nation’s Dangerous Drug Amendment Act, legalising the use of medical marijuana.

The new laws decriminalised possession of up to two ounces of marijuana.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority was also set up to monitor medical marijuana in Jamaica.

The change in the law in Jamaica took place on the 70th birthday of the late reggae icon Bob Marley. (TT Guardian)

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I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) of the Ministry of Education has received Ja$4 million to be used for infrastructure development and maintenance of selected early childhood institutions.

Among the schools to benefit are: Calaloo Meadows Basic, St Andrew; Boscobel Basic, St Mary; Fern Grove Basic, St Ann; Mango Hall Basic, Westmoreland; Santa Cruz Early Childhood Institution, St Elizabeth; and Harvest Time Basic, St Catherine.

The cheques, which were presented to the ECC by the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (PACE) Canada last Thursday amount to Cdn$39,781.04 and will be disbursed to 98 basic schools across the island.

The presentation, which was made at the ECC headquarters in downtown, Kingston, is a continuation of the long-standing partnership between the ECC and PACE, Canada.

Director of Sector Support Services at the ECC Michelle Campbell, who accepted the cheques, welcomed the continued support of PACE and described the partnership between the ECC and PACE as a positive and fruitful re-

Director of sector support services, Early Childhood Commission, Michelle Campbell (left) receives cheques from chair of the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education Canada, Diana Burke, at the office of the ECC in downtown Kingston.

lationship.

The partnership is aimed at helping institutions to attain the 12 standards set by the ECC under the Early Childhood Act of 2005 and the Early Childhood Regulations of 2005 to ensure that high-quality education is delivered at the early childhood level.

These cover the areas of staffing; development of educational programmes; (adult) interactions and relationships with children; physical environment; indoor and outdoor equipment; furnishings and supplies; health; nutrition; safety; child rights; protection and equality; interactions with parents and community members; administra-

tion and finance. PACE currently sponsors 300 basic schools in Jamaica.

Chair of PACE Canada's Adopt-A-School Programme, Diana Burke, who made the presentation on behalf of PACE Canada, said she was very impressed with Jamaica's commitment to early childhood education.

President of PACE, Canada, Sandra Whiting, said the organisation remained committed to assisting the basic schools in Jamaica to give children a strong foundation in education.

It is expected that PACE will be making another presentation of cheques to the ECC later this year.

(Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: One of the priceless publications available to the public for reading and research purposes is “Views in the Interior of Guiana” by Sir Robert Schomburgk.

The book contains a series of views of the interior of British Guiana

by Charles Bentley, executed as illustrations for Schomburgk's work in the region.

When the book was first published in 1840 by Ackerman and Company, it was regarded as a “technologically advanced work because it combined intaglio, woodblock and innovations in colour lithography”.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony stated in the book’s foreword that the “powerful pictorial representations of the interior, rescued Guiana

'Pure-Piapa. A remarkable Basaltic Column in Guiana'

from relative obscurity to one of relative importance in the minds of the colonialists”.

He went on to say that the selected “twelve views” seem to empower the viewer and transport them to the magnificent, lush tropical landscape.

The minister added that the book allows readers to get a clear visual sense of these landmark sites, their geographical coordinates and position on the

map.

“Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk was a man ahead of his times; he was in a sense a global citizen.

His work as an explorer, surveyor, cartographer, botanist and the meticulous documentation of his scientific findings in various scholarly books and journals has certainly extended his academic influence to many parts of the world. I would like to acknowledge his tangible

contributions to my country. I strongly believe that one way for people to understand his contributions is for them to have access to his publication and writings. The republication of ‘Twelve Views’ is one step to unlock his great legacy,” Minister Anthony noted in the book’s foreword.

Additionally, Dr Ernest Martens, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, gave a brief background to Schomburgk, stating that the explorer was born June 5, 1804.

Martens said as a child, Schomburgk showed great interest in nature, growing plants, especially orchids, in his parents’ garden. Since his family wanted him to go into business, he was apprenticed to a merchant and later worked for his uncle,

Sir Robert Schomburgk

a merchant in Leipzig, Germany, who encouraged Schomburgk’s interest in natural sciences and botany. In Leipzig, Schomburgk was able to take tuition in botany from a university professor and attend lectures.

In 1828 Schomburgk supervised the transport of sheep to Virginia in the United States, where he started an unsuccessful business as a tobacco farmer. A year later he left for St Thomas, only to lose most of his belongings in a fire. This finally persuaded him to end his business career and pursue his interest in botany and natural science.

Martens revealed that while travelling in the Virgin Islands, Schomburgk visited Anegada, at the time of the notorious shipwrecks.

After watching a Spanish vessel sink along with its cargo of slaves chained up

River to its source. For his services to geography, zoology and botany he was granted the Royal Geographical Society’s highest award, and the King of Prussia decorated him with the Order of the Red Eagle.

On his second trip to British Guiana, Martens stated that Schomburgk travelled up major rivers and covered close to 3000 miles in a wide circuit encompassing Venezuela and Brazil.

Martens added that the maps Schomburgk produced apparently left little more to be discovered and played a major role in helping an international tribunal adjudicate on a border dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela in 1899.

In addition to vastly extending our knowledge of Guyana’s flora and fauna, many species of which he described for the first time, Schomburgk was a champion of the rights of the Amerindian population.

He was knighted by Queen Victoria for the invaluable work he accomplished throughout his career in natural sciences and botany.

The exciting, colourfully illustrated “Views in the Interior of Guiana” is a 2013 reprint by

One of the illustrations, this one of Roraima, found in the book

in the hold, Schomburgk resolved to stay and survey the island at his own expense.

There he found the existing maps to be incorrect, and in 1831, after months of hard work, submitted a new map together with a description of the island and its surrounding sea currents, to the Royal Geographical Society in London. This became the turning point of Schomburgk’s career.

His report made such a favourable impression on the Society and the Admiralty that he was asked to lead an expedition to explore British Guiana.

On his first expedition to British Guiana from 1835 to 1839, Schomburgk was able to trace the Essequibo

the Guyana Heritage Society. The three original copies of the book used in the preparation of the reprint were provided by the National Archives, a private owner in Georgetown, and University of Adelaide, Special Collections, Bar Smith Library, Adelaide, South Australia.

Locally, we have many underutilized institutions that can provide invaluable research material for students, not just for those at university level, but for secondary schools.

The National Archives of Guyana, located on Homestretch Avenue next to the National Cultural Centre, is one such institution. (Photos taken from “Views in the Interior of Guiana” 2013 reprint)

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The Guyanese woman way

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Facing challenges head-on to become a young, successful entrepreneur, a fitting role model when it comes to being a determined woman who wants to fulfil her dreams, Evie Gurchuran is blazing the local business trail.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Evie recalled that she complet-

her parents bought for her, she began contacting as many persons and companies as she could, to advertise her work.

In June 2008, EMTEC, Evie’s and her husband’s business, was officially registered. But it really took off in 2011 when they decided to leave their jobs and dedicate their time to building their business.

“We invested in equipment to do fabric

printing, and became the first company to introduce the method and technology that we still use today, to Guyana.

We were one of the first companies locally, to offer online advertising through various outlets such as Facebook and Google. We have since grown in services and have expanded to our new property in Duncan Street. We went from just the two of us to 20 employees in the space of one year, and have diversified into other businesses, namely Kanhai’s Centre, Java Coffee Bar and Evolve Mobile Technologies,” Evie noted.

Java Coffee Bar continues to be a success since its launch because of its offerings of delectable snacks, beverages and meals at afford-

able prices. Evie called it their “baby”. Java, Evie explained, is synonymous with coffee and a widely known programming language, and actually describes her and Miguel – Evie being a coffee lover and Miguel being tech savvy. The couple are also trained baristas and plan to start roasting their own coffee in Guyana.

Evie credits unending hours, dedication, a dynamic team of employees and a husband that believes in her dreams for being a successful entrepreneur.

Evie’s advice for women is to be passionate, set realistic goals, remain frugal, and never stop learning. She said to own your own business you need to believe in what you do; that what you do makes a difference, and that you are the best at what you do.

“We are pro-education employers, and constantly pay for and send our employees to workshops and classes to improve on and learn new things. The most important advice is to never stop learning. If you’re a professional, upgrade in your discipline. If you never stepped foot in a classroom, read every book and watch every YouTube video you can.

We live in the information age, and there is no excuse for not being the best at your discipline, gaining fresh perspectives. It fuels your passion and increases your self-worth. Being knowledgeable is the best investment you can make in your business,” Evie declared. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

growing different shade of ambience down by the river. When urban areas for example, Arouca are besieged by a deluge of loud Carnival music it is astonishing that this is now brought up the valley and into the river lime. River limers have actually brought Carnival into the lime.

Cemetery Street leads down to that part of the main river that has been designated a recreation site. According to Donna Mora, president of the Lopinot Village Council, there is a gateway to this area with signage that displays the permitted times of use 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Higher up the valley, campers line the riv-

erbanks of the five waterways known to them.

These groups party all night long much to the discomfort of members of the farming community who must begin their working day much earlier than others.

When the partying groups leave, it is these hard-working residents who first meet the eyesore left behind. There is always a line of garbage along the fringes of the river channel.

Some groups put their garbage in bags but they do not take these bags away with them. They leave them spilling over into the water and onto the road. In areas where bins have been conveniently placed and there

Evie in her office

ed her secondary education at Mae’s Schools where she gained eight subjects. She then went on to CAPE at Queen’s College where she wrote and passed 10 papers.

Subsequently, she attended the University of Guyana and completed the first year in English and Spanish, but due to her father’s ill health, she was unable to continue as she had to help with the family business. However, Evie continued evening classes at School of the Nations where she obtained a Diploma in Business Administration with merits in Marketing and Communications.

When Evie decided to start her own company, she had no employees or any fancy equipment. Starting with a printer and laptop that

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Scenic, historic and cultural valleys such as Lopinot are always open to visitors seeking out the alternative side of everyday urban life.

Christmas season is a time for parang entertainment, a festivity that Lopinot is known for.

The Compte de Lopinot Complex houses invaluable information and often times live presentations of the valley’s indigenous heritage and most of all, weekends see the influx of people who want to enjoy the ambience of the river lime.

Every year, during the long weekend of Carnival, there is a

New Kingston Band

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New Kingston Band sticks to its roots

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The New Kingston Band achieved its biggest career milestone last week when their album, Kingston City, topped the Billboard Reggae Album chart.

Kingston City is their first album for American independent company, Easy Star Records. It features guest appearances from roots-reggae veterans The Wailing Souls and Sister Carol, and Hawaiian artistes Kimie Miner and Tribal Seeds.

The 12-song project is the trio's third album.

It was co-produced by Grammy-winning engineer Fabian Cooke, and French company, Dub Inc. New Kingston comprises brothers Stephen Panton (guitar/vocals), Courtney Panton Jr (drums/vocals) and Tahir Panton (keyboard/ vocals). Their father Courtney Panton Sr, occasionally sits in on bass.

Panton Jr told the

Jamaican media that a lot of work went into the album. He also spoke about the Billboard feat.

"It feels great. Having your work and efforts start to pay off is the greatest accomplishment and feeling we could have. The album took a lot of work mainly because we were on numerous back-to-back tours," he said.

Formed nine years ago, the group is based in Brooklyn.

The Pantons are first-generation Americans born to Jamaicans parents, who say the band's name is inspired by their Caribbean heritage.

Panton Snr is their greatest mentor.

"We used to come home from school and we'd be marched right down to the music room by our Dad," said Stephen.

The New Kingston Band started out performing in basements and at small backyard parties around New York City. Later, they ap-

peared as a support act for Rebelution, The Green, SOJA, Matisyahu, and Bermudan singer Collie Buddz.

They were Collie Buddz's backing band for a few years. They also worked the United States East Coast with a number of reggae acts, including Frankie Paul, Norris Man, Gyptian, I Wayne, Richie Stephens, Tony Rebel, and Queen Ifrica.

The New Kingston Band released its debut album, In the Streets, in 2010. A second, Kingston University, was released three years later.

The band is currently on a North American tour which began February 6 and ends in May. The New Kingston Band is scheduled to break that trek to perform in Jamaica at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association's Reggae Month show on February 24, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Complex.

(Jamaica Observer)

Beauty: Peaceful ambience of Lopinot valley

are signs that display instructions for the disposal of litter, that same litter is thrown outside the designated container and not into it. This results in clean-up crews having to

collect litter around the site and not in the bin.

This means very hard and frustrating work for CEPEP and forestry workers to cope with the irresponsible actions of

so many people.

Mora is reminding Carnival visitors of the true reason why they choose the Lopinot valley to spend their leisure time. (TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Jamaican Kimberly A Journey Down Evans — Thinking Memory Lane outside the construction box “Historic Photographs of Guyana”, published by the National Trust of Guyana, takes you on a beautiful photographic journey into Guyana’s past.

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Incubator, pairs the winners of this years Big Pitch with experienced executive producers to help bring the projects to production as quickly as possible.

Launched in 2010 and now in its sixth year, the CaribbeanTales Incubator is a training and production platform that gives selected Caribbean diaspora filmmakers an opportunity to hone their creative and business skills with the aim of increasing the pool of strong, worldclass, indigenous content from the Caribbean.

In the Big Pitch Incubator participants pitch their developed projects to industry professionals, who vote on

the projects that have the most creative and commercial potential at the TIFF Bell Lightbox during the Toronto International Film Festival.

The annual Incubator Market program is a competitive process and includes a month of online market preparation followed by a week of workshops and networking opportunities with world-class film and television specialists in Toronto, Canada.

The Production Support Program is a six-month process that aims to bridge the gap between pitching and production. Participants will be invited to present their results in Toronto

Kimberly Evans

INGSTON, JAMAICA: “She ain't no punk, I can tell you that much!”

So says executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Dennis Hickey, when describing Kimberly Evans, his quantity surveyor and project manager who is upping her game in a man’s world.

Petite Evans, 31, has been promoted twice since joining TPDCo seven years ago, and is changing the face of women in construction.

Evans tells the Jamaican media that construction wasn’t her first choice; in fact, she wanted to be a fashion designer while she was in high school.

“I was a girly girl — hair, clothes, make-up, shoes, the whole works,” she laughs.

But when it came time to choose her CXC subjects, the St Hugh’s and Camperdown past student chose populationrelated subjects.

“The structure at

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school back then allowed me to do geography and other related subjects.

By sixth form I felt as if I was being pushed in that direction. To this day I have no regrets.”

She added: “But growing up, my stepfather was into construction. Our yard was always filled with trucks and tractors.

I was not really interested in the field, especially since one of his tractors crushed and killed my pet dog. At that time I completely resented anything to do with construction.”

But when she reached sixth form at Camperdown, geography developed into a passion.

By the time she graduated, she felt confident enough to pursue her passion at the tertiary level.

“The first programme I applied for at the University of Technology was land surveying.

However, I didn’t qualify for that programme. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when I received the news.”

Evans then applied

to do the urban and regional planning course at the same institution, for which she gained entry.

Confident that she was destined for bigger and better things she later applied to do a degree in quantity surveying.

Over the three years of the programme she was able to hone her skills as a quantity surveyor and soon entered into internship.

Evans graduated in 2008 as a quantity surveyor and was quickly gobbled up by TPDCo. Her portfolio has recently grown to include project management as well.

Assigned to the Negril area, Evans is committed to providing value for money to her clients.

It hasn’t been all easy though; she has faced challenges, merely by being a woman in a man’s industry.

“I can recall instances where I would be on the site and would make a suggestion to the workmen and they would just brush me off. Then a male colleague would come by only minutes later and make the same suggestion I made, and the workmen would automatically take it as gospel.”

Evans and her other female colleagues in the field have thus found meaningful ways to support and encourage each other.

And she gives career talks to students, where she encourages girls to rock the boat. (Jamaica Observer)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: TT animator Camille Selvon Abrahams will produce a children’s series as part of the CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution Production Support Program, which begins this year.

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution is a distribution platform for Caribbean film and television content.

The Production Support Program builds on CaribbeanTales’ vision of creating strong, original, sustainable Caribbean film and television content for the international market.

The Program, a project of the CaribbeanTales

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Robb Street, looking west circa 19th century, Georgetown

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The introductory page of the recently released publication states that “given the vast collection of history recorded through photographs, the idea of producing an album of historic sceneries was conceived”.

Additionally, the introduction mentions that the publication “provides the reader with captioned images, each telling its own unique story... [and] targets the stories of our rural landscapes, urban landscapes, historic streets, and a glimpse of our transportation heritage. The imagery presented in this booklet offers a look into our past way of life and culture, some of which continues today”.

The album is an exciting journey down memory lane: time capsules of scenic Guyana. It features a limited collection of historical photographs, and includes images from as bygone as the early 19th century.

The rural landscapes in the early 1900s, fea-

TT animator Camille Selvon Abrahams.

in September.

This year’s Big Pitch winner was Melissa Gomez, whose project Defining Moments, a 13-part online series of documentary shorts, brings to life extraordi-

tured in the publication, include scenic photos of the Demerara River, Wismar, Plantation Farm, East Bank Demerara, Plantation Houston, Plantation Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Essequibo

tos of the streets in Georgetown are artistically showcased in the publication, along with various means of transportation used in the late 1800s to mid 1900s.

“Join us in celebrating an appreciation for

Street scene in Corentyne, Berbice. Scenery showing a procession in the streets at No. 59 Village. Homes are constructed of timber, boards, shingles and thatch

River and Corentyne in Berbice.

The urban landscapes showcase photos of Georgetown, Stabroek and Bourda markets; public buildings, Georgetown, Town Hall, hotels, buildings destroyed by fire in 1945, New Amsterdam; and New Amsterdam Market.

Breathtaking pho-

vintage Guyana. We encourage you to become avid collectors of our heritage through photographs. It is our sincere hope that this album will be cherished not just by the present but by our future generations as well,” National Trust of Guyana urged. (Photos taken from NTG booklet, “Historic Photographs of Guyana”)

nary moments of everyday Caribbean people.

First runner-up Camille Selvon Abrahams, of TT, will be producing Magnificent Maggie, a children’s animated series about a girl whose magical glasses help her delve into the world of science.

Coming on board as CaribbeanTales executive producer for Defining Moments is Christopher Laird, noted producer and cofounder of the region’s first all-Caribbean television station, Gayelle the Channel. CBC content developer and experienced producer Nick Davis will be joining the Magnificent Maggie project as CaribbeanTales

executive producer.

Jelani Nias of Canada, whose pitch came third, will be developing his critically acclaimed novel Where Eagles Crawl and Men Fly into a scifi drama series, under CaribbeanTales executive producer Floyd Kane, whose numerous credits include Bowling For Columbine, Shake Hands with the Devil, and North/South.

As this inaugural Incubator Production Support program kicks off, the new call is now open for applicants to the 2015 Incubator Program, to take place from September 2- 9, 2015.

The deadline for applications to CT2015 is April 30, 2015. (TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

TT rap track in US film soundtrack P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A US film set to premiere later this year will feature a track from longtime Trinidadian rapper/ musician/producer Make It Hapn.

The film is Fade Away, a gritty urban drama about a young pro-basketball prospect who sees his dreams dashed, forcing him to give into the lure of the streets. It will be director Antwan Smith’s fourth feature film. Among the cast are Antwon Tanner of TV’s One Tree Hill, whose film credits include Coach Carter with Samuel L Jackson and the DMX-led Never Die Alone; Omar Gooding, Cuba’s brother, who’s probably best known for the sitcoms Smart Guy and Hangin with Mr Cooper; and Clifton Powell, who had roles in Ray and Norbit.

The song is Ghetto

Child, a jazz-influenced look at the hardship of growing up amidst poverty and crime. It’s the title track of Make It Hapn’s first album, released in 2007, which after seven more albums remains his most popular, he said. Make It Hapn’s raps are distinguished by a distinctly Trinidadian accent and vocabulary.

Copies of his albums—in true underground fashion—are made and sold by Make It Hapn (real name Rayon Bernardo) himself.

Make it Hapn has worked with Machel Montano, joining the soca star on the track Pray, off his 2009 album Heavenly Drum. He’s working on a soon-to-bereleased collaboration with Bunji Garlin. And he’s produced music and directed videos for other artists.

But he remains very

Make It Hapn signs agreement and it's witnessed by Lustra Cudjoe

much an underground artist and experiences the struggle that comes with that. He’s recently had to—not for the first time—sell equipment to pay bills.

He welcomes the opportunity 'Fade Away' will give to earn money and, more important, get his work to a larger audience.

“Putting my song onto a CD wouldn’t have

the same far-reaching results of putting it in a movie,” he said.

“Because people will bootleg the movie all the way in China and Africa, and the song will get out there.”

He hopes his experience will also benefit TT as a whole.

“I feel like I representing for Trinidad and getting it on the map,” he said. “I want to send the

message out to people in Trinidad that it have things going on outside of Trinidad. People willing to hear your music and to use it.”

Independent movies and black films in particular are possible means of getting local artists’ music to audiences, he said.

The opportunity with 'Fade Away' came about through Make It Hapn’s

mom, Sharon “Shazz” Browne. Based in Miami, she offers hair, make-up and other ancillary services to movie makers, including Smith.

“I have placed Make's CDs in the hands of dozens of industry players,” said Browne.

Smith, she said, “was one of many who really dug the entire Ghetto Child album. So I was not too surprised that he presented the title track to the director of music— Fentz Louis—to be used in Fade Away.”

Make It Hapn updated and re-recorded the song for the film.

Smith said of the track: “I instantly fell in love with it because it captured the soul of the film.”

'Fade Away', which is currently in post-production, is due to premiere in the fall, he said.

Ghetto Child accompanies the final scene of the film. (TT Guardian)

Plan to take the Turu Falls Man defrauds Jamaican dancehall Nature Trail in Guyana singer Denyque of Ja$1m

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Turu Falls Trail is an adventurous hike that takes about two hours through a variety of beautiful forest types.

The majestic mora, greenheart, purpleheart, corkwood trees are some of the prime tree species that can be seen on this trail, which also leads to a lovely white water creek and a small waterfall called the Turu Falls. There are also some natural pools that are lovely for a swim.

You can also experience an array of fauna, such as birds on this trail.

Turu Falls Nature Trail is one of the exciting tours that Iwokrama plans to offer to guests in the future.

To find out more about Iwokrama and the Turu Nature Trail, visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com, www.iwokrama.org or Iwokrama Canopy Walkway on Facebook. (Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar)

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Scenic creek laden with rocks found on the nature trail

Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar poses in front of a Corkwood tree (Photo by T Cudjoe)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A Westmoreland businessman accused of defrauding dancehall singer Denyque of Ja$1 million was remanded when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

He is Andre Poorman, 38, of Chantilly district.

He is scheduled to return to court on February 19.

According to court documents, Denyque (given name Denyque Dontre) paid a manager's cheque of Ja$1 million on behalf of her father to Poorman, who had advertisted an investment opportunity with Ideal Car Rental Services.

Poorman told the artiste that he had bought Ideal Car Rentals and would be merging it with his company, Whitavon Tours and Shuttle

Jamaican dancehall singer Denyque

Services. As result, he was seeking investors. It is alleged Poorman told her that he had a fleet of seven cars and wanted to increase it to 10.

The singer was presented with a contract, which she reviewed and signed.

The contract stated she would receive Ja$80,000 monthly on her investment. Failing that, she could request a refund of the money. Poorman, however, failed to honour his obligations.

When the matter was mentioned on Monday, the prosecutor informed the court that Poorman had similar cases in St James.

The accused did not deny or confirm the reports nor did he address the allegations. He instead requested a week to finalise his legal representation. He was, however, remanded.

(Jamaica Observer)

24 feature Dr Tracy Evans-Gilbert: Hope for Jamaican children K www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Dr Tracy EvansGilbert has been changing the lives of newborns and children for 20 years, with a special interest in those stricken with the HIV virus.

“I have always had an interest in children,” the consultant paediatrician told the Jamaican media. ”I have an interest in public health but my passion is children with HIV. The unit I now work in falls under public health because it has to do with newborn survival.”

Dr Evans-Gilbert worked at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for 10 years before moving to the west end of the island to Cornwall Regional Hospital in 2005, where she is now the consultant paediatrician.

Born in Kingston, she attended Immaculate Conception High School then did her training in paediatrics at the University of the West Indies.

Her work with children with HIV started when she would visit the Jamaica AIDS Support,

Dr Tracy Evans-Gilbert

which was located opposite to her church at the time. But it was during her paediatric residency, when she did a paper that focused on HIV in Jamaican children, that she realised the extent of the problem.

She said the research was useful as at the time there was no report about HIV in Jamaican children.

The report was compiled in 1998/9 and published in 2000.

Dr Evans-Gilbert explained that she has been working with children with HIV from the time drugs were unavailable to treat the condition and children would die since there was nothing that could be done for them.

She said during her residency in the late 90s she visited Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children to learn how to best care for children with HIV. “It was during the time when there was no free access to drugs. I recall bursting into tears on a ward round when one of the teens was throwing away medication. I thought, ‘My kids are dying and you’re wasting this precious commodity’.

I saw HIV infected children grow to adolescence and get on with their lives and I wanted that for my kids too. I’m really happy it’s a reality now.

As a result, Dr EvansGilbert has started a specialist HIV clinic at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, attending to the needs of children who are affected by HIV while also taking care of children at the Savannala-Mar Hospital as well.

The oldest HIV ‘child to adult’ she now cares for at Cornwall Regional is 20 years old.

Dr Evans-Gilbert said there were two children at the Jamaica AIDS support back in 1995 and they were able to

get medication for one of them.

She said it’s now rare to see new cases of children born with HIV due to the successful ‘prevention of mother-tochild transmission of HIV’ programme by the Ministry of Health and the Jamaica Perinatal Paediatrics and Adolescent AIDS programme.

The mother of two, a 15 and an 11 year old, said her work makes her realise the importance of parents communicating with their children.

“I have come to learn that communicating with your children to make it into adulthood without them harming themselves is so critical because that period is a time of risk taking and it’s a time when they think that they are invincible and you need to just walk them through adulthood without them causing themselves undue harm healthwise or otherwise. The adolescent age is very critical and I think a lot of parents are missing out on that interaction that they need to be giving at that time. (Jamaica Observer)

Mom, son retain South mas titles in TT

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Minutes after being crowned San Fernando Queen and King of Carnival for the second consecutive year, Gloria Dallsingh and her son Marlon Rampersad were already anticipating a hat trick in 2016.

The Night of the Sando Monarchs at Skinner Park on Wednesday also saw Malaika Ballantyne, the daughter of veteran calypsonian Gregory “GB” Ballantyne, take the Calypso Monarch while newcomer Kyle “KC” Cowie was crowned Soca Monarch.

The show kicked off on shaky ground, however, as after starting an hour late there was also a false start in the Queen category because the DJ could not find the requested music to accompany the first contestant on stage. But after this was sorted out the show went fairly smoothly with some surprises, humorous and vibrant performances and stage antics.

Outshining the nine other queens to get the judge’s nod for first place, Dallsingh paraded on stage in the ninth

King and Queen of San Fernando Carnival Marlon Rampersad and his mother Gloria Dallsingh following Wednesday’s Pre Dimanche Gras show at Skinner Park

position in a glittering blue and silver costume Ocean Waves, from Ivan Kallicharan’s Carnival presentation “Bazodee,” to thunderous applause.

Dallsingh knocked Joan Mohammed, who portrayed Secret TT - A celebration of Trinbago Beauty and Life, from the Fireworks Promotion band, into second place.

The parade of the queens was followed by the Calypso Monarch segment in which the women secured the top four positions. With the exception of three of the nine contestants, the songs centered around

controversies and scandals involving Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s administration in stinging lyrical bashings.

Prancing effortlessly across the stage with his shimmering red costume Wildfire, also from Kallicharan’s Carnival presentation Bazodee, Rampersad vigorously defended his crown, pushing Lionel Jagessar Jr, who portrayed SiyoTamka-The Travels of Chief Pontiac, into second place. The final, but most exciting competition— the Soca Monarch— kicked off

with a dramatic entrance

by Clint “Baby Blue” Davis, who was taken onstage in a manlift.

Davis, who tries to mimic veteran Super Blue’s performances, climbed on the scaffolding and ran into the crowd as he performed Baby Blue in the Party.

However, Cowie was not to be outdone as he belted out an energetic performance of Gimme Space to take the crown from last year’s winner Wayne “Impulse” Modeste, who sang Military State.

Marlon Rampersad made a bold declaration as he hugged his mother Gloria Dallsingh onstage after they were named Queen and King of San Fernando Carnival. “Two in a row next year is the hattrick and we taking it home again.” he said.

Dallsingh, who together with her son and daughter-in-law designed both costumes, was also confident of securing a third straight title, but said their main focus now was the National King and Queen competition.

Dallsingh placed first in the national semifinals while her son tied for fourth place. (TT Guardian)

Love

By Narine Dat Sookram

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alentine’s Day is unique in a sense that many people around the globe celebrate it by showing their appreciation for the ones they love. Some people go as far as to propose or even getting married, whereas others take their loved ones for a special romantic dinner.

It is not uncommon for people give greeting cards and roses to that someone ‘special’ person in their life. And for those who are not in any sort of ‘romantic’ relationship, the tradition has gone as far where many people will take the time to show appreciationto their close friends as well.

I am not too clear as to how Valentine’s Day originated, but many sources believe that it stems from the story of St Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred on or around February 14 in the year 270.

How he became the patron saint of lovers remains a mystery, but one theory is that the church used the day of St Valentine’s martyrdom to Christianize the old Roman Lupercalia, a pagan festival held around the middle of February. Regardless of how it originated many people use symbols of hearts, the colors red and pink, and roses to celebrate this romantic tradition.

I was very curious to get people’s views on what their thoughts on love is and this is what they had to say: “Love is one such thing essential to survive as air and water do. Really, for all the problem we have every day, love is the only means that could soothe us.”

“Honestly without love, you’d probably feel discouraged and would not be all that successful in life. Your parents want you to be successful.

Without their love though would you be thinking is it really worth my time going to school? Without love there’d just be hate.”

“Love is a bond between anything and everything, so it is said by some saints love is God and God is love. So one can understand its importance.”

“Because love only can make you and others happy, sadness can make only others cry, if you spread love to others it will double itself and so on.

Love is important for peaceful and happy life.”

Based on the amount of love I see during Valentine’s Day, it’s very easy for me to say that love is universal, which can be felt by every living being in this world. Even for love, I don’t think there is any definition to describe how it feels, but it can certainly be characterized as a sense of affection towards somebody we love for example. I actually wrote a whole book about love particularly, because I think that love satisfies our emotional needs as a human being.

I think it’s important for us to remind ourselves that we as human beings, we have that natural ability of giving and feeling loved.

For example, when a child is born, parents will sometimes forget to eat, but will make sure the child is well fed. I hope everyone had an opportunity to show love in an effective way on Valentine’s Day, because this is what is missing from our society today.

For questions, comments or to suggest a topic, please email them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Bollywood

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sushant Digvikar to sing for Salman Khan

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ontroversial reality show Bigg Boss has proved to be a stepping stone for many of its contestants. And the latest who seems to have joined the list is Sushant Digvikar. Sushant, whose singing talent came across as a surprise to many in the Bigg Boss house, has impressed none other Salman Khan. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the Dabangg Khan is so impressed with Sushant that he has offered him to sing in one of his upcoming films.

The report quoted Sushant as saying that he is very passionate about singing and plans to pursue it seriously. He will be recording few singles af-

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ter which he will take Salman's reaction on them when he meets him next.

(TOI)

Sonam and Rhea Kapoor to launch their high street fashion brand Rheson this September

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onam Kapoor is undoubtedly considered a style diva, who many girls look up to. She and her younger sister Rhea are not just best friends, but Rhea has been styling Sonam now for many years. It thus comes as no surprise that the two sisters have been working on a brand of clothes for years, which they will now be launching in India in September.

The brand, titled Rheson, will not be a high fashion brand, but a high street brand, which is accessible, affordable and makes girls comfortable, given the Indian body type. In an interview with the sis-

Priyanka Chopra congratulates Twinkle Khanna he 'roast', in which some key members of the Bollywood fraternity took part, continues to be a talking point with everyone in the industry. Monday, people woke up to a mini shock when Priyanka Chopra congratulated Twinkle Khanna for her recent column that dealt with the hypocritical mindset of some holierthan-thou types, who've been going on and on about how the roast was in bad taste.

Like Twinkle, who raised some pertinent questions on fake morality, PC too showed her liberal approach when she congratulated Twinkle. "Such imperative questions! Well done!'' said PC about Mrs Funnybones, Twinkle's pen name.

About 14 days ago there was also disbelief when Ram Gopal Varma, who is known to blow hot and blow cold about fellow filmmaker Karan Johar,

spoke up in favour of him in the context of the roast. "What books sociologists scholars couldn't do in decades Karan Johar did in two hours in a highly entertaining show and that too, so simply,'' said Ramu.

It's indeed nice to know that Bollywood can set aside its differences when it matters the most and speak in one voice and in favour of its own fraternity.(TOI)

Sachiin Joshi to play the lead in two bilingual films

ter duo on their plans for the label, they added the clothing line will be available com-

ing September across all Shoppers Stop outlets across the country.

(TOI)

How the film 'Badlapur' got its title

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riram Raghavan's Badlapur has Varun Dhawan foraying into a dark zone.

The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, has piqued the audience's curiosity for its unusual title among other things. Why the movie is named so, is rather interesting.

For starters, the subject of the film is largely based on revenge — 'badla'.

Not just that, Varun's character Raghu undergoes a transition during the course of the story, leading to 'badlav' (change).

Moreover, those familiar with Mumbai are aware that there is a station named 'Badlapur' on the Central Railway. It's heard that at one time, Badlapur used to be one of the stations where the trains would change tracks.

This aspect is signified in the film as the station features in the backdrop when the plot undergoes a change.

Says Sriram, "These aspects are part of our story and we felt the title

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achiin Joshi has been making strides, not just in the Hindi cinema industry, but in regional cinema as well. He is looking forward to two bilingual projects where he will be playing the lead — Ayush Raina's

Horror Of Bombay Mills and another under the direction of Ram Gopal Varma.

Besides these, the actor-producer has also decided to remake the Jr NTR film Temper in Hindi and Tamil. An elated Sachiin says, "Cinema speaks a universal language. I'm so happy that besides Hindi, I have also made inroads into Tollywood."

He explains that after his truly pleasant experience on 'Nee Jathaga Nenundali' (the Telugu remake of Aashiqui 2) that released last August, he is now encouraged to continue his regional travails. He will produce the Tamil and Hindi versions of Temper, a film that the Tollywood trade predicts will make a mark. Both versions will be made under the banner of Viiking Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd. Prior to this, Sachiin's cricket team Telugu Warriors won the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), making him a part of the big league. (TOI)

Madhurima Tuli learns mixed martial arts

A is apt. It was just a working title, but then a lot of people reacted positively to it. So, we retained it." 'Badlapur', presented by Eros International and Maddock Films, releases February 20.

(TOI)

ctress Madhurima Tuli has taken to a new form of ex-

ercise.

Instead of sweating it out at the gym, she is busy kicking some punches on the beach.

She has been practising mixed martial arts for a week now, and says it's liberating to break a sweat out in the open.

Madhurima says, "With this technique, I will be able to both defend myself and attack the en-

emy. I can strike and grapple, and also deal with weapons. With so many horrible incidents of crimes against women, I think we should be able to deal with the attackers ourselves."

The actress has been learning under an expert every alternate day. "I've started with karate and kung fu and this takes care of my core body and cardio needs as well.

So, I don't miss the gym anymore," she smiles.

Meanwhile, Madhurima says she misses working on the TV series Kumkum Bhagya. "I had to quit the show because I was shooting Baby. But I watch it religiously even now," she signs off.

(TOI)

Yami Gautam: I love exploring historical cities like Jaipur

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he actress, who was in Jaipur recently, says she wants to play a Rajput princess on screen When Yami Gautam was recently in the city to promote her upcoming film 'Badlapur', she told us that she'd also like to portray a Rajput princess on screen someday. "I have always been inclined to do a role that has a taste of reality. So I would like to portray the role of someone who had registered

her name in the Indian history for her achievements. It might be a warrior Rajput Princess or might be someone like Indira Gandhi. I have a lot of interest in history and mythology," she said.

The actress is a big fan of history, and consequently, Jaipur is one of her favourite cities. Elaborating more on that, she said, Yami, who will be seen playing a young mother in 'Badlapur', feels proud to be associated with the

film. She elaborated, "This was a challenging role, not because I am playing a mother, but because it required me to play many shades. This is an emotional story of a young couple. The character of Nisha is very important in itself. I never believed in signing a film just for the sake of it. We belong to a generation where we have equal opportunities to show our acting talent and give quality performances." (TOI)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Benedict Cumberbatch Johnny Depp forms band weds Sophie Hunter with Alice Cooper at the Isle of Wight

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e n e d i c t Cumberbatch tied knot with his fiancee Sophie Hunter in a ceremony on the Isle of Wight.

The 38-year-old 'Sherlock' star and Hunter, said their vows at a small parish church in presence of close friends, family and co-stars from the BBC show, including Martin Freeman, and Andrew Scott, who plays Moriarty, the Independent reported.

Back in November, Cumberbatch had gone traditional with his announcement of engagement to Hunter, and had

let it out via the classified section of The Times which read "The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katharine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles

Hunter of London."

The 2015 Oscar nominated actor had first met Hunter, who's an actor and Samuel Beckett Award winning director, when they worked together in 'Burlesque Fairytales' in 2009. (TOI)

Jamie Dornan planning to flee country

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amie Dornan is planning to go low profile after he finishes promoting 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

The 32-year-old actor, who appeared on 'The Graham Norton Show', said he is planning to flee from Hollywood following the film's release.

"I am fleeing the country. I am certainly not going to stand in Leicester Square without my shirt, asking people if they enjoyed the movie! I am keeping a low profile," he said. Dornan, who plays the lead character of Christian Grey in the erotic film, also revealed his wife, Amelia Warner, wouldn't be going to catch the movie in the cinema.

"She hasn't seen the film and I don't think she will, to be honest. I'd understand if she didn't want to," he said.

(TOI)

ollywood superstar Johnny Depp has teamed up with rocker Alice Cooper and Aerosmith's lead guitarist Joe Perry to form a new band called Hollywood Vampires.

Cooper himself has confirmed in a post on his website. "Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp have been partners for a while and now with Joe Perry also on Hollywood Vampires, they will 'rock it out' yet once again," Cooper wrote.

In the same post, the music star also revealed Hollywood Vampires already scored their debut gig with a scheduled performance at the 2015 Rock in Rio music festival which will be held in September in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The newly formed band will be joined by other tapped performers, which among others include System of a Down, Queens of the Stone Age, and Faith No More.

"Confirmed! #RockInRio announces Debut Of #TheHollywoodVampires!

The #Supergroup, featuring #AliceCooper, #JohnnyDepp and #JoePerry plays on the same night as #QueensOfTheStoneAge and #SystemOfADown," Cooper posted on Instagram. The Hollywood Vampires actually is the name of a famous band in the 70s. Cooper fronted the music act alongside the likes of John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, and Ringo Starr. (TOI)

Ginnifer Goodwin's ninemonth-old son loves reading

'B

ig Love' star G i n n i f e r Goodwin's ninemonth-old son Oliver is already an avid reader.

The 36-year-old actress said she and husband Josh Dallas have banned little Oliver from watching any kind of screens, including iPads, TV, cell phones and other digital entertainment, until he reaches school age, reported Fox News.

"Thus far, that has

been really easy for us with our lifestyle. He

is like the most imaginative nine month old on the planet. He reads books like you wouldn't believe," she said..

Goodwin, who plays Snow White in 'Once Upon a Time', visits Disneyland in California once a month but dons a disguise so she can enjoy her trip without being spotted. "I don't want to describe my disguises because then I would be busted." (TOI)

Gwyneth Paltrow spotted Keanu Reeves disapproves again with Chris Martin being likened to a stuntman

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ctor Keanu Reeves may just be one of the greatest action heroes of the last decade, churning out blockbusters like 'The Matrix' series and 'Speed'.

However, the actor who was last seen taking on the New York Mafia in his movie 'John Wick' has clarified that he doesn't like people referring to his action scenes as mere "stunts".

Talking about his iconic scenes from movies like 'The Matrix' and 'Speed' the actor

confesses,"I don't do any stunts. Stunt men do stunts. But if I'm doing

it, it's not a stunt. I get to do some physical acting.

I get involved in some action but they're not stunts. I flip over guys, I get flipped, I run, I jump, I play."

Talking about being in the industry for over two decades the John Wick actor says, "I'm at that wonderful line of experience, which helps when you can't quite do what you used to be able to do. With the experience, you get it right faster so you don't have to do as many takes." (TOI)

Emma Stone reveals her 'fascination' with death

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mma Stone has confessed that she has a fascination with death, afterlife, ghosts and cemeteries.

While speaking to Australia's Cleo

magazine, the 26-year-old actress said that she has always wondered what happens once a person dies, giving credit of her dark curiosity to childhood and upbringing, Contactmusic reported.

However, the 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' star, who believes "life is finite," added that it were her thoughts on death that encouraged her to grab every opportunity with both hands and live life to the fullest, as she was aware that one day she would die. Stone said that parents saw things her way too and have supported her in her acting plans, with her mother even moving to Los Angeles with her when she was only 15. (TOI)

O

scar-winnning actress Gwyneth Paltrow spent her Valentine's Day with her estranged husband Chris Martin.

The 'Mortdecai' actress and the Coldplay frontman were seen walking together on the beach in Malibu along with their children, son Moses and daughter Apple, reported Ace Showbiz. In some photos, Paltrow could be

seen linking her arm to her estranged husband's.

The 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow' star donned black sunglasses, a black tank top, navy capri pants and a pair of flipflops.

Martin, meanwhile, were barefooted. He sported a blue baseball cap with smiley logo, blue tee and navy shorts.

The couple were seen laughing and joking during the outing. At one

point, they were seen sitting side by side on the sand with their daughter sitting on his lap. (TOI)

Stephen Hawking initially worried about the biopic

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amed cosmologist Stephen Hawking was rather surprised that his upcoming biopic 'The Theory of Everything' found takers.

He also confessed that since the movie was based on a book by ex-wife Jane Hawking, he was initially worried that it might be a biased portrayal of their relationship.

"I was rather surprised that a major film company should want to make

a film about me. At first, I was worried because it was based on a book by my ex-wife, Jane, but I was reassured when I read the script, and even more when I saw a first cut of the film." One of the century's most influential scientsists, Hawking celebrated his 72nd birthday recently.

'The Theory of Everything' begins in the 1960s where Cambridge University student Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) falls in love with fellow collegian Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this -- and with Jane at his side -- he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left, according to his doctor. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine. (TOI)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Local Guyanese photographer captures his golden moments

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: If you don’t have the time or can’t afford to explore the ends of Guyana, then until you can get out there to have your own adventures maybe you can gaze at photographs from one of Guyana’s great pioneer photographers, Michael C. Lam. Lam shared with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine some of his remarkable photos snapped during a past Pakaraima Mountain Safari trip. Through his lens he captures the serenity and simple beauty of villages, some unknown or lesser known, found

in the Pakaraima area.

Chatting with this publication, Lam noted that if you are following the path of the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari, the first village you encounter off the main Lethem trail, Region Nine, is Karasabai.

“It is comparatively modern, with a fair amount of concrete buildings, although what we as travellers saw, is probably considered the centre of the village. The actual village is spread out in traditional Amerindian fashion, your closest neighbour being some distance away – no shouting across the fence asking for sug-

Breathtaking view of Tipiru's landscape

Cool evening in Karasabai

ar. As with all villages in the Pakaraimas, it is nestled in lower areas, with mountainous regions seen in the ‘distance’; these make for beautiful sunsets and sunrises, as well as picturesque scenes during the rest of the day,” Lam described.

The photographer recounted that further into the Pakaraimas, two of the nearer villages on the route are Tipiru and Rukumotu, both more traditional villages but still with some concrete buildings.

Rukumotu is higher up, as far as altitude goes, than Tipiru.

“One thing I can say about all three villages mentioned is that the people are friendly, although the amount of traffic has increased through their villages, some of their traditional approach to living has remained, and I hope it either stays that way or even switches back to more traditional ways or much of their language and custom could be lost,” Lam disclosed.

As someone who was born and raised on the coast, Lam

said it was an indescribable feeling of wonder to leave the rainforest and see the vast expanse of the Rupununi savannahs.

“Even more indescribable was the feeling upon seeing the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. It is almost as if a burden has been lifted off of your chest; the air smells cleaner, and everything feels lighter. Waking up to see the tops of the mountains covered in mist makes you want to just lie there and enjoy it. If you ever get the chance to leave our

beautiful coastland for a trip to the interior, you will find an even more beautiful Guyana... you will find El Dorado,” he declared.

Lam’s advice, if you ever get to visit these villages, is to be generous, respectful and offer a smile, because the smiles of the villagers disarmed him and so yours could do the same to the villagers.

For more photos on Lam’s travels visit www.

TheMichaelLamCollection. com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Residents and tourists assemble at Tipiru Community Shop

Caroline Williams- Mamma Dis is TT Mas!

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Caroline Williams is a self-taught artist who specialises in pressed flowers as her medium of choice. Over the past 13 years, she has developed her unique style of pressing flowers onto greeting cards in particular, but that’s just the start of her artistic endeavours.

Her latest foray into art and design has led to unique designs found on display both locally and internationally in homes and corporate offices.

A member of the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago and Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago, the artist has held three solo exhibitions from 2005

to 2013 and has participated in several group shows over the years in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. She also contributes annually to various charities in Trinidad.

Her recent contribution was her very first piece of art from the collection ‘Mamma dis is Mas’, entitled “The Pink Lady” exhibited at the Women in Art annual show at the Gallery of Fine Art and thereafter contributed to the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society.

The artist is always thinking of new ways to diversify her art and style to represent the season, hence her contemporary collection “Mamma Dis is Mas” depicting the female masqueraders who participate in Carnival

celebrations annually.

“As dey say Carnival is woman! Without our women there will be no Carnival!” The group exhibition, also entitled “Mamma Dis is Mas,” is presently on at the Gallery of Fine Art at the Corner of Rosalino and Warren Streets in Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

But why a life surrounding art? “Art is exciting, it’s the creativity, the know-how to do it, how to design it, how to display, and also how it will be accepted by people when they first see it,” she notes. “Each one of us human beings is a work of art and we all have the ability to create something good and wonderful which brings

joy to many.”

Her first solo exhibition was hosted in 2006 at the United Nations building on Chancery Lane in Port of Spain, where she installed 55 pieces of botanical artworks. In 2007, she hosted her second solo exhibition at the Royal Westmoreland Hotel in Barbados. In 2009, Caroline hosted her third solo exhibition for only one day at the Lord Harris Square in Port-ofSpain, where her botanical pieces were exhibited in quite a unique environment. Following that, in 2010 she hosted a joint exhibition with Junya Craigwell at his Gallery, De Gallery, at Woodford Street, also in Port-ofSpain.

In between that, in 2009, Caroline also travelled to Las Vegas and saw many artists’ works including Chihuly at CityCenter. She counts travel as one of her many loves.

In 2013, Caroline attended an art workshop in Holland which prompted her use of acrylic paints and thereafter embarked upon contemporary abstract art. Utilising that skillset, she has also painted local birds, which can be seen at the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

It was art also, that brought a new aspect and addition to her life. “In 2011, while attending an international art exhibition at the National Museum, I met

Guy Pappot. We clicked from the very beginning.” The artist retired, got married to Guy and continued working at her art. “My husband is my in-house art critic for my work, advising on my pieces and encouraging me to keep going!”

She counts family as one of her biggest support groups.

“I’m the mother of four adult children – two sons, two daughters as well as one grand-daughter. Without their support, the shows could not have gone on. I have a lot of respect for my children for without them I really could not have made it! They have been my very first in-house art show every time!”

(TT Newsday)

28 feature Machel exits soca stage on high note in TT P www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Early in the season, Machel Montano announced that Machel Monday would be a three-hour concert but with the number of guest collaborations he had lined up to deliver, most felt it would be near impossible for him to do it. In the end, Montano and his guests delivered nearly five hours of pure energy in what many have described as “the best Machel Monday” ever.

Last year, Destra Garcia’s surprise appearance at Montano’s concert signalled that the two were again on good terms after several years of estrangement and this year, the two collaborated on 'Come Back', a groovy soca song devoted to soca music fans.

Montano featured the song in a pared down “unplugged” section of the concert. Montano on the cuatro—yes, you

read that right—was joined by singers Nikita Hastings from Barbados and Roger George, along with a guitarist and a drummer.

They started 'Come Back', and were joined by Garcia, who sounded in top vocal form. They also sang Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’, Garcia’s ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, ‘With or Without You’ (the U2 hit that Montano reworked in 1999) and Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’. The chemistry between Montano and Garcia was palpable, and at one point someone in the crowd said, “we could leave and they wouldn’t even realise, they’re in a zone.”

Of the other collaborations, the most anticipated was the highly infectious ‘Party Done’ with Grammy-winning Trinidad-born songwriter Angela Hunte.

Hunte, whose family is from Barataria, was overcome with emotion

“When I reach in the place–Party Done!” Angela Hunte and Machel Montano had the crowd busy with this massive hit

at the end of her performance. She hugged Montano and cried tears of joy as she felt humbled by the outpouring of love from the massive crowd at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

It’s interesting how the dancehall and reggae segments were received at this concert. Jamaican

sensation Chris Martin joined Montano to do their song ‘Soak’ and then he sang some of his popular hits including the highly popular ‘Cheater’s Prayer’. Montano and Martin were joined by Roger George, the former Charlie’s Roots and Xtatik singer known for his unique vocal range.

People sang along with gusto as they did for Shaggy, who after singing ‘Remedy’ with Montano, gave the crowd some of his big hits like ‘Angel’, ‘Church Heathen’, ‘It Wasn’t Me’ and ‘Big Up’.

Beenie Man is a perennial favourite with the TT audience and this

time was no exception, even when he brought on his “dancer” the West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo.

Among the other notable performers were Nadia Batson, writer of the songs on the Patrol riddim, including Montano’s Friends and Dem. Batson thanked Montano for his “energy, talent and love.” Another favourite was the consistent Kerwin Dubois and 19-year-old Nava, who is making a mark with Festival, his collaboration with Montano.

Barring the problems at the gates with audience members who took a long time to get into the venue and those who had problems with e-tickets, Machel Monday was a triumph of staging. The lighting, stage and sound were all excellent and it seems that the perfection that Montano finally got the perfection he was seeking all season. (TT Guardian)

Rosemarie Cameron - building herself from the ground up in Jamaica

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Born in the hills of Browns Town district in Point Hill St Catherine, Rosemarie Cameron is the standard by which resilience is measured.

The proprietor of St Catherine Beauty Academy, she told the Jamaican media that she is happy about the positive turn her life has taken after getting pregnant at just age 15. Cameron said she felt doomed when she was kicked out of Dinthill Technical in 1994. She told the Jamaican media that being the first child for her parents, she was deemed a big failure. "My father's heart was broken," she adds, "I had to redeem myself."

Being a teenage mother was not easy and Cameron was faced with the task of earning a living for herself and her son. "I have always been able to comb hair very well, so I started to do it in my community on my veranda to make a living," Cameron said.

"As I progressed through the struggles, I realised that there must be a comeback, hence I decided to embark on some studies," said Cameron. She said she realised that she needed an education to be successful.

"My journey commenced with me doing correspondent courses," she revealed, adding that her aim by then was to

open a beauty school.

"I can remember doing my first CXC examination 20 years after leaving school. It was a shock as my classmates were the same age as my son. I was pleased, however, when I passed my first two subjects and those results inspired me to keep trying."

Cameron said with a smile.

She told journalist that she was in the middle of her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Technology and Beauty Services from the Vocational Training Development Institute when then embarked on teaching persons to develop their skills in cosmetology.

Through correspondent courses from Dudley's Cosmetology University in North Carolina, Cameron received advanced training and certification in wig making, and as a nail technician. Now with her dream realised, she is able to pass on her knowledge through her beauty academy. "I see where I have touched the lives of scores of women who are inspired by my story."

Cameron said.

According to one of her students, Melissa Cole, "She is a tower of strength to me as I really look up to her as a teacher, mother, friend and confidant." The same sentiments were expressed by Cameron's fellow teachers at the academy.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Bolt plans to quit after 2017 worlds - report

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O N D O N , ENGLAND: Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt plans to bow out in glory after the 2017 World Championships in London, he said in a British newspaper interview published on Saturday.

The 28-year-old sixtime Olympic champion had previously suggested he would retire after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but now says he will continue until 2017, albeit only in the 100 metres.

"That was the initial plan (to retire in 2016)," he told the Daily Mail.

"But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year, to 2017 and London.

"But I'll be doing one event, the 100. I've already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note."

TT U-17s leave for Panama camp

P BOLT… in my life anything is possible

Bolt's main focus for 2015 will be the World Championships in Beijing on August 22-30.

He hopes to add to his collection of eight world titles and also wants to break the 100m world record of 9.58 seconds that he set at the 2009 Worlds in Berlin.

"Well, it takes races," he said. "But if everything goes well this season... in my life anything is possible. If I can get myself in good shape, it

should be wonderful this season.

"I live for competition.

I thrive on competition. I live to compete against the best. It means a lot when you beat the best.

"I remember when I won in Beijing (at the 2008 Olympics), people were saying how Tyson (Gay) wasn't there.

So, for me, the World Championships the following year, when everyone was there, that was good." (AFP)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: A twenty-man national Under-17 football squad is scheduled to leave Monday for a training camp in Panama, ahead of the Concacaf Finals in Honduras later this month. Trinidad and Tobago, bidding for a berth at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile later this year, will play four training games during their stay, two of which will be against their Panamanian counterparts, before going on to the finals.

National coach Sean Cooper, who heads an eightman technical team accompanying the squad, was upbeat about their chances of finishing in the top four in Honduras, which they must do in order to qualify for the World Finals. “We know what is ahead of us and we’ve been able to compete against these teams in past tournaments. We’ve worked very hard in the build up so far and this camp in Panama will give us an opportunity to get some much need-

ed match preparation and allow us to do some fine tuning before we head off to Honduras,” he said.

Cooper has added three players from the United States and another from England. The schedule is very tight, as TT will have only two days after leaving Panama before they play their opening match against Guatemala in San Pedro Sula.

Their other opponents in Group “A” are the hosts Honduras, the United States, Cuba and Jamaica..The FIFA Under-17 World Cup will be played from October 17 to November 8 in Chile.

Squad: Levi Fernandez, Tyrek James, Isaiah Garcia, Darnell Hospedales, Keston Julien, Kierron Mason, Shirwin Noel, Tekay Hoyce, Isaiah Hudson, Kareem Riley, John Paul Rochford, Joshua Burnett, Shobal Celestine, Noah Powder, Morgan Bruce, Shakeem Patrick, Kishon Hackshaw, Jerren Nixon, Jeankeon Alexander, Chaz Burnett. (TT Newsday)

Caribbean Premier League 2015…

Antigua and Barbuda Triathlon Chanderpaul’s inclusion a “great attracts Caribbean top athletes motivating factor”, says Khan

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Travel for the AUA Tinman Rohr Triathlon this spring

T JOHN’S, ANTIGUA: The region’s best triathletes are expected to go head to head once again when they meet in Antigua and Barbuda, for the fourth annual non-profit AUA Tinman Rohr Triathlon slated for Saturday, March 28.

The first half-iron distance triathlon to be held in the English-speaking independent Caribbean now enters its fourth year, with Guadeloupe having retained the title for the past two years.

Participants are lured by this race taking place in one of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean.

Temperatures are welcoming, with a cooling sea breeze, the waters of Antigua’s Morris Bay are calm and crystal clear, the bike course takes you through the rolling hills of the is-

land's spectacular southern coastline and ends with a challenging run through the lush rainforest in Fig Tree Drive.

A grueling 2 kilometer swim, 90 kilometer bike and 21 kilometer run makes this race though, one of the toughest tests for Caribbean athletes in the region.

T w e l v e - t i m e Guadeloupe national champion Olivier Noglotte is the reigning Tinman Rohr Champion having followed up his 2013 success last year by securing the title ahead of Cuba’s national athlete Vincente Sanabria in second place. Six-time Trinidad and Tobago national champion Ancil Greene in 2014 secured third for the second year running after Antigua and Barbuda took second place on home soil in 2013. Former world champion swim-

mer turned triathlete Benjamin Sanson won the inaugural event in 2012, which also attracted his colleague Stephane Poulat and Argentinian national triathlete Claudio Delpueche.

The event, which attracts competitors from across the region and the wider world, will have a cap of 200 entrants in 2015 to ensure ideal race conditions for all participants.

Young athletes will also compete in a host of shorter distances to include a mini triathlon of a 500 meter swim, 10 kilometer bike and 2 kilometer run or a sprint distance of a 1 kilometer swim, 18 kilometer bike and 5 kilometer run. Age group awards will be given for 6&under, 10&under, 14&under and 18&under.

(Caribbeannews)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, feels that Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s inclusion in the Guyana Amazon Warriors make-up for the third edition of the Caribbean Primer League (CPL) will definitely boost the morale of the squad.

The champion batsman was bought in Round 12 for US$10,000, and is one of six players to represent the local franchise for the first time. Khan believes the obdurate left-hander’s contribution to the squad is more of a motivating factor for the rest of the players.

“Shiv is still playing cricket, Shiv is very active, still very fit, still scoring runs, so his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the team.

He will bring that to the table where he will help motivate the guys, he will help add experience in match situations and help support the overall team effort,” Khan said with confidence.

He continued, “Shiv is also a legend of West Indies cricket. He has been representing Guyana and West Indies so consistently well over the years, and when the opportunity came for us to pick Shiv it was a great opportunity to give him a chance to be a part of the team, not only in terms of his cricketing skills, but his experience as an international player, his experience as a professional cricketer.”

The former West Indies captain, who was a part of the St Lucia Zouks squad in the inaugural edition in 2013, had pulled out prior to the start of that tournament in order fulfill his contractual obligations with English county side, Derbyshire.

Back then, Chanderpaul had signed a contract with CPL offering himself for selection, but later realised that his commitment to Derbyshire allowed a release only if it pertained to playing for West Indies.

The man, who hammers a bail into the pitch to mark his guard, joins Australia’s Brad Hodge, Sir Lanka’s Thisara Perera, Guyanese trio Assad

Shivnarine Chanderpaul displayed solid form in the recently concluded NAGICO Super50 tournament for Guyana Jaguars

Fudadin, Paul Wintz and Devendra Bishoo as the new comers.

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga and Tillakaratne Dilshan, Trinidadians Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons and Denesh Ramdin, along with Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Trevon Griffith are the other members of the squad.

The CPL is the Region’s premier T20 tournament, attracting sold-out crowds and is viewed by millions across the globe. The 2015 CPL will take place from June 20 to July 26.

The Amazon Warriors lost at the final hurdle in both of the previous two editions, to Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and Barbados Tridents last year.

(Guyana Times)

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JFF bags US$4.8-m kit contract with Romai Sportswear

Lara and friends enjoy Celebrity Golf Challenge in TT

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Participants of the Brian Lara Celebrity Golf Challenge at St Andrew’s, Maraval, on Friday

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The third annual Brian Lara Celebrity Golf Challenge came to an end on Friday at St Andrew’s Golf Club, Moka.

(From left) JFF marketing director Garth Savoury, JFF President Captain Horace Burrell, Argentina football great Diego Maradona and JFF General Secretary Raymond Grant pose for pictures shortly after the signing of a new kit deal with United Arab Emirates-based Romai Sportswear at the Emirates Place Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: After weeks of talk making the rounds of an imminent partnership, the kit deal between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Dubai-based Romai Sportswear is finally in the bag.

JFF President Captain Horace Burrell and vice-president and managing director of the relatively new sports apparel manufacturer, Khamis Mohammed Al Rumaithy, put pen to paper to formalise a four-year partnership that could be valued at over US$4.8 million (about $680 million).

The signing took place at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Argentine football legend Diego Maradona in attendance.

This new kit deal would be the most lucrative in the federation's history, exceeding the last arrangement with Italian-based Kappa that was US$3.7 million (about $540 million) at today's exchange rate, and which covered the programme for five years.

"What I can tell you is that we have sewn up this deal and it will be worth about US$1.2 million per year. This is indeed an exciting time for Jamaica's football to secure a deal of this magnitude, as the nation's football is interestingly poised for great things around the corner," Burrell said from Dubai on Friday.

The local football boss said the contract signing

was the culmination of 18 months of "vigorous and unwavering negotiations" with Romai, a member of the familyowned conglomerate Al Rumaithy Investment Group (RIG).

All 11 national teams -- male and female -- will be outfitted by Romai, a company inaugurated in 2012, the very year Kappa and the JFF signed a new three-year deal worth US$2 million.

Though Romai is new to the market as a brand, its parent company RIG boasts extensive experience and expertise in the sporting good industry, having claims of being part of the growth of various international sportswear brands such as Hummel, Le Coq Sportif and Erima.

In its growing portfolio, Romai has among its clients the Bahraini national football programme.

"We knew from day one that Romai would be a good fit for the national programme as it was a brand with stylish designs, a company on the cutting edge of modern corporate governance, has a strong passion for football and is part of a family with solid assets," Burrell told the Jamaican media by telephone.

It was said that Cedella Marley, the brand ambassador and benefactor of the Reggae Girlz, has worked and continues to work closely with Romai in developing the designs for Jamaica's range of playing gear and other clothing.

He was also pleased that, critical to the terms of the working agreement is that Romai has committed to a very active merchandising side to the deal, where replicas of the marquee Reggae Boyz clothing -and that of the females as well -- will be available in online shops and walk-in stores across a global network.

Details of the new kit arrangements, plus other breaking news related to the programme, will be made at a press conference at the JFF offices on Tuesday.

Without a kit partner since Kappa and the JFF failed to reach a new agreement, Jamaican teams in competition have continued and will continue to wear the Italian company's branded uniforms.

Burrell disclosed that the new Romai kits will be available in time for the senior Boyz's historic participation in the Copa America in Chile June 11-July 4.

Meanwhile, Burrell said to have had Maradona, a close friend of Romai principal Khamis Mohammed Al Rumaithy, participating in the proceedings was special in many ways.

On the company's website, Romai claims to be the only Emirati sportswear company, which develops and manufactures its own range of sport products.

JFF General Secretary Raymond Grant and the federation's marketing director Garth Savoury were also in Dubai for the signing.

(Jamaica Observer)

On Saturday, the Trinidad media presents photos of the action which included host-batting legend Brian Lara, former international football star Dwight Yorke, sporting icons

Sir Garfield Sobers, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, and Daren Ganga along with former Masters winner Ian Woosnam and Golf Pro Anthony Gill. (TT Guardian)

Guyanese Hooper, Stuart running well to start season

Akeem Stuart eases across the line to win the men’s 300 metres

By Treiston Joseph

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sprint ace Akeem Stuart is tremendous form, winning one of two 300 metres runs on Sunday at the second development meet held by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) at the GDF Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

In the first of the 300 metres races, Stuart clocked a fast 34.6s to win the event to follow up his 300 metres win two weeks ago at the first development meet held at the same ground.

The second 300 metres was won by Bevon Noble of Linden who went a little faster than Stuart, clocking 34.5s.

Meanwhile, Running Brave’s Natricia Hooper is definitely looking to be one of Guyana’s top youth athletes with her

current form, winning the women’s 300 metres in 39.1s. Teammates Avon Samuels and Andrea Foster ware second and third respectively.

Sprint queen Alisha Fortune made her 2015 debut with a solid win in the women’s 80 metres dash, clocking 9.7s to win the event ahead of junior sprint ace Tirana Mitchell, who clocked 10.0s for second. Natrena Hooper was third with a time of 10.2s.

Winston Missinger easily captured the men’s 2000 metres with a time of 6:01.08s to finish ahead of Odwin Tudor and Larry Nicholas.

Distance star Alika Morgan won the female version of the 2000 metres race, clocking 7:17.1s for the win.

Kezia Morgan was second, while Nikita Wilson was third.

Devon Barrington made a successful return to the track after a oneyear hiatus by winning the men’s 600 metres at the event.

Carifta triple gold medallist Cassey George also looked in decent form by winning the female version of the 600 metres event.

Triple jumper Maurice Gibson is making the transition to the track with a good run in the men’s 80 metres, winning the event in 8.9s to top Ian Campbell who finished second in 9.1s. Devin Collymore was third in 9.2s.

Davin Fraser also seemed in top shape easily winning the men’s 150 metres, looking strong as he pulled away from the field in the final 30 metres.

The AAG will host its third development meet on February 22. (Guyana Times)

Natricia Hooper crosses the finish line to win the women’s 300 metres

sport

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Bounty/Antonio’s Grill hockey competition…

GCC Ladies, Hikers Men win season opener in Guyana

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: In the brilliant Sunday afternoon sunshine on an immaculate Providence stadium field, the GCC Ladies and Hikers Men shone brightly as they took gold in the opening The annual Bounty/ Antonio’s Grill one day hockey competition saw teams showcasing their skills in what is promised for an exciting year in the sport.

After having finished in the top position of their pool round, the Hikers Men met Old Fort in the first of the men’s semi-final matches. Old Fort’s star midfielder, Aderemi Simon, was noticeably absent from his team’s line-up, leaving the weight of the team’s success on the shoulders of Chris LowKoan, Jason Dosantos and national goalkeeper Tony Cole.

The Hikers did not disappoint their fans as they dominated most of the match with national midfielder, Shaquille Assanah, making several surging runs into the Old Fort circle. The

GCC Tigers Princessa Wilkie made a diving attempt that passed inches from the goal

Hikers managed to pull ahead by two goals to nil by the final whistle with unlikely goal scorers Colonel Heywood and Randy Hope leading the charge.

The other semi-final saw the two GCC entrants face off against each other with huge

bragging rights at stake in addition to a place in the final. After a scoreless first half, Kevin Spencer struck twice to put GCC A ahead and young Eliomar Silva, making his debut, managed to add a third for the eventual victors.

GCC B created chanc-

es of their own late in the game and were rewarded when a powerful strike

by Philip Fernandes found the back of the net.

The GCC A side however, predictably emerged to victors.

The men’s final between the Hikers and GCC A had spectators in

an uproar as the highpaced game swung from end to end with both teams creating chances.

While the first half remained scoreless, GCC’s Kevin Spencer teamed up with Orland Semple to produce a string of passes to get around goalkeeper Jason Hoyte

and into the Hikers goal.

In swift response, the dynamic Jamarj Assanah completed a fine run up the right wing and slipped his pass to a poised Robert France to deflect into the GCC goal.

With Hoyte producing a penalty save for the Hikers in the dying minutes the game reached full time with scores deadlocked at one each.

After the first round of penalties still saw the scores even, the Hikers managed to secure the victory as a Robert France penalty goal could not be matched by GCC. In the all GCC ladies final, defending champs the GCC Tigers and their inspirational captain, Sonia Jardine, pulled off the win by 1-0 to separate the teams in an otherwise dead even match.

With each team having their share of possession, Jardine capitalised on the slow recovery of GCC’s defence two minutes into the second half to slam home her shot for the lone goal of the final. (Guyana Times)

Sammy hit with fine for inappropriate language WADA president

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ELSON, NEW ZEALAND: Allrounder Darren Sammy will part with 30 per cent of his match fee after being fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for using "inappropriate language" during West Indies' fourwicket loss to Ireland on Monday.

In a statement, the ICC said Sammy was "heard on television screens using inappropriate words after playing a shot in the 34th over", as he slammed 89

All-rounder Darren Sammy

off 67 balls to help West Indies recover from 87 for five and reach 304

for seven at Saxton Oval here.

He was deemed to

have breached the ICC's Code of Conduct relating to players using "language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match".

Sammy pleaded guilty to the charge, negating the need for a formal hearing.

Irish seamer John Mooney was also fined 30 per cent of his match fee for swearing repeatedly after Sammy was dropped on the boundary in the 45th over, off his bowling. (CMC)

Yorke hopes for improvement in TT football

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Former Trinidad and Tobago football team captain Dwight Yorke hopes for the state of the game locally, to improve on-and-off the field.

The captain of the 2006 Soca Warriors team, in an interview at the St Andrew’s Golf Course, Moka, Maraval recently, stated, “it’s difficult. We played in a World Cup in 2006, which was eight years ago.

“We were really at the top of our sports, football-wise and we let

it slip.”

Yorke admitted that former FIFA vice-president and special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (now TTFA) Jack Warner played a pivotal role in the sport locally but, “since Jack has left our football has suffered quite a lot. “We have made little progress in the last year or two but we’re still a long way from where the football used to be.”

Commenting on the national women team’s failure to qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada,

Yorke pointed out, “it’s very sentimental that the women’s team that weren’t able to get to the World Cup. It’s really tough luck, not only for the players, but the nation as well.

“It’s a big disappointment for us but, at the end of the day, it’s a learning curve and hopefully the women will learn a lot from it and take the football forward.”

The former Aston Villa and Manchester United ace striker acknowledged that, as far as the 2014-2015 English Premier League

is concerned, the Jose Mourinho-coached Chelsea are the team to beat.

“Chelsea are the best,” he said.

“They are on top and they’ve proven that at this stage of the season.

I think (Manchester) City will probably finish second and Man United likely to finish third.

“The Premier League is very difficult but it has been an interesting season so far,” he added.

“But, at the end of the day, Chelsea have been the best team in the Premier League.”(TT Guardian)

to visit Jamaica

K

President of WADA Craig Reedie

INGSTON, JAMAICA: World AntiDoping Association (WADA) President Craig Reedie will visit the island on Friday, at the invitation of the President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Michael Fennell.

Reedie will be presented with an update on the status of antidoping in Jamaica, and the planned activities for 2015 and 2016 during a joint meeting with the board of directors of the JOA and the board of directors and the executive director of JADCO on Monday, February 23.

Also planned is a courtesy call on

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and Sport Minister Natalie Neita-Headley.

On Tuesday, February 24, Reedie is expected to speak about his impressions of Jamaica’s anti-doping programme and the worldwide situation at a press conference at JOA offices.

“This is indeed a most welcome visit from the head of WADA and we will seize the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to doping-free sport in Jamaica,” Fennell commented on the pending visit of Reedie.

Reedie will depart the island on February 24. (Jamaica Observer)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: In the two short years since its existence in Guyana, Fly Jamaica’s support for local sport has been well-documented and the company has continued on that path,

by Representatives of Fly Jamaica and Seaboard Marine, along with officials of the GMR&SC and drivers pose for a photo at the conclusion of Monday’s programme lending a hand to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) on Monday.

The entity, which only this week celebrated its second anniversary in Guyana, presented 40 airline tickets to Team Guyana, which are set to compete in the opening leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), scheduled for later this month in Jamaica.

Also reaffirming its commitment was major sponsor Seaboard

Representatives of Fly Jamaica and Seaboard Marine, along with officials of the GMR&SC and drivers pose for a photo at the conclusion of Monday’s programme

Marine, an entity that has continued to offer significant support towards the sport across the Caribbean.

Nadine Hing and Jeremy Fernandes of Fly Jamaica and Seaboard Marine respectively were on hand at a simple presentation at the GMR&SC to seal the deal on Monday.

Also in attendance were GMR&SC President John Carpenter; Vice

President Shairaz Roshandin Mohamed; Guyana’s representative to the Caribbean Motor Racing Association (CMRA), Ray Rahaman; executive members of the GMR&SC and competitors.

Carpenter said the Club was extremely appreciative of the kind gesture made by Fly Jamaica. He also expressed gratitude to Seaboard Marine for its

sustained commitment to motor racing in the Caribbean.

Hing, in her remarks, thanked the Club for approaching Fly Jamaica and encouraging the company to come onboard, adding that it was pleased to be part of the sponsorship team. “I urge that you all proudly fly the Guyana flag and do us proud,” she said.

Fernandes pointed out how proud Seaboard

Marine was to once again collaborate as a major sponsor of the GMR&SC and the CMRC. He highlighted that the sponsorship represented a hefty sum, informing that the company would continue to have a strong relationship with motor racing.

Rahaman, who declared he was acting in both capacities as local and regional representative, thanked the two sponsors for their sup-

port to motor racing in the Caribbean. He noted that when Seaboard came along a few years ago and added its name to the list of sponsors of motor racing, very few realised that its generosity had actually saved the series.

The CMRA official said that the cost of shuttling competitors’ machines across the various countries to compete in the championship was being borne mainly by the competitors, who also had to take into account the preparation of their machines.

Those costs, Rahaman highlighted, were having a debilitating effect on their individual financial accounts, a development that was directly affecting their ability to remain in the sport.

Mohamed, for his part, thanked the major sponsors and assured them that Guyana would be sending a very strong contingent to defend its crown. (Guyana Times)

St George focused on cycling career in Trinidad

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Anyone attempting to look up the performances of cyclist Kollyn St George in domestic competition is likely to be disappointed. There is a simple reason why the teenager, listed among the top ten young sporting achievers of 2014 cannot boast of any significant list of achievements at home there

simply haven’t been enough female riders to compete against.

St George proved her quality as a track cyclist last year by earning honours abroad, in spite of having to compete against herself for much of the time. That simple fact only serves to underline the young woman’s determination to achieve in her chosen sport.

Her commitment is remarkable. “Every day,”

was her response to a question about training.

Every day? Does that include weekends and public holidays? “Every day,” she repeated.

“And I usually train for about three hours. Most times, my younger sister Jordan trains with me.”

At other times, she has had to strive to keep up with her male counterparts, a situation which her courage and mindset has converted into success.

St George’s efforts bore fruit at the National Championships, where she became the first local female to go under 37 seconds in the 500-metre time trial. Then, at the Pan Am Junior Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, she earned two silver medals. She teamed up with Keiana Lester in

TT cyclist Kollyn St George

the women’s team sprint for the first, the two setting a national record of 35.967 seconds in the process.

St George then returned to the track to produce a blistering 36.150 seconds to claim second place in the 500m time trial; it was also another new national mark.

These were very good

returns from a youngster who only began taking cycling seriously four years ago. The path thus far has not been easy for the 17-year-old San Juan resident; she trains under the experienced Anthony Sellier at the Arima Velodrome, but there are expenses — travelling, her diet and her equipment, not the least of which is her

bikes.

Still, St George has been able to pursue her passion with some financial support from Rafmon Marketing and Metal X Industries, and she lists her mother as her “number one supporter.”

Her main target for 2015 is the Pan Am Games in Toronto. Last year, problems in obtaining a visa kept her out of the World Championships in Colombia. St George is hoping no such problems will block her path this time around.

While some issues are beyond her control, the courageous teenager is confident that once she gets on the track, she can bring further honour to her country and to her close-knit family. (TT Newsday)

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