Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

ISSUE NO. 99

CANADA EDITION

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Canada knocks Caricom 'lack of ambition' in trade talks See story on page 4

TT Police assemble largest team ever to probe prosecutor’s murder

Ambassador Paul Robotham of Jamaica

- int’l help on the cards, TT$3.5 million reward offered Page 5

Trinidadian investigators comb the crime scene of special prosecutor Dana Seetahal, SC, who was gunned down by unknown assailants at Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, around midnight on Sunday (TT Guardian photos) (Inset) The late Dana Seetahal

Guyana’s AML Bill saga…

Opposition seems prepared for blacklisting – AG

NY-based company plans US$30 million MoBay ferry service, terminal Page 7

Page 5

Catamaran ferries accommodate up to 300 passengers

2

NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Fraud charges for Guyana Police crack Trini man who made several murder cases with electronic fingerprint system sex claims against

G

uyana’s Crime Chief Leslie James said the Police have already cracked a number of cases with the new Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) gifted to them by the United States government through its Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which was launched in 2010.

Speaking briefly at the equipment handing over ceremony, James related that the new system has been tested and has assisted the Force in making major breakthroughs in numerous cases. These include three murder cases, 53 break and enter and larceny cases, three simple larceny cases and four robberies under arms. He said “this piece of equipment will take us a long way in the crime fight and in my report to you, it is clear that we will be having successes”.

He pointed out too that there has been an increase in public trust since the Force began using the equipment. He expressed thanks to the U.S. representatives for the initiative and all other efforts to

AFIS is the world’s leading international standard for criminal investigation and rapid identification

foster a robust relationship between the two countries.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt counted it a privilege when he formally handed over the equipment to the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday at Eve Leary. AFIS is the world’s leading international standard for criminal investigation and rapid identification and will assist prosecutors in building solid cases against suspects by providing unequivocal evidence against them. In his address to the gathering, which included police

officers and stakeholders, Ambassador Hardt related that since the advent of the CBSI, the United States and Guyana have enjoyed mutual benefits on many successful programmes.

The CBSI is one pillar of the U.S. security strategy focused on citizen safety throughout the hemisphere.

Massive undertaking

Hardt told the gathering that experts have been working with the Guyana Police Force in a “massive undertaking” to transform the record system into a new centralised high-qual-

ity database. According to him, records will not disappear from the new system. The Ambassador said the new system has many advantages, which include increased public trust for both the Guyana Police Force and the justice system.

In his address, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the new system is a very important one to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) branch. He stated that the government values highly the contributions made by the U.S. He noted that the U.S. has been making significant contributions to Guyana, particularly to the security sector.

He further indicated that improvement of the Force’s technological capacity within the organisation cannot be avoided. The minister added that if the Force is to be on par with law enforcement agencies around the world; it must have the capacity, knowledge and tenacity to deal with the challenges presented by criminal enterprise. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

gov’t official

A

27-year-old man who claimed he was molested by a government official in Trinidad last year was arrested on six fraud charges on Monday night. Police sources said the man was arrested around 9 pm in Couva by Port-ofSpain Fraud Squad officers in connection with allegations that he defrauded six people of various sums of money. The man was expected to be placed on ID parades Wednesday and it was expected that he may be charged with more fraud offences.

Tuesday, however, officers were adamant that the man, who claimed the government official made sexual advances when he visited his home in north Trinidad last year, was not arrested in relation to that allegation. Media reports Tuesday suggested that the man was held for extortion arising out of the allega-

tion. However, Fraud Squad detectives told TT media their unit was not investigating any report in relation to the allegation made against the government official or any counter-allegations.

Senior Supt Johnny Abraham Tuesday confirmed the man was arrested

by Port-of-Spain officers for fraud inquiries. “He was arrested on inquiries where he (allegedly) defrauded money from a number of people,” Abraham said. It is expected that charges will be laid against the man later this week. He will appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate during the week.

The man reported to the police nearly two months ago he was molested by the government official. He alleged that the official grabbed his crotch and bit his nipples.

The alleged incidents occurred in January and October last year.

(TT Guardian)

3

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

4

Views

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

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

EDITORIAL

Legal basis for reparations

I

n a recent paper, “Unearthing the legitimacy of Caricom’s Reparations Bid”, British Virgin Islander, Antonius R Hippolyte, a PhD candidate at the University of Hull Law School, addressed concerns that there might not be a legal basis for reparations. Below are some of his arguments.

“Whether international law recognises the mass annihilation of the native people of the Caribbean and the mass kidnap and enslavement of Africans from their homeland and transportation to plantations in the Caribbean as crimes against humanity, the following propositions cannot be denied. First, the mass genocide of the region’s native people and the kidnap and enslavement of Africans were two of the most wicked criminal enterprises in recorded human history.

“Second, no compensation was ever paid by any of the perpetrators of these vile acts to any of the sufferers. Third, that the effects of the crime continue to be massive, both in terms of the enrichment of the descendants of the perpetrators, and in terms of the impoverishment of their descendants in the Caribbean today.

(The legal implications are as follows:) “First, native genocide of the region’s native peoples and slavery and the slave trade, both constituted crimes against humanity; second, international law recognises the right of victims of crimes against humanity to reparation; third, international law does not recognise any legal barrier to prevent those who still suffer the consequences of crimes against humanity from claiming reparations, even though the crimes were committed against their ancestors; fourth, reparations agenda should be directed against the governments of those countries, which promoted and were enriched by the slave trade and the institution of slavery.

“While crimes against humanity might not have a remedy right now, new structures have often been devised to give effect to recognised principles: ubi jus, ibi remedium: where there is a right, there must be a remedy. The Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which later compensated the Jews for the atrocities of Hitler’s Third Reich, defined crimes against humanity in these words: ‘Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, and other inhumane acts committed against any civilian population… whether or not in violation of the domestic law of the country here perpetrated’.

“The Charter also gave jurisdiction to the Tribunal to try perpetrators for, among other crimes, deportation to slave labour or for any other purpose of civilian population of or in occupied territory. The tribunal found that acts so reprehensible as to offend the conscience of mankind, directed against civilian populations, are crimes in international law. In 1948, the UN promoted the Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. “(There is some) uneasiness that all the victims of slavery or native genocide must have perished by now. So how is Caricom going to overcome the hurdle of establishing itself as the claimant in this lawsuit on behalf of citizens of its Member States? These citizens are the descendants of the victims of these atrocities. However, international law does not recognise any legal barrier to prevent those who still suffer the consequences of crimes against humanity from claiming reparations, even though the crimes were committed against their ancestors. Whether the descendants of the immediate victims of a crime have a right to reparations, will depend on the nature of the claim being made.

“Israel successfully claimed reparations from West Germany for the costs of resettling Jewish refugees – even though the state of Israel did not yet exist at the time when the Nazi regime committed its crimes against the Jews. If international law harbours this level of ingenuity and creativity, to allow a state, which was not, created at the time an atrocity was committed to successfully claim against another state whose frontiers were fundamentally different at the time the atrocities were committed; then it should not take any feat of genius to allow Caricom to bring claims against states that are more or less the same today as when these atrocities were committed.”

A view of the south eastern tip of Emancipation Park alongside New Kingston's main thoroughfare, Knutsford Boulevard in Jamaica. In the background, the business district and beyond, the hills of St. Andrew (JIS photo)

Canada knocks Caricom 'lack of ambition' in trade talks

L

ess than two months remain to the agreed deadline for the conclusion of talks on a free-trade agreement between Caricom and Canada, and the tensions are showing.

In a signal of its frustration, the department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada, or DFATD, said Caribbean negotiators are not as forthcoming as Canada needs them to be to strike a new trade deal that will replace the current arrangement known as CaribCan. "Canada has communicated our desire to conclude negotiations in the immediate term, and urging Caricom to bring an appropriate level of ambition to the table to do so," said DFATD spokeswoman Caitlin Workman in response to queries solicited by Jamaican media.

Workman was not forthcoming on the specifics of the Caribbean's lack of ambition when asked to clarify, citing the "confidential nature" of the ongoing negotiations.

"I can tell you that Canada is seeking an ambitious outcome from Caricom that ensures the interests of both sides are addressed," she said.

Meantime, Jamaican officials said they would offer a unified response after consultations.

Margaret Lim, the head of communications for Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said Tuesday that Permanent Secretary Ambassador Paul Robotham had began those consultations.

Previously, sources within the foreign ministry said the

parties were still deadlocked on market access for goods, services and investment, development, and environment and labour standards.

It is understood that some of the hold-up is due to concerns by some Caricom countries that the shift to a reciprocal arrangement could lead to the opening up of a trade gap in Canada's favour and less revenue collected at the port.

As far back as 2001, Caricom and Canada started exploring the possibility of a reciprocal free-trade agreement.

Jamaica's Foreign Ministry said the agreement would supersede the non-reciprocal arrangement in CaribCan, which has existed since 1986. A sixth round of negotiations was held in Kingston on March 3-7 and concluded in Ottawa, Canada, between March 31 and April 4.

A World Trade Organisation waiver that facilitates dutyfree access to Canada's market expired in December. However, Canada is still according dutyfree treatment to goods from Caricom under CaribCan, but both sides have set June 30 as the date to finalise a replacement trade pact.

Gaps

CaribCan's duty-free access was secured through exemption under the Most Favoured Nation non-discrimination principle of the WTO. It differs from a free-trade agreement which would receive a permanent waiver under the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade.

"While there was some progress, gaps remain between

both sides on key issues related to market access for goods, services and investment, and labour and environment. Both sides agreed to reflect on the state of play and thus a date was not set for a seventh round of negotiations," said Jamaican foreign affairs sources.

The issue is said to be on the agenda for the 38th session of Caricom’s Council for Trade and Economic Development, under way in Guyana from May 6 to 10.

Traditional friendships

Jamaica enjoys a trade surplus with Canada.

Workman said last week that for Jamaica itself, a Canada- Caricom trade deal would expand its existing duty-free access into Canada for top exports such as chemicals, metals, alcoholic beverages, fruits and vegetables, processed agricultural products and fish and seafood.

She said Canada wants to "work together" with Caricom to grow and expand their trade and investment relationship.

Members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States may be among the most vociferous objectors to reciprocal free trade with Canada.

The territories say they have little to export, while the new agreement would open up their economies to Canadian products entering duty-free or with preferential access, according to news reports.

In such a scenario, those economies will lose revenue from Customs duties.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

News WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

5

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

TT Police assemble largest team ever to probe prosecutor’s murder - int’l help on the cards, TT$3.5 million reward offered

T

T’s acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams says while he intends to assemble the largest team in the country’s history to investigate the killing of Dana Seetahal, SC, he has not requested any regional or international assistance just yet. He made the comment Tuesday as police continued their probe into the matter and hunt for suspect/s in the case.

Shortly before midnight Saturday, Seetahal left the Ma Pau casino car park on French Street, Port-of-Spain, on her way to her One Woodbrook Place apartment. She drove south down French Street before turning west onto Wrightson Road and later turning north onto Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook. Police said as she approached the Woodbrook Youth Facility, she was am-

bushed and shot five times, twice in the head, twice in the right forearm and once in the chest.

Intelligence sources, based on video captured

by CCTV cameras, have since claimed that a lone gunman armed with a high powered weapon— part of a plot originating from behind prison walls—was responsible for the shooting death.

Video clearly shows a white Wingroad pulling to the front of Seetahal’s Volkswagen SUV, while a panel van pulled to her right at O’Connor Street, Woodbrook.

A man is then seen sliding open the side door of the panel van armed with a gun and firing at Seetahal, the bullets entering through her right side window. The footage also shows the bullets striking Seetahal on the head and upper part of the body and the attorney slumping over her

TT’s acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams gives members of media an update on the investigation following the murder of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal on Sunday (TT Guardian photo)

steering wheel.

An autopsy report revealed Seetahal was shot five times.

According to well placed sources, a prisoner is believed to have ordered the hit from behind the walls of the Port-of-Spain prison.

Arrangements were put in place with instructions to the shooter, said to be a gangster, on how the hit should be carried out.

It has been reported that Seetahal was followed for several days by the killers who knew her every movement including what time she arrived at home, where she hang out and shopped, and every other detail about her whereabouts.

Seetahal, who was involved in many highprofile cases, was a state prosecutor in the ongoing trial of 12 men accused of the murder of central

businesswoman Vindra Naipaul-Coolman.

Int’l help on the cards

Meanwhile, as the brutal slaying of the prosecutor sent shock waves across the Caribbean, TT's National Security Minister Gary Griffith said international assistance in finding the killers is definitely on the cards.

Speaking to reporters during an interview at the start of Tuesday’s

sitting of the Senate at the Parliament building of the International Waterfront Centre, Portof-Spain, Griffith said “…we have spoken to the Commissioner of Police and my job is to protect the Police Service with the support that they require at any time, which also may include international assistance. I have already spoken to the U.S. authorities and they are more than willing and able and they are prepared to do so.

But that is only if and when the Trinidad and Tobago Police see it fit that they can and should receive international assistance,” he said.

“So it is definitely on the cards. As at this time, I do not think it is necessary,” he said.

The TT gov’t has since offered a TT$3.5 million reward for any information on or regarding the murder. (See story on Pg 13)

Guyana’s AML Bill saga

Opposition seems prepared for blacklisting- AG

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall believes the combined Opposition–A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC)–seems prepared to face the effects of the pending blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for Guyana’s delay in passing the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the

Financing of Terrorism Bill.

Speaking at an Indian Arrival Day event at Highbury, the Attorney General told the crowd gathered for the event: “We face an Opposition in the National Assembly who are prepared to cause us to be blacklisted, thereby financially and economically estranging us from 190 countries who may sever trade relations with us and affect-

ing our ability to access financing from developmental partners.”

He pointed out that the government has been unrelenting in its efforts to have the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2013 passed in the National Assembly and enacted into law. However, the Opposition has been equally set to stymie any progress in that regard,

Jamaican courier service expands to China

J

amaican-owned courier service, Union One Express, has opened up a storefront operation in China to tap into the ever-growing business that Jamaicans transact with the Asian powerhouse, and is hunting partners in other countries to facilitate ongoing expansion plans.

Union One also says it is close to completing a website upgrade that will allow Jamaicans to shop in China, as a complement to the courier operation, branded Union One China.

Union One will handle deliveries. The company declined to say where in China its courier office is located, but says it is staffed by one Jamaican and two Chinese.

The Union One brand and services are owned by First Union Financial Group, whose core business is microfinancing. Its courier service, which was launched in 2012, is operational in Jamaica as Union One Express Limited and in Miami, Florida, as Union One

Express LLC, while the newest addition in China is called Union One Express Company.

Newest frontier

First Union founder and chairman Lloyd Campbell told Jamaican media that he chose China as the newest frontier because it is "the widest manufacturer of products and goods."

Last year, Jamaica purchased goods valued at US$331.28 million (Ja$36.44 billion) from China, up from US$307.29 million (Ja$33.8 billion) in 2012, according to STATIN data.

Major imports were machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, miscellaneous manufactured articles and chemicals.

Campbell said that research done by his company indicated that there is demand for formal courier services among businesses buying goods from China, whose needs, he said, are largely served through informal arrangement.

but “the government remains ready, able and willing to lead that struggle”, Nandlall said.

“We can only achieve that by working tirelessly to create a world where all of our people are unshackled from the chains of poverty and exploitation of every kind and where hunger is absent. Our task is, therefore, a perpetual one from which we must never shirk,” said the legal representative of the

government.

Long-delayed

Nandlall pointed out that as a government, it is its responsibility to facilitate development to ensure that the ideals and aspirations of Guyana’s people are realised and in particular, those that are still relevant to the development of Guyana.

Presently, the AML/ CFT Bill is with the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cecil Dhujon

His target is small businesses and individuals.

"The research has also shown that many individuals and companies have

where it will be finalised before being tabled in the National Assembly, possibly at the next sitting.

The Bill in its current state includes the amendments made at the level of the Special Select Committee where it has spent several months being deliberated on and modified by way of amendments by parliamentarians.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

lost millions of U.S. dollars in China due to unscrupulous suppliers, hence our purpose in China," said Campbell.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

6

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Centre for abused children, women opens in Berbice

C

hildren and women in Guyana who are victims of abuse and domestic violence will now have a safe haven with the commissioning of the multimillion-dollar “Bal Nivas”(Centre for Abused Children) at Ankerville, Port Mourant in Berbice.

The centre, an initiative of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), is capable of providing temporary housing for up to 60 children and their mothers from across the country.

It also houses a counselling area, a skills training centre, computer centre, library, and health care facilities, which

help to make life better for victims by providing the necessary support and assisting in the creation of an atmosphere of love and warmth. GHDS President, Dr Vindyha Persaud said the building was constructed to serve the people of Guyana.

“It is a sad day when our children need these kinds of facilities, because you would like to think every child has a safe place to be. However, we are aware of the realities of life, we are not blind to those realities and because of those realities, because of the fact that our children need safety and security, because of the fact that

we feel the sense of responsibility and because of the fact that we adhere to the motto of the GHDS taken from the Gita “action thy duty, reward not by concern”–today, this shelter is born”.

Dr Persaud reflected on the vision of her late father, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud who founded the GHDS, as it was his vision that is finally a reality.

In his address to the massive gathering, President Donald Ramotar congratulated the Sabha for the timely completion of the home.

He noted that the centre is one which will benefit the entire country and complement the existing

Bollywood star Sonu Nigam cuts the ribbon to open the new shelter for abused children. He was assisted by Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar as well as President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindyha Persaud

legislation and facilities in place.

Extremely impressed

“At the level of government, we have introduced legislation: new laws on sexual offences, laws against domestic violence and human trafficking, but it is very clear that passing these legislation is not enough;

we need more in order to enforce them. It is facilities like this that help to create an atmosphere in this country where everyone will speak out and when that would have happened, we would have gone a very far way to eradicate these antisocial behaviours from our society.”

The guest of honour, legendary Bollywood Playback Singer Sonu Nigam, who was there from the beginning of the project, expressed his appreciation to the Sabha for allowing him the opportunity to be part of this historical event in Berbice. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Caribbean Airlines sees drop in passengers as Fly Jamaica grows

C

aribbean Airlines (CAL) recorded a one-third drop in passengers since last year amid the growth in privately-owned Fly Jamaica, according to official data on Jamaica's airports.

The decline reflects a reduction in its CAL flights, but also in reduced activity at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), stated the Planning Institute of Jamaica in its annual Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ) 2013.

"The reduction in flight frequency by CAL on a number of its major routes, starting in April 2013," said the ESSJ, which added other over-

seas airlines Jet Blue and Cayman Airways reduced flights whilst Virgin Atlantic ceased flights into Kingston.

"For the July-September 2013 quarter, CAL, which accounts for 40 percent of traffic at the NMIA, posted a 36 percent decline in passengers."

In 2010, the government of Jamaica sold the cash-strapped national carrier Air Jamaica to CAL in a deal of giveand-take that effectively resulted in the Jamaica government owning 16 percent of CAL. The airline initially operated as two brands but shortly thereafter staff and route rationalisation occurred along with the removal of the

Caribbean Airlines recorded a one-third drop in passengers since last year amid the growth in privately-owned Fly Jamaica, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica

Air Jamaica livery from the planes.

In 2013, however, Fly Jamaica owned jointly by Guyana and Jamaican interests led by captain Paul Ronald Reece and captain Lloyd Tai began operating a single aircraft between Jamaica, Guyana and New York, USA.

Passenger traffic

Despite the new entrant passenger traffic at NMIA declined seven

Top Jamaican anti-doping official sent on leave

T

he Vice-chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, attorney-at-law Lennox Gayle, who has a case before the Courts, has been sent on leave of absence.

The confirmation came from a release issued from the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday morning.

The release said Gayle would not be assigned to any hearing panel pending the conclusion of the case before the Courts.

Gayle was arrested in April following allegations that he has been benefiting from the earnings of prostitutes.

He was offered bail in the sum of Ja$400,000 with surety.

He was listed at a person of interest before the

Lennox Gayle

arrest.

It is alleged that he runs a massage parlour in Montego Bay where it is believed that prostitution is taking place.

He is accused of false and misleading conduct.

Gayle was the chairman of the three-member Jamaica Anti-Doping

Disciplinary panel, which banned top Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson for 18 months each in April.

The two athletes tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the Jamaican trials in June 2013. (Jamaica Gleaner)

percent year on year to 1.3 million passengers.

"The 28.7 percent growth recorded by the intransit category, which reflected the contribution, in the main, of Fly Jamaica with its John F Kennedy (JFK)Kingston-Guyana and Guyana-Kingston-JFK routes, was insufficient to stem the overall reduction," stated the just released ESSJ. Last month, the

Turks and Caicos-based airline InterCaribbean Airways began offering expanded regional and cross-country service.

It's the latest airline to attempt to offer connectivity to Kingston and Montego Bay following the cessation of Jamaica Air Shuttle and Skylan Air. Other carriers offering the service via scheduled or charter service include Caribbean Airlines, TimAir, Airways Limited and Caribbean Aviation Training Centre.

Total passenger movements at the island's international airports grew marginaly more year on year to 4.86 million or about 2,000 more than a year

earlier, data indicates.

"The overall higher passenger movement was supported by the improvement in traffic volumes at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in contrast to the fall-off recorded at the NMIA and the Ian Flemming International Airport (IFIA)," stated the ESSJ. Passenger traffic at the SIA expanded by 3.1 percent to 3.48 million aided by the addition of new flights by European-based airlines including Condor Airline from Germany, Transaero from Russia; Thomson Airlines from the UK and Scandinavian Airlines from Sweden. (Jamaica Observer)

TT Manufacturers’ Association reelects Lok Jack for second term

N

icholas Lok Jack has been reelected president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association for a second term. Election of a new board of directors was one of the highlights of the TTMA’s 58th annual general meeting Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port-of-Spain.

At the meeting, Lok Jack challenged manufacturers to think innovatively and to constantly be thinking about transformation.

He also stressed the importance of having a government procurement policy that promotes local content.

Other members of the TTMA board of directors are Craig La Croix, Robin Lewis, Robin Phillips, Darren

Nicholas Lok Jack (TTMA photo)

Leigh, Franka Costelloe, Roger Roach, Anthony Farah, Dr Rolph Balgobin, Ashmeer

Mohamed and new directors Christopher Alcazar and Travis Ali. (TT Guardian)

News WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

7

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

NY-based company plans Bosai shelves US$100 million project in Guyana US$30 million MoBay …cites struggling global bauxite market

By Svetlana Marshall

B

osai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) on Tuesday said it has shelved its US$100 million expansion project owing to the challenges being faced on the global bauxite market.

In 2012, the bauxite company in Linden announced its intention to invest approximately US$40 million to mine additional ore in an area called Block 37, in addition to the construction of a third kiln to the tune of US$57 million. This massive expansion project was designed to create more than 500 jobs in the second largest town in the country, which is said to be starving for job opportunities.

During the 2014 Budget Debate in the National Assembly, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud disclosed that the government took a decision to retain Block 37 due to the challenges faced on the international scene, but Bosai was looking at alternatives.

Slowdown in demand

Tuesday, BMGGI’s General Manager Robert Shang said Bosai has respectfully accepted the government’s decision.

Shang made it clear, however, that Bosai will not be pursuing the US$100 million expansion project, positing that bauxite remains a challenge. “Right now the global market for calcined bauxite is very, very limited. The global bauxite market is not as good as before. With competition from China, that plan has already been

Part of Bosai’s operations in Guyana

derailed,” Shang stated.

The Natural Resources Ministry had hoped BMGGI would have moved ahead with the construction of the third kiln, as it seeks alternative mining blocks to develop. Alternative areas such as East Bank Kara Kara and on the West Bank of Linden were identified, but the BMGGI’s General Manager said “it’s just a plan…but we haven’t decided as yet, because we have to do all kinds of feasibility studies.”

Declining production

Currently, Bosai’s operations predominantly take place at the Dacoura and East Montgomery Mines, in Linden, Region 10. Despite the challenges, Shang said the company will not be downsising its operation.

“Guyana bauxite is still good, our quality is good.

That is a very good advantage, the market is still there, but it is limited but we are trying our best to maintain this market…the demand is always at a certain level,

but we cannot go above that,” he explained.

Questioned about the rate of production for 2013, Shang declined to answer, stating that such information is not given to the press. However in 2013, Bosai disclosed that it had failed to meet its 2012 production target. At the commencement of 2012, Bosai had announced its intention to rake produce 250,000 tonnes of Refractory “A” Super Calcine (RASC) and 150,000 tonnes of the Size Chemical Grade Bauxite (SCGB) by the end of the year. The company later revised the production but even these new targets were not met.

Actual production stood at 205,000 tonnes of RASC and 118,000 tonnes of SCGB when operations closed for 2012.

These figures represented production shortfalls of 18 percent and 21 percent respectively in terms of the initial targets and 3.3 percent and 7.09 percent respectively on the revised targets.

Foreign communications firm to set up TT$1 billion operation in East Trinidad

T

T’s Trade, I n d u s t r y , Investment and Communications Minister Vasant Bharath, disclosed that Cabinet approved an investment of US$135 million (TT$1 billion) by a foreign communications company to set up operations at the Tamana Intech Park in East Trinidad. The park was built under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government.

In his contribution to debate on the Finance

Bill 2014 in the Senate Tuesday, Bharath announced the investment, but did not disclose the name of the company.

Dismissing claims by Opposition senators that there was no investor interest in TT as “absolute rubbish,” Bharath reminded the Senate that last December he went to the United Kingdom to market a US$550 million bond on behalf of the government.

Noting that Finance Minister Larry Howai did the same thing in the United States, Bharath

stated, “It is now public knowledge that, the bond of US$550 million was ten times oversubscribed. What that tells you is the confidence that the international market has in TT.” During his contribution, Bharath also disclosed that a major film-maker who was associated with five movies in the James Bond franchise and two of the four Mission Impossible movies has expressed an interest in the country as a movie location. (TT Newsday)

ferry service, terminal

N

ew York-based Paradise Express Ferry plans to construct a terminal in Montego Bay from which it will launch its ferry service to Ocho Rios and Negril by next March.

Through a US$30 million (Ja$3.3 billion) investment, the company hopes to build a 30,000 square feet terminal on government ownedlots on the Montego Bay Waterfront--near Pier One--by lease agreement with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

When complete, Paradise plans to use a high speed catamaran ferry, which can accommodate as many as 300 passengers.

The idea is to provide an alternative to congested roads between the Donald Sangster Airport in Montego Bay and the resorts that dot the prime tourist areas of Negril and Ocho Rios.

But it's not strictly for transportation.

"It's an attraction" said Garry Johnson, project director at Paradise Express Ferry. "Tourists will now be able to see the island in many other ways."

Once on board, travelers will be served complimentary drinks while listening to the history and highlights of Jamaica, and reggae music, he added.

Financing

The project is to be partially financed by American investors, but the Development Bank of

Beverley Williamson, senior vice-president, business management and special projects at the Port Authority of Jamaica, and Garry Johnson, project director at Paradise Express Ferry (Jamaica Observer/Aston Spaulding photo)

Jamaica (DBJ) and EXIM Bank will be providing loans.

But Johnson said he is open to other local, private investors who want to get an equity stake in the venture.

"We've had discussions with a few major banks here about getting an equity stake," Johnson told Jamaican media, adding that as the business expands, there will be more opportunities for investors. "We feel that PEF will be embraced the way that Dolphin Cove and Mystic Mountain were."

Once established in Montego Bay, Paradise aims to expand into the Caribbean, but not before it commences ferry service between Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as a Portmore to Kingston to Port Royal route, as part of collaboration with the government.

The Port Authority of Jamaica has signed a memorandum of under-

standing with the company towards these ends.

Geotechnical, hydrographic and engineering analysis of all the locations proposed are expected to be done by July, and submitted to the relevant before the end of this year.

Johnson said about 170 jobs will be created in the areas of accounting, legal, marketing, customer services and eventually mariners.

Additionally, a highspeed mariner course will be introduced at the Caribbean Maritime Institute to train locals to operate the ferry.

The vessels will operate at over 34 knots, with a maximum speed of 40 knots and will comply with United Nations International Maritime Organisations standards on emissions. It will be equipped with the latest navigation, radar.

Communication and automated control vessel management systems.

(Jamaica Observer)

8

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

More than 2000 Guyanese women benefiting from single-parent loan scheme O

ver 2000 single parent females in Guyana are currently benefiting from the five-year microcredit programme, Woman of Worth (WoW), founded by Human Service and Social Security Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI).

The main purpose of the WoW Programme, which was launched in June 2010 and will last until June 2015, is to remove the obstacles single parent women face in society, to enhance their self-esteem, to empower them to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them and increase their participation in society.

The ultimate goal of the five-year project is to provide intervention and financial support to ensure WOW participants manage and sustain successful business ventures.

To finance the project, the bank has provided Gy$500 million and the Guyana government will provide an estimated Gy$50 million per annum.

The WOW Programme allows women to borrow between Gy$100,000-Gy$250,000 from the bank to build their businesses while the interest rate applicable to the loan is six percent per annum, providing that it does not exceed 24 months. To be eligible, female single parents must be between the ages of 18-60.

All recipients must have a minimum level of training in the proposed area of business; in addition, they must not be earning more than Gy$40,000 per month.

According to Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster, women across Guyana are turning out in their numbers to borrow money to start their businesses such as salons, catering services, and farming.

Expansion

The bank is now considering expanding the life-span of the programme.

Thus far, 1326 women have received loans, allowing them to establish small businesses, while 447 single parents were certified through the Board of

Guyana’s Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster

Industrial Training.

This newspaper spoke to several of the beneficiaries of the loans who noted that their lives have definitely taken a turn for the better with the provision of the loans.

Booming business

One of the women who declined to have her name published related that she is a single parent of three and was struggling to make ends meet at the time she heard about the initiative. She stated that she had always wanted to es-

tablish her own business, and as such, applied to the bank for the loan.

“Well I applied for the loan, I tried to meet all of the requirements and fortunately I got through. I took the money and invested it in a salon to cater for the women in my community and today it’s a booming business. It has done a lot for me and my children; we have better lives today because of it,” the woman related.

The proud business owner noted that had it not been for the initiative, she would not have made it to the point of success she is now at.

“The ministry and the bank must be congratulated and applauded for what they have done for single mothers across this country. I cannot express how much changes have been made in my life because of this loan. And I just want to say thank you to the minister and the bank and everybody else that thought about this plan and implemented it for us single mothers,” the woman said in tears of joy.

Another business owner, Jackie Adams, 42, said that the initiative has benefited her tremendously over the past three years.

She applied for the loan in 2011, one year after its implementation.

“I went through the process and I didn’t think that I would have gotten through ‘cuz I didn’t have collateral and so.

But when I applied, I applied for a loan to start a poultry rearing business….at first was a little difficult but after the first three months or so, things began to look up for me and my two children. I have a business with over 50 clients and my loan has been paid back,” said Adams.

Since the introduction of the programme in 2010, there have been 15 second time loan recipients in Region Six, 39 second time loan recipients in Region Four and 34 in Region Two; totalling 88 second time borrowers.

In Region Two, there has also been five third time and two fourth time loan recipients.

Jamaica Police engage in special farming project in St Mary parish

H

ead of the St Mary Police in Jamaica Superintendent Dean Johnson said that 32 former members of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) were sworn in at a brief ceremony at the conference room of the St Mary Constabulary Divisional Headquarters, in Port Maria last Friday.

The process was overseen by Supt Johnson, assisted by Deputy Supt Gary Flash, Deputy Supt Michael Dowe, and Commander Michael Young (ISCF).

The oaths were administered by Rev Anthony Armstrong, the St Mary Divisional Chaplain.

The swearing in of the constables was not the only new development for the parish last Friday

Head of the St Mary Police in Jamaica Superintendent Dean Johnson (Jamaica Observer photo)

as the occasion was also used to announce the formation of a new section expected to improve agriculture in the parish.

The formation of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Planning, Protection and Enforcement (AFEPPE), to be headed

TT’s Food Production Minister (standing) Devant Maharaj said the country’s food import bill dropped two percent between 2010 and 2013

by Commander Young, soon to be Deputy Superintendent, was also announced. He will be assisted by Sergeant San Salvador Willis, formerly Special Sergeant, and will have a staff for the purpose, Supt Johnson reported in a press release.

Supt Johnson explained that the duties of the officers in charge of the AFEPPE will include "the provision of support for the planning and protection of both agriculture and fisheries and the closely related environment through partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Land, Water and the Environment, via its agencies such as RADA and NEPA respectively, and the provision of intelligence and operational leadership in the enforcement of the laws commensurate with these responsibilities".

Training

Superintendent Johnson further explained that "this section will essentially absorb the management and supervision of the district constables slated to be recruited and

trained from persons trained as extension officers. These officers will also be trained in environment planning and protection".

The head of the St Mary police pointed out that the new formation will be particularly significant for St Mary as the main source of income for the parish is agriculture.

He said that the Rural Agricultural Development Agency reported that more than 9,300 farmers produce more than Ja$700 million worth of crops and livestock annually.

This, Superintendent Johnson said, feeds the populace of St Mary and other parishes, with a significant portion exported. It also provides related employment for more than 50,000 other people who deal in or

provide products or services from the produce, and offer other products and services that support the industry, the police head reported.

"It is the socio-economic lifeblood of the parish. This industry can only thrive where the physical, meaning the geographic, geological and meteorological environment is protected from deterioration, destruction from bad practices and neglect, hence their close relationship," Supt Johnson said.

He said that the new division of the police force will be instrumental in creating employment, spur productivity and development and thereby suppress the issues that cause and perpetuate crime and violence in St Mary and Jamaica as a whole.

(Jamaica Observer)

Steady growth in TT’s agriculture sector

T

T’s agriculture sector continues to grow, according to Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj, who said the food import bill dropped two percent between 2010 and 2013 and food inflation rate is down to 5.2 percent.

“Furthermore, the summary of economic indicators showed that growth for the first three quarters of 2013 remained posi-

tive and steady.

Provisional data obtained by the Central Bank on the quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed the agriculture sector for the first time in 40 years experienced five consecutive quarters of growth from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2013,” the minister said.

Maharaj was speaking at

a recent Incentive and Flood Relief Cheque Distribution ceremony in Curepe where 400 agriculture incentive cheques worth TT$2.2 million and 61 flood claim cheques amounting to more than TT$509,000 were handed out to farmers in the counties of St George West, St George East, St Andrew/ St David and Caroni. (TT Guardian)

9 Shot Guyanese teen calls for murder charge to be laid against police officer T News

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Couva chef jailed for beating step-daughter to death in 2004

Anton Hainsley was sentenced to 15 years hard labour

A

Couva chef who was found guilty of beating his twoyear-old step-daughter to death with the palm of his hand in 2004 has been sentenced to nine years, six months by the Court of Appeal.

Appellate Court judges, Justices Paula Mae Weekes, Alice YorkeSoo Hon and Rajendra Narine Tuesday sentenced Anton Hainsley Bruce to a total of 15 years hard labour.

However, the five years six months he spent in custody awaiting trial was deducted.

The sentence of nine years, six months which Bruce will serve will run from the date of his conviction on October 12, 2009. Bruce was convicted of the murder of his two year step-daughter Kareema Roberts, who was killed on April 8, 2004, at the family’s home in Paradise

Avenue, Mc Bean, Couva. He appealed, and on December 18, 2013, the court set aside the conviction and death sentence and replaced it with manslaughter.

Roberts was beaten to death by Bruce with the palm of his hands to the extent that she suffered a ruptured liver and head injuries. An autopsy done by pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes on April 11, 2004 found that Kareema suffered 17 injuries and died as a result of a lacerated liver and multiple blunt trauma injuries to her head and body.

Bruce was represented

by Jagdeo Singh while the State at the appeal was represented by the late Dana Seetahal, SC, and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions George Busby.

Busby appeared alone for the State Tuesday.

(TT Newsday)

he 15-year-old boy who was shot in his mouth by a Cadet Officer in Guyana was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday.

Shortly after being discharged, the teen, Alex Griffith, along with his mother, Marcel Griffith, and Mark Benschop picketed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the Guyana Police Force’s Headquarters Eve Leary, calling for an attempted murder charge to be laid against the Police officer who fired the gun on April 30. They were picketing at a time when Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Crime Chief Leslie James and US Ambassador D Brent Hardt were meeting at CID to participate in a simple ceremony for the formal handing over of the Police’s Automated F i n g e r p r i n t Identification System (AFIS).

Last Wednesday night, the teen was shot in his mouth at approximately 20:55h by a Police rank who accused him of witnessing a robbery in the North East La Penitence Squatting Area earlier that day.

The accused who was released from Police custody has since indicated that he shot Griffith by

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

The shot teen

accident.

Deliberate act

But Griffith while picketing CID told Guyanese media that the act was “deliberate”.

Griffith recalled that on the night in question, he was at his mother’s East La Penitence home with his family when a number of policemen armed with guns dragged him out of the house.

Initially, the Police told Griffith they were taking him to the Brickdam Police Station, but instead took him to North East La Penitence where the robbery had unfolded earlier that day. While the robbery victim indicated that Griffith witnessed the crime, she had stated that he had no part to play in it, since he was inside the house

watching television.

“But when the girl tell them that, they started beating me up, lashing me with a torchlight in my belly, twisting my foot and standing on me,” the teen alleged.

The beating did not stop there. Griffith was dragged into the vehicle again and in the vicinity of Brickdam, the Police van came to a halt and Griffith was thrashed for a second time. The teen recalled that the officer who shot him instructed his colleagues to drag him out of the vehicle before he pulled the trigger.

Russian roulette

“He tek out all the bullets out of the gun then but one, then he shoot and nothing ain’t come out, then he shoot

again and it hit me,” he recalled. As blood gushed from his head, Griffith was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by the ranks who had taken him into custody. “They just carry me at the hospital and left me deh.”

Still disturbed over the incident, Griffith’s mother said the policeman who pulled the trigger should be charged with attempted murder.

“I need justice, I want him (the police officer) to be taken before the court, I need justice,” the woman cried. The police officer who had been on close arrest is now required to report to the Police weekly as a condition of his release.

Marcel complained that the officer who allegedly shot her son is allowed to walk freely on the road when her son will be scarred for the rest of his life. According to her, the Guyana Police Force is not doing enough. “I am not seeing anything being down and the man is on the road. I am not getting any justice and the man is on the road.”

Questioned whether she is willing to settle the matter via compensation, Marcel responded in the negative. “It is not about compensation alone, is about justice,” she posited. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Barbados, Haiti leading the Caribbean in reducing maternal mortality

N

ew United Nations data show that Barbados and Haiti are among 11 countries in Latin America and Caribbean that have made significant progress in reducing deaths from pregnancy-related causes since 1990.

The new report indicates that the maternal mortal ratio (MMR) in the 11 countries has been reduced by 40 percent or more since 1990.

Besides Barbados and Haiti, the other countries are Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,

and Peru.

The report, however, says that no country in the region is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing maternal mortality 75 percent by 2015.

Despite this progress, it said an estimated 9,300 women lost their lives in Latin America and the Caribbean due to pregnancy-related causes in 2013, down from 17,000 maternal deaths in 1990.

The new report titled "Trends in Maternal Mortality Estimates 1990 to 2013" estimates changes in maternal mortality worldwide

and by region and country.

It was produced jointly by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank and the United Nations Population Division.

The report found that in Latin America and the Caribbean, maternal mortality declined an average 40 percent between 1990 and 2013, less than the global average and short of the 75 percent MDG target for 2015.

However, the region’s overall MMR of 85 deaths per 100,000

The new PAHO report indicates that the maternal mortal ratio (MMR) in the LAC 11 countries has been reduced by 40 percent or more since 1990

live births is considered “low” less than 100 among developing regions.

“We have seen progress in saving mothers’ lives in the Americas, and we welcome that,” said Suzanne Serruya, Director of the Latin American Center for Perinatology/Women’s and Reproductive Health (CLAP), a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) technical centre.

“But the fact that

more than 9,000 women lost their lives from maternal causes last year is unacceptable and means we have a major challenge to reduce those numbers,” she added.

PAHO said globally, maternal deaths have declined 45 percent since 1990. It said an estimated 289,000 women died worldwide in 2013 due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, down from 523,000 in 1990.

Another WHO study, published in ‘The Lancet Global Health’, casts light on why these women are dying.

"Gobal Causes of Mternal Death: A WHO Systematic Analysis" finds that more than 1 in 4 maternal deaths are caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, malaria and obesity, whose health impacts can all be aggravated by pregnancy. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

10

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

GT&T not opposed to Guyana’s Telecoms Bill–CEO

G

uyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Chief Executive Officer Radha Krishna Sharma last Wednesday said while the company has some reservation with the Telecoms Bill, it is not opposed to it as reported by some sections of the media.

“I am not aware of any view that we are against liberalisation,” the CEO said, noting that Guyana’s leading telephone company has always supported, and will continue to support the initiative.

“We have publicly spoken for liberalisation.

We have no issue with liberalisation. There is

need for the telecommunication sector to be deepened and strengthened,” he noted.

However, Sharma related that while the company has welcomed the Bill, it did not mean that all was well and that they had no concerns.

“We obviously have some concerns and those concerns have been articulated in our submissions to the Select Committee,” Sharma disclosed. The Telecommunications Bill is currently sitting before the Parliamentary Select Committee, which is expected to address the concerns relating to the Bill.

Concerns

Asked by media op-

GT&T Chief Executive Officer Radha Krishna Sharma

eratives to disclose what were some of the concerns GT&T had with the Bill, he communi-

cated that he had debated in his mind whether he should pronounce on the concerns raised at the level of the Select Committee and came to the conclusion that it was not the wisest idea.

“I have debated in my mind whether it would be the best of protocol to discuss with the media…you have got to understand that a Select Committee is part of the legislative mechanism and I honestly came to the conclusion that it would be bad protocol for me to discuss what we have presented.”

He was quick to assure, however, that once the issues had been ironed out, the public

will be the first to be informed.

T h e Telecommunications Bill, which was first introduced in 2011, was seen as a major disruption to an industry which has for more than two decades been dominated

by GT&T. If the Bill is passed, the way for competition from other companies will be paved.

GT&T is currently the only company licensed to install and operate landlines. It also offers cellular and Internet service as well.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, who had first spoken publicly of the Bill, had noted that following the implemen-

tation of such legislation, the terms and conditions of the agreement that GT&T had signed with the People’s National Congress (PNC) back in the day will become nonexistent.

The company also controls the international calling sector, since all international calls have to be routed through their switches. Digicel, on the other hand, which has branches in a number of regional territories, has been offering only cellular service across the country. The latter company is however required to route its international calls through GT&T. (Guyana Times)

Political analyst predicts win for Rowley at PNM polls

W

ith just two weeks to go before the People’s National Movement (PNM’s) internal election, one political analyst is predicting victory for incumbent leader Dr Keith Rowley.

“There is no question about it, Rowley will definitely win,” says Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences at the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Speaking with TT media in an interview last Friday, Ragoonath predicted a win for the Opposition Leader on two fronts.

He said Rowley, who became leader of the PNM in May 2010, has the support of the PNM’s rank and file after steering the party to victory in three of the four elections that took place within the past year.

In January 21, 2013, the PNM obliterated

Pennelope Beckles-Robinson

the Ashworth Jack-led Tobago Organisation of the People, walking away with all 12 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election after holding eight seats at the time of the poll.

Nine months later, on October 21, 2013, the PNM again claimed

victory in the Local Government election, gaining eight of the 14 corporations.

And in November 2013, the PNM’s Terrance Deyalsingh was elevated from a senator to Member of Parliament for St Joseph after winning the constituency’s

Dr Keith Rowley (TT Guardian file photos)

bi-election. The seat had been left vacant following former Justice Minister Herbert Volney’s defection to the Independent Liberal party in the aftermath of the Section 34 fiasco. Having bounced back from its humiliating 29-12 defeat in the May 24, 2010, General

Election, Ragoonath said there was a perception among many PNM members and supporters that the status quo should not be changed so soon before another general election, constitutionally due in 2015.

“Many members are saying that it is either too

soon or too late to change leaders in preparation for a General Election. That is the thinking. They feel that the PNM should not change leaders at this time,” he said.

Ragoonath said incumbent lady vicechairman and former senator Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, who is contesting the leadership, is likely to face stiff competition as a result of this view.

“Penny has been running an excellent campaign, but the membership may be reluctant to change leaders at this time,” he said.

“The Penny factor would have been better if the internal election had taken place last year. The feeling out there is will she be strong enough to take on Rowley between now and the election. Her strategy is excellent, but it is the timing that would be the problem.” (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Caribbean edges closer to adopting fisheries policy

T

he Belize-based (CRFM) Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) says the region is closer to adopting a fisheries policy which it describes as a progressive agreement for the cooperative management of shared fisheries resources in the Caribbean.

It said advocacy, awareness-building strategy and effective use of incountry mechanisms to facilitate adoption of the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) by the Caricom leaders were the main agreements emanating from a three day meeting in Dominica last week.

“The policy is a pro-

gressive agreement for the cooperative management of shared fisheries resources in the region and many of the principles, goals and objectives of the CCCFP are already integrated into the activities of the CRFM whose mandate includes concentrating on efforts to develop related protocols to harmonize various systems critical to a regional approach to fisheries management systems,” the CRFM said in a statement.

CRFM executive director Milton Haughton said the recent meeting was of particular historical significance to the region noting that the first sub-regional fisheries

management plan (FMP) to facilitate cooperation in the conservation, management and sustainable use of the flying fish resources shared among countries in the Eastern Caribbean was endorsed by the Forum.

He said the FMP will be presented to the Ministerial Council for endorsement at its next meeting scheduled for 23 May and formalised through signature of an accompanying Resolution by the Flying fish Ministerial SubCommittee.

Other concerns discussed at the meeting include the impacts of climate change and illegal, unreported and un-

The policy is a progressive agreement for the cooperative management of shared fisheries resources in the region

regulated fishing as well as initiatives to improve fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance and

to foster regional cooperation in the management of the region’s flying fish, lobster and

queen conch fisheries resources and related ecosystems. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

11

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

12

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Tobago museum for TT’s late prime minister

T

T’s late President and Prime Minister Arthur NR Robinson will be memorialised in a museum in the Tobago village of Castara, announced former Independent Senator Dr Eastlyn McKenzie.

She announced that the ANR Robinson Library, Museum and Ethics Centre will be built in Castara as she delivered a tribute to Robinson at the State Ecumenical Service Saturday at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet.

“Dollar by dollar we raise and block by block it will be erected,” she said.

The coffin carrying the body of the late Arthur NR Robinson is surrounded by security personnel at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet where the State Ecumenical Service was held Saturday (TT Newsday photo)

McKenzie encouraged young people to study Robinson’s life and take example from him,

grasping opportunities as he did and to find the hero, mentor, visionary, conqueror and academ-

ic with ethical behaviour and integrity.

“Learn to stand up and stand out for what

is right even if you stand alone,” she advised.

She said through his work Robinson has left

the world a better place and the island must carry on the struggle to ensure that Tobago takes its rightful place in the nation.

Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London said the two outstanding tributes that can be paid to Robinson would be to ensure his vision of an autonomous Tobago and a strong, united and democratic state is realised and for leaders to emulate the courage of character “which made the ‘Castara Kid’ a special human being”. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Trade union holds more talks with St. Lucia gov’t on ailing economy

T

he St. Lucian government and trade union officials will hold a second round of talks on Friday following their weekend discussions, which Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said were intended to identify the options available to his administration to revive an ailing economy.

“This represents a first step in a process to arrive at consensus on the best way forward,” Anthony said Monday.

Anthony met with the public sector unions to offer proposals on how recurrent expenditure could be reduced.

He told them that if consensus is reached,

then the government would be willing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with them.

He also indicated that the government is willing to establish a committee to monitor the implementation of agreed measures.

“I reassured the union representatives that it is not the intention of the government to deal with the situation by retrenching workers as alleged in some quarters. However, the government would need to act to prevent any further deterioration on the gains made in reducing the fiscal deficit,” he added.

But the meeting was

boycotted by the largest public sector trade union, the Civil Service Association (CSA), which has already signaled it will not accept a five percent cut in salary and wages for its members.

Newly re-elected CSA president, Mary Isaac, has warned that unless the Kenny Anthony administration changed its approach, there would be trouble ahead.

‘Farce’

She called the weekend meeting a “farce” and a “cover up” and that it was “unacceptable” for the government to include a five percent pay cut in the estimates of expenditure, then summon the unions to

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony

a meeting to discuss the issue.

“We have to send a strong message that we are not going to tolerate this because we need to be informed,” Isaac said.

She told reporters that the 3000-strong CSA wanted discussion.

“We are not saying that we will not agree to a cut or we will disagree to it, but when you lay your cards on the table and we see that you are honest and transparent then we will determine how we can act in a certain way,” Isaac said.

During the meeting, the trade union representatives heard an analysis of the performance of the economy

by Dr. Reginald Darius, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs who explained that in order to reduce the island’s deficit, the government needed to reduce expenditure by at least EC$75 million.

He said the economy

was not generating sufficient revenue to meet its expenses and the government could no longer finance recurrent expenditure by borrowing as traditional lenders had become exceedingly reluctant to finance governments across the region, particularly through investments in long term instruments such as bonds.

Anthony explained that until the weekend meeting, the government had not entered into public discussions on reducing recurrent expenditure by cutting wages and salaries since it had not engaged the unions beforehand on the matter. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

Georgetown City Council boots Sooba, appoints King as Town Clerk

C

onfusion reigned in Guyana at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on Tuesday when acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba locked the Council’s chambers, denying Mayor Hamilton Green and councillors entry.

However, the Council

persisted in their efforts to hold an extraordinary meeting and retreated to the compound during which they voted to instal Royston King as the acting Town Clerk.

The installation of King came about through one of three motions which were

successfully tabled and passed by the Opposition-dominated Council headed by Green. Sitting under the hot afternoon sun in the compound of the City Hall, the 13 councillors present voted unanimously in favour of the motion tabled

Council in the sun! Mayor Hamilton Green and his councillors were forced to hold their extraordinary Council Meeting in the sun in the middle of City Hall’s compound on Tuesday after acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba locked the chambers

by Councillor Gregory Fraser and seconded by Councillor Eon Andrews to send Sooba packing and to have the Council’s Public Relations Officer Royston King appointed to act in that capacity.

The motion stated that Sooba was unlawfully and unjustly appointed by a minister who had no power or authority to do such.

The motion also deemed

Sooba as being incapable of executing the responsibilities required of the Chief Executive Officer of the Council, alleging that on numerous occasions she refused to summon meetings of staff to discuss any Council-related matters and she has shown racial bias in the execution of her duties as Town Clerk.

The councillors said

too in the motion that Sooba had been imposed on the City Council by the minister and the time has come for the Council to stand up for its rights. They said that she has become a liability and burden on the city and the residents of Georgetown as well as the members of the Council would like to see her go. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

News

13

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaican accused Trinidadian authorities of trafficking offer TT$3.5 million reward women to be in Seetahal murder case tried in U.S.

D

Described a "violent pimp", 37-year-old Damion St Patrick Baston was arrested in New York in December

A

Jamaican man accused of trafficking women across the world for years is to go on trial next month in the U.S. state of Florida.

Described a "violent pimp", 37-yearold Damion St Patrick Baston was arrested in New York in December.

Baston, who has pleaded not guilty, faces dozens of charges including the alleged forced trafficking of

women and identity fraud.

Authorities claim he used horrific violence and rape to keep the women as he forced them to prostitute themselves in Australia, the U.S., Dubai and possibly other countries.

Baston is also accused of travelling the world for eight years, with a passport in the name of an unsuspecting Ohio resident.

(Jamaica Observer)

escribing the assassination of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal as a “dastardly” crime and “direct attack” on an officer of the justice system, Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar Monday announced an additional TT$2.5 million would be added to the original TT$1 million reward, to anyone whose information would lead to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons behind Seetahal’s slaying.

Seetahal, one of the lead prosecutors in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder trial, was gunned down as she was driving along Hamilton Holder Street in Woodbrook on Sunday morning.

The killing prompted PersadBissessar to summon an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC)—which she chairs—at the boardroom of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital Monday.

Addressing reporters during a break in the high powered meeting, which included Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, National Security Minister Gary Griffith, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier General Kenrick Maharaj, Director of the National Operations Centre Garvin Heera and others, PersadBissessar announced the increase in the reward being offered to encourage the intelligence gathering aspect of the investigation.

“We have had discussions with respect to the reward that is being of-

TT’s acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams gives his assurance that investigations are proceeding at pace in the assassination of attorney Dana Seetahal.

Listening to him is Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at a press conference Monday at the boardroom of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital (TT Newsday photo)

fered by Crime Stoppers and government has agreed to contribute to Crime Stoppers by way of upping the ante in the sense of information leading to the arrest and prosecution.

A million dollars has been offered and government has agreed that we will now offer a further incentive in terms of getting persons to come forward by raising TT$2.5 million with respect to arrests, prosecution and conviction,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“It is all very well to get the information, to get the intelligence but what is important is to also sustain whatever comes forward into a conviction,” she added.

“Government has also offered and

the Commissioner has accepted our offer that should they (police) request the use of foreign expertise in this investigation, we will provide whatever resources that may be necessary,” the prime minister further indicated.

She added, “We see this as a direct attack on someone who was operating within the criminal justice system and therefore it goes far beyond the functioning of our country , the functioning of our people and the functioning of our nation.”

Commissioner Williams said that the investigative team is “one of the largest ever” assembled locally for a single investigation. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

14

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Guyana's housing boom pushes NBS Jamaican gov’t withdraws bank tax loan portfolio to Gy$32.9 billion

T

he New Building Society (NBS) in Guyana said its mortgage portfolio continues to grow due to the many housing schemes being established with some Gy$7.8 billion being granted in mortgage loans, putting the bank’s portfolio at Gy$32.9 billion compared to Gy$27.7 billion the previous year.

“As a responsible mortgage provider, we ensure our borrowers can afford their mortgages not just now but also

I

million in 2013.

Meanwhile, he noted that the bank has recorded another successful financial year in 2013, raking in some Gy$993 million when come compared to Gy$813 million in 2012.

Mc Doom in his report said the bank’s performance has remained exceedingly strong.

Balance

“The Society continues to balance delivering value and service to our customers and members NBS Chairman in Guyana Moen Mc Doom

The New Building Society head office at North Road and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana

in the future,” Chairman of the bank, Moen Mc Doom told the institution’s 74 Annual General Meeting held on April 26.

He stated that a consultative approach has been taken to deal with borrowers who have difficulties in payments.

This, according to Mc Doom, has resulted in a more encouraging arrears position, with 1393 accounts in arrears and a default value of Gy$68

and, maintaining our financial strength for the long term. Aggressive competition in the financial services sector compounded further with high levels of liquidity, resulting in low yields on our investments in Treasury Bills, did not deter the Society’s efforts to deliver these excellent results,” Mc Doom stated.

There was an increase of 10 percent in the Society’s total assets,

amounting to Gy$54 billion. Of this amount, 61 percent is made up of mortgages while Liquid Assets accounted for 30 percent and savings for nine percent. As it relates to the Liquid Assets portfolio, the Chairman noted that their focus has been to ensure that there is sufficient liquidity rather than maximising the absolute liquidity levels, which does not rake in much.

With total liquid assets of Gy$16.4 billion by the

end of 2013, the Society’s liquidity position still exceeded the minimum statutory requirements.

The Chairman explained that his bank’s performance came against a slothful global economic growth; however, he noted that it is expected that the global activity will strengthen moderately as time progresses. Locally, he pointed out that despite the grappling performance of the sugar industry, the rice, mining, and forestry sectors, among others have seen improved growth, contributing to the rise of the economy.

Moving forward in 2014, Mc Doom stressed that with the housing drive on a roll, the Society will continue to provide benefits to customers through affordable mortgage financing.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

n his budget speech last Wednesday to close the debate, Jamaica's Minister of Finance Dr Peter Phillips advised that the government had taken the decision to not pursue the levy on withdrawals from deposit-taking institutions and encashments from security dealers. He suggested that this was in order "to maintain the consensus that we have built and to carry every one of our stakeholders with us as we move forward".

In his speech, despite what he described as numerous calls of support, and commendation of the "creativity and consideration" which guided their proposals, in perhaps classic understatement, he noted "I do not think we have all our stakeholders on board". He advised that meetings had been held with the unions, the Insurance Industry of Jamaica (IAJ), "I want to pay tribute to them because clearly this is an instance where national interest triumphs over narrow self- interest", and last Tuesday with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) who "approached the discussion with a spirit of openness, and recognition of the need to secure the necessary revenue".

In place of the bank tax, expected to yield approximately Ja$2.25 billion, the minister proposed two measures designed to yield Ja$2.3 billion on a combined basis.

Jamaica's Minister of Finance Dr Peter Phillips (Jamaica Observer photo)

The first measure is the introduction of a 15 percent withholding tax on all insurance premiums paid by Jamaican residents to non-residents, excluding premiums paid to non-residents by registered Jamaican Insurance Companies, to be implemented with immediate effect on April 30th, 2014. His justification was that large Jamaican companies have been increasingly purchasing insurance from overseas insurance companies, often creating a captive insurance company in an offshore jurisdiction.

The second proposal, effective June 1, 2014, is to amend the GCT Act to allow for imported services not to be subject to an input tax credit, a measure that will be applicable to all services except the supply of electricity, business processing operations, tourist accommodation and services imported by the bauxite/alumina sub-sector.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Singapore firm finds oil onshore in TT R ex International Holding Ltd, one of the largest companies listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd, Sunday announced that its 64.17 percent-owned licence-holding company, Caribbean Rex Ltd, spudded its first onshore well in its Cory Moruga concession in TT on April 29.

This is the first of a five-well onshore drilling programme that Caribbean Rex is undertaking this year in its South Erin and Cory Moruga concessions. The target drilling depth of this first well is 6,700 feet. Drilling of the other four wells will follow one after another over the next half year and drilling and completion work for each is expected to take between 25 and 50

Production from the Caribbean Rex wells in TT is projected to be more than 500 barrels of oil per day (TT Guardian file photo)

days, depending on the

well depth and geology.

The locations of all

five wells were selected using Rex Virtual Drilling (RVD) analysis made on 3D seismic data in tandem with conventional geological interpretation of seismic and well data. The RVD analysis has already correctly and independently confirmed all previous known well results in the two concessions on location, size and discovery depth. The RVD de-risking tool has allowed the company to identify entirely new drilling prospects in both concessions which would not have been selected using only conventional geological analysis.

The company expects that on an average, it will make exploration discoveries at a strike rate of more than 50 percent, compared to the TT and industry average strike rate of ten to

15 percent.

Before putting the well into production, the company is looking at using its Rexonics ultrasonic well-cleaning technology to remove any built-up deposits and enable optimal production flow from the start.

On April 11, Rex International Holding announced that its fivewell onshore drilling programme in TT had been fully funded.

It also said that wells would be put on production about one to two months after completion of drilling and subject to successful commerciality testing and government approvals.

Production from the Caribbean Rex wells in TT is projected to be more than 500 barrels of oil per day (bopd) at the end of 2014. (Excepted from TT Guardian)

News

15

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana’s President says snap elections still on the table

W

ith the current impasse continuing between the government and the Opposition in Guyana over the implementation of several pertinent projects, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday related that the possibility of a snap election is still on the table as a solution to the parliamentary deadlock.

Speaking at a press conference at State House on Saturday, Ramotar explained that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) position on several projects is worrisome to the government and would be worrisome to

any government in favour of economic development.

“You can’t take that option off the table at all…this kind of behaviour, this is not what we want, and if the Opposition have given us a little support, we could move this country forward,” said the Head of State.

He pointed out that the positions taken by the Opposition political parties to undermine several projects do not augur well for the country’s economic development and stability.

The president posited that the Opposition parties are “attacking anything that can help to develop the economy” as he explained that from all indications, the Opposition wants

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar

the country to retrogress.

Making specific reference to hinterland communities,

Ramotar pointed out that his government has recognised the needs of the hinterland communities and have since been making strides in that endeavour to meet those needs and improve the life of not only the Amerindians living in the hinterland, but persons residing in the sparsely populated areas of the country.

The president, when questioned, further pointed out that every year the government spends millions of dollars airlifting injured persons out of interior locations so that they can get medical attention for varying injuries and yet still the Opposition deemed it a necessity to disapprove the

funds that were allocated to rehabilitating hinterland airstrips and landing sites.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon recently posited that a snap election is not the only viable solution to the current parliamentary stalemate. When pressed on how the government intends to fund the operations at the Office of the President and the other core agencies that were affected by budget disapprovals, Dr Luncheon related that while he will not discuss that option, it will not be by way of snap elections since there were other options available to the executive. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Burke is PNP's new general secretary in Jamaica

V

People's National Party activist Paul Burke

eteran People's National Party activist Paul Burke has been chosen as the party's general secretary.

Burke, who turns 62 on June 2, was elected unopposed at Sunday’s National Executive Committee meeting of the PNP held at the

University of the West Indies.

Burke replaces Peter Bunting, the minister of national security and Member of Parliament for Central Manchester, who informed the party last January that he would demit that office.

Political sources said

that Bunting is shaping up to vie for one of the four vice-presidential posts, but could opt for the job of party chairman if it is felt that it might not be easy for him to defeat any of the present four vice presidents--Dr Fenton Ferguson, Noel 'Butch' Arscott, Angela Brown

Burke, Paul's wife, and Derrick Kellier.

The party chairmanship may become available, PNP sources have said, if present holder, veteran MP and minister Robert Pickersgill retires by the party's next annual conference scheduled for September.

Burke, who is a close ally of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, was nominated by deputy general secretaries Julian Robinson and Raymond Pryce, both of whom had initially expressed an interest in holding the office of general secretary.

(Jamaica Observer)

'UNC stronger than ever' - PM Kamla assures supporters

“H

aving produced two prime ministers, three ‘children’, nine political parties” and TT’s first female Prime Minister, Opposition and Political Leader, to name a few, the United National Congress (UNC) political party remains stronger than ever.”

This comment was made by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar last Wednesday night during a thanksgiving and prayer service to commemorate the party’s 25th anniversary. Addressing hundreds of supporters at the service held at Couva South auditorium at Camden Road, Couva, PersadBissessar added that the party was hoping to serve the nation for many years to come.

“I expressed my prayerful gratitude for the vision of the founder and former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. The UNC has become a true reflection of what a nation aspires to be...The UNC gave birth to three other parties so we have

Ministers and UNC members stretch their hands toward PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar as the Orisha minister Awo Awurela Sakayode prayed for her during the Interfaith Service held at Couva South Office Auditorium last Wednesday night (TT Newsday photo)

had children.

Persad-Bissesaar who is TT’s first female prime minister, opposition and political leader, added that some of the “children” have been successful while others not so successful.

Despite their success, or lack thereof, she promised

that the party wishes them well, and it (UNC) will continue to grow “from strength to strength”.

Before the audience, most of whom were dressed in yellow clothing, Persad-Bissessar recalled some of the achievements the party has made dur-

ing its existence.

“On May 24, we will be celebrating our fourth year in office. We are ready to talk about the walk we made for the last few years. This government has a history of not just paving and patching roads, but developing and building new road

works, new networks,” she charged.

Persad-Bissessar is also the Member of Parliament for Siparia. She explained that her government has been accused of only developing south and central Trinidad. Such a view she said was not true as she referred to the construction of the Diego Martin and Valencia Highways.

“So it is not just in south and central, but throughout the length and breadth of TT. You will see development in many ways. In four years, 72 schools were built. You see bridges connecting communities for the first time, water flowing as it has never before.

You will see the social programmes that have been put in place. It was never so before,” Persad- Bissessar said.

She reminded supporters of the General Elections which is constitutionally due next year saying that they have another term to fight for. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

JetBlue adds four new Caribbean flights W ith the addition of its second route between TT and the United States, JetBlue Airways last week launched four additional nonstop Caribbean routes. One of the new routes connects Newark Liberty International Airport with the Dominican city of Santiago. The other routes link the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

JetBlue has announced a substantial increase in its inter- and intra-regional routes servicing the Caribbean

with Montego Bay, Jamaica; Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; and Punta Cana, Dominican

Republic.

The airline said in a release that a lack of intra-regional flights in the

Caribbean impedes the movement of passengers and cargo among the local economies, most of

which suffer economic difficulties. In recent months, JetBlue has announced a substantial increase in its inter- and intra-regional routes servicing the Caribbean, making Puerto Rico its regional hub and covering the gap left when American Eagle exited that market a year ago.

“We now offer customers 69 nonstop routes from the U.S. to the Caribbean and more

than 200 daily flights to, from and within the Caribbean, which is more than any other airline,” JetBlue President Robin Hayes said. “We will continue to expand our presence in this region to better connect families and friends, create international business opportunities and bring Americans to the wonderful leisure destinations across the Caribbean,” he added. (TT Guardian)

16

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 8, 2014

MoBay Freezone earned US$121.9 million – Jamaica’s Industry Minister reports

J

amaica’s Industry, Investment, and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton, has lauded the management of the Montego Bay Free Zone for securing 100 percent occupancy of its offices and factory rental spaces during 2013/14, resulting in US$121.9 million (approximately Ja$13.4 billion) in foreign exchange earnings, and more than 7,000 jobs being created.

Hylton said that the figures surpassed the projected 98 percent occupancy for offices, and 94 percent for factory space at the Free Zone, which were targeted for the 2013/14 fiscal year.

Contact centres have dominated activities at the Free Zone, with the number entities in operation increasing from

Jamaica’s Industry Minister Anthony Hylton (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

four in the 1990s, to 16 at the end of 2013/14.

The Industry Minister contends that increased occupancy of the Free Zone will enhance growth in several areas, including employment and foreign currency earnings.

He was speaking at last Friday’s official opening of American business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, the Elephant Group’s, expanded operations at the Free Zone.

The project saw the entity expanding its of-

fice space to 2,700 sq ft, at a cost of nearly Ja$77 million (US$700,000).

Six hundred additional jobs are expected to be created, as a result.

This development was carried out over a 14-week period under an arrangement with the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ), which owns the building where the Elephant Group’s operations are housed.

The Florida-based Elephant Group, which first opened offices in the Montego Bay Free Zone in 2013, has been offering technical sales support, and selling products for United Stated-based television, internet, and telephone service providers, its past 17 years of operations.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana Chamber looks at Chaguanas business model

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce in Guyana wants to adopt the Chaguanas business model to attract and boost business in the Guyanese capital.

So said Lance Hinds, president of the chamber, when he met with a delegation from TT. Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan, Vijay Ramlal Rai, head of the National Chutney Foundation of TT and Surujdeo Mangaroo, PRO of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), met with Hinds in Georgetown last week to discuss hosting World Chutney Soca Monarch (WCSM) on August 2 at the Guyana National Stadium. Hinds said

P

S

t. James School of Medicine has announced the opening of its third campus located on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.

For the past 14 years, the St. James School of Medicine group of medical schools has provided accessible, affordable and quality education to over 2,500 students.

Offering an MD program designed to prepare students for the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE), and residency in the U.S. and Canada, St. James provides the foundation for a successful medical career.

With the launch of its new campus, St. James now has three campuses located in St. Vincent, Bonaire and Anguilla.

The newly opened campus gives motivated students the opportunity to realise their dream of a medical career all while enjoying the beautiful island of St. Vincent, the largest of the group of islands that make up the St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It also has the largest population

of the islands where St. James has its campuses, with over 100,000 people and a good infrastructure to support this. Popular American chains such as KFC and Pizza Hut, located in the same neighbourhood as the new campus, give students a sense of familiarity, reminding them that they are not too far from home.

Whether it's a visit to the Botanic Gardens, hiking through the mountainous terrain marked by rivers, rapids and waterfalls or relaxing on one of the prominent black sand beaches, students will enjoy all of what St. Vincent has to offer in addition to a quality education.

"As the demand for qualified physicians escalates, medical schools limit the number of students, and the cost of medical education increases," said Raj Mitra, St. James' vice president of enrollment. "St. James School of Medicine's continued growth will fulfill a vital role in providing quality healthcare in the U.S. and Canada."

(Caribbean News)

Barbados gov’t offers training for retrenched workers

B

Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan, second from left, presents president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Lance Hinds with copies of the Builders of Chaguanas Volume 01 and 02. The presentation took place at Hinds’ office in Georgetown, Guyana, last Friday. Looking on are NCIC PRO Surujdeo Mangaroo, left, and NCFTT head Dr Vijay Ramlal Rai (Photo: Vindra Gopaul Boodan)

he was pleased to learn that Chaguanas had grown from a small town and is now one of TT’s largest retail hubs.

He said the WCSM

will be a big event that would attract a lot of potential investors and provide an ideal tourism opportunity for Guyana.

Christine Gooding, proj-

ect lead-manager of the WCSM, said the event should attract more than 30,000 people, including foreigners. (TT Guardian)

Vincentian man charged with killing father olice in St. Vincent on Monday charged a 24-yearold man with killing his father, whose body was discovered in a shallow grave in the yard last Friday.

Police said they have formally charged Calvert Johnson, a resident of Biabou, a community

Medical school opens third new campus in St. Vincent

northeast of Kingstown.

The body of 58-yearold Calvin Jacobs was found in a shallow grave in the yard of the wooden house where he and his son lived after the elder man’s house was gutted by fire.’

Police say he died of a cutlass wound to the neck, but did not offer

The body of 58-year-old Calvin Jacobs was found in a shallow grave in the yard of the wooden house where he and his son lived

any motives for the killing.

Some residents of the area, including relatives of the accused, have said that he has a history of

mental illness.

Jacobs’ death brings to 11 the number people of killed so far this year on the island. (Caribbean News)

arbados’ Labour Minister Senator Esther Byer Suckoo says there are a variety of resources available in the country that retrenched workers have access to which can help put them back on their feet again.

She stated that among these is a retraining fund provided by the National Employment Bureau (NEB) that is open to anyone who qualifies as unemployed.

“So I say to those who are retrenched, we do have a National Employment Bureau with a retraining fund.

There are challenges there, but... I want to encourage retrenched workers to enquire about the retraining fund and try to get some sort of skills. It is free to you as an unemployed worker who has qualified for unemployment to National Insurance, you have these training opportunities free of cost and they can open up new avenues or they put you in a better position to negotiate better conditions, better salaries, when you go back out into the workforce when jobs are there.”

In addition, there is

Barbados’ Labour Minister Esther Byer Suckoo (Barbados Today photo)

also the ministry’s employment website for both skilled and unskilled workers, which provides useful information, said Byer-Suckoo. “…We are developing a platform that employers and job seekers can use, and even students can use as well. We are developing our labour market information system that you would be able to access; some of these things are works in progress so you may not find it all. Our legislation is supposed to be there but because of some legal issues, we haven’t been able to put it on, but we will be putting links onto our legislation as well,” she added. (Barbados Advocate)

News

17

week ending May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

GuySuCo launches bio-fuel pilot project T

he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is adding to its list of manufactured goods and services.

Through a technical cooperation; “Expanding bio-energy opportunities in Guyana” and with funding from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in August 2013, the Guyana government formally commissioned a Bio-ethanol demonstration plant at GuySuCo’s Albion Estate with the objectives of demonstrating production of fuel grade ethanol from the estates’ available feed stock, increasing the mass of trained personnel in the area of bio-fuel through training and research, and demonstrating the utilisation of bio-ethanol fuel.

Saturday, the BioEthanol E-10 fuel produced at GuySuCo’s Albion Estate was formally launched for trial

run in a number of vehicles, with the expectation that before the end of 2014, approximately 25 vehicles would be routinely utilising the fuel, but moreover, the pilot plan developing in the future towards the production of commercially available blended fuel.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy delivering the feature remarks said the government is hoping that GuySuCo’s effort is the first step in making it a national programme.

He noted that government in its determination to pursue a fuel blend with ethanol, looking towards the country’s future, established a National Commission on bio-energy and set as one of its goal the hope of introducing legislation to mandate the use of blended fuel.

“Whilst we are deciding on that we at

Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy fuels up his vehicle with the bio-ethanol E-10 fuel

GuySuCo have moved forward by blending E-10 for a small number of vehicles…one thing that we want everyone to know however, is that having made

the start here at Albion, this pilot plan will develop in the future to produce commercially available blended fuel for use, and therefore GuySuCo is adding to its commodi-

ty,” the minister related.

Even as GuySuCo launched the new E-10 blend of fuel, it will continue efforts at a determined cost and efficiency towards this goal of com-

mercial production, he stated.

One of the studies that is to be conducted over the next many months is to consider in addition to molasses derived out of sugar, what other sub-strains can be used, for example cassava, in the production of bio-fuel. This will ensure that even when sugar is not in production, the company can continue to produce bio-fuel, with the other sub-strains.

But Albion is set to go from demonstration of bio-ethanol to production.

Estate Manager, Albion, Devindra Kumar said that it was a privilege to have the bio-ethanol demonstration plant at Albion, as the estate welcomes being part of a programme to generate bio-fuel to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuel. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Construction begins on Ja$39 million health centre in St Ann

G

round was officially broken in Jamaica last Friday to begin construction of a health centre in the community of Exchange in St Ann. The just over Ja$39million health centre will be a Type 2 facility offering services, including maternal and child health, environmental health, mental health,

dental health, health education, nutrition, and curative services.

"The scope of work includes the construction of a 3,500-square-foot building to include sewage disposal, parking facilities and perimeter fencing," a release from the Ministry of Health said Saturday.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson said

residents of the communities of Exchange as well as Eltham, Mile End, Tatch Hill, Union, Four Road, Lodge, Marvin's Park, Hyatt's Field, White River, and Upton will no longer have to go all the way to Ocho Rios to access primary health care services.

“Our priorities under the Vision 2030 National Development Plan in-

Second Caricom-Turkey high level meeting set for Istanbul

I

n an effort to expand and consolidate ties between Caricom nations and Turkey, a second high level meeting between the government of Turkey and representatives from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will take place in Istanbul from May 12 to 14.

The last meeting took place also in Istanbul in 2008. The 2008 meeting was attended by representatives from Turkey and Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, according to Suriname’s Ambassador to the UN, Henry MacDonald, who represented Paramaribo at that meeting.

Turkey started negotiations with Caricom in 2007 to sign a consultation and cooperation agreement. In 2011, this culminated in the sign-

ing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on consultation and cooperation between Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoğlu and Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque in New York.

The MOU also emphasises cooperation in the promotion of trade, investment and tourism, along with the areas of natural disasters, commerce and scientific and technical exchange.

Recently, Davutoğlu visited the Caribbean to lobby Caricom support for Turkey’s candidacy for a UN Security Council rotating seat. Davutoğlu became the first Turkish foreign minister to visit Haiti and the Dominican Republic in April. Turkey and Spain are both competing for that Security Council seat.

Most Spanish speaking Latin American countries according to insiders will support Spain.

But Turkey is counting on the support of the English-speaking Caribbean countries and

especially Guyana, Haiti and Suriname.

During the last Caricom-Turkey highlevel meeting in Istanbul in August 2008, former Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, identified trade, education, culture, tourism, climate change, food and fuel prices, as potential areas for cooperation. According to the Caricom Secretariat, “These are indeed among Caricom’s priority issues, and are expected to feature on our cooperation agenda.” These are some of the issues up for discussion during the upcoming meeting.

Caricom has already benefited immensely from the support provided by Turkey in 2006, to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) through the Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Programme and notably in regard to the Haitian earthquake in 2010, according to the Caricom Secretariat.

Jamaica’s Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson (Jamaica Observer photo)

clude building a holistic health care system to achieve the goal of a healthy and stable population," said Dr Ferguson.

"We believe that there are tremendous benefits to be achieved by focusing on primary health care which can increase the life expectancy of our population.

"In addition, by encouraging persons to use the services that are closer to their communities, we will be reducing the

patient load at hospitals that are oftentimes overcrowded,” Dr Ferguson added.

The contract, which was awarded to NR Diaram Construction Limited, was signed in March for the work to begin on the facility. The work is expected to be completed in six months.

Funding for the project is being provided by the CHASE Fund and the National Health Fund.

(Jamaica Observer)

18

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Guyana’s sugar industry set to surpass first crop target

2009 plane crash in Jamaica’s Capital could have been avoided-report

Police guard the wreckage of American Airlines flight 331 near the seaside above the Port Royal main road in Kingston before it was moved to a hangar at the Norman Manley International Airport in December 2009 (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

A

A

This is the first time in about six to 10 crops that GuySuCo has been able to continue to the scheduled end of the crop

fter three years of great difficulties of dealing with the climate and such constraints, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is set to meet its first crop target of 74,000 tonnes.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said GuySuCo will soon be in a position to announce that it would have surpassed its first crop target. This is with close to three weeks of cultivation remaining for five of the eight factories.

The remaining three factories: Albion, Blairmont and Rose Hall should conclude their crop within the next week and a half, but already these three have surpassed their first crop target.

In the case of Albion, this target has been surpassed by more than 2000 tonnes. The estate had projected a production of 13,365 tonnes of sugar for this first crop, but already it has produced 15,451 and is ex-

pected to surpass 20,000 tonnes.

Minister Ramsammy said that it is very encouraging to see GuySuCo performing at a level of its potential.

“This is testimony to my faith in the industry, and also allows for the detractors of the industry to pause a little, because I have heard the explanation of bad management and so forth, and my question is how come when the weather is good, even in the last three years, GuySuCo performs at its potential,” he said.

“Indeed there is a group of people in Guyana who were convinced that GuySuCo would fail again and there are people who I believe were praying that GuySuCo would fail again, but I believe the corporation, the managers and workers of GuySuCo, and we altogether that given the right conditions the same manager, the same factories, the same equip-

ment, the same workers would perform as they have done historically, producing sugar at high level and we have done so again,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister noted that since climatic conditions seems to be a great issue affecting the production of sugar, what Guyana and the Caribbean needs to do is to ensure collectively there is an answer as to how to deal with the changing weather pattern.

He said that Guyana knows the answer and now it is all about getting the resources to put those answers in place.

He noted that the Gy$6 billion that was approved for GuySuCo this year will go towards some of this work, but much still needs to be done.

This is the first time in about six to 10 crops that GuySuCo has been able to continue to the scheduled end of the crop, in spite of a late beginning because of weather.

(Guyana Times)

report on the 2009 crash of an American Airlines plane in Kingston, Jamaica, says the accident could have been avoided if the flight crew had not ignored certain precautions and if the pilots had received adequate training in tailwind landing.

Some 148 passengers narrowly escaped death on December 22, 2009 when American Airlines Flight 331, flying from Miami to Kingston, overshot the runway at the Norman Manley International Airport and came to a stop inches from the sea just off the Port Royal main road.

Almost five years later, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority has released the report on the investigation into the incident.

Almost five years after the incident, the report has documented a wide range of issues that it says contributed to the crash on a wet and rainy night.

According to the report, the flight crew did not make themselves fa-

miliar with all the available information before departing Miami.

It says the flight crew did not give any consideration to the expected landing conditions in Kingston before departing from Miami.

The report says there is no evidence that the flight crew showed any concern about the runway conditions until just before landing.

The report concludes that this shows that the flight crew’s Situational Awareness before departure was incomplete, partly due to the inaccurate information given to them.

In aviation, situational awareness is a term used to describe a person’s awareness of their surroundings, the meaning of these surroundings, a prediction of what these surroundings will mean in the future, and then using this information to act.

However, the report says this awareness was low and as a result, the crew could not accurately predict possible landing conditions and make

the appropriate adjustments.

Meanwhile, the report notes that information relayed to the flight crew informing of the adverse weather and that the runway at the Normal Manley International airport was wet were not acted on.

The report has revealed that the flight crew were focused on several other issues including getting the plane within the approved landing weight requirement during what it calls the late stage of the immediate approach.

According to the report, until the air traffic controllers indicated to the pilots that the runway was wet, they were proceeding as if the runway was dry and using autobrakes.

Even with this, the crew reportedly was not concerned since there were no reports on any action taken.

The report said the crew was proceeding with some level of complacency, landing in rain with a tailwind. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Pay raise for Antigua’s minimum wage workers

Trinis bid for soursop world record

T

he heaviest soursop fruit in the world, weighed a whopping 3.69 kg (8.14 lb). That was recorded on June 8, 2010 and grown

by Ken Veros.

The circumference of that fruit was 60.9 cm (24 in) and 29.2 cm (11.5 in) in length and certified by the world renowned Guinness World Records (GWR).

Now, it seems that some Trinis are challenging the record.

Jessie Jeanville and Mary Phillip are challenging that record. The two Trinidad and Tobago

citizens are brother and sister, with the former being the original owner of the soursop fruit, that may just break the previous record mentioned.

“The soursop tree usually bears very big ones. The first two on the tree were about nine pounds. I never really thought about weighing it,” said Jessie in a telephone conversation from his sister’s Trincity home.

He further explained that it was when he saw the soursop on the tree, he decided to give his sister Mary a call and ask

his son to check to see what is the record shown on the internet.

Jessie’s fruit weighs a staggering 10.8lbs. He gave it to Mary.

It seems as though the soursop tree in Mr Jeanville’s yard is not alone in bearing extremely large fruits. He also mentioned that his coconut tree also produced very large fruits.

The fruit was picked on April 24 and would be preserved via deep freeze refrigeration in his sister’s home, until contact is made with GWR agents. (TT Newsday)

Antigua and Barbuda’s Labour Minister Dr Errol Cort said consultations would be held with stakeholders before the minimum wage is increased (Photo by Tameika Malone)

A

ntigua and Barbuda’s Labour Minister Dr Errol Cort has confirmed that Cabinet has approved a 70-cent per hour increase on minimum wage.

Speaking at a Labour Day rally Monday, Dr Cort said the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee– comprising representatives from

the unions, Employers Federation, Chamber of Commerce, Private Sector Business Alliance, security guards, hotels and government–met with Cabinet.

“The committee unanimously recommended that we should increase the minimum wage in this country from EC$7.50 to EC$8.20. The Cabinet looked at that

recommendation and I am happy to tell you that the Cabinet has agreed,” Dr Cort said.

He noted the committee completed its work in March and presented its report to Cabinet.

The Labour Minister said the decision would be implemented after consultation with all the key stakeholders.

(Antigua Observer)

news

19

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana Police launch anti- Jamaicans cut energy usage but still paying more crime youth club

J

communities through expanded youth opportunities.

The senior Superintendent of Police added that the main focus of the group is to engage the youths meaningfully in sport and educational activities.

The Deputy Commander also highlighted that the young people will also be placed into a Scout Group to enhance their skills, while underscoring that they will also be a part of the GPF’s summer camp and work study programme this year.

“They will be taught to become computer literate, assist those who cannot afford to attend school and educational items and whatever necessary needs the less fortunate youths may incur,” he stated.

“The bottom line of this youth club is discipline and therefore we need our youths to be positive, competitive and to excel in their every endeavour,” Mansell said, while encouraging the parents to take an active part in the success of this first launching in the community.

The initiative is part of an ongoing outreach programme of the Police Force in order to give back to society and to increase public confidence and the force’s image.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

amaicans are using less electricity but still paying more, according to the newly released Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica (ESSJ).

The report, published annually by Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), also indicates that electricity sales fell two percent but revenue rose 8.5 percent to Ja$110.1 billion in 2013.

The reduced sales were due mainly to a fall in demand, which occurred despite a 2.3 percent increase in the Jamaica Public Service Company's customer base, the ESSJ indicates.

Total fuel consumption also decreased by 8.3 percent to 4.14 million barrels in 2013, the fourth consecutive year of decline, the PIOJ reports.

Meanwhile, use of alternative energy is up, including coal which increased by 58.5 percent over 2012.

The PIOJ, through a research officer, explained last Friday that although fuel costs fell during the year, consumers paid more as "the market to which Jamaica is linked, the West Texas Intermediate, went up."

Demand, the Planning Institute said in its report, "reflected the dull economic environment, increased conservation practices and customers switching to

Guyanese girl killed in NY crash

husband were in a car about two minutes behind Rebecca, who was riding with a friend, Faith Cummings, 11, and her mother, Esther Cummings, 42. They had just left services at Restoration Temple Assembly of God in Canarsie and were headed to dinner when the crash happened.

I

Police handing over sport gear to the youth club (Guyana Times photo)

n many communities across Berbice, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has taken the lead in implementing innovative juvenile crime prevention and intervention efforts as part of an overall community-oriented approach to policing.

In line with this, the Development Association of Fort Ordinance (DAFO) in collaboration with the GPF B Division last Wednesday launched a youth group in the community.

This launch complemented a series of youth clubs across Berbice by the Police in B Division.

President of DAFO Stanley Jacob stated that the aim of the organisation is all about development and making the community a better place in every aspect of their livelihood.

Since its formation, he said DAFO has formed a community policing

A

group and installed several street lights in its effort to assist in curbing criminal activities in the area. He said too, they continue to work assiduously on several other projects so as to ensure the community is safer.

“Youths are the future of tomorrow and we want our youths to become more actively involved in every area and aspect of development,” Jacob said.

Deputy Commander Stephen Mansell, who was elated to be a part of the event, explained that the initiative aims at supporting strong measures to prevent juveniles from becoming involved in illegal activities. He said through youth-focused community oriented policing, they are hoping to reduce the availability of firearms to youth, strengthening anti-drug and anti-gang measures, and building healthy

The mangled vehicles involved in the crash

nine-year-old girl who had just left church was killed in Brooklyn, New York (NY) on Sunday when a motorist suspected in a hit-and-run crash fled a traffic stop and caused a three-car wreck, Police said.

Rebecca Ramnarine, a fourth-grader from St Albans, Queens, died at Brookdale University

Hospital shortly after the17:00h accident in Canarsie. A 62-year-old man driving with a suspended licence had been pulled over because his Honda Odyssey matched a description of an SUV involved in a hit-and-run crash, Police said.

As police were talking to the driver, he drove off, raced for a few blocks and rammed into

the back of a Hyundai Elantra in which Rebecca was a backseat passenger, Police said. A third car was also involved in the crash.

“I saw the EMS try to take my daughter out of a mangled car.

She was lifeless and had blood all over,” said Rebecca’s mother, Abiola Ramnarine, 38.

The mom and her

Total fuel consumption also decreased by 8.3 percent to 4.14 million barrels in 2013 (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

alternative energy sources. Consequently, most consumer categories recorded reduced sales."

The cost of fuel used to generate electricity fell 2.5 percent to Ja$48.9 billion, reflecting the impact of market prices - the spot peak price of crude oil--which fell by 0.9 percent, as well as increased generation by Independent Power Providers contracted to JPS, which uses cheaper fuel.

Reduction in consumption was also due to an overall 20 percent increase in alternative energy consumption, with coal climbing 58.5 percent, and wind up six percent. There was however a 17 percent decline in hydropower supplies.

A PIOJ researcher said last Friday that the planning agency has no recordings for solar, noting that the contribution

from this source is minimal compared to wind and coal.

The decline in power consumption was largely due to energy savings among residential consumers, which recorded a 3.8 percent fall in consumption to 986.2 gigawatt hours, followed by the general service category, which was down 2.3 percent to 578.4 GWh. Consumption among large commercial and industrial users fell by 1.6 percent to 599.2 GWh, and by 0.4 percent to 762.1 GWh in the small commercial/industrial category.

Increases were seen in the categories 'other' and 'street lighting'.

Increased sales to interchange customers, particularly WindalcoEwarton, continued to fuel the higher sales in the 'other' category, the ESSJ noted. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Esther Cummings, her daughter and three other people who were riding in the second vehicle hit by the Odyssey, a Toyota minivan, were all being treated at Brookdale. Police said all five had minor injuries, but friends said Faith Cummings had a broken pelvis. As the grieving mother and father, stood

outside the emergency room at Brookdale, the man suspected in the crash that killed their daughter was inside the hospital being treated.

“He took my daughter’s life and I’m hurting, but I don’t feel like I want to go in there and hurt him,” Richard Ramnarine, the girl’s father, said. (New York Daily News)

No recording for solar

20

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Inaugural Guyana Festival to be staged in August I

n an effort to showcase Guyana’s rich cultural diversity, the Tourism Ministry last Friday launched the inaugural Guyana Festival, which will see a mixture of the country’s traditional music, dance, food, arts and craft being exhibited at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on August 8 to 10.

This three-day event, which will be marketed in North America and the Caribbean, is aimed at bringing awareness of Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage, and generally the nature of its tourism product locally, regionally and internationally.

Speaking at the official launch of the festival last week, President Donald Ramotar said the festival is an idea whose time has come, demonstrating to the world at large how beautiful it is to live in a multi-ethnic and multi-

cultural society of rich roots from Africa, Asia and Europe, and at the same time coinciding

in a single and unique Guyanese culture.

“When you sit there and enjoy the African

and Indian drumming and the fusion dance, we must thank our foreparents for the strength

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali being welcomed by young Guyanese decked out in their traditional wear at the launch of the Guyana Festival at the Guyana International Conference Centre

and resilience to keep alive under difficult circumstances, our culture,” the president said.

ic performances highlighting drama groups, and craft, poetry, dance and painting.

Remarkable significance

On Saturday, August 9, there will be a night for local legends which will see renowned celebrities such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Eddy Grant, and Terry Gajraj performing. There will also be a day set aside for games and will see various communities coming out to compete in cricket, football and other sports with the aim of winning trophies and other prizes.

The event will culminate with a culinary cook-off competition of traditional Guyanese cuisine, such as duck curry, pepper pot, cook-up, metemgee and black cake, followed by a grand concert aimed at promoting the next generation of Guyana’s music industry and helping to develop new/young talent. Performing will be Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and others.

There will also be the minting of a “Festival Coin” to commemorate this inaugural festival.

This coin will be available at King’s Jewellery World.

A Guyana Festival passport costing US$15 or Gy$3000 will be made available which will allow persons to enter the event all three nights, among other benefits. (Guyana Times)

He further noted that this festival has a remarkable significance, in that it will encourage more creativity and encourage young people to produce more dance, song, arts and craft, which is very important. He highlighted that Guyana has produced great people in sports, culture and arts, and this event will also provide a great opportunity for Guyanese to return home and be a part of this great festival.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali, who give an overview of the festival and what persons can expect, said that the intention is to create a long lasting impression.

Ali said the festival will be a very important aspect of the tourism drive where persons will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of Guyana’s culture.

This family-oriented event will take the format of an exhibition during opening hours showcasing craft, art, culinary delights, celebrity and demonstration tents, and concerts in the evenings. There will also be a children’s playground.

On Friday, August 8, there will be the opening ceremony which will see a fusion of Guyanese culture comprising various dramat-

Local legends

feature

21

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Winston Kassim, C.M.

First Guyanese to receive the highest Canadian award

W

inston Shyam Liaquat Kassim was appointed to the Order of Canada on July 1, 2009, and officially invested June 18, 2010, for his worldwide humanitarian work spanning an impressive 30-year period.

The Order of Canada or Ordre du Canada is an honour for merit that is, within the Canadian system of honours, the highest civilian award administered by the Governor-General-inCouncil. Kassim became the first Guyanese to achieve this distinction.

Kassim was born at 132 King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, to Hajjin Noorun Nisa Kassim and late Subaydar Kassim.

The sixth of seven children, Kassim obtained his primary education at St. Patrick’s Anglican School in East Canje, Berbice, and St. George’s Anglican School in Georgetown.

His family moved to Adelphi Village when he was an infant. He fondly remembers Adelphi, East Canje as a young child, as the village that moulded his formative years. Kassim recalls, “Although my father did not make much money at that time, my mother raised hens and had a large vegetable garden as such we might have been considered well to do in that time and place. So although we did not have money for luxuries, we had a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, and food in our stomach.

Considering our life in Canada, our early life in Guyana could be considered financially poor, but I maintain that we were much more fortunate than others in Guyana, and around the world.”

As a teenager, Kassim began his professional career at Barclays Bank after concluding his secondary education at Indian Education Trust College in Georgetown.

This foray into the world of finance was to chart the course of the young man’s career choice. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude in banking by rapidly advancing through senior positions, running various banking operations in Dominica, St. Lucia and Barbados.

At age 22 he was appointed senior supervisor at Barclays Bank (now GBTI) in Guyana.

Ever the academic, while working full-time, he concurrently studied for and completed all his banking exams by that age. Kassim credits his mother for instilling in him his passion for community service. She ad-

Winston Kassim, C.M.

vised, “Take care of the underprivileged, but to do so in a quiet manner.”

It was his father’s experiences that instilled in him the zeal for formal education. His mother had the equivalent of a Grade Five education, while his father who grew up on the estate had the equivalent of a grade two education. His father was determined to elevate himself academically and that drive was

Kassim was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada

by Governor General Michaelle Jean (right)

noted by Percy Liverpool - a headmaster who was his neighbour. Liverpool agreed to tutor his father on a part-time basis free of cost. This act of generosity enabled his father to attain a high school level education. His father’s educational development transformed the family’s circumstances and opened new windows of opportunity. His father, the late Subyadar Kassim, rose to the prominent position of Superintendent of Police and retired in 1971. His elder brother retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sultan Feroze Kassim followed in his father’s footsteps. His other siblings are all professionals and include his brother, the late Dr Sultan Farook Kassim and his sisters Bibi Fernando, Dolly Dhaniram, Anne Sawh and Ingrid Innes, who are all currently residing in Canada.

Presently, the Head of Strategic Portfolio Management, Canadian Banking of RBC, Kassim holds an MBA from

Athabasca University.

In 1975, Kassim married Kameni Cheddie. He was encouraged by his wife to move to Canada to begin a new life and look for more opportunities.

He continued his career in the world of banking with a new position as a management trainee at Royal Bank of Canada.

Migration did not affect his humanitarian efforts; he continued to dedicate his efforts equally to his profession and community work. He volunteered for organisations such as the Junior Achievement of Ontario and United Way. He was instrumental in the fundraising and establishment of two prominent Greater Toronto Area mosques in 1981, the Sunatul Jamaat of Ontario Canada and the Malton Islamic Association, and continues to be involved in advisory capacities to their community programs.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, he had assisted in establishing four more community

centres for other faithbased groups, which serve as venues for social events, education and skills training.

In the subsequent years, Kassim expended his energies towards community building and created initiatives through his banking experience to encourage development of life skills by delivering financial seminars to various groups.

During the 1980s, he broadened his volunteerism to a more global stage. Kassim lobbied with various groups and individuals towards the release of Nelson Mandela. He represented a small but significant minority of NonSouth Africans from corporate Canada engaged in this struggle.

Canada, as a leader in the Commonwealth, championed the call for sanctions against South African apartheid. The international pressure sparked political and social changes in South Africa culminating in the release of Nelson

Mandela. Canada’s efforts towards Mandela’s release propelled it to world prominence for its philanthropic position.

Kassim regards this as one of the greatest achievements he has contributed towards. He continued his lobbying by working on the committee for the sponsorship of Nelson Mandela.

Kassim reflects fondly on the opportunity he had to meet Mandela, “Looking back at that endeavour, we had a duty to not only help a great cause, but also a great man.” Kassim continues to be an active member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada), an organisation focused on becoming the foremost charity in Canada by promoting and realising Nelson Mandela’s global vision of social justice for children and youth.

As a volunteer Vice Chairman of the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), an organisation that he has been a part of for ten years, Kassim made significant contributions over 30 years as a dedicated volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership with many regional, national and international charitable and humanitarian organisations. He assists in leading IDRF in projects dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people throughout the world.

“In this moment of Mr. Kassim’s recognition,” said Dr. Cassim Degani, Chair of IDRF, “We at IDRF are especially proud as he has devoted a considerable amount of time to the sustainability and growth of the IDRF over continued on page 23

Hundreds of Guyanese celebrate Indian Arrival Day in Essequibo

A

ll decked out in their cultural Indian attire, hundreds of persons converged on the Anna Regina Community Centre ground in Region Two on Monday to commemorate the 176th Anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana.

It was an occasion where the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) staged an enthralling show, displaying the rich culture of East Indians. Khalnayak Academy out of Trinidad and Tobago, Nachgana, Shelita, Aurora and Khandai were among the popular dance troupes that dished out mesmerising performances to the beat of folk songs and traditional Indian music.

In addition, well-known singers from the twin-island Republic, Adesh Samaroo and Rasika Dindyal, both with songs leading the regional charts, joined the local Ravi D band, pushing the crowd further into a celebratory mood.

Nachgana Dance Troupe performing at the Anna Regina Centre ground

A wide variety of Indian and local cuisine and drinks were on sale, much to the satisfaction of patrons. Although organised by the IAC, the event received overwhelming sponsorship from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company and Banks DIH. In the midst of the celebration,

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud congratulated the IAC for staging the well-organised event.

While reflecting on the first batch of Indians who arrived in Guyana 176 years ago, Persaud said the Indian ancestors have left rich legacy for Guyanese.

“Arrival Day is a celebration of a nation carved out of the meeting

A section of the gathering at the IAC Mela at Anna Regina

of many worlds and cultures, our ancestors came from various parts of the world, we should appreciate,” he posited.

He said too that Guyanese should be cognisant of their diverse cultures, which have opened windows of opportunities beyond measure. These cultures, he emphasised, ought to be respected and appreciated. “I

wish to reiterate and appeal that I have made before for everyone to continue to strive for and promote greater harmony in our relations with another, let us work to overcome the barriers of suspicion, hatred and mistrust which are often planted by those who seek to divide us to facilitate our exploitation,” Persaud implored.

(Guyana Times)

22

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Popcaan...Canada style

New twist to Popcaan’s tracks

P

resident Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar were among the thousands in Guyana who Sunday evening enjoyed the talent of renowned Bollywood Playback Singer Sonu Nigam.

Nigam was backed by a 25-member troupe from Mumbai, including a large selection of Bollywood’s best musicians at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The concert, organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, was held to commemorate the 176th anniversary of Indian Arrival in Guyana and the Sabha’s 40th anniversary.

The proceed went to the Sabha’s Bal Nivas home for vulnerable children.

The facility, which is located at Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice, has the capacity to house

Bollywood Playback Singer Sonu Nigam thrilled the audience at the National Stadium Sunday night

comfortably, approximately 60 persons. The facility materialised after a series of massive fund-raising events, including mega concerts featuring Bollywood’s singing sensations.

President Ramotar, who briefly addressed the thousands of supportive Guyanese at Sunday evening’s concert, applauded their support for a worthwhile

cause and encouraged their support of other such ventures.

The president also hailed the concert as a fitting tribute to the Indian foreparents who came to Guyana and despite difficulties, managed to upkeep their culture.

“Today, 176 years after, we have the top artistes of India coming to entertain us, that is a

The sold out crowd at the “Klose to My Soul” Concert at the Guyana National Stadium

testimony of the fact that our foreparents managed in difficult and very harsh circumstances to maintain this culture and to give it also a specific Guyanese flavour,” he said.

On May 5, 1838, 233 men, five women and six children from India, the first batch of immigrants, arrived onboard the Whitby at Highbury to supplement the multiethnic, multicultural society on which Guyana today prides itself.

The concert which also featured a performance by upcoming Bollywood Playback Singer Jonita Gandhi, was also the Guyana leg of Sonu Nigam’s 2014 World Concert Tour titled “Klose to My Soul”, featuring tributes to Indian musical legends such as Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar, RD Burman and Kishore Kumar, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Trini models feature in top St. Lucia fashion show

T

rinidad and Tobago continues to foster key relationships with its Caribbean neighbours within the growing regional fashion industry, as two local models recently participated in the popular St. Lucia Hot Couture Fashion Showcase earlier this week. Hosted in conjunction with the St. Lucia Tourist Board, this Fashion Extravaganza was held as part of the internationally acclaimed St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

This year, prominent models Soowan Bramble and Athaliah Samuel travelled to the capital city of Castries to participate in this fashion showcase. Both models had expressed excitement at the opportunity to represent their country on a regional and international scale, and had expressed gratitude to the St Lucian government and organisers who

Popular local model Soowan Bramble walked the runway at the event in St. Lucia (TT Guardian photo)

facilitated the opportunity, including Runway Director of HOT Couture and Trinidadian-born Fashion impresario,

Richard Young.

According to Young in a release: “The inclusion of models from TT in the prestigious Hot Couture

Fashion Event—a signature and pivotal component of the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival— signals the metamorphosis of an all-inclusive creative arts showpiece, and also speaks to the building of a true regional cultural industry platform.” Young also says that he is proud of TT’s dynamic models that certainly lend a professional and experienced element to the overall look of the show.

Recognised for her flawless, mahogany skin, carved physique and unmistakable form on the runway, Athaliah Samuel has certainly become one of the most accomplished models in the Caribbean. Samuel has walked the runway for notable Caribbean designers, such as Claudia Pegus, Peter Elias and Sonia Noel of Guyana. She took part in the recently concluded Cayman Islands Fashion Week 2014.

Deejay Popcaan reached out to the Canadian and was reportedly impressed with the cover of his tracks. (Right) Canadian Lucas DiPasquale (Jamaica Observer photos)

I

t has been three weeks since Canadian Lucas DiPasquale took to YouTube with his acoustic cover of a medley of deejay Popcaan's ‘Road Haffi Tek On’, ‘Party Shot’ and ‘Only Man She Want’. The response has been overwhelming.

The Internet video has already racked up more than 115,000 views, which is mindblowing for the youngster from Markham— the fourth largest city in Ontario.

"I really just did it to impress my friends," DiPasquale told Jamaican media. "They have Jamaican parents and have been trying get me into reggae and dancehall music for some time now. And I have really come to like it and just wanted to show them how much they have rubbed off on me," he continued.

This is his first attempt at covering a reggae/dancehall track, having previously put his spin on the works of North American rap and R&B acts.

"It's something I have always done. But based on the response to Popcaan I am working on something else."

He was guarded about revealing what he was working on, but when Splash pressed, he relented.

"It's something from Popcaan and Vybz (Kartel). I hope it is as good as this one. I'm kin-

da nervous, so I'm trying to make it perfect before I release it."

DiPascuale's current video has got to the eyes and ears of the deejay whose work he covered.

"Popcaan reached out to me. Someone tweeted the video and sent it to him and he got back at me just saying 'thanks, and no worries'. That was just great," he says.

Popcaan tops DiPascuale's list of Jamaican artistes he would love to collaborate with given the opportunity.

"I love all his music.

It's just happy and exciting; whether I am listening to Ravin or any Popcaan track I just feel happy...it's a very rhythmic sound and I just love it. Not a lot of North American artistes do that for me," he stated.

Although he has never visited Jamaica, through his friends DiPasquale has been drawn to the music of local acts Popcaan, Tommy Lee, the incarcerated Vybz Kartel, and Mavado.

Even with making the video, it was his friends who helped him understand the lyrics of the tracks which are recorded in the Jamaican dialect.

"It wasn't really that hard, as it is very rhythmic and catchy, but my friends helped me out and even helped me pronounce some of the words," he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

Soowan Bramble is one of TT’s most in-demand models. In addition to being a full-time fashion sketch muse at the Caribbean Academy of Fashion & Design at UTT, Bramble also has held the title of the inaugural Best Model of the Universe, a competition that she won in Panama in 2013. She has been the official face for 'She Magazine', and has graced the runway and multimedia campaigns

for a myriad of designers, including Heather Jones, Gillian Harding of the USA, Rhion Romany and Noorulani Agha of India.

St. Lucia Hot Couture was held on May 7 and featured a full, quality runway presentation from some of the foremost names in Caribbean fashion, as well as an international calibre trunk show from the slated designers. (TT Guardian)

feature

23

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Thriving Guyanese business--N&S Mattai and company

T

he name "Mattai" has long signified Indian spices in Guyana. In any culture, the food is the most persistent trait that survives: but it can only do so if the ingredients are made available. Mattai was one of those that identified this need and had the entrepreneurial drive to take the risk to become directly involved in importing the spices that distinguished Indian cuisine and also just as important, move to the Stabroek Market, which was the bazaar of Guyana.

Ever much the businessperson as her husband, she also ran the store, working side-by-side with her husband even though he was opposed to her being at the market. She simultaneously raised ten children and still managed to be known as a fashion icon in society, often sporting high heels and saris.

Upheaval and migration

The beginning: sugar and rice

Founded by Nuckshed Liliah Mattai and Shamdayee Mattai, N&S Mattai started from very humble beginnings. Nuckshed’s parents arrived in Guyana from India as indentured labourers. Starting out at the Uitvlugt Estate, on the West Coast of Demerara, the family eventually moved to Hague Backdam where they started a rice mill to service the rice farmers who had bought plots of land on the ex-sugar estate. The father would have plunged all his hard earned savings into this venture.

Nuckshed worked with the family business for years until the passing of his parents. This was one of the foundations of Indian entrepreneurship: the entire family supplied their labour to the enterprise. Nuckshed married Shamdayee in 1948 and over the course of their marriage the couple was blessed with ten children - five boys and five girls.

N&S Mattai & Company was formed in 1949 with the opening of a stall in Stabroek Market. This was a bold and risky move, but the young couple appreciated that the greater number of shoppers meant greater opportunities. The risk was taken. Nuckshed and Shamdayee worked tirelessly to supply the public with basic groceries.

Nuckshed Liliah Mattai and Shamdayee Mattai

This hard work paid off as the business steadily grew and the Mattai family moved from owning one stall at the market to owning seven.

During these years, both husband and wife made countless sacrifices in order to keep the business and the family afloat. Nuckshed spent many nights sleeping at a gas station across from Stabroek Market just so that he could open his stall as early as possible and close it as late as possible. He often waited until the 6:45am bell rang at the Market so that he could race to remove the shutters on his stall and make the first sale. Shamdayee gave birth to the couple’s first child in 1949. During this time, poverty often prevented Nuckshed from visiting his family on the East Coast. Weeks passed without him being able to visit his children. During this time, Nuckshed also overcame language barriers to become fluent in English, having grown up speaking primarily Hindi.

In the early 1960s,

Nuckshed was able to achieve his dream of owning a business in Water Street - the epitome of the Guyanese business community. The business was moving up.

He purchased the building and land at 4A Water & Hope Streets, where N

Shamdayee and Nuckshed, along with most Guyanese, faced incredible difficulty in the 1970s and 1980s, when most basic food items such as potatoes, onions, and split peas were banned by the government. The business was hit especially hard since unavailability of these goods undermined the company’s survival and their family’s livelihood.

The couple made the decision to move with their five youngest children to Canada.

The trauma of uprooting from roots, which had been so painstakingly nurtured, was alleviated somewhat because they were able provide their children with educational opportunities that were unavailable in Guyana. Like most of the Indo-Guyanese entrepreneurs, they remained ad-

since the sons stayed in Guyana for months at a time with their families to run the store via a shiftlike system. Nuckshed and Shamdayee regularly travelled to Guyana to oversee the business and ensure that the company’s burgeoning reputation in quality and service continued.

The return

Shortly after Nuckshed’s passing in 1994, the supermarket in Canada was closed and Nuckshed and Shamdayee’s third son Harry returned to Guyana with his wife Bharati and their three children to run the business fulltime. The closure of Canada operations has not done much to stem the popularity of Mattai’s Garam Masala and spices in Guyanese communities abroad.

After Harry returned to Guyana, he was able to demolish the old existing building in Water Street and construct a new building. Over the years, additional stories have been added to create the extensive building that sits on Water & Hope Streets today.

N&S Mattai & Company continues to expand to accommodate Guyana’s diversi-

such as culture, charity, education, environment and recreation.

Harry has also transformed the company’s scope, expanding a successful grocery store into a place where customers can become more educated shoppers and have an overall better shopping experience. He makes it a point to educate himself on food trends, nutritional information and health benefits and shares this with his customers by making himself accessible for a conversation anytime and via the company’s radio programmes. Harry stays true to the company’s commitment to quality and health.

The company’s history still plays a significant part in day-to-day operations. Its original sign still hangs proudly inside the store and pictures of Nuckshed and Shamdayee are permanent fixtures in Harry’s office. Harry honours his father’s love for racehorses and football by supporting horse racing events and sponsoring a football team in Tiger Bay. Shamdayee remains vehement that family name remain a source of pride and regularly reminds the family

N&S Mattai original sign, which still hangs inside the store on 4A Water & Hope Streets

& S Mattai & Company still exists today. But the couple still remained rooted in the market for a number of years.

Nuckshed often managed the seven stalls in Stabroek Market while Shamdayee managed the business in Water Street. His sons often helped him after school and on weekends.

Those who knew Shamdayee at the time often describe her as a force to be reckoned with.

amant about proper education for all of their children.

The family ran a small convenience store in Mississauga for approximately five years, which culminated in the opening a supermarket in the heart of Toronto. This was run by four of their children – Harry, Vickram, Nehaul and Vidya. During this time, the family managed to run N&S Mattai & Company in Guyana,

fied dietary needs and desires, offering hundreds of products from around the world. N&S Mattai was the first company in Guyana to import Indian foods, spices, pickles, seasonings and snacks, catering to the Indian national community as well as the wider Guyanese population, and continues to lead the market in this area today. The company is actively involved in various areas of the community

that she and Nuckshed worked too hard to have others squander it.

Anybody who spends five minutes with Harry can plainly witness the contentment he feels by living the legacy and carrying on the family’s name and traditions.

Today, N&S Mattai & Company stands proudly as a testament to the power of hard work, determination and prayer.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

from page 21

the past five years. It is volunteers such as Mr. Kassim who help IDRF positively impact disadvantaged people from all corners of the earth in some 26 countries, including Canada.”

The appointment cites Winston Kassim “for his contributions as a community volunteer

who played a key role in establishing several community and religious centres that provide outreach services to refugees and immigrants”.

Through Kassim’s instrumentality, the IDRF donated $1million (GYD) towards the fund for victims of the Lusignan massacre and other

causes in Guyana. The programme, undertaken by Kassim through IDRF in Guyana, facilitates some 160 marginalised rural women being given an opportunity to start entrepreneurial activities. It gives technical assistance in catering, sewing and knitting.

The programme aims to

build capacity and selfconfidence among rural women entrepreneurs through training.

More than 100 women in Berbice have benefited through these initiatives and there are plans for expansion.

Kassim emphasised that the type of work being done in Guyana is re-

flective of that old adage, “Rather than giving the person the fish, we teach them how to fish.”

Despite his hectic schedule, the demands of his job and his passion for humanitarian work, Kassim maintains that his top priorities are his wife Kameni, three children Nadina, Shaun

and Sara, his grandson Joshua and his mother Hajjin Noorun Nisa Kassim. He takes that zest for helping the underprivileged into his home and includes his family in many of his community service and volunteer efforts. (First published in Horizons Magazine 2010)

24

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Teacher represents TT at Microsoft Global Forum

J

amaican philanthropist and business leader Karl Hendrickson is the 2014 awardee of the Dr Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contribution to human development in Jamaica.

The Jamaica America Friendship Association (JAFA), presenters of the award which is given to individuals or organisations serving their communities in the spirit of the late American civil rights leader and winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, said Hendrickson will be presented with the award at a banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on May 24.

Dr King, whose philosophy was based on selfless service and non-violent activism, campaigned for racial equality and human development, serving as an inspiration to persons not only in the United States of America but all over the world, including

Karl Hendrickson will be presented with the award at a banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on May 24 (Jamaica Observer photo)

Jamaica.

The Dr Martin Luther King Award has been established in several communities and countries to help ensure that the legacy of Dr King as peacemaker and humanitarian will be passed on through generations to come.

In a distinguished career spanning decades, Hendrickson, Chairman of National Continental Corporation Limited, has made a significant and sustained contribution to facilitating hu-

man development. His record of philanthropy, particularly in the field of education, is well established, a JAFA release said.

Past Jamaican recipients of the award include former prime ministers Michael Manley and Edward Seaga; Lady Bustamante; Abe Issa; Carlton Alexander; Father Richard HoLung; Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International; Douglas Orane; Sir William Morris; and Food for the Poor.

JAFA, which was launched in 2006, is made up of Jamaicans committed to strengthening the links between the peoples of the United States of America and Jamaica.

Proceeds from the awards function will go towards JAFA bursaries and scholarships to the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology. (Jamaica Observer)

Several big soca artistes to kickstart Antigua’s 2014 Carnival

L

ights, cameras, action … It’s time to hit the STAGE. The highly anticipated, star-studded event is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever before, according to organisers.

In a prelude to Antigua’s Carnival 2014, all roads will lead to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) on Saturday, June 14 for the event that promises to bring together some of the biggest names in soca.

Headlining the show, once again, will be Machel Montano, who is the current International Jumpy and Road March winner for Trinidad and Tobago.

Also headlining is newcomer Kerwin Dubois, the International Groovy Monarch for Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, there will be a host of local artistes to include Tian Winter & the Iconic band, Claudette Peters & Taxik, Drastic & PULSE, Laurena Davis and the Tonic Band and Ricardo Drue & ID6 completing the line-up.

A large number of local deejays will also be on STAGE. The event is being organised by Townhouse Mega Store and LAVA International, whose principal agents

P

rofessional development has always been critical for teachers, and at the recent Microsoft in Education Global Forum 2014 in Barcelona, over 1,100 attendees received a crash course on education, including Keith Laban, an Information Communication Technology teacher from Trinity College East in Trinidad.

Laban won the Ministry of Education’s eCAL ICT in Education Innovate Award last November, and he travelled to Spain’s second largest city to attend the event held in March.

This year’s Forum recognised and celebrated the world’s most innovative school leaders and educators who effectively use ICT in the classroom to transform education for the 21st century and to help students maximise their potential.

This is the second time Laban has attended a Global Forum.

“Ever since I attended the first Forum, it has significantly impacted me as an educator and as a teacher trainer. I have held several professional development sessions since then based on 21st century learning and the use of Microsoft tools in the classroom,” Laban said. “I am using the training received from Microsoft to design learning activities that

Keith Laban, a teacher from Trinity College East, at the Microsoft in Education Global Forum 2014 Awards Ceremony in Barcelona (TT Guardian photo)

engage students in the much needed 21st century skills, as well as to train and update my colleagues on the changing education paradigm and the use of ICT in education.”

Celebrating its 10th year, the Microsoft in Education Global Forum provided an opportunity for education’s best to learn from their peers, share classroom triumphs and challenges, and collaborate to help transform education for the 21st century. It was attended by top education leaders, school leaders, educators, government officials, and others from more than 97 countries. The Forum also offered educators best-practices to help expand their knowledge of the ways technology can make a difference to stu-

dents, both inside and outside the classroom, and prepare them for work and life.

Since his return and to sustain momentum on the ground, Laban is using the knowledge he gained from his participation at the Forum to influence his colleagues in trying inventive practices, with a hope of achieving education reform in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I am keen on sharing what I’ve learned with fellow educators at my school and with educators in other schools throughout the country. I have already done some teacher training and participated in Webinars as part of my year-long Microsoft Expert Educator agreement,” Laban said. (TT Newsday)

Canada-based singer launches ‘Islamic Gems’ in TT

C Machel Montano, who is the current International Jumpy and Road March winner for Trinidad and Tobago will headline the show on June 14

are Martin Mansoor, Elizabeth Makoul, Jamal Thomas, Doyle Carter, Brian Barnes and Sharon Hall.

Carter told Antiguan media that preparations are still being made and the public can expect to hear much more about the event in the coming weeks. He said the stakes are even higher this year as the organisers are undertaking to surpass last year’s expectations.

“People can expect a high energy show. It’s a show that you want to be there from the start so that you don’t miss anything. We have a lot in store for the people.

Preparations right now are being made – getting the promotional events in gear, signing off with the sponsors and trying to some preliminary start work with the venue set up.

“Our intention is to showcase what local talent can do, in terms of putting on world class or international class events. This is what our team is working towards. Our full campaign should be rolling at the end of the month.

We want to ensure everyone who comes out to the event will have a mind blowing experience,” he said. (Antigua Observer)

anada-based singer Sara Ali recently launched her CD, ‘Islamic Gems’ in Trinidad and Tobago and took the opportunity to present the compilation to many of the local Muslim-based institutions.

Ali is the daughter of Trinidadian producer and promoter Fareed Ali, who has been living with his Guyanaborn wife, Bibi, in Canada for the past 20 years. The elder Ali who promotes Caribbean artistes in Canada has been attracting large cross-over audiences to his shows in that country.

The proud father, who is originally from El Socorro Road, San Juan, has been supporting his daughter’s career for many years. Sara also has the backing of her husband Naveen Yankarran, son of TT’s awarding winning chutney star, Rakesh Yankaran.

Sara said the CD will be marketed in Guyana, Suriname, Canada and U.S. In 2012 Sara, who also sings chutney soca, saw success during the Carnival season with her songs “Thappa” and “Wrong Name.” Last year she was a semi-finalist in the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

Sara studied music in New Delhi and Mumbai, India, for three years before actually performing. She now fluently speaks Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Farsi.

She became interested in chutney music as a child listening to the pop-

Sara Ali is the daughter of Trinidadian producer and promoter Fareed Ali, who has been living with his Guyana-born wife, Bibi, in Canada for the past 20 years

ular singer Sundar Popo. Being a solo performer, she has been freelancing with many named bands in Canada and TT. The singer began performing at the age of 11 doing back-up singing for stars of India who performed in her hometown of Ontario. She attempted an entire song by herself at eleven. The song, “Oh Nandalala” was sang by Rakesh Yankaran and was a hit among Caribbean people living in Canada. She has been on stage for the past ten years and is now well recognised in Canada.

This year she released two CDs– ‘Treasured Bhajans’ and ‘Islamic Gems’. (TT Newsday)

Bollywood

25

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Priyanka Chopra fine with biopic on her life

A

ctress Priyanka Chopra says she does not mind if there is a biopic on her life, but wants it to be made at the right time.

Aseem Merchant, rumoured to be Priyanka's friend during her modelling days, is reportedly planning to make a movie on her.

Aseem, who was last seen in a small role in Salman Khan starrer 'Wanted', is turning producer with this biopic on Priyanka.

"It is mind-blowing to hear that I have become so big that people are making a film on my life. Jokes apart, I don't think I have become so big that people would make a film on me," Priyanka, 31, said recently.

"I really haven't heard about if someone is doing it. There are a lot of things that I still need to achieve.

‘I hate everything about me’ - Amitabh Bachchan

E

Maybe when I turn 40, people can decide to make a film because I am sure I will achieve whatever I want to by that age," she added. (TOI)

v e r y t h i n g about Amitabh Bachchan may seem likeable to his multitude of fans. But the megastar says he "hates everything" about himself, and hopes that he can be a better observer.

At the behest of one of his fans, IANS asked Big B about the one thing he hates about himself.

He was quick to respond: "I hate everything about me (myself)!"

"There are so many things that are not cor-

rect (about me) and an effort is made to correct it," said the 71-year-old,

who is an institution in himself to aspiring actors and performers.

Even after nearly five decades of entertaining audiences via films, he says that even now when he faces the camera, there's a whole lot to learn.

He says observation can be an actor's biggest strength, and he feels he lacks it--even though his intricately descriptive pieces of writing on his blog speak another story.

(TOI)

ous photographers and did their best to keep the party away from the media eye.

Earlier in the day, Rani was clicked by a fan at the Mumbai airport.

She was dressed casually

in jeans and a red jacket.

Aditya and Rani were dating for a few years before they got married on April 21 and announced their marriage through a statement the next day.

(TOI)

Tak,’ he kissed his costar Juhi Chawla and created a new record in the mid-eighties. Their famous kiss in the film paved a new path for film-makers and helped them to showcase their bold romance. Both

the actors have shared screen space in many films.

Karisma Kapoor created a new height after kissing Aamir Khan in ‘Raja Hindustani’ and after a few years Bebo too kissed Aamir and made it one of the most sensual on-screen kisses in Aamir's filmography. Truly in love with Ranchoddas Chanchad (Aamir), Pia (Kareena) expresses her love after meeting him in ‘3 Idiots’. Kareena and Aamir shared a great chemistry in the film and they had everyone talking about their lip smack in ‘3 Idiots’.

(TOI)

Ranbir and Katrina to make Aditya and Rani host reception for friends their relationship official

F

T

here always seems to be a lot of buzz when it comes to Bollywood's favourite lovebirds Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Now the latest gossip that is doing the rounds is that Ranbir and Katrina are rumoured to be throwing a house warming party for Ranbir's new bachelor pad.

But this isn't all, gossip mongers are abuzz that with Ranbir's house warming party, the two are going to make an official announcement soon. According to a report in Sahara Samay, Ranbir and Katrina are planning to make an announcement about their relationship at Ranbir's

house-warming party.

Ranbir and Katrina have been together for long now, however, the two have never come out and spoken about their relationship to the media. Ranbir and Katrina's affair came out in the open for ev-

eryone when pictures of them holidaying in Ibiza were leaked. It was believed that Ranbir's father Rishi Kapoor didn't like Katrina dropping in at their bungalow in Mumbai and so Ranbir decided to get a place of his own. (TOI)

Poonam Pandey questioned for ‘indecent conduct’

ilmmaker Aditya Chopra, who got married to actress Rani Mukerji in a private ceremony in Italy late last month, hosted a reception for his friends at the Yashraj Bungalow on Sunday night. Several Bollywood celebrities like Karan Johar, Anupam Kher with wife Kirron Kher and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant attended the party.

A DNA report says that security was beefed up for the reception and no photographers were allowed around the venue. The couple did not even step out for a moment to pose for curi-

When Aamir kissed Karisma and Kareena Kapoor

A

ctress Poonam Pandey was seen at a police station in Mira Road last Friday night. She was apparently questioned by the police for "indecent conduct".

A local police officer told Indian media, "Yes, we detained a person by the name of Poonam Pandey, along with a man, for indecent conduct. But we let them off with a warning."

Poonam, however, said, "I had gone on a drive with my brother when they stopped us. We were listening to loud music, but is that a crime?" (TOI)

Jailed actor Sanjay Dutt to be part of a talk show

A

ctor Sanjay Dutt, who is facing a sentence for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, will be a part of a talk show that will throw light on crime-related issues. Though the actor will only be able to participate in the talk show when he is released, his wife Maanayata is doing all the planning for the show.

A Mid-Day report says the show will be named ‘Dutt The Way’ and will be produced by Sanjay Dutt Productions.

The report adds that the production house has already registered a film and television show under the same title.

Sources reveal the show will highlight crime-related issues and will not

A

amir Khan, who is known as ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ of Bollywood, has managed to entertain his fans through different films. When he made his Bollywood debut with ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat

Farhan honoured in Australia

A be hosted by Sanjay Dutt. It is going to be a weekly show with various guests taking part in it. (TOI)

ctor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who recently received the best actor award from the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy, has been honoured at the ongoing Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

"Thank you to the jury and government of Victoria, Australia for honouring me with best

actor at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne," Farhan tweeted.

The actor bagged the best actor award for his work in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’.

Rajkummar Rao, who was honoured with the National Award in New Delhi for his performance in ‘Shahid’, was also nominated in the category. (TOI)

26

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Brad Pitt buys Bieber portrait for son

A

ctor Brad Pitt has reportedly bought a painting of singer Justin Bieber for his son Pax, who is a fan of the musician.

Pitt got the portrait by street artist Bambi after her agent offered him the artwork.

"Pax loves Justin and so Brad thought this would be the perfect gift for him. Brad loves Bambi's unique style and this is his third purchase from her," dailystar.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

"When he found out she'd done a piece with Justin, he knew he'd have to get it for Pax. The Justin artwork is done on a panel of wood and he loves how unique it is," added the source.

The painting portrays the pop star alongside the words, "Rebel without a clue". (TOI)

D

I

t looks like pregnant Mila Kunis has a craving for sweets as her fiancé and actor Ashton Kutcher was clicked shopping for ice cream.

Kutcher was seen stocking up on some Baskin Robbins ice cream over the weekend, reported dailymail.co.uk.

Kunis was probably craving caffeine too as he stopped at Coffee Bean to grab two iced coffees before heading to a private residence in Studio City.

At around the same time, a large bunch of blue balloons were delivered to the property, but it is still not known

whether it was an impromptu baby shower or gender celebration. (TOI)

Drew Barrymore hates trying on clothes Pudding award, she bent over and shook her butt for the crowd. (TOI)

Hugh Jackman was scared of darkness

A

ctor Hugh Jackman says he was a "fearful" child and was particularly scared of the dark.

‘The Wolverine’ star has admitted that when he first became a parent to his adopted children, 14-yearold Oscar and 8-year-old Ava, with his wife Deborra-Lee Furness, he didn't have any idea how to be a father and thinks it's because he was an anxious child who had various fears, reported contactmusic.com.

The 45-year-old said: "I was surprised how little my own parenting instincts kicked in. I was a bit of a pain in the a** at first, insisting he couldn't have a bottle straight before bed because I'd read up on it.

"My own mother finally said, 'Look, you may have read a lot of books, but

S

ongstress Selena Gomez is set to sell her Tarzana, California home.

The 21-year-old singer bought the six-bedroom pad in 2011 for just over 1.25 million pounds, and now she is moving out after putting it up for sale for 2.2 million pounds, reported Daily Express.

Gomez recently bought a new mansion in Calabasas, California, where her on-and-off boyfriend Bieber used to live before selling his home to Kim Kardashian's sister Khloe earlier this year. (TOI)

Ashton Kutcher stocks up on ice cream for pregnant fiancée

Helen Mirren admits twerking mesmerises her

ame Helen Mirren has confessed that twerking is mesmerising to her.

The ‘Elizabeth I’ star told HELLO! Magazine that the way stars like Beyonce wiggles their hips on stage inspires her, Contactmusic reported.

The 68-year-old actress said that it's unbelievable how stars twerk and she always likes it when a new dance arrives on the scene.

When asked if Mirren secretly practices in front of a mirror, she replied saying that she might have. Earlier in 2013, when Mirren was being honoured with Harvard University's Hasty

Selena Gomez selling her Tarzana home

A

ctress Drew Barrymore says she often wants to "kill herself" when she goes to wardrobe fit-

tings because the clothes don't suit her.

The 39-year-old star recently gave birth to her second child with ‘Intern’ actor Will Kopelman and she's admitted that while she can easily find clothes that fit her in high street stores, she can't stand trying on expensive outfits for red carpet appearances.

"In real life, you can find something that suits you and feel great. Then you get to a wardrobe fitting, try on their outfits and you just want to kill yourself," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying. (TOI)

Johnny Depp punched by bodyguard

A the kid (Oscar) hasn't, so put them down.' But I was quite a fearful kid myself. Heights, the dark..." (TOI)

ctor Johnny Depp accidentally got smacked in the face by his own bodyguard.

The incident occurred when an overzealous autograph hunter got too close to the actor outside Ed Sullivan Theater, New York. The actor's bodyguard stepped in between, where Depp was on the receiving end of a slap.

"Johnny looked quite startled," said a source.

Depp's fan complained of signing just two pictures.

"The guy had the nerve to complain,

'You usually sign a dozen pictures for me, but this time you only signed two'," added the source. (TOI)

Reese Witherspoon's 'arrest in 2013' saved her marriage Nasty comments hurt Sarah Jessica Parker

R

eese Witherspoon and husband Jim Toth were arrested for 'disorderly conduct' in 2013, but the actress believes that the incident has

saved their marriage.

A source claimed to Radar Online that the 38-year-old star and her hubby have been telling their friends that their arrest was the best thing to have happened for their marriage and was a huge wake-up call.

The couple now has a changed lifestyle with a new fitness regime, has cut down on the drinks, and Witherspoon has even restricted her expenses on clothes after realising that she had splurged 60,000 dollars in just a year.

The Oscar winning star had even apologised for the incident on 'Good Morning America' saying that they had made an "embarrassing" mistake, and promised that it will "never happen again". (TOI)

A

ctress Sarah Jessica Parker says that reading "mean stuff" written about her on social networking site Twitter often hurts her feelings.

The actress said that she scrolls Twitter with one eye closed because she sees awful things written about her on the social networking site every day, reported contactmusic.com "I see mean stuff every day when I look at Twitter and I scroll with one eye open and one closed," said the 49-yearold actress.

Mother of three---son James, 11, and four-year-old twin daughters, Marion and Tabitha, with husband and actor Matthew Broderick, she lashed back at relationship expert Sarah J. Symonds.

Symonds criticised Parker in a series of tweets that read: "Sarah Jessica wasn't her children's biological mother because her daughters were carried by a surrogate." (TOI)

feature WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

F

or centuries, mehndi, the art of henna painting on the body, has been practiced in India, Africa, and the Middle East, where the henna plant is believed to bring love and good fortune, and protect against evil. Mehndi is traditionally practiced for wedding ceremonies, during important rites of passage and in times of joyous celebration.

A paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant is applied to the skin, and when removed several hours later, leaves beautiful markings on the skin that fade naturally over 1 to 3 weeks.

Besides being the key ingredient in mehndi, henna has also been used to dye the manes and hooves of horses, and to colour wool, silk, and animal skins, as well as men's beards. Studies of mummies dating back to 1200 BC show that henna was used on the hair and nails of the pharaohs.

In Guyana, mehndi artists are widely sought after by Hindu brides who want to deco-

rate their hands and feet with henna. The divine, feminine look of mehndi designs makes it so significant that now there is a night before the Hindu wedding that is allotted “mehendi night”, usually the Thursday before the wedding, where the bride and other females gather to get their hands and feet adorned with this ancient art.

Local mehndi artist Anita Singh, in an interview, said she enjoys coming up with creative designs, and although she gets paid for it, her mehndi art is therapeutic as it is something she loves doing.

The satisfaction from the brides and others who are impressed with the mehndi designs is what motivates Anita to continue and develop her art.

“A couple of years ago I attended a mehndi night, which sparked my interest in the art. I just picked up the henna cone, without practicing any design, and started drawing. Many were impressed with my talent when I was done and asked me to

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Anita Singh

do theirs. I snapped a picture of what I had done and uploaded it to Facebook. I received an overwhelming response.

Now I get many requests to do mehndi for brides,” Anita disclosed.

The artist has done much research on mehndi art, which helps in conceptualising more intricate designs. Her aunt brought a book from India on mehndi, which helped Anita to develop other excellent techniques.

Learning from the basic to the complicated, Anita encourages anyone who wants to get into this art form to do their research and practice regularly so as to perfect their skills.

Her most challenging mehndi design incorporating Lord Ganesh

She said she would usually draw the designs on paper first, which helps her to be as creative as she can. After practicing the designs on paper, she then replicates them on hands and feet, which take about 2 hours to complete.

“I design both feet and hands for weddings only. It’s part of my culture and I love the art form, and seeing my work after I’m done is fulfilling. I’m always

27

practicing. I import my mehndi from India or the U.S., which is a better quality. I would also squeeze lime juice on the design, which helps it to stay on longer,” disclosed the self-taught mehndi artist.

Anita said to date the most designs she has done is for 45 girls in one night. Her most challenging design was done recently where she incorporated the Hindu god, Ganesh, in her mehndi

design as requested by the bride. Although it was a challenge, Anita felt satisfied after she saw the finished product.

Although her art keeps her busy, mehndi is not her only pursuit as a businesswoman.

“Sometimes my mehendi work takes me until 3 in the morning, but I’m always up for 9 to open my store. I specialize in mixing and matching jewellery accessories with any outfit. This styling aspect of my personality I also enjoy doing apart from mehndi.

I started my business from selling from a box.

Now I have my own boutique where I also practice my mehndi designs.

I think having the patience and discipline are what helped me to develop self-confidence to pursue my dreams and to be creative. I encourage other young girls out there to do the same.

Know what you would love to do and pursue that. When you do something you love it will never feel like work,” Anita urged. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Yahweh Foundation helping Tobago’s young people flourish

I

n Tobago the Yahweh Foundation has been helping the young people of the community of Buccoo learn to read and write as part of a programme of holistic development. And the children’s parents and teachers have all seen the improvement in their little ones.

The Foundation is a non-governmental,

tend sessions Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after school; they have their sessions with the elderly in the morning period. There are 30 children in the juniors programme, in ages ranging from seven to 14, and they maintain that number to have a one adult to five children ratio.

About three quar-

6 pm.

Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin (third from right) and trumpeter Kweku Jelani (second from left) pose with some of the children from the Yahweh Foundation

‘Marked change’

For two years the Yahweh Foundation has been helping the young people of the community of Buccoo, Tobago learn to read and write as part of a programme of holistic development (TT Newsday photos)

non-denominational, non-profit organisation which began on May 20, 2012. Its mission statement is “to help young people flourish and elderly thrive, with quality-based, professional, educational, social, and spiritual support offered by the elders in our communities in Tobago.”

It is based at Buccoo Community Centre and the children at-

ters of the children are from Buccoo Government Primary school while there are others from Montgomery Government or other schools.

Yahweh Foundation Governing Director Penny Camps explained that they keep the programme to Buccoo and environs so the children can get home easily after the session is finished at

In the two years of the programme Camps noted that she has seen “very marked change” in the children particularly in behaviour and attitude towards learning.

“The biggest one is literacy. We put a lot of emphasis on the literacy component where children get one on one attention with their reading. And every time we meet all the children have to read and be read to. So that’s really taken off – their literacy performance and their interest in reading and

their excitement around reading. (They are) really enthusiastic about it,” she said.

She reported that almost all the children who came to them in 2012 were reading way behind their age level while some were not reading at all “and that has changed tremendously”.

“They (the parents) see the difference it makes to be spending time with their children, reading to their children and getting involved in the creative arts and in the fun things with their children as well.

So they have noticed big improvements in their children, in all aspects.

The literacy and the behavioural component as well,” she said.

Their school teachers have also mentioned that they are seeing “notable changes”.

Camps explained that they have a holistic approach and children are encouraged to explore the things that excite them and develop those areas including music and movement.

They have steelpan and drumming and are trying to expand the music programme.

She noted that the visit last week of Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin, who had performed at a benefit concert for the foundation, and his trumpeter Kweku Jelani, was very inspirational for the children and motivational for them.

The Foundation does not yet receive any public funding and they have been working over the last two years on private seed funding. They have had small donations from corporate TT but that has been mostly minimal. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

28

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

C

ivil engineers have one of the world’s most important jobs: with creativity and technical skill, civil engineers plan, design, construct facilities essential to modern life, ranging from roads, bridges, to highway systems and are responsible for shaping our country’s infrastructure.

Jean Ramkhelawan holds not only the title of civil engineer, but the coveted title of the first female civil engineer of Indian descent in Guyana.

With determination and resiliency demanded by this taxing profession, as a civil engineer Jean has been able to tangibly contribute to Guyana’s development.

On 13 May 1955, Jean entered the world as the third child of her East Coast Demerara resi-

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

dent parents. There were many rough patches for this large family living in Industry, as her father was a cane cutter and her mother was a housewife. Overcoming those hurdles, she attended Cummings Lodge Secondary School on the East Coast from 1966– 1972 where she successfully attained four GCE O’ Levels. Her first job was as a typist/clerk at the Ministry of Public Works in 1974.

In 1975, she took another step in life when she married. Shortly after her marriage in 1976, she was transferred to the materials division of the public works ministry as materials technician in the lab. Her curiosity about the field was aroused while working in the civil engineering lab at the ministry. This innate inquisitiveness

and quest to learn more propelled her join GTI (Government Technical Institute) in 1978.

In 1980, she graduated with a technician diploma in building and system civil engineering (City and Guilds). Still maintaining her full-time job at the ministry and not satisfied with just a diploma, she enrolled at the University of Guyana in 1982 to study civil engineering.

At that time engineering, which was her passion, was a field dominated by males. In her class, she was the only female among 16 males. Not intimidated by the male presence, she was able to hold her own, as she was treated equally, and garnered their respect. After four years of hard work and keeping the same pace with the men, she graduated in 1986 with

her civil engineering bachelor’s degree.

While she was breaking barriers in her academic and professional life, she was also a wife, and had become a mother in 1976, when her first son was born. She has five children.

By this time, her contract with the Ministry of Public Works was also up, but she decided to remain there with an upgraded position as Foils Engineer. In 1992, she was promoted to Chief Materials Officer and then Deputy Chief Road Officer before resigning from the ministry in 1994.

She left public service completely in 1994 and started consultancy for a series of private firms.

Her first consultant job for E and A Consultant Services entailed supervising construction of

First female civil engineer of Indian descent, Jean Ramdulari Ramkhelawan

roads and minor design works. She later worked for a series of companies including Seeram Brothers and DIPCON Engineering Services, before returning to the public sector in 2000.

At the same time, she started lecturing at the Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana. In 2005, she simultaneously lectured and did a short course in Project Planning and Project Management at the Critchlow Labour College. She resigned from the University in 2006 and enrolled for the Masters programme at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad. Jean graduated in January 2009 with a distinction in construction management.

The professional’s distinguished career and achievements were augmented with time as she continuously work for the development of Guyana’s infrastructure.

From 2010 to March 2012 she served as president for the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) and, on concluding her two-year service, she remained as an executive member for GAPE. She is also a member of the IDB Civil Society Consulting Group and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In an interview, Jean stated she is currently employed as a site engineer on the East Bank Four-Lane Expansion Project.

Outlining her challenges during her career, Jean disclosed that during her career she worked with both contractors and consultants. “Some of the challenges I face are, supervising male workers on projects, performing to the same status as my male counterparts, and being the leader of a

team of foreign workers.

On construction sites, the culture is that men are the dominant species.

The Guyanese culture is so cut out that men are the bosses. To be taking orders from a female engineer on site was something many co-workers were not too pleased about. But on site these workers were told to respect an individual's position and be co-operative, even if they do not appreciate the individual,” she recalled.

She also revealed that she was expected to perform just as equal as her male counterparts as they were all at the same level. Being in the men's domain and earning a salary at the same scale and with almost the same educational background, Jean said she had to give her best at all times.

She noted that this was one of the toughest positions she held during her career. She recalled that at one time she had about 10 foreign workers under her supervision for a special task for the company she was employed with. Although she met with some resistance at first, through motivation, determination and good leadership, she was able to help the team improve on their performance.

This exemplary woman certainly is someone who should be emulated.

Her advice for women is to have a sound educational background and develop skills so that they can be their best.

“It is said that for a woman ‘beauty without brains is a waste of time’. However, education is knowledge, and our knowledge increases every day, while beauty fades as we age.

Knowledge can take anyone to great heights,” she declared.

(Information from 2012 Horizons Guyana Magazine)

sport

29

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyanese rider Choo Wee Nam to Canadian cricketers, enthusiasts defend power title this weekend disappointed Limacol CPL

not coming to Toronto

Flashback! Last year’s feature race winner Paul Choo Wee Nam (left) receives his trophy and prime prizes from Banks DIH Limited’s Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, in the presence of national coach and organiser, Hassan Mohamed

V

eteran rider Paul Choo Wee Nam will look to keep his hands on the trophy on Saturday when he defends the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race sponsored by Banks DIH Limited through its Powerade energy drink for the third year in succession.

Choo Wee Nam outgunned fellow veteran rider Stephen Fernandes in the main race in 2013 at the inner circuit of the National Park, finishing in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 12 seconds (01h: 18m: 12s) to take the trophy and two prime prizes.

This time around though, the defending champion will face a tough task, as all the

riders will be using the event to test their preparedness for the 32nd annual Independence Three-Stage meet, billed for May 17-18.

Saturday’s race is the last before the staging of the gruelling 171.5 miles/275.1km event sponsored by the National Sports Commission.

Among the cyclists looking to test Choo Wee Nam are Raynauth Jeffrey, Alanzo Greaves, Paul DeNobrega, Hamzah Eastman, Marlon Williams, Junior Niles and Albert Philander.

The other category winners last year were Eastman (Juveniles), Niles (Veteran U-50), Lancelot Rose (Veterans O-50),

Maurice Fagundes (Veterans O-60), Stephano Husbands (Mountain Bikes), Alfie Soonaram (12-14 Boys and Girls), Jeremiah Harrison (BMX Boys 6-9), Sherwin Sampson (BMX Boys 9-12), Jamal John (BMX Boys 1214) and Hazina Barrett (Females).

As he did last year, Banks DIH Limited’s Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, will witness the races and later assist in the presentation of prizes to the top three finishers in the respective categories.

The day’s activities are being organised by long-serving national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed.

(Avenash Ramzan)

Young Guyanese outstanding on TT tour

G

Bhaskar Yadram poses with the trophies he copped on the tour of TT

uyana’s national Under-15 captain Bhaskar Yadram was in top form recently, hitting four half-centuries during a seven-match tour by the Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) to Trinidad and Tobago.

The EBSC won just two and lost five of their games, but the diminutive Yadram was outstanding throughout,

scoring 348 runs from five innings at an average of 69.6 with a highest score of 83.

In the opening game against Gaff Road, the EBSC made 175 with B. Yadram hitting 79 and Parmanand Dindyal scoring 44. Gaff Road easily overhauled the target.

In game two against Cosmos ‘B’, Dindyal topscored with 66 and

Latchman Yadram made 60 in EBSC’s 225, before Kharan Ramdoon and Videsh Lall grabbed 3-16 and 3-24 respectively to limit Cosmos ‘B’ to 190.

Playing against Evergreen, the home team made 180, but EBSC fell agonisingly short, making 177 with first-class opener Rajendra Chandrika making 46 and L. Yadram 36.

Game four also ended in defeat for EBSC, who made 223 with B. Yadram scoring 83, before Cosmos knocked of the target. In the other two games against Cosmos, the EBSC lost both, despite B. Yadram’s 75 and 79 and Lall’s 4-16.

The EBSC’s second victory of the tour came in the final game against Cavaliers. B. Yadram made 32 in his team’s total of 160, before a combined team effort limited Cavaliers to 120.

Not surprisingly, B. Yadram was named MVP of the series, copping a whopping four Man-of-the-Match awards.

Jamaica’s Chris Gayle remains one of the most popular players of the Limacol CPL tournament

By Ravendra Madholall

C

ricket enthusiasts and players based in Canada continue to express disappointment after learning that the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 opening ceremony and first-round matches will no longer be staged in Toronto.

The first segment was expected to get cracking on July 5 at the two selected venues, Maple Leaf King City and Toronto Cricket Club, but according to a report from CPL, the action will now be heading to the Caribbean island of Grenada. The organisers further stated that predominantly Cricket Canada failed to fulfill its obligation to have the games in Toronto, but now that time has expired, nothing can be

done and hence the CPL mangers were forced to switch gear.

The inaugural tournament last year turned out to be a phenomenal success as a massive number of T20 stars from around the globe represented the six Caribbean territories. Jamaica Tallawahs emerged as the champion team defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The other four participating countries were: St. Lucia Zouks, Barbados Trident, Antigua Hawkbills and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steels.

Cricket Canada’s President Ravin Moorty, who recently resigned, was responsible for the negotiations for CPL to be held in Toronto and was in contact with executives from the West Indies Cricket Board on

a consistent basis.

Meanwhile, Canadabased cricketers Jeremy Gordon, Ravin Babulall and Ricky Sukhandan as well as fans Everal Tinglin, Stephen Henry and Andrea Dawkins have also indicated their disappointment at the fact that the Limacol CPL would not be reaching Toronto, as previously thought.

“I [am] very disappointed, but I heard we don’t have proper facilities to host such an event in the city,” Canada’s fast-bowler Gordon declared. The former Guyana cricketer is however hoping for the best in the future.

Both Guyanese Babulall and Sukhandan shared similar feelings that Canada Cricket should have capitalised on the opportunity to host the matches and the opening ceremony. They added that it would have certainly highlighted the country’s willingness and passion for the game and that is why they believe Canada Cricket could have taken a more aggressive approach to it.

Jamaicans Tingling and Henry said they are ‘big’ fans of their countryman Chris Gayle and were very excited to see him in action, but now, knowing that the games would not reach Canada is sad.

Dawkins of Trinidad and Tobago said she will be in the twin island republic during the JulyAugust season and is looking forward to catch some of the CPL action.

JFF proposes radical changes to football structures

R

adical changes are planned for the 2015-16 club football season and a more proactive approach will be taken to improve the women's game, according to a release from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

The new proposals for the Premier League, the nation's top tier division, will transform the current 12-team club competition into a tournament consisting of 10 franchises.

The release said the Board of Directors of the local federation held a retreat on May 3 and 4, 2014 and engaged in strategic planning to chart the way forward for Jamaica's football.

It said that the main outcome of the retreat

was a "four-year strategic transformation plan to, among other things, significantly improve the senior men's and women's rankings by 2018".

The release stated the necessity for the "franchising of the National Premier League with 10 franchises allocated on an equitable islandwide basis to ensure access to high-quality football by players and fans right across the island. This is scheduled to be rolled out for the 2015-16 season.

"The retreat established a Franchise Committee, chaired

by Gary Sinclair, and tasked with the responsibility to pilot the transition, including the finalisation of criteria for the franchises."

The JFF release also

announced the "establishment of a second tier national competition which will include the parish champions".

Other announcements included the proposal to adjust the existing competitions and the club structure to concentrate the highest quality players throughout the country among a reduced number of clubs, expanding opportunities for participation in football through structured recreational competitions, strengthening women's football by requiring all parish associations to have at least one women's competition and bolstering the managerial and administrative capacity of parish associations. (Jamaica Observer)

30

sport

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014

Guyanese shooters take early lead in 2014 West Indies Target Rifle Championships - Jamaicans also win gold, silver

G

uyanese Lennox Braithwaite, the reigning West Indies Fullbore individual ‘X’ Class shooting champion has taken the lead, while United States-based compatriot John Fraser is in charge of ‘O’ Class on day one of the individual competition at the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships at Twickenham Park ranges in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Braithwaite dropped six points to finish the day with an overall 129 points with six V-bulls as the weather dictated the day’s events, first

with winds changing from left to right before a windstorm later in the afternoon made the situation difficult for all the shooters.

The reigning twotime champion was consistent, shooting 34.3 at 300 yards, 48.1 at 600 and 47.2 at 900 yards to lead Canadian Alpar Katona who shot an overall 128 points with six V-bulls including a possible at 300 yards.

The experienced Norris Gomez of Trinidad and Tobago is third overall and second among Caribbean shooters with 127 points; and 11 V-bulls including a

John Fraser

Jamaica’s national rifle shooting team (from left) Wayne McNair, DSP Canute Coley, Jose Nunez, David Rickman, Valerie Newman, Denis Lee, Bassilios Hado and captain, Major John Nelson pose for pictures after winning the West Indies Fullbore short-range title at the Caribbean Shooting Championships in Barbados last year (Jamaica Observer file photo)

possible at 600 yards.

Another Canadian Serge Bissonnette is currently in fourth place with 127 points with eight V-bulls.

Jose Nunez of Jamaica and Guyanese Ransford Goodluck are currently in fifth and sixth places respectively, with scores of 126.10 and 125.8.

Goodluck shot 31.2 at 300 yards, 47.4 at 600 and 47.2 at 900 yards.

National vice- captain Dylan Fields is 11th overall with 123 points and five V-bulls.

Fraser, who holds the 12th position overall is the leader in ‘O’ Class with 122 points and four V-bulls.

He shot 30.2 at 300 yards, 47.2 at 600 and 45.0 at 900 yards to lead Oscar Waldron of Trinidad and Tobago with 119 points and seven V-bulls, while Guyana’s Leo Romalho is third with 118.7.

There were three possible scores at 300 yards with Bissonnette shooting 35.4 and Katna 35.3, while Trinidadian Michael Perez also shot

35.3.

Braithwaite dropped just one point at the 300 yards range with 34.3 out of a highest possible score (HPS) of 35.7. National captain Mahendra Persaud shot 33.1, Terrance Stuart 33.

0 and Goodluck 31.2.

At 600 yards, Braithwaite shot 48.1; Stuart also 48.1; Fields 47.5; Goodluck 47.4; John Fraser 47.2; and Leo Romalho 46.3, while Paul Slowe and Sherwin Felicien had scores of 45.2 and 45.1 respectively.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Norris Gomez shot the only possible at 600 yards with a score of 50.5.

M e a n w h i l e , Marksmen David Rickman and Claude Russell won gold and silver, respectively, to get Jamaica's campaign off to a dazzling start.

On the first day of competition, Rickman ensured Jamaica had plenty to cheer about when he won gold over 900 yards. (Story and photos courtesy of Troy Peters in Jamaica)

TT water polo teams shine at CARIFTA Jamaican wins fully funded trip to Brazil for World Cup finals

J

T

Members of the 19-and-Under water polo team that represented TT at the Carifta Games in Willemstad, Curacao (TT Guardian photo)

rinidad and Tobago’s junior water polo teams had a great outing last Friday as the first day of the CARIFTA Water Polo Championships began at the Benny Leito Pool in Willemstad, Curacao.

The 19-and-under team humiliated Barbados 44-0 with every member, excepting goalkeeper Sebastian van Reeken scoring.

Jonathan Gillette and Kieron Emmanuel led the scoring with 13 and eight goals respectively, while Johann Callender was next in line with six.

Aaron Sheppard and Adrian Hinds chipped in with five apiece, Justin Bodden contributed four goals, Kyle Ferreira

notched a double and Nabeel Hosein got the other.

The TT 19-and-under squad had such an easy time that coach Alan Too-a-Foo did not even call a single time-out.

In the afternoon, the 19-and-Under squad showed no sympathy towards their hosts, as they romped to a 34-1 win.

Gillette led the scoring once again with 11, while Emmanuel registered seven, Bodden six and Ferreira four (coupled with five steals and three assists). Also getting their names on the scoresheet were Sheppard, Hinds and Callender, who netted two goals each.

TT’s 16-and-Under team was not to be out-

done as they too won their two encounters.

First up was a battle with hosts Curaçao, a game that ended 222. The goals came from Leon Daniel and Joseph Herrera who blasted in seven goals each, Liam Smith was steady with two while Kyle Simmons, Danny West, Kegan Ford, Kryztien Sharpe, Ethan Elliott and Massimiliano Di Cola chipped in with one each.

And they followed up with a 16-5 spanking of the Bahamas, with Daniel scoring a game-high seven, while Herrera had four, Liam Howell two, with one apiece from West, Sharpe and Di Cola. (TT Newsday)

amaican Craig Chin was a very surprised winner of an all-expense-paid trip to watch the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match on July 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The trip for two is courtesy of the Scotiabank Visa Credit and Visa Debit Card promotion. The presentation was made by Portmore Branch Manager Regald Reid and Tishan Lee, manager, marketing programmes at the branch in Portmore, Tuesday morning.

Chin, who was invited to the bank by his financial adviser, Dwight Johnson, to conduct business, did not know that he had won two Category Two tickets and will stay in Brazil for four days and three nights at a four-star hotel.

"It was a pleasant surprise. I thought that I was at the bank to conduct business. While relaxing, I was surprised by some football jugglers and managers," Chin said.

Scotiabank Visa FIFA World Cup competition winner, Craig Chin, smiles as he receives his prize from Regald Reid, branch manager, Scotiabank Portmore, Tuesday (Photo: Contributed)

"I consider myself very lucky and am thankful to Scotiabank, where I have been a member for over 20 years. I always wanted to go to South America.

It is a trip for two. I wish to take my brother along with the other ticket," he disclosed.

"I am really looking forward to this trip and the experience of watching a World Cup football match should be tremen-

dous," Chin added.

The promotion showcased the value and benefit of using Visa debit Scotia Card and Scotiabank Visa credit card as primary methods of payment. Cardholders earned a ballot for every Ja$6,500 they swiped between February 1 and March 26, 2014.

There will be another winner for a trip to the World Cup. (Jamaica Gleaner)

sport

31

WEEK ENDING May 8, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

TT’s Emile Abraham injured in U.S. Criterium

T

T’s national Time Trial champion Emile Abraham has been recovering nicely after a brutal crash in the elite criterium men’s USA Crits Speed Week Athens Twilight event in Georgia last week.

Abraham was one of many cyclists who suffered severe injuries in an endurance course which was marred by multiple crashes. The 39-year old road speedster escaped the first crash but was not so lucky in the second incident, which also comprised a larger number of riders.

The Team Predator cyclists could not get up from the ground before the lead car and moto came around. However, swift work from race officials Frank Travieso and Bill Sampson ensured that the oncoming peloton did not run over Abraham.

In the end, the national standout rider sustained a concussion, broken nose, six stitches above his right eye, an injured shoulder and multiple abrasions.

As serious as it sounds, Abraham revealed Tuesday via his Facebook Page that he is healing quickly.

“Amazingly, like in January when I fractured my rotated cup in my left shoulder, my recovery process is accelerated to the extreme!

Today (Tuesday) I will get back on the bike after just nine days since the horrific accident. My stitches are out, black eye is almost gone, right shoulder has 90% movement, headaches from concussion has gone.

I am so thankful that

Emile Abraham (TT Guardian file photo)

my mind, body and soul healed so quickly.

Thanks again to each and everyone for their support, it certainly helped the process of recovery and I will see you soon,” said an elated but recovering Abraham.

The former Rossetti Devo Cycling Team manager and representative also heaped praises on the officials who protected him as he lay motionless on the Georgia roadway. At that time, if Abraham had encountered with an oncoming cyclist, his physical and mental situation would have been significantly worse.

Throughout his recovery process, the exnational endurance champion was forced to sleep for 15 plus hours

per day and suffered constant headaches from the concussion that occasionally got intense with some lower back pain.

He is hopeful however, to make an even sooner return to the American circuit than expected. On the other hand, the amount of crashes that took place during the Athens Twilight has also sparked a bit of controversy about how well officials and racers handled the situation, and what types of safety measures can be implemented in future criterium (s) to avoid such accidents. This incident prompted safety discussions, including the ban on rider’s use of race radios, amongst some riders and promoters. (TT Newsday)

TT hockey umpire gets indoor upgrade

T

Donny Gobinsingh (TT Guardian file photo)

T hockey umpires continue to excel on the international scene. Donny Gobinsingh, a sergeant in the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, was recently promoted to the Indoor Grade

I Promising List by the International Hockey Federation.

He is the first local umpire to achieve both FIH indoor and outdoor badges. Gobinsingh received news of his upgrade following the Pan

Ayanna McClean

American Indoor World Cup Qualifier last month in Montevideo, Uruguay, which he attended.

Also in April, Ayanna McClean became only the second Grade I female outdoor umpire in TT. (TT Guardian)

Jamaica win World Table Tennis divisional title

J

Members of Jamaica men’s table tennis team show of their prizes won at the World Table Tennis Championship in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday.

Their coach Barnet Reed is at centre (Jamaica Observer photo)

amaica’s men's table tennis team lead by coach Barney Reed and team captain Michael Hyatt won their first ever World Table Tennis Championship in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday.

Playing unbeaten in Division Five of the competition, Jamaica defeated South Africa 3-2 in one of the most thrilling divisional finals in the overall 2014 World Championships.

Playing sumptuous table tennis, the Jamaica team of Chris

Marsh, Michael Hyatt, Kane Watson and Simon Tomlinson ended the World Championships as one of the only unbeaten teams in the Men's Team competition, after posting a record eight wins and no loss to be crowned Division Five champions.

And in typical Jamaican team fashion, Hyatt, Tomlinson and Watson each won a match in the final to lead Team Jamaica to a historic first ever World Championship title.

In the last match of

the final, Watson defeated his South Africa opponent 3-2 (11-9 in the 5th) to carve the emphatic win for Jamaica.

Jamaica will now move up to Division Three to rub shoulders with the Dominican Republic with regional heavyweights Cuba campaigning in Division Two. Based on the unprecedented feat, it is said movie producers have begun to enquire about making a film called ‘Pong Runnings’.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana Baseball League president off the historic Africa congress

P

resident of the Guyana Baseball League (GBL), Robin Singh departed Guyana on Wednesday to attend the historic and first-ever World Baseball Softball Congress in Africa, which was announced last month.

Officials of the world governing body for baseball and softball, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), have announced a new key agreement with the Japan-based Mizuno Corporation, establishing Mizuno as WBSC’s first Global Sponsor and the Exclusive Official Game Ball Supplier of all 2014 Baseball and Softball World Championship platforms- from youth to professional level- overseen by the WBSC. “The WBSC is proud to partner with a sports industry leader like Mizuno, which will help keep the WBSC at the forefront of youth sport and further strengthen our youth engagement platforms,” stated WBSC co-presidents Riccardo

GBL President Robin Singh

Fraccari and Don Porter.

The WBSC leadership also hailed the agreement as highlighting the value baseball and softball could deliver to the Olympic movement, if included on the Olympic programme.

“The WBSC remains committed to Olympic Games inclusion, and this strategic-partnership- the sponsorship of our youth, women and men’s competition platforms- is critical to strongly demonstrating baseball and softball’s youth and commercial appeal, and gender-bal-

ance,” the co-presidents added.

“We are confident that under the Olympic umbrella, baseball and softball’s global assets could further enhance and sustain the uniqueness, year-round message and economic positioning of the Olympic Games, while making the Games increasingly relevant to women and viceversa.”

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) was established in April 2013 and granted recognition as the sole competent authority in baseball and softball by the International Olympic Committee at the 125th IOC Session in September 2013. The WBSC will be led by an Interim Executive Board until the Inaugural WBSC Congress in May 2014. The WBSC has National Federation members in 141 territories across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and Oceania.

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING MAY 8, 2014

Jamaican jockey Omar Walker begins with win in Canada

R

Jamaican champion jockey Omar Walker (Jamaica Observer file photo)

iding for the first time on foreign soil, former fourtime Jamaican champion jockey Omar Walker notched his first winner at the Assinibioa Downs race track in Canada on

Sunday.

Walker's win came aboard the Gray Danelson-trained ‘O'Steely Blue’ at 2-1 in the seventh race in an Optional Claiming event for three-year-old and

upwards over four-andone-half furlongs (on the dirt).

The six-year-old gelding got the better of ‘Sacredspirit’ (Christopher Husbands) and ‘Stonewall’ (Adolfo Morales) in a moderate time of 53:60 seconds.

Earlier, the 31-yearold, Walker, who had secured seven rides on the eight-race programme came second on the Shelley Brown-trained ‘Ironic Silver’, just failing to catch ‘A Hi Five’, ridden by Christopher Ho. Former five-time champion jockey, and record holder for most wins in a season at Caymanas Park, Trevor Simpson got one ride on the same programme and was third on the six-year-old mare, ‘Thisladyisadiamond’ in the eighth race.

(Jamaica Observer)

- Jamaicans also win gold, silver Page 30

Guyanese Lennox Braithwaite

'Don't worry!'- Bolt tells fans delayed start to season is by design

D

espite not making his seasonal debut with a quarter of the year elapsed, Usain Bolt has reassured fans that things are going to plan and that they have absolutely nothing to worry about.

"There is never anything to worry about," he told Jamaican media at the press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel last Thursday to announce the Caribbean

broadcast rights for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"For me, I take my time throughout my seasons and you know the season is never perfect— niggles here, niggles there, but the coach will decide when I start and hopefully I'll start very soon," he noted.

Bolt, 27, the first man to win six Olympic gold medals in sprinting and is deemed a living legend with mind bog-

Usain Bolt

gling world record times of 9.58 and 19.19 seconds for the 100m and 200m, respectively, said the next two years will be crucial in his already

glittering career.

"I am just taking my time and going through the season because in the Commonwealth year, I try to take it as easy as

possible. I want to run less races because the next couple of years will be very important," said Bolt.

He has constantly set goals for himself throughout his brilliant athletics career and went into the 2012 London Olympics aiming to acquire legendary status by becoming the first runner to win back to back 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles. And that he did.

A repeat of those performances at the Rio Olympics in Brazil will more than likely put him among the immortals of track and field and hence, he is trying to preserve that body for the extra push when he will be 29 years old, going on 30.

Meanwhile, the inaugural World Relays in The Bahamas are just three weeks away to be held on May 24 and 25, and Jamaica are expected to make their mark

in the 4X100m, 4X200m, 4X400m, 4X800m and 4X1,500m.

However, Bolt unsure about his participation in the event that will serve as a qualifying competition for the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

"Hopefully, I am in shape (for it), but it's the coach who will decide if it's necessary... and if it makes sense," said Bolt.

"But the coach makes the call where I run and when I run," he added.

Recently Bolt, who has over 14 million followers on his Facebook page, announced that he ran a personal best over the 400m in training, but he refused to reveal the time. He has an official personal best over the distance of 45.28 seconds done in 2007.

"I won't say (what the time was), but we will see. For me, it's always just fun because everybody wants me to run the 400m," said Bolt.

(Jamaica Observer)

Caribbean Times International - (Canada Office) Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5 email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com, marketing@caribbeantimesinternational.com, caribtimes@gmail.com