Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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ISSUE NO. 87

CANADA EDITION

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING February 6, 2014

‘Frightening’ trend!

More than 2,500 teenage pregnancies in TT annually

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here are an estimated 2,500 teenage pregnancies in Trinidad and Tobago per year, including several cases at the primary school level, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said Tuesday, as he called for the enforcement of laws against statutory rape in order to address what he said was a “huge”, “frightening” and worsening problem.

The minister linked the problem to social

conditions, saying half the population now live in single-parent homes.

“It is a frightening situation and the police are now moving to act on statutory rape and I believe this should be looked at very closely because this teenage pregnancy situation cannot continue,” Gopeesingh said.

“I have 27 years experience in this field. I found the problem was growing year by year,” he added. see full story on page 5

TT’s Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh. (TT Newsday file photo)

Guyana’s Anti-Money laundering legislation…

Guyana's Opposition leader David Granger

Opposition Sagicor agrees to US$84 objects to private million for RBC Jamaica sector’s ‘observer status,’ walks out of meeting Page 12

Page 7

President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited, Richard Byles (centre), last Wednesday signed an agreement to acquire RBC Royal Bank Jamaica and RBTT Securities Jamaica Limited. He is flanked by Sagicor Jamaica Chairman R. Danny Williams (left) and RBC Caribbean CEO Suresh Sookoo. Royal Bank of Canada said last week that it would book a loss of Cdn$60 million (Ja$5.9 billion) on the deal struck with Sagicor Group. (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

Grenada seeks three-year wage freeze ahead of IMF agreement Page 8

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending February 6, 2014

BHP Billiton to invest US$1 billion in 65 per cent of Afrodeep water exploration in Trinidad Guyanese men die of

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nergy giant BHP Billiton has taken a leap of faith in the potential of Trinidad’s largely untested deep water acreages, committing up to investing US$1 billion to exploration.

“BHP Billiton is very optimistic about our

business here in Trinidad and Tobago, as it remains an important part of BHP Billiton’s global petroleum portfolio. By entering this new deep water exploration phase, BHP Billiton has committed to over US$500 million for the first exploration phase and

about a further US$500 million over the optional phases. We believe deep water, though largely untested in Trinidad and Tobago, has tier 1 potential,” country manager Vincent Pereira said during the Energy Conference Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency

(Trinidad), Port-ofSpain.

Pereira said the company was banking on its belief in the “world class source rock” comprising the acreage, its relationship to the Orinoco River system and the great possibility that it holds significant traps of hydrocarbons.

He added that the company will start its 3D seismic survey later this year, and will likely drill its first well in 2016.

In June 2013, BHP Billiton and the Energy Ministry signed production sharing contracts for five deep water blocks off the east coast of Trinidad—four of which (blocks 5, 6, 28 and 29) had been awarded to the company and its consortium in the 2012 Deep Water bid round—and a five-year extension of its existing Block 2 holdings.

Back then, Pereira had said the four new blocks BHP Billiton had acquired spanned over 4,100 square kilometres—making its Trinidad holdings among the most significant in the company’s global portfolio. (Excerpted from TT Express)

prostate cancer – Dr Boyle

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ealth Ministry C h r o n i c Disease Unit Coordinator, Dr Karen Boyle said prostate cancer claims the lives of 65 per cent of AfroGuyanese males while 39 per cent of African females die from cervical cancer.

Dr Boyle made the disclosure at the opening of the Health Ministry’s inaugural symposium themed “Reduce Stigma and Dispel Myths” on Tuesday.

The invigorating dialogue saw attendance from medical personnel and secondary school students.

Dr Boyle also pointed out that Indo-Guyanese women are most affected by breast cancer. “When we look at the proportion of cervical cancer cases, cervical cancer is ravaging our Amerindian women,” the Chronic Disease Unit coordinator said, noting that the high number of cervical cancer cases involving Amerindians can be attributed to the fact that hinterland women start having sex at an early age.

While noting that

pancreatic cancer is the most deadly of all cancers, Dr Boyle said most Guyanese die from prostate, cervical and breast cancers.

She explained that the emerging cancer epidemic accounts for more deaths than all the infectious diseases collectively.

Dr Boyle said more resources need to be diverted in the fight against chronic diseases, as the problem seems to be getting out of control.

In the past, developing countries focused more on infectious diseases, as their population was dying rapidly from diseases such as HIV/AIDS. However, she noted that recently, there has been a hike in the number of deaths caused by chronic ailments, particularly cancer.

With regard to the fight against cancer, Dr Boyle said Guyanese need to pay keen attention to their diet and exercise regimens.

The Chronic Disease Unit has launched several programmes to combat the spread of chronic diseases. (Guyana Times)

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EDITORIAL

An obesity policy

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hree years after a World Bank report on the growing rates of obesity in the developing world, which included the Caribbean, a more recent report by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) noted that four Caribbean countries are now listed among the world’s top 25 obese nations.

This should be cause for even more concern among the region’s governments, as it illustrates that the region is quickly losing its fight against obesity.

It has been noted that obesity, along with some noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer, which are often linked to diet, threatens the quality of life and life expectancy of many Caribbean nationals.

While in today’s world many are indeed living longer, many are also living with diet-related chronic diseases that negatively impact the way they live. Obesity is no longer simply a personal issue but has become a very complex public problem.

In the U.S., ranked second among the world’s obese nations, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a U.S. non-profit organisation, has predicted that the country’s annual economic productivity loss due to obesity could reach US$580 billion by 2030, if that country’s current obesity trend continues.

Already, statistics show that it costs the U.S., one of the world’s most developed economies, some US$14.3 billion to treat childhood obesity, while Medicare and Medicaid spend close to US$62 billion annually in obesity-related costs.

Financial figures such as these cannot be imagined, obtained or sustained in the Caribbean, including Guyana, where even a minute amount risks a severe strain on developing national budgets and puts even basic health care on the rack.

Obesity not only threatens lives but in addition, annual costs for treating obesity and diseases linked to poor diets threaten economic growth and development, and must be seen as a public health issue like smoking and alcohol. Governments can no longer leave it up to manufacturers and the public to make the right choices for the public or themselves respectively.

International consensus states that a significant factor for the obesity epidemic in developing nations is the increasing importation of foods associated with so-called development and Western diets and lifestyles: fast food outlets, processed, convenience foods and highly caloric snacks and drinks, while natural local foods such as fruits and vegetables are shunned.

There must be a serious and strenuous effort to halt the epidemic not only to save lives but economies as well. Developing nations such as ours cannot afford the costs related to treating obesity; prevention is a significant weapon against obesity.

But prevention requires a concentrated effort by governments as well as an educated public that can understand the significance of government policies meant to reduce its citizens’ chances of becoming obese, while at the same time not seeming to dictate what should be consumed.

In 2011, the same year of the World Bank report, an article in the West Indian Medical Journal entitled, “Obesity prevention: the key to non-communicable disease control”, argued that preventing obesity is more likely to come from “structural and policy-related changes to the environment” rather than “medical interventions targeted at the individual”, and pointed out too that the traditional approach of relying solely on education to change behaviours is clearly not working and cannot work.

The recent FAO report seems to bear that out.

Already, many governments around the world are looking at, if not passing, regulations among the manufacturing sector aimed at limiting or reducing what is put into foods that have been scientifically proven to be harming public health and contributing to the obesity epidemic. They are also contemplating social policies to help their citizens make better diet choices.

We here in the Caribbean are in a position to benefit from such research and policies, and need not reinvent the wheel but rather take example and innovate or adapt such policies to suit our individual territories’ needs.

Revving up the Mash fever in Guyana: Students perform a dance on the second day of Georgetown Department of Education Children’s Mashramani Competitions at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday

Barbados’ Agriculture Minister says government using “wrong medicine” to deal with economy

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ess than a week after he publicly indicated that he would speak out on the economic problems facing Barbados, Agriculture Minister Dr. David Estwick says the Freundel Stuart administration is using the “wrong medicine” to deal with the economic problems facing the island.

In an interview with the online publication, Barbados TODAY, Estwick, a former finance minister, said that while he understood the strategy being adopted by the government to turn around the ailing economy, it was not going to achieve the desired goal of fixing a Bds$1.4 billion current account deficit. ”So you can’t cut and tax out of that, which is the old budgetary tool, which is a classic IMF [International Monetary Fund] way of delivering it. I am not afraid to say what I have to say because I stand by my inferences and by my reasoning and my common sense. Where that leads me, it will lead me,” he told the publication.

Last weekend, the government began laying off the first batch of 3,000 public sector workers to be cut over the coming months.

Job cuts

Workers employed at the National Housing Corporation (NHC) were among the first to receive dismissal letters after the government had earlier in January rejected proposals from the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) as not going far enough to meet the objective of a significant cut in public sector expenditure.

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler said that the government has already drawn up the list of public workers to be dismissed.

Sinckler said that the plan to cut public service jobs would result in the government sav-

Barbados' Agriculture Minister Dr. David Estwick

ing as much as Bds$143 million and that the government had also agreed to institute a “strict programme of attrition” across the central public service, filling posts only where it is absolutely unavoidable, over the next five years, ending 2018-2019.

Estwick said that instead of the government focusing on cutting wages and salaries, it should be concentrating on addressing what, he argued, was a Bds$10.9 billion debt service.

He said he plans to present an alternative plan to the Cabinet on Thursday "What I have to do now is to ask the prime minister to accede to a full power point presentation with the entire Cabinet.

“Once that happens, and the Cabinet is in agreement, then I am in a position, with the agreement of the prime minister, to come to the public and say, ‘Look, these are the things we think we can add and do, X,Y,Z. So what I was trying to do was to get a hearing, so they (Cabinet members) understand that these tools require supporting tools to achieve what I want to achieve; that is nationally economic development and growth.

Cost cutting measures

“So it’s not a matter of, as

some people were trying to suggest, of fighting against Sinckler,” Estwick told the Barbadian newspaper, adding “you need to look at other things. So that is really what I push for and it is the other things I will speak to fully, publicly, once I get the Cabinet concurrence and once I get the support of the other members and the prime minister.

“But I am confident that the measures are going to be measures that will stand on their own reasoning and as a result of that, will stand on their own inferences as to what conclusions will come from those particular measures.”

Estwick is insisting that the government cannot tax and cut out of a current account deficit of Bds$1.4 billion at the end of fiscal year 2013/14 by the old traditional methods.

“You cannot do it, if you don’t have concomitant growth going along the same time, so that you can absorb any of the public sector contractions by loss of jobs. We don’t have the growth strategy going, because the growth strategy is compromised by cost. And all that happens because of the high debt and the high fiscal deficit position. So we are in a vicious cycle,” he added. (CMC)

News week ending February 6, 2014

‘Frightening’ trend!

T here are an estimated 2,500 teenage pregnancies in Trinidad and Tobago per year, including several cases at the primary school level, Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said Tuesday, as he called for the enforcement of laws against statutory rape in order to address what he said was a “huge”, “frightening” and worsening problem.

The minister linked the problem to social conditions, saying half the population now live in single-parent homes.

“It is a frightening situation and the police are now moving to act on statutory rape and I believe this should be looked at very closely because this teenage pregnancy situation cannot continue,” Gopeesingh said.

“I have 27 years experience in this field. I found the problem was growing year by year,” he added.

The minister was responding to a question filed in the Senate by Independent Senator Dr Victor Wheeler–an obstetrician gynaecologist with a practice in Tobago. Wheeler had asked for an account of the number of cases of child pregnancies documented in schools.

Of police action in cases of statutory rape, Gopeesingh later told reporters, “I believe if we continue to do that, we will see a drop in the teenage pregnancy rate.

There is a strong co-relation with police action and deterrence. I feel if people are apprehen-

sive of enforcement of the Children’s Act, there might be some degree of fear.”

In the Senate, Gopeesingh said by the time they reach the age of 19, an estimated 1,000 girls per year would have already had four pregnancies.

Pregnancies in schools

The minister also said between 2008 to 2012 there were four reported cases of pregnancy at primary school, or in the under 13 age bracket. Of these four, three completed their primary school education and went on to secondary school. One did not.

For the same period, there were 153 reported cases at secondary schools, or in the 13 to 18 age bracket. Of these, 54 completed their education.

The cases of secondary school teenage pregnancies were largely in the Port-of-Spain division (52). Cases were also reported at Caroni (44); Victoria (15); St George East (26); St Patrick (3) among others.

Gopeesingh noted that the figures related to reported cases and did not cover drop-outs, who may not have specified pregnancy, as the cause of withdrawal from school. “There is underreporting and a high drop-out rate,” he said.

“These figures relate to what has been reported to the Student Support Services Division at the Ministry of Education, but we are certain there is a quite heavy drop-out rate from the student

JLP councillor jumps ship, joins PNP

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he People's National Party (PNP) says it has accepted an application for membership from Esworth Frankson, former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Old Harbour Central Division in South West St Catherine.

Frankson's application has to be ratified by the Party's Executive Committee which will meet on Monday, February 10, 2014, PNP Deputy General Secretary, Julian Robinson said.

The PNP in a release late Tuesday said that Frankson met with officials of the party--led

by General Secretary, Peter Bunting; Robinson; Chairman of Region IV, Denise Daley; and Mayor

of Spanish Town, Norman Scot--earlier in the evening.

It is anticipated that Frankson will cross the floor and join the ranks of PNP councillors at the next sitting of the St Catherine Parish Council scheduled for Thursday, February 13, Robinson said.

Meanwhile General Secretary of the JLP Dr Horace Chang says that the party has expelled Frankson and already appointed a candidate for the division in Steve Graham, who is the current coordinator.

“Mr Graham is a longstanding Labourite and a high ranking Member of Area Council 2,” said Chang. (Jamaica Observer)

population which is not reported and which has been difficult to trace.”

Statutory rape

Attorney Douglas Mendes SC, a board member of the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Tuesday noted the importance of enforcement of laws relating to statutory rape.

“There is no point having laws on the books if the law is not being enforced and seen to be enforced,” the attorney said.

“Statutory rape is clearly an offence and as an offence it is easier to prove than rape of an adult. In the case of the rape of an adult you have to prove a lack of consent, but in the case of rape of a minor you simply have to prove there has been intercourse.

Lack of consent is assumed. Therefore this is certainly an offence the police should have at the top of their list.”

Mendes noted there is a wide range of offences–beyond the offence of statutory rape–which teenage pregnancies may involve, particularly the cases involving family members.

On the need for balancing the interest of the child with the rigors of a long trial process, Mendes noted there are measures which are already put in place to protect the interests of the child such as in camera hearings and a ban on publication of certain details.

In relation to a recent reported case of a 12-year-old being pregnant, Gopeesingh said

he was not in a position to comment. However, he disclosed he had requested a report in relation to that incident.

Gopeesingh said the State had reformed the school curriculum to include “moral values or ethics”; “citizenry development” and reformed

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More than 2,500 teenage pregnancies in TT annually social studies and sex education. He also stated that more than 200 guidance counsellors had been despatched to schools.

The minister said teenagers who become pregnant receive “a lot of counselling”.

“That is the approach

that we use: we do not deprive anybody of an education just because they got pregnant,” he indicated.

The minister said steps will be taken to ensure greater “surveillance” of the student population. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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News week ending February 6, 2014

Businessman pledges Gy$100 million to construct private hospital in Guyana

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A nurse tends to a patient receiving dialysis treatment under the watchful eyes of Dr Euan Carlisle

p r o m i n e n t Guyanese businessman who requested anonymity has pledged some Gy$100 million for the construction of a hospital catering for kidney dialysis and treatment of patient.

The announcement was made by Doobay Medical Centre President, Dr Budhendra Doobay on Sunday, at a charitable event.

The multimillion-dollar hospital is expected to be completed within 18-24 months. The three-storey complex is expected to house a medical school offering courses for laboratory and pharmacy technicians, nursing and phlebotomy.

Patients suffering from severe kidney problems will benefit from enhanced dialysis and treatment, free of cost.

Professor, Dr Euan Carlisle of Mc Master University, Canada disclosed that through a collaborative effort with the Health Ministry

and the Doobay Medical Centre, the hospital may be able to offer kidney transplant surgery in Guyana.

“Every two months, a kidney specialist from the Mc Master University, Canada comes here to ensure the dialysis patients are doing well. We go around and see all the patients and see that the dialysis is high quality.”

Professor Carlisle noted the good relationship between the centre and the university, and expressed hope that it will grow from strength to strength.

He further noted that the dialysis centre in Guyana has grown and is continuing to grow since its establishment two years ago. The centre located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, sees about 40 people on a daily basis, providing free treatment.

“I feel that they are getting good dialysis and most of them say they are feeling very, very well and the dialysis is going very well for

them,” Dr Carlisle said, but noted: “We would like to see more patients being planned for dialysis… first of all, we would like to try to prevent patients reaching the point of dialysis.”

This, he explained, can only be possible with the patients following the doctors’ instructions of eating healthily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising and taking their medications on time.

Dr Doobay said plans are in the pipeline for screening to be done at the centre, which can help in the recognition of similar problems so that the patients will become aware of what problems they are likely to develop, and as a result, the doctors and nurses can administer treatment in ample time.

The Doobay Medical Centre was established in 2011 and has since developed into a reputable entity for dialysis treatment. The medical centre is sustained by donations and fundraisers.

(Guyana Times)

Four shortlisted for GECOM’s CEO post in Guyana

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he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) has moved to shortlist four persons to be interviewed for the post of chief elections officer (CEO). This is according to GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally.

Surujbally said Tuesday that out of the four candidates, two are local and the other two candidates are based overseas.

The two local candidates are Calvin Benn,

who is serving as the acting CEO and Keith Lowenfield, a senior staffer of the commission. Benn has several years of experience in elections, as he served previously as assistant to then CEO Gocool Boodoo.

Lowenfield, on the other hand, was the assistant to Benn, before he assumed the duties of acting CEO. Both Benn and Lowenfield have been senior officers of GECOM for several years.

Meanwhile, the names of the two candidates from overseas were not disclosed. However, the GECOM chairman told this publication that the interviews for these candidates will be done initially via Skype.

When asked why there has been such a lengthy delay in selecting a suitable person for the post of CEO, Surujbally said, “We are not going to rush this process; we will take our time in selecting a suitable candidate.”

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Guyana’s Anti-Money laundering legislation…

Opposition objects to private sector’s ‘observer status,’ walks out of meeting

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u y a n a ’ s Private Sector Commission (PSC) has criticised the position of the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) regarding the observation of discussion on the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/ CFT)Bill, at the parliamentary special select committee.

APNU objected to a motion put to the select committee for the proceedings to be observed by the commission.

The PSC in a statement said on December 10, APNU gave an unqualified undertaking to support the PSC proposal that the meeting of the special select committee be held in public, thereby facilitating observers.

“The PSC finds it inexplicable that APNU would now renege on its undertaking made at a meeting chaired by its leader Brigadier (retired) David Granger and considers this to be a disturbing display of bad faith on the part of the major opposition party.”

The commission had requested an urgent meeting with the coalition over the matter.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said members of the National Assembly should leave “political grandstanding” out of the negotiations.

“The chamber noted with deep disappointment the position adopted by A Partnership

APNU has deviated from this position.”

The GCCI opined that public access to these parliamentary meetings is important when considering the notion of transparency. Nevertheless, the chamber remains hopeful that the opposition would rescind its decision.

Explanation

APNU point man on finance Carl Greenidge

for National Unity to withdraw and not allow outside observers to the parliamentary select committee debates concerning the amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill,” the GCCI said in a press statement on Tuesday.

It was pointed out that the PSC is the second civil society stakeholder, after the media, to have been refused access to the committee’s meetings.

No need for secrecy

The chamber is contending that the antimoney bill is a matter of public interest; hence, there is no need for secrecy.

The opposition’s position comes as a major shock, the chamber said, pointing out that both the opposition and the government have given the PSC the assurance that public screenings would have been a welcomed initiative. “It is therefore surprising and discouraging that the

APNU in a statement said its members walked out of the meeting Monday night over the attitude and behaviour of the chairperson Gail Teixeira.

The coalition’s statement comes one day after the government accused the opposition of walking out of the meeting to avoid voting on whether or not the PSC should be allowed to be an observer during the proceedings.

APNU explained that the first substantive item on the agenda was a request from the PSC to attend the meetings in the capacity of an observer.

When the matter was discussed, APNU’s member Carl Greenidge reminded the committee of the coalition’s “no objection” to the participation of stakeholders in the select committee’s deliberations on an adhoc basis and as the need arises.

Greenidge at the meeting was pushing for the same formula to be employed for the PSC. In keeping with the Standing Order governing select committees and the press, Greenidge said the PSC should have been informed that the committee was not prepared to have observers.

8 News Cox stays out PNM Medical doctor tipped to elections in Trinidad replace APNU’s Debra Backer P in Guyana Parliament T www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending February 6, 2014

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has disclosed that it is looking to replace Member of Parliament (MP) Debra Backer, who is expected to retire from Parliament as a result of illness before the commencement of the 2014 national budget debate.

According to Opposition Leader David Granger, the coalition is looking for a replacement for the deputy speaker and frontbencher.

He was at the time speaking during an interview with Guyanese media. While Granger did not directly state that Backer will be resigning, he noted that the MP is expected to make an announcement soon, after which the party will take appropriate actions.

However, he noted that the party is taking precautionary measures in the event of her resignation.

Backer took ill late last year and was hospitalised for several weeks at a local hospital. She was then taken overseas for further treatment.

There have been reports of medical doctor Karen Cummings, being one of the several persons under consideration to replace Backer. When asked to confirm this, Granger maintained that the Coalition is looking at several per-

teria.

“We are looking for people from different geographical areas, we don’t want everybody coming from urban areas,” he said. Dr Cummings is from the East Coast Demerara village of Victoria.

Other criteria

A Partnership for National Unity’s Member of Parliament Debra Backer

sons.

“We are receiving advice and looking at several persons that were recommended and will select someone who will advance the interest of A Partnership for National Unity,” he stated.

Questioned about whether the party is looking to specifically replace Backer with a female, the opposition leader pointed out that there is a certain approach to the process, adding that though gender is one of the main factors being looked at, there are other cri-

In addition, Granger added that qualifications and age are some of the other factors the Coalition is looking at. With this in mind, it should be noted that Dr Cummings is in her (40s) and apart from being a medical professional; she has also substantial experience in the field of politics.

There was talk of former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) MP Aubrey Norton taking the position; however, from comments made by the APNU leader, it is clear that the party is looking to have a gender balance in the National Assembly.

“The APNU, and certainly the PNCR, which is a part of the APNU, would like to see balance and in fact, the PNCR component of APNU was pretty balanced in the National Assembly,” he stated.

Dr Cummings was a new face on the APNU list of candidates during the 2011 election campaign. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Grenada seeks three-year wage freeze ahead of IMF agreement T

he Grenada government is calling on trade unions to accept a three-year wage freeze as it seeks to enter into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deal with an ailing economy.

Minister of Economic Development, Planning and Trade, Oliver Joseph, told radio and television viewers on Monday that the Keith Mitchelladministration was seeking the assurances from the trade unions ahead of signing and submitting a letter of intent to the Washington-based financial institution.

“I want to appeal to all the Grenadian people to work with us, this is a national issue, this is not a political issue, we are about nation building, we have this long term plan to see Grenada out of this fiscal situation it is in, and at the end Grenada will benefit,” he said.

“The letter of intent has not been signed as yet. In the letter of intent, (it) explains the intention of the govern-

Grenada's Minister of Economic Development, Planning and Trade Oliver Joseph

ment. The letter of intent could have been signed today or it could be signed tomorrow (but) the government decide let us have discussion with the unions because what the IMF is saying, you as a government said to us over the three year period there would be no increase, but we want to see a signed document by the unions committing to that,” he related.

“So the measures that we said we would do, the

letter of intent now, before we sign it we want to be sure that we reach agreement on all the areas, but we have a deadline in which we want to sign because that is contingent on getting support.

“So the sooner we sign and reach agreement, the better for the government because then resources, the first tranche will be released…so it is in our interest to sign it.

So very shortly it will be

signed and submitted, and the programme of support will commence,” he added.

But President of the Grenada Trades Union Congress (TUC), Madonna Harford, who also appeared on the television programme, raised issues with the manner in which the government was going ahead with the strategy.

“You freezing salaries for three years, the public worker above EC$3,000 would have to pay income tax. So no increase, income tax, then you have increases in user fees, properties etc, so in the long run the public sector worker would be at a serious disadvantage,” Harford said.

The trade union official admitted that while Grenada was not isolated from the impact of the global economic and financial crisis, “the fact remains that somehow… decisions that would have not been very good or wise decisions are coming back to haunt us right now.” (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

eople’s National Movement (PNM) Laventille East/ Morvant MP Donna Cox said Sunday she will not be contesting any post in the party’s internal elections on May 18.

However Cox said she welcomes the decision by the PNM’s General Council to institute a code of conduct, rules and regulations for the elections, which will see the use of the one-manone-vote system for the first time in its 58-year history.

Following a marathon meeting at its Balisier House headquarters on January 29, the General Council approved May 18 as the date for the internal elections and March 14 as Nomination Day A preliminary voters list will be issued on April 14, with the final voters list to be released on April 30. The cut off date for new membership, regarding persons who will be eligible to vote in the elections, is February 28.

Asked whether she was contesting any post on May 18, Cox replied, “No. I am not contesting any post.”

Prior to the PNM’s internal elections in October 2012, Cox was the party’s lady vice- chairman. She was defeated in those elections by former senator Pennelope Beckles-Robinson by a margin of 117 votes. While there has been speculation that Beckles-Robinson may challenge PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley for

his post, Beckles-Robinson has not indicated whether or not she will do so.

Speculation about Beckles-Robinson challenging Rowley arose last December when Rowley, the Opposition Leader, advised President Anthony Carmona to revoke the senatorial appointments of Beckles-Robinson and Fitzgerald Hinds. BecklesRobinson has publicly said her relationship with Rowley is good.

On the code of conduct which the General Council approved for the elections, Cox said, “I think the code of conduct is indeed necessary.”

PNM chairman Franklin Khan said it is mandatory for all candidates to sign the code of conduct which deals with issues such as the use of the media, campaign financing and slander. They said candidates will be strictly prohibited from attacking the personality of their rivals.

The code of conduct and election rules were created by a committee chaired by former attorney general Bridgid Annisette-George.

Cox agreed with the necessity of the election rules, stating that they “provide pertinent guidelines,” as to how the election should be conducted. She said these rules are necessary because she observed “certain undesirable behaviour in the last internal election.” (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Angostura opens new bitters bottling plant in Trinidad

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ordon Siegert, great greatgrandson of the founder of the legendary Angostura aromatic bitters, Johann GB Siegert, officially opened the new bitters bottling facility at the House of Angostura.

This is the first time that the bitters bottling line has been separated from the rum bottling line with brand new state-of-the-art equipment installed. The last upgrade, using secondhand equipment purchased from Jacksonville, took place 17 years ago.

Employees all put down their tools and came over to the main building to witness the interfaith service and official cutting of the ribbon done by Ioan Lloyd, senior manager in charge of maintenance, Vidia Doodnath, former executive and director of Angostura, Robert Wong, CEO, and Gordon Siegert.

Gordon was the last Siegert to work with the company before resigning in 1990. This new

line was built exclusively for bitters products and is located close to the bulk bitters manufacturing facility so that the product can be piped directly across to be bottled and packaged.

The maintenance team felt they had the expertise and experience to construct and install the plant themselves and were able to save money for the company. The project was done in a reasonable timeframe, within budget and was mostly accident free. This facility has been designed to be self-sufficient with its own rinser, filler capper block unit, case former and case packer.

It houses a tank room, packaging material warehouse, bottling line and finished goods warehouse with room for expansion as new products and sizes in the bitters family are developed. It is fully automated with at least 50 per cent more output than the previous bottling line. (TT Guardian)

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TT union warns of further job losses at RBC Royal Bank

T

he Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) says more workers will be put on the breadline after RBC Royal Bank confirmed that it had sent home 20 employees from its business banking unit.

BIGWU president Vincent Cabrera told reporters that the bank intends to close down nine of its branches.

“The union doesn’t have the exact figure but, over the last two years, over 200 workers have been sent home and it is our information that as soon as the sale of the bank is concluded with whomever it is eventually sold to, at least nine branches of the Royal Bank will be closed. They are seeking to reduce staff by as much

as possible to make the ship lean and mean. I would like to say the module of banking at the Royal Bank within recent times…is not fitting with local demands and whereas the other banks have been making quite a lot of profits, Royal Bank because of its economic machinations have found itself in some trouble”.

RBC Royal Bank (Caribbean) is part of the Royal Bank of Canada, the largest financial institution in that North American country.

In 2008, Royal Bank Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT) was acquired by RBC for nearly TT$14 billion.

Last month, RBC also announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to

BIGWU president Vincent Cabrera. (TT Guardian file photo)

sell RBC Royal Bank (Jamaica) Limited and RBTT Securities Jamaica Limited to Sagicor

Group Jamaica Limited.

It said the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalized in the coming months.

Meanwhile, TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai said he was concerned about customer confidence in RBC Royal Bank after the bank’s implementation of restructuring strategies, including several layoffs.

“It is something the company will have to manage, but I am confident the management will be able to deal with it,” he told reporters.

RBC chief executive officer Suresh Sookoo said the bank was engaged in “streamlining to serve our clients better.

“If you look at 2013, it is time to get back to being more efficient, and attracting better markets in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Employee and corporate communications regional manager Nicole Duke-Westfield told the Express newspaper over the weekend that as part of the bank’s efforts to improve and strengthen business performance and competitiveness, it had to make “some difficult decisions”, including some degree of job impact in Trinidad.

“RBC has been working to manage this impact and achieve efficiencies through varying means eg, attrition, early retirement,” she said.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Guyana gov’t allocates Gy$3.2B for electricity subsidy in Linden

P

rime Minister Samuel Hinds on Monday confirmed that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs for Linden, Region 10.

In fact, the Guyana government has set aside Gy$2.900 billion in the 2014 national budget to subsidise the cost of electricity in Linden, while neighbouring Kwakwani Utilities Inc will receive Gy$300 million, a total of Gy$3.2 billion in subsidies, once there is no objection from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the National Assembly.

Prime Minister Hinds said the provision of the subsidy for Region 10’s Electrification Programme is in keeping with the August 21, 2012 agreement signed between the government and the Region 10 Democratic Council.

In that agreement,

cluding the history, the costs, the tariff structure, and subsidies. In keeping with the Terms of Reference (ToRs), the committee is also expected to conduct a study on the region’s economic circumstances and its ability to facilitate an increase in electricity costs, as well as consider the advantages and disadvantages of integrating Linden into the national grid.

Standstill

Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

the parties agreed that electricity tariffs within Linden will remain frozen until the completion of the work of the Linden Technical Committee, which was birthed out of the agreement as well.

The technical committee is expected to review the existing provision and consumption of electricity in Linden, in-

However, the work of the committee is at a standstill for want of a chairperson. Since the original chairman, Narvon Persaud resigned, the parties have failed to agree on another chairperson. The government had identified an individual to fill the post, whom the region had rejected.

“Concerning the agreements which settled the unrest in Linden, they froze electricity tariffs to where they were.

Trinidad’s oil spills cleanup costs TT$20 million

T

T’s Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine last Thursday revealed that the cost to clean up last December’s oil spills in La Brea is now TT$20 million.

Ramnarine made the disclosure at the postCabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair. He said the costs of the cleanup have increased from the TT$11 to TT$12 million figure stated earlier in January.

“Since then more bills have come in from contractors and that figure is now closer to TT$20 million. That’s

the figure for the actual clean-up,” he stated.

Noting Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley’s meeting with Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president-general Ancel Roget last Wednesday, Ramnarine dismissed charges from Rowley about attempts to coverup the root cause of the oil spills.

Questioning Rowley’s motives, Ramnarine said he was unaware of the information contained in documents which Roget gave Rowley. However he promised to study the documents if the OWTU sent them to him.

Noting that Prime

Minister Kamla PersadBissessar had declined to meet the union about the oil spills, Ramnarine questioned the authenticity of these documents.

While the Cabinet minute to establish the National Environmental Task Force was approved last Thursday, Ramnarine could not say whether the task force has begun to investigate the cause of the oil spills. He acknowledged this was its first term of reference and said Environment Minister Ganga Singh will make a statement on this soon. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

The agreements stated that there would be no consideration of any increases until after the various committee reports would have been received, studied, and discussed.

This position could not be more comfortable for the regional chairman and for APNU,” the prime minister posited.

In response to allegations that the government has abandoned the agreement, Hinds said,

“The agreement has certainly not been barren.”

In March 2012, the prime minister had announced that there would have been an increase in electricity tariffs in Linden from July 1, 2012, stating that government was unable to further subsidise electricity in the mining town. He had said the increase would have been gradually implemented, but the proposed tariff hike was rejected by the

people of Linden and by extension, Region 10.

Through the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), customers on the Mackenzie shore would have received their first 50 kilowatts per hour (kWh) at Gy$5 per kWh, the current rate, but further consumption would have seen them paying Gy$50 per kWh, while businesses would have paid Gy$65.(Guyana Times)

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Jamaicans dominate Caricom skills certification

Some of the 13 Jamaicans who were refused entry, detained and sent back home from Trinidad in November 2013. (Jamaica Observer file photo)

D

espite constant complaints from several circles in Jamaica about mistreatment and denial of entry at the ports of several Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, including Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, reports from Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security are that the majority of those who apply for skills certificates are Jamaicans.

In 2013, 442 skills certificates were issued to Caricom nationals with Jamaicans accounting for 411 of that number.

The skills certification validates an individ-

ual’s proficiency allowing Caricom nationals to seek employment in any member state.

This free movement of skills, according to the Caricom website, entails the "right to seek employment in any member state and the elimination of the need for work permits and permits of stay".

The Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act establishes the legislative arrangements for free movement as required under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Single Market and Economy

(CSME).

The CSME is intended to benefit the people of the region by providing more and better opportunities to produce and sell goods and services and to attract investment. The aim is to create one large market among the participating member states.

In July 1995 the Conference of Heads of Government agreed that, with effect from January 1996, Caricom nationals, who are university graduates, should be allowed to move freely in the region for work purposes, the website said.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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GBTI initiates risk management plan to help SMEs in Guyana - through Canada-funded project

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) became the beneficiary of a two-year financial risk management project from the International Financial Corporation (IFC), to aid in the development and sustainability of more client-focused approaches for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The project is partly funded by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and aims to strengthen the longterm growth of the financial institution.

GBTI Chief Executive Officer John Tracey explained that the bank in 2011 was successful in partnering with the IFC in launching a Trade Financial Facility; an entity which made allowances for customers to have shipment finances on reasonable terms. He related that the organisation, over the years, has been lagging behind international policies

and mechanisms relating to the efficient service given to SMEs. SMEs are companies that employ 10 to 50 persons. Tracey pointed out that the IFC, recognising the bank’s deficiency, had agreed to render its assistance.

“They found that there were some processes and work policies that did not accord with international best practices and so they contacted another arm of the IFC and they offered to work with us to bring our processes up to international best practices, particularly focusing on our risk management systems,” he told reporters at a press conference last Thursday at the bank’s High Street, Kingston office.

Conservative lending

IFC Operations Manager Sergio Selaya said the Caribbean has had certain lending policies that he hoped could be eradicated through such projects. He pointed out that financial institutions generally lend mon-

ey based on their depth of knowledge of the borrower.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles said one should not turn a blind eye to SMEs, since they are among the major contributors to the economic growth of Caribbean countries. She pointed out that improving the risk management practices of banks in the Caribbean is the key element of any comprehensive strategy to promote private sector development and economic growth.

It is against this backdrop that the Canadian government has approved the fund.

Dr Giles disclosed that 65 per cent of Guyana’s SMEs are either unserved or underserved by the country’s financial system. This, she said, limits their abilities to grow and make job opportunities available, thereby crippling the country’s financial growth.

GBTI Chief Executive Officer John Tracey (second right) poses with IFC Operations Manager Sergio Selaya, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles and other officials from the Canadian High Commission in Guyana. (Guyana Times photo)

“SMEs account for over 90 per cent of all businesses in Guyana.

They consistently cite the access to credit as one of the greatest operational barriers to conducting businesses.

Role of banks

“They are significant contributors to the global economy, often employing more than 50 per cent of the work force. Yet, this sector is still largely underserved by the financial community,” she

told the media. Dr Giles further stated that banks have an important role to play in providing credit to SMEs, since they are dominant in the financial sector.

The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group.

It is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. It works with private enterprises in more than 100 countries and uses its capital and expertise to help

eliminate extreme poverty.

Investments climbed to an all-time high of nearly US$25 billion last year, creating jobs through the private sector and tackling some of the world’s pressing developmental challenges.

Guyana, since becoming a member in 1961, has received more than US$31.4 million in funding through the private sector. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Sagicor agrees to US$84 million for RBC Jamaica

S

agicor Jamaica has agreed to pay Ja$9 billion to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for RBC Jamaica. The move will grow Sagicor’s number of branches from four to 19. At an exchange rate of Ja$107.19 for US$1, the sale will go through for approximately US$84 million.

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services said its BB+ financial strength and issuer credit ratings on Sagicor Life Inc (Sagicor) and its BB- rat-

ings on Sagicor Finance Ltd’s Ja$150 million, ten-year senior unsecured notes are unaffected following the insurer’s January 29 announcement of acquisition of RBC Royal Bank (Jamaica) Ltd and RBTT Securities Jamaica Ltd. The ratings agency said: “The transaction represents about eight per cent of Sagicor’s investment portfolio in Jamaica and three per cent of its total investments. According to our

analysis of capital adequacy and liquidity, the acquisition won’t add material risk to the group due to its size.

Additionally, this acquisition won’t increase Sagicor’s exposure to Jamaica because it will fund the transaction with resources already allocated to that country.”

Announcement

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals by Jamaican authorities.

Last Wednesday, an RBC release from Toronto announced that Sagicor “will be acquiring RBC Royal Bank (Jamaica) Ltd and RBTT Securities Jamaica Ltd (collectively RBC Jamaica) from Royal Bank of Canada”.

“The acquisition, subject to all regulatory approvals, is expected to be finalised in the coming months. The purchase price of the agreement is estimated at Ja$9 billion.”

Richard Byles, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, said the move to acquire RBC’s Jamaican operations “provides the opportunity to expand Sagicor’s banking footprint, allowing us to serve our customers better”.

He added: “The acquisition of RBC Jamaica is a critical step in fulfilling our vision to build out a bank that is based on customer satisfaction and convenience, and we have confidence in RBC Jamaica’s dedi-

cated employees to help deliver this vision. This transaction allows us the opportunity to have a substantial distribution network, and to provide value added services to our clients through more branches and ATM locations islandwide.”

Looking forward the acquisition’s impact on customers of both institutions Byles said: “Upon closing, Sagicor intends to provide RBC Jamaica customers with the excellent service and product expertise that they are accustomed to, and looks forward to welcoming them to the Sagicor family.”

RBC Caribbean head Suresh Sookoo said: “Consistent with our strategy of being a com-

petitive leader in the markets where we operate, we determined after a careful and thorough review, that the best decision for the long-term future success of RBC Jamaica was to sell it to Sagicor.”

Sookoo said Sagicor was a well established financial franchise in Jamaica with the size, scale and complementary capabilities that RBC Jamaica does not currently possess.

Byles added: “We recognise the long and difficult journey ahead for the country. However, this purchase shows the confidence Sagicor has in Jamaica and our commitment to playing our role in economic development.” (TT Guardian)

Grenada gov't to amend controversial legislation

T

he Grenada government last Friday said it would make adjustments to the Electronics Crime Bill after it was criticized by the island’s media organization and the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI) for quietly allowing the legislation to become law despite government promises of reform.

“The government of Grenada, and especially Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell remain committed to making the adjustments to the Electronics Crime Bill that will eliminate any clauses that appear to infringe on the concept of a free media, or that seeks to criminalize libel,” said Hamlet Mark, Senior Adviser on Information to the Prime Minister.

“We had hoped that the amendment would have been before the parliament at the last sitting, but it was not included on the Order Paper because of administrative delays at the legal department. Given the latest developments, the prime minister has again instructed that the preparations are complet-

ed and that all concerned ensure that the matter will be on the agenda for the next sitting of parliament.”

The Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) had said it was concerned that the government had not removed an offending clause from the bill, which could severely undermine free expression, and infringe on the rights of Grenadians and journalists in particular.

In a release last Thursday, MWAG stated that “it will not stand for anything short of the total deletion of Clause 6 of the Electronics Crime Bill 2013, now Electronics Crime Act, and a revision of other offending clauses.”

According to MWAG, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell in a telephone discussion with the President of MWAG, Shere-Ann Noel, had indicated that he had instructed the Attorney General, Cajeton Hood, to remove the clause on July 2nd, 2013 and again on September 25th, 2013. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

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Qualfon, UG partner for training, exchange programmes

Q

ualfon, a leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centre last week signed an affiliation agreement with the University of Guyana (UG).

The affiliate agreement outlines the intention to provide educational opportunities that will support students at both Qualfon and the university, a release from the Mexican-based firm said.

“Qualfon is partnering with the University of Guyana so we can offer accredited college courses to our employees and especially to our supervisors,” Qualfon’s Chief Mission Officer Roberto Sanchez Mejorada said.

Education

“We are a company that engineers our business around the things that matter most to our employees – like family, health, community, spirituality, and of course – education.”

Qualfon said most of its contact centre agents are young Guyanese men and women working to build a career so they can become self-sufficient

and support their families.

“Qualfon is taking strategic steps to open the doors to a college education and to help ensure our employees have the opportunities they want and deserve,” said Qualfon’s Corporate University Manager Alejandro Perez, who is leading the higher educational programmes.

Qualfon University Coordinator Debra Gibbs said the agreement is a dream come true for Qualfon. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our employees and supervisors to get ahead and succeed in life, and our partnership with the University of Guyana lays a strong foundation for that initiative.”

The affiliate agreement specifically refers to “exchange programmes beneficial to the respective educational institutions” that will “promote the development of joint studies, research, and training activities, and other educational programmes of mutual interest”.

Specific programme

and Department of Sociology head Dionne Frank.

Agreement

University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and Qualfon’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Marrow sign the agreement in the presence of other officials from both institutions

details surrounding these educational opportunities are still in development, but Qualfon executives said they aim to offer online classes, career training programmes, and professional development mentoring through the collaboration agreement with the university.

In September 2013, Qualfon broke ground on a multi-building contact centre campus in East Bank Demerara area of Georgetown, and the con-

struction plans include an educational facility where employees will receive job training and could potentially attend college courses taught by professors from the University of Guyana.

The signed agreement solidifies the intent of the two parties to “engage in a university and community effort to provide for the education of staff and students”.

The agreement was signed during Qualfon’s annual company sum-

mit, held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown. UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and Qualfon’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Marrow, signed the contract, shook hands, and made formal statements in front of the more than 60 Qualfon employees that attended the event.

The occasion was witnessed by two other UG personnel, namely, Distance and Continued Learning Director Barbara Thomas-Holder

“This agreement means Qualfon is working together with Guyana’s most respected higher education organisation to turn our company’s mission of ‘making people’s lives better’ into real action.

“We are forging a new partnership that will greatly benefit Qualfon employees and the students of the university.

We are so thankful that the university is willing and excited to enter into this partnership,” said Marrow.

“Everyone has the right to higher education, and with the help of Qualfon, we are working to fill gaps in educational opportunities,” said Dr Opadeyi at the signing ceremony.

“Our agreement with Qualfon will advance the quality of life for the Guyanese. This is a moment that we have been looking forward to, and we can’t wait to get started,” he added. (Guyana Times)

No bad blood between Peter Phillips and PM Portia

Jamaica’s Prime Minister and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller greets Dr Peter Phillips at last September’s PNP annual conference at the National Arena in Kingston.

(Bryan Cummings/Jamaica Observer file photo)

J

amaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says finance minister and the man who challenged her in a bruising contest for the leadership of the People's National Party (PNP), has her full support and that of the Cabinet.

Asked if there was any residual bad blood between her and Dr Peter Phillips,

Simpson Miller said no: "He has the full support of his prime minister and the Cabinet, to pursue a path to ensure we can pay our debt and get the country out of this difficult economic situation, so that your children and their children will not have to go through what we are going through again...ever in Jamaica."

Phillips had the full

backing of her Cabinet for the work he had to do in sticking with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme. "It is a joined-up effort of every ministry and every minister," she said in an interview with Jamaican media.

Phillips and Simpson Miller were among four candidates who contested the PNP leadership in February 2006 to succeed P J Patterson as party president and prime minister. The others were Dr Omar Davies and Dr Karl Blythe. Phillips also mounted a second challenge for leadership in July 2008, two years into Simpson Miller's first prime ministerial tenure.

Simpson Miller added that she and Phillips worked well together politically, noting: "He is my neighbour, so we work well together. His (East Central St Andrew) constituency is

Election campaigning begins in Antigua-Barbuda

G

ospel singers and music set the tone for the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) re-election campaign in Antigua and Barbuda, which officially got off the ground on Sunday with the opening of the UPP campaign headquarters.

Named the “UPP Command Centre”, the building will serve as the nerve centre for the par-

ty’s campaign.

Flanked by supporters and candidates for the next general election, Prime Minister Dr Baldwin Spencer told the persons that attended the event his party is committed to nation building.

General elections are constitutionally due by March 12, 2014; however, as a result of still pending court cases over

voters lists and boundaries changes, they may have to be put off under emergency provisions in the constitution that have never before been invoked, which is not likely to help the current UPP government’s popularity at the polls.

Recent opinion polls have consistently indicated a significant swing against the UPP. (Caribbean News)

adjoining my (Southwest

St Andrew) constituency."

(Jamaica Observer)

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US$50 million to revive Jamaica’s employment programme

M

inister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips says that the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) will be back in motion again

by March.

The Jamaican government is planning to spend US$50 million (Ja$5 billion) of the US$352 million (Ja$35.2 billion) Chinese loan to finance its new infrastructure development programme, the Major Infrastructure D e v e l o p m e n t Programme (MIDP), to revive JEEP.

Members of Parliament are expected to be the first to benefit with each constituency set to receive Ja$10 million.

Dr Phillips told the House of Representatives last week Tuesday that funds to finance the aspects of the programme under which members of parliament (MPs) can make recommendations will be disbursed by next month.

"What the government has done first is to ensure that there is the emergency employment programme. The resources from the Chinese

Jamaica’s Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips. (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

loan are there and will be disbursed in this quarter for, first of all, that sec-

tion having to do with your JEEP programme," he told the MPs. He was responding to questions from opposition spokesman on finance and planning, Audley Shaw, on the unemployment situation.

A draft report prepared by Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) for Parliament states that the new phase of JEEP will be funded under MIDP. The report states that US$50 million (Ja$5 billion) of the US$352 million (Ja$35.2

billion) loan to finance MIDP, which was finalised by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on her trip to China in November, will be dedicated to JEEP. Of the JEEP allocation, Ja$10 million will be allocated to each constituency to cover infrastructural projects such as construction of retaining walls and sidewalks as well as work to be done on roads and gullies.

MIDP will replace the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP), which was concluded re-

cently at a cost of Ja$366 million, of which US$340 million was a loan from China negotiated by the previous Jamaican government.

It was reported to the committee in November that the completion certification for JDIP had already been prepared, and US$5.2 million was needed to complete the works. The value of the measured works performed was US$366.5 million.

The PAAC said that it was "pleased" that works under JDIP were completed within budget. (Jamaica Observer)

Arya Samaj’s ‘An Evening of Hope 2’ concert attracts overwhelming support in Toronto

By Ravendra Madholall

‘A

n Evening of Hope 2,’ a concert held Saturday at the Vedic Cultural Centre in Toronto, has been deemed highly successful, after it attracted a

large gathering in support of a humanitarian project being undertaken at Port Mourant in Berbice, Guyana.

The concert, organised by the Toronto Arya Samaj/Arya Samajs of Greater Toronto in col-

laboration with the Hindu Organisations of Canada, included exciting entertainment by both New York and Canadian artistes such as Geeta Bisram while stand-up comedian Mark Trinidad, local

Nasta and Vanessa Prashad on stage with MC Joe Jaglall

Elvis and several dancers and singers also performed impressively.

The event even attracted the presence of Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto Sattie Sawh, who commended the efforts of the organisers and noted the significance of the cause.

“On behalf of the government of Guyana, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the people of Toronto who supported this worthy cause, and congratulations also to the organisers for running off another successful event to make a difference in young people’s life and for the project,” Sawh stated in brief remarks to the gathering.

Last year, the humanitarian mission raised US$20, 000, which enabled completion of phase one and two of the Humanitarian Village Project in Port Mourant. Funds raised from Saturday’s concert will go toward completing the remaining phases of the project, which includes establishment of an Empowerment and Skills Development Centre that will provide disadvantaged persons with income-generating skills and the capacity to make a decent living afterwards.

It is expected that the centre will be opened

by April when the first batch of students would be enrolled Honourable John McCallum, the Liberal Member of the House of

Commons and MP for Markham Unionville, also extended special congratulations to the organisation and was delighted to be invited.

“I want to congratulate the organisers, that even though we are living in the best country in the world and are enjoying the good life that Canada has to offer, we find it in our hearts necessary to help those who need help the most, and I am very happy to be part of tonight’s activity,” McCallum stated.

Meanwhile, recording artiste/philanthropist Geeta Bisram stated that she was overwhelmed to be in Toronto and to perform in front of the crowd that applauded her effort and showed tremendous appreciation to her display.

“I was extremely happy to be in Canada and to sing these lovely songs; I think these guys have been doing a fantastic job to empower the youths about the importance of a positive life so I am indeed delighted to come and perform any time,” the American, who is a member of the Angels Caribbean Band based in the USA, declared.

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Canada/Guyana business linkage highlighted at Berbice Chamber of Commerce meeting

C

anadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles said security is key to any thriving business in Berbice, as she addressed the 81st anniversary luncheon of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) on Sunday.

Dr Giles was speaking against the backdrop of rising crime in the Ancient County, which prompted the shakeup of a police station in Corentyne and a highlevel delegation of the Guyana Police Force to meet with residents last week.

Poor security

The high commissioner said Canada has realised the impact that poor security can have on a country’s business sector. She said a lack of it is a threat to the safety of a nation’s people and challenges the ability of businesses to thrive and attract investments.

“Your vigilance and

commitment to ethical business practices also contribute to and strengthen society, as well as strengthening security and decreasing risks in the Berbice business sector,” she said She maintained that it is, therefore, imperative that there is a commitment to principles of corporate social responsibility, and that businesses seek the appropriate and effective mechanism in this regard.

Speaking on the business linkages between the two countries, the Canadian envoy said companies in her country have invested millions of dollars in Guyana, spanning diverse sectors from mining, banking and agriculture, to education, oil and gas, and the service sector.

She said thousands of Guyanese have made important contributions to Canada and have enriched the Canadian business landscape with their strong business

BCCDA President Mark Roopnarine presents a plaque to Canadian envoy, Dr Nicole Giles. (Guyana Times photo)

acumen and experience.

While commending the Berbice chamber of commerce for its hard work and achievements, Dr Giles encouraged it to continue to blaze the path to success.

Long road ahead

BCCDA President Mark Roopnarine, in his address, said the organisation has come a long

way, but there is still a long road ahead.

He extended gratitude to the founders, the Saywack sisters, and all the past presidents, executive and other members for keeping the chamber alive and vibrant.

“We have been pioneering in the development of our economy, through proper represen-

tations, engagements, and facilitations, and our mandate is to continue to contribute to the economic and social development of this nation and work to promote trade, commerce among our businesses locally and from strategic business relationships with international and regional investors alike,” he said, explaining that in doing so, it would improve their socio-economic standing.

Roopnarine stated that just like the relationship that Canada and Guyana share as countries that derive mutual benefits from each other, so too must the chamber establish relationships with other chambers for mutual benefit.

While recognising the sterling contributions of Canada to the economic development of Berbice and Guyana as a whole, Roopnarine said many Guyanese have been able to scale the corporate and social ladders in Canada.

Development

“What makes us more proud as a nation is the fact that Guyanese from all walks of life are contributing to the process of socio-economic development of Canada as a nation, be it sports, trade, agriculture, or technical empowerment; no doubt, Guyanese are making their contributions in Canada and further abroad,” he said.

Also gracing the occasion were Regional Chairman David Armogan, members of the Central and Upper Corentyne chambers of commerce and other officials. BCCDA Past President Imran Saccoor was also inducted as an honorary member of the organisation.

The BCCDA was established in 1931 and comprises seven executive and eight council members. Its motto is “Working together for national development”.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Bunting confirms he's stepping down as PNP gen sec P

eter Bunting Sunday confirmed that he will be stepping aside as general secretary of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) of Jamaica as soon as his replacement his chosen.

It's a process he expects to be completed "no later than March".

Bunting made the announcement at an "expanded" meeting of the party's National Executive Council (NEC) at the Manchester High School in Mandeville Sunday, putting an end to recent speculation.

Bunting reminded the meeting, which included party leader and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, that he had said in 2012 that he would not lead the party's organisational structure into a next general election.

With that in mind, he later told Jamaican media that he felt the time had come for a new general secretary "to start the preparation and groundwork for selecting candidates and to put the machinery in place for the next local government election, due next year, and general election due by 2017".

Bunting, who is minister of national securi-

General secretary of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) of Jamaica Peter Bunting.

(Jamaica Observer photo)

ty and member of parliament for Central Manchester, said that he expects his replacement to be chosen "no later than the next scheduled NEC meeting" in March.

"Six years (as general secretary) is a long time," said Bunting, by way of emphasising his belief that his decision to walk had been made at the right time.

He expressed satisfaction with his record as general secretary.

He noted that the recommendations made by a Brian Meeks-led committee for "modernising the party's secretariat and the rebuilding of unity within the party"

among a number of measures, had been "accomplished".

"I can pass on the baton satisfied that I have moved the process forward," Bunting told the media.

The "litmus test", he argued, were "historic victories in the 2011 parliamentary elections and 2012 local government elections". The December 2011 parliamentary victory was not only a "landslide but the first time an opposition party was returning to government after one term in opposition," Bunting recalled.

Further, he said, the local government victory "was perhaps the most extensive and comprehensive" with every local authority falling under the control of the PNP. He dismissed recent speculation in some quarters that he may be contemplating moving from Central Manchester to a perceived safer seat.

"Absolutely not! I have no intention of moving from Central Manchester," said Bunting. "I expect now to spend more time (within the constituency) and to continue to consolidate...," he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

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week ending February 6, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana gov’t accuses Opposition of being ‘unpatriotic’

- over continued non-support of Anti-Money laundering bill

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n November, 2011, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) brought to the attention of its members, certain jurisdictions, including Guyana, which had “strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regime.

In an effort to encourage expeditious rectification of the identified “strategic deficiencies”, Guyana and the CFATF developed an Action Plan which identified target dates to address the “strategic deficiencies” that exist in Guyana’s national architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The government of Guyana immediately commenced a series of initiatives designed to implement this Action Plan.

These initiatives include administrative measures to be implemented by various ministries, departments of government and organs of State as well as enacting certain legislative reforms, which significantly, embrace more than 90% of that which are to be implemented under the Action Plan.

The administrative measures which were recommended have largely been completed

and implemented. The legislative reforms which are to be implemented are captured in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment), Bill No. 12 of 2013, which was tabled in the 65-member National Assembly, in which the Opposition enjoys a one seat majority, on the 22nd April, 2013. By a vote of the Opposition in the National Assembly, this Bill was transmitted to a Select Committee.

One of the target dates agreed upon in the Action Plan was that the said Bill would have been passed into law before the CFATF meeting Managua, Nicaragua, May, 2013. As a result of delaying and dilatory strategies and tactics employed by the Opposition in that Select Committee, the May, 2013, deadline was not met.

As a result, CFATF at that meeting issued a Public Statement in May, 2013, recommending that Guyana take steps to ensure that it address its AML/CFT deficiencies.

The government continued to persevere to have the work of the Select Committee completed.

On the other

hand, the Opposition continued their efforts to frustrate the work of the Committee. Their ploys included: 1. absenteeism; 2. go slows; 3. boycott of Committee meetings for irrational reasons; 4. and failing to meet regularly.

Government’s priority was to have the Bill enacted into law on or before the CFATF meeting in November, 2013, in Freeport, Bahamas.

Eventually, the Opposition boycotted the work of the Committee.

The government completed the work of the Committee and returned the Bill to the National Assembly for passing in August, 2013, to meet the CFATF meeting in November, 2013, in Freeport, Bahamas.

However, the Opposition voted down the Bill in the National Assembly.

As a result, at the November, 2013, meeting in Freeport, Bahamas, CFATF issued an Adverse Public Statement against Guyana in the following term: “Guyana has made efforts to address its deficiencies, however, it has not taken sufficient steps towards improv-

ing its AML/CFT compliance regime by failing to approve and implement required legislative reforms.

Guyana must therefore pass the relevant legislation and implement all the outstanding issues within its Action Plan.”

Upon an invitation of the Opposition, government re-tabled this Bill in December, 2013.

Again, the Opposition with a threat of non-support for the Bill, caused the same to be sent to another Select Committee.

Again, the Opposition has commenced a new regime of artifice and ploys to frustrate and delay the work of the Committee. Their most recent travesty is the rejection of the Private Sector Commission’s request to be present and observe the proceedings of the Committee and the government’s request to extend such facility, not only to the PSC, but to the press and other interested stakeholders.

They voted down these proposals and walked out of the meeting on 3rd February, 2014, Currently, the Bill remains in the said Select Committee. The Financial Task Force (FATF) in their latest public disclosure identifies Guyana as heading

the list of non-compliant and delinquent countries in terms of its AML/ CFT regime. This exposes Guyana to the peril of being the most likely jurisdiction to which FATF can subject to an ICRG review. Should such an eventuality materialise, the impact on the Guyanese economy, the commercial, financial and banking sectors, the country’s image as an investment and tourist destination and indeed on the life of every single Guyanese, would be devastating.

During this entire period that is, from the time the Bill was first tabled in the Parliament in May, 2013 until February, 2014, the Opposition has failed and refused to put forward a singular amendment to it, either in the National Assembly or in the two Select Committees.

Significantly, this Bill has received the approval of CFATF as meeting their standard requirements.

The Opposition have ignored repeated calls from the president and several ministers of government to support the said Bill in the National Assembly. They have ignored innumerable calls from the Private Sector Commission, an organ-

isation representing seventeen constituent members from every area of commercial activities in the country, from the diplomatic community, from the religious community, from the largest union representing organised labour, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions in Guyana, from the Rice Producers Association and indeed from the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who have expressed their desire to have this Bill passed.

The government of Guyana views the position of the Opposition on this matter as antidevelopmental, anti-nationalist and unpatriotic. It is the government considered view that the only category of persons who are likely to benefit from the “strategic deficiencies” which exist in Guyana’s architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism are those dealing with the proceeds of crime and want to continue to launder same undetected and those engage in terroristic activities. Have these persons infiltrated and now have a controlling interest in the National Assembly of Guyana?

Eastern Caribbean states collaborate Two entertainers among five people arrested for lottery scamming in Jamaica to improve regional telecoms

Telecommunications strategist at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Selby Wilson. (File photo)

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overnments of the Eastern Caribbean have taken a significant step toward harmonising their countries’ investments in telecommunications infrastructure. A regional project, called the Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme (CARCIP), is bridging the gaps in regional broadband communications development.

High-ranking officials from St Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent

and the Grenadines met earlier this week with officials from the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) to share insights into how each country is tackling the region-wide challenge of developing its telecommunications infrastructure.

The high-level meeting, organised by the CTU as part of CARCIP, was held in Port-of-Spain,

Trinidad, from February 3 to 4.

“On the surface, the project targets the establishment and improvement of the region’s physical communication networks. But the real issue is the major benefit that greater quality and affordability can bring to the region’s governments, health centres, schools, universities, national emergency communications networks and so on,” said Selby Wilson, telecommunications strategist, CTU. “Bringing the territories and the regional institutions together at the table is just the first step.

The ultimate aim is a comprehensive, region-wide approach to the development of the telecommunications networks of the Caribbean. The lessons that we learn here will be of real value to the entire region,” said Junior McIntyre, the project coordinator for the CTU.

(Excerpted from Caribbean News)

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The suspects are to be questioned in the presence of their attorneys, following which formal charges will be made against them

amaican police have confirmed that two entertainers, a male and a female, were among five people taken into custody on Monday, suspected of being involved in lottery scamming.

Reports from the police are that about 4:00 pm, members of the New Kingston Police Post were conducting a rou-

tine stop and search operation along Knutsford Boulevard when a motorist was cited for breaching the Road Traffic Act. The motorist who did not have a driver's licence in his possession gave name which turned out to be fictitious. Further investigations were conducted that resulted in the Lottery Scam Task Force being called in.

As a result the driver and the two occupants of the motor vehicle were detained.

Consequently, a probe was launched and an operation conducted at a house in the Kingston 5 area, which is the residence of one of the occupants of the motor vehicle, the police said.

During a search of the premises, the police allege that paraphernalia related to lottery scam activities were observed and seized.

The occupants of the house and the motor vehicle were also taken into custody on reasonable suspicion of breaches of the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transaction) (Special Provisions) Act, the police added.

The suspects are to be questioned in the presence of their attorneys, following which formal charges will be made against them. (Jamaica Observer)

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300 workers cut from Barbados’ housing corporation

“S

ad” and “frustrated” were some of the words used by a number of the 300 workers from the National Housing Corporation (NHC) in Barbados to describe their overall feelings of receiving letters terminating their employment with that company last Friday morning.

The government employees were the first of the 3, 000 workers to be laid off following the announcement by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart that January 31 would be the deadline for the initial set of public sector layoffs after the former date was postponed.

The workers, some of whom gathered in groups in the car park at the NHC venting their frustrations, told

Some of the workers standing outside of Barbados’ National Housing Corporation’s building in conversation last Friday. (Barbados Advocate photo)

Barbadian media that they were handed their termination letters following a meeting last Friday morning at the company. Many indicated that the individuals who were sent home were in temporary posts, with some working for over ten years in that position.

One worker, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues and himself, questioned why employees who worked there for a lengthy time were never permanently appointed to their positions, but were amongst those dismissed.

“We were here for more than 10 years and

TSTT unveils model smart home in Trinidad

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t an upscale gated community in Chaguanas last Thursday, TSTT unveiled its pilot project for gigabit connections to the home. Each of the houses in the Legacy Housing Development will be wired using fiber optic cable that will carry an Internet connection clocking in at 1,000 megabits of data.

It’s a speed that acting CEO George Hill struggled to make real for the audience in attendance.

First, he explained that the speed was “equivalent to downloading 100 million characters of text in one second”.

Then, he noted that it would be possible to effortlessly stream “five high-definition videos at the same time on a 1Gb connection while still

having room to email and surf the web”.

Finally, he suggested that the connection was “equivalent to using 100 DVD players at the same time”. It’s a big pipeline to the Internet and changes the discussion about connectivity from how fast to what do I do next? It’s a question that the residents of Legacy Housing will be exploring during a trial of the service that’s expected to run for at least six months.

During that time, the residents will report on their use of the service and experiences with it, a process that will guide TSTT on creating packages that will be offered to the public. The telecommunications company demonstrated the service, which incorporates much of its QuadPlay

initiative, to Minister of Public Utilities Nizam Baksh during a tour of a model home at the housing community, which has been wired to demonstrate an ideal deployment of hardware connections to the massive pipeline.

TSTT has now prepared its infrastructure to deliver gigabit Internet connectivity to 10,000 homes in Trinidad, 70 per cent of which are located in the north of the country. The company plans to increase the number of homes eligible for the service to 40,000 by the end of 2014. TSTT had no pricing for the service, noting that it would create its packages for the public after studying the results of the Legacy Housing project. (TT Guardian)

we ain’t get appointed.

[I] would like to know why? We’d like to know what is the criteria for appointment in government now?…That is question number one that the people that gone home would like to know,” he said.

Chief amongst the other questions posed

by the now unemployed staff was when will they receive their severance pay. Some also questioned if the criteria stated by the finance minister of not selecting the sole breadwinner from the household was followed.

“I was working here for 15 years. I don’t understand, they never gave a criteria [for appointment], all they do is call you this morning and give you a letter. I ask the question in the meeting this morning, ‘Did you all consider what the prime minister said in terms of evaluating the household?’

They can’t answer that, they don’t know. So I said, ‘What is the basis that I am going to be sent home?’ They can’t tell me. I am my sole breadwinner, I have a

mortgage to pay [and] a child to send school, what am I supposed to do?” asked an employee.

Though most persons said it will be difficult and they are unsure of what will be their next step, many did suggest they will be trusting God to guide them through the road ahead; and one specifically said, “I believe that God was preparing me for it because I dream it so I was prepared for it, so it didn’t come to me like a shock, it didn’t hit me hard. I was like just give me the letter and let me go long home because to me God was preparing me for it. I tell myself if God prepare me for this, the God that I serve, I know that He going to deal with me, so I ain’t bothered.”

(Barbados Advocate)

Canadian agreement enables Guyana’s parliamentary proceedings to be streamed live on internet

From left seated: Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles; Clerk of Guyana's National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs; and Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman with staff of the Parliament Office at the signing of the agreement last Friday

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u y a n a ' s Parliament Office and the Canadian government last Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the provision of live Internet streaming of all parliamentary business, sittings, committee meetings and other parliamentary related activities.

The multimillion-dollar initiative is expected to take effect before the 2014 national and regional budget is presented in the House. It is expected to keep the world abreast with the business of the local Parliament. The project has been made possible through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. This fund supports and implements projects, the world over, in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments.

During a simple ceremony in Committee Room Two, Parliament Buildings, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman said the Parliament Office is about to make a quantum leap into the “present”, positing that the House has been

lagging behind in the field of technology.

According to Trotman, with the commencement of the 10th Parliament, there was a vision to bring the people of Guyana closer to the House, and the new initiative will enable this dream to become a reality.

In 2012, Trotman, along with the clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, approached the donor community for funds to initiate the project. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the then high commissioner of Canada David Devine responded positively.

However, things appeared dampened for awhile until the arrival of current Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles. Recently, the Parliament Office was informed that funding has been approved for the project which will allow persons in Lethem, Madhia and even Crabwood Creek to watch the proceedings of the National Assembly from the comfort of their homes, live.

High demand According to

the

Speaker, there has been a high demand for this type of technology from the public, positing that since the commencement of the 10th Parliament, there has been a renewed interest in the affairs of the National Assembly.

Live streaming of the parliamentary sessions is a stepping stone to greater things, he posited.

He disclosed too that the e-parliament pilot project, equips all parliamentarians and staff of the Parliament Office with tablets to facilitate the exchange of information, thereby reducing the bulk of papers. This will be complemented by the launch of a media centre.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner Giles said the project will benefit all Guyanese, giving them a virtual front row seat to the proceedings of the National Assembly.

Through the project, Canada is working with Guyana to provide the structure required to facilitate the transmission of information from the legislature to the people, thereby encouraging greater democratic participation.

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Guyana moves to acquire new aviation technology - as part of modernisation drive

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he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is moving to acquire an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to aid its modernisation process.

The technology will increase the capacity of Guyana’s airspace to accommodate four times more air traffic than present.

GCAA Director Zulfikar Mohamed last Friday explained that with ADS-B system, every aircraft operating in Guyana will broadcast its own GPS position, along with other information like heading,

ground track, ground speed and altitude.

He said the receivers on the ground then receive this information and send it to air traffic control displays at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) or the Ogle International Airport (OIA).

The information collected can be used to augment existing primary and secondary (transponder-based) radars or used in lieu of those radar technologies.

He noted that this technology is more or less critical to separate

air traffic. Currently, he added that domestic air traffic movement has declined by 2.68 per cent while international over flights on the other hand has increased by 12.93 per cent and with the new system, it is expected to further increase.

Air traffic

Air traffic movement into Timehri, he added has decreased by 17.84 per cent, while movement into Ogle airport has increased by 66.57 per cent. Nevertheless, he noted that the overall air traffic movement has declined by 0.75 per cent.

Some 54 aircraft

are registered with the GCAA. During 2013, five aircraft were registered, including one Cessna 208, one Cessna 206, two BN Trilanders and one Robinson R4411.

Mohamed said several airlines have received permits to operate in Guyana, including Fly Jamaica Airways and Vision Airlines Inc. However, he was happy to announce that an “open skies” air services agreement was signed with the U.S. and discussions are being held for a bilateral air services agreement with the Republic of Turkey.

Proposal

A proposal was also submitted to the government of Venezuela for negotiations.

He said as part of the air safety regulation, several aerodromes were inspected and licences issued, noting that currently there are eight air operator certificate (AOC) holders.

These include Air Services Limited (ASL), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Trans Guyana Airways (TGA), Jags Aviation (JA), Roraima Airways Limited (RAL), Wings Aviation limited (WAL), Oxford Aviation and

Fenix Airways Inc. Also in 2014, three other operators will be issued with AOC, namely the Hinterland Aviation Inc, Domestic Airways and Golden Arrow Airways.

Mohamed also disclosed that the final report of the Caribbean Airlines mishap is completed and will be released to the public before year-end.

He added that several other reports are being compiled by the GCAA, and are expected to be submitted to the subject minister as soon as they are completed. (Guyana Times)

New opposition leader appointed in St Lucia

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he appointment of Dr Gale Rigobert as St Lucia’s new leader of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has now been confirmed.

Dr Rigobert was selected a week after Parliamentary Representative for Castries North, Stephenson King, was voted out of the post by his UWP colleagues.

An official letter sent to the Governor General Dame

Pearlette Louisy Saturday to formalise the process, has been accepted.

“Pursuant to Section 67 of the Constitution of St Lucia and subject to the provisions of the said Constitution, I do hereby appoint you the said Gale Tracy Christiane Rigobert, to be the Leader of the Opposition with effect from February 1, 2014, with all the powers, rights, privileges and advantages to the

said Office belonging or appertaining,” the Governor General’s appointment letter read.

Rigobert who lectured at the University of the West Indies, previously served as a member of the Senate, and advisor to the National Development in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development.

She won her Micoud North seat in the 2011 gen-

eral election and was elected deputy political leader of the UWP in July 2013.

In November 2013, she was made the Ambassador for peace for the Universal Peace Federation.

She was due to take her oath of office on Tuesday, however this has now been rescheduled for February 11.

On the weekend, Rigobert began a series of pre-budget “community meetings” es-

sentially to “listen to the needs of the people and assess priorities for the constituency.”

She told Caribbean media that she would also respond to questions on recent developments in the opposition United Workers Party, which has recently been plagued by disagreement over the expulsion of King as opposition leader.

(Caribbean News)

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s Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of the United Nations (UN) designated World Interfaith Harmony Week, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday called for a redoubling of efforts to foster greater understanding and appreciation among the different religions in Guyana.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was officially launched on Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The ceremony opened with prayers and messages from the Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i, Rastafarian, indigenous and Seventh Day Adventist bodies, and the United Apostolic Mystical Council.

The president, who delivered the keynote address, boasted of the beauty and uniqueness of Guyana’s multiethnic,

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar flanked by UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa and Mayor Hamilton Green with members of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO).

multicultural society, and the commendable level of tolerance that exists among the various faiths.

Four years ago, World Interfaith Harmony Week became an annual event that is observed during the first week of February, as the UN General Assembly’s way of urging countries to encourage activities aimed at fostering greater di-

alogue among people of different faiths.

The need to intensify such dialogue was underscored by the desire to promote a culture of genuine peace in a world, driven in many places, by religious and sectarian divides, since tolerance and mutual understanding are general aspirations shared by faiths.

Interfaith dialogue

The president said that his government fully supports the goal of increased dialogue among faiths, and subscribed to the view that dialogue is the best means of resolving conflicts especially those exacerbated by ethnic and religious conflicts.

“We have all witnessed the awful tragedies that have resulted

by religious and cultural conflicts in many parts of our world. These conflicts have spawned untold loss of lives, and unremitting suffering,” the head of state said.

Unlike many other countries in the world, the various religious bodies in Guyana co-exist in harmony. The president explained that while interfaith dialogue had to be initiated in other countries in an attempt to ease religious conflicts, Guyana took this

step of its own accord.

“For this reason, interfaith relations in Guyana take place characterised by the absence of hostility, animosity, and bitterness. The fact that the leaders of our various faiths have come together to foster greater understanding is something to commend and celebrate and encourage. It enriches all of our lives and helps to foster greater unity among all our peoples. It is also the best example that we, as a nation, can hope for when addressing challenges that we faced,” President Ramotar posited.

A symposium was held after the launching ceremony engaging mostly young people from different faiths.

A harmony walk was held Tuesday from the Cenotaph to the Promenade Garden, followed by the first ever interfaith concert at the National Cultural Centre in the evening.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Cassandra Chase of Read Across Jamaica Foundation presents sample copies of books from the Read Across Jamaica/First Book initiative to Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie at the Jamaican Embassy in Wahsington, DC on January 7. (Jamaica Observer photo)

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wo organisations based in the United States of America have embarked upon a joint effort to enhance the availability of books for students in Jamaica.

The Read Across Jamaica Foundation and First Book Inc will be sending, in the first instance, approximately 10,000 books to Jamaica

by May 2014.

Representatives of both organisations visited Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Professor Stephen Vasciannie at his Washington, DC Office on Tuesday, January 7, and outlined their plans for the coming year.

Among them were Cassandra Chase, cofounder of Read Across Jamaica; Kesha Lee, Veronica Creech, Emily Gaynor and Allison

Mooney of First Book Inc. Read Across Jamaica is an initiative of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations, a prominent diaspora group in the U.S., while First Book Inc is a non-profit organisation committed to making culturally sensitive publications available in different countries of the world.

In welcoming the initiative, Ambassador Vasciannie noted that the books, for students at the primary and early secondary school years, would be greatly appreciated in Jamaica and would help enhance the efforts of the Jamaican government to provide suitable intellectual opportunities for young Jamaicans.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Six-time Chutney Soca Monarch Rikki Jai gets some help from Nigel Rojas in his performance of ‘Clap your hands’ at last Saturday's semifinals in a bid to reclaim the crown. (TT Newsday photos)

orty-three artistes in the soca and chutney-soca arena mounted the stage at Rienzi Complex, Couva in a musical battle for a place in the finals of the 2014 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch competition held over the weekend in Trinidad and Tobago.

Accompanied by back-up singers and dancers, these artistes each gave tremendous performances in a show that began at 8 pm, on Saturday, ending early Sunday morning.

The Chutney Soca Monarch semi-finals heralded the start of many competitions for Carnival 2014, with the International Soca Monarch, Panorama, Calypso Monarch all due to take place this month and the first weekend of March, ahead of the Parade of the Bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday (March 3, 4).

The first winner of Carnival will be crowned at the Chutney Soca Monarch final on February 15 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Performances The opening act of last Saturday’s semifinal round was Jerry Singh, singing ‘Brand New Second Hand’ followed by Vedesh Sookoo’s performance of ‘Pack yuh clothes and go.’

Thousands of patrons witnessed the seven-hour show featuring some of the biggest names in soca, among them Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal), a six-time Chutney Soca Monarch, and a former Young King of calypso.

Rikki Jai teamed up with pop/rock musician Nigel Rojas for ‘Clap your hands”, a tribute to stalwarts of chutney soca. Rojas collaborated with Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) on last year’s international award-

wining ‘Differentology.’

It would be an evening of collaborations featuring local and regional acts, such as young Saleem Beharry’s duet with reigning Soca Monarch of Grenada Mr Killa (Hollis Mapp) on ‘Breakin d rules’.

Mr Killa is steaming up the fete circuit with his hit ‘Rolly Polly’.

Jamaican dancehall star Kemar Lyrikal teamed up with Veekash Sahadeo for ‘Doh vex if yuh ex with a next’, while TT soca diva Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon accompanied Rick Ramoutar for ‘Dheen Ta Na’.

Among the soca and calypso stars entering the competition were two-time Road March and former International Soca Monarch winner, Shurwayne Winchester, Blaxx (Dexter Stewart) and Crazy (Edwin Ayoung).

Ravi Bissembhar, a former Chutney Soca Monarch, who opted out of competition last year, was back with a bang, performing his crossover hit ‘Bread’.

KI Persad had the crowd eating out of his hands for his performance of ‘Professor Feter’, and veteran in the art of chutney music Anand Yankaran was back in the limelight after an absence of nearly a decade.

Cross-over acts Promoter George Singh said he was amazed by the quality of the performances and the number of crossover acts taking part in the competition.

“This is first year in the nineteen years of competition that we have seen so many soca artistes embracing chutney music,” he said, adding the music was evolving and reached a wider cross-section of people the world over.

He noted there were

Mr Killa, right, of Grenada, and Saleem Beharry break all the rules in their semifinal performance at the Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

With fireworks shooting from his jacket, Ravi Bissembhar, makes a sizzling bid to reclaim the Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch crown with the performance with his cross-over hit ‘Bread’ at the semi-finals, Rienzi Complex, Couva on Saturday.

competitors from several countries including the United States, Canada, Guyana and Switzerland.

On the topic of prize money, Singh said he remained confident that the TT government will sponsor the TT$1 million for the first prize.

In the interim, he was successful in signing a new sponsor El Dorado Rum, distributed by Brydens. This major event for Carnival is sponsored in part by NLCB, NCC, Guardian Media Limited, Blink/ bmobile, Carib Brewery Limited, KFC, Edoo’s Welding, Firepower Fireworks and the Ministry of Arts And Multiculturalism.

The finalists will go up against defending

Chutney Soca Monarch Raymond Ramnarine for the 2014 crown at Skinner Park in the next two weeks.

With the theme ‘More than an Event’, Singh said the competition showcased the talent of the country.

“An entire industry has been built around this event over the last eighteen years,” Singh stated, adding millions of people all over the world will tune in this year to view the Chutney Soca Monarch final which will be broadcast live on CNC 3 and streamed on the Internet via “bpartofit. com”. Fans voting by texts will help determine the winner along with judges at the final.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Triple wins for Tifa at Jamaica’s Youth View Awards

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emale Jamaican dancehall artiste Tifa led the pack at the seventh staging of Youth View Awards (YVA) held at the National Indoors Sports Centre in Jamaica on Saturday.

The ‘Spell It Out singer’ won awards for the Female Fashion Icon of the Year; Favourite Local Female Artiste of the Year; and Young, Hot and Hype Female Artiste of the year.

"I'm grateful for the wins; 2013 was not my best year, but I have a strong fan base and Jamaica people have spoken," Tifa told Jamaican media.

Other winners who left with two individual or shared awards were Chronixx, I-Octane, Konshens and incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel.

Single award winners included Mystic, Kalado, Popcaan, Kevin Downswell, QQ, UIM

Jamaican dancehall artiste Tifa (Jamaica Observer photo)

Records, Shady Squad and Chromatic.

Between announcements of winners were performances from TOK, Kalado, Popcaan, Kevin Downswell, Jah

Bouks, Gaza Slim, Bugle, Alaine, I Octane, and Jodi-Ann Blake.

Samantha J, who received the Favourite Breakout Celebrity award, struggled during

her set which included her smash hit ‘Tight-Up Skirt’.

Disney Channel stars Zendaya and Trevor Jackson gained new fans after they wooed the audience with their individual performances.

Before her performance, the 17-year-old Replay singer said she was looking forward to performing for her Jamaican fans.

"I am so excited to be performing. It really touches my heart to hear that Jamaicans love my music," she said.

Karen Clarke, YVA conceptualiser, was pleased with event. She said the awards show is about giving youth a voice.

"It also shows the power of a vote. Without music, sometimes there is no life," she said.

Patrons enjoyed the after-party at the same venue. (Jamaica Observer)

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Canada-based Guyanese Jamaica’s 18th Jazz reggae/dancehall and Blues Festival recording artiste enjoys ends on high note international fame

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Negus sings out of Canada and works with Notnice Records

lwin Nurse, also known as “Negus”, is a Canada-based reggae/dancehall recording artiste, who is on the verge of exploding on the international scene.

As a teenager in Guyana, he performed with the Mingles Sound Machine and shared the stage with his dad “Small Man”; a former Mingles lead singer. He has also performed with artistes such as Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Byron Lee’s Oscar B and Leon.

Today, with a growing fan base in Guyana, Jamaica, Africa and across Europe; Negus

sings out of Canada and works with Notnice Records; a recording company that produced songs for Vybz Kartel’s Gaza Empire as well as Black Spider Records.

These are two leading Jamaican reggae/dancehall rhythm producers.

German producers “No Gimmicks Records” only last month released a Negus track titled 'Love Yourself', and this track has already been receiving lots of airplay in Europe.

Negus’ music list for 2013 includes singles such as Konshens featuring Negus – “Dah

Whine Deh”, Jan-2013 (Produced by Black Spider Records); Negus – “Love Yourself”, Dec2013 (Produced by No Gimmicks Records); Negus – “When This Drop”, Nov-2013 (Produced by Notnice Records); Negus – “Move Yuh Body”, July-2013 (Produced by Black spider Records); Negus – “Let’s have a Party”, Sunlight Party Riddim Featuring Beenie Man, I-Octane, Aidonia, Jah Vinci, RDX and more, Dec-2013 (Produced by Black spider Records;) and Negus and image… money on my mind… produced by Notnice records.

As part of his plans for 2014, he has launched his own studio and recording label, Street Platinum Records and at the moment, is working on several tracks on the rhythms of producers out of Germany, England and Africa.

As Negus builds his music career, he’s not just about himself, as he welcomes working with any local talent coming in Guyana. He makes it clear that he would be “… honoured to have them voice on any of his rhythms”. (Guyana

The O’Jays. (Jamaica Observer photos)

A patron gets lost in the music at Saturday’s staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival at Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.

Times)

Sean Paul goes ‘Full Frequency’

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F

Grammy-winning deejay Sean Paul

ull Frequency’ is the title of the new album by Grammy-winning deejay Sean Paul. His sixth studio album, it is scheduled to be released jointly on February 18 by Atlantic and VP Records.

‘Full Frequency’ boasts several collaborations with pop acts Nicky Minaj, 2Chainz and Juicy J. Two singles from the album, ‘Want Dem All’

(featuring Konshens) and ‘Riot’ (with Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley) have already been released.

Compared to albums like Grammy winner ‘Dutty Rock’ and its follow-up ‘The Trinity’, which both went multiplatinum, Sean Paul’s last two albums have not fared well.

‘Imperial Blaze’, released in 2010, sold just over 100,000 copies in

the United States, while last year’s ‘Tomahawk Technique’ sold even less.

He has had some success in recent years with hit singles. ‘What About Us’, done with British girl group The Saturdays and ‘Other Side of Love’; both made the British pop chart in 2012 and last year, respectively.

‘Dutty Rock’ and ‘The Trinity’ were released during a period of popularity for dancehall in the U.S. Shaggy and Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley also had big-selling albums in that country with ‘Hot Shot’ (2000) and ‘Welcome to Jamrock’, which was released in 2006.

To promote ‘Full Frequency’, Sean Paul is expected to perform at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day and at the 9 Mile Music Festival in Florida on February 15.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Aaron Neville & Crystal Gayle

he 18th Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival ended on a wet note Sunday morning, as the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium was drenched by rain.

Minutes before closing act Beres Hammond took the stage, patrons were sent scampering for cover as the squalls bucketed down. The weather, however, did not dampen spirits of thousands inside the venue.

Once the rains ceased and the band struck up the first notes for Hammond, the infield became filled with patrons.

At 2:00 am, Hammond burst onto the stage and the stadium erupted. For the next hour and 20 minutes it was hit after hit and the

cold, wet, weary patrons forgot the soggy conditions and danced on the greens.

Hammond's set did not feature his trademark rapid-fire style, but nevertheless fans enjoyed the delivery, and his performance truly capped a night of great sets.

Perhaps one of the surprises was veteran American R&B trio, The O'Jays.

With slick choreography, and amazing harmonies Walter Williams, Eric Grant and Eddie Levert had the venue rocking to their music from the 1960s and 1970s.

Clad in white, they dropped ‘Give The People What They Want’, ‘Smile On Your Face’, ‘Stairway To Heaven’, ‘I Love

Music’, ‘Love Train’ and the anthem ‘Money’, on the 'Jazz' set who loved every moment.

Another high point was Aaron Neville, who performed ‘Everybody Plays The Fool’, ‘Don't Know Much’, ‘Don't Go’, ‘Change Gonna Come’, ‘Ain't No Sunshine’ and ‘Tell It Like It Is’. He earned the first true standing ovation of the festival.

Chaka Khan was another who wasted no time getting to the hits.

From her opening track, ‘I Feel For You’, it was hits non-stop to the final heady notes of ‘I'm Every Woman’. In between she gave ‘Everlasting Love’, ‘Sweet Thing’, ‘Tell Me Something Good’ and ‘Through the Fire’. She had patrons asking for more with many noting that her stint was too short.

Many missed the performance by the longhaired Crystal Gayle who performed in the early hours of the night. But those who were already inside got a taste of her country and pop catalogue.

Gayle was seamless as she did ‘Everybody Needs Someone to Love’, ‘I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love’, ‘Long and Lasting Love’ and ‘Don't it Make My Brown Eyes Blue’.

Local trio One Third, one of the night's opening acts along with Della Manley, returned to offer much-needed support for former Toto front-man Bobby Kimball. During their run on the local television talent show Digicel Rising Stars, One Third performed the Toto hit Africa and it was fitting to see them back Kimball who also performed the Toto hits ‘Rosanna’ and ‘Georgy Porgy’.

After three nights, organisers have already hinted at changes for future festivals to attract larger crowds. (Jamaica

Observer)

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week ending February 6, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana National Trust launches heritage magazine

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rime Minister Samuel Hinds lauded the second edition of the Heritage Magazine published by the Guyana National Trust, saying it shows what has been achieved in Guyana.

Speaking at the launch of the magazine, last Friday at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, he noted that Guyana is relatively large with a small population, and its achievements must be shown in its heritage.

He pointed out that with the country’s history of colonial rule, and the various types of architecture left as a result, what remains should be cherished.

This rich heritage should be used as a base to continue the development of the country. The prime minister cited the drains and canals established decades ago with slave labour and stated that these achievements should also be recognised as part of the country’s heritage as “all work should be celebrated”.

He pointed out that the justification for independence was that “we would be working for ourselves and as we move forward, we should be working harder”.

Guyanese culture Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed pride in producing information to help persons appreciate Guyanese culture.

“Through the publication of the magazine, it brings perspective to Guyanese heritage”.

The magazine builds not only on heritage, but languages spoken in Guyana, Minister Anthony stated.

He urged that Guyanese be proud of their inherited languages and think of them as part of their legacy.

He also pointed to various historical finds, urging that they be saved. “Magazines like this would help to educate the public…we need to tell the story about ourselves…getting people to understand is what is important,” he observed. The minister also called on all Guyanese to become interested in saving the heritage of Georgetown by preserving the historical buildings.

Sharing some insight into the magazine’s production, National Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nirvana Persaud said after producing the

Guyana’s historic City Hall is featured in the Heritage Magazine. (Guyana Times file photo)

first publication in 2011, owing to the diversity of local heritage and feedback from stakeholders, it became quite obvious that it could no longer remain a one-off publication.

She noted that initially an annual publication was considered, “but given the scope of doing this, we are now confident of a biennial production that will document and highlight various aspects of our rich and diverse heritage both, tangible and intangible, cultural and natural”.

The 80-page magazine, Persaud said, includes an array of articles and information that covers various aspects of Guyanese history, “The 1763 rebellion, Indian arrival, PortugueseGuyanese heritage, Chinese immigrant experience, archaeology, petroglyphs, history of our canals, Guyanese language, myth of the sea monster, monuments, craftsmanship, preservation and conservation, including a focus on our natural heritage of the mangrove restoration project, among others highlighting the rich and intricate legacy from which we have evolved.

Historic “It also highlights our historic City Hall, which has been recently enlisted on the world monuments watch list for 2014-2016 by the World Monuments Fund, and advocates for its preservation”.

The publication was challenging to produce, according to the National Trust’s CEO, and she thanked all who worked hard to ensure its success.

Copies were given to contributors; national repositories–National Library, National Archives, University

of Guyana Library; and officials including Minister Anthony, Prime Minister Hinds and Georgetown Mayor

Guyana National Trust Chief Executive Officer Nirvana Persaud presents Prime Minister Samuel Hinds with a copy of the second edition of the Heritage Magazine

Hamilton Green. The publication will be freely distributed, but in limited numbers, since only 2000 copies are be-

ing produced. A number of copies will also be disseminated to schools, tourism bodies, developers, municipalities, and

airlines among others for wide circulation and maximum heritage promotion and marketing.

(Guyana Times)

Trinidad’s first cinema

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n the early 1900s, the Princes Building (now the site of Napa) was the venue for the first moving pictures shown in Trinidad. It was a newfangled form of entertainment that attracted the imagination and attention of those who could afford the four shillings admission price (then a large sum).

These early shows merely consisted of a series of stop-motion still photographs which were rapidly flipped in sequence before a gaslight projector. The end result was a moving picture.

Other films were shown, including the innovative ‘First Men on the Moon’.

Naturally, owing to the admission price and the location, the early screenings were automatically the preserve of the upper classes.

It was at the Arima Savannah (now the Arima Velodrome) in 1906, that an open air showing of ‘The Great Train Robbery’ took place, along with one of the earliest movies ever made, ‘The Passion Play of Oberammergau’, which was produced in 1898.

Other pioneering screenings took place in San Fernando, where the lodge known as the Albany Hall became a Friday and Saturday night cinema. A local entrepreneur laid out a cloth screen surface and projected moving images which were an instant hit at an admission fee of two shillings.

Another pioneer was Vincente Albert

The London Electric Theatre was constructed at the corner of Baden Powell Street and French Street in Woodbrook. (TT Guardian photo)

Marryat, who ran an open air theatre called the Al Fresco on Sundays at the Queen’s Park Oval.

On February 2, 1911, Trinidadians got their first taste of the newfangled technology of moving pictures.

The London Electric Theatre was constructed at the corner of Baden Powell Street and French Street in Woodbrook, built by Marcus and Reginald Davis. The opening was eagerly anticipated, as crowds braved a rainy evening to see the first show, entitled ‘The World Before Your Eyes’. The matinee was a series of stills, rapidly flipped before a projector to give the illusion of motion. The rates charged for admission

were for the gender and age classes, and not for house or balcony, as with later cinemas.

An important function of the London Electric was that it brought news and current affairs to Trinidadians during World War I. From 191418, matinee shows were supplemented by images of the horrors of warfare raging in Europe at the time. The cinema also did its part for the war effort by holding several fundraisers to assist soldiers in the trenches of Flanders.

Lionel “Lanky” Belasco For the first five years of its existence, musical accompaniment was provided by Lionel “Lanky” Belasco on the piano. He

was born in Duke Street in 1881 and grew up in Belmont. Inspired by his mother, who was a concert pianist in her day, Lanky took to the piano and learned classical music, although he often skipped lessons to run away into the Belmont hills, where he imbibed African rhythms that later appeared in his music. Lanky was a talented composer and left the London Electric in 1916 to partner with Doris Legge in opening the Olympic Theatre in Belmont.

The London Electric Theatre became the Astor Cinema in the 1930s, after being acquired by cinema magnate Timothy Roodal.

The Astor continued in business, with a fine artdeco revival building being constructed in 1946.

The Astor closed for good in 1995 and is now a church. Belasco struggled financially with the Olympic, but achieved considerable success in the United States as a recording artiste in the 1920s and 30s, when calypso was enjoying a vogue period.

In the 1930s, Belasco visited Venezuela and reconnected with the Latin waltzes he had encountered in his youth. Among his better known compositions and interpretations were ‘Depression’, ‘Carmencita’, and ‘Violet’s Venezuelan Waltz’. Belasco is credited with over 400 compositions, and his music can still be purchased on CD. He died in 1967.

(Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending February 6, 2014

Guyanese-American author wins third international award

Christopher H.K. Persaud

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he winners of the 2013 Christian Writers Awards have been announced and Guyanese-American author Christopher H.K. Persaud has won his third international award.

Persaud’s book, ‘Contending for the Faith: 22 Methodical Arguments for Biblical Truth’, was selected as one of the top three submissions in the “Theology” cat-

The cover of Persaud’s book, ‘Contending for the Faith: 22 Methodical Arguments for Biblical Truth.’

egory of the inspirational book competition.

Previously, Persaud’s book, ‘Evolution: Beyond the Realm of Real Science’, won the Grand Prize

at the 2008 Christian Choice Book Awards. The book placed first in the Current Events/Current Issues category of the competition and was named the Christian Choice Book of 2008.

In 2010, ‘The Da Vinci Code Revisited: A Conclusive Refutation of the Widespread, Sinister Lie’, another of Persaud's books, won first prize in the “Theology” category at the 2010 Christian Choice Book Awards.

The Christian Writers Awards and the Christian Choice Book Awards are sponsored annually by Xulon Press, a subsidiary of Salem Communications. Xulon Press is the world’s largest print-on-demand book publisher.

The books published by Xulon Press are made available to readers internationally through a network of 25,000 bookstores, plus online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Since its inception in 2000, Xulon Press has published more than 10,000 titles. (Caribbean News)

Trinidad-born nurse gets British award for work in health care

By Verdel Bishop

Jacqueline Glasgow.

(TT Express photos)

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rinidadians are excelling in every nook and cranny of the world–they are awarded and celebrated in their various fields for their sterling contributions.

Wherever they are, they are making Trinidad and Tobago proud— Trinidad-born Jacqueline (Jacqui) Glasgow, who was honoured with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), is one such Trini.

The award recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.

Glasgow, lead nurse at Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, received her medal at the awards ceremony which took place on November 12, 2013 at Buckingham Palace with Prince William presenting the award.

When Glasgow visited Trinidad recently, she spoke to TT media about her award and her pas-

sion for the health services. She said the honour is one which Trinidad and Tobago should be proud.

Humbling experience “My family was there and being at the Buckingham Palace and being honoured is a wonderful and humbling experience. It is surreal; a lot of people don’t get that,” Glasgow said.

“I have devoted a lot of years to the healthcare services working in various areas in the health field. I’ve taught medical students, I’ve worked in public health and I’ve also managed public health. It is something I have always loved and enjoyed doing.

You never know that you are going to be nominated, no one tells you until that time comes, but it feels wonderful to be honoured,” Glasgow related.

She is hoping that her award would inspire those stressed and depressed with the spiralling crime issue and is yearning for some positive and uplifting news.

“I just want people to know that they can pursue their dreams and excel at it. It is rewarding to do that. I want the young people especially to know that the can be successful wherever they go. It’s not a nice feeling having to hear all the negative news. I think receiving this award helps to inspire people, and that’s why I wanted people to know about it; to inspire them,” Glasgow indicated.

For 36 years, Glasgow has made an outstanding contribution to nursing in the United Kingdom’s

Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) award recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.

National Health Service.

She has a track record of developing and motivating others to achieve. She has studied extensively within the health field. Her academic studies afforded her ability to successfully utilise various methodological approaches within the public health arena.

Ambassador She has been an ambassador for both clinical and non-clinical staff and she remains a champion for the nursing/healthcare profession.

Glasgow has held various positions in several NHS organisations over the years. These include the position of area service manager in Newham, Children and Families Nurse manager in Hackney.

She has been a clinician (staff nurse, midwife, ward sister, health visitor and clinical lead). She has held the position as health lead in several public health areas of practice which include teenage pregnancy, adolescent health service, parenting,

obesity and domestic violence.

She was also instrumental in leading and developing the initial Sure Start Programmes in Newham, which continue to be a great value to families.

She has been a tutor, a mentor and a coach to all grades of staff from a variety of disciplines. She has been a valuable member of numerous advisory boards and was instrumental in improving their effectiveness and business planning to meet the needs of local communities.

Her knowledge is not limited to the nursing profession, she has taught on the curriculum of medical students for eight years.

Alongside her professional career, Glasgow has been a magistrate for several years.

Recognition of her contributions includes the Chief Executive Employee Performance Award for exceptional leadership and the MBE for services to healthcare. (Excerpted from

TT Express)

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By Anu Dev

e all have heroes and heroines from movies we saw as children. Some of these movies we can re-watch and they take us back, even just for two hours, to that time when things were so much simpler. Much of the appeal of those movies comes from the nostalgia accompanying our memories of when we first saw them, and what things were liked back then.

Movies and songs can be really powerful in the way they evoke certain emotions within us.

For me, “The Little Mermaid” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai“ are two movies from my childhood that managed to make me remember quite strongly the first couple of times I saw those movies. And I still cheer when I see Shahrukh running towards Camp Sunshine with Raghupati Ragav playing in the background. Shahrukh has clearly mastered those dramatic running sequences. These movies still make me laugh, cry, sigh and sing-a-long.

And I can’t help but reflect on how Indian movies have changed since the days of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. And truthfully, I really don’t enjoy most of the newer movies. Maybe some might call the older movies cheesy; even I quickly lose patience with the seemingly never-ending ‘runningaround-trees-while-singing sequences’, but at least they didn’t have the actors ‘getting down’ to Raghupati Ragav in a club like Hritik and Priyanka did in "Krissh 3". It’s clear that Bollywood has always drawn some influences from Hollywood – the name ‘Bollywood’ itself speaks volumes – but now, it seems to be reaching all new heights. But that’s a discussion for another time – luckily we can choose whether we want to avoid the newer movies and look at movies from whatever era we prefer.

I finally got to see “Frozen” a few weeks ago and I was thrilled that it managed to make me as happy as the original Disney movies. Disney has clearly updated their style to make their movies more current, but they still managed to keep the ‘Disney-ness’ of the movie. It had all of the ingredients that we’ve come to expect and love from Disney movies.

So it’s nice that there are still movies that you can enjoy that can take you back to your childhood days. I know we should be moving forward, forging onwards, setting goals and trying to achieve those goals. But for me, and perhaps many people my age, we’re at a strange stage in life.

Just a few months ago, our parents were driving us to school, making sure we’re well fed and well dressed, but now, some of us are living on our own, doing our own grocery shopping, driving ourselves around and doing you know, ‘adult-things’. And a few years from now, we’ll be responsible for keeping our patients alive, defending our clients in court or keeping our businesses afloat. So with our futures quickly hurtling towards us, it’s nice to escape for a few hours into a nice movie that makes us feel like our younger selves.

So what movies take you back to your childhood? When last did you look at those movies? I can guarantee that those movies will be the ones that can cheer you up when you’re having a bad day.

Bollywood

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week ending February 6, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

‘I’m a drama queen in real life too’ - Parineeti Chopra

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arineeti Chopra, who is playing the role of a quirky scientist opposite Sidharth Malhotra in her upcoming film ‘Hasee To Phasee’, says she is a drama queen in her real life too.

The song ‘Drama Queen’ in the film is dedicated to Parineeti’s character of Meeta, a nerdy and unpredictable girl.

“I am a drama queen in real life too, but I don’t take this terms in a negative way. It is a positive term for me. I stay happy, don’t take life seriously,”

Parineeti told reporters.

Parineeti explained that she said yes to the movie as a part like this is rarely written for a Bollywood actress.

“It was quite difficult to play the role of a scientist in ‘Hasee To Phasee’.

There was no reference point for me. No actress in the industry has ever attempted to do a role like this because in our industry either the female characters are normal or mentally challenged. My role is a cross between the two,” she said. (TOI)

K

areena Kapoor has said that she would like to support literacy campaigns in India.

The actress, who quit her education to launch a career in films at the age of 20 “because she was in a rush to become an actress”, said that she now values knowledge outside of films.

“I realise that education and a basic grounding are important. So hopefully, in 2014, I would like to do something about this and it’s a cause I strongly believe in,” she told Masala.com.

“I’ve started believing that it’s good to know about what’s happening around you, apart from films.”

The 'Bombay Samurai' star said that husband Saif Ali Khan has influenced her personal desire to learn more about the world beyond films. “He has so much information. He’s in his 40s and reads so much.”

Kapoor last year supported the launch of a mobile safety app for women. (Digital Spy)

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alman Khan might have gone for the celebrity T20 match in Dubai on a whirlwind one-day visit, but that didn’t deter the loving brother in him when it came to pampering his sister, Arpita.The actor, who stayed in the Dubai stadium till the end of the match, took his sister out shopping. Despite the fact that he was to fly back to Mumbai late that night, he ensured that he took time out for a quick trip to Abu Dhabi, where he indulged his youngest sister with all that she wanted. (TOI)

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ishwarya Rai Bachchan has made it to the fourth position in a recent poll of the world’s most beautiful women.

Conducted by Hollywood Buzz, the survey saw participation from more than four million people, who selected the most intelligent, desirable and successful women of 201314. Aishwarya was only beaten by Monica Belluci, Kate Upton and Angelina Jolie.

Commenting on this Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said, “The results of this poll by Hollywood Buzz were brought to my notice by my well-wishers. Believe it or not…I must admit it’s overwhelming to hear that over 4 million people across the globe have voted and listed me amongst their top choices.”

(TOI)

Shah Rukh Khan back at work, still recovering

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winkle Khanna was admitted at Breach Candy hospital late on Saturday after she complained of an unbearable pain in her stomach. The doctors had given her the necessary medication and kept her under observation through the night.

A friend of the couple told Mirror that Akshay Kumar was by his wife’s side all through and so was Twinkle’s mother Dimple Kapadia. “In the morning when the reports came in, it was diagnosed that there was a stone in her kidney and a quick decision was taken to get an immediate surgery done.”

The operation was performed on Sunday afternoon and went well. The friend said, “Tina bhabhi is feeling much better and she might get discharged in a couple of days if all goes well. Akshay had a prior commitment on Sunday evening. He made a quick appearance at the Race Course before dashing back to the hospital.” (TOI)

E

mraan Hashmi will be back in Mumbai to shoot for his film ‘Mr X’, from February 16,” informs uncle Mahesh Bhatt, who also assured that the actor’s four-year old son, Ayaan, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his kidney, is responding well to treatment in Canada.

On the recommendation of the doctors who performed an emergency surgery on him in Mumbai, the actor flew out his son to Canada because according to reports, it has the best children’s care in the world.

“What not many of us are aware of is that when it comes to children, 90 per cent of cancer is

curable. The treatment is regularised and Ayaan who is being given the mildest two-drug chemotherapy is doing well,” said an ebullient Bhatt.

His mother, Praveen who has family there, will stay back in Canada with Ayaan. Emraan will fly there after he finishes with his film commitments in Mumbai.

“After the anguish we faced, we have reason to believe that the dark night is behind us and Ayaan will be back with us in four months if not before,” Bhatt indicated. (TOI)

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ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was injured on the sets of Farah Khan’s ‘Happy New Year’, resumed work Tuesday.

However, he has been advised not to do heavy scenes.

“SRK’s back to work on Feb 4. He is still recovering from his injury, so no heavy scenes for him,” said a source close to the superstar.

The incident took place Jan 23. and the 48-yearold was rushed to Dr.

Balabhai Nanavati Hospital.

He had suffered a shoulder fracture, his left knee’s patellar tendon was torn and doctors advised him complete rest for two to three weeks.

A heavy door had caused the injury.

‘Happy New Year’, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani and Vivaan Shah, will release this year around Diwali. (TOI)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending February 6, 2014

Actress denies rumours after allegedly telling TSA about pregnancy

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umor has it that Eva Mendes is a mom-to-be.

Eva Mendes sparked pregnancy rumors earlier this week after refusing to cooperate in a routine, preflight security scan at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Saturday. While photos of the 39-year-old show no signs of a baby bump, sources at the scene claimed the film star denied the security procedure, telling Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers she was allegedly “pregnant.”

So does that mean Mendes boyfriend of two years, fellow actor Ryan Gosling is going to be a first-time dad?

Not exactly. Following the pregnancy buzz, a rep for Mendes confirmed to E! News Monday that the actress is not with child. “[Eva] has never gone through the scanners at the airport; she has always elected to be hand-checked instead,” said the rep.

According to the site, a separate source has also added confirmation that Mendes never discussed a pregnancy with airport workers during her

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essica Alba, who recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of her eco-friendly family brand The Honest Company, has revealed how she got around to starting the firm, recalling a scary incident when her daughter Honor, now 5, ate part of her diaper as a baby.

The 32-year-old actress told Us Magazine that her child’s diaper exploded one time and all the beads inside it went in Honor’s mouth.

recent trip.

Despite rumors of a possible Mendes-Gosling baby, the couple has reportedly not been photographed together in months and has also recently been the subject of break up rumors.

While neither Gosling, 33, or Mendes have addressed their alleged split (a rep for the couple previously denied any trouble in paradise), a source revealed to Us Weekly in November that the couple was on the rocks due to the ‘Hitch’ star’s jealousy causing a rift in their relationship. (E Online)

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o Miley Cyrus mugshot yet! The 21-year-old ‘We Can’t Stop’ singer has managed to stay out of jail--so far--despite her headline-making partying ways. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Jan. 30, Cyrus shared advice to recently arrested Justin Bieber on how to stay out of trouble.

“You’ve got a lot of money. Pay people to make sure you don’t get in trouble and party at your house,” the former Disney star said. “Buy a house, and add a club to it.”

Last week, Bieber, 19, was arrested in Miami, Fla., and charged with DUI, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license. On Jan. 30, the Canadian singer was also charged with assault in connection with an alleged incident involved a

The ‘Sin City 2’ star explained that she was so freaked out that she called her pediatrician, 911 and her mom to ask her what the diaper was made of.

Alba added that she contacted the diaper-maker company too, but they refused to tell her about the ingredients in the diaper.

After the incident, when she couldn’t find any ecofriendly products in the market for kids, she decided to start The Honest Company. (TOI)

limo driver in Toronto last December.

While Bieber and Cyrus are both making headlines these days for their scandalous behavior, Cyrus says there’s a big difference between the two of them.

“It’s funny because today, I was looking at--my fans put all these people’s mugshots up, and

they were like, ‘I don’t see a Miley mugshot yet!’ I get the most flak of anybody. I’m not doing anything illegal! I’m doing a lot of s--t …Oops, sorry!” the ‘Wrecking Ball’ singer said, apologizing for cursing on TV. “But I’m not doing anything illegal! So that’s all right. Everything I do is legal in California.”

(US Magazine)

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ohnny Depp and Amber Heard are planning to marry on a beach in the Bahamas.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor owns a private island where he filmed scenes for the swashbuckling blockbuster, and it is said while some of his rock star friends will be in attendance, it won’t be a ‘’big, glitzy’’ party.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, an insider said: ‘’They’re having a small intimate ceremony barefoot on the beach in Little Hall’s

Pond Cay. ‘’Afterwards they’ll have a barbecue where some of Johnny’s musician pals are going to perform, followed by limbo dancing. Neither Johnny nor Amber want a big, glitzy Hollywood bash. They are both very private.’’

Johnny new fiancée was recently spotted showing off her large diamond engagement ring for the first time as she saw him perform at a private charity event in Anaheim, California. (TOI)

he aunt of Hugh Grant’s latest lovechild with Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein has revealed that the actor is a good father and not a Casanova despite getting two different women pregnant at the same time.

Elizabeth Berggren said that there are a lot of men who have children with different wives, so it’s not that remarkable, while asserting that the ‘Notting Hill’ star has a “warm relationship” with his third child, the Mirror reported.

Berggren added that

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eonardo DiCaprio has revealed that he saw a darker side of Hollywood while growing up as a “very poor” kid living in a neighborhood filled with junkies and prostitutes.

According to the LA Times, the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ star spoke about his childhood neighborhood near Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue and said that there was a “major prostitution ring” at the street corner with “crime and violence everywhere”, Radar Online reported.

The 39-year-old American actor admitted that his life was “like ‘Taxi Driver’ in a lot of ways” as he grew up very poor and got to see the “other side of the spectrum”. (TOI)

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ctress Cara Delevingne reportedly wants to move in with model-actress Michelle Rodriguez.

The two are report-

Grant is a likeable person and is very good with dealing with his son.

Grant first became a father when daughter Tabitha Xiao Xi was born in September 2011 to girlfriend Tinglan Hong, followed by son Felix. (TOI)

edly looking out for property in Britain, reported contactmusic.com.

“They love spending time with one another so moving in is a no-brainer. Splitting their time between London and LA (Los Angeles) would suit both of them. Cara’s family have met Michelle and think she’s great,” The Sun Newspaper quoted a source as saying.

The two sparked rumours of dating after being spotted cosying up together in public recently. (TOI)

feature week ending February 6, 2014

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| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaica loses a Reggae Ambassador – William 'Bunny Rugs' Clarke dies at 65

Guyana's acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali (second left); Public Relations Consultant Kit Nascimento (left); and Roraima Group of Companies Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia with selected couples at the launch of the sixth Wedding Expo last Friday at Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Georgetown (Carl Croker photo)

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uyana’s sixth annual Wedding Expo was launched last Friday at Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Georgetown, with about 10 couples, who want to be officially paired, gracing the occasion.

Roraima Group of Companies Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouviea said the annual exposition continues to raise the platform for small business to showcase their work and build partnerships.

Gouviea said the Guyana tourism sector is on the rise, and called on all to get involved.

“Tourism entities are not coming on board…

I believe that with more partnership, Guyana’s tourism sector can thrive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, who also addressed the launch, said plans are in train to make the South American country a wedding destination, with more partnerships from

both the public and private sectors.

Ali added that with the establishment of a “wedding direct webpage” showcasing Guyana, the country will quickly gain recognition in this regard.

The minister applauded the sponsors whom over the years have made the Wedding Expo a memorable one for the participants.

This year’s Wedding Expo will be held from March 28-30. The sponsors include Roraima

Inn, Arrowpoint Resort, Kings Jewellery World, Fly Jamaica, Handin-Hand Insurance Company, K&Y Party Rental, Guyana Times and Karen’s Cake, Bromeliad Make Up, among others.

On a different note, Minister Ali pointed out too that more persons have been asking for a second dinner at Fort Island, after the great experience from the first ever “Romancing the Fort” in December 2013.

(Guyana Times)

Plans afoot for Caribbean’s second spoken word festival

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a s c a d o o ’ s C a r i b b e a n New Voices International Festival of Spoken Word will be held from August 10-16.

In part, it will commemorate International Youth Day, observed on August 12, as well as a wider celebration.

In an interview with TT media, event organiser Mtima Solwazi explained the benefits of holding Cascadoo’s second spoken word festival in August, since that month is internationally recognised as the “What Will Be Your Legacy?” month.

Cascadoo held its inaugural festival in 2013, presented by the Oral Tradition Roots Foundation in conjunction with the Poet Society of TT. Last year’s festival focused on spoken word as an art form and sought to showcase the concerns of the artist in society.

Its headline performers went by the combined stage name “Vocal”– Voices of Canadian Artists Across Latitudes.

Each of these performers, while based in Canada, had significant ties to the Caribbean and its diaspora. Their

Mtima Solwazi, of Cascadoo’s Caribbean New Voices International Festival of Spoken Word. Photo courtesy: Mtima Solwazi

presence at the 2013 Cascadoo festival was partially sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts. The event was co-managed and co-ordinated by Canadian spoken word artist Anthony Bansfield, known by the stage name “nth digri.”

This year’s festival structure, Solwazi says, will remain identical to its previous year’s, but for the “panchayats” forum discussions, modelled on a village council

style of dialogue between elders and students.

These panchayats will take the form of panels, with room for greater interchange, an improvement on last year’s lecture-based format.

In addition to the panchayats, workshops will be delivered by industry professionals and practising spoken word artists.

Solwazi reported that 2013’s workshops proved useful to those in atten-

dance, based on feedback received. Some of 2013’s workshop moderators included children’s author Joanne Gail Johnson; poet and arts facilitator Rachel Collymore; and the popular spoken word group Freetown Collective.

Solwazi is excited about this year’s spoken word contingent, represented under the banner of “Clip,” which stands for Changing Lives in People.

Where the focus in 2013 was on the plight and circumstance of the individual artist in society, Solwazi says, this year’s theme seeks to engage in wider dialogue on societal issues.

The artists comprising the Clip group are Lamont Carey (USA); Charlie Bobus (Jamaica/ Canada); Muslim Belal (UK/Kuwait) and Miss Quote (Jamaica/USA).

This particular quartet of artists, Solwazi says, has experienced firsthand many of the societal issues they address at the microphone. So Solwazi is confident the Clip team will bring a necessary dose of reality to the spoken word forum. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Third World’s lead singer, Bunny Rugs (foreground), performing at a Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival held at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium in Jamaica last year.

The reggae band was celebrating its 40th year. At right is bandmate Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore. (Jamaica Observer file photo)

J

amaican Bunny Rugs was a struggling singer in 1976 when he went to a New York City club named the Bottom Line to see a band called Third World.

"It so happened that a friend of mine saw the advertisement in the Village Voice and called me and said 'Are you going to see Third World?' I said yes and changed my mind about five times," Rugs told American author David Katz in 2003.

"I eventually went to the concert and I've been with them from that day until now."

Rugs, who died Sunday at his home in Orlando, Florida at age 65, was the voice of Third World for 37 years.

Colin Leslie, his close friend and a former member of Third World, said the singer passed away at 11:00 pm, surrounded by family and close friends.

Rugs, who would have turned 66 on Thursday, was released from the Intensive Care Unit of an Orlando hospital last week after receiving two weeks of treatment for leukemia.

During his last Jamaican performance with the band in December at a function organised by the National Commercial Bank in Kingston, Rugs spoke about his illness.

At the time, he said he was receiving holistic treatment.

Born William Clarke in Mandeville, Bunny Rugs' early years as a musician was on the Kingston club scene in the early 1970s with the Inner Circle band.

He migrated to the United States during that period and worked the live circuit in New York City as a mem-

ber of the band, Hugh Hendricks and the Buccaneers.

He returned to Jamaica in 1974 and hooked up with a band named the Bluegrass Experience which also included former Studio One session guitarist Eric Frater and Upsetters keyboardist Glen Adams.

After a stint with producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Rugs officially joined Third World in 1976, shortly after watching them at the Bottom Line.

The band's drummer at the time was Willie Stewart who had been a member for less than one year.

Monday, Stewart remembered Rugs as "a man who loved his art.

He was never sad, always had a joke."

Rugs' first show with Third World was a Carifesta date at the Carib Theatre in 1976.

He made his recording debut on the band's album, ‘96 Degrees In The Shade’, that year.

He sang lead on the title song as well as a number of their hits including ‘Now That We Found Love’, ‘Always Around’, ‘Talk to Me’, ‘Reggae Ambassador’ and ‘Sense of Purpose’.

Along with founding members Stephen 'Cat' Coore (guitar) and Ibo Cooper (keyboards), bass player Richard Daley, Stewart and percussionist Irwin 'Carrot' Jarrett, Rugs was part of a classic Third World lineup that was signed to Island Records, CBS and Mercury Records.

Rugs also recorded solo projects during breaks from Third World.

He released the 15-track set ‘Time’ on September 11, 2012. (Jamaica Observer)

28 feature Guyana’s first indigenous restaurant opens www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending February 6, 2014

rant also does catering for weddings, cocktails, and any reception.

One of the major concerns Patterson shared was that of storage of meat during the journey from the interior to the city. Nevertheless, he explained that over the past two weeks, they have managed to address this challenge.

“To keep meat stuff together in storage is an issue, but we have managed and where there’s a will, there is a way,” he said.

T

Patrons at the Tuma Sàlà, Guyana’s first indigenous restaurant on Saturday

uma Sàlà, a Patamona word meaning “Come let us eat”, is the first Guyanese indigenous cuisine restaurant in the country.

Tuma Sàlà, located on 37 Middle Street and Campbellville Avenue, Geogetown, opened its door to the public on Saturday.

Co-founder Michael

Patterson was overwhelmed with joy on seeing the partnership venture becoming reality.

“We are extremely proud at the response we’ve gotten so far, and we hope that Guyanese can come and enjoy the traditional Amerindian atmosphere that we have to offer,” he indicated

Authentic Patterson urged citizens to visit the eatery to experience authentic Guyanese indigenous cuisine, Amerindian style.

Prior to the restaurant’s opening, the only time when Amerindian food, drink and craft are widely showcased is in September, Amerindian Heritage

Month.

“We want to do it more regular and also have that economic gain from such a venture,” Patterson explained.

He disclosed that the venture does not stop with the opening, noting that plans are in place for an Amerindian Night. Patterson pointed out that the restau-

Tourism The restaurant was

officially launched on Saturday, January 18, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Patterson said with the launch of the authentic restaurant, he hopes that it will improve tourism in Guyana.

The other members of the partnership business are Natasha George, Evelyn Felix, Ovid Williams, and Lolita Williams.

They are all looking forward to a long beneficial business career. The restaurant also features Amerindian craft, jewellery and ornaments.

(Guyana Times)

Star of the Week

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ichard Shaw, inspired by the cadence of music, is most happy when he is on stage showcasing his talents as a dancer. He developed a passion for the art form at a tender age, and over the years has excelled as a talented dancer to become one of Guyana’s famous performers. Although he started dancing professionally about a year ago, Richard has shown that with hard work nothing is impossible. Due to his expert dance techniques, he was invited to join local dance company Ishara Dance Troupe. He has been performing mostly Bollywood dance moves, both locally and abroad. Through the dance group, the poised dancer enjoys opportunities to excel as a young professional. He also finds joy in giving back through the numerous charity efforts of the dance group. Dancing balances Richard’s life and is a therapeutic way of him relieving stress and keep fit. Other than dancing, Richard works at Demerara Bank and hopes to pursue studies in banking and finance. His advice to youths is to be determined to achieve goals in life despite challenges.

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WIPA takes issue with Barbados manager over Edwards’ expulsion W

est Indies P l a y e r s Association (WIPA) has taken a swipe at the manager of the Barbados cricket team, Hartley Reid, over the expulsion of Kirk Edwards from the squad for the NAGICO Super50 tournament underway.

WIPA president Wavell Hinds said he is disappointed with the attitude of Reid in a dispute which stemmed from Edwards’ refusal to sign for match kits.

Edwards was withdrawn from the team and was scheduled to return to Bridgetown on Sunday, the day Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 28 runs in their opening game.

“Throughout the discussions Mr Reid remained totally inflexible and at no time did he try to find a solution to what we still say is a non-issue,” Hinds said.

“WIPA is extremely disappointed with Mr Reid’s attitude.”

Hinds quoted Edwards as saying that he has been refusing to sign for match kits over the past two years because they barely last two months.

BCA stipulates that players sign a docu-

Kirk Edwards

ment agreeing that the two match shirts and two match trousers must serve them for two years, and that the cost of replacement will be taken up by the player in the event of any damage or loss of items within the period.

Edwards complained to WIPA that on his arrival in Trinidad he received threats that he will be sent home if he did not sign for the kits.

“After Kirk made us aware that he had been threatened with expulsion from the team, and of the issue which had given rise to the threat, I immediately contacted Mr Reid and asked if he would be good enough to meet with us and Kirk at the team hotel right after the

WIPA AGM which was being held nearby and he agreed,” said Hinds.

“We were firmly of the view that what Kirk had advised us of as being the issue was a matter which could be easily resolved through sensible and well-intentioned dialogue, and certainly nothing, not even in our wildest dreams, which might warrant the drastic and draconian abuse of power by the team’s manager.”

Hinds reported that during the meeting with Reid, WIPA officials, which included Director Michael Hall, were informed that the document which the BCA was insisting Edwards sign was in fact superseded by an official BCA player

Guyana Cricket Board to continue encampment of national cricketers

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be continuing the encampment for its cricketers in preparation for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-Day Cricket Competition which will bowl off on February 28.

The camp consists of all the reserve players not selected for the 50-over tournament currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago. When the players from this tournament return they will all rejoin the camp for a short period to facilitate practice matches.

The encampment programme commenced on February 5 at the GCB hostel in LBI, East Coast Demerara. The head coach is Julian Moore and he is being assisted by Reon King and Quasen Nedd. The trainers are Patrick King and Carl Stephenson.

All players are reminded that further fitness tests will be conducted during the new encampment period hence players are expected to maintain minimum fitness levels.

Sewnarine Chattergoon

The players to be encamped are: Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Sinclaire, RajendraChandrika, Anthony Adams, Ryan Ramdass, Keon Joseph, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Vishal Singh, Rajiv Ivan, Ricardo Adams, Totaram Bishun, Zaheer Mohamed, Ameer Khan, Shaquille Williams, Jonathan Foo, Ryan Fredricks, Andre Stoll, Ron Thompson.

handbook which stated that a player would be entitled to four sets of match kits for a oneyear period, as opposed to two kits for two years.

Hinds also took issue with Reid for refusing to accept an offer from WIPA to sign on Edwards’ behalf, since, according to him, BCA contradicted itself by giving a third party the right to sign on behalf of the former Barbados captain without his consent.

“At the end of the day, an unnecessary blot has been placed on the career of a dedicated and talented West Indian cricketer,” said the WIPA president.

Edwards, 29, a current West Indies Test and One-Day player, was replaced as the Barbados captain for both the NAGICO tournament and the forthcoming first-class fourday championship of which Barbados are the title holders.

Batting all-rounder Kevin Stoute is leading the side in the NAGICO tournament, while Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite will be at the helm for the four-day championship, which is slated to start February 28. (CMC)

Junior athletes qualify for 2014 CARIFTA Games

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wo females and two males–have so far qualified to represent Antigua and Barbuda at this year’s CARIFTA Games in Martinique.

Jess St John has met the qualifying standard in the under-20 girls’ shot-put with a throw of 13.62 metres, while Sweeney Bruce has qualified in the girls’ under-18 triple jump with a height of 11.69m.

In the men’s category, Micaiah Washington qualified in the boys’ under-18 long jump category with a distance of 6.78m, while Miguel Francis is the lone sprinter to have qualified to date.

The runner in 21.08 seconds has successfully met the under-20 boys 200m qualifying time.

Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Vice President Everton Cornelius expects more athletes to qualify.

“Most of our sprinters haven’t started any real competition as yet and I guess from next weekend I will see most of the sprinters coming out and competing and taking part in the development meets, so hopefully we’ll see a change in terms of the number of people qualifying,” he said.

“By the next two

weeks, I think we should be able to see where we are in terms of the sprints and the middle and long distances.

Comfortably I am seeing about 15 athletes; I’m thinking we can amass that number.”

Cornelius added that a number of athletes based outside of Antigua andBarbuda could also make the final squad.

“We still have Cejhae Greene on board, Rai Benjamin who is Winston Benjamin’s son; so we are looking at those two athletes,” he said.

“There are some other overseas athletes that some people have pointed out to us, but we haven’t made contact with them as yet to see if they are available to take part in CARIFTA. I think this is Cejhae’s last year.”

It will take an estimated EC$51,000 to fund Antigua and Barbuda’s trip to Martinique for the April 18 to 21 event, and according to Cornelius, a formal request for funding has already been made to government.

National athletes will have until March 23 to qualify for the CARIFTA Games when the association hosts final trials at YASCO Sports Complex.

(Excerpted Observer)

from

Antigua

TT’s Horse of the Year goes after Sandy Lane Gold Cup

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T’s Horse of The Year 2013, ‘Bigman In Town’ has been entered for the Grade One—Sandy Lane Gold Cup, to be run off at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday, March 8.

The Baskaran Bassawh-owned horse is the lone TT entrant in the prestigious Gold Cup. The John O’Brien trained horse will face ten rivals with the Sir David Seales owned 'Aristodemus' and 'Dashing David' being the top horses he will have to peg back.

‘Bigman In Town’ will attempt to replicate the feats of Frisky Wharf and Bold Lewis who both won the event.

However, ‘Bigman

‘Bigman In Town.’ (TT Guardian file photo)

in Town’ will have to do even better than those two equine heroes, as he will now be racing right-handed and will have to race on

grass. When 'Firsky Wharf' and 'Bold Lewis' won for TT, racing was on the turf.

‘Bigman In Town’ has also been

entered for the Grade One—XII Tanglewood Stakes and Trophy on the same day.

Here are the nominated horses for the XXXIII Sandy Lane Gold Cup: ‘Aristodemus’, ‘Areutalkintome’, ‘Bigman In Town’, ‘Dashing David’, ‘Discreetwon, Giovedi’, ‘Indian Officer’, ‘Kendal Moon’, ‘Knight Rider’, ‘Jakessam’, ‘Shared Adventure’.

These are the nominated horses for XII Tanglewood Stakes and Trophy: ‘Bandera Belle’, ‘Bigman In Town’, ‘Cinnamon Jane’, ‘Erados’, ‘Galxy’, ‘Janak’s Gold’, ‘Kendal Moon’, ‘Open Secret’, ‘Roars’, ‘Sirius Black’, ‘Ucantmeanme’, ‘Vanity Affair’, ‘Zoom’. (TT Guardian)

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Tom Moody named director TT’s Richard Thompson to open of cricket for Limacol CPL season in February

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Tom Moody

he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that former Australia International, Tom Moody, has joined its ranks as director of cricket.

Moody has vast experience at the top level of the game, having represented Australia, Warwickshire, Western Australia and Worcestershire as a player– before turning his attention to coaching, commentary and cricket administration.

Commenting on the appointment, Limacol CPL Chief

Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe said, “We are delighted that Tom Moody has joined the team at Limacol CPL. As the tournament progresses, we will strive to maintain our status as a first class cricket tournament, attracting the best players and coaches from around the world.

“Having played and coached at the highest level, Tom has the ideal qualifications to ensure that all aspects of Limacol CPL’s cricket output are of the highest international standards.”

Also commenting, Tom Moody said, “It’s a real honour to be asked to take on the director of cricket role for the Limacol CPL. The tournament burst onto the scene last year and produced some outstanding action and entertain-

ment. From a purely cricket perspective, Limacol CPL has set the bar high from its inaugural year and I’m excited by the challenge of helping to continue to improve and deliver the highest possible standards for the fans, the players and everyone associated with the tournament.”

Following his retirement from the game in 2001, Moody became president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and coach, then Director of Cricket at Worcestershire. In 2005, he was appointed as Sri Lanka’s coach, guiding the team to the World Cup final in April 2007, before returning home to coach Western Australia. He is currently coach for IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Fraser-Pryce elated with chancellor's medal from UTech

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he University of Technology Jamaica (UTech) last Friday awarded Jamaica's sprint sensation Shelly-Ann FraserPryce with the university's prestigious chancellor's medal during a delegates' banquet.

The banquet forms part of the first staging of the semi-annual meeting of the 2014 International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), which was held at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa in St James.

The IAUP is an association of university chief executive officers, presidents, rectors, vicechancellors and chancellors from higher education institutions around the world.

The prestigious award was presented to Fraser-Pryce, an Olympic champion and past student of the university by Chancellor of UTech Edward Seaga.

The activity was witnessed by her husband Jason, Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech and chair of the Caribbean Region of IAUP; Professor Neal King, president of IAUP. Also in attendance were Jamaica’s Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites; president of the MVP Track Club Bruce James, and university presidents from

Chancellor of UTech Edward Seaga (second right) presents Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with her prestigious university chancellor’s medal. The activity was witnessed by (from left) Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech and chair of the Caribbean Region of IAUP, and Professor Neal King. The presentation was made at a banquet at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel in St James, Jamaica last Friday. (Anthony Lewis/Jamaica Observer photo)

across the world.

Fraser-Pryce in accepting the award said of all awards received in the past this was among the best due to the fact that her journey started at UTech.

She said graduating from UTech was her greatest achievement as in the beginning she was encouraged by persons to do her studies overseas.

"When I left high school and joined the UTech family, many persons said I should go overseas and go to university abroad and I said no, I wanted to stay here

in Jamaica and I wanted to continue my education here. And persons thought it wasn't possible for an athlete to do well in track and also do well in the classroom, but I had something to prove because for my family no one went to college, nobody had a degree and it was my time to change that.

"And I want to thank the chancellor and the president for giving me this honour, for continuing to believe in who I am. And, I also want to say that I am who I am because you gave me a

chance and I blossomed in the person I am today because I have learnt something so profound at the University of Technology, and education goes a far way.

"When you have it no one can take it from you.

And I thank you for allowing me the honour to stand here to receive this honour," Fraser-Pryce said.

Fraser-Pryce graduated from UTech in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Care and Adolescent Development. (Jamaica Observer)

T

TT’s triple Olympic medallist Richard Thompson. (TT Newsday file photo)

rinidad and Tobago’s triple Olympic medallist Richard Thompson is set to open his 2014 season this month when he competes indoors.

The national 100m record holder will be returning to the indoor circuit for the first time since 2012 and has sights set on the World Indoor Track and Field Championships in Sopot, Poland from March 7-9.

The 28 year old has been working on his fitness for the 2014 season.

“I am getting close to being 100% healthy once again. I was at the Michael Johnson rehabilitation Centre in Dallas doing some rehabilitation work and it has gone very well. I feel confident about being able to compete injury-free (this) season.

I am just praying and asking God to keep me healthy.”

The Nelson Street Boys RC Primary and Queen’s Royal College graduate has an indoor 60m best of 6.51 seconds set in 2008 the year he captured the NCAA Division One indoor crown for his university, Louisiana State. The national record is 6.49, held by Ato Boldon.

Commonwealth Games The Cascade resident is also looking to debut at the 2014 Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3. “Ultimately the goal is to go the Commonwealth Games and put Trinidad and Tobago on the podium.

We have a strong team with (Keston) Bledman and Marc (Burns),” he stated.

Meanwhile former double Carifta champion Nicholas Landeau is hoping for a great 2014

season after spending three weeks training at the world-renowned Iten’s High Altitude Training camp in Iten, Kenya.

Landeau made the trip to Kenya in December with his England track club Eailing Southhall and Middlesex (ESM) Athletic Club which he joined since migrating to England in late 2012.

The Belmont Boys Secondary graduate was accompanied by his coach Steve Man and training partners Mo Hashi and Ben Waterman.

Landeau said the Kenyan training experience while help him for the upcoming track season. “We decided to go out the as long term preparation for the Carifta games and other upcoming track and field championships.”

He will be bidding to compete in the Carifta Games for the fifth time. He made his debut as a 14 year old at the 2009 edition in St Lucia where he failed to win a medal. However, a year later in the Cayman Islands the Chaguanas resident was runner up in the boys under 17 1500m and 3000m events behind compatriot Mark London.

Landeau stepped up to gold the following year in Jamaica taking the 1500m/3000m double. In 2012 he secured silver in the boys under 20 5000m in Bermuda.

Meanwhile Olympic bronze medallist Deon Lendore was named the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Athlete of the Week after he clocked a world leading time of 45.74 in the men’s 400m at the Texas A&M Triangular meet in College Station, Texas on January 25.

Lendore now holds four of the top five times in the school’s history.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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Nagico Super50 tournament…

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uyana fought back to defeat the Windward Islands by 22 runs in Match 6 of the NAGICO Super50 tournament and confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

Before the match, Guyana suffered a big blow losing opening batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul to injury. The Windward Islands, however, remain unchanged from their first match, when they were defeated by Jamaica.

Guyana won the toss and elected to bat first, selecting Assad Fudadin for Chanderpaul. Fudadin compiled a rather slow 51 off 120 balls, while Sarwan continued his good form with a well made 62.

Eventually, it was skipper Christopher Barnwell, supported

by Leon Johnson, who helped Guyana recover from a slow start to post a competitive 235 for 7 from their 50 overs. Guyana had earlier lost Trevon

Griffith for a duck.

The Windward Islands bowlers were quite tight for the best part of the innings. However, coming down to the end

SCOREBOARD Guyana innings (50 overs maximum) TA Griffith c †Fletcher b Johnson 0 AB Fudadin c Johnson b Mathew 51 RR Sarwan c Sebastien b Mathew 62 CD Barnwell* b Mathew 51 LR Johnson c Currency b Charles 41 N Deonarine c Sebastien b Johnson 2 A Bramble† c Lesporis b Mathew 6 V Permaul not out 1 Extras: (b 2, lb 4, w 14, nb 1) 21 Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 235 To bat: D Bishoo, RR Beaton, PG Wintz Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Griffith, 0.6 ov), 2-124 (Sarwan, 35.1 ov), 3-130 (Fudadin, 37.3 ov), 4-214 (Johnson, 46.3 ov), 5-218 (Deonarine, 47.3 ov), 6-234 (Bramble, 49.2 ov), 7-235 (Barnwell, 49.6 ov) Bowling: DE Johnson 10-139-2, KK Peters 10-1-37-0, M Mathew 10-1-41-4, J Charles 7-1-39-1, LAS Sebastien 9-150-0, GE Mathurin 4-0-23-0

Windward Islands innings (target: 236 runs from 50 overs) DS Smith b Beaton 5 J Charles c & b Barnwell 35 T Theophile lbw b Bishoo 31 ADS Fletcher† lbw b Bishoo 17 K Lesporis lbw b Wintz 33 RK Currency b Beaton 19 LAS Sebastien* lbw b Permaul 19 M Mathew c Permaul b Beaton 24 GE Mathurin c Griffith b Permaul 5 DE Johnson b Permaul 0 KK Peters not out 3 Extras: (lb 11, w 11) 22 Total: (all out; 46.4 overs) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Smith, 5.1 ov), 2-55 (Charles, 8.6 ov), 3-95 (Fletcher, 18.5 ov), 4-96 (Theophile, 20.1 ov), 5-157 (Currency, 33.1 ov), 6-158 (Lesporis, 34.1 ov), 7-200 (Mathew, 42.3 ov), 8-206 (Mathurin, 44.2 ov), 9-206 (Johnson, 44.3 ov), 10-213 (Sebastien, 46.4 ov) Bowling: PG Wintz 5-0-291, RR Beaton 9-1-43-3, CD Barnwell 6-0-31-1, V Permaul 9.4-2-24-3, D Bishoo 10-0-422, N Deonarine 7-0-33-0

of the innings, they seemed to lose their way somewhat.

Barnwell blasted 51 runs from 43 balls, putting on 84 runs with Johnson, who hit 41 runs from 31 balls.

The Windwards, chasing 236 for victory decently placed at 200 for seven, with less than a run a ball to score.But spinner Veerasammy Permaul forced a collapse with the last three wickets to give Guyana victory.

Johnson Charles had started the innings positively but he only reached 35.

Tyrone Theophile supported with 31, but Windward Islands kept losing regular wickets along the way.

For Guyana, Ronsford Beaton and Permaul took three wickets each, with the former being awarded Man of the Match. (WICB)

A

fter weeks of uncertainty, TT’s national cyclist Njisane Phillip revealed Tuesday that he will not be taking part in the forthcoming World Track Cycling Championships which gets underway in Cali, Colombia, from February 26-March 2.

Speaking to the Olympic rider from his Los Angeles, Californiabase Tuesday, Phillip said he has not yet fully recovered from his recent kidney ailments which left him hospitalised at two U.S. medical institutions for a week in early January. Over the past month, the Rigtech Sonics representative has been visiting the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in California, on a weekly basis where he undergoes tests to ascertain the progress of his health.

Throughout this period, Phillip has been doing very light training regimes with his managerial team in an attempt to bring his body back

TT’s national cyclist Njisane Phillip. (TT Guardian file photo)

to full fitness. However, Tuesday it was decided by the prominent TT cyclist and his team that it would be better for him as an athlete, to sit out this edition of the World Championships.

“I have decided myself, and with the support of my coaching staff, to cancel it (Worlds), get back healthy and prepare for the Commonwealth Games later this year,” Phillip said Tuesday. (TT

Newsday)

Jamaica expected to send ‘strong’ team to World Relays

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amaica is expected to send its strongest team to the IAAF World Relays in The Bahamas despite not having a trial prior to the event set for May 24 and 25.

Dr Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), didn't envisage any problems in team selection when he spoke with Jamaican media.

"We will be selecting the team the same way we have done with the Penn Relays teams that comes on a month before and the World Indoors," said Dr Blake.

"We write to the coaches and the athletes' reps and get in touch with them and they will recommend which of their athletes will be available and then we

Jamaica, with the incomparable Usain Bolt, have swept the 4x100m relays at the Olympic and World Championships since 2008 and are expected to dominate once again regardless of the composition of the team. (Jamaica Observer file photo)

choose the best team out of what is available at the time," he noted.

The first edition of the 2014 IAAF World Relays will serve as a qualifying competition

for the 2015 IAAF World Championships and is expected to have more than 1,000 athletes and team officials from 40 nations for the event.

The top-eight teams

to place in the 4x100m and 4x400m events at the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 shall automatically qualify for the IAAF World Championships Beijing

2015.

If one or more teams in the A Final are disqualified or do not finish, their qualifying places will be taken by the topplaced finisher(s) in the B Final.

Jamaica, with the incomparable Usain Bolt, have swept the 4x100m relays at the Olympic and World Championships since 2008 and are expected to dominate once again regardless of the composition of the team.

Meanwhile, fans will have the chance to have a preview of the upcoming IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 during a test event scheduled to be held prior to the IAAF World Relays. On May 9 & 10, young high school athletes from around the Bahamas will test the readiness of the newly built Thomas A Robinson

Stadium by competing in the replica of events that will be run at the Relays.

The participating teams will compete in the following test events -- 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m, along with a sprint medley that will include 400m, 200m, 200m, and 800m legs for the boys and 100m, 100m, 200m and 400m legs for the girls.

A maximum of one team from any one member country can compete in each relay event and a maximum of six athletes may be entered for each relay team. Any four athletes among those entered for the competition may then be used in the composition of the team for the first round.

They will target an ideal number of approximately 16 teams to qualify. (Jamaica Observer) from back page

Two months ago Canada were also eliminated at an early stage in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers tournament, which was held in UAE. Guyanese Gordon was also disappointed, despite his satisfactory performances, coming out with 11 wickets from seven matches.

“You missed out on the T20 stage and hope to make things better in 50over version, but falling

short was a great disappointment; I don’t think it was the ‘right’ team even though we showed a lot of fight,” Gordon declared on his arrival home in Toronto recently.

Canada, which featured in the last three consecutive world cup events, (2003, 2007, 2011), lost three of their four mandatory games to stake a claim of the two available places which were up for grabs.

They were placed in Group A and were beaten by UAE, Hong Kong, and Scotland in that order, while triumphing over Nepal. Gordon, who finished with seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the victorious match, stated that the opposing teams played excellent cricket.

After a successful year (2013) for Gordon at the Intercontinental Cup for Canada, Gordon was ex-

cited to make a comeback for his native country. He was part of the action at the club level, but it wasn’t enough for the Guyanese selectors to invite him at the national trial late last year.

However, he is still desirable of wearing the Guyana colours again and should be in Guyana soon to play club cricket and by extension inter-county competitions to enhance his chance again.

He said since the weather in Canada only provides the opportunity to play for short periods, he is seeking contracts to play in either England or Australia soon.

“I [am] still very optimistic that I will play for Guyana again; I know I have to play on a regular basis down there to be selected, but I want to play professionally in other countries to keep improving my game as

well,” Gordon, who plays for Brampton Masters Cricket Club in Canada, revealed.

The cricketer, who made his debut for Canada in 2011, believes that hard-work and commitment are of paramount importance to be a great cricketer and his accomplishment so far has been very inspiring– something that he has attributed most of his success as an athlete.

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 6, 2014

Guyanese fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon disappointed with Canada show at W/C Qualifiers

By Ravendra Madholall

D

ifferent qualification tournament, different country and different format, but similar sentiments by fastbowler Jeremy Gordon after his adopted country Canada once again failed to qualify for another International Cricket Council (ICC) event.

The ICC 50-over Qualifiers concluded Saturday with Scotland humbling United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs

in New Zealand while the North Americas grabbed a solitary win in their four allotted matches.

Canada also suffered a huge defeat in the seventh-place playoff to the Netherlands succumbing to an eight-wicket margin.

“I think I didn’t play to my true potential and that was one disappointment, while our team just didn’t live up the expectations, but it was another good trip in New Zealand,” the 27-year-old right-arm quickie divulged. turn to page 31

Jeremy Gordon

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