Caribbean Times International

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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ISSUE NO. 121

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

GuyExpo 2014 attracts record number of overseas exhibitors See story on page 14

Patrons view products of one of the many overseas exhibitors that participated in the 2014 Guyana Exposition and Trade Fair (GuyExpo) which ended Sunday at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Guyana

Fewer Jamaicans landing jobs in Canada Page 8

Twenty Trinis reportedly on ISIS watch list Page 13

Record support for Guyana Help The Kids’ annual fundraiser in Toronto Page 2

GHTK's President Dr. Narendra Singh (left) makes a point while interacting with two guests at the charity’s third annual dinner and dance held at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall in Toronto last Saturday

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Record support for Guyana Help The Kids’ annual fundraiser in Toronto

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O R O N T O , CANADA: The Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK) charitable organisation last Saturday evening hosted it third annual fundraising dinner and dance in Canada which saw record support from over 700 pa-

cated at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and Level 2 NICUs at the four Regional Hospitals.

Dr Singh, who is also acting Chief of Staff/Chief of Pediatrics at Humber River Hospital, reminded that GHTK’s overall objective is to reduce in-

Health Ministry sought to expand the programme to regional hospitals in New Amsterdam, Linden, Suddie and West Demerara. In May 2013, two new NICU were commissioned at New Amsterdam and Linden.

The Linden

(From L-R) GHTK’s Board members Mahendra Singh, Dr. Narendra Daljeet, Dr. Mina Singh, Dr. Narendra Singh, Terry Sawh and Kelly Pearce

critical babies and greater focus on children from rural areas as well as decreasing stillborn rates.

He emphasised the need for fetal monitors to identify babies at risk while in the womb so that early intervention can save more lives. There was an outpouring of support at the event from individuals interested in purchasing monitors.

Some of the awardees at GHTK’s third annual dinner and dance (GHTK photos)

trons. The event was held at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall in Toronto.

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar, in a message to the charity, expressed his deep gratitude to GHTK for collaborating with his government to decrease neonatal and infant mortality. He noted that due to the fundraising efforts and selfless contribution of Dr. Narendra Singh and the GHTK team, over the past four years, Guyana is now fully equipped with technologically-advanced Level 3 NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) lo-

fant mortality in Guyana by implementing sustainable changes through education and technology.

He recalled that initially the project implemented during 2011-2012 was focused at the GPHC, where a new NICU was opened, and a Pediatric Residency Programme and a Neonatal Nursing Programme were launched. Since then, the GPHC’s NICU has progressed to a Level 3 Unit with the introduction of ventilator services in June of 2013.

Shared vision

The shared vision of GHTK and Guyana’s

NICU was funded by a generous donation from the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), under the chairmanship of Mr. Winston Kassim, Order of Canada. Last August, NICUs were commissioned at Suddie and West Demerara. These facilities are all equipped with incubators, infusion IV pumps, monitors, phototherapy units and transport incubators.

Looking ahead, Dr Singh outlined plans for 2014-2015 which includes developing Guyana’s neonatal network, introducing a number to call for

Ongoing work

Additionally, it was noted that GHTK’s Secretary Kelly Pearce, a medical equipment tech-

nology specialist, has been helping with the procurement of specialised equipment to elevate the level of neonatal care at the various hospitals in Guyana. GHTK has also provided biomedical and respiratory care support. Technical experts from Humber River Hospital and SickKids in Canada; and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the USA have volunteered to assist with this critical aspect of assistance programme. There is now a dedicated biomedical

technician at the GPHC to administer the project.

Meanwhile, the evening saw awards presented to several persons for their support to GHTK. Recipients included Dr. Katherine Runkle, Dr. Donna Persaud, Dr. Julie Johnstone, Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick, Caitlin Beggs, RN and Dr. Jay Dahman.

Others honoured were Gard Ramkissoon, Steve Nijjar, Donovan Jay, Robin Oliver, Agnes Noronha and the Jay Mahabir Foundation.

A section of the gathering at GHTK’s third annual dinner and dance at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall in Toronto last Saturday

Canada drug find linked to Trinidad T O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Canadian security authorities are investigating the discovery of more than 14 kilogrammes of cocaine in a bag that was offloaded from a Trinidad and Tobago to Toronto, Canada, flight at the Lester B Pearson International Airport sometime last week.

According to reports, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the drugs, packed into two “bricks” and concealed in clothing, were found by Customs officers who observed anomalies with an item of luggage that had arrived on a flight from TT. The substance in the “bricks”, which were handed over to the Peel

A bag containing several kilogrammes of cocaine was offloaded from a Trinidad-Toronto flight at the Lester B Pearson International Airport last week

Regional Police, tested positive for cocaine.

Although they have not released the identity of the airline whose plane was used for the flight on which the bag was placed, Canadian police are said to be searching for a drug trafficker in the Greater

Toronto Area, who they believe may be responsible for the confiscated shipment.

No information has been released about the person’s nationality, whether he/she is Canadian or from Trinidad and Tobago.

(TT Newsday)

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EDITORIAL

Status of Regional Integration

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xactly one year ago, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CariCom) Secretariat, Mr Erwin La Rocque delivered an address in Trinidad on "The status of the Regional Integration Process and Vision for the Future of Caricom".

As he conceded, the lofty hopes raised in the bosoms of Caribbean peoples by the launch of Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) in 1968 and its successor Caricom in 1973 had been dashed in the opinions of most ordinary citizens.

As he noted, the thrust for integration had long preceded these two initiatives and indeed had surfaced as far back as the 1930's with the growth of the trade union movement struggling for equity and justice for sugar workers. The short lived WI Federation (1958-1962) which actually was supposed to integrate ten of the territories, failed because among other things, the British never devolved sufficient power and authority to the Central Governing body. It is more than ironic that in Mr LaRocque's estimation, this shortcoming is still the major impediment in the present to a more successful integration movement in Caricom.

While CARIFTA was just an initiative to further Free Trade among the territories, it was recognised by the founding fathers that this was simply a starting point towards a much more unified arrangement.

The Treaty of Chaguaramas, signed in 1973, sought to formalise this aspiration by deepening the integration arrangements on the basis of three pillars: economic integration; foreign policy co-ordination and functional co-operation. But beyond all of that its goal was encapsulated in the name: a Caribbean COMMUNITY. But the reluctance of the individual territories to concede any substantial diminution of sovereignty which hastened the demise of the WI Federation proved once again a formidable barrier to the first goal of "economic integration". As far back as 1967, the economists Thomas and Brewster had drafted a very credible plan for the Region to execute this goal but it was never taken seriously. Each territory insisted on pursuing an autarkic system of development-which, because of their minuscule sizes, was always a pipe dream.

The rest of the world in the meantime retooled their economies to deal with what was to be called "globalisation", while the Caribbean remained stuck with their primary production and their "Sun and Surf" tourism. By 1989, even though they had not made much progress on economic integration-save the imposition of a "Common External Tariff" on defined products from outside the Region-an even deeper form of economic integration was declared.

This was the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Single Market was thought achievable by 1993, yet it was not until 2001 that the Treaty of Chaguramas was actually amended to articulate the goal.

Again concrete progress on specifics lagged while paper agreements multiplied. In 2006, a "Single Market" was declared with 12 of the 15 territories in Caricom participating. But from the standpoint of improving the economic performance of the Region, the impact was negligible, because the actual mechanisms to make the declaration real, such as shipping, were never put into place.

And once again declarations and plans continued blithely onwards.

In 2007, a "Single Development Vision" was adopted which projected the completion of the Single Economy by 2015. But once again the leaders of the Caribbean's reach exceeded their grasp.

They had signed a contentious "Economic Partnership Agreement" with the European Union in 2008 and was working on one with Canada, when they declared in 2011 that the Single Economy goal was being placed on "pause". This official "pause" is still the operative word as far as the regional integration movement is concerned.

The sad truth is that while from the beginning it was accepted that real integration success depended on having an executive body with teeth to guide Caricom, the individual leaders are unwilling to put their money where their mouths are.

Guyanese superstar Eddy Grant made two fans’ night when he posed with them during GuyExpo 2014 in Guyana (Carl Croker photo)

Caribbean urged to rethink renewable energy policies

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RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: The head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ambassador Mikael Barfod said if the Caribbean is to fully integrate renewable energy into its development path so that it impacts on its economy, then it must adjust its mind-set to do so.

Barfod, who will be participating in the October 6-8 Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum in Miami, said currently, access to renewable energy in the Region is much skewed.

“Only a few Caribbean citizens have had the opportunity to educate themselves on the benefits, and even fewer have actually implemented various renewable energy systems with attendant benefits, despite the affordability of the technology, financing opportunities and very impressive ‘payback’ periods.

“Renewable energy seems to be perceived as being for the ‘elites’, while in many countries in the Region the fuel adjustment clause still hits the most vulnerable harder than the rest of the population,” he added.

Barfod, in an article entitled “Renewable Energy– Bridging the Caribbean Divide–An EU perspective” said the Caribbean must adopt a renewable energy mentality, even as he acknowledged that “this is no doubt easier said than done”.

But he argued that with the high education levels of the Region, relatively robust governance systems, proximity to and extensive exchanges with very developed economies and the substantial

amounts of investments offered by both donor agencies and the private sector, a very sound basis exists on which to achieve the goals of the region.

He said the Caribbean realities of low penetration of renewable energy, insufficient renewable energy specialists and technicians; energy monopolies, non-implementation of policies, legislation and regulations as well as relatively low public awareness are well known and documented.

First step

Barfod said education, lifestyle changes, policy, legislation and regulation are factors that should be considered among the “first steps” to overcome the impediments.

“Education is fundamental. Similar to the efforts in the hospitality sector, the renewable energy sector must ensure that all aspects of the sector are captured at various levels of the school curriculum.

"The curriculum at the primary, secondary and tertiary level should all feature aspects of the renewable energy subject matter. In this regard, it is vital that a gender balanced approach is adopted. On a general level too, public education should inform citizens of the Region on making energy choices when purchasing appliances and the affordability and financing options for installing renewable energy equipment in their homes."

He said essentially the Caribbean is fighting an undeclared conflict on high energy prices and energy insecurity, both of which have significantly adverse effects

on the development of the Region.

“At the same time, the Caribbean will cement its already strong moral case in international climate change negotiations by a radical adoption of renewable energy and energy efficient measures.”

Barfod said volumes have been written on the importance of legislation, policy and regulation for establishing sound investment climates and general sector development frameworks.

“However, it is not sufficient merely to enact these.

They must be implemented, regularly updated and reviewed by all stakeholders in a country to reflect changing technologies, changing times and to encourage, mandate and inform the renewable energy development strategy.

“These are pre-requisites for bridging the divide. It may be claimed that in many countries of the Region, these already exist. This is well, but are they then also translated into action? If this is not the case, stakeholders must collectively find out why not.”

The European Union diplomat said policies, legislation and regulation should not be seen as passive documents but must be actively reworked to deliver and reflect changing times, technologies and circumstances.

“There are countless examples of countries, cities, utilities and organisations that have taken ambitious strides in renewable energy and energy efficiency; it is time that the Caribbean shows its strength and joins this group–sooner rather than later.”

WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Twilight celebrates 4th anniversary Man burnt with oil

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O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Popular Toronto restaurant and bar, Twilight, is currently celebrating its fourth year of operation, and according to the co-owners Albert Ramcharran, Antony Ramcharran and Sunil Mohan, they are proud of the achievements thus far and are eager to continue in the business.

Twilight’s culture is based on the foundation of “great people serving fabulous fresh food in an upbeat and stylish environment”.

The owners have observed: “Our guests have come to expect that not only will Twilight gratify them with superb service and products, but will surprise them with ongoing refinements and new additions of the offering.

“Our quality, value, décor, product presentation and staff speak to the high standard required to exceed the expectations of the marketplace. And, we package this with intelligent, high energy branding that is relevant for today’s modern and informed customer.”

Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar ca-

at Trinidad KFC over size of chicken

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A customer arguing with an employee over chicken which he ordered in Trinidad, had some of the steaming oil used to fry the meat and potato chips, tossed on him by six workers of a fast food outlet in Barataria on Monday afternoon.

As a result, the victim (From left) Sunil Mohan, Anthony Ramcharran and Albert Ramcharran share a photo during the celebration at Twilight, 55 Nugget Avenue in Scarborough

ters to approximately 375 persons and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, late night dining and weekend entertainment.

When asked what makes Twilight unique and different from others, the owners related; “at Twilight we believe our most strategic competitive advantage is offering a clean and friendly family atmosphere.

We recognise that to run the best casual restaurants, we need the best leaders and team members operating Twilight Family Restaurant and Bar.” The owners added “to

this end, our mandate is to strive to be the employer of choice, an individual’s first choice for employment in the restaurant industry. At Twilight, it is our primary goal to provide a positive experience for each one of our guests.

“From our freshly prepared food to our guest focused service, we continually strive to maintain and improve our guests’ experiences.”

They owners also pointed out that every aspect of their menu is carefully designed to offer meaningful choice.

Meanwhile, only last year, Twilight opened its second restaurant and

bar Starlite, which is located at Midland and Ellesmere corners.

Customers can visit their website at www.intwilight.com.

There, they will see updated meal menu including the famous pepper shrimp and special chicken fried-rice. All meats are Halaal and patrons who mention the ad below can receive 10 percent discount on their meal when they visit the restaurant.

Banquet facilities are also available to rent at both locations.

Albert and his son, Anthony, are well known in the West Indian Community in Toronto.

Shameek Gonzalves had to be taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital suffering with burns to his upper body. An employee of the food outlet has since been detained by police and is assisting officers in their enquiries.

The incident was reportedly witnessed by several customers who were at the Barataria branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

According to reports, 38-year-old Gonzalves of Sea Lots went to the KFC branch at about 2 pm on Monday to purchase a box of chicken and chips and was attended to by the employee.

TT media reported that Gonzalves began complaining to the employee about his order which resulted in a heated argument.

The employee is said to have gone into the kitchen located at the rear of the building and secured a container used to store the hot oil.

The employee and five other co-workers followed Gonzalves out of the outlet and then doused him with the hot oil while he was about to enter his car at Sixth Avenue, Barataria. (TT Newsday)

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Canada main source of International Another Ebola Business for Barbados scare at Piarco Airport in Trinidad B R I D G E T O W N , B A R B A D O S : Barbados’ Industry Minister Donville Inniss, says that Barbados remains focused on making the country attractive to receive foreign direct investment from Canada.

Speaking to the media after a service at the St. Thomas Parish Church on Sunday morning to launch International Business Week 2014, Inniss noted that Canada is the main source market for Barbados’ International Business Sector and this has resulted also in the country being the third largest receiver of foreign direct investment from that North American country.

This, the minister said, is truly testimony to strength of the partnership between the two countries.

“Canadian companies have benefited tremendously from their presence in Barbados. I

Barbados’ Industry Minister Donville Inniss (Nation News file photo)

know of many Canadian companies that have been able to expand domestically, meaning in the Canadian market, through their presence in Barbados [and] being able to grow globally. So Canada will continue to be a major market

for us, we’re not going to neglect the Canadian market, and we’re going to explore all those opportunities,” he said.

Inniss added however, that while government is keen on continuing its relationship with Canada, it will not be a case where they are putting all their eggs in one basket. As such, he revealed that they will also be looking to improve the relationship with other countries, including those in Latin America. With that in mind, the minister noted that during this week there will be a Latin America Business Conference held on the topic of ‘Bridging the America: Barbados…Your Gateway’.

This conference, he said, is being made possible through the Barbados International Business Association and Invest Barbados. (Barbados Advocate)

AFC in Guyana preparing for General Election next year

Nigel Hughes

Cathy Hughes

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Alliance For Change (AFC) last Saturday held a high-energy meeting to finalise its strategy as the party prepares for Regional and General Elections in Guyana early next year.

According to a release, representatives from all 10 administrative regions gathered at the Georgetown Club with representatives from the Diaspora joining

by Skype to put details to the party’s strategy that will guide it at the 2015 polls.

The small party said that there were a number of youth and women members of the AFC

represented at the meeting.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) gave total support to the No-Confidence Motion and saw the representatives pledging 100 per cent commitment to move the election process forward. All representatives were highly motivated and eager to get back to the regions to advance the work that will give the AFC the advantage at the next poll.

“The AFC leadership in one voice condemned the minority government for undermining the Constitution by refusing to hold Local Government Elections and establishing a Procurement Commission, as well as unlawful-

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ly spending public funds not authorised by the Parliament,” the party claimed.

The meeting also saw the NEC pledging full support for the party Co-founder and now Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman in the face of a damning child sodomy allegation.

The meeting of the NEC received four nominations for the Presidential Candidate, namely Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy Hughes.

Nominations received for the Prime Ministerial Candidate were Raphael Trotman, Nigel Hughes, Cathy Hughes, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and David Patterson.

The decision on who will be elected the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates will be made when the party holds is biennial National Conference on October 25. (Guyana Times)

Jamaican authorities probe shooting of ‘insane’ man at police station

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Ian Nugent on the compound of the HalfWay-Tree Police Station shortly after 6:00 pm Monday.

Reports are that Nugent, who was believed to be of unsound mind, entered the police compound and was behaving in a disorderly manner.

He was escorted off the compound by the police but later returned and reportedly attacked a police officer.

Another Police Officer who observed what was happening intervened, and

was reportedly attacked with a knife and hit in the head with a baton by Nugent.

Reportedly, he was subsequently shot and wounded when he attempted to inflict further wounds to the police officer. Nugent was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The injured policeman was also taken to hospital where he is said to be undergoing treatment.

The matter is being investigated by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI). (Jamaica Observer)

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan summoned security and health officials to an emergency meeting Monday after he was caught in an Ebola bungle regarding safety and precautionary measures at the Piarco International Airport last Friday.

The meeting was held at the ministry’s TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan head office at Park Street, Port-of-Spain, was whisked away to a room and was attended by officials to be examined for the deadfrom the National Security ly virus.

Operations Centre (NOC), The airport security and Civil Aviation, Office of health officials then attemptDisaster Preparedness and ed to isolate the other pasthe Immigration Division. sengers, including Khan, Special Branch police offi- who was also seated in the cers and health officials were First Class cabin, causing also in attendance. panic and alarm.

TT media reported that Khan, sources said, bethe meeting was prompted came upset as he felt the after the Advance Passenger matter was being mishanInformation System (APIS) dled and intervened to refalsely indicated that a store calm.

Nigerian VIP national Examinations conducted aboard American Airlines on the VIP national showed (AA) flight 1663 that was that he had no signs or sympenroute to Trinidad from toms of the Ebola virus and Miami was a possible Ebola as a result the man was alcase, causing a scare. lowed to leave the airport.

The identity of the VIP Contacted Monday, Khan national, who was a First confirmed that the incident Class passenger aboard the took place.

AA flight, has been withheld He said a committee led for security reasons.

by Dr Adelle Chin was set up Khan, who was return- to deal with the internationing from attending The al health regulations and the 2014 Pan American Health protocol of entry to TT. Organisation (PAHO), “From what I observed the Regional Office for the airport workers need proper Americas of the World training to handle matters Health Organisation (WHO) like these. Not because someconference in Washington, one has a Nigerian passport DC was also aboard the AA means that they should be flight. flagged. Proper procedures Sources told TT media must be followed to avoid emthat as soon as the VIP na- barrassment,” Khan indicattional exited the aircraft he ed. (TT Express)

8 News Canadian company on target for mine start-up in Guyana G www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : G u y a n a Goldfields Inc will meet its June 2015 operation deadline, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Scott Caldwell said, despite initial hiccups.

The Canadian company will get into full operation by the end of 2015, producing some 150,000 ounces of gold annually.

Giving an update on the project, Caldwell said that construction at the Aurora Gold Mine is progressing, pointing out that already 50 per cent of the US$249 million allotted for the project has been expended. It is estimated that the com-

pany will spend approximately US$20 million per month in an effort to ensure the successful completion of the mine.

It is being funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC); Export Development Canada (EDC); ING Capital LLC; Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; and the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Guyana Goldfields officially launched its Aurora Gold Mine Operations in December 2013. The Project represents a 4.8 million ounce deposit. When it kicks into operations, it will become the country’s largest gold mine operation ever, with more

President and Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Goldfields Inc Scott Caldwell

than 1500 employees.

However, even as the mine is being constructed, 700 persons are employed, with over 80 per cent being Guyanese.

Guyana Goldfields is among the 32 Canadian exploration companies operating in Guyana’s extractive sector working in the gold, bauxite,

oil and gas, manganese, uranium and other precious metals sub-sectors.

Other Canadian companies that are poised to embark on large-scale operations in Guyana include CGX Energy Inc, Sandspring Resources ETK, Reunion Minerals, and First Bauxite. It was explained that CGX is slated to commence its drilling programme in the final quarter of 2014, as well as a plethora of mineral mining companies.

Additionally, Canada has been strongly endorsing legislative reform and the implementation of effective policies and legislation to manage Guyana’s extractive

sectors. Canada’s engagement ensures sustainable development of all gains from the oil and gas sector for all of the nation’s peoples. Canada is also supporting Guyana in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat in developing an oil and gas policy and extractive sector legislation based on Canadian models.

It was explained that the development of effective legislation would result in greater accountability, allowing for the sector to develop in a sustainable manner, which will ensure poverty alleviation and its associated socio-economic hardships. (Guyana Times)

Fewer Jamaicans landing jobs in Canada K

I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: Apart from the farm-work programme, fewer Jamaicans are able to access jobs in Canada these days as they are being secured for Canadian nationals.

Robert Ready, the Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, told Jamaican media that changes have been made to many of the programmes, resulting in fewer foreigners taking part as the job market declines in that country.

Each year, close to 200,000 foreign skilled workers go to work in Canada on temporary work permits. However, with jobs being difficult to come by in recent years, Ready dis-

closed that Canadian officials have revisited the process by which foreigners, including Jamaicans, can secure employment in that country.

Ready noted that the largest endeavour remains the farm-work programme.

"In the past season, we saw about 8,000 Jamaicans take part in that programme," he said.

However, Ready stated that this is not the case with other programmes, such as truck drivers, heavy-duty mechanics and some in the more professional areas.

While he stressed the positive impact of the programmes for Jamaica, Ready suggested that many foreigners are

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

snatching work from Canadian nationals.

"If you exclude the seasonal agricultural workers pro-

gramme, there have been, in Canada, some concerns - not specifically with Jamaica but with the administration of those pro-grammes," related Ready.

He said Canadian authorities have been forced to examine whether the established rules are still appropriate in terms of the types of job opportunities that they are providing.

Ready indicated that his government has to determine whether the use of foreign workers in some areas is depriving Canadian workers of adequate opportunity to seek employment in those fields.

"There have been some adjustments in some of those pro-

grammes," he indicated. "None of them have been terminated, but some of them have been updated."

"Jamaicans and all other participants in those programmes will have to be aware of some of those changes," the High Commissioner added, pointing out that the seasonal agricultural workers programme stands apart from those changes.

"We continue to look forward in the 49th or 50th year of this programme, which has seen whole generations of Jamaicans establish friendships and employment in Canada," he observed.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

Compensation for woman Death of 9-yr-old boy in Trinidad linked to obeah ritual dismissed from Jamaica

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A nine-year-old boy died late last Saturday in Trinidad in what is believed to be an obeah ritual.

The boy was put in a wardrobe and set on fire last Friday night, Central Division police has said. A woman, who was found at the scene with a candle in her hand, was detained by police. Investigators said Abeomi Jeremiah, a pupil of Tunapuna Boys’ RC, died under mysterious circumstances during a fire at his home on Alexander Street, Longdenville.

Police reported he was found lying motionless on a bed with candle wax over his eyes, ears and nostrils. Police also seized a book of rituals from the scene.

Jeremiah’s mother Ingrid Francis, 35, told police she was at home

Tourist Board over FB comment

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The boy was put in a wardrobe and set on fire last Friday night

when she smelt smoke around 11.30 pm. She went to check on her children and found Jeremiah lying unconscious.

The hair of his 12-year-old sister, whose named was not revealed, was on fire.

Relatives put out the fire and called the police. Investigators said when they arrived, they found a female relative with a candle in her hand. She was detained.

Detectives added they were working on a theory that Jeremiah was put in the wardrobe and set afire. The fire was extinguished before it could spread to the house. The child was rushed to the Chaguanas District hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His sister, 12, is said to be warded at hospital.

His sister, 13, is now receiving psychiatric assistance.

(Excerpted from TT Guardian)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A woman, who was dismissed from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in 2013 for “inappropriate” Facebook comments, has since been compensated following a court ruling.

UK media reports said that 35-year-old Zoe Bennett of Preston, Lancashire was sacked after she reportedly made Facebook comments which the board thought “were detrimental to Jamaica”.

It is said that in 2010, after Bennett’s father was reportedly chopped to death while on holiday in Jamaica, she posted on Facebook, “The b******* have murdered my dad in Jamaica. My heartbeat, my life has gone” and reportedly vowed to avenge his death.

“The b******* can try and kill me too–but…I

Zoe Bennett of Preston, Lancashire was sacked after she reportedly made Facebook comments which the board thought “were detrimental to Jamaica”

will have my eyes open,” UK media also reported her as saying.

UK media reports further said that Bennett has now been awarded £19,000 in compensation from the JTB after the court ruled she was wrongfully sacked.

The mother-of-three said: “I'm delighted to win the case because I can now put it behind

me and concentrate on getting justice for my dad.”

“I worked for the company for eight years and dedicated so much to them. All my hard years of work just feel like they've been wasted. I've been plagued by this for so long, I want to move forward now,” she reportedly said.

(Caribbean News)

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PPP/C observes 22 years in office in Guyana G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Sunday congratulated the government and people of Guyana on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary since the return of democracy to Guyana after 28 years of dictatorial rule.

The party in a statement said October 5, 1992 can justifiably be regarded as a defining moment in the political life of Guyana.

“For one thing, it marked a break from nearly three decades of authoritarian rule by a regime that was foisted on the backs of the Guyanese people by Western imperialist powers which eventually morphed into one of the worst forms of quasi-military and dictatorial rule in the English- speaking Caribbean.”

According to the party, October marked 22 years since the end of authoritarian rule in

Former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan

Guyana following the election to office of the PPP/C Administration after some 28 years of minority rule.

The party added it is a well established fact that all elections, national and regional, were blatantly and massively rigged by the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime in order to perpetuate its life in government.

The party indicated one common denominator of all the Presidents that served

Former President, now Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

at the helm of the PPP/C Administration was their ability to take the country along the development continuum as the country soars to higher and higher levels of achievement and recognition and as a proud member of the international community.

It noted that despite obstructions tactics employed by the combined political Opposition aided and abetted by a hostile Opposition media, the country continues to make substantial prog-

Former President Janet Jagan

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

ress in every facet of national life.

“The PPP/C is proud of the role it has played and continues to play in the restoration and consolidation of democratic rule in Guyana.

“Congratulations are in order for His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, all former Presidents of the PPP/C Government, Cabinet Members, both present and past, the leadership and entire membership of the ruling PPP/C and all those

who have contributed in one way or the other to the growth and devel-

President Donald Ramotar

opment of this beautiful and great country of ours.” (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

The PPP/C said one common denominator of all the Presidents was their ability to take the country along the development continuum

Colorado firm partners with Jamaicans to set up medical ganja lab on island

The venture has already identified a 30,000 squarefoot facility in Kingston's 'industrial zone'

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Colorado-based United Cannabis Corporation has partnered with a group of Jamaicans to establish a marijuana medical research lab in Jamaica.

The venture has

already identified a 30,000 square-foot facility in Kingston's "industrial zone" to serve as the corporate headquarters for the Jamaican firm, Cannabinoid Research and Development Company.

A lease has not yet been signed, but the firm will focus on "advancing the use of cannabis in medical therapies through biomedical and pharmaceutical research and development, within Jamaica", according to a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The move is meant to position the U.S.based company, which has a 50 per cent stake in the Jamaican entity, to benefit from legislation that is expected to decriminalise marijuana for medical purposes

by the end of the year.

The Jamaican government has drafted legislation to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act as it moves to establish medical ganja and industrial hemp industries.

Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding, who made the announcement at a special press briefing last Tuesday, said while the amended law will observe Jamaica's antinarcotics obligations, the industries will operate under licence.

Marijuana has ac-

tually been illegal in Jamaica since the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. "The Jamaican government has been hesitant to decriminalise marijuana until now for fear of triggering hinted-at sanctions from Washington," said a press statement released by United Cannabis last week.

"That pressure has diminished in conjunction with the trend toward legalisation in the U.S." United Cannabis CEO Earnest Blackmon

said that with "the milestone clearly on the horizon, we formed CRD to formally establish our presence in Jamaica and begin preparing an application for a provisional license so we will be ready to apply the minute submissions are being accepted."

The company hopes to benefit from the variety of strains of ganja available in Jamaica, where the tropical environment is good for cultivating marijuana. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Manning’s nephew vies to contest PNM seat in Trinidad

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Chinua Alleyne, nephew of former Trinidadian Prime Minister Patrick Manning and son of Petronella ManningAlleyne, will screen for the Port-of-Spain North/ St Ann’s West seat, PNM sources disclosed last Friday.

TT media was informed that Chinua– who shares the same first name as the famous Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe–will screen alongside pro-

spective candidates attorney Stuart Young and former NIDCO chairman Kaisha Ince.

Alleyne is currently the vice-chairman of the constituency executive.

He was present alongside his mother Petronella Last Sunday at the Port-of-Spain North/ St Ann’s West 15th Annual Constituency Conference, held at the Hall of Justice, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain, participating in the proceedings.

Alleyne is a gradu-

Chinua Alleyne, nephew of former Trinidadian Prime Minister Patrick Manning (TT Newsday photo)

ate of Queen’s Royal College and former president of the Florida International University Caribbean Students’ Association.

He was previously visiting research fellow at the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

Alleyne also served as managing director of CENK Enterprises Ltd, described as a paediatric group medical practice.

He holds a Master of Arts (MA), health man-

agement, planning and policy, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and BHSA, economics and health services administration.

Last Sunday, Young and Ince were presented to the conference as prospective candidates.

Ince made a speech in which she, at the very end, endorsed Young.

It is understood that Alleyne has thrown his hat in the ring.

The party’s screening committee resumed screening on Monday at the party’s south regional office on Navet Road,

San Fernando. There, screening is expected for Caroni Central, Chaguanas East, Couva South, Moruga/ Tableland and San Fernando West.

The committee will reconvene at Balisier House later this week to screen candidates for Port-of-Spain North/ St Ann’s West; St Augustine, D’Abadie/ O’Meara, Barataria/ San Juan, Fyzabad, La Horquetta/Talparo and Cumuto Manzanilla.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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India PM to visit Guyana, Suriname

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ARIMARIBO, SURINAME: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Guyana and Suriname early next year. Since Indira Gandhi’s visit to Guyana in 1968, to seek support against Pakistan, no other Indian Prime Minister has visited Guyana.

And it will be the first ever visit to Suriname by an Indian leader.

East Indians make up large chunks of the populations in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. They begin arriving as indentured workers in Guyana in 1838 and in Suriname in 1873, mainly from the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and comprised about 80 per cent

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Hindus and 20 per cent Muslims.

In Suriname, most Indians still speak Hindustani.

The Indian leader once visited Guyana

while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat and is keen to make a statement that his government takes the Indian Diaspora seriously.

Modi has been lobbied

heavily to visit and to expand ties with overseas Indian communities.

Modi’s visit to Suriname was confirmed by President Desi Bouterse in his address to Parliament last week. Bouterse will also make an official visit to India in 2015. The Surinamese President said that his government has budgeted for these events.

The trip could be merely symbolic and a statement that Modi will closely monitor the global Indian diaspora.

While ties with these countries have been very strong, India has yet to make any significant investment in these countries. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

Remittances to Caribbean to grow by five per cent - World Bank W ASHINGTON, U N I T E D The STATES:

World Bank says remittances by international migrants from the Caribbean and other developing countries are on course for strong growth this year.

The bank also said that at the same time forced migration due to violence and conflict has reached unprecedented levels.

The World Bank in its latest publication said remittances to developing countries are expected to reach US$435 billion this year, an increase of five per cent over 2013.

It said remittances to developing countries will continue climbing

in the medium term, reaching an estimated US$454 billion in 2015.

The report says remittance flows to the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region are “likely to bounce back this year, following a weak 2013”.

It says that remittances to the region are expected to reach US$64 billion, an increase by five per cent this year, compared to one per cent last year.

The World Bank said the figure should rise to US$67 billion in 2015.

Global remittances, including those to highincome countries, are estimated at US$582 billion this year, rising to US$608 billion next year.

The World Bank in its latest publication said remittances to developing countries are expected to reach US$435 billion this year

“Remittances remain an especially important and stable source of private inflows to developing countries, as they bring in large amounts of foreign currency that help sustain the balance of payments,” the report stated.

It added that, in 2013, remittances were significantly higher than foreign direct investment (FDI) to developing countries and were three times larger than official development assistance.

(Caribbean News)

Opposition wants harassment of Jamaicans in Caricom addressed

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The Opposition's Edmund Bartlett wants an end to harassment of Jamaicans in Caricom (Jamaica Observer photo)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: E d m u n d Bartlett, Jamaica’s Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade wants the government to address the “increasing incidence of harassment and demeaning treatment of Jamaicans attempting to visit Caricom member states, particularly Trinidad and Tobago”.

In a release on Monday, Bartlett called on Senator AJ Nicholson, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to address the recently reported case of 13 Jamaicans being denied entry and left “hungry, cold and made to sleep on hard concrete”.

“This is the latest of a series of similar complaints by our citizens attempting to be landed in these countries about crude, uncivil and embarrassing treatment by our regional partners,” the Opposition spokesman said.

“Certainly, if the provisions of the Treaty of Chaguaramas are to be taken seriously, particularly as it relates to freedom of movement, then

Minister Nicholson must move to protect our nationals' rights to travel within Caricom and to be treated decently and with respect,” he indicated.

Bartlett also contended that, if Jamaican nationals cannot be accorded respect and dignity, the meaning of regional integration is “hollow and a farce”, and will justify the loud call by many for Jamaica to review its position on the Caricom.

The minister has had several visits to Trinidad and has met with the government officials responsible for foreign affairs and immigration matters in relation to these and other issues, but the problem continues, he noted.

He said that Jamaica needs to know whether the minister is unable to persuade its Caricom partners to protect the safety and travelling rights of its citizens under the treaty, or should the prime minister intervene and make it an agenda item at the next meeting of Caricom Heads of Government.

(Jamaica Observer)

Concerns in Dominica as band from Ebola-hit Nigeria set to perform

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O S E A U , DOMINICA: The main Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) Monday called on the organisers of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) to say what steps have been taken to prevent the possibility of the Ebola virus being detected in the island.

UWP leader, Lennox Linton, told a news conference that at least one band from Nigeria is expected to perform at the October 24-26 festival.

“If this band is going to come here having been in an African

country to which they were exposed to the virus, it must be possible at this stage to begin the process of ascertaining whether any of these band members are being exposed to risk factors that would make their arrival on our shores or present some difficulties when they arrive on our shores,” Linton told reporters.

“If the government’s ministry of health is unable to do that, the preferable thing to do would be to deny entry for that one band,” he added.

More than 3,000 people have died in West

UWP leader in Dominica Lennox Linton (Jamaica Observer photo)

Africa from the Ebola virus for which there is no known cure. The time between acquiring an infection and showing symptoms and signs varies from two to 21 days.

The virus is highly infectious and is spread by person-to-person transmission through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions of infected persons including blood, sweat, urine or faeces.

“We cannot hide from it but we can prepare ourselves as effectively as we can, given the resources available to us and the best practices that have emerged

in other countries for screenings, and overall coping,” he said, urging the authorities here to be proactive in their approach to the disease.

“Ebola is not here yet but chikungunya has been here and when we look back on how we dealt with it, the record will show that we were not sufficiently proactive, nor were we effective in aligning necessary resources and to a proper strategy for coping, which is what we need to do with this Ebola virus,” he stressed. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

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PM Kamla defends New five-star gated community her terrorism stand being built in Guyana

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TT’s Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar (TT Guardian photo)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: TT would have faced international pressure if it had not joined with 90 other countries to co-sponsor a resolution aimed at tackling global terrorism, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar stated recently.

She said so as she defended her decision not to consult with Caricom before signing the resolution at the meeting of the UN Security Council, chaired

by United States President Barack Obama at UN headquarters, New York, last week.

Saying “there was limited time for that kind of discussion,” Persad-Bissessar noted the co-sponsorship resolution was also signed

by Jamaica. She added: “Jamaica has co-sponsored the resolution as well and what happened is after we arrived in New York, it was brought to our attention

that the U.S. was putting forward that resolution.

There was limited time for that kind of discussion.

“However, when it was brought to my attention I had discussions with the Secretary General and ambassador to Caricom to speak to other Caricom heads to the way forward for Caricom with respect to resolution.”

She noted that many Heads of State in Caricom were not present at the time. However, she said government would continue to engage Caricom partners to get involved in the fight against terrorism.

She denied claims

by Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner that she had opened TT to terrorism by co-sponsoring the resolution, saying TT and other nations were already under the radar of global terrorists. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: A state-of-theart five-star gated community is expected to be completed in three years’ time behind the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara in Guyana.

The community called New Life Community is owned by a Chinese investor.

A Chinese representative told Guyanese media that the houses will be constructed mainly by Chinese but Guyanese will also be part of the workforce.

The modern homes will range from Gy$55 million to Gy$110 million.

The official related that the area is already being prepared and construction should get underway shortly. She added that the New Life Community is designed and will be constructed based on the most advanced planning and layout which makes it significantly different from the others.

The houses will be built in four specifications: Caramel Cottage measuring 5181 square feet; Silk Haven, 4477 square feet; Tropical Escape, 2907 square feet and Sunrise Villa measuring 3353 square feet. All the houses will have a master bedroom and garage, among other amenities.

She explained that the community will have its own mall, park, bar, post office, swimming pools and gymnasium, all to make life for the occupants more convenient and delightful.

A model of the New Life Community on display during GuyExpo 2014

The community will also have an underground water purification mechanism that will be installed in every home. It will be using both municipal power and self-owned generators.

The New Life Community will be surrounded by a fence equipped with shocking devices, more than 300 infrared monitoring detectors and a 24-hour on duty team of heavily armed guards for maximum protection.

Communities of this sort have been built in Europe, and stand out for being fashionable, unique and artistic.

The company promoted the community at the recently concluded

GuyExpo at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia with a gigantic model of the housing scheme, which attracted the attention of thousands.

The Chinese representative indicated that there were several serious inquiries made about owning a home in the gated community and refuted claims that the facility is only for Chinese nationals.

Of recent, the housing sector has been experiencing a boom with several high-level investors putting their resources into gated communities. The gated communities they claim will provide much needed security, comfort and relaxation.

(Guyana Times)

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GuyExpo 2014 deemed a resounding success in Guyana G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The curtain on GuyExpo 2014 came down on Sunday night and the four- day event, which attracted close

to 30,000 people each night, has been deemed a resounding success by acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali. In summing up the event which also saw

116 foreign exhibiting delegations, Ali said, “GuyExpo 2014 has been a resounding success from many perspectives, in terms of the corporate sponsorship and the companies that supported this event, and the private sector.”

He commended those from the private sector as he noted that they participated unhesitatingly, under a very competitive environment and under significant changes in business cir-

cumstances.

Concerning the level of preparation, Ali noted this has improved tremendously, in terms of branding.

In some instances, he observed the local exhibitors underestimated the crowd, and as such were not prepared to deliver to persons interested in the local products.

“Many booths had to be re-stocked. There was under-estimation in the supplies–the local supermarket and Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar share a laugh with exhibitors at an earthenware booth

Tropical hardwood furniture is shown to former President Bharrat Jagdeo and GuyExpo Co-Chairman, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali by exhibitors

furniture were big hits, Trinidadians are interested in our furniture.”

According to Ali, this year’s event saw the largest international delegation, with more

than 116 buyers, suppliers, and business operatives participating.

“This itself speaks to the international traction that GuyExpo is getting, definitely it has become more efficiently

marketed, and as a result, more persons are coming in, specifically to benefit from it.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar, last Saturday night, described Guyana’s and indeed the Caribbean’s largest trade fair and exposition as a fantastic event, which shows the industriousness and resourcefulness of local entrepreneurs.

This year saw hundreds of local entrepreneurs participating, showcasing the creativeness and locally grown and manufactured products. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Gizmos and Gadgets’ green ‘smurfs’ put on an energetic performance for an appreciative audience

The forestry and mining industries were on show under the auspices of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry

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Twenty Trinis reportedly on ISIS watch list

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Trinidadians are said to be joining ISIS fighters in Syria and quietly slipping back home undetected following their mission with the deadly terrorist group, according to reports emanating from TT media.

Some are also said to have been obtaining bogus documents to get to Syria, the Trinidad Newsday reported Wednesday. It was also revealed Tuesday that some 20 TT nationals are reportedly on a list of suspect ISIS fighters compiled by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). This surfaced amid reports that some Trinidadians are being trained in the Middle East to serve the interest of ISIS. The Trinidad Newsday quoted TT’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith on Wednesday as saying “there are several persons of interest who are from Trinidad and Tobago and who have actually done it...but I won’t reveal any more.”

The minister disclosed, however, that government was also monitoring the travel patterns of suspect foreign fighters and seeking to verify their involvement with ISIS. He said this was being done thankfully because of TT’s close working relationship with intelligence agencies from the 100 plus countries which signed the United Nations (UN) Resolution to work together to share information and monitor such movement.

“This is not just about terrorist activities but also we are monitoring those who may be financially funding ISIS fighters, who may be assisting in their movement to get to and from

Syria as well as those who may want to be involved in the training of terrorist activities.”

He described the move as a whole dimension in monitoring suspects.

The minister also pointed out that United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assessed there are between 20,000 and 31,000 fighters across Iraq and Syria who are part of ISIS. More than 15,000 foreign fighters including 2,000 westerners have gone to Syria. Fighters come from more than 80 countries.

TT media also contacted Commander Garvin Heerah, Executive Director of the National Operations Centre (NOC) to ascertain if the twin-island republic was monitoring persons of interest who may be linked in some way to ISIS. Heerah responded: “the agencies in Trinidad and Tobago are working on intelligence sharing with our international counterparts, to ensure benefits which will afford Trinidad and Tobago to verify the identities and amount of Trinis who may have ventured into Syria as foreign fighters.”

There is no confirmation whether two persons appearing on videos linked to ISIS are in fact Trinidad and Tobago nationals. One of the persons featured in the ISIS videos was identified as Abu Abdurahman al-Trinidad. Sources revealed that he was born in Trinidad and Tobago but resides in the United States. He reportedly grew up in Central but migrated to the U.S. at age two and still has relatives in this country. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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GuyExpo 2014 attracts record number of overseas exhibitors G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : GuyExpo this year as the years before has attracted thousands, and according to exhibitors, unlike a few years ago, the recent forum projected a strong focus on promoting and establishing business linkages.

Overseas exhibitors were drawn from a number of countries including Argentina, the U.S., India, Pakistan and Suriname.

Speaking to Guyanese media, Anand Ramautarsing, a Supervisor of Manufacturers’ Association Suriname said six exhibitors from the neighbouring country participated in the expo.

The companies showcased tourism products, juices, peanut butter, shampoos, detergents and plastic wares.

Ramautarsing explained that the exhibitors were looking for lo-

cal distributors for their products.

He stated that the expo over the years has been helpful to Surinamese companies, noting that they have been able to establish operations in Guyana or locate distributors for their products.

He highlighted that the Assuria Insurance Company, which is headquartered in Suriname, came to Guyana through GuyExpo.

The Surinamese said too that the move to exhibit in Guyana, with the hope to widen business links and expanding operations is rooted in the fact that the Manufacturers’ Association Suriname has full confidence in the local economy and is enthralled at the hospitality of Guyanese.

He indicated that the association is exploring the option of setting up a centre in Guyana distributing only Suriname

in Guyana as the prospect looks bright.

Boost for local products

Patrons being shown a variety of beverages sold by Surinamese companies

products, and lauded the expo for facilitating that kind of business opportunity.

This role of the expo, he said, is in keeping with the thrust of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

Aiding regional businesses

On that note, the exhibitor emphasised that the forum has been very helpful to businesses in general as it does not only focus on the promo-

tion of local businesses, but looks at the expansion of regional businesses as well.

Shavin International India, an Indian-based company vending antique furniture, murtis, canvas paintings and all types of herbal products, intends to set up a store in Guyana after exhibiting at the expo for the past 10 years.

Christine Bisessar, a partner in the compa-

ny, said the business is moving in this direction since based on the exhibitions it has mounted in Berbice and Essequibo in the past decade, there is a ready market for its products in Guyana.

The company, she added, has participated in exhibitions in a number of countries including Ethiopia, Moscow, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the U.S., but has a special interest

Meanwhile, local companies have also been tapping in on new opportunities at GuyExpo.

Quality Control Officer of Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc Asraf Narine related that the company had been focused on making consumers more aware of the health benefits of the Golden Brook refined coconut oil, which can be found in almost every local supermarket.

He observed that though the product is available in the supermarkets; the support from Guyanese has not been stellar since many of them seem to be too “foreign-minded.”

Nevertheless, he pointed out that samples of the products are in the UK, U.S. and other overseas markets, and the company has received a number of favourable offers. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Kellier appointed Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Derrick Kellier has been appointed Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Labour and

Social Security with immediate effect.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announced in a press release on Monday that

Kellier was appointed

by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on her recommendation.

The appointment gives Kellier perma-

nent portfolio responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries in addition to his responsibility for Labour and Social Security.

He will be assisted

by Luther Buchanan, who has been assigned as minister of state for Agriculture, Labour and Social Security.

The appointment comes following the death of former Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke, who died last month.

(Jamaica Observer)

Sagicor set to purchase Hilton Rose Hall in Jamaica

Hilton Rose Hall Hotel in Jamaica (Jamaica Observer photo)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Sagicor Group is set to make another major investment in Jamaica’s tourism sector with the proposed purchase of the Hilton Rose Hotel in St James, Jamaican media reported on Wednesday.

The Hilton Rose Hall which was once part of

the Wyndham group carries over 400 rooms and is owned by the Blackstone Group. When the purchase is finalised it would mean that Sagicor will be acquiring its fourth hotel. The Hilton Rose Hall is expected to be re-branded under the Jewel Resort nomenclature.

A Sagicor official said

news of the purchase of the Hilton Rose Hall was swirling in business circles and that the final sale price will be disclosed in due course.

Sagicor already owns one hotel in Mammee Bay, one in Runaway Bay and one at Paradise Cove close to Runaway Bay, all in St Ann. (Jamaica Observer)

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Heavy fines for littering in Jamaica

The stiffer fines are needed urgently as frustration is building over the careless disposal of refuse in Jamaica (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: L o c a l Government Minister Noel Arscott says he is intent on announcing new penalties next month to make Jamaicans pay dearly for littering the country.

He has declined to say how substantial the fines will be.

However, he stated that the stiffer fines are needed urgently as frustration is building over the careless disposal of refuse such as tyres, bottles and plastic by citizens.

He added that le-

gal advice is now being sought on whether the proposed new fines can be promulgated in the Parliament while new legislation is drafted.

Arscott indicated too that there will be heavy focus on enforcement.

He pointed out that before the implementation of the fines, a public education campaign will be done.

Last week, the Local Government Minister complained about the poor treatment of public spaces including HalfWay Tree in St Andrew by commuters and vendors. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Rice cereal factory for Essequibo

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : G u y a n a ’ s Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), in partnership with the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry last Thursday evening launched an initiative to build a commercial facility in Essequibo, Region Two for the production of breakfast cereals from rice.

The launch was attended by President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Mrs Yvonne Hinds; Housing Minister Irfaan Ali; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Minister within the Agriculture Ministry Ali Baksh; and Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edgehill.

Government will invest Gy$75 million into the project, for a facility which has the capacity to produce five metric tonnes of breakfast cereals daily. The funding is secured under the Rural Development Fund administered by the Tourism, Industry and

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar with other officials at the launch of the IAST rice cereal

Commerce Ministry.

IAST Director, Professor Suresh Narine at the launch said, “this is the first of a series of innovative projects at the IAST that will be commercialised within the next 10 months, and I am delighted that this, the first of the series, focuses on adding value to rice to produce a nutritious, tasty and fun high-value product”.

Minister Ali said “in keeping with this year’s theme for GuyExpo, ‘Transformation through Partnership’, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is delighted to take the

lead in collaborating with the IAST to ensure rural development, value-adding to our agricultural commodities, and the creation of more than 60 jobs in Region Two”.

Among the beaming and visibly delighted dignitaries, Minister Ramsammy also joined the others in commending the IAST for its role in fostering innovation and further indicated that this project fits in perfectly with the vision the ministry has been advocating–the utilisation of science and technology for the adding of value to agricultural

commodities, not only for the production of nutritious food, but also for the production of other useful and valuable products.

President Ramotar in his comments congratulated the IAST for its efforts and pointed out that in his opinion, there were many other innovative processes developed by the institute that justifies additional commercialisation activity.

The institute began a market survey on the opening night at the GuyExpo to evaluate the product. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

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Man's body lying in Jamaican funeral parlour seven years - amid money row

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: For approximately seven years the body of a Jamaican who is believed to have served as a pilot in the British Navy has been locked away in storage at a funeral parlour in downtown Kingston.

Doubt still surrounds when the man will finally be laid to rest, and speculation is that a legal procedure will have to be used to settle the issue.

The director of the

funeral parlour holding the body, Michael Jones, claimed that he is planning to take legal action against the dead man's family to recover millions of dollars he said are owed to him for storage of the body.

Jones claimed that for the past seven years he has been left waiting on family members to bring the necessary documents and payments to allow him to proceed with the burial, but they have failed to complete

Doubt still surrounds when the man will finally be laid to rest

the transaction.

"The man died in 2007 and we made contact with family members," Jones told

Jamaican media, adding that after a series of discussions, burial preparations began.

He said that, despite

the discussions, the family members failed to complete their end of the procedure.

Jones related that he was told that the man died leaving millions of dollars in both cash and assets to family members, to which they have access.

"Information we received is that the man passed away leaving more than Ja$40 million and at least two properties valued at close to Ja$15 million, and left instructions that funds should be used from his assets to cover his funer-

al expenses," the funeral director said.

Jamaican media obtained a copy of the will left by the deceased man.

It showed that responsibility was left to a nephew to complete the task of covering certain debts and funeral expenses.

The will also stated that the man left behind two properties to his nephew, advising him to sell at least one of them "and from the proceeds of sale to satisfy all of my debts and liabilities whatsoever and wheresoever". (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Guyanese gold miners troubled by slumping gold price

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The price of gold plummeted to a fouryear low last Friday–US $1192 before marginally recovering to US$1206 on Monday.

And Guyanese gold miners, like their international counterparts, have been uneasy over the declining gold price.

Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) President Patrick Harding said Monday that the ripple effects would definitely be felt in the local gold mining

industry. He warned too that miners should brace themselves, as the price is expected to take another tumble in the near future.

Harding explained that the GGDMA has been monitoring the drop in the gold price in recent months with a keen eye, and there is no telling how far it will drop.

Intervention needed

More importantly, Harding highlighted that the falling prices reflect a need for change in the local industry, since it “cannot survive on these prices”.

He said that at this juncture serious intervention is needed to avert a crisis and protect the investment of the Private Sector into Guyana’s gold sector.

It was against that backdrop that Harding pointed out the Miners Association intended to meet with the government and regulatory officials to brainstorm ideas to cushion the effects of the slump in the gold price on the local mining sector.

The issue of value added production in the sector has been brought

GGDMA President Patrick Harding

Harding pointed out that small miners cannot look to value added production.

According to Harding, they are “mandated” to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold Board which offers the price that is available on the international market, so “something else has to be done to bring the industry back in line…we have to get out of this crisis”.

up several times, and it has been touted as a method of reducing dependency on the international market, but

Amid the falling international gold price and low gold declarations to the Guyana Gold Board, Natural Resources

Gold refinery

Minister Robert Persaud last Friday indicated that government was looking to set up a gold refinery.

The minister related that the idea of setting up a refinery in Guyana was one that was being considered by government and stakeholders in the mining industry.

According to Persaud, if this endeavour is successful, the target market will not only include local but overseas markets, where the demand for gold is much greater.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Guyana, Barbados ink agreement to establish trade missions ness community.

Headley-Woodroffe observed that BIDC was similar to Go-Invest.

She explained that while the main function of the MOU was to facilitate trade between the

Keith Burrowes, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Office for Investment and Madaline Headley-Woodroffe, Business Development Officer, Barbados Industrial Development Corporation sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Trade Missions between Guyana and Barbados

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana and Barbados last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at establishing Trade Missions between the two countries.

The MOU was signed by Keith Burrowes, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and Madaline Headley-Woodroffe, Business Development Officer of the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation (BIDC) at the GuyExpo Investment

Forum held last Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Burrowes noted that while the MOU should have been signed years ago, it means Guyana is going into an agreement with Barbados and examining having MOUs with other countries as well.

He pointed to the issue of due diligence, which is one area the entity would be examining carefully with overseas investors. Noting

that credit ratings would be examined, while a turnover time of one week would be applied, the GO-Invest CEO explained the importance of working with other agencies in this regard.

Agreements will be made with the Guyana Revenue Authority and other agencies, Burrowes noted, stressing the fact that there are new economic requirements coming on board, for which Guyana was not ready, alluding to the AntiMoney Laundering Bill, the absence of which has begun to affect the busi-

two countries “for a long time now, we have been trading with Guyana and many Caribbean islands”.

The Barbadian business official stated that while she was responsi-

ble for the Caribbean and Caricom trade agreements, BIDC provides incubation services for some investors for three years, until they graduate into full-fledged manufacturers. (GINA)

18 News TT medical personnel in U.S. for Ebola response training P www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: As part of TT’s national Ebola preparedness and response plan, a high powered team of health care professionals have been despatched to the Nebraska Biocontainment Patient Care Unit in the United States.

In revealing this last week, acting Health Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said the team would examine measures that the unit has implemented to prevent and contain the spread of the deadly virus which has killed thousands in several West African nations.

Addressing last Friday’s post- cabinet media briefing at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, Gopeesingh also announced that Cabinet on September 25, designated the Caura Hospital as the national preparedness infectious centre, to treat persons suspected of contracting the deadly virus.

“On September 25, 2014, Cabinet took a decision to liaise with Ministry of Health, seaports and airports, Ministry of National Security, Immigration and other agencies, on the issue of the Ebola virus and by Cabinet decision, it was decided that Caura Hospital be

TT’s acting Health Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh speaks on TT’s preparedness to deal with the Ebola virus while Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie listens, during the post Cabinet press conference at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital last week (TT Newsday photo)

designated the national Ebola response test centre since they already do testing in HIV and tuberculosis,” Gopeesingh related.

He added that the hospital would be refur-

bished for a bed treatment centre as well as housing for health care workers who will be required to provide a 24hour care and management of suspected cases of Ebola. “The iso-

lated room of Piarco International Airport will be upgraded and refurbished to treat people suspected to have Ebola,” he stated.

A team of medical personnel which includes Chief Medical Officer Dr Colin Furlonge left earlier in the week for a fiveday visit to the Nebraska Biocontainment Patient Care Unit, to witness the type of treatment and surveillance measures required locally.

Gopeesingh noted that infection control would form part of the ministry’s ongoing health education for front line workers at the various ports of entry. He also said

that a National Health Committee, which would work in conjunction with the Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Transport, would assess the country’s preparedness, saying that the advanced passenger system was one measure which would be used to screen persons who may have come in contact with the deadly virus. Gopeesingh also said Cabinet had also debarred several persons, including two members from the THA, from visiting the African nation of Cameroon as that nation was now considered one of the top 15 high-risk nations for the Ebola virus. (TT Newsday)

Canadians celebrate success of electronic voting at University of Guyana

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The Delian Project (electronic voting) was last Saturday declared a success in Guyana as it revealed the new President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS).

Last Saturday evening, a reception was

held by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles to celebrate the success of the project following the UGSS elections.

Daniel Joly, Head of Aid within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the Canadian High Commission, stated that

the election was “an occasion to underscore”.

The project is a relatively new technology created with the specific objective of security and to give to electors results of elections as soon as possible.

New UGSS President Joshua Griffith shared that the automatic ballot

scans and tabulation machines have been tried at other universities within the Caribbean, but is a pilot project in Guyana.

UG Deputy Vice Chancellor Barbara Reynolds said it was an immense opportunity that UG was able to be a part of the exercise, particularly at its 50th anniversary.

The new technology is not at all complex.

The procedures involve the voter ticking off on a ballot of their choice, slipping the ballot into a protective covering to prevent anyone else from seeing what is there, then sliding it into the tabulator.

This is a machine that calculates the num-

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Nicole Giles

ber of voters as well as their choices and sends the results directly to a main server.

The process features complicated software and encryptions to ensure security, privacy and accuracy.

A release from the

High Commission informed that the device is paper-based and allows for electronic, automatic tabulation of results via a form of document ballot voting system, meaning that there is a tangible record of the voter’s intent as a voter still marks a traditional paper ballot.

Alan Best, the Managing Director of the Delian Project, and other technicians were on hand to walk invitees through the voting process.

High Commissioner Giles related that this new advancement in the electoral process will enable security as there are no persons involved, just machines.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaica activates emergency response team to fight Chikungunya outbreak

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: J a m a i c a ’ s National Emergency Response Team has been activated to coordinate and support the country’s response to the current outbreak of Chikungunya.

The government has also allocated an additional Ja$150 million, to the Chikungunya response, which includes a massive clean-up campaign aimed at destroying and removing mosquito breeding sites.

The information came out of a technical meeting held last week with key government agencies involved in the ongoing response.

Following a ministerial meeting on the is-

sue earlier in the week, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller addressed the technical meeting and mandated those involved to be thorough and consistent in the planning, implementation and public communication of the ongoing national response.

The National Emergency Response Team, which is headed by the Prime Minister involves ministries, agencies and non-government stakeholders with the ODPEM having a lead role in coordination and implementation.

The team’s activation is at level two meaning that activation is related to a specific event or specific events.

Activation of the

National Emergency Response Team will also provide a thorough, intensive and extensive management framework for Jamaica’s planning for prevention, mitigation and response action in respect of other communicable diseases including Ebola.

This planning and preparation has already started with attention being paid to the various ports of entry and sensitisation and response training of key first responders including health workers.

Training of other stakeholders, including Immigration Officers, Customs Officers and other air and seaport workers will be intensified. (JIS)

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Caribbean bankers urge Guyana Jamaica to acquire cancer-treatment to pass AML Bill

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) has applauded Guyana’s efforts to put alternative measures in place to address the technical deficiencies in its existing legal and financial legislative framework, but urged that the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill be passed.

“The passage of the AML Bill is not only about Guyana, but also about the international financial sector as a whole in order to protect all financial systems, within the Region, from ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks. We are only as strong as our weakest link,” said CAB Chairman Carlton Barclay.

Billions of dollars are laundered each year, posing significant policy concerns for governments worldwide.

As a result, governments

and international bodies have undertaken efforts to deter, prevent, and apprehend money launderers.

Non-compliance with the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations will have a significant impact on correspondent banking relationships which, in turn, are of vital importance to the facilitation of business in the financial services sector of the Region.

“Guyana’s expediency in passing the AML/ CFT Bill will not only benefit its own economy and growth but strengthen our regional financial network and its reputation worldwide,” the CAB added.

The CAB is a community of banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean/Caricom Region, which provides opportunities for discussion on issues impacting the regional banking/financial services community as well as for the sharing of experiences

and networking.

CAB is dedicated to the advocacy of national and institutional adherence to AML/CFT. It recommends and supports full compliance with the AML/CFT standards in order to protect all financial systems, within the Region, from ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks by offering ongoing training and education for its members.

Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall had recently said the country is in the process of putting in place alternatives to address the technical deficiencies in its existing legal and financial legislative architecture for the assessment of the FATF.

Interaction

This position was made clear during the face-to-face interaction with the Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) in Miami on September 29. Nandlall, who led the Guyanese delegation to the interaction, indicated that all of

machine next year

CAB Chairman Carlton Barclay

this is as a consequence of the non-passage of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill.

FATF has appointed a special body comprising representatives from the Americas to work with Guyana for the purpose of making a presentation of Guyana’s case to that body’s plenary meeting on October 1824 in Paris.

This high-level team will send its work plan to Guyana along with other issues that it may identify for addressing for consideration by FATF. Essentially, the final report that will be prepared by Guyana under the supervision of the ARRG will be Guyana’s case to FATF at its October plenary.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

St. Vincent PM still being treated in Cuba - following leg injury

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INGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has been discharged from hospital in Cuba, 10 days after he arrived on the Spanishspeaking Caribbean nation to receive treatment for a leg injury.

Gonsalves announced his release in a call to his party’s radio station last Thursday night.

The 68-year-old leader told listeners that he was doing well, and had just had dinner with the island’s ambassador to Havana, Dexter Rose. Gonsalves said he was staying in a protocol house.

He left for Havana in an air ambulance on September 22, one day after his office announced that an injury to his right rectus femoris had seriously affected his mobility.

Communications consultant in the Office of the Prime Minister, Elson Crick, said earlier last week that “conservative estimates” were that Gonsalves will return to St. Vincent by the end of this week.

He reported last Friday that estimation still stands, since Gonsalves will still receive treatment although he is no longer hospital-

St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves (Caribbean News photo)

ised.

The Prime Minister’s treatment in Cuba is the second in a foreign country this year.

In May, he underwent a surgical procedure in Europe to correct what he described as “niggling

Fifteen-year-old boy charged for raping sister in Trinidad

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A 15-year-old boy last Friday appeared before a magistrate in Trinidad charged with having sexual intercourse with his 13-year-old sister.

The teenager of south Trinidad was brought before Magistrate Avason Quinlan in the Siparia First Court to answer to the charge.

The charge read to the teenager alleged

that he sexually assaulted a minor who is also his blood relative.

The alleged incident occurred on February 13, in the girl’s bedroom.

The charge was laid indictably and the teenager was not called upon to enter a plea.

The magistrate also read four other charges of house breaking on separate occasions in south Trinidad, against the accused teenager.

The house-breaking

incidents occurred between the months of July and September 2014.

The teenager’s mother was present in court yesterday with him. Based on the seriousness of the offence the magistrate refused bail and ordered that the teen apply to a Judge in Chambers for bail. The teenager was remanded to the Youth Training Centre (YTC) in Arouca. The case was adjourned to October 17.

(TT Newsday)

pain” where a surgical procedure has been done in Barbados two years earlier.

In April of this year, doctors ordered Gonsalves to rest as a result of an ankle injury, the Prime Minister said he sustained in his bathroom.

In July, Gonsalves was seen walking with a slight limp, and told reporters that he had injured his knee, but not seriously. (Caribbean News)

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

O N T E G O B A Y , JAMAICA: Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson says the process is advanced for the acquisition of two Linear Accelerator (Linac) machines to improve cancer treatment in Jamaica’s public sector.

“We are far down the wicket in relation to the procurement of these machines. My own expectation is that by next year this time, we should have those machines in place,” he stated.

Dr Ferguson was addressing the 2014 Convention of the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals (JAAP) held last Saturday, at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, St James.

During the function, the minister was presented with two cheques from private donors, val-

ued at US$153,081.25, towards the purchase of the equipment.

Linear technology, widely regarded as the latest in cancer treatment, utilises external beam radiation to target and destroy cancerous cells while sparing the surrounding tissues.

Ferguson said the machines, one of which will be installed at the Kingston Public and Cornwall Regional Hospitals, will ensure that there is no cost to needy Jamaicans, who must receive radiation treatment for cancer.

“The cost of a full course of radiation treatment is in the region of Ja$1.8 to Ja$1.9 million…when we acquire these two machines… the (cost for a full dose of radiation) to poorest and the most vulnerable in our society will move from Ja$1.8 million to zero,” he stated.

(Jamaica Observer)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: With the mission in mind, 'To be a catalyst for the sustainable development of Oracabessa and its environs', the Oracabessa Foundation has become the saving grace of a parish once dubbed the poorest in Jamaica.

The Foundation, under the leadership of environmentalist Jonathan Gosse, has taken sustainable development to unprecedented levels, focusing its attention on four major areas: environment, health, education and sport.

Already, the community has successfully differentiated itself from other fishing villages on the island, which are suffering the effects of depleted fish stock and coral life.

Gosse is extremely pleased with the latest National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) report for 2014, which reveals an increase of 1,313 per cent in fish biomass and a 31 per cent increase in coral coverage in the town's fish sanctuary.

Tough Start

Admitting that the situation was not always as encouraging as it is now, Gosse indicated since the bay was gazetted in 2010, and the fishermen have supported the move, they are catching more pounds outside the sanctuary than they were in the middle.

"The fish migrate outside the sanctuary and allow the fishermen to live off the interest of their investment," he

Jonathan Gosse, Executive Director of Oracabessa (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

said, adding that 85-90 per cent of fisherfolk will not fish in the sanctuary.

The remaining 10 per cent have been known to steal or break the rules, but clearly, the changes are working.

He stated, the aim was not to build a museum, but to create a bay that people can continue to fish in.

The goal of the sanctuary, which was to create a no-fishing zone protecting the bay's critical breeding areas and fish habitat has today been realised.

With fishing being only one industry, the Foundation, in partnership

with the community of Jack's River, has trained nearly 300 persons since 2008 in housekeeping, food and beverage, accommodation and villa services.

The aim, Gosse added, was to tackle the issue of underskilled residents.

Because it is situated in the middle of Jamaica's north coast with many hotels constantly looking for people to work, the decision was taken to have housekeeping as the primary curriculum.

Another major project the Foundation has introduced to Oracabessa is the A GANAR programme (to win or to earn), for at-risk youths. A GANAR, which started in Latin America, was brought to the region by the USAID and Partners of the Americas.

Offered in three phases, AGANAR is delivered via vocational training, work experience and instruction using sports.

According to him, 66 per cent of the youths who complete the programme are now working in the hospitality sector, and some have even found work with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Youth Benefit

Using sports, the Foundation has been run-

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ning primary school sports leagues for 20 years and recently built the first BMX track in the English-speaking Caribbean as part of the sustainable development programme.

The BMX track was funded from grant provided by the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Funds have been used to design the 'Two Wheels, One Love' programme which has been developed into a curriculum incorporating principles of love and forgiveness into a structured BMX learn-toride programme.

The curriculum will be rolled out to five primary schools immediately surrounding the Eden Park BMX Track, culminating in a Two Wheels, One Love race series at the track for those students 'graduating' through all six levels of the programme. (Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

The late Geoffrey Holder (TT Guardian file photo)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Geoffrey Holder, Trinidad national and Tony Award-winning director, actor, painter, dancer and choreographer, died on Sunday at the age of 84 of complications of pneumonia at Mt Sinai St Luke’s Hospital in New York.

Holder was the brother of famous artist Boscoe Holder and brother of Marjorie Boothman, both of whom predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife, the dancer Carmen de Lavallade, and their son, Leo. In a statement, his son Leo states his father was dancing in the moments right up to his death on Sunday night at 9.24 pm A little more than a week after developing pneumonia, Geoffrey Holder made a decision. He was calling the shots as always. He was done. Two attempts at removing the breathing tube didn’t show promising results. In his truest moment of clarity since being rolled into ICU, he said he was good. He had lived the fullest life he could possibly live, a 70-plus year career in multiple art forms, and was still creating. Still painting, a bag of gold (of course) fabric and embellishments in his room for a new dress for my mother, sculptures made out of rope, baseball caps and wire hangers. New ideas every second, always restlessly chasing his too fertile mind.

A week of breathing tubes and restrained hands had forced him to communicate with only cryptic clues which I was fortunate enough to be able to decipher at best 40 per cent of the time. The fact that we all struggled to understand him enraged him to the point that he could sometimes pull tantrums taking up to four people to restrain him from pulling out the wires.

He was headstrong (understatement), but he was also physically strong. Iron hand grip that no illness could weaken.

Nine days of mouthing words that, because of the tubes, produced no sound forcing him to use his eyes to try to accentuate the point he was trying to make.

But this didn’t mean he wasn’t still Geoffrey Holder. This didn’t mean an end to taking over, holding court as he always did. Directing and ordering people around..

His last moments saw a parade of friends from all over the world checking in to see him, hold his hand, rub his head, and give him the latest gossip Bill Evans with Symphony Orchestra, one of his all-time favorites. From his bed, he started to, at first sway with the music, then the arms went up, and Geoffrey started to dance again.

In his bed. Purest of spirits. Still Geoffrey Holder.

He continued counting ‘til it faded out, leaving only the sound of faint breathing, slowing down to his very last breath at 9.25 pm’ his son added. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Creative Arts in Guyana has long been divided among only four areas: fine art (the E.R. Burrowes School of Arts), dance (National School of Dance), music (National School of Music) and theatre arts

Guyana's inaugural convocation of the Institute of Creative Arts was recently held in Georgetown

Guyana's Minister of Culture, Dr Frank Anthony

and drama (National School of Theatre Arts and Drama).

However, with the establishment of the Institute for Creative Arts in Guyana, an umbrella institution established to represent all creative arts institutions and organisations

in Guyana, things are about to change.

The Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) represents a beacon of hope for all artistes and the art industry in Guyana. It is a Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports initiative that seeks to invest in the education and training of the next generation of creative artistes.

With the mission to provide cross-cutting education and training to promote and sustain excellence in creative arts and envisioning this excellence in creative expression, the ICA will offer a range a range of undergraduate programmes in the per-

forming, visual and fine arts including dancing, theatre arts, drama, creative writing, media arts and music.

“The aim of the ICA is to educate students about the arts, while at the same time empowering artists through training for specific occupational outcomes,” Dr Vibert Cambridge, the institute’s facilitator explained to the Guyanese media.

An underlying philosophy of the ICA is promoting autonomy among the artists and skills not only to make or perform art but skills with the educational background to market and promote their art including the

protection of their intellectual property.

The ICA is thus committed to creating a link between theoretical and practical studies in the visual, literary and performing arts.

The Guyanese media was made to understand teaching strategies will combine theory-based approaches of academics in arts with the professional skills-based training of practising artists.

This will be accomplished through a curricula guided by the expectations of the CXC syllabi in music, theatre arts, the visual arts, sports and physical education, the emerging CAPE syllabus in

the performing arts, and the emerging revision of the curricula of the Division of Creative Arts at the University of Guyana.

The institute will deliver curricula leading to Certificates [1-2 years programmes] Diplomas (2-3 years), Associate Degrees (3 years). It will offer core courses such as English Language, Entrepreneurship and Caribbean Studies which will be compulsory for all students while each programme will offer cross faculty options, electives and minors.

The ICA is also committed to defining the relationship between creative arts and cul-

ture and has a particular interest in intercultural studies.

The institute was initially established in the 1970s as the teaching arm of the National History and Arts Council with five departments: art, dance, drama, music and creative writing; however it quickly dissolved soon after its establishment.

Officially re-established in 2014, the Institute for Creative Arts was formulated by a Working Group appointed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Frank Anthony in September, 2012. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Romantic Rhythms music festival for Antigua Jamaican Dancehall artiste S Konshens attacked T JOHN'S ANTIGUA: Chair of the Festivals Commission Cliff Williams in Antigua says his organization is planning to host an international music festival, similar to the Romantic Rhythms. “(There’s) a plan there in the pipeline to bring back something of this sort similar to the Romantic Rhythms.

I don’t think we’ll continue that name, but at

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Dancehall Artiste Konshens

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Delus, the brother of dancehall artiste Konshens, is dismissing as “mere rumours”, reports that his brother has been hospitalised or had to seek medical attention following an altercation with a music producer.

Delus, although not present during the incident that occurred around 1:00 am last Tuesday at the popular

Mojito Mondays at South Dale Plaza, St Andrew, said as far as he knows his brother is well.

Speaking with the Jamaican media Tuesday morning, Delus indicated: “I wasn’t there so I’m not sure how the incident occurred, but him just get a scratch that is it. He wasn’t at any hospital.”

The artiste’s publicist refused to comment on the incident. (Jamaican Observer)

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Chair of the Festivals Commission Cliff Williams.

(Antigua Observer File photo)

E O R G E T O W N , GUYANA: With the aim of recognising the unfettering contributions of teachers in molding the minds of the nation’s children, the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist last Sunday held a luncheon in their honour at the Promenade Garden, Georgetown.

Teachers attending the simple function were drawn primarily from the Queenstown Ward, with a few coming from the outskirts of Georgetown.

It is the third year the Education Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana is holding the event,

that magnitude, that level of event. We’re planning to host (it) probably within our second segment,” he added.

The Romantic Rhythms Music Fest was the brainchild of the former Antigua Tourism Minister Harold Lovell.

The 2008 festival was intended to be an economic “shot in the arm” for the nation during the tourist season slump of May and June.

in recognition of World Teacher’s Day, which was observed last Saturday.

Speaking at the function, Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) General Secretary Coretta McDonald indicated the teachers were grateful for the support of the church.

She noted that teachers, although seeking to fulfill their mandate, are humans too and do have their own issues which require prayer. She therefore called on the church to set aside at least one week per month to offer prayers for teachers.

Meanwhile, on a lighter side of her presentation, McDonald added

Headliners included Keyshia Cole, Shaggy, Lionel Richie, and Kenny Rogers.

However, while in opposition, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party was critical of spending on Romantic Rhythms. Now in government, the ABLP administration has promised to investigate the festival’s finances and, as Williams said, create a successor event. (The Antigua Observer)

the Education Ministry, and even parents should work toward helping teachers to be more competent in the delivery of their work.

Educator Ivor English, who delivered the feature address, noted teaching is not just a mere “profession”, but a “calling”, since it requires special talents.

Quoting the scriptures, he stressed on the Apostle Paul, who was a prudent scholar of his time.

He added as the Apostle chronicled a list of profession, he rated teachers very highly.

The function was held under the theme “Invest in the future, invest in teachers”. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: In an effort to promote local produce, goods, and by extension the Guyanese industry, a Guyana Supermarket, under its slogan ‘Buy Local, Eat Local, Live Local’, was exhibited at GuyExpo this year. The booth, which was found just before the technology section, displayed a host of locally produced products by various farmers and companies.

GuyExpo CoChairman Derrick Cummings explained in an interview with the Guyana Times: “We are introducing a supermarket at GuyExpo for the first time where fresh Guyana produce can be found, sensitising persons at the start of Agriculture Month.”

Tameca SukhdeoSingh, coordinator of GuyExpo 2014, stated: “This is a working collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture in commemoration of Agriculture Month 2014 [October]…so we are encouraging Guyanese to eat local, buy local and live local.”

All the products found

the richness of Guyana’s agriculture sector, along with the extensive talents of Guyanese manufacturers and farmers who worked hard to produce a wide variety of products from sweets and baked goods to toiletries and detergent.

The Ministry of Agriculture, earlier this

The document also highlighted our achievements in food security and the need to reduce food imports and increase food exports as well as the new dimension to the Grow More Food initiative, which is called ‘Eat What We Produce’; a phenomenon achieved with the advent of the

Guyana Supermarket at GuyExpo 2014

in the Supermarket ranged from fresh local produce to processed and packaged items. Companies such as Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Bakewell, Nicky’s Juices, as well as support from the Ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs and the Agro Processors Association, just to name a few, displayed their products in the Supermarket.

Informative and eyeopening, not only in its ability showcased locally produced items, but also displayed lo-

cal talents, the Guyana Supermarket might just have been this year’s most exciting feature at GuyExpo.

“The Supermarket is definitely a feature [we] seek to work with the Ministry of Agriculture on, in that no matter the plans for Agriculture Month we will support and promote something in that area. So this year it is a supermarket but next year it might be something more specific,” added Sukhdeo-Singh.

Taking on the look and feel of a mini-mart, the Guyana Supermarket

was comprised of eight to nine aisles filled with shelves on each side allowing for easy access of goods and the identification of various items and brands.

The lanes were divided among several groups and companies to best showcase and display their products to customers. These lucky customers, upon entering the supermarket, were then treated to various deals and bargains. They also sampled items that garnered their interest.

The Guyana Supermarket showcased

Fresh Fruits on display

week, released a document of planned activities and programmes that declared their wish to provide a glimpse of agriculture in Guyana as “we have the most developed agriculture economy in the Caribbean”.

Guyana Shop.

Agriculture Month 2014 is celebrated under the theme, ‘Enhancing agriculture through family farming and the use of sustainable technologies’. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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INGSTON,JAMAICA: Although he was born in the United Kingdom to parents from the Caribbean, music industry executive Shaurav D'Silva maintains ties to his Caribbean roots.

D'Silva is manager of A&R (Artiste & Repertoire) at 3 Beat Records, a company headquartered in London.

He has worked with several big names in the UK. "While I was brought up in the UK, I have family across the Caribbean: Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados. I grew up listening to a lot of reggae and soca as well as hip hop and rhythm and blues. I have always stayed close to things Caribbean," D'Silva said in an interview with the Jamaican media.

D'Silva worked as a club selector before moving into club promotion and event management. Two years ago he joined 3 Beat Records, a dance label which promotes British acts like Skepta and Sway.

D'Silva, who is also managing director of 2-Tone Entertainment, is responsible for promoting 3 Beat's dancehall artiste Stylo G, drum-and-bass team Sigma, Fuse ODG, a British rapper of Ghanaian descent and Keshav Lazabeam, a Trinidadian-born soca producer.

D'Silva agrees that in recent years it has become difficult to break Caribbean and black music in the UK despite their commercial success.

"It's mainly to do with media and their perception of black music. They see it as 'specialist'. Maybe that's to do with the population of the country (less than five per cent is non-white),"

Shaurav D'Silva

he stated. "Whatever the reasons, black acts have to work very hard to gain commercial success. Media outlets are limited until the record is super-successful."

D'Silva hails hip radio stations such as 1xtra, Kiss Fresh & Capital Xtra for playing the music of dancehall and drum and bass performers.

"They are a good platform for new urban and dance music. It gives our music a starting point," he said.

D'Silva is quick to point out that being black with Caribbean heritage is not a qualification for 3 Beat.

"I just try and sign what I'm passionate about and what I think has the potential to be the best in its lane. I try not to target a certain genre or type of artiste," he stressed. "If another great Caribbean artiste comes my way I'll be over the moon to sign them!"(Jamaica Observer)

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EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The world-class hotel, the Marriott brand, which is slated for completion in December, is another model of private-public partnership investment and a major achievement for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government as it celebrates its 22nd anniversary.

The flagship luxury edifice, when completed, will be the first internationally-branded hotel since 1967 when Le Meridian Pegasus was introduced to these shores.

Undoubtedly, the U.S. multimillion investment, featuring all modern amenities, is testimony of investors’ confidence in the economy and fortifies Guyana’s push to become a premiere tourist destination.

The project under the management of Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI), a receiver company, when it becomes operational, will add to the existing pool of top class

An image of what the Marriott (Guyana) will look like

local hotels and demonstrate that the private-public partnership model of development can work in Guyana.

The principal investors in AHI (Marriott Hotel Guyana project and Entertainment Complex) are the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) -registered ACE Square Investments Limited.

ACE Square Investments Limited has acquired 67% of the equity of AHI. ACE Square Management Limited’s beneficial shareholders are the same as ACE Square Investments Limited.

The beneficial owners of the shares in ACE Square Investments Limited, and the owners of the shares in ACE Square Investments Limited, through a BVI-registered holding company, Big Splendor Limited, are Hong Kong businessmen, Victor How Chung Chan and Xu Han.

The government is the minority partner with 33% (US$4 million) of the overall equity in the project. Recruitment for the entertainment complex staff has already begun. Overall, both the hotel and the entertainment complex are expected to employ between 400-500 Guyanese.

The project is expected to provide a 197-room Marriott Hotel, the largest conference/banqueting facilities in the country, bar/restaurants of a modern hotel, a promenade connecting the existing sea wall to the pier, and an entertainment complex with a casino, night club, and a separate restaurant from the hotel.

Guyanese eagerly await the completion of the flagship hotel, which will complement Georgetown's historic architectural splendour.

Visitors will marvel the picturesque views of the Demerara River meeting the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy a charm-

ing welcome to nearby Georgetown's central district with its various attractions.

In fact, the local brand of the luxury hotel cannot wait to begin operations in Guyana, and has summed up the experience of what it has to offer. “Witness a breathtaking sunset by the pool bar and grill or re-energise at our

state-of-the-art fitness centre. Stay connected and entertained with Marriott's plug-and-play system, 42-inch flat panel TVs and high-speed Internet. Plan meetings effortlessly with over 8,600 square feet of flexible meeting space available. Whether hosting an intimate event for 10 or a large-scale affair for 700, our Guyana Marriott Hotel can easily accommodate your needs. Book one of our 197 guest rooms or suites with views of the ocean or Georgetown's city lights. Treat yourself to a spot; full of light, full of life and full of energy.”

Brief background on Marriott International, Inc.

According to its website, www.marriott.com, Marriott International, Inc. is a leading hospitality company with more than 3,900 properties, 18 brands, and associates at its headquarters, managed and franchised properties around the world.

Founded by J Willard and Alice Marriott and guided by Marriott family leadership for more than 80 years, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. Since 1927, Marriott has been known for a culture that puts people first. Marriott is growing globally - and opening up a world of experiences and opportunities for people from all walks of life.

M a r r i o t t International, Inc. is recognised worldwide for its enduring values, spirit to serve, and its corporate commitment to creating better places to live and work.

At the cornerstone of Marriott’s business is the philosophy, “How we do business is as important as the business we do.” Integrity and ethical behaviour are part of Marriott’s heritage and provide a framework for its global operations today. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Marriot (Guyana) as it nears completion

TT’s Down Syndrome Family Network benefits from blink | bmobile Foundation Ice Bucket Challenge

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) recently received a donation of TT$20,000 from the blink | bmobile Foundation as part of the charitable organisation’s participation in the worldwide Ice Bucket Challenge.

DSFN President, Fitzherbert Glen Niles, was on hand to collect the cheque for that amount at the blink | bmobile outlet on Chacon Street, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain. According to a media release, blink | bmobile decided to join the movement that dared people to empty a bucket of ice wa-

ter over their heads as a fun and mildly challenging way of raising funds and awareness for a worthy cause.

“Though the Ice Bucket Challenge in many parts of the world focused on raising awareness and funds to helping those suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, otherwise known as ALS, blink | bmobile opted to also raise funds for one of their own charities, the DSFN,” the release stated.

“Our blink | bmobile Foundation is celebrating its third year of collaborating with the Down Syndrome Family Network and given the popularity of the Ice

Bucket Challenge, we used that momentum to bring greater awareness of the DSFN. In the process therefore we still donated to the ALS Association, but we also got scores of customers to take the challenge and in the process raised funds and awareness for the DSFN,” said Naresha Ali, blink | bmobile’s Mobile Marketing Manager. Ali explained that the Company challenged customers, brand advocates, vendors, and corporate partners to participate.

Customers who chose to participate were given the Republic Bank account number of the DSFN so that they

could make their donation directly to the organisation.

DSFN’s Niles said the funds from the Ice Bucket Challenge would be used towards offsetting the costs for a number of activities the DSFN has scheduled for the coming months.

“On October 19, is our third annual Buddy walk, and our annual Conference will be held on March 21 next year, to coincide with the UN’s World Down Syndrome Day,” he added. blink | bmobile has proved to be “more than just a sponsor,” he reported, “they are like a partner. They have been with us since our first Buddy Walk.”

The DSFN was launched in March 2012 by five parents of children with Down Syndrome, to help families help their children achieve their full potential. It has since grown to 250 members, Niles said, and the organisation is always actively looking to recruit more members since the organisation is for all families that have children diagnosed with the condition.

“We encourage people who know of someone with a child with Down Syndrome to contact us so that we can then contact the family to offer our support,” he said. (Caribbean News)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Plans on track for Jamaica’s Soul fest

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: PLANS are on track for this weekend for the music festival Soul in the Sun in Montego Bay, St James.

Executive producer Junior Taylor told the Jamaican media that his team is pleased with the manner in which things are progressing with the event, which brings a star-studded cavalcade of soul music stars from the 1980s and '90s.

The event unfolds this Friday and Saturday with concerts at The Aqueduct in Rose Hall and wraps up on Sunday with a beach party at the Seawind Beach Park.

Taylor also allayed patrons' fears about

Junior Taylor – Executive Producer

mosquitoes at the venue in light of the current outbreak of the Chikungunya virus.

"The health department is coming in on

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The last time anyone saw such a large audience at the SWWTU Hall in Port-of-Spain was many years ago at Carnival time for the opening night of Kitchener’s Calypso Revue tent. Fans of Mighty Sparrow turned out in numbers and packed every nook and cranny of the Wrightson Road showplace when members of the Queen’s Park Oval, calling themselves Friends of Sparrow, held a musical tribute titled Sparrow: A Special Someone—to the Calypso King of the World.

The show was a very entertaining one, held in a convivial ambience, except that the ven-

Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday to fog the venue in order for patrons to be comfortable throughout the festival," said Taylor.

musical director African drummer Louis Mc Williams, as the music was akin that which used to be heard in the calypso tent in years gone by. Holding it together up front on guitar were Steve Neaves and Marva Newtown, and bassist Alliford Phillips. Some of the best horn licks heard in years were played by saxophonist Sylvan Sylvester and trumpeter Allan Nelson, with former Blue Venture keyboardist Patrick Johnson on the ivories. Keeping everything tight and together was drummer Richard Joseph. It was something of a homecoming with veteran trumpeter Errol Ince’s return to the Revue stage to do a cameo with the band.

TT’s Calypso King Mighty Sparrow

ue was too heated because not one of the electric wall and ceiling fans was operational. But, everyone endured the show’s duration, including Sparrow, his wife Margaret, daughter Karen and granddaughter Ashley. The event showcased seven “amateur” calypsonians, some of them past monarchs of Queen’s Park Oval’s annual calypso competition, singing Sparrow’s songs.

Music accompaniment was outstanding throughout the show, nostalgic even as the band under

The band was actually a collection of friends of show emcee, retro kaiso virtuoso David Bereaux who did a remarkable job when he performed a dramatic interpretation of Queen’s Canary and other past vintage Sparrow calypsoes. Bereaux also featured later on the programme when he joined Randall “Swami” Galt in a fun exchange of Sparrow’s Madame Dracula and Melody’s Belmont Jackass. This item vitalised the audience.

Nigel “Temples” Galt and

The line-up for Soul In The Sun features Howard Hewett, Regina Belle, Freddie Jackson, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Dru Hill and Silk.

Jamaican acts LUST and Richie Stephens complete the roster.

Taylor is also confident that his artistes will all be in the island for the festival, noting that Gill will be the first to arrive. He jets into the island on Wednesday. The other overseas acts will be in Jamaica between Thursday and Friday.

The international acts will depart between Sunday and Monday of next week. (Jamaica Observer)

Wayne “Doppy” Dopson were also on top of their game, Galt singing Lying Excuses and Dopson reprising BG Plantain and Dan is the Man. The latter has long relinquished his amateur status and has been a performer with the Kaiso House tent.

The audience sang along with the performers for almost every song with one—Pan Jam Fete— stumping patrons. Even Sparrow seemed surprised when Swami sang this ditty. Galt also performed 60 Million Frenchmen, The Number is 69 and Drunk and Disorderly.

Past national extempore monarch Black Sage also performed doing Maria, Jane and Melda.

Chris Garcia, whose Chutney Bacchanal of yesteryear still remains a crowd-pleaser, changed the mood of the evening by rendering a soulful interpretation of Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn’s Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart, a popular gold record single by Sparrow on the European circuit.

The one glitch as far as performances went was when Gary “Dozy” Almandox forgot the lyrics to Sparrow’s Water the Garden, but he concealed his omissions effectively.

By the time all the artistes had performed, a seemingly jaded Sparrow mounted the stage and performed just Saltfish and Congo Man. Though tired and obviously dehydrated Sparrow maintained strong timbre and pitch in his voice. The show ended with the performers returning on stage to sing 1956 Road March Jean and Dinah.

Seen in the hall were Port-ofSpain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee; Justice Malcolm Holdip; COTT CEO Josh Rudder; TUCO president Lutalo “Bro Resistance” Masimba; anthropologist Ray Funk; New York producer Rawlston “Charlie” Charles; popular disc jockey Donald “Sugar Fingers” Browne; Hollis Kam; radio programme director Gerald Agostini; former National Calypso Monarch Duane O’Connor; and, JP Ackbar Khan. (TT Guardian)

By Narine Dat Sookram

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ecycling is important because it can help to save the planet. In fact, just by recycling different products, the environment as a whole is helped. For example, many trees are being cut down just to produce paper and paper comes from trees.

So by recycling it, we are surely helping to lessen the number of trees that are cut down.

Even products that are made from raw materials should be recycled so that we can help preserve the environment.

One important thing to keep in mind is that it takes less energy to process recycled materials than to process virgin materials. For example, it takes more energy to create new paper from trees than what it takes to recycle them.

If we analyse it well, it is not really worth the hassle to transport virgin materials from one source to the next. And by saving energy, this in itself has its own benefits like decreasing pollution and it does create less stress on our own health and our economy as well.

We all know that landfills are mostly composed of non-biodegradable waste which can take a long time to decay. Which means we all need to take the responsibility to recycle, so that we can lessen the waste materials that are placed into the landfills, at least in our own community.

One thing to keep in mind is that if we do not get into the habit of recycling, there will be more and more garbage littering all over the place and when that happens, rubbish starts to litter all over the place. This is not attractive to anyone passing through, so we need to also be mindful of that.

One of the greatest benefits of recycling is that it helps us save money. We have the privilege to sell recyclable materials to organisations. One thing we need to keep in mind too is that it is less expensive to use products that are recyclable.

In fact, products that are made from recycled materials are much cheaper than products that are made from fresh materials.

As the population of the world increases, recycling is becoming increasingly more important. We know that for commercial reasons, many businesses are creating more products and packaging that look good and are indestructible, but the problem is, they can take many years to break down.

I hope we all realise that there are lots of things we can do right at home. For example, we can recycle things like eggshells, vegetable peelings and even fruit peelings, to fertilise plants. Just by being kind to the planet, we can save money and trips to the market. Something to be conscious of and make recycling a priority.

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

Bollywood

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WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sridevi drives straight to Tabu's house after watching 'Haider'

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aider may have divided audiences depending on their political views, but Vishal Bharadwaj's take on 'Hamlet' seems to have found unequivocal champions in industry legend Sridevi and her daughter Jhanvi.

The two, who caught the movie at an Andheri multiplex last Saturday evening, were so impressed by Tabu's take on Shakespeare's Gertrude that they drove straight to the actor's Lokhandwala residence to give their rave reviews first hand.

Tabu was pleasantly surprised when she saw her fawning neighbours at the door especially considering the yesteryear actor doesn't move in the same social circles as her. Sridevi then went on to describe and dissect the scenes that impressed her the most as an overwhelmed Tabu looked on. The

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conversation, the media was told, continued well into the night as mother and daughter even stayed back for dinner.

High praise indeed. (TOI)

Govinda’s daughter Narmmadaa to be launched as Tina Ahuja

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hile it's common for Bollywood actors to have screen names, the latest newcomer to follow in her father's footsteps is Govinda's daughter Narmmadaa.

After Govind Ahuja became hugely popular as Govinda in films, his

daughter is all set to be launched as Tina Ahuja in Bollywood. She will be seen debuting opposite Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal in filmmaker Smeep Kang's forthcoming Hindi film.

Interestingly, numerology is not responsible for the screen-name decision as opposed to the popular assumption. A close friend of the debutante actress confirmed the news before adding, "Tina happens to be Narmmadaa's nickname. We (her close friends) address her as Tina for a couple of years now. So when it came to her acting debut, we thought her nickname sounded way cooler. Since she is young, Tina embodies her personality better, which is why the decision."

The youngster had even put up her real name as her user name on a photo-sharing site. It was soon changed to Narmmadaa, probably to keep things under wraps. We've also been told that her real name will stay untouched on legal documents. Tina will strictly be her screen name and her family has been consulted about the same. (TOI)

ell, this is not a publicity stunt for their upcoming film 'Tevar', though chachu Sanjay Kapoor can take some credit for casting these young stars in his film.

We have learnt from reliable sources that the tall, dark and handsome Arjun Kapoor and the simple and beautiful Sonakshi Sinha are in love with each other. They are not just neighbours, but we have learnt that over the last few months, Arjun and Sonakshi have even taken holidays together and have often gone out to-

gether for films. While they have so far managed to keep their relationship under wraps from

the outside world, their families and friends are aware of their relationship. (TOI)

Karan Johar to co-produce Dhyan Chand biopic

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ilmmaker Karan Johar has decided to bring the life of hockey legend Dhyan Chand on the big screen.

The late hockey player, popularly known as 'The Wizard', won three Olympic Gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.

And Karan has joined hands with Pooja and Aarti Shetty to share the legend's story.

"My friends Pooja...

Aarti Shetty and I are honoured and proud

to have the rights to tell the story of the legendary sportsman #DHYANCHAND," Karan tweeted last Tuesday.

The news was also shared on the official page of Karan's Dharma Productions. The tweet read: "Karan Johar, Pooja & Aarti Shetty to produce the official biopic on the life of the legendary sportsman #DHYANCHAND." (TOI)

Maanayata Tattoos her twins' names on her hand

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ast July, MaanayataDutt got her husband Sanjay Dutt's name tattooed on her ring finger. A few days ago, she was spotted with the names of their twins — Iqra and Shahraan — inked on her forearm. (TOI)

Bang Bang box-office: film crosses Fawad and my approach to work differ Rs 100 crore mark in India

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e it for the neverseen-before stunts or scorching chemistry between lead actors Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, 'Bang Bang' is doing extremely well at the box-office.

If figures estimated by production house are to be believed, the movie has earned Rs 125 crore worldwide in just three days of its release, and

has made a gross of Rs 100 crore in India.

These figures mean that ‘Bang Ban’g has made its way into the top five openers of all time.

This movie will surely give a boost to the career of its lead actors as it is reportedly the biggest opener of Hrithik's career and makes Katrina the only actress whose three films are in the list of top

five openers of all time.

‘Bang Bang’ released on the same day as Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoorstarrer Shakespearean adaptation ‘Haider’.

Having released on a national holiday, both the films cashed in on the long weekend with Dusshera, weekend and Eid revelries adding to the numbers.(TOI)

armad Khoosat, who directed Fawad Khan in 2011 hit Pakistani drama 'Humsafar', says though he finds the 'Khoobsurat' star a brilliant performer, the actor does not feature on his wish list.

Sarmad, who also helmed Fawad's Pakistani show Ashk' in 2012, says the duo enjoyed a nice relationship till ‘Humsafar” but things have not been the same between them post the show.

"I like Fawad as an actor and a star but our approach and our process of working don't match and for me the process of filming a drama or a film is more important than the outcome.

"Our actor-director relationship was extremely nice till ‘Humsafar’ but after that I had reservations about a few things with him," the 35-year-old director told in a telephonic interview from Karachi.

When asked if the difference means that the two would not pair up for any project in future, Sarmad said, "It's nothing like that. There is no animosity between us. I might work with him in future. I feel Fawad, Mahira and I should work together again. But I don't have a feeling that 'Oh, I want to do something with Fawad'. My wish list does not have him."

The young actor-director, however,

says he is very happy with the praise that Fawad has got in India.

"He deserves it. He is a great actor. I am very happy that people love him in India because he is so talented.

This should hopefully lead to more exchange between the two countries because they are so similar in culture and people that I don't even feel I am in a different nation whenever I am in India," said Sarmad.

His show ‘Humsafar’, a 23-episode long love story, will start airing from next week on Zindagi channel in India.

(TOI)

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hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Blake Lively uses photograph to announce her pregnancy

Ben Affleck slams Bill Maher over 'racist' views on Islam

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ctress Blake Lively took to her website Preserve to announce that she is expecting her first child with husband and actor Ryan Reynolds.

The 27-year-old star published an array of pictures of pregnant ladies, and after congratulating all the expecting mothers, she posted a picture of her pregnant belly, reports usmagazine.com.

The picture, taken by her brother Eric Lively, shows Lively posing in the twilight, wearing a black and white print dress, cradling her bump.

Lively has been quite vocal about wanting to start a family since marrying Reynolds in September 2012. (TOI)

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en Affleck recently got into a heated argument with Bill Maher when the latter put forth his racist views on Islam, while he appeared as a guest on Real Time.

Sam Harris, who was also the guest on the show, said that people have been sold this meme of "Islamophobia,"

Justin Bieber posts 'PDA selfie' with girlfriend Selena on Instagram

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ustin Bieber's recent photo update on Instagram gained some attention, as the photo showed the singer being kissed on his bare back, by his girlfriend Selena Gomez.

The couple, who has been on and off since 2011, has reportedly been spotted together on

various occasions at private and public places, since early this year, E Online reported.

The 'Boyfriend' singer had declared earlier that the 'Wizards of Waverly Place' star and him are 'girlfriend and boyfriend' during a civil assault case deposition involving a photographer. (TOI)

Gwyneth Paltrow seeks psychic help

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ctress Gwyneth Paltrow called in a psychic to answer her burning questions about spirits, chakras and life.

The 42-year-old star used her blog Goop as a medium to get answers of her and her friend's soul-searching questions, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The actress called Los Angelesbased intuitive Jill Willard.

"Weird as it may sound considering our New Age leanings, not one of us freaks over at goop HQ had ever had a psychic reading," she wrote.

"But since we're on an unquenchable quest to experience every type of modality to help us heal, expand, and deepen our understanding of all life's mysteries, when we heard of an exceptionally gifted LA-based intuitive Jill Willard, we had to talk to her - and talk to her some more," she further added.

(TOI)

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guitar of The Beatles star John Lennon, which he used to record the "Paperback writer" song, is up for auction in London. It is expected to fetch up to £1 million.

Online bidding for the guitar begins Nov 14 and concludes with a live auction at Le Meridien Hotel, Piccadilly on Nov 23, reports mirror.co.uk.

Lennon gave his Gretsch 6120

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ctress Zoe Saldana says she was always asked by her male costars on the sets of 'Star Trek' to cover up because of her exposing costumes.

Saldana, 36, recalled asking the

where criticism of the religion gets conflated with bigotry towards Muslims as people and it's intellectually ridiculous, the Independent reported.

The 58-year-old television host supported Harris and described Islam as the only religion that acts like the mafia and can kill anybody if they say the wrong thing.

However, that comment made the 'Gone Girl' star furious and called Harris' picture of Islam as "the motherhood of bad ideas, over-generalized, gross and ugly."

Maher was also recently criticized for expressing his view that female genital mutilation was an Islamic problem. (TOI)

films' designer Michael Kaplan for help as her co-stars kept reminding her that she was flashing, reported E! Online.

"I kept being reminded by all my male cast members that I was flashing. I would sit down and it would be like, 'Oh, Zoe, cross those legs.' And I would say, 'They are crossed.' (They would say), 'Well, then put something over that because I'm just seeing everything'," Saldana said.READ: Zoe Saldana recalls flashing several times in Star Trek attire "I just remember always being exposed no matter how hard I would try.

I would tell Michael that we had to work on this and (he would say), 'But it looks so cute.'"

Saldana has worked in Star Trek (2009) and its sequel Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). (TOI)

Shia LaBeouf cuts own face with knife for 'Fury'

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guitar to his cousin, David Birch, in November 1967 -- a year after the hit single was produced in April 1966 at London's Abbey Road studios as part of the sessions for the band's "Revolver" album.

"I was just cheeky enough to ask John for one of his spare guitars. I had my eye on a blue Fender Stratocaster that was lying in the studio but John suggested the Gretsch and gave it to me as we were talking," Birch said.

The instrument is one of the most significant of Lennon's guitars to come on to the market in the last 30 years, said auctioneers TracksAuction.com.

The auction also contains more than 100 lots of Beatles memorabilia including a copy of the "Sgt. Pepper" album signed by all four members of the band, various items from the collection of Lennon's life-long friend Pete Shotton and the banjo played by Rod Davis in Lennon's original group, The Quarrymen. (TOI)

ctor Shia LaBeouf stunned his costars as he repeatedly slashed his own face with a knife while filming ‘Fury’.

In the wartime drama, the 28-year-old portrays a tank gunner.

His fellow actor, Logan Lerman, was quoted by mirror.co.uk as saying: "We were in make-up and they were putting cuts on Shia and I said, 'Yeah, yeah, it looks good.' And Shia was like, 'No, it doesn't look real'.

"Then he walks out into the hallway and says, 'Hey man, wan-

na see something fun?

Check this out...' and he takes out a knife and cuts his face. And for the whole movie he kept opening these cuts on his face. That's all real."

The "Nymphomaniac" actor also reportedly insisted on having a dentist remove one of his teeth.

Lerman added: "I mean, he didn't do it himself, he did go to a dentist and asked them to pull his tooth out but yeah, what an odd request."(TOI)

Adele earning £80,000 per day despite no release in four years

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dele, who has not released a single album in the last four years, is earning £80,000 per day and has cashed-in £54 million in less than two years.

The 'Someone Like You' hitmaker's company made £30 million over 14 months up to April 2013 and further £8 million in the rest of the year, the Sun reported. The 26-year-old Brit songstress earned £5.2 million dividend in the second half of 2013, and she drew a salary of £2.86 million in the latest accounting period.

Adele is now is said to be working on her highly-anticipated third studio album set to be released in 2015.(TOI)

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WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaican reggae artiste Luciano cancels African tours - amidst Ebola outbreak

Jamaican reggae singer Luciano (Jamaica Observer photo)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican reggae singer Luciano has cancelled plans to travel to Africa for his upcoming tour, following warnings

by Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson that entertainers should avoid travel to Ebola-affected countries of West Africa.

It has been reported that the entertainer was led to change his plans due to his own research on the highly contagious and deadly disease.

“I have been appealing to persons including entertainers to avoid non-essential travel to the Ebola affected countries in West Africa. If they still decide to go, our actions may have to include quarantining persons,” Ferguson said in a release last Saturday.

Luciano was expected to leave the island last Saturday for performances in Malawi, South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

(Jamaica Observer)

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A section of the gathering at the Public Building in Georgetown, Guyana

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Scores of Guyanese last Sunday took part in a march to raise awareness of breast cancer which has killed over 500,000 women in 2012, even as local advocates lamented the lack of interest being shown by Guyanese to be screened for the disease.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries.

Among the marchers was Eslyn Reynolds, 62, who lost two of her three

daughters to breast cancer. She said it was quite a loss. Reynolds stated that her first daughter was not aware she had the disease until it was too late and had to go to the hospital. She died in 2003. When her second daughter indicated that she was having creamy secretions from the breast, Reynolds advised her to do a check, but to no avail.

It was not until blood was being secreted with the milky substance that her daughter became worried; however, she thought it was some-

thing that could have been easily treated and did not go to the hospital.

The mother and grandmother recalled that her daughter went to the Mahaicony Hospital when she got ulcers. At this stage of the disease, not much could have been done.

Chemotherapy was tried but it was unsuccessful.

Dr Narendra Bhalla of the Cancer Institute in Georgetown said treating breast cancer is very much a possibility in Guyana, but persons are not coming out to be screened.

He stated that yearly tests are advised as most cases are only found in the late stages when much cannot be done to save the victims.

Dr Bhalla noted the Cancer Institute has been into the hinterland to highlight the importance of the disease to persons there. He explained that a house-tohouse awareness programme was done in Mabaruma to advocate the need and show persons how to check for symptoms of the disease.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

TT designer takes Haiti shipwreck not the Santa Maria says UNESCO centre stage

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A CLD (Charu Lochan-Dass) design (CLD photo)

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidad-based fashion label CLD premiered their Spring-Summer 2015 collection at the Helen Mills Studio this past month to rave reviews, as part of New York Fashion Week.

Designer and director of CLD, Charu LochanDass, surpassed the expectations of fashion critics and fans alike with a stunning, beautifully edited and exceptionally well-executed collection, themed “Boho Glam”. Observers readily agree that this is the designer’s best work todate; no small achievement for a label which stole the limelight of the local fashion scene less

than a year ago.

According to LochanDass, this collection is a modern take on the whimsical and romantic bohemian lifestyle; it is at the same time effortless and exciting. Luxe lace, intricate detailing, textured fabrics and vibrant colours came together in a series of glamorous, sexy and elegant looks for today’s multifaceted, intriguing woman.

This is the second time that Lochan-Dass has shown at NYFW, having been invited to return after an equally successful presentation earlier this year.

The collection is currently in CLD’s studio located at #55 Gallus St, Woodbrook. (TT Express)

EW YORK, U N I T E D STATES: A shipwreck found off northern Haiti could not be the Santa Maria, the flagship of Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus, used during his first crossing of the Atlantic, the United Nations cultural agency reported Monday.

“There is now incontestable proof that the wreck is from a much later period,” according to a report from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

It said the bronze or copper fasteners found on the site, near the Coque Vieille Reef, point to shipbuilding techniques of the late 17th or 18th centuries, when ships were sheathed in copper.

The Santa Maria, which ran aground on the night of 24 to 25 December 1492, would have used only iron or wood fasteners.

Moreover, in view of contemporary accounts– notably the journal of Christopher Columbus, transcribed by Bartolome de las Casas–the wreck is too far from the shore to be that of the Santa Maria.

The Santa Maria, which ran aground on the night of 24 to 25 December 1492, would have used only iron or wood fasteners (Caribbean News photo)

The report was drafted by UNESCO mission leader Xavier Nieto Prieto, whose team visited Cap-Haitian, north of the island, between September 9-14 He was joined by Tatiana Villega, of UNESCO’s Office in Haiti, Kenrick Demesvar, of the Haitian Ministry of Culture, and Maksaen Denis, of Haiti’s National Bureau of Ethnology.

In a letter dated June 12, Haitian Culture Minister Monique Rocourt asked for the support of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body of UNESCO’s

2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, requesting that a mission of experts be sent to the site.

The letter followed an announcement in May that Bill Clifford, an American underwater explorer, had located the wreck of the ‘Santa Maria.’ He first visited the site in 2003 and identified a cannon believed to date from the 15th century. The cannon has since disappeared.

U N E S C O ’ s Underwater Heritage Convention, adopted in 2001, aims to ensure the

safeguarding of underwater heritage and support research and international cooperation in this field.

The States–numbering 48 including Haiti– that have ratified it undertake to preserve this heritage, prevent commercial exploitation of sites and fight the illicit trafficking in stolen artefacts.

This latest UNESCO report recommends further exploration to find the Santa Maria and to draw an inventory of other major wrecks in the area. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Canadian singer professes Argentine musical composer thrills Guyanese love for Jamaica

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Canadian singer Daniel Casavant (Jamaica Observer photo)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Five years ago, Canadian singer Daniel Casavant visited Jamaica for the first time and fell in love with the country.

The 53-year-old, Montreal-based singer is back in the island promoting his single Jam in Jamaica.

"Jam in Jamaica is a

homage to not only the country, but the people of Jamaica. My intentions were to take the rhythms of reggae and combine them with my musical roots, and now I have the pleasure of releasing it while in the country where the song was inspired," he told Jamaican media.

Co-written with his

wife Kathy Kates, the song was officially released on the weekend and is available digitally.

Casavant said the single features a hint of rock, roots, country and reggae which will go over well with listeners. He also expressed the desire to work with local artistes.

"I would love to come back and perform as part of a festival. I would also love to have the opportunity to record with some of the fine Jamaican musicians who have made names for themselves internationally," he said.

Casavant added that he recorded his first studio album in 2009, entitled ‘Nine’ at the Time.

He followed up with ‘Soul Reunion’.

His other singles include ‘Wishes for Christmas’, ‘Walking from the Clouds’ and ‘Never Too High’, ‘Never Too Low’.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Nestor Basurto performing in Guyana (FB photo)

E R B I C E , G U Y A N A : Berbicians in Guyana got a chance to see and hear iconic Argentine musical composer Nestor Basurto perform live when the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry held a concert at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School last Wednesday.

Basurto is currently on a tour of Guyana.

Persons were thrilled to

hear him perform music of the six provinces of the Region of Cuyan in Argentina. He preformed the Zamsla in different rhythms as is customary in two of the provinces. Also performed by Basurto and much to the delight of those in attendance were Chacorrera, Choya, Chamaml, Tonados, Coeca, Huella and Gato.

The house was also specially treated to performances of the Tango.

The concert was part of a cultural exchange between Guyana and Argentina.

The renowned artiste will again be in concert on Friday when Lindeners will have a chance to see him perform in the mining town. These activities are specially tailored to promote cultural diversity in the area of music between Guyana and Argentina.

Other concerts have also been arranged for West Demerara and Georgetown.

For the past 12 years, Basurto has been running his own recording studio, where he works

as an arranger, producer, and director. He has been in the music industry for the past 38 years, and has a collection of his own compositions which totals in excess of 70 pieces.

During last Wednesday’s concert, Basurto also introduced music lovers to software which can help them to compose their own music. The software, which is simple to use, is also available for download on his Facebook page.

In a release, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Alberto Martina pointed out that the tour was the second part of a cultural exchange that started this year. He pointed out that the exchange provides an excellent opportunity for schools and young students to interact with an internationally acclaimed music producer.

In June of this year, classical Argentine guitarists Jorge Palacios and Jorge Francisco Marti of the ‘Escordando Duo’ visited Guyana and held several performances. (Guyana Times)

Alpine outing for Caribbean writers

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Robert Antoni, 2014 winner of the Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, 2012 winner Earl Lovelace and Kei Miller, 2014 nonfiction winner, were among a group of eight writers invited to showcase Caribbean writing in the Swiss alpine town of Bellinzona from September 11-14.

The annual Babel Festival of Literature and Translation put the spotlight on French, Spanish and English writing from the Caribbean and featured some of the best contemporary novelists, including

Patrick Chamoiseau of Martinique whose novel Texaco won him France’s most prestigious prize, the Prix Goncourt. Trinidadian, Elizabeth WalcottHackshaw, whose debut novel 'Mrs B' was launched at the NGC Bocas Lit Fest in April, was also among the four English-speaking writers who delighted the mainly Swiss audience.

The Babel Festival and the NGC Bocas Lit Fest are collaborators in bringing Caribbean literature to a wider international readership. Translation, language and culture will be one of the themes of the 2015 NGC Bocas Lit Fest. (TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

New body targets development of Jamaica's sport tourism product

Jamaica’s Minister with responsibility for sport Natalie Neita-Headley (2nd left), points to something much to the delight of (from left) Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill, Nicola Madden-Grieg, president Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and Chris Dehring, chairman of the Sport Tourism Implementation Committee at the Courtleigh Hotel recently (Jamaica Observer photo)

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: In an effort to tap into Jamaica's potentially rich sporting culture, Jamaica Sport, was launched at the Courtleigh Hotel recently by government and will serve as the entity to develop and co-ordinate sports tourism locally.

Jamaica Sport is a technical working group established by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and the Ministry of Sport under the guidance of the Sport Tourism Implementation Committee (STIC), head-

ed by Chris Dehring as chairman.

"It's been a long time coming. It's a massive venture even though it may seem like a small start. It's a seed that we think will grow into a massive tree," said Dehring, who is chairman of telecommunications provider LIME Jamaica.

"We are trying to capture, harness, measure it, evaluate it, invest in it and grow it," Dehring added.

Jamaica Sport will explore the commercial opportunities provided by

sport tourism, while leveraging brand Jamaica and the sporting events held locally and internationally to ensure that Jamaica maximises on its publicity, public relations and marketing and promotional opportunities.

It will also encourage additional visitors to Jamaica's shores by capitalising on synergies between tourism, sport and entertainment.

Dr Wykeham McNeill, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, reiterated that Jamaica has an abundance of assets that need to be harnessed and marketed for the greater good of the country, and sport is one of those assets.

Sportsmen and women such as George Headley, Arthur Wint, Don Quarrie, Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum, Merlene Ottey, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt are just a few of the hundreds of sport icons whose names have become synonymous with brand Jamaica," Dr McNeill pointed out.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

More TT women footballers head to U.S. training camp - for Concacaf championship

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: The bulk of the Trinidad and Tobago women football team left the Piarco International Airport Tuesday to join seven foreign-based players at a training camp in Dallas, Texas, United States, ahead of next week’s Concacaf Women’s Championships in the U.S. The Randy Waldrumcoached team are preparing for the Championships, which serves as qualifiers for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

In an interview on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) website on Monday, Waldrum said, “I’m really excited about our squad of 20. I think this group gives us the best opportunity to advance in the Concacaf tournament at this moment, and I look forward to the next few days with them in preparation for our opening game versus the U.S. in Kansas City.”

Waldrum continued, “we have a very good blend of talent, experience, and desire within this squad, and I know they will represent

Coach Randy Waldrum (Photo: Concacaf)

Trinidad and Tobago to the absolute best of their ability. The players have been extremely excited about this opportunity that lies before them.”

In Group “A”, Trinidad and Tobago, who triumphed at home in the inaugural Caribbean Women’s Championships in August, will meet the hosts U.S. on October 15 (at Kansas City), Haiti on October 17 (at Chicago) and Guatemala on October 20 (at Washington DC).

From the team that represented TT at the Caribbean Championships, captain Maylee Attin-Johnson, Arin King, Ayana Russell, Lauryn Hutchinson, Khadidra Debesette, Afiyah Matthias, Janine

Francois, Dernelle Mascall, Tasha St Louis, Mariah Shade, Kennya Cordner and goalkeeper Tinesha Palmer were retained, Khadisha Debesette and Ahkeela Mollon were included, while Patrice Superville, Jo-Marie Lewis, Shenelle Henry and Annalis Cummings were dropped.

Joining the squad in Dallas will be the Forbes sisters Kimika and Karyn, Rhea Belgrave, Taylor Mims (who were all part of the Caribbean Championships team), Danielle Blair, Liana Hinds and Brianna Ryce.

At the Concacaf Championships, the four teams in Group "B" are Mexico, Jamaica, Martinique and Costa Rica.

The two top teams in the respective groups will proceed to the semifinals, where the winners will automatically book spots to the World Cup, as well as the winner of the third-place match.

The fourth-placed team will play Ecuador (who finished third in the South American qualifiers), in a homeand-away playoff for a World Cup qualifying berth. (TT Newsday)

Canadian team confident of dominating Guyana’s Softball Cup

Captain Shiv Seeram (extreme right) and some of the other players heading to Guyana for the softball cricket competition, which begins later this month

By Ravendra Madholall

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O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Captain of the Ontario Masters Softball International (OMSI) team, Shiv Seeram, is very optimistic his side will make a good impression in this year’s Guyana Softball Cup 4. The team is slated to participate for the second year when the action gets underway from October 31 to November 2.

The tournament will again be run under the auspices of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association and would feature teams from New York, Florida, Canada and the host-nation, which are all expected to compete in both the veteran category and open division (20-overs).

Seeram, the former Guyana under-19 batsman who also represented Canada at the senior level, is confident that his side can emerge the

champion, as the team’s preparations are progressing nicely.

“I [am] highly confident we can do well in Guyana this year. I think last year was just great (although) we only won two matches, but I think the guys are better prepared and looking forward to the challenge,” the 51-year-old batsman related.

Seeram is relying on the experienced players to do well especially with the likes of Sunil Dhaniram, Jaimini Singh and Desmond Chumney, who have a wealth of experience on the softball scene.

The team’s manager, Azeem Khan, also strongly feels that the side is capable of dominating because they have quality of players to match their skills against the other participating sides.

The former Ontario Masters Cricket League president is very thankful to those who helped to make the trip to

Guyana possible. He mentioned sponsors such as Naseer Baksh and Teddy Hussain. Baksh is the assistant manager/player while Hussain is Ours Own Sports Club manager.

M e a n w h i l e , Seeram’s elder brother, Rabindranauth Seeram will be part of the Canadian lineup as a guest player. The elder Rabindranauth represented Guyana at first-class level and also played for West Indies ‘A’ team. Additionally, he coached Guyana in the West Indies Cricket Board senior regional competition.

The full side reads: Shiv Seeram (Captain), Mohan Harihar, Desmond Chumney, Sunil Dhaniram, Jesh Parasnauth, Jaimini Singh, Mark Luke, Naseer Baksh, Mohan Singh, Shivo Rhagunandon, Arjune Harihar, Rabindranauth Seeram, Ricky Persaud, Tony Singh and Eon Abel.

Former WI fast bowler to play for U.S.

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EW YORK, U N I T E D S T A T E S : Former West Indies fast bowler Jermaine Lawson is set to make his debut for the United States after being selected on a 14-man squad for the ICC WCL Division Three in Malaysia later this month.

Lawson, 32, is the third former West Indies international in the last two years to be chosen for USA in an ICC tournament squad.

The Jamaican-born cricketer joins Adam Sanford and former USA captain Neil McGarrell, who have both been dropped following USA's 15th place finish in their most recent event, the

Jermaine Lawson (Photo: espncricinfo.com)

World T20 Qualifier last November.

Lawson once took a Test hat-trick for West Indies in his 13-Test career, but had not appeared for them since the opening Test in Brisbane against Australia in November 2005.

His test career also includes six wickets for three runs against Bangladesh and a career best seven for 78 to demolish Australia in the Caribbean.

He has not appeared in a USACA tournament since 2011 and has been playing in private T20 tournament around the country as well as club cricket in New Jersey and New York.

Lawson moved to the USA in 2010 and qualified to play for USA this year based on the ICC's four-year residency requirement.

The ICC WCL Division Three tournament runs from October 23 and 30 in Malaysia.

(Caribbean News)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014

Several overseas cyclists confirmed for Guyana’s ‘Ride for Life’

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EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Guyana’s premier cycling showpiecethe annual ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage-is once again expected to take on an international flavour with several foreign riders already confirmed to compete at the October 16-19 event.

In an update Tuesday, national coach and chief organiser of the fourday activity, Hassan Mohamed, said plans are progressing well, and while registration from local riders has been slow, riders from beyond the shores of Guyana have given their commitment to be present for the mega race.

“Usually, it is slow with the local riders.

They would register at last minute, but what is heartening is the amount of foreign riders we are expected to have again this year,” Mohamed in-

Team Coco’s has always had a strong presence at the ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage (Avenash Ramzan photo)

dicated.

The Miami-based Team Coco’s, which comprises a mixture of foreigner and local riders, is coming strong this year, as it has done in the past, with a 12-member team.

A team from Suriname and the Heat Wave club of Trinidad and Tobago are the other two foreign contingents so far registered to compete.

Trinbagonians dominate in Barbados Sprint Triathlon

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Seventeen-year-old, Tobago-born, Matthew Chung was the convincing winner at the 25th Barbados National Sprint Triathlon Championships held on Sunday along the Spring Garden Highway.

Coming out of the water in third place but closely trailing was fellow Trinidadian and race leader Joshua Ho (17).

Chung had his work cut out but worked the pace on the bike leg, eventually catching Ho on the first lap. He quickly took the lead and continued opening the gap to eventually win the race in a time of 1:04:19. Jodi Gomez also of the Rainbow Warriors took home second place Female Overall in a time of (1:13:03) after being passed about 1.2km from the finish by Barbadian Dominique Marshall who won in 1:11:58.

Former National Triathlon Champion and Head Coach, Jason Gooding finished fourth overall (1:07:57) and took home the first place trophy in the Men’s 30-39 category, while his fiancé, Hannah Lenders won the Female 20-29 category in a time of (1:21:53).

The Rainbow Warriors Triathlon Club also saw young Scott Marchack (15) win in the Male 16-19 category do-

Former National Triathlon Champion and Head Coach Jason Gooding finished fourth overall (TT express photo)

ing a personal best time of 1:12:59 which also put him in the Top 10 overall.

Other members on the Rainbow Warriors team in the Sprint Tri were Rodney Pascall, Maegan Ifill, Ian Chin, Nigel Sabga, Nicholas Sabga and Adrian Sabga while Alistair Beadle, Kiyomi Rankine and Ricardo Chacin competed in the Olympic Distance Tri. Head Coach Gooding was pleased with his team’s performance and is looking forward to their next event, The Ultimate Tag Team Triathlon which will be held at Las Cuevas Beach on November 16.

The Rainbow Warriors Triathlon Club won that four-person relay last year and is hoping to retain their title.

The Tag Team event is very short with each member competing in a 200m swim, 5km bike and 1 km beach run. (TT Newsday)

According to Mohamed, several overseas-based Guyanese have also expressed an interest in competing at the Five-Stage and their involvement will be confirmed by this weekend.

“We have about 35 riders who have completed the registration process, but we’re aiming for the record this year, which is 66 in the year 2009. In all,

we’re aiming for 70 this year,” Mohamed stated.

After cyclists and officials travel to the Ancient County on October 15, the opening stage will be held the following day from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles) from 07:30h; while Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14:00h.

Stage Three will take place on October 17 from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09:00h, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30 hours the following day from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles. The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30 hours and finish in Georgetown on October

19, covering a distance of 62 miles.

As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants and the general public, and increasing HIV/AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Team Coco’s Raynauth Jeffrey is the defending champion of the Open category, having won last year’s event in a time of 10 hours, 05 minutes, 33 seconds.

Hamzah Eastman was the leading Junior rider with a time of 10 hours, 09 minutes, 56 seconds, while Raymond Newton was the top Veteran in a time of 10 hours, 09 minutes, 57 seconds.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz head out for Japan friendly

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: J a m a i c a ’ s Reggae Boyz on Wednesday started their almost two-day journey to Niigata, Japan, for a friendly international against the hosts on Friday at the Denka Big Swan Stadium.

Five local-based players in head coach Winfried Schaefer's 18-man squad departed the Norman Manley International Airport along with 12 officials on Wednesday for Miami.

The players are Nicholy Finlayson, Kemar Lawrence, Upston Edwards, Hughan Gray and Cardel Benbow. The other 13 will make their way from various parts of the USA to Niigata.

Five England-based players in Joel Grant, Jamar Loza, Adrian Mariappa, Nyron Nosworthy, and newlyappointed captain Wes Morgan are also in the squad.

The others are USAbased Darren Mattocks, Deshorn Brown, Alvas Powell, JeVaughn Watson, Ryan Thompson, Jermaine Taylor, Norway's Dane Richards and former Sweden-based goalkeeper Dwayne Miller.

The Game against Japan, one of Asia's strongest teams, will be

Captain Wes Morgan (Jamaica Observer photo)

the final international ahead of November's Caribbean Cup in Montego Bay. This game marks the fourth meeting between the two countries, who first met as debutantes in Lyon, France, on June 26 at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Finals when former head coach Theodore

Whitmore hit a brace to steer the Reggae Boyz to a 2-1 victory.

The teams then met on June 6, 2000 at the King Hassan Cup in Morocco when the Asians hammered the Boyz 4-0.

Two years later, the Boyz journeyed to Tokyo for a friendly international against

Zico's Japan on October 16, when Ricardo Fuller netted in a 1-1 result.

JFF boss Captain Horace Burrell believes this latest fixture against Japan is in keeping with the federation's policy of providing the opportunities for the technical staff and players to develop.

"One should remember also that the Caribbean Cup champions get an automatic berth to the most anticipated football tournament on this continent, the 2016 Copa Centenario to be held in the United States," he said.

The Caribbean Cup is slated for November 10-18, and the champions, along with Mexico, USA, the Central American champions and two teams to be determined from next year's CONCACAF Gold Cup placing, will make up the six teams from CONCACAF to join the 10 South American (CONMEBOL) teams in the USA in the Copa Centenario in 2016.

Coincidentally, the Reggae Boyz have already been invited to the 2015 Copa America in Chile, where they could come head to head with the continent's powerhouses: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, among others. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING October 9, 2014 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Scarborough Cricket Association final…

Guyanese produce outstanding performances for Hawaiian Arctic

By Ravendra Madholall

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O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club produced another stunning performance over the weekend to become the first team to ever win the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier 50-over competition for five successive years.

Last Saturday, they whipped Bawa X1 by 136 runs in the semi-final while Sunday, when history was created, they were awarded victory in their contest with East West Cricket club after the game ended in a controversial manner.

Set to make128 from the reduced 45-overs, Arctic was cruising at 27-1 in the 5th over when one of the opposing players pulled out the stumps in protest of the umpires’ not out decision against Reyaz Prabulall of Arctic.

However, Arctic limited East West team to that total through a fine bowling effort from the off-spinner Harrienarine Chattergoon, who nabbed 4-25 from his allotted 9 overs.

The victorious Hawaiian Artic Cricket Club

Pacers Zaheer Allard and Shiv Shiwram ended with two wickets apiece for 29 and 30 respectively to support Chattergoon on a responsive pitch.

Yunus Mortara offered resistance with 27, which included three fours and 22 from Mohamed Shakir.

Former Guyana open-

Four shortlisted for...

He has done his fair share to make Jamaica proud, having copped gold at the Caribbean Games in 2000, followed by a silver medal at the next edition.

Davis also represented Jamaica at the regional tournament in EI Salvador and won the silver medal; made it to the Olympic box-off in Brazil.

The second shortlisted nominee is Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken.

Never one to back down from a challenge, the six-foot-five Jamaican netballer has made her name as one of the best shooters in the world.

Among her many shining moments while representing Jamaica include her winning a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships; bronze at the Fast5 World Series in 2013, where she was co-captain; and another bronze at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Shortlisted nominee number three is Michael Frater, named the 100 metres specialist, having won many individual medals over the years.

However, most of his major victories have come as a team member of

from back page

Jamaica's 4x100 metres relay units. He helped Jamaica win 4x100 gold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2002, and again in 2006 in Manchester.

The fourth and final shortlisted nominee is 400 metres star Novlene Williams Mills, who has kept Jamaica's name at the forefront of international competition with a slew of outstanding performances over a decade.

She won the individual bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships and is also a three-time Olympic 4x400 metres relay bronze medallist, running her heart out to help Jamaica place third in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Also to receive awards under the umbrella of the annual Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence are two outstanding students (a male and female) at the secondary-education level, for having displayed exceptional qualities both in their academic performance and for demonstrating team commitment and good tenets of fair play while representing their school in sports. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

ing batsman Krishna Arjune was at the crease on 20 with four 4s and Prahalall yet to score when the encounter ultimately concluded.

Harrienarine Chattergoon was the man back in the hut having scored only three runs but was later voted as Most Valuable Player

(MVP) for his sterling bowling performance.

At the presentation session just after the incident, skipper of the team Hemnarine Chattergoon, related that he was disappointed with the end of the game, cognisant of the fact that the players should have respected the umpire’s decision.

But the former Guyana and West Indies under-19 player and exCanada batsman, reserved special mention to the Arctic side on this achievement.

In the semi-final showdown, Hemnarine hit an unbeaten 217 to lead Arctic to the win while the side was un-

stoppable again in this year’s edition winning 16 consecutive matches, inclusive of two walkover fixtures.

Apart from Arjune and the Chattergoon siblings who represented the club, several other senior Guyanese cricketers also played a pivotal role in the victory.

Solberg for Race of Champions in Barbados

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RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg will be among the starters at December’s Race Of Champions at Bushy Park in Barbados.

The newly crowned Norwegian driver dominated this year’s inaugural championship with four victories, sealing the title last week with two rounds to spare.

The World Rallycross Championship (World RX) is a rallycross series organised by the FIA in conjunction with series promoters IMG Motorsport and is made up of 12 two-day events driven on mixed-surface closed circuits. It is made up of four initial heats, two semi-finals and one final.

“Doing a 60km rally stage is no problem, but four laps on a rallycross track with all the other crazy people around you is like a heart attack, so I really hope that experience can help at the Race of Champions because I want to give it a proper shot and fight hard to win in Barbados,” Solberg added.

FIA World Rallycross champion Petter Solberg will contest the 2014 Race of Champions at Bushy Park in Barbados (GP photo)

“When I do things I want to do them 110 per cent.”

The Norwegian also won the 2003 World Rally Championship and has now secured his place in driving’s elite by reaching the top of the world in two different fields of motor sport.

Such a blend of ability–coupled with his recent experience of the exciting all-action shorttrack racing that makes up rallycross–is sure to stand Solberg in good stead as he bids for more glory at the Race Of Champions in Barbados.

He joins a ROC lineup featuring stars from all over the world: ninetime Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen, Formula 1’s Romain Grosjean, the reigning ROC Champion of Champions; Australian V8 Supercar legend Jamie Whincup and this year’s Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan HunterReay.

ROC organiser Fredrik Johnsson said the Bushy Park circuit was one of the most popular venues in voting and they are very excited to be heading to Barbados for

another festival of motor sport and entertainment.

“This marks a break from our last ten years of stadium events but this is a throwback to our long-time home at Gran Canaria, which hosted ROC from 1992 to 2003.

We will certainly return to stadium events in the future but for 2014 we will take advantage of the available space to build a truly spectacular parallel track at Bushy Park,” Johnsson added.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to political unrest in host country Thailand. (Nation News)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2014

Sarwan excited about playing for TT Red Force G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan was not surprised at being sidelined from the Guyana franchise lineup and said that the disappointment would not affect his focus ahead of the inaugural West Indies Professional Cricket League, the newly revised first class championship which bowls off November 14.

Sarwan was selected by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force during Monday’s draft as a second round pick while Barbados all-rounder Raymon Reifer was chosen by Guyana as a first round pick. They were the only two players chosen by teams based outside the territory of their birth as regional

franchises chose to stick with their zonal players.

Of the 30 players chosen in the draft, only two will play for teams based outside the zone of their birth. Barbados, Jamaica, Leeward Islands and Windward Islands all went for players from their territories.

During an interview on the Sportsmax Zone on Monday Sarwan, a former Guyana and West Indies captain, the right-hander who has played 87 Tests, 181 One-day Internationals and 18 Twenty20 Internationals said, “I knew they were not going to pick me because there is a lot of feud.

There is one individual who doesn’t really like me.

“Obviously I knew that was going to hap-

Ramnaresh Sarwan

pen, I was prepared for it so it wasn’t a situation where I wasn’t surprised or anything like that.

This has not been the first time Sarwan was omitted from the Guyana line-up. Back in 2011, Sarwan was overlooked

by Guyana for the then Caribbean Twenty20 Championship.

Sarwan’s omission then was based on fitness, according to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). However, it is unclear now the reason/s

Record haul for TT’s junior cyclists

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TT junior cycling team at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Suriname last weekend (TT Guardian photo)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: TT’s national junior cycling team stormed into the history books over the weekend at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Suriname, as Akil Campbell’s two gold medals led TT to its best ever medal haul at a re-

gional cycling event.

The TT team, which included Tyler Cole, Teniel Campbell, Keiana Lester, Jeron Loubon, Kasim Charles-Walcott and Nicholas Paul, won six medals. TT captured four gold, one silver and one bronze.

TT competed in all three categories, the ju-

nior men (17-18 years), juvenile men (15-16 years) and junior ladies (15-18 years) in the road time trial and road race events.

Campbell dominated the junior men’s category, as the ten-time reigning junior national champion swept the junior men’s events after win-

ning both the road time trial and road race last Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Cole, 14, making his debut for TT, was also dominant as he grabbed two medals, bronze in the road time trial and gold in the road race.

TT’s exceptional performance was capped off

by Campbell and Lester, who won gold and silver respectively in the junior ladies road race.

The TT senior team will aim to continue the success when a six-member team led by veteran Emile Abraham travels to Puerto Rico to compete in the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships on Saturday and Sunday.

The senior squad includes Gevan Samuel, Gavyn Nero, James Hadeed, Marc Codrington and Christiane Farah, the only woman on the team.

(TT Guardian)

for his omission.

Meanwhile, the former Guyana and West Indies captain has expressed excitement to be a part of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force line-up and more so delighted to be reunited with former coach Gus Logie, who is now in charge of the team.

“I’m pretty excited, it’s a great opportunity,” Sarwan stated.

“I have always been well received in Trinidad, so representing Trinidad is a great privilege and honour. To have Gus Logie as the coach, who has coached me since I was 15, I know I would be very comfortable and I’m excited to be a part of the team,” the right-hander continued.

The 34-year-old said his main goal is to be

healthy and fit and score big hundreds to get back in contention for the West Indies team.

“My main objective is to try and get myself fit to try and play in the 2015 World Cup,” he exclaimed. “The key for me is to try and get myself ready for the regional tournaments and I’ll make a very big statement there and then we would go from there.”

Sarwan acknowledged that with his experience, he will have to play a mentorship role to some of TT’s young batsmen and is looking forward to the role.

Sarwan is expected to be a big boost to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force who open their campaign against Barbados at Queen’s Park Oval. (Guyana Times)

Four shortlisted for Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in Jamaica

Romelda Aiken

Michael Frater (Jamaica Observer file photos)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Selection Committee for the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in Jamaica has released the names of the nominees shortlisted for the award.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday,

October 16, 2014 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The nominees shortlisted are boxer Tsetsi Davis, nicknamed 'Lights Out', due to his outstanding performance in the ring, which has given him popularity among Jamaicans.

K

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