Caribbean Times International

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Historic!

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ISSUE NO. 81

CANADA EDITION

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING December 19, 2013

Over 458,000 ounces of gold declared in Guyana for 2013

See story on Page 7

Jamaica rallies around Tessanne Chin - as she is crowned ‘The Voice’ 2013 Tessanne Chin victory celebrations in Half Way Tree, Jamaica, on Tuesday evening as she was announced winner of the popular American show, ‘The Voice’ 2013. Inset: Tessanne Chin(Jamaica Gleaner photos)

Page 5

Barbados to lay off 3000 public servants

Page 16 Barbados’ Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler

Twelve per cent wage hike for Trinidad’s daily paid workers Page 2

UGFW President General James Lambert

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending December 19, 2013

Twelve per cent wage hike for Trinidad’s daily paid workers

C

hristmas came early this year for more than 40,000 daily rated workers in Trinidad and Tobago who were Tuesday celebrating the news that they would benefit from a 12 percent wage hike, representing possibly the highest increase in salaries in the public sector signed by the People’s Partnership administration.

The agreement was signed Tuesday between Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis and the National Union of Government and Federated Workers for Central Government (NUGFW), certain Municipal Corporations and the Tobago House of Assembly for the current period of 2011 to 2013.

The double digit award comes approximately one year after the workers received a nine percent wage increase for 2008 to 2010.

Sources estimate the new wages could run between TT$8 million to TT$16 million per day

UGFW President General James Lambert, centre, holds a copy of the 2011-2013 collective agreement for daily paid workers with NUGFW director of industrial relations Patrick Rousseau, left, and president of Local Government workers section Heston Lambert, right, at the NUGFW office, Port-of-Spain Tuesday. (TT Newsday photo)

based on the rates of the increase of TT$208.60 to TT$244.50 for labourers, TT$240.60 to TT$280 for checkers, and TT$349 to TT$400 for foremen.

President General of NUGFW, James Lambert, Tuesday told union members and members of the press that the 12 percent in-

crease came about “because of the astute management of the finances of the country” by Finance Minister Larry Howai.

Memorable day

During a press conference at the union’s office on Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, Lambert described it as “a memorable day” since the

agreement was signed before the period of the collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013. He commended and congratulated Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, her government and Howai for the achievement.

While he said the economy could not im-

prove without workers, Lambert admitted that the level of productivity in the country, especially in the public sector, was very low. He said if the current levels continue, it would “kill the economy and the country”.

“The level of productivity cannot be attributed only to daily rated workers. It is the system in Trinidad and Tobago and it goes throughout the public service, from top to bottom. I am calling upon the government, the CPO, deemed to be the employer, that we must have a policy to enable us to lift the level of productivity in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

He also asked that a tripartite committee comprising of trade unions, business and government be formed to amend the Industrial Relations Act. Economist Indira Sagewan-Ali told the media that, from a social perspective, the 12 percent increase would have a positive impact on

workers, as they would be going home with more money. However she noted that it would increase the country’s recurrent expenditure.

Implications

Sagewan-Ali said the most important implications to the agreement would be that there may be an overall call for government to increase the TT$12.50 minimum wage.

However, Rudranath Indarsingh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, disagreed with Sagewan-Ali. “I don’t think it would put pressure on the government to increase the minimum wage. Any responsible government will want to ensure that workers have the appropriate income. However the wider economy of Trinidad and Tobago will have to be taken into consideration. In time, a minimum wage increase would be looked at,” he said. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaica’s Housing Trust wooing Diaspora T

he National Housing Trust (NHT) is on a drive to get Jamaicans living

overseas to contribute to the fund and to build houses for them.

"Jamaicans, whether

they do it or not, they always wish to come back home," NHT Chairman Easton Douglas told

Jamaican media recently. "And those who do not come back home wish to know that at Easter, Independence and Christmas, they have somewhere they can stay."

Already, the State agency has visited seven cities in England and has spoken to Jamaicans who have expressed an interest in the services being offered by the trust. The NHT also followed up with some potential contributors at the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in June.

Douglas said that during the NHT retreat in February next year, the agency set a date to visit the U.S. and Canada to generate interest in the plans among Jamaicans there.

Douglas admitted that the contribution mechanism hasn't been finalised, however, the feedback the trust has been getting has been "excellent" so far.

There's a vast number of Jamaicans in the Diaspora who have lost faith and trust in the private contractors, said Douglas.

"They didn't know that we can build their homes, that we will build houses in clusters for single-family houses, that we will go through the process of identifying land, the contractor and everything, or we'll project manage it for them," Douglas said.

NHT Chairman Easton Douglas (Jamaica Observer photo)

In addition to that programme, the NHT is also on a quest locally to involve the approximately 700,000 workers who aren't contributing to the scheme.

First Step Homes

He suggested that the non-contributors could be attracted through the NHT's First Step Homes programme, which provides shelter for as low as Ja$1.2 million, or the Mortgage Partnership programme, under which contributions can be given to someone to own a home.

"If you have money that you are not going to use, say a member of the Diaspora has contributed to the NHT, but really doesn't need it, you can donate to somebody to [acquire] their own homes," Douglas said.

The NHT chairman said the agency has made headway as it re-

lates to the development of affordable homes with the construction of starter homes that require no deposit, but rather a monthly payment of Ja$7,200.

NHT contributors who qualify for a loan of no more than Ja$2.5 million can benefit. Even so, the demand for the starter homes is massive.

"We advertised for 200 houses in Longville [Park] and we had 11,000 applications," he said.

First Step Homes have already been built in Trelawny and Westmoreland and model units are being constructed in Clarendon and St Catherine, the NHT says on its website.

Low-income earners

Under the programme, 600 First Step Homes will be provided per year over a five-year period to low-income earners.

Since inception and up to March 31, 2013, the NHT has had a direct hand in 93,718 housing solutions. It has been a prolific developer with nearly 42,000 housing units.

"We have allocated Ja$19 billion to the private sector to the building of houses and the NHT itself has spent Ja$11 billion for the building of houses, we are in partnership with building societies and every bank in Jamaica with respect to mortgages," Douglas said. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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EDITORIAL

Honoured now, hated then

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eter Beinart of the U.S. web magazine Daily Beast, reminds us that, contrary to present asseverations, Nelson Mandela was not always honoured in the U.S. “Now that he’s dead, and can cause no more trouble, Mandela is being mourned across the ideological spectrum as a saint. But not long ago, in Washington’s highest circles, he was considered an enemy of the United States.

Unless we remember why, we won’t truly honour his legacy.

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan placed Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) on America’s official list of “terrorist” groups. In 1985, then-Congressman Dick Cheney voted against a resolution urging that he be released from jail. As late as 2008, the ANC remained on America’s terrorism watchlist, thus requiring the 89-year-old Mandela to receive a special waiver from the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to visit the U.S. From their perspective, Mandela’s critics were right to distrust him. They called him a “terrorist” because he had waged armed resistance to apartheid. They called him a “communist”, because the Soviet Union was the ANC’s chief external benefactor and the South African Communist Party was among its closest domestic allies.

More fundamentally, what Mandela’s American detractors understood is that he considered himself an opponent, not an ally, of American power. And that’s exactly what Mandela’s American admirers must remember now.

We must remember it because in Washington today, politicians and pundits breezily describe the Cold War as a struggle between the forces of freedom, backed by the U.S., and the forces of tyranny, backed by the USSR. In some places–Germany, Eastern Europe, eventually Korea–that was largely true. But in South Africa, the Cold War was something utterly different. In South Africa, for decades, American presidents backed apartheid in the name of anticommunism.

Indeed, the language of the Cold War proved so morally corrupting that in 1981, Reagan, without irony, called South Africa’s monstrous regime “essential to the free world”. In South Africa, it was the Soviet bloc–the same communist governments that were brutally repressing their own people–that helped the ANC fight apartheid. In the 1980s, they were joined by an American and European anti-apartheid movement willing to overlook the ANC’s communist ties because they refused to see South Africa’s freedom struggle through a Cold War lens.

At a time when men like Reagan and Cheney were insisting that the most important thing about Mandela was where he stood in the standoff between Washington and Moscow, millions of citizens across the West insisted that the ANC could be Sovietbacked, communist-influenced, and still lead a movement for freedom.

They were right. When it came to other countries, Mandela’s leftist ties did sometimes blind him to communism’s crimes. In 1991, for instance, he called Fidel Castro “a source of inspiration to all freedom-loving people”. But at home, where it mattered most, the ANC was a genuine, multiracial movement for democracy. And so the Americans who best championed South African freedom were the ones who didn’t view freedom as synonymous with the geopolitical interests of the United States.

Therein lies Mandela’s real lesson for Americans today.

The Cold War is over, but mini-Cold Wars have followed. And once again, American elites, especially on the right, have a bad habit of using “freedom” as a euphemism for whatever serves American power.

Mandela challenged that. Like Martin Luther King, who publicly repudiated Lyndon Johnson’s claim that Vietnam was a war for democracy, Mandela rejected George W Bush’s idealistic rationalisations of the Iraq War. As with King, it is this subversive aspect of Mandela’s legacy that is most in danger of being erased as he enters America’s pantheon of sanitised moral icons. But it is precisely the aspect that Americans most badly need. American power and human freedom are two very different things. Sometimes they intersect, sometimes they do not.

Walking in Mandela’s footsteps requires being able to tell the “difference”.

Robert (Bobby) DeMercado plays Santa Claus while Donna DeMercado plays Mrs Claus as they give gifts to children participating in the Angels Of Love Jamaica's annual Christmas treat for children with paediatric cancer at Hope Zoo in St Andrew, Jamaica, recently. (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

CSF targets promotion of science in Caribbean T

he recently held third annual Caribbean Science Foundation conference (CSF) saw the raising of awareness on mechanisms to promote science in the Caribbean using Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The conference was held two weeks ago in Guyana at the Grand Coastal Hotel, and saw a gathering of professionals from the world over to discuss and debate on how to advance science in the Caribbean to help diversify the economies of its countries.

The two-day conference held under the theme “Stimulating Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science and Engineering”, was a collaboration among CSF, Guyana’s Education Ministry and the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Networking

During the conference, collaborations and cooperation between institutions and sectors throughout the region, and networking with the Diaspora were mentioned frequently as the key to facilitate science and technology advances.

At the opening ceremony, both Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted the importance of harnessing science and technology for the development of the region.

Presidential Advisor on Science and Technology Navin Chandarpal, spoke about the approval of Guyana’s national science and technology policy as a national milestone in elevating awareness of the importance of the STEM education reform.

Students and teachers from

A section of the participants during the conference in Guyana

various high schools in Guyana were given the opportunity to participate in the workshop, during which students posed some of the most difficult questions to the speakers. They were also allowed to carry out experiments using microscience kits provided by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The students had nothing but praise for this hands-on learning experience.

The conference saw the featuring of CSF programmes such as the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge and the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), with three local students reliving their experiences in these programmes.

Fun learning

STEM curriculum and modernisation updates, also received attention, with the primary objective of making science fun for the students.

Focus was placed too on teaching with examples drawn from local resources and needs, inquiry-based science approaches, the scientific method, and the use of digital e-learning were emphasised.

The need for more national science fairs, math Olympiads

and science museums was also stressed.

One area which saw a lot of enthusiasm was the career panel, which explored a vast range of career options in the STEM disciplines for the students.

The requirements for the launch of a high-tech electronics start-up company were demystified with examples showing how, in the Internet era, the materials and components needed could be sourced worldwide from a desktop. The critical need for execution to bring ideas to fruition was emphasised.

The conference further saw the 2013 CSF Distinguished Service Awards of the University of South Florida going to overseas-based Guyanese Professor Maya Trotz and Petal Jetoo of the Education Ministry, Sagicor Financial Corporation, and Sagicor Life Caribbean.

The CSF was established in 2010 as an independent non-profit, non-governmental organisation, whose mission is to assist with the diversification of the region’s economies by promoting education reform in STEM and stimulating more technology-based entrepreneurship. (Guyana Times)

News week ending December 19, 2013

Jamaica rallies around Tessanne Chin - as she is crowned ‘The Voice’ 2013

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ongratulations flowed Tuesday night as Jamaicans, who had gathered across the island, celebrated the crowning of Tessanne Chin as ‘The Voice’ 2013. Chin, who thanked the nation for its support during an interview with Jamaican media after her victory, walked away with a recording contract and US$100,000.

High on the list of those hailing the singer's win in the American talent competition was Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

"You have been a fine ambassador for Jamaica during this gruelling competition and your voice, your victory, will now serve to set the new standard for others to follow. We in Jamaica... feel a special pride that you are one of us and we look forward to celebrating with you in a larger and appropriate way on your return to the island."

Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna also showered Chin with praise.

"Tessanne was the best voice and performer on the programme," Hanna said in a statement issued just minutes after the announcement. "I speak on behalf of the country when I say that we are all happy for her success. I am very pleased that so many more people across the world did get, and will get, to see what we already knew----that Tessanne is an amazing singer who enchants her audiences, not only with her beautiful voice, but with Jamaican grace and charm as well. She is an excellent role model and outstanding representative of Jamaican culture."

Headline Entertainment's Jerome

A supporter in Jamaica celebrates Tessanne Chin’s victory (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

Hamilton, one of Tessanne's booking agents, was also ecstatic over the win.

"I expected her to win. It is a great win for Tessanne, the artiste, and a great thing for Jamaica. It is a wonderful opportunity for her and it will once again shine light on Jamaica," Hamilton said.

The night was nothing, but wonderful for Chin, who broke down in tears as she was announced the winner, after 12 weeks of competition. She finished ahead of Jacquie Lee, who secured second and Will Champlin, who finished third.

Although teary-eyed, Chin sang her first post-victory single, ‘Tumbling Down’, written for the competition's winner by Ryan Tedder of ‘OneRepublic’.

Earlier on the night, Chin got the opportunity of a lifetime to perform alongside musical icon Celine Dion.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

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News week ending December 19, 2013

Historic!

H

istory has been created in the mining industry, with Guyana recording the highest gold declaration of 458,105 ounces. The announcement was made by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud on Tuesday.

This declaration surpasses the previous highest level of 455,918 ounces, which was achieved in 2001, with the combined efforts of Omai and small scale operations.

Speaking at his Brickdam’s office, Persaud said the achievement is a stepping stone for Guyana.

“This is a proud moment for all those who work in the sector. It shows dedication and commitment of the min-

ers and also addresses the concerns about underdeclaration of gold or the claims of gold smuggling,” he posited.

Optimistic that the figures would increase by the end of 2013, Persaud said all of Guyana should rally with the mining sector.

“We as Guyanese, we should celebrate, be proud of this and we should not demonise or chastise these hard working men and women,” the Guyanese government official stated.

According to the Guyana Gold Board, in 2011, gold declaration stood at approximately 363,083 ounces, but the figure jumped at the end of 2012, with Guyana recording 438,645 ounces.

The Natural Resources and Environment

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Over 458,000 ounces of gold declared in Guyana for 2013

Guyana on Monday declared some 458,105 ounces of gold, the highest production it has ever recorded

Ministry this year has placed major emphasis on green development within the extractive sector, which is within the framework of its low carbon economy.

Increased investment in the sector has resulted in innovative technology being uti-

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lised to affect more efficient recovery and production, the Natural Resources Ministry said.

In 2012, gold and bauxite exports represented 50 per cent and 10 per cent respectively of total export revenues, the ministry pos-

ited, noting that gold export earnings totalled US$716.9 million; 38.7 per cent higher than the 2011 level.

The average export price per ounce of gold increased by six per cent to US$1575.4 per ounce from US$1486.5 per ounce in 2011, the ministry pointed out.

“Mining is an important part of the Guyanese economy, contributing 10.6 per cent to the nation’s annual GDP in 2012. Between 2007 and 2012, there was 14 per cent growth of the total export value of mining.

In 2011, it was estimated that 13,800 people are directly employed in small and medium scale gold and diamond operations and 19,000 indirectly em-

ployed in mining support industries.”

Based on the ongoing trend, the ministry anticipates that mining will continue to be the key driver in Guyana’s economy.

In an effort to alleviate the negative impacts of mining and promote sustainable development in the industry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said its 2013-2018 strategic framework will reduce environmental degradation in the mining sector.

Improving reclamation of mined out areas, and providing initiatives to address impacts on deforestation and forest degradation from mining are among areas to be tackled within the strategic framework.

Almost 16,000 visit Guyana so far for 2013

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ith a series of flights booked for the festive season, Guyana is close to achieving its target of 16,000 visitors to the country through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) this year. Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said the achievements rounds off a productive year for the tourism sector.

Arrival in November was 15 per cent higher than the previous year.

“That puts Guyana among only three other Caricom Countries and members of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, which is among 34 destinations,” the GTA director said.

Haralsingh also pointed out that the

among the top 21 destinations in the world to visit in 2014.

New system

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh

increase in the number of airlines servicing Guyana has enabled positive competition in the air transport market, to the benefit of Guyanese.

Guyana over the years has received rave reviews as a tourism destination and only recently, it was listed by National Geographic Traveller magazine as

Meanwhile, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir said with the increase in visitors for the season, measures have been put in place to intensify security.

He stated too that the airport has implemented a new system where customer care representatives help visitors with whatever assistance they may need. This, he noted is part of a plan to improve the service offered to an international standard.

He disclosed that the CJIA is collaborating with an international company to help market Guyana as a tourist destination, and already,

Canada-based CGX allocates Gy$10 million for social responsibility programme in Guyana

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he Canada-based CGX Energy Inc will be investing Gy$10 million in its social responsibility programme, with focus on education next year. The company in a release said in this regard, it is pleased to be partnering with a number of schools on various projects. The schools that will be receiving grants are Queen’s College, ISA Islamic School, Saraswati Vidya Niketan, and Providence Primary School.

The donations will be made during this week at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The CGX said the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering will receive Gy$1.2 million that will make it possible for a Guyanese student to attend their summer programme and a young cricket-

er from the Covent Garden Secondary School will receive Gy$100,000 to assist in purchasing cricketing gear.

CGX Energy Inc is oil and gas Exploration Company focused solely on the Guyana-Suriname basin.

The company is significantly vested in the social fabric of Guyana, with a Guyanese co-founder, two board directors who are Guyanese, a Guyanese cochairman and Guyanese country manager.

The company has a long history of engaging in the development of Guyana through its social responsibility expenditures, which it regards as investments in the social fabric and competitiveness of Guyana.

In 2013, the company invested Gy$5 million in its social responsibility programme.

three airlines have begun operations in the country during the last quarter of the year.

Ghir pointed out that in order to provide better services and options to passengers flying in and out of Guyana, efforts are being made to get more airlines to come to Guyana next year.

“We are currently in talk with at least another four airlines; actually, it’s more like eight, but four we are seeing more progress with and I’m almost certain come next year, we will have another major airline announcing flights here to Guyana,” he added.

The airport has also been moving to upgrade

Santa Clauses greeting visitors at the CJIA on Monday

its facilities to international standards, and Ghir pointed out that the expansion project will be a helpful boost in this regard.

He remained posi-

tive that the National Assembly will see the need for the expansion of the facility and grant the necessary funding to complete the project.

(Guyana Times)

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending December 19, 2013

Guyana’s private sector fumes as blacklisting bites

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ess than a month after Guyana was blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), businesses are already feeling the squeeze. Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ronald Webster, in a recent interview told Guyanese media that the commission is doing everything in its power to ensure Guyana fulfils its February deadline to CFATF, to avoid further scrutiny.

He noted that the blacklisting by CFATF is beginning to create a negative impact on the economic front for Guyana.

Webster also pointed out that if Guyana is blacklisted internationally, the impact will be far worst and there will

and would not be felt overnight.

Recently, Republic Bank Chief Executive Officer John Alves, said the situation has placed the banking sector at a loss, and there will be great difficulties for both incoming and outgoing foreign exchange activities with corresponding banks.

Onerous

PSC Chairman in Guyana Ronald Webster

be no returning for the country. According to the PSC chairman, local businesses are already beginning to complain about the extra paperwork that has to be done now when conducting international and even regional transactions.

However, he noted that the full backlash of these things takes time

“Guyana being blacklisted…means it would be much more onerous for foreign exchanges,” he said.

According to Alves, already there are a number of difficulties and challenges in processing transactions, and this is not good for Guyana.

“Clearly, now our task as bankers are going to be far more difficult and ultimately costly for customers be-

cause of the to and fro in getting matters sorted out…in the longer run, it will make the whole transfer of payments more difficult,” he added.

Dissatisfaction

G e o r g e t o w n Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) President Clinton Urling, had also expressed dissatisfaction at the situation.

He said the severity of the implications will not bode well for Guyana. “…this would have economic consequences which could not only affect businesses, but private sector as a whole,” he stated.

CFATF had ordered Guyana to get the necessary legislation in place to be compliant with the sweeping reforms taking place regionally and internationally to fight

money laundering and terrorism.

However, it was only earlier this year, in April, that the bill made its way to Parliament, where the opposition political parties voted to send it to the special select committee.

The bill was returned and the combined opposition withheld their support for the legislation for the second time, despite threats of serious sanctions.

The opposition claimed that the committee’s work was incomplete and wanted the bill to be re-sent for completion, but the government refused and when the matter was put to a vote, the combined opposition used its one-seat majority to defeat the government.

Then came the

November deadline which was given to Guyana by CFATF to get its affairs in order; however, due to deadlock and lack of compromise in the National Assembly among the parties, Guyana was formally blacklisted by CFATF, who warned its members against the implications of doing business with Guyana.

With Guyana now blacklisted, transactions and payments in areas such as remittances, oil and goods and services, among other things, will likely face severe consequences.

The country, nevertheless, has a chance to change its fate when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) holds its next plenary meeting in February 2014. (Guyana Times)

Gov’t minister wants age of consent moved to 18 in Jamaica

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andrea Falconer, Jamaica’s Minister with Responsibility for Information, says she intends to lobby for an increase in the age of consent as one of the measures to counteract the country's high rate of teenage pregnancy, one of the highest in the region.

Under Jamaican laws, both girls and boys are able to consent to sex at 16 years old and above.

However, the government minister believes that children should not

be allowed to engage in what should be considered an adult activity "I have long believed that we cannot have 18 as the age when people are considered adults and the age of consent is 16 years. I believe we need to have a serious look at changing that age of consent to 18 years old," Falconer told Jamaican media during the recent high-level consultation on the reduction of adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean, hosted by the UNFPA at

the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.

"Sex should be an adult thing and that's what we must encourage as a country. Children are not equipped emotionally for sex," she said.

The minister was speaking against the backdrop of the United Nations' State of the World Population 2013 report, which showed that Jamaica's adolescent birth rate is 72 per 1,000 for females 15 to 19.

This is the fourth highest rate of teenage pregnan-

cy in the region, just behind Belize, Guyana and the Dominican Republic, which has the highest adolescent rate at 98 per 1,000.

Falconer, meanwhile, said it was important that children be educated on matters relating to sexual health and urged parents to impart good values to their children.

"For me, an ideal world would be that we have children abstain from sex until they are adults, but we are not in an ideal world and

what we have to do is to give our young people the tools so that we can make the right decisions, so their lives are not blighted by unwanted pregnancies. We know that once a young person becomes pregnant it's oftentimes than not that they can't get the future they had planned for because now they have the responsibility of a child," she said.

According to Falconer, given "the levels of sexualisation" in Jamaica and the sexual abuse of

girls, it is time to send a strong message that it is not okay to have sex with children.

"A lot of the girls are impregnated by men, and one thing we need to move away from in Jamaica [is] where people accept sexual abuse as a norm. I believe that we need to do that through public education and we need to revisit that, getting people to adopt certain values and certain attitudes," said the minister. (Jamaica Observer)

Anna Regina photographer sentenced to 20 years for canal knowledge in Guyana

T

he atmosphere at the Suddie High Court in Guyana last Friday was one filled with mixed feelings as popular Anna Regina photographer Vydut Kumar was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for a carnal knowledge conviction.

The sentence was handed down when he appeared before Justice Sandra Kurtzious in a packed courtroom.

After a two-hour deliberation by the 12-member jury panel, Justice Sandra Kurtzious read the sentence to the photographer who had begged for mercy. The jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict.

The act carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and Kumar was given 20 years behind bars.

His sentencing was

based on the fact that he was a trusted individual to the victim, played an integral role in church and offered the victim money to cover up the matter.

The 49-year-old man was represented by Attorney Hemraj Rajkumar while the state was represented by Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the victim

was aged 13 at the time of the incident, which occurred on February 18, 2010 in the Anna Regina studio of the accused.

The victim reportedly knew the photographer for about six years as both of them lived in the same community.

The child and the accused were also part of the same congregation at a church and he was once her mentor.

The incident occurred

when the victim went with her sister to see a cousin, but they subsequent left her alone as they went to see a friend.

Then is when the perpetrator pounced on the child, asking her if her feet were hurting and offering her a seat in his studio.

When the child was in the studio, the accused and the victim began to talk about school, and while in the conversa-

tion, the accused closed the door, kissed her and had sex with her for about 15 minutes.

After committing the act, he offered the child Gy$2000 which she refused, but he forcefully tucked it in her pocket.

The incident was reported to the police but the photographer tried to settle the matter, but his move was rejected by the girl’s family. (Guyana Times)

INTERPOL urges public assistance in tracking international fugitives in the Caribbean

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he international police organisation, INTERPOL, is seeking public assistance in tracking down international fugitives linked to organised crime networks and wanted for offences including murder and drug trafficking.

INTERPOL said Operation Infra (International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest) Americas involves 46 countries and territories in the Caribbean

and Central and South America.

INTERPOL indicated that the operation targets 266 fugitives believed to be hiding out in Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Caribbean.

“Members of the public are now being asked to provide information to help locate 15 individuals, including Rafael Caro-Quintero, the former leader of the

Guadalajara Cartel in Mexico,” INTERPOL urged.

“They are all cases where no new leads were generated during the initial phase of Infra Americas or where there is no current intelligence on the potential location of these individuals.”

Ervin Prenci, criminal intelligence officer with INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Unit, which is coordinating Operation Infra

Americas, said the public could provide vital leads in helping to bring these fugitives to justice.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or apparently insignificant could be the missing piece in the puzzle which will help locate these dangerous criminals.

“The public have a valuable role to play in supporting law enforcement efforts, but we would not encour-

age anyone to take action themselves, but instead to pass on any tips to their local or national police or INTERPOL,” he added.

Prenci said information on the possible location of the suspects or any internationally wanted persons can be sent to “INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Support Unit, adding that any leads would be passed on to the INTERPOL National

Central Bureaus concerned for further action on the ground.

INTERPOL said countries and territories taking part in Operation Infra Americas include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

(Caribbean News)

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Canadian envoy urges more regional support for SickKids-Caribbean initiative H

ealth Minister Dr Fuad Khan has assured that the Trinidad and Tobago government fully supports the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, a programme run by the Canadianbased Hospital for Sick Children through their Caribbean SickKids Foundation, which aims to build capacity and improve outcomes for children affected with cancer and serious blood disorders in the region.

Speaking at a cocktail reception recently held at the Canadian High Commissioner’s residence in Trinidad, Khan said funding for such an initiative is important

in moving forward with cancer treatment and technology. He appealed to guests to give generously to the SickKidsCaribbean initiative, describing it as “an icon in children’s care” and remarking that the TT government is very pleased to be associated with the effort.

Duane Hinkson, CIBC FirstCaribbean managing director for Trinidad, represented the bank at the cocktail reception. Hinkson noted that CIBC FirstCaribbean has signed of a Memorandum of Understanding with the SickKids Foundation and has been named

Canadian High Commissioner Gérard Latulippe.

(TT Guardian file photo)

the Nursing Training Partner for the project. “Our commitment of US$1 million will assist with the training of medical professionals who specialise in the care of paediatric patients. It

will also assist with the provision of equipment and the creation of a local hospital oncology database.”

Hinkson added that CIBC FirstCaribbean hopes the donation will further enhance the knowledge sharing and collaborative nature upon which the bank prides itself, while also saving the lives of children affected by cancer and blood disorders. “We feel it is important for us to contribute to providing our region with wider access to specialised consultations that can eventually save the lives of Caribbean children. This is where the training of

Caribbean professionals is so critical. In this way we will not only develop the expertise right here in the region, we will help to improve the chances of many more young West Indians,” Hinkson said.

Also calling for support from the business community was Gérard Latulippe, High Commissioner for Canada, who hosted the reception. Latulippe stated that he hopes the fund-raising continues so that affected children of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean region could benefit.

SickKids is working with six countries

across the Englishspeaking Caribbean– The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

SickKids-Caribbean Initiative is led by Dr Victor Blanchette, former chief of Haematology/ Oncology, McCaig Family Medical Director and Dr Upton Allen, division head of Infectious Disease. Speaking at the reception, Dr Blanchette remarked that the organisation’s goal is to provide all affected Caribbean children the opportunity for diagnosis and treatment. (TT Newsday)

Dismissing HIV positive workers to be outlawed in Jamaica

T

he government of Jamaica is closer to enacting laws which will impose sanctions on employers who dismiss workers based on their HIV/AIDS status.

Such persons will be seen to commit an offence and will be liable to face sanctions in a Resident Magistrate’s Court.

And employers who seek to compel potential or existing workers to submit to an HIV test as a condition of employment will also be seen as

committing an offence.

These restrictions are to come into being when the Occupational Health and Safety Act is enacted next year.

Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier, insists that the legislation, which has been long in coming, will be passed before the end of the financial year on March 31, 2014.

He is therefore urging employers to begin to develop a workplace policy on HIV/AIDS. Kellier was speaking

National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS. The policy will form part of the regulations, which will accompany the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The labour and social security minister stated that a monitoring and enforcement unit, staffed with 20 investiJamaica’s Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier.

(Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

Monday as he launched the White Paper on the

‘Crime, my govt’s top priority’ PM Kamla reassures citizens

G

iven the spate of homicides that have gripped the nation in the past week, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Sunday sought to reassure the nation that the crime rate was her government’s top priority.

Over the past few days, a number of persons have been murdered including a female security guard, who was one of two persons killed at the Chaguanas public cemetery while a Moruga woman was gunned down on Saturday morning.

Speaking to reporters during the Prime Minister’s Annual Christmas toy distribution at Skinner Park, San Fernando Sunday, Persad-Bissessar was asked to comment on the recent spate of murders which had already overtaken last year’s record of 370 for the same cor-

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

responding period, said that one criminal act was one crime too much.

“Every crime is one crime too much and that remains number one priority in our list to deal with crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Murder is murder and every sin-

gle one is painful and traumatic to us. We will continue to remain committed in the fight against crime. I know the Minister of National Security is doing the best that he can, but there is still much more that we need to do.”

Persad-Bissessar pointed out that many of the crimes were crimes of passion. However, the prime minister added, “Where it is that it is a domestic situation where crimes of passion is taking place, but I want the country to know that murder is murder and each loss is a great loss.”

Persad-Bissessar also commended Chief Justice Ivor Archie for initiating steps to reduce the backlog at the nation’s courts, saying the government could also assist by its legislative agenda. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

gators, will be set up to ensure employers comply with the law.

He added that public education and sensitisation among employers will be stepped up in the New Year.

Kellier pointed out that in 2007 his ministry started a voluntary compliance programme

for employers and up to November this year 276 companies have come on board.

The Labour and Social Security Minister noted that persons living with HIV have a right not to be discriminated against and should be allowed to earn a living.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

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Town Clerk blames Council’s infighting for flooding in Georgetown

The state of James Street, Albouystown on Saturday Town Clerk Carol Sooba

H

eavy downpour in Guyana over the weekend resulted in flash floods in various parts of the city, and Town Clerk Carol Sooba is blaming the City Council’s non-support of her for the problem.

Businesses and residents in the capital rushed to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their stock and property. They lashed out at City Hall for doing nothing to alleviate the problem even though they collect taxes every year.

With a lot of garbage piled up at various locations in the city, concerns are being raised about the need for persons to also take the necessary health precautions to guard against infections.

The recently-appointed town clerk is blaming

the constant flooding in Georgetown on the many disgusting garbage pile ups in the capital city’s drains and trenches.

Sooba said the regular unhealthy practice of dumping garbage about the city is the root cause of the city’s floods. The town clerk noted that the situation is beyond her control as she does not have the support of the mayor and city councillors.

“The garbage is the main reason for all these floods…they want to keep these people on the road and so they keep dumping about the place all the time…as fast as we clean the place up, the people dump their garbage, so there is only so much we can do on our own,” the town clerk said.

Sooba, nevertheless, assured that all the kokers and pumps are work-

ing well and teams were clearing blocked drains, allowing for free flow of the heavy water accumulation.

Only recently, the entire Georgetown City and coastlands experienced a flash flood which caused many businesses and residents to suffer losses.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry said the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), having been prepared to respond to the expected rainfall, dispatched a team of engineers and technical staffers to assess the situation.

Water accumulation has been recorded in Regions Two, Three and Four.

It was recorded at Cotton Field, Bush Lot, Anna Regina, La Bell Alliance and Three Friends in Region Two.

In Region Three, low-lying residential areas such as Parfait Harmony, Bagotsville, Good Hope and Tennis Farm in Canal Number One were all affected by the above normal weather pattern.

Several communities in Region Four were affected, including Buxton and Vigilance.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), also suffered from the above normal weather pattern as agricultural lands from Ogle to Haslington were inundated, resulting in a halt to operation.

Since the above normal rainy period commenced, the Agriculture Ministry has commenced a number of emergency interventions which has seen outfall channels excavated and desilted.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Forensic kits for TT’s cops E

ighteen forensic photography kits were recently donated to the Police Service by the United States Embassy, as part of its ongoing support to the Trinidad and Tobago Protective Services.

Last Friday at the Trinidad and Tobago Police Academy, the Embassy handed over the kits to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, who received them on behalf of the Academy and the Criminal Investigations Department/ Criminal Records Office (CID/ CRO) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

According to a press release from the Embassy, the kits were donated to support investigative operations.

The handover coincided with the conclusion of the Crime Scene Evidence Management course led by instructors from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, and attended by members of the CID/CRO and

TT gov’t to launch new initiative to deal with escalating crime

N

ational Security Minister Gary Griffith, says the authorities will soon launch a major crime fighting initiative as they deal with an upsurge in criminal activities in Trinidad and Tobago.

So far this year, 373 people have been murdered and Griffith said that the Virtual Police Officers (VIPO) will, when launched, make every law abiding citizen a virtual police officer.

“In this way you can go on a secure website and report a crime which may be about to be committed or has been committed,” Griffith said, adding that he would be personally held responsible to ensure the confidentiality of the informants remained secure.

“VIPO will fall directly under me so that people will feel safe to report information that can be turned into evidence,” he said, sending a message to rogue elements within the police.

“We are putting special mechanisms to weed out rogue elements in the Police Service and give citizens responsibility to become virtual officers on cyberspace. It is no secret that there are police officers on the payroll of gang members, and once we find the evidence to remove them, they will be removed.

“I don’t want to transfer the problem. They don’t belong in police stations, perhaps the only place they belong is behind bars in the stations.”

Griffith called “cowards” those criminals who “prey on victims

TT’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith.

(TT Newsday file photo)

who are on most occasions defenceless.

“I am fully confident that the upcoming law enforcement initiatives would peg them back, provide the deterrent and if not, they would be brought to justice. This would be my New Year resolution to the country,” he said, adding “failure is not an option”.

He said he does not share the recent prediction by acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams that the murder rate could reach 400 by the end of the year.

“My job is not to predict…it is to ensure a reduction in criminal activity and fear of crime. It is about eliminating and providing mechanisms to reduce crime. I am not going to make any prediction.

“I have already stated that I am going to do everything in my power to ensure border security and to ensure that funding to gangs through the award of State contracts is stopped,” he said. (TT Newsday)

Jamaica facing tough financial times

A

Operatives board a 'suspect' vessel during the high-level training comprising members of the TT Coast Guard and the U.S. Southern Command. (TT Newsday)

Homicide Forensic Unit.

“Williams expressed sincere gratitude to the U.S. government for ongoing support to areas of critical importance within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and urged course participants to apply their new-found knowledge in the field,” it said.

In addition to the kits and Crime Scene Management course, U.S. Southern Command also shared expertise with the Defence Force, particularly the Trinidad and Tobago

Coast Guard (TTCG), in a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise in Portof-Spain.

The month-long maritime training began on November 11, 2013, and included drug interdiction techniques and small boat operations.

U.S. Chargé D’Affaires, Margaret Dip said, “The training will enable the U.S. and TT militaries to work together in the future and deepens our already strong relationship.”

“The training en-

abled the TTCG team to hone their military tactics and skills by focusing on current skills being employed by multinational coalitions, and improving interoperability between the two nations. The U.S. team benefitted from enhanced security cooperation and invaluable first-hand experience of the environment that the TTCG expertly operates in on a daily basis,” stated the release.

Three more exercises are planned for 2014.

(TT Newsday)

n international media outlet has declared that Jamaica is teetering on the brink of financial collapse despite its International Monetary Fund deal.

The Financial Times said that after two restructurings in three years, government debts still amount to 143 per cent of the economy’s annual output.

It noted that Jamaica’s bailout programme could go off course at the slightest shock including tropical storm.

The article also highlighted that Jamaica is not the only Caribbean country facing tough times.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Jamaica’s Finance

Minister Dr Peter Phillips, said Caribbean countries are lobbying furiously for an extensive international debt relief and investment programme.

However, while acknowledging that the entire Caribbean is in an economic crisis, the Financial Times reported that the fear is most palpable in Jamaica.

It stated around Jamaica there is recognition of the depths of the country’s troubles, and grudging acceptance that the next few years will be difficult.

However, it indicated that there is also widespread bitterness towards the country’s political elite for its management of the crisis.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

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Trinidadian man charged with raping three stepdaughters denied bail

A

labourer in Trinidad has been denied bail after appearing before a magistrate in Couva charged with the rape of three girls, two of whom were under the age of 14.

Amit Dhaniram, 30, of Gran Couva, appeared on the charges before Senior Magistrate Lucina CardenasRagoonanan in the Couva Magistrates’ Court Monday, following his arrest, at his home, by police officers of the Gran Couva Police Station, on Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon, Dhaniram was taken to the Couva Police Station for his appearance in court.

Dhaniram stood before CardenasRagoonanan who read the charges that between September 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, he had sex with a girl who was under the age of 14. At the time, the girl was 11 years old.

She is now 13. The second charge alleged that between September 1, 2011 and February 17, 2012, Dhaniram had sex with another girl who was under the age of 14.

The second girl was 13 then, and is now 14.

The magistrate then read the third charge that between July 18, 2011 and November 30, 2013, Dhaniram had sex with a girl above the age of 14, but without consent. The girl, who turned 18 in July, was 16 years old at the time of the alleged rape.

The charges were laid by WPC Alicia Soodeen of the Gran Couva Police Station.

C a r d e n a s Ragoonanan told Dhaniram all the charges against him were laid indictably and that meant he would not be called upon to enter a plea. A preliminary inquiry would be held after a State attorney is appointed to prosecute the cases.

Police prosecutor, Sgt Peter Francis, told the magistrate the police objected to bail because a trace needed to be conducted to determine if Dhaniram has a criminal record. Attorney Anisah Mohammed, who told the court she represented Dhaniram, asked for bail.

CardenasRagoonanan told the attorney the court

on January 13.

According to a report, the girls lived in a one-bedroom house in Central Trinidad together with their 51-year-old mother and the stepfather. A police report stated that

Amid Dhaniram (TT Newsday photo)

was concerned that Dhaniram lived in close proximity to the alleged victims, and this would be a factor in grating bail. Mohammed said she had been given an undertaking that if bail is granted, the accused would stay by a relative in La Romaine.

However, Francis said the computer system on criminal records of persons charge was not functioning and as a result, the prosecution wanted Dhaniram remanded for tracing.

C a r d e n a s Ragoonanan told Dhaniram bail would not be granted pending an investigation into if he had a criminal record. The magistrate remanded him to reappear

Curacao national takes Jamaican Security Minister case to Court of Appeal

S

hurendy Quant, the Curacao national who has brought contempt of court proceedings against Jamaica’s Security Minister Peter Bunting, has taken his case to the Court of Appeal.

Quant is appealing an October ruling by Justice Horace Marsh that he provide security in the form of Ja$1.5 million for legal costs in the event that he loses his contempt of court action against Bunting.

Justice Marsh made the ruling following an application from Bunting, who is being represented by Michael Hylton, QC. The losing party who initiates civil proceedings generally has to pay the legal costs of the person he or she takes to court.

Quant is contending that Bunting breached a High Court ruling in relation to his deportation to his homeland of Curacao in mid-April.

Quant is asking for Bunting to be imprisoned for allegedly breaching the order for his deportation to be stayed, pending the out-

of persons' as contemplated in [Part] 7(1)(I) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and thus a crime against humanity to which statute Jamaica is a signatory". (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica’s Security Minister Peter Bunting. (Jamaica Observer file photo)

come of a judicial review into the decision to deport him. Quant contends that Bunting was aware of the order as legal representatives from the Attorney General's Chambers consented to it.

According to documents filed with the court by attorneys Chukwuemeka Cameron and Carolyn ReidCameron, Quant is also asking for Bunting to be imprisoned for "unlawfully removing [him] from Jamaica, and refusing to account to the court for the reasons for his detention or his whereabouts".

The applicant argued that this "constitutes an 'enforced disappearance

the elder sister visited the Gran Couva Police Station last Friday morning. There, she spoke to female police officers about the two years of rapes she and her sisters endured at the hands of their step-

father.

According to the police report, the stepfather would often have sex with the minors at night while his common law wife slept.

(Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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Forum launched to promote Accused child killer business development in to undergo evaluation Guyana’s Rupununi district in Trinidad

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I

n an exciting new endeavour at the opening ceremony of this year’s Rupununi Expo in Lethem, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) used the opportunity to launch the Rupununi Stakeholder Business Forum on Sustainable Enterprise Development.

This inaugural event was jointly hosted by the RCCI and Conservation International (CI) Guyana.

In keeping with the theme for this year’s expo, “Fostering development through cooperation and partnership”, the forum on November 30 provided a unique opportunity for key local, regional and national actors and stakeholders to interact, network, and negotiate collaborative opportunities with each other.

The aim of the forum was to catalyse networking and collaboration towards integrated management of enterprises in the Rupununi, with the ultimate goal of developing a healthy sustainable economy in the region.

Recognising the importance of building strong alliances between the owners and users of natural resources in the Rupununi, the RCCI and CI Guyana, anticipate that partnerships formed through this medium, will lead to joint responsibilities for resource management and the creation of business networks that enable sustainable businesses to evolve in the region.

Building vital links

The forum will strengthen the links between community-based enterprises and oth-

Representatives from Neal and Massy in discussion with balata craft workers, Toshao Guy Fredricks and George Tancredo

er private sector firms, government agencies, service providers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Close to 80 participants attended from a variety of agriculture, tourism, handicraft, light manufacturing and financial/technical service provision backgrounds.

Representatives present from organisations such as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Neil & Massy, the Society for Sustainable Operational Strategies (SSOS), the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, as well as financial institutions such as the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), the Small Business Bureau (SBB), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Small Grants Programme (SGP) and the newlyopened Republic Bank, were able to hold discussions with individuals and groups from communities across the Rupununi who are cur-

rently engaged in community-based enterprise activities.

Ambitious

THAG President Kit Nascimento commended the initiative as an “ambitious and brave project”, taking the opportunity to draw attention to the range of skills and knowledge already in existence in the Rupununi, and the need to bring providers of resources and service agencies from the region and Georgetown, to work together with these “extraordinary people from the Rupununi”.

Peter Joseph, a selfemployed tour operator could hardly contain his enthusiasm after his dialogue with SBB representatives.

“This forum is a great first step for all the businesses in the region,” he said, adding “You could see how urgently it was needed when people started networking even before the official opening. It was interesting and interactive. I am looking forward to seeing it continue, bringing in more stakeholders, which will be better for the region and better for Guyana,” he stated.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

urious onlookers Monday threatened the life of Dwayne Lewis, the 28-year-old man charged with killing six-year-old Keyana Cumberbatch, as he left the Arima Magistrates Court en route to the St Ann’s Hospital where he is to undergo an evaluation.

The onlookers, of various ages, shouted abuses at Lewis and officers when he was being taken to and from court, asking that Lewis not be allowed to hide his face and that the officers display him for the public to see, all so that they could feed their curiosity to see the man accused of carrying out such an act on an innocent child. Officers also had to quell several situations in which it seemed the crowd was threatening to overwhelm the police and converge on Lewis as he was being taken to the police vehicle for transportation to St Ann’s.

Some of members of the public were heard threatening to castrate Lewis. One man had a glass bottle taken away from him by police, after he was heard saying he wanted to attack the accused and would surely be granted bail if he assaulted Lewis.

A woman was also stopped by a police sergeant when she attempted to get a closer view of Lewis with a glass bottle in her hand, while another was pushed to the ground by an officer while Lewis was being transported from the first vehicle he was put

Accused Dwayne Lewis is escorted to a police vehicle after appearing in the Arima Magistrates Court Monday for the murder of Keyana Cumberbatch. Lewis was remanded in custody to the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital for evaluation. (TT Guardian photo)

in, to another, as she attempted to get too close to the accused. “I want to bite up he like a dog,” one woman was heard shouting. Another woman said all she wanted was “one moment with him.”

Some of the onlookers were heard saying that Lewis, a security officer, did not deserve to live, especially while in prison since “is we feeding he.” “He don’t deserve to live,” one woman shouted with support from those around her.

Threats by prisoners

Earlier inside the courtroom, Lewis’ attorney Fareed Ali, told Senior Magistrate

Indrani Cedeno his client was threatened by other prisoners at the courthouse, with some throwing their food at him when he was placed in the holding cell.

Lewis is charged with killing Cumberbatch on a date unknown between November 24 and November 29.

Cumberbatch went missing from her Maloney Gardens, D’Abadie, home on November 25.

Her decomposing body was found in a barrel in her mother Simone Williams’ apartment three days later. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Grenada’s Parliamentarians to stop receiving constituency allowances

T

he Grenada government is moving to stop paying legislators a monthly allowance to assist with the operations of their constituencies.

Soon after it won the February 2013 general election, the New National party (NNP) of Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell announced it would provide EC$1,500 allowance to assist with the operations of constituency offices. This money was in addition to their monthly payment of EC$1,200.

But the minutes of the Standing Committee on Finance, which is chaired by Mitchell, indicates that “the key reason for the new arrangement was that no monies would be going through…the parliamentarians hands, which would be safeguarding the parliamentarians and all concerned.”

The minutes which were laid in Parliament earlier this week, also provide new guidelines as to the maximum fee for rental, payment to staff and oth-

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell

er supplies for the effective operations and functioning of the offices.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mitchell presented a national budget of EC$933.9 million, outlining a series of taxes, and stressing the need for a curtailment of government expenditure over the next 12 months. (Caribbean News)

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Guyana’s NIS investment in Berbice Bridge profitable – Dr Roger Luncheon

J

ust days after the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) accused the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) of making risky investments, board chairman, Dr Roger Luncheon said the scheme’s move to plug US$10 million into the Berbice River Bridge has proven to be profitable.

However, he did not disclose the financial returns the scheme has raked in since the operationalisation of the Berbice River Bridge in 2008.

“The scheme has benefited, the benefits have been to our expectation and I would utter without lack of any reservation and say that this investment in the Berbice

River Bridge has indeed been one of the better investments the scheme has made.”

APNU had also condemned the move by the scheme to pump approximately Gy$5.2 billion into CLICO. CLICO has been fully liquidated; however, the coalition said NIS is still without the Gy$5.2 billion it invested.

Dr Luncheon was optimistic that the money would be reinstated in the future. “We are awaiting, like many others, resolution of outstanding legal litigation to have our Gy$5 billion return to us. We are optimistic; primarily because a parliamentary resolution, a minister of finance and a president

have come out in the public domain and has made commitments that the scheme will never lose its Gy$5billion dollars,” he told media operatives recently.

Fallacious

Opposition Leader David Granger had opined that NIS was in a state of crisis. But like all other allegations, Dr Luncheon has refuted them. According to him, claims by the opposition that NIS is in a crisis are simply fallacious.

“The average stakeholder knows that NIS being in crisis is just fallacious. We do have problems…but to elevate it to the level of crisis, I think it is…downright uncharitable…”

When a company or

entity is approaching crisis stage or is in a state of crisis, there are often several indicators, Dr Luncheon said, noting that there are no such indicators emanating from NIS. “We pay over a billion dollars every month, in benefits, religiously without being harassed.

We routinely honour our statutory obligations…

I repeat, the National Insurance Scheme is not in crisis.”

But records indicate that the scheme had a deficit of Gy$371 million in 2011 while in 2012, a deficit of approximately Gy$474 million was recorded.

The figure is likely to climb by the end of 2013.

According to reports,

Canadian deportee remanded for narcotics charge in Guyana A Canadian deportee was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of

possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Gordon Allen, 48, entered a not guilty plea to the charge which read that on December 12 at

Orange Walk and Regent Street, he had in his possession 17 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

An unrepresented Allen told the court that

he lives on the streets and that he will soon be able to go to Canada again. Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to Court One for January 6, 2014.

contributions collected over the period January to August 2013 were approximately Gy$7.754 billion, while total expenditure over the same period was approximately Gy$9.120 billion.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

NIS Chairman in Guyana Dr Roger Luncheon

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Guyana’s Opposition has no case against Finance Minister over restoration of NCN, GINA funds – AG

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he threat by the political opposition to move to the courts, following the decision of Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh to approve monies for state entities National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA), may be in vain.

Clearing the air on the issue, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said that the budgets of the two entities which were cut to Gy$1 each by the parliamentary oppo-

sition were restored by his Cabinet colleague in accordance with the law.

“I suppose they can attempt to initiate proceedings they feel may be appropriate, but it will be unsuccessful.”

Nandlall said the same constitutional mechanism was used by the finance minister in 2012 after government was faced with same challenge by the opposition.

“The finance minister utilised the very mechanism and restored the monies which were cut,

Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

and presented the same Financial Statement of Excesses to the National

Assembly as is required of him by Article 318 of the Constitution.

“They would have some type of impact on the financial accounting record of the country and those who are trained in that area have to deal with that, but speaking as attorney general and as a lawyer, legally, the minister acted in compliance with the Constitution of Guyana, and lawfully,” he stated.

Last Thursday, minutes after joining with the Alliance For Change (AFC) to vote down the Gy$217.194 million in supplementary provisions for NCN and GINA,

the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it will take actions against the finance minister for “unconstitutional” spending.

In presenting Financial Paper Number One, statement of excess on the current and capital estimates totaling Gy$3.384 billion, the government sought the National Assembly’s approval for Gy$217.194 million expended on GINA and NCN under the Office of the President.

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Britain to assist Jamaica in monitoring deportees T

he government of Jamaica’s efforts to improve the monitoring and management of criminal deportees have been strengthened, under a Ja$48 million agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) government.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Major General (Retired) Stewart Saunders and British High Commissioner David Fitton, last week, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an 18-month project, aimed at boosting the capacity of the Deportee Monitoring Unit (DMU).

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry in Kingston.

The initiative,

which got underway in November, will provide for the training of key personnel, and provision of equipment such as computers, cameras, printers, servers, telephone handsets, cell phones and office furniture.

The objectives are to improve the systems of reception, processing and monitoring of deported migrants; and reduce the risk of recidivism through improved management and reintegration.

“With this project, we sincerely hope that we will be better able to execute processes relating to the rehabilitation of these individuals and most importantly, to protect the citizenry against deportees, who are likely to continue

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Major General (Retired) Stewart Saunders (centre); shakes hands with British High Commissioner David Fitton (right); and Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the crime, Carl Williams, after the signing of a MOU to strengthen monitoring and management of deportees. (JIS photo)

to cause harm within the society,” Major General Saunders said.

He added that there is a component of the programme to provide the deportees with life skills and other learning opportunities to ensure that they are properly reintegrated into the society.

“We are seeking to ensure that they are gainfully employed within the society, having been properly adjusted,” he stated.

High Commissioner Fitton said that the UK government has been working with Jamaica to return and resettle Jamaicans, who have overstayed their time in the UK and others who served criminal sentences. (JIS)

Eleven-year-old girl sent to women’s prison in Trinidad

T

rinidadian Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal is calling on the newly-formed Child Protection Task Force to investigate and consider the process by which children are transferred between the country’s official orphanages and industrial schools, through acts of indiscipline.

Last Thursday, Seetahal represented an 11-year-old girl, who lived at the St Dominic’s Children Home, in Belmont and was transferred to the Women’s Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca, for breaching the rules of the Belmontbased orphanage.

Seetahal told TT media Sunday that the transfer was ordered by a magistrate during a court appearance on December 5.

She explained that under the Children’s Act, which governs the process, children at the country’s two official or-

phanages-St Dominic’s and Tacarigua-based St Mary’s Children’s Home, who are accused of indiscipline are sent to the country’s only two industrial schools St Jude’s School for Girls, also in Belmont or to St Michael’s Home for Boys in Deigo Martin.

“I have been told that right now there are at least seven such children that are under 16, who are in the prison,” Seetahal said.

Through a habeas corpus writ, filed by Seetahal, last Thursday, the child was taken out of the prison and brought before Justice Joan Charles in the Portof-Spain High Court for a hearing. While addressing the court, Seetahal noted that the Children’s Act does not specify which rule at orphanages was an “offence,” which warranted transfer to an industrial school and the act does not provide that children be taken to

adult prison instead of to industrial schools.

After hearing submissions from Seetahal and Deputy Solicitor General Neil Byam, Charles ordered that the child be placed in the custody of a family friend, who the court deemed “fit” to take care of her before her next hearing before the magistrate in January.

Attorneys Ria Reyes and Cassandra Seetahal, also appeared for the child.

Seetahal described the current situation as untenable while stating that all four official institutions had been privately established.

She also questioned why the 17-member Task Force, did not include magistrates and legal professionals who deal mostly with juvenile cases, as they would be best suited to identify the problems with the existing children’s legislation and the proce-

dures related to it.

The task force, which is headed by Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, was established on December 1, by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in response to several murders of children in-

cluding that six-year-old Keyana Cumberbatch.

It has been mandated to complete and review all provisions, regulations, legislation, and public processes to protect children, make recommendations on spe-

cific risk areas which will require state interventions and make suggestions on early-warning systems that can be structured to detect children who live in risk situations. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

News week ending December 19, 2013

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ECLAC projects 4.6 per cent growth for Guyana next year

T

he Guyana economy is projected to grow by 4.6 per cent next year, a new report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has said. The report also said that economies of Latin America and the Caribbean will expand by 3.2 per cent in 2014, which is higher than the 2.6 per cent from the end of 2013.

In its annual report, ‘Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2013’, ECLAC points out that less buoyant external demand, greater international financial volatility and falling consumption were the factors determining the more modest economic performance of

countries in 2013, which brought down the three per cent estimate put forward by the commission in July.

The next year is expected to see a moderately more favourable external environment help boost external demand, and in turn the region’s exports. Private consumption will also continue to grow, although more slowly than in previous periods.

In the meantime, increasing investment in the region remains a challenge.

As she presented the report, ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena stated “The world economic situation in 2014 provides opportunities and threats for Latin America and the

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena

Caribbean.”

Opportunities

Bárcena said, “opportunities include increased international trade and the possibility of harnessing currency depreciations to ensure sustained changes in relative prices. This, along with industrial policies

to support growth, boost regional integration and help small and mediumsized enterprises, could help to increase investment in diversifying production in tradable goods and to reduce the region’s structural heterogeneity.”

The threats facing the region include ongoing volatility in the global economy and higher external financing costs, as well as a smaller contribution by consumption to GDP growth and a worsening regional current account.

According to ECLAC, regional growth in 2014 will be led by Panama (with seven per cent), followed by Bolivia (5.5 per cent), Peru (5.5 per cent), Nicaragua (five per cent), Dominican Republic (five per cent),

and Colombia, Haiti, Ecuador and Paraguay (all four with 4.5 per cent).

Recovery

Next year, the Caribbean will experience a recovery and post a figure of 2.1 per cent (following just 1.3 per cent growth in 2013).

The report stated that the main challenge facing Latin American and Caribbean governments is to drive through social covenants for investment to boost productivity and growth with equality.

These social covenants must have an institutional framework that provides certainty and clear rules, shortterm policies to provide nominal and real stability and long-term policies that encourage more diverse investment in trad-

able goods sectors.

According to ECLAC, in 2013 consumption made a smaller contribution to regional growth owing to a slowdown in the wage bill and credit.

The slightly higher contribution by investment and the smaller negative impact of net exports failed to offset reduced consumer buoyancy.

This year, regional growth was led by Paraguay (13 per cent), followed by Panama (7.5 per cent), Bolivia (6.4 per cent), Peru (5.2 per cent), Nicaragua (4.6 per cent), Uruguay (4.5 per cent), Argentina (4.5 per cent) and Chile (4.2 per cent).

In terms of the labour market, the unemployment rate remained more or less stable, going from 6.4 per cent in 2012 to 6.3 per cent in 2013.

PNM campaign in TT starts January 6

PNM vice-chairman Camille Robinson-Regis.

(TT Guardian photo)

R

ules for the People’s National Movement’s leadership election, currently in draft form, will be ready early in the new year and party campaigning for the internal election is expected to begin in the first week of January, PNM

vice-chairman Camille Robinson-Regis said Monday.

She made the comment in response to questions on why the rules were not presented at last Saturday’s general council meeting after chairman Franklin Khan said the rules would have been released then.

Robinson-Regis said the elections team, headed by Brigid AnnisetteGeorge, was far advanced on the task, though aspects of the rules still needed clearing up.

When completed it will be seen by the leadership and council, she added. She was reported last Sunday as saying the party was expected to begin campaign walk-

abouts for the internal poll from January 6.

PNM executive officials Monday said a draft schedule of constituency walkabouts by incumbent leader Dr Keith Rowley begins from that date and in places where Rowley had not been on walkabouts.

Tentative tour dates between January 6-14 are in Port-of-Spain South, Toco/Sangre Grande, D’abadie/O’Meara, San Fernando East and Diego Martin North/East.

Monday, Dr Bose Sharma, of the To Preserve the Balisier group, said since the rules—or any date for the internal poll—were not forthcoming as expected last Saturday, the

group would await that before announcing its challenger for the elections. Sharma added: “Since no arrangements were announced, there is no vacancy. Therefore it does not make sense to announce currently, because it may be seen by

some quarters as powergrabbing.”

Sharma said he was already being accused by some PNMites of “trying to split” the PNM, following statements about the group’s intended leadership challenger. “That indicates how removed

some are from PNM’s real situation,” he said.

He added: “No one wants to split the party. In fact, many want to broaden it and make it more open. A healthy, democratic leadership contest is a way towards that.” (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending December 19, 2013

Barbados to lay off 3000 public servants T

he head of the Barbados Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAB) says the Barbados government took too long to make up its decision regarding the dismissal of 3,000 public workers as it seeks to revive an ailing economy.

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Christopher Sinckler, announced early last week that the Freundel Stuartgovernment would trim the public service by as much as 3,000 and that government ministers,

government legislators as well as parliamentary secretaries and those considered to be a “political appointee”, would face a 10 per cent pay cut.

But ICAB president David Simpson told Barbadian media that apart from the retrenchments, the government would still have to outline a plan to stimulate foreign exchange earnings and improve the economy.

“I feel this is just the start. I don’t know what other successes they will

Barbados’ Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler (Nations file photo)

have in significantly cutting expenditure in other

areas. But unfortunately the highest level of government expenditure is in wages and salaries in central government and transfers and subsidies in statutory corporations, so it was inevitable that at some time that sector would have to be cut because of a lack of success in other areas,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, there is concern in Barbados that the labour unions, especially the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), have not made public statements re-

garding the pending dismissal of workers next year.

NUPW officials are reported to have met over the weekend to discuss the matter, but the officials remained silent on the position of the union.

Government officials said that the plan to cut public service jobs would result in savings as much as Bds$143 million and that the government had also agreed to institute a “strict programme of attrition” across the central public service, fill-

ing posts only where it is absolutely unavoidable, over the next five years, ending 2018-2019.

“This attrition is expected to reduce central government employment levels from approximately 16 970 to 14, 612 jobs– a projected loss of 2 358 posts; and savings of Bds$121 million. Over the current 19-month adjustment period, public sector employment will be reduced by an additional 501 jobs with a projected savings of Bds$26 million,” Sinckler said.

(Caribbean News)

Solar lights turned on at Caribbean’s first largest eco-park in Tobago

T

he Caricom region’s largest solar street lighting system has been turned on at the Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park at Lowlands, Tobago.

Secretary of Finance and Infrastructure Development in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Joel Jack, said the EcoIndustrial Development Company of Tobago (E-IDCOT) Limited, a THA company, under-

took a rigorous tendering and evaluation process leading to construction of the 79 lighting units along the various roads in the park.

The project was done in nine months at an approximate cost of TT$3.7 million and was completed on time and within budget by Active General Traders Limited of Carnbee, Tobago. Jack said cost was expected to be recovered within the next 5-7 years and

the units had an average “run-time” of four full days and were highly resistant to the potentially high winds and the marine environment at the park.

The commissioning ceremony for the system also marked the opening of E-IDCOT’s second factory shell, which was named after one of Tobago’s leading entrepreneurs Rufus T Phillips. Jack said the event underscored the

THA’s thrust to transform the Tobago economy, to promote private sector activity and improve the lives of Tobagonians through sustainable development.

“This flagship project epitomises the power, poise, perseverance and pride of the people of Tobago and the Assembly must be commended for its vision and determination to take Tobago to new heights,” he said.

The park consists of

400 acres of developed space owned and operated by Tobagonians, solely dedicated to honing entrepreneurial excellence on the island, improving the standard of living for all Tobagonians, and raising the island’s profile in this competitive global economic environment. He said E-IDCOT had a mandate to develop, manage and promote the requisite facilities for the continued growth and prosperity of local entre-

preneurs.

Cove is the island’s first industrial park, and it is also the nation’s first industrial park of an eco-friendly nature.

“Clean, green, safe and serene, the park represents the core principle of the Assembly’s development agenda which is not just to develop Tobago, but to maintain the island’s pristine nature in the most sustainable and progressive way,” Jack said. (TT Guardian)

Bustamante cardiac wing in Jamaica nears completion

J

amaica’s Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson has said that work on the multimillion-dollar cardiac wing at the Bustamante Hospital for Children is on track for a mid-February completion date.

The minister, who toured the facility, which is currently under construction, last Friday said that the state-ofthe-art facility will be the first of its kind in the region.

"We are proud that Jamaica will be leading the way in giving the

Bustamante Hospital for Children in Jamaica (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

highest level of care that skills and equipment can

provide," he stated.

The 30,000-square

foot facility will be the only paediatric cardiac centre in Latin America and the Caribbean, and will be able to accommodate 10 beds. The new wing has been made possible through a public-private partnership involving the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, National Health Fund, Digicel Jamaica Ltd, Sagicor Investments Ltd, and other private sector and non-government interests including Shaggy's Make a Difference Foundation.

It will be equipped with state-of-the-art operating theatres as well as offices, nurses' stations and a doctors' rest station.

Upon completion of construction, the hospital is expected to expand its programme of accepting patients from overseas.

It will also continue to benefit from training and expertise from Chain of Hope United Kingdom, where local doctors will benefit from the impartation of knowledge by the highly skilled Chain

of Hope team.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the project last February, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller had said that "our children constitute a special segment of the population. They deserve the best care and treatment as the health of our people represents the wealth of our nation".

Each year, up to 500 children are born with congenital heart disease, with about half of them requiring cardiac surgery. (Jamaica Observer)

Essequibians welcome new Gy$8.4 million health centre with doctor’s quarters

G

uyana’s Health Ministry recently commissioned a modern Gy$8.4 million health centre with a doctor’s living quarters at Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast.

Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud said the facilities were built following a request from residents, and government was honoured to fulfil their call.

Through the health centre, Persaud said residents of Good Hope and surrounding communities will have the services of a residential doctor.

Region Two has 20

The recently-commissioned health centre with attached doctor’s living quarters

doctors, most of whom have been trained in Cuba.

On that note, the minister lauded the government and people of Cuba

for their continued assistance in helping Guyana to develop its human re-

sources in the medical field.

Persaud said the government has invested heavily in the Region Two heath sector and is pleased with the gains made thus far.

To support his point, the minister pointed out that the government was able to raise the life expectancy in the region from 47 years 22 years ago, to 69 today, and is proud of this achievement.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud said the new health centre with a living quarters for a resident doctor is a testimony of the government’s

drive to improve quality and efficient health care to residents of the region.

Regional Health Officer Dr Allison Brown said the community was integrally involved in the project, and praised residents for their support.

Residents, who attended the commissioning, also expressed gratitude for the health centre and doctor in their community.

One resident, Sally Narine, said she is thankful for the good gesture as she would not have to travel to the Suddie Public Hospital to access health service.

News

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week ending December 19, 2013| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyanese eager for US$238 million investment

by Canada-based mining company

T

he Canada-based Guyana Goldfields has announced an investment of US$238 million in the Aurora Gold Project, the second largest investment in Guyana’s mining sector.

Speaking at a media briefing held by the company at the Guyana International Conference Centre last week, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said he looks forward for the pouring of the first gold bar in the first quarter of 2015 when the company begins large-scale production.

He noted that the experience, expertise and technologies, which the investors are bringing into the country, would have been difficult and

time-consuming to have been sourced locally.

Tremendous benefit

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud also welcomed the investment, which he said government fully supports. The need to keep all stakeholders was necessary, he noted to ensure “national buyin” and give them an opportunity to offer advice.

The project will bring tremendous benefits to the Guyanese people, he added.

He assured all stakeholders that Guyana Gold fields has undertaken a comprehensive environmental sensitivity index (ESI) and the necessary permits to ensure compliance

with local laws and international best practices. The move by the company’s management team to reduce the “carbon footprint” of the site’s mining plant from 2000 hectares to 1200 hectares is recognition that they are conscious of their responsibilities, the minister said.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Environmental Division will be upgrading their monitoring capability and enforcement capacity to manage and ensure compliance, Persaud added.

“It is an area in which we have commenced work, especially given that we are look-

Guyana’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

ing at a new type of mining technology that will be utilised, and to ensure that from an environmental standpoint we build that capacity.”

Record

Noting that gold dec-

laration has set another record in excess of 452,000 ounces versus a target of 451,000 ounces and the 438,000 ounces declared in 2012, the minister said that there is growth and further expansion in the sector.

He said that is it against this background that renewed and enhanced attention to environmental and social responsibility will be given.

The hope was expressed that the company would inspire and support others to pursue sound environmental practices. He added that a broadbased panel to examine various reform initiatives was needed.

The issue of diversification was also men-

tioned by Persaud, who said that as part of the process, creating an enabling environment to attract investments, whether local or foreign, was necessary. He added that it seems as if when every effort is made to attract some sort of investment to move development forward, there are elements in society who take it to mean there was a “sellout, buyout or give-out”.

The minister stressed that Guyana would not be able to develop if incentives, in various forms, are not offered to enable the environment to attract potential investments that would enhance the nation’s development. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

PM Kamla lauded for taking Opposition leader to South Africa

A

n independent poll conducted by pollster Vishnu Bisram has showed unanimous support for Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for inviting Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to the funeral of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Persad-Bissessar was also applauded for choosing Rowley to accompany her to the funeral.

However, there were a few critics who felt that Persad-Bissessar should not have taken anyone from the Opposition to South Africa, stating that when the People’s National Movement was in power, they were never so kind to the extend the same invitation to the Opposition.

“It is hard to think of any opposition leader who accompanied their PM as part of an official delegation to other state

functions,” Bisram stated in a release Saturday.

Bisram noted that in fellow Caricom countries, the Opposition was not invited to attend the funeral rites for Mandela. “The President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, was criticised by the Opposition for not inviting Opposition Leader David Granger to accompany him to Mandela’s funeral. So Kamla’s invitation to Rowley was seen as a most magnanimous

‘Buy Bajan’ campaign gains momentum

B

arbadians appear to be heeding the calls to buy local and save jobs, according to President of the Barbados Manufacturers Association (BMA) Karlene Nicholls.

In an interview with Barbadian media Monday, Nicholls said “We have also seen changes in local attitudes towards buying local which is a testament to the impact of our ‘Buy Bajan campaign’.”

“Every time you purchase an item that is Barbadian produced, you are saving jobs, and that is the message we want to send out to the wider public. From the reports we have received, it is gaining ground and we are seeing actual success,” she stressed.

She noted that linkages are important to the sectors’ growth such as partnership with the BIDC, BAS and Intimate Hotel of Barbados.

“We will continue exposure for manufactures and producers inward such as the BMA bringing buyers into Barbados, creating more opportunities for the sec-

President of the Barbados Manufactures Association (BMA) Karlene Nicholls (Barbados Advocate photo)

tor and outward missions such as BMEX, which continues to be the singular most important expo for the sector’s exposure to local and international buyers.”

Nicholls indicated too that the entire world is going through a recession and that there will be some companies that will not make it while others will thrive. She explained that will be so because the ones expecting to survive will do what is necessary.

While the awareness of the state of the economy is acute, she has however advised businesses

to look at the positives and develop those areas where Barbados has some strengths, streamline those practices that need change, and continue the lobbying of buying local at the fore front.

Meanwhile, she observed some strides in the manufacturing sector.

“There are a lot of positives in the (manufacturing) sector, more young people are getting into manufacturing and we have seen steady improvements in marketing, labelling, and presentation of products,” Nicholls said.

“More companies are becoming export ready and we also see that small and medium sized businesses are breaking into export markets.”

The BMA President said that while Barbados is a high cost location overall, it still has to find ways to be competitive, even if it means initially “that we go with a lower margin so that we have increase turnover in volumes to get entry in those markets.” (Excerpted from Barbados Advocate)

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley speaking to members of the press in Pretoria, South Africa, moments before viewing Nelson Mandela's body. (Kamla Persad-Bissessar FB photo)

gesture, because opposition personalities in third world countries normally do not go along with government members on official visits,” Bisram explained.

Several voters, Bisram said, approved of Persad-Bissessar’s gesture. Bisram said peo-

ple also praised the Opposition for not objecting to the arrangements made by PersadBissessar to invite the media, officials, as well as inviting Caricom heads to travel on a chartered TT aircraft. Voters pointed out that this was a first for TT, where the PM and

Opposition leader worked together amicably.

Bisram stated that people were pleased that the death of Mandela has brought two opposing leaders together and urged them to collaborate more, especially on political, economic and social issues. (TT Guardian)

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Diaspora could play larger role in Caribbean development - World Bank study

A

new study by the Washington-based World Bank says the Diaspora could play an even larger role in contributing to the Caribbean’s development with the “right incentives and policies”.

The study titled “Diaspora Investing: The Business and Investment Interests of the Caribbean abroad” was conducted by infoDev, a global innovation programme at the World Bank.

The international financial institution said the assessment brought together knowledge and data gathered from over 850 self-identified members of the Caribbean Diaspora, and sheds light on their characteristics and investment interests.

It said the Caribbean Diaspora was already “significantly engaged in the region,” with some 70 per cent being formal or informally affiliated to organizations in their home countries.

The Word Bank said half of those surveyed send remittances and 85 per cent give back to the Caribbean either through financial help, or other support in kind.

Moreover, it said nine out of 10 would like to be even more engaged in the future, potentially as investors.

“With nearly one Diaspora member living in North America or Europe for every resident still in the region, this ability to engage represents a significant untapped potential,” the World Bank said.

“There is also a growing community of angel investors among the Diaspora that are already actively involved both where they live and back home,” it said, adding that about 23 per cent of respondents have already invested in a start-up company of some sort in the Caribbean region.

Looking forward, the World Bank said investors have expressed strong interest in fi-

The World Bank says the Caribbean Diaspora was already “significantly engaged in the region,” with some 70 per cent being formal or informally affiliated to organizations in their home countries.

nancing sectors, with high development potential for the region, such as green energy, mobile applications, education, and agribusiness.

Challenges

But the bank said challenges remain, stating that the gap

between real engagement and expressed interest “remains significant”.

For instance, the World Bank said while 85 per cent of Diaspora members would be interested in investing in a business back home, only 13 per cent of respondents currently do so.

“The biggest barrier we found was visibility,” said Qahir Dhanani, author of the report.

“The money is out there, but there is a lack of awareness of investment opportunities, including what deals are there, what deals are high quality, and which entrepreneurs are receptive to angel investing,” he added.

The report also highlights bureaucracy, associated with making such investments, and weak legal enforcement as key barriers.

The study found that the patchwork of regulations among different countries

Improved sewage facilities for Portmore in Ja$2.3 billion project

M

ore than 200,000 residents across the Portmore municipality in Jamaica are expected to benefit from improved sewage fa-

The plants at Independence City, Bridgeport, Hamilton Gardens, Portmore Villas, and Caymanas Gardens, which receive a combined flow of just

in New Kingston, portfolio minister, Robert Pickersgill, said that the project is being funded from proceeds under the National Water Commission's

Over 200,000 residents across the Portmore municipality in Jamaica would benefit from improved sewage facilities. (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

cilities, as work gets underway on the approximately Ja$2.3 billion Portmore Sewage Project.

The works, to be undertaken by contractors, Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Limited, over a 45-month period, involves the decommissioning of the five existing wastewater treatment plants, which are in an advanced state of disrepair.

over 18,200 cubic metres per day, will be converted into transfer pumping stations for the delivery of effluent to the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant in St Catherine, which has the capacity to treat some 75,000 cubic metres of sewage per day.

Speaking at the contract signing last Thursday, at the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change,

(NWC) K-Factor programme.

He informed that the design and construction of aspects of the project should take approximately 24 months, while the duration for the completion of the engineering designs is three to four months, after which, material costs and construction should take between 18 and 20 months.

The minister pointed out that following this period, the contractor

will be required to operate and maintain the reconfigured system for a further 24 months.

Pickersgill said that upon completion, the project will yield returns through savings generated by consolidating sewage treatment operations from the existing five plants to Soapberry.

Acting president of the NWC, Mark Barnett, said that the Portmore sewage investment is one of several slated to be implemented with funds from the K-Factor charges on customers' bills.

Acting deputy mayor of Portmore, Alrick Campbell, expressed gratitude to the government for the vision to undertake such an important project.

"We thank you for considering the plight of the people of Portmore and anticipate that the works will be done in good time and that the people will benefit from the development," he said.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Arnaldo Brown, said that the Soapberry project will go to the heart of solving the current issues related to the disposal and treatment of sewage in the municipality.

makes it difficult to unlock the latent demand for regionallyfocused investments among the Diaspora.

According to the World Bank, the study provides other recommendations for interventions that are designed for the Caribbean as a whole.

It said chief among these is the creation of an online marketplace that connects Diaspora investors with opportunities back home.

“Such an approach would capitalize on the geographically dispersed nature of Diaspora populations, the increasing use of the Internet for social networking and investing, and the nascent but growing crowdfunding sector,” the World Bank said.

Other recommendations included targeted capacity building for both entrepreneurs and angel investors, and the strengthening of existing angel investing networks.

(Caribbean News)

Guyana’s divisional police commander Derrick Josiah dies

T

Commander Derrick Josiah died last Friday (Guyana Times file photo)

he Guyana Police Force plunged into mourning following the sudden demise of Assistant Police Commissioner and A Division Commander Derrick Josiah, who took his last breath last Friday at the Woodlands Hospital, in Georgetown.

The circumstances surrounding his death are still not clear, but according to the private hospital, he suffered a heart attack about 15:30h and could not have been resuscitated.

According to reports, Josiah was taken to the hospital for a schedule routine check-up and suffered a seizure while being looked at by the doctor.

Described as a stalwart in the force, Josiah

was involved in an accident about three weeks ago after his car slammed into a utility police at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

After sustaining a fractured left shoulder, he was required to attend the Woodlands Hospital for a check-up on a weekly basis.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell said that the sudden passing of “Josh” came as a shock and will definitely leave a dent in his heart and more so, a void in the police force. He described Josiah as a man of principle and dignity.

Up to the time of Josiah’s death, Brumell was in charge of A Division. He also served as commander of B and C divisions. (Guyana Times)

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Captain Gerry Gouveia treats visuallyimpaired Guyanese army veterans

I

n keeping with the spirit of the festive season, prominent Guyanese businessman Captain Gerry Gouveia last Thursday hosted a reception to honour the visually-impaired veterans of the Ex-Guyana Defence Force Association at the Roraima Duke Lodge,

Kingston, Georgetown.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-ofStaff Brigadier Mark Philips, who attended the occasion, commended Gouveia for his continued commitment to the veterans.

“The person who is responsible for this is none other than our very own

Captain Gerry Gouveia, who over the years has contributed significantly to the Guyana Defence Force. I want to thank him and his company for what they are doing today for the veterans.”

Phillips also received a copy of the aviation stamp featuring Captain Debra Gouveia from the

Retired army veterans toast each other at the luncheon hosted by the prominent businessman, at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown last Thursday

first batch printed in Guyana.

Gouveia said he felt the need to honour the former officers as they have served Guyana faithfully.

“I served alongside many of these veterans here today, and flying them in and out of the various regions of Guyana, and seeing them at our borders, made me sad.

These men and women are away from their families, on weekends and holidays, serving Guyana and I think they should be rewarded for their years of service to Guyana. For all the work of these officers, money couldn’t pay for what they are doing.”

Gouveia said the government of Guyana should establish a policy to honour veterans for their unstinting service to the country.

Captain Gerry Gouveia interacting with some of the veterans

The Ex-Guyana Defence Force Association was established in 2008 with the aim of taking care of veterans who would have been indigent, sick and disable.

The organisation

is headquartered in Georgetown with branches in Berbice and Linden.

The association receives a monthly cheque of Gy$10,000 from the Roraima Group of Companies.

(Guyana Times)

Three brothers graduate from Jamaica’s police academy, create history

Jamaica’s Minister of National Security Peter Bunting (right) pose with brothers (l-r) Damion Anderson, Carlton Williams and Javel Valentine, who created history for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and their mother Angela Valentine at Twickenham Park, St Catherine last Friday. (Photo: CCN)

T

hree Jamaican brothers, Damion Anderson, Carlton Williams and Javel Valentine, created history for the Jamaica Constabulary Force last Friday, when they applied, trained and graduated together in the all-male batch of student constables from the Jamaica Police Academy.

A release from the Constabulary Communication Network said on Saturday that it is the first time in the history of the police force that three siblings have successfully completed the training to become police constables in the same batch.

The brothers, who are all in their 20s, were a part of the 214 student constables of Batch 106, who graduated from the National Police College in Twickenham Park, St Catherine last Friday.

The brothers, who have four other siblings, are from Clarendon and are said to have

seen the JCF as an avenue through which they could achieve their goals and realise their potential, while also being able to provide support for their mother and other siblings.

Their mother, Angela Valentine, was on hand to support them at the ceremony.

Jamaica’s Minister of National Security Peter Bunting praised Valentine for allowing her sons to serve the country in a time when murders are on the rise and other young men are being recruited into criminal gangs. He also thanked her for making the sacrifice for her children, so that they were able to complete training.

The release said the brothers, along with their batchmates, will be deployed, almost immediately, to bolster the police’s operational capabilities for the Yuletide season.

(Jamaica Observer)

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week ending December 19, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

N

ot forgetting where she came from, Canadianbased Guyanese Subrina Mohamed-Puran’s aim is to give back to her homeland.

Through her ‘We Care, We Can Foundation’, the humanitarian donates much needed necessities to numerous orphanages and families, putting a smile on their faces.

In an interview with Guyanese media, Subrina stated that her charity work started over two years ago when she came to Guyana to get married. She approached one of her friends in Guyana to help her raise funds to give back to the needy. Via the fundraiser, Subrina was able to supply three orphanages across Guyana with much needed necessities, and her charity efforts grew from that.

Her foundation, We Care, We Can Foundation, stemmed from a food drive initiative she was part of with

Subrina (right) packing boxes filled with toys

Youth Media Guyana.

Subrina saw how effective volunteerism proved to be in helping the needy and it stuck with her.

Subrina and her team help orphanages across the country---about 14 of them, which are fully registered.

Support

“Guyana is my home.

Plenty of toys to be distributed

The Canadian culture of always giving back is instilled in me. Giving back started off as a hobby and is becoming a career actually. In Guyana, I gathered some of my friends who willingly joined in giving back to our communities.

I now have a group of five, all Guyanese, including myself. In a week’s planning we had helped more than seven orphanages and from that our efforts expanded.

Some of my team members have notable jobs in Guyana and it is commendable that they are taking the time to give back to their communities,” she noted.

The philanthropist mentioned she is always researching orphanages and groups that require help.

Through social networks such as Facebook, Subrina searches for individuals or organisations she can reach out to-either to help them or to encourage persons to donate to her charity work.

Recently, Subrina donated bags of toys to the Step by Step Foundation, a school for children with autism, spreading the Christmas cheer with the children.

Additionally, she donated bags of foodstuff and toys to the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, which is a regular feature of her visits to Guyana. She has also donated bags of school supplies to the Child Care Protection Agency and groceries to Help and Shelter.

Christmas toy drive Through

Facebook,

according to Subrina, she can connect to businesses and overseasbased Guyanese who are willing to help donate to her charity. She said her team acts as the “middle man”, donating on behalf of those individuals.

Guyanese in Canada and as far as Germany, she revealed, have donated to the foundation’s work and have expressed their joy in giving back to their country.

Charity work and volunteerism is not new to Subrina. In Canada, she has been volunteering for more than 10 years with international companies and high profile events.

Currently, Subrina is working with the Volunteer Youth Corp which is trying to get 500 toys for 500 children in the Sophia area.

“So far I have gathered toys for about 200 children and I’m researching online on how we can get more. VYC’s event is on December 21 and I’m encouraging all those who can donate to please do so,” Subrina encouraged.

Visit We Care, We Can Foundation Facebook page or email Subrina at subrina_mohamed@hotmail.com for more information. (Excerpted from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Receiving a big hug from a student at Step by Step Foundation

Trini sails around world in nine years

P

ouring rain was probably not what Vidya JeremiahPettersson, who claimed to be the second-ever Trinidadian woman to circumnavigate the globe by sea, envisaged arriving back to in the land of her birth, but that’s what she got.

Landing just after 10 am Saturday and greeted by her brother, Shiva, uncle Steve and nephew Ravi, she walked ashore at the quay at Coral Cove, looking positively buoyant despite it being her first encounter with dry land for 21 days.

The final stint of her nine-year voyage with Swedish husband Kenneth Pettersson had taken them from Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa, across the Atlantic until they eventually sighted TT and the marina in

Chaguaramas where the couple first met.

The couple followed the path of Harold La Borde, who in 1969 to 1973, circumnavigated the world in his 40-foot ketch, Hummingbird II. He was accompanied by his wife, Kwailan, and his five-year-old son Pierre. Harold and Kwailan were awarded the nation’s highest honour—the Trinity Cross in 1973.

Back in January 1999, Jeremiah-Pettersson was working as a manager in the office at Coral Cove marina when Kenneth arrived on his boat. He had landed in the Caribbean after one of his eight trans-Atlantic voyages, four of which he sailed solo. After sailing back to Sweden he returned again in 2001. “I think it was his intention to find me again,” Vidya

Vidya Jeremiah-Pettersson, who claims she is the second Trinidadian woman to have circumnavigated the globe by sea, stands on her boat, El Cordero, at Coral Cove Marina, Chaguaramas, Saturday. (TT Guardian photo)

said, beaming. Before meeting Kenneth she had never sailed before.

“He built the boat himself. You could say he’s a sailing freak,” she said.

The boat, named El Cordero (or lamb in Spanish), looks small and cosy and is adaptable enough to cope with the open seas as well as the tight canals and waterways of mainland Europe, which must be navigated on the route they took. Pettersson described the boat as “an old-fashioned Swedish design, a long-keeled boat. It’s not fast.”

The story began for Vidya back in 2004 when the couple set sail from Trinidad, but for Kenneth it began long before, when he was a little boy growing up in the old fishing port of Skanör, reading about sailing voyages.

The journey has taken nine years and Jeremiah-Pettersson listed the route which took in countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, the Panama Canal, Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Suvaru, Tonga, Fiji “where we spent the hurricane season, six months, wonderful island,” she added, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt and through the Suez Canal across the Mediterranean to France.

They funded the trip along the way by building boats.

Now they plan to stay in TT for a while, and definitely for the Christmas period. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

week ending December 19, 2013

Canadian Brothers introduces Smart Homes to Jamaica C

anadian Brothers Development Limited has brought to market its first set of smart homes in St Catherine, Jamaica, in a complex called Royal Plantation Estate.

Built on a roughly half-acre property, the development to be finalised in January was pursued in collaboration with the Plantation Heights developer, said managing director at Canadian Brothers, Cameron Mitchell.

The smart home development adjoins the Plantation Heights property to the east and is on Molynes Mountains, the developer said.

Seven of the nine smart units have been listed at US$196,000 (Ja$20 million) to US$219,000 (Ja$22.4 million) for one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

A second set of threebedroom units to be sold for US$230,000 to US$324,000, will also be constructed.

Mitchell said the lands were bought for Ja$25 million, and that Ja$121 million was invested in the development to bring the units to

market. Construction began in February 2012.

"So far the project has been funded by just us but we will partner with National Commercial Bank (NCB) to build the second building," said Mitchell. NCB will provide Ja$60 million in loans for the completion of the project, the developer said.

The first building is a three-story complex with seven two-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom townhouses. That building is complete, and construction of the second building, which will feature four three-bedroom units, is underway, he said.

ed to create enhanced security, ease of access and convenience.

The developers are "hoping the homes will sell fast".

For young professionals

Unique style

Each floor of the first building is said to have its own style and quality of finish. The doors don't have traditional keylocks, but are electronically controlled.

The smart homes are plugged into the Internet, "So you can basically operate your television, microwave, fridge, stove, just about everything electronic from you android phone or your computer at your office," said the developer.

Interior of a finished Royal Plantation Estate home in Jamaica. (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

"If you want to open the door for your helper or turn off your lights, you can set up your system in which a special code is entered," he said.

"You can set it up on your keypad console so you know whether your children arrive home on

A

fter 16 years of taking place at universities across the United States and happening for the first time earlier this year in London, an acclaimed intensive workshop for literary writers will see its first occurrence in the Caribbean.

The inaugural Caribbean-based Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop will run for one week, May 18-24, 2014, in Barbados at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies.

It will be hosted by the Department of Language, Linguistics and Literature and is free and open to emerging writers of poetry or prose throughout the region. They will have to go through an application and selection process. The deadline for applications is February 14.

The workshop will be led by awardwinning U.S. poet and professor Gregory Pardlo and Ethiopia-born, U.S.-based author Maaza Mengiste.

The workshop is one of multiple initiatives run by Callaloo, a 37-year-old U.S.-based literary journal, to develop and promote the work of writers of African-descent. The journal, based at Texas A&M University and published

by Johns Hopkins University Press, also organises conferences, retreats and readings.

Before the workshop’s founding in 1997, Callaloo founder and editor English professor Charles H Rowell told an interviewer it was to aid “the numerous young black writers out there who, with some assistance from working poets and fiction writers, would no doubt become publishable writers if they had some instructions on how to develop their writing skills.

“I am convinced that to affect the

time or leave the home without permission. You get an email indicating who has entered the home and at what time," he said.

Brian Yap of Green Concepts did the technology design of the homes using the Control4 home

automation system, with Flow Jamaica as the Internet partner.

Control4 allows technological products and systems within a home as well as gadgets such as iPads, iPhones and Android smartphones and tablets to be integrat-

Other homes on the market in Kingston without the smart home features are selling at similar prices, he said.

Royal Plantation Estate is targeted at young professionals "who really like that exciting life", said Mitchell, as well as small families, empty nesters and retirees, the company said.

Prices are subject to escalation "based on the movement of the dollar", but are fixed at the point when buyers sign a commitment letter.

"So far we have three commitments for both the three-bedrooms and the penthouse," he said.

"I believe that Jamaica should have access to such housing concepts irrespective of being a Third World country.

If we can have access to cable television and Internet, why not this kind of technology and style of living?" Mitchell reasoned.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

F

Gregory Pardlo, U.S. poet and professor, will be one of the leaders of the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop.

future of our literature in another profound, positive way, we must immediately address the aesthetic needs of our developing writers,” he said.

Writer Gina Mariela Rodríguez, a mother and wife from Rhode Island, attended the workshop earlier this year, at Brown University, also co-facilitated by Mengiste. She blogged about the tough love approach taken by her instructors.

Participants were told among other things: “We’re are about to kill your darlings—all those sentences or paragraphs you love but don’t work—we’re about to kill them. Don’t take it personally. We don’t know you enough to love or hate you. All we care about is the work.”

Rodriguez said she relished the experience.

“I mean, really, how often does anyone get an intimate, rigorous writing environment of people of colour almost literally come to your door?” she wrote.

(TT Guardian)

resh from her inspirational drama, ‘God's Way II’, Jamaican playwright Dahlia Harris is ready to premiere her new play, ‘To The Finish Line’, on Boxing Day. It opens at the Pantry Playhouse in New Kingston.

‘To The Finish Line’ is based on the messy drug situations some of Jamaica's top athletes were involved this year. Three of them (sprinters Veronica Campbell-Brown, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson) tested positive for banned substances, while in November the government-appointed Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission resigned en bloc.

Harris, a former sportscaster, created the character Victoria Speid, a talented high school sprinter from rural Jamaica, whose exploits catapulted her to national fame.

However, when the small-town girl is pressured by her ambitious father and mentor to perform, there is temptation to enhance her natural ability.

"The choice to stay clean isn't only about what happens on the track but is often driven by more personal demands," said Harris, who will also direct ‘To The Finish Line’.

She says the play addresses drugs in sport in a way never seen before.

"It exposes a personal side of the sport rarely seen and often under-appreciated. Victoria faces many challenges, but the way she navigates them to an inspiring outcome will underscore the idea that being a winner simply means being the best that you can be," she said.

Having worked as a producer at the

Jamaican playwright Dahlia Harris

Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation and RJR Communications Group, Harris covered several major events and interviewed a number of local and international stars.

She has also done well in theatre, winning an Actor Boy Award for her plays ‘God's Way’ and ‘God's Way II’ in 2011 and 2012, respectively. She collected the award for Best Supporting Role in 2005, and two years later, she won the Best Actress in a Lead Role.

Harris was appointed principal director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture in November.

‘To The Finish Line’'s cast includes Nadean Rawlins who has appeared in ‘Annie Palmer’, ‘Against His Will’ and ‘God's Way I and II’; Christopher McFarlane, whose credits include ‘Judgment’, ‘Jamaica 2 Rahtid’ and ‘Ghett A' Life’; Jerry Benzwick and Julene Robinson. (Jamaica Observer)

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week ending December 19, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Simply the Truth On Nelson Mandela

By Professor Daizal Samad

T

he passing of Nelson Mandela makes the world a poorer place. South Africa is poorer, Africa is poorer, and every citizen of this planet is poorer.

But if we begin in our own individual lives to live as he lived, then we will begin again to enrich ourselves and the countries and the world in which we live. This is the way to keep Mandela alive. We need not go through decades in prison to learn.

We do not need to assist in the dismantling of a system as cruel as apartheid to do this. We need not be president or prime minister of our respective countries.

We simply need to look at, and emulate, the simple decency of the man. That decency was shown in several ways. His gentle manner of talking. The passion of his belief was such that he did not need to be strident nor loud nor aggressive.

When we lack substance, we run to adjectives and we make noise.

Mandela had substance.

His calmness under pressure never failed. He was intense in his belief in justice, but that intensity never boiled over as poisonous anger. Mandela never exaggerated.

The decency came out in the grace of the man! He gave to all people with grace, and he accepted their adoration with a kind of bashful grace. He spoke with grace and listened with grace.

Mandela was loath to speak ill of anyone, even his political adversaries.

Men like F W De Klerk.

He disagreed with Thabo Mbeki who succeeded him, but nary an ill word in public.

He showed that one may disagree with another without resorting to crudeness.

And Mandela laughed.

He smiled. He joked and had others laughing. And the laughter had that element of youthful innocence and bashfulness that is always to be found in the wise and the humble. But most of all, the humour was turned on himself.

This great gift at being able to laugh at oneself.

Mandela’s lesson: take the work seriously; take yourself much less so.

Like all the greats before him, Mandela taught without seeming to teach.

Mandela did not need a classroom. He did not proclaim his degrees. Much like the poet, Wong PhuiNam, Mandela corroded ego to a papery frailty.

One just never really knew how much the man knew, did not know the depth of the gentleness nor wisdom through his proclamation of these things. One felt it though.

Dr Walter Sisulu, Mandela’s late good old friend who spent a little longer in jail than did Mandela, said to a small group of three of us: “Mandela is humble.

He never felt comfortable in ceremonies, nor in board rooms. He is honourable.”

The things we can learn from this great man!

Grace, respect, humility, humour, intensity without loudness, correctness without rancour, and honour!

The great Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu (about 320BC; formal name: Taishang Laojun; mentor of Confucius) said thus: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” The Nazarene knew this. Thus, he had both strength and courage.

Henry David Theroux knew this. Mahatma Ghandi knew this from both. Mandela learned, as did Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Mohamed Ali. Mother Theresa and Mary Woolstonecraft knew. A long lineage of goodness and honour, strength and courage.

We do not need microphones and pre-recorded music to know what they knew; we need not classroom walls to learn what they teach. We need not jump and scream for the heavens to hear us. The heavens themselves hear us in the pulses of our hearts. It is up to us to listen to our own heart beating, behold our own goodness.

In the end, I may tell my Beloved that I need and wish to be needed, to love and be loved.

I pray that Mandela is taken up and warmed in the cool blue flame of the Lord himself. Surely, he sits on the right hand of God with that smile of his.

And all the children of this Republic of Guyana should shed a gentle and quiet tear upon our cheeks.

Such tears will surely bring good things upon us all.

The world is poorer for the passing of Mandela.

The world would be replenished if we followed his example.

Seasoned Guyanese diplomat, Dr Odeen Ishmael

V

eteran Guyanese diplomat and author Dr Odeen Ishmael’s contribution to international diplomacy and South American history comes in the form of a book on the GuyanaVenezuela border issue that started in 1840.

Guyana today is much less powerful than its neighbour Venezuela, but not at the time of the boundary dispute. Guyana was then British Guiana, a colonial territory of Great Britain.

In ‘The Trail of Diplomacy,’ Ishmael shows the behind-thescenes diplomatic negotiations, the historical thrill of official documents and how they translate into history, and even intrigue on the international level, one that involved not only Venezuela, Guyana and Great Britain, but also the United States during the then penultimate arbitration in

1899.

‘The Trail of Diplomacy: The Guyana-Venezuela Border Issue’, the first volume of a three-part documentary of the GuyanaVenezuela border issue, gives a general overview of the early history of the colonisation of the Essequibo region forming the large western part of Guyana. It presents the background to the origin of the territorial dispute, which developed from 1840, and examines the opposing views of proposed boundary lines and the long trail of diplomatic exchanges between Venezuela and Great Britain.

It concludes with the involvement of the United States in support of Venezuela, eventually leading to the international arbitration for a “full, perfect, and final settlement” and the arbitral award which delineated the territorial boundary in 1899.

Ishmael’s book shows that history is an exciting and thrilling process as supported by diplomatic minutes. The trail of diplomacy is interwoven with the trail of espionage and international intrigue, and the trail of war and violence.

In the boundary dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, it is “The Trail of Diplomacy” that prevails over sensitive events that continue to define a significant part of South America.

Dr Ishmael, a widely published author, is cur-

rently Guyana’s ambassador to Kuwait and Qatar. He previously served as ambassador to Venezuela (2003-2011) and to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States (1993-2003). He has written extensively on Guyanese history, education, and culture and is internationally recognised as a premier analyst and commentator on the political integration movement in South America. In 1997, Guyana decorated him with the Cacique Crown of Honour for his diplomatic work, and in 2002, in the United States, he was honoured with the Martin Luther King Legacy Award for international service.

(Caribbean News)

Jamaica begins language skills training programme for tourism workers

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill (right), discusses the importance of foreign language skills for front-line tourism workers with Lloyd Pusey (centre) president of JUTA Negril, and Dr Dale Foster, managing director of Omega Medical Services. (Jamaica Observer photo)

I

n a bid to better accommodate visitors from nonEnglish speaking countries, Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and its agency, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), recently launched the Russian and Spanish language skills training programme for tourism workers at the Couples Swept Away Resort in

Negril.

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill officially launched the programme, which he said is a big boost to the industry as front-line service providers will be better equipped to deal with visitors from new and emerging markets.

“We are confident that this programme will greatly enhance our tourism product by

making our workers more sensitive to the needs of our guests who speak foreign languages," Dr McNeill said.

He said the programme will equip the participants with basic communication skills that will enhance customer satisfaction levels and ensure repeat guests.

The target groups for the language training programmes are

front-line workers in the tourism sector, including immigration and customs officers; red cap porters; taxi and bus operators; craft vendors, workers in hotel and attractions, and Jamaica Tourist Board personnel.

"It is incumbent on us to prepare our tourism workers to make our visitors feel comfortable while they are here and interacting with Jamaicans who speak their language is one sure way of doing so," Dr McNeill added.

The minister said the Ja$3 million that the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has allocated for this programme is money well spent as Russia, Spain and Latin America are potentially rich source markets for Jamaica, and are currently being targeted to significantly boost Jamaica’s market diversification drive in order to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

(Jamaica Observer)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending December 19, 2013

New Perspectives - the journey of a one-eyed otter from Rupununi to Florida came and the river came up about twenty feet.

Buddy became disoriented because the sandbank was gone and the steps that he was accustomed to going up and down at a great speed to the sandbank disappeared under water. Diane relented,” Salvador recollected.

A few weeks later, a charter flight landed at Karanambu and a crate was loaded with Buddy and Talia–a volunteer who had become very close to all of the otters.

After 48 hours of travelling, Buddy finally arrived in Jacksonville.

T

Buddy in his habitat at Jacksonville Zoo created just like the one at Karanambu

he story of Buddy, a blind otter who once lived at Karanambu Lodge in the Rupununi, Guyana, is one from tragedy to happiness for both the otter and his caregiver.

In an interview with Guyanese media, Salvador de Caires, who was born and raised in Georgetown, related his unforgettable experience with the loving otter.

Salvador first met Buddy on the Rupununi River sandbank at Karanambu.

Salvador has known Diane McTurk for years.

Diane has, for years, been executive director of the lodge which this year won the Caribbean Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award. Over the past 20 years or so, Diane has cared for more than 50 orphaned giant river otters at Karanambu–the majority of which have successfully been returned to the wild.

“My wife and I came to Guyana, after living overseas for a number of years, in January of 2010 with the intention of investigating the possibility of moving home to Guyana. We went to Karanambu to visit Diane for 10 days and ended up staying for three months.

When we finally returned to the U.S., it was only two weeks before Diane called us on Skype and asked us to make her home our home. It took us five minutes to agree. We returned to Karanambu as the managers of Karanambu Lodge Inc. That was four years ago,” he recalled.

When Salvador and his wife arrived at Karanambu, they saw

Buddy who was just a teenager. Salvador described Buddy as “very inquisitive and friendly”.

Buddy had lost his sight in an accident when

have been just a matter of time before a caiman got him. It was a question of quality of life over safety. But Diane still would not agree to

Playing in the water at Jacksonville

he was much younger.

Taking Buddy to the sandbank twice a day for at least two hours each time, Salvador got to see what he could do, and was amazed. Not having sight in the murky river waters was not an obstacle to catching fish.

But, because of his blindness, Buddy required special attention; he would not have survived very long in the wild.

send Buddy to a zoo. I tried to tell her that this would be his only chance to mate. She wavered; and then the wet season

New life

Salvador said the experts checked his eyes, but unfortunately nothing could be done. He had a few parasites and was kept in quarantine until he had adjusted.

At Jacksonville Zoo, a complete habitat based on Karanambu was designed.

Underwater channels, a waterfall and even a sandbank were designed just for Buddy.

Salvador is happy to know that Buddy is now given the best of care. He has a team of caregivers, including expert veterinarians.

But most importantly, Salvador mentioned, Buddy has a mate, Ms. T, which would not have been possible in the wild. (Excerpted from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Buddy heads to Florida

Jacksonville Zoo, in Jacksonville, Florida, was looking for a giant river otter to add to the gene pool.

The zoo collaborates closely with the government of Guyana. Two jaguars from Guyana are already there.

Diane’s intention, according to Salvador, has always been, with each otter she has raised, to return them to the wild, not to keep them as pets.

“Buddy was unable to live on his own because he was blind. It would

Having fun together on the Rupununi River sandbank

W

By Anu Dev

hen I was doing my CXC’s and chose to write 16 subjects, many persons thought that there was no point in doing subjects like history, for instance, since I’d already pretty much settled on going into medicine.

But I’d found the subjects interesting and just enjoyed history especially, since it allowed me to get a glimpse of how our societies have become what it has, in the Caribbean.

I also agreed with Marx’s point that the present can only be understood historically: everything is the consequence of something that has preceded it. While that may seem quite obvious, most of us seem to not follow its corollary.

That if we act in the present in ways that we believe to be the better way, we can actually “influence” the future. Sort of like creating the future.

But in my first year in med school, I had to chuckle a bit when I saw that one of the required classes (they’re all “required” incidentally) was “Caribbean Civilisation”.

Quite a lot of my new friends found the going quite strenuous and unfamiliar... but to me it was quite familiar territory.

The professor, Dr John Campbell, chose as his foundational text, a book he’d written: Beyond Massa.

This deals with running of the sugar plantation Golden Grove in eastern Jamaica during the years 17701834. The setting and timeframe are both significant since at the time, Jamaica was the most profitable British colony in the Caribbean and yet there were pressures developing in England for the abolition of slavery, the “peculiar institution” from which the wealth from sugar was generated.

Most interestingly, Campbell used as his primary source of data the correspondence from the manager of the plantation, Simon Taylor and the absentee owner Chaloner Arcedeckne. These letters are on the web... and they are fascinating. But what made the work interesting was his use of ideas from the contemporary Human Resource Model (HRM) of managing workers.

He placed emphasis on the social interactions between the enslaved and the managers rather than the now conventional historiographical focus on the economic aspects of plantation society.

He emphasises that there was a two-way negotiated space where the enslaved people had more ‘agency’ than previous studies had accredited to them: they were subjects and not just objects.

The study also contended that the differences between the West African form of slavery, from which the slaves were brought and Caribbean chattel slavery were crucial in the new dyadic master-slave relationship.

In the West African form, the slave was still considered a person while under the chattel slavery system; the slave was completely dehumanised and considered “property”. And it is because the enslaved people were accustomed to this more benign concept of slavery that HRM techniques could work. There could be opportunities for bargaining and negotiation. Taking the logic to its denouement, the author posits a third and controversial thesis – that the enslaved people did not want to end slavery itself, they simply “wanted to change the tone of British West Indian slavery”.

The historiography on the institution of West Indian slavery was initially dominated by British writers who focused on the “civilising” mission of the enterprise for the African slaves who were not considered fully human. This is our textbooks.

This perspective was challenged by historians such as Eric Williams, who later became the first PM of TT. He proposed a more Marxian, economic based approach which stressed the role of slavery in laying the material foundation of Britain’s industrial revolution.

We don’t hear much of this. Now Campbell offers another perspective. It’s worth checking out.

Look how I’m running on about that “boring and irrelevant” subject – history.

But trust me; it’s as important to your health (mental) as medicine.

Bollywood

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week ending December 19, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

‘Initially I found Salman very rude and inconsiderate’ - Aamir

A

fter Salman Khan and the Kapoor cousins, Ranbir and Kareena, now it's Aamir Khan for the first time on ‘Koffee With Karan’. And no points for guessing that KJo has managed to get interesting revelations out of Aamir and his wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao. When asked why he avoided getting on the couch, Aamir said,

“When you started your show, I did not know you too well and whatever little I knew about you, I didn't like. I think when you don't know a person you have a lot of misconceptions about them. But the point is, I like you now and I'm happy to be here.”

Speaking about his contemporaries, Aamir was all praise for Salman. “He is raw brute

star power. Salman just comes and he shakes his belt a couple of times, puts his goggles behind his shirt and everyone goes bananas...I don't have that kind of stardom.”

He also spoke about his initial dislike for Salman: “In ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’, I had a bad experience working with him. I didn't like him as I found him very rude and inconsiderate. Over the years whenever I met him, I was polite, but I just wanted to stay away from this guy. However this changed sometime around when I split up with Reena. He walked into my life at a juncture when I was at my lowest phase. Once when I met him, he said that he wanted to come over.

And he came over and we started drinking. I don't know how, but something connected there. It kind of grew, we began spending more time together.” (TOI)

Bipasha Basu to launch a restaurant

B

ipasha Basu is a self-confessed foodie. So it is not surprising that she wants to launch a restaurant. Indian media reported earlier this week that the actress, who is gearing up to make inroads in the hospitality sector, is scouting for a commercial property in the suburbs, along with partners who would invest in the project with her.

Although, the developments are at an early stage, Bipasha already knows the kind of res-

taurant she wants to run. “It will be a multicuisine, fine-dining joint with lots of signature dishes,” revealed a friend. “Getting a licence is an elaborate process, but Bipasha will soon be

a friendly bond with Hrithik and has worked with him in films like ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ and ‘Agneepath’, also refrained from commenting.

“It is too personal to them (Hrithik and Sussanne) and, therefore, personal to us. So, I feel very uncomfortable talking about, especially anything too personal to close friends on a national platform,” he added.

However, actor Anil Kapoor is hopeful about the couple's re-union in future.

“Hrithik is a fam-

ily friend. He is like a younger brother to me, even Sussanne. I am very fond of both of them. But I think these are the things that really happen in a relationship,” Anil, who shares a friendly bond with the couple, said.

“I am very optimistic and hope they get back together,” he added.

On Dec. 13, Hrithik announced his wife Sussanne’s decision to split from him after 13 years of marriage.

Together, the couple has two sons---Hrehaan and Hridhaan. (TOI)

“She (Aishwarya) has always been around.

I don't think you guys (media) will allow anybody to make a comeback. You all cover us so extensively and so well,” Abhishek told IANS in an interview.

The actor said filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, has approached him and Aishwarya for a project, which the two of them are considering individually.

“Prahlad has expressed a desire to make a film with both of us. We have not read the script and both of us have to like the script individually,” he said.

Known for her performances in films like ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Guru’, Aishwarya was last seen in ‘Guzaarish’, which also featured Hrithik Roshan. (TOI)

working towards it.”

Confirming the news Bipasha said, “I'm taking baby steps as an entrepreneur and it really is quite thrilling. I will finalise the details in the latter half of 2014.” (TOI)

‘The whole world is male dominated’ - Madhuri Dixit

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ctress Madhuri Dixit, busy promoting her forthcoming women-centric drama ‘Dedh Ishqiya’, admits that the world is male dominated and it's up to a woman how she makes a mark for herself.

“The whole world is male dominated, not just this industry,” she said when asked whether the option gets narrowed down for an actress postmarriage and does she feel that the film industry is male dominated.

“There will be this difference, but it is up to a woman to make a mark for herself and fight for her rights. Woman has to work two times harder than men to prove herself again and again.

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ctress Preity Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar have urged the media to respect the privacy of their friends, Hrithik Roshan and his wife of 13 years, Sussanne, who have announced their split.

Hrithik released an official statement on Sussanne’s decision to part ways with him after a relationship of 17 years. The duo dated four years before tying the knot Dec 20, 2000.

At the red carpet of the Colors Golden Petal Awards, Preity was asked to comment on the news.

She said: “I have one thing to say to the media with lots of humbleness...these are very personal moments for people, and please don't slander either him (Hrithik Roshan) or her (Sussanne). It is a very personal matter.”

“I think you have to give them that space. It is very sad when everybody has their own personal comments,” she added.

Karan, who shares

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ishwarya Rai has not been active in films for quite some time, but her husband, actor Abhishek Bachchan has not really missed her as he feels the media keeps her in news all the time.

‘Best time to meet me is morning’ - SRK

S

That's the reality of life,” the actress told IANS. “But whatever you get in return is much

more satisfying,” added the star of films like ‘Dil’, ‘Beta’ and ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. (TOI)

uperstar Shah Rukh Khan says that the best time for anyone to get him to agree to something is in the morning. It is only at this time that he is not aware enough to think rationally.

“Best time to meet me is morning...I pay a lot of compliments then. My eyes take a while to adjust to the reality through the haze,” Shah Rukh posted on Twitter.

The ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ star is busy shooting for Farah Khan's ‘Happy New Year’, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Deepika Padukone. (TOI)

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Bruce Willis, Emma Heming Keanu Reeves turns bilingual for ‘47 Ronin’ expecting second child

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ctor Keanu Reeves has turned bilingual for his fantasy action film ‘47 Ronin.’

He took help from a Japanese coach so that he could record his lines in Japanese, and says it was an "exciting" experience.

The 49-year-old Canadian actor said that he was asked to record his lines in English as well as in Japanese for the movie, but he did not give any second thought to it.

"It's always exciting for me, for the idea of acting in another language. I've been getting instructions on pronunciation. It's been fun.

I recorded every scene with Japanese dialogue

ctor Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming are reportedly expecting their second child together.

Willis, 58 and Heming, 35, who got married in 2009, are already parents to a 20-month-old daughter Mabel, reported US magazine.

Willis, Heming and their daughter most recently were seen visiting a local farmer's market

according to the wishes of the director. If the director wanted to, he could probably release a full Japanese version of the film," Reeves said in a statement.

But the actor admitted that it was a challenge too.

Based on one of Japan's most enduring legends, the extraordinary tale of courage has its origins in the early 18th century, when 47 noble samurais honoured the untimely death of their master by avenging him. (TOI)

Hurley, Warne split again

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ctress Elizabeth Hurley and former cricketer Shane Warne have reportedly called off their engagement for the second time after

an initial split in September.

The 48-year-old brunette beauty and the 44-year-old retired cricketer got back together last month, but if a source is to be believed, the couple has now called it quits for good.

"It is very sad and they tried to make it work, but there were just too many issues in the way. Elizabeth is taking it one day at a time. She will always be extremely fond of Shane," HELLO! magazine quoted a source as saying.

Rumours of their split were fuelled after Warne tweeted: "The past should be the past and stay there. It destroys the future. Live life for what tomorrow has to offer, not for what happened yesterday."

The duo parted ways in September after Hurley reportedly found intimate text messages from someone else on Warne's mobile phone while packing for a trip to his native Australia. (TOI)

in LA. The 35-year-old model showed what ap-

Profits of Walker's last film to be donated to charity

T

he profits made by late Paul Walker's movie ‘Hours’ will be donated to the actor's Reach Out WorldWide organisation.

Producers of ‘Hours’, which released in the U.S. last week, have confirmed that they will be donating a portion of the film's box office revenue to Walker's charity, reported femalefirst.co.uk.

Even executives at Universal Pictures have confirmed that they will donate a portion of the proceeds from the DVD release of 'Fast & Furious 6' to the actor's charity.

"With the passing of Paul, the world has lost a man who spent a great deal of his life in service to others. We share

in the deep grief of his family, friends and the countless fans who love him," said Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley. (TOI)

‘I wanted to pose for Playboy during pregnancy’ - Susan Sarandon

Penelope Cruz finds breast feeding ‘addictive’

P

enelope Cruz, who is mother to Leonardo, 2, and Luna, 6 months, with Javier Bardem, has said that she finds breast feeding addictive.

The 39-year-old actress told Allure magazine that one is supposed to get extra calories because with breastfeeding, you burn an extra 500 a day, the New York Post reported.

She said that she breast-fed her son for 13 months and plans to do the same with her daughter, asserting that

H

ollywood star Susan Sarandon says she turned down numerous offers to shed her clothes for the

A

Playboy magazine, but wanted to do so during her pregnancy.

However, the 67-yearold actress' could not

fulfil her wish as they did not show any interest then, reported Daily Express.

"You know, they haven't asked me in about five years. They used to ask me on a regular basis and I wanted to do it when I was pregnant, but they weren't game---that was before everyone else started doing it pregnant," Sarandon said.

The Oscar Winner, who had shown skin in some of her movies, is unsure she would do something like that again. (TOI)

Amy Adams on 'intimacy' with women it's hard that one has to stop nursing.

(TOI)

Lindsay Lohan to write a tell-all book

ctress Lindsay Lohan is reportedly planning to pen a tell-all book about her life.

The 27-year-old is writing about her

peared to be growing baby bump during the outing.

In addition to Mabel, the ‘GI Joe: Retaliation’ actor is a parent to 23-year-old Rumer, 20-year-old Scout and 18-year-old Tallulah with ex-wife Demi Moore. Willis and Moore separated in 2000.

Willis is currently filming action movie ‘The Prince’ alongside John Cusack, Jason Patric and 50 Cent. (TOI)

arrests, drug abuse, acting career, and family in the book, and she has already received several publishing offers, reported tmz.com.

Sources said the book started as a series of journal entries, which she wrote in the rehabilitation centre as a therapeutic exercise. The book is still in its early stage, and it doesn't have a clear focus, but she said she wants to open up every part of her life.

Lohan held a meeting with Waxman Leavall Literary Agency, which has represented celebrities including Victor Cruz, Novak Djokovic and Bill Murray. (TOI)

S

inger-actress Amy Adams, who has shared screen space and a kiss with Jennifer Lawrence in forthcoming film ‘American Hustle’, believes that there is a different vibe and energy that she feels when working with a woman.

The 39-year-old actress played Sydney Prosser in ‘American Hustle’. She admitted that she didn't mind getting intimate with Lawrence for the kissing scene.

Contactmusic.com reported that Adams told Vanity Fair magazine: ''I

rarely get to work with other women. I got to act with Jennifer, and I thought, this is the most fun I have had in so long.

"Not because I don't

like acting with men, but because there's an energy created when two young women go at each other or are able to create intimacy.'' (TOI)

feature

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week ending December 19, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

I

ncoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana were Monday morning given a taste of Christmas, Guyanese style, as the airport continued its tradition of celebrating the major holidays in Guyana. Black cake, which is synonymous with Guyanese celebrations, especially during the Christmas holidays, were among the various treats.

A little after 09:00h, passengers deplaned from two Caribbean Airlines flights and were greeted by CJIA customer service representatives; Demerara Distillers Limited’s ‘El Dorado ladies’, Edward Beharry’s Chico man and his beautiful helpers, as well as Windsor Estates and the Guyana Tourism Authority ‘black cake’ ladies.

CJIA’s Santa and his personal one-man

Incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were on Monday morning given a taste of Christmas, Guyanese style, as the airport continued its tradition of celebrating the major holidays in Guyana. In photo, incoming passenger Francis Darchiville gets a treat

band kept the festive momentum going with their unique brand of Christmas spirit. As usual, the duo was a massive hit with the children. The students of Success Elementary choir gave youthful, yet masterful renditions of Christmas carols, while the Republican Steel Orchestra added that ‘pan’ touch of class.

Santa hats were also distributed.

According to GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, there is no Christmas like Christmas in Guyana.

“It is very proud moment to greet passengers in this style and fashion, and it is not only Christmas time [we do this] but other major Guyana celebrations, in-

Jamaica wins Best Performance at Caribbean Schools' Drama Festival

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Team Jamaica poses with their awards from the Caribbean Schools’ Drama Festival in Barbados, recently. (Photo: Contributed)

he Jamaican production of “Wi Love Wi Self” directed by Akeem Mignott took 11 major awards, including that of Best Overall Performance, at the Caribbean Schools’ Drama Festival held in Christ Church, Barbados from December 8 to 15.

Eleven students from several local high schools represented Jamaica at the festival which also had participants from Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago The Jamaican team also received awards for best ensemble acting,

most creative presentation and best set design wile Outstanding Actress award went to Mandie Salmon while Akeem Mignott won the award for outstanding director.

While in Barbados, the Jamaican contingent also performed for students at the Alexandra School in the Saint Peter district and participated in cultural workshops and a Caribbean Youth Forum on Caribbean Single Market Initiative and Theatre Arts in the region.

The Jamaican delegation, led by playwright Aston Cooke who serves as Facilitator of the

Jamaica Youth Theatre, included six students from Ardenne High School (Jomo Dixon, Darian Reid, Johnique Francis, Chantae Martin, Jonathan Dwyer and Jadon-John Barton-Williams) as well as students from Munro College (Mandie Salmon) Mona High (Teona Wesley), Black River High (Jevone Andy) and Waterford High (Oleta Livermore and Raheem Wallace).

The trip to the festival, which was organised by the Barbados Association of Drama Educators, was made possible by sponsorship from the CHASE Fund.

(Jamaica Observer)

cluding Mashramani, Easter, Phagwah, Emancipation, and Diwali…this makes CJIA unique and one of the friendliest airports in this part of the world,” he added.

The annual meet and greet concludes on December 24.

The Oasis Café, Demerara Distillers Limited, Windsor Estates, Friendly’s

Restaurant and Bar, Bakewell, Digicel, Candy Corner, Edward Beharry, and Caribbean International Distributors Inc (CIDI) are on board to make the activity a remarkable and memorable one.

Annual parade

In keeping with the holiday spirit, the airport’s chief executive officer, Ramesh Ghir said

A passenger samples one of Edward Beharry’s products under the merry gaze of the Chico man

CJIA’s annual parade, now in its sixth year, will take place on December 20.

“We have a number of sponsors with us, and we will take the opportunity to go into the Timehri North area and share out some gifts,” he told reporters.

He also introduced the airport’s three customer service representatives. The customer service unit was established two and half months ago, with a view to improving the quality of services offered.

“These persons are on the ground to assist passengers with any concerns, whether it be challenges with immigration forms, baggage, [or] if they need a telephone,” Ghir disclosed.

On the security front, he expressed confidence that “all will be well” during the season, since security has heightened.

(Guyana Times)

San Fernando artist reveals tribute to Mandela

W

hether it be in writing, song, dance, or through social media people worldwide continue to pay tribute to South Africa’s antiapartheid hero, the late Nelson Mandela, in different ways.

Popular San Fernando woodwork expert Junior Bisnath has come forward with a wooden carving of a much younger Mandela.

He was inspired to create the masterpiece 24 years ago when the world was calling for Mandela to be released from prison.

Bisnath is hoping to have the carving added to his collection in the recently launched San Fernando library. He said: “When the world was crying out for Mandela to be released, it was my way of paying tribute to him and adding my voice.” Bisnath missed his once-in-alifetime opportunity to present the carving to Mandela when he visited TT in April 2004, because he was incapacitated by an injury.

But he kept it safely tucked away at his San Fernando home, waiting to another opportunity for present itself.

The five-foot-tall piece encapsulates the Mandela’s famous words, “The struggle is my life,” a carving of

San Fernando craftsman Junior Bisnath displays a carving of the late South African president Nelson Mandela carved 23 years ago. (TT Guardian photo)

Mandela’s second wife, Winnie, and the words of Jamaican-born leader leader Marcus Garvey. The piece, he said, was one of several he worked on in 1989 for his collection of living legends, comprising heroes both local and international.

In addition, Bisnath

says he has built the tallest pencil in the world which is on display at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain.

He is trying to get the government’s help to endorse it to the Guinness World Records organisation.

(TT Guardian)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

week ending December 19, 2013

An app that delivers your dream man

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rom paying your bills to picking out recipes, smartphones have made it easy to do everyday tasks with relative ease.

One of the only things they seemed incapable of doing was to actually deliver you your dream man—until now.

That's because dating apps are becoming increasingly popular and so with just the click of a button, you can be connecting with your Mr Right in no time.

One of the latest apps on the market for the socially active single is Lulu, which goes a bit further and allows women to actually rank those they have dated. The app is solely for women and has over one million users worldwide already. These women are allowed to anonymously rank their male Facebook friends, hookups and exes from one to 10 based on qualities such as their physical at-

One of the latest apps on the market for the socially active single is Lulu which goes a bit further and allows women to actually rank those they have dated. (Jamaica Observer photo)

tributes, personality and sex abilities. Those doing the rating are also asked to choose from a list of positive and negative hashtags to describe the men to the benefit of other women who might have some interest.

But if you plan to just log on to dish the dirt on your no-good ex, think again. You would have to answer a series of multiple choice questions and

select the hashtags that describe the person you are rating.

Other dating apps

Although some have described the app as being sexist, it seems some men don't mind, because since being launched over nine months ago, the social networking site has received a number of requests from guys wanting to be rated.

But Lulu is just one

of several apps you can shop for in your playstore if you are seriously intent on hooking up with the perfect match.

There are also apps like Tinder, which helps to connect you to your Mr Right by matching you with someone who has similar interests based on your Facebook page.

While a dating app like Hinge is for those who want to be wined

and dined before getting into serious relationships, others like Bang with friends are for those who are just looking for hook-ups.

One of the most controversial mobile dating apps to date has been Carrot dating, a mobile social network that allows women to be bribed by their suitors.

According to the app's intro page, Carrot dating is a win-win for everyone.

Critics of the app have accused its developer of supporting borderline prostitution.

That's because, upon logging on, you are allowed to choose one from 20 bribes such as a plastic surgery, a dinner or flowers, and then offer it to another user in exchange for a date.

Software develop-

er Sylvester Morgan believes the use of mobile apps is a great and efficient way to meet and greet someone of the opposite sex, but cautions women to bear in mind some of the same considerations they would when using a regular dating site, such as not giving out too much personal information too soon.

"I think it's a good thing. Quite frankly, you are so busy going about life, so any help you can get with dating is useful," he said.

He believes apps are probably going to be more popular than websites for dating purposes, primarily because of the fact that they are seen to be more personal and efficient. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Star of the Week

Farzaana Ameena Khan

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brilliant beauty, 17-year-old Farzaana Ameena Khan is a driven individual who loves dancing. Farzaana attended Mae’s School where she wrote her CSEC examinations and gained 9 subjects. She then went on to School of Nations to further her studies in business and English. One of Farzaana’s notable talents is dancing. Her inspiration comes from her mother who has a fond love for dancing. Farzaana credits her mother for encouraging her to follow her passion. At the tender age of 7, Farzaana took up dancing. She started with Kathak dancing- her favourite form of dance. Farzaana, at the age of 8, won her first place trophy- a huge encouragement to continue dance. She had originally started dancing at the Indian Cultural Centre but had to leave there because of her exams. She then joined the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and participated in her first Naya Zamana show in 2012. Farzaana described it as a “truly amazing and unforgettable experience”. She continues to train under the tutelage of dance instructors Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Trishala Persaud. Farzaana also received training from notable, talented teachers from India who always encouraged her to never give up on dancing. The talented dancer is thankful to her dance teachers, family and dance associates for their endless support throughout the years. Dancing for Farzaana is a way of expressing herself and keeps her fit. She gets excited when she learns of new dance forms and choreographies and tries her best to continuously improve her abilities. A humanitarian, Farzaana enjoys donating to orphanages and also loves animals. She plans to graduate with a degree in business and to continue to grow as a talented dancer.

sport week ending December 19, 2013

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Jamaican Sherone Simpson's confidence Guyana’s Hockey Board names strong grows after switching training camps training squad for Pan Am Cup

Jamaican Olympic 100-metre silver medallist Sherone Simpson. (Jamaica Observer file photo)

J

amaican Olympic 100-metre silver medallist Sherone Simpson is said to be growing in confidence two months after relocating from Jamaica to a new training camp in Florida.

Simpson, one of five Jamaican athletes who tested positive for banned

substances earlier this year, is being coached at her new training camp by veteran Loren Seagrave.

Seagrave has coached Bahamian icon Pauline Davis and current World 400-metre champion Lashawn Merritt.

"She's been doing great. She absolutely loves it there. She is re-

ally enjoying the coaching she's getting," said Simpson's agent Paul Doyle.

"Every week she is excited about her first race. She's been adjusting really well and getting more optimistic every day."

Simpson is scheduled to have her hearing on January 7 and 8, 2014.

The public spectacle that emerged from news of the positive tests drove a wedge between Simpson and Stephen Francis, her coach of the last eight years, who publicly lambasted the 2006 Commonwealth Games champion and her clubmate, Asafa Powell.

Both athletes tested positive for the same stimulant, Oxylifrine.

"Time heals wounds, but there is a lot ahead for her, and it's still very disappointing for her," said Doyle.

"Eventually, she is going to get through this and return to the Sherone that we always knew- the happy-golucky kind of girl who is out there competing."

(Jamaica Observer)

Bravo appointed brand ambassador for Chinese firm

W

est Indies Cricket ODI c a p t a i n , Dwayne Bravo, has become the first international cricketer to partner with one of the largest Chinese corporate entities in the world.

Bravo, the West Indies Cricket ODI captain has been appointed as the sporting brand ambassador for the Billionaire Engineering, Construction and Consultancy giant, China Harbour.

The deal will see Bravo featured in exclusive ad campaigns and conducting personal appearances on behalf of China harbor.

“To become the first international and West Indian cricketer to be sponsored by a globally renowned Chinese firm is an incredible honour and a privilege,” said Bravo.

“The Chinese are by far one of the most powerful nations in the world today, thus their introduction into, and their presence within West Indies cricket, will make a tremendous difference not just for us as cricketers but for the entire Caribbean region”.

China Harbour becomes Bravo’s official corporate sponsor ahead of a packed West Indies playing schedule.

The schedule in-

West Indies Cricket ODI captain Dwayne Bravo

cludes the upcoming oneday international series against New Zealand followed by the team’s home series against England and subsequent participation in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where the West Indies will defend their T20 Championship title, early next year.

“For me to be the first cricketer to be bestowed with such a prestigious partnership is an incredible feeling,” said Bravo.

“I further hope that our affiliation will pave the way for significant ongoing relations and investment between China and the Caribbean, longterm”.

Bravo’s agent, Emma Everett, says they were thrilled that China Harbour was interested in a partnership, although cricket is still a virtually unknown sport

in China.

“Dwayne has made history today,” said Everett.

“He has become the first international cricketer to venture into the powerful Chinese market whilst cricket as a sport remains relatively new in China”.

China Harbour is estimated to be worth US 10 billion dollars and has a substantial presence in the Caribbean.

“Whilst it is a new concept for us to affiliate with a sporting brand ambassador, we are thrilled by this exciting partnership and look forward to Dwayne Bravo leading our brand and ethos with the same diligence and commitment he displays when representing West Indies Cricket,” said Deng Bo, regional general manager. (TT Guardian)

T

he Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has shortlisted a squad of 36 local male players to begin preparations for the Indoor Pan American Cup, scheduled for Montevideo, Uruguay, from April 7-13 next year.

The Guyanese men will be returning to international competition

be seen as a changing of the guards as 19 of the 36 players named are below the age of 21.

This young crop is led by the exciting talents of Aroydy Branford, Jamarj Assanah, Omar Hopkinson, Andrew Stewart and Steven Xavier.

They will be guided by the experience

Devin Munroe

after a three-year hiatus due to a lack of funding. While the national female hockey team has been competing with great success in recent years, it was the men who represented Guyana with good success in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

The last time Guyana competed in an Indoor Pan Am Cup was back in 2010, finishing fifth out of eight nations. Prior to that, Guyana had only competed in one Indoor Pan Am Cup, which was in 2005, where the locals narrowly lost out to the USA for a bronze medal.

Very few of the faces who have competed for Guyana in the past remain on the current list.

The squad in fact may

of former national captain Devin Munroe, as well as the likes of Kevin Spencer, Aderemi Simon and Shane Samuels, who all have multiple international caps to their names.

Overseas players, such as England-based Marvin Dannett, are also expected to make strong cases for their inclusion.

The team will train under the guidance of newly appointed national men’s coach Robert Fernandes, who recently completed his FIH Level Two and Pan American High Performance coaching courses.

Fernandes is a former national player and coach of the outstanding Hikers Cadets, who have

dominated local indoor hockey at the junior level and more recently have been having similar success at the senior level.

The tournament in Uruguay is a senior continental World Cup qualifier with the winning team earning an opportunity to compete at the highest level in the 2015 FIH World Cup. Canada is likely to enter as tournament favourites having never lost any Pan American Hockey Federation Indoor Cups in which they have entered.

The USA boasts the second best record in the region while outdoor powerhouses Argentina have been recently been placing more focus on indoor as well. Guyana’s best ever finish has been a creditable fourth place and the current squad is hoping to eclipse that mark in 2014.

The training squad reads: Orland Semple, Kevin Spencer, Raphael DeGroot, Stephen Xavier, Eric Hing, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Mark Sargeant, Medroy Scotland, Robert France, Devin Munroe, Randy Hope, Colonel Heywood, Travon Younge, Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Rayon Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Michael Harding, Shane Samuels, Laured Stewart, Jason Hoyte, Osafo Timmerman, Joel Hunte, Chris LowKoan, Dwight Sullivan, Aderemi Simon, Askofu Simon, Jason DeSantos, Anthony Cole, Omar Hopkinson, Richard Thomas, Micah Hartman, Timothy Baker and Stephon Sprostra.

(Guyana Times)

Mc Donald Bailey remembered as loving, caring icon

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he late Emmanuel McDonald Bailey, former Olympic bronze medallist and 100m world record holder, was last Friday remembered as an icon in Trinidad and Tobago sporting history, and a caring individual by his family at his funeral ceremony held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, Port-ofSpain.

McDonald Bailey, who passed away last Sunday at age 92, earned a bronze medal at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki in the Men’s 100m while competing for Great Britain and also jointly held the world record between

1951-56.

Present to pay their respect were President Anthony Carmona, Minister of Sport Anil Roberts, Brian Lewis, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee; Deryck Murray, president of Queen’s Park Cricket Club and a few other members of the sport fraternity.

In her eulogy, ZoMarie Tanker, granddaughter of McDonald Bailey, jokingly revealed the various nicknames her grandfather had including “Mac”, “Macocious”, “Grand Mac” and “The Black Flash” which people in Britain called him in his

heyday.

She recounted her childhood memories and remembered him giving her tips ahead of her races at St Andrew’s Primary School Sports Day which came to good use.

“We took it seriously.

I had a little flair for running so he came to train me at the Savannah. He would say ‘Zo focus, do not look at anybody else, be focused on the finish line and speed up at the end. I am happy that I didn’t disappoint him when he came to see me run. I won quite a few races, I got my fair share of medals at the Sports Day,” she revealed. (TT Newsday)

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Canada’s De Guyanese finishes 54 out Rosario holds youth of 110 competitors clinic in Tobago Scrabble Champions Tournament 2013…

C

anadian international forward and MLS standout Dwayne De Rosario is currently in Tobago conducting a football clinic for youngsters.

The former DC United player, through the efforts of BagoSports, the organisers of the annual Beach Soccer tournament, arrived in Tobago over the weekend with his coaching team ahead of the course which commenced Monday morning at the Dusty Park Hope Village Ground.

Speaking on the clinic, BagoSports co-owner Kyle Lequay said, “The objective of the BagoSports Dero youth camp is to use soccer as a platform to teach kids to become better individuals on and off the

field. The aim is also work on soccer development not just with the players but provide coaching points as well.”

Sixty (60) players, both boys and girls between the ages of nine and 17 were invited from secondary schools and coaching schools in Tobago for this course which runs until Friday.

National senior team head coach Stephen Hart made a guest appearance on the opening day. De Rosario and his team are providing their services voluntarily while Bagosports met their travel and accommodation expenses.

De Rosario has a coaching school, DeRo Development and Power Training, which offers a unique and dynamic environment for children

of all skill levels to develop the mental, physical and technical skills required for the game.

The DeRo Development and Power Training Programme is dedicated to developing youth in their skills and proficiency in the sport of soccer.

The programme provides hands on training and a targeted curriculum to holistically aid in a child’s development based on the fundamentals, which are factored into behaviours on and off the field. They use a W5H method to teach players the Why, Who, Where, When, What and How of the game.

De Rosario, 35, scored 20 goals in 77 matches for Canada and was named MLS’ MVP in 2011. (TT Guardian)

Jamaican athletics coaches for Colombia

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senior Colombian diplomat has revealed that his country will benefit from the involvement of Jamaican athletics coaches, in an effort to improve that South American nation's track and field stock.

At the same time, efforts are being made to have retired Colombian World Cup star, Carlos Valderrama come to Jamaica to hold clinics for young footballers during 2014.

William Bush, Deputy Head of Mission at Colombia's Embassy in Kingston, said that the exploits of Jamaica's athletes over the years had whetted the appetite of Colombians for greater performance by their own athletes.

With that in mind, the Spanish-speaking nation turned to Jamaica for assistance, what with the achievements of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, Veronica Campbell Brown, among others, firmly planted in international sprinting history.

"Next year we will have trainers from Jamaica going to Colombia to train coaches in schools," Bush said.

"Colombia is trying to develop its athletics, beginning at the school level and that is why we have turned to Jamaica for support," Bush said.

Valderrama, Bush

G

uyana’s national champion Abigail Mc Donald returned from the Scrabble Champions Tournament 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic, richer in experience after finishing 45 places better than four years ago when the event was held in Malaysia.

She finished 54th of 110 competitors with 16 wins and a spread of +21 while her two other Caribbean counterparts Orlet Bullock ended with 17 wins and a spread of +192, and Leslie Charles with 16 wins and a spread of +159. The Scrabble Champions Tournament 2013 (formerly World Scrabble Championship) was held in the Andel’s Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic from December 4-8.

Nigel Richards of New Zealand was the winner while Thailand’s Komol Panyasophonlert was the runner-up.

According to a report Mc Donald wrote, day one of the championships was a “disaster”, citing that she only won one game out of seven; day two however she won four games.

Day three, according to the report and website, she leapfrogged 58 opponents, and after the first game on the final day, she was in the 37th place, having gone on an incredible 8-1 streak.

Her biggest game was against former world champion Canada’s Joel Wapnick. She noted that playing alongside some of the big names made her realize she belongs although she has only about 40 percent of her dictionary covered while some have as much as 85 percent.

She outlined that her favourite words played during the tournament were: thumbkin, windsail, realeasee, ericoid, dugouts, narthex and enquirer, which was challenged by Wapnick for 105 points.

Guyana's National champion Abigail Mc Donald

Concluding, she said “This is a proud time for the Caribbean in scrabble and I have no doubt that within the next four years, the Caribbean will produce a number 10 or better finisher at the world’s.

The top four players after the preliminary tournament, Richards, Panyasopholert, Sammy Okosagah and Dave Wiegand, played a bestof-five semi-final, with Richards and Panyasophonlert qualifying for the final. It was a closely fought final, with Richards eventually winning 3-2 and receiving the top prize and the title of World Scrabble Champion, winning the title for the third time. (Guyana Times)

Trinidadian footballer on trial at Serie A Udinese Deputy Head of Mission at the Colombian Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, William Bush takes a call at his office in New Kingston Monday. (Jamaica Observer photo)

said, has already been asked to make himself available for the trip to Jamaica.

"Valderrama is one of our objectives, for him to be here to train youngsters. We want to have clinics for the Jamaican kids," Bush said.

"We are waiting on an answer from Valderrama. He runs his own private company, but he also does work for the Colombian government. We are even acting on a request from your Minister of Foreign Affairs, AJ Nicholson, for us to bring him here," Bush said.

Valderrama, (full name Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio), a former captain of Colombia, is one of that country's highly regarded players in World Cup Finals history.

After a 22-year ca-

reer in which he played for club teams, which included Montpelier in France, Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay Mutiny and Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer (United States), Union Magdalena, Millonarios, Real Valladolid, Atletico Junior and Independiente Medelin, he now serves as a coach at the Clearwater Soccer Academy in Florida.

The native of Santa Marta, a city located along the Caribbean coastline, has a statue erected in his honour in that part of the country.

Colombia have qualified as one of the 32 teams for the 2014 World Cup Finals to be hosted by neighbours Brazil, the only country that has won the World Cup five times since action began in 1930. (Jamaica Observer)

T

rinidad and Tobago national midfielder Joevin Jones arrived in Italy last Thursday to participate in a 12-day trial with Serie A club Udinese.

If he is convincing, the 21-year-old footballer, who plays for W Connection is expected to receive a contract with Udinese, which campaigns in Italy’s mid-division. Udinese has developed a reputation for buying young players from abroad, turning them into stars and then selling them at high fees.

“Udineses’s latest unknown player that might make a name for himself arrives from Trinidad and Tobago,” the Italian website Gianlucadimarzio.com has reported.

“He landed in Italy (last Thursday) and he will try out for Udinese this week and if he’s convincing enough, he’ll get a contract”.

Jones already has 31 caps with Trinidad and Tobago and has

TT’s national midfielder Joevin Jones.

(TT Newsday file photo)

played 35 times with W Connection since 2009,

but has never scored.

(TT Newsday)

sport week ending December 19, 2013

Refurbished Grenada stadium to be named in honour of Kirani James - China soon to start construction on US$25 million football, athletics stadium

T

he refurbished Grenada football and athletics stadium is expected to be renamed in honour of the Spice Island's Olympic 400-metre champion Kirani James.

Grenada's Sports Minister Emmalin Pierre said a rebuilt football and athletics stadium will enhance sport performance in the island, and also encourage the development of sports tourism.

Pierre was speaking Tuesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the stadium, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

"The breaking of ground for the refurbishment of the football and athletic stadium signals this government's ongoing commitment to excellence in sports," Pierre said.

"We believe there is a direct correlation between better sporting facilities and improvement in performances of our local athletes."

The facility sits right next to the cricket stadium at Queens Park on the outskirts of the city.

The cricket stadium, which was also destroyed, was earlier rebuilt in the time of the Cricket World Cup in 2007.

The People's Republic of China is assisting the Grenada government in the 20-month refur-

Kirani James

bishment project estimated at about US$25 million. It is being undertaken by the China State Construction E n g i n e e r i n g Corporation.

"We believe there are many diamonds in the rough, waiting to be discovered and polished," Pierre said.

"There are many sons and daughters who, given the opportunity, are ready to make this nation proud. This country that has given the world Kirani James and Shalrie Joseph (the MLS star), indeed has more to offer".

Pierre said that

Grenada is looking forward to host major events such as the regional athletics championship CARIFTA when the project is finished.

The sports minister said that the government also hopes that worldclass athletes will also use it as a training facility.

"It is our vision that it will also be used as a training facility for the best in the world---who can come to Grenada particularly in the northern winter periods to fine-tune their skills and maintain their standards," she said.

(Caribbean News)

Soepe wins Mr Suriname title…again

T

he name Koese Soepe may be difficult for many Guyanese to pronounce, but few who watched his performance at the 2012 Flex Night International cannot forget the manner in which he won the hearts of the Guyanese audience at the National Cultural Centre, and conquered the field of bodybuilders who possessed physiques much larger than his own.

Last Saturday in Paramaribo, Soepe put on an encore performance when he won the Mr. Suriname title for the second successive year, defeating the likes of Melvyn Setropawiro and eight other contenders.

Soepe’s victory in Paramaribo (as well as his success at the 2012 Flex Night International) has been likened to the “little axe that cuts down the big tree.”

Soepe is very short by bodybuilding standards, measuring just under five

31

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Dominica government vows to support embattled Shillingford

T

he Dominica government Tuesday said it was standing behind the embattled West Indies off-spinner, Shane Shillingford, who has been suspended from international cricket because of an illegal bowling action.

The 30-year-old Dominican, who is now with the West Indies team in New Zealand, has been promised support by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to rehabilitate his bowling in the new year.

Shillingford has taken six wickets at 42.66 in the first two Tests against New Zealand, but will now not be available for the final match in Hamilton which starts Thursday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Monday that Shillingford had been suspended from bowling in international matches after his actions were found illegal. It also said that his Jamaican teammate Marlon Samuels would continue to bowl his standard off-break delivery, but the quicker delivery exceeded the prescribed levels of tolerance.

Dominica’s Sports Minister Justina Charles, in a statement, said Shillingford had the full support of the entire country.

"The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports wishes to place on record its solidarity with Mr Shane Shillingford...a man of the soil who has

made Dominica proud over the past years."

She said that the country was very disappointed at the ICC release and that "over the past few years, Shane has emerged as one of the top slow bowlers in international cricket and has been an integral part of West Indies resurgent effort in recent years".

said it was prepared to provide support to Shillingford, its goodwill ambassador, to ensure his return to international cricket as soon as possible.

"We can recall that in 2010, Shane was suspended for similar illegal action, he underwent remedial action and was cleared by ICC and so

West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford has been suspended from international cricket because of an illegal bowling action. (Jamaica Observer photo)

"It is therefore unfortunate that this incident occurred at this point in time and it is definitely going to be a major blow for West Indies cricket.

However, we stand resolute with Shane and we are confident that this, too, shall pass.

"We pray that he will continue to comply with recommendations and following the remedial interventions the biomechanical analysis will be favourable," she said, adding that she was confident he would emerge as a better and stronger player.

The government

we are confident that as he goes through the ordeal again for the second time that he will persevere and be successful," Charles said.

"I can say on behalf of the government we will stand at his side and give the necessary support he requires in order to ensure that he can continue," she added.

Shillingford, who made his test debut against South Africa in 2010, has played 14 Tests and collected 65 wickets, including fivewicket hauls in an innings on six occasions.

(Jamaica Observer)

TT’s badminton player eyes historic Olympic spot

N

Koese Soepe

feet in height.

He has, however, been able to pack an enormous amount of muscles on his diminutive frame, presenting an extremely balanced and symmetrical body that clearly stands out on stage regardless of who has the misfortune of standing next to him.

The good (or bad) news for Guyanese bodybuilders is that Soepe has his eyes set on retaking the title of Mr Flex Night International which he won in 2012. Can this Suriname legend be stopped? That question will be answered in the new year.

ational badminton player, Solange Guzman is on course to becoming TT’s first ever representative at the Olympic Games due to her mammoth rise up the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings at the end of the 2013 competitive year.

The Cuban-born athlete, who stood at a distant 365 at the close of 2012, propelled to an impressive 161st position on the world rankings after a hectic, but successful latter half of 2013.

Guzman is the only TT player to have leapt over 200 places up the global ladder and is intent on breaking into the top-100 during her 2014 campaign.

The 27-year-old re-

cently told TT media that her main objective for 2013 was to climb into the top 200, a feat which she has certainly surpassed. And Tuesday, she explained that her drive to compete at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is closer than she thinks.

“I am very happy with the results that I have received from all competitions this year,” she said.

“I did not expect to do so well, but it is a testament of the hard work I have put in. Once I can enter the top 100 Women’s Singles players on the BWF rankings next year, my chances of making it into Olympic qualifiers will be increased a lot.”

Throughout the latter half of 2013, Guzman participated in four in-

ternational tournaments which saw her secure a podium position each time.

“I am really hoping to vie for honours in the Pan Am (Canada) and the US and Canada Open. I am also remaining optimistic that I can take part in a European meet.

Right now I’m looking at a tournament in Spain.

Once I get there and do well, my overall BWF points would be notably amplified.

Competing on the European circuit increases your points much more than participating locally and regionally. There’s also the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in November which would be good for my chances,” she added. (TT Newsday)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 19, 2013

Windies U-19s to play on opening day of World Cup - grouped with Canada

W

est Indies will play South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in one of four matches on

the opening day of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup on February 14.

The West Indies is also grouped with Zimbabwe and Canada in the 16-team tournament.

The tournament will be staged across seven venues in the United Arab Emirates from February 14 to March 1, 2014, and will also include Afghanistan, Canada, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) besides the 10 full members.

Other matches scheduled for the opening day include 1998 winner England taking on the UAE at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi; Zimbabwe locking horns with Canada at Abu Dhabi Oval

1 and New Zealand meeting Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium India will open its title defence against traditional rival and one-time former champion Pakistan on February 15.

In the 16-day tournament, 48 matches will be played across seven venues, which are: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Oval 1; Abu Dhabi Oval 2; Sharjah Cricket Stadium; Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City; ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai, and ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai.

The format of the competition is such that the 16 teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams progressing to the Super League quarter-finals, while the two bottom teams from each group qualify for the Plate Championship quarter-finals.

"The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup is a hugely important event for international teams and for the ICC, as it showcases the future stars of international cricket," said ICC general manager of cricket, Geoff Allardice,

while announcing the groups and fixtures in Dubai.

"The tournament has produced more than 40 full member players who have gone on to captain their side in international cricket in different formats--Brian Lara, Graeme Smith and Inzamam-ul-Haq, to name a few. The ICC U19 CWC gives the world's best young cricketers a chance to test their skills in a truly global event.

"Teams will need to be at their best every day if they want to win the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. We expect to see some spectacular cricket."

The UAE tournament will be the 10th edition of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1988. Australia won the tournament in 1988, 2002 and 2010, England in 1998, India in 2000, 2008 and 2012 and Pakistan in 2004 and 2006.

The West Indies best finish in the tournament was runner-up to Pakistan when the tournament was hosted in Bangladesh in 2004. (Jamaica Observer)

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