Combination

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3224

Sunday, May 28, 2017

PRICE

Independence event at D’Urban Park

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt duplicity, lack of transparency ... among reasons for PPP boycott

$120 vat included

Police P2 destroy ganja farm at Linden – 1 arrested

Page 3

Guns, ammo, cocaine found in C/ville house – during Police raid Page 7

Teen’s P7 body found hanging in bedroom at Tuschen

Alleged P14 drunken Cop involved in Canal Polder accident In this composite photo, one .357 Taurus Magnum revolver and six live rounds of matching ammunition; two 9mm pistols and 36 live rounds of .45 ammunition; and 11.4kg of cocaine were confiscated from the Campbellville house

PPP urges Govt to “spare no efforts” in addressing hinterland floods A ‘catastrophic’ computer outage is crippling int'l air travel Page 10

Page 17

Wales Estate aftermath

WBD farmers note financial, drainage, infrastructural challenges

P18 …in crop diversification attempts

2

NEWS

SUnDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Lethem man nabbed Police destroy ganja farm at Linden - 1 arrested with marijuana

A

A

39-year-old resident of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) is now in Police custody after he was busted with 70 grams of cannabis while walking on the Takutu Bridge at the border crossing between Guyana and Brazil.

Based on reports received, Police ranks were on a mobile unit and while in the vicinity of the Takutu Bridge, the suspect was seen walking but upon spotting the Police, he reportedly dropped a bag and attempted to flee.

However, the bag was retrieved and upon checking it contained the illegal substance. The man was subsequently arrested and is being processed for court.

The ganja retrieved by Police at Takutu Bridge, Lethem

2 1 - y e a r - o l d South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, man was on Friday arrested after Police swooped down on a marijuana field at Wisroc, Linden.

Police stated that between 16:30h and 18:00h, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch conducted a drug eradication exercise in Wisroc, during which several acres of cultivated cannabis were discovered.

A total of 5300 of the illegal plants ranging from six inches to five feet were found and destroyed by ranks. Two makeshift camps were also

A section of the camp at Wisroc, Linden with dried marijuana

found and burnt.

The Georgetown resident who was on the farm at the

time of the raid was taken into Police custody. He is being processed for court.

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, May 28 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, May 29 – 05:00h-06:30h.

Sunday, May 28 – 05:45h-07:15h and Monday, May 29 – 06:30h-08:00h.

– double standards, witch-hunting also cited

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to Easterly and East South-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:08h and 18:42 reaching maximum heights of 2.83 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:12h reaching a minimum height of 0.40 metre.

SATURDAY, May 27, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS 07

13 18

25

26

27

17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 04 15 18

26

LUCKY 3 3 9 5

1

Afternoon Draw

0

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04

06 08

Independence event at D’Urban Park

Govt duplicity, lack of transparency among reasons for PPP boycott

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

B

3

SunDAY, May 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 18 19

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

A

s Independence celebrations got underway at D’Urban Park on Thursday evening, it was evident the parliamentary Opposition had boycotted the event.

But from reports reaching Guyana Times, the boycott was for good reason.

According to a source close to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the decision to boycott the celebration was not taken lightly; but rather one reason for the decision to boycott was the controversy and lack of transparency surrounding the money used on the location.

“Apart from the money spent in the past, the Government spent close to another $100 million to have the Park prepared again for these activities.

And it seems to be a cash cow for the Government,” the source stated.

The source revealed that the Party was also concerned that despite the national nature of the event, the parliamentary Opposition was at no point included in the planning of the celebrations.

Other concerns of the parliamentary Opposition are the determined use of agencies such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to persecute members of the Party. This comes despite SOCU turning a blind eye to corruption and criminal acts the party had highlighted being done by officials of the current Administration.

During a recent press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had deplored the fact that the Guyana Police Force continuously demonstrated a double standard in its dealing with PPP/Civic officials as against members of the ruling coalition.

“We have had cases where we have called in the Police on several occasions… the Police have two standards now, standards for going after PPP people and standards for APNU.” Jagdeo had called for charges to be laid against Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA) Beverly Alert, for (alleged) misappropriation of public monies, following the glaring admissions made in the Public Accounts Committee recently.

Alert appeared before the parliamentary body on Monday last and essentially told members that the GINA staff had been paid bonuses in 2015 following approval from the Finance Secretary.

But under cross examination, it was found that a Contingency Fund advance made in 2016 was in fact used to make the payments in 2015. Subsequently, she

Sources indicate the Opposition boycotted the event due to the controversies swirling around the Government

essentially threw in the towel and said “the auditors probably have to come in back… maybe we have to scrutinise the books again.

I can only go to what was provided to me by the staff of GINA.” Jagdeo had also used the occasion to draw reference to staunch coalition supporter, Eric Phillips, a senior official at the State Assets Recovery Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency.

The PPP/C General Secretary pointed to statements Phillips would have made, interpreted to mean death threats against the Opposition Leader and senior members of the PPP/C. He reminded media operatives that the PPP/C lodged an official complaint with the Guyana Police Force and “until today we have seen no action.”

The PPP/C General Secretary and Opposition Leader said the entire State apparatus would have been brought to bear, had it been the party allegedly committing the act. He also reminded the media of the case of Ruel Johnson.

Johnson, the cultural political advisor to the Government, had been condemned for inciting the torching of the Sanata Complex which houses among other businesses, the media grouping TVG, Guyana Times and RGI Radio.

According to the source, the Party is still disturbed that while several of its members have either been passed through the courts or are being investigated, the Government seems intent on creating a façade that all is well between the two parties.

In retrospect, the source said, the PPP was also cognisant of instances when the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change, then the Opposition, would have boycotted national events the former Government had planned.

Unnecessary

The subject of D’Urban Park has been a contentious one between the Opposition

and the Government side, since the structure was built last year at a cost of over $1 billion. The Government has constantly had to defend the logic of building the structure, when the National Stadium, a stateof-the-art structure that already hosted national events, is available.

In the run up to the 51st Independence anniversary celebrations, there had been reports that the event would be hosted at Stabroek Square. That ultimately never happened, as Government switched their focus back to D’Urban Park.

Due to its lack of utility, the structure stands empty and unused for most of the year. During a press conference, Minister of State Joseph Harmon while responding to assertions that the structure has become a white elephant had defended its existence.

“Since the D’Urban Park was built, I can say to you at least once per month or more, that various organisations in this country have been using the Park for various activities. That every afternoon, you can go there, you just walk there and take your cameras, you see people are exercising, they are using the place, you see children playing, so it is not as is portrayed in your arti-

cle that this is a white elephant,” Harmon had been quoted as saying.

Cash cow

Meanwhile, as it relates to the overall expenditure and cash donations, questions are still swirling about how much the project really cost taxpayers.

This is especially pertinent as the construction costs covered by private entities amounted to no more than 10 per cent of the overall cost of the project.

D’Urban Park was initially built under the supervision of Homestretch Development Inc, a private company Government says was solely established for this purpose. Audit Firm Ram and McRae has since debunked assertions that the company was ever a special purposes company. Later, delays saw the project being taken over by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

Under pressure from the Opposition, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told the House that a total of $27.7 million was received in the form of donations from private individuals and entities, while another $37 million came about ‘in kind’. turn to page 11

4

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, may 28, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

A Free State I

n his Independence Day 50+1 Speech, President David Granger referred to Guyana as a “Free State”, and some have wondered whether he realised he was invoking VS Naipaul’s 1971 ironic take on Indians, West Indians and Africans in the detritus of their “independence”, which proved to be a mockery of their grandiloquent predictions.

In Naipaul’s view, man’s injustice to man proved to be in no way different before or after independence: it was an exchange rather than a change of leaders. It would seem to be a Freudian slip of the President, who was in charge of imbuing the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with the vision of then President Forbes Burnham’s Cooperative Socialist Republic, which ended in much of the same turmoil as the half-formed countries dissected

by Naipaul.

From that perspective, it becomes quite worrying that the General Secretary of the PNC, Mr Oscar Clarke, only recently revealed that President Granger was not only following in the footsteps of the “Founder Leader” Burnham, but was pledged to complete the latter’s “vision”. “Our present leader has taken that mantle, and is carrying forward the ideas of Burnham today because they are relevant to what is happening in this country even now.” What was that vision into which we are to be delivered as a “free state”?

President Granger explained, “The ‘free state’ is one that is free from discrimination; it is one that is built on the basis of respect for cultural diversity, political inclusivity and social equality.” But just as in the state that was constructed between 1966 and 1985 by the PNC, in the present, from the appointments of the government to the purchasing of pharmaceuticals, there have been both a pattern and practice of blatant discrimination. For instance, after criticising the practice when in Opposition, there has been a wave of dismissals of contracted professionals in the Public Service, only to be replaced by individuals from the PNC’s core constituency. The head of almost every Government department has been similarly sourced, and the question has to be asked whether there are none outside this group qualified for the jobs.

Also, as with the Burnhamite regime, the claims about “political inclusivity” ring hollow. Starting with its present coalition with the AFC, which catapulted it to power, there have been calls by Prime Minister Nagamootoo for the Cummingsburg Accord to be renegotiated. This is as a consequence of an eerily similar recapitulation of the dynamics of the PNC’s first coalition with the United Force (UF) when the latter was made ineffectual and eventually redundant through various stratagems. One adviser to the President has dismissed the contribution of the AFC to the electoral fortunes of the Government, and it would appear that the end of the pre-electoral arrangement is nigh.

But before the elections, the PNC-led APNU/ AFC coalition had insisted that “political inclusivity” fundamentally meant working out a modus vivendi with the People’s Progressive Party, which represented half of the Guyanese electorate. This proposal, however, was immediately dropped upon assumption of office, echoing Mr Burnham’s abandonment of his pre-1964 rhetoric that insisted only a coalition with the PPP, rather than with the UF, would represent real “national unity”.

The claims of “social equality” by the Burnhamite regime foundered on its insistence that, in an economy that was quite anaemic at best, a PNC party card was the prime qualification for jobs. Presently, while there is ongoing social support in the form of subsidies to PNC strongholds such as Linden, the Government ignored the recommendations of its CoI into the sugar industry -- regarded as a PPP vote bank -- to subsidise it for another three years to bring it to a point of sale.

Instead, the Government immediately plunged into mass layoffs that will see on the breadlines almost 10,000 persons outside its traditional support base. Ironically, the sugar industry was brought into its present state after its nationalisation by the Burnhamite regime, which then proceeded to impose a levy on profits, leading to a cessation of capital investment and an inevitable collapse.

Whither the “free state”?

A man walks past masks in Brasilia, Brazil during a protest by a non-governmental organisation against political corruption scandals.

(Photograph: Andressa Anholete/AFP/Getty Images)

Why aren’t these MARDS fraudsters before SOCU?

Dear Editor, On March 23, 2017, <<Guyana Times>> reported, “APNU/AFC officials implicated in multi-million-dollar fraud”. Two online news media, Newsroom and Citizens Report, also carried similar headlines, alleging that APNU+AFC Region 5 Councillor Abel Seetaram and now former disgraced Councillor Carol Joseph were taken into police custody to assist in the investigation of fraud unearthed at the Mahaicony/Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS).

This was also reported in the Guyana Chronicle on April 22, as part of an article in which Carol Joseph denied she had resigned from the PNC following her resignation as a Region 5 RDC Councillor.

It has been alleged that Carol Joseph, while serving as a Member of the MARDS Board of Directors, had three cheques fraudulently written in the name of her niece. The cheques were for amounts of $1 million, $500,000 and $200,000.

A fourth cheque was believed to be issued to an employee of the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, located at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, a facility that Carol Joseph manages.

Abel Seetaram was also under investigation for allegedly taking $2,108,000 to repair a Government-owned SUV and a fence he had crashed into at Bath, WCB on May 8, 2016 while driving under the influence. He was then charged with dangerous driving; being an unlicensed driver; and breach of insurance. The money he allegedly misappropriated was used to repair the Agriculture

Ministry vehicle and the businessman’s fence, which were both badly damaged.

Following the crash, Abel Seetaram was fired as the Region 5 Special Representative of the Prime Minister by none other than the Hon Moses Nagamootoo himself.

Incidentally, just last Saturday, Abel Seetaram was seen at a rum shop, drinking and in possession of a vehicle he was not authorised to drive -- one belonging to the RDC. Someone alerted the REO, and Seetaram was instructed to return the vehicle. This AFC ‘bad boy’ was neither sanctioned nor asked to apologise to the Council for taking a vehicle without permission.

Also, I recently found out that Seetaram was put in charge of ‘enhancement’ workers at the RDC. He is responsible for supervising those workers who slash public space and roadsides. A few days ago, some of those enhancement workers were seen slashing the yard of his private residence at Number 11 Village/Woodley Park, using Government resources for private use. I wonder if this was done with the approval or knowledge of the REO, Ovid Morrison.

Readers will recall that it was Seetaram who reported to the REO that an NDIA excavator on loan to the Bath / Woodley Park NDC was being misused for private use.

This had caused high drama at an RDC statutory meeting when Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal had called for an investigation -a suggestion that was rejected and had resulted in the walk-out by a defiant REO and APNU+AFC Councillors.

But isn’t this the very same offence Seetaram had ac-

cused an NDC Councillor of committing, which had caused the disruption of the meeting and a demand for an apology from the Regional Chairman? Isn’t this hypocritical?

In the absence of information, one is likely to speculate on rumours that abound. A source close to the duo told me that Carol Joseph was desperately trying to borrow money from someone overseas to pay back MARDS. Then I also heard that the case was sent to the DPP. The way I see it, this looks like a deliberate attempt by the Government to cover up and protect themselves and their cronies from the embarrassment and humiliation of a public trial. But if this Government is really serious about ending corruption, one must ask: why aren’t these MARDS fraudsters placed before SOCU? Is there a double-standard here?

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that had it been PPP/C councillors involved in this fraud, they would have been arrested by SOCU in a dramatic manner, with full press coverage, brought before the court and convicted of a felony. But these are members of the PNC/APNU and the AFC, the Administration would not allow them to be charged

by SOCU in the same way as they do those associated with the PPP/C. In the interest of justice and the rule of law, I encourage all independent news outlets to investigate and expose this cover-up in the making, for what is good for the goose is also good for the gander!

I also wish to make public a very disturbing announcement that was made at a Heads of Department meet-

ing held on Thursday, May 25, in the RDC Boardroom at Fort Wellington. At that meeting, Region 5 REO Ovid Morrison told the department heads that staff nurse/ midwife Sherilyn Marks had committed a “serious crime, for which she will pay.” This nurse has already suffered at the hands of Carol Joseph, the RHO and the REO for doing nothing wrong. I therefore urge the entire nursing profession to strongly condemn any other action by the REO to further victimise Nurse Marks. And I also call upon Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan to do the same. The REO should be reminded that the only persons guilty of committing a serious crime are those he’s trying to protect: his loyal friend Carol Joseph who (allegedly) defrauded the taxpayers of millions of dollars’ worth of the drug Pethidine to feed her addiction, and the doctors at Fort Wellington Hospital who knowingly violated their code of conduct and professional ethics by writing prescriptions for her over a nineyear period.

These doctors, including the RHO Dr Steven Cheefoon, should all be jailed and have their medical licences revoked for professional misconduct in violation of the Laws of Guyana.

And may I add that the REO is not without sin here, for it is highly unlikely that he would not have known of Joseph’s addiction and the source of the drugs she was getting every day. After all, the Region was paying for Carol Joseph’s addiction from the budget he controls.

Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, may 28, 2017

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s economy, CBI in real trouble Dear Editor, Citizens Bank Inc (CBI), a subsidiary of Banks DIH Ltd, has this week released its unaudited half-year 2017 performance as at the end of March 2017. That document clearly could not have been great reading for the shareholders. However, it has to be worse reading for any thinking policy maker in the Government of Guyana, because of the low tax declaration.

What is of concern to me as a financial analyst is the state of the net impairment of financial assets at this institution since 2015. Between 2015 and 2016, the ratio of net impairment to the total loan portfolio deteriorated by some 20%. At the end of the 2016 financial year in September, loan impairment expenses net of recoveries were G$548 million, derived from a net loan portfolio of G$29 billion. Compare this with the situation in the largest bank in Guyana (Republic) and you realise CBI is in real trouble. Republic, with double the loan portfolio, booked an annual loan impairment expense slightly more than that of CBI. From the graph below, one can observe the rapid expansion of the pool of good cash that has to be set aside to fund the write-off of potentially bad loans in the bank’s loan portfolio. In 2017, this ratio of good cash to be set aside to fund the write-off of bad loans is expected to be slightly more than 2.1% of the total loan portfolio, compared to 1.5% in 2015 (see graph below).

That is almost a 45% expansion in this ratio, and it cannot be great news for the shareholders.

I have had cause to write about the two bigger banks in the industry (GBTI and Republic) in the immediate past, between April 8, 2017 and the date of this letter; but this discovery confirms my fear that the situation in the smaller banks is even worse.

But what should be a deep concern to the Granger Administration is that the risk of the smaller banks unravelling is much higher than let us say a Republic, which has a much better-diversified income stream than baby banks like CBI. I have been saying since February 2017 that we do

which do not have an international head office to back them with capital, are definitely in a position to bring greater harm to the financial sector because of their higher risk outlook for the next 12 months.

have a systemic problem in the banking sector, but, to date, the public policies to strengthen the financial sector seems to be lost on Mr Winston Jordan. This is his show, but he chooses to issue empty sound-bytes that have no substance.

With the dataset at our disposal, we can confirm that, with respect to CBI, at the end of their financial year in September 2016, their non-performing loans to total loans were 15.5% compared to the industry average of 11.3%.

Mind you, the industry saw the quality of its loan portfolio deteriorate by 1.9% between September 2015 and September 2016, which translated to over $2.5 billion in debts being reclassified from “Acceptable” to “Substandard”. Some G$548 million (22%) of that figure came from CBI. But what is worrying is the largest bank in Guyana (Republic), which has twice the loan portfolio of CBI, has a smaller amount of bad debts.

This information confirms my original suspicion that the smaller indigenous banks like Citizen’s Bank,

country is burning financially under President Granger’s watch, and he has to be held accountable for leading a team that seems hell-bent on repressing the private sector in some utopian quest to destroy the current set of investors for some “new breed of phantom investors”. This strategy is clearly not working, and in the end, all inside Guyana will suffer as the investment climate implodes.

In the case of CBI, pretax profit declined by some 48% over their 2016 financial year to G$759 million.

If one were to look at these March 2017 published data from CBI, one would recognize a trend that will sees the loan portfolio actually declining. How do banks make profits? Yes, the loan

What can be deduced from this situation? This

portfolio. What does that say about the profitability of this bank for 2017?

But what was most distressing news is that CBI paid Gy$58 million in taxes for the six months to March 31, 2017, as against G$125 million and G$137 million for the comparable period to March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

T h e Guyanese man in the street must settle his mind to the fact this rut will not be fixed in six months.

It will take years to turn back the clock to a bullish business environment; and therefore, the days of austerity are alive in Guyana today, and will be so possibly for the rest of the Granger term. It is time for people to cease buying this high nonsense that the first flow of oil will solve all the nation’s problems; it is a blatant misrepresentation of the facts.

The years 2017/2018 will be hard guava season, oil or no oil, because of the gross mismanagement of the economy in 2016.

Even if the oil is to flow today, it will take at least 18 months to 24 months to feel the impact; but the oil is not flowing until 2022, which will compute to positive impacts by 2024. That is some 6 years away.

Regards, Sase Singh

Govt needs to release contract signed with Exxon Dear Editor, There has recently been much speculation and many questions raised in public and in the press relating to Guyana’s oil and gas prospects.

The main reason for this, I would argue, is simply because people do not know exactly what is agreed with Exxon, and the Government has been refusing to release the contract signed with Exxon.

In March of this year, Minister Raphael Trotman, the sector minister, was quoted at a media breakfast as saying that “(i)n so far as full disclosure at this point in time, I think government is of the view that full disclosure would not be to the best of the national benefit or national interest”.

Quite to the contrary, it is in Guyana’s best interest to release the contract signed with Exxon for three reasons: First, Guyanese need to know exactly what will be Guyana’s “take” (share) of oil production. There are many qualified Guyanese around the world who are willing and able to assist and/or verify the accuracy in the economic modelling, sensitivity analysis and simulations; but refusing to release the contract severely circumscribes that possibility.

Second, knowing Guyana’s take would also allow Guyanese and their representatives to track the money received, so that it does not end up in public officials’ bank accounts, which has always been the single most common causality for resource-rich countries having no or low growth adjusted over time.

The third reason is oiland-gas investors usually benchmark their investment on the economic modelling of existing hydrocarbon plays adjusted to operational fiscal regimes, so that they could rank global investment opportunities. There is currently global excitement about Guyana’s oil and gas basin, but Government’s refusal to release the contract is severely restricting investment decisions by oil-and-gas companies.

The real question is: Why the secrecy? What is so much in the national interest that the contract cannot be released? The position of the APNU-AFC government is a shocking volte face, or U-turn on the APNU-AFC’s pre-election campaign promise of transparency. More importantly, it is a shocking U-turn on the campaign promise to fight corruption.

Unless it is intentional, this single statement sets the scene for what could very well become the largest acts of corruption that will take place in Guyana history, if the contract is not released.

If the APNU+AFC Govt is seriously interested in Guyana’s development, its officials must release the contract with Exxon now.

And if all Guyanese, regardless of which party you support, want to receive the benefits of oil and gas production, and not just the recent perpetual promise thereof, they must demand from the Government the immediate release of the contract with Exxon.

Charles S. Ramson

6

SunDAY, may 28, 2017

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Germany vaccination:

Fines plan as measles cases rise

‘Vaccines are the tugboats of preventive health’ - William Foege

V

Anu Dev

accines, shots, immunization - so many names for this agent of childhood trauma. But apart from making little kids terrified of anyone with a stethoscope, why do we need vaccines anyway?

Well, diseases are caused by various micro-organisms, like viruses and bacteria.

When the micro-organisms breach the body’s initial defences (like the skin) and infect the body, the body fights back internally with its own arsenal of defence mechanisms that it creates, and eventually beats off the infection.

Vaccines have a weakened form of those micro-organisms, so when you get vaccinated, you get infected with a little bit of a weakened form of the virus -- not enough to actually get you sick, but enough for your body to recognise the virus and equip itself to fight it off when it actually hits you.

It's like taking a self-defence class. You take the class and you might get a few bruises as you learn the moves to fight off an attacker; but, at the end of it, you've learnt exactly how to defend yourself. But what if you didn't take the class?

You won't know where to hit, what to do - you'd be defenceless. The mugger could rob you; injure you so severely that you'd have permanent damage, or you might even die.

Vaccines are the self-defence class for your body's immune system. It's the dress rehearsal before the main event, so your body has everything in place to deal with the actual full-strength virus.

And vaccines aren't just important at the individual level; they help the population as a whole. There's this concept called "Herd Immunity". Let's say, for example, there's a room of 50 people -- all unvaccinated -and someone walks in with

a dangerous disease. The infection will spread from person to person until the entire room is infected. But what if everyone in the room were vaccinated, except for 5 people near the door and 3 people furthest from the door?

Well, the 5 people near the door would be infected, but it won't spread to anyone else; it'll never reach the 3 other unvaccinated people, because the 42 vaccinated people between them and the door acted as a buffer, preventing the disease from spreading.

And if you apply that concept to the entire population, if enough of us are vaccinated, we'll be able to control the spread of disease, protecting those people who cannot be vaccinated. And who are those people? Well there are some people who are born without a functioning immune system; they can't even fight off the weakened virus in the vaccine.

Cancer patients on chemotherapy can't get vaccinated

because the chemotherapy weakens their immune system too much for them to be able to tolerate the vaccine.

That's why herd immunity is so important. It's like when a herd of elephants are under attack: the adults gather in a circle around their young to protect them. That's what we do when we're vaccinated: we help to protect those who can't be vaccinated.

Vaccines can also help to prevent cancer. Cervical cancer is highly linked with HPV. There's a vaccine against HPV, making cervical cancer one of the most preventable types of cancer.

This is good news to us women, and we ought to take advantage of this.

I received three vaccines last week. I finally got around to getting my chicken pox and HPV vaccines; and, for the first time, I got a flu shot. So when I exhort all of you to make sure you're up-to-date on your vaccines, I'm not all talk; my still-sore arms can attest to that!

P

arents in Germany who fail to seek medical advice on vaccinating their children could face fines of up to €2500 (£2175; US$2800). Health Minister Hermann Gröhe said it was necessary to tighten the law because of a measles epidemic.

A mother of three died of measles in the city of Essen last week. The Government wants kindergartens to report any parents who cannot prove they have had a medical consultation.

However, Germany is not yet making it an offence to refuse vaccinations – unlike Italy.

Under the plan, the children of parents who fail to seek vaccination advice could be expelled from their daycare centre. The law is expected to be adopted next month.

The upper house of the German parliament, the Bundesrat, said forcing kindergartens to report some parents to the health authorities might breach data protection laws.

Italy health campaign Italy has recorded nearly three times more measles cases so far this year than for all of 2016. Last week the Italian Government ruled that parents must vaccinate their children against 12 common illnesses before enrolling them at state-run schools. The list includes measles, polio, whooping cough and hepatitis B. By mid-April this year Germany had 410 measles cases, compared with 325 for the whole of 2016, the Robert Koch Institute reported.

The institute said that besides children, all adults born since

1970 should get immunised against measles, if they had not had the measles jab or had had it only once.

Last week a German court ruled that a father could insist on having his child vaccinated, over the objections of the mother.

The case concerned a separated couple, and the child was living with the mother.

Italian officials have attacked what they call "anti-scientific" theories which have led to vaccination rates falling well below levels deemed safe to prevent outbreaks.

Those theories include a long discredited link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

A 2010 survey of vaccinations EU-wide and in Iceland and Norway found much variation in policy. The Venice project survey reported that 15 countries had no mandatory vaccinations, and the rest had at least one mandatory vaccination.

The level of compliance was high, including in countries where vaccinations were recommended, not mandatory. The report concluded that "the label 'mandatory' is not the only driver behind achieving a high vaccination coverage, and many other factors can play a role, such as the use of combined vaccines, prices for the recipient, kind of offer, information and promotional campaigns".

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that since the introduction of two doses of anti-measles vaccine across Europe the number of cases has dropped sharply. The total in 2016 – about 5000 – was the lowest ever recorded.

But 14 European countries are described as "endemic" for measles, and most cases this year were reported in seven of them: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine. The largest outbreaks are in Italy and Romania, the WHO says.

The second measles jab needs to be administered to at least 95% of the population, the WHO says - a level not reached in the endemic countries.

Children should be screened for their measles vaccination history when they start school, and those lacking evidence of receipt of two doses should be vaccinated, the WHO says. (BBC News)

news

7

sunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guns, ammo, cocaine found in Campbellville house – during Police raid

A

taxi driver and his wife -- human resource manager of a prominent establishment -- have been taken into police custody following a Friday evening discovery of two firearms, several live rounds of ammunition, and a quantity of cocaine in their home at Duncan

Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Police in ‘A’ Division, reportedly acting on intelligence, went to the couple’s house and conducted a search, thus unearthing the illegal items. It has been confirmed that one .357 Taurus Magnum revolver and six live rounds of matching ammunition;

two 9mm pistol and 36 live rounds of .45 ammunition; and 11.4kg of cocaine have been confiscated from this home.

The 32-year-old man and his 31-year-old wife were last evening being interrogated by police ranks, as investigations continue. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

Teen’s body found hanging in bedroom at Tuschen

S

eventeen-year-old Rosalyn Lima of Lot 739 Tuschen New Housing Scheme East Bank Essequibo on Saturday morning became Guyana’s latest suicide victim when her lifeless body was found by her elder sister, Franceline Lima, hanging from a bed sheet tied to a rafter in her bedroom.

The Guyana Times understands that the discovery was made at around 05:15h.

Prior to the discovery, Franceline was reportedly awakened by a noise, and later heard the teenager on the phone telling someone, “Alright, good”. Franceline said she got out of bed and noticed her sister walking around. Questioned, Rosalyn claimed she was going to the washroom.

Franceline said she looked through a window and observed a car with two male occupants parked in front of their home. Upon realising that

Dead teenager Rosalyn Lima

something was amiss, she ordered Rosalyn back into her bedroom. This instruction had greatly upset Rosalyn.

A few minutes later, Franceline recalled hearing noise emanating from Rosalyn’s bedroom, but did not pay heed since it was normal for her to bang the walls when upset.

After some time had elapsed, she checked on the teenager, only to make the gruesome discovery that Rosalyn had commit-

ted suicide. An aggrieved Franceline reportedly cut the sheet from the rafter and raised an alarm.

“I saw her hanging (from) the roof and still I didn’t really realise what was happening. But then I touched her and she was cold, so I cut the sheet and I called out to my uncle. And when he came, he checked her and said that she was dead,” the grieving sister recounted.

Franceline tearfully declared, “I shouldn’t have gotten up, or I should’ve let her go with them; then she would’ve been alive”.

The girls’ mother, Angela Lima, is said to be presently in Brazil.

Interestingly, Rosalyn’s Facebook page shows numerous posts of her indicting that she wanted to end her life. One post has even stated “mentally affected teen…or is it just a stage?”

The teen’s body was taken to the Sandy’s Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

Two of the firearms found by Police at the Campbellville house

Less than a week ago, a 41-year-old businessman of Helena #1 Mahaica, East Coast Demerara was arrested after an unlicensed .32 pistol with 50 matching rounds of ammunition and 17 live rounds of 9mm ammunition were found in the home he shared with his wife.

The businessman was arrested, and while being detained at the Mahaica Police Station, his wife visited and allegedly offered one of the investigating ranks a bribe of $525,000 to have police abort the investigation and release her husband.

She also was detained, and the “bribe money” was lodged at the station, but it is unclear if the couple has been charged.

8 news Local NBTS improving under agreement with Argentina O SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

ver the past two years, Guyana has been benefiting from improved National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) as a result of the strengthened diplomatic ties between Georgetown and Buenos Aires for the past 45 years.

This possibility was reiterated during recent talks between Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, and Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Martino.

The two countries inked a technical cooperation pact in mid-2015 under which Guyana will benefit from the expertise available under the agreement to boost the country’s NBTS. Blood supply in the public health sector has been maintained purely by voluntary donations by the nation’s multiethnic population. Four years ago, public health authorities recorded 89 per cent in voluntary donors which climbed

Getting wood…

N

Minister Karen Cummings and Ambassador Luis Martino and a Ministry staff following their recent meeting

to 94 per cent the following year. Between January and June of 2015 when the compact between Georgetown and Buenos Aires was sealed, the figure had reached 100 per cent.

The deepening SouthSouth cooperation is seen as pivotal to maintaining voluntary donation while making better other aspects of

the NBTS Cummings and Martino said during talks at the former’s Brickdam, Georgetown office.

The current agreement has four stages, with the latest talks zeroing in on the final phase and looking ahead to future agreements.

Last year, three Guyanese attached to the NBTS had skills-enhancing training in

Argentina and the new expertise garnered then is to practically applied here under what the two sides refer to as Phase Four which include “building and strengthening human capacity and skills to exchange knowledge and technology in relation to blood services” according to the terms of the agreement.

Turn to page 13

…in sugar

ow, some of you, dear readers, may be starting to think your normally equipped Eyewitness is going a bit overboard about the sugar situation; but, to be honest, he just can’t get his head wrapped around the idea of a “socialist” government throwing 10,000 workers to the wolves ‘cause the industry ain’t “profitable”!

“Profitable”?? Why’s the Government using the fallacy of the excluded middle: “everything must be or not be”.

Point of the matter is that the sugar business isn’t that black and white -- make profits, continue; no profits, close.

First of all, what are “profits” in the world of sugar, when every significant exporter subsidises the product?? The sugar market has little to do with supply and demand.

Then, in the case of a government, don’t they have a social responsibility to workers? Are PPP supporters not men and brothers, too? Has the Govt accepted the “market fundamentalism” of the neo-liberals hook, line and sinker”??

But the Government isn’t satisfied with throwing sugar workers out into the streets; they want to shift the blame to them. If the cane-cutters from Wales don’t go over to Uitvlugt, THEY’RE to blame if Uitvlugt gets shuttered.

Boo!! Hiss!! Now let’s pick sense from nonsense and read between the lines:” The fate of Uitvlugt’s already sealed, and that fate is “CLOSURE”.

The Ministry of Agriculture has to be headed by someone who’s really mentally challenged if he believes the nonsense he spouts when he says Uitvlugt’s being prepared to double its production to 40,000 tonnes annually. Even in its heyday, Uitvlugt never produced more than 25,000 tonnes of sugar. And that’s not just because it didn’t have more cane, and cane will now be supplied from Wales. That’s hogwash, or bagasse!

The real limiting factor’s the equipment in the factory itself. The equipment can process only up to its optimum, and that still remains 25,000 max. Take the centrifuge, which separates the crystals of sugar from the molasses.

Right now, the ones at Uitvlugt can’t even efficiently process the piddling amount of sugar it produces. The molasses that DDL’s so filled with sugar, it’s making a killing (pun intended). It takes more than 15 tons of cane, rather than the usual 10, to produce 1 ton of sugar, as is the norm when things are running as they ought to. Where’s profitability??

But rather than fixing the centrifuges and the other factory equipment, the Agriculture Ministry’s transferring the very visible gantry from Wales to show it’s doing something.

And when Uitvlugt can’t produce sugar with the basket it’s being given, in the midst of crocodile tears being shed, we’ll hear it has to be closed.

Bun dem!!

…from GPL

Did you hear the nonsense being spouted by the Chairman of GPL?? The Opposition Leader says because of GPL’s tariffs being set by the PUC when oil was being purchased @ $100+/barrel, GPL’s sitting on over $20 billion of profit, since it’s been buying oil at $50/barrel for the longest while. Badal gets all huffy, as if his buckta’s in a knot, and claims Jagdeo doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Fair enough, Jagdeo isn’t God, and can err -- even though THAT doesn’t happen much! So, pressed as to the status of GPL’s finances, Badal says, “There’s been “significant improvement” in GPL’s financial position!! Can you believe this level of tripe from someone in such a critical position?

So what the heck’s the meaning of “significant”?? If it doesn’t translate to $20 billion, then what is it?

The money came from the pockets of the taxpayers (except from Linden), and they have a right to the info.

Does Badal REALLY want folks to ask Ramson to get on his case for the info??!!

…from Bond

Your Eyewitness is a movie buff…and Roger Moore’s passing reminded him that the Bond franchise was one of his favourites, not least because of the various femmes fatale.

One of his favourites was Grace Jones, who starred in “A View to a Kill”.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Williams ‘clipped’ by Fallen GPL pole leaves WCD advisory body – Jadgeo villages without electricity – says he’s trying to contaminate President’s view on GECOM chairmanship

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, opining that the powers of Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams have been clipped following the establishment of a Ministerial Council of Legal Advisors to assist him perform his duties, is contending that Minister Williams is now trying to contaminate President Granger’s personal views on the new list of candidates submitted for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairmanship.

“The value of (Williams’s) advice has been diminished in the administration because (his advice has) been so horrendously bad and (has) embarrassed the administration on so many occasions... He is now trying to contaminate the President’s view by (using) his cronies and sycophants (to speak) about the nature of the people, and (is creating) a problem (because) these people can’t defend themselves,” Jagdeo told reporters at a recent press briefing.

The Opposition Leader was referring to attacks made

by Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards – via a letter to the editor -- on the character of the six new candidates Jagdeo has submitted for the Gecom chairmanship position. Jagdeo believes that the lawyer is a sycophant of the Legal Affairs Minister.

“It’s gutter letter writing.

Who is he to determine ‘fit and proper’? The President should do that. (Maxwell) does not do it as an ordinary citizen, he’s doing it vindictively, with a purpose in mind. And I want to find out if he is in the employ of the Government.

You’ll be surprised how many people who you think are independent are employed by the State,” the Opposition Leader posited.

According to Jagdeo, Edwards came on his radar after he had attacked the candidates.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“I don’t have a problem that he criticises me. I’m a public official. But he’s already started a character assassination, I believe, of the individuals on that list, and these people can’t defend themselves,” the Opposition Leader posited.

The candidates on the second list submitted to the Head of State are: Justice of Appeal B.S Roy (ret’d); Justice William Ramlall (ret’d); Attorney-at-law and former Magistrate Oneidge WalrondAllicock; Attorney-at-law Kashir Khan; Attorney-atlaw Nadia Sagar; and prominent businessman Captain Gerald Gouveia.

Jagdeo pointed out: “In respect (to) the names which I submitted to the President, one is a former judge of the Court of Appeal of Guyana; one is a former judge of the High Court of Guyana; three are attorneys-at-law with over ten(10) years of good standing at the Guyana Bar; and one is a former magistrate and (is) therefore (qualified) to be (a) judges of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Guyana, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana; and one is a former Captain of the Guyana Defence Force, a pilot and a businessman and entrepreneur.”

The Opposition Leader noted that arriving at the

six new candidates proved to be quite a challenge, more so with regard to the antecedents in relation to this matter.

“I embarked upon an elaborate and protracted public and private consultative process which lasted several weeks, during which I solicited the views of, and sought nominations from, many nationally renowned persons and various important stakeholders and representative organizations in my efforts to ensure that I present six (6) names to the President who satisfy the requirements contemplated by Article 161(2) of the Constitution,” Jagdeo said in a statement.

Last year, after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, the Opposition Leader had submitted his first list of nominees for the position of GECOM Chairman. Those names included Governance and Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh; Attorneyat-Law and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram; Businesswoman and former broadcast executive Rhyaan Shah; Retired Major General Norman Mc Lean; Business Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; and History Professor Dr James Rose.

However, in January 2017, the President officially responded to the Leader of the Opposition by stating that the nominees submitted for consideration for the post were “unacceptable”.

Granger had justified his decision to reject the list of nominees submitted by Jagdeo by stating that Guyana’s Constitution (Article 161 (2)) asserts that a current or sitting judge or someone eligible to be a judge in Guyana or the Commonwealth Caribbean is preferred to be appointed as Chairman of the electoral body.

A

rotten electricity pole in the village of De Kendren, West Coast Demerara (WCD) collapsed into passing traffic at about 14:00h yesterday, rendering villages as far as Boeraserie, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) without electricity.

The pole reportedly fell with a loud crash on to a BK International truck, causing that vehicle to plunge into a nearby gutter. Fortunately, no one was reportedly injured.

This incident has angered villagers, who note that it could have been avoided had the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc heeded the numerous calls it reportedly had received in regard to the rotten pole.

The pole had allegedly been hanging into traffic for a relatively long time, posing danger to life and limb.

Following the incident, severed electric wires were seen lying across the road, and traffic had to be diverted as traversing the area was deemed dangerous.

However, after several hours, GPL workers were able to restore electricity to affected communities.

In the meanwhile, villagers are calling attention to the absence of an electricity pole in the area and to the fact that some connections

The fallen electricity pole

have still not been restored.

The villages are also currently out of cable and Internet connection, as a severed GTT wire has not been replaced.

Guyana Times has been advised that several electricity poles on the West Side are in a rotting state, and villagers are concerned that a similar incident might result in serious in-

jury to some unfortunate passer-by.

Roycelyn Alleyne of De Kendren has said that another rotten pole obliquely opposite to her home is leaning towards the road and needs to be replaced.

The woman added that she has personally reported this to GPL but nothing, to date, has been done.

10 news

sunDAY, may 28, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

PPP urges Govt to “spare no efforts” in addressing hinterland floods T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has reiterated calls, previously made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, for the Guyana Government to “spare no efforts” in its response to the floods in several communities in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Heavy rainfall, the main cause of the overflowing of the Chenapau and Ireng Rivers, caused severe flooding in the villages of Chenapau, Kaibarupai, Waipa, Sand Hills, Itabac and Kanapang – all located in Region Eight; while in Region Seven, the villages of Kako, Wowetta, Jawalla, Waramadong, Imbaimadai, Phillipai, Amakokopai, Quebenang and Purima have also been affected by heavy rainfall.

The PPP in a statement on Saturday, “calls on the Government to compressively address and efficiently and effectively manage efforts to address this natural disaster and meet the immediate, short- and medium-term needs of the villages and its residents.”

The Party said it recognises the severity and extent of the destruction of personal property and belongings, crops and farms, community and public infrastructure affecting more than 3000 residents of the flooded villages. To this end, it will remain in touch with the people in communities affected and assures the residents that it will continue monitoring the situation.

“The PPP is hopeful that the flood waters will continue to recede, and, that the

The bridge between Itabac and Kanapang was damaged during the floods

emergency response by the Government and its agencies to the flood affected villages will be stepped up so that they can return to normalcy as soon as possible. The immediate needs of the affected communities – clean water, food supplies, medicines and emergency health workers must be the focus,” the Party said.

Moreover, the Opposition, in its call for preparations to commence for the rebuilding of the communities, noted that the Regional Democratic Councils of the two affected regions, and, the Toshaos and the Amerindian Village Councils must be fully involved and integrated in this response operation.

Furthermore, PPP suggested that Government go to the National Assembly with supplementary requests to comprehensively address the level and breadth of destruction and its aftermath on these com-

munities in the near future.

Additionally, recognising climate change and more unpredictable and intense weather patterns will make many communities in Guyana more vulnerable, the PPP calls on the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to extend its disaster preparedness master plan and operational mechanisms to all the regions, and to respond more effectively to natural disasters such as this.

Last week, two engineers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as well as technical staff from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) were deployed to conduct an assessment of the damaged roads and buildings and to facilitate water quality testing and set up purification systems, with a view to determining the long-term response that will be required from the State.

The team has since completed the assessment and

As well as GWI visited the affected communities to conduct further assessments of the damages and impacts to housing, agriculture and water.

Thus far, GWI said the water system in the community of Kanapang was reported to have been contaminated; with the water in the well now having a very discoloured appearance. The well at Itabac, on the other hand, is currently unserviceable as the solar panel, which powers the well, was struck by lightning during a recent thunderstorm.

In the meantime, over at Region Seven, joint field assessments continue to in-

in the area. Additionally, the community has suffered several landslides, resulting in several trails through the village, being covered in slush.

Reports were received that the airstrip in Paruima, which is approximately 60 feet above the normal level of the river, has been flooded. Additionally, erosion of the river bank has started to occur. The CDC however, has already deployed 142 relief hampers to its Forward Operations Centre at Kamarang for distribution to the communities even as it is preparing child-specific hampers for distribution to infants and school-aged children in the

GDF Engineer, Captain Daniel Seeram speaking with residents

are in the process of preparing their reports for actions to be taken. This was done even as the residents have expressed their satisfaction with the response by the Government to their needs after last week’s devastating flash floods.

Meanwhile, a team comprising representatives from the Ministries of Public Health and the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

vestigate the level and extent of flooding, in addition to the impacts to the communities.

While water has receded from some areas, mostly farmlands are still severely affected. Phillipai is reported to have experienced storms with very high winds during the previous period of heavy rainfall, which resulted in the felling of trees

flooded communities.

In addition, the RDC, which worked alongside the CDC earlier this year to complete the Regional Multi-Hazard Preparedness and Response Plan, has activated its Disaster Risk Management Committee and has been actively responding to the flooding in the area.

news

11

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Oil will bring opportunities, development – Govt to Lindeners Downsizing the sugar industry: The economic and social impacts on Guyana’s economy (Part I)

M

y focus for this week is on a topic that has presently been attracting much public debate and attention in our country, and dominating the media. Recent developments have caused widespread rejection of the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate. To make matters worse, recent announcements in the media by the administration of the day – the decision to close more estates -- have compounded the issue by stimulating an increased level of protestation by sugar workers and other supporting members of the citizenry.

These occurrences, once materialised, will lead to thousands of ordinary Guyanese becoming unemployed and severe adverse consequences visiting the economy of sugarproducing communities. The socio-economic fabric of those communities will deteriorate; the poor will grow poorer -poverty will be on the rise; crime will increase; hopelessness will be pervasive; and if I am to borrow another consequence put forward by a prominent political commentator in his blog, suicidal tendencies, or the rate of suicide, will increase. This scenario will almost certainly weaken, and thus devastate, the social and economic strata of the country’s economy.

It is recorded in Guyana’s history that the sugar industry began in the 1600s, when the Dutch West India Company sent settlers to develop plantations along the Pomeroon River in Essequibo. The first set of labourers to work on the plantations were imported slaves from West Africa. The first consignment of sugar was dispatched to Holland in 1661; and as the sugar plantations expanded, thousands of slaves were imported each year.

In 1833, the British rulers passed the Act for the Abolition of Slavery throughout the British colonies. This marked the end of an era characterised as slavery in Guyana’s history and the birth of a new era, known as the Indentureship period. Indentured servants were brought from India and elsewhere to work on the sugar plantations between 1838 and 1917.

In 1976, as part of the nationalisation process undertaken by the Government of Guyana, the industry was nationalised and merged with the sugar estates operated by Booker Sugar Estates Limited, Tate and Lyle and Jessels Holdings, to form the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Thus my attempt to highlight the history and evolution of the sugar industry corroborates the abovementioned argument that the sugar industry has for centuries been the hallmark of the country’s socio-economic bedrock. Now let’s zoom into the social and economic impact.

First and foremost, as a financial analyst, I have to say that GuySuCo is, no doubt, having serious financial troubles.

This is a fact that cannot, and will not, be ignored by this column. But equally, in these decisions, much must be taken into consideration. For example: what would be the cost to the economy should we downsize the sugar industry? If it were a private limited company, downsizing to cut cost would unarguably be a textbook solution which most private firms pursue when an economy is declining and/or the competitive environment is becoming fiercer.

On the other hand, when the government of a country owns and manages one of that country’s largest industries -reportedly one of the largest employers, with about 16,000 workers -- common sense dictates that it is inappropriate to base an inhumane, illogical, absurd, ruthless, unethical and irrational decision on only one facet of decision-making: profitability.

Eighty percent of GuySuCo’s employees are labourers.

This means that the closure of the estates will affect the lower working class people; or, to be frank, the poorer people.

According to the announced plans, 40 to 60 percent of the workers will be retained; this is equivalent to between 6,400 and 9,600 employees out of 16,000 employees. Therefore, between approximately 6,400 and 9,600 persons will be unemployed.

I beg to differ rather strongly with a statement issued in the press by the Head of State, which reads: “GUYSUCO BLEEDING COUNTRY”. In order to make sense -- both economically and socially -- of this potentially destructive statement, let us examine it comprehensively and test its merit. While I note with interest that the Government had, in eighteen months, injected $23 billion into the industry, many other crucial factors were omitted from this analysis. At least from the perspective of what is being peddled in the public domain, it seems to me that the analysis was enveloped in a great degree of mediocrity; and there is a reflection of poor and limited intellectual capabilities in the respective fields.

Next week I shall continue this discussion. I will present, in a comprehensive manner, the critical elements that I have alluded to in today’s article as having been ignored with regard to the economic and social impacts on the economy, and the way forward. In other words, next week’s article will seek to address the questions: What will it cost the economy to close some of the estates? Is it sensible to do so?

R

esidents of Linden and the surrounding Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) communities were treated to promises that with the future revenues from oil, benefits such as a road from Linden to Lethem and construction of bridges and ports will be some of the benefits they will receive.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, was at the time speaking during a meeting with stakeholders at the Mackenzie High School earlier in the week. He was accompanied by several Ministry officials.

He also told them of the impending construction of a local supply base, which will cater for the wells being drilled. He said Government is looking at sites between Essequibo and Berbice. It is understood that a feasibility study, as well as social and environmental impact assessments still have to be done on the site previously mentioned, Crab Island.

The construction of the base, he noted, will create many spin-off jobs for caterers, truck drivers, labourers, machine operators and more. He emphasised that Government will do all that it can to ensure that Guyanese benefit as much as possible from the oil and gas revenues.

Last year, the Natural Resources Ministry signed a contract with SBM Offshore NV for a Floating

A section of the gathering at the high school

Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility to be constructed. This is with an eye to 2020, when Guyana is likely to commence oil production. It had been announced that it would be constructed this year.

The onshore facility is expected to supply components to the offshore production vessel. At a recent oil and gas meeting with Minister Trotman, Director of oil and gas at Ernst and Young, Christ Pateman said the supply base must consist of components including the maintenance fabrications, warehousing, spares, housing, and spares handling among others.

Speaking about the progress of Guyana’s burgeoning oil sector, Trotman promised that there would be a strong focus on developing infrastructure. He cited a few “stand out” projects.

“One of them is a road from Lethem to Linden;

second is the bridging of the Essequibo River at Kurupukari, and we also have to have a port more than likely somewhere in the Essequibo River,” Trotman said.

“We anticipate that we will have a major hydro-power project and perhaps one other to supplement the major project. We would like to ensure that two and 300 years from now, Guyanese can benefit from this revenue, and that we don’t try to spend it all in 20 or 25 years.”

Trotman also said that the Sovereign Wealth Fund would provide for budgetary support.

“For example, you declare a $200 billion budget for a year and there has been a flood or some other situation you did not anticipate, you may be able to enter the fund and to bring you back to the $200 billion.”

Trotman reminded the residents that oil is a non-re-

newable resource, hence there is need to be careful when spending what income will be earned from the sector. He stated that Government will spend a lot on social programmes such as healthcare and education, promising that Guyanese “will all have the best health care that is available in any part of the world.”

Speaking on the environment, the Minister noted that this will also be catered for.

“The Environmental Protection Act does provide for an Environmental Trust Fund so we are going to ensure that a percentage of the revenue goes into that fund each year, and lastly, we want to ensure that every region gets a percentage; regions and citizens will be guaranteed by law a percentage of the revenue, so it should not matter who is in Government or who is the President or Minister.”

Govt duplicity, lack of transparency...

The Minister provided a list of donors to the House.

Among the donors as listed by Minister Patterson are three anonymous contributors, Palm Court, TEOCO, STP Investments Inc, Mohamed’s Cambio and RUSAL, among others.

He listed among those entities that have given donations in kind as BK International, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, BaiShanLin Forest Developers Inc, Demerara Sand and Aggregates, Barama, Buxton Gas Station, Splashmins, and NABI Construction, among others.

Opposition parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, while querying the expenditure was adamant during the consideration that with donations being less than 10 per cent of the $1 billion price tag, the project could not be one that could be considered as done privately.

He was adamant that it is reasonable to conclude that Homestretch Development Inc was just a company that was used to engage private contractors of which ultimately all of the money to be expended was to be paid by taxpayers.

The Opposition has already called on the Auditor General of Guyana to conduct an immediate forensic audit into all revenues, ex-

penditure and donations received. In addition, there have been calls for a commission of inquiry. The PPP has on previous occasions ex-

pressed outrage over the coalition Government seeking an additional $500 million to be plugged into the controversial D’Urban Park Project. The

from page 3

fact that hundreds of millions in public funds had to be used contradicts all suggestions that the project was privately funded.

12 news

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stopping road carnage

More strategic road blocks, stiffer penalties touted – along with zero tolerance for ‘drinking and driving’

By Jarryl Bryan

W

ith the continuing carnage being witnessed on the roadways due to reckless driving, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRC) has plans to re-launch its White Knight campaign.

The White Knight campaign is a collaborative effort of the GNRSC and the Guyana Police Force. The aim of the campaign is to team education awareness with enforcement during strategic roadblocks across the country.

According to GNRC Coordinator, Ramona

November (2016), when we measured it. For 2015 we had 15 deaths in November and the White Knight campaign and all the other campaigns the Police did compliment the campaign and this gave us a reduction in November 2016. So we see that it’s working and we want to run it again, from June to December. We’re going to have the media involved; we’re going to have civilians involved, we’re going to have prominent persons involved, throughout the regions,” Doorgen said.

She assured that the campaign would be advertised beforehand, while she

nator that passengers have their lives in their hands and must therefore contribute to preventing the reckless use of the road.

Doorgen stressed that passengers travelling in ‘reckless’ minibuses have a responsibility to request that drivers slow down.

Doorgen emphasised that drivers have a responsibility to look out for pedestrians and vice versa.

She also called for a return to road conscious motorists adhering to the five Cs – care, caution, courtesy, consideration and common sense.

The recent accident at D’Urban and Smyth Streets

Doorgen, there are plans to reintroduce the campaign in June. In a recent interview with this publication, she intimated that the campaign would last until December 2017.

“It’s going to be the second White Knight campaign. We did it in

noted that contact numbers, the locations of the campaign’s principal points and road blocks, would be released by Monday, May 29.

Doorgen noted that one aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of persons drinking and driving on the roadway. Meanwhile, it was emphasised by the coordi-

Stiffer penalties

“We are working with the Ministry (of Public Security) and asking for stiffer penalties, including for when (motorists) drink and drive and (cause deaths). So we are working with the Ministry and looking at upping the fines and taking more strident measures.”

She noted that they were also examining making vehicular manslaughter a more prevalent feature in the law books.

The penal code under which motorists are charged for causing death by dangerous driving is Chapter 51:02 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. According to Section 36 (1) of the Act, “Any person who causes the death of another person by the driving of a motor vehicle on the road recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the nature, condition and use of the road, and the amount of traffic which is actually at the time or which might reasonably be expected to be, on the road, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and on conviction thereof…shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.

Section 111 states that “upon the trial of a person who is indicted for manslaughter in connection with the driving of a motor vehicle, it shall be lawful for the jury, if they are satisfied that he is guilty of an offence under Section 37 to find him guilty of that offence, whether or not the requirements of Section 46 have been satisfied as respects that offence, and any person so convicted shall be liable to imprisonment for two years.”

Section 113 (1) of the Act also makes provisions for someone charged with manslaughter from using a motor vehicle or causing death by reckless driving to have their driving license sus-

GNRC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen

pended, pending a verdict and sentence. This order must come with the approval of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

It is felt by many that these penalties are inadequate, especially as the charge is innately vehicular manslaughter, as defined by causing death through the negligent use of the road ways.

Statistics

Recently, the Police Traffic Department said it recorded a 26 per cent decline in fatal accidents for the period beginning January 1, 2017 to May 15, 2017. Thirty-six fatal accidents and 40 deaths were recorded, compared to 50 fatal accidents and 54 deaths over the same period last year.

There was also a 39 per cent decrease in overall accidents for the same period, as 398 accidents have been recorded, as opposed to 651 accidents the previous year.

It is understood that pri-

vate cars accounted for most of the vehicles involved, standing at 12, while there were four pedal cycles, three minibuses, four motor lorries, four hire cars, one pickup and four motorcycles.

The Guyana Police Force said speeding remains the major cause of accidents, accounting for 14 accidents in the first quarter of the year.

Other causes were inattentiveness, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to confirm to road traffic signs and pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles.

Operation Safeway received some credit for this success. Through this operation, traffic ranks have been on the roads conducting rigid exercises throughout the country, but more particularly in Georgetown, and on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

It was only days ago that, in a particularly horrendous accident, 67 yearold Daniel Richmond lost his life. Richmond, a wellknown umpire and cricket coach attached to the Sport Department of the Education Ministry, was reportedly returning home from attending church when the minibus in which he was travelling was struck from behind by a Toyota Tundra pickup.

Upon impact, the Route 41 minibus toppled several times before coming to a halt. The father of 10, who was unidentified at the time, died on the spot while several others were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were admitted. turn to page 15

news

13

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Boat gone ah falls

By Ryhaan Shah

N

o one is optimistic about Guyana’s future. The country has careened through 51 post-independence years, bouncing along and threading its way through a divide, with two large groups of citizens on opposite sides of the path that should have led us to peace and prosperity.

But poor political leadership is not the only reason for our despair and continued lack of progress.

The will always belongs to the people, and we are the ones who continue to fail ourselves and our children’s future. We have not yet risen above party politics, nor have we graduated from drinking Ryhaan Shah the partisan Kool- Aid that continues to kill us.

Many felt the PPP/C Administration was corrupt and arrogant, and should be let gone. Whatever machinations occurred in the 2015 elections to ensure this, the Coalition came in with great promises of positive change. We have watched it all come to naught as PNC authoritarianism moved in; and that without any effective protest or deterrence from any quarter.

The PNC has always had command of its thug element, along with its kith-and-kin support in the police and army, which are all part of its political arsenal. With these it had rammed its way into power in the 1960s with the full backing of the US and its allies. PNC attempts to do the same during the 23 years of PPP rule were destructive, but never achieved the desired goal.

The U.S. had invested too heavily in restoring Guyana to democratic rule; and, in a post-Cold War era, there was no good reason for political meddling. Then came oil, and everything changed. Securing an oil future is to everyone’s advantage -especially for the U.S. and its allies, with their manufacturing and industrial sectors to feed.

The PPP/C Administration’s insistence on respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and its infamous feral blast did not help its relationship with the diplomatic community. With Guyana still dependent on aid, we are not in a position to call the shots, and many continue to believe that the party’s uncouth conduct scuppered its chances of winning the 2015 elections.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is astute enough to understand the need to mend fences with our international partners, but this might be too little too late.

By all appearances, boat done gone ah falls, even if the PPP senses a 2020 victory because of the many corruptions and faux pas being committed by the Granger Administration. The economy is in free fall; the stink of Government’s corruption is high; democratic parliamentary processes are sidelined, as is the rule of law; and with Justice Franklyn Holder’s recusal from the Carvil Duncan case, the Judiciary appears compromised, whether through intimidation or because of party/racial solidarity.

These add up to the abuse of Executive powers that accompany authoritarianism, and President David Granger is still to name a successor to the GECOM chair -- an absolutely crucial position if the PNC’s plan to stay in government come 2020 is to succeed. The pesky AFC 11% appendage will have to go; PNC rule will not be dependent on Indian Guyanese votes.

The moves to erode democratic processes should have set off alarms within the diplomatic circle, given their strident criticisms in regard to the PPP/C Administration’s alleged corruption. Instead, there are notably affable relations with what is an openly corrupt Government.

Granger was able to go and take a photograph with the Queen of England; and he appears quite delighted with the shiny objects being presented to him, including little Hess toy trucks and a presidential arch complete with the cacique crown, gifted by favoured Trinidadian business partner ANSA McAL, who is $605 million richer for the corrupt pharmaceutical supply deal it was handed.

If everything goes according to plan – the Nassau Plan? the 2020 elections will be the last electoral manipulation the PNC might need. The openly racist policies that target Indian Guyanese economically and culturally will succeed in their goal. As Indians continue to flee, the demographics will shift and Africans will become the majority Guyanese people.

Guyana’s First Nations need to be vigilant about the fatuous claim being made about African indigeneity. If this claim gains any legitimacy, the First Nations could well find themselves disempowered and dispossessed.

Not everyone wants to see Guyana go down the road of PNC authoritarianism again; but, unfortunately, we have no best selves that will act for the common good and in our country’s interests. We prefer to watch the boat plunge headlong over the falls onto the rocks below.

Oil will not save us; neither will another PNC dictatorship.

But is there any will and unity to turn the boat around?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to shah@guyanatimesgy.com

Man carries out peculiar attack on 2 schools in West Dem T

eachers and other staff of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Secondary School in Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, are awaiting the capture of a reputed robber in connection with a brazen hit on the institution during the mid-day hours of Thursday, May 25.

Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, staff members were at a seminar in another section of the school when the man marched into the staffroom and rummaged through the belongings of the teachers.

It was only when the secretary walked into the room that an alarm was raised

The Saraswati Vidya Niketan Secondary School

and the alleged robber made good his escape, carting off several wallets containing cash, identification cards, and bank cards among other

valuables.

A source disclosed to this publication that the man ran out of the compound and fled, as efforts to apprehend

him proved futile. It is alleged that he (hereafter) executed a similar attack on Leonora Primary School, stealing from two of the teachers. According to reports, a total of seven teachers were victimised in the ordeal; five from SVN and two from the Leonora school.

An official from SVN disclosed that a report has since been made to a neighbouring Police station where they submitted a photograph of the offender which was snapped by someone at the Leonora Primary School.

However, information surrounding the status of Police investigation remains sketchy.

Local NBTS improving under...

So far, the local NBTS has had a diagnostic visit by Argentine experts; physicians operating in both the Public and Private Sectors have benefited from continuous medical education offered by Buenos Aires at their Hemotherapy Centre of the Garrahan Hospital while practical aspects of the CME training will be fleshed out when a team of specialists from Argentina visits Guyana later this year.

“During the visit the team will conduct an audit of the NBTS, which will include an examination of blood donors’ recruitment and retention. It is imperative that this activity be conducted as soon as possible.

This will ensure that the NBTS maintains its high quality and standards, as

well as its compliance with internationally recognised best practices,” the joint agreement specifies.

Continuing it said: “The Government of Guyana looks forward to broadening and strengthening its relationship with the Government of Argentina and for both countries to continue collaboration in the field of public health. With the help of the Argentine experts from the Garrahan Hemotherapy Centre, the NBTS of Guyana will continue to deliver the highest quality of standards of blood transfusion services to the people of Guyana.”

Guyana and Argentina established diplomatic relations in June 1972 and since then, Ambassador Martino said the independent nations “have achieved a lot”

and have now set their collective eyes on improving the capacity-building capabilities between the South American Republics.

Dr Cummings is pushing for Argentine assistance to help build a blood collecting facility in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). According to national figures, some 80 per cent of blood donated to the NBTS come from Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and there are great prospects in the region famous for its bauxite production.

During the recent discussions between Cummings

from page 8

and Martino, the idea of a tripartite compact involving the two countries and PAHO/WHO to collaborate to improve national blood collection here despite Guyana’s current human resource challenges, equipment shortfall and the lack of critical knowledge in the blood collection sector.

It was also envisaged that the tripartite compact envisaged can target telemedicine as an initiative targeting the reduction of maternal mortality and the incidence of non-communicable diseases here, Cummings and Martino agreed.

14 news

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Alleged drunken Cop involved Younge’s Take That Referendum and in Canal Polder accident Minority Human Rights S T

enior Police ranks in ‘D’ Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) are investigating a report surrounding an allegedly drunken Police rank who was involved in an accident at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara. The vehicular accident occurred on Friday morning along the Canal Number One Polder access road.

Based on reports received, it is believed that the Policeman, “Matterhorn” was highly intoxicated while driving a Route 31 minibus, when he reportedly veered into the path of another bus driven by Ryan McIntyre.

As a result of the impact, McIntyre lost control and ended up in a trench. His minibus had one passenger while the minibus driven by

The Route 31 minibus, moments after being pulled from the Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara

the Policeman had quite a few occupants. There were, however, no serious injuries recorded.

Ranks of the La Grange Police Station promptly arrived on the scene but re-

portedly due to “Matterhorn” being a Police rank, a breathalyser test was not conducted. Additionally, demarcations at the point of impact of the accident were not marked by the Police.

In footage obtained by this publication, owner of the bus, Kelvin Simon who arrived shortly after the accident and the drunken Police rank were involved in a confrontation.

“Da is me vehicle, I looking for justice for my thing,” Simon was heard telling the Police rank.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the Policeman was speeding. They also claimed that a number of beer bottles were removed from the bus before investigative ranks arrived at the scene.

Both drivers were taken to the La Grange Police Station where the allegedly intoxicated rank was released on $20,000 bail and McIntyre on $5000. Investigations into the matter, which occurred on Independence Day, are ongoing.

WPO condemns upsurge in harassment of professional women … celebrates 64th anniversary

O

n Saturday, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) celebrated its 64th anniversary and in reflecting on its journey and current affairs of the country, denounced the upsurge in political harassment and psychological abuse of women.

According to the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Party during its tenure had obtained an “impressive” record on the development of women’s rights.

It noted that following the 1992 elections, which placed the Party in power, the opportunity to accelerate developments in all areas of women’s empowerment became a reality for all women.

These included numerous

initiatives of Government; such as legislation, policies and programmes, signing of conventions and international commitments.

However, the WPO in a statement on Saturday outlined that this trend has been diminished upon the arrival of the coalition Administration into office.

“Ever since the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU/coalition came into office they have embarked on a programme of witch-hunting and ethnic exclusion. What is distressing to note is that the majority of those who are being removed and replaced are Indo Guyanese, including a number of women. Indian women have been ridiculed over the years for being passive and invisible and when for the

first time they have an opportunity to shine, they are being singled out and discriminated against.”

The WPO posited that all women, including IndoGuyanese, must have the opportunity to grow and contribute to Guyana’s national development. To this end, the body urged that Guyanese women speak out against any victimisation.

“We use this occasion to call on all women to stand firm and let their voices be heard. We must use the available means and methods to expose all the harassment and exclusion of our women.”

The organisation went on to condemn the harassment of professional women, especially the most recent action against Deeds Registrar

Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh

Azeena Baksh, which the it said smacks of political harassment and psychological abuse.

Baksh was charged and placed before the courts last week over an alleged misappropriation of $4.5 million. The issue reportedly stems from a dispute of whether or not she is qualified for gratuity, which she received payments for, since she was employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The 33-year-old pregnant woman is currently on $250,000 bail as the matter continued in court.

Nevertheless, the WPO is using this opportunity to reflect on all the contributions that led to the growth and development of the organisation, while calling on more proactive actions to further the push women’s rights issues.

Formation Before the WPO’s formation in 1953, its forerunner, the Women's Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO) formed in July 1946, came into being long before the formation of a political party in this country.

The rationale for such a formation became necessary because of the poor conditions women were living under and the absence of basic rights for them. contnue on page 15

wo senior ministers in the APNU/AFC coalition Administration have indicated that Guyanese would likely vote on the decriminalisation of homosexuality here via a referendum to be held in the near future.

They posited the view that the referendum is necessary, given the indecisiveness of the country’s key legislative body and its belief that it is “unfit” to make such a sensitive decision. The Government has also expressed the view -- through Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams -- that the decriminalisation of these archaic and discriminatory laws is a complex and less-thanstraightforward issue.

In short, the Government apparently feels comfortable in simply passing to the people the Michael Younge buck and any backlash that may ensue from the decision made on the issue of the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Government also appears satisfied that the majority here could be trusted to decide the future of a minority grouping, while being the final adjudicators of whether they should be allowed to enjoy what is fundamentally a human right.

By choosing to go down the route of a referendum, one cannot help but notice the sinister politics being played by the coalition Administration to conceal its weakness and the fact that it lacks the political will to push through these reforms or expressively state its position on the subject matter.

It is no secret that the constituencies and many who supported the coalition Administration during the 2011 and 2015 elections are likely to oppose any attempt to legalise homosexuality in Guyana if the necessary steps and attempts are not made to properly educate them about the fundamental rights of such a minority group, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana and several international charters and treaties to which Guyana is a signatory.

While a majority of people in Guyana do not support extremism and increasing levels of violence perpetrated against people in the LGBT community, if they are not given the necessary access to Government-funded resources to assist them in reaching higher levels of enlightenment about the real goal of the LGBT agenda, then they will reject the agenda altogether out of fear, ignorance, and lack of trust. Their fear, after all, is understandable, given the activism of the traditional branches of the church and right-wing organisations that have dedicated their entire thrust towards demonising the LGBT community here.

The continued inaction of the Government and the Guyana Police Force, the failure to seriously denounce all forms of violence against the LGBT community, and the reluctance to bring the perpetrators of these dastardly acts to justice swiftly have only contributed to the problem and the creation of a robust anti-change agenda in some sections of our society.

Any referendum without education and proper ‘expressed’ support from the Legislative and Executive branches of Government is likely to fail when it meets the wider populace. The Government must end its charade and address the issue frontally. It cannot continue to play Pontius Pilate at one time, and Caesar at other times, when the situation is to its political advantage.

The truth is that there are many people who still hold views similar to those expressed by Nicole Cole, a member of the Women and Gender Equality Commission. Any decision to put the lives of the minority LGBT community in the hands of the majority will see people like Cole seizing every opportunity to excite ill-will and violence directly or indirectly against the disadvantaged grouping.

They will seek to up the ante, which in turn will see the currently prevailing record-high levels of tolerance for the LGBT community in Guyana decline sharply, as talks about traditional morals, values and religious beliefs take centre stage despite a tidal wave of tolerance having already done away with conformity to most of these social constructs. Also, members of the LGBT community would again be targeted, and indirect attempts would again be made to force their members underground. The hate rhetoric will re-emerge despite the positive lobbyism of human rights groups and other right-thinking Guyanese who understand the LGBT agenda. This, in turn, can lead to a revolution. The truth is: once a group feels it is discriminated against and suppressed, it will use the time in exile to multiply before choosing another suitable or opportune time to re-emerge stronger.

There should be countrywide debates on the subject matter, sponsored by Government. There should be consultations at every level of the community. Parliament itself cannot pass the buck, as it is responsible for changing laws which see LGBT people losing their lives; suffering from some of the most heinous forms of persecution, discrimination, and physical violence; and being forced to engage in less-than-desirable public acts and behavioural patterns.

No one has asked for a full turn of events. Change can be incremental. Government should take action to further protect the minority group, by first repealing discriminatory laws and then dealing with all of the other human rights’ violations over a period of time, with the help of a bipartisan commission dedicated to protecting the rights of all Guyanese who could be affected from such a change. As a nation, we have demonstrated religious tolerance; maybe it’s time for us to demonstrate higher levels of social tolerance. Whilst there is much that divides us, there is much more that unites us. Human rights are LGBT rights once and for all.

NEWS

15

sunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Agri Ministry hosts Farmers Market Day – entrepreneurship emphasised

A

Fruit juices on display

s independence celebrations wrapped up, farmers and entrepreneurs showcased their produce and value added products at the Farmers Market Day fair. This event was facilitated by the Agriculture Ministry in association with the Business Ministry.

Many Guyanese flocked to the tarmac early and scooped up vegetables, fruits and other produce when the event opened at 06:00h on Saturday. When Guyana Times visited the fair later in the morning, many entrepreneurs explained how the public could benefit from their products.

Stephen Azar, a producer of coconut oil, said the response to his range of products was quite good.

“Folks around have been asking why the product is so clear [and] everybody seems

to think I add something to the oil but I don’t. It is made from freshly picked coconuts that are washed and milled…no water is added,” Azar noted.

Louisa Mansey, a producer of soaps, developed it into a business after many of her friends and family members had been using her product over the years.

“We try to use as many local ingredients as possible,” Mansey expressed.

Some of the ingredients her company utilises include turmeric, black sage, and coffee sourced from the Pomeroon region.

Doonay’s Trading, a manufacturer of household detergents, was another company on hand to showcase its products to the public. A representative of the company explained that the range of products extend to dish-

washing liquid, hand soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners and multipurpose cleaners.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at the Guyana School of Agriculture, Bryan Greenidge, told this media house that the finances from products sold at the institution’s agro processing unit are utilised in the school.

“It goes toward revenue generation for the school.

We have the popular porridge mix, made from a combinations of flours from eddo, sweet potato and plantains.

We have plantain flour, barbeque sauce, preserved meats – chicken ham and pork ham,” Greenidge told Guyana Times.

The CEO added that the school’s livestock and crop farms form part of self-sufficient enterprises to feed the

More strategic road blocks...

Those injured were Brian James, Kim Douglas, Jelani Williams, Ariel Eversley, Michael Bunburry, De Andre Smith, Ronaldo Bancroft, Deon Goodridge, Brian Desouza, Lynette Crawford, Godfrey Daniels, and sevenyear-old Otien Otto. At least five persons remain patients at the medical facility.

After initially fleeing the scene of carnage he left behind, the driver of the Tundra, Elton Carter, of Lot

29 School Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was subsequently arrested by Police.

Richmond and his wife, Cheryl Saul-Richmond, were together for the past 45 years.

Upon receiving the news, the grief stricken woman reminisced on the good times and the ups and downs the couple had. She also mourned for the time they would never have together.

“When I get the message,

from page 12

I couldn’t stand up. I cried and asked the Lord to give me strength,” the tearful woman had recounted, when this publication visited her residence.

She is one of many who have had their loved ones snatched away from them in an untimely manner by the reckless use of the roadways by others. And her cries for justice echo the cries of many others, across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Many varieties of rice were on display

students at the live-in institution.

Other products from other producers that were on display at the Farmers Market

Day event included honey, capadula, fruit drinks, cooking sauces, oils and various rice varieties. There were also showcases of plants and

craft at the fair. This year’s Farmers Market Day followed a promoting entrepreneurship through agro-business initiative.

WPO condemns upsurge in...

The foresight of Janet Jagan, who came into the country in 1943, recognised these realities and immediately spoke to the issues in the National newspapers in 1944. Those conditions included the lack of education; abject poverty; poor housing and living conditions; starvation wages and all the ills that are associated with poverty and exploitation under colonial rule.

With the formation of the PPP in 1950 and the struggle for adult suffrage which became a reality, women and men were given the opportunity to participate in elections without conditions of property or position.

The winning of the 1953 national election in Guyana saw women being elevated for the first time and three women were elected to the Legislative Council as well as the position of the Deputy Speaker of the National

Assembly.

The WPO was formed a few weeks after and the main purpose was to give leadership to women in order for them to improve the lives of themselves, their families, and to become involved in the development of their country. Educating girl children was the process which would make that possible, thus, the call for mothers to send their daughters to school became the active mission of the organisation.

Simultaneously, the WPO in collaboration with the PPP began its advocacy for independence.

Thereafter, every effort was made to reach out to women, especially those who were living in rural Guyana, to make them understand how important education was for their children.

Those initiatives were the precursor to what eventually occurred in the late

from page 14

1950’s where women began to take their place in pivotal ways in Guyana.

With Government playing a more significant role in providing education more people, especially Indo Guyanese who because of their religion were not prepared to convert to Christianity, were stepping forward in getting their children enrolled in primary schools.

Thus consequently, the call to get mothers to send their children to school was beginning to bear fruit.

People recognised that having an education provided the opportunity to make choices in all areas of life.

Unfortunately, the period in which National Service was used as a tool for students to graduate prevented a lot of Indo Guyanese women from completing their educations.

16

sunday, may 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Cayman Opposition brokers agreement Still more to be done to improve with Independents to form coalition Govt B’dos-CHINA relations

I

n a dramatic turn of events that has struck out a deal brokered on Friday between the two major political parties – Opposition Leader Mckeeva Bush is set to become premier of the Cayman Islands.

According to Bush – a former Premier – at the 11th hour he formed a “government of national unity” with the independents.

The Cayman Compass reports that shortly before midnight, Bush made the declaration, stating that he had already written to Governor Helen Kilpatrick

Opposition Leader Mckeeva Bush

to rescind the agreement that was signed only hours earlier with the leader of the People's Progressive Movement (PPM), Alden McLaughlin.

“This has been a long and tedious election campaign with plenty of ongoing discussion happening to select who will govern the country for the next four years,” Bush said in a statement.

“After numerous calls from my West Bay constituencies and from voters across the wider eastern independent representative districts, I, William McKeeva

Bush and my colleagues have therefore withdrawn our support for the PPM to form the next government and have agreed to form the next government with the independent candidates.

He said the fact that the people had chosen more independent candidates meant they had a mandate to make a change for the “beloved nation”.

The coalition creates an 11-person government with Bush and his Cayman Democratic Party colleagues joining with eight independent members. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

A

s Barbados and The People’s Republic of China celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, there is still much work to be done. This point was made

by Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Her Excellency Wang Ke, as she spoke at a forum to mark the 40th anniversary, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, on Friday.

She said the two nations have developed a strong relationship through trusting each other as loyal friends and becoming partners of mutually beneficial co-operation, as well as sharing the common goal of making tremendous efforts to improve

sustainable development and improving citizens’ well-being. However, she said while there has been progress over the past 40 years, especially as it relates to China funding various building projects across Barbados’ landscape, there are challenges that must be addressed.

Firstly, Ambassador Wang noted that there is a need for the two countries to work harder to explore “new converting points”.

Secondly, she pointed out that due to the long distance and language barrier, China and Barbados’ mutual understanding is far from where it should be. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Brazil Police killing of 10 Amazon Over 50 US senators support eliminating region land activists under probe restrictions on travel to Cuba

B

razilian authorities said on Thursday they were investigating a Police raid that ended with 10 land activists killed in the Amazon region, the deadliest such conflict in over two decades.

Nine men and one woman were killed when Police arrived at the Santa Lucia farm on Wednesday, which a group of landless activists that included 150 families had invaded two years ago.

Para state security officials said in a statement the Police were fired upon as soon as they arrived. No officers sustained any injuries during the conflict. Leaders of the land activists were not immediately reachable for

comment.

Para state Police said in a statement that they were acting on a local Judge’s order to remove the families from the private land, and also carry out 14 arrest warrants in connection to the murder last month of a security guard employed by the ranch owner.

Federal and state prosecutors said they were investigating the killings. Police said they, too, had started an inquiry into the officers’ actions. Landless activists routinely invade massive ranches and farms in Latin America’s largest nation, where there is deep inequality in land distribution. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

A

s the Trump Administration’s Cuba policy review reaches its final stage, politicians, companies and organisations that support the policy of engagement are making an extra effort to send a clear message to the US president not to eliminate opportunities to travel to the Spanishspeaking Caribbean island, according to reports here.

US Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) have reintroduced a bill to eliminate all prohibitions on travel to Cuba, the Miami Herald reported on Friday.

The bill, which had only eight co-sponsors when first

The bill would remove all restrictions for US citizens and residents on travel to Cuba, and will authorise associated banking transactions made by travellers

filed in 2015, now has the support of 55 senators from both parties.

“As the administration

is finalising its Cuba policy review, it is important to show that a bipartisan majority in the Senate

supports not only not rolling back the measures that President Obama took to expand travel, but to go even further and remove all restrictions,” James Williams, president of Engage Cuba, told the Herald. Engage Cuba is a coalition of companies and organisations that lobby to eliminate sanctions on Cuba.

The bill would remove all restrictions for US citizens and residents on travel to Cuba, and will authorise associated banking transactions made by travellers.

A similar proposal was presented in the US House of Representatives but with fewer sponsors. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

Trump wants to deport UN-backed projects aim to protect MS-13 gang members Caribbean underwater life

– El Salvador is dreading their return

T

he Trump Administration’s push to deport more Central American gang membersh as alarmed officials here who fear that the returning gangsters could exacerbate violence in one of the deadliest countries in the hemisphere.

This year the US Government has deported 398 gang members to this country, compared with 534 in all of 2016, according to Salvadoran Government statistics. This sharp increase in the rate of gang deportations — and the prospect of more gang roundups in the United States — has prompted Salvadoran authorities to hold emergency meetings and propose new legislation

to monitor suspected criminals who are being sent home.

“This clearly affects El Salvador. We already have a climate of violence in the country that we are combating,” said Héctor Antonio Rodríguez, the director of the country’s immigration agency. “If gang members return, of course this worries us.”

In El Salvador, this gang and rivals such as the 18th Street gang have terrorised neighborhoods for decades. MS-13 formed in Salvadoran immigrant communities in Los Angeles in the 1980s, building its ranks with refugees from the country’s civil war.

(Excerpt from The Washington Post)

T

he United Nations says it is supporting several projects in the Caribbean to underscore the connection between life on land and life below water. As the vital role of the world’s oceans in human wellbeing and development is being highlighted, the UN will host a global conference early next month aimed at protecting these resources. On Friday, it said that conserving the marine environment is among the objectives of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “which seek to achieve a more just and equitable world for all people and the planet by a deadline of 2030.”

“SDG 14, Life Below Water, and the Ocean

A leatherback turtle returning to the sea

Conference,” to be held from June 5-9, has particular resonance for coun-

tries such as Trinidad and Tobago, according to Rissa Edoo with the UN

Development Programme (UNDP) in the capital, Port of Spain.

“Most of our resources are along our coast, and most of our industry is also along our coast,” Edoo added. “So, it is very important for us to understand the connection between life on land and life under water.”

The UN said among the recipients is Nature Seekers, a non-profit organization that has become a model for marine conservation in the Caribbean over the past 27 years. The group is based in Matura, a fishing village on Trinidad’s north-east coast, where nesting leatherback turtles were being slaughtered for their meat. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Jamaica hosts first Caribbean symposium on climate change and world heritage

J

amaica will host the Caribbean’s first symposium on Climate Change and World Heritage at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston from May 29 to 31.

The symposium, which is being held under the theme:

Rallying for the protection of Culture and Heritage in SIDS under a sustainable 21st Century climate change agenda, will begin with an opening ceremony, starting at 9:00 am.

The meeting is being host-

ed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Cluster Office for the Caribbean, the Jamaica

National Commission for UNESCO (Participatory Programme) and the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Some 40 delegates from 12 Caribbean countries with

existing World Heritage properties are expected to attend.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Dr Janice Lindsay, said that

the symposium aims to bring awareness to the threat of climate change among site managers and policy makers, as well as the main elements of useful management strategies to respond to climate change. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, may 28, 2017

17

Around the World

A ‘catastrophic’ computer outage is 2 men killed in Oregon train stabbings after crippling international air travel

A

catastrophic computer outage crippled one of the world’s busiest flight hubs on Saturday, forcing British Airways to cancel all flights out of two London airports, leaving terminals in chaos and passengers stranded.

“Today [Saturday], we have experienced a major IT system failure that is causing very severe disruptions to our flight operations worldwide,” British Airways Chief Executive Alex Cruz said in a video message, as reports spread of errors on its website, ticket machines, baggage terminals and technical infrastructure.

Cruz wore a yellow safety vest as he spoke near Heathrow Airport – Europe’s busiest airport and major hub – where baggage piled on the floor and gate information had to be writ-

Flights were supposed to resume Saturday evening, but the airline later announced that none of its planes would leave the airports before today

ten on a whiteboard. British Airways cancelled all departures at Heathrow and at nearby Gatwick Airport.

Flights were supposed to resume Saturday evening, but the airline later announced

that none of its planes would leave the airports before today.

While only British Airways departures from the two airports were directly affected, a cascade

of problems rippled around the world. For example, the BBC reported, planes trying to land at Heathrow were unable to park, due to jets clogging the gates. Other outlets reported cancellations in other countries.

New York’s JFK International Airport announced delays due to the crisis, though other US airport like BWI Marshall seemed to be operating normally. But in London, an airport that flies about 200,000 people a day to and from other countries became largely dysfunctional.

Cruz, the Chief Executive, said a power supply problem is believed to have triggered the crisis. A British Airways spokeswoman told The Washington Post that “there’s no evidence it’s a cyberattack.” (Excerpt from The

Washington Post)

anti-Muslim rant

A

man fatally stabbed two passengers aboard a Portland, Oregon, commuter train after they tried to stop him from harassing two young women who appeared to be Muslim, Police said on Saturday.

Police identified the assailant, who was arrested soon after the Friday afternoon attack, as Jeremy Joseph Christian of Portland, a 35-year-old convicted felon.

A senior researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center, in a blog post, said Christian's Facebook page showed he held "some racist and other extremist beliefs."

The attack unfolded hours before the start of Ramadan, Islam's holy month, when most of the

world's 1.6 billion Muslims observe a daily religious fast.

Christian started shouting ethnic and religious slurs, apparently at the two young women, one of whom wore a Muslim head-covering, the Portland Police Department said in a statement.

Three men who intervened were stabbed. Ricky John Best, 53, of Happy Valley, Oregon died at the scene, while Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23, of South-east Portland died at a hospital, Police said. A third victim, Micah DavidCole Fletcher of 21, Southeast Portland, remained in a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, Police said. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Philippines’ Duterte Manchester attack: CCTV shows under fire for bomber before arena blast second rape joke

T

he President of the Philippines has come under fire for joking about rape in a speech to soldiers. While speaking at a military camp after imposing martial law across the south of the country, he said they were allowed to rape up to three women.

This was the second rape joke Rodrigo Duterte has been condemned for making since announcing his candidacy. A human rights group said his comment was "sickening" and Chelsea Clinton tweeted that rape was never funny.

Duterte's words were: "I will be imprisoned for you.

If you rape three (women), I will say that I did it. But if you marry four, son of a whore you will be beaten

up."

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, wrote on Twitter that Duterte was "a murderous thug with no regard for human rights" and that "rape is never a joke".

Phelim Kine of Human Rights Watch said the President's comment was "a sickening attempt at humour" that sent soldiers a signal they could commit rights abuses while enforcing martial law.

Martial law was imposed last week on Mindanao in the South of the Philippines, where Muslim separatists and other rebels are fighting the Army. (Excerpt from BBC News)

C

CTV images showing suicide bomber Salman Abedi on the night he attacked Manchester Arena killing 22 people, have been released by Police.

Fourteen locations are being searched and 11 men remain in custody on suspicion of terror offences.

Abedi’s identity was known within two hours of Monday’s attack, Police said.

The UK threat level has been reduced from critical to severe and soldiers deployed to support the Police will be gradually withdrawn from Monday night.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the announcement after leading a meeting of the Government’s emergency committee Cobra on Saturday morning.

Armed Police continue to guard hundreds of events across the UK over the bank holiday weekend.

There was increased security at Wembley for the FA Cup Final,

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi on the night he attacked Manchester Arena killing 22 people

Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup Final and Twickenham for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final.

Hundreds of Police were on duty as 50,000 fans attended The Courteeners concert at Old Trafford cricket ground – the first major music event in the city

Sri Lanka seeks international help after deadly flooding, landslides

S

ri Lanka seeks international help after deadly flooding, landslides The number of people known to have been killed in floods and landslides in Sri Lanka rose to 122, officials said on Saturday, as the country appealed for international assistance.

The state-run disaster management centre said 97 people were still missing after the worst torrential rains since 2003.

The Foreign Ministry said that in coordination with the Disaster Management Ministry, an appeal had been made to the United Nations and neighbouring countries to provide assistance “especially in the areas of search and rescue operations”.

People are transported on top of an armoured personnel carrier on a flooded road as a man pushes his bike thorugh the water, in Bulathsinhala village, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka May 27, 2017

India is sending three Navy ships with supplies and other aid, the first of which arrived in Colombo on Saturday. Officials said deaths were reported from the western coastal district of Kalutara, the central southern district of Ratnapura and the southern district of Matara.

Sri Lankan military and rescue teams have used boats and helicopters, but officials said access to some areas was very difficult. The early rainy season downpours have forced many families from their homes and affected over 415,618 people across the nation.The wettest time of the year in Sri Lanka’s south is usually from May to September. (Excerpt from Reuters)

since the bombing.

Additional security measures will be in place for Sunday’s Great Manchester Run, where tens of thousands of runners are expected to participate, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bin Laden’s son steps into father’s shoes as al-Qaeda attempts a comeback

T

he voice is that of a soft-spoken 28-year-old, but the message is vintage Osama bin Laden, giving orders to kill. When the audio recording began turning up on jihadist websites two weeks ago, it was as if the dead terrorist was channelling himself through his favourite son.

“Prepare diligently to inflict crippling losses on those who have disbelieved,” Hamza bin Laden, scion of the September 11, 2001, mastermind, says in a thin baritone that eerily echoes his father. “Follow in the footsteps of martyrdom-seekers before you.”

The recording, first aired May 13, is one in a string of recent pronouncements by the man who many terrorism experts regard as the crown prince of al-Qaeda’s global net-

work. Posted just two weeks before Monday’s suicide bombing in Manchester, England, the message includes a specific call for attacks on European and North American cities to avenge the deaths of Syrian children killed in airstrikes.

Encouraged by the Islamic State’s setbacks in Iraq and Syria, al-Qaeda is making a play for the allegiance of the Islamic State’s disaffected followers as well as legions of sympathisers around the world, analysts say. The promotion of a youthful figurehead with an iconic family name appears to be a key element in a rebranding effort that includes a shift to Islamic State-style terrorist attacks against adversaries across the Middle East, Europe and North America. (Excerpt from The Washington Post)

18

news

SunDAY, may 28, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Wales Estate aftermath

WBD farmers note financial, drainage, infrastructural challenges …in crop diversification attempts

and oranges, among other crops.

Farmer Roger Caryll, whose family has been cultivating sugarcane for over 40 years, said he intends to leave sugar cultivation for rice cultivation, but hefty financial obligations have prevented him from progressing in this direction.

“I need to change my crop from cane to rice…to turnover is a lot of money. I still

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he end of May will mark five months since the sugar estate at Wales, West Bank Demerara ceased operating; and, to date, farmers are still awaiting construction of the direct road link to transport their produce to the sugar estate at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

Earlier this week, this newspaper caught up with a few cane farmers who live at La Retraite, a village in the lower West Bank Demerara area. More than one year ago, these same farmers had expressed grave concern over the many uncertainties surrounding their venturing into production of alternative crops, as opposed to sugarcane cultivation. Today, this level of uncertainty remains high, and the farmers have detailed a litany of financial, drainage and other infrastructural challenges associated with abandoning a crop which many had cultivated over the decades to begin producing crops which they have no experience cultivating.

Guyana Times was told that much of the land at La Retraite was tailored for sugarcane planting, hence farmers are encountering difficulty adjusting to the crop changes. Much acreage has been allocated to the cultivation of diversified crops, but many farmers still attempt to hold on to what they know best.

Opting not to ‘watch and wait’ on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to have the road to Uitvlugt estate constructed, the La Retraite farmers have collaborated with farmers in Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara to craft a route to transport their canes to Uitvlugt estate.

This initiative has, however, turned out to be not as lucrative as they had hoped, leaving many farmers crestfallen since, in most instances, the West Bank farmers can make only 1 or 2 trips per day to Uitvlugt.

Farmers note also that sections of the route became

“Instead of spending billions on the road, Government could give farmers like a billion (dollars) to help them to go into new crops,” Caryll maintains.

He is firmly of the view that Government should dialogue with farmers to directly address their concerns.

Farmer Leyland Bowman, who formerly used to plant more than 7 acres of sugar cane, indicated that all his

Hesley Jacobs at his La Retraite farm. One of his sugarcane plots is in the distance

nearly impassable when it rains heavily. La Retraite farmer Hesley Jacobs has “lived and breathed sugar cane” all his life. He indicated that he had made four trips to Uitvlugt, transporting his produce during the most recent crop. Due to the nature of its growth, much of the canes in his fields have grown back after being harvested, but the farmer is at a loss over what his next moves

income to which he has become accustomed as a principal cane farmer.

“Yea man, it difficult because I have a lot of expense. I borrow money and now I have to pay back the loan. I think with the cane you used to get a faster turnover; because if you plant fruit trees now, you wouldn’t be able to reap until after a year or two. Coconut is three years, and some plants might be five years. There

Is this the end? Roger Caryll overlooking his plot last year

should entail.

“That is the ratoon that just grow back there, and I threw a little fertiliser on it, hoping to test it out again on this crop -- to see how it would work,” he explained.

He explained that he had encountered great difficulties in transporting the cane to Uitvlugt because the road is improperly constructed, and he is thus greatly dissuaded from continuing to cultivate sugarcane; but cultivating other crops has reduced the

are some improved varieties now, but I don’t have them.

But by the grace of God, I am still trying,” the veteran cane farmer explained.

“You got to do something; you got to survive, and if [farming] is your only source of survival, you have to do what you have to do,” Jacobs stressed.

He said he has shifted his focus to “little cultivations” of bananas, plantains and cassava, and noted that his nephew cultivates coconuts

Forty-seven-year-old Leyland Bowman used to plant more than 7 acres of cane in the past

got over $5 million in loans to pay, and cane farming was my only income to pay [off] that money,” he indicated.

Caryll is suggesting that Government perhaps shouldn’t bother to construct the route to Uitvlugt, but should instead allocate that money as subsidies to assist farmers to diversify to other crops.

“That (constructing the road to Uitvlugt) is a waste of a time! wear and tear is very high, and that’s why [a lot of] men pull a little and plough down their canes; because, when you look at it, you [are] spending nearly 4 or 5 hours to transport your canes, and to do two trips will have you returning in the night,” he posited.

Caryll feels that returning late at night poses a threat to safety, as farmers who are licensed firearm holders may want to protect themselves from vehicle operators traversing their lands in the dark of night when they are unaware of who is passing through their property.

bananas and plantains have been affected by flying pests.

Declaring that new crops such as bananas and plantains take much more time, money and effort to maintain, he described his situation as “rough”, adding that he has to shoulder the entire burden of maintaining and harvesting these crops as he can’t afford to hire any employees.

“I got to fight. It ain’t easy, it’s real tight and I got a family…(The closure had) a big impact (on my livelihood), because (cultivating these new crops) is not like (cultivating) cane, where you could just throw the manure and spray. This is very hard,” Bowman, who also supports his 4 grandchildren, stressed.

This 47-year old farmer who grew up in sugarcane cultivation highlighted that collapsed dams and water not draining off the land fast enough have led to episodes of flooding in his fields.

This has also resulted in losses, and Bowman is appealing to the relevant authorities to look into rehabilitation of the

Fields of sugarcane were abandoned at Bellvue, WBD after Wales Estate ceased operating last year

canals.

Guyana Times contacted Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Denis Jaikarran, to get a response to the reports of poor drainage at La Retraite. He indicated that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had received no such reports, and he said that once farmers report the issue, the RDC would take “immediate action”.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder earlier this week told Guyana Times that he couldn’t say if construction of the road to Uitvlugt had started, or if any contract in this respect had been issued.

“I can’t put my hand on whether or not the contract was awarded at Uitvlugt,” he declared.

Earlier this month, Guyana Times reported Uitvlugt Estate missing its production target for the first crop by just over 1300 tonnes.

Two reasons advanced for this shortfall were rat damage to crops, and shortage of canes to accommodate the production process. This publication had also reported that much of the canes from several locations on the West Bank of Demerara could not go to Uitvlugt for processing.

The road linking West Bank Demerara communities to Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara is yet to be constructed. Wales estate ceased accepting cane from private farmers in mid-December 2016, earlier than the intended date, and this has caused much losses for cane farmers.

GuySuCo, also, abandoned most of the sugar cane it had under its control.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation has recently threatened that if some 375 Wales sugar workers continue to withhold support from the Uitvlugt Improvement Programme, it may be forced to shut down the Uitvlugt Estate.

Additionally, the Enmore and Rose Hall Estates are slated for closure by yearend, as per Government’s White Paper presented by Minister Holder on May 8.

sunDAY, may 28, 2017

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN: Former manager of the West Indies cricket team manager Omar Khan, says that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) is starting to pay dividends.

Khan made his comments after assessing the performances of the West Indies Test cricket over the past two series against Pakistan.

The West Indies within the last seven months have played two Test series against Pakistan and although they lost both 1-2, Khan has seen a lot of positives.

“The West Indies Test team has now become a team that competes and this is what the fans in the

Caribbean want to see. They are knowledgeable and they don’t expect to see the team become world beaters overnight. However, what they are seeing now is a team that is ready to fight, competing well in Test matches and even winning some.”

The West Indies narrowly missed out winning the first Test of the UAE series at Dubai, before losing in Abu Dhabi and rebounding with a fantastic victory at Sharjah. Pakistan then visited the West Indies recently and after losing the first Test in Jamaica, the West Indies were brilliant in winning the second Test at Bridgetown in Barbados.

They then lost the final Test in Dominica with just one over to go.

Khan attributes the improvement in part to the advent of the PCL, the league has worked well in my view.

It has given the cricketers the opportunity to play more cricket and anytime they play more cricket we will see an improvement.

It gives t h e m m o r e chances to be in

Omar Khan

match situations and this only leads to a better cricketer.”

He added, “if you look at Roston Chase, he was brilliant against Pakistan in the last series because he came into it well prepared. He was playing in the PCL for the Barbados Pride and this constant play would have assisted him in taking his game to the next step. He was not playing the shorter forms of the game. All he had to rely on was the PCL matches and he used it wonderfully well to prepare.”

The PCL, a brainchild of this administration, led by Dave Cameron, has completed three seasons and a number of regional players are now retained by their franchises, which are funded by the WICB. Khan thinks that the retainers bring a level of comfort to the players; “with the regional players being retained, they can now focus on their cricket, as opposed to having their daily jobs and not getting time off to play the game. They are now assured of a salary and can now go into the game fully as professionals.

In this way they can practice more, play more and ultimately improve their cricket.”

Khan ended by saying that he would like the see an improvement in terms of the assessment of the players under retainers. “We need to have a better system in place to keep track of the players in terms of their commitments under the retainers, to ensure that they do what is expected of them.”

19

Arsenal and Wenger set new FA Cup records

A

Arsenal celebrate their FA Cup victory

2-1 win at Wembley over Chelsea gave Arsenal their 13th FA Cup title, Arsene Wenger winning the competition for the seventh time.

Arsene Wenger has become the most successful manager in the history of the FA Cup after Arsenal won the competition for a record 13th time at Wembley on Saturday.

Aaron Ramsey headed the winner for Arsenal against 10-man Chelsea after Diego Costa had cancelled out a controversial opener from Alexis Sanchez.

Wenger's men have now won the FA Cup in three of the last four years, while he moves ahead of George Ramsey, who won the competition six times as a manager from 1887 to 1920, by claiming his seventh title.

But the Frenchman's future remains in doubt as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to confirm whether he intends to sign a new deal. (Sportsmax)

Wood denies Miller and Morris as England clinch series A SCOREBOARD n excellent last over from Mark Wood ensured England edged South Africa by two runs to win the ODI series.

England clinched victory in the one-day international series with South Africa as the tourists fell three runs short of victory despite an excellent partnership from David Miller and Chris Morris.

The Proteas had earlier paid the price for five drops in the first half of England's innings, with two missed chances to dismiss Ben Stokes in his first two balls proving especially costly as he hit 11 fours and three sixes to score a 77-ball century.

Jos Buttler also contributed with an unbeaten 65 as England reached 330-6 at the Ageas Bowl, but, though Quinton de Kock was dismissed for 98, Miller (71 not out) and Morris (36 not out) had South Africa needing just seven runs off the final over of their chase.

However, Mark Wood's (048) excellent death bowling limited them to four runs in the last six balls to ensure the finale at Lord's will be a dead rubber.

Having seen Jason Roy (8) depart cheaply, England were fortunate to see Alex Hales (24) dropped at long-off,

Hashim Amla and De Kock dropped him off successive Keshav Maharaj (1-72) deliveries.

Captain Eoin Morgan was also dropped twice, but his stay at the crease finally came to an end the delivery after Stokes had brought up his 50.

Buttler survived a tight

though he was dismissed in the next over.

Joe Root (39) was run out 15 balls later and Stokes was fortunate not to be following him back to the pavilion after

lbw review on eight and it was he and Stokes that did the most damage to the Proteas' cause.

After reaching 98 with a six over long-on, Stokes pulled

for two to bring up his second ODI ton.

His exit to Maharaj did not stop Buttler from keeping the scoreboard ticking with utter disdain for the attack while receiving able support from Moeen Ali (33 off 19).

Fittingly it was Stokes who broke a useful opening stand of 56 between De Kock and Amla (24).

However, De Kock found another unsurprisingly able partner in AB de Villiers (52), as they put on 96 before the South Africa skipper became Liam Plunkett's (3-64) second victim. De Kock hit 11 boundaries in a measured 103-ball knock but was denied a ton when he tickled Moeen (1-59) behind. Miller and the surprisingly prolific Morris kept South Africa in contention and a penultimate over in which the expensive Jake Ball (0-81) went for 13 seemingly put them in pole position, only for Wood to swing the result England's way.(Sportsmax)

England innings (50 overs maximum) JJ Roy b Rabada 8 AD Hales c †de Kock b Pretorius 24 JE Root run out (Pretorius) 39 EJG Morgan* c †de Kock b Rabada 45 BA Stokes c Miller b Maharaj 101 JC Buttler† not out 65 MM Ali c †de Kock b Phehlukwayo 33 Extras (b 1, lb 6, w 8) 15 Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 330 Did not bat: AU Rashid, LE Plunkett, MA Wood, JT Ball Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Roy, 4.1 ov), 2-70 (Hales, 13.2 ov), 3-80 (Root, 15.5 ov), 4-175 (Morgan, 32.5 ov), 5-252 (Stokes, 43.2 ov), 6-330 (Ali, 49.6 ov) Bowling: K Rabada 10-0-502 (4w), CH Morris 10-0-660 (2w), D Pretorius 10-0-611, KA Maharaj 10-0-72-1, AL Phehlukwayo 10-1-74-1 (2w)

South Africa innings (target: 331 runs from 50 overs) Q de Kock† c †Buttler b Ali 98 HM Amla c Morgan b Stokes 24 F du Plessis c †Buttler b Plunkett 16 AB de Villiers* c †Buttler b Plunkett 52 DA Miller not out 71 F Behardien c Ali b Plunkett 17 CH Morris not out 36 Extras (lb 5, w 9) 14 Total (5 wickets; 50 overs) 328 Did not bat: D Pretorius, K Rabada, AL Phehlukwayo, KA Maharaj Fall of wickets 1-56 (Amla, 9.5 ov), 2-93 (du Plessis, 16.1 ov), 3-189 (de Villiers, 32.3 ov), 4-211 (de Kock, 35.6 ov), 5-266 (Behardien, 43.3 ov) Bowling: MA Wood 10-0-480 (1w), JT Ball 10-0-81-0 (2w), BA Stokes 3-0-12-1(2w), LE Plunkett 10-0-64-3 (3w), AU Rashid 6-0-41-0 (1w), MM Ali 8-0-59-1 JE Root 3-0-18-0

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, may 28, 2017

Messi stars as Barcelona win third straight Copa del Rey L

ionel Messi was inspired as Barcelona beat Alaves to secure the Copa del Rey for the third year running and give coach Luis Enrique a winning send-off.

Enrique is leaving after three years in charge at the Nou Camp.

Ibai Gomez hit the post for Alaves before Messi scored his 54th goal of the season with a 20yard curler.

Theo Hernandez bent in a free-kick to equalise, but Neymar turned in from close range and then Messi played in Paco Alcacer right on half-time.

It has been a disappointing season for Barcelona, who finished runners-up to Real Madrid in La Liga and were eliminated from the Champions League by Juventus in the quarter-finals.

They did at least restore some pride with victory over last season's second division champions

Neymar also scored in Barcelona’s Cope del Rey final wins over Athletic Bilbao in 2015 and Sevilla in 2016

in what was the final match to be played at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon Stadium.

There were some records set along the way as Enrique's team retained the trophy, having beaten Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla in the

last two finals.

Messi, who struck the opener after exchanging passes with Neymar outside the penalty area, became the first player to score in four Copa finals since Athletic

Bilbao's Telmo Zarra in 1950.

Neymar, who forced in Barcelona's second when Messi played in Andre Gomes to cross low from the right, is the first man to score in three successive Copa finals since Ferenc Puskas, who achieved the feat with Real Madrid between 1960 and 1962.

Messi's through pass for the third goal was sublime, and was finished calmly by Alcacer - who has been inconsistent since his move from Valencia last summer.

The one major worry for Barcelona was a nasty head injury to Javier Mascherano, who was carried off on a stretcher after an early collision with Marcos Llorente, He suffered concussion as well as a cut to his head, and an injury to his right knee that will need further tests, the club said afterwards. (BBCSPORT)

Lionel Messi

Costa would only leave Chelsea for Atletico

D

espite months of speculation, Diego Costa has no desire to leave Chelsea for China and would only move on to Atletico Madrid.

Diego Costa insists he would only leave Chelsea for former club Atletico Madrid and has no interest in moving to the Chinese

Super League.

Costa was Chelsea's top scorer as he inspired them to a second Premier League title in three seasons but their campaign ended on a sour note with a 2-1 defeat in Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Alexis Sanchez fired Arsenal into a fourth-min-

Gustard to stand in County Championship

ute lead despite the champions' protests over handball and offside and, although Costa levelled with his 22nd in all competitions this term after Victor Moses was sent off, Aaron Ramsey sealed the cup for the Gunners 12 minutes from time.

Speculation over Costa's future has remained since a January bust-up with boss Antonio Conte came against the backdrop of mega-money interest from Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian.

The 28-year-old Spain international has two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and told reporters after the cup final

that a move to the Chinese Super League would jeopardise his chances of being involved in the 2018 World Cup. New rules introduced by the Chinese FA placing a 100 per cent "tax" or adjustment fee on foreign signings made by loss-making clubs could be another reason for insisting there is no future for him in Asia.

"There is only one team [Atletico] I could go," he said. "I have no intention to leave, I'm good here, I have two years left.

"But if the club wants to sell me, I have made clear that there is only one club I would go.

"I'm good, I'm good here.

People talk too much about China. There's a World Cup and if I go to China I won't play it.

"I will stay if I see the club and the manager wants to keep me. If they want to sell me to bring in another striker, I'll go but there is one club for me to go."

But despite retaining his affection for the club he helped to unexpected LaLiga glory in 2013-14, Costa maintains he has not held discussions over a return to the Spanish capital.

"I haven’t had any talks with Atletico," he added. "If I am going to change to a country that is not Spain, I wouldn't go." (Sportsmax)

GSCL Inc Independence Cup…

Tournament heading for thrilling finish

FIFA U20 WC

Patrick Gustard

S

T JOHN’S, Antigua – Experienced umpire Patrick Gustard has been chosen to participate in the umpire’s exchange programme between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The 45-year-old will stand in matches in the English Country Championship this month and next month, during a two-week stint. Earlier this year, umpire Graham Lloyd of England stood in matches in the WICB Regional Four-day Championship.

“The exchange programme is an important step in the umpires’ development pathway at the WICB. We see it as a vital part of the process as our regional umpires look to broaden their on-field experience in foreign conditions, as well as gain an appreciation for the cultural differences, which exist among the playing nations,” said Rawl Lewis, WICB’s Cricket Operations Officer.

“The programme is now in its eighth year and we have seen great benefits. It is a clear demonstration of the WICB’s intent to develop all aspects of cricket in the West Indies and we hope to see our umpires grow and improve.”

Lewis also noted that several of the umpires currently officiating at the international level: Joel Wilson, Gregory Brathwaite, Nigel Duguid, Leslie Reifer Jr., have participated on the programme in England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

US look for deep run after T good win over Senegal

U

nited States head coach Tab Ramos could not have been more elated.

His team had just beaten Senegal on Wednesday for its first victory in the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, a 1-0 result at Incheon Football Stadium.

“This was an amazing effort from the team,” said Ramos. “When you play an African team at a World Cup, and you run them into the ground in the first half the way we did, by pressing them and not allowing them to play, I think it shows a lot about the character of the type of players we have here.”

Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who missed the USA’s opening 3-3 draw with Ecuador through injury, solidified the defense.

“We had to sit him out the first game to make sure he’s a 100 percent healed,” Ramos commented. “He was probably ready to play our first game, but we saved him a few more days and I think it was worth it. He really proved to be the anchor of the defense.”

The Americans are slated to meet Saudi Arabia in the final Group F match for each

in Daejeon on Sunday. A draw will ensure that the CONCACAF champion advances to the Round of 16 and a win would secure the group title.

“We hope it’s a long tournament,” said Ramos.

“We only think about the next game. We control our destiny. We know if we win, we finish first in the group. And that doesn’t happen very often, so we’ll be happy to do that.” (Sportsmax)

USA secured their first win against Senegal

he Everest Cricket Club Ground will today host the final matches of the annual Independence Cup sponsored by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. Subsequent to an exciting day of play on Friday, today promises to be a day filled with lots of action in the Open and Masters’ segments. Regal All-stars and Speedboat have one win each, and will play each other in the final preliminary round; their places in the final are almost secured.

Regal have two wins in the Masters category, while Savage and Ariel have one each. While Regal Masters’ place in the final is certain, the other final spot can be taken by either Savage or Ariel. Regal Masters will play Ariel, and Savage will take on HS Masters in the final preliminary round games. Trophies in this tournament are being provided

by Trophy Stall at Bourda Market.

sports

CLASSIFIED ADS

Malta Supreme Darts…

sunday, may 28, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

FOR SALE For Sale One flat boat, Banga Mary Net, Cat Gut Net and Outboard Engine. Tel: 220-0376/225-9693

LAND for sale 1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115

property for sale 6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3.

CONTACT: - 630-5073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3.

CONTACT: 682-7439, 650-0700.

ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE) WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 6642505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having

problems, he has the solutions.

He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist.

Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed.

Phone: 602-8997

Green, Williams cop ‘luck of the draw’ doubles

T

he duo of Guyanese Sherwin Green and Trinidadian Richard Williams won ‘the luck of the draw’ doubles when the Malta Supreme Darts Tournament got underway Friday evening at the Millennium Manor Hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

In second place was the pair of top local player Sudesh Fitzgerald and twin-island republic’s Jacqueline Cook, while A Balchand and A Lacthman came third.

The participants had paid a fee of US$15 to enter

each category, and ‘the luck of the draw’ winners took home 50% of the pool, second placed winners received 25%, while the other 25% was shared between the third and fourth place winners.

Today, the final day, action gets underway from 13:00 hrs, and both male and female singles and doubles will be played. In the individual categories US$100 will go to the players with the most 100 points, highest check out, shortest games, and most 180 points.

The Male and Female Singles games are the ma-

SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE, ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100 Pepe’s Taxi Service, Alexander Village. Tel: 227-3728/ 225-4993.

Operational Hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm

TO LET OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 12x12 SQUARE FEET, WELL GRILLED WINDOWS AND DOORS, LIGHT, WATER, WASHROOM AND PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE. LOT 60 BRICKDAM TELE: 226-1836 Three storey 75ft x 30ft. building/ bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel: 2230654/225-0605

VACANCIES Marketing firm seeking Content Writers. Excellent communication skills (great writers only please). College diploma/degree/journalist. Experience preferred. Virtual position - work from home via Skype, GoToMeeting, email, texting, etc. Modern PC, good internet & power w/ UPC back-up and/ or generator is mandatory. M-F 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST. Salary $100,000/ month. Email resumes to careers@ consultpr.net.

Guyanese Champion Sudesh Fitzgerald in action at ‘the luck of the draw’

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call:

223-7230 Ext 35

jor attraction, with reigning Caribbean Singles champion Sudesh Fitzgerald being Guyana’s top ranked player.

Luis Ramirez-Merlano, who teamed up with Fitzgerald to win the Caribbean Doubles title last year in Barbados, will also be in action.

Other players who are expected to defend home turf in the Male division are Lalchand Rambharose, Anil Lachhman, Sherwin Greene, Anthony Bissoondyal and Bholanauth Ramdyal; while, on the distaff side, Guyana will be represented by Rosetta Hiralall,

Shondell Hyles, Hemwantie Amyan, Victorine Chandro and Melissa Smartt, among others.

Meanwhile, at the launching on Friday evening, Director of Sport Christopher Jones congratulated the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) for hosting the tournament, which has seen a 15-member squad from Trinidad and Tobago participating.

Jones also told the gathering that they can look forward to the support of the commission in hosting the tournament next year.

National U-20 athletes take lion’s share of medals

For sale: 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590

Contract cars to work with Taxi Service in Alexander Village. Tel: 618-3712/ 225-4993

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, taking aim to declare the tournament open

Independence Track and Field Meet…

VEHICLES FOR SALE

WANTED

21

Claudrice McKoy (centre) with her gold medal flanked by Leyanna Charles (right) and Kezra Murray (left)

By Michelangelo Jacobus

W

ith the South American Youth Championships fast approaching, Guyana’s U-20 representatives got in some much-needed track time on Saturday at the opening day of the Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association (GOBSA) Independence track meet, held at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

In the main event of the day -- the Men’s 20-34 100-metre finals -- CARIFTA gold medallist Compton Caesar (10.47s) beat GDF’s Rupert Perry (10.49s) by a tenth of a second; while Tyrell Peters, who will also be representing Guyana at the S.A Games, closed out the podium spots by clocking a time of 10.72s.

In the Females 20-34 100-metre finals, Alita Moore

(11.97s) continued her fine form by beating veteran athlete Alisha Fortune (12.28s) to claim the gold; while Kezia Bess (12.47) claimed the bronze.

Moore copped her second gold of the day when she ran a time of 56.68 in the 400-metre finals ahead of National U-20 athlete Avon Samuels (57.60s); while Cassie Small (1:01.90s), another U-20 athlete, came in third.

Claudrice McKoy soundly defeated the rest of the field as she ran 4:51.16s in her 1500 Metre Women’s 20-34 race. Fellow athletes Leyanna Charles (5:05.89s) and Kezra McKoy (5:24.78s) came in second and third respectively.

Earlier in the day, Running Braves athlete Deron Roberts (11.46s) bested Osrick Pellew (11.69s) and Jaroo Cox (11.82s) in the Boys 12-15 100- metre

race.

With a time of 10.80s, yet another National U-20 athlete, Daniel Williams, took the Boys 16-17 100-Metres ahead off Jermaine King (11.03s) and Mark Solomon (11.17s). In the Boys 18-19, Ryan Bramble clocked a time of 10.94s to take gold ahead of Jonathan Garnett (11.21s) and Marcus Havercome (11.49s).

Over in the Girls 12-15 100-metres, Princess Brown of Mercury Fast Laners claimed gold with a time of 13 seconds flat, while Tokolie Daniels (13.07s) and Deborah Thorne (13.31s) came in second and third respectively. Onasha Rogers (11.80s) edged Kenisha Phillips (11.86s) in a tight Girls 16-17 100-metre final, while Tiffauna Garnett completed the top three in a time of 12.55s.

For the Girls 18-19 100-metre finals, Toyan Raymond (12.41s) placed first, Tonya

Rawlins (12.59s) second, and Ruth Sanmoogan (12.63s) third.

CARIFTA Games Silver Medallist Anfernee Headecker continued his thus far highly successful year by winning his pet event, the Men’s 2034 1500-metre in a time of 4:06.50s, ahead of teammate Matthew McKenzie (4:15.08s) and Odwin Tudor (4:18.41s).

An event contested by strictly Police Club athletes was the Men’s 20-34 400-metre final, which was won by Linton Mentis (49.32s) while Leon David (51.58s) was second and Yussuf Ameer (51.59s) placed third.

In the Boys 16-17 400-metres, Godwin Humphrey (51.10s) outran Brian Roman (51.26s) and Shamar Alleyne (53.56s) to take gold, while Stayon Wilson (50.02s) beat Dain McKenzie (50.88s) and Rue Chester (53.56s) in the Boys 18-19 400-metre.

Anfernee Headecker (centre), Matthew McKenzie (left) and Odwin Tudor (right)

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, may 28, 2017

Xtreme Clean/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal…

A

Devon Millington double sealed a dominant win for local Futsal stalwarts Sparta Boss, as they won 4-1 against West Back-Road on an exciting opening night of the Gold Rush tournament, held at the National Gymnasium.

Elder statesman Millington opened the scoring in the 7th minute to take the lead for Sparta Boss. However, Back Road’s Josephus Charles immediately fired back to draw his team level in the 8th minute, before Eusi Phillips netted on the stroke of halftime to give his team a 2-1 advantage going into the break.

As play in the second half resumed, Millington added another in the form of a stupendous strike to extend the lead for Sparta. Gregory “Jackie Chan”

Richardson would then cement the victory with a glorious strike of his own in the 19th minute.

Earlier in the night, Broad Street Bullies edged Kitty 2-1 in their opening fixture. Darren Benjamin opened his account for Broad Street in the third minute, while Kitty’s Simon Emmanuel responded in the 9th. Veteran baller Jimmy Gravesande put Broad Street a goal up when he scored in the 12th Minute.

Agricola Champion Boys pipped BV 5-4 in a thrilling encounter, as Roy Matthews scored a hat-trick in the 6th, 17th and 18th minutes, while Domini Garnett supported him with a brace in the 5th and 7th minutes to sink BV. Akim Curry with a double, Reon Hopkinson and Delroy Deem were the scorers for BV.

The action on the opening night

Sheltez/Homesafe Security Independence Cup…

Jones, de Mees to match serves in Girls’ U-12 final G

uyanese Akilah Sekai Jones will match serves and rallies on the tennis court with Surinamese Kaeny de Mees when the

Jaguars’ Mexico FIFA World Cup 2014...

FROM PAGE 23

He further disclosed: “It’s common courtesy for the team to be notified how much the game was sold for and how much the GFF received. Out of that (amount) the players are due 12 per cent. One crucial instance took place and it [was] announced to the national team (that) $75,000 was received. However, only $45,000 was deposited into the GFF account, and the players were never compensated as per the agreement”.

Back in 2012, Wilson had deemed moving the match as in “the best interest of football”, since “the revenue will be used to pay off outstanding debts and other expenses the Golden Jaguars have incurred”.

It is understood that the Federation would have reaped approximately US$2 million (Gy$400 million) in profits. However, no documentation was provided to substantiate these claims.

two meet in the final of the Sheltez/Homesafe Security Independence Cup Under-12 international segment at about noon today at the Recreational Facility of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Jones qualified for the final on Saturday after defeating Dutch player Payel Narain 4-1 4-1 in the second semifinal on day two of the tournament. Prior to her semifinal clash, she recorded convincing victories over Paula Kalekyezi: 5-3 4-1 in the quarterfinal, and Liza ven Essen: 6-1 on the opening day on Friday.

Meanwhile, de Mees had a much more difficult time in her semifinal match, eventually winning 4-4 (97) 4-1 against Guyanese Amba Persaud. However, in her previous outing, she defeated her Dutch counterpart Tamischa Bendter 6-1.

Local players Jeremiah Kalekyezi and Vadeanand Resaul booked their places in the boys’ Under-12 final with convincing wins against their respective op-

Meanwhile, Sophia took bragging rights when they defeated Linden’s Guinness Champions Dave and Celena Allstars 3-2.

Joshua Kamala, Desmond Cotton and Dwayne Low were the sharpshooters for Sophia, while Kennard Simon and Sean Brewley scored for Dave and Celena.

In other results, Albouystown Ballers defeated Festival City 1-0; while Buxton put 5 goals in the back of the net of Camp Street All-Stars in the lone qualifier.

Showstoppers put up a futile resistance, as Tigerbay defeated them 5-2.

Fans will have a chance to win a pennyweight of gold and a host of novelty prizes when action continues this evening.

Guyanese Akilah Jones (left) will take on Surinamese player Kaeny de Mees in today’s final

ponents Wayne Baker and Dexter Koorndijk.

Kalekyezi won his match 4-1 4-0, while Resaul tamed his opponent to end on 4-2 4-1.

Action in a girls’ doubles match on Saturday at the GBTI Recreational Facility

The boys’ Under-12 final is slated to commence shortly after the conclusion of the girls’ final.

In the day’s proceedings, there were several consolation matches in between the main draws.

The following are results from consolation matches: Nandanee Ramdyhan defeated Zayna Qulander 6-3. Miniskhi Jaikisson defeated Liza van Essen 6-6 (7-3). Nigel Lowe defeated Tim van Leeuwen 6-3.

Stiyn van Leeuwen defeated Jaydan Chan 6-1.

Tamischa Bendter defeated Nandanee Ramdyhan 6-3.

Action in the tournament will continue from 8:30h today at the said venue.

3rd annual Commander “A” Division 5-a-side Football…

Tiger Bay boys, Albouystown girls crowned champs

Tiger Bay boys (blue and red) in their opening game against Yarrowcabra

T

iger Bay Boys team claimed the third annual Commander “A” Division 5-a-side Futsal tournament yesterday, beating North Ruimveldt 2-1 in extra time at the National Gymnasium.

Top goal scorer Orin Moore netted late into extra time to win the title for his team, the double being respectively his 9th and 10th goals of the tournament. Earlier in the day, the Tiger Bay Boys began the tournament in a dominant fashion by dismantling Yarrowcabra 7-1 in their opening fixture.

Deron Niles of Albouystown was adjudged MVP, while Orin Moore copped the Golden Shoe.

In the Girls’ tournament, Albouystown defeated East Ruimveldt 1-0 as MVP Royestia Cossou scored to secure the trophy. Teams from 21 communities across “A” Division participated in the competition as part of the Guyana Police Force’s Crime Prevention Plan. Communities such as Yarrowcabra, Tiger Bay, Circuit-Ville, North Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Mocha, Grove and Albouystown had fielded teams in the event.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Woman Inspector Blair McGregor noted that it is a part of the GPF’s initiative to keep the youths of the various communities gainfully occupied. She noted that sports is the ideal outlet for the youngsters.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, may 28, 2017

Alpha, Slingerz file $88M lawsuit against GFF

23

– GFF boss unaware of being served

T

he turmoil in Guyana’s football continues unabated. On Saturday, while the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) was having its Congress, it was made know that Elite League clubs Alpha United and Slingerz Football Club were granted an interim injunction against the GFF and are filling claims worth in excess of $88M. According to the document seen by Guyana Times Sport on Saturday, the injunction restrains the respondent from holding and electing officers of the executive committee at the Congress; paying out the prize money of the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League 2016/2017; and holding congress to amend the constitution to increase the membership of Elite League clubs from eight to ten.

However, to much surprise, GFF President Wayne Forde told media operatives that he has no knowledge of the injunction despite sources close to the matter revealing that “Deputy General Secretary (Ag) Ronella Bourne collected the document”.

“I have no knowledge of what you are talking about...

I think you are going to have those facts examined. We are

not aware of filing (or) serving of any application that you are referring to...We have no knowledge of anything being filed or served; and until such (time as we are aware), we cannot comment on it”, Forde said in address to the media after the congress.

The matter stems from four Elite League teams (Alpha, Slingerz, Pele and the Georgetown Football Club) withdrawing from participating in the second edition of the tournament, citing the expansion of the league to 10 teams as their reason for withdrawing.

CONCACAF, and FIFA have all made pronouncements on the matter, agreeing with the Federation’ stance The four clubs have been relegated to their respective associations, and will have to go through the relegation/ promotion system that is set to be implemented by the Federation for them to return into the League.

“There seems to be some confusion. The confusion is that it is incumbent upon these clubs to behave in a manner that would facilitate their reintegration into football”. Forde declared.

“The fours clubs that withdrew have been relegated. They are still mem-

bers of the federation, because we are going to treat with the membership mechanism through regulations that the Federation through FIFA and CONCACAF (are) drafting and will be tabled at an extraordinary congress in 90 days’ (time). As it stands, we want the players of those clubs to play football.

Naturally, their withdrawal from the league resulted in them being relegated. It is up to these clubs now to show willingness to afford the opportunity to their players to play football,” he explained.

He added, “The executive committee has played its part in terms of extending from a constitutional standpoint, and the clubs need to play their part. We are in the business of playing football”.

Forde also drew a line between the rules of the Elite League tournament and the Federation’s constitution, as they are not guided by the same.

The GFF will have 14 days to respond to the matter in the High Court.

Meanwhile regarding the Congress, 17 members of the 22 were present, with those who did not confirm registration being Georgetown Football Club, Slingerz, Georgetown Football Association, Alpha

United and Pele.

Forde highlighted that several decisions regarding the development of the sport nationwide have been made.

GFF President Wayne Forde

Jaguars’ Mexico FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier to be investigated T

he Congress of the Guyana Football Federation on Saturday passed a motion to investigate the details surrounding the National Senior Male Football team (Golden Jaguars) FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier against Mexico.

The match was initially set to be played in Guyana on October 12, 2012, but the GFF, under its acting president Franklin Wilson, sold the hosting rights for the game, which was then hosted at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas, where the Jaguars went down 0-5 to Mexico.

“The motion was ta-

bled and passed successfully. The essence of the motion is that the Executive Committee commenced the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the selling of the game rights and everything that would have ensued after”, Forde said.

Fruta Conquerors Football Club has tabled a motion mandating that an investigation be launched into the scandalous switch.

“Be It Resolved: That this May 27, GFF Congress mandates the executive of the GFF to commission an investigation, within 14 days of this Congress’s consent, into the fiasco of the Mexico-Guyana game in the

USA, and have a report of the findings presented to the next Ordinary Congress,” the motion stated.

The Fruta Conquerors’ motion also detailed: “Be it Further Resolved: That this investigation address whether any oral or written contract was entered into with players and staff for that game; and if thethen GFF was a party to the same.”

Forde revealed that the assistance of FIFA and CONCACAF would be sought to unearth the details.

“The Executive Committee supported the motion, and we now have

Former GFF President (Ag) Franklin Wilson

the tools that we need to reach out to FIFA and CONCACAF for support, both in terms of investigative capacity and necessary funding that would be needed to undertake such an investigation,” Forde disclosed.

He added, “Guyana Football needs closure on this matter, and we are happy that one of our members brought this to the floor and we have a clear mandate to resolve”.

No specific timeframe was given by which to resolve the matter, but the Federation well get the proceedings started in the next 14 days.

Recently, former National Captain Christopher Nurse told Guyana Times Sport he was hopeful that the matter would be addressed.

According to Nurse, prior to the match, then acting GFF President, Franklin Wilson, had signed an agreement with the players concerning their remuneration packages due to the switch in venue, after previously ignoring them. “He [Franklin Wilson had] ignored the earlier request for an agreement, (and that had) led to the strike the night before (the) Mexico [match],” Nurse revealed.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

Alpha, Slingerz file $88M lawsuit against GFF

– GFF Boss unaware of being served

Pg 23

The Guyana Football Federation held its Congress on Saturday but the Executive Committee led by President Wayne Forde learnt that they were sued by two Elite League clubs

Pg 23

Jaguars’ Mexico FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier to be investigated

The Golden Jaguars went down to Mexico 0-5 in the infamous switch of venues to Texas, details of which have not fully been made public which has caused an investigation into the matter

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

May 28, 2017

Star Times Hollywood:

Ariana Grande cancels tour dates after terrorist attack See story on page 12

FREE DISTRIBUTION

What's Inside Page 2

Page 3

Page 10

2 Sunday Times Magazine

may 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Feature

Independence Arch on Brickdam (Photo by Amanda Richards)

O

n Guyana’s independence, the country received numerous gifts and tokens of congratulations on the historic occasion. Some of those gifts are still with us today.

A gift that is still prominently displayed is the Independence Arch, which now frames the 1763 Monument when looking east up Brickdam.

Another Independence Arch once straddled the Ruimveldt Public Road, but was removed in 2004 as the road was made into a 4-lane highway, and the arch became too small to span the road. It was called the Ruimveldt Independence Arch, and was constructed by the firm GEO. A. Hamilton and Sons in 1966 for independence commemorations.

Germany presented 400 transistor radios for use in schools, while the United States provided a U.S. scholarship valued $170,000, along with books for schools, to the value of $780,000.

The Vieira family of Houston Estates Limited

presented a piece of land that housed former Methodist School pupils at Houston.

Additionally, rent was also waived for the building, which the government hired to use as a school.

According to an article in the Sunday Graphic of May 15, 1966, the government had up to that date received more than $600,000 in Independence Day gifts from several local companies.

One such company, the Demerara Holdings Group of Companies, had already announced that it would be presenting a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham, and later added that it would be making an additional presentation.

The firm pledged to endow a chair at the University of Guyana to be called the Sandbach Parker Chair of Public Administration and Government.

Other firms that pledged gifts to mark the historic occasion included D. M. Fernandes Limited, Sankar Bros. and Tang’s Drug Store.

The City Council also confirmed that it would

sponsor nine scholarships at the University of Guyana in arts and natural sciences as its gift to Guyana on its attainment of independence.

Several other firms later presented monetary donations to benefit a suitable local entity. Vice President of Continental Oil Company of the U.S.A., Richard Hittle, presented a cheque for $5,000 to Prime Minister Burnham, which was pledged to buy books for the National Library.

William Keen, manager of the local Chase Manhattan Bank also donated $5,000, which was presented to Ptolemy Reid.

The funds were said to be pledged to the creation of a youth camp at Atkinson Field.

The UN through its representative, W. M. Harding, presented an Amerindian village scene made of balata to the people of Guyana.

Lynette Dolphin received the gift on behalf of the government. The sculpture was designed and created by Harold Macdonald, and presented June 1, 1966.

One of the more auspicious Independence Day gifts was the Speaker’s Chair in Parliament. Made of teak and costing about $1,800 at the time, the chair was blessed on November 14, 1966 by Neville Laljie, Archdeacon of Demerara, and formally handed over to Burnham by the Assistant High Commissioner of India, Kunden Lal on Nov 15, 1966

On June 12, 1966, Guyanese artist Aubrey Williams chose to present one of his most valuable paintings, “Guyana” (1964). The 12’X5’ painting, then valued $20,000, was a gift to the people of Guyana on independence. The artwork was part of an exhibition called “Art Treasures of the Commonwealth”, which was held in 1965 at Burlington House in London (Photo courtesy of Castellani House)

The British House of Commons presented a table and three chairs for the clerks, and a Sergeant-atArms’ chair as an independence gift to their former colony

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

Notes used today in Guyana

M

oney was first introduced to Guyana by the Dutch colonists, but there was never much in circulation.

Previously, according to Guyana.org, there was an informal barter system among the original inhabitants of the territory before they began trading with Dutch colonists and traders for European goods such as knives and cutlasses.

Even after the Dutch introduced money, they rarely used it for large business transactions. It was normal for them to write promissory notes, which eventually would be redeemed from their agents in Amsterdam where they sent their sugar

cial exchange throughout the rest of the century, by which time the Portuguese and Mexican coins could hardly be found in circulation.

Many slaves saved coins that they acquired by doing odd jobs during their free time, or through the sale of the produce from their provision grounds.

The first bank to be established was a savings bank for the slaves in 1828. This occurred at a time when the British government was implementing policies aimed at improving the social condition of the slave population in its colonies.

In 1836, two other banks, the Colonial Bank and the British Guiana Bank, were

continued to circulate for a while.

23 of 1965. Actual operation commenced on Oct. 16, 1965, seven months before

the country gained political independence.

This Ordinance estab-

British Guiana currency

Currency Board (BCCB) and the Trinidad & Tobago government), for the dissolution of the BCCB by mid-1967 and the cessation of issuance of currency after 1965.

At its establishment, the Bank was housed in temporary premises in three locations. The governor operated from an office assigned to him in the Parliament Building.

Office space was rented from the Colonial Life Insurance Company, High Street, Georgetown, to house the Research Department while the BCCB's office in the General Post Office Building, Georgetown, executed currency operations on behalf of the Bank.

The Bank commenced issuing the new national currency notes on November

Front of a $1 note used in BG

and other produce to be sold.

The Dutch colonists introduced the guilder and other coins such as pennings, stivers and bitts whose values fluctuated over time. Side by side with these coins from other European nations circulated. These included the English guinea, the Mexican dollar, and the Portuguese gold ducat, moidore, and joe.

Paper money and English coins---SUBHEAD By the end of the 18th century, a type of paper money issued by the government or the banks in Europe began appearing in Guyana.

Usually, when a person had accumulated a quantity of paper money, he would exchange the notes for gold at the Receiver's Office for Colonial Taxes. This office would then re-issue the paper money to the public again.

When the British seized Guyana in 1803, English coins began to make a gradual appearance. However, the Dutch coins continued to be the main means of commer-

set up. The former, many years later, was taken over by Barclays Bank, while the latter, during the second decade of the 20th century, was absorbed by the Royal Bank of Canada.

In 1900, the Dutch coins were withEarly independent Guyana one cent coin drawn and were replaced

by British coins such as the Independence half penny, penny, sixpence, Guyana, on attaining intwelve pence, shilling, florin, dependence in 1966, withhalf crown, crown, sovereign drew from the Eastern and guinea.

Caribbean currency board Official British paper and began to issue its own money was also introduced coins (one cent, five cents, into Guyana at this time. ten cents, twenty-five cents, This system of currency re- fifty cents) and currency mained until 1951 when notes with values of one dolGuyana joined with the lar, five dollars, ten dollars British Eastern Caribbean and twenty dollars. territories to use common The Bank of Guyana, as Eastern Caribbean coins and noted on its website, was escurrency notes, even though tablished through the Bank many of the British coins of Guyana Ordinance No.

Back of the $1 showing King George VI

lished the Central Bank as an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;autonomous institution' with headquarters in the capital city of Georgetown.

The early establishment of the Bank was promoted by an agreement of the U.K. government (acting for the still colonial members of the British Caribbean

Bank of Guyana (Photo: ksmoses)

15, 1965, to replace the BCCB notes, the issuance of which was expected to cease by December 31, 1965.

However, national coins were not issued until mid1967.

The Ordinance establishing the Bank was revised and became the Bank of Guyana Act. CAP:85:02. This A c t was further revised in 1995, 1998 and late 2004.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Feature

By Horace Walcott

I

Horace Walcott

was one of the pupil leaders selected by my school, Malgre Tout, to attend a rally at the Parade Ground in Georgetown in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty and Prince Phillip were visiting Guyana in February of 1966. I can recall standing a few yards from Her Majesty as she took the salutes of military and scout bands as they marched pass her. I was one of the youngest scouts in Guyana and, though pedantic and introverted, was attracted to the military.

There was a platoon of British troops stationed across the street where I lived at Versailles. Prior to Guyana's independence, they relocated to Eve Leary in Georgetown.

It must have been a few

Lowering the British flag (left) to hoist the Golden Arrowhead at the Independence Day ceremony, May 26, 1966

weeks after the Queen's visit.

Then there was Independence Day, a few days after my birthday.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent were visiting Guyana and there was a celebration to honour the royals at the West Demerara Secondary School (WDSS) in Pouderoyen, the village adjacent to Versailles.

In addition to the royal couple attending the celebration, many important officials including Governor General Sir Richard Luyt and government ministers, were at WDSS. I remember attending the ceremony, but being there briefly. I was dressed in my neatly pressed scouts’ uniform: khaki short pants, scouts’ belt, a lanyard around my neck with a scarf having the colours of the Golden Arrow Head.

My black leather shoes were polished and buffed. I was a scout with the Plantain Walk Boys Scout Troops.

Several weeks leading up to independence, we would be transported from the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling by military trucks of the British Troops to Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, and undergo joint training sessions with the Den Amstel troops. My scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster were officers in the Volunteer Force, the precursor of the Guyana Defence Force. We learned all the flags of the British

Empire and, at the end of our training, recited the Scout's Honour Oath, in which we paid respect to God and the Queen.

On the eve of Guyana's independence, we camped at Den Amstel in huts of the Public Works Department. The birth of the nation was ushered in by a camp fire, the lowering of the Union Jack accompanied by the British national anthem. Then, there was the raising of the Golden Arrow Head accompanied by cheers and the play of the Guyana national anthem.

As one flag was lowered and the other raised to full mast, both fluttering with grace displaying their full colours in the night sky illuminated by a large camp fire, crowds of spectators stood at attention and scouts saluted.

Throughout the country, it seemed that the red, white and blue receded physically and spiritually and was replaced with red, yellow, black, white and green.

As a teen, I felt the people of Guyana had lost and gained.

What was lost and gained? That question I answered myself, as I witnessed with fellow Guyanese our nation's struggle for economic and spiritual freedom.

My stint in the Versailles Boys Brigade and Plantain Walk Scout Troops would pay off a decade later. As a Guyana

scholar candidate, I was required to undergo ‘guerrilla warfare’ training in the Guyana jungles.

Though in 1976 and 1977, as a budding yogi, I could have refused or objected to the military training.

I didn’t fall in love with the hinterland. However, my stint in Guyana’s jungles inspired me to specialise in zoological medicine.

Several years ago, one of my teams of research students deciphered the physics of the blow pipe used by the indigenous people or ‘Red People’. Part of the research was done at Harvard University.

Notably, the team has developed a novel amphibious tranquilising dart rifle.

Now residing in the U.S., I still wear berets in the winter to remind me of my scout days in Guyana, and floppy hats in the summer to remind me of my National Service stint at Papaya and Kimbia.

From 1996 to 1997, with family support, I completed post graduate studies in zoological medicine at the Royal Veterinary College and the London Zoo. For my thesis research, I conducted toxicological pathology studies in neuroendocrine disruption and biosonar in harbour porpoises in British waters.

For me, Guyana has always been a magical, mystical place tinged with danger.

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

also prepares meals and care of her grandson whenever her daughter is not around.

This publication also interviewed Bradford’s daughter, Sheila, who said she is “fortunate and blessed” to see her mother attain the age of 100.

“While growing up, I admired my mother’s courage and dedication in providing for her children. She was always a loving and caring mother,” expressed Sheila.

For her passion in helping others, Aunty Baby has earned the respect of those around her. She also pointed out she inherited midwifery knowledge from her mother and grandmother and has

By Indrawattie Natram

F

amous German physicist Albert Einstein once said: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”, and centenarian Lucretia Bradford believes this statement to be true, having lived hers in caring for others.

Bradford, who resides at Lot 7 Cullen, Essequibo Coast, was born on May 25, 1917. Caring for others has always been a priority for the 100-year-old. Being the eldest of her siblings, Bradford had to assume the responsibility of caring for them at a very young age due to her parents having to go work.

In an interview with <<<<Sunday Times Magazine>>>, Bradford, lovingly called Aunty Baby, mentioned she has spent her entire life in Cullen where she enjoyed helping her aunt who was a midwife.

“I also enjoyed working on the farms and making cassava bread. I was a cane cutter and a domestic, but making cassava bread to sell was my favourite thing to do. I worked hard: I fetched wood and cane for long distances in order to provide for my family,” she recalled.

Though her memories are fading, the doting mother remembered making sacrifices to care for her seven children (three of whom are still alive) - something she did devotedly even when her husband

passed away.

“My life is made up with many struggles, trials and tribulations, but I always leave everything in the hands of the Almighty. He is my saviour and protector, he sent me here for a purpose and I try every day to fulfil God's wish,” she expressed.

Throughout the interview

she constantly thanked God for “his grace, guidance and strength”. She stated that her only health complaints are poor vision and arthritis, but she remains positive.

Remarkably, the 100-yearold does everything for herself, including bathing, brushing her teeth, feeding herself and using the washroom. She

“helped save a lot of marriages”.

She explained: “Many couples who were not getting babies came to me and I helped them. I ‘fixed’ women’s abdomen and provided herbal treatment – some of the things I learned from my mother. Those who I have helped remember my kindness and would often visit me. My hands are blessed and I used them to help others.”

Her encouragement to youths is to “cherish life and focus on their goals”.

“I always tell my children and grandchildren to never judge or be envious of others, don't try to define other peo-

ple’s lives, and to always focus on their lives and help others.

That's what God wants and that what we should all aim for,” she declared.

Now, Bradford spends her time reading her bible. She said although she loves plantains and healthy foods, she would settle for fried rice and baked chicken - her favourite meal.

The centenarian celebrated her birthday in Georgetown with her children and grandchildren sharing out meals to the Children's Convalescent Home. She also attended a church service in celebration of her milestone, where she was able to give thanks to her “saviour and protector”.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Book World

By Petamber Persaud

I

Guyanese author, Ashton Chase

ndentureship formally ended in the year 1917. Indian indentureship started in 1838 (May 5 – Indian Arrival Day) while enslaved Africans were being granted emancipation (August 1 – Emancipation Day). The abolition of indentureship came about through sustained struggle on the foreign front and through sustained resistance in the local vanguard. The local resistance was later harnessed into organisations fighting against the exploitation of the labouring population with the intention of securing better wages and working conditions.

According to Ashton Chase in his well-documented, well-presented and wellwritten book, A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961, “it was not until after immigration of these [Indian] workers ceased in 1917, and their semi-feudal status which has by then become outmoded due to inefficiency and waste, that prospects for organisation seemed ripe”.

The year 1917 was the year of strikes. Early in January 1917, the wharf workers at Booker Brothers struck for shorter working hours and increased pay.

The strike fever spread to workers at Curtis Campbell, Bookers Cooperage, Georgetown Railway Wharf and Luggage Store, Sawmills – Charlestown, Lopes, Sprostons, Demerara Railway, the Ice Factory, the Match Factory, Demerara Ice House Soda Aerated Factory, sea defence workers, East Coast road workers and the post office employees among others. According to Chase, Indian labourers were getting into the act. For instance, during the months of March, April and May

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow

workers from the East and West Bank Demerara went to Georgetown to complain about their hardship to the Immigration Agent General.

That agitation took place over a three-month period.

But the year of strikes cannot be viewed in isolation. The first two decades of the 12th century were decades of strikes, forming the bedrock on which the birth of formal trade union movement was spawned. Many of the remonstrations took the form of marches from various plantations towards the Immigration Agent General, of which the office was called ‘Crosby’ in memory of one Mr

Crosby who held “this office for a considerable time and often discharged his duties with satisfaction to the workers” (Chase). This period also gave rise to “Black Crosby”, as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was affectionately called by Indian immigrants.

According to Chase, “Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was born in Georgetown on the 18th December, 1884...

His academic school record was colourless, but in the field of athletics, his prowess overshadowed all his school mates… After a number of odd jobs…, he entered the waterfront as a dock labourer.

He died a bachelor on 10th May, 1958… leaving a small estate of $704.83…”

From the docks of Georgetown, Critchlow was able to form the country’s first trade union, becoming revered as the father of the trade union movement in Guyana.

On December 1, 1903, sixty indentured immigrants on Pln. Diamond ceased working and headed to Georgetown.

Other such remonstrations surfaced on Pln. Farm, East Bank Demerara, June 1904, and Pln. Lusignan, May 1905.

Also in 1905 came the well documented Ruimveldt series of riots. From 1906 to 1916, there was no letting up in remonstrations from the labouring populations of the plantations across the country via Providence on the East Bank Demerara, Friends on the Berbice River, Wales in Demerara, Anna Regina on the Essequibo, Marionville of Leguan Island,

'A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana 1900-1961' book cover

La Bonne Intention, Peter’s Hall, Leonora, Ruimveldt, Blairmont, just to name a cross-section of involvement.

“A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961” is, first and foremost, a “record of the facts showing how our trade union movement began and how it developed”. Except for a few intrusions into the text by the author due to the fact that he was intimately involved in trade unionism and in politics as a founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and as Minister of Labour, Trade and Industry in the 1953 PPP Government, the book states the facts verifiable by its extensive bibliography.

Interestingly, the book ends with an epilogue “to bring readers up to date with

the latest developments (up to 1964) and to make the book more topical”.

This is not a review of the book “A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana, 1900 to 1961” by Ashton Chase, but a collation of notes from the book during my research for material referencing the centennial end to Indentureship.

The eventual article came together as the following events were in the air – May Day, Indian Arrival Day, my first visit to Highbury, where the first set of Indian Immigrants were landed in order to save sugar, the impending closure of sugar estates across the country and Independence Day. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

T

The Guyana Independence medal

T

he Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana.

The Guyana Independence Act was passed on May 12, 1966 and came into force May 26, 1966. The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of the Guyana Parliament was held May 26, 1966.

However, according to parliament.gov.gy, strictly speaking, Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parliamentary system was not created at Independence.

In 1831, the three

Frank Narain

he Guyana Independence medal was instituted May 26, 1966, in observance of the historic event. While little is known of the precise criterion for its presentation, it has been awarded to several persons who are considered to have made valuable contributions to Guyana at the time.

Ivan Crandon

A few of these stalwart individuals include the late Neil Isaacs, a former deputy commissioner of the Guyana Police Force and a military veteran of the Second World War; Guyanese born W. Herbert (Bernie) Allsopp, now a fisheries consultant in Canada, and Justice Stanley Alfred Moore, who has worked around the

world, including in the Caribbean and Botswana.

The medal was also presented to the late Ivan Crandon, former chairman of the Police Service Commission, president of the Guyana Legion and a military veteran of World War II, and Frank Narain, former Clerk of the National Assembly.

colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united, and the colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928, the law making body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy.

The Court of Policy consisted of the governor, seven official members and eight elected members.

The governor presided in the Court of Policy as its president.

In 1928, a new constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony.

Parliament Building today (Photo by Nigel Durrant)

A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953, a new constitution was publicized and a two-tier (bicameral) legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly, was introduced.

A ministerial system of government and universal adult suffrage were also introduced in 1953.

The Legislature that came into effect in May 1953 last only until October 1953 however, after the British suspended the Constitution and an interim government was established by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council.

In 1956, the British Guiana (Constitutional)

(Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from June 29, 1957.

When the 1957 general elections were held, a second Legislative Council was appointed.

Then, in 1961, a new Constitution was established, and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of 13 members, who were appointed by the governor. The Legislative Assembly consisted of 35 members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Travel & Tourism

T

he trip from Lethem to Moco Moco village is under 30 minutes. As you pass the village, the scene transforms from savannah into rainforest as the trail wanders through the communities favourite farmlands to the Moco Moco Falls at the base of the mountains.

Notably, it is said that most of the areas down and around Lethem seem to have been part of a highly volcanic area a long time ago. There are remnants of

lava flows and lava rocks at Moco Moco Falls.

According to one visitor to the Falls, “the water was deep enough to jump off a high rock into it… There was also a really cool Jacuzzi-like area between two huge boulders. The only way to get to it though was to swim against the current through a small channel about the width of a person… a test of our swimming skills”.

Breathtaking photo of Moco Moco Falls by Guyanese photographer, Amanda Richards

Bridge across the Falls (Amanda Richards' photo)

A scenic section of the Falls

Looking down the Moco Moco Falls (Photo by Michael Hackett)

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Times Healthy Living

T

hese surprising foods will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

other parts of the eye to function smoothly.

But eating your way to good eyesight isn’t only about beta-carotene. Though their connection to vision isn’t as well-known, several other vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy eyes. Make these five foods a staple of your diet to keep your peepers in tip-top shape.

Citrus and berries

These fruits are powerhouses of vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Leafy greens

Carrots

They’re packed with lutein and

Almonds

They’re filled with vitamin E,

Eggs

You’ve probably heard that carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables promote eye health and protect vision, and it’s true: Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives these foods their orange hue, helps the retina and

which slows macular degeneration, research shows. One handful (an ounce) provides about half of your daily dose of E.

zeaxanthin—antioxidants that, studies show, lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

The yolk is a prime source of lutein and zeaxanthin—plus zinc, which also helps reduce your macular degeneration risk, according to Paul Dougherty, MD, medical director of Dougherty Laser Vision in Los Angeles.

Fatty fish

Tuna, salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in DHA, a fatty acid found in your retina—low levels of which have been linked to dry eye syndrome, says Jimmy Lee, MD, director of refractive surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, in New York City.

Oral Health

T

he healthiest way to cook mushrooms is to microwave or grill them to preserve their goodness, researchers say.

These cooking methods significantly increase levels of antioxidants which protect cells against diseases, but boiling or frying reduces them.

A study, from Spain, looked at the properties of four different types of mushrooms before and after cooking.

Adding a little oil when grilling can even improve the nutritional value of the mushrooms.

Mushrooms contain protein, including essential amino acids, fibre and lots of vitamins - such as B, C, D and E. They are also low in calories and fat.

In this study, published in the “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition”, researchers analysed how cooking methods altered white button, shiitake, oyster and king oyster mushrooms.

Frying mushrooms resulted in protein and carbohydrates being lost from the mushrooms, as well as antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants are vitamins and chemicals that play a key role in protecting the body against free radicals, which are linked to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

What happens is that they disappear into the oil in the frying pan, reducing the

Y

goodness of the mushrooms.

Boiling mushrooms also led to high levels of proteins and antioxidants being lost from the fungi.

The researchers put this down to the good stuff leaking out of the mushrooms into the water in the pan.

As a result, their nutritional value was reduced.

However, boiling did improve the glucans content of the mushrooms. They are found in fungi and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

The best way to retain vitamins and nutrients when cooking vegetables is to use short cooking times.

It’s also best to use as little liquid as possible.

This means using a microwave is a good method of cooking because fewer of the good things are lost - unlike boiling where they end up in the cooking water.

In this study, the researcher Irene Roncero-Ramos, from the Mushroom Technological Research Center of La Rioja, said: “When mushrooms were cooked by microwave or grill, the content of polyphenol and antioxidant activity increased significantly and there are no significant issues in nutritional value of the cooked mushrooms.”

(BBC)

ou use it every day, but when was the last time you put real thought into your toothbrush? An effective tool is essential for a proper brushing, which not only shines up your pearly whites, but also prevents bacteria and inflammation—both of which are linked to everything from heart disease to dementia. Below are some features that matter most about your toothbrush, according to the experts.

Shape

Should you opt for an electric brush with a round, rotating head or a traditional rectangular manual brush? Many dentists believe they're both effective if you're using the right technique, but a review by the healthcare nonprofit the Cochrane Collaboration found that over a three-month period, round, rotating heads (which resemble the type used during professional cleanings) removed 11 percent more plaque than manual brushes. If you go the manual route, dentist Kimberly Harms, DDS, a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, recommends that people with narrow jaws (your dentist can tell you) choose a brush with a tapered head.

Size

There's no one-size-fits-all toothbrush, but keep in mind that big brushes can miss plaque build-up in tight spots between teeth and hard-to-reach areas in the back. "You'll know you've found the right size head if it can comfortably clean all the way around your last top

molar," says Fremont, California–based dentist Ruchi Sahota, DDS.

Bristles

Always opt for soft or extra soft. "Many people mistakenly believe that hard-bristle brushes do a more thorough job, but the opposite is true," says Harms. "Because hard bristles don't bend well, they can miss areas under the gums and between teeth that are most in need of cleaning." And they're harder on your gums: A 2011 study in the “Journal of Periodontology” found that people who brushed with stiffer bristles experienced an 11 percent increase in gum bleeding after eight weeks.

Handle

Unless you find them easier to hold, fancy padded grips that appear to be ergonomically designed have no effect on how well you brush, Harms says.

Is it time to change your toothbrush?

If it's been more than four months, yes.

According to the American Dental Association, most people don’t know how often to change their toothbrushes.

"Many people use the same brush for six months or even a year," says dentist Seth Keiles, DMD. "In that time, worn bristles become less effective at removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria, putting you at increased risk for cavities and gum disease."

(Oprah Magazine)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Times Fashion

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Patriotic

Stylishly

V

eteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel has produced over the years outfits that are not only chic, but showcase a “patriotic look”.

Noel has taken the colours of Guyana’s flag and fashionably incorporates them in her clothing collections.

Jersey spandex pieces for men and women; stylish white lace jumpers, dresses and suits, and, of course, her signature lattice designs are just a few of her offerings.

To find out more about Noel’s collections visit the Makin' Style Boutique located at Court Yard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown or call 686-7712.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

J

uan Luis Londoño Arias, born 28 January 1994, better known by his stage name Maluma, is a Colombian singer, songwriter and record producer, signed to Sony Music Colombia. Maluma began his musical career in 2010, recording singles. He made his debut as a host at the inaugural awards Kids' Choice Awards Colombia 2014. In 2016, he collaborated with artistes Ricky Martin and Shakira.

He embarked on ‘The Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy World Tour’ in May 2016. His single “Felices los 4” became his fifth Top 5 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2017, Maluma is nominated for two categories at the Billboard Music Awards including Top Latin Artist.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Times Hollywood

K

F

ollowing Monday night's horrific terrorist attack that has left 22 people dead and 64 injured, Ariana Grande has cancelled her tour dates until 7 June, her representatives have confirmed.

A statement said the US singer's Dangerous Woman tour would be suspended, and added that Grande, 23, wanted to pay "proper respects to those lost".

Refunds will be granted to all ticketholders at the point of purchase for the cancelled shows, tour promoter Live Nation told the BBC. The singer was due to perform in London this evening but we suspected it would be off when she was photographed departing a private jet in Florida. The singer and her mother were met by her boyfriend, Mac Miller.

Ariana is yet to release an official statement regard-

D

wayne "The Rock" Johnson has announced his 2020 US presidential campaign while hosting Saturday Night Live.

He even brought on acting veteran Tom Hanks to ask him to be his running mate.

However, all was not what it seemed when the former WWE star admitted

M

ing the tragedy but took to twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to express her heart break over the night's events. She tweeted: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words." (Glamour)

that he was "only joking".

The actor then went on to say that "Americans deserve strong capable leaders who care about this country and its people".

At the beginning of the monologue, The Rock was given a "five-timers" jacket

by Alec Baldwin, as it was his fifth time hosting the comedy sketch show.

He also praised his fel-

ariah Carey and Nick Cannon are reportedly getting remarried this summer.

The former couple was rumored to be back together earlier this month following Mariah's split from her toy boy Bryan Tanaka.

According to a source, Mariah and Nick's second wedding will be even bigger than their first. The source tells Life & Style, "Mariah will have a party in St. Tropez, France, or Italy's Amalfi coast with 500 guests, including Beyonce and Elton John.

They'll have $1,000-a-bottle Angel champagne, plus a 5-foot cake dusted in real gold."

aty Perry says she wants to end her long-running feud with Taylor Swift.

There have been rumours of a rift for years but this is the first time either of the two singers have admitted that they have fallen out.

Perry was appearing on James Corden's Carpool Karaoke on his US talk show, The Late Late Show, when he asked her about it.

"For sure, that's true.

There's a situation, she started it and it's time for her to finish it," she said.

Rumours of a rift between the two emerged shortly before the release of Taylor Swift's hit ‘Bad Blood’.

She hinted in an interview that it was about a high profile female musician who she had become enemies with and it had to do with business dealings.

The day after this article was published, Katy Perry tweeted: "Watch out for the

low actor for his impression of Donald Trump.

Alec replied: "Well, I can't take all the credit.

"I have to thank those...

What do you call those pale people that ride the subway?

"The writers - I love them!"

The Rock isn't the only celebrity to make a supposed bid for the presidency.

Kanye West famously said he was going to run in 2020, but later changed it to 2024 after meeting with Donald Trump late last year.

Speaking to Annie Mac in 2016, the rapper said: "When I talk about the idea of being president, I'm not saying I have any political views.

"I just have a view on humanity, on people, on the truth." (BBC Newsbeat)

Mariah reportedly will spend upwards of $250k on a diamondencrusted dress and has a special performance planned for guests.

"Mariah's singing at her wedding.

She'd never hire another star to outshine her," says the source.

The source adds that Mariah and Nick feel "like they belong together and [she] wants to get married again, and thinks Nick is the one."

Mariah and Nick first sparked reconciliation rumors after attending the Kids' Choice Awards with their six-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, back in March. (AceShowbiz)

B

Regina George in sheep's clothing."

Regina George is the villain of the 2004 comedy Mean Girls starring Lindsey Lohan and Rachel McAdams.

Rumours suggested the two singers had a big falling out over their backing danc-

ers.

After some comments here and there, things seemed to go quiet on the Perry versus Swift front.

Until, that is, Katy's new track Swish Swish was released and appeared to be her response to Bad Blood.

So after belting it out

D

rake has beaten Adele's record for the most wins at the Billboard Music Awards.

The Canadian rapper picked up 13 prizes, beating Adele by one, at the event in Las Vegas including best artist.

He was joined on the stage by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and his father.

"I just want to say hold tight Adele because when a new ting drops you will crawl your way back to get the record back," said Drake accepting the award.

Adele set the former record at the 2012 awards when she won prizes including top artist, top female artist and top pop artist.

Drake also won top male artist and top Billboard 200 album for Views after get-

rad Pitt is reportedly planning to write a tell-all about his life amid his ongoing divorce battle against Angelina Jolie.

According to a source close to the actor, he has big plans to share his personal journey.

Since his divorce from Angie, Brad has reportedly found solace in journaling and having chronicled nearly 300 pages of his life story.

The "Allied" actor is now considering publishing his diary.

"At the beginning it was just to get all of his thoughts out there in a very concise manner so that he could share it with his therapist,"

ting 22 nominations at the event as well as performing

the source tells In Touch, "But it started to become a lifeline for Brad as he pieced together his new life without Angie."

The source adds, "[Brad] is extremely blunt and authentic in describing what led to the breakdown of his marriage to Angie."

According to the source, Brad "believes that by releasing the book, he can help others with similar issues." However, "Angie said she wasn't interested in reading it and expressed concern about Brad releasing any sort of book because of the impact it could have on their kids." (AceShowbiz)

in James Corden's car, he asked her about it.

"It is about backing dancers, it's so crazy," she replied.

"There are three backing dancers that went on tour with her and they asked me before, if they could they go and I was like, 'Of course.'"

Katy then explained that they would need it written into their contract that they could leave to join her tour.

When that day came, the dancers said, "OK we're going to go and talk to management about it," but according to Katy they got fired.

She went on to explain that she has tried to talk to Taylor about it but she wouldn't speak to her.

"I do the right thing, anytime that it feels like a fumble," she said.

"It was a full shut-down and then she writes a song about me and I'm like, 'OK, cool, cool, cool. That's how you wanna deal with it?'

Karma." (BBC Newsbeat)

Gyalchester inside the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

Zayn Malik won best new artist but didn't collect the prize in person, telling fans he was busy finishing new songs.

Twenty One Pilots picked up top duo/group and top rock artist with Metallica winning in the rock album category.

Beyonce's ‘Lemonade’ was picked as the best R&B album while The Chainsmokers won top dance/electronic artist and top Hot 100 Song for Closer featuring Halsey.

K-pop group BTS beat the likes of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez to win the top social artist award.

(BBC Newsbeat)

Sunday Times Magazine 13 MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Bollywood

H

uma Qureshi is an Indian film actress and model, who has received three Filmfare Award nominations. She worked as a theatre actress and model. Qureshi made her film debut with a supporting role in the two-part crime drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012). Her performance in the film earned her several nominations, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and the Best Supporting Actress. That same year, she played the lead female role in the romance “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana”, and followed it with a role in “Ek Thi Daayan”. She portrayed protagonists in the anthological “Shorts” (2013), the dark comedy “Dedh Ishqiya” (2014), the revenge drama “Badlapur” (2015), and the Marathi road drama “Highway” (2015), and featured briefly in the collaborative film “X: Past Is Present” (2015). Qureshi's first release of 2017 was the courtroom comedy drama “Jolly LLB 2”, a sequel to the 2013 film “Jolly LLB”. The film was a box office success.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

may 28, 2017

Times Bollywood

T

he first poster of the official remake of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic Hollywood “Rambo” franchise was unveiled last week, and actor Tiger Shroff is already inundated with compliments for his look in the movie.

But Tiger was especially excited when Stallone personally reached out to him on social media to wish him good luck for the movie.

Speaking about Stallone’s support for the project, Tiger says he initially thought the message was from one of his fan clubs.

“I thought it wasn’t real at first, but then I saw that it was his verified account. I thought I was dreaming. It was surreal; I was at a loss for words and I didn’t know how to respond. It was kind of him to write the words he did. I didn’t know if I could thank him enough. I want him to know that there is no way anybody can replace

him. We’re paying a tribute to him.”

He added: “Who isn’t a fan of Sylvester Stallone?

When you think of action, his name is synonymous with it.

He has set the benchmark so high for us.”

However, Tiger admits that there is pressure to deliver. “He is definitely watching. We don’t want to let him down in any way. It is still his character, but I will also add my own interpretation of the character,” he says.

Speaking about the action we could expect in “Rambo” remake, Tiger says, “It will definitely have huge scale and stylised action.

Sidharth Anand, the director, is great when it comes to scale. It’s about fighting on all terrains.

The actor will next be seen in “Munna Michael”, “Baaghi 2” and “Rambo” remake. (Mumbai Mirror)

“

B

aywatch”, directed by Seth Gordon, stars Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario in key roles, also features Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra as the antagonist, Victoria Leeds. Although international critics have given the movie a thumbsdown, Chopra has been receiving much praise for her performance in it.

Matt Goldberg of “Collider” writes: “The real standout is Chopra. I’ve never seen her TV series ‘Quantico’, but she owns the

film every second she’s on screen. Victoria isn’t a particularly memorable villain on the page, but Chopra is commanding, and when she gets called an aspiring Bond villain, it made me want her to be the villain in the next ‘Bond’ movie.”

"If there’s one good thing that can come from the wreckage of this movie, it’s for Chopra’s career in Hollywood films to take off," he adds.

Scott Mendelson writing for “Forbes” highlights that Chopra has less screen-time as compared to others.

A

ctor Akshay Kumar is one star who always manages to stay away from controversy. Recently, reports did rounds that Akshay’s upcoming film, “Padman”, being directed by R. Balki and produced by his wife Twinkle Khanna, ran into financial trouble since it had over-shot the budget. Not just that, the reports also claimed that owing to money crisis, Akshay and Twinkle were also facing trouble in their personal life.

Contrary to these reports, sources have told HT that these are baseless rumours.

“Akshay has completed the entire shooting schedule for Padman in flat 37 days, so there is no truth in all these reports. The gossipmongers, who were imagining stories about Twinkle Khanna’s production house running into debt, have become a laughing stock.”

Trashing rumours, even Twinkle had tweeted at that time, “When you write fiction-do go all out-add in your imaginary ‘exclusive’ that I also had to sell my mangalsutra and Padman is based on Putin (sic).”

The film is based on Arunachalam Muruganantham, a small town entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu, who invented cost-effective sanitary napkins to generate awareness in rural areas. To be directed by R Balki, “Padman” also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in main roles and

"Chopra has fun as the baddie, but she stays in the background until the end of the movie and really only gets one big scene at the end of the picture," he writes.

He also wishes that "more movies had female super villains."

Agreeing that Chopra was the "underused villain of the piece", The Guardian's Steve Rose said that it "looks like she was contractually obliged to show as much flesh as permissible."

“Baywatch” is set to release in India on June 2.

connection to the person it is based on. Films, in general, have the power to move you.

But biographical dramas have the power to inspire change.

The biographical drama, “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”, written and directed by James Erskine, encompasses the personal insights on Tendulkar’s life from his family, first hand.

For the first time, his family, his mother, brother, wife, will be seen talking about the living legend.

The film’s trailer and the track, ‘Sachin Anthem’, created an immense buzz among the cine-goers as well as cricket fanatics. (ANI)

(News 8)

A

is scheduled to release in January 2018.

When the rumours about financial crunch first surfaced, an industry insider was quoted as saying [at that time], “Financial troubles? Really? And that too for a family which is one of the highest tax payers from the industry? Do you think that such kind of a conversation even warrants a debate when the makers are one of the richest celebrity couples in town?”

The source had further said, “Most importantly, she has a mind of her own. She knows what call to take and when and with whom. She has been running the show for Padman with clockwork precision and everything is as per plan, within budget and as per timelines.” (Hindustan Times)

T

he wait is finally over with the release of “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”. With this, Sachin Tendulkar becomes the only Indian sportsperson to have a biographical drama on his life journey. He has been included in the league of Mohammad Ali, Ayrton Senna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jordan who have had such biographical dramas based on them.

This genre (biographical drama) resonates with the viewer on a deeper level because they focus on real life individuals. With that, comes an intimate and immediate

ctor Arjun Kapoor, whose latest release “Half Girlfriend” has been appreciated by the audience despite mostly unfavourable reviews, says at the end of the day movies are made for the audience.

“Each individual has a different point of view and I am no one who will change their opinion. Most of the time people (critics) want to see a certain type of film, but I feel, people should watch a film with an open mind just the way the audience watches it. The audience is more open to giving the film space and time to enjoy what it is meant for rather than having preconceived notions. I feel the audience is the most important part of filmmaking because at the end of the day, you are making a film for them and not for a limited bunch of people who call themselves critics,” said Arjun.

He added, “I feel really happy when my film works at the box office because eventually, good box office numbers is the barometer of success for any film. If people are buying tickets at the box office, then why should I feel negativity around me? I thrive on positivity in life rather than negativity,” he added. (IANS)

A

ctor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who has a five-year-old son, Viaan, feels she is fortunate enough to continue working after motherhood. The 41-year-old actor, who owns a production house, says that at least one gets to take breaks during a job while it’s a different ball game altogether when it comes to being a stay-at-home mom.

“I totally respect the fact that if you are a homemaker, it’s even more than a fulltime job. There (in job) you have breaks and you can switch-off. Here, it’s a thankless job. You are underpaid and overworked,” she says.

The actor says that women multi-task and work round the clock, and do it better than men. “Women are doing everything and anything. I can even go to the extent of saying that they

are doing it better than men.

There isn’t anything that we are not capable of doing. We are multi-faceted personalities and are able to multitask much better than men.

We look after our family. We take care of our in laws, children, our husbands, which is a full-time job in itself... and plus we bring home the bread. There are a lot of women who are doing all of that today,” she says.

The actor adds that she makes sure to engage Viaan in extra-curricular activities.

“These days play dates have become a new way to entertain children. I don’t know how our parents did it. I do my best to keep Viaan occupied in extra-curricular activities. There is a teacher who comes home for gymnastics... he loves that. He doesn’t need that many play dates,” she says. (Hindustan Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

Times Trends

Trending Now

Nail Art: Guyana’s Flag

Star of the week

S

howcase your patriotism via artistic nail designs. Get inspired by the designs below, which were done by local and overseas-based Guyanese both novice and professional nail artists.

Solid-coloured nails with just one digit having the flag is ideal for a more ‘simple’ look

Colourful stripes are perfect for a statement look

Neon nails are a must!

You don’t have to paint on the flag for a statement look, instead incorporate its colours in a design like this one

Joshua Junior Dhanai started singing at an early age in church and

Another simple solidcoloured nail design

at local gospel concerts. However, before he ventured into singing, Joshua was a drummer. Consequently, music was always part of his life. In 2015, he began recording reggae/dancehall music and performing locally. According to the artiste, he is inspired by his wife and daughter. Joshua credits his wife for constantly encouraging him “to stay focus and positive”. The singer added he is motivated to make a difference in people's lives via his music. “If my music can have a positive impact on one person, then I'm happy with that.” Currently residing in the U.S., Joshua plans “to do a lot more” with his music career. He aims to “remain a humble positive person and make positive righteous music that will make a positive impact in the world”. Besides being a singer, Joshua is an engineer who loves to spend time with his family. He describes himself as a “proud husband and dad”.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Art

ART IN PRE-INDEPENDENCE GUYANA

‘Artists had already shown independence of thought’

democratic nature: it is not an elitist art; it takes an unprejudiced look at our life; it is a humanely-progressive art which propounds the richness and dignity of life. Even in the conflict-ridden 1960’s, Guyanese artists quietly asserted the common humanity, struggle, and worthiness of the Guyanese people through their landscapes and depictions of the life of the country in scenes of life and landscape.

In another discordant period, the 1990’s, artists such as Ohene Koama, Betsy Karim and Desmond Ali banded together as “The Guyana United Artists”; "Backyard Pere Street" (1970) by Leila Locke they and various other artists made a call through in the works of the Main Street Artists Brian Clarke, Ras their many exhibitions for unity Iah, Marvyn Phillips, Francis Ferreira and others. and peace. But our artists are not In the 1980’s, Bernadette Persaud showed the power and "Lotus" (1971) by Jorge Bowen-Forbes just parochial: they have respond- relevance of East Indian religions and imagery in interpreted to international conflicts such as ing and understanding Guyana. Dudley Charles gave seriuyana became an independent nation in 1966, but its artists had already, from a generation before, begun the Gulf War, and champion international movements for ous consideration to the beliefs of the folk, starting in the to show independence of thought, action and vision. global peace and liberation from oppression.

1980’s with his “Old House” series and continuing this enOur art is one of innate concern and responsibility. Right gagement in his subsequent works.

The artistic ferment in Georgetown in the decades between 1930 and 1960 is a yet largely-unrecognised intellectual and from the beginning, our artists showed a responsibility to As in any other genuine art, in the particularity of philosophical development in Guyana. The early part of this the development of the nation through their social commen- Guyanese art, there is a connection to the universal. Aubrey period laid the foundation for an art which lacks nothing in tary. In 1961, Burrowes presciently offered his “Land of the William’s abstract paintings turn the Guyana landscape into Dolorous Guard” as a warning about developments in the the ground of examination of cosmic matters; Denis William’s richness, complexity and ideation.

Samuel Horace Broodhagen (1883-1950) is identified as country.

Human World addresses all of modern industrial life; Philip Stanley Greaves became famous for his “People of the Moore’s metaphysics apply to all; Winslow Craig’s themes the earliest-known local artist. He was a painter of landscapes and portraits, but not much is known about his work. Pavement” series in the 1950’s, and he continued his tren- touch universal chords.

So was Cedric Winter (1902-1974), a sculptor, who created chant examination of our politics and culture in his “There’s Artists such as Terence Roberts, Carl Anderson and the altar screen for St James-the-Less Church in 1945. But a Meeting Here Tonight” (1990’s) and other artwork.

Derrick Callendar contemplate Guyana’s identity within the Just after the elation of independence, Cyril Kanhai’s widest international context; Philbert Gajadhar celebrates the first decades of the 20th century were lean years for art in Guyana. One expatriate, Golde White, wrote to a friend sarcastic “Green Land of Guyana” pointed to the disjunction East Indian ancestry, but also recognises its relatedness to that “[t]here has been no Art Exhibition for some time in this between political promises and reality. Bernadette Persaud other cultures as well, and so on. Our artists explore formal bravely confronted authority with her “Gentleman in the technical issues, tackle great questions of being, engage in colony, and very little is done to encourage artistic talent”.

From the end of the 1920’s, White and other expatriates, Garden” series as economic and political pressures devel- metaphysics, comment on the world, and are alive to global along with the British Council, encouraged and supported oped in the 1980’s. efforts for freedom, justice, development and the best possiFrom the 1990’s, Desmond Ali in his innovative, mas- bilities of human life. the local men and women of talent. The colonials helped to found the British Guiana Arts and Crafts Society in 1931, sive sculpture enlarged our thinking about Guyana’s politiNotably, art will continue to lead, support and inspire and the British Council sponsored lectures and gave schol- cal condition by expounding on the history of colonialism and our development.Presently at Castellani House, Vlissengen arships. This impetus produced our first formal artists such the struggle for independence in the wider American region. Road, an art exhibition, titled “In Retrospect”, by Jorge Our art gives Guyana root and substance: a hallmark of Bowen-Forbes is being held to celebrate the artist’s 80th as Vivian Antrobus, R. G. Sharples, E.R. Burrowes, Reggie our art is how it draws from the well of our intrinsic cultures birth anniversary as well as Guyana’s 51st independence Phang and Sam Cummings.

On the other hand, Evelyn Williams argues that the colo- and experiences. By doing this, our artists give recognition anniversary. nial establishment “contextualised and controlled the mod- to the inherence of the ancestral in the construction and exIt was opened on May 16, 2017 and will continue until els of cultural expression in the perpetuation of the sys- istence of the Guyanese identity.

June 3, 2017. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.

From the 1960’s, Stephanie Correia brought the forms to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday; the tematic self-interest…imposing the imprints of a European and spirit of the first peoples of the country into formal art gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. (Artists’ information consciousness”.

Here is where the pioneering local artists began assert- in her ceramic work. Eddie Fredericks depicted the rhythms excerpted from notes by Alim Hosein) ing their independence: they soon broke away from the of- of indigenous life; George Simon delved into his indigenous ficial influence, and began organising their own art groups heritage to produce powerful and art classes. They formed the Guianese Art Group in art.

He also tutored Lokono 1945 and the Working People’s Art Class in 1948, which exartists – Oswald Hussein, isted up to as late as 1961.

Clenkien, Telford They attracted young people such as Denis Williams, Lynus Hubert Moshett, Marjorie Broodhagen, Enda Harte, Basil Taylor, Roland Taylor and Hinds, and later on, Stanley Greaves, Ron Savory, Aubrey others - who from the 1990’s Williams, Donald Locke, Emerson Samuels and many oth- revealed a hidden dimension ers. The pioneers started a great line of artists who would of the Guyanese imagination with their shape-shifting take Guyana’s art into the next three decades and beyond.

On the surface, it seems that Guyanese art copies west- works in wood. Philip Moore ern art. But this is only superficially true. While our artists had, from the 1940’s, been draw from the wide range of art approaches, styles and tech- intuitively drawing from his niques, what they create is truly Guyanese. The pioneer art- native African ancestry, but ists broke away from the influence of the British School of also recognising and utilising landscape painting and used more investigative styles and the iconography of the East Indian world-views. techniques to delve into, rather than depict, Guyanese life.

Later, in the 1970’s, the They explored a broader range of themes and subjects.

Apart from the landscape, they painted our people, pass- Village Movement artists times and activities. Artists such as George Bowen (Jorge brought the African ancesBowen-Forbes), Alvin Bowman, Patrick Barrington, David try further into the limelight Singh picked up this tradition from the pioneers and it con- through the medium and style tinued in the works of Eddie Fredericks (our first indigenous of their intuitive wood sculppainter), Basil and Angold Thompson, Cletus Henriques, ture. Gary Thomas, Compton Maylene Duncan, Winston Strick, Seunarine Munisar, Parris, Omowale Lumumba, Merlene Ellis, and a host of other artists right down to the and Colin Warde were some of the main exponents of this present day.

Our art is a nationally-cohesive influence because of its movement, which still live on "Gulf Watch" (1992) by Ernest Van Dyke

G

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

Everything you need to know about Find my iPhone F

ind My iPhone lets you remotely track your lost, stolen, or misplaced Apple device — be it an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac — from virtually anywhere, as long as the device in question has some kind of internet connection.

Not only can Find My iPhone help you locate a stolen or lost device, it can also assist in remotely wiping your private information so your device data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. If you're not sure where to start, here are some tips on enabling Find My iPhone on all your devices as well as how to track them both on the web and through the Find My iPhone app!

How to turn on Find My iPhone for your iPhone or iPad Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on iCloud.

Tap on Find My iPhone.

Tap the switch next to Find My iPhone.

TECH BYTE

A

UK firm designs 'world's most affordable solar lamp'

UK design consultancy has teamed up with a giant Chinese manufacturer to produce what they say is the world's most affordable solar lamp.

Manchester-based firm Inventid designed the SM100 solar light, which retails for US$5 (£3.85) in African countries.

It was developed in collaboration with China's Yingli and charity Solar Aid. The hand-sized lamp runs for eight hours when fully charged. As well as a stand, it has strap slots so it can be used as a head torch or tied to a bike.

The SM100 was trialled with 9,000 families in three African countries, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia, and the new light is now on sale.

Kerosene burning lamps remain the sole source of lighting for some 600 million people living without electricity in Africa.

But they are expensive to run and there is the constant danger of potential fires.

"Kerosene keeps families locked in a cycle of extreme poverty with almost one quarter of their monthly income spent burning the fuel," explains Inventid co-founder Henry James.

"To break this cycle we worked with Solar Aid, the UK's leading solar charity to design a light that the poorest families could afford.

This meant designing a light that could retail

TECH BYTE

for US$5 in Africa."

Inventid, co-founded by Mr James and Bryn Morgan in 2012, worked closely with charities in Africa to develop the light.

"We gathered local insights into family routines, the layout of dwellings and environmental conditions. We listened to the aspirations and ideas of people whose personal experiences have shaped a product that is cocreated in Africa," Mr James said.

"We are talking about parts of the world where people live on US$350 a year.

"We have never heard of a sales trial this so far-reaching. It had to be totally right if people were going to adopt the light, and introduce it into their lives and their daily routines."

Earlier this year, the SM100 won a silver award in the design for society and design for sustainability categories at the European Product Design Awards. (BBC)

Paper-thin material can generate power, morph into a foldable loudspeaker

R

esearchers at Michigan State University are proposing an entirely new kind of speaker setup in which energy is manipulated on the nano scale, radically switching up basic design principles that have endured for decades.

If all goes well, the new technology will result in foldable speakers that you can pull from your pocket and slap on a wall.

The paper-thin material is called a ferroelectret nanogenerator, or FENG, and it works by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy on a very precise and very small scale.

The technology is bidirectional, too. Run in “reverse,” the material can turn mechanical energy back into electrical energy. As such, FENG materials can work as a microphone, converting physical energy of sound waves back into electrical impulses.

Researcher Nelson Sepulveda said the material was originally developed as a fabric that would generate power from repetitive movement.

“The first intention was to harvest electricity from human motion and use it to power wearable devices,” said Sepulveda, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan State University. “Later, we came up with these extensions of the work, which allows for the device to be used as a flexible, portable microphone or loudspeaker.”

To demonstrate that device’s loudspeaker potential, the MSU research team threaded FENG material into a Michigan State Spartan flag. Music ported in from an iPad essentially turned the flag into a speaker, pumping out the Michigan State fight song.

Sepulveda said that, with the flag experiment, the output was slight, but definitely audible.

“You fold it once, twice, three times, you're improving substantially the amount of energy you're getting from the loudspeaker,” he said.

Sepulveda hopes that the nanogenerator technique, published today in the journal “Nature Communications”, will inspire other researchers to find even more applications for the technology. “We have just opened the door,” he said. “We're hoping for the scientific community to engage and expand on these ideas. The number of things that can be done with this device, it's really just too much for one group to handle.

“There's plenty of room here to do fun stuff.” (Discovery News)

How to use Find My iPhone on the web

If you have a computer handy, you can easily track your missing iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac on the web via iCloud.com. It's as easy as following these steps: Open iCloud.com in any web browser.

Log into your iCloud account.

Click on Find iPhone in the main menu.

Click on All Devices at the top.

Click the device name for the device you'd like to track.

You can zoom in and out on the map to track it more close-

TECH NEWS

D

ly, or you can choose from one of the modes listed in the upper right. Here is an explanation of what each does: Play sound - Plays an audible tone, even if your device is on vibrate or silent. This is the option you'll want to use if your iPhone or iPad has gone missing around the house.

Lost mode - If you use this option, you'll be asked to enter a phone number that will display on the screen of your lost device. Someone can then use this number to call if they find the device. An audible tone will also be played to draw attention to the device.

Erase - If you don't think you're going to be able to retrieve the device, or you're worried about someone accessing your private data, you can remotely delete everything on it in order to protect your information.

How to use Find My iPhone on iPhone and iPad

Not only can you track a lost iPhone, iPad, or Mac on the web, you can use the Find My iPhone app to locate your phone. You'll find it on any iPhone. You can then track any device linked to your iCloud account by following these steps: Launch the Find My iPhone app from any iPhone,

iPad, or iPod Touch.

Log in with your iCloud ID. Tap on the name of the device you'd like to track.

Tap on Actions at the bottom to see your options. Here you have the same 3 options you have in the web view of iCloud: Play sound - Plays an audible tone, even if your device is on vibrate or silent. This is the option you'll want to use if your iPhone or iPad has gone missing around the house.

Lost mode- If you use this option, you'll be asked to enter a phone number that will display on the screen of your lost device. Someone can then use this number to call if they find the device.

An audible tone will also be played to draw attention to the device.

Erase - If you don't think you're going to be able to retrieve the device, or you're worried about someone accessing your private data, you can remotely delete everything on it in order to protect your information.

Keep in mind that if you think your device was stolen, but you're able to track it, it's always best to get local law enforcement involved rather than trying to retrieve a stolen device on your own. (www. imore.com)

Robot police officer goes on duty in Dubai

ubai Police have revealed their first robot officer, giving it the task of patrolling the city's malls and tourist attractions.

People will be able to use it to report crimes, pay fines and get information by tapping a touchscreen on its chest.

Data collected by the robot will also be shared with the transport and traffic authorities.

The government said the aim was for 25% of the force to be robotic by 2030 but they would not replace humans.

"We are not going to replace our police officers with this tool," said Brig Khalid Al Razooqi, director general of smart services at Dubai Police.

"But with the number of people in Dubai increasing, we want to relocate police officers

so they work in the right areas and can concentrate on providing a safe city.

"Most people visit police stations or customer service, but with this tool we can reach the public 24/7.

"It can protect people from crime because it can broadcast what is happening right away to our command and control centre."

The robot, a customised Reem model from Pal Robotics, was unveiled at the Gulf Information and Security Expo and Conference on Sunday.

At present it can communicate only in Arabic and English, but there are plans to add Russian, Chinese, French and Spanish to its repertoire.

A second Reem robot could join it on patrol next year depending on funding, the government in Dubai said. (BBC)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Window Box Edibles

Improve your views with window boxes brimming with gardenfresh flavours. Learn which edible plants grow best in boxes.

Ingredients 1tsp crushed garlic 2 scallion 1 hot red pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup yellow split peas flour or 1/2 cup yellow split peas soaked overnight 1/4tsp cumin 1/2tsp turmeric 1tsp salt 1 scallion finely (optional) 1 cup water 2tsp yeast

Method

Keep fresh herbs close at hand with a wooden window box filled with culinary favourites, like mint and cilantro. An edging of thyme alternating with silver thyme finishes the box with a flavourful flourish

Look for window boxes that come with a sturdy stand when mounting a box beneath a window isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possible. This box bursts with flavours that can season salads and soups or spice up the grill. Plants include, left to right: Tuscan kale, basil, sage, leaf lettuce, lavender, eggplant and rosemary

If using split peas flour: In either a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind scallion, pepper and garlic into a fine paste, set aside.

Mix flours, cumin, turmeric and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup warm water with yeast, leave for 10 minutes.

Mix yeast, crushed garlic/scallion/ pepper paste into dry ingredients.

Allow it to rise for 40 minutes.

Heat enough canola oil in a pan to allow deep frying, about 3 inches of oil. When oil is hot, drop tablespoon amounts into hot oil, turn when edges are brown. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, remove from oil and drain.

Serve with mango sour or apple chutney.

If using fresh split peas: Place split

R

Greatest Cooking Tips

oast meat atop banana peels to keep the meat moist and tender.

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have measuring spoons nearby, use your thumb as a guide. From the tip of your thumb to where it meets the palm is about one tablespoon; from the tip to the first knuckle (or joint) is one teaspoon.

Use fried eggs as a sauce for steak because runny yolks make the best sauce. Balance things out with a little brightness and acidity: a hint of lemon juice or splash of rice vinegar. Fry egg in olive oil until crispy, but yolk still runny.

W Create your own twist on traditional window boxes by mounting yours on the inside of a bright, sunny window. Many herbs grow well indoors, such as basil, sage, rosemary and thyme. For the most flavourful leaves, provide the brightest light

peas that's been soaked overnight in a blender with 1/2 cup water, garlic, pepper and scallion and puree.

Mix all-purpose flour, cumin, turmeric and salt. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup water with yeast; let proof for 10 minutes.

Place split pea mixture in a bowl and stir in the yeast. Next stir in the dry ingredients and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes. Drop small spoonful into hot oil and fry until golden brown.

Hot Apple Chutney: 1 medium apple finely grated; 1 tbsp distilled vinegar; about 3 tbsp water; salt to taste; 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce. Place all the ingredients in a pot over a medium fire and cook until reduced, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and serve. (www. jehancancook.com)

Home Help

ard off booklice with silica packets. Those little packets of silica you find in packaging of electronics, shoes, nutritional supplements, etc., absorb moisture. Booklice live in the damp fungus and mould that thrives in books. Put silica packets behind the books and anywhere you suspect moisture.

Button all buttons on clothing and turn inside out before putting into the washer. Fewer buttons will fall off and garments will fade less if turned inside out.

When the kitchen sponge has reached the end of useful, give it a new lease on life. Rinse it well, then place in the bottom of a flower pot when planting. The sponge will retain moisture and prevent soil from washing away.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

Dry Drowning: Know the Signs I

A

JOKES

little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race appear?"

The mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve and they had children, and so was all mankind made..."

Two days later the girl asked her father the same question... The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved."

The confused girl returned to her mother and said, "Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?"

The mother answered, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."

W S

alking into a lawyer’s office, a man asked what his rates were. "Fifty dollars for three questions," the lawyer stated.

"Isn't that awfully expensive?" the man asked.

"Yes," replied the lawyer. "What's your third question?"

herlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip.

After a good dinner, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.

Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

"I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes!" exclaims Watson.

"And what do you deduce from that?"

Watson ponders for a minute.

"Well, astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?"

And Holmes said: "Watson, you idiot, it means that somebody stole our tent."

W

hen a guy's printer type began to grow faint, he called a local repair shop where a friendly man informed him that the printer probably needed only to be cleaned.

Because the store charged $50 for such cleanings, he told him he might be better off reading the printer's manual and trying the job himself.

Pleasantly surprised by his candour, he asked, "Does your boss know that you discourage business?"

"Actually, it's my boss's idea," the employee replied sheepishly, "We usually make more money on repairs if we let people try to fix things themselves first."

F

armer Joe decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company (responsible for the accident) to court. In court, the trucking company's fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn't you say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I'm fine?’" questioned the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well I'll tell you what happened.

I had just loaded my favourite mule Bessie into the..."

"I didn't ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ‘I'm fine?’

Farmer Joe said, "Well I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question."

By this time the Judge was fairly interested in Farmer Joe's answer and said to the lawyer, "I'd like to hear what he has to say about his favourite mule Bessie."

Joe thanked the Judge and proceeded, "Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favourite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans.

“Shortly after the accident a Highway Patrolman came on the scene. He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her he took out his gun and shot her. Then the Patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. He said, ‘Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. How are you feeling?’”

n dry drowning, someone takes in a small amount of water through his or her nose and/or mouth, and it causes a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up. In secondary drowning, the little bit of water gets into the lungs and causes inflammation or swelling that makes it difficult or impossible for the body to transfer oxygen to carbon dioxide and vice versa.

Dry drowning usually happens soon after exiting the water, but with secondary drowning, there can be a delay of up to 24 hours before the person shows signs of distress. Both can cause trouble breathing and, in worstcase scenarios, death.

No matter your child's age, be on the lookout for: Water rescue. Any child pulled from the pool needs medical attention.

At the very least, call the paediatrician.

Coughing. Persistent coughing or coughing associated with increased work of breathing needs to be evaluated.

Increased “work of breathing”.

Rapid shallow breathing, nostril flaring, or where you can see between the child's ribs or the gap above their collarbone when they breathe, means they're working harder to breathe than normal. This is a sign that you should seek medical help immediately.

Sleepiness. Your kid was just excit-

mild symptoms just need careful observation, in more serious cases, the doctor may also do a chest x-ray or give him oxygen. In cases of respiratory failure, or when a child can no longer breath on their own, extra support is needed -- such as intubating or putting the child on a ventilator -- but that's very rare. The goal will be to increase blood flow in the lungs and get the child breathing well again.

How to prevent it

edly playing in the pool, and now she's fatigued? It could mean not enough oxygen is getting into to her blood. Don't put her to bed until her doctor gives you the go-ahead.

Forgetfulness or change in behaviour. Similarly, a dip in oxygen level could cause your child to feel sick or woozy.

Throwing up. Vomiting is a sign of stress from the body as a result of the inflammation and sometimes a lack of oxygen, also from persistent coughing and gagging.

How it's treated

Treatment for submersion injury depends on the severity of the patient's symptoms. The doctor will check the child's vital signs, oxygen level, and work of breathing. Patients with more

Prevention is the same for dry drowning and secondary drowning as it is for any other kind of drowning: Swim lessons. Kids who are comfortable and skilled at moving around in the water are less likely to go under and take in water. Around age 4 is a good time to start.

Supervision. Monitor kids closely in and around the water, and enforce pool safety rules.

Water safety measures. Children should wear floatation devices on boats; pools should have four-sided fencing around them; and you should never leave standing water where a child could get into it.As long as you practice water safety, pay close attention to your kids after swimming, and get them checked out if you notice any signs of trouble breathing, you shouldn't have to constantly stress about dry drowning or secondary drowning.

STORY TIME

The Bundle of Sticks

O

nce upon a time, an old man lived with his three sons in a village. The three sons were hard workers. Still, they quarrelled all the time. The old man tried a lot to unite them, but he failed. Though the villagers appreciated their hard work and efforts, they made fun of them on their fights.

Months passed by and the old man fell sick. He told his sons to stay united, but they didn’t listen to him. So, he decided to teach them a practical lesson so that they would forget their differences and stay united.

The old man called his sons. He told them, “I will give you a bundle of sticks.

Separate each stick and you will have to break each

stick into two. The one who breaks the sticks quickly will be rewarded more.”

The sons agreed.

The old man gave a bundle of 10 sticks to each of them and asked them to break each stick into pieces.

They broke the sticks into pieces in minutes.

And again they started to quarrel among themselves as to who came first.

The old man said, “Dear sons, the game is not over.

Now I will give another bundle of sticks to each of you.

You will have to break the sticks as a bundle, not as separate sticks.”

The sons agreed and tried to break the bundle of sticks.

Though they tried their best, they could not break the bundle. They failed to com-

plete the task.

The three sons reported their failure to their father.

The old man replied, “Dear sons, See! You could easily break the single sticks into pieces, but you were not able to break the bundle! So, if you stay united, nobody can do any harm to you. If you quarrel every time with

your brothers, anyone can easily defeat you. I request you to stay united.”

The three sons understood the power of unity and promised their father that whatever be the situation, they would all stay together.

Moral: Unity is strength! (Aesop's fable)

A Time of Destiny

Mondegreens

A

mondegreen is a word or phrase that results from mishearing or misinterpreting a statement or song lyric.

The term ‘mondegreen’ was coined in 1954 by American writer Sylvia Wright and popularised by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Jon Carroll. The term was inspired by “Lady Mondegreen”, a misinterpretation of the line “hae laid him on the green” from the Scottish ballad “The Bonny Earl o Moray”.

According to J. A. Wines, mondegreens often occur because “the English language is rich in homophones - words which may not be the same in origin, spelling or meaning, but which sound the same” (“Mondegreens: A Book of Mishearings”, 2007).

Here is a selection of misheard lyr-

ics from popular songs, hymns, and carols: “Gladly, the cross-eyed bear.”

“Gladly The Cross I'd Bear.”

Traditional Hymn “There's a bathroom on the right.”

“There's a bad moon on the rise."

Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.”

“Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix “Dead ants are my friends; they're blowin' in the wind.”

“The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind.”

Blowin' In The Wind, Bob Dylan

Independence came upon a midnight clearTo this land we hold so dear Freedom to chart our destinyFreedom to build our country With prudence Guyana gained Independence From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence Our forefathers toiled and fought To be free they thought Even blood could shed Even to be dead A taste of freedom Not ‘til Kingdom come From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence Forward together Forward forever Marching in unity To maintain our destiny Each endeavouring All achieving From Great Britain Guyana gained Independence.

James C. Richmond

20 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Sunday Puzzle

I

am a set of three words, all with the same four letters.

First I am a type of carriage.

Then switch my middle letters, and I am a cover often useful on a diamond.

Now switch my end letters...

When you see me, you also see hair.

What are the words?

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 23

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 23

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

21

Times Kids

Maze Daze

CREATURE CORNER

T

Canje Pheasant

he Canje Pheasant or Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as the Stinkbird, is a leaf-eater, primarily consuming the leaves of swamp plants, including mangrove trees. Hoatzins live in South America, from Guyana and Ecuador to Brazil, Bolivia and the Orinoco, in trees and branches above rivers and marshy areas.

Although they can fly awkwardly over short distances, they spend much of their lives perched, hopping from branch to branch when they need to move. One unique physical feature of the Canje Pheasant is its clawed wings. While these are indistinguishable in an adult bird, the Hoatzin chick has prominent dual claws on each wing, which helps it to grip and pull itself up onto branches.

Young hoatzins can also dive into water and swim underneath to escape airborne predators, but lose this ability when they reach adulthood.

The Canje Pheasant is the national bird of Guyana, and can be found in the Upper Demerara-Berbice area: Mahaica Creek, which has healthy populations, and along the Berbice River, the Canje Creek (a tributary of the Berbice River), and to a lesser extent near the Abary River in the North and the Takatu River in the South.

Did You Know?

The presence of the spiky crest at the top of its head has conferred the word "Opisthocomus" in the bird's scientific name.

Opisthocomus means "wearing long hair behind" in Ancient Greek.

The Hoatzin remains in a unique scientific class of its own, as the sole member of the genus Opisthocomus.

The Canje Pheasant is the only bird to digest vegetation by fermentation, much like a cow.

The bird is known for its terrible odour, which scientists are unsure of its cause or causes, but believe it has something to do with their feeding. It has an unusually large crop, which allows the vegetation to ferment, and it is the fermenting leaves that cause the odour that led its other name, Stinkbird.

Connect the Dots

Connect the dots to reveal the animal found in Guyana.

Have fun colouring the page!

GEOZONE

The North Rupununi Wetlands

Please see solution on page 23

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

T

he magical North Rupununi Wetlands are a stunning landscape of hundreds of lakes, ponds and creeks covering over 22,000ha.

Linking these wetlands are the beautiful Rupununi, Rewa and Essequibo Rivers. These majestic rivers wind their way through pristine rainforest and extensive savannahs that seasonally flood creating important fish spawning areas. Flooding occurs during the rainy seasons from May to September and December to early January. This unique mosaic of habitats has created one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the world.

The Rupununi River and its trib-

utaries store enormous quantities of water in the rainy season and slowly release it into the Essequibo River, limiting the severity of flooding events in coastal Essequibo communities.

North Rupununi is home to endangered species such as the Giant Otter, Black Caiman and Giant River Turtle, Jaguar, Giant Anteaters, Cock-of-theRock and the Harpy Eagle.

The Wetlands are the traditional homeland of the Makushi people.

It provides food, water and building materials to various communities stretched out across this landscape.

Their rich culture and folklore is intrinsically linked to these wonderful wetlands.

22 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 28, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 23

Times World

Family contests Mexican woman wins 50km 101-year-old's wedding race wearing sandals to former maid

T

he children of a 101-year-old man have legally challenged his marriage to his ex-maid, who is just over half his age.

Francisco Marcolino married his maid of decades, Rita Monteiro, 52, in northern Portugal on 4 May. But three children from his previous marriage claim she is eyeing his US$2.2m estate and that he is not of sound mind.

"If he had wanted to marry, he would have done it when he was capable," his son told Portuguese media.

The children are trying to annul the marriage on grounds of incapacity - though a fourth is refusing to join the action and has not commented.

Ms Monteiro was hired by Mr Marcolino's wife 30 years ago, two years before she died.

According to Manuel Marcolino de Jesus, one of three children who have filed the lawsuit, his father's health has sharply deteriorated over the past few years.

His father has made several emergency trips to the local hospital, where his files say

he suffers dementia and is totally dependent, Manuel Marcolino said.

"They have lived in [Ms Monteiro's] house since he became incapable five years ago, and that is when she started to take over everything," he told Portugal's CM Jornal.

He also alleges that large sums of money have been missing from his father’s bank accounts.

Last December, the three lodged two criminal cases of abuse of trust against Ms Monteiro and listed Mr Marcolino's assets.

A psychological assessment was under way to see whether Mr Marcolino should be appointed a representative to manage his affairs.But they say they were caught by surprise when they found out their father had married.

They say officials at a register office 80km (50 miles) away refused to marry the pair, forcing them to travel to another one 150km away.Portuguese news agency Lusa has repeatedly contacted Ms Monteiro's lawyer, but her lawyer says she has "no questions to answer". (BBC)

Brain Teaser Answer trap = a light one-horse carriage tarp = a canvas cover, one use is to protect a baseball diamond from rain part = the line that divides hair, as when combing

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

A

22-year-old woman from Mexico's Tarahumara indigenous community has won a 50km (31 miles) ultramarathon wearing sandals.

María Lorena Ramírez defeated 500 other runners from 12 countries in the female category of the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo in Puebla, in central Mexico.

She ran without any professional gear, and her pair of sandals was reportedly made from recycled tyre rubber.

The Tarahumara are famous for being excellent runners.

The race was held on 29 April, but only now has word about her victory spread.

Marathon runner Christopher McDougall wrote about the Tarahumara's ability to run extremely long distances in his book Born to Run. He found that the Tarahumara traditionally live in widely-dispersed settlements, covering extremely long distances to visit neighbouring villages, hunt and trade; run in groups, offering each other support and teaching youngsters to pace themselves; see running as a fine art, which forms part of religious ceremonies as well as traditional games and competitions in which men, women and children participate; they consume large amounts of corn beer, which is high in carbohydrates, to stay hydrated; they run in thin home-made sandals called huaraches or barefoot.

Apart from the sandals, María Lorena Ramírez wore a skirt and a scarf in the race. She did not have any professional training.

She finished the race in seven hours and three minutes, and was awarded 6,000 pesos (US$320).

Reports said her job is herding goats and cattle, walking some 10-15km every day.

Last year, she came second in the 100km category of the Caballo Blanco ultramarathon, in Chihuahua. (BBC)

The Dragon's Breath chili pepper is the hottest in the world

D

eath by chili pepper may not be a common way to die, but it's certainly a possibility for unlucky souls adventurous enough to try Dragon's Breath, the new hottest pepper in town.

Mike Smith, the owner of Tom Smith's Plants in the United Kingdom, developed the record-breaking pepper with researchers at the University of Nottingham.

He doesn't recommend the pepper for eating, however, because it may be the last thing a person ever tastes.

So how exactly do hot peppers, such as Dragon's Breath, maim or kill those who try to eat them? Dragon's Breath is so spicy, it clocks in at 2.48 million heat units on the Scoville scale, a measurement of concentration of capsaicin, the chemical that releases that spicy-heat sensation people feel when they bite into a chili pepper. Dragon's Breath is hotter than the current record-holder, the Carolina Reaper, which packs an average of 1.6 million Scoville heat units, as well as U.S. military pepper sprays, which hit about 2 million on the Scoville scale, according to the Daily Post.

In comparison, the habanero pepper is downright mild at about 350,000 Scoville heat units, as is the jalapeño pepper, which registers at up to 8,000 heat units, according to PepperScale, a site dedicated to hot peppers. Bell peppers have a recessive gene that stops the production of capsaicin, so they have zero heat units, PepperScale reported.

Dragon's Breath, in contrast, is so potent it was kept in a sealed container when it went on display at the Chelsea

Flower Show in London, the Daily Post reported.

"I've tried it on the tip of my tongue, and it just burned and burned," Smith told the Daily Post. "I spat it out in about 10 seconds."

When a daredevil, such as Smith, eats an exceptionally spicy pepper, the first sensation is usually mouth numbness, according to Paul Bosland, professor of horticulture at New Mexico State University and director of the Chile Pepper Institute.

"What's happening is that your receptors in your mouth are sending a signal to your brain that there's pain, and it's in the form of hotness or heat, and so your brain produces endorphins to block that pain," Bosland told Live Science previously.

However, unusually hot peppers go beyond numbing the mouth. When these extreme examples are eaten, the body inflates liquid-filled "balloons," or blisters, in areas exposed to the concentrated capsaicin, including the mouth and (if swallowed) the throat, Bosland said.

These blisters can help absorb the cap-

saicin's heat.

"The body is sensing a burn, and it's sacrificing the top layer of cells to say, 'OK, they're going to die now to prevent letting the heat get farther into the body,'" Bosland said.

Some peppers, such as Dragon's Breath, are so hot, that blistering alone would not contain the heat. Rather, their capsaicin permeates the blisters and continues to activate receptors on the nerve endings underneath them, which can lead to a painful burning sensation lasting at least 20 minutes, Bosland said.

In some cases, people vomit up the pepper, as did one 47-yearold man in California who ate a burger topped with ghost pepper puree, according to a 2016 case report in the Journal of Emergency Medicine. The man vomited so violently, he ruptured his esophagus and needed medical attention, Live Science reported.

The immune system can go into overdrive if the capsaicin is too concentrated.

That's because TRPV1 receptors — proteins on nerve endings that detect heat — are activated by capsaicin, and erroneously interpret capsaicin as a signal of extreme heat, Live Science reported previously. This mistake can send the body's burn defenses through the roof.

In some cases, eating a hot pepper can lead to anaphylactic shock, severe burns and even the closing of a person's airways, which can be deadly if left untreated, according to the Post.However, Smith didn't intend for Dragon's Breath to be part of a meal. Instead, he grew it so that it could be used as a topical numbing anesthetic for people who are allergic to regular anesthetic.

24

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 28, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

Don’t feel the need to oppose someone you live with (March 21or care about. Criticism will April 19) only make matters worse.

Offer helpful suggestions and encouragement. Keep the peace and avoid a battle.

ARIES

Taking a day trip will TAURUS give you insight into some(April 20- thing you want to pursue or May 20) someone you want to get to know better. Listen and be attentive, but don’t make promises prematurely.

Be creative when dealing GEMINI with others. If someone wants (MAY 28- something from you, give him June 20) or her advice or make suggestions, but don’t do the work or let anyone take advantage of you.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Take one step at a time and refrain from letting your temper get the better of you.

Have patience and show tolerance, but don’t sign on to anything that goes against your morals.

You’ll be tempted to overspend, indulge or take on projects that will prove timeconsuming and more difficult than anticipated. Avoid people who are bad influences.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Explore your emotions and share them with a very special someone. Socializing, love and romance will open the door to joy. Don’t be afraid to get involved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Indulgence and excess will be hard to resist. Walk away from anyone who is a bad influence. You cannot buy love or happiness. Put your wallet away and curb your indulgent habits.

Don’t worry about what SCORPIO others do. Stick to your game (Oct. 24plan and do what feels most Nov. 22) comfortable to you. Trust in yourself, not in someone who is unpredictable and erratic.

Watch your money, posSAGITTARIUS sessions and anyone who has (Nov. 23access to your personal inDec. 21) formation. Someone will use emotional tactics to infiltrate your space. Avoid people who are a bad influence.

Calvin and Hobbes

Time spent at home with CAPRICORN friends or family will be re(Dec. 22- warding. Alter your living Jan. 19) arrangements or surroundings in such a way that it will add to your comfort and convenience.

Let your creative imagAQUARIUS ination take the reins, but (Jan. 20- don’t let it take hold of your Feb. 19) hard-earned cash. It’s good to start a new hobby, but don’t let it lead to unnecessary debt.

Take comfort in knowPISCES (Feb. 20- ing what you want and don’t Mar. 20) want. Sticking to a budget and not taking on too much will result in you doing what’s best.